What I Wanted For Mother's Day!

This year for Mother's Day, I decided to cook a special meal for my family.  I didn't want to go out, instead I wanted to do the two things I love doing most; cooking and enjoying a delicious repast with the people I love most, my family.  Our Mother's Day dinner was going to be special.  I was inspired by Ina Garten's sentiment, "Instead of going out to dinner, buy good food.  Cooking at home shows such affection."  I was excited to plan a special Mother's Day dinner, shop for good food, and then put it all together in my humble kitchen.  I wanted this meal to be memorable.  I am happy to say it was!

Our Mother's Day Dinner and Dessert:

Arancini (Rice Balls) stuffed with Mozzarella.

I purchased the Filet Mignons at Marconda's for Marco and Renato.  The meat was simply prepared for the grill.  I seasoned both sides of the Filets with Montreal Steak seasoning, and let them sit for at least 30 minutes.  Bringing the filets to room temperature, will reduce the grilling time and ensure consistent cooking throughout the meat.  Renato grilled the Filets for 8 minutes on each side.

The Filet Mignon rested a few minutes before plating, which allowed
the juices to be reabsorbed into the meat and not run out into your plate.
The Filet Mignons were perfectly cooked and delicious.

 My family loves green beans and they are very easy to prepare.
Cut off the tips of the green beans, rinse, and drain.
Add the green beans to a pot of boiling salted water and cook 
until they are tender.  

Drain the green beans.  Add olive oil, one crushed garlic clove,
dried basil, salt and pepper to taste.

I purchased the Chilean Sea Bass (Patagonian Toothfish) for Bianca and I at Santa Monica Seafood Market .  I prepared the fish with a drizzle of olive oil, pinch of dried parsley, salt and pepper to taste.
Renato grilled the fish for about 7 minutes on each side.

There's a trick to properly cutting a Mango.

I made a simple Mango salsa to accompany the Chilean Sea Bass.
I chopped up one well done Mango, added a drizzle of olive oil,
a small sprig of chopped Thai Basil, one thinly sliced scallion,
and salt and pepper to taste.  

Santa Monica Seafood Market also has a ready made Seaweed Salad 
that is delicious, and pairs well with the Chilean Sea Bass.

My family loved the Japanese Cheesecake with fresh sliced strawberries for dessert.  

For more information on the Japanese Cheesecake, see my previous blog.

Our Mother's Day dinner was delicious!

Sometimes you need variety, even when it comes to a Mother's Day dinner.
Buon Appetito!