Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Seize the Salt

Several years ago, my dear friend Annie (former Food Network producer who currently runs hot shot production company Actual Industries with her husband Brad) gave me a gift.  Small and unassuming, it was a glass jar that looked like it may have once held jam.  It was a treat much bigger than jam; it was fleur de sel.  I was thrilled.

Fleur de sel (for anyone who is obsessed with neither French nor food) translates literally to "flower of salt."  It's a French sea salt that is hand gathered and prized for its bright, clean flavor.  It's sort of the original designer salt.

I took it home and tucked it away, saving it for a special occasion.  I thought about it every now and then, promised myself that I would find a recipe worthy of its awesomeness.  I never did.  I won't bore you with my philosophical musings on the ant and the grasshopper, but I will say this: I'm trying to be more of a grasshopper.

So, last night I was enjoying a quiet evening at home and decided to play in the kitchen.  What to make?  What to make?  From somewhere in the depths of my subconscious came the answer--caramel.  Little jar of fleur de sel, your time has come.

This is another gem from Epicurious.com: Fleur de Sel Caramels.

Cook the sugar until GBD (golden-brown and delicious).
Add cream, butter, and salt and cook some more.
I finished the caramels with a pinch more fleur de sel.

The ingredients are few; the results are amazing.  Dear readers, seize the day.  Use the good dishes, drink the good wine, eat good caramel, and remember to always...

Keep it sweet. Pin It

1 comment:

  1. Thanks, Dawn! I must admit that I had forgotten about that bottle of fleur de sel. I do dimly recall thinking that you would appreciate it and would be much more likely to use it appropriately. I had no idea it would be *so* treasured. I will have to find more extravagant foodie gifts to send your way. Perhaps someday this 100 year old aged balsamic vinegar?

    http://www.worldsfoods.com/shop/pc/100-Year-Aged-Acetaia-Reale-Balsamic-Vinegar-3p4.htm

    You might have to settle for a 20 year old aged one in the meantime. Thanks for the shout out. I truly wish I were close enough to visit and snag me one of those caramels! Keep the hearth fires lit, Dawn! You rock.

    ReplyDelete