Crumbs From My Table

Trinity Auction Dinner

One of the things I like to do is help some of the local schools raise money for much needed supplies. The best way I know how, since I am not blessed with a large bank account, is to donate my culinary skills. People enjoy helping a great cause and winning a private chef come cook dinner for them and some friends. Below you will find what the winners of the auction for Trinity School were treated to.

Braised Duck in a Cabbage Wrap, Pepper Slaw and Orange Thai Sauce

Proscuitto, Rosemary, and Rice stuffed Tilapia,
Grilled Asparagus, and Yellow Cherry Tomato Concassee

"Strawberry Shortcake"
Sweet Biscuit, Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream, Fresh Strawberries, and Whipped Cream

If your school or organization is looking to raise money, let me know, maybe I can help ;-)

Fish Friday

Pan Seared Tilapia

French Green Lentil Salad

Green Beans

Watermelon

Being Southern one of the things you grow up with is watermelon. And no Summer is complete without one (or two or three or ....). But this, as an adult, has become one of the new ways I have come to enjoy this delicious fruit.

Watermelon Gazpacho

served as an appetizer in martini glasses

Salad Bar

At our House we love to eat salad. Last year I planted some spinach and mixed greens. I only had a few of each, but we went through them almost faster than they could produce. So this year I tripled the amount planted and had a larger variety. It is really satisfying to be able to walk outside and grab lunch. And because it's grown here, it is packed full of vitamins and nutrients.

Romaine Lettuce and Baby Carrots

Spinach and Beets

Mixed Baby Greens

A fresh handful heading for the table

The finished product.

It doesn't get more satisfying or tasty!

Pickled Beets

It's that time of year again. Things are ready to come out of the garden. Now you look around and realize, "There is no way I can eat all of this before it goes bad". So we pull out the mason jars and start the process. Above is the first of many things that will get jarred this year. And it is also the first time I have ever grown beets. If these pickled beets turn out as hoped, beets will become a new addition to the yearly cycle.

Extremely Local

Saturday was my wife's birthday. And for special occasions I like to do special dinners. I found out from one of my fish guys that he was bringing in some NC trout. And, well, I love trout. And the price was amazing. So this dish started forming. And the other great thing about it, is all of the vegetables came from either my garden at home or our garden at work.

NC Trout stuffed with Kale, Raisins, and Feta Cheese

Ragout of Green Beans, Rutabaga, and Thyme.

Pork Osso Bucco

This is one of my favorite dishes to make. I love that it is a long slow cooking process. And the longer that the oven is on the more the house fills with a mouthwatering aroma. By the time this dish finally reaches your plate, you just can't wait to dive in.

Molasses Braised Pork Osso Bucco
24 hour White Beans scented with Rosemary
Swiss Chard