Ingredients:
- 2 large (approx. 1 lb / 450g) English cucumbers
- 2 tsp (10ml) lemon juice
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 tbsp (30ml) fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp (1.5g) garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp (1.5g) fine sea salt
- 1/8 tsp (0.7g) cracked black pepper
Instructions:
- Trim the ends of the English cucumbers and slice them into rounds exactly 1/2 inch (1.25cm) thick.
- Use a small melon baller or a measuring spoon to scoop out a small indentation from the center of each slice, leaving a sturdy rim.
- Lay the slices on a paper towel and pat the tops firmly to remove surface moisture.
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and aerated.
- Fold in the chopped dill, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring until the mixture is uniform.
- Transfer the mixture to a piping bag and pipe a generous swirl of cream cheese into the center of each cucumber well.
- Garnish each bite with a tiny sprig of fresh dill or a pinch of paprika.
- Place the platter in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before serving to firm up the filling.