The clients have hired me. I know I’ll be cooking for 4 people. The price has been established and the date and time are set. The important business is now done. The fun now begins as I, The Personable Chef set to work on creating a delicious menu.
Hiring a personal chef allows you to really customize your dinner party experience. How much you want to spend is a deciding factor from what will be served to how the service will happen. Hiring a personal chef is a fantastic way to get to be a guest at your own event!
In this case I’ve been asked for an Italian inspired dinner.( My speciality for those of you that are not aware.) A simple casual , some-what predictable menu is what these clients are looking for. I aim to please. My first thoughts are about the local restaurants around these clients and what they might choose there. But then I decide on how I create my own family meals and that feels much more appropriate for these particular clients.
Putting together a menu for me is an exciting challenge. I take all aspects very seriously and leave no stones unturned. I think about the over-all presentation. The textures, flavors, colors and that a variety of delicious fresh ingredients are used. This particular meal will include…an appetizer,salad, main entree and dessert. They requested chicken as the main course, so that narrows the field a bit but the rest is up to me. After a conversation to find out a few more pieces to the puzzle, I learn that the hostess really loves “chicken piccata”. I’m thinking that will be a nice surprise to add to the menu.
Menu as follows: APPETIZER: cannellini bean dip on top of crostini. The beans are mostly pureed to leave a bit of texture. Olive oil, lemon, garlic, scallions, salt and pepper bring it all together. On the platter I add some grape tomatoes sprinkled with course sea salt to add a splash of color and to round out the flavors.
SALAD: Insalate caprese. My absolute favorite and how I measure an Italian restaurants quality. This salad, when done right is transcending in flavors but only if the olive oil has been treated kindly. Such a simple salad with tomatoes,basil and fresh mozzarella. I choose heirloom tomatoes that are yellow and orange . Fresh mozzarella is much easier to find in the market these days. A top quality fruity extra virgin olive oil is a given and some very course sea salt with fresh cracked pepper to add more flavor. To make the recipe my own, I add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a splash of white balsamic vinegar. Yummy. Letting the cheese sit in the oil for a few minutes also gives it some wonderful flavor. Tonight I also add some klamata olives to add some new flavor, color and texture. A few non-traditional ingredients that make my caprese salad different and requested often.
MAIN ENTREE: The chicken piccata will be the star. Lemons and the dry white wine give this simple delicious dish some extra sparkle but the capers are what make it sing! I’ve been told by many that my chicken piccata is the best. As I de-glaze the pan with the wine , that fresh lemon- garlic and tangy caper smell tickles my nose. I know they’ll be happy with this main entree choice. Fresh herbs are used to play up the flavor of the side dish of baby red potatoes. The herbs not only add color but a beautiful fresh flavor that dances on your tongue. This is a great accompaniment to the chicken.
DESSERT: The best way to end such a wonderful meal is with some decadent dark chocolate. I serve a creamy ,rich but light dark chocolate mousse (with a hint of orange) that is to die for. When I make this at home everyone fights over who gets to lick the bowl. I top it with fresh raspberries for color and texture but also because they go so very well with the dark chocolate.
The evening is underway and my clients are enjoying a beautiful evening outside. The table is set and course by course I bring them out to be enjoyed.
With the dessert in the fridge and the ooh’s and ah’s of delight outside I clean up the kitchen like I’d never been there and slip out the back door. Another successful dinner party.
What’s next?…..
What a fantastic account of the day in the life…!
hmmm… your twist on the caprese sounded wonderful!