Tags
capers, clam juice, dry sherry, Garlic, Leeks, marcona almonds, Monkfish, olive oil, olives, roasted peppers, sweet smoked paprika
Monkfish is an ugly, ugly fish, but I have memories of watching Julia years ago, with this massive, ugly fish, holding it up by the tail. When I’ve prepared it, I wasn’t happy with the results…I’ve grilled it, sautéed it, roasted it and while the flavor was nice, the texture was not to my liking. Let’s just say, it was a little too chewy. It always seemed underdone. Then, I tried braising it. Bingo! From now on, this is my go-to way to cook monkfish. Continue reading
Caponata is incredibly delicious. It is the perfect end-of-the-summer-garden dish to prepare. This version “twisted” or “evolved”, as I was searching through the garden. Only it’s roots are traditional. Then it wanders. And it wanders into pretty, delicious territory. 
I’ve always liked the idea of tuna melts. I really do, but you know, sometimes when you heat canned tuna, it develops an unpleasant fishy taste. The Goddess hates fishy. The Latin Lover hates fishy. But, I’m happy to tell you, this works well. It’s quick to fix and doesn’t heat up the kitchen, when the temperature outside soars…and it’s delicious. 
Every Cuban woman (or man, I suppose) knows how to make Picadillo. It’s quick and delicious, but it’s never as good as “mami makes”! Some things transcend cultures, don’t they? I learned how to make this from my mother-in-law and from The Latin Lover’s great-aunt, both damn fine cooks. It’s a very valuable recipe to have. 
Salisbury Steak is just a lovely way of saying that we’re looking at a thick hamburger “steak” with gravy. And I’m all over that. I hate those thick burgers, that in order to eat them you have to unhinge your jaw, like a python. I always eat those types of burgers with a knife and fork anyway, so why not add some terrific gravy? 
I really do so enjoy imitation crab meat. I know it’s not crab meat. I just like it. It’s never fishy when it’s heated. It has a nice consistency, it’s easy to work with and it just tastes so good. And it was really good in these patties. 
I usually lean toward an Asian flavor profile when I make tuna steaks. But, I just wasn’t feeling that today. After our time in Portugal, I decided to wander in that direction. More of a meander, really. The main thing to remember with tuna, is to not over-cook it. You want it crisp on the outside and very pink on the inside…and very delicious. 
Moment of truth? This is really a garnish. In actuality, it’s a garnish that’s a relish, but “Condimento Picado” just sounds so much better than “Minced Relish”, doesn’t it? This is a perfect, tailor-made quick garnish/relish to add a punch of flavor to almost any plain, or simply prepared, protein. 
This was the answer to The Latin Lover’s inquiry, “What are you planning for dinner?” This sort of just popped into my head. It went together quickly and had great flavor. 
Fresh tuna steaks, the thicker the better, are usually seared in a screaming hot cast iron skillet. They are usually served with just a simply sauce. This version is different and this is no ordinary sauce. The tuna is briefly and gently simmered in a lovely, tomato-based, sweet and sour sauce. 