Smoked Trout Butter Food

BROILED TROUT WITH BROWN BUTTER NEW ORLEANS SAUCE

Steps:

• Position an oven rack about 2-inches from the heat source and preheat the broiler.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of the butter in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, bell pepper, shallot, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, covered, until the mushrooms release their liquid, about 4 minutes. Uncover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are pale golden, about 5 minutes more. Add the wine and boil until reduced to a glaze, about 8 minutes. Add the broth and fish sauce and boil until reduced by half, about 4 minutes. Stir together the cream and cornstarch, and stir into the sauce. Simmer until thickened, about 1 minute. Stir in the hot sauce.
• Arrange the lemon slices, if using, on a rimmed baking sheet and broil until charred in spots. Remove to a plate.
• Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Put the trout skin-side up the baking sheet and spoon the butter over the top. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and broil until just cooked through, about 2 minutes.
• Transfer the trout to serving plates. Spoon the sauce over the top and sprinkle with cilantro and bell pepper if using. Serve with broiled lemon slices and more hot sauce for drizzling.

SMOKED TROUT CANAPES WITH CAPER BUTTER

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Place bread on baking sheet and toast slightly for 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on wire rack.
• Spread each slice of bread with caper butter. Cover with layer of smoked trout. Cut into squares or circles (using cookie cutter) and on each canape place a thin slice of cucumber and a sprig of dill.
• Combine everything in a medium bowl and mix well with fork. Transfer to a sheet of parchment paper and roll into a log. Refrigerate or freeze until ready to use.

SMOKED TROUT CROQUETTES

Steps:

• Cover potatoes with cold salted water in a large pot. Bring to a boil over medium, covered, then reduce heat as needed to maintain a simmer until potatoes are tender, 20-30 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
• Mash warm potatoes with butter, then stir in Parmesan, chives, horseradish, pepper, 2 beaten eggs, and 1/2 tsp. salt until smooth. Fold in trout and mozzarella. Form potato mixture into about 60 round croquettes (about 2 Tbsp. each).
• Place remaining 2 beaten eggs in a shallow bowl. Place panko in another shallow bowl. Dip 1 croquette into egg, letting excess drip off, then roll in panko to coat. Transfer to a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. Repeat with remaining croquettes.
• Pour oil into a large pot to a depth of 4". Heat over medium-high until it sizzles when you toss in a pinch of panko or a deep-fry thermometer registers 350°. Working in batches, fry croquettes, turning occasionally, until golden brown, 4-5 minutes per batch. Transfer to paper towels to drain; season with salt. Serve immediately with lemon wedges alongside.
• Do Ahead: Croquettes can be formed and coated 2 days ahead. Cover and chill on baking sheet.

SMOKED TROUT BUTTER

Steps:

• Remove skin and bones from trout. Mash flesh in bowl or process until finely ground in food processor.
• Using fork, work butter into trout to make smooth paste. Stir in sour cream. Transfer to shallow serving dish.
• Refrigerate until half-hour before serving. Serve with toast, bread or crackers, allowing guests to spread trout butter themselves. If desired, decorate top of trout butter with caviar or have it available on side.