Salmon Wellington with Dungeness Crab

I've been so busy lately, that I haven't had a moment to write, let alone cook for pleasure. Vince and I recently returned from a trip to Manzanillo, Mexico. We're in the midst of our latest venture - Culinary Tours in Mexico - but more about that later.

I swear to you I just blinked and the holidays are here. I am sure you've been as busy as I have, probably busier so when it comes to holiday entertaining it has to be simple. Well, this recipe for Salmon Wellington fills the bill. It's simple yet elegant and people will think you spent hours in the kitchen. Just go with it, you deserve a little praise...

Salmon Wellington with Dungeness Crab
Recipe and photo by Chef Erin Coopey, culinary-artist.com
(Serves 4-6)

Ingredients
1 2-3 lb King Salmon fillet, skin and pin bones removed
2 sheets of puff pastry, defrosted according to package instructions
1 lb frozen chopped spinach, thawed
8 oz Dungeness Crab Meat, rinsed and picked through for any remaining shells
3 tbsp mayonnaise
2 tbsp minced shallots
3 eggs, beaten
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F
Remove excess moisture from the spinach by wrapping it in cheese cloth or a clean kitchen towel, and squeezing.

Combine the crab, mayonnaise, shallots, salt and pepper in a bowl. Mix together and set aside.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly coat the parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray. place one rectangle of puff pastry out on it. Place the salmon fillet in the center of the puff pastry and top with the spinach. Spread the crab mixture over the top of the spinach evenly.

Paint the puff pastry around the circumference of the salmon fillet with the beaten eggs. Top with the remaining piece of puff pastry and trim the excess dough from the package. Paint the top piece of puff pastry with the beaten eggs and crimp the edges of the top and bottom pieces of puff pastry to seal the salmon within.

Cut decorative vents in the puff pastry approximately every 2-3 inches down the length of the package. You can use a cookie cutter to cut decorative pieces of puff pastry to place on top of your salmon Wellington prior to cooking if desired. Be sure to brush with egg wash prior to cooking. (See my little puff pastry salmon cut-out below.)

Place in pre heated oven for 30-35 minutes until puff pastry is golden brown. Remove and allow to stand before attempting to slice for serving.