Tag: fennel

Lobster Tail, Saffron Risotto with Fennel and Leek

Lobster Tail, Saffron Risotto with Fennel and LeekPetite Broiled Lobster Tail
Saffron Risotto with Fennel and Leek

A petite broiled lobster tail rests atop a bed of saffron risotto, with finely diced fennel and leeks folded in to lend gentle herbal and anise notes that play off the saffron’s floral warmth. The creamy risotto and tender lobster are balanced so that each element shines without overpowering the others, making every bite delicate yet satisfying.

This dish pairs beautifully with a chilled Perrier-Jouët Blanc de Blancs Champagne. Its bright acidity and fine bubbles refresh the palate, while citrus and floral notes echo the saffron and herbs, lifting the flavors and making the combination of risotto and lobster light, aromatic, and memorable.

Lobster Tail, Saffron Risotto Recipe

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Pan-Seared Cod, Braised Fennel, Garlic Cream

Pan-Seared Cod, Braised Fennel, Garlic Cream

Pan-Seared Cod, Braised Fennel, Garlic Cream

This charming rustic cod dish is not meant to be fancy. Caramelized wedges of fennel and onion are simply bathed in a warm garlic cream. Wild Alaska Pacific Cod fillets, with their slightly sweet mild clean taste and lean flaky texture, are pan-seared to develop a light golden-brown crust on the outside while keeping the interior moist and tender.

The rustic approach embodies simplicity. It centers on the use of affordable ingredients and easy preparation techniques that elevate and showcase their basic humble quality.

The golden fillets rest upon the creamy braised vegetables. Scattered with rough-chopped herbs and lemon zest, this is a delightful, delicious dish that’s quick and unfussy yet astonishingly complex in flavor.

Rustic Cod Recipe

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Michael Chiarello’s Marinated Salmon with Fennel Salad

Michael Chiarello's Marinated Salmon

In Memory Of Chef Michael Chiarello
January 26, 1962 – October 6, 2023

Marinated Salmon with Fennel Salad

His love for the Napa Valley is a central theme in his career and philosophy. Michael Chiarrello’s style of cooking married the rich traditions of his Italian culinary heritage with the casual style and fresh flavors of the wine country.

The Chef was renowned for letting good ingredients speak for themselves, cooking in sync with the seasons, and celebrating whatever the market brought. Upon hearing the news of his passing, I wanted to honor his memory by preparing one of his recipes.

Chef Michael Chiarello sadly lost his life due to an acute allergic reaction that ultimately resulted in anaphylactic shock. He was 61 years old when he passed away earlier this month in Napa, California.

🧡 🧡 🧡

About this recipe the Chef wrote, “I discovered this dish on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, an area famous for lemons and wild fennel. The salmon is a sort of ceviche, cooked in lemon juice with olive oil…”

Michael Chiarello's Marinated Salmon

Marinated Salmon with Fennel Salad

This is my adaptation of the Chef’s recipe from my signed copy of his cookbook, “Casual Cooking, Wine Country Recipes for Family and Friends.” His restaurant Tra Vigne in St. Helena, Napa Valley was one of my early favorites. 

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Blackberry-Cured Gravlax

Blackberry-Cured Gravlax

Blackberry-Cured Gravlax
with Fennel Seeds and Gin

A sushi-quality sockeye salmon fillet is rubbed with a mixture of salt, sugar, black pepper, and toasted fennel seeds. It is tightly bundled in a puree of blackberry and gin then refrigerated for at least 24 hours. The result is something a little different than the traditional gravlax with dill.

Last month we thoroughly enjoyed a Salmon Crudo with Blackberry Ponzu. It turns out the Pacific Northwest chefs’ secret is the marriage of salmon and blackberries. Now we know too.

Blackberry-Cured Gravlax

The blackberry-gin mixture brings an interesting herbal fruitiness while fennel adds subtle anise notes. The exterior of the salmon is tinged a neat purple color. This was a fun project and a refreshing modern alternative to old world Nordic-style gravlax.

We plated our blackberry-cured gravlax with fresh blackberries, tomato, red onion, and lemon. Everything bagels, capers, and cream cheese were served on the side. Delightful and different!

Blackberry-Cured Gravlax Recipe

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An Easy Creamy Cod Soup for Spring

An Easy Creamy Cod Soup for Spring

An Easy Creamy Cod Soup for Spring

It’s a fish soup that is creamy but not overly rich nor fishy, and chock-full of vegetables …asparagus, peas, and fennel. Fresh dill and lemon add herby and bright citrusy notes respectively. Wild Alaska Pacific Cod is a wonderful fish for light soups and stews as it is slightly sweet and has a mild clean taste with a lean flaky texture.

♥ Extending a heartfelt thank you to the small-boat Alaskan fishermen aboard  F/V Fortune who responsibly harvested the pristine fish used in this recipe.

Easy Creamy Cod Soup Recipe

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