Where does the time go? Already, it’s French Friday again. This week, I’ve returned from my trip to D.C., and I’m back in my own kitchen making Salmon and Tomatoes en Papillote.

I’m starting to realize that one of the great things about this cookbook we’re cooking our way through is that so many of the recipes are more about the techniques than the exact ingredients. This recipe, like many others we’ve already made, is a springboard for a myriad of future combinations.

For Salmon and Tomatoes en Papillote, each fish fillet is oven-steamed in its own foil packet along with a handful of seared grape tomatoes, herbs, and lemon. After a short bake in a very hot oven, dinner is ready. It’s fast enough for a weeknight dinner, but elegant enough to serve to company. I served the fish with couscous, the fastest side dish I know.

Because the fish was wrapped up tight in its little packet, I was worried about the cooking time. I went with 12 minutes for 4 ounce fillets. No need to worry, as the fish was perfect. It was just slightly undercooked when I checked one, but, by the time I transferred the fish to plates and got them onto the table, the fish was cooked through the way I like it.

This could be done with any thick fillets, any variety of herbs, and other quick-cooking vegetables. You can always find grape tomatoes at the supermarket, but the vegetables could change with the seasons as well. Harder vegetables would definitely require a little precook so they are done at the same time as the fish.

My basil plants are a little slow to get going this summer, but I have many other herb plants that are going full force, so I used lemon balm leaves instead. My choice complemented the lemon slices, juice, and zest in the packet. I used sprigs of thyme on top.

You could serve the packet right on the plate and let your eaters open up the surprise inside for themselves. I decided it would be prettier to move the contents to the plate.

I ended up making four fillets, two for dinner and two for leftovers. Leftovers weren’t as good. The extra reheat, though brief, was enough to overcook the fish. Better to make this one just in time to serve.

Knowing the other Doristas, there are going to be some great variations to make note of for the next time I make this for dinner, and there will definitely be a next time. This recipe is a winner! Check out other blogger’ links at French Fridays with Dorie.

We don’t post the French Friday recipes, but you can find it on page 302 of Dorie Greenspan’s Around My French Table. This book is filled with so many recipes you’ll want to add to your repertoire. Check it out at the library, or buy your own copy. You won’t be disappointed.

Next week, we’re making a Cold Berry-Melon Soup. This one takes me completely out of my comfort zone, and I know it won’t fly with the other half of my household. Melon is for breakfast, not soup, so, I’ll stay open-minded and see how it works out for me. Until next Friday, have a great week.