Parisian Cream For Smoked Fish Food

PARSNIP PANCAKES WITH SMOKED FISH AND CAPER SOUR CREAM

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the sour cream with 2 tablespoons of the grated red onion, 1 tablespoon of the dill and the capers; cover and refrigerate.
• In a colander set in the sink, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of grated red onion with the parsnips and potato. Let stand for 15 minutes, then squeeze to remove any excess liquid.
• Transfer the parsnip mixture to a medium bowl and add the egg, flour, baking powder, salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
• Preheat the oven to 300°. Heat 1/8 inch of vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet.
• Drop rounded tablespoons of the pancake batter into the skillet, spacing them evenly and pressing lightly to flatten.
• Cook the pancakes over moderate heat until browned and crisp, about 4 minutes per side.
• Drain the pancakes on a paper towel-lined platter, then transfer them to a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven.
• Arrange 4 pancakes on each plate.
• Place 1 1/2 to 2 ounces of the smoked fish and a dollop of caper sour cream alongside. Garnish with the remaining dill and minced red onion and serve.

'CHOUCROUTE' OF FISH

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 300. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Put the rye-bread cubes on a rimmed baking sheet, and toss with the melted butter. Bake, stirring occasionally, until golden and crisp, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, put the sauerkraut, ham, juniper, caraway, thyme, bay leaves and all but 2 tablespoons of the wine in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When the mixture bubbles, lower the heat to a simmer and cover. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 40 minutes. Lay the fish on top, sprinkle with salt and pepper and cover the pot. The fish will be tender in about 10 minutes.
• As the fish cooks, put the shallot and the remaining 2 tablespoons wine in a small saucepan over medium-high heat; cook until the liquid has almost evaporated, about 5 minutes. Turn the heat to low, and stir in the cream. Add the remaining butter, a little bit at a time, stirring constantly. Once the mixture is creamy, stir in the lemon juice and some salt and pepper; keep the mixture warm over the lowest possible heat.
• When the fish is tender, spoon it and the sauerkraut onto a platter; pour the sauce over all, scatter the croutons on top and around, garnish with the parsley and serve.

CREAM OF PARISIAN VEGETABLE SOUP

Steps:

• Cook frozen vegetables in a saucepan with 2 cups of water until tender but not soft.
• In a soup pot or Dutch oven, melt butter and saute onions and celery until tender.
• Add flour and blend well.
• Stir in Chicken base or Bouillon and milk. Add cooked vegetables with liquid.
• Cook until thickend.
• Add ham and salt and pepper to taste.

SMOKED SALMON WITH HORSERADISH CRèME FRAîCHE & BEETROOT

Steps:

• Fold the crème fraîche with the horseradish and vodka, if using, with a little seasoning. Chill.
• In a bowl, mix the vinegar, olive oil and honey. Toss half the dressing through the beetroot and chill until ready to serve.
• Before serving, divide the slices of salmon between 8 plates, then top with a spoonful of the crème fraîche and bring up the sides of the salmon to make a 'flower'. Arrange the salad and beetroot round the salmon, scatter with the dill. Grind over some black pepper, drizzle with the remaining dressing and serve with toast, if you like.