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Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Shorthand It

I hate when I've gone a week between posts--which I never mean to do, but life happens--because it means that there is too much to catch up on.  It makes me think of a scene from Will and Grace, a show I used to love.  Will and Grace had a fight, they want all the drama to be over, but don't want to go through a big, emotional, apologetic conversation.  Grace says, "Let's shorthand it."  They both laugh for a second, fake-cry for a second, hug and the fight is over. 

If only.

So let me shorthand it--here are the bullet points:
  • On Golden Pond is finally cast, and I'm really pleased with everyone involved. 
  • David managed to fracture and displace one of his ribs in a mountain biking accident last weekend, plus sprain his right wrist.  He'll be fine, but he's a little helpless right now.
  • My parents are in town for their annual visit.
  • I had one of the longest depositions of my career last Friday, in which opposing counsel beat up on my psychiatric expert and was just a total jerk.
You would think that the last one wouldn't surprise me at this point, but I work in such a specialized field that I see about the same thirty lawyers over and over again.  The vast majority of them manage to be totally civil while disagreeing with each other.  I think the motivation to be nice is that we're all going to see each other again, so don't want to piss each other off.  This guy was not one of the thirty people I usually see, and obviously was not advised about the civility rule.

I have two more depositions with him in August.  Give me strength.

Last week I posted the crisp green salad with quinoa that I served with Nigella's salmon.  Salmon fishing is at its peak in Alaska right now--friends keep bringing home upwards of twenty fish and we're often the lucky recipients of extra fish.  This recipe is dead simple--portion the fish, pat it dry, dunk in seasoning and then pan fry.  Couldn't be easier.

Seared Mustard-Crusted Salmon
Adapted from Forever Summer by Nigella Lawson

2 tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. granulated sugar
1 1/2 tbsp. crushed mustard seed or powder
4 6 oz. fillets of salmon (the recipe calls for skinless, but I left the skin on)

Preheat a large skillet over medium heat.  When the skillet is warm, add the oil. 

In a shallow bowl, mix together the sugar and mustard.  Dredge the fish in it--if you are using skinless fillets, dredge it on both sides.

Throw a plate in the oven to warm.  Then add the fillets to the skillet and cook for three minutes on each side.  If you are using fillets with skin, start with the skin facing up.  You might want to check one of the fillets at the six-minute mark to make sure it is cooked through, although this recipe is meant to keep the salmon juicy and slightly opaque. 

Remove to the warmed plate and serve with last week's greens and quinoa.  Makes a lovely summer dinner for four.

53 comments:

  1. Anything simple is my kind of recipe. My other half is a big fan of fish, what more salmon. This recipe is going to be made at home on the weekend.

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    1. Nava, let me know what you think. The only change I might make next time is adding a bit of pepper to the coating too.

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  2. I love the sweet and tart coat on your Salmon...really lovely, my friend!

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  3. Lovely salmon, but then I can only imagine you get the best out there, in Alaska. Preparation and presentation is so inviting and totally delicious!

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    1. Thanks! One of the benefits of living in Alaska is definitely the fresh fish during the summer.

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  4. Oh delish! We're having wild salmon tonight. Maybe I'll switch from the curried salmon to the recipe offered here. Yum!

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    1. If you try it, let me know what you think. It's a nice recipe because it really lets the salmon shine.

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  5. Your salmon looks wonderful, I love that coating :D

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

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  6. I wish I had friends who'd stop off with salmon! Seriously though, when's On Golden Pond going live? Do you do a lot of drama?
    Hope you have a breather soon and David isn't ringing the bell too often!
    How about putting a search plugin on your blog? I tried to look up on previous posts containing On Golden Pond as I'd like to know more, didn't have much luck!
    Am also following you via email now, so I don't miss anymore posts! xx
    Boo to that opposing counsel!
    PS: I loved Will and Grace too!

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    1. A search function is a great idea, and you know what? I just added one! It's at the bottom of the blog on the right. "On Golden Pond" is just starting out--we begin rehearsals next week, so lots of information on that to follow.

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  7. How yummy is that? I love this salmon.

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  8. I am going to remember that "shorthand it" phrase. I think it will come in handy with dealing with staff as school starts one week from tomorrow! (Give me strength as well.) Good luck with OGP and your two depositions to come.

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    1. Ooh, the school year. Yikes. Definitely times I'm sure shorthanding it would come in handy.

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  9. I know my sister in law who lives in Alaska is out fishing every weekend with her family! There is nothing like Alaskan salmon! The sugar and mustard sounds like a great combo!

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    1. I'm not much of a fisher myself, sadly, but fortunately everyone keeps giving me fish. My boss just offered me some halibut, so I'm sure I'll post a recipe for that soon too.

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  10. I love the mustard with salmon and that crust you've got looks amazing!Love the fact that its so easy and delicious at the same time :)
    Good luck with "On Golden Pond"!

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  11. Wow.. you have certainly had your hands full this past week. Hope your hubby recovers fast. You could have used some shorthand in that long deposition you mentioned. The salmon looks wonderful and I can just imagine how good it must be to eat Alaskan salmon when you live in Alaska.

    PS.. remember when I told you I watched the Big Miracle... we watched it total of 3x... it was such a great family movie. :)

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    1. Oh yikes, three times? I'm so glad you enjoyed it! David is threatening to buy the DVD so he can freeze-frame my scenes with the hideous 80s clothes. It was a great experience, though.

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  12. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    1. didn't think up above comment took... guess it did. :)

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  13. Fresh Alaskan Salmon, awesome! Great to hear that the casting for your play was successful, here's wishing your hubby a quick recovery and to the opposing counsel, well...

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  14. Poor David! I hope he gets better soon. I gotta be honest, fish doesn't always thrill me. However, when I saw your photos I was hooked (pun intended). Perhaps I should be one of those vegetarians who still eats fish...

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    1. I was one of those vegetarians for three years--I ate fish a few times a week for extra protein.

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  15. 30 lawyers?! Holy cow! 1 is already bad enough.
    I love a crispy salmon. We even have fried salmon skin in the restaurants here ... kinda weird. I prefer it attached to my fish. Lucky you, having all that salmon. But fortunately for us it isn't too expensive here either. Now you've got me craving for crispy salmon.

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  16. Wow what a crazy week. And so sorry for his injury, I broke and displaced my wrist in March...I can relate. A lovely oh so fresh piece of salmon so nicely prepared would help the mood a lot.

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  17. I really don't know how you have time to post every week! You are one busy lady!!!! Glad the hubby is doing o.k. Love your salmon! Love the honey mustard topping and you cooked to that perfect crust! Another easy and tasty - love it!

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  18. Am new to Alaska :) ! Love the fact that we all seem to multitask in such unexpected combinations I guees all over the globe . . . Oh, love salmon, don't quite remember combining these simple ingredients: sure shall :) !

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    1. Eha, welcome! Someone will bring salmon by your house soon--it almost can't be avoided.

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  19. I hope David gets well soon. I love salmon, and your salmon looks amazing. Will try this.

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  20. Oh dear. That doesn't sound good. How awful to be working with someone so unpleasant. And to think you have two more court cases with him. I hope they go a lot better than this week's disappointing experience. Sorry to hear about the ankle and ribs! He must be in a lot of pain. The salmon looks very good xx

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  21. I completely forgot about Will and Grace!!! I miss that show. So many things in my life i wish I could shorthand right now...

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  22. I love Will and Grace and love the look of this salmon dish! I hate that someone is giving my friend a bad time, and that that your honey is injured! FYI, our son took the bar last week, now he just has to wait and wait and wait for the results. Keep your fingers crossed he has a job interview today!

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    1. Shari, crossing my fingers for your son! Taking the bar exam is scary--and waiting for the results is even worse.

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  23. Yum! Best wishes to David in his recovery. At least he has a wonderful cook taking care of him!

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  24. I hope David recovers quickly, your parents enjoy their visit and your further dealings with your colleague are jerk free. Meanwhile, I love your short hand salmon - quick n easy n tasty, tasty, tasty.

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  25. the top of these salmons look so crispy...my hubby would love this!!!

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  26. I LOVE! LOOOOOOOVE SALMON!!! :) And love good recipes with it!!!

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  27. Dang this is one gorgeous salmon. Love it.

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  28. Salmon is an amazing fish and it is great with mustard. Wow, what an amazing recipe...would love to try this one!

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  29. Salmon is my favorite fish,you give an idea with this recipe,because I like to try something new with my salmon dishes,,,sound YUMMY :)

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  30. wow, that looks like some delicious salmon!

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  31. We ♡ salmon. The crust on yours looks mouth-watering perfect!
    LL

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  32. Yikes...you had a busy and intense week! Your salmon looks amazing...I'll never forget the taste of the fresh salmon we ate when living in British Columbia...nothing in the world compares to that fish!

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  33. Delicious salmon! I love that you perfectly pan fried it to nice crispy crust! I've been crazy busy too, but almost summer break is over... hopefully I can take a break after school starts... hm I doubt it?! xD

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  34. What a week! Yay about the casting, too bad about David and the deposition. At least you'll be prepared for him next time.

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  35. What a week, best wishes for your up and coming August. At least if you keep cooking like this it will cheer you up!

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  36. I always wondered about dispositions and if they are like the ones on TV...the only ones I have experience with. I am sorry it was such a trying time. Rudeness is not necessary. The salmon looks wonderful!

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  37. I did not see your recipe. Your blog just disappeared from my dashboard and I could not click on the link from your comment. Why is it so?
    Truly the pan fried salmon looks simple and delicious and I love simple dishes.

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  38. This looks so good! I have to try this!

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  39. Dinner should really be this easy and delicious every single day of the week! I love salmon and this is definitely a recipe for me to try!

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  40. Wonderful salmon. I love the simplicity! I hope things slow down for you soon. You have a pretty hectic life going right now. :)

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