Creamy, Dairy-free Salmon Chowder: celeriac, parsnips, tarragon

 

 

 

I can’t believe Christmas is over already!  The twinkling lights are already dwindling, shopping sales are in full swing, and New Years hype has begun. This year was a bittersweet sort of Christmas: my husband and I’s last Christmas with just the three of us (can’t forget Harvey!).  I’m always so sad when Christmas has passed; it is by far my favorite holiday! So before we jump into 2015, I have one more recipe to share: our Christmas Eve, dairy-free, salmon chowder with celeriac (a.k.a. celery root), parsnips, leeks, and tarragon.  

Christmas Eve dinners have become sort of an easy, throw-together meal in preparation for the food marathon the next day.  When I was younger, I don’t even think my parents cooked the night before Christmas, at least not that I can remember. I do remember we were allowed to leave Santa cookies, even though we ourselves weren’t allowed to eat them!  Now that its just my husband, our dog and I, we are beginning to make our own traditions, and a light seafood supper has become one of them.  Last year, we went over to my in-laws house with 25 of our closest family and friends.  For the occasion, I made a poached salmon nicoise salad and it was gobbled up quicker than I could guzzle down my spiked egg nog. 

This year, I kept with the seafood tradition and went with a creamy chowder: a celeriac, parsnip, and salmon chowder with tarragon.  I know this is a step outside of Love & Garnish’s veggies comfort zone, but by using cashew cream instead of heavy cream, we eliminate a lot of the unnecessary animal fat.  And you know what?! No one at the table even noticed that I used a dairy substitute instead of heavy cream!  The abundance of veggies in this chowder is no coincidence either.  I find the celeriac and parsnips add such a beautiful, bold flavor and texture, while the tarragon is a must with the salmon!  Serve this chowder with fresh rye or pumpernickel bread and a crisp fennel, grapefruit, pumpkin seed and spinach/arugula salad and your good to go for an easy dinner.  

 

 

Although my favorite holiday has passed, I am so excited to see what 2015 brings for our family and what the roles of “mum” and “dad” have in store for us.   As our smaller group of parents and siblings sat down for Christmas Eve dinner this year, special memories were made around this chowder.  I hope you find the same!

Happy New Year to you and yours!