Mini Corncakes With Basil Avocado Spread And Smoked Salmon Recipes

CORN CAKES TOPPED WITH AVOCADO, TOMATO, POACHED EGGS AND SMOKED SALMON

Steps:

• Make the corn cakes: Preheat the oven to its lowest temperature setting.
• Combine the flour, cornmeal, baking soda, salt and sugar in a large bowl.
• Whisk together the egg, buttermilk and oil in a medium bowl. Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture along with the jalapeno and cilantro. Whisk just until combined to make a batter.
• Add a pat of butter to a griddle or large skillet. Heat over medium heat until the surface is hot and the butter is melted. Working in batches and adding more butter as needed, pour about 1/4 cup batter to form each 4- to 5-inch pancake; cook until bubbles form on the top and the bottoms are golden and crisp, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip with a spatula and cook on the other side until cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the corn cakes to a rimmed baking sheet and keep warm in the oven until ready to serve.
• Meanwhile, poach the eggs (see Cook's Note): Bring a large pot of water to almost a boil. Add the vinegar, which will help the eggs set.
• Swirl the simmering water, then gently crack each egg into a small bowl and release right above the surface of the water. This is very important in order to prevent them from breaking and to achieve the proper consistency.
• Remove the pot from the heat, cover and let stand until the egg whites are fully cooked and the egg looks like a smooth ball, about 4 minutes. You want the yolks to be runny!
• Remove each poached egg with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
• While the eggs poach, prepare the toppings: Halve and pit the avocados. Scoop the flesh into a medium bowl and mash with a fork. Add salt and pepper to taste.
• To serve: Dollop about 1 tablespoon (or more, if you like) mashed avocado onto each corn cake. Top with 1 slice of tomato and a poached egg. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Drape a nicely folded piece of smoked salmon (about 1 ounce for each cake) over the top and garnish with black pepper and cilantro sprigs. Serve and enjoy!

MINI CORN CAKES WITH AVOCADO AND TOMATOES

Steps:

• For the avocadoes and tomatoes: Slice the avocadoes in half lengthwise. Carefully remove the pit. Using a spoon, scoop out the flesh from the skin and then dice.
• In a large bowl, toss the avocadoes with the lime juice, chile paste, cilantro, garlic, and salt. Taste to make sure it is delicious and well seasoned. Cover with plastic and let sit.
• Toss the cherry tomatoes with olive oil and season with salt. Taste to makes sure they are delicious. Cover and let sit.
• For the corn cakes: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Stir to combine. Make a hole in the center of the dry ingredients and add the eggs, milk, and melted butter. Stir until just combined. Add in the corn kernels and stir to combine.
• Coat a cast iron pan with olive oil and bring to a medium-high heat. Spoon the batter into the pan the size of half dollars. When the sides of the cakes have set and the bottom is lightly browned, turn the cakes over and cook on the other side.
• Remove the cakes and top with some avocado and a tomato half.

SPICY SMOKED SALMON CORNCAKES

Steps:

• In a small bowl whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking soda, and salt. In a bowl whisk together egg, buttermilk, and cream cheese. Chop half of corn coarse and stir into buttermilk mixture with remaining corn, chives, peperoncini, salmon, and cornmeal mixture until just combined.
• In a large non-stick skillet heat oil over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and, working in batches, drop batter by 1/4-cup measures into skillet. Spread batter slightly to form 3 1/2- to 4-inch cakes and cook 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Transfer corncakes as cooked to a heatproof platter and keep warm. Serve corncakes with sour cream, chopped red onion, and lemon slices.