Salmon with a Balsamic Glaze for Two

I love photographing people in love.

Falling in love is a crazy thing.
It should be called rising in love you know?
When its right it lifts us to heights unimaginable.
Everything seems more colorful.
The world around us more vibrant.
Nirvana.

"I am so glad that you are excited and living in anticipation....leaning into the future.
Bring all of your powerful abilities to love to bear upon this opportunity.
All of your life experiences have prepared you for just this moment.
Do not fear to be vulnerable for you will never know his trustworthiness if you do not risk.
Do not shrink from conscious surrender for we have built so many protections
from the disappointments and harms we have known that the greater danger...

is holding someone away."

~Tom Moran

My friend Tom wrote to me today.
I think words such as these ought to be shared, and so I have.
We both are in fact each celebrating a new chapter in our lives.
Together and yet separate. I wish for him unending happiness,
or perhaps I should say I wish the two of them unending happiness... : )


Thank for this Tom. Thank you for your friendship.
A bright shining light you are indeed.



Okay okay get to the food, I hear you.
This salmon recipe is nirvana.
I've never fallen in love with anything I've ever made.
I've fallen in love.

Salmon with a Balsamic Glaze, Saffron Mashed Potatoes and Sauteed Spinach

SERVES 2

Ingredients:

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup water,
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed plus
2 salmon fillets, skin on (center cut)
salt & freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons olive oil






Preparation:
(I always want to type H after that)

1. Stir together balsamic vinegar, water, lemon juice,
and brown sugar in a small bowl.
2. Pat salmon dry and season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium high heat,
not smoking. Increase heat to high, add salmon skin side up,
and sear until well browned, about 4 minutes. (I like my salmon fairly rare)
4. Turn fish over and sear until just cooked through,
3 to 4 minutes more.
5. Transfer salmon to plates and carefully
add vinegar mixture to skillet (liquid will bubble vigorously and steam).
6. Simmer, stirring, until thickened and reduced to about 1/3 cup, about 2 minutes.
(I think it takes a little longer than two minutes, just keep an eye on it, you'll know)
(I also made the glaze in a separate pan, am glad I did)
7. Spoon glaze over salmon.
8. Serve, eat,and finish with an ice cream bar.