The first time I heard my mother-in-law ask, Will someone get the salmon out?

the morning of Thanksgiving, I was perplexed to say the least.

And even though Christmas is a big deal, Thanksgiving is a bigger get-together for the entire family.

Table is set for Thanksgiving meal with food.

Credit:ShootingRichard/Getty Images

Whats not to love?

Theres turkey,pies, and a gorgeous assortment of side dishes with all the usual suspects.

But the biggest surprise of a Thanksgiving dish to me came in the form of an appetizer.

Smoked salmon appetizer board with crackers, hard-boiled eggs, red onion, salmons, capers, and sauce

Credit:Mary Shannon Hodes

The first time I heard my mother-in-law ask, Will someone get the salmon out?

the morning of Thanksgiving, I was perplexed to say the least.

Ironically, the Thanksgiving salmon actually started as Christmas salmon.

Recipe card with “Sauce for Smoked Salmon”

Credit:Mary Shannon Hodes

It was so good, says my husbands grandmother Rosalyn, that he wanted to serve it every holiday.

Plus, it has the photo-worthy presentation of an elaboratecharcuterie boardwithout as hefty of a price tag.

This recipe is meant to be adaptable to your taste and what you have on hand.