Happy New Year, friends! I know 2012 has been a tough year for some people, and I’m sincerely sorry about that. If this hasn’t been your best year, I hope 2013 is happier, healthier and more fulfilling. However you are spending the night, please have fun and be safe.

We are lucky, once again, to be ringing in the new year with our special friends. Nothing too elaborate as far as food this year, but I am excited to be serving my first dish with a wee bit of caviar. As a dedicated sushi lover, I have enjoyed sprinkles of caviar here and there over the years, but I never have used it in my own recipes until today.

Salmon roe, often referred to as red caviar, is the star of this dish. We are fortunate to have caviar from New York City’s Caviar Russe offered at our grocery store. Since this recipe only uses 50 grams of salmon roe (1.75 ounces), you probably won’t need a home equity loan to serve this at your next party. Assuming you are able to acquire just a small amount of caviar, for under twenty bucks you will have a delicious dish that will dazzle your guests and make you feel like Robin Leach himself!

Red Caviar Dip, inspired by Barefoot Contessa Parties

4 ounces cream cheese, softened (about half a normal sized package)

1/4 cup full fat sour cream

Juice of half a lemon

1 whole scallion, finely chopped

1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

2 teaspoons whole milk

1 tablespoon fresh dill

50 grams (1.75 ounces) salmon roe or caviar of choice

Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream, lemon juice, scallion, salt, milk and dill until well combined. With mixer turned off, gently fold in about 7/8th of caviar with rubber spatula. Spoon into serving dish, and garnish with remaining caviar and sprig of dill.