Traeger Salmon and A Taste of Alaska Bacon Jam

You know those families that you always see every year on the Hallmark channel or at the movies during the holiday cinema time...the families that are all dressed up in their beautiful Ralph Lauren ensembles, carrying a carafe of hot cocoa and they are out getting their tree.  When they return home, the fireplace is going with their perfectly behaved golden retriever waiting for them and they decorate the most amazing Macy's store tree.  You know these families that I speak of?  As much as every Pinterest wife and mother would like to have that...yeah, that just never seems to happen for us.

This year was no different.  Now mind you we have tried every tree option out there - tree lots, home improvement store, the fake/pre-lit, grocery store supplied fresh stock and the ever memorable going into the actual forest to the allotted area and cutting down your own tree in the wind storm.

Our front entrance greeters.

This year after our Friday night family dinner date, we were overstuffed with enchiladas, tacos and salsa and decided to search out for out tree.  It was late, we were tired and some of us were getting cranky.  We did a drive by at our favorite grocery store and saw one special very tall tree still tied up.
We got out, gave it a once over and for $39.95 for an 8 foot fresh cut tree, I was willing to take a leap of faith that once we untied the tree, it would be perfect.  My tree searching instinct was right - the perfect Macy's tree (well in our minds it is anyway).  Now, if I could just get my dogs to behave, like the Hallmark channel movies.

This year's finished product.

This dinner is a perfect meal to serve your Ralph Lauren lined guests that you may have over this holiday season.  The bacon jam is from my friend Toni in Alaska.  You can find the recipe at A Taste Of Alaska.  Mine did not turn out as pretty as hers, but it was unbelievably delicious on our salmon.  We even served it round 2, later in the week with our mushroom and blue cheese burgers. YUM!!

A Taste of Alaska Bacon Jam

Easy Glazed Salmon Fillets

Adapted from Traeger Grills

1 side of salmon or 4 center-cut salmon fillets with skin on, each 6 to 8-ounces
Traeger Salmon Shake, or salt and freshly ground black pepper (or your favorite fish seasoning
1/2 cup mayonnaise, preferably Hellmann’s
2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon or dill, or 1 teaspoon dried
Lemon wedges and fresh chopped dill for garnish (optional)

Round 1 - over mustard glazed salmon.

Season fillets with salt and pepper or seasoning and set aside. To make the glaze, combine the mayonnaise and mustard in a small bowl.  Stir in the lemon juice and dill.

Spread the flesh-side of the fillets with the glaze. (Keep the glazed side facing up).

**Grill or bake your fillets (skin side down) at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Transfer to your plates and garnish with sliced lemons, chopped dill and bacon jam.

* Served over a rice pilaf.

Round 2 over burgers.

One Year Ago: Cranberry Bliss Bars