Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Peruvian Sudado De Pescado (Peruvian Fish Stew)

I was watching Martha Stewart yesterday and she was having her employees demonstrate their favorite recipes. This one girl showed off this fish/shrimp dish that look really easy, so I knew I'd found my dinner for the evening! I went to the store and bought ingredients, finding the LAST 2 Halibut filets. Overall it was a success. I think next time i might add Lime to the mixture because there was only a slight pepper flavor that didnt do much for me. I didnt read how to do the pepper paste until too late...i'd chopped up the peppers in a food processor already. So, i didnt add the paste..just threw in a spoon full of the chopped peppers. Might make a difference to make the paste next time.
Also, I changed 2 things. I used fozen corn instead of peas, because i already had those. And I used normal white potatoes because I dont think ive ever seen Blue potatoes in chicago, or the U.S for that matter. Peru, yes, and they are delicious!

Heres how to make the paste: http://canelaycomino.blogspot.com/2008/02/diy-aji-amarillo-paste.html

And here is the recipe from Martha Stewarts website: http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/peruvian-sudado-de-pescado

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Shrimp in Coconut Broth

I made this last night. The photo the cook posted of the dish is way more scrumptious than my photos, so just check out the link. I have to say this is one of the best meals I've ever made! It was 1. EASY and 2. Very authentic!
I was in Asia for a few months in 1998, and have never been able to quite duplicate the intricate flavors of the lovely dishes I remember. Last night I DID!!!!! You must try this.
One change, I left out the Mirin.
http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/articles/2009/06/03/shrimp_in_coconut_milk_broth_recipe/

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

We had people over for dinner last night!

Fennel and Thyme.

I made a bunch of stuff. We had beef fondue with various dips and side dishes.
I found a bunch of fun sauces on this site:
http://www.bestfondue.com/fondue-dipping-sauce-recipes.html#tomatoginger

I made the curry, mushroom, and tomato/ginger sauces.
For side dishes I made this fennel salad that I will for sure make again, and boiled sweet potatoes.
Fennel salad: http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/shaved_fennel_salad/ I used 3 fennel bulbs instead, and increased a few of the proportions.
Dessert was this Berry-Lime freeze I found on Martha Stewarts website: http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/raspberry-lime-freeze?autonomy_kw=raspberry%20sorbet&rsc=image_1
I used Strawberries and strawberry sorbet because raspberries are not cheap these days! I also only used 2 cups of chopped strawberries instead of the 7 cups(!!!!!) they recommended. The Lime juice really made it! Was a hit. :)

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Arugula Asparagus Pear Salad


Last night I was eyeing the items in my fridge, and I was bored. I usually grab asparagus to steam and serve as a side dish because it's easy. Last night I stared at the asparagus in the fridge and was going to gag if i served it steamed with butter, like I usually do. I needed something to go with steak and cous cous. So, instead, I made a salad with the asparagus! The result was great! I looked up a few salad recipes and came up with this, based on what I had in my fridge/pantry.
1 cup Arugula
1/2 a pear chopped
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1 cap full(cap from the bottle) of sherry
1 cap full of balsamic vinegar
1 cap full of olive oil
1 tablespoon of grated lemon peel
About 10 steamed stalks, chopped, asparagus.