Sarasota's Smoked Salmon Shooters

Step 1: Salmon ... Add the salmon, red onion, and lemon to a small bowl; and, toss to combine. Just a small squeeze of lemon is all you need. Cover with plastic wrap; and, refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 2: Cucumber ... Add the cucumber to small mesh strainer; and, lightly toss with salt. Let the cucumber rest in the strainer 10-15 minutes; then, transfer to a plate lined with a paper towel to dry. Then, transfer to a small bowl with the capers; and, toss to combine. If you don't have a strainer; simply add the cucumbers to a plate lined with a couple of paper towel - this will also work.

Step 3: Cheese ... Add the cheese, whipping cream, scallions, dill, lemon zest, cayenne, salt and pepper; to a small bowl; and whisk until creamy and smooth. Make sure to refrigerate until firm. Then, add the mixture to a ziploc bag so you can pipe it into the shot glasses. Once the goat cheese has firmed up a bit; cut the bottom tip off of the ziploc bag, and squeeze the mixture into the shot glass. You can use a pastry bag too; but, the 'baggie/ziploc' works just as well.

Step 4: Shooters ... Remember, there is no RIGHT or WRONG, as to how you layer these. I like a little of the cheese mixture on the bottom, salmon, cucumber; and finish with more cheese.

Step 5: Now, you can always add a layer of one of the garnishes ... olives, tomatoes, or eggs ... that is totally up to you. I try to keep it simple with the 3 layers; then, have fun with the garnishes.

Step 6: Again, depending the size of glasses you use; the amount of each layer and garnishes is up to you.

Step 7: Serve and ENJOY! ... Bagel chips or sticks are really fun; bread sticks, pumpernickel crackers, garlic chips, pita; even celery sticks. Have fun with it. And, definitely make them your own. Note ... Every time I make them - they always seem to be a bit different.