Yield: 4
Time: 20 minutes

In this recipe, an intensely flavored dry hard cider is used to cook tender salmon fillets. The fish is complemented with a sprinkle of buttery hazelnuts and a drizzle of tangy mustard sauce that has hints of sweet cider flavor.

Directions

Pour 3 ounces of the cider into a small saucepan. Heat over medium and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, until the cider is reduced by half to 1.5 ounces.

Stir together the mustard and honey in a small dish. Add the warm reduced cider and stir well until smooth. Stir in a pinch of black pepper and set aside.

Pour the remaining cider into a shallow 5-quart pot or pan. Add the garlic cloves and rosemary. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low to medium heat.

Sprinkle the tops of the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Slide the salmon pieces into the cider and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, just until cooked through and no longer raw in the center. They will be pale pink in color and flake easily with a fork. Use a slotted spoon or large spatula to carefully transfer the salmon to serving plates.

Sprinkle with hazelnuts. Drizzle with cider mustard sauce or serve the sauce on the side.