i (NAPSA)—Stemming from its British Colonial heritage, culinary toes. Place snapper on top culture in New Zealand has long been characterized by straightfor- with arugula and roast tomato to the side. Brush with lemon caramel and serve while hot. wardfodder such as steak andfries, fish and chips and baked meats. However, driven by the demands of increasingly sophisticated tourists to the region and influenced by both Vanilla Saffron Aioli Asian and Pacific flavors, New Zealand cuisine has quickly evolved to cater to gourmet tastes. Today’s New Zealand menus combine the incredibly fresh produce, meat and seafood with an eclectic mix of indigenous plants and exotic vegetables to create complex, flavorful dishes. Fortunately, travelers heading to these dreamy, green islands in the South Pacific don’t have to wait long to indulge in a Kiwifeast. For example, Air New Zealandoffers a gourmet New Zealand-inspired menu for passengers traveling in its Business Premier and Pacific Premium Economy classes. Designed by world-renowned consultant chefs, an array of authentic options are paired with fine native winesto offer travelers a glimpse of the country’s culinary culture before they even hit the ground. For a sample of New Zealand cuisine at home, try this recipe handpicked by one of the consultant chefs from Air New Zealand and currently available on all flights originating from North America. New Zealand Glazed Snapper and Arugula Salad with Vanilla Saffron Aioli Serves 4 4 vine-ripened tomatoes 12 baby gourmet potatoes saffron aioli around the pota- {sia This authentic New Zealand dish can help spice up your menu. 4 mediumfillets of fresh snapper 1 cup fresh arugula Place tomatoes on a tray of rock salt in the oven at 320 F and roast until skins begin to split. Remove from oven and keep warm.Slice potatoes into thin slices and panfry in olive oil with sea salt till golden and crispy. In a large pan, fry the snapper (sprinkled with sea salt) skin-side-down until golden. Turn the fillets over to finish cooking the fish. To stop the fillets from curling up, use a fish slice to press down on the fillets as soon as they go in the pan. Hold for 20 seconds at the start. Toss arugula in a bowl with 1 teaspoon of New Zealand or regular extra-virgin oliveoil. Arrange potato slices on warmed dinner plates and squeeze “circles” of vanilla 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar % teaspoon ground New Zealand or regular saffron 1 vanilla pod or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract % teaspoonfine salt 1 egg yolk 6 oz. grape seed oil Boil the vinegar and saffron together. Cut the vanilla pod in half lengthwise and rub the seeds into fine salt. If using vanilla extract, skip this step. In a bowl, whisk vanilla salt or extract onto the yolk, whisk in vinegar and slowly add in the oil, whisking well. Place in a bottle until ready to use. This makesit easy to serve and will keep in the fridge for up to four days. Lemon Caramel % cup sugar 2 tablespoons water % teaspoonsalt Juice of 1 lemon Boil sugar, water and salt till golden caramel in color. Remove from the heat and cool slightly before carefully stirring in the lemon juice. Use a pastry brush to coat the snapperfillets.
