Smoked-Salmon, Tomato, and Basil Sandwich

Try this full-flavored sandwich on your favorite savory bagel.

Yield: Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1  (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 2  tablespoons  plain yogurt
• 1  garlic clove
• 3/4  cup  fresh basil leaves, divided
• 1/4  teaspoon  salt
• 1/8  teaspoon  freshly ground black pepper
• 1  teaspoon  grated lemon rind
• 2  teaspoons  fresh lemon juice
• 8  slices crusty country bread, toasted
• 2  large tomatoes, sliced
• 1/2  pound  sliced smoked salmon
• 1/2  cup  thinly sliced red onion

Preparation

Combine cream cheese, yogurt, garlic, 1/4 cup basil leaves, and next 4 ingredients in a food processor; process until smooth.

Spread 1 tablespoon cream cheese mixture on 1 side of each slice of bread. Top 4 slices evenly with tomatoes, remaining basil leaves, salmon, and onion. Top with remaining bread slices. Serve immediately.

Wine note: "The red onion has a leading role in combination with smoked salmon. This recipe beckons Rodney Strong, Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2002 ($16)--a full-blown, refined, and elegant wine. Rich and complex with flavors of vanilla, green apple, pear, and pineapple, the wine is balanced by firm acidity, toasty oak, and very buttery undertones." --Rosalind Johnson, Divas Uncorked, Massachusetts