PARTY SALMON RECIPES

Steps:

• 1. Peel and trim the beets and place in a food processor with the salt, sugar, vodka and dill.
  2. Finely grate in the lemon zest, add the horseradish, finely grating it if fresh, then blitz until combined.
  3. Rub a little mixture on to the salmon skin, then place the salmon on a large tray, skin side down, and pat the remaining mixture all over it so that the flesh is completely covered.
  4. Cover the tray tightly with clingfilm. Pop a weight on top to help pack everything down evenly, then put the whole thing into the fridge for 36 hours. Please use your instincts here – if you have a particularly chunky side of salmon you may want to leave it for up to 48 hours to allow for proper penetration.
  5. Once cured, unwrap the fish, then, holding the fillet in place, pour the juices down the sink and rub away all the salty topping (it’s messy, so you might want to wear gloves).
  6. Pat the fillet dry with kitchen paper, then tightly wrap in clingfilm (sometimes I like to cover the salmon with freshly picked dill before wrapping, for bonus flavour). Put back into the fridge until needed, where it will keep happily for up to 2 weeks.
  7. To serve, use a long sharp knife to slice the salmon thinly at an angle and, as the knife touches the skin each time, kink it off, lifting away the salmon.
  8. Arrange the slices on a board or platter as you go. Delicious with a simple salad and good wholemeal sourdough, as part of a seafood platter, served up at a party or even as part of a festive brekkie spread.

Steps:

• 1. For the blinis, place the flour and a pinch of sea salt in a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the centre, crack in the egg and add 1 tablespoon of oil, then beat into the flour. Gradually whisk in the milk until you’ve got a lovely, smooth batter. 2. Put a large non-stick frying pan on a medium heat and add 1 small knob of butter. 3. Once hot and the butter’s melted, add tablespoons of batter to the pan to make your blinis. Cook for 1 minute on each side, flipping over when they turn golden on the bottom and get little bubbles on top. 4. The first batch always helps you figure out your temperature control, so adjust it up or down if needed. 5. Transfer the cooked blinis to a plate, and continue with the remaining batter until it’s all used up. Top with your favourite combos, season to perfection and enjoy. TEAM WAVES OF QUALITY SMOKED SALMON WITH . . . * Cucumber speed-peeled into ribbons, placed proudly on top of a little cream cheese with a fine grating of lemon zest. Š* Peeled and finely shaved raw baby beets, a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of fresh tarragon. Š* Vac-packed beets blitzed with cream cheese until smooth, topped with a fine grating of fresh horseradish root. Š* Cream cheese loosened with a little lemon juice, and a sprinkling of salmon caviar to add an extra pop of flavour. Š* A dollop of soured cream and a sprinkling of chopped fresh chives and finely sliced tender asparagus. Š* Puréed avocado and a little jarred jalapeño, a dollop of soured cream and a few freshly picked coriander leaves.