Since I was away from town last Saturday and wasn't able to visit the market or post a Saturday Market Meal, I thought I would post my Thursday night "improvisation" meal. It was more like a ritual of cleaning out the refrigerator before I headed out town. What could I cook tonight?
This is one of my most favorite ways to create something in the kitchen. The idea is inspired by a class I took atTante Marie Cooking School, taught by my friend and food mentor, Joanne Weir.
You use fresh, seasonal ingredients you have just bought or have on hand, and take staples from the pantry to create something new and different than you might have originally imagined. It is a practice of creativity and stretching the imagination and, sometimes even the tastebuds.
I had fresh artichokes on hand and fresh arugula greens in the garden. Something simple and satisfying would be just perfect.
I cleaned the artichokes {my secret weapon is to use a vegetable peeler to clean the base and stems} , poached them in salted water scented with fresh lemon juice, then , while still warm, drizzled them with a good extra virgin olive oil.
The greens were dresed with a simple shallot vinaigrette: a few chopped shallots, a splash of Jerez sherry wine vinegar, salt and oil.
To me, this is" simply" heaven!
Whatever didn't make it to the plate, is now composting in the backyard to make soil for more delicious summer vegetables in the garden.
Buon appetito!
copyright 2008 Alisa Barry
3 comments:
i agree - simplicity is the best. artichokes are the best too. i could grab a fork and dig right into this.
I love artichokes and with two in the fridge right now, will try this recipe.
Sounds and looks delicious! I'm definitely in the category of 'adventurous eater,' but would like to become part of the category of 'adventurous cook-er.'
Post a Comment