get your yummy back

musings from a health supportive culinary artist

Bobby’s Grilled Bison Steaks September 9, 2012

Filed under: how to make it,where to get it — chezdesblog @ 3:10 pm
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My friend Bobby taught me how to grill bison steaks. The method is simple – let the meat rest at room temperature in a salted red wine marinade. Place the steaks over the grill, sear them on each side and then, and this is where there’s a twist, dip them in soy sauce and put them back on the grill for a few minutes to finish cooking. Salty, wine- y Grilled Bison Steaks deliciousness. I have since tried this same method at home with sirloin steaks and they were also very tasty.

Look for local sources of bison if you can find them. In Washington DC, I found it at the farmer’s market. In Santa Barbara, we have a local source (Aurora Farms) that brings their product to town weekly. I’ve given you a link to their web site which includes all sorts of interesting information about bison, buffalo and how they differ.

 

Grilled Halibut with Chimichurri Sauce August 19, 2012

Filed under: how to make it — chezdesblog @ 10:55 pm
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Oh, lucky us. This week, friends brought us halibut that they caught off the coast. When I opened the package, it smelled like the ocean. Heavenly. Thanks, Jenn & Will!

This recipe for Grilled Halibut with Chimichurri Sauce was inspired by the herbs in my garden. Traditionally, chimichurri is made with fresh parsley, garlic, vinegar, olive oil and red pepper flakes. Herb-y and fresh it adds great flavor to steak, chicken and seafood. In this version, I substitute cilantro and lemon juice with great results. I served it with roasted patty pan squash tossed with chickpeas, parsley, lemon juice, salt and pepper.

If you have any leftover chimichurri (which is doubtful), it’s also great as a topping for grilled steak or chicken, tossed with roasted vegetables or stirred into brown rice. Good stuff!

 

Grilled Chicken with Zucchini Pappardelle August 12, 2012

Filed under: how to make it,where to get it — chezdesblog @ 11:46 pm
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For my birthday, I got the Flavor Bible, winner of the 2009 James Beard Book Award for Best Book: Reference and Scholarship. Organized alphabetically by ingredient, season, and other topics of interest, it is a culinary guide to pairing flavors across food groups. Today, I had several ingredients on hand that I wanted to use to create a sensational summer dish – grilled chicken, zucchini, fresh basil and corn. As predicted, when I looked up each ingredient in the Flavor Bible, it was readily apparent that they were in harmony and would enhance one another when paired. This, of course, is not surprising given the season and the propensity to grill outdoors.

I got creative with the zucchini, slicing it into thin, wide ribbons using my best little mandolin. I quickly sauteed it in olive oil with corn, basil, salt, pepper and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Treating it like pasta, I used it as a base for sliced grilled chicken. I drizzled the whole thing with olive oil and lemon juice, a touch of salt and pepper, and viola – a simple and  sensational summer dish – Grilled Chicken with Zucchini Pappardelle.

 

Celebrate Something New! July 1, 2012

Filed under: how to make it — chezdesblog @ 1:39 pm
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I love it when July 4th falls on a Wednesday. A day off in the middle of the week – what’s not to love about that?! It’s like a bonus vacation day without the pressure of making some grand plan for a 3-day weekend. And, of course, there are the fireworks at the beach. Need I say more?

Whether you’re putting burgers on the grill, cooking over the campfire, or beating the heat with no-cook summer meals – it’s time to try something new!

Some of my seasonal favorites include Watermelon Tomato Salad, Haricot Vert and Red Onion Salad with Pistou and Basil-Blackberry Crumble. Visit the Recipe Index and let me know if you try something new.  I’ll do the same. Happy 4th!

 

Cheese-Stuffed Grilled Peppers May 27, 2012

Filed under: how to make it — chezdesblog @ 4:21 pm
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The grill is getting a workout this weekend. Lots of family, friends, and visitors. It’s the kind of weekend where dinner happens when it happens and I get to experiment with new things on some of my best taste-testers.

Take these Cheese-Stuffed Grilled Peppers, for example. Whether cooked on the grill or inside on the grill pan, they make a fun and different starter/snack for guests to enjoy while the rest of the meal comes together. You can prepare them ahead of time and refrigerate them, bringing them to room temperature before grilling.

Sweet little colorful peppers get stuffed with ricotta, fresh herbs and a flavorful cheese of your choice, maybe Parmesan or goat. I used ricotta, goat cheese,  chopped basil from the garden and a pinch of salt to stuff my peppers. Brushed them with a little olive oil, sprinkled them with a little sea salt and put them to grill for a few minutes. The peppers roasted and the cheese got warm and gooey. Tasty, different and little messy but in a fun way. Don’t forget the napkins!

 

Grilled Salmon + Fennel Salt Rub May 20, 2012

Filed under: how to make it — chezdesblog @ 6:18 pm
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For my next installment of “preparing more fish at home,” I bring you Grilled Salmon + Fennel Salt Rub – yum! I used the same grilling technique highlighted in my last post about Grilled Mahimahi and it worked like a charm. I actually think I’m learning something.

I got this recipe in my new cook book, good fish. I met the author/chef, Becky Selengut, when I was in Mexico last month and thoroughly enjoyed chatting with her about all things cooking – favorite cookbooks, old school family dinners, comfort foods, and ingredients. This fennel salt rub is delightful and lends a lot of flavor for little effort. The simple yogurt sauce that goes with the salmon includes yogurt, honey, cayenne and Dijon mustard. Once again, simple pantry staples come together to create a delicious compliment to the meal. Enjoy it in good health!

There are lots of great resources that can direct you in choosing sustainable seafood. This cookbook is one great resource, another is the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch.

 

Grilled Flat Iron Steak + Cilantro Pesto May 13, 2012

Filed under: how to make it — chezdesblog @ 3:19 pm
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This week I harvested herbs like mad. The cilantro is starting to bolt, meaning it’s headed to flower/seed, and the soft tender shoots that we love to eat are short-lived. I made a big batch of Cilantro Pesto which I then portioned into ice-cube trays and froze so I can use it by the tablespoon for as long as it lasts.

Last night, I tried this recipe for Grilled Flat Iron Steak. Known as the “butcher’s choice,” this cut is long, lean (but still tender) and simple to grill. It’s great for feeding a crowd. I marinated it in a balsamic vinaigrette which did double time as a dressing for grilled vegetables. The meal was delicious and made it feel like the beginning of summer even if it was foggy and gray…

 

How to Grill Mahimahi April 29, 2012

Filed under: how to make it,where to get it — chezdesblog @ 11:42 am
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This year, I am working more fish into our diet. In a veiled attempt to support my cookbook habit, I decided I needed some resources to support this effort. I think I found two of the best – For Cod and Country by Barton Seaver and Good Fish by Becky Selengut (the perfect gift from my sister!).

In the first of a series of posts about my experiences preparing more fish at home, I bring you the easiest, most delicious recipe for Grilled Mahimahi. This method for grilling has revolutionized my thinking regarding grilling fish. The premise is so very simple, yet one I never considered – manage the heat of the grill by moving the grill grate, not the fish. Once it hits the grill, the fish remains undisturbed until it’s cooked. No trying to flip it or move it, risking it falling apart or getting stuck to the grill. Revolutionary!

 

Grilled Nectarines with Honey-Balsamic Glaze August 14, 2011

Filed under: how to make it — chezdesblog @ 11:33 am
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Because I bake at my work place, people often ask me what my favorite dessert is. Without question, it’s a fruit dessert. Preferably a fresh fruit pie, or crumble, or crisp. I also love desserts that highlight citrus – lemon tarts, lemon bars, key lime pie…the list goes on…

This recipe for Grilled Nectarines with Honey-Balsamic Glaze is right up my alley. The combination of fresh fruit with sweet honey and tangy balsamic, caramelized on the grill, is a delicious way to highlight summer fruit for dessert. Topped with a little honeyed plain yogurt…*sigh*…

If you’re grilling for dinner, just add a few coals to the fire while you eat, to keep the fire going. Once it’s time for dessert. the fire is ready and this dish comes together in minutes. Your friends and family will thank you for this simply delicious summer treat!

 

Outstanding in the Field + Ideas for a Happy 4th June 30, 2011

Filed under: how to make it,where to eat it — chezdesblog @ 12:52 am
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This past weekend, we attended an Outstanding in the Field dinner in Northern California. Drenched in sunshine, the Baia Nacchia farm served as host to some 130-odd diners under the stars. These events are a wonderful way to connect with food, farmers, and the great outdoors. After a guided tour of the farm, we were served a four-course meal prepared by a local chef and his team. Among other interesting things, I learned that Sweet Alyssum is used in organic farming to control pests. They host dinners all across the country, so check it out. Fresh, delicious, and educational – it doesn’t get much better than that!

In preparation for the long weekend, I am searching my recipes for good potluck fare. Some of my recommendations for wowing friends and family with healthy eats include Broccoli Apple Salad, Zesty Coleslaw, Curried Potato SaladSoba Noodle Salad, Pea Salad, Tabouli, or a Summer Squash Salad. For grilling, try Grilled Cheddar Cornmeal Cakes or one of these tasty burger recipes. Top it all off with a seasonal fruit crisp or Basil-Blackberry Crumble. Have a great weekend!

 

 
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