Culinary Wonder Works

I like to cook. It is fun for me. I just can't afford it, my wallet or my waistline. But there are times when watching the Food Network or at the store and I get inspired to do something. More recently I have been the fortunate one to reap others harvests. A few people in my neighborhood have been grow herbs (pronounce H please when reading.) Now and again I will go poach some fresh oregano, thyme, or rosemary and make it happen.

For instance this bruschetta you see here was made with fresh basil, oregano, and thyme. The onion was from the farmers market and the tomatoes were vine ripened. The baguette was purchased when the bread was still warm. Fontinella cheese on top and mozzarella on the bottom. I hit it with a little Spanish olive oil and some balsamic. Magic.



I made this caprese salad with some fresh mozzarella, basil from a neighbor and fresh tomatoes. It is one of the best appetizers (or meals) when you do it right.



I had this salmon filet and didn't really know what to do with it. Why not some fish tacos? Why not. I had the tortillas and the avacodo, I just needed to figure out how to do the fish. I cubed it up and spiced it with a variety of spices. Paprika, Chipotle, and a little Cayenne. I had to cool it down with the sour cream but it was delish!



I love ravioli. I think it is my favorite type of pasta in the world. Actually I am sure it is. Ravioli has so much versatility. Its like a pasta version of a crepe. Lobster ravioli is right at the top of the list when it comes to ravioli stuffing. I have made my own ravioli in the past...but that was when a roommate had the kitchen aid attachment that I didn't get. wink wink. This lobster ravioli was from Costco, a fine purveyor of foods. The sauce on the other hand was a caleb exclusive. A cheesy, tomato alfredo. I have never made alfredo before so this was a bit of an experiment. It turned out great.



The fish. A rainbow trout. We caught about 50 and kept 5. I have a buddy that works at this cheese farm that has a private pond. It is up past Kamas. These guys, Gold Creek Farms, make some of the best cheese I have ever had! Check em out if you feel the need. But the pond is loaded with rainbows. Taylor Irwin caught this beast and we had to eat it. I stuffed it with some lemon, oregano, salt and lemon pepper. We wrapped it in some foil and grilled it up.


I don't have pictures for some of the other delectable meals I have made recently. There were some Talapia fajitas, butternut squash risotto, and I made my own red sauce a few weeks back. I made a lasagne out of some of it and I have one in the freezer ready to be destroyed. I am pretty sure that somewhere along the way there were a couple of batches of cookies that people would kill for.