Beet Cured Salmon Gravlax with Goat Cheese Panna Cotta (Holland America)

1 full length salmon fillet, skin on and deboned

1 c sea salt

1 c brown sugar

Grated zest of 2 oranges

1/3 c grated fresh horseradish

2 small red beets, washed thoroughly

1 large bunch of dill, roughly chopped

¼ c aquavit

1 tsp. unflavored gelatin

1 cup heavy cream

½ c milk

1 tbsp sugar

1/2 cup fresh goat cheese, softened

Shaved asparagus from 1 jumbo asparagus pieces

8 small orange segments

1 tbsp picked dill sprigs

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 small shallot, shaved thin

Cut the salmon in half width wise to result in two equal lengths.

In a bowl, mix all of the other ingredients for the salmon together to make the cure.

Stretch two large sheets of cling film over a work surface and spoon over some of the cure.

Lay one of the fillets, skin side down, on the cure, then pack over most of the cure, and sandwich with the remaining fillet, skin side up.

Top with the last of the cure and wrap both fillets together tightly with lots of cling film.

Place in a container with sides, like a large roasting tray, put a smaller tray on top and weigh it down. Leave in the fridge for 72 hours.

Don’t be alarmed by the amount of liquid that leaks out, this is normal. Once a day, pour away the liquid, turn the salmon and re-apply the weights.

Wash off the cure and pat dry with paper towels

Brush the salmon filets with the aquavit

Allow to air dry at least another 3-4 hours before serving

Bring the cream, milk, sugar to a gentle boil.

Turn off the heat and add the gelatin, stirring until dissolved.

Add the goat cheese and stir until smooth. Strain through a fine-meshed sieve.

Divide the mixture among 4-6 ramekins placed on a half sheet pan or cookie sheet.

Refrigerate until set, approximately 3 to 5 hours.