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From Denny:

Hi, everyone! Thanks for taking this Comfort Food From Louisiana feed, much appreciated!

Apparently, Feedburner is having count issues. A while back they were bought out by Google. It looks like just now they are making the change over of accounts and the like. The numbers have been looking downright screwy the past few days so am unable to know exactly how many have signed up or remained. Go figure. Feedburner has a notice of basically to wait it out for the next three days as the current stats are far lower than is true. Guess telling people to expect good things keeps the beasties away! :)

Either way it turns out, if one person or 50 folks have signed up, just know that you are most welcome here and well appreciated! Let me know if you have any info to pass along that pertains to this blog and I'll be glad to include it or write about it - even link to it.

Thanks for the listen and keep on coming back to visit! I think this calls for a group hug! (huge grin)

Photo of rolling happy dog by g-hat @ flickr

Recipe: Cajun Red Beans and Rice

Cajun Red Beans and Rice: "It's another Saturday night in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and we are hungry for some Red Beans and Rice with Andouille Sausage. Um Um! That's some good stuff cher!" 1 video.

By Mike Stokes

Recipe: Black Caviar Pie

Caviar Pie

Serves 6 to 8.

From: artist Marguerite Robichaux, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Maine

The artist says she first tasted a version of this caviar pie in Perth, Australia in 1978 when she flew there to celebrate friend Jud Strunk’s 50th birthday. This dish is one of the favorites the honoree’s wife prepared. Over the years, Robichaux has adapted it to her taste.


Ingredients:

6 eggs, hard cooked and chopped fine

6 Tablespoons mayonnaise

Black pepper to taste

6 Tablespoons grated onion

1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, room temperature

1 (8-oz.) container sour cream, room temperature

4 ozs. red or black caviar, drained and chilled

Lemon wedges

1 French bread banquette, thinly sliced and toasted


Directions:


Mix eggs and mayonnaise and season with pepper. Spread in bottom of a glass pie plate.

Sprinkle grated onion over egg mixture and press lightly. Chill.

Mix cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Drop by spoonfuls onto the layers in the pie plate. Smooth over the top and seal the edges. Chill.

Just before serving, sprinkle caviar on top and garnish with lemon wedges. Serve with toasted baguette slices.

Undergoing MyBlogLog Verification

Simple Easy Ways to Update Loved Recipes to Healthy

Simple Easy Ways to Update Loved Recipes to Healthy: "Bon Appetit!
There are small tweaks you can do to update and still retain the pleasure of eating well! 4 videos."

Have you learned how to make ghee or clarified butter yet? It's easy AND healthier! The taste is awesome too.

In this article I took an already tasty Swiss Green Bean Casserole and tweaked it to a healthier and still tasty version. Try it yourself on your old but well-loved recipes!

By Denny Lyon
Photo by iLoveButter @ flickr

Neighborhood Restauraunts of New Orleans

Neighborhood Restauraunts of New Orleans - Plan on visiting New Orleans soon and want to make your dollar stretch? Then do what the locals do and go eat where they eat. Here are several choices.

By NOLA in the ocho
Photo by Lyndi & Jason @ flickr

Happy Marti Gras!

Laissez le bon temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!)

Fat Tuesday - Marti Gras - is finished and New Orleans and parts of Louisiana are hung over, sleep-deprived and letting loose the street cleaners to sweep away debris from thousands of partying visitors. A good time was had by all! :) After all, New Orleans IS known as Sin City. A three hundred year history has earned its name.

Now begins Ash Wednesday when it's time to put away the excess and begin a 40 day period of learning a new self-discipline in some area of life choice. People give up all kinds of things like chocolate, all sweets, eating meat, you name it.

While it sounds a bit odd to still observe a centuries old religious custom whether you are religious or not, it does have its benefits. It's like re-starting New Year's again with a new resolution because chances are you didn't keep it at New Year's and are feeling a bit sheepish. Ash Wednesday is your second chance! Make it a good one.

And remember, a life of excess suffers much and lives short. A life of balance is serene, peaceful and fulfilling. You live a lot longer in good health. Who said that? Uh... me and just now! I'm good, baby, I'm really good! :)

Todays Blogging: Born from Yesterdays Underground Newspapers

Todays Blogging: Born from Yesterdays Underground Newspapers: "Read the real life story of the amusing transition from subversive underground newspaper writer to today’s blogger."

Lucky to be alive!

by Denny Lyon
Photo by *L*u*z*a* @ flickr

Confessions of a Cajun Traiteuse - A Bite Of Armadillo - Part V

Confessions of a Cajun Traiteuse - A Bite Of Armadillo - Part V: "It isn't very often that you get to meet a real heroine or hero. I'm not talking about the ones who are famous, but the real ones, the selfless individuals who make a difference in this world, without much of the world taking notice. Even more amazing, is that most of them don't even realize the status they have achieved, and the significance of their achievements. Many of them would be embarrassed to be recognized publicly."

By Jerilee Wei

Introduction to Common Cajun Instruments -- Part IV -- The Triangle or Ti-fer (and other)

Introduction to Common Cajun Instruments -- Part IV -- The Triangle or Ti-fer (and other): "In the history of traditional Cajun music, the loud and attention getting 'triangle or ti-fer' (little iron) is often an overlooked part of the sound and feel of this musical genre (pronounced tee fair)." 6 videos.

By Jerilee Wei

Recipe: Chunky Guacamole

Louisiana food has long been influcenced by our immigrants. When Asian and Mexican restaurants began appearing about 20 years ago Louisianians were quick to support them - especially when the food was declared as awesome! :)

Looking for a simple guacamole recipe you can make up fresh without resorting to the grocery store deli section and preservatives? Look no further as here is a basic and simple recipe to pair up with your favorite tortilla chips on the weekend!



Chunky Guacamole

Serves 6.


Ingredients:


4 ripe avocados

¼ cup fresh lime juice

¼ cup chopped red onion

1 Tablespoon minced garlic

Salt and pepper to taste


Directions:


Cut the avocados in half by running a paring knife around them.

Use a teaspoon to scoop the pit out of each one.

Now run the spoon between the flesh and the skin. Place the avocado flesh into the mixing bowl.

Coarsely mash the avocado with a dinner fork. Add in the lime juice.

Add in onions, garlic, salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately. If you need to hold the guacamole for a few hours, try placing a layer of sour cream over the top, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Usually, it won’t turn brown this way.

Overview of Common Cajun Instruments -- Part II -- The Cajun Fiddle

Overview of Common Cajun Instruments -- Part II -- The Cajun Fiddle: "The backbone of any Cajun music, is the Cajun fiddle. Basically, any violin is technically called a fiddle, no matter what genre of music is being played. The difference with Cajun fiddling is that traditionally, there are two fiddlers. One Cajun fiddler plays the melody, while the other echoes with the rhythmic complement (sometimes called bassing or seconding).



The Cajun fiddle came to Louisiana with our Acadian ancestors. In reality, it was the only instrument used in our early music." 4 videos.

by Jerilee Wei

Overview of Common Cajun Instruments - Part I -- The Cajun Accordion

Overview of Common Cajun Instruments - Part I -- The Cajun Accordion: "In the beginning, Cajun music originated in the late 1800s, in South Louisiana. I'm not going to rehash the whole story of how our Acadian ancestors came to Louisiana, here in this hub. Let's just say our ancestors transported many pleasing ballads of old Acadian stories. Some of those songs came from Old World France. They are the foundation of Cajun music.



Our neighbors, other settlers to Louisiana, were primarily German settlers. They were the ones that gave us the Cajun accordion. It wasn't always a part of our music, just a delightful addition to it. In the days before amplifiers, no doubt it's popular addition to Cajun bands had a lot to do with it's ability to be played loud over the noise of a typical dance hall." 8 videos.

By Jerilee Wei

Recipe: Curried Cheese Paté

With the Marti Gras season upon us here is an easy recipe to consider for your guests and family to enjoy. This is a popular appetizer at parties and can be made ahead and frozen until your gathering. It looks beautiful on the serving platter.


Curried Cheese Paté

From: Cooking and Gardening with Dianne by Dianne Cage, Monroe, Louisiana



Ingredients:


2 (8 oz.) packages light cream cheese, room temperature

2 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese, room temperature

6 Tablespoons sherry

2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 Tablespoons curry powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon red pepper


Ingredients for Topping:


1 (8 oz.) jar chutney, chopped small if necessary (cranberry chutney or Major Grey’s)

½ cup chopped peanuts

½ cup chopped green onion (tops and all)

½ cup grated coconut


Ginger snaps or assorted crackers


Directions: Cream together the cheeses with sherry, Worcestershire sauce, curry powder, salt and pepper.

Pour and mold on a large plate or cheese board. Cover with plastic wrap and chill 4 hours. This can be made 2 or 3 days ahead or made earlier and frozen. If frozen, defrost at room temperature before garnishing with condiments.

Garnish in layers with chutney, peanuts, onions and coconut. Serve with thin gingersnaps or saltine crackers.

Recipe: Ubiquitous Aubergine (Egglplant)

Ubiquitous Aubergine - "Aubergine, eggplant, call it what you may, it’s a strange fruit. By itself, it’s nothing – bland – tasteless - so why would anyone choose to use it. The answer is simple, tart it up with a few other ingredients and wow - it magically changes. It takes on a charisma all of it’s own."

From my friend Anthony in Spain, read about what other cooks worldwide do with this lovely versatile vegetable!

By ajbarnett
Photo by woodleywonderworks @ flickr

Creole Vs. Cajun - Kissing yet Distant cousins

Creole Vs. Cajun - Kissing yet Distant cousins - "To start with, as far as Creoles go, it seems that if you put two New Orleans historians in a locked room and ask "What exactly is a Creole?" only one will come out alive."

By NOLA in the ocho
Photo by snuzzy @ flickr

Recipe: Strawberry White Chocolate Napoleons

Napoleons are a popular sweet in Louisiana and especially New Orleans. Even the restaurant chain of La Madaleine features them daily as do other pastry shops.

This recipe is easy to make because of the purchased frozen puff pastry. All you do after baking is fill them with an easy white chocolate mousse mixture and top with fresh strawberries. Of course, the final garnish is a lovely drizzle of melted semi-sweet chocolate.


Strawberry White Chocolate Napoleons

Yield: 12 servings

From: Kraft Foods


Ingredients:


1 sheet frozen ready-to-bake puff pastry

1 package (6 squares) premium white baking chocolate

1 ½ cups heavy or whipping cream, divided

1 1/3 cups sliced strawberries

2 squares semi-sweet baking chocolate, melted


Directions: Thaw pastry sheet at room temperature 30 minutes. Heat oven to 400 degrees F.

Unfold pastry sheet on lightly floured surface. Cut into 3 strips along fold marks. Bake on cookie sheet 15 minutes or until golden. Remove from cookie sheet. Cool on wire racks.

Microwave white chocolate and ¼ cup of the cream in large microwavable bowl on HIGH 2 minutes or until white chocolate is almost melted, stirring halfway through heating time. Stir until white chocolate is completely melted. Cool 20 minutes or until room temperature, stirring occasionally.

Beat remaining 1 ¼ cups cream in chilled medium bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. DO NOT OVERBEAT. (It will separate and become useless.) Fold ½ of the whipped cream into white chocolate mixture. Fold in remaining whipped cream just until blended.

Split each pastry strip into 2 layers. Set aside 2 of the top layers. Spread remaining 4 layers each with ½ cup of the white chocolate mousse and 1/3 cup of the sliced strawberries. For each dessert assemble 2 layers and top with 1 of the reserved layers. Drizzle with melted chocolate.

Refrigerate up to 4 hours. Makes 12 servings.

Roux - The Secret to Great Cajun Cooking

Roux - The Secret to Great Cajun Cooking: "Traditionally, Creole roux is used with lard or bacon fat, while Cajuns utilized butter. Modern-day Cajuns now use vegetable oil and it is usually cooked until the color appears copper to dark brown. However, some do use a light brown roux in their recipes. Cooking it until it reaches a dark brown color imparts a unique and rich flavor like no other to whatever dish is being prepared."

By Cayenne_Pepper

Have the Time of Your Life - Mardi Gras in Louisiana

Have the Time of Your Life - Mardi Gras in Louisiana: "Mardi Gras began in New Orleans in 1927 with the first street parade and is often referred to 'the greatest free show on earth!' It is the city's largest celebration and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world."

By Cayenne_Pepper

Newest Health Care Plan: Food as Medicine

Newest Health Care Plan: Food as Medicine - "OK, so what does the minor political rant have to do with food as medicine you ask? Plenty. When jobs are scarce or people are underemployed – like most of America right now with 100,000 each week entering those unhappy ranks – people make really bad food choices.

Because of job and ensuing financial stress they go to sugar, lots of carbohydrates and low quality meats. With stress on the rise during this tough economic time worldwide, wallets and bank accounts depleted, it’s time to think of food as medicine."

By Denny Lyon
Photo by bensonkua @ flickr

Recipe: Graham Cracker Torte & Lemon Buttermilk Ice Cream

Graham Cracker Torte & Lemon Buttermilk Ice Cream

How many times when you had just a few leftover graham crackers languishing in the back of your pantry? What to do with them? Along comes this easy fun recipe to solve the dilemma of frugality that even has some protein in it! The torte combined with the tart ice cream will remind you of lemon meringue pie.

While for February it's too cold in most climates to eat ice cream, just keep this recipe on hand for when the weather does heat up to intolerable and cooling lemon is just wonderful to beat the heat! Right now try out the torte to see how easy it is and enjoy.

Crazy weather this year in Louisiana! Cold below freezing for days then up to pleasant in the 70's for several days and you never know what to expect. You never know when you might want to make some ice cream in February! :)



Yield: 6 – 8 servings

From: Betty Berry


Ingredients:

3 egg whites at room temperature

1 cup sugar, divided

¾ cup fine graham cracker crumbs

1 teaspoon baking powder

2 cups chopped pecans

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Sweetened whipped cream, optional

Directions: Preheat oven to 300° F. Beat egg whites until stiff; gradually add ½ cup sugar.

Combine remaining sugar, graham cracker crumbs and baking powder. Add to egg whites along with pecans and vanilla. Blend lightly but well.

Pour into a buttered 8-inch pie plate. Bake for 25 – 30 minutes.

Cool, slice into wedges and top with whipped cream or Lemon Buttermilk Ice Cream.

Note: Torte will fall and crack in center when cool, so don’t panic!)


***


Lemon Buttermilk Ice Cream


Yield: 8 (1/2 cup) servings


Ingredients:

2 cups sugar

6 large lemons

1 quart low-fat organic buttermilk

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons lemon peel zest


Directions: Place sugar in a medium-size bowl. Grate the zest of 2 – 3 lemons to produce 2 teaspoons of zest. Juice as many lemons as needed to get ½ cup lemon juice. Add zest and juice to sugar. Mix well.

Add buttermilk and salt. Stir until sugar dissolves Chill 4 hours or overnight.

Freeze in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Makes 8 (1/2 cup) servings

Nutrition: 243 calories, 1 gram fat, 1 milligram cholesterol and 153 milligrams sodium.

Bruce Springsteen in 1981 - Jole Blon

Goes with article: Guide to Traditional Cajun Songs

Guide to Traditional Cajun Songs

Guide to Traditional Cajun Songs: "Much like the raconteur tales of old, according to the tastes of the performer, the lyrics of the songs were often improvised or made up as they went along. This created an on-going evolution as the songs were in a constant flow of change. These early Cajun songs were generally performed as unaccompanied ballads. They were narrative songs."

Serious in depth article about the evolution of Cajun folk songs. 5 videos for your listening pleasure too!

By Jerilee Wei
Video above of Bruce Springsteen, rock version of Cajun Jole Blon

Ten Illustrated Quotes: Humor

Ten Illustrated Quotes: Humor: "Collecting humorous quotes is always a laugh out loud moment well spent. Well, I’m always advising people to live out loud…"

We do so love a good laugh down here in Louisiana, enjoy!

By Denny Lyon
Photo by Midnight-digital

Recipe: Green Spinach Noodles - casserole

Green Spinach Noodles Casserole

Serves 6 to 8. From Betty Istre.

Here’s an easy fast dish to prepare on a cold winter’s night. Use some of that leftover ham, chicken or turkey from the holidays that was not enough to serve alone. Combined in this comfort pasta dish it’s a real winner!


Ingredients:

½ chopped onion

½ cup chopped celery

1 stick butter

1 can cream of celery soup

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 (8-oz.) can sliced mushrooms

Water

2 cups chopped cooked ham, chicken or turkey

1 (6-oz.) package spinach noodles, boiled until barely done, drained

1 cup diced cheese (Colby cheese is really good)

1 (8-oz.) carton sour cream

1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese


Directions: Sauté onions and celery in butter until clear.

Add soups and mushrooms. Mix well and gradually add 1 soup can of water.

Stir in meat and noodles and season to your taste. Stir in diced cheese and sour cream. If not very soupy, add a little water.

Bake in a greased casserole dish at 350 degrees F. until bubbly (about 35 minutes).

Sprinkle with grated cheese on top and let sit 10 minutes in oven that has been turned off.

How to Catch Catfish

World Record HUGE Catfish!!!!!

How to catch Catfish: "I remember when me and a buddy went night fishing for the Big Blue Cats back in the 70s.We used nightcrawlers and chicken livers for bait. We built a bon fire to keep warm by and to entice the fish to come closer to shore.

We fished all night and caught at least 50 Blue Cats that night.Some of them weighing up to 20 pounds.Here are a few ideas if you haven't cat fished..."

This man loves to fish and so do people from Louisiana! They don't call Louisiana the Sportsman's Paradise for nothing! He provides a recipe too and some interesting videos you will enjoy.

By flread45

Molecular Gastronomy – Where Science Meets Cuisine

Molecular Gastronomy – Where Science Meets Cuisine: "The science of molecular gastronomy has given us knowledge about why foods do what they do, under what circumstances, and how. And it has fascinated us by busting myths..."

By Sallys Trove
Photo by Claire L. Evans @ flickr

Recipe: Lemon Tart with Almond Crust

Here in Louisiana we are big fans of the taste of lemon! We love lemon desserts, especially cakes, tarts and cookies. From a home cook in Paris, France comes this lovely easy tart. Enjoy!



Lemon Tart with Almond Crust
From: Alexandra de Waresquiel, Paris, France

Yield: 8 servings


Ingredients for the Crust:

1 ¼ cups all purpose flour

1/3 cup whole almonds, toasted

1/3 cup sugar

½ teaspoon (scant amount) salt

½ cup (1 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

3 Tablespoons (about) ice water

½ teaspoon almond extract


Ingredients for the Filling:


2/3 cup fresh lemon juice

½ cup plus 2 Tablespoons sugar

2 teaspoon grated lemon peel

4 large eggs


Optional garnishes:
Toasted sliced almonds

Lemon slices

Whipped cream


Directions for Crust: Blend flour, whole toasted almonds, sugar and salt in processor until almonds are finely ground. Add chilled butter and cut in using on/off turns until mixture resembles coarse meal. Mix 3 Tablespoons ice water and ½ teaspoon almond extract in small bowl; add to processor and blend until moist clumps form, adding more water by teaspoonfuls if dough is dry. Gather dough into ball and flatten into disk. Wrap disk in plastic; refrigerate 1 hour. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Soften dough slightly at room temperature before continuing.)
Preheat oven to 375° F. Roll out dough on floured surface to 12-inch round. Transfer to 9-inch-diameter tart pan with removable bottom. Press dough into pan. Fold in dough overhang, pressing to adhere and forming double-thick sides. Pierce dough all over with fork. Freeze 20 minutes. Bake crust until golden brown, piercing with fork if crust bubbles, about 30 minutes. Cool crust on rack 15 minutes. Maintain oven temperature.

Directions for Filling: Whisk lemon juice, sugar and lemon peel in medium bowl to blend. Add eggs and whisk until well blended. Pour mixture into crust. Bake tart until filling is set, about 25 minutes. Cool completely.
Garnish tart with toasted almonds and lemon slices and pipe whipped cream rosettes around edges, if desired. Cut into wedges and serve.

Video: The Don't Quit Poem

Inspirational video! Great for creative people to help with discouragement and burnout. Good images and music. Worth the listen.

Recipe: Macaroon Kiss Cookies

The photo is similar only of peanut butter chocolate kiss cookies to give anyone who is unfamiliar with this kind of cookie a better visual. Sorry I couldn't find a photo of the actual cookie. This is an easy recipe and a real yum! factor for fans of coconut, cream cheese AND chocolate!


Macaroon Kiss cookies
Ingredients:

1/3 cup butter, softened

3oz cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 egg yolk

2 teaspoons almond extract

2 teaspoons orange juice

1 1/2 cups unsifted all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

5 cups flaked coconut

Chocolate kisses

Preheat oven to 350° F.

Directions:

Cream together butter, cream cheese and sugar in large bowl until light and fluffy.

Add egg yolk, almond extract and orange juice; beat well.

Combine flour, baking powder and salt, gradually add to creamed mixture.

Stir in 3 cups coconut. Cover tightly and chill 1 hour.
Shape dough into 1" balls, roll in remaining coconut. Place on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake for 10 - 12 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Remove from oven; immediately top with a chocolate kiss. Let cool on a wire rack.

Photo of peanut butter chocolate kiss cookies by bonimo @ flickr

Recipe: Tea-Flavored Molten Chocolate Cakes

Tea-Flavored Molten Chocolate Cakes

What chocolate lover does not like these molten chocolate cakes oozing with warm chocolate spilling out over the dam of the cake to greet your fork for approval? Here’s a new and flavorful twist on the lava cake from Paris, France for your enjoyment!


Yield: 6 servings

From: Chef Alain Dutournier,
Carré des Feuillants, Paris, France
Featured in Bon Appetit magazine

Note: The chef used bergamot essence to flavor the dessert. In America it’s easier to find and use Earl Grey tea leaves in place of the essence.


Ingredients:


1 cup boiling water

2 teaspoons Earl Grey tea leaves

8 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) OR semisweet chocolate, chopped

7 Tablespoons unsalted butter

4 large eggs, separated

¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder


Directions: Preheat oven to 400° F. Butter six ¾ cup soufflé dishes or custard cups. Sprinkle each with sugar; shake out excess. Place dishes on baling sheet. Combine water and tea leaves in small bowl; steep 5 minutes. Strain tea; discard leaves.

Combine chocolate and butter in heavy medium saucepan. Stir over low hat until mixture is smooth; cool to lukewarm. Whisk in egg yolks, then ¼ cup liquid tea and cocoa (reserve remaining tea for another use). Using electric mixer, beat egg whites in large bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff but not dry. Fold egg whites into chocolate mixture in 3 additions. Divide batter among prepared dishes.

Bake cakes on baking sheet until puffed and set but still soft in center, about 16 minutes. Serve immediately.

Note: For other recipes visit my other fun blog:
Romancing The Chocolate

Recipe: Sweet and Sour Salmon with Horseradish Sauce

Sweet and Sour Salmon with Horseradish Sauce

This salmon would also be an easy dish to do ahead during a hot summer and good for entertaining and special occasions like Passover. Can be prepared up to 2 days ahead. The horseradish sauce can be prepared up to one week ahead.


Yield: 12 servings.

From: Susan Baum for Passover meal


Ingredients for Horseradish Sauce:


1 (8 to 10 oz.) horseradish root, trimmed, peeled, chopped (about 1 ¾ cups)

½ cup water

3 Tablespoons white vinegar

1 Tablespoon sugar


Ingredients for Salmon:

4 cups water

2 cups dry white wine

½ cup fresh lemon juice

½ cup sugar

20 black peppercorns

12 large fresh dill sprigs

2 bay leaves

4 teaspoons salt

12 (3 to 4 oz.) salmon fillets with skin

3 tomatoes, sliced into ½ -inch-thick rounds

1 cucumber, thinly sliced



Directions for Horseradish Sauce: Blend all ingredients in processor until almost smooth. (Can be prepared 1 week ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)

Directions for Salmon: Combine 2 cups water, 1 cup wine, ¼ cup lemon juice, ¼ cup sugar, 10 peppercorns, 6 dill sprigs, 1 bay leaf and 2 teaspoons salt in each of 2 large skillets over medium-high heat.

Bring to boil, stirring occasionally until sugar and salt dissolve. Reduce heat to medium-low.

Add 6 salmon fillets to each skillet; cover and simmer 3 minutes. Turn salmon over. Cover and simmer until just opaque in center, about 3 minutes. Cool 5 minutes.

Divide salmon and marinade into two 13x9x2-inch glass baking dishes. Refrigerate until cold, at least 3 hours. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover; keep refrigerated.) Using large spatula, lift salmon from marinade; transfer to plates. Remove skin, if desired. Garnish with tomatoes and cucumber slices. Serve with horseradish sauce.


Note: For other recipes visit my other fun blog -
Romancing The Chocolate