FILET MIGNON AND CAULIFLOWER PARMESAN
Let’s talk FRIENDSHIP. Yours. Theirs. Mine. Ours. It’s September. Time to do that.
THE ONLY STOP DURING THE TRIP BACK TO ASPEN WAS FOR FRANNIE TO PERUSE THE MOOSE RACK SELECTION FOR OUR NATURALIST EXHIBITS.
Last week-end my nature-loving colleagues and I spent three days in Rocky Mountain National Park taking field workshops. For me, it was a rigorous three days. By 5:30pm on Friday night, when we were ready to make the 185-mile trip back to Aspen, I was pooped. There was no drive left in me, either for up another mountain or behind the wheel. Having anticipated this, Francine and Carol climbed in the front seat of my car while I folded my wings, crawling in the back.
Four hours later as we crossed the line into Pitkin County, Francine said, “You know, Mary, we love you. We all love you.”
Not to be outdone, Carol chimed in, “You have a great support system here, Mary. Everyone loves you. They do.”
CORNBREAD WITH CARAMELIZED APPLES, ONIONS & THYME
There was more of this chatter, I responded with gratefulness, dropped my friends off and finally drove into The Gant around 10pm. After unpacking, bathing and checking for ticks (a hazard in the High Country), I fell into bed at Midnight, four hours past my norm. But not before thinking about those remarks. What brought that on, I’ll never know. I was weary, yes, but euphoric about a perfect trip. I wasn’t feeling needy, lonely, or abandoned. No propping up necessary. Shall we simply chalk it up to Friendship?
SINCE RETURNING TO ASPEN OUR SILVERKING DRIVE NEIGHBOR, BLANCA O’LEARY (middle), HAS ALWAYS INCLUDED ME IN NEIGHBORHOOD FUNCTIONS & HOLIDAYS. SHE NEVER FORGETS ME. HERE WE’RE CELEBRATING VAIL’S LITERACY PROJECT’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY AT A LOVELY LUNCHEON HOSTED BY OUR VAIL FRIEND, JANE LOWERY.
As we all celebrate the long Labor Day week-end why not open the window wider to this opportunity to value our friends more. Let’s be better, try harder and remind them they’re appreciated. Although Frannie and Carol have now probably forgotten those remarks, I have not. Besides wishing you Happy Labor Day Week-end with the following cast iron menu, I’m sharing snapshots of my local supporters who have enriched my 2015 summer. Hopefully these photos will encourage you to acknowledge your own.
CAULIFLOWER PARMESAN, OVEN READY
Some women in the following photo have been friends since 1988. This is the only time I was with this gang all summer!?! And, that took 40 e-mails, determination and a surprise 60th birthday party to make happen. Some gals work and many, like me, are dedicated volunteers for this and that. The activities we did together ten years ago, Saturday biking adventures and Sunday hikes up Aspen Mountain, I’m no longer strong enough to do. However, after obviously too much vino, I agreed to a winter bike training program put together by Californian Terry Durham, far right, to bring me up to speed by Summer 2016. I’ll gear up if they’ll slow down.
LONGTIME ASPEN FRIENDS. LET
S NOT COUNT THE YEARS.
Since It only takes one small spark, there’s no balcony grilling allowed at The Gant. For whatever reason, cast iron cooking makes me feel all outdoorsy. What I know for sure is my three cast iron skillets conduct heat superbly, can travel from stovetop to oven without talking back and will last my lifetime. I’ve linked to recipes and include John’s at the end of this post.
DAY-IN AND DAY-OUT MY FOREST CONSERVANCY FRIENDS (AND, SMOKEY) PROVIDE ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT.
SOMETIMES WE VOLUNTEER RANGERS EVEN GO ALL-FANCY!
MY MEAL:
1. Cornbread with caramelized apples, onions and thyme, Bon Appétit magazine. I’ve made this cornbread before but never posted the menu.
2. Cherry-Almond Clafoutis by David Tanis, A Platter of Figs and Other Recipes. Although I chose David’s, your favorite clafoutis recipe works also. Or, click on links of Dorie’s or Julia’s for their delicious recipes.
3. Cauliflower Parmesan by Melissa Clark, The New York Times. Three words: To Die For.
4. Filet Mignon by John Lester. John, who blogs with his wife, Susan, on Create Amazing Meals, grills this amazing, no-fail filet mignon INDOORS. The recipe is at the end of my Post.
GOD BLESS CAROL KURT? MY IOWA FRIEND, MARY BERGLUND, SENT ME INFO ON SNORKELING GEAR. I ORDERED IT AND IT ARRIVED LAST WEEK. AS PROMISED CAROL STARTED MY LESSONS AT THE GANT POOL. I NOW CAN PUT MY HEAD IN THE WATER AND BREATHE CORRECTLY. NOT TOO WILLING TO VENTURE INTO THE DEEP END YET ( 6 FEET). SOON. GALAPAGOS, HERE I COME. AND, YES, THE KIDS HERE AT THE GANT ARE LOVING THIS. MY OWN CHEERLEADING SECTION.
I would be remiss if I didn’t honor the friendship of you supporters of my blog. Whether you visit my posts for recipes, stories or just to see the photos, I’m just thrilled you’re here. Thank you.
Cherry-Almond Clafoutis
I hope you are relentless in your enjoyment of this weekend. It’s a good one and we’re lucky to be breathing in it. Joy the Baker adaption
HERE’S THE BEEF.
FILET MIGNON by John Lester, Create Amazing Meals, Susan & John Lester
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 8-ounce Filets
• Salt and Pepper, to taste
• Vegetable Oil
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Remove steaks from the refrigerator 1 hour before cooking and sprinkle with salt & pepper on both sides.
2. Coat the inside of a cast iron skillet with vegetable oil.
3. Place pan on the stove over medium-high heat.
4. When oil begins to smoke, sear steaks on both sides, about 3 minutes a side.
5. Place a baking rack over a sheet of foil and place steaks on the rack.
6. Allow to rest at room temperature for ½ hour.
7. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
8. Place steaks back in cast iron skillet.
9. Place skillet in oven for 5 – 12 minutes, depending upon the thickness of the steak and the way you like them.
10. Remove pan from oven and allow steaks to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
BRAVO DEAR FRIEND!! Terrific to see you in the pool with my suggested snorkel gear. Hard to write this since your recipes & the pix of them have me drooling on my computer keyboard.
“I am your friend, accept no substitutes.” from Mary B via Groucho Marx
Well said, Groucho. And, Mary, Carol was very impressed with my snorkeling gear. (So, I was also.) Salt water cannot get into the tubing AND it has a whistle if I get into trouble. Blowing the whistle was my first accomplishment. You and Jim have been our friends in many, many ways but this may be your finest hour. Thank you.
So how ARE those snorkeling lessons going? My mom was forced to take swimming lessons in college to graduate. I think that was the first and last time she was ever in a pool. I have a feeling you can do anything you set your mind to, Mary. I was glad to witness you in your element this summer. Aspen suits you well and you’ve found some dear friends. xo
I feel your Mother’s pain. I have always thought that there are things I will never see because I am afraid to put my head in the water. Hopefully, I will disprove that thought with Carole’s help. A giant step for womankind! One of my greatest joys this summer was seeing how happy and joyful Family Berg was out here in the Rockies. I know those kids of yours will be lifelong visitors.
Mary, I can’t believe I made your blog! You are TOO generous – and too self-effacing! If you will help me become “flower-literate” I’ll help you with your biking!!! AND, don’t forget – you promised to take us on a hike next summer! XOXO, Terry
A deal, Terry. Thank you for being a loyal reader of my weekly posts. I miss you. Although I was not with you gals all summer, I always knew (and, sometimes, envied) your whereabouts, thanks to the Lukester.
Love, love the cherry almond clafoutis. Enjoy your long weekend.
Thank you, Gaye. Remember Dorie’s clafoutis? Is was delicious also. I am having fun with David Tanis’ “A Platter of Figs & Other Recipes” cookbook.
Good folk like to surround themselves with other good folk. So…having so many amazing people in your life kind of says something about you. Just saying…
Now, about that snorkeling. I should have you ask Joe about that time we went snorkeling off the Florida Keys and how quickly he was back in the boat. Did I mention that no one told me about the barracudas until we were well on our way back????
Have a great holiday.
XO
Thanks, Cher. And, in less than a month Joe and I can have the snorkeling conversation. That is, when he’s not holding my purse. BTW, right now I am drinking coffee out of your uncle’s USFS mug. I love it and you for sending it.
Indeed life would be so sad without good friends. It’s funny too how a few words can be so encouraging. We all need to do that more often!
Such an interesting way to cook steaks too!
Try the filet, Chris. I don’t know how much beef you and Scott consume but I don’t often eat it. When I do, it’s this cut of beef and John Lester’s cooking method.
I am anxious to try that cornbread, , carmelized apple, onion and thyme recipe in my cast iron skillet. Today, I am making green lentils and tomato dish. Dinner soon —
Thanks for telling me this, Jane. Be careful about the cornbread – it’s addictive.
What a wonderful post! It’s good to have a strong network of friends around you – partners in crime and shoulders for one another when needed.
Your cast iron menu sounds fantastic. I’ve only got one, but I keep getting tempted to buy more. I’d love to have a stove-top and oven stuffed with those dishes cooking.
Dear Mary, what an amazing network of friends you have and you all look so very happy! Yes, it is true, that says a lot about your lovely and strong personality!
Your cast iron menu sounds tempting and very delicious and you took some wonderful pictures!
I am proud of you (I think I mentioned that before and will certainly do so again in the future) with respect to the snorkling lessons – you are such a wonderful role model for all of us – I would just chicken out of taking snorkling lessons…
Looks like you spent a fabulous Labor Day weekend!
Fell yourself hugged from all of us!!!
Andrea