1 onion, peeled and chopped
1 carrot, peeled and sliced 1/2-inch thick
1 stalk of celery, peeled and sliced 1/2-inch thick
1 head of garlic, halved horizontally
3 sprigs parsley
3 sprigs thyme
1 bay leaf
10 peppercorns
2 teaspoons fennel seed
1 teaspoon coriander seed
1/2 cup white vinegar or 1 1/2 cups dry white wine
2 tablespoons coarse salt
2 quarts water
POACHED FISH
4 6ounce firm fleshed fish fillets, such as salmon, bass, or snapper, skin removed
1 teaspoon oil or butter
23 cups court bouillon, strained
SPICY ALMONDS
1 1/2 cups sliced almonds
1 teaspoon canola oil
1 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce
Juice of one lime
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 scallions, sliced into thin rings, white and light green parts kept separate from dark greens
4 wedges of lime for garnish
WATERCRESS EMULSION
1 bunch watercress
1 tablespoon. coarse salt
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, or to taste