Okay, followers, I have a major apology to make. First off, I realize that we have completely failed at our blogging duties this summer. My first excuse is that my computer is about to die, and for some reason, it takes me 2 hours to do one blog post because it has some weird virus where it does not do capital letters and moves at the pace of a snail. Secondly, I have totally embraced my new relationship and therefore have totally slacked on my cooking duties to spend my summers drinking vino on the deck and being all "in love." However - he is Italian, and can cook, so I've picked up some pointers for future recipes. With that being said, here was our most recent meal.
Cocktail - Lychee Martini
Vodka, lychee juice (from the can), and a little soda water. Perfection! A lychee is an Asian fruit that kind of looks like a peeled grape but is spectacularly sweet and delicious! Buy the can, give it a shot, I promise you will not be disappointed!
Appetizer - Shrimp, Mango, and Avocado Salad with Sweet Chili Vinaigrette
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Shrimp-Mango-and-Avocado-Salad-with-Sweet-Chili-Ginger-Vinaigrette-359951
Flavor explosion! Most people think of Sriracha sauce when they think chili sauce. (You know that bottle with the rooster on it.) Sweet chili sauce is amazing. No heat and fabulous flavor. (I highly recommend even with grilled chicken.) You can find it in the Asian aisle, sometimes even the Indian aisle. Beautiful complement to the avocado and the mango - you will not regret making this!
Appetizer Wine - Nobilis Vinho Verde
This Portuguese white wine is such a fabulous summer wine! It's aromatic and engaging with a slight effervescence and a fresh flavor. (And under $5/bottle... give this a try!)
Entree - Pistachio Crusted Pork with Plum Sauce and Fried Leeks
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Pistachio-Crusted-Pork-with-Plum-Sauce-and-Fried-Leeks-103630
First off, in case you are wondering what fried leeks taste like - they taste like onion strings - how have we not made these before?? Secondly, doesn't a pork tenderloin medallion look like a filet mignon? Cooked to perfection, this was one of our best meals yet! The pistachio crust is amazing and the plum sauce is not too sweet and the perfect topping for the bed of couscous we put it on. You absolutely must try this dish, even if you're not accustomed to "exotic" flavors - this will change your mind!
Entree Wine - 2010 Monte Velho
We continue the meal with a Portuguese red which was equally as delicious as our first wine! This super dark red opens with a smoky oak and black raspberry aroma. On the palate, it is medium bodied, balanced, and smooth. It has rich flavors of ripe fruit berries. Fantastic.
Dessert - Lychee and Coconut Sorbet with Mango and Lime
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Lychee-Coconut-Sorbet-with-Mango-and-Lime-109551
Putting that ice cream maker to good use! This was divine! The flavors were incredible and it was so refreshing! Once again, if you haven't explored lychees, you must give this a shot!
So there you go, a fabulous Asian inspired meal that is out of this world! Next week is a special meal - it's time for John's birthday dinner. And what did he ask for this year? Wild game. You got it - wild game. This is going to be epic!
Next Week - John's Birthday
