Salmon Piccata

Wash and dry the fresh produce. Heat a medium pot of salted water to boiling on high. Cut the broccoli into florets. Using a peeler, remove the yellow rind of the lemon, avoiding the white pith; mince the rind to get 2 teaspoons of zest (or use a zester). Quarter and deseed the lemon. Roughly chop the almonds.

In a large pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the broccoli; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 6 to 7 minutes, or until slightly softened. Add 1/4 cup of water and cook, stirring occasionally, 1 to 2 minutes, or until the broccoli has softened and the water has cooked off. Transfer to a bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside in a warm place. Wipe out the pan.

While the broccoli cooks, add the pasta to the pot of boiling water. Cook, uncovered, 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente (still slightly firm to the bite). Turn off the heat. Drain thoroughly and return to the pot.

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels; season with salt and pepper on both sides. In the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the seasoned fillets, skin sides down. Cook 4 to 5 minutes on the first side, or until the skin is lightly browned and crispy. Flip the salmon fillets.

Add the butter, capers and the juice of 2 lemon wedges to the pan. Cook, occasionally spooning the sauce over the salmon fillets, 1 to 2 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your desired degree of doneness. Turn off the heat and stir in the juice of the remaining lemon wedges.

To the pot of cooked pasta, add the cooked broccoli, lemon zest, crème fraîche and a drizzle of olive oil; stir to thoroughly combine and season with salt and pepper to taste. Divide the finished pasta between 4 dishes. Top with the finished salmon fillets and sauce. Garnish with the almonds. Enjoy!