Something's Fishy

Tonight's dinner was quite popular with the family. We made Fish en Papillote (in Parchment) and Brown Rice with shallots and lemon. It was so popular in fact, that I couldn't get a picture before it was gone! Here's how we did it.

Fish en Papillote

Allllll gone!

4 Flounder fillets
1 bag of shredded carrot
2 zuchini, julienned (I used a mandoline slicer)
1 onion, sliced thinly in half rings
2 cloves garlic, chopped
4 tbsp lemon juice
4 tbsp olive oil
thyme
slices of lemon
salt & pepper

Mix the vegetables with 2 tbsp each of lemon juice and olive oil, the garlic and salt & pepper, and let it marinate together for 10 to 15 minutes.  Take a large sheet of parchment paper (twice the length of the pan) on a sheet pan and lay the veggies down leaving about 2 inches around on 3 of the sides. Lay the fish fillets on top of the veggies and sprinkle them with the rest of the lemon juice, olive oil, and salt and pepper. Lay a sprig of thyme over each fillet, and place a few slices of lemon over the top. Fold the rest of the parchment over the top, and fold over the edges to seal the paper over. Bake at 350 for about 15 minutes.

Brown Rice with Shallot and Lemon
1 shallot, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
1cup brown rice
2 1/4 cups water
2 tbsp butter
Saute the chopped shallot in the oil until tender on medium heat. Pour in the rice and coat well with the oil. Saute for 2 to 3 minutes, until the rice starts to toast a bit. Add the lemon juice and cook for about a minute. Pour in the water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 45 minutes. Add the butter at the end, and serve.

Domestic Bliss

My hubby has been home for a couple of days now, he's taking Paternity Leave to be home with our son for a couple of months. I go back to work on Tuesday. As that day draws nearer, I find myself daydreaming about living in the 50's, when we could've afforded for me to stay home.

Let me be clear. I absolutely feel that women and men are equals, and that domestic responsibility lies with both partners. I just wish I didn't have to leave my son for so many hours of the day. I guess, if I could still work/earn money AND be with him, I'd be happy. I dread missing out on the coo-fests, and squirm-a-thons that happen during the day. I know he's going to be fine, and it's a great opportunity for the boys to bond. I just feel like I'm going to be missing out.

I really have enjoyed being home though. I've done a fair bit of creative cooking, and I've been able to maintain our home's cleanliness, instead of scrambling to do it on Saturdays. The past few days of all being home together, going to the park, playing on the floor have been wonderful. I'm going to have to remember how great this is when I'm back at work, and make sure our evenings and weekends are full of cuddles.