"EVERY SPRING ... A PERPETUAL ASTONISHMENT." ~ CEDAR PLANKED SALMON with MAPLE GLAZE / ROSEMARY ROASTED POTATOES

"Every spring is the only spring - a perpetual astonishment."

~Ellis Peters

~ Spring container garden

(Daffodil, pussy willow, primrose, English daisy)

___________

CEDAR PLANKED SALMON WITH MAPLE GLAZE
~ Native Americans pioneered the art of roasting on wood planks. The rich aroma of red cedar adds a sweet, spicy, roasted flavor. This keepsake recipe ( a 'perfect' marriage of maple syrup & cedar) came with the Chinook plank.

___

1 cup pure Michigan maple syrup

2 Tbsp. finely grated peeled fresh ginger root

4 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

3 Tbsp. soy sauce

1 1/2 tsp. minced garlic

2 1/2 lbs. center-cut salmon fillet with skin

Greens from 1 bunch scallions

• In a small heavy saucepan simmer maple syrup, ginger root, 3 Tbsp. lemon juice, soy sauce, garlic, and salt & pepper to taste until reduced to about 1 cup, about 30 minutes. Let cool. Maple glaze may be made 2 days ahead and chilled, covered. Bring maple glaze to room temperature before proceeding.
• Preheat oven to 350-degrees. Season surface of plank lightly with cooking oil. Arrange scallion greens in one layer on plank. In another small saucepan, heat half of the glaze over low heat until heated through to use as a sauce. Stir in remaining lemon juice. Remove from heat and keep warm.
• Place salmon, skin side down, on scallion greens. Brush with remaining glaze. Season salmon with salt & pepper. Roast in middle of oven until just cooked about 25-30 minutes. Note: Without a plank, bake on foil-lined pan or in baking dish for about 35 minutes. Delicious served with Rosemary Roasted Red skin or Sweet Potatoes (Slice potato in wedges, toss with extra-virgin olive, chopped fresh rosemary and coarse salt & freshly cracked pepper to taste. Place in ovenproof pan or iron skillet and bake in 450 degree oven 45 minutes or until roasted, turning occasionally.)

~ Pussy Willow