Smoked Trout CrÈme FraÎche Pickled Onion Food

HOT SMOKED TROUT

Steps:

• Combine the salt and water in a 4-quart container and stir until the salt has dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the trout filets, making sure they are submerged. Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours.
• Remove the trout from the brine, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry. Place the trout, skin side down onto a cooling rack set in a half sheet pan. Dry in the refrigerator 21 to 24 hours or until the skin becomes shiny and somewhat tacky to the touch.
• The next day, turn the smoker on so that it maintains a temperature of 150 to 160 degrees F. Place the trout onto smoking racks, skin side down, separating them by at least 1/4-inch and place into a smoker. Adjust heat as needed and cook for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until the fish is, cooked through, has darkened in color, and has the desired level of smoke flavor.
• Serve with a green salad, incorporate into a dip or eat as an appetizer. Refrigerate unused portions in an airtight container for up to a week or vacuum seal and refrigerate for up to a month.

SMOKED TROUT AND PICKLED ONIONS ON TOAST

Steps:

• Dollop 1 teaspoon creme fraiche onto each triangle. Divide trout and onions among the triangles. Garnish with dill. Season with pepper; serve.

SMOKED TROUT, CRèME FRAîCHE & PICKLED ONION

Steps:

• Combine onions, vinegar, sugar, and kosher salt with 1/4 cup hot water in a bowl; let pickle for 30 minutes.
• Grill bread slices.
• Combine lemon zest, freshly ground black pepper, and crème fraîche in a bowl.
• Spoon crème fraîche mixture onto toasts. Top each with about 1 ounce smoked trout and a few slices drained pickled onions.
• Garnish with chervil or dill.

SMOKED TROUT CANAPES WITH CREME-FRAICHE AND HERB SAUCE FOR TWO

Steps:

• For the sauce: In a small bowl combine the creme fraiche, herbs, lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper.
• Assemble the canapes: Dab a teaspoon or of creme fraiche sauce on 1 side of the pumpernickel slices. Place 1 or 2 large flakes or chunks of trout on each, and top with a small dollop of crème fraiche sauce. Garnish each canape with a frond of dill, and serve.

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.