POACHED SALMON WITH VODKA SAUCE

Steps:

• Wash salmon thoroughly. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Place stock, vermouth and juices in fish poacher or steamer on stovetop.
• On poacher's rack, arrange scallions as a bed. Stuff salmon with as much parsley and dill as will fit in cavity and place fish on scallions. Cover and bring liquid to boil; reduce heat immediately and simmer 20 to 25 minutes, until an instant read thermometer inserted into back of fish, parallel to backbone, reads 125 degrees.
• Take fish out of poacher and remove skin with fingers; it comes off easily while salmon is warm. Place salmon on warmed serving platter and keep warm.
• Pour cooking liquid into small saucepan. Add vodka and bring to boil; reduce to 1/2 cup. Whisk in butter, little by little, until mixture thickens a little.
• Arrange cooked asparagus around salmon and bring whole to the table. To serve, remove head and tail. Cut lengthwise near backbone; remove bone. Cut into portions and serve with sauce.