{in my kitchen} smoked salmon + biscuit sandwich

While eggs benedict will always be my "go-to" when dining out for brunch, I have been on a bit of a smoked salmon kick when these brunch cravings hit me at home [this is an old favorite]. I saw a recipe for a smoked salmon pizza over at Spoon Fork Bacon + immediately went out to get all the ingredients. When I came to terms with the fact that I would never find an appropriate dough for my pizza stone in my neighborhood [fists to the sky!], I thought of a plan b... biscuits!  

This turned out to be everything that I had hoped it would be, if not better. And this was legit. I say this in the sense of having a great balance of flavor + real substance to it. There is nothing worse, in my eyes, than taking a bite of a sandwich + not having enough of the main ingredient, which usually ends up with a mouthful of bread.

Ingredients [there is no real recipe here, just play with your food to your liking]

Nova Smoked Salmon

Red onion, very thinly sliced

Capers [I only use a few, use as many as you desire]

Sour cream [can use cream cheese or crème fraiche]

Lemon for a sprinkle of juice

Dill

Biscuits [store bought or break out the rolling pin with Smitten Kitchen's recipe]

EAT!

photos: Robin West

Good Eats: Steamed Mussels

So, after writing my "How sweet it is" post, I started craving mussels. I always get this craving in the summer after I have a really great experience with a new twist to the dish. Not knowing the precise measurements on the recipe (though, I never really use measurements anyway) I got the basic ingredients: mussels, thin sliced fennel, thin sliced garlic, diced pancetta, diced tomato & a great white wine from Chile. Whatever type of white wine you prefer for cooking, go with it-I am loyal to South American wines.

I have to say, the flavor didn't mask or take away from the mussels and added a sweetness to them that was just perfection. The usual Italian herbs & onion gone really took this dish to the next level. It was so good in fact that to shovel the remaining goodness out of the bottom of our plates, I grilled some Italian bread on the stove with olive oil...so much better than regular toast!

If you ever experience a great new taste when out at a restaurant, find out the basic ingredients, put your own twist to it and serve to your favorite friends and family. They will be happy that you did, I know mine were!

Photos: Robin West

Good Eats-Mango Salsa

Photo: seasaltwithfood.com

I had a phenomenal Mango Salsa from Dean's Market with my bbq'd chicken this evening, and it was absolutely delicious! I found a similar recipe that I am going to share with you, that has the same ingredients.
Bon apetit!

Ingredients
1 Large Ripe Mango, diced
1 Medium Size Red Bell Pepper, diced
1 Small Red Onion, diced
1 tsp Cumin Powder
1 Big Lime, juiced
3 Tbsp Chopped Cilantro
3 Tbsp Orange Juice
Sea Salt to taste
Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Directions
Combine all the ingredients and season well with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.