Contents
- Elegant Irish Cooking plays host to over 100 Irish guest
chefs, "narrated" by Master Chef, Noel Cullen. Cullen
himself an Irish chef who now calls Boston home holiding the
post of Professor of Culinary Arts at Boston University.
What's Hot - "Irish cooking has grown and developed
from the rich bounty of its land and water", not from
out side influences. Fittingly the book features a great introduction
with a very readable history of Irish cooking from the 2nd
century AD to somewhat more recent times. The book's recipes
are well laid out and there are some tasty treats to be found
such as the Pan Fried Salmon with Sorrel, Apple & Scallion
Relish from chef Colin O' Daley of Dublin restaurant Roly's
Bistro.
What's Not So Hot - Although the scenic pictures paint
a beautiful picture (and rightly so), the food shots are dark
and uninspiring. Additionally do not confuse "elegant
with modern" there are still some older style recipes
in the book.
Salmon
with Sorrel
Serves 4
4 4-6 ounce salmon fillets, boneless and skinless
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
juice of 1 whole lemon
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
4 tablespoons of butter divided
2 Granny Smith apples, diced small
1 bunch scallions, chopped
1 small bunch sorrel, shredded (about 8 leaves)
1 teaspoon chopped parsley
1 lemon sliced, for garnish
1. Dry salmon on paper towels and season with salt, pepper
and lemon juice.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and 12 tablespoons of
butter to a large skillet and heat over medium/high heat.
Place the salmon fillets (presentation side down) on the hot
skillet. Fry until golden brown, turning at least twice.
3. In a separate saucepan, gently cook over medium heat in
the remaining butter the diced apples, scallions, (spring
onions), about 2 minutes. Divide among four plates.
4. Place the cooked salmon fillets on top.
Many people regard sorrel only as a herb, but the leaves can
be used for salads, soups and sauces, as in egg and fish dishes.
Sorrel's high acidity causes it to discolor when it is cooked
in iron pots, or when it is chopped with a non-stainless -steel
knife.