French Bistro Trout Amandine

French Bistro Trout Amandine

French Bistro Trout Amandine with Haricots Verts
Almonds, Dried Currants, Capers, Lemon, Browned Butter, Parsley

The back story for this dish started last summer when I received an email from Mon Ami Gabi Restaurant in Las Vegas regarding their Summer Scratch Off event. I wasn’t particularly interested in the event, but the image of the trout with fresh green beans really caught my eye. It looked so balanced and tasty, I saved it to my computer.

The restaurant describes itself as honoring classic French cuisine, serving traditional French gastronomy in a quaint Parisian bistro, devising fresh takes on classic fare.

On a recent a trip to Vegas, we had to have lunch at our favorite al fresco restaurant. Who can resist sitting outside on The Strip, watching the spectacular choreographed Bellagio water fountains accompanied by Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman singing Con Te Partiro? Not us, not ever. It is a rare visit to Vegas indeed, when we do not have breakfast or lunch at Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Las Vegas. On one trip a while back, I even purchased a set of their plates for my collection.

Bellagio Fountains
Fountains of Bellagio seen from Mon Ami Gabi
French Bistro Trout Amandine

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Beets N’ Roses

Beets N' Roses

Golden Beets and Disneyland Roses

With its apricot-orange-pink coloration and delicate spice fragrance, the Disneyland Floribunda is the official rose of the magical kingdom. See this fabulous rose planted at the main gate turnstiles and throughout the park.

After a trip home from the farmers market, I noticed how similar the color of my golden beets were to the Disneyland roses blooming in my garden. They were begging to be photographed together.

Then I roasted the golden beets and this is where they ended up:

Golden Beets, Blistered Haricots Verts, Marinated Blackberries
Vanilla Skyr, Dukkah, Olive Oil, Aged Balsamic Vinegar

Golden earthy beets, tender green beans with a hint of smoky char, and sweet-tart blackberries all pair surprisingly well with creamy vanilla skyr. The nutty, toasty Egyptian spice mix adds depth and exotic notes to this savory-sweet, veggie-fruit combination.

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Great New Side Dish: Brown Rice Fusilli and Green Beans, Tahini Sauce, Crispy Rice Topping

Brown Rice Fusilli and Green Beans Side Dish, Lemon Garlic Tahini Sauce, Crispy Rice Topping

Brown Rice Fusilli and Green Beans Side Dish
Lemon Garlic Tahini Sauce, Crispy Rice Topping

Composed of equal parts brown rice fusilli and haricots verts, this tasty side dish is a “twist” on “rice & beans.” It is dressed with lemon garlic tahini, a fabulously creamy sauce with a deep roasted sesame flavor.

The playful topping is a take on the classic dish from Southern Italy where pasta is tossed with toasted seasoned bread crumbs – here, crispy rice cereal is toasted in butter and seasoned with salt and cayenne pepper for a crunchy spicy rice-based accent. It can be made into a vegan dish by simply exchanging olive oil for butter in the crispy rice topping.

For a refreshing addition to your side dish repetoire, serve this as a side to roast chicken or roast beef, or on a lunch or dinner buffet. It has wide appeal as a vegetarian dish with creamy and crunch textures and bold flavors, is gluten-free and mighty nutritious.

Brown Rice Fusilli and Green Beans Side Dish

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Global Shrimp: Haricots Verts, Chickpeas, Feta

Global Shrimp: Haricots Verts, Chickpeas, Feta with a Korean Marinade

Shrimp, Haricots Verts, Chickpeas
Soy Soju Marinade
Feta, Gochugaru, and Sesame Seeds

The classic Greek pairing of shrimp and feta, along with French haricots verts, Indian chickpeas, and a Korean soju & soy marinade result in a side dish most likely to attract attention. This global amalgamation of ingredients is finished with a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds and gochugaru, a Korean red chile powder that is barely spicy, and somewhat sweet and smoky. Served at room temperature – it’s a fusion dish that would make a terrific addition to any buffet, BBQ, or picnic.

Global Shrimp Recipe

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French Green Beans, Mexican-Style

French Green Beans, Mexican-Style
Haricots Verts ~ Estilo Mexicano
Tortillas Fritas, Huevos Duros, Piñones, Chiles de Arboles
Sherry Dijon Vinaigrette

Here’s a New Year’s resolution: Serve More Green Bean Dishes – especially the elegant French ones. We’re keeping our holiday buffet merry & bright with fresh haricots verts dressed in a flamboyant style! This flashy dish debuted on our Thanksgiving table and will make a repeat appearance during the Christmas season. Joyeux Noël. Feliz Navidad.

French Green Beans, Mexican-Style Recipe

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