10/15/2015

Pumpkins Nutritional Bombs

http://www.gazettextra.com/20151014/on_nutrition_pumpkins_packed_with_nutrients

8/04/2015

Potato Pancake & Smoked-Trout Salad


Serves 4

             Smoked-Trout is an art form. Correctly done it is light and savory at the same time. Here in Georgia, I buy my Smoked-Trout at the Marietta Farmers Market every Saturday from Diana Fitzgerald, Diana’s Specialties, 678-429-1409. Diana’s farmed Georgia Mountains Smoked-Trout is delicate yet firm – subtle yet intense – the perfect balance – www.dianasspecialties.com

             This Smoked-Trout Salad served on a potato pancake is an entrée or a Sunday Brunch centerpiece. The Smoke-Trout mixture can be prepared a day ahead, but the potato pancake should be prepared to order, hot and crunchy. The side salad is as you wish – I urge you to include fresh herbs.

                                          2                 large russet potatoes
                                                             salt and freshly ground black pepper
                                          7                 tablespoons olive oil (1 for the salad)
                                          1                 ounce butter
                                          ½                pound flaked Smoked-Trout                                                                                                                                                   1 ½             tablespoons crème fraîche
                                                             pinch of sweet or smoked paprika
                                          2 ½             tablespoons of mayonnaise or yogurt as you wish
                                          ½                teaspoon of Pastis (anise flavored liquor)
                                          2                 tablespoons of chopped fresh chives
                                          2                 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley                               
                                          1                 small fennel head, peeled and halved
                                                             several fresh basil leaves
                                          2                 cups arugula
                                          ½                lemon
                                         
Preparation1. Peel and grate the potatoes on a box grater’s large holes over a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.  2. In a medium non-stick fry pan and add a quarter of the oil and a small chuck of butter. When hot add a quarter of the grated potatoes in the shape of a flat pancake. Press down with a spatula to make a thin pancake. Fry until golden and crisp on both sides – about 2-3 minutes per side.  Transfer the pancakes to a paper-towel-lined plate and season to taste with salt and pepper.  3. Add the crème fraîche, Pastis and mayonnaise/yogurt to a medium bowl. Gently fold in the flaked Smoked-Trout, paprika and chives. [If you want a note of heat, add a scant teaspoon of fresh horseradish to the Smoked-Trout Salad.]  4. Thinly shave the fennel crosswise into crescents. In a salad bowl toss together the fennel, arugula, basil leaves and parsley. Season with salt, lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Taste and adjust seasoning.

PresentationPlate a potato pancake and top with Smoke-Trout Salad. Top the Smoked-Trout Salad with a small dollop of crème fraîche. Serve the rockets alongside.