Paul and I got into a little bit of an argument about this recipe. When we sat down to eat I told him that Dorie had said (in the recipe headnotes) that it was a little bit of a stretch to put this in a French cookbook since it was really something she had made in Connecticut, but that she had made it once in France. Paul started to argue that the recipe seemed to have more of a California than a New England influence. I probably should have just smiled and nodded, but I wanted to defend Dorie. I started to argue back that the combination of fresh seafood, corn, and tomatoes is very New England and that he shouldn't be arguing with Dorie, who clearly knows much more about this than he does! Regardless of its origins, we both really enjoyed this salad. It's hard to go wrong with summer produce that's this fresh. I'm not totally sure how I feel about the nectarines - I think they might be better chopped up - they didn't feel like they really incorporated into the salad, but I definitely enjoyed all of the flavors and how easy this was to put together.
sounds like a great discussion for a great meal!
ReplyDeleteDespite the differences in opinion, I'm glad you both enjoyed the salad! Next time, you should just go with your gut instinct and chop up the nectarines :)
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Paul. It seemed pretty California to me too! I agree with you on chopping the nectarines. It was a good salad though, wasn't it?
ReplyDeleteHa! At least it was a lively dialogue while you ate this tasty salad!
ReplyDeleteMaking this dish truly Californian is easy. Just add a few slices of avocado. There, easy. :) Oh, and sprig of cilantro. My husband, who doesn't cook at all, will every now and then make a pronouncement on the dishes I prepare that come out of left field and always make me giggle from the tone of authority he will speak from. Uh huh. They do make for lively dinner conversations as I try to set him straight.
ReplyDeleteHaha - I can totally relate. My husband is always so sure of his opinions, whether or not he knows anything about the topic.
DeleteThe salad looks delicious:) I agree, the nectarines should be chopped. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteIt´s funny how opinionated we can be about food! The plate looks wonderful, so colorful! I had to sit this one out because I don´t like scallops and nectarines are nowhere to be found in winter. So it would end up being corn and tomatoes..jaja
ReplyDeleteI love your story about your dinner conversation - it's amazing how quickly we can become invested in an opinion. A friendly argument over a great meal sounds like a good time.
ReplyDeleteFound your blog through Yummy Chunklet...this looks delicious! And I sort of agree...very Californian.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely California. I have to come down on the side of your husband on this one. I don't think Dorie especially thought it was a New England-ish dish, I just think that's where she happens to live. Anyway, I think it's nice your husband even cared enough to discuss it. I love how, with all of us, our entire families seem to become involved. And, the discussions always revolve around Dorie, have you noticed that? "What's Dorie cooking this week?" "Why did she say to do that." "She knocked this one out of the ballpark." It's almost is as if Dorie is every family's Aunt? Only in America.
ReplyDeleteThat story made me smile. It's funny what can trigger debate.
ReplyDeleteThe salad looks great - and I think the idea of chopping up the fruit is a good one.
Paul will be thrilled to know that everyone agrees with him! This book (and this group) have definitely sparked some interesting dinnertime conversations. It's funny, I do feel like I'm on a first name basis with Dorie!
ReplyDeleteI love lively dinner conversation. I have to admit that I left the nectarine out to avoid other kinds of arguments. I found this salad just so summery!
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