It’s officially autumn, and starting to feel like it around here.  Nothing represents fall better than pumpkin—pumpkins for Halloween, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks, pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving.  Pumpkin means fall!  So, here’s a festive fall salmon with a simple glaze made from pumpkin butter that can be purchased at the store.  You’ll have all of your friends begging for some seasonal seconds!

Salmon Filet with Pumpkin Glaze:

Serves 6
1 side of sockeye salmon (2 ½ or 3 pounds) de-scaled and pin bones removed
OR 6 salmon fillets
1/2 cup pumpkin butter
1/2 tsp garlic powder or 1 clove fresh garlic.
1/2 tsp Salt
½ tsp fresh ground pepper
Olive oil

Prepare a broiler safe baking sheet by coating with olive oil.   Rinse the salmon under color running water and pat it dry using paper towels.

Place the salmon on the prepared baking sheet skin side down.  Sprinkle the salmon with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then spread the pumpkin butter over the salmon using a rubber spatula so that it is evenly coated.

Turn broiler on high and allow to heat up for 2 minutes before placing the salmon into the oven a few inches away from the broiler (set the rack on the highest it will go).  Cook for 6 to 8 minutes under the broiler or until the fish flakes when pierced with a fork or the internal temperature of the thickest part of the fish reads 131 degrees on an instant thermometer.  Remove the fish from the oven and allow to rest for a few minutes.  Serve immediately with broccoli and yellow squash.

This recipe is perfect for serving the whole family, or a large crowd for a autumnal dinner party.  The pumpkin butter can be purchased at most grocery stores in the jam and jelly section.  If you don’t use up all of the pumpkin butter, it also adds a fall flavor to English muffins, toast, and even on pancakes!  I’ve used apple butter in place of pumpkin butter in this recipe from time to time, and it turns out just as delicious.

Salmon with a pumpkin glaze is great for enjoying in an outside dining area (weather permitting) by a fire with a few fine friends.  My wine suggestion—an Oregon pinot noir.