Le Hoagie Francaise: Salmon, Brie and Fresh Dill on French Baguette

I love France! I love the language, I love the atmosphere, I love the art, I love the music, I love the shopping. In short, j’aime la vie francaise! Most of all…I love the food!

Every meal in France is an event, even if you just go down to the corner cafe. The dishes are inspired from simple country cooking to fine dining in luxe restaurants. I was lucky to visit France while a close family friend was studying at the famed Le Cordon Bleu. I believe it was pastry week and I am certain it was a diet disaster! But as they say, “When in France…” or was that Rome?

Hmm, anyway to really immerse yourself in the French Cuisine, you don’t have to go all Julie and Julia cooking a million recipes in half a million days. You don’t even have to “Master the Art of French Cooking” (although it is my favorite cookbook). You just have to take simple, fresh ingredients that combine in bright and interesting ways to create excitement for your tastebuds.

As you may know, today is National French Bread Day. So, I figured I would take this opportunity to mesh my American heritage with a little French sensibility. Thus, I give you Le “Hoagie” Francaise…

• 6oz Salmon Fillet
• 1/2 tsp Lemon
• 1/2 tsp Pepper
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 12 inch French Baguette
• 3 oz. Brie or Camembert
• 2 Sprigs Fresh Dill
• 1 Roma Tomato, Sliced
• 1/4 Cucumber, Peeled and Sliced
• 1/4 Red Onion, Sliced
• 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard

Season Salmon with Lemon Juice, Pepper, Garlic Powder and brush with Olive Oil. Bake on 375 for 25 minutes (until just browning on the top).

Seasoned and Baked Salmon with Roma Tomatoes

Slice Baguette lengthwise and spread one side with softened Brie. Top with Dill, Tomato, Cucumber and Red Onion.

Fresh Sandwich Toppings: Dill, Red Onion, Cucumber

Break up Salmon with a fork and place over the sandwich toppings. Spread remaining side of bread with creamy Dijon Mustard and Bon Appetit!

Not Your Typical Hoagie...Happy National French Bread Day!