lovely little dinner

I had a lovely dinner last night. Cooking and eating for hours on end is one of my favorite things to do.

Our menu:
Cheese plate with peaches, Humbolt Fog, dry salami, kumquats.
Risotto cakes (asparagus, radishes, corn) with marmalade (pear, roasted red pepper, basil)
Sunny side up duck eggs with asparagus and lots of truffle oil (white and black)
Pork chop with chimichurri
Pear and blackberry crisps with vanilla ice cream and fresh whipped cream

Wines:
Cotes Du Ventou
White Dessert Wine

There were a few things that were little experiments. The ‘marmalade’ was one. When Sam said, ‘So what do you think of this? I think I am going to do it. . . pear preserves, roasted red peppers and fresh basil. Should I?’ Turns out it was a great idea and even though I was skeptical, the combination really worked. I love being in the kitchen with someone who thinks up interesting things to do with food.

The dessert was a bit unconventional as well. The peaches for the crisp were macerated in balsamic vinegar and I added some chopped oregano. I really like the effect that it had, sweet and savory. The blackberries were covered in a mixture of honey, heavy whipping cream and fresh mint. The topping was a classic crisp topping and we served it up with organic vanilla ice cream and fresh whipped cream – put a little vanilla in when you are whipping it up for some super yummies.

I love elaborate meals – we both prepped the night before and then spent four hours – yeah, you know. . . cooking, eating, drinking, and laughing.