Liz Learns to Cook Risotto

We don't need much of a reason for a party at our house and Saturday was such an occasion. My friend Sally's daughter Liz was home after graduating from college (YEAH!!!) and had mentioned that she wanted to learn how to cook things she liked to eat and risotto was one of them. So we invited a few neighbors and friends for a cookout and risotto cooking lesson which we did outside on my portable camp stove while we all enjoyed the beautiful sunny, if not a little chilly weather.

Menu:
Grilled Portabella Mushrooms with Parmesan and Truffle Oil Drizzle

Assorted Olives, Eggplant and Olive/Fig Tapenades from Whole Foods (compliments of Amy)

Grilled Vanilla Brined Pork Loin with Cocoa and Ancho Chili Rub

Saffron and Shrimp Risotto

Grilled Romaine with Roasted Garlic Buttermilk Dressing

Banana's Foster with Vanilla Ice Cream

Amish Black and Red Raspberry Pies (compliments of Leslie)

Seven Layer Magic Bars (compliments of Dale)

Liz did a perfect job on the risotto and can take with her a skill that will keep her from starving as she treks out in the world to look for employment. She is now prepared to serve her guests a sophisticated entree or side dish once she's employed and settled in Washington DC among the political and savvy gourmets.

Another highlight of the dinner was the Wild Ass wine from Canada compliments of Leslie and JR from their Shaw Festival adventures.

Dales' Seven Layer Magic bars, however humble, were a delicious mix of chocolate, coconut and walnut. A real comfort dessert that we gobbled up with only a hint of crumbs left in the pan. The true sign of goodness.

What a fun evening and my thanks to those of you who supplemented the menu with wonderful treats.

Great Dinner at Lazeza in Lima, Ohio

Kathleen has been an integral part of book club since its inception and her return from Texas, as she passed through on trip to the Shaw Festival, was cause to gather and celebrate at our favorite neighborhood haunt, Lazeza.

Sal prepared a prix fixe dinner ($21.95) for the girls to enjoy and indeed we did.

Menu:
Mini Crab Cake and Cheese Stuffed Portabello Mushroom

Field Greens with Strawberries and Pineapple, with Poppyseed Dressing

Glazed Salmon, Grilled Sea Scallop, and Filet on Cedar Plank with Couscous.

Choice of Carrot or Chocolate Cake

What a wonderful evening. The food was fabulous and the company even better. The scallop must have been broiled on the pineapple as it picked up its added sweetness and was cooked to perfection, still moist and tender. The salmon had a slightly sweet glazed and had picked up the smokiness of the plank and was not over cooked either. The filet was about 4 ounces, and perfectly medium-rare which a lesser chef could have easily overcooked with 16 coming off the grill at one time. I'm not a couscous fan, but this one won me over, moist and flavorful with savory vegetables.

Service was friendly and and prompt as usual, which why this is such a gem in a town with mostly chain restaurants.

Lazeza's gets my vote for 5 out of 5 forks.