DINNER FOR ANNIE

The cloud of ash from the Iclandic volcano meant we spent some wonderful extra time with our dear friend Annie, who had come over for Chelsey's wedding.  She is a fantastic cook and we had done some recipe catching up over the couple of days we had been together. So, what to cook on our first night at home together.  Didn't have tons of time, got home early afternoon.  I had mentioned  OVEN ROASTED CHICKEN THIGHS WITH CARROTS AND POTATOES and she requested it.  Have done this once before, exactly as per recipe and it was great.  Did a variation this time, used fresh rosemary insttead of dried thyme and roasted the vegetables and chicken separately to save time. Did not disappoint, a great, adaptable, weekday family meal.

SOMETHING FISHY WENT ON!

When I was planning the meal for some friends who were coming over for dinner last night, it was one of those freaky very hot days for April.  Had already decided to cook fish and remembered something I had done last year just for Alan and I that I mentally earmarked as a good dinner party dish.

GREEK STYLE MAHI MAHI was what I decided on. Only problem was that there was no Mahi Mahi to be found.  We have a pretty good fish monger in New Canaan and he had some Scottish salmon which had apparently flown in the night before! It worked really well and looked very pretty too.  Served this with TOASTED ORZO WITH SAFFRON AND FENNEL, as suggested in the fish recipe.  It was really good, little tricky to make as you do not drain once cooked, so you have to get the amount of water exactly right.  My quantities were different, so I calculated the amount of water, used a bit less and kept additional water just off the boil in the kettle.  I did need to add some more water and it all worked out fine.  Val did a delicious green salad to go with, which had a lemony dressing.  Her new trick was to add thinly sliced brussel sprouts which added some great crunch.

 Another delightful and delicious evening, around my table with friends.