Smoked Salmon Napoleons Recipes

SMOKED SALMON

Steps:

• In a bowl, mix together salt, sugar, brown sugar and peppercorns. Spread extra-wide aluminum foil a little longer than the length of the fish and top with an equally long layer of plastic wrap. Sprinkle 1/3 of the rub onto the plastic. Lay 1 side of the fish skin down onto the rub. Sprinkle 1/3 of the rub onto the flesh of the salmon. Place second side of salmon, flesh down onto the first side. Use the remaining rub to cover the skin on the top piece. Fold plastic over to cover then close edges of foil together and crimp tightly around the fish. Place wrapped fish onto a plank or sheet pan and top with another plank or pan. Weigh with a heavy phone book or a brick or two and refrigerate for 12 hours. Flip the fish over and refrigerate another 12 hours. Some juice will leak out during the process so make sure there's a place for the runoff to gather. Unwrap fish and rinse off the cure with cold water. Pat salmon with paper towels then place in a cool, dry place (not the refrigerator) until the surface of the fish is dry and matte-like, 1 to 3 hours depending on humidity. A fan may be used to speed the process. Smoke fish (see Note) over smoldering hardwood chips or sawdust, keeping the temperature inside the smoker between 150 degrees F and 160 degrees F until the thickest part of the fish registers 150 degrees. Serve immediately or cool to room temperature, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Cook's Note: Trout, mackerel, and bluefish also smoke well.

SMOKED SALMON NAPOLEONS

Steps:

• Strip leaves from watercress; finely chop 1/4 c., reserving remainder, and beat into cheese along with cream, lemon rind, pepper. Gently spread onto 4 wontons. On a dinner-size plate, alternate twice one spread wonton with one batch salmon, topping with a plain wonton, to form a 3-layer napoleon; repeat on another plate to make a second one. Toss cucumber, onion, remaining watercress with juice, oil, salt and pepper; scatter around napoleons, and strew over parsley. Fried Wontons: In batches, fry wontons in very hot oil until golden (about 1 min). Draon on paper towels.

STERLING GOLD CAVIAR, SMOKED SALMON AND POTATO NAPOLEON

Steps:

• Using a turning slicer, make potato hair. Deep fry the hair until golden brown. Season with salt and break into 3 by 3-inch oblong pieces. Mix the creme fraiche and chives. Place a small dab on a plate and top with potato crisp. Lay 1 slice of salmon on top, small dab of creme and a teaspoon of caviar. Top with second potato crisp and repeat, finishing with the caviar. Garnish with black pepper and chive points.
• Ravenswood, Big River Zinfandel, Alexander Valley, 1997 Veuve Cliquot Ponsardin Champagne

SMOKED SALMON NAPOLEONS WITH GREENS

Steps:

• Boil vinegar and shallots in heavy medium saucepan until almost no liquid remains, about 6 minutes. Add clam juice and oil; simmer until reduced to 1 cup, about 10 minutes. Whisk yolks in medium bowl. Gradually whisk in simmering sauce. Return sauce to pan; stir over medium-low heat until thermometer has registered 140°F for 3 minutes (do not boil). Strain into bowl. Mix in dill. (Can be made 8 hours ahead. Chill.)
• Preheat oven to 425°F. Line cooking rack with waxed paper. Butter 2 baking sheets. Place 1 phyllo sheet on work surface. Brush with melted butter. Top with second sheet. Brush with butter. Continue layering and buttering with remaining sheets. Cut phyllo into twelve 4 1/2x2-inch rectangles. Place on prepared sheets, spacing apart. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake until phyllo is golden, watching closely to prevent burning, about 8 minutes. Using metal spatula, transfer phyllo to waxed paper-lined rack; cool.
• Rewarm sauce over low heat, stirring constantly (do not boil). Place 4 phyllo rectangles on work surface. Cover each with salmon. Season with pepper. Sprinkle each with 1/2 teaspoon onion. Spoon 1 teaspoon sauce over. Top each with another phyllo rectangle, then salmon. Season with pepper. Sprinkle each with 1/2 teaspoon onion. Spoon 1 teaspoon sauce over. Top with remaining phyllo rectangles.
• Whisk oil and vinegar in large bowl. Add curly endive and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Divide salad among 4 plates. Top each with 1 napoleon. Serve, passing remaining sauce separately.