On Saturday Paul and I prepared a special dinner for his mother and step-dad to honour their birthdays.
Before they arrived Paul and I started off with an Absolut Blue Fin while dinner was grilling. You'll notice that I did have the little fish to add to the drink this time. It reminded Paul of his birthday drinks at the top of Chicago's Hancock Tower back in 2006.
With dinner we decided to make the most of the fresh ingredients that are in the market right now - you notice that corn, tomatoes, and basil are well utilized in this menu.
Normally we have all sorts of appetizers but we find that folks fill up on those and then don't want to eat much later for dinner. I made a savoury galette in the afternoon to serve as a first course. It contained carmelized onions, corn, basil, tomatoes, and swiss cheese. I have to say that I'd rather whip up a galette than a pie because it is just easier to shape!
It was amazing! We served a small wedge of it with mixed greens dressed with aged balsamic and some of the wonderful olive oil from Pasolivo in Paso Robles.
The main course was a Tuscan pork loin roast that we marinated overnight and then slowly grilled on the BBQ. It was served on a Tuscan white bean salad. On the side we had steamed green beans and my other favourite new recipe of the night - a risotto made with cherry tomatoes, basil, and you guessed it - fresh corn. WOW!
Dessert again made used of fresh, local ingredients (my lord - it was a 100 km meal without even planning it to be so!) We made the Peach-Raspberry cake we had made a few weeks back and served it with the peach ice cream I made for the Sunday Slow Scoopers.
What a meal - wonderful company and great food made with fresh, local ingredients! Truly, a combination for a fine evening.
Looks great, Jerry. What dough do you use for the galette?
Posted by: Amy | September 08, 2008 at 09:45 PM
Jerry-the entire meal looks great. I never thought about making a savory galette-great idea. I'm still getting a couple of ears of fresh corn from my CSA and loving it.
Posted by: Cindy Ruth | September 08, 2008 at 10:51 PM
Amy - I will post the recipe tonight. It is a savoury crust made with some cornmeal and olive oil. Of course, it is a David Lebovitz recipe!
Cindy Ruth - it would make a really nice, light meal. In fact, if it is still rianing tonight I may have leftovers instead of trying to grill in the rain.
Posted by: Jerry | September 09, 2008 at 06:17 AM
Another winner! I bet everyone lives for an invitation to dinner at your house. I could dine on the appetizers alone and er, the aperitivo too.(fish additions are too cute).
Posted by: Barb Cabot | September 09, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Beautiful meal, Jerry! And the galette is a great idea.
Posted by: sandrac | September 09, 2008 at 01:13 PM