Salmon Fillets in Beurre Noisette

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                            FOOD FUNNY
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Here's a slightly naughty one from Anna Welander:

Mary and Sue hadn't seen each other for years. When they finally sat
down to lunch, Mary was stunned at how trim and healthy Sue looked. "My
God," she said, "What do you do to stay so fit?"

"Well," answered Sue, "I've found that nothing keeps me trimmer than having affairs."

"Really!" exclaimed Mary, looking her friend up and down. "You simply
must tell me who does your catering!"

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                            TODAY'S RECIPE
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This dish can be made with any delicately flavored fish such as
flounder, sole, skate, or even halibut. Beurre noisette, or brown
butter, is a classic French sauce frequently served with fish,
vegetables, and organ meats. For best results, use clarified butter.

Clarified butter is simply the fat contained in butter with all the
water and milk solids removed. To make it, melt some butter over low
heat and cook it until it stops bubbling. Skim off and discard any foam
that rises to the top and pour off and reserve the clear golden liquid,
discarding the milk solids in the bottom of the pan. With the milk
solids removed, clarified butter has a higher smoke point and can be
used for cooking at higher temperatures. It is also slower to go rancid
than unclarified butter and can be stored almost indefinitely in the refrigerator.

Salmon Fillets in Beurre Noisette

4-6 salmon fillets, about 6 oz (170 g) each
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
2 Tbs (30 ml) plus 1/4 cup (60 ml) clarified butter
1/4 cup (60 ml) capers (optional)
1/4 cup (60 ml) chopped fresh parsley (optional)
1 Tbs (15 ml) lemon juice (optional)

Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper and saute in 2
tablespoons (30 ml) clarified butter in a skillet over moderate heat
until golden brown on both sides and barely cooked through. In a
separate skillet, heat the remaining clarified butter over moderate heat
until it is light brown and aromatic. This is the classic beurre
noisette and can be spooned over the cooked salmon as is, or any
combination of the optional ingredients may be added immediately prior to serving.
Serves 4 to 6.
Received on Fri Apr 9 00:11:34 2010