• prep: 1 hr
• cook: 2 hr
• total: 3 hr

servings:

When the opportunity arises—as it did with this salmon—we can't resist a little trompe l'oeil, a chance to have some harmless fun with our food, because, well, food is fun. And with Hanukkah being a particularly kid-friendly holiday, we know children and adults alike will get a big kick out of the edible potato "scales" that top these individual slabs of salmon. Your budding young chefs will love arranging the scales on the fish. Editor's Note: This recipe is part of Gourmet's Modern Menu for A Hanukkah Feast. Menu also includes Swiss Chard with Horseradish and Apple Fritters with Orange Glaze .

• 2 (2 pound) pieces center-cut salmon fillet
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 large russet (baking) potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds total)
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Lemon slices for serving
• An adjustable-blade slicer; a 1- to 1 1/2-inch round cookie cutter; two slotted spatulas (see Cooks' notes)

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