Salmon Rillettes, a delectable summertime spread with toasted baguette slices
Yesterday Mother Nature smiled upon the Rocky Mountains, gifting us with a glorious June day. Because I was joining a colleague for my inaugural hike of the season, her sunshine was a joyful omen. As most of you recall – but, it bears repeating – I am a volunteer USFS Ranger. At a period in my Life when I can ‘ask not what my country can do for me but what I can do for my country,’ I’ve chosen to answer Smokey Bear’s call to service. It’s my career. I have a uniform!
This salmon mixture also is a delicious sandwich filling.
Do you also recall that Lights on Bright No Brakes has become another career? I write about food and wine and Life. Admittedly, dual careers are a bit of a huff. A crazy juggling act. Hey, I’m into the “If not now, when” period of life. About that stack of books I intend to read during retirement? “Intend to” has become “NOW”. I’ve traded “Have to” for “Want to”. My past six decades of Goals, Bucket- and Must-do’s Lists have been replaced by “Do It” or “Forget It.” Because, damn it, my energy is no longer an endless commodity, I’ve learned to say, “No.”
Turn this rainbow of peppers into a lovely relish or special topping.
When my husband died two years ago, my life, in many ways, became a blank slate. My task was to paint the canvas smiley-face or morose? Admittedly, the odds were not good. I was done. (Before we get too maudlin, please know this story ends well.) But after two years of trade-offs and compromises and detours and fails and disappointments and try-again’s, guess what’s happened? I’ve won. I’ve won big. When I look in the mirror, I see Joie de Vivre staring back.
Almost Pipérade
Factored into this joy equation, of course, is food and French Fridays with Dorie. This week’s recipe choice is Salmon Rillettes, a delectable combo of smoked and fresh wild salmon. Serve it as a savory spread or, as I did, a very classy sandwich mixture. After assembling the additional ingredients – spices, lemon, onions and butter – poach the fresh salmon and mix everything together. It takes 15 minutes to make and a two-hour fridge visit. With an apple and carrots it made a healthy lunch for my premiere hike.
Dorie’s Pipérade
Now I may be the happiest food blogger on the Internet but admittedly, not the most talented. When I joined FFWD, I’d been on kitchen-hiatus for years. Rusty says it best. Having nothing to lose but my pride, I jumped into this French Fridays/blogging business, full on and feet first. That’s where these trade-offs, compromises, detours, fails and try-again’s played out.
Dorie’s Classic Banana Bundt Cake, Susanized
This is what I learned. I cannot create recipes like Liz or Chris or Trevor or Andrea or Susan. I’ll never make biscotti like Kathy or pastry like Mardi and Cher. (I’ll go to my grave blaming the altitude for that.) My FFWD administrative partner, Betsy, is my trusty wiz kid of the keys. Honestly, I will never have the artistry and talent with food that most of my friends here and in Las Vegas possess. What I can do well is read a recipe and follow the rules. I’ve nailed Copycat. As you can see from this week’s photos, I glean tips and advice and ideas from my blogging colleagues. Thankfully and graciously, my friends and family have enthusiastically embraced this passion of mine if only to make me happy. Good Sports is an understatement.
If you lack oven space, try scalloped potatoes in a crockpot. Just before serving, I transferred them to a container, stuck them under the broiler for a wonderful crust on top.
While the nugget from this week’s Post is Never Give Up, you’ll find the recipe for the amazing Pipérade, last week’s FFWD choice, here. I served it both as a topping for Sea Bass and stand-alone relish. Here’s the recipe for Smitten Kitchen’s bundt. Try Dorie’s classic Banana Bundt, Susanized. Here and Here. Interested in scalloped potatoes in a crockpot? Here. Finally, to see what other Doristas created this week, try this link.
Deb who blogs at Smitten Kitchen bakes a wonderful Triple Berry Bundt.
I’d say you are an ace in the kitchen, no matter what you think. I’m glad that your food blogging career resulted in our paths crossing. I can’t imagine not having met you. I’m glad to hear you had so much success in the kitchen this week.
Mary, I agree, life it too damn short, lets enjoy it now.
Mary, I’m with you. I was initially so intimidated by my fellow bloggers. And now, 3 years later, I still do not consider myself a proper food blogger in the true sense of the word. I consider myself a home cook and the pictures I take are pictures of the food we eat here in my home. I still have moments where I think that maybe I need to put in a bit more effort to the whole picture taking part of this adventure. But for the most part I’ve found peace with my role. Hey, this is real life and real food in a family of two who both work 9 to 8.
And, never give up, Mary. I so enjoy your blog and your company in this cooking adventure. Keep it up!
So glad you feel happy again. Being a volunteer ranger sounds interesting. Good job on the rillettes and piperade stir fry.
That all looks so delicious! As usual, it is hot here in Las Vegas and hitting 109 on Sunday. I am thinking your menu sounds perfect. Miss you my friend.
Mary one of the best things about this whole FFWD journey has been meeting all of you. It’s been lovely watching your journey and here’s to many many weeks of cooking and baking (and no fish!) ahead of us! XO
Dear Mary, may I start by saying that I loved, loved reading your blog post. See, that is the one thing that I have not but respect endlessly when I come across it (like here on your blog) – it is the ability to write beautifully…it sometimes drives me crazy that I do not know all the right expressions and play on words in the English language…so, I am more than happy to learn and even happier when I come here and read your wonderful writing!!! Thank goodness for FFwD – otherwise I would never have “met” you and become such friends with you…
And, yes, your Salmon Rillettes look wonderful – I feel like running into the kitchen to make some more for a late Saturday lunch – these were also my favorites. The Pipérade did not make it into my wok – we do not appreciate peppers very much but your colorful version looks very tempting!
I am so glad to read that you are doing well and I am very grateful for our friendship – looking forward to all your upcoming posts!
Hugs and kisses from the girls (who are presently attending to their nine bunnies).
Have a great weekend,
Andrea & Co.
Your story and mantra is one I am looking for at this juncture of life. Your post was quite meaningful and appreciated. Thanks and happy to see you’ve landed well. Love the salmon rillettes too.
Mary, I may be able to make biscotti…but you are a great story teller! Your blog is always a fun read! I totally agree with you…never give up, life is too short to not grab onto it and enjoy every day God gives you! I for one am glad you’re here, I love having you as a friend!
Oh..btw…your rillettes look wonderfully delicious!
From one copycat to another…I loved this post! (though half the time I’m not even that good of a copycat, with a giant ball of 4-year-old distraction running around.)
Mary you are an inspiration to us all. Your resilience and vitality is contagious… and I can’t wait to one day be a guest at dinner party of yours… you are a wonderful cook and a great entertainer. You are one of the reasons I keep plugging away at that this crazy cookbook.
L.O.V.E. your post! and your FFwD dishes!
I’m finally learning to say no. It is a work in progress! I’m so glad that the FFwD group has been part of your journey back to contentment. We are lucky to have you!!! xo
So wish I could have tasted the rillete on a hike with you… Why didn’t you say where and at what altitude and did you see any critters?
Mary, I so admire your attitude toward life. You constantly learn and do new things. I can’t remember a single post of yours in which the recipe didn’t come out beautifully, and your dinner parties look amazing. We can’t all be as precise as some of our fellow FFWD members, but you are a great cook. I hope you’ll continue to tell us about your adventures as a Ranger. I loved the Rockies the one time I went, and hope to make it back one day.
I consider your being able to follow/ copy a recipe a gift. I can’t even manage that much 🙂
I am glad you are climbing to new peaks (both in the park and in life).
XOXO
I’m with Rose – I’ve never felt like a proper food blogger and never got the hang of finding a niche for my blog, either, but I love being able to flex my writing muscles (mostly unsuccessfully) and connecting with all of you has been a gift.
I think you get around the kitchen and life like a pro!