Cover Me

And... Jazz It Up Baby!

(Scroll down to "The Playlist" and hit play before reading... works better that way!)

This week we're going a little lighter;  on the food, the music and the cocktail... ok, maybe not the cocktail.  But, we have a great "Plate" from a long time friend, a playlist full of jazz covers and a great Vodka Gimlet.  

Just a little something we threw together to help you hang out on the back deck and enjoy the weather.  Sorry, I know you folks up north are still waiting for spring.  Just have another gimlet... It'll be ok.

The Pots Are On...

The Plate...

Grilled Spicy Orange Salmon With Wasabi Cream Sauce

This week our "Plate" comes from my long time friend (and awesome cook) Margo McKenzie.  

I long to be half the cook that Miss Margo is.  You should try her Chilaquiles... Awesome! Maybe we can talk her out of that recipe. 

We have been friends, neighbors and collaborators of fun times for ... well, let's just say that it's been a while.  

I really love this because it keeps with the spicy theme that I love.  Ok, maybe "spicy" is not a theme, but you know I love it.  

The other thing about this dish... you can serve it over rice, salad or just eat it by itself.  Man, this is good, so pay attention.

What you need...

1 side of salmon, skin on (about 1 1/2 lbs)

1 pack long grain rice or mixed green for serving

1 cedar plank for grilling

Dry Rub

4 tsp orange zest (save the orange, you need the juice for later)

3/4 tsp salt

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp cayenne pepper

Wasabi Sauce

1 cup Greek Yogurt

Juice from the orange you saved after zesting (about 1/3 cup)

5 tsp wasabi

2 scallions, sliced

additional sliced scallions or green onions for garnish

What you do...

Place cedar plank in sink and soak in water for 1 hour.

Place salmon skin side down and rub with "Dry Rub" mixture.

Heat grill to medium high (about 400 degrees).

Mix together yogurt, orange juice, wasabi, and scallions in a blender. 

Puree until smooth and season with salt and set aside.

Place cedar plank (by itself) on the grill and heat one side for about 5 minutes.

Flip cedar plank over and place salmon (skin side down) on the hot side of the plank.

Cook for 20 minutes (do not flip the salmon).

Remove the salmon from the grill and add the "Wasabi Cream Sauce" on top and garnish with scallions or green onions.

Serve on top of rice, spinach salad or mixed greens.

Thanks Margo!

"Holy Hot Dog" that is spicy... 

                                                Where's my cocktail?!!!

Margo McKenzie

The Playlist...

Cover Me With Jazz

A little cheesy you say?  You'll be tapping your feet and humming right along, I promise.  Plus, these are great covers.  

Check out "Got to get you into my life" by Dave Koz, Gerald Albright and Mindi Abair... great cover, great cruising music.  And, I love the covers of the old classic rock like "Smoke on the water" by The Cooltrane Quartet. 

And then there's Margo's favorite... My Funny Valentine by Big Muff, very cool song. 

So, "Sip Yo Gimlet" and put everything else on hold. 

("The Playlist" runs on Spotify. Don't have Spotify?... Click here it's free )

The Bar...

Vodka Gimlet

2.5 oz Vodka

1/2 oz fresh lime juice

lime for garnish

Fill a shaker half with ice

Aadd vodka and lime juice

Shake well and pour into a chilled martini glass

Garnish with a twist of lime


Cheers to you My Michael!

Play it again?

Ok Sam!

Please... Day Drink Responsibly 

& 

Keep On Cookin'!