cilantro chimichurri

When I was growing up, I loved the taste of ketchup (and somehow I have a feeling you did too).  I loved it on my fries, meatloaf, fish sticks, even on my mac and cheese and especially on my fried clams.  The acidity and sweet/saltiness balanced the fatty flavors that I loved.  I didn't know that at the time, though, I just loved ketchup.  I also kinda loved the fact that it was so hard to get out of the bottle!  But that is beside the point....

My topping of choice lately, is cilantro chimichurri.  It has all of the same sorts of flavors ketchup does (tangy, sweet, salty, a bit spicy), but with a totally different, more grown-up take. Definitely not a classic chimichurri (don't tell my Argentine friends!) but still really delicious.  I recommend making some and keeping it in the fridge, just like you might ketchup: ready to top everything!   I especially like it on my salmon, but it is delicious on roasted veggies, grilled meats, and of course, that mac and cheese too. 

Cilantro Chimichurri 

makes approximately 21/2 cups

 store refrigerated, up to one week - if it lasts that long!

Into a blender,  combine all ingredients until smooth

 (you may need to work in batches with the leaves, to get it all in there!):

2 bunches cilantro - leaves and tender stems

1 bunch parsley - leaves and tender stems

2 cups baby arugula 

juice and zest of 1 orange

juice and zest of 1 lemon

1 serrano pepper, roughly chopped 

(use less if you don't like the heat)

1 clove garlic

1/2 cup olive oil

1 tablespoon sugar 

salt and pepper, to taste

water, as needed to help liquify the herbs

 (add in splashes to prevent adding too much -you want the chimichurri to be pourable, but not watery)

To aid in blending, stop the blender a few time and try to stir the contents - pushing leaves down and bringing liquid up. 

citrus season

One of my favorite things about living in California is the winter-time citrus.

While in college, I lived in a funky little house on C Street with more personality than structure.  It was super run-down, but had a lot going for it: close to both campus and downtown,  brightly colored walls (painted by my roommate and me!), and the orange tree in the yard.  The most amazing orange tree.  Ever.

We did nothing to care for it (unless you count the 'fertilizing' the chickens did as they wandered about the yard) and yet it produced the most deliciously sweet, juicy, and beautifully colored fruit I had ever had.  It spoiled me:  I haven't been able to enjoy an orange since.  Even those at the area Farmer's Markets can't hold a candle to the C-Street Orange.

Missing my C-Street Orange, I sought out other California citrus.  In time, I discovered the Meyer lemon and the sweet-tart cakes and curds that can come of them (recipe to come!).

My current obsession, however, is the grapefruit.  Plump, slightly bitter, and delicately sweet, it has such a refreshing flavor on these oddly-warm winter days in SF.  A favorite way to revel in the grapefruit refreshment is with a certain cocktail: The Greyhound.  My sweetie perfected the ratio and mixing while I have enjoyed the 'fruits' of his labor.

The Greyhound

by Tim Guffin

1 part good vodka (we like Grey Goose)

3 parts fresh squeezed grapefruit juice

3-4 ice cubes

Shake together until very cold.  

Strain over ice.