(Buterbrody)

SERVES 4

This open-faced herring sandwich is traditional fare on the Russian table.

8 slices of baguette
Butter
8 pieces of green leaf lettuce
16 headless small kippered herring
4 cornichon, halved
16–18 pitted green olives,
   preferably stuffed with slivers of garlic

1. Spread baguette slices liberally with butter. Top each slice with a piece of green leaf lettuce; arrange slices on a platter.

2. Place 2 herring on top of each slice. Top each open-face sandwich with a halved cornichon. Scatter green olives over the top of the sandwiches. Serve promptly.