Lavender & Herb Poached Salmon

This recipe uses a French herb blend (herbes de Provence), which contains lavender. Adapted from a Penzey's recipe. I haven't tried this yet. The amount of sugar needed will vary with the type of wine you use - a sweeter wine will require less sugar. Very nice choice for a romantic dinner.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 20 -25  ounces salmon fillets, cut into 4 even pieces,deboned,with skin
• 1 1⁄2 cups dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay)
• 1 1⁄2 cups cold water
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  herbes de provence
• 2  tablespoons  minced dried shallots
• 1 -2  teaspoon salt, to taste
• 2  tablespoons granulated sugar, to taste
• 4  sprigs  fresh  lavender or 4  sprigs  other fresh herbs, to garnish

Directions

1. In a large enough skillet to hold the salmon pieces snugly, but without touching, add all ingredients except the salmon.
2. Heat the liquid for about 20 minutes, bringing it slowly to just below the boiling point (this is to allow the herbs to steep); poaching liquid should be fairly sweet.
3. Set the fish pieces skin sides upward into the hot poaching liquid.
4. If there is not enough liquid to cover the fish, add a bit more water& water in even proportions.
5. Cook 2-3 minutes, at which point you should be able to use a tongs to peel off the skins easily.
6. Continue poaching fish 15-20 minutes at high enough heat to keep the water just under a boil, or until fish is cooked to your liking (it should just start to flake when poked with a fork when ready).
7. Drain and serve garnished with some sprigs of fresh culinary lavender or a sprinkling of any fresh herbs you prefer.