Maple Glazed Salmon and Onion-Mashed Potatoes

Happy end of the week! It’s definitely feeling more like summer these days; it’s been getting hot. But rather than do a summery post (which there will be plenty of, believe me), I’ve decided to do a warm filling dinner post, especially since college doesn’t provide you with much of those. So today’s is maple glazed salmon with a side of onion-mashed potatoes! This is incredibly delicious, and the sweetness of the glaze contrasts the salty mashed potatoes in a perfect way. So give it a shot!

Ingredients:

·      ¼ cup brandy

·      1 ¼ cups maple syrup

·      1 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp water

·      2 medium onions, roughly chopped

·      2 tbsp vegetable oil

·      2 pounds red potatoes

·      2/3 cup milk, heated to a simmer

·      2 tbsp unsalted butter

·      Salt and pepper to taste

·      4 salmon fillets, about 7oz each

·      2 tbsp vegetable oil

Pour the brandy into a pan, light it on fire, and flambé for about 5-10 seconds. Add the maple syrup to the pan and heat at medium heat. Whisk in the cornstarch/water mixture and simmer for 5 minutes, and then cool to room temperature. This is the maple glaze.

Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Toss the onions in 2 tbsp oil and bake for about 15 minutes, or until soft, and puree the onions in the blender. Bring a pot of water to boil, add the potatoes, cover, and boil until fork-tender (easily pierced with a fork). Remove the potatoes and place them in a bowl, and mash them with the onions, milk, and butter, and season with salt and pepper.

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Brush the salmon with oil and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a sauté pan over medium-high heat, and sear both sides, about 1 minute each side. Place the salmon on a baking sheet, drizzle 1 tbsp of the maple glaze, and bake for 12-15 minutes. Place a salmon fillet on a plate, top with potatoes, and drizzle some more glaze on top. Enjoy!