Culinary Disasters

Was really hoping to do a cedar plank salmon but found out something interesting when I got the planks out.  Do not store dryer sheets anywhere near planks if you do the planks will take on a mountain fresh smell. 

This also brings me to another trick.  Do not buy the fancy cedar planks you find at the kitchen shops that are about 20 dollars for 3 boards.  You can head to the hardware and buy 8 foot untreated cedar planks for about 12 dollars.  If you have a saw then just saw off the size you need or have them cut it for you at the store.  The one thing you definately want to do is make sure they are untreated. 

Instead of doing cedar planked salmon I went to my favorite standby which is a grilled salmon with a lemon, dill, caper, vinaigrette.  This is a very very simple dish to prepare.

Ingredients for the salmon:

• neutral oil like canola. 
• Salt and pepper
• Salmon filet with skin still on.
• Fresh dill

Ingredients for the vinaigrette

• 2 tb vinegar (I like using rice wine but white vinegar works fine)
• 2 tea lemon zest
• 2 tb lemon juice
• 3 tb fresh dill
• 2 tb capers
• 1 tea honey
• pinch of salt and pepper
• 1/4 cup of olive oil

First step is take the salmon out of the fridge and let it sit on the counter.  We want to bring the salmon up to room temperature so the salmon cooks evenly.  After that we need to make the vinaigrette.  Lay all your ingredients out (remember preperation is everything). 

Basically put everyhing in the blender but the olive oil.  Turn the blender on and let it go. 

When everything is combined and while the blender is still running remove the plastic cap off of the lid and slowly add the olive oil.  Let it run for a little bit longer till everything is combined.  Remove and place in a container.

Now we have to get the salmon ready.  First thing is turn your grill on (if you are using charcoal you should have started this step about 20 minutes ago so the charcoal is ready to go when the salmon is reaady).  While the grill is preheating rub both sides of the salmon with oil, sprinkle salt and pepper over the salmon, and then scatter the dill over the salmon.

The grill should be up to temperature so go and ahead and place the salmon skin side down.  Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes.  Flip and let it cook for another 3 minutes.  The salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork. 

After the salmon is done remove the dill from the salmon and pour some of the vinaigrette over the salmon, serve, and enjoy.

Tags: fish, All //