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Menu Plan for Fall I: Week 13, Friday

Quesadilla with Caramelized Shallots
Sesame-Crusted Salmon
Oriental Orzo
Stir-Fried Broccoli

Cooking time:  35 minutes for menu          Cooking schedule: see below for instructions

       The quesadilla is not a traditional starter for an Asian meal... So this is an eclectic, multi-cultural dinner.  When I buy tortillas, it takes several meals to use them all... Wrap in film and refrigerate, we'll be using them.  The salmon, orzo and broccoli are all quick and easy, with the work done while the quesadilla bakes.

Quesadilla with Caramelized Shallots

Total time: 35 minutes
    Traditional quesadillas consist of something cheesy between two corn tortillas, eaten with fingers like a sandwich.  This is a 'knife and fork' version, half per person...

 Ingredients:

• 1 corn tortilla, 8" (20cm) diameter
• 2 medium shallots
• 1/4 cup (1oz, 60gr) shredded cheese   cheddar or Swiss
• 2oz (60gr) ham  a small package of sandwich ham
• 1 tbs olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil

 Instructions:

• Peel and slice shallots. 
• Heat oil in nonstick skillet.  Add shallots and 2 tbs water.  Cover and cook for 5 minutes over medium heat. 
• Uncover and continue to cook until browned and caramelized, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. 
• Slice ham into matchsticks. 
• Place tortilla on a baking sheet. 
•  Spread the shallots on the tortilla. 
• Lay the ham on the shallots. 
• Sprinkle with cheese and top with herbs. 
• Bake, 400F (200C) for 8 - 10 minutes, until hot and cheese is melted. 
• Remove, cut into wedges and serve.

Sesame-Crusted Salmon

Total time: 20 minutes
 The sesame crust adds just the right amount of crunch to these flavorful salmon filets; roasting keeps the crust nicely in place.

 Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets or steaks, 12oz total weight (360gr total)
• 2 tbs sesame seeds
• 2 tsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp sesame or walnut oil
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger

 Instructions:

• Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger and brown sugar in a small bowl, whisking until sugar and ginger are dissolved.  
• Put salmon on a baking sheet with a lip.  Divide soy mixture and spoon over salmon, coating evenly. 
• Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of each filet, pressing them in lightly. 
• Bake in 400F (200C) oven for 15 - 17 minutes, depending on thickness.  Salmon will be done when it flakes easily, slightly pink in the center is fine.  The sesame coated top should be a golden brown when done.  Remove and serve.

Note:  For easy clean up cover pan with foil first.  This is especially nice if you are using fillets with the skin on.  You can carefully lift the salmon off the skin to serve, leaving the skin on the foil.  Then wrap the whole mess up and toss.

Oriental Orzo

Total time: 25 minutes
   This is so easy to make, put everything in the pan and cook, yet the flavors are complex and pair well with roasted salmon or chicken with an Asian flavor.

 Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (4.5oz, 130gr) orzo
• 1 1/4 cups (10oz, 300ml) chicken stock
• 4 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp sesame oil - or walnut oil
• 2 tsp sesame seeds

 Instructions:

• Put orzo, brown sugar, soy sauce and stock in a small pan and bring to a simmer on medium heat. 
• Turn heat to low and simmer until done, stirring occasionally, 15 - 20 minutes.  All stock will be absorbed. 
• Stir in sesame oil and seeds and serve.

Stir-Fried Broccoli

Total time: 15 minutes
     Broccoli is often included in with beef or chicken in stir-fries, but it's excellent stir-fried on it's own as a side dish, as well.  Plus it's bright green color looks lovely on the plate.

 Ingredients:

• 1/2 head of broccoli
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 tbs olive oil
• 1 tsp sesame oil or walnut oil
• 2 tbs chicken stock
• 2 tsp soy sauce
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

 Instructions:

• Cut broccoli into bite size florets and stems.
• Mince garlic.
• Heat oils in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.  Add broccoli and garlic and stir-fry about 5 minutes.
• Add soy sauce, chicken stock and ginger, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 5 minutes.
• Uncover and cook off any liquid.  Broccoli should be crisp-tender.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.

Cooking Schedule: 35 minutes Assemble all food, utensils and serving dishes Utensils: measuring cups, spoons, knives, whisk, small bowl, 2 baking sheets, small saucepan, medium skillet with lid (used 2 X) Turn oven on, 400F (200C) Slice shallots Put shallots, water in skillet, cover, cook Cut ham Shred cheese if needed Uncover shallots, sauté Mix soy, oil, ginger, sugar for salmon, set aside Trim, cut broccoli Mince garlic Put salmon on baking sheet - lined with foil Spoon glaze on salmon Add sesame seeds to salmon, press lightly, set aside

Mind the shallots Put tortilla on baking sheet Add shallots, ham, cheese, herbs Bake quesadilla Put orzo, sugar, soy, stock in pan, boil, reduce heat Stir-fry broccoli, garlic Remove skillet from heat, remove broccoli from skillet Remove quesadilla Bake salmon Cut quesadilla, serve Done? Heat skillet for broccoli, medium-high heat Mind the orzo, turn off, finish if done Add soy, ginger, stock, broccoli, cover, simmer Remove salmon, put on platter or plates Finish broccoli Finish orzo, serve

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