Heading To Chicago

I'll be in Chicago for the next ten days. Since this is the first real pleasure trip I've taken in years, I'm not sure whether I'll be posting more or less frequently… On the one hand, I plan to relax and kick back a bit, which may include writing. On the other hand, the trip is basically a long first date. So if that goes really well, I may be blissfully MIA for a bit. We'll just have to wait and see. If I drop off the face of the earth for a bit, you'll know it's for all the very best reasons.

Apparently one of the criteria I'll be measured by is my skill in the kitchen… Now, I love good food, which is why I've been befriending chefs for years, but once you've got a crew who knows what to do, the temptation is to let them do it. Any suggestions, people? I used to have some culinary chops, but I've been living off the fat of the frozen food aisle for quite some time. If you've got an absolutely mind-blowing recipe or kitchen trick that'll make me look good, drop it in the comments or an email.

Comments

[DM]

Soy-Maple Salmon

salmon fillets
soy sauce
maple syrup

Place fillets in large zip top back or non-reactive baking dish. Make up enough marinade (1 part soy sauce to 3 parts maple syrup) to cover all your salmon fillets. Marinate for 12-24 hours.

Preheat oven to 500^F. Remove salmon from the marinade and place skin side down in glass baking dish or on baking sheet. Bake on top rack for 5-8 minutes depending on thickness of fillets. Serve immediately.

[BadAss]

Thanks, DM!

And I didn't even mention that I know she likes salmon!

[DM]

This might go well with the salmon

Leafy greens of choice (chard, spinach, beet greens etc)
1 Tb soy sauce
1 tsp rice wine vinegar

Tear into large pieces. For chard or beat greens, chip the stems into small pieces. Wash greens leaving them quite moist. Saute over medium heat for about a minute, then cover with tight fitting lid until greens are wilted and tender. (This will be nearly instantly for spinach). Toss greens with the soy sauce and vinegar and serve.