Susie Vicki Cristina Barcelona Edina

Since last week was way too crazy, I made Susie a birthday lunch today, one week late, but better than never. I love cooking for my girls – they’ll eat anything so I can make all the things I love that others in the fam are too picky to eat. Like scallops. And polenta. Yep, polenta – with the weather taking a big turn for the cooler, comfort-y type foods are suddenly hitting the spot. And because fresh sweet corn is still tasty, I stirred in a cup or so right as the polenta finished cooking. Sweet and crisp, a nice addition.

Since polenta just begs for something a bit saucy, I served it up to Suz. Ha! Actually, I simmered CSA veggie share green beans and tossed them with a fresh tomato-garlic sauce (chopped fresh tomato, garlic, and olive oil sauteed/simmered together for a few minutes). Alongside scallops saltimbocca (I used Nueske’s bacon instead of pancetta because, well, that’s what I had; yes, I realize I’m beating the saltimbocca theme to death lately but what can I say? When it rocks, it rocks…), the polenta was in good company and we took our plates – and perhaps a glass of wine – out onto the deck for a nice summer-into-fall, girly-birthday luncheon. All good.

Until…I pulled a warm lemon souffle from the oven, and then it was all great. Sheesh. Topped with dollops of softly whipped cream, washed down with sips of strong, hot coffee…oh yeah. I don’t know, I can’t think of a chocolate dessert I love more than a warm fruit souffle. (Recipe for lemon souffle posted in comments, below.)

As Suz said, “Like I really want to go home and make dinner now,” I’m thinking that John and I might end up wandering out later for sustenance. After checking out Vicky Cristina Barcelona, that is, which I’ve been looking forward to seeing.

Hope you’re starting off your weekend in a nice way too! Happy Birthday Saucy Suz!

Later: three quick raves – one, for Vicky Cristina Barcelona, which is sexy/funny/fabulous, I recommend it completely. Two, for Restaurant Alma, where we went afterward for a lovely dinner – no shock there. Sweet corn flan and rigatoni with fennel sausage for me, yum. Three, a quick bop into the Cedar Cultural Center, to catch the end of the Punch Brothers’ performance. I admit, I went grudgingly (John’s taste in music does not er, match mine, that’s what seven years’ difference in age will do to a couple), but I was pretty blown away by… I’m not sure… Classical alternative bluegrass? The mandolin/lead singer’s voice was angelic, kind of scary perfect. The technical talent of the violin, guitar, mandolin, banjo, and string bass players was incredible. So…a damn good day, all in all. Def a keeper. G’night!

Moderate it: I’ve said this before about savory souffles and the same holds true for the sweet versions – they’re actually quite simple to make, and not overly rich/caloric, but they impress and are, not surprisingly, absolutely delicious. I declare, the world needs more souffles.