Saturday, August 28, 2010

Tropical Salsa Inferno

Tropical Salsa Inferno
Makes 3 generous cups

This is a good universal fruit salsa and I have used it on grilled Mahi Mahi, Salmon or Ahi Tuna. The grilled pinapple and honey combine for a very delightful taste sensation and worth the effort.  You could certainly add papaya or other tropical fruit, fresh ripe tomatos would also add a nice dimension. 

Play with it and enjoy the party!

Seafood Quesadillas

Seafood Quesadillas with Tropical Salsa Inferno
Seafood Quesadillas with Tropical Salsa Inferno
makes 12 large quesadillas

I put this together to help celebrate my friend's 35th Wedding Anniversary and birthday.  A Tropical Fiesta was the theme.  We grilled these big boys in a cast iron skillet over hot coals! Wow was it hot! These cooked very quickly, but I loved the nice char/toasting. They nearly disappeared just as fast as we could flip them!


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Sunday, August 15, 2010

What's cooking? August is National Olive Month.


I call this Antipasto-Pasta. Inspired by the olive bar at the local deli. So there I was at that antipasto bar wondering... what can I do with this? "Antipasto Pasta!" Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, pickled red peppers, onions, garlic, olives and fresh parsley. Simmering and swaying waiting for a dose of Pesto #5.  (Pesto with 2 kinds of basil, walnuts, sundried tomatos, olive oil, garlic)

Wine:  Monte Antico Toscanna 2006.

This dish goes together fast if you do your prep work in advance. Most of the ingredients are already in your fridge or pantry.  Don't you love a well stocked kitchen when you can just reach for what you need? Add your fresh ingredients and viola! I also nurture my herb garden all year long so I can just run out and snip what I need.

My Dad always made sure our dinner plates were colorful... either a needing something green, or a burst of colorful veggies, Mom made sure we had a salad.  For this, I plated a beautiful cantaloupe and strawberry salad and some freshly steamed flat green beans to balance the herby, salty pasta. No need to add any salt to this preparation, the antipasto and Parmesan gives you all you need.

Do you cook for the love? What makes a "Good Fix" for you?