The time just before our holidays has much to offer in comforting dishes that will warm up and delight our tables. Among the recipes loved here, smoked salmon pie and mincemeat cake are delicious expressions of celebratory spirit. These dishes also deliver a fabulous medley of flavors, as well as textures, making them perfect for the most special occasions. Let's see how to prepare these culinary beauties.
Smoked Salmon Pie: a slice of salty heaven
Smoked Salmon Pie
Origins
Smoked salmon pie is a product of classicism, and tradition, as in a soft, salty, savory flavor. It also combines silky salmon texture with flaky pastry and produces a dish at once both fancy and homely.
Ingredients
And here are quality ingredients to make a lovely smoked salmon pie:
- 12 oz. Smoked Salmon, Minced
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 2 cups of baby spinach, wilted
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 lemon, tested
- 2 tbsp dill, finely chopped
- 1 egg, beaten (for glaze)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation:
- Preheat Oven To 375°F (190°C)
- Roll out puff pastry on a dusted surface, line your pie dish.
Filling:
- In a bowl, stir the smoked salmon, ricotta, spinach, lemon zest, dill, salt and pepper.
- Spread the filling evenly over the puff pastry.
Assembly:
- Fold the pastry over the filling and pinch the edges to seal it(s).
- Dust with the beaten egg for coloring
Baking
- Bake in a preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the pastry turns brown
Serving
- Let it cool for some minutes, slice
Pro Tips
AMPS UP THE FLAVOR FOR SURE Make your pasta zing with the addition of capers, or, say, a hint of nutmeg for more complexity.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three days. For best results, the pastry is something to be reheated in the oven to keep it crisp.
Mincemeat Cake Is a Sweet Tradition
A Slice of History
You also have a holiday classic: mincemeat cake. It is fragrant with fruits and spices, and there's always room for a splash of brandy or rum or two.
Ingredients
To prepare this fragrant cake, you’ll want:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup homemade or store-bought mincemeat
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 cup milk
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Preparing the Batter:
- Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cake pan.
- Beat together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time.
Mixing:
- In another bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk.
- Add the Mincemeat
- Mix until the mincemeat is well mixed into the batter.
- Bake
- Put the batter in a prepared cake pan. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the tester inserted into the center comes out almost clean.
- Check if the cake is done by inserting a toothpick into the cake
Finishing Touches:
Let the cake cool then sift it over powdered sugar.
Pro Tips
- Add-ins: Fold chopped nuts or dried fruit in for texture.
- Liquifying flavors: Steep dried fruits in brandy for one day for deeper flavor.
Feast Serve and Display
Smoked Salmon Pie
- Serve with a simple green salad or some steamed asparagus.
- Lovely with a dry white wine or a thin champagne to complement the savory taste.
Mincemeat Cake
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- The cake is so rich that it would demand a hot cup of spiced tea or mulled wine.
Conclusion
Smoking salmon pie and mincemeat cake are a fun way to get into the holiday spirit. And each of those recipes offers warmth and comfort and the opportunity to share a little seasonal pleasure with a loved one.
Invite your loved ones into the kitchen, and create memories as mouthwatering as what you share around the table. These recipes are friendly and gratifying, no matter whether your cooking skills are advanced or still in an early stage. Enjoy the scent, the taste, and the grins these treats will surely give.