Family Dinner

All families have their quirks and it's sometimes difficult to understand how so many different kinds of people can possibly come from the same genes. But then, amidst the chaos and frustrations, there appears out of nowhere a glimmer of connection and all of a sudden, maybe even just for that moment, the crazy unit we know as our family makes sense and we feel like we belong together after all.

In honor of my big, zany, wonderful, lovable family, I made a simple prosciutto-wrapped salmon topped with a tomato and shallot relish and accompanied with wilted chard and roasted turnips. The outcome was a delightful evening spent with people who warmed our home and hearts with all of the little idiosyncrasies that make them our family.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Salmon with Wilted Chard and Roasted Turnips (serves 6)

Ingredients:

6 4oz salmon filets, center cut

8 thin slices of prosciutto

1 shallot

2 handfuls of cherry tomatoes, sliced lengthwise

2 bunches Swiss Chard, cut into 1 in. chiffonade

8 medium Turnips, sliced into rounds

Extra virgin olive oil to coat the skillet

1 Tbs butter

salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Trim the filets and wrap with a slice of prosciutto

2. Coat the Turnip rounds in olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste; Put them into a 400 degree oven until they have browned

3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high, add olive oil and a butter to coat and then add the wrapped salmon to sear. Once the bottom is nicely browned, put the shallots and garlic into the skillet and put that into the oven for about 10 minutes, until the salmon is cooked.

4. Remove the salmon, keeping the shallots in the skillet, and let them rest on a plate

5. Place the skillet back on the medium burner and add the cherry tomatoes to the shallots, toss them until they are warmed through- about a minute- then pour it over the salmon

6. Using the same skillet, wilt the chard over medium heat, being sure to add some more olive oil and salt and pepper to taste.

So get some booz, call your closest relatives, and enjoy an evening dining together with the ones who made you who you are.

Happy Eating!

- Dre