So this month, Kate is hosting Platinum Chef Challenge, and her five ingredients are: Leeks
Lemon
Cream
Rosemary
Capers
I had all sorts of great ideas and felt very inspired by this grocery list. So inspired that I made my entry THAT DAY. But I have waited to post my results. Why? Well. I learned that I really. Truly. Not at all. Made me gag. Needed to eat a chocolate bunny to get the taste out of my mouth. Dont. Like. Capers!!!!!!!!!
I think that had I discovered a love of capers. Or even a like. I would have enjoyed my dishes. I was tempted to try something else for a more palatable result, but that would mean including capers. Again. NOOOOOO!!!
I made two dishes though, both incorporated all five ingredients. The first was an asparagus soup, and the second a tapenade of sorts. Ryan really liked the tapenade (he does not share my capers aversion apparently).
Roasted Asparagus-Capers Soup
1 bundle of asparagus, trimmed, washed
3 sprigs of rosemary
1 lemon
4 cups stock
1 bundle leeks, trimmed and carefully washed
4 oz craime fraiche
2-3 tablespoons capers
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
scallops
bacon
Roast asparagus in an oven at 450 degrees tossed with oil, rosemary sprigs, and thinly sliced lemon for about 15 minutes or until slightly charred.
Meanwhile, in a large stock pot, heat oil over medium and add chopped leeks. Stir occasionally until slightly browned. Add stock and simmer about 10 min. In batches if needed, puree the stock/leeks and asparagus in a food processor or blender to smooth. Stir in cream to taste. Salt and pepper to taste.
In a small skillet, sautee the capers until slightly brown. Stir into soup. (Optional) Sear bacon wrapped scallops.
If desired, top with bacon-wrapped scallop.
Caper Tapenade
In a blender, combine 2 T drained capers, and the 'leaves' from 1 sprig of rosemary. Set aside.
Sautee thinly sliced whites from 1 large (or 3 small) leek with olive oil to caramelize. Combine with the caper-rosemary mixture. Squeeze juice from 1/2 of a lemon over, and stir in craime fraiche. Serve with multigrain bread.
3 comments:
oh no! I'm laughing/crying at the same time! Sorry that the capers weren't your favorite thing ever, but at least your husband liked them! We both enjoy, so I never really thought about other people not being equally as in love with the little salty sour snacks.
I don't like capers either. gag! The second picture looks pretty though.
mmm I lovee capers... but then again, anything that Ryan likes, I probably do too :o) i want to try like all of these recipes on here. they all sound so delish!
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