Pretty In Pink - Seasonal Fruits in Drinks & Hors D'oeuvres

Mother's Day was sunny and beautiful as ever this year, and my husband and I were blessed to be able to spend it with our two very special moms at a fun barbecue with the rest of the fam. For one reason or another, my brain's been a bit fried lately, and as a result, I had been having trouble thinking up a plan for my usual responsibility, the hors d'oeuvres. Sure, I could have consulted this blog I know for lots of tried and true nibbles (after all, bite-sized appetizers really are my favorite), but I was just in the mood to try something brand new, ideally using the best produce of the season. 

Sweet & Savory Strawberry Cream Cheese Toasts + Rosemary Crisps with Mascarpone & Apricots, Photo: NK

Only a day away from the big event, the answer came, and not a moment too soon! A basic hors d'oeuvre served at my good friend's baby shower would provide the inspiration for today's strawberry cream cheese sweet and savory toasts. Date nut bread slathered with whipped cream cheese and then topped with a sliced ripe strawberry ended up being the most amazing and easy to make treat - sweet yet not too sweet. After undertaking some further research around cream cheese and date nut bread, I learned that this combination is also reasonably famous in retro food history. My variation using semolina bread will take on more of a sweet/salty quality, but I recommend both versions for your next party. They could not be simpler and with strawberries in season now, they're a wonderful way to showcase everyone's favorite berry. 

Hors d'oeuvres aside, a complimentary beverage that our moms would love also seemed in order. For this, I turned to the peak season fruit I've been eating non-stop lately - the Grapefruit. Trust me, grapefruit is particularly fantastic right now. You should go out and get some next chance you get. 

I am happy to say that what I came up with was a drink that's pretty in pink and refreshing and summery as they come. I even decided against adding alcohol this time (I know, "who are you and what have you done with Mr. & Mrs. Neurotic Kitchen?). Rest assured that I bet this would be mighty delicious with a shot of vodka or gin in it, should the mood strike. 

Need more nibble ideas? Also pictured above you will find Savory Rosemary Wafer Crackers (we like 34-degrees brand) spread with luxurious Mascarpone Cheese and topped with a slice of fresh Apricot or any other in season stone fruit. Finish them with a sprinkle of black pepper and serve right away! 

Simple & Refreshing Grapefruit Soda, Photo: NK

Simple & Refreshing Grapefruit Soda
Makes enough for 6 Drinks 

Ingredients:
Juice and Pulp of 1 Ripe Grapefruit - for syrup base
3 Tablespoons Agave Syrup
6 Sprigs of fresh Rosemary
24 ounces Seltzer Water
About 12 Ounces Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice (fresh squeezed or from a bottle)

Method:
First, make some Shortcut Grapefruit Syrup:
Combine the juice of 1 very ripe Grapefruit with 3 Tablespoons Agave
To make your drinks: 
Set up 6 short tumbler glasses and add to each 2 Tablespoons Grapefruit Syrup.
Next, fill each glass 2/3 of the way with Seltzer Water and add 3-4 Ice Cubes. Stir.
Pour two big slashes of fresh squeezed pink grapefruit juice or bottled pink grapefruit cocktail. Garnish with Rosemary Sprigs and enjoy!

Sweet & Savory Strawberry Cream Cheese Toasts
Serves 8

Ingredients:
1 Round Loaf of Seeded Semolina or other crusty bread, cut into thin slices then cut into thirds.
1 tub Whipped Cream Cheese
2 Tablespoons Agave or Honey
Olive Oil 
Coarse Salt 

Soon to be toast, Photo: NK

At least 12 Ripe Strawberries hulled and halved

Method:
1. Sprinkle sliced Bread with Olive Oil (I like to apply my oil by pouring some into a small bowl and dabbing some scrunched up paper towel in it before stamping it onto the surface of the bread - the method works really well~) and toast until slightly golden. While toast is still warm, sprinkle with Coarse Salt. 

2. In a separate bowl, lightly mix about 4 ounces of the Cream Cheese with 2 Tablespoons Agave and gently combine. If you require more Cream Cheese mixture you can repeat this process later. 

3. When ready to serve, spread a follow of sweetened Cream Cheese onto each toast and top with a Strawberry half. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Easy to Love - Fast and Foolproof Valentines Menu For 2

They say love is a battlefield, but your kitchen need not be.

If you're looking to whip up an easy, elegant, and delicious meal for your special someone, the dishes on today's Valentines Menu for 2 will allow you to do just that while looking pretty cool the whole time:

2 Course Valentines Day Menu 

Asparagus and Prosciutto Toasts with Truffle Oil and Poached Egg

Lamb Loin Chops With Meyer Lemon and Herb Butter


Whether you're a pro or a cooking novice, these recipes are relatively easy and come together nicely with just a bit of planning. The Lamb practically makes itself and the bright yet subtle Herb Butter that accompanies it is fast and simple. Especially creative cooks might even think about cutting the butter pats into an adorable heart shapes - extra points! More tips on the planning and prepping for this meal can be found below. First, let's check out the results:

Lamb Loin Chops with Meyer Lemon and Herb Butter, Photo: NK 

Asparagus and Prosciutto Toasts with Truffle and Poached Egg, Photo: NK

Now, a few important notes on timing and the ideal preparation order to accompany the recipes below:

Planning and Order of Prep:

Make the Herb Butter in advance if you like. It can be stored in the freezer and brought to room temp before serving.

The Day Of:

Take Lamb out of the fridge to bring meat to room temperature. Tip - Meat ALWAYS cooks best when it's started at room temperature. 

Preheat the Oven for the Lamb Chops - 350

If frozen, take the Herb Butter out of the freezer and slice into rounds. Allow to sit at room temperature until ready to serve. 

Place water in a medium sized high sided saute pan (for the Poached Eggs).

On another burner, fill a medium sized sauce pan with water (for cooking the Asparagus).

Heat a medium sized oven proof skillet over medium-high flame for several minutes (for browning Lamb).

Season the Lamb on both sides with Salt and Pepper.

Sear Lamb in the medium sized skillet on both sides (3 min per side), then transfer the skillet to the hot oven to finish the Lamb.

Place Asparagus in medium sauce pan once water is boiling. Boil 3 minutes. Strain and set aside. 

About two minutes before the Lamb will be done cooking, toast the Bread for the Asparagus Toasts. Now Brush with Truffle Oil and sprinkle Toasts with Pepper.

Remove Lamb Skillet from the oven and cover lightly with foil. Allow Lamb to sit about 5 minutes before serving.

Crack each Egg into a small bowl. 

Place Prosciutto on top of each of the Toasts, and arrange several spears of Asparagus on top. 

Turn on the flame on beneath the medium sized sauce pan (for poaching the Eggs). When the water comes to gentle boil, add a dash of vinegar and carefully shimmy the Eggs into the water. Allow them to poach for 1-2 minutes until the Whites are opaque and the Yolks runny. Remove immediately with a slotted spoon and place one Poached Egg gently atop each Asparagus Toast. Sprinkle with a tiny bit of Salt and Pepper.

Plate and garnish the Lamb, adding a round of Herb Butter on each Chop. Enjoy! 

How to Assemble, Photo: NK 

Lamb Loin Chops With Meyer Lemon and Herb Butter
Serves 2 
Lamb Ingredients:
4 Bone In Lamb Loin Chops - 6-7 Oz each
Coarse Salt
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
1 Meyer Lemon or Organic Lemon, halved
4 Slices Meyer Lemon Herb Butter (Recipe Below*)
 
Method:
Prepare Herb Butter. Recipe follows Below* 

Preheat oven to 350. 

Bring Lamb to room temperature.

Sprinkle liberally on both sides with Coarse Salt and Black Pepper.

Heat an oven proof skillet over medium high flame for several minutes. 

Sear Lamb for 3 minutes per side until golden brown. 

Transfer skillet to oven and cook for 22 minutes for medium rare.

Remove skillet from the oven and  lightly tent it and the lamb with foil for 4-5 minutes.

When ready to serve, squeeze a bit of Meyer Lemon over each chop and top with a round of Herb Butter. Optionally garnish with Rosemary, Chives, and Lemon halves.  


Herb Butter for Lamb 

Rosemary, Chives, Oregano, Meyer Lemons, Photo:NK

Yields 1/2 Cup or 1 Stick
*May be made ahead and frozen 

Ingredients:

1 Stick of Salted Butter,room temperature

1/4 teaspoon Dried Oregano or 1/2 teaspoon Fresh Chopped Oregano

1.5 teaspoons chopped Fresh Chives

2 teaspoons finely minced Fresh Rosemary

Zest of 1 Meyer Lemon or Organic Lemon
A quick squeeze of Lemon Juice 

Method:

Mix the Herbs and Zest and dash of Lemon Juice into the butter until well incorporated. 

Spoon the butter onto a sheet of plastic wrap, and try to spoon it a row. Roll up the plastic wrap around the butter to create a log shape.

Transfer to the freezer for 10 minutes or so the refrigerator or until firm. 

Slice and bring Butter to room temperature before serving. 

When Lamb Chops are still warm, top each with a round of butter and serve. 

Any leftover butter can be stored in the freezer 1-2 days for another use. 


Asparagus and Prosciutto Toasts with Truffle Oil and Poached Egg
Inspired by Anthony David's Restaurant
Serves 2 - Yields 2 Toasts
Cook's Note:  The only potentially tricky part is poaching the eggs for this recipe. When in doubt, it's a great idea practice ahead of time. Even if something goes awry, you can always poach another Egg in just a few minutes. You'll want your yolk to be runny - that's the beauty of this recipe and what makes it so heavenly - not to mention the truffle flavor!

Ingredients:
1/2 bunch of Asparagus (about 8 to 10 spears)
2 Eggs
2 Slices Prosciutto (or 4 slices, 2 each, if you like)
Salt and Pepper
Truffle Butter or Truffle Oil (optional but recommended)
2 longish slices of Italian Bread (a sliced round of Semolina works well)
Vinegar, for poaching the Eggs 

Method:
Boil water and toss in the Asparagus. Boil for 3 minutes and strain, pouring cool water over the Asparagus Spears to stop the cooking. 

Toast the Bread very lightly. You want to be able to cut it easily once served. Now Brush with Truffle Oil and sprinkle Toasts with Pepper.

Crack each egg into a small bowl. 

Place Prosciutto on top of each of the Toasts, and arrange several spears of Asparagus on top as pictured above. 

Turn on the flame on beneath a medium sized sauce pan. When the water comes to gentle boil, add a dash of vinegar and carefully shimmy the Eggs into the water. Allow them to poach for 1-2 minutes until the Whites are opaque and the Yolks runny. Remove immediately with a slotted spoon and place one Poached Egg gently atop each Asparagus Toast. Sprinkle with a tiny bit of Salt and Pepper.

What's for Dessert, you ask? 

Well, as I always say, make it easy on yourself. Buy a beautiful ready made pastry, or make last year's super easy Fruit Kebab and Chocolate Fondue (recipe HERE). It comes together quickly in the microwave and is easy and fun to assemble. Maybe you're in an ice cream mood and you'd like our Grasshopper Ice Cream "Pie" Sundae (recipe HERE). I chose to finish today's menu with a Traditional New York Egg Cream from Gale Gand's classic interpretation (recipe HERE). Whatever you do, be sure to enjoy your Valentines Day and remember that nothing says "I love you" like a delicious meal.

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