A birthday meal fit for a 19 year old!
My daughter had a special request for her 19th birthday meal last night. It surprises me every time how quickly this one gets gobbled up. Even our 10 year old son remarks on how yummy it is. It is from Maxine Clark's book 'Weekends with Friends'.
~Salmon Steaks with Hot Pesto and Tomatoes~
Serves 4
Ingredients:
4 salmon steaks, 175g each
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons soy sauce
350g baby plum tomatoes, halved
extra basil leaves, to serve
Basil Pesto:
2 garlic cloves, peeled
55g pine nuts
4 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan or aged Pecorino cheese
55g fresh basil leaves (no stalks)
150 ml extra virgin olive oil
55 g unsalted butter, softened
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
Put the salmon in a shallow not-metallic dish. Put the balsamic vinegar and soy sauce in a measuring jug, mix well, then pour over the steaks, turning to coat. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
To make the pesto, put everything in a blender or food processor and blend until as smooth as you lie. Store in a jar with a layer of olive oil on top to exclude the air. Keen in the refrigerator until needed, making sure that each time you use it, you level the surface and re-cover with olive oil.
Remove the salmon from the marinade and put in a foil-lined pan. Cook under a preheated grill for 4 minutes on each side, brushing with the marinade once on each side. Remove from the grill and keep warm. Put the pesto in a saucepan and heat gently until warm and melted. Carefully stir in the tomatoes. Serve with salmon on warm plates with the pesto tomato sauce spooned over, then topped with basil.
My daughter also requested grilled asparagus marinated in a bit of sea salt, olive oil and lemon slices with mashed potatoes. Mind you she also asked for a chocolate birthday cake with creamy pink frosting, sparkles and 19 pink candles. What have I created???
Recipe via Maxine Clark's book 'Weekends with Friends'
Jeanne - your daughter obviously has a sophisticated palate - you've done a good job!! Sounds delish & another for my 'recipes to try' file - if I asked my 19 y.o GG what she would like salmon & asparagus would be top of her list so this might be a nice one for night before departure day (coming around rapidly!) - by the way, we all have Dubarry envy in this house but haven't been able to find them on sale ever...! How much do you love them....!!!! Happy Birthday to your daughter & looking forward to hearing all about your Paris adventures, Susie x
ReplyDeleteHi Jeanne
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your daughter! May she have a year full of wonder and scrumptious meals! xx Julie
Wow that's an impressive request! Son # 4 turned 28 on Monday & all he wanted was a lamb roast dinner with chocolate cake afters - I know for a fact that he's never let an asparagus spear come within 20 metres of his mouth! Sounds like she had a fab night!
ReplyDeleteMillie ^_^
All sounds wonderful! Can't wait to try the recipe. I love it when my daughters request a special recipe or meal...I'm sure it was fun preparing the special birthday dinner for your daughter.
ReplyDeleteThe happiest of happy birthdays to your 19 year old daughter. I wish her a lifetime of happiness and love!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your daughter Jeanne! How lovely to have a 19 year old...I bet you have a lot of fun together. I'm going to give this recipe a red hot go...it sounds delish. Meredy xo.
ReplyDelete