Mussels in white wine with garlic & shallots / french bread

image courtesy of themarkethipster.com

*Part of the sizzling staffordshire menu series*

I suppose in retrospect this recipe isnt too dissimilar from the classic "moules marinieres", a french dish comprising mussels steamed in their shell with white wine, garlic and shallots. This recipe uses the sweet elements of vermouth to allow balance with the potential saltiness of the mussels.

You wlll need (serves 4):
3lbs of live mussels, de-bearded and cleaned of barnacles
4 large shallots finely diced
2 cloves finely chopped garlic
tbsp unsalted butter
100ml sweet vermouth, or even sweet cider
tsp fresh thyme finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
1/2 tsp fresh sage finely chopped
3 tbsp whipping or double cream
1 large french baguette

The doing bit:

In a large pan saute the onions, and garlic in a little oil until soft, on a moderate heat. add the mussels, butter and herbs, then put a lid on the pan and steam until the shells begin to open. Add the wine and put the lid back on until the mussels have fully opened. Finish with cream and cook without the lid for 30 seconds more.

Discard any mussels that do not open.

Tear a chink of bread, serve mussels into large bowls and devour.

Cured Marinated Salmon Salad

image courtesy of marel.com

What I love about salads is they can be, in the right setting wonderfully satisfying and fulfilling. Although light and more often than not guilt free, they can be incredibly wholesome. This recipe is no exception to the rule, it provides clean and earthy flavours to create a wholesome balance, whilst at the same time giving a nice healthy balance to nutrition also. Using traditional oriental flavours, as well as fish that is rich in protein, vitamins and omega 3 oils, it provides a joy for all audiences. It can also be adapted for larger proportions should the need arise, without the guilt factor.

You will need (for the marinade)

1 teaspoon sugar
Zest and juice of one whole lime
1 garlic clove, crushed with a little salt
1 teaspoon sesame oil
3 tbsp light soy sauce

For the salad

2 pieces (roughly 75g) fresh salmon cut into thin slices (use trimmings for thrift)
150g beansprouts
75g cucumber, grated
1 red chilli, trimmed and very thinly sliced
3 sprigs flat leaf parsley, finely chopped.

The doing bit

Marinade:

Combine sugar and two tablespoons on the lime juice in a small bowl and stir until sugar has dissolved. Add garlic, sesame oil and soy sauce and stir until uniform. Take the salmon and marinade in 4 tablespoons of the marinade mixture, cover and allow to marinade for about 3 hours. Store the rest of the marinade for later use.

The rest:

Blanche the beansprouts in lightly salted boiling water for 10 second and refresh under cold water. Combine with the cucumber and chilli. Sprinkle with the remaining juice and flat leaf parsley. Serve the salmon slices on top or around the salad (its all down to preference). Garnish with a teaspoon of the remaining marinade and serve.