When we are hungry and don’t know what we want for dinner, we often go to our default settings. You know what I mean… the list of ingredients you turn to when you want to make a comforting and flavorful meal, but didn’t have time or energy to think or shop.
You open the fridge, and there they are. For us, they are sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and capers. Our old friends, constant companions, and reliable flavors. Our default settings.
Often, we will turn these ingredients into a pasta sauce with the addition of a shallot, some herbs from the garden, and a splash of wine.
But they can also make a simple piece of salmon sing like Renée Fleming. Deep, rich, and sonorous. Just the right notes.
This particular meal is one I created to go with a wine that I wanted to pair for the Provence WineZine. A dark and seductive Côtes-du-Rhône from Jean-Louis Chave.
Susan and Towny, 3,000 miles away in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, had a bottle of the same. We decided to drink the same wine with the same meal, and also to cook and dine together through the magic of FaceTime. You can read more about the wine pairing on the Provence WinwZine. (And don’t forget – through November 9 you can still order the wines in time for our Cook, Drink, Learn event featuring Acquiesce Winter, Provence WineZine, and Cocoa & Lavender. Use the promo code COCOA to get free shipping!)
This was very instructive for me when writing a recipe. Towny asked me questions throughout, which helped me word the recipe in a clearer way so that you, too, can make it easily.
~ David
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Gerlinde
November 7, 2020 at 8:18 amDavid, can I move in with you guys? I’ll promise I ‘ll do the dishes and cook an occasional meal. Your tapenade on the salmon looks great and the puréed leeks are a winner.
Cocoa & Lavender
November 8, 2020 at 1:38 pmThanks, Gerlinde – while we mat not have room for you permanently, when COVID is over you should come visit!
Fran @ G'day Souffle'
November 7, 2020 at 8:21 amThis looks really good, but the Leek and Basil Puree really attracted my eye. I could slather this on just about everything (but not my cereal)!
Cocoa & Lavender
November 8, 2020 at 1:39 pmThe leek and basil purée is really quite silky and luxurious, Fran!
John / Kitchen Riffs
November 7, 2020 at 9:51 amOne of our default settings always seems to revolve around beans or lentils. Either in a stir-fry or a soup. But I always have olives and capers around, so this tapenade definitely speaks to me. “John, John!” it’s saying, “eat me, eat me!” 🙂 This looks great — thanks.
Cocoa & Lavender
November 8, 2020 at 1:39 pmI am learning a lot form today’s comments, John – maybe I need to update my default settings and include beans and lentils!
Eha Carr
November 7, 2020 at 3:27 pmHave just changed my Sunday lunch menu 🙂 ! Unfortunately no salmon within reach but can do the moreish tapenade and have some favourite pasta in hand . . . Love the look of your leek puree and cannot wait to copy your plate . . . Woke to a sunny morning here and all our news anchors wearing blue masks . . . sweet relief . . . .
Cocoa & Lavender
November 8, 2020 at 1:40 pmIndeed, a sunny day here, too – in every way! The tapenade by itself can make a lovely meal – I hope you enjoyed it!
Inger @ Art of Natural Living
November 7, 2020 at 8:43 pmYum David! With my Community Supported Fishery I am always looking for new salmon ideas!
Cocoa & Lavender
November 8, 2020 at 1:41 pmSame here – salmon ideas are always welcome!
Ron
November 8, 2020 at 2:40 amWhat a fun dining experience David. I loved the images of you guys. I’ve reread your recipes now as I’m still trying to get a virtual taste of the meal. We have all the ingredients easily at hand, so I have no excuse for not having a real taste. I also thought your plating was fantastic…
Cocoa & Lavender
November 8, 2020 at 1:42 pmThanks so much, Ron – I always fee like I need to work on my plating, so your compliment is particularly appreciated.
Pauline
November 8, 2020 at 3:34 amA wonderful post, Thankyou, and beautifully presented. We love salmon, and always have these ingredients so I will be making this as soon as I can. Such delicious ideas and restaurant worthy. You are correct, we all resort to those default settings, eggs are often in my default setting.😋
Cocoa & Lavender
November 8, 2020 at 1:42 pmEggs are a perfect default setting, Pauline! I must add them to my list.
Kelly | Foodtasia
November 8, 2020 at 12:34 pmSuch a wonderful dish, David. And a nifty new way of having a dinner party! Love the tapenade, so perfect with the salmon. I’m fascinated by your default settings. Mine usually involve pasta and butter!
Cocoa & Lavender
November 8, 2020 at 1:43 pmI suppose that I should admit that past IS one of my default settings, Kelly… and this tapenade is perfect mixed in with extra olive oil!
Chef Mimi
November 8, 2020 at 5:06 pmI don’t see Susan on the screen, but it’s just that kind of detail that sometimes my brain focuses on, when it’s not important at all. what a fun way to get together and eat! I don’t know anyone who’d want to cook with me. I truly know very very few people who cook.
David Scott Allen
November 9, 2020 at 9:38 amI was so busy taking photos that I only had theirs to use! Next time – Susan will be front and center!
I would cook with you Mimi! Just say the word!
Susan Manfull
November 9, 2020 at 12:04 pmThat’s so sweet of you, Mimi, to look for me…You can look on my Instagram page (@provencewinezine) to see more photos on October 6 post.
And BTW, you can cook with me! Oh, and did you sign up to cook along with David on November 15, at 2:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)?
Marian Jensen
November 8, 2020 at 5:42 pmLooks beautiful and delicious. On my To-Make list.
David Scott Allen
November 9, 2020 at 9:39 amWonderful, Marian – it is easy and very flavorful!
Valentina
November 8, 2020 at 8:50 pmThese are some delicious “default” ingredients, David. I’ve never really thought about what mine are. Probably salsa, beans, spinach and cheese for a quick last minute quesadilla. Not as fancy as yours, that’s for sure! Olive and capers are so wonderful with so many thing and the sweetness from the dried tomatoes is perfect. Such a great flavor combination — especially on top of salmon. And of course, so great to get together (any which way!) with friends. 🙂 ~Valentina
David Scott Allen
November 9, 2020 at 9:40 amI love learning about everyone’s default settings, Valentina – it is opening my eyes to a boarder version of my own!
Cathy
November 9, 2020 at 10:52 amOh yes… our default meals. You will never find our house void of salmon, capers, potatoes, lemons and of course red wine. So I am almost there for this delicious looking recipe. The wine sounds like a winner as well.
Cocoa & Lavender
November 11, 2020 at 11:18 amThose are definitely some great default settings, Cathy!
Susan Manfull
November 9, 2020 at 12:08 pmHonestly, I wasn’t sure how these seemingly diverse flavors would work, but it was absolutely fabulous! It was a wonderful medley of flavors, all happily singing on my palate. The whole meal exceeded my expectations!
Cocoa & Lavender
November 11, 2020 at 11:19 amAnd the good news is that no one went hungry or thirsty! Thanks, Susan – it was fun!
Raymund
November 10, 2020 at 2:58 pmOur default settings are soupy meats with vegetable, in most cases Sinigang (pork in tamarind broth). For us its quite easy to make and we have the ingredients always, it is set and forget. Basically its putting all the ingredients in a pot, let it boil and simmer until cooked. Your default looks amazing! I hope I have those ingredients as a main stay in my pantry.
Cocoa & Lavender
November 11, 2020 at 11:20 amGreat defaults Raymund! Wish I could be there for a family dinner!
Aarthi | Prepbowls
November 10, 2020 at 7:05 pmYour plate looks gourmet, and straight from the restaurant. I haven’t used leeks , in-fact I’m hearing this for the first time , looks like fresh spring onions to me. But that leek-basil purée looks so creamy, and the paste you applied on the salmon is tempting too . I will bookmark the recipe to try next time I make salmon, thanks for sharing it, David!
Cocoa & Lavender
November 11, 2020 at 11:20 amYou are so kind Aarthi – I have fun making the food look beautiful!
2pots2cook
November 11, 2020 at 2:13 amBeautiful default setting dear David ! Just beautiful !
Cocoa & Lavender
November 11, 2020 at 11:21 amThanks, Davorka! 💙
John
November 13, 2020 at 3:43 amI do love a tapenade, but have never tried it on salmon. I love this, and it’s such an easy way to make that salmon shine.
Cocoa & Lavender
November 14, 2020 at 9:39 amYes, indeed – it is great with the salmon – al the flavors meld so well, John! Hmmm… when we we see another recipe from you?
Christina Conte
November 15, 2020 at 6:28 pmOf course, the default settings are just too easy! I’m at fault for falling prey to them all too often!
What a lovely thing to do on Facetime! I love that you ate the same meal and had the same lovely wine! Would love to do this with friends! You are just too clever, David!
Cocoa & Lavender
November 22, 2020 at 3:24 pmIt is so easy to do it, Christina! We are all guilty! I am really enjoying doing this on Facetime and Zoom – so much more fun than not seeing people for a year… or more!
sherry
November 23, 2020 at 6:10 amlove all your flavours there david. i always have those sorts of things in my pantry and fridge too. we have salmon once a week or at least once a fortnight. such a fabulous food!
Cocoa & Lavender
December 19, 2020 at 9:49 amI’m so glad to learn your hubby likes salmon! Let me know if you try this!
Jeff the Chef
November 27, 2020 at 12:48 pmThat is a really cool thing, to cook virtually with your friend! And sun-dried tomato and olive tapenade! Yes!
Cocoa & Lavender
December 19, 2020 at 9:50 amWe really are enjoying the virtual cooking with friends. It does make us all feel a bit more connected, Jeff.
William Manfull
December 16, 2020 at 8:44 amDavid, we love this dish! The flavors made us think of being in Provence. The wine worked nicely to prove that it NOT always “white with fish”.
Cocoa & Lavender
December 19, 2020 at 9:51 amDefinitely a nice combination, Towny! It was fun doing this with you and Susan!