CAVIAR SAN FRANCISCO RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat an 8-inch waffle iron; preheat the oven to 200°. Grease the waffle iron with nonstick spray. Spread 2 cups of the tots on it; sprinkle with salt. Close and cook on medium high until nearly crisp, about 5 minutes. Open the waffle iron and fill in any holes in the waffle with more tots, then close and cook until golden and crispy, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a baking sheet; keep warm in the oven. Repeat with the remaining tots.
• Top each warm waffle with 1 1/2 tablespoons of crème fraîche, 3 slices of smoked salmon, a few small sprigs of dill, a dollop of caviar and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve immediately.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake potatoes until tester can pierce center but potatoes are not yet tender, about 30 minutes. Cool. Peel and coarsely grate potatoes. Transfer grated potatoes to bowl. Add chives. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Mix in egg white. Oil baking sheet. Press 1 heaping tablespoon potato mixture onto sheet, forming 2-inch round. Repeat with remaining mixture, forming 8 cakes total. Add enough oil to heavy large skillet to reach depth of 1 inch. Heat oil to 350°F. Add potato cakes to skillet and fry until golden, about 2 minutes. Drain on paper towels. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool; cover and chill. Rewarm in 350°F oven about 10 minutes before serving.)
• Gently mix all ingredients in small bowl.
• Combine first 4 ingredients in medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat until peaks form. Season with salt and pepper.
• Place 1 warm potato cake in center of plate. Place 2-inch-diameter cookie cutter or biscuit cutter with 1-inch-high sides around potato cake. Top cake with 2 tablespoons egg mixture; press to adhere. Press 2 tablespoons salmon atop. Dollop with 2 tablespoons horseradish crème fraîche. Gently remove cookie cutter. Smooth top. Top with small spoonful caviar. Repeat with remaining cakes.
• Drizzle basil oil around if using.