Poached Cod with Fennel and Cauliflower

1 1/2 lbs. cod, checked for bones and cut into 8 pieces
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste
1 Tbsp + 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
1 large carrot, in 1 1/2-inch pieces
1 1/2 cups cauliflower florets
1 fennel bulb, in medium slices
5 cloves garlic, pressed
chopped fennel tops, for garnish, optional

Rub cod with lemon juice and a little salt and pepper. Set aside. Saute onion in 1 Tbsp. broth over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add remaining broth and carrots. Cover and simmer over medium heat about 10 minutes. Add cauliflower, fennel, and garlic. Place cod on top and continue to cook, covered, until done, about 6 minutes more. Adjust seasonings and sprinkle with chopped fennel greens.

Adapted from World's Healthiest Foods

Versión en español: this post is also available in Spanish.
Esperanta traduko: this post is also available in Esperanto, because Dana is a language geek.

Two recipes for two

Cauliflower Bisque with Brown Butter Croutons

1 c. whole milk
1 1/4 c. vegetable stock
approx. 1/2 lb. cauliflower florets
1/3 lb. (or a little over) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
1/2 small onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
2 sprigs thyme
salt and pepper to taste
3 Tbsp. heavy cream

garnish:
1 recipe Brown Butter Croutons (see below)
about 3 Tbsp. pomegranate seeds
chopped chives to taste

Combine milk, stock, cauliflower, potato, onion, garlic, and thyme in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Simmer, partly covered, 18-20 min., until vegetables are very tender. Discard thyme sprigs. Working in batches, puree in a blender until smooth. Add cream and pulse to combine. Adjust seasonings; serve topped with croutons, pomegranate seeds, and chives.

Brown Butter Croutons

1 1/2 tbsp. butter (preferably unsalted)
1 1/2 c. ciabatta bread, cubed
salt and pepper to taste

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, swirling occasionally, until golden brown, 2-4 minutes. Add bread and cook, stirring often, until toasted, 10-12 minutes. Season.

Adapted from Country Living

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Filet Mignon with Rich Balsamic Glaze

2 filet mignon steaks, about 4 oz each
black pepper to taste
salt to taste, optional
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup dry red wine

Generously pepper both sides of each steak; salt to taste. Place in nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and brown about 1 minute on each side. Reduce heat to medium-low; add balsamic vinegar and red wine. Cover and cook for 4 minutes on each side, or until done, basting with sauce when turning. Remove to warmed plates and top each steak with a tablespoon of glaze; serve immediately.

Adapted from allrecipes.com

Versión en español: this post is also available in Spanish.
Esperanta traduko: this post is also available in Esperanto, because Dana is a language geek.