SIMPLE THINGS JULY 2014 ISSUE: Summer Picnic

Summer is really coming to an end now. Even though it's still warm weather, we have officially entered September.  I'm happy the heat and Mosquitos are on their way out, but I will miss a farmers market with more than just root vegetables. 

Since we're on our last days of festive outdoor activities, I myself am looking to have another picnic or BBQ before the month is over. These recipes and images were shot for the July issue of Simple Things UK, so please pick up a copy and look at the rest of the spread!  Hopefully, you can get some last minute, end-of-Summer inspiration. 

SALMON SALAD WITH SHAVED FENNEL. PISTACHIO, DILL & CELERY SEED VINAIGRETTE (gluten-free) SERVES 6

  • 1lb. wild salmon
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 5-8 oz. mixed spring greens
  • 2 heads of fennel, shaved
  • 2 large bunches of mixed greens
  • 3/4 cup pistachios, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, roughly chopped
  • Sea salt to taste
  • Freshly ground pepper

Celery Seed Vinaigrette:

  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 teaspoons celery seed
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • Sea salt to taste
  • Freshly ground pepper

Add all ingredients to a small mason jar.  Shake well to combine.  

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Add salmon to a foil-lined large baking sheet.  Rub with olive oil and season with sea salt and freshly ground pepper.  Top salmon filets with sliced lemon and bake for 15-17 minutes.  Set aside to cool.

In a large mixing bowl, mix together spring greens, fennel, fresh dill and crushed pistachios.  Toss with celery seed vinaigrette, then top with baked salmon.  Season with sea salt and freshly ground pepper.

GARLIC POTATO SALAD WITH PICKLED RED ONION, CHIVES & LEMON CREME FRAICHE (gluten-free, vegetarian) SERVES 6

  • 3.5lbs. mixed potatoes, cubed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 oz. creme fraiche
  • 1 tablespoon maille mustard
  • 1 lemon, juice + zest
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 tablespoons. fresh chives, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup pickled red onion
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill
  • Sea salt to taste
  • Freshly ground pepper

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Add potatoes in a single layer to a large baking sheet with olive oil, sea salt and freshly ground pepper.  Bake for 45-1hr or until golden brown and crisped.  Set aside to cool.

In a large mixing bowl, stir together lemon juice + zest, creme fraiche, mustard and garlic.  Whisk together, then toss with potatoes, making sure to coat everything well.  Top with fresh chives, dill and pickled red onion.  Season with sea salt and pepper to taste.

QUICK-PICKLED RED ONION:

  • 1 large onion 
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 garlic clove, halved
  • 1 teaspoon pepper corns

Add sliced onion to a large mason jar with peppercorns, garlic and salt.   In a small saucepan, bring sugar and apple cider vinegar to a boil.  Slowly pour liquid into mason jar.  Set aside to cool, then chill overnight.

 

SEARED SQUID WITH SERRANO CHILES & LIME

Some may refer to it as calamari, but I call it squid.  It may be weird looking, but it's absolutely amazing, especially when not battered and fried like many people love.  In fact, the first time I truly loved fell in love with squid was a sauteed spicy calamari from a japanese restaurant.  Obviously, they know how to do fish right.

If you're a feel at ease entertaining, I think this would be an entertaining win.  The dish is quick to cook and extremely delicious (and surprising).  If your guests are more comfortable hearing the term "calamari" then throw that at them, but I love the surprise of turning someone's expectations around on a certain ingredient.  All in all, this recipe is great and you should serve it to those you love.

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SEARED SQUID WITH SERRANO CHILES, PARSLEY & LIME (Barely adapted from NYT)

1 lb. squid, cleaned and dried well

3-4 tablespoons olive oil

2 serranos, sliced

3 garlic cloves, sliced

1/2 cup chopped parsley

1 lemon, juice

1 lime, juice

Red Pepper Flakes

Sea salt to taste

Clean and dry squid very well.  Spread out on a single-layer layered with paper towels to absorb any moisture.  Once dry, sprinkle with sea salt.

Heat large skillet over high heat.  Let the pan get very hot (without oil) for 2-3 minutes.  Depending on how large your skillet is, you may be able to do this in one batch, but make sure not to overcrowd the squid.  

Add olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan and add squid without moving for at least 1 minute.  This part will be a little dicey as the oil is hot and may spit a little, so be careful.  Let sear, then add sliced garlic, parsley and serannos and cook for about 2 more minutes.

Immediately remove from pan, squeeze with lime/lemon juice and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.  If you need to make another batch, repeat until all squid is seared. Serve (immediately) with rice or crusty bread, if you eat it ;)

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