Cilantro, Food Styling (or lack of) and a Recipe

An

abundanza

of 

cilantro

cries out

for

Cilantro Pesto!

I harvested

about

2 cups

(and a few basil leaves)

a

and 

tossed it

my food processor

with

1 c. walnuts

zest and juice 

of 

1 lemon

 a

seeded 

jalapeño

and salt

the

food processor 

whirled

for about

1 minute

and 

I 

poured

 in

3 TBS. of water

and 

1/4 c. garlic flavored olive oil

this

pesto

rocks!

a bit of heat

 from the jalapeño

freshness 

from the cilantro

and lemon

(spread it on ciabatta with brie and spinach and press in a panini press)

OOOOoooo, baby

so good!

…for some killer salmon

I had

a leek

a couple 

carrots

and

a celery stalk

that 

called out

for a quick sauté

I

topped

the sauté with

boneless

skinless

salmon filets

drizzled

maybe

1/4 c. dry rose

over the salmon

covered

the pan

turned the heat to

low 

it cooked 

the salmon for

about 20 minutes

~

and then topped

each piece 

of fish

with a dollop

of 

pesto

If

I

was a

food stylist

or

a photographer

I could have made

this look

as 

delicious

as it tasted

alas…….

trust me!
delicious!!!

Salmon

with

Cilantro Walnut Pesto

2 c. cilantro (a few basil leaves or tarragon can be fun additions)

1 c. walnuts

1 lemon - juice and zest

1 jalapeno - seeded

1 tsp. salt

1/4 garlic flavored olive oil (or your favorite olive oil)

3 TBS. water

Combine the first 5 ingredients in food processor and process for about 1 minute  - With motor continuing to run add water and olive oil through the feeder tube.  Voila!

Salmon

1 leek, cleaned and sliced

1 carrot, chopped

1 stalk celery, sliced

1 TBS. olive oil   (I used Lemon infused)

2-3 salmon filets, boned and with or without skin

1/4 c. dry white or rose wine 

1 c. of same wine to enjoy while the fish cooks

Saute the veggies in the olive oil for about 4-5 minutes (they still need to have a bit of crunch). Season the salmon filets and lay on top of veggies.  Add the wine, cover your pan and cook over low heat for about 20 minutes (if your fish is very thin you might want to only cook fish for 10-15 minutes).

Top salmon with a good sized dollop of pesto.