I don't know what it's called... I call it brunch.

Char the skin of a jalapeno. Throw it in a tub and let the skin steam off for about 10 minutes.


Peel off the char underwater, then chop it up along with red onion, garlic, grape tomatoes and cilantro. While you're at it, grate some cheddar cheese.


Sautee the onions with a pinch of salt and some cumin, then add the garlic and jalapeno. Remove from heat.


There was some leftover roast chicken, so that gets chopped up too, and browned in fat with a little more cumin, and some chili powder.


When browned, add 3/4 of the onion mixture, and deglaze with white wine. Add a bit of chicken broth, some thyme, oregano, and lemon juice. Reduce heat.


To a pot of cooked rice, stir in the tomatoes, most of the cilantro, and the rest of the onion mixture.


Fry an egg.


Ok, we're ready to plate. Rice, cheese, meat, cheese, egg, cheese and cilantro.



Proceed without caution.

Shrimp en Papillote

This is surprisingly easy, amazingly tasty, and unwittingly healthy.

Broccoli, shallot, garlic, carrot, hot pepper, shrimp.




Brush a sheet of parchment with a little vegetable oil.


On one half of the parchment, arrange as follows: Garlic, hot pepper, broccoli, carrot, shallot, shrimp. Drizzle sesame oil and soy sauce over top, and a little ground pepper.


Fold parchment over, and fold up the edges several time, creasing as you go to create the seal. Place on a sheet, and bake at 400F for 12 minutes.
(before/after)


Serve by cutting open the pouch with scissors. There will be steam, so don't burn yourself.

PIZZA!

Yeah, the crust was store bought. Whatever. The pesto is home made, though.


Ingredients to be used: Pepperoni, garlic, shallots, buffalo mozzarella, asparagus, basil.




Cooked down some canned tomatoes, fresh tomatoes, and some tomato sauce until thick.


Pizza One has pesto, buffalo mozzarella, proscuitto (did I forget to mention that?), asparagus, and Parmesan.


Pizza Two has tomato sauce, basil, pepperoni, and shredded Mozzarella.


Luckily, I have a pizza stone, so I can do this stuff RIGHT.

Fresh pea salad from the CSA

Here's a quick one, from the farmer's market to your plate.

You'll need some fresh shelled peas. Let's face it, you could stop here and be happy. But I blanched them in salted boiling water for two minutes, and then drained and shocked them under cold running water.


There were also some radishes hanging around, so slice them up, along with some parsley and basil.


Time for the dressing. Toasted and ground cumin, lime juice, a touch of honey, and some nam plan, whisked together and emulsified with olive oil.


Put all the ingredients together, along with some crumbled feta cheese.


Serve along with some smoked fish for a light dinner.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Grilled Steak

New ways to cook Brussles Sprouts. Paprika, garlic, mustard powder, salt, pepper.



Trim the Sprouts, and microwave them for 3 minutes. I know, I know. Look: it's the best way to lightly cook them evenly without slicing them in half. You're not turning them into mush, just lightly softening them.



Add the spices to the bowl, and toss to coat. Skewer them so they're facing the same direction.





Put them on the grill, cover, and cook for five minutes. Turn, and repeat.





Let cool slightly, and then toss them again in the spice mixture.



Meanwhile, grill your steak. Shown: Salt & cumin.







Serve. A squeeze of lemon over the Sprouts will help brighten the flavors.