Flicking the bird + { giveaway }

Lately, I've been eating much less meat and hooking more Salmon on my fork, and vegetarian meals into my diet.

This year I'm flicking the bird ditching the Turkey for Christmas and eating Salmon instead...Tassal smoked salmon is my favourite.

I liked this idea from Nikki @ Styling you   Smoked Salmon Cucumber Canapes .

I did a taste test run and tweaked it by adding a small amount of cream cheese and since I had no capers [I don't eat them much] - I added chopped craisins instead.
 

Take your pick , there are hundreds of Christmas Salmon recipes online - I liked the idea of using cranberries and almonds together ...plus I had them in my pantry.

 Cranberry and Almond Crusted Salmon for Christmas

Ingredients 
2 x 200gm fillets (portions) of salmon (serves 2 as main or 4-6 as entree {remember to check for bones})
1/2 cup approx: fresh wholemeal bread crumbs (I used a thick slice off a whole loaf)
1/4 cup craisins (dried cranberries)
1/4 cup whole or chopped slivered almonds or less (I used whole almonds because I had them - blitzed these in the mini food processor)
1 tablespoon or so fresh parsley (Thyme or whatever herbs you like - again I only had parsley)
1 heaped teaspoon of tahini (or melted butter if you prefer)
Squeeze of lemon juice and zest if you like it more lemony (I had no zest ...and I didn't want to drive 20 mins to the shop)
Fresh ground pepper to taste
Drizzle of Olive oil

*Depending on the thickness / size of your fillets you might need to add more crumb ingredients - I had the choice of flatter wide fillets or narrow, thick ones.

This crumb could be prepared ahead earlier to save time later...if you are as disorganised as I am.

Preparation

1. Pre-heat oven to 200 °
2. Place Salmon skin side down on baking paper.
3. Blitz all the ingredients [except Salmon] to a medium 'crumb' - I used whole almonds instead of slivered... Season with fresh pepper as preferred.
   
4. Press crumb mix gently onto top of fillets and drizzle fillets with a little olive oil (as you prefer).
5. Bake salmon until the center is firm to the touch but not hard (or until the flesh flakes easily when tested with a fork in the thickest part) mine took about 10 to 12 minutes to be pink and cooked through ...I guess it depends on thickness of your fillet. (I ate the thin bits off the end mid way through ...because the cook has to test)
6. The crumb should hopefully be golden and crunchy by now !
7. Remove from the oven and serve immediately. 
8. I served it with Cranberry sauce - and Salmon goes well with salad or steam vege.

I ate the second crusted salmon fillet cold the next day and it was delicious cold too...

 Asparagus in Salmon with Dukkah  is a new find , that might go on the anytime Christmas menu too!

Credit : Tassal Recipe Finder

Salmon is considered to be one of nature's Super-foods as it is a rich source of Omega 3s (EPA & DHA). Just two serves per week provides the recommended intake of Omega 3 which research has shown is beneficial for heart health, depression and a range of diseases & conditions.

Anti-oxidants (vitamins D, E, B-carotene, minerals zinc, iron, copper, manganese and selenium) are excellent for boosting immunity, B vitamins for vascular and neurological health and calcium for bone and muscle health. 

Important to me is ...

Research into the benefits of Omega-3s for cancer is still in its early stages but so far the results look promising, according to the Dieticians Association of Australia’s Victoria Branch Oncology Interest Group. There is good evidence to suggest that Omega-3s can enhance our immune function and help slow tumour growth.

 Why do I like to eat Tassal - Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon ?

• I love I can now buy fresh individual smoked salmon slices at the deli especially for lunch (sandwiches, nori rolls and salads) and not a whole packet . It's convenient...and I don't end up wa$ting any.
• It's a protein rich food which helps to curb my hunger cravings making me feel fuller for longer.
• Suitable for every meal from Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner - so versatile in that you can use it for appetisers, entree & mains - pastas ,or stir-fries or gobble straight from the fridge !
• This recipe finder - has so many recipe suggestions.
• Salmon is quick, simple and easy to prepare even for average cooks like me. BBQ, bake, Grill, pan fry, poach or steam - any way at all, in significantly less time than it takes to roast a bird.
• Tassal is demonstrating a commitment to environmental and social sustainability to safeguard valuable marine ecosystems, through its partnership with WWF.

Tassal supplies Coles Deli with their fresh Salmon
Now for the ....Giveaway !

Leave a comment below telling me why should win ?

Wild Water and Woodsmoke Cookbook RRP $29.95

$30 Coles gift voucher – to purchase Tassal products

2 x Salmon seasoning salt rubs RRP $20 approx.

Terms and Conditions: 
1. Only Australian Residents are eligible to enter.

2. Entries not answering the question will be deemed invalid. The winner will be chosen by originality and creative merit, not by chance. Judges decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into.

3.There is one winner of prize as detailed above.- 
4. Entries - Open 20/12/2012 - Close 11.59pm  4/1/2013 AEST. The winner will be notified by email, and posted to mylittledrummerboys.blogspot.com.au - the winner has 5 days to respond or a new winner will be drawn.
5. Prizes are not transferable, changeable or redeemable for cash. 
6. Prizes sent out by PR firm directly will not be replaced in the event that they are stolen, lost or damaged in transit.

7. Subscribe to my blog HERE to receive MLDB updates.

8. Follow via Facebook or Google Friend Connect on the sidebar >>>>

Disclaimer: I take no responsibility for how well  you cook your Salmon or the recipe -  I was not paid  for this review but I received a gift card to purchase Tassal salmon and other ingredients for the purpose of the review. 

What do romantic fish sing to each other?

…Salmon-chanted evening

Have you seen the romantic comedy  'Salmon Fishing in Yemen' ? 

Did I miss a good movie ?

 
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