Cajun Fried Catfish with Dandelion Greens, Corn & Carrots

Catfish is inexpensive and readily available previously unfrozen which always ensures a better quality dining experience.  This simple dish takes 40 minutes, costs $12 and feeds two people.

Cornmeal Crusted Cajun Catfish
1 whole catfish filet cut into 4 smaller strips
1/4 cup fine cornmeal
1/8 cup all purpose flour
2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon marjoram
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon chipotle powder

Mix all dry ingredients with a fork in a shallow baking pan or bowl.  Toss catfish strips in cornmeal mixture until well coated.  Let the fish sit in the mix while you prepare the remaining items.  This will ensure the fish is dry and well coated before going into the oil.  Fry for about 7 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.  Remove and let dry on paper towel.  Serve immediately

Wilted Dandelion Greens
In a medium saute pan start a tablespoon of diced shallot or onion.  Toss in one bunch of fresh washed dandelion greens.  Saute for about 5 minutes or until the greens are wilted.  Season with salt and pepper.

Butter Poached Corn and Carrots
Remove corn from the cob and peel and cut carrots into rounds.  Add to a small saute pan along with 1/2 a stick of butter and a few tablespoons of oil olive.  Turn pan to low heat and let cook about 20 minutes or until carrots are tender.

Meyer Lemon Aioli
1/8 cup olive oil mayo
2 tablespoons honey mustard
1 teaspoon marjoram
juice from 1/2 a meyer lemon

Easy and delicious lunch, Buon Apetito!!

Prime Sirloin, Enoki Mushrooms, Leeks, Potatoes and Black Truffle

Its the end of the truffle season so I decided to get one more to enjoy before its over.  This dish takes 45 minutes, feeds two people and costs about $40.

1 - 12oz prime sirloin
1 - package of fresh enoki mushrooms
1 - organic leek, thin round slices
1 - package tricolor baby potatoes, halved
1/8 cup - real balsamic vinegar
1/8 cup - dry marsala wine
5 grams - Perigord Black Truffle

Potatoes, Leeks and Mushrooms
Preheat the oven to 350.  Toss the potatoes in salt, pepper and olive oil and place cut side down on a baking sheet.  Cook for 30 minutes or until tender.  Place mushrooms and leeks on a oiled baking sheet and roast i the oven for 15 minutes.

Sirloin of Beef
Get a cast iron pan going for about five minutes on medium high heat.  Season steak with salt and pepper and sear in the pan for about two minutes on each side.  Remove from the pan and place on a foil lined baking rack. Glaze the steak with a teaspoon of the real balsamic vinegar.  Place it in the oven for 10 minutes. Remove, glaze one more time with balsamic and let it stand for 7 minutes. Slice and serve.

Balsamic-Marsala Reduction
Place equal part real balsamic and dry marsala wine in a small saucepan on low heat.  Let it reduce for about 30 minutes or until about 2 tablespoons remain.

Shave the fresh truffles over the plated dish and enjoy!  Buon Apetitio!!