Smoked Salmon On Cucumber With Creme Fraiche And Dill Food

LITTLE SMOKED SALMON CUCUMBER CUPS WITH PEPPERED CREME FRAICHE

Steps:

• Cut the cucumber into 1 1/2 inch slices, and carefully hollow out the centre (with any seeds) with a pointed teaspoon, so you are left with a shallow hollow.
• Mix the lemon zest and black pepper with the crème fraiche and adjust seasoning to taste, adding the black pepper bit by bit to ensure a favourable taste! (We like ours quite peppery!) I have not suggested salt as the smoked salmon is salty, but do add salt to taste if you wish.
• Spoon a little seasoned crème fraiche into each cucumber cup, about 1 teaspoon per cup.
• Cut the smoked salmon into 6-inch long strips and about 1/2 inch wide, and curl them around to make a little circle, then place the circle of smoked salmon on top of the crème fraiche.
• Garnish with lemon slices if you wish, or with dill or parsley. Makes about 30 according to size of cucumber.
• You can prepare the cucumber cups and crème fraiche several hours beforehand- cover them and store them in the fridge; assemble them just before you are ready to serve them.

SMOKED SALMON ON CUCUMBER WITH CREME FRAICHE AND DILL

Steps:

• Using a mandoline (or better knife skills than I have), slice the cucumber into sturdy, even slices and arrange on a service plate.
• Top each with an equal tidbit of salmon. Hint: it folds into pretty shapes if cut with the grain of the fish.
• Stir the creme fraiche until smooth and dab a mere teaspoonful over salmon.
• Separate tiny branches of the baby dill and set upright in or atop cream fraiche. Use remaining branches to garnish plate.
• Put the pepper in one palm and scatter by pinches from about a foot above the platter.

SMOKED SALMON WITH BEETROOT & VODKA CREME FRAICHE

Steps:

• Beat the creme fraiche with the vodka and a little seasoning until it holds its shape, then stir in the horseradish. Chill in the fridge.
• Lay the slices of salmon over plates.
• Top with the beetroot and a spoonful of the creme fraiche.
• Scatter with the dill.
• Grind over some black pepper and serve.

COLD POACHED SALMON WITH CUCUMBER AND CREME FRAICHE SAUCE

Steps:

• Place the peppercorns, dill and four lemon slices(reserve the remaining slices for the garnish) in a large saute pan and pour in the boiling water. Add the salmon, cover with a tight fitting lid and cook for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow salmon to cool completely in the water-this should cook it perfectly. Remove from the pan then transfer to a plate, cover and chill until ready to serve.
• To make the sauce, place the cucumber and dill in a food processor and whizz until smooth. Add the creme fraiche and some salt and pepper and pulse to make a smooth, pourable sauce.
• To serve, place a salmon fillet on 4 plates and pour over the sauce. Garnish each with a slice of lemon and a sprig of dill.

CHILLED CUCUMBER SOUP WITH SMOKED SALMON AND DILL

Steps:

• Melt butter in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until slightly softened, about 3 minutes. Add cucumbers and potato; stir 1 minute. Add broth, dill sprigs, and 1 teaspoon salt. Increase heat and bring to simmer. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer until cucumbers and potato are tender, stirring occasionally, about 25 minutes. Working in batches, puree soup in processor until smooth. Return to pot. Cool 15 minutes. Whisk in 1/2 cup crème fraîche and 4 tablespoons minced dill. Cover and chill until cold, about 4 hours. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled.) Taste soup, adding more salt if desired. Ladle soup into 6 bowls. Place dollop of crème fraîche in center of each bowl; sprinkle with smoked salmon and remaining 2 tablespoons minced dill.