Smoked Salmon; a Rondeau

Let me explain this first: I have a passion for smoked salmon. It doesn't have to be gourmet, it doesn't have to be uber-fresh or organic. I just love it. Unfortunately, it's often very expensive - so in my supermarket journeys, I often linger over the slim packages, and then move on to something more substantial or economical. A recent trip to COSTCO however, allowed me to not only feed my craving, but I think that perhaps I'm tired of it. We aquired an enormous package of fairly decent smoked salmon.

Within a few days I find myself slicing lemons, chopping hardboiled eggs, rinsing capers, and making some lovely cucumber ribbons as well as a mayo based and a cream cheese based spread. My husband, brother, and I enjoyed our light dinner, and I thought it was quite attractive as well.....

The question though, is what to do with the remaining portion that would not get eaten that night? Never, had I ever thought there would be anyway I'd have, (gasp) leftover smoked salmon. I knew there'd be no way to get by on another platter, we had fewer of the ingredients around, and frankly wanted something hot for dinner. I had made chicken a la king for a client that day for dinner, using oysters instead of chicken... the cream sauce turned out nice and lemony. So with that for inspiration, I went about making, well, I have no idea what, but it was tasty and I managed to incorporate nearly every element from the platter.

The onion was sauted in some butter which I then transformed into a cream sauce with the aid of some milk, lemon, an egg yolk, butter, and dill. After that was all thick and simmery, I added the chopped salmon and capers, mixing gently until warm. Served the whole mess with toasted bagel slices (diagonals). It had a lovely smooth texture, punctuated by the capers and firm onion. The healthy dose of lemon cut into the smoke flavour of the salmon and kept if from going bland while the dill blended in well and was not obstrusive.

Now I have a good excuse to get more.... later, much later.

And now I'll leave you with this shot, again from the bathroom window (seriously, I do not spent that much time in the bathroom, it's just got a great view). Check out where the shadows end and the snow begins...