🦀 Bûche Salée with Flavors of the Sea: Crab, Smoked Salmon & Prawns 🌊
This festive Bûche Salée combines the delicate flavors of crab, smoked salmon, and prawns, creating a savory rolled delight perfect for special occasions. A showstopper that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, it brings the freshness of the sea to your table! 🍽✨
Perfect for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or as a stunning appetizer, this savory “Yule log” will impress everyone with its elegant presentation and delicate flavors. Ready to create a masterpiece? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Dish:
- Elegant and Unique: A savory twist on the traditional bûche de Noël, filled with seafood goodness.
- Delicate Flavors: The mix of crab, smoked salmon, and prawns is light yet full of flavor.
- Perfect for Holidays: A beautiful centerpiece for your festive spread, adding a touch of sophistication.
Ingredients (Serves 6 to 8 People)
For the Bûche Base:
- 200g crab meat (fresh or canned, well-drained)
- 150g smoked salmon, chopped into small pieces
- 250g fresh cheese (mascarpone or Philadelphia)
- 3 eggs, separated (yolks and whites)
- 100ml heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives (or dill, depending on your preference)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Decoration:
- 6 prawns (peeled)
- 1 lemon (zest for the preparation and wedges for decoration)
Step-by-Step Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Bûche Base
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Separate the egg whites from the yolks into two bowls.
- In the bowl with the yolks, add the fresh cheese, mustard, and cream. Whisk together until smooth and homogeneous.
- Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the cheese mixture, being careful to keep the mixture light and airy.
Step 2: Add the Seafood Ingredients
- Gently fold in the crab meat and smoked salmon into the mixture, stirring carefully to maintain the fluffiness of the base.
- Line a bûche mold or a rectangular baking dish with parchment paper. Pour in the mixture and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 3: Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the bûche is golden and firm to the touch.
- Let the bûche cool completely in the mold before unmolding to ensure it holds its shape.
Step 4: Decoration and Serving
- Once the bûche has cooled, carefully unmold it onto a serving platter.
- Decorate with the peeled prawns, arrange lemon wedges around, and sprinkle with fresh chives or dill.
Tips and Variations:
- Freshness Tip: For an extra zesty punch, add some lemon zest directly into the base mixture before baking.
- Variation: You can substitute the crab meat with other seafood like lobster or scallops for a different twist.
- Make-Ahead: This dish can be made a day in advance and refrigerated, making it perfect for holiday prep!
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving):
Calories: ~300 kcal
Protein: ~18g
Fat: ~20g
Carbs: ~5g
Final Thoughts:
This Bûche Salée with Flavors of the Sea is a perfect festive dish that combines sophistication and delicious, delicate seafood flavors. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or hosting a special dinner, it’s sure to be a showstopper!
Bon appétit! Enjoy every bite of this sea-inspired masterpiece. 🌊🍽
