Cooking With Friends Is the Best!
A dear friend just celebrated a big birthday and her hubby arranged for a cooking class for her friends and family.
What a great gift and way to not only learn how to make a few new dishes, but a fun gathering for us gals.
Bluffton has so many great places and one of our favorites is Downtown Deli and Catering. Don’t let the name fool you. Not only can they make an amazing deli sandwich, they create some of the best soups and stews in the cooler months. They also offer incredible catering and events. Take some time to visit their website to see some of the innovative events they have created.
Easy Picnic Fare Right In Your Neighborhood
Also, their chicken salad is legendary and they have several great selections available for an alfresco picnic. Anyone that knows me knows that we love a picnic and will definitely pick up a few items for our next outing.
They even have a food truck that offers some great selections. And, who doesn’t love a food truck? I say no one.
The proprietor was the former chef at the club at Colleton River where we live and he and his wife have built a strong reputation for offering delicious selections in their “Magnolia Home” style location. Shiplap walls and farmhouse charm are what makes this place feel so comfortable and welcoming.
Innovative Fish Dishes
The cooking class featured 3 fish selections. Two appetizers that could be modified to entrees and a main course featuring salmon with a spinach and cherry tomato bruschetta. AND, wine parings to enjoy with the food selections.
The salmon was pan seared and topped with pesto, a little butter and wine to deglaze the pan and topped with the spinach and tomato bruschetta. So light, fresh and simple!
Then, we enjoyed cucumber, stuffed with Boursin cheese and topped with blackened shrimp. The cool and fresh cucumber, creamy cheese and spicy shrimp were the perfect combination.
Just cut the seedless (also known as English cucumber) into 1 inch thick rounds, scoop out the seed/center and fill with Boursin cheese. Then, top it with a spicy shrimp.
To make the shrimp, you can generously sprinkle a cajun style seasoning on the shrimp, and just saute in a pan until cooked through. Let the shrimp cool and then assemble. You should not make these too far in advance, as the cucumber contains so much water and you want everything crisp and fresh. Easy peasy!
Lastly, a thin slice of seared tuna, placed on a tortilla chip (you could use a crispy wonton) and topped with broccoli slaw with an Asian twist – yum!
You can buy the broccoli slaw already shredded in most grocery stores. Then, you can just make a simple vinaigrette and add a hint of ginger and sesame oil. Or, I am a big fan of Paul Newman’s Sesame Ginger Dressing. Just toss the broccoli in the dressing and place on top of the seared tuna. Yummmmm!
Such A Great Way To Celebrate
This was such a nice treat for all of us to spend time together and to learn how to make some simple yet tasty fish items.
Thank you to Ryan for a great time! We will be back again real soon.
My name is Kim and my passion is surrounding myself, family, and friends in a life of luxury. Each week, I’ll share with you new tips and recipes to create a luxurious life .