Creamy Trout Mousse

2 trouts (6 oz ea. cleaned) *
1 whole egg
1 egg white
1/4 pint olive or sunflower oil
5 tablespoon creamy yoghurt
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 1/4 teaspoon gelatine powder (or more)
1 fresh parsley & tarragon
1/2 cucumber
1 caster sugar
1 tarragon vinegar
*Note: In lieu of fresh trout, 1/2 lb cooked and flaked fish may be used.
Serves 6 as an appetizer, or 3 as a light lunch.
If using fresh trout, poach them in the oven at 350 F (180 C) gas mark 4
for 30 minutes, then cool, skin, bone and flake - there should be about 8
ounces of cooked flesh.
Separate the egg and use the yolk to make mayonnaise: season it with salt
and pepper, gradually beat in the oil, then 1 teaspoon or so of vinegar to
thin and flavour the sauce.
Put the prepared fish into a food processor. Add the mustard, yoghurt and
1 heaped teaspoon each fresh chopped tarragon and parsley, and whizz to a
perfectly smooth puree. Soak the gelatine (more may be necessary in hot
weather) in 3 tablespoons cold water, let it soften and swell, then
dissolve over low heat. Cool for a minute or two before adding the liquid
gelatine to the fish puree: pour it on in a thin stream while the machine
is running. Carefully and gradually beat the fish puree into the
mayonnaise. Quickly whisk the egg whites to snowy peaks and fold them
intothe fish puree. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Divide the mixture
between 6 ramekins or 3 small souffle dishes. Cover and chill for 2-3
hours until set to a soft cream.
Seed the cucumber but do not peel. Chop it finely, sprinkle it with
1/4 teaspoon each salt and caster sugar and 1/2 teaspoon tarragon
vinegar, and set aside for a couple of hours to draw out some of the
cucumber juices. Drain and pat dry. Top each mousse immediately before
serving with a smallspoonful of the cucumber - a good crunchy contrast to
the soft textured mousse - and garnish with a tarragon leaf. Oatcakes
that have been gently warmed in the oven go well with this dish.