Secrets of a Simple Salmon

For a special breakfast or brunch menu, think savory and sweet.

Start with smoked salmon. Don’t hide it under a layer of cream cheese sandwiched between two fat bagel halves. Go for dazzling colors and flavors. Feature the salmon in an entree salad of boiled potatoes, onion, capers and dill with a vinaigrette dressing. The tangy flavors will wake up your taste buds.

And the cinnamon- and ginger-scented batter for the Zucchini Muffins is more intensely flavored and less sweet than that of typical muffins. A dollop of peach jam and a steaming mug of latte are the perfect accompaniments.

SALMON-POTATO SALAD

1 cup diced smoked salmon

2 cups diced cooked boiling potatoes, unpeeled

1/2 cup minced red onion

1 tablespoon capers

1 teaspoon minced dill

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon red wine vinegar

1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

Combine salmon, potatoes, onion, capers and dill in serving bowl.

Whisk together oil, vinegar and pepper. Pour over potato salad and toss gently but well. Serve at room temperature.

2 servings. Each serving:

290 calories; 940 mg sodium; 10 mg cholesterol; 12 grams fat; 35 grams carbohydrates; 11 grams protein; 0.83 gram fiber.

ZUCCHINI MUFFINS

1 cup flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ginger

3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed

1 egg

1/3 cup milk

2 tablespoons butter, melted, plus extra for greasing muffin tin

1/2 tablespoon blackstrap molasses

1/2 cup shredded, well-drained zucchini

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger and brown sugar. Set aside.

Stir together egg, milk, butter and molasses in separate bowl. Add to flour mixture, stirring just to combine. Stir in zucchini. Do not beat.

Spoon batter into 6 greased muffin cups. (Note: If using 12-cup muffin tin, fill remaining 6 cups with water for even baking.) Bake muffins at 400 degrees until toothpick inserted in center of 1 muffin comes out clean, 20 to 22 minutes.

6 muffins. Each muffin:

146 calories; 263 mg sodium; 47 mg cholesterol; 5 grams fat; 21 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams protein; 0.11 gram fiber.