Salmon, beer sparkle at picnic

The Fourth of July fireworks provide a bang-up incentive for a picnic for two.

Unlike an afternoon al fresco meal, in which you see and savor your fare, the typical nighttime razzle-dazzle production calls for a different strategy. One easy recipe is smoked salmon spread; serve it on hunks of good-quality sourdough bread — and a glass of blackberry beer sangria.

Blend goat cheese with chopped smoked salmon and herbs; stir in yogurt to create a spreading consistency. Prepare this up to a day in advance and refrigerate in a covered plastic container you can take to the fireworks.

For a simple accompaniment, pack chilled white wine or fruit-flavored beer. If serving the beer, add orange wedges for garnishes.

Smoked salmon picnic spread

Makes 2/3 cup, or 2 servings

2 ounces smoked salmon

2 ounces goat cheese, at room temperature

2 to 3 tablespoons Greek-style plain fat-free yogurt

1 tablespoon minced chives

Pepper to taste

1 small sourdough bread

Finely chop salmon. Place in a bowl with goat cheese and 2 tablespoons yogurt. Mash to a paste. Add 1 more tablespoon yogurt if necessary to get to a consistency for spreading. Stir in chives and pepper. Serve with bread.

Each serving (using 3 tablespoons yogurt; not calculating bread) has 125 calories; 1.5 grams total fat; 10.5 grams protein; 2 grams carbohydrates; 27 milligrams cholesterol and 760 milligrams sodium.

Note: Taste first if you’re tempted to add salt to the salmon spread. Smoked salmon and goat cheese are high in sodium.

Blackberry beer sangria

Makes 2 servings

1/4 cup orange-flavored liqueur

1/4 cup orange juice

Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1 1/2 tablespoons)

1/2 cup fresh blackberries (see note)

12-ounce bottle blackberry witbier, chilled

Combine liqueur, orange juice and lemon juice in a cup. Stir well. Add blackberries. If desired, make this several hours in advance and chill. Spoon into 2 glasses. Pour in witbier just before serving.

Each serving has: 200 calories; 0.5 grams total fat; 1.5 grams protein; 18.5 grams carbohydrates; 8 milligrams sodium and 3.5 grams dietary fiber.

Note: Taste blackberries; if tart, toss with 1 teaspoon sugar before mixing with liqueur and juices.

TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES