I’m back from a brief hiatus (well, somewhat brief) with a brand new blog, a new website along with a brand new recipe. And who knows… maybe even a brand new me. 😉
It’s been an interesting and busy few months. It’s been so busy that when I was walking past a mirror the other day, I glanced, and then wondered “who is the strange woman staring back at me?”. I haven’t gotten as much sleep as I should due to late nights and early mornings, my roots need a touch up, I have man hands from cooking so much and Tank looks like a mop exploded.
Life is crazy. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I cherish all the work during the busy times and when things slow down, I savor the moments and breathe deeply.
A few months ago, I felt the need to step away; get back to my culinary roots and remember why I started this journey in the first place. During that time I was constantly reminded how food brings us together, how it mends a broken soul, cures a heartache, brightens a day and nourishes a body.
Food is the element that brings us to the table, where life is lived and memories are made.
I worked on some fun projects that challenged and recharged my creative juices and another larger project that made me realize I’m not super woman and I can’t change people or change the rules in which they play the game of life. I’m forever the optimist and when these things happen, I take it as a gentle reminder to firmly plant my feet on the ground and move on.
I met some amazing young people who will forever be in my heart. Young people who displayed talent, confidence, compassion and a sense of justice for all. I will forever remember these young adults, for not only the hard work they displayed but the lessons they’ve taught me.
With so many recipes and photos stacked up just waiting to be shared, I thought I’d begin with this Smoked Salmon Fettuccine.
The lush and perfectly smoked salmon was sent to me by one of my favorite farm to table companies, Barn2Door. As you might have guessed, I completely adore the CEO of the company and consider her one of my dear friends. Janelle Maiocco started Barn2Door out of love and passion for local farm food. Barn2Door is a marketplace where you can buy sustainably grown meat, fish, fruits, vegetables & items like raw honey and real maple syrup right from producers and growers. Farmers, fishers, ranchers and gardeners have their own store – like Etsy for farms – where they showcase the food they have for sale, and manage direct communications, sales and fulfillment (local delivery, national shipping or both). Farm food online!
Janelle was kind enough to send me seafood, which she knows I love, from Two If By Seafoods which is one of the many companies that sells local product through Barn2Door.
Two If By SeaFoods is a direct source of Wild Alaska Salmon brought to you by a 4th generation Bristol Bay fisherman. Like the Founding Fathers, we believe in Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness . . . which, of course, means fishing! We are dedicated to bringing you the quality of one of the world’s best maintained, pristine and protected salmon runs. This involves the whole process, from the operation of the fishery to delivering the fish to you. We are passionate about promoting the history and culture of this unique part of the world, protecting it for future generations. On board the F/V Paul Revere, we select premium fish to be processed within hours: fileted, vacuum packed and flash (blast) frozen to preserve the ultimate in quality. From our boat to your table!” – from their B2D store
I couldn’t have been happier with the smoked salmon that graces this delectable Smoked Salmon Fettuccine. Gorgeous, rich color with a subtle smoked flavor and a perfect texture that melted in my mouth.
Because I know you’re going to want to make this Smoked Salmon Fettuccine, the fantastic crew at Barn2Door has generously offered $15 off any Barn2Door purchase over $50. Just use the promo code KARISTA15 which is valid until 11/30/2015. Perfect for the Thanksgiving holiday! They also have a edible holiday gift guide that will make gift giving simple and delicious for the holiday season: https://www.barn2door.com/blog/edible-holiday-gift-guide-2015
My deepest thanks to you for continuing to visit the blog while I was away and for sharing recipe links from Karista’s Kitchen Facebook, Instagram and Pinterst. I couldn’t ask for a lovelier and more loyal group of friends who support great food and a delicious life around the table.
Delicious Wishes and Loads of Love!
Karista
Smoked Salmon Fettuccine
Ingredients
- 1 lb fettuccine, cooked according to package directions
- 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large shallot, diced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme or lemon thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian parsley, chopped
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 10-12 ounces smoked salmon, shredded
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Add the olive oil to a large skillet or sauté pan and heat over medium heat.
- Add the diced shallot and cook until translucent or wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Then add the garlic, herbs and pinch of crushed red pepper and sauté for a minute longer.
- Next, stir in the dry white wine and let the wine reduce by half. Once the wine is reduced, stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer the heavy cream until it begins to thicken.
- Once the heavy cream begins to thicken, stir in the parmesan cheese and season to taste with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Gently fold the smoked salmon into the cream sauce and toss with the pasta. Garnish with additional parmesan cheese, chopped Italian parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
- Serve immediately.
A beautiful dish! Smoked salmon is one of my favourite ingredients.
Thank you Virginia! I too adore smoked salmon and usually keep it stocked in the fridge just for nibbling. Hope you’re doing well!
Welcome back! And the new site looks absolutely wonderful. What gorgeous salmon – thank you for sharing your vision for it!
Thank you Ksenia! It is a gorgeous dish and includes all my fave ingredients, cream sauce and salmon! 🙂 xoxo
Love how the salmon makes this such a colorful dish.
Thank you Karen! It’s a lovely meal with all my favorite ingredients. 🙂 Hope you’re doing well and wishing you joyous holidays!
I’m so glad you had such an enriching and refocusing time away. XO This dish is a beautiful and scrumptious way to return. 🙂
Thank you Krista! What a great way to describe it… refocusing. It truly was. 🙂 Hope you’re doing well! xoxo
Glad to see you back Karista and this is one simple and delicious dish. Just gorgeous! I hope you can take some for yourself to rest and take care.
Thanks BAM! It’s good to be back in my office again, and keeping things simple is my goal. 😉 Happy Holiday season to you!