birthday boy

Monday was Stefan's birthday and as you already know, all he wanted to do to celebrate was hang out at home with Samantha.  But to make things just a tad bit more exciting, Samantha and I came to pick him up from his office for a late afternoon glass of wine.

Stefan works right on the water next to the famed Ferry Building - home to many-a-fabulous little shops, including Cowgirl Creamery: one of SF's many great cheesemongers.  We obviously had to make a pit-stop there pre-cocktail-hour to sample some of their finest and pick up a few new varieties.

After our cheese snack, we found a spot along the water for some wine.

We then headed home for dinner, presents, and cake!

While I gave Stefan his choice of any dish imaginable, he opted for a menu of simple and fresh end-of-summer favorites:

Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta

Roasted Asparagus Soup

Pan-Seared Alaskan Halibut with an Heirloom Tomato Relish

The Bruschetta is so delicious and so, so easy:

1. chop really, really good tomatoes (worth splurging for the $6/lb organic heirlooms!)

2. toss with your best olive oil, freshly chopped garlic and salt & pepper to taste

3. set aside and let flavors meld (perfect to make a few hours beforehand)
4. when you're ready to serve, toast up a crunchy sliced baguette and top with generous portions of the tomato mixture

The Asparagus Soup is equally easy and simple:

1. roast asparagus with olive oil and salt & pepper in oven at 350-400ish

2. toss it in a Vitamix with chicken broth and your choice of cream (half & half, 2%, or almond milk - any works!)

3. blend and add in additional broth, cream, and salt & pepper to taste

It was so quick that I didn't even have time to snap a shot!

The Halibut also was done in no time at all:

1. rub fish with olive oil and salt & pepper and let sit at room temp for 30ish minutes

2. pan-sear each side on medium high heat for 4ish minutes depending on thickness

3. remove fish from pan and set aside covered to keep warm

4. toss extra tomato mixture from Bruschetta into hot pan and fry until warm

5. plate fish and top with tomatoes

Then it was time for dessert:

1. buy really decadent, rich dessert (i.e., cream-filled Neapolitan) from your local bakery or gourmet grocer

2. throw away the box so no one is the wiser

3. serve on pretty platter with candles 

All in all, a fabulous (and very easy, which I am ALL about these days) dinner!

Stefan's dad and stepmom come to visit today and we're cooking them dinner tonight.  We're planning to do an equally-easy meal inspired by Stefan's b-day dinner: 

a cheese plate and fresh Bruschetta to start, 

juicy steaks on the grill, 

roasted asparagus,

and a big salad with super sweet white nectarines.

What's your go-to favorite fancy yet no-fuss dinner?

xoxo

KK