Salmon Terrine with Apple, Cucumber and Caper Salad

I was lucky to be invited to join a group that gets together for 'degustation' type dinners where each couple contribute a course. This dinner had a '5 Nations' theme based on the Rugby tournament.
Lynn (my partner for the night) and I selected 'France' as our theme country and were given 'starters' as a course.

We did a trial of the terrine which was very successful. The 'relish' is supposed to be a small amount on the side but we really liked it so increased it to a salad!

This really is a super super easy dish and one that can be be made in advance. My trustee mandoline ensured the salad was very uniform in size and quick to prepare. The hardest part (seriously) is cutting it thinly and keeping it in shape. We did this by having it very cold and using a very sharp wet knife.

We served it with french bread crisped in the oven and the 'salad/relish.

Themed berets, preparing to serve the terrine. 

It is very rich so each serving only needs to be small.

While not an inexpensive dish, due to the fact that it was so easy to make and could be made in advance I will be making this again for a special meal or occasion.

The recipe comes from NZ Cuisine online - my never fail go to when hunting for special recipes.


Salmon Terrine with Apple, Cucumber and Caper Salad
SERVES: 8-10This recipe is best started a day before serving to allow the creme fraiche and salmon time to set

I used smoked salmon pieces in the mousse – they’re the fatty bits from the belly and tail, which have more flavour.

450g smoked salmon pieces (I used Southern Ocean)
100g full-fat cream cheese
2 tablespoons chopped dill fronds, plus extra sprigs to serve
300g creme fraiche or quark
juice of 1 lemon
pinch of hot cayenne pepper
400g smoked salmon slices

Place the salmon pieces, cream cheese and dill in a food processor and process until just combined. Transfer to a bowl and stir through the creme fraiche or quark. Add the lemon juice and cayenne pepper to the mix then gently fold them through.

Line the base and sides of a terrine dish or loaf tin with cling film (a little water sprinkled inside helps the film adhere), leaving enough overhang to wrap over the terrine later. Arrange the salmon slices over the base and sides of the dish (save some for the top). Spoon in the mousse filling then cover with the remaining salmon. Cover with the overhanging cling film then chill overnight or for at least 8 hours. Lift out of the dish then invert on to a serving plate. Top with dill sprigs then serve with the relish (recipe follows).

Apple, cucumber & caper relish2 green apples, peeled and cored
4 tablespoons white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons capers, drained
1⁄3 cucumber (or 2 Lebanese cucumbers), peeled, deseeded and diced into 5mm pieces
1 tablespoon finely chopped chives
2 tablespoons grated horseradish (I used a sauce and it worked well)

Slice the apples very thinly then cut into fine matchsticks. Sprinkle with the vinegar (this prevents browning). Chop the capers to form a fine paste. Mix the apple, capers, cucumber, chives and horseradish together then season with freshly ground black pepper.

Refrigerator Cucumber Salad

As summer nears I'm on the look out for salads. This one appealed because it lasts in the fridge for up to 2 months...if it has the chance.
Our evening meals in summer are usually eaten outside and usually have a variety of salads to select from so this will be ideal.

I used my mandolin to slice the veges thinly - it was really quick and easy.
I only made a half recipe, but this made a lot.









Refrigerator Cucumber Salad

4 thinly sliced cucumbers 1-large  sliced red onions 1-large  sliced green bell  peppers (or color of your choice) 1-tbsp salt 2-cup white vinegar (I used apple cider vinegar) 1 1/2-cups sugar (I missed this out altogether) 1-tsp celery flakes 1-tsp red pepper flakes (I used chilli flakes) Mix cucumbers, onions, peppers and salt; set a side. Put vinegar, sugar, celery flakes and pepper flakes  in a pot and bring to a boil. Once mixture comes to a boil remove from heat and  add 2 handfuls of ice until melted. Place all veggies in large mouth canning jars (2 quarts or 1 half gallon jar) Pour mixture over cucumbers,  store in refrigerator. Will keep up to 2 months Makes 2 quart jars- amount will differ based on the size of your veggies. I made mine with fresh from the garden so they may have been smaller than store bought.

I've found a couple of cucumber recipes on Pintrest that I liked the look of. They were pretty simple but had enough 'interest' to make them more appetising than a plate of sliced cucumber.
I especially liked the 'asian' influence in this one where the cucumber is almost pickled.
Once again my trusty mandoline made this really quick to prepare.
I let the cucumber for about an hour to drain the liquid out...it just kept coming.
I'll make this one again. It looked really good with the black and white sesame seeds on it.

Japanese Cucumber Salad

Serves 4 to 6 as an appetizer

• 4 Kirby cucumbers or 2 large cucumbers
• 1/2 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 cup white rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon white or black sesame seeds, or a mixture of both

1. Cut the cucumbers into paper-thin slices. In a large bowl, toss the cucumber slices with the salt (this draws out excess water). Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Drain the cucumber slices in a colander and gently squeeze them with your hands to squeeze out excess water. Return the slices to the large bowl and toss with the rice vinegar mixture. Transfer the cucumber to a serving dish. Serve at room temperature