Wild Salmon Rillettes

Description
Thanks to its high oil content, wild salmon—the star of this delicious spread—boasts a rich, creamy flavor and numerous health benefits. If wild salmon is unavailable, you can substitute farm-raised salmon.

Ingredients

 * ¼ pound skinless wild salmon fillet
 * ½ cup water
 * 4 tablespoons butter, softened
 * 3 ounces smoked salmon
 * ½ teaspoon finely grated lemon peel
 * 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
 * 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
 * 1 tablespoon snipped fresh chives
 * ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
 * 24 slices seedless cucumber, ¼ inch thick

Directions

 * 1) In a small saucepan, combine the wild salmon and water; bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
 * 2) Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until salmon is opaque throughout, about 7 minutes.
 * 3) Transfer to a plate, and let stand until cool.
 * 4) In a food processor, combine butter and smoked salmon; process until smooth.
 * 5) Flake wild salmon in a large bowl.
 * 6) Add the smoked salmon mixture, lemon peel, lemon juice, dill, chives and pepper.
 * 7) Stir well to combine.
 * 8) Spoon the mixture into a small bowl or two small ramekins.
 * 9) Cover, and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.
 * 10) Remove rillettes from refrigerator 1 hour before serving to soften.
 * 11) Serve spread with cucumber slices.