Glazed Salmon Recipe

Ingredients:

1/2 cup apple cider (not hard cider)

1 1/4 tablespoons honey

4 skinless salmon fillets (6 ounces each)

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 lemons

halved 1 tablespoon butter

12 ounces fresh baby spinach

1 1/4 tablespoons white wine

Directions:

1 Preheat oven to 350°F. Place salmon fillets in a baking dish large enough to hold the salmon in one layer.

2 In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the cider and honey to a boil and let the mixture bubble steadily until it reduces by half.

3 Pour the cider over the salmon, then let it sit for 10 minutes.

4 Set a large skillet with a heat-proof handle over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the flesh side of the salmon with salt and pepper. Set the fish in the pan. Cook for 2 minutes, brushing the top with cider glaze so that the fish begins to caramelize.

5 Turn the fillets over and brush with the remaining cider glaze. Add the lemon halves to the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily when tested with the tip of a knife. When you remove the skillet from the oven take special care with the very hot handle. I tend to forget that the handle is hot once the skillet is back on the stove. As a precaution I will melt an ice cube on the handle, or drape a hand towel on it.

6 While the salmon is cooking, in another large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the spinach, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, or just until the leaves begin to wilt. Pour the wine over them and continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes more or until tender.

7 To serve, drain any excess liquid from the spinach and divide it among 4 plates. Arrange a piece of salmon on top and garnish with a lemon half.

Serves four.