Friday, August 27, 2010

Goat Cheese Frittata

There have been a few nights when I made a mad dash to the pantry or refrigerator to figure out what in the world we are going to have for dinner tonight that is really fast, fresh and delicious. Finding a nice wine to accompany the dish is another question.......this is a simple, but spectacular all in one meal tasting its' best, directly from the oven to the table. Most of the ingredients are probably in your possession right now! It is so easy and quite filling!


Slice one large red onion, cut into medium size pieces
8-10 fresh basil leaves, chopped
Six eggs, lightly beaten
Salt and pepper to taste
Four ounces of goat cheese, broken into 1/2 inch chunks
One small garlic, pressed
Three medium cooked potatoes, sliced
Two T. olive oil

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Use a ten inch pan or pie plate, slightly greased. Heat a small frying pan and saute the onions and garlic, adding the potatoes and basil last. Stir everything well. Transfer the onion mixture in to the beaten eggs. Place the dish in oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until the eggs are set and top is light brown. That's all there is to it!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Anyone For Fish-Trey Ngeat

Traveling to far off places gives me a real reality check. I may not have the top of the line dishwasher, cooking appliances or even the latest style in a kitchen design, but I am grateful for what I can come home to. I know most of us feel the same way. I look at the water in this photo and cringe at the thought of washing anything in it or even eating anything from it, but people have been surviving this life style for years and it continues to this day.

Drying freshly caught fish and spreading them open on wooden racks is a common sight along the waterways and lake areas around Cambodia. The fish must be quickly preserved as there are no means of modern freezing or cooling in many areas. Forget about electricity! As you can notice, the fish is split, insides removed and salt is added to remove much of the moisture as well keeping bacteria from forming. Pray for no rain!

When dried, the sun fish is stacked and hauled off to the local markets. Catfish is a common catch that can later be grilled or fried and served with a bowl of hot steaming rice.