salmon mousse

2016-02-25

Salmon mousse is a very popular appetizer for formal occasions. Yet, it is so easy to make that you really should try it just for the sake of trying something new.

This recipe can be made with fresh cooked salmon (my preference) as well as with cold- or hot-smoked salmon. Even canned salmon will do in a pinch.

Each of these has its own distinct flavor – hot-smoked by far the strongest - and that flavor will be reflected in the mousse. Most recipes use equal amounts of fresh-baked or poached salmon and cream cheese, but reduce hot-smoked salmon to half.

Adjust the amount of salmon in the recipe accordingly to your taste. Do taste.

There wasn't anything visually appealing to photograph while making this and it still didn’t look like much when done. Presentation is everything. The internet has done that so much nicer than I even would want to try, so I borrowed some pictures. The source pages of Pic1-3 seem to have disappeared since I downloaded the pictures.

INGREDIENTS

This is what you need for2 cups:

8 oz. salmon
baked / poached / cold-smoked
8 oz. of cream cheese
S&P
½ lime, juiced
optional:
- heavy cream, mayo or horseradish sauce
- 1 tbsp. chives
- fresh dill

Pic1: salmon mousse canapé

Directions

Remove the skin and bones and discard.
Optional:
- Remove the brown meat layer underneath the skin as well.
  That has a stronger oily flavor that some people find unpleasant.
Blend the cream cheese, half of the salmon, lime juice and cream or sauce until smooth.
Blend in the remaining salmon to taste.
Transfer to a bowl and stir in S&P and chopped chives to taste.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before processing further.
For canapés:
- Pipe the mousse on crackers, cucumber slices or pieces of celery stalks. (Pic1)
Alternatively:
- present as a dip (Pic2),
- molded (Pic3) or
- wrap in cold-smoked salmon slices for a terrine. (Pic4)
Garnish with salmon roe, dill or chives.
Keep refrigerated until just before serving.

Pic2: salmon mousse dip
Pic3: molded mousse
Pic4: salmon mousse terrine

See also: Deming, NM gardens, animals and more and avemariasongs.org

See also: Deming, NM gardens, animals and more
and avemariasongs.org