BRANDADE ON POPPY SEED CRACKERS

Brandade on Poppy Seed Crackers image

Yield Makes about 60 hors d'oeuvres

Number Of Ingredients 10

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1/4 pound choice-grade skinless boneless salt cod
1 large russet (baking) potato
1/2 cup heavy cream
3 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 bay leaf (not California)
1 fresh thyme sprig
1 whole clove
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Poppy seed crackers
Garnish: celery leaves

Steps:

Rinse cod well to remove external salt. Cover with cold water by 2 inches in a bowl and soak, chilled, changing water 3 times, about 24 hours.
Peel potato and cut into 1-inch pieces. Put in a 2-quart saucepan with salted water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil and simmer potato until very tender, about 15 minutes. (Do not drain until ready to whip.)
While potato is cooking, bring cream to a simmer with garlic, bay leaf, thyme, and clove in a very small heavy saucepan, then simmer gently, partially covered, until garlic is tender, about 15 minutes. Discard bay leaf, thyme, and clove and purée garlic with cream in a blender until smooth.
Meanwhile, drain cod and transfer to another 2-quart saucepan with water to cover. Bring just to a simmer and remove from heat. (Cod will just flake; do not boil or it will become tough.)
Drain cod and potatoes in a colander and, while still warm, combine in a large bowl with cream mixture. Beat with an electric mixer at low speed until combined well. Add oil in a slow stream, beating, and season with salt and white pepper. Top crackers with warm brandade just before serving.