Ingredients

1 pound smoked bluefish, skin and dark bloodline removed

12 ounces (1 1/2 cups) cream cheese, softened

2 ounces (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 3 lemons)

2 tablespoons prepared horseradish

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 cup minced shallot (from 1 large shallot)

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 pounds cherry tomatoes, halved

4 garlic cloves

4 sprigs fresh thyme

Crackers, for serving

Preparation

Puree bluefish, cream cheese, and butter in a food processor. Transfer to a bowl, and stir in lemon juice, horseradish, mustard, cayenne, and shallots. Season with salt and pepper. Cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Oil a rimmed baking sheet. Toss tomatoes, salt, pepper, garlic, and thyme, and arrange tomatoes cut sides down on baking sheet. Bake until shriveled and starting to brown, about 1 1/4 hours. Let cool completely. Transfer tomatoes and juices to a serving dish.

To serve, spread pate on crackers, top with a roasted tomato half, and drizzle with juices.