It's Good to be Queen

Earlier today I felt like making something different, something that would bring together more than one culture. You know that kind of dish that brings together a few ingredients off the beaten track. So I decided to take a stroll to the nearby pan-Hispanic supermarket, La Placita. I have mentioned them before. They tend to carry things from every country in South and Central America. Whether you are looking for looking for uncommon herbal teas that border on the illicit, or greens that can challenge even those acquired tastes as a walk in the park, they've got it.

After a short drive, and a pit stop at Tarry Market for a quick latte, I made my way to the market. It was a good shopping excursion. Plantains , fresh Mexican chilies were the first items that made it into my basket. The big discovery came when, strolling through the fresh vegetable and salad areas, I spotted a sign indicating Verdolaga. Verdo-what ?  That's what I said to myself. I pulled out my iPhone, a quick Google and bingo , Wikipedia to the rescue. Those beautiful looking greens, slightly reminiscent of water cress, had a  Wikipedia page that told me all about this plant and its culinary uses.

Verdolaga or Purslane, is found on most continents, comes in many varieties, and can be cooked or eaten raw. Hey, it looked good, it tasted good - I snuck in a little nibble - and sounded like a perfect ingredient for a citrusy salad. The came da' bomb. According to the article, Verdolaga  also contains Dopamine and "Dopamine plays a major role in the brain system that is responsible for reward-driven learning" A feel-good salad! Two bunch made their way into my basket !

Steam Poached & Fried Salmon Filet Agro-Dolce Plantains

So here's what the Queen and entourage got to eat for lunch.

Saturday Lunch Menu

Plantains Agro-Dolce
Steamed , then Lightly Fried Salmon Fillets
Verdolaga Salad in Lemon vinaigrette


Preparation Notes:

 Clean and trim the Verdolaga, selecting the most tender stems. Make a lemon based vinaigrette using white vinagre. Toss with some avocado and baby cucumbers slices.

Clean the plantains. Make sure to select some that are ripe and some that less ripe, but not green ones. Saute a small red onion in some EVOO, Toss in some small,yellow and orange peppers, and, yellow some heat from Mexican chili peppers  Cook until the onions become translucent  Add the plantains, salt ,pepper, a dash of white,wine. Cover and let cook over low heat until the plantains become soft. Raise the heat, add a few tablespoons (3-4) of white vinegar and black pepper. Cook a few minutes longer so that some degree of caramelization takes place. 

Prepare the salmon fillets by steaming them for no more than two minutes in your microwave oven, wrapped in freezer paper and placed in a plastic bag. Then after steaming, flash pan fry in some very hot grape,seed oil. Remove from the pan, season with salt and set aside.

Plate the salmon fillets over a bed of plantains and next to a side of the Verdolaga salad.

It's Really good to be Queen.

LINKS:
Verdolaga - Wikipedia Article 

La Placita SuperMarket - Yelp Reviews 
Tarry Market

From Pan to Plate in less than 40 minutes

Today was another one of those days. Back to work from a "stay-cation" , time off that I used to fight off a sinus ailment, it was one of those days when you work nonstop but not on the things you really planned on getting done.  Remedy ? Cook a nice meal for the Queen .

So here is an great dish , fast enough to make, yet complex in flavors .

Braised Salmon Shashito Oil 

Braised Salmon Shashito Oil and Heart of Palm

Preparation Notes: 
Fry your Shashito Peppers in EVOO, remove from pan , reserve the oil.  Use the oil to lightly sautee some thick heart of palm slices and yellow bell peppers along with a some herbs, and a splash of white wine.

Whit this kind of speed I am feel that an audition on Chopped is in order. Won't happen though. They only accept professionals, not dilettants like me.

Salute !

Easter 2013: The Four Francis'

Michele Francesco Maria, that is my name full Italian name. Sounds  nice, doesn't it ? Gentle, maybe even kind.  And did you notice something that I have in common with our new Pope? Yes, we are both named Francis. But the similarity ends here. Or does it ?

I was given the name of Francis  because of my birthday falls on the day that commemorates St Franics of Paola's.  I will  honor the Saint from Paola, a town 25 km from where I grew up, with different feast, aon a different occasion.  Today there is another Francis that I wanted to talk about.

Cardinal Bergogli, our new Pope,  named himself,  Franciscum in Latin, Francis for us Anglophones. I can't help but share with you the Vatican's recent words, the full magnificent text that the Catholic world awaits once  every so often.

Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum;
habemus Papam:
Eminentissimum ac Reverendissimum Dominum,
Dominum Georgium Marium
Sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae Cardinalem Bergoglio
qui sibi nomen imposuit Franciscum

Pope Francis, names himself after St. Francis of Assisi, a figure of utmost humility, conversion and reform. Pope Francis, a Jesuit by formation and training. He looks to the the saint and to his life as an example of humility and human respect, an example to be followed, taught and emulated by simple examples. Pope Francis has indicated that in his first few weeks as leader of the Catholic flock.

Pope Francis - March 2013- source: wikicommons

So , tomorrow's feast celebrates a joyous day, and does so on many levels.  It is first a celebration of Christ's eschatological promise and significance to mankind. Second,  the feast represents my personal welcoming celebration for Pope Francis. Third, it's a  celebration of family, as we will be a full house and I love to serve them, regardless of the work involved. And finally, on the more  mundane side, a celebration of my own birthday, a few days in advance.

LINKS:  
St Francis of Assisi: Wikipedia article
St Francis of Paola: Wikipedia article  
Pope Francis : Wikipedia article
Easter Menu 2013

Antipasto
Tapas y Pinchos
   -Pumpernickle Squares with Cooked Giardiniera, Herbed Parma Cotto and Smoked Auricchio
   - Spicy Potato and Savory Ricotta Pita Triangles
Marinated Peppadews
Lemon Marinated Anchovies
Olive Oil Marinated French Goat Feta Cheese


Primi 
"Un Bis di Pasta"
    -  Lasagne Tradizionali (mom's contribution)
    -  Asiago Spinach Ravioli Pecan Sage Cream Sauce

Secondi
Marsala Braised Lamb Roast

Contorni
Creamy Celeric & Kabocha Zucca  Mash
Baked Green Bean Oreganata

Pane 
Procini Buttermilk Biscuits
Olive Fougasse
Crusty Country Rustic Italian Loaf

On this Easter Eve and last day of Lent,. it is  fitting that I  part with some simple, yet powerful words that the Saint sang for us in old  Umbrian dialect many years ago so that tomorrow does not become just another gastronomic and gluttonous experience, but instead becomes a spiritual force and meaning that drives our actions outside of the kitchen, away from my island, away from the festive table.


CANTICUM FRATRIS SOLIS VEL LAUDES CREATURARUM   
The Canticle of the Sun
St. Francis of Assissi, 1224

...
Laudate et benedicete mi signore,
et rengraiate et serviateli cun grande humilitate.
...
Praise and bless my Lord, and give him thanks
And serve him with great humility.

Buona Pasqua , My Friends

Lenten Culinary Journey Continues

Today, dinner had to come quick and follow Lenten rules.  Cous Cous, a super fast "pasta" product came to the rescue. The fan club was pretty happy, considering that dish took less than 1/2 hour from fridge to plate.

Asparagus Cous-Cous

Asparagus Cous-Cous

A white Boardeaux wine , crisp and slightly acidic,  brought out the flavors of each of the vegetables.

Oh,  and did you hear about the stewed cabbage with sauteed peppers ?  Next time you go for corned beef and cabbage,   reconsider.  Cabbage does not have to be bland, and tasteless.  I will be making my alternative  to this Irish classic, next time I forage through  the cabbage patch.

Who says dinner can not be fast ?

Salute !

Lenten Culinaria: Feelin' All warmed up in my kitchen

There are days that I jut love to cook, for myself, for my family , and for friends. And seafood dishes bring out the best in me.

In less than 40 minutes, this seafood dish, worked for everyone. The subtle South American touch, added a nice variation to my otherwise Mediterranean culinary tendencies.

Braised Swordfish Filet with Hearts of Palm and Yellow Squash

Swordfish Filet with Hearts of Palm.

One trick to consider, remove the fish filets so that you can complete the sauce without overcooking the fish.

Served with warm brioche bread.

Salute !

Soul Food: Lent's Rewards

There are some dishes that just work so well . The addition of a few smoked Auricchio Provolone cubes, blew this dish off the charts. Perfect for  winter evenings,  or cooler days ,when your soul craves some downtime, tranquil reflection.

Stewed Lentils with Sweet Potatoes and Smoke Auricchio Provolone 

Sweet Potato Lentil Stew with Smoked Provolone

Preparation Notes 
I blanched the sweet potatoes  then pan fried then with some thyme, EVOO and a bit of butter.  Then mixed with lentils, and provolone. Drizzle with raw EVOO to finish the dish . Served with whole wheat frese.

Thanks to my friends at Cosmo Alex,  Most of the ingredients were purchased at the their store in Mamaroneck, NY.

LINKS
Cosmo Alex Mamaroneck 
Friselle  - Learn about the tradition
Freselle - Site in Italian 


Salute!

Tales From The Pizza Nazi

My kitchen was on fire today. Not the kind of fire that requires a call to 911. The cooking action started around 9:30 AM before heading to church on this Palm Sunday.

 Before anyone was up, I started preparing my kitchen. My island became pizza dough central . 5 lb bread flour - check . Extra large mixing bowl - check . Yeast Packets - check.  measuring cups - check. Rolling ping and board - check.. I was ready for church .

After church, around 10:30 AM I immediately sprung into action.. I knew that I would need several hours to make the dough, and give it enough time to rise, first in a mixing bowl , and second in my pizza trays. If the dough rises in peace, the pizza crust comes out perfectly, golden on top and bottom, crunchy and full of flavor.  I am always afraid of yeast quantities when making fresh dough. But I believe that I have now gotten  the proportions down to where I like them: 1 package of dry yeast to every 5 cups of flour, plus one. Easy to remember, just make sure that your yeast if frozen , needs to come back to room temperature, and remember not to kill it by adding it to very hot and salty water.

After starting my dough , I immediately leap into my mise en place exercises, laying out all that was required to make toppings..  My lenten compatible, pizza topping ingredients included: assorted bell peppers, cremini mushrooms, 1/2 lb of baby spinach , a medium sized red onion, and large shallot, fresh mozzarella and low hydration mozzarella ,  and plenty of herbs, fresh and dry thyme, fresh marjoram , oregano, rosemary   Ingredients

We had a full house today.. Mom, sisters, friends with baby, and cousin Silvia from Italy, yours truly and of course the Queen.  It was a very fun filled day , with fan club and guest behaving . I was on one side of my island, directing kitchen traffic, and they were seated , orderly on the other side or at my large rustic table. At times though, I did have to become strict when they insisted on wanting to slices of some of the pizzas just as they came out of the oven . I forcefully prohibited them from touching or getting near the pies, before I was ready to cut them. Indeed as soon as I sense their conspiratorial moves, I interdicted there maneuvers, and send them right back to their seats.  You see, pizza, like a good piece of roast meat, needs to rest.  I got nicknamed the Pizza Nazi. I liked that. and I will keep the name for the next time too.

The secret to great pizza making lies in creating great toppings and excellent sauce. Or is the secret to great pizza the dough, a dough made from scratch, King Arthur bread flour, yeast, salt and water, nothing else? Well in my kitchen nailing great pizza requires both. Nail them both , I did indeed on this special Sunday. Take at my repertoire


Sunday Pizza Party Menu

Starters
Roasted Eggplant Caponata in a  Lambrusco Fine Mint Vinaigrette
Spicy Boquerones en Vinagre

Mick's Assorted Pizze
The Ab Initio: Rosemary Tomato Focaccia
The Half and Half: Sauteed Mushroom, Sauteed Peppers
Da Bomb: Sauteed Baby Spinach, Goat Cheese Medallions, Sauteed Red Marjoram Onions and Shallots
The Classic : Margherita,  Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato Sauce
The Campana : Marinara, Tomato Sauce, Extra Oregano
The Close Out; Tomato Sauce, Sauteed Red Onion, Shallot

Fruits and Salad
Brown Carrot Mixed Salad: Lemon
Pineapple Blueberry Fruit Salad

White Roasted Eggplant Caponata Lambruso Mint Vinaigrette

Rosemary Tomato Focaccia

Half and Half: Sauteed Peppes, Sauteed Cremini

Da Bomb: Sauteed Spinach, Sauteed Red Onion an Shallots, Goat Cheese

Marinara Pizza

Sauteed Red Onion and Shallot Pizzetta

The pizzas were all a great hit. I baked then in order of flavor intensity, in an arrangement that sort of reminded me of a pyramid pattern. The most complex  Da Bomb . was at the apex. It was, as expected also the  day's greatest hit. Folks here's what I learned when making pizza, play with flavors that complement each other, build on them , and you will be able to make small masterpieces for your families and friends.

Brown Carrots - Salad Preparation

Pineapple Blueberry Fruit Salad

It was a good party indeed. full of fun and family joy. I keep thinking about Palm Sunday, and its significance for Christian believers  and non-believers alike. Sunday's during enrich tend to enrich my spiritual life, more and more.

May peace be with you all.

Asian Twisted Noodles

I felt like experimenting a bit today so lunch took a fusion twist . I used some left over spicy butternut squash broth ,  see my March 17 post (LINK) ,  and a package of Chinese noodles that I picked up in Manhattan's Chinatown .

Chinese Noodles in Spicy Butternut Squash Broth 

Spicy Chinese Noodles Butternut Squash Broth

Preparation Notes 
Not much going on here. Bring the broth to a boil, dilute if necessary , toss in the noodles,  Plate. couple of savory Castelvetrano green olives made for a perfect edible garnish.

And of course some form a libation can not be ingnored.  A glass of  NY Reisling from the Finger Lakes region did the trick with this dish

Bon Appétit

My Zucca is Bigger Than Yours!

My Italian cousins challenged me today, one in person, the other over over Skype.  "Can you make a pasta with "zucca"" , they asked ? "Pasta con zucca" (squash for Italian) is a traditional dish, often prepared in the south of Italy during winter months.  Pasta con zucca , a dish of very humble origins, is not very common here in the US. For those of on vegan kick, it's a safe bet. It works well for Lent as well. 

Strozzapreti con Zucca ed Asiago

StrozzaPreti Pasta in Butternut Squash Asiago Sauce

Ingredients 

1 1/2 lb of butternut squash 

3/4 Whole Wheat Strozzapreti Pasta  (Rustichella D'Abruzzo)

Aged Asiago Cheese, grated 

Pecorino Romano , grated 

Thyme 

Chili Pepper 

2 fresh garlic cloves, cut into slivers

S/P, EVOO 

LINKS

https://www.facebook.com/Rustichelladabruzzo

http://www.rustichella.it/English/home_eng.html

https://www.facebook.com/TarryMarket

http://tarrymarket.com/

https://www.facebook.com/FairwayMarket

http://www.fairwaymarket.com/

Preparation Notes

I used a few tricks for this dish.  Do not overcook the squash. It's nice to bite into some savory chunks of vegetable when you eat this dish. Ensure that the broth is well seasoned. Cook the pasta in the same broth containing the butternut squash and keep it al dente. Add some grated aged Asiago cheese to the broth once the squash is tender. and then to the dish after removing from the . When plating, it is your call if you want the pasta to feel and taste more like a soup, or if you want to serve each dish only with a small amount of broth.  Ask your guests for their preference. I liked my a the drier side.

Our meal , contained another dish that reminded me of  Calabria. A prickly pear based dessert. Enjoy this one too.

Cactus Fig Blueberry Salad with Meyer Lemon Wedges

Cactus  figs, or prickly pears are great. When chilled , they've got a watermelon like taste to them, yet less sweet, and at times tangy and slightly tart.  I tossed them with some blueberries, a few wedges of meyer lemon , a shot a agave syrup and two shots of Cointreau liquor and chilled for at least 1/2 hour.

Warning: you will have to practice cutting them open. Hint, use a fork and a nice, and to not touch the outsides of the fruits. 

Both Cactus Figs and Meyer Lemons sourced at the Fairway Market , "like now other market"

LINKS:

Wikipedia on Cactus Figs :  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opuntia

I could not wrap this up without giving some credit my cousin Giuseppe , "Giusi, the Guiceman" . Here he is exercising away the extra calories gained from a few good glasses of homemade Italian red wine.

Cousin Giusi  Working Out with Calabrian Squash

Salute !

Hannibal's Not Over For Dinner

We continue here our Lenten cooking series.  This time,  a very healthy dish that really hits the spot. I started with dry , split fava beans imported from Italy , slow cooked with a small boquet garni and garlic cloves. I then subsequently milled the cooked beans along with bit of Umbrian extra virgin olive oil , until they became of  velvety texture.

Serve warm with some crusty sourdough bread. Granish with savory and a slice of lime. A perfect dish , when old man winter refuses to hibernate.

Split Fava Bean Vellutata

Split Fava Bean Vellutata

Oh , before I forget. Hannibal was not over for dinner today and no Chianti wine was served . A chilled Sam Adams Apline Spring Seasonal brew instead hit the spot

LINKS
http://www.samueladams.com/craft-beers/alpine-spring

Sunday Dinner Again ? Of Course

Sundays are family days. I try to remember that. Our metropolitan lives, with hustle and bustle of New York competition, keeps bound up in lifestyles that too often leave little space for things that are really important in life. As a consequence, life balance is something that many of us lack, and strive to achieve.

My cooking, whether done on a week day starting at 8:00 PM , or on major festive days like Christmas, or just even plain Sundays, is a formula that helps me recalibrate, and spend quality time with loved ones and friends. The kitchen, the kitchen table in traditional is a place of gathering, of familial communion and sharing. And at my house, the kitchen island, is where a dish out dishes of love.

So folks, on just an ordinary Sunday, here's what happens when I become just little me , and put love into  into my cooking .  I've picked one from each section of the meal for you to try , virtually that is

Sunday Dinner Menu (excerpts)


Antipasto
Cremini Mushrooms stuffed with Tarragon Goat cheese,

Primi
Artisan Bavette Rigate  in  A Tomato Ricotta Sauce

Contorni (sides)

Roasted Cauliflower with Tomatoes and Shallots

Stuffed Cremini Mushrooms

A great starter , full of taste , something that can be part of a very elegant ensemble of  Hors d'oeuvres. Stuff the mushroom caps with a mixture of goat cheese , bread crumbs, herbs, EVOO. I mixed in some tarragon . Bake until golden.

Hint: a glass of Prosecco wine completes the starter experience.

Bavette Rigate in Tomato Ricotta Saucce

This is a very simple pasta dish that packs a punch of goodness. I can see many of my friends going for seconds after seconds..

Roasted Cauliflower with Shallots and Tomatoes

Roasted vegetables are always nice. This particular dish was especially good  Very simple to make. Toss herb (your choice) seasoned with vegetables into a roasting pan. Roast at 425 F .

Salute!

Remedy for Florida Travels

I am not sure why, but every time I travel for business , my sinuses act up on me. The inconvenience and frustration is even greater given that my business trips tend to end on Fridays and my respiratory afflictions bloom on Saturday . What a way to spend a weekend of cool down and rest: sick at home ! Folding and unfolding soggy handkerchiefs,  sneezing away whale sized blasts that seem to make the walls tremble, struggling teary-eyed to make out characters on my laptop screen , these are the pastimes and rewards that the modern plane traveler looks forward to upon his arrival back to home oasis.  Aaaa... Aaa Choo,what else can I say ?

Luckily, however, things are not that bad here at  "Chez Michele"" for I did manage to find some energy in me to cook up some lentils, a perfect dish for a cold winter days - its about 27 F outside.  

Winter Lentils over Yellow Yukon Potatoes and Cremini Mushroom,

Garnish of Andouille Sausages and Mexican Farmer's Cheese 

Winter Lentils with Andouille Sausages

This is a composite dish. Each of the four ingredients were cooked separately  Dry Lentils were stewed with savory (an herb) and uncut garlic cloves for about 40 -50 minutes,   Mushrooms were sauteed with white wine , garlic and herbs,  Yukon yellow potatoes were slow cooked, thickly sliced, with fresh herbs, a 1/2 cup of chicken stock and seasoning. The Andouille sausage, was browned on its own. The dish comes together by creating a base of potatoes, topped with tasty lentils, garnished with mushrooms, sausages and  fresh farmers cheese cut into small cubes. A drizzle of fresh EVOO,  enriches the entire experience . Hey guess what, this dish rocked, and yes, not  even an speck of butter was used this time

Perfect Dish that begged for some White Rioja.  

I am starting to feel better already .

Salute! 

"Auguri" Mr President , Celebrating American Democracy in 2013

This morning I spent some time Flushing Queens, on Northern Boulevard, one of the most strikingly multi-ethnic places in New York. It is has become, NYC's second Chinatown, with scores of markets and restaurants that tell , second to none , the story of the Asian-American immigrant better than none

If you visit the neighborhood, look closely. You you will see the melting-pot, melting in right in front of your eyes . As you travel westbound on Northern Boulevard (a French word, my friends), you will  experience the United Nations of Queens.  You will see a human cultural medley of people: Korean, Chinese,  Hispanics from all corners of South American, and yes, some descendants of Plymouth Rock You will see their places of worship, whether they be synagogues, Greek Orthodox churches, scores of Korean Christian Churches not distant from the elegant Roman Catholic of St. Andrew of Avellino, which I suspect was built by Italian immigrants If you look closely , you will see how the generations of immigrants mixed and today , coexist in peace and harmony in this section of the Big Apple.

Today, as to the gastronomic scene, Flushing beats all all others for Korean , Chinese and other Asian varieties. I have heard, but not experienced yet, the superior Dim Sum , China's "tapas" tradition.

So what was for lunch? What quick fare would I possibly come up with to possibly help celebrate life,  on this proud day for American democracy ?

Come HMart Asian Supermarket to the rescue! I have written about this wonderful market in the past. See my post for their grand opening in March 2012 (Grand Cooking for Grand Opening) It is known for its super fresh and rich variety of  seafood,  meats and vegetables  So I decided to walk in and pick up some goods. Walked out with monk fish , tiger shrimp for tomorrow dinner and ultra-thin sliced frozen brisket for my own take on tacos

Lunch Menu 
Italian -Mexican-Korean Beef Tacos (soft corn shell )
Artisan Lettuce Leaves , tossed with White Balsamic Vinaigrette

Italian - Mexican - Korean beef Tacos, what could they possibly be?  The easy answer is a traditional beef taco, you know, strips of red, yellow, green peppers , sauteed with a small onion,  a few grape tomatoes, a handful of cremini mushrooms and then kicked up  few notches, the perfect topping for  small soft shell corn tacos  A touch of cumin, Spanish Pimenton de la Vera (a smoked paprika) completed the taco's  Mexican element  A splash of whte wine, tweaked and balanced sauce

But wait, my multi-ethnic, celebratory tacos are done yet. We covered the Mexican but the Korean and Italian transformation are still waiting

The Korean beef brisket, lean, thinly sliced, perfect for fast cooking, and tasty really elevated the quality of the dish . This is the beef that typically used for Korean BBQ and for Japanese Shabu-Shabu  and I will bet will work perfectly for a Philly Cheesteak. Served with slices of sharp Auricchio provolone, a replacement of Mexican cheese or sour cream, I tied  my tacos back to my Southern Italian origins. These tacos were great. I could just see myself , selling them by the hundreds in a shiny urban food truck, making people happy as I serve and sell them in pair, saying gracias with a big smile.

Auricchio Provolone

A great salad, leaves intact , tossed with fresh white balsamic vinaigrette turned out to be a great palate cleanser. I was actually surprised by the quality , freshness and great quality of Artisan lettuce product. I now know where to turn when looking for salad greens to make some of my more fancy tossed, personal salads.

Lunch was , a bit late ,but worth, full of fun. I role played, and assumed my forced, artificial Italian accent when practicing some reading on a Fontana di Papa  bottle of white table wine, an extreme value wine, imported from the Lazio region of Italy .

Dessert ? Well, turns out that Paris Baguette, a high quality bakery chain, provided a few sweets to top off our meal. A block of chocolate bread, untamed by butter, was the prefect way to conclude our family lunch.

It is fitting that today we were able to celebrate in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic way  Our president,  a true attestation of America's forward push toward a more and more wonderfully integrated place, was inaugurated today in Washington D.C  Mr President, you have my congratulations, thanks and prayers  It is more than symbolism come to life, this second term is proof that American is changing, and entering , a decisively new stage of global maturity and leadership. Whether you are liberal or conservative, religious or non spiritual, as Americans we must remember and be extremely grateful that in our great country , the democratic experiment continues to work, in peace, no matter how much disingenuous critics falsely paint it to be something other than an enduring success

Cheers America !!

LINKS:
Flushing Queens, Wikipedia Article 
Fontana di Papa Wines
Paris Baguette Bakery 
HMart Supermarkets
Artisan Lettuce 
Auricchio Provolone 

Saturday Dinner, Back to Normal?

Welcome back. You would think that after last Saturday dinner party, I'd tone things down a bit and stick  to simpler dishes. Well, in my book I did. So here's my back to normal. A private dinner party for the girls

Farfalloni al Salmone e Fagioli

This dish was all about delicate tastes. The salmon was light in taste and moist throughout. A combined scent of thyme both fresh and cooked, lightens up bean base, and was especially brought out by a small drizzle of uncooked extra virgin olive oil that I added to the finished pasta.

Great food is all about great ingredients. The pasta made this dish .

Cav / Guiseppe Cocca Artisan Pasta - Farfalloni

This brand of pasta continues to amaze me.  Just when I thought it would over cook, it instead stay as perfectly al dente as possible.  What a different brands make. And what a difference do the import make when it comes to pasta. Abbruzzi's wheat, the region where this pasta was born , is just do different, so resilient when it comes to cooking and heat.

Links:
Tarry Market

White Navy Beans - Stewing , Waiting for Salmon

Always, cook your beans from scratch starting with dry ones that need overnight soaking. After soaking, cook then first 3/4's of the way  through, then finish then off as your dish calls.. For today's pasta dish ,the beans were used as a based to cook salmon in.  Pretty simple. As you prepare the dish , remember to taste a few times to adjust your seasoning.

Cauliflower Cooked in  Smoked Bacon and Shallots

Today's dinner called for a special dine. I reached for a Basque Txomin Extaniz. It  was the perfect wine for tonight's dinner. It slight bubbly character, blended perfectly with the delicate flavors of both dishes.

Links
Txomin Etxaniz, a Basque Wine
Tarry Wine Market , Port Chester , NY

Saturday Dinner Party, Celebrating with French Friends

Today I threw a nice dinner party for some French friends of mine:  Jean-Pierre, Agnes and Charlotte.  With names that like, you can't go wrong.

Now , if you have been following my blog, you've probably read about my past francophile enthusiasm (see may March 2012 post). Therefore you can imagine that for this party I put little bit extra care into my cooking for these special friends and pilgrims. The cooking was relatively easy .Collecting all the right ingredients was much more elaborate, and required stops at four different markets.

Bicyclette - Bourbon Lancy  - 2012

Our menu was not French, just based on my own style of  Mediterranean fusion as you can see. Chitarra Spaghetti made it to the menu, as I thought that my friends should experience great pasta from the Abruzzo region of Italy. And they did.

Some French inspiration was present.  For the seafood dish, I followed a technique that I learned from Jacques Pépin, my favorite chef (and Connecticut dweller).  The crunchy heart of palm was my addition.

Sorry folks, no food pictures this time. It was all about the party, the conversation, and the wines. Besides, many of the dishes were not new creations, just dishes that I have perfected.

Dinner Menu

Antipasto
Sauteed Artichoke Hearts with Pine Nuts, and Raisins
Chorizo Sausage Cooked in Natural Apple Cider and White Wine
Heart of Palm Tronchetti in Tangerine Vinaigrette

Primo
Chitarra Spaghetti in "Three Tomato" Tomato Sauce, with Ricotta

Secondo
Flounder "Braciole" (Rolled Flounder Filets) braised in light vegetable medley (heart of palm.grape tomato, yellow and green peppers, sliced green olives)

Desserts and Liquers
Fresh Pear and Almond Tart (many thanks to Agnes)
Italian Amaro Liqueur (Amaro Del Capo, Amaro Montenegro)
Artisan Cachaca (Brazilian Rhum)

Wines
Vermentino di Toscana
Rosso D'Etna , an underappreciated Sicilian Red

The homemade dessert,  Agnes' creation, completed our meal,  and demanded a great Italian Amaro.

So as you might expect , the dinner party was a success. I just love it when, laughter still manages to fill the dining room  past 11:30 PM. Wish , I could do this every day. Not tomorrow,though, got some several hundred miles to drive.

Sante' !

Links: 
Rustichella D'Abbruzzo Pasta Company 
Amaro Liqueur (Wikipedia)