Country Blooming Cake

Ingredients: (serves four) 1 ¼ pounds salmon fillet 1 slice high quality white sandwich bread, crust removed and white part chopped very fine to yield at least 5-tablespoons (I’ve used Pepperidge Farm and homemade baguette with equally good results.) 2 tbsp. Hellmann’s mayonnaise ¼ cup finely grated onion 2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley leaves ¾…

Ingredients: (serves four) 1/3 cup port 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar 4 ounces dried figs (6 large or 12 small), stems removed 1 cup coarse chopped walnuts 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 medium shallots or 1/4 small red onion, minced (about 3 tablespoons) 1/4 teaspoon table salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive…