- 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
 - 1/4 cup neutral oil
 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
 - 1/4 cup red-wine vinegar
 - 1 garlic clove
 - 1 bay leaf
 - 1 stem fresh thyme
 - 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
 - 1/4 cup whole blanched almonds
 - 2 teaspoons smoked Spanish pimenton
 - 3-pound mackerel, filleted
 - 1/4 pound thinly sliced sweet capicola ham
 - Ryvita dark rye crackers
 - sweet butter
 - bright green and yellow celery leaves from the heart
 
- In a nonreactive stainless steel pot, combine all the marinade ingredients. Bring to a simmer, then turn off the heat and allow to steep for 1 hour.
 - Brush the fish on the skin side with a neutral oil, then mark the skin-side of the mackerel fillets on the hot side of the grill (or using a grill pan).
 - Place the fillets in a hotel pan, flesh side down, and cover with the warm marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 day.
 - Drain mackerel filets, reserving the marinade liquid.
 - Spoon two tablespoons marinade liquid over the fish. Assemble your plate with the onion, almonds, buttered crackers, and ham. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.