Dinner Parties in 2010 - #1 - Hannah and Brian

Well the first dinner party of the year was this Saturday nite with very talented Hannah and the incredibly well-read and articulate Brian. We were to have another friend as well, by Aspen, CO had other plans.

For my Graduation, I got one of the best books a boy can get. PORK & SONS. Holy crap it is like a bible for pork lovers. Written by butchers and farmers who present the succulent meat in all forms and "real" ways. Using everything from snout to tail. What struck me as intriguing was the SALT ROASTED PORK. It entails you doming the whole rack in SALT.

In theory, GREAT! In reality, a little nerve racking. PUN INTENDED! The roasting rack gives you some false readings under the salt dome. I had made some thermometer sized holes in the Egg and Salt dome prior to launching it into the oven and I would get temps ranging from 200 to 120 degrees just inches away from each other. Meh, instinct took over, out came the roast, 4 slices later the chops were off and finished in the oven. I think another 10-15 minutes and they would been perfect OR 5 degrees hotter. Either way, GOOD, but not great. Would love to try it with a tenderloin though . . .

Sides? Roasted, then grilled, beets with a balsamic glaze and a potato gratin. Always a crowd pleaser. But again, overconfidence showed it's head and I let my roux go a little long, let the milk scald a little much. So I redid my Bechamel and made a Mornay from that which KILLED in the end.

Dessert was a Grapefruit Mousse over a graham cracker crust. Simple, clean and not too heavy after a very heavy meal. I thought nothing of it, but it was deemed a "Key Lime Pie" killer. Even after all the champagne and red wine had worn off. So I guess I am going to fine tune this a little and get it PERFECT and add it to the bag o' tricks.

All in all a success. Some learnings and a little bit of greatness.
More to come in the new year!

MENU FOR 23Jan09

AMUSE
Tuna Confit w/ pickled grapes

APPETIZER
Chamembert, Apple and Onion Marmalade Phyllo Triangle
w/ Arugula salad

MAIN
Salt Dome Roasted Rack of Pork
Potato Gratin & Roasted Beets w/ Balsamic Glaze

DESSERT
Grapefruit Mousse