Walnut-Rosemary Crusted Salmon

This great salmon recipe from Eating Well was recommended by Ann Fleming; a great home cook in her own right. We were lucky enough a decade ago to be part of a food-focused tour of Italy led by Nadia Frigeri, who taught cooking classes for years in San Diego. She frequently told the restaurants we visited that we were food writers from America and of course we benefited greatly. I remember the first night’s dinner at Harry’s Bar in Venice, which I knew to be outrageously expensive. I asked Nadia afterward how she was managing that on the reasonable amount she was charging for the trip, and she replied that she paid Italian prices, not tourist prices. So make sure you invite an Italian friend when you go!

This dish is fairly easy to prepare and can be organized ahead of time. I wasn’t sure if rich salmon would complement a nut crust, but it was absolutely delicious. This recipe says it serves 4, but two of us ate every bite.

2 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 clove garlic, minced

1/4 tsp. lemon zest

1 tsp. lemon juice

1 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary

1/2 tsp. honey

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper

3 Tbs. panko breadcrumbs

3 Tbs. finely chopped walnuts

1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 (1 pound) skinless salmon fillet, fresh or frozen

Olive oil cooking spray

Chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges for garnish

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

Combine mustard, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, rosemary, honey, salt and crushed red pepper in a small bowl. Combine panko, walnuts and oil in another small bowl.

Place salmon on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the mustard mixture over the fish and sprinkle with the panko mixture, pressing to adhere. Lightly coat with cooking spray. (I didn’t do this)

Bake until fish flakes easily with a fork, about 8 to 12 minutes depending on thickness. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges, if desired. Serves 4 ? I couldn’t resist borrowing this beautiful photo from Eating Well!