Spring dinner, in anticipation of spring

Just before bedtime last night, Ol jumped head-first into a window sill. I was fine until I saw his hand and Mom's upper lip and the tip of her nose covered in blood. She wasn't hurt but had kissed him, and I worried that at some point, his tears would pause, and he'd think, "Now why does Misse have a blood mustache and Rudolph nose?" I mimed that she may want to skedaddle to the bathroom and clean up.

All is fine now. 

At the market yesterday was first-of-the-season halibut. The steaks were stunning, and I couldn't resist buying a large hunk, knowing it'd be spectacular with some mango salsa.

mango salsa

It was. The roasted asparagus with cumin-coriander aioli was lovely too, and the strawberry-rhubarb pie made me close my eyes after each bite, blissful.

toasted cumin and coriander aioli

strawberry-rhubarb pie version 2

Forbidden Rice

Isn't that the most marvelous name for a simple food? Forbidden rice (aka black rice and purple rice) is an heirloom variety that is super-nutritious. It's also fun to eat. I bought some last week and just last night remembered it- this delicious dish was the result; a warm rice salad with mango, avocado, scallions, serrano pepper, lime and a bit of rice wine vinegar and safflower oil. I'll definitely post the recipe and be making it again soon.I also grilled some pineapple which is just awesome. Have you realized how big into grilling fruit I am? LOVE it. I neglected to photo the pineapple but imagine thick-cut pineapple "steaks" sweet and caramelized and warm. Mmm...

Mango honey mustard

And, here we have my mango honey mustard. It's definitely got a kick and a lovely, though not overt, suggestion of mango. I bet it'd be great with barbequed chicken, and I have to be honest in telling you that it's weirdly good with Medjool dates.