Friday, August 6, 2010

Wowing My Guests



I've been busy with company, one right after the other, and this has been a big hit for summer dinner parties. I found a beautiful salmon, sustainably grown in Norway, at Whole Foods. It has a bit more fat, which works well when cooking on a plank.

The plank makes all the difference, and you can choose from applewood, alder, or cedar.  You can find them at Whole Foods, or even Costco. If you haven't tried salmon cooked on a plank - then you're missing out.

I used a cedar plank and soaked it for about 20 minutes. You can use whatever seasoning you prefer,  but I found a seasoning in Hawaii that is wonderful with fish. Grandfather's Royal Hawaiian Seasoning has a mixture of sea salt, raw pure can sugar, and other seasonings. The sugar adds to the flavor of the salmon cooked this way, for some reason. I've also been known to use a light coating of brown sugar, garlic salt and fresh ground pepper.


Throw some corn on the grill still in it's husk, toss a salad, add some home-made ice cream for dessert, and you have an easy summer party!

30 comments:

L'Adelaide said...

you've been a busy lady and now, i am tired....my guests are lucky to get hotdogs...i agree that cooking salmon this way is the only way, once you've done it...but farm raised is something i try to avoid although i am not sure that is what you are alluding to ...no matter, it looks delish and hope to come someday if ever i find myself in your neck of the woods ;)
xx

Nancy said...

Linda - I would love to have you over for dinner! The salmon is raised in Norway in a much more organic and sustainable manner than previous farm raised. Or at least that's what the guy at the counter at Whole Foods says. He reminded me that we needed to think of the future and farm-raised is more sustainable for the long term. I asked how it was raised and he said without all the hormones and over-crowed pens that has been a problem in the past. Also I think the water is colder in Norway, but I'm not totally sure. I will say, the salmon was wonderful. So if ever in my neck of the woods, give me a call and come to dinner!

Natalie said...

Oh yummeeeeeee! I have never heard of cooking on a plank. Where do you do it? Inside with the oven, or outside on the BBQ ?

Nancy said...

Natalie - Outside on the BBQ. You must try it - once winter is over, of course. :-)

Anonymous said...

Looks delicious! I am terribly bad at cooking salmon! Or fish in general, I just cant get beyond wrapping it in foil and putting it in the oven for 20 minutes!

Von said...

Yum!!!I'll be round.

Rob-bear said...

Different. And interesting. Never tried a plank for barbecuing before. Available at Costco, eh. I'll check.

Shrinky said...

I've never seen a "cooking plank" before - glad you mentioned about soaking it first - it had me worried there for a moment (smile). Sounds delicious, healthy too!

Inspired by eRecipeCards said...

those are beauties... loved the lemon on top. And you are right about teh benefits of plank cooking. Adds a smoky taste without the extra effort (or expense) of a smoker. Looks very dramatic if you grill these in front of your guests.

Brian Miller said...

yum. sounds great...esp the corn cooked on the grill...have never cooked on a plank...i need to look into that...

Reya Mellicker said...

That sounds SO delicious!! Yum.

Herrad said...

Hi Nancy
Looks and sounds yummy.
Love,
Herrad

Trish and Rob MacGregor said...

Dinner at your house is on my bucket list!

R. J. said...

That looks yummy. I've eaten salmon on a plank at Bonefish Grill restaurant but I've never tried to make it. I assume the plank is a one use deal. Pre-soaking the plank was a good hint.

DJan said...

Wow is right! And you have certainly wowed this blogger, too! I WANT it, and I also avoid farmed salmon but this does sound a little better. Here in Bellingham it is easy to get wild salmon. Since I don't have a back yard for grilling, I'll have to pass on the plank, but it sure sounds good!

ds said...

Yum!You're serving this again, when?

Lori said...

I have never tried cooking on a plank but this sounds wonderfully delicious. We do cook our salmon on the grill already but would love to try this. Cooking corn on the grill is the only way we eat now days...so yummy and easy! Now that you've made me hungry I better go eat something! Hope you and yours have a wonderful weekend.

ellen abbott said...

What time is dinner?

Rose said...

I love Wholefoods. It is a bit pricey but worth it.

Cooking with a plank sounds wonderful.....but I don't have a grill.

I will try the Grandfather's Royal Hawaiian Seasoning.

Thanks............

Rosaria Williams said...

Perfect meal, Nancy. You wowed all of us, even those of us from salmon places.

Stella Jones said...

That looks delicious and it looks big too, plenty for everyone as you go round. We don't eat much outside because we never know what the weather will be doing and often we have to run for cover if it rains. However, this would work well indoors too, perhaps with the door open and the gentle breeze blowing through.
Blessings, Star

Marguerite said...

This salmon looks divine! I've never tried grilling on a plank, but would like to try it. We're doing grilled tuna steak, here.

Kathy's Klothesline said...

As I sit here trying to think of something easy for dinner and read this I realize how hungry I am for some nutricious food! I am in my 14th hour of working today, so I guess cottage cheese and pineapple will have to do! All I really want is my bed ....... but if some grateful camper happens along with a plate I will try to show my appreciation and at least eat!!

Kathy's Klothesline said...

As I sit here trying to think of something easy for dinner and read this I realize how hungry I am for some nutricious food! I am in my 14th hour of working today, so I guess cottage cheese and pineapple will have to do! All I really want is my bed ....... but if some grateful camper happens along with a plate I will try to show my appreciation and at least eat!!

Amanda Summer said...

now THAT sounds like an excellent menu......great job!!!

and homemade ice cream? how do you manage that as well? seems like so much extra work! very lucky guests you have.......♡

Pat said...

I've eaten salmon cooked on a plank before at a restaurant, but we've never cooked it ourselves. We even bought a plank but just never followed through with it! Now, where did we put it? Your meal sounds delicious!

Jill of All Trades said...

So going to do that. I've never tried the plank but I'll try it now! Thanks!

Alexandra MacVean said...

Wow, I've been missing alot! I'm not sure how I've missed keeping up with your blog. Ugh! :) Must check to see if I am following you. So sorry.

PS Mr. Sole Monkey is ready to visit you. Can you please leave me a comment on my blog with your mailing address? I WILL NOT POST that comment. I just need to get it to the current person ASAP so they can send him off before their long vacation. :)

The Good Cook said...

Yum.. okay, double yum!

Jayne Martin said...

That sounds so good. Salmon is my favorite. I've never had it from Norway. Wish you could e-mail me a plate. ;) Sounds like you've been having a lively, fun summer. Good for you.