Tips and Tools » With Riesling

Truffled Watermelon-Prosciutto Salad

Makes 10 Servings

Ingredients
1/2 watermelon total (1/4 red and 1/4 golden)
1/2 lb (225 g) thinly-sliced Prosciutto (torn into thirds)
1/2 tsp white truffle oil (real white truffle instead of artificial)
Sea salt (preferrably black for the color contrast)
Garnishes: small shiso leaves, mint leaves, or nothing, as it really doesn't need it

Preparation
Cut watermelon into squares, circles, cubes or wedges. On a very hot, oiled grill, sear 1/4 of the watermelon pieces. You don't want to sear too many as they are meant more as a complement to the majority raw pieces. Arrange a mix of seared and raw watermelon pieces on a serving tray. Top each one with 1/3 slice of prosciutto. Drizzle a drop of oil on each one and dust the dish with salt to taste. I use the black salt here because the high contrast lets you know exactly how much you're using and you don’t get an overzealous hand. I used a few shiso leaves to garnish, which you can do, or perhaps mint, but it is not strictly necessary.

Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon

Makes 2 Servings

Ingredients
1 8" x 9" x 3/4" thick cedar plank*
2 150 to 200 g (5 to 7 oz) salmon fillets
1 large shallot, chopped
Small sprigs of dill (chopped or whole sprigs)
2 lemon wedges
Olive oil
Fresh cracked black pepper
Coarse salt (sea salt)

Preparation
To prepare salmon fillets: place salmon fillets on a platter, and brush with olive oil. Sprinkle chopped shallots over-top. Then place dill sprigs on top and season with fresh cracked black pepper. Allow salmon to come to room temperature. Meanwhile, preheat barbecue to 500°F (all burners on). Once temperature reaches 500°F, turn off all the burners except one. Place cedar plank over flame side, close lid and allow to heat for 2 minutes. Open lid, sprinkle cedar plank with coarse salt, close lid and allow to heat for 2 more minutes. Squeeze lemon over prepared salmon fillets. Gently transfer fillets to hot cedar plank. Close lid and cook / smoke for 13 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare selected fresh vegetables and baked potato or rice to serve along with salmon. Plate and serve immediately. Enjoy with refreshing dry Riesling; also try with off-dry Riesling to compare.

Please note: To allow cedar plank to smoke, use dry wood, do not soak in water before using. Always keep a spray bottle of water handy just in case. If you prefer a less smoky taste, soak cedar plank in water for two hours or longer, before you begin preparation.

*Purchase cedar plank pre-cut from grocery store or visit your local lumber dealer for cedar pieces and cut to your desired length.