Dinner in Manhattan Beach

My husband and I spent the weekend in Manhattan Beach, our old stomping grounds. We lived there for 30+ years! Back home now and it’s 109 degrees today in Loomis California and all I can think of is the ocean. Can it get any hotter??? Something seems wrong here for it to be this hot!!! Actually I need to stop thinking about it.

Ok, ok, I’ll stop. Let’s talk about my favorite subject, FOOD. Great food that is.

We decided to make dinner for a few friends and this was our menu.

Grilled white sea bass (fresh fresh, fresh)

Papya/Peach Salsa

Cauliflower Puree

Cucumber Orange Salad

Root Beer Floats

PAPAYA/PEACH SALSA (4 servings)

1 papaya

2 small peaches

roasted piquillo peppers (red roasted peppers) about 1/2 cup chopped

red onion

1 serrano, minced

handful of cilantro

1 lime

3 teaspoons olive oil

Pit the papaya (see picture) and chop in a small dice. Peel and do the same with the peaches. Chop the onion (I use about 1/2 of a small), minced and chop the serrano, seed if you want to, chop the cilantro and peel and chop the lime. Salt and pepper to taste. Blend all ingredients together and let sit for about 1 hour to blend all the flavors.

Per Serving: 87 calories; 3.6g fat; 2.6g fiber

SEA BASS

Salt and pepper the fish fillets and brush with a little olive oil. With edible flowers.

CAULIFLOWER PUREE (4 servings)

1 head cauliflower, steamed

1 tablespoons butter

1/4 cup fat freemilk, or 1%, 2%

salt and pepper

Steam the cauliflower until soft. Put in a food processor with butter, milk, salt and pepper and puree until smooth.

Per serving: 37 calories; 2.9g fat; .6g fiber