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ffwd: lyonnaise garlic and herb cheese
This week’s post will be short and sweet. I actually made this back in November when the week’s recipe for French Fridays with Dorie was “Cook’s Choice”, and I picked this one. I went back and read my post from six months ago, but not until after I made this light and tasty cheese spread again. It was almost like déjà vu.
To change it up, I had intended to try making my own ricotta (which is on my “must try” tasks for 2012), but, as usual, I ran out of time. The herbs were straight from my back door herb garden, I boosted the garlic (two big cloves), and I remembered that this needed lots of salt, so started with a full teaspoon instead of a pinch.
The ricotta ended up draining for a full day, much more than overnight. About a half cup of whey landed in the cup, so I can only guess that it is drier than it might have been. Once again, I liked the texture, and this time, the flavors seemed to come through better. I think it was the extra salt.
There’s been lots of rushing around in my life this week, so I haven’t had this for an appetizer yet. It makes a lovely spread on toast for breakfast. I also think a few dollops on top of warm chunky pasta would be great. I have enough to try that later in the weekend, but haven’t yet.
I don’t have much else to say about this. Despite my lack of words, I do give it a “thumbs up” rating.
Enjoy the long holiday weekend – summer’s unofficial kickoff. We have grilling and outdoor activities planned. At the same time, don’t forget to remember those who lost their lives serving our country, which is what Memorial Day is really supposed to be about.
Happy French Friday! Check out other bloggers’ homemade Boursin experiences here. For the recipe, you can find it in Dorie Greenspan’s book Around My French Table.
On the porch in Maine, where I’ll be enjoying the long weekend.
French Fridays with Dorie: Salmon and Tomatoes en Papillote
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.
A Plateful of Happiness 