2936. BROCHETTE of SALMON with BACON

yields four servings


1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless salmon
salt to taste if desired
1 large sweet red pepper
6 slices bacon
1 red onion
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 tablespoons shredded fresh basil leaves

Preheat a charcoal grill or oven broiler to high. Soak 8 wooden skewers in cold water to cover until ready to use. Cut the salmon into 1 1/2-inch cubes. There should be 24 pieces. Sprinkle the pieces with salt and pepper. Cut away and discard the pepper core and veins. Discard the seeds. Cut the pepper into 16 pieces of equal size. Cut the bacon into 16 rectangles of equal size. Cut the onion into 16 1/2-inch cubes. Put any remaining onion to another use. Heat a nonstick skillet and add the bacon pieces in one layer. Scatter the sweet pepper and onion cubes over the bacon. Cook, shaking the pieces and stirring for about 1 minute. Drain and let cook slightly. Drain the bacon mixture. Arrange the various foods on each of the skewers as follows: 1 sweet pepper cube, a piece of bacon, 1 piece of salmon, a cube of onion, a piece of salmon, a cube of onion, a piece of bacon, a piece of salmon and a cube of pepper. Brush brochettes all over with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. If the brochettes are to be cooked under the broiler, arrange them on a rack. Place them about 4 inches from the source of heat and leave the door slightly ajar. Cook 3 minutes on one side and turn the brochettes to the other side. Cook 2 minutes. If the brochettes are to be cooked on a charcoal grill, place them on the grill and cook 3 minutes. Turn and cook on the other side about 2 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the butter and add the lemon juice and basil. Stir and pour or brush the sauce over the brochettes.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Pierre Franey, 60-Minute Gourmet, The New York Times, August 27, 1986