I'm so excited to post my first entry on the blog dedicated to Marcella Hazan.
I'm Jan from Tallahassee, Florida.
The recipe is called "Russian Salad" and Marcella says that the only thing Russian about it is that it includes beets. In my travels in Piemonte, I remember eating insalata russa in some restaurants and it being simple potato salad. This was far from a simple potato salad. It was fantastic!
First, I had to boil the shrimp, in their shells, with salt and a little vinegar in the water. We are lucky enough to get fabulous, fresh, wild Gulf of Mexico shrimp here and they lived up to their reputation.
Then I had to make the mayonnaise. I had done it before in the food processor but not in the stand mixer; it worked out fine. I used extra virgin olive oil and the resulting color was a beautiful light greenish shade. The flavor was really powerful when it was first finished; I was afraid it would be overwhelming but it worked beautifully in the salad. (My first lesson in trusting Marcella)
Then I cooked all the various veggies before cutting them into little cubes.
It made a very colorful mise in place.
Then the real fun began. After folding everything together, you form the salad into a dome shape and basically "ice" it with the remaining mayo. I didn't have quite enough for a thinck layer but I thought the effect was pretty enough. After covering the dome, you get to play--decorating the surface and plate with the reserved vegetables and shrimp.
The best part is that the salad tastes devine! The flavors of each vegetable are there but they meld, with the help of the assertive mayonnaise, to a wonderful, complex harmony. We really enjoyed this seasonal offering.
I can't wait to try the next recipe in the book!
Comments (16)
Beautiful! Bet it tasted as good as it looks.
Interesting what you wrote about "trust Marcella." That's what separates a great cooking authority from so many others. I cannot tell you how many recipes I have where that trust did not get earned.
I need this book!
Posted by Amy | April 9, 2010 5:21 AM
Posted on April 9, 2010 05:21
Way to go! That is absolutely beautiful...
Posted by em | April 9, 2010 6:42 AM
Posted on April 9, 2010 06:42
Jan! Brava amica mia!! Your insalata looks fantastica!! You are beaming with pride, right? :D Super nice photos and a great first post. Your shrimp are perfetto, the beets, carrots, green beans, and pea design is cool!!!!
Rah! Rah!
Posted by Mindy | April 9, 2010 7:26 AM
Posted on April 9, 2010 07:26
Georgous!
Posted by Cindy Ruth | April 9, 2010 10:26 AM
Posted on April 9, 2010 10:26
So beautiful!
Posted by Terry (teaberry) | April 9, 2010 12:20 PM
Posted on April 9, 2010 12:20
Jan! Love it! What a gorgeous picture! I'm going to try to change the picture in your facebook post so the finished dish is what shows up, OK?
Posted by Deborah | April 9, 2010 6:37 PM
Posted on April 9, 2010 18:37
Wow - that looks amazing! You really out did yourself.
I know what you mean - I have faith in the recipes that I am trying in Marcella's book. Admittedly, I may not be thrilled about some of the ingredients (hello . . . lamb kidneys anyone . . .) but even then I know that the recipe itself will be sound.
Posted by Jerry | April 9, 2010 7:46 PM
Posted on April 9, 2010 19:46
Bravissima!
You can't imagine the joy I feel in seeing someone bring one of my recipes to life, and to such glorious life. My gratitude and respect go to all of you who are so conscientious embarked on this project. Let me know if there is ever an explanation or a suggestion I can offer to smooth the way for you.
With love, Marcella
Posted by Marcella Hazan | April 9, 2010 8:41 PM
Posted on April 9, 2010 20:41
Jan, that is beautiful! Brava!
Posted by Palma | April 9, 2010 9:03 PM
Posted on April 9, 2010 21:03
That is a work of art!! And, sounds yummy!
Posted by Tanna | April 9, 2010 9:30 PM
Posted on April 9, 2010 21:30
Well done!!
Posted by Dale Michelson | April 9, 2010 10:00 PM
Posted on April 9, 2010 22:00
Very pretty! Send me some mayo making tips:)
Posted by Irene | April 9, 2010 10:38 PM
Posted on April 9, 2010 22:38
I was lucky enough to see it in real life! Era cosi bella - un'opera d'arte e d'amore! Brava brava!
Posted by Cecelia | April 9, 2010 11:26 PM
Posted on April 9, 2010 23:26
I can just taste that yummy homemade mayonnaise! There is nothing like it!
What a great recipe to share-thanks!
Best wishes,
Natasha
Posted by Natasha | April 10, 2010 4:42 AM
Posted on April 10, 2010 04:42
Jan - your dish looks beautiful. So beautiful, in fact, that Marcella commented upon it herself. I'm so impressed. I'm inching my way towards the kitchen,
Posted by Ray Anne | April 14, 2010 10:08 PM
Posted on April 14, 2010 22:08
OMG, Jan, you must be so thrilled! Not only is the dish gorgeous (and delicious, I am sure), but to have Marcella's "Bravissima!" must put you in the stratosphere.
Great job!
Posted by nancyhol | April 22, 2010 11:11 AM
Posted on April 22, 2010 11:11