A Feast
Scallops, Pickled Huckleberries, Grapefruit, Vanilla Oil
Potato Gnocchi, Onion, Black Pepper, Egg
Halibut, Chanterelles, Swiss Chard, Champagne Vinaigrette
Crostata, Seckel Pear, Thyme, Honey
This was my first dinner party in my new house. After cooking a professional kitchen all summer, I found cooking at home a bit jarring. I am not used to the burners on my range, I took for granted having multiple food processors and endless supplies of olive oil. But, I loved getting to create my own menu, making mistakes without getting made fun of, and not be told what to do.
Halibut, Artichoke Puree, Green Olive, Heirloom Tomato
Holy Moley! I had no idea a girl could be loved so much. Just when I was complaining to myself that I thought nobody was out there, here you guys came, to congratulate me on this major change in my life. I hope you will continue to come to this blog, even though I am no longer the “ballerina cook”. Should I take that picture down of me in the pot?
I am now officially a “Stage” for a James Beard nominated Chef, and his four amazing restaurants, learning how to cook. Someone pinch me. Please.
Halibut Steaks with Braised Leeks
I know, I know. Where have I been? Well, I am actually house sitting for my Moma while she is in Costa Rica. She is retiring there, so visiting may times BEFORE she retires is a must.
I wasn’t invited (boo!), but she does have a hot tub which is an added “vacation-like” bonus. It is also good for Cashew because he does have a major love interest in my Moma’s teacup poodle, Zoe. But, alas, the excitement dwindles when we are stuck with dismal rain here in Seattle. Being in a hot tub just isn’t as fun when your head is cold. Read the rest of this entry »
Baked Halibut with Thai Basil-Mint Sauce
We were talking to our best friend’s Drew and Josh last night on Skype as we were eating this dinner. Drew, who is also a dancer, and instinctually health conscience, asked me where the “green vegetables” were. I laughed, thinking that if it wasn’t for technology, I would not have gotten “caught” without my leafy greens.
Does anyone have any good Thai vegetable recipes that would go well with this dinner? I was stumped.
Cumin-Scented Ratatouille with Halibut Filets
Ratatouille comes from the word touiller which means “to toss” in French. That is just what this dish is: tossed vegetables. I have never made ratatouille, but after making it, I realized I have had it multiple times. My foodie friend Michael recently made a spanish version of this dish for his wife’s birthday. I was inspired, so I decided to make my own version, roughly based on his recipe.
Ratatouille was originally a poor farmer’s dish. The farmers would use the fresh summer vegetables they had from their crop, and create a meal based on those ingredients. However, culinarily speaking,“poor man’s food” is very trendy and chic right now. On a recent trip to New York City, I ate at a restaurant called Diner that my friend Alexis works at. They have a menu of all seasonal and sustainably-farmed food. The experience was outstanding, because everything was in the peak of its freshness.
This dish would obviously be the best in the summer when all of these ingredients are at their peak. Luckily, Whole Foods makes all food season-free!
Halibut with Coconut Curry Sauce
This meal is a perfect finish to any long day. It satisfies, yet, is very healthy. Between Erik and I, we ate an entire bag of spinach. It also only took about 30 minutes to make! This meal is also great to entertain with. If you prep everything in advance, there is only about 20 minutes of cooking time while you entertain your guests.
