THE BC SEASONAL COOKBOOK: CEDAR-PLANKED SALMON WITH ORANGE-PISTACHIO CRUST
Every Sunday we share a recipe from EBC president Eric Pateman’s cookbook – The British Columbia Seasonal Cookbook.
CEDAR-PLANKED SALMON WITH ORANGE-PISTACHIO CRUST
Abundant year-round and easily harvested along spawning routes, salmon are traditionally key resources for West Coast First Nations. Equally abundant and important were the cedar trees on the coast. It made sense for the First Nations people to cook their freshly caught salmon on easily split cedar planks. They filleted the salmon and cooked it skin-side down, secured to the plank with saplings. The plank was then propped at an angle above the fire, thus perfuming the meat with a delicate, smoky flavour. Home cooks can still use this traditional preparation today. Just remember, always use wild salmon and be sure to soak the cedar plank for at least two hours before cooking.
Serves 4-6
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted, shelled pistachios, chopped
- 2/3 cup panko
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- zest from 1 orange
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 4-6 (8oz) skin-on wild salmon fillets, any species
- 2 cedar planks (see tip)
- sea salt & pepper to taste
Method:
Preheat grill to medium-high. Mix pistachios and panko together – it works especially well to pulse them together in a food processor. Place on a plate and set aside.
Mix oil, mustard, zest and orange juice to form a paste. Spread paste evenly on flesh side of each salmon fillet, then dip in pistachio and panko mixture. As they are crusted, lay the fillets skin-side down on prepared planks. Season crust with sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Place planks on grill, close lid and cook 12-15 minutes.
Tip: Purchase untreated cedar planks, 1 inch thick, 8 inches wide and 12 inches long, from your local lumberyard or gourmet shop or via the internet. The planks must be soaked in water for a minimum of 2 hours, but 4-6 hours is best. Drain, and pat dry and brush with olive oil before using. They can often be cleaned and reused several times.
WESTERN CANADIAN BARISTAS INVADE VICTORIA
If you’re in Victoria this weekend (or you’re an espresso afficianado), don’t miss the Western Canadian Barista Championship - August 29 and 30.
The Championship will from from 9-5 on Saturday, and 9-3 on Sunday.
You can view Live Streaming here:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/2009-western-regional-canadian-barista-championship-victoria-august-29-30
And here is the Schedule of events:
http://docs.google.com/View?id=dc52xwqj_3c5vmsjfd
The competitor list (as of August 19th)
Kathleen Greenfield | Discovery Coffee Victoria
John Ohrn | Hines Public Market Vancouver
Ian Sudbeck-Reid | Habit Coffee & Culture Victoria
Ken Gordon | Street Level Espresso Victoria
Robert Kettner | Fernwood Coffee Company Victoria
Miriam Cook | Baked Cafe Whitehorse
Spencer Viehweger | JJ Bean Coffee Roasters Vancouver
Steven Gilmet | JJ Bean Coffee Roasters Vancouver
Garrath Morgan | Canterbury Coffee Victoria
Chantel Welsh | Salt Spring Coffee Company Salt Spring Island
Kyle Straw | Cafe Artigiano Vancouver
Derek Lukas | Buon Amici Victoria
George Giannakis | crema cafe Vancouver
British Columbia’s and the Yukon’s best baristas battle it out to see who will wear the crown vacated by 2008 Western Canadian Champion, Sammy Piccolo. Last year Sammy went on to win Gold at the Canadian Nationals, and Silver in the World Barista Championship. Who will fill his shoes?
Each competitor must prepare and serve 12 separate espresso beverages: 4 espresso, 4 cappuccinos, and 4 “signature” drinks of their own creation. Competitors have only fifteen minutes to prepare all twelve drinks and are judged on various elements including station cleanliness, taste, beverage presentation, technical skills and total impression by a distinguished panel of judges.
Hosted by Reg Barber and Machine & Beans, this is the first time the event has been held in Victoria. The top three will advance to the 2009 Canadian National Barista Championships , Oct 14,15 in Vancouver.
The events are open to the public with admission a suggested donation to the CoffeeKids charity, helping families build a better life in coffee growing countries. Come watch as the baristas dose, tamp, pull and pour their way to victory.
Da Vinci Center
195 Bay Street
Victoria, BC V9A 3K4
(250) 383-8041
YOU DON’T HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN NAPA AND SONOMA – TASTE BOTH!
Arts Umbrella is once again partnering with the Wine Institute of California to bring the wines of these popular regions to Vancouver. For the past five years, Arts Umbrella has been the proud host of these events, providing wine lovers with some of California’s most premium pours. As always, these elegant evenings promise to offer an intimate setting where guests can meet vintners, find their new favourite wine, or bid on rare wine auction packages.
NEW this year, you can choose your favourite region exclusively or come to both (for an AMAZING price – see below)
A Taste of Sonoma
September 24, 2009 | 7 – 9:30pm
West Level 3 Summit, Vancouver Convention Centre West
A Taste of Napa
October 29, 2009 | 7 – 9:30pm
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
Tickets: $75 each or both for $95. Click here to purchase!
Arts Umbrella is a not-for-profit centre for arts education for young people ages 2-19, based in Vancouver. Arts Umbrella is committed to making the arts readily accessible to as many children and youth in our communities as possible. With programs on Granville Island and now at Quebec St. and 7th Avenue, thousands of children are able to take part in high quality arts education. Bursaries are available for tuition-based programs, and numerous free-of-charge outreach programs take place.
WINESPEAK: OROFINO VINEYARDS BELEZA 2007
Who – Orofino Vineyards
What – Beleza 2007
Where – Cawston, Similkameen Valley
Why – I was fortunate to attend a guided tasting of Similkameen wines yesterday. Eight winemakers/owners were on hand to discuss one of their wines – and what made it uniquely Similkameen. This was my favourite of the bunch. Beleza (bul-A-zah) is a new name for Orofino’s signature Bordeaux blend and Orofino’s John Weber was on hand to discuss with the group. This vintage is crafted of 68% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Petit Verdot. Oak aged for 16 months, enticing aromas of spice, sweet raspberry and vanilla lead to full and rich flavours of dark cherry, anise, coffee and dusty spice. Unfiltered and unfined, with a full body and lingering finish, this is a great red to drink now – but just remember keep a bottle or two on hand to let develop further. Beleza is Brazilian Portuguese for a feeling of contentment and bliss – which is exactly what you’ll feel if you stock up on this beaut.
When – Keep this one on hand for this fall when you’re roasting up beef or lamb.
How (Much) – $33.90
Winespeak of the Week – Orofino boasts Canada’s only strawbale winery. The ecofriendly design is made up of two buildings adjoined by a breezeway. After much research and planning (and proof – strawbale construction has been around for over 200 years!), this unique design was chosen for its “earthy” 21 inch thick walls. The strawbale walls provide superior insulation qualities, ideal for achieving constant barrel room temperatures and for keeping cool in the desert heat.
QUAILS’ GATE ANNUAL HARVEST FAIR
Quails Gate Winery will host its Second Annual Harvest Fair on September 12, 2009. The Harvest Fair, a celebration of local farmers and artisans is held on the lawns of Quails Gate s Historic Allison house and features farm fresh produce, local art and live music.
Like our farm suppliers, our family roots are tied to the land, commented Tony Stewart, CEO and Proprietor of Quails Gate. As fall harvest approaches, the fair is our opportunity to celebrate those farmers who benefit not only our talented Chef Roger Sleiman but also the patrons of Old Vines Restaurant.
The Harvest Fair day includes farm fresh produce from local growers including Second Wind Farms, Okanagan Lavender Herbfarm, Suncatcher Farms, Festers Peppers, North Okanagan Game Meats and Little Creek Gardens. Winery Chef Roger Sleiman will be at the grill barbecueing savory selections and serving up fresh from the oven breads and baked goods.
The Harvest Fair is a true celebration of all that is local, says Angela McManus, Quails Gate Marketing Director. Artists whose work captures the essence of Okanagan life and landscape will be on hand as well as Kelowna singer-songwriter Andrew Smith performing his beautiful folk music. We are looking forward to another bustling and fun-filled fair. Participating artists include Annabel Stanley (vineyard weaving), Linda Lovisa (painting), Judy Pederson (photography), Louise Lambert (painting), Teri Paul (pottery and painting), Tari Di Bello (painting and vineyard sprites), Karen Close (painting) and Ray Jurys (barrel art).
Entrance to the Quails Gate Harvest Fair is free with a contribution to the Kelowna and West Kelowna Food Bank. 11am – 3pm.
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