Caviar Mousse

Directions

1. 1
   Place the almonds in a heatproof bowl with boiling water to cover.
2. 2
   Let stand until the water is tepid.
3. 3
   Drain well and, using your fingertips, pop off and discard the skins.
4. 4
   Line a small tray or baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.
5. 5
   Place the peeled almonds on the prepared tray and refrigerate for about 8 hours or overnight.
6. 6
   Preheat the oven to 200F.
7. 7
   Remove the almonds from the refrigerator and place on a small baking pan.
8. 8
   Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, just to dry slightly.
9. 9
   Do not roast.
10. 10
    Pour about 1 teaspoon of the corn oil into a medium mixing bowl and, using your fingertips, rub the oil around the interior of the bowl to coat lightly.
11. 11
    Combine the almonds with the potato and onion in the oiled bowl.
12. 12
    Add 1 tablespoon of the oil and toss to coat, mashing the potato slightly and pulling the onion apart.
13. 13
    Working with about one third of the almond mixture at a time, pass it through an electric mixer fitted with the fine grinder attachment or through a stand-alone meat grinder into the oiled bowl, allowing the food to pass through the grinder completely before adding the next third.
14. 14
    This will prevent clogging.
15. 15
    The consistency should be of a coarse meal.
16. 16
    When all of the mixture has been ground, remove the grinder attachment from the mixer and fit the mixer with the bowl and paddle.
17. 17
    Place the tarama in the mixer bowl and, with the mixer on low speed, begin beating the tarama, adding the remaining corn oil in a slow, steady stream.
18. 18
    Then add the extra virgin olive oil in a slow, steady stream.
19. 19
    When well blended, remove the paddle attachment and change to the wire whip.
20. 20
    Continuing to mix on medium speed, add the lemon juice in a slow, steady stream.
21. 21
    When well blended, stop the motor, scrape down the sides of the bowl, and add the almond mixture.
22. 22
    With the mixer on low speed, slowly combine the mixtures.
23. 23
    When well combined, begin adding the seltzer, an ounce at a time, until the taramasalata is as light and airy as light, fluffy mashed potatoes.
24. 24
    Transfer to a nonreactive storage container, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving with warm pita triangles.