Honey-Glazed Salmon with Lavender and Balsamic

We tried Stacy's method of basting this salmon. We prefer it to turning the fish over as we tasted the sweetness of the honey and balsamic. As to drizzles and pinches - please see note below.

• One 6 ounce salmon fillet per person
• 1 tablespoon olive oil per fillet
• Kosher salt & cracked black pepper to taste
• 1/2 to 1 tablespoon honey (lavender honey is wonderful)
• Drizzle of thick, sweet Balsamic vinegar
• Pinch of Herbes de Provence (some already have contain lavender; if not, add a bit yourself)
• 1/4 - 1/2 cup white wine

METHOD

With a sharp knife, score salmon skin in a diamond pattern to prevent shriveling. Season salmon with salt & pepper.

Heat oil over high heat in nonstick skillet; when sizzling, sear salmon, skin side down for one minute. Reduce heat to medium-hi and continue to cook salmon till color changes halfway up side of fillet. Drizzle with half the honey and sprinkle lightly with Herbes & balsamic.

At this point you can either continue to cook the salmon skin side down, without turning, spooning hot oil over the top to cook till it's done to your liking (this is a lighter, rarer presentation) OR you can turn it to sear the top and caramelize the glaze. Either way, take care not to overcook. It should still be a bit rare in the center as it will continue to cook when you remove it from the heat.

Remove fish from heat and deglaze pan with a drizzle of balsamic and a little white wine. Stir in remaining honey and cook over medium-high heat until well blended and thickish. Spoon over fish and sprinkle again with lavender and/or herbes.

Serve with wilted baby spinach and lentil & rice pilaf.

This recipe from www.inmamaskitchen.com

Contributor: Stacy Cooper

Drizzles and pinches: Experienced cooks use their eyes more as much as their measuring spoons. We didn't want to change these instructions since fingers can distribute herbs better than spoons, and a finger stopping the opening of a bottle allows for a few drops to emerge better than a spoon which sloshes and spills. Let your eyes guide you and this salmon will be one of your favorites.

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