Cream cheese cucumber bites

Ingredients:

• 2 cucumbers cut into ½-inch rounds
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 Tablespoons sour cream
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 Tablespoons fresh dill

Optional toppings:

• Additional dill sprigs
• Grape tomatoes, halved
• Bacon crumbles
• Bite-size pieces of smoked salmon

Preparation:

1. Arrange the cucumber slices on a baking sheet lined with paper towels or a tea towel.
2. Season both sides of the cucumber rounds with salt.
3. Let sit for 20-30 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, and a few grinds of pepper together in the mixer bowl.
5. Using the whisk attachment, mix until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary.
6. Add the chopped dill and mix until it is evenly dispersed throughout.
7. Add salt and pepper to taste.
8. Wipe any moisture and excess salt from the cucumber slices and arrange them on a serving platter. Using a metal measuring spoon, create a small divot in the center of each cucumber round.
9. Top each slice with a dollop of the cream cheese mixture and any additional desired toppings.