Active Time

　　15 minutes

　　Total Time

　　15 minutes

　　If a bite of this clean, bright "pâté" transports you to a sunny beach on Nantucket, that's because it's inspired by a similar spread offered at the island's Straight Wharf Fish Store. This rendition can be whipped up effortlessly, but it's a substantial and statement-making appetizer nonetheless.

Ingredients

　　2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot

　　2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

　　1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

　　1/4 pound smoked bluefish or smoked trout, skin discarded and fish chopped

　　3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives

　　Accompaniment: toasts or crackers

　　Stir together shallot, lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt, then beat in cream cheese, bluefish, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper with a spoon until combined well. Stir in chives.

　　Cooks' note:

　　Pãté can be made 5 days ahead and chilled, covered. Bring to room temperature to soften (about 1 hour) before serving.