It's still Summer!!!!

August 4, 2017

I know, I know, I know...this is so late getting out you are probably thinking why did I even bother?!?!?  Well, it's because I love staying in touch and I didn't want to just let it go.  I'm sorry that the summer is more halfway finished, but LAFW is having one of our busiest seasons on record and I just got overwhelmed.  Add to that all three of my children being home for most of June and a trip to France and Spain, and time just got away from me.  So sorry I'm so tardy!  But, there are still lots of great days ahead and lots of parties to be thrown so instead of just flaking, here I am today chatting up our Summer 2017 Small Plates Menu.  Lots of you had fun making these dishes in the past couple of months, and it's been great to have so many in our kitchen.  Although it seems to have been an unseasonably hot and humid summer so far, the nights have been so pleasant and the products of all our efforts, so delicious! The cold beer, bubbly and Sauv Blanc that has been flowing is a tremendous help beating the heat too! 

So as we all start winding down our summers, I hope you will enjoy the Chipotle Rubbed Salmon Taco recipe below and the Apple-Cucumber Salsa that goes with it.  If you're still looking to do an event before September 21 (the first day of Fall), have a look at our  Small Plates & Tapas Menu for Spring-Summer 2017 below. Read on and don't forget to become an LAFW Facebook Fan.  Click Here to get updates on all the happenings in our kitchen or look us up on Instagram!

Looking forward to cooking with everyone soon!

Rose

LA Food Works
Spring-Summer 2017
Small Plate and Tapas Class Menu

LA Food Works presents its new Small Plates & Tapas Menu for Spring-Summer 2017. When you host an Tapas Event with LAFW, you and your guests will work with our chefs on a multiple cooking stations creating these fun and filling bites! This event is great for larger groups and our venue can accommodate up to 60 guests!

An LA Food Works Event Includes
* Hors d'oeuvre and beverage reception on arrival
* Seasonal Menus
* Fun and knowledgeable chef instructors to guide you
   through your recipes
* A private cooking and dining experience at one of our
   charming venues
* Chef aprons to use while you are cooking
* Recipe packets for everyone to take home

                                      Savory Selections

Grilled Lamb Kofte with Minted Yogurt Sauce
Beef Empanadas with Chimichuri
Coconut Shrimp and Thai Basil Spring Rolls
Bacon and Avocado Toasties with Kiwi Salsa
Carne Asada with Warm Corn Tortillas and Green Pico de Gallo
Curried Vegetable Fritters with Mango Chutney
Grilled Steak Sliders with Romesco, Grilled Onions and Havarti
Japanese Vegetable Pancakes with Mahogany BBQ Sauce
Mediterranean Chickpea Fritters with Cucmber, Tomato and Tahini
Chipotle Rubbed Salmon Tacos with Apple-Cucmber Salsa
Grilled Chicken Bánh Mi
Kimchi, Avocado, and Jack Cheese Quesadilla with Sesame Lime Sauce
Spicy Tuna and Vegetable Sushi Rolls

Sweet Selections

Nutella and Banana Ravioli
Waffle Brownie Bites with Whipped Cream and Hot Fudge
Blueberry and Lemoncello Cheesecake Shooters

Summer time is fresh Alaskan wild caught salmon time!  I love fish and there is nothing better to me than the beautiful salmon that fills our markets this time of year.  I try to eat as much as possible and when the season is over, I only buy frozen wild caught salmon because the farm raised fish has little to none of the important omega 3 minerals that our bodies need to help keep our arteries clear and fight inflamational.  This recipe is a fun way to eat salmon and the rub can be used on chicken as well.  Featured on our Spring-Summer 2017 Small Plates and Tapas Menu, it has been a favorite this summer at many of your events.  How do I know?  There's never any leftovers! 

For the Tacos:  Preheat grill to medium heat.  In a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise with the chopped cilantro, cumin and lime juice, set aside to use for serving.

In another small bowl, combine the chipotle powder with the orange zest, sugar, and salt. Rub salmon with olive oil and then with the chipotle/orange zest mixture. Let stand for 5 minutes.

Wrap the tortillas in foil and warm them on a cool spot on the grill for about 5 minutes, until they are softened and heated through.

Meanwhile, grill salmon until nicely browned and just cooked through, about 3 minutes per side.  Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes.

Gently break the salmon up into bite sized pieces.  Spread some avocado slices on the warm tortillas and top with some salmon, salsa and the cabbage. Drizzle each taco with a bit of the lime mayonnaise and serve right away.

Makes 8 servings. Per Serving: 283 Calories; 18g Fat (54.9% calories from fat); 13g Protein; 20g Carbohydrate; 4g Dietary Fiber; 33mg Cholesterol; 363mg Sodium.

The Salsa

The apples, cucumber and mango make this salsa a delicious way to balance the spicy richness of salmon in for these tacos. It's also great with any oily fish, or forget the fish and the tacos and just enjoy it with some rice and beans.  It's also so pretty!  Super easy to make and if you don't have everything, don't worry, add what you have!  Salsa is not a science, it's an art!

1        Granny Smith apple
1        Persian cucumber
1/2     mango
1/4     cup chopped shallot or red onion
1/4     cup finely chopped cilantro, optional
1/2     large jallapeno, seeds removed and minced
1 1/2  teaspoons honey or agave
1 1/2  tablespoons olive oil
1/2     lime, juiced
          salt and pepper to tasted

Here's what you do.  You just mix everything together in a medium size bowl.  Let stand at room temperature until ready to serve.  Easy peasy!

WANT TO USE THESE TIPS AND RECIPES IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you do not alter the information in any way and include a credit that reads "by Rose LeBoeuf, www.lafoodworks.com, Interactive Cooking Classes, Parties, and Corporate Team Building Events for Groups Looking for a Fun and Unique Dinning Experience." 

 LA Food Works Events 

Ideal for Team Building, Summer Outings, Client Entertaining, Birthday Parties, Showers and Private Gatherings. 
Let LA Food Works make your party one which your guests will not soon forget!
  
No previous cooking experience required!
Just willingness to put on an apron,
get your hands a little messy,
indulge in some great food
and have lots of fun playing in the kitchen!
 
We also happily design Custom Cooking Parties. If you have a group of 10 or more foodies who love great food and playing together in the kitchen, contact us and we will design a custom menu or theme class for you and your group.

Our interactive cooking parties both unify and entertain...perfect for any occasion that requires great food, interesting activities and lots of fun!

310-288-0100
www.lafoodworks.com

For information or to book your event, contact Rose LeBoeuf at 310-288-0100 for an event planning kit, pricing and availability.