Brussels Sprouts with Chorizo

This recipe has been known to convert the pickiest of vegetable-phobes; as usual, the incorporation of meat is just the thing to do the trick. Adapted from Saveur, our Chorizo really makes it sing. 

Smokehaus Brussels Sprouts

2 lbs fresh Brussels sprouts

1/4 lb Chorizo, small-diced

2 Tbsp olive oil

Kosher salt, to taste

3-4 shallots, small-diced

3 cloves of garlic, minced

Fresh-ground black pepper, to taste 

Directions:

Put a large pot of salted water on to boil. Trim and halve the sprouts. When the water comes to a boil, drop in the sprouts and cook until just tender, 7-10 minutes. Drain and let cool. Heat 1 Tbsp of the oil in a large, heavy skillet on medium-high. Add the chorizo and brown. Add the shallots and cook until soft, then add the garlic and cook until soft; about 2 more minutes. Remove this mixture to a bowl. Turn up the heat on the skillet and add remaining 1 Tbsp of oil. Add the Brussels sprouts and cook until browned and tender. Incorporate the Chorizo mixture and add salt and pepper to taste.

Smoked Salmon Egg Bake

"Egg Bake" is a general term here in the Midwest for a large baked egg casserole, with infinite room for variations - some include lining the pan with buttered toast, fried potatoes, polenta, or even pancakes. Here is a great recipe for a smoked salmon egg bake which cuts out the starch to make room for flavor.

Northern Waters Smokehaus Egg Bake with Smoked Salmon

Preheat Oven at 350 degrees

Butter a 13x9 casserole dish

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp butter

12 eggs - We use the unbeatable Locally Laid, a Duluth egg concern

3/4 cup of shredded cheese, such as Gruyere, Prairie Breeze,  or Manchego

1 medium red onion, thin-sliced

1/2 lb  smoked salmon with dill, skinned and flaked

2-3 Tbsp capers, to taste

2/3 cup grated Parmigiano

Salt and Pepper to taste

Preparation:

Saute the onion in a medium saucepan until translucent. Remove from heat. Whisk the eggs, shredded cheese, capers, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.

Scatter the bottom of the casserole dish with 1/2 of the sauteed onion. Evenly pour the egg mixture over them. Next, scatter the smoked salmon over the egg mixture and top with the remaining onion. Finally, sprinkle with the Parmigiano.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the egg has set in the center. Let cool 10-15 minutes before devouring.  

Smoked Salmon Mousse

Here's a simple recipe that really stretches your smoked salmon supply and is an elegant way to serve a crowd.

Smoked Salmon Mousse

• 1 lb cream cheese

• 1 lb smoked salmon, crumbled

• 1 Tbsp lemon juice

• 2-4 Tbsp heavy cream, for consistency

• Dill to taste

You can present the mousse in a bowl for self-service, or, for a more elegant presentation, spoon or pipe onto water crackers or cucumber rounds and garnish with sprigs of dill. This smoked salmon mousse recipe also makes an elegant crepe filling.

Smoked Salmon Chowder

The cooler weather gets us in the mood for a warming soup, and smoked salmon works especially well in a white chowder. There are countless adjustments you can make in a chowder recipe, but don't scrimp on the smoked salmon - it's the best part!

Smoked Salmon Chowder

6 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons oil

1 cup small-diced carrots (about 1 large carrot)

1 cup small-diced onion (about 1 onion)

½ cup small-diced celery with leaves

½ cup chopped green pepper

6 tablespoons all-purpose flour

6 cups good quality clam juice

2 cups milk

2 bay leaves

2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic (2 large cloves)

1 teaspoon thyme

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

Pinch of nutmeg

1 16 oz. can tomatoes

1 ½ cups diced, cooked potatoes, such as Yukon Gold

1 lb. boneless smoked salmon

6-7 slices cooked, crisp Pancetta for garnish

Flake and strip skin from the smoked salmon. Reserve 1/4 cup for garnish. The rest of the smoked salmon will be added to the chowder and brought to temperature.

In a large pot over medium-high heat, melt butter with oil.  When oil is hot, add vegetables except for tomatoes and potatoes.  Stir and cook until they are softened and aromatic.  Stir in flour, reduce heat to medium, and cook briefly, about 3 minutes.  Do not let the flour brown.

Pour in stock and milk and increase heat to medium-high.  Stir well and bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low.  Add seasonings and simmer gently, uncovered for 15 minutes.

Stir in smoked salmon pieces, potatoes and tomatoes.  Cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until vegetables are tender but not mushy.

Ladle into soup bowls, garnish with Pancetta and smoked salmon, and serve at once.

Yield:  2 quarts