Blast away the season’s chilly temperatures with this hot, smoky dish.
Winter in the West doesn’t mean resort ranches close up shut for the season. Some, like The Home Ranch, embrace the cold for all-inclusive luxury adventures in a shimmering winter wonderland.
Located less than 20 miles from Steamboat Springs, Colorado, in the Elk River Valley, The Home Ranch provides guests with 30 kilometers of groomed Nordic ski trails, snowshoeing, ski and snowshoe lessons, sleigh rides, a private hot tub on each of the guest cabin’s porch, and daily gourmet meals.
Get a taste of The Home Ranch’s winter getaways with this recipe, that’s sure to melt away winter’s chill.
Tequila-Cured Salmon
(Cures 1 side salmon)
1 side King salmon, skinned (optional), bones removed
1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce, chopped
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
¼ cup mustard seed
2 tablespoons cumin
5 limes, zested
2 cups kosher salt
3 cups brown sugar
1 cup tequila
On a 2 feet-by-2 feet piece of cheesecloth, place the salmon skinned side down in a large, deep baking pan.
Combine the chipotle, cilantro, mustard seed, cumin, and lime zest. Smear on the salmon.
Combine the salt, sugar, and tequila in a bowl. Pour over salmon, wrap with the cheesecloth. Place another pan on top of the salmon and weigh it down, be careful not to overflow the marinade everywhere. Place in the refrigerator 6 – 8 hours.
Remove salmon, clean, and run it briefly under warm water to remove excess salt and sugar. Cut into fillets and either pan roast or grill.
For more information on The Home Ranch, visit the resort’s website. Photography: Courtesy The Home Ranch
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