It’s been a very interesting week getting the new business off the ground. Aside from opening up the Etsy shop I also did a local art show called Art in the Park. It was a great experience as I was able to get advice from fellow artists and everyone was so positive. In addition to getting a few sales I also got great positive feedback which lets me know I’m not tilting at windmills.
I also upgraded this site to the business level and spent quality time with the “happiness engineers” to get a shop set up on my blog. It took several hours as I seem to have a knack to ask for stuff that require special coding. I still have a few more things to do but it’s all a go now!
Earlier this summer, when we were in Swanage, we took my in-laws out to dinner to thank them for putting us up and putting up with us. We tried an Italian restaurant in town which wasn’t too bad. The highlight of the meal was for my daughter and I as we ordered poached salmon with an amazing basil sauce. She and I raved about it. Once all the summer adventures were over I knew I needed to make this again as a treat.
I will admit, using fresh basil in it’s prime is best. Our basil in the garden is a bit past it’s prime but the flavour was still there.
Making the Basil Wine Sauce
Prep the salmon first. Season with sea salt and pepper. Slice a lemon to grill the salmon on.

Grilling over lemons gives it a great flavour.
Pick a bunch, about three handfuls. Wash and blend with a third a cup of dry white wine.
In a saucepan melt 3-4 tablespoons of butter. Add 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped, along with the basil and wine. Sauté on low to medium heat. The goal is to have a hint of the white wine come through with the basil being the highlight. If need be, add more butter to get the right balance. Sometimes the wine can be a bit harsh.
While this is cooking, grill up the salmon. I also grilled chicken for my husband and son. Do up a fresh salad and top with the salmon and the basil wine sauce.
I was hoping this meal was the swan song of the summer but the summer just won’t quit! My daughter enjoyed this and was happy I can recreate the dish for us. I think the best trips down memory lane are food related.

Grilled Salmon with Basil Wine Sauce
A delicious sauce of basil and wine drizzled over grilled salmon.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 1/2 lb wild sockeye salmon
- 1 lemon
- pinch sea salt
- pinch freshly ground pepper
Sauce
- 1 1/2 cup fresh basil
- 1/3 cup dry white wine
- 3-4 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
Instructions
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Season the salmon with the sea salt and pepper. Slice the lemon about 1/4"/.6cm thick. Heat up the grill and grill the salmon on the lemon slices.
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Blend the basil and wine together. Melt the butter in a skillet. Add the basil and garlic and sautè. Add more butter if needed to keep a balance of flavour with the wine.
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Make a salad, top with the salmon and basil wine sauce.