I’m going to get in trouble for this, BUT the picture above is a little teaser for what you can expect at the Pax Christi Chorale – Venetian Black and White Gala. I’m going… Are you?
So this week, the weather here has turned… well …. really snowy. The weekend was cold and windy and Monday, the skies opened up and things are very white. In these cold snowy times, our thoughts turn to comfort food. We need Indian food!!! On Monday Shawn had an appointment and would be passing by Pusateri’s. So he could get the Chicken Supremes for my Silken Chicken. I could just taste it…..
I arrived home after working all night, and glanced at the board.
What happened to Indian food?
I got Filets….
OK, change of plans. And I’m making a what?
So tonight’s menu is still warming and homey, but not Indian. Our guests for tonight are our trio, NMJ (who is snowbound again) and the Mighty Enzo. Steph dared the elements and walked over, so we were sure she needed a warm up. What better than Sweet Potato Pear Soup? I have had lots of version of potato and squash soups, but this one is a winner. Smooth and subtle, with a hint of sweetness from the pears.
Now I’m feeling the love…. We had a brief pause to reflect, while we set things of fire in the kitchen! Shawn had also come home with a new product, Balsamic Pearls. Little balls of aged balsamic. It is almost a caviar. This was the inspiration for our sauce. The main was Filet Mignon with Balsamic Reduction and Balsamic Pearls, Braised Fingerling Potatoes, and Roasted Pepper Squash. A nice hearty winter meal.
We don’t often have dessert disasters, but this Monday was headed in that direction. A new un-tested recipe and a cook who has not slept… Not the perfect combination. The Butterscotch Cream Pie with Pecan Crust looked simple enough. With the amount of corn starch, I expected it to thicken rather quickly, but after cooking much longer than recommended, I went against my better judgement and started to cool it. The crust was ready, but would the filling set. No, no it won’t…. Getting close to Monday Night Dining time, we poured the filling, slapped it in a cake dome and threw it in a snow bank, to see if we could partially freeze it. The dessert was saved just in time and paired beautifully with the sortilege, that we have been enjoying.
After Shawn took Enzo for a quick run, we were off to rehearsal, to tackle more of Perry’s lost Oratorio “Judith”. I’m finally starting to get the measure of this piece. I’m not sure if Perry loved basses, or hated us, but he did write some pretty cool 4 part bass lines…..
I’m still waiting for that chicken…..
This meal gave me energy to get through the whole week. Magnificent winter food you guys!