YIELD: 4 to 6 servings

1 pt.	sour cream
1 Tbsp.	Old Bay or other crab-boil seasoning
1½ lbs.	russet potatoes
5 oz.	smoked salmon, finely chopped
1	small white onion, peeled, grated
½ cup	flour
1	egg yolk
2 tsps.	kosher salt
1 tsp.	ground black pepper
vegetable oil, as needed

1. In small bowl, combine sour cream and crab-boil seasoning. Set aside.

2. Scrub potatoes under cold running water. Shred with large holes of box grater or food processor. Turn shreds into a strainer set over a bowl. Press potatoes firmly. Reserve liquid in bowl; let liquid stand several minutes. Pour off top clean layer and reserve cloudy starch remaining. Rinse squeezed potatoes with cold water. Drain in a colander.

3. In large bowl, combine grated potato, salmon, onion, flour, egg yolk, salt, black pepper and reserved starch; mix well. Form into silver-dollar-sized cakes, squeezing to form the cakes. Arrange cakes on a paper-towel-covered cookie sheet. Pat dry with paper towels.

4. In a large skillet over high heat, heat enough oil to cover ¼ in. over bottom of pan until very hot. Add cakes and cook until well browned. Turn and cook other side.

5. Per portion: Plate 3 cakes. Drizzle sour cream over cakes.

Recipe by Doug Murray, former Associate Director and Executive Chef of Washington State University Dining Services, Pullman