I spent four months in 2021 clearing my childhood home and settling my mother into a care home. It was devastating, traumatic, and exhausting, but also a time I will remember because my friends and family rallied to support me in this process. One of my dear friends from high school showed up soon after my arrival to bring me for my COVID-19 vaccine with a bagel sandwich in-hand. In a time when my brain was overwhelmed and my heart was grieving, my friends quickly learned that I would always be thrilled to see them walk into the house, but especially if they’re bearing my favorite bagel sandwich or an iced latte. That favorite sandwich is the Gleneagle from Call Your Mother. It was a perfect fuel for me during those trying months, but also an act of love to be nourished by cherished members of my village in a time when I was struggling. When I returned 18 months later for my mother’s funeral, another dear friend showed up with empty boxes and a Gleneagle sandwich to help me clear her room at the care home. When is a sandwich not just a sandwich? When it is a reminder that the people who love you know what you need even when you don’t. Seriously, this is the best smoked salmon spread sandwich.
That sandwich could just have easily become detested as a reminder of my grief and loss, but instead it has become a comfort food imbued with the love of my friends. Living about 3,000 miles away from Call Your Mother and my loved ones means I have tried to emulate the recipe here in Cork. It will never be the same, but with local ingredients and a dash of love, it is quite close.
For this Savoury & Sweet Salmon Spread Sandwich, you can make it using entirely Irish ingredients. Here are the options to use for a local approach to this recipe.
- Yeats Country Full Fat Cream Cheese from County Donegal
- Glenisk Greek Yogurt from County Cork
- Burren Smokehouse Smoked Salmon from County Clare
or Kay O’Connell’s Smoked Salmon from County Cork
or Quinlan’s Smoked Salmon from County Kerry - Siúcra Brown Sugar distributed from County Dublin
- Honey from your local beekeeper
- Fitzgerald Bagels from Fitzgerald’s Bakery in County Cork
- Crispy fried onions from Mr. Bell’s in County Cork
- Greens (I used little gem lettuce, but rocket adds a peppery kick) from your local green grocer
- Sliced cucumber from your local green grocer
- Lemons from a friend with a lemon tree and generous nature, otherwise this would likely be imported. Jane Powers explains that though the trees can be grown in Ireland, the climate means lower yield than in warmer regions.
- Chives from your windowsill
- Za’atar seasoning or Everything Bagel Seasoning from Mr. Bell’s in County Cork
Savoury & Sweet Salmon Spread Sandwich
- 4 ounces (140g) cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon (15g) low fat greek yogurt
- 6 ounces (170g) smoked salmon
- 1/2 tablespoon soft dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Bagels
- Crispy fried onions
- Greens (I use rocket/arugula or little gem lettuce)
- Sliced cucumber
- Lemon zest, optional
- Chives, optional
- Za’atar seasoning or Everything Bagel Seasoning
- Blend the cream cheese to soften it completely then add in the yogurt.
- Add in the smoked salmon, brown sugar, and honey. Mash the mixture again until creamy and somewhat smooth.
- Spread on the bagel or toast and top with layers of crispy fried onions, greens, sliced cucumber, and lemon zest or chives.
- Sprinkle with Za’atar seasoning or Everything Bagel Seasoning. Serve!
It’s no surprise that I love this because it is similar to Taramasalata, which I grew up eating on toast. Definitely more sweet than salty for this spread recipe though and made with salmon, not the roe.
Here it is spread on toast without the crispy fried onions, sliced cucumber, and seasoning. All the toppings are what I enjoy, but may it’s not for you, so here’s a variation.
Here is the original CYM sandwich that started it all. You can see how the layers are packed together so each bite includes a bit of each flavour.
Here is a photo my dear friend snapped when I was back in Maryland for my mother’s funeral six months ago. Though it was a sad occasion, it was also a relief for my mother to be free of her body which had failed her for over a decade. Once again, friends, loved ones, and a bit of comfort food pulled me through a difficult time.
And if salmon isn’t your thing, but you like sandwiches, I have several posts focused on other sandwich recipes, including tuna salad and chicken salad. Take a peek in my ‘sandwiches’ tag.
What is a food that was present for you at a difficult time that has become a comfort food now?