Croque Bolognese

When a dinner is truly so delicious that we are sorry it is over, David and I have a little saying "I could cry over this".  This croque bolognese is one of those meals.  When we traveled in Belgium a few years ago, I would have a croque bolognese every day for lunch.  I'm sure everyone thought I was crazy, but there is nothing better than spaghetti sauce smothered on grilled cheese.  If you try this and don't like it, we can't be friends anymore.  If you make this with a homemade spaghetti sauce you will not be disappointed.  I would like to note that we ate this so quickly we forgot to put parmesan cheese sprinkles on top, don't forget yours!

Ingredients for 4 croque bolognese

2 cups spaghetti sauce

8 pieces of sourdough bread

4 slides Tillamook aged white cheddar cheese

olive oil

parmesan

1. Heat spaghetti sauce in a small sauce pan on the stove.

2. Meanwhile, put cheese slices in between the bread (a la grilled cheese people).

3. Heat a few swirls of olive oil in a pan, turn the pan to make sure the oil covers the bottom of the pan.

4. Place sandwiches in the hot pan, cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown

5. Place sandwiches on plates and drown them in delicious bolognese (aka cover in spaghetti sauce).

6. Top with parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

Pesto Potato Salad

This salad is basically an Americanized version of Salad Nicoise but I can't think of a way to say Salad Nicoise and still make you interested in this post because of this recipe 2 years ago .  However, I really can't express how delicious American potato salad can be when you remove the mayonnaise.  Swapping in pesto is really a great option this time of year when you want to be more figure friendly.  You can make this without the ham if you want this to be vegetarian friendly too.  What are you waiting for?  Go make this now.

Ingredients for 4 as a light dinner

6 medium yukon gold potatoes cut into sixths (or whatever you prefer)
1/2 lb green beans, ends trimmed, then cut into 2 inch pieces
1 small squash, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small onion, diced
1 cup of pesto
2-3 pieces of black forest ham, torn into pieces
1 hardboiled egg
olive oil
salt/pepper

1. Start by making your hardboiled egg (the Rachel Ray way).  Put an egg or two in a pot of cold water, put on the stove and heat until boiling.  When boiling, turn off the heat and wait 10 minutes.  Drain in and ice bath.  You have a boiled egg.
2. Meanwhile fill another pot of water with cold water.  Add cubed potatoes and cook until water is boiling and potatoes can be pierced with a knife (about 25 minutes).  You don't want these too mushy, so keep an eye on them.
3. At the last 2 minutes of the boiling, add the chopped green beans.
4. Drain beans and potatoes and set aside
5. In the same pot, heat some olive oil.  When hot add tomatoes, onion and squash and saute about 4-5 minutes until soft.
6. Add potatoes, beans, and sauteed mixture together in a bowl and dollop pesto evenly over the veggies.  Mix carefully, using a bit of olive oil if you need to make the pesto more pliable.
7. Add crumbled hardboiled egg and evenly distribute torn pieces of the ham.
8. Salt and pepper to taste and serve while warm.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos

Inspired by the butternut squash enchiladas as Cactus restaurant here in Seattle, I threw together these tacos last week on a complete whim.  David was unsure about how these would turn out, but he went along with the plan (as long as I promised not to put any zucchini in as well).  These turned out to be pretty darn good and won even David's seal of approval.  Enjoy on homemade tortillas for an extra special treat.

Ingredients

8 homemade tortillas
1 shallot, diced
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and finely diced
1 medium head of broccoli, chopped into bite size pieces
1 can of black beans drainer
goat cheese for sprinkling on top

1. Drizzle olive oil into a large saute pan.  When oil is hot add shallot and cook 2-3 minutes.
2. Add potatoes and stir with shallot.  Then add broccoli and combine.
3. Let the veggies cook for at least 15 minutes.
4. After 15 minutes, sprinkle salt and black pepper on top for taste.
5. Next, stir in black beans to allow them to warm up with the other veggies
6. Once heated through, you are ready to serve.
7. Fill like you would any other tortilla and top with goat cheese and salsa as an extra treat!

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

We did a lemon chicken recipe a while ago, but after having some inspiring wings at a BBQ over the weekend, I decided to revisit the recipe.  There is definitely a kick to this recipe using both black pepper and cayenne pepper but the lemon mellows it out nicely.  Of course you must serve these with Bleu Cheese dip!  Make this for your 4th of July BBQ tonight!

6 medium size chicken wings
zest of 1 lemon
2 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon oregano
1 tablespoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more if you like spicy!)
salt
olive oil

1. Lay chicken wings in a glass baking dish or other pan to marinate.
2. Cover evenly with lemon zest, garlic, oregano, peppers and salt
3. Drizzle again with olive oil and let marinate at least an hour
4. When ready, heat broiler or grill (depending on the weather of course).  When hot, add chicken and cook until internal temperature is 165 or juices run clear when cut
5. Serve with Bleu cheese dip

Pan Fried Fish Sandwich + Aioli

A few weeks ago I had one of the best fish sandwiches of my life.  Craving it a few nights later, David helped design this delicious fish sandwich meal that nearly matched the original.  Clearly it is a requirement to serve fish with potato crisps and I highly recommend that you do!  This dinner is easy for a weeknight and would be a hit if made for friends.  Extra napkins are a plus!

Ingredients for 4 sandwiches

1 egg white
1/2 cup beer (lighter is better)
2 cups panko bread crumbs
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves chopped
2 lbs white cod fillets
4 ciabatta buns

1 cup mayonnaise
3-4 pickes finely chopped
1 lemon squeezed

1. Combine mayo, chopped pickles and lemon juice and mix well.  Set in fridge until ready to eat dinner.
2. Combine egg and white and light beer, beat until mostly combined.  Place in a shallow bowl.
3. Combine panko bread crumbs, salt, peppers and parsley and mix well.  Place in a shallow bowl or on a plate.
4. Heat deep pan on medium high. Add vegetable or olive oil about 1/2 in deep in the pan.
5. Cut fillets to size with the ciabatta bun since you will be making a sandwich.
6. When ready to eat, dip fish in egg/beer mixture and then dredge through panko mixture.  Pat the breadcrumbs around the fish to cover the entire fillet.
7. Add the fish to the hot oil and let cook until browned on each side, about 3-4 minutes.
8. Repeat with other fillets.  Transfer to a plate in a warmed oven until ready.
9. Toast the ciabatta rolls, top with fish fillet and then aioli sauce.  Serve immediately.

Spinach Curry Risotto

All of the credit for this goes to my genius husband who decided that risotto needed it's place at the table without just being an afterthough for leftovers.  The best part about this dish is that it is hearty and warm (for winter) but still has the promise of spring with the chopped basil and spinach.  A splash of coconut milk would make it nice and creamy, but it is not a requirement.

Ingredients (serves 2 people)
1 small onion chopped
1 clove garlic minced
1 cup arborio rice
2 cups chicken stock
2 teaspoons curry paste (green curry is preferable)
2 cups spinach
4-5 basil leaves thinly sliced

1. Heat a large soup pot over medium high heat, add a few swirls of olive oil and bring to heat.  Also start heating chicken stock in a separate pot on the stove.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic and stir to coat.  Allow the onions to cook until soft, about 6 minutes.
3. Add arborio rice to onion mixture and coat with oil.  Let the rice "brown" slightly for 1 minute.
4. Add a ladle of chicken stock to the rice mixture and stir.  Add more liquid when it starts to be absorbed by the rice.  This happens about every 5 minutes or so.
5. When rice has been cooking for about 20-25 minutes and will not accept any more liquid.  Add curry paste and a pinch of salt.  Stir in to the rice, adding a bit of extra chicken stock if necessary.
6. Remove from the heat, stir in spinach and let cook down for a minute or two.
7. Serve in bowl and top with slivered basil leaves.

Ginger and Soy Salmon

Full disclosure, I took this recipe from my mother in law Hilde and I am not sorry about it at all.  She made this for Christmas dinner, the dish is super gourmet but also very simple and easy to make.  You can also prep it ahead of time and keep cool in the fridge if you are worried about the timing of cooking the fish.

Ingredients

1 lb salmon fillet
1 chunk of fresh ginger root (about 4 inches)
1 bunch of scallions
1 lemon
1 lime
1/2 cup soy sauce
salt/pepper
1/2 cup vegetable oil

1. Peel ginger root and thinly slice.  Set aside.
2. Chop scallions into less than bite sized pieces
3. Thinly slice lemon and lime.
4. Clean the salmon filet and dab with paper towels.  Place in a dish with a lip so it can go straight into the oven.
5. Top the salmon with ginger root, scallions, lemon and lime.  At this point you can put the fish in the fridge until you are ready to cook and serve.
6. When ready, preheat oven to 450 degrees.
7. Pour soy sauce over fish and top with salt and pepper.
8. Cook in the oven until fork on the fish is firm but not too hard.  About 12 minutes.
9. Remove fish from oven.  Heat a small sauce pan over high heat and add oil.  When nearly smoking hot, remove from stove and carefully pour over the fish.  This is dinner theater so you can do this at the table, but just be careful of the hot oil.
10. Serve and enjoy!

Pizza Margherita

What better way to start the New Year than with this light and healthy pizza!  Don't worry, it is still tasty and delicious like pizza should be.  There is a lot of history behind the pizza Margherita and for good reason.  The very simple ingredients make for a quick pizza and accompanied with a salad, you have a superb and timely dinner.  If you haven't made your own pizza dough yet, please try this recipe.  I know it is hard to prep before you leave for work, but this literally takes five minutes in one bowl.  You don't even have to get your hands dirty!

Makes 1 14'' thin crust pizza

Ingredients 

Toppings:

2 small-medium on-the-vine tomatoes

2 medium bocconcini mozzarella balls

1 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced

Pizza dough:

1 teaspoon yeast

pinch of sugar

2 1/2 cups bread flour

1 teaspoon salt

1. Combine yeast and pinch of sugar in a 1/2 cup measuring cup.  Fill with warm water.  Let set for about  3-4 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, combine flour and salt in a medium bowl.  Stir with a wooden spoon to incorporate the salt.

3. Pour yeast mixture over the flour.  Fill up another 1/2 cup of warm water and pour over the flour.

4. Using your wooden spoon vigorously stir the ingredients together.  You are basically kneeding the dough with your spoon.  Mix until well combined, about 1-2 minutes.

5. Cover the bowl with a towel and let rest until doubled in size or you come home from work and want to make dinner.

6. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

7. Press out pizza dough onto parchment paper.  Trust me, it will not stick.

8. Thinly slice tomato and mozzarella.  I like to press the mozzarella in a paper towel first to get the excess water out.

9. Cover the pizza with the tomato and mozzarella.  Put in the oven to cook until crust is golden brown and mozzarella is bubbling and light brown.  This will take about 12-15 minutes but watch it carefully.

10. Remove from the oven and top with sliced basil, cracked pepper and sprinkle a touch of sea salt.

11. Serve immediately.

Roasted Squash and Goat Cheese Sandwich

We regularly make squash enchiladas this time of year but one night a few weeks ago, we had a delicious loaf of bread and decided to make squash and goat cheese sandwiches instead.  The marinade for this squash needs to become part of your rotation; Smitten Kitchen is truly a genius with the squash marinades.  Serve with your favorite chips or coleslaw and you will have a truly special meal.

Ingredients (4 sandwiches)

1 acorn squash
1/2 cup olive oil
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
8 slices toast
2 cups arugula
1/2 cup goat cheese

1. Rinse acorn squash.  Dry thoroughly with a paper towel.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
3. Cut squash in half and remove seeds.  Chop into 1 inch thick slices
4. Place squash on a cookie sheet and use two tablespoons of the olive oil to coat the squash.  Let cook 25 minutes in the oven.
5. Combine the rest of the olive oil, garlic cloves, lime juice, salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper in a small dish.  Whisk to combine.
6. When squash is done, remove from oven and cut away skin.
7. Place squash meat in a bowl and add lime juice dressing, toss to coat.
8. Toast bread until nicely brown in a toaster.
9. Remove from toaster and spoon equal amounts of squash on the bread.  Top with arugula and goat cheese.
10. Serve and enjoy!

Spinach, Bacon & Feta Potato Frittata

This is a frittata for people that don't like a lot of egg in their frittata.  Seriously I love eating eggs in a lot of things, but not when I'm trying to enjoy other flavors like spinach, bacon, feta and onion.  The egg should be what holds the dish together, not the defining ingredient.  Deb Perelman from Smitten Kitchen has a great basic frittata so I used the base as the foundation for this dish.  Feel free to swap arugula for spinach and goat cheese for feta, the options are endless!

Ingredients (makes a 9'' round frittata)

1 lb small red or new potatoes, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 slices bacon (more if you desire)
1 small red onion, diced
1 cup chopped spinach (from about 2 cups loose)
1/2 cup feta cheese
2 eggs

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Toss sliced potatoes with olive oil and lay them evenly on a cookie sheet
3. Let cook about 25 minutes, turning over with a spatula about halfway through.
4. In a cast iron or other skillet, cook bacon slices until crispy.
5. Remove bacon to a plate lined with paper towels.
6. In the same skillet, add red onion and look about 4-5 minutes until lightly caramelized.  Then remove from heat.
7. Meanwhile chop bacon and set aside.
8. In a bowl, toss bacon, spinach, onions, and potatoes until mixed well.  Add feta and mix again to incorporate.
9. Return back to the skillet and spread evenly in the pan.
10. Whisk eggs together and evenly pour over the mixture in the pan.
11. Cook in the oven at 400 degrees until top is turning brown, about 15-20 minutes.
12. Carefully remove from the oven and serve!

Mushroom Bacon Cheeseburger

Ok, I realize the last three recipes include bacon...what can I say?  Safeway had a buy one, get one on bacon and I couldn't resist!  I've made a lot of burgers in my day, but adding bacon to the ground beef really adds a subtle bacon flavor to this burger.  In addition to cooking the mushrooms in bacon grease, the homemade bun recipe from Smitten Kitchen is well worth the extra time if you have it!

Ingredients (4 burgers)

5 slices bacon (4 for the burger toppings, 1 for the patties)
1 lb ground beef
1/3 cup panko bread crumbs
1 small shallot, diced
2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
7 mushrooms thinly sliced
1 sliced tomato
Cheese slices (your favorite!)
Arugula or lettuce
salt/pepper

1. Preheat saute pan to medium high heat, when hot add 4 slices of bacon.  Let cook.
2. While bacon is cooking, take last slice of bacon and chop.  Add to ground beef, shallot, panko, worcestershire sauce and sprinkle with pepper and salt.
3. Mix with your hands and form into burger patties.
4. When bacon is done cooking, put it on a papertowel lined plate.
5. Don't drain the bacon fat, instead add the sliced mushrooms and cook 5 minutes until softened.  Use a slotted spoon to remove.
7. Add burger patties to the pan and cook 7 minutes each side until browned and meat is cooked through.  Top with cheese and let melt.
8. Assemble burgers with buns, patties, mushrooms, bacon, tomato and arugula.
9. Serve with Tim's Cascade potato chips and enjoy your mushroom bacon cheeseburger!

Steak Au Poivre - Anderson Style

There is nothing better than a perfectly cooked steak.  One of our favorite dinners is from David's mom when she makes us steak au poivre (steak with pepper sauce).  It is always our request for birthday dinners.  "Anderson" style means this recipe can be made on a weeknight to provide a quick and delicious meal for you and your family.  Feel free to experiment with side dishes; in this recipe we used roasted butternut squash, parsnip and onion.  

Ingredients (for 2 people)

2 - 5oz filet mignons or other high quality steak
4 strips bacon
salt/pepper (generous amount of pepper!)
1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon butter mixed with 1 tablespoon flour

1. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat.  Add oil and butter.
2. Wrap bacon around steaks and secure with a toothpick or two
3. When butter has melted add steaks to the pan, let cook on each side about 7 minutes for a medium steak.
4. When steaks are done, remove to a warm plate and cover with foil
5. Add beef broth to the pan and deglaze the pan for a minute.
6. Add butter/flour mixture and whisk quickly to incorporate and form a gravy.
7. Serve steaks with gravy drizzled over and a large glass of red wine.

Brussels Spout Saute + Asian Noodles

This recipe will make you never want to order Chinese take out ever again.  The inspiration for this recipe goes out to my friend Betsy who informed me that fish sauce and brussels sprouts were an unbeatable combination.  Intrigued I had to try this combination and put my own spin on it adding some homemade yakisoba noodles.  If you don't have times to make your own noodles then please feel free to pick up some noodles from the grocery store (though you might be slightly disappointed).  Betsy, my hat is off to you!

Ingredients

Veggie Saute

1 1/2 pounds brussels sprouts
1/2 pound bok choy
1 medium carrot
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup fish sauce
1/4 cup cold water
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 garlic clove minced
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (Rooster sauce!)

Noodles

1 1/2 cup flour
2 teaspoons salt
3 eggs

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Trim ends off brussels sprouts and remove outer nasty leaves.  Trim ends off bok choy as well.  Peel carrot and roughly chop.
3. Put veggies on a cookie sheet and lightly toss with vegetable oil.
4. Cook 20 minutes until veggies are crisp.
5. Meanwhile combine fish sauce through sriracha sauce in a glass or small tupperware to create your "dressing".  Set aside.  If you are not making your own noodles, skip to step 12.
6. Meanwhile combine flour and salt in a food processor and pulse to combine.  Add eggs and pulse to combine.  If the dough is wet, add a bit more of flour.
7. Kneed dough for a minute or two on a clean counter and let it rest 30 minutes.
8. Using a pasta roller or rolling ping, roll out dough until 1/4 in thick (setting number 4).
9. Heat a pot of chicken stock (4 cups) on the stove.
10. Take rolled out dough and cut into noodle shape or put dough through spaghetti pasta attachment to cut the noodles.
11. Cook the noodles in the boiling chicken broth for 2-3 minutes in small batches until cooked.  Set aside in a large bowl.
12. Combine noodles and roasted veggies in the large bowl and cover with "dressing".  Toss to evenly coat and serve immediately.

Sunchoke and Leek Soup

Sunchokes are also known as Jerusalem Artichokes.  They have an artichoke flavor but are basically the consistency of a potato.  They are perfect in this soup recipe because they add heft to the soup but also add a unique flavor (slightly different than the traditional potato and leek soup).  This recipes calls for lime juice, but feel free to substitute lemon or balsamic vinegar instead.  Serve with crusty bread and cheese for a complete meal.   Another note about the sunchokes and leeks.  Both can be vegetables that still have dirt on them so feel free to rinse in a cold bath of water before hand to get the grime off.

Ingredients

1 large leek, chopped (up to the light green parts)
2 lbs sunchokes cleaned, peeled (if possible) and finely chopped
1 small yukon gold potato, peeled and chopped
1 quart chicken broth
salt/pepper
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/2 cup heavy cream

1. In a large dutch oven, heat a few swirls of olive oil.  When hot, add the chopped leeks and stir to coat with olive oil.  Let cook 3-5 minutes until softened. 
2. Set heavy cream out so it can come to room temperature.
3. Add chopped sunchokes to the mixture and stir well.  Cook another 5 minutes until beginning to soften.
4. Add potato and chicken broth, let cook 30 minutes until all veggies are soft and soup is beginning to meld together.
5. Add salt and pepper to taste then add lime juice and let cook another 10 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and wait 5 minutes.  Then stir in heavy cream.  You are trying to prevent the cream from curdling here.
7. Serve in bowls with crusty bread for dipping!

Roasted Apple, Carrot and Shallots

We had the most fantastic summer in memory so the transition to autumn was definitely hard to do.  The first day of bad weather I made this dish and it was so delicious that I was able to make peace with the fact we are changing seasons and that isn't always a bad thing.  I love using season foods and right now, these three items are your best friends.  The apple adds a touch of sweet but doesn't overpower the other flavors.  Serving it with pork chops or chicken is a must!

Ingredients

1 small apple, a Grannysmith is perfect
3 large carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally
1 medium shallot, peeled and sliced
1 tablespoon thyme
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt/pepper to taste
2 slices bacon, cooked and chopped (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 425.
2. Core the apple and dice and place in a medium bowl.
3. Add sliced carrots and shallot to the apples
4. Sprinkle thyme, salt/pepper and then add olive oil and toss veggies to coat with oil.
5. Place on cookie sheet (even on a piece of foil to make clean up easy) and cook in the oven 30 minutes until shallots are starting to brown.
6. Remove and serve with your favorite autumn main dish (this veal piccata would be perfect!)

Carrot and Coconut Curry Soup

I love soups that don't require a lot of ingredients or a lot of babysitting.  This time of year there are a lot of carrots in the farmer's markets and this recipe is a great way to use them up and have a nutritional and satisfying meal.  This soup is definitely best served with naan or pita bread.

Ingredients

2 pounds of carrots, peeled and topped
1 red onion, cut into big chunks
2 tablespoons curry
1 tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon salt
olive oil
1 15 oz can coconut milk

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. On a rimmed cookie sheet, add carrots, onion and sprinkle with curry, cumin, salt and then drizzle with olive oil.
3. Allow to roast in the oven for about an hour.
4. When done, remove from the oven and place in a large soup pot.  Fill with water until veggies are almost covered.
5. Stir in coconut milk and reheat until bubbling.
6. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup.
7. Serve with naan or pita bread.

Beet, Pear and Avocado Salad

This recipe comes straight from Mollie Katzen's "The Vegetable Dishes I Can't Live Without".  The combination might sound really strange, but everyone I made this for loved it!  Feel free to substitute apple for the pear.

Ingredients 

4 roasted beets (see note below)
1 large pear (just barely ripe)
1 avocado
juice of one lemon
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup goat cheese crumbles
olive oil
salt
pepper

1. Roasted beets are pretty easy.  I tend to always have some ready this time of year due to a plethora of beets in the area.  Remove the tops of the beets, wash well to remove the dirt, dry with a paper towel, place on foil, drizzle with olive oil and create a "packet" with the foil.  The steam will cook them in an 375 degree oven in about 45 minutes.
2. Slice cooled beets and place on serving dish
3. Repeat with pear and avocado
4. Juice lemon over the salad mixture to prevent it from turning brown
5. Sprinkle chopped walnuts and goat cheese over the salad
6. Finally sprinkle a few tablespoons of olive oil over the salad and sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper.
7. Serve as a delicious side dish or autumn lunch with some fresh homemade bread.

Poached Salmon Sliders + Curry Aioli

Here is one of those meals that comes to being when the stars align and everything is in it's right place.  Salmon is so quintessentially Northwest that sometimes we take it for granted.  This salmon was given to us by my husband's family, caught in Alaska and immediately frozen to preserve the flavor.  Whether you make this for date night or game day, this will become a classic recipe in your house.  Thanks Hilde and Chi for the salmon!

Ingredients

1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
1 small shallot, peeled and chopped
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup beer or wine (whatever you are drinking)
2 cups water
1 lb wild caught salmon fillet, cut into four equal pieces
3/4 cup mayonnaise
 3 tablespoons curry powder
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 small green onion chopped
1-2 cups arugula or other lettuce
8 rolls (we used Macrena bakery olive rolls)

1. Heat large sauce pan over medium heat, add a tablespoon or so of olive oil.
2. When hot, add the carrot, shallot, cumin, curry, red pepper flakes and saute 5 minutes
3. Add beer and let cook down 1 minute
4. Add water and bring to a boil
5. When boiling add salmon fillets (skin side down) and cook 4-5 minutes
6. Immediately remove from heat and use a slotted spoon to remove the salmon from the hot liquid.  There is nothing worse than overcooked salmon.
7. Meanwhile, prepare aioli.  Mix mayonnaise, curry powder, lime juice and green onion.
8. Carefully peel salmon meat away from the skin
9. Cut the rolls in half add a few leaves of arugula, add salmon and serve with the mayonnaise.

NOTE - You might have to cut the fillet into half again (thus having 8 pieces) depending on the size of your rolls.

Roasted Corn and Tomatillo Enchiladas

I've never been so excited for a dinner to come out of the oven on an 80 degree day.  It was totally worth turning the oven on and the meal came together surprisingly fast.  I love enchiladas but rarely make them at home so this recipe was a nice surprise!

Ingredients

3 ears of corn
1 shallot
1 lime, juiced
1 15 oz can pinto beans, drained
6-8 tortillas (these homemade tortillas are the best!)
2 cups tomatillo sauce
2 cups Mexican style cheese
Toppings - Salsa, Sour Cream, Hot Sauce

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Remove corn husks and corn silk.  Take a sturdy butcher knife and remove the corn kernels from the cob.
3. Finely chop shallot
4. Heat skillet over medium high heat.  A a swirl or olive oil.  When hot add the shallot and corn and cook about 10 minutes.
5. Add beans to the veggies and squeeze lime juice over the veggies and remove from heat.
6. Take about 1/3 cup of tomatillo sauce and pour in bottom of 9''x13'' pyrex or other dish you will be using for the enchiladas.
7. Take a tortilla and fill with about a scoop of veggies.  Fold tortilla "burrito" style and lay in the dish.
8. Repeat with remaining tortilla and filling
9. Cover with remaining tomatillo sauce and then sprinkle the cheese over the dish.
10. Cook in the oven until cheese is bubbling, about 20 minutes.
11. Serve with salsa, sour cream, hot sauce and Corona beer!

Eggplant and Zucchini Parmesan

I didn't know there could be a meal as good as this.  The fresh tomato sauce mixed with dainty zucchini and firm eggplant is the most amazing combination of food I've had in a really long time.  I know eggplant is not a favorite veggie for many people, I am no different.  However, this recipe takes eggplant and transforms it into the most utterly delicious purple food on the planet.  Open a bottle of your favorite Syrah and say "Ahhh".  This is definitely a Sunday or Entertaining dinner, unless you make the tomato sauce in advance and have it on standby.  You could use another tomato sauce, but then we can't be friends anymore.

Tomato Sauce

1 lb mixed heirloom tomato or tomato on the vine, roughly chopped

3 cloves garlic, crushed

2 carrots peeled and chopped

1 onion cut into half

1 tablespoon oregano

salt/pepper

1. Heat a deep pot over medium high heat
2. Swirl a few tablespoons of olive oil in the bottom of the pan
3. When hot add chopped tomatoes, garlic, carrots and saute about 5 minutes until tomatoes start to break down.
4. Add onion halves to the tomato mixture, then stir in oregano, salt and pepper
5. Let simmer over medium heat for at least 45 minutes.
6. When finished, remove onions and use an immersion blender to blend the ingredients.
7. Use as your would any other tomato sauce

Eggplant and Zucchini Parmesan

1 medium sized eggplant
1 small zucchini
2 eggs
1 cup bread crumbs
1 tablespoon oregano
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon salt
6 oz mozzarella
2 cups tomato sauce (see below)
12 basil leaves

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper

2. Slice zucchini and eggplant into 1 inch thick rounds.

3. Whisk two eggs together in a small bowl

4. Combine breadcrumbs, oregano, red pepper flakes and salt in a pie dish or similar sized plate

5. Dip the eggplant and zucchini in the egg mixture and then dredge in the bread crumb mixture and lay on the parchment paper

6. When oven is preheated, drizzle a touch of olive oil on the eggplant and zucchini and then put it in the oven and let cook 15 minutes.

7. After 15 minutes, turn the oven up to broil and broil on each side about 5 minutes until browned and crispy, then remove from the oven.

8. Meanwhile take a 9 by 13 pyrex dish and ladle a small bit of tomato sauce on the bottom of the dish.

9. Layer the zucchini and the eggplant in the dish, top with remaining tomato sauce and place a piece of mozzarella on each piece of zucchini and eggplant

10. Return to broiler and broil until brown spots appear on the cheese and it is bubbling

11. Remove from the oven and serve with some sauce drizzled around the veggies.  Top with fresh basil and parmesan cheese

12. Serve with crusty bread and salad.