My grandparents house in Napa has the most wonderful walnut orchard in the back of the property. We have a pecan tree, but there is something special in having a dozen, purposefully grafted, fully mature trees at the ready. Your own army.
Tuesday Night Dinner
I get the impression that sitting down to a meal is slowly becoming extinct. I think that is a shame. Especially if you put some good work in the kitchen. If nothing else you have a captured audience to tell you how much they enjoy your food. Turn off the TV, get out the good silver.
Duck
I wish more people ate duck. I love it. Here it is with a dried cherry port sauce.
$32.51
I know it tastes good, but seriously. After 45 minutes of killing and dismantling a live lobster, this is what I have to show for it. No wonder I prefer scallops.
Lobster Risotto with Peas and Asparagus.
Naked Chef
One of the Naked Chef (Food Network) shows had him preparing simple braised chicken. Slow cooked in a pan with olives, garlic, tomatoes, rosemary and white wine to deglaze. I like that each simple ingredient adds a component (olive = salty, tomato = acid, rosemary = spice). Here is a variation with arugula and red onion rings.
Unfortunate Photography
I think I learn something from every cookbook I buy. Unfortunately, I didn’t see this picture when I bought this book (Crave). For some reason this book is useless to me now.