Sunday, June 10, 2012



Arugula, Watermelon and feta salad



Ingredients

For the vinaigrette:

  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
  • 1/4 cup minced shallots (1 large)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 cup good olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 6 cups baby arugula, washed and spun dry
  • 1/8th seedless watermelon, rind removed, and cut in 1-inch cubes
  • 12 ounces good feta cheese, 1/2-inch diced
  • 1 cup (4 ounces) whole fresh mint leaves, julienned

Directions

Whisk together the orange juicelemon juice, shallots, honey, salt, and pepper. Slowly pour in the olive oil, whisking constantly, to form an emulsion. If not using within an hour, store the vinaigrette covered in the refrigerator.
Place the arugula, watermelon, feta, and mint in a large bowl. Drizzle with enough vinaigrette to coat the greens lightly and toss well. Taste for seasonings and serve immediately.

Monday, June 4, 2012




Shrimp Feta 


Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons good olive oil, divided
  • 1 1/2 cups medium-diced fennel
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine
  • 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 2 teaspoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon Pernod
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 1/4 pounds (16 to 20 per pound) peeled shrimp with tails on
  • 5 ounces good feta cheese, coarsely crumbled
  • 1 cup fresh bread crumbs (see note)
  • 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 2 lemons

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a 10-or 12-inch heavy ovenproof skillet over medium-low heat. Add the fennel and saute for 8 to 10 minutes, until the fennel is tender. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the wine and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the liquid is reduced by half. Add the tomatoes with the liquid, tomato paste, oregano, Pernod, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes.
Arrange the shrimp, tails up, in one layer over the tomato-mixture in the skillet. Scatter the feta evenly over the shrimp. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, parsley, and lemon zest with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle over the shrimp.
Bake for 15 minutes, until the shrimp are cooked and the bread crumbs are golden brown. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the shrimp. Serve hot with the remaining lemon cut into wedges.