Miscellaneous Wednesday

Day 3 and the competition continues, early results seem to show that McGarrett is holding a lead over Danno.  They are only two days into this battle, with three left to go, so "who's cuisine will reign supreme".  Ever wonder what could be done with a simple local ingredient, then throw in two completely different personalities, well we will find out.







How about we cut to the chase  and get to today's secret ingredient.  Pineapples, yes I said pineapples, which is certainly a strange name for this quite common Hawaiian fruit that has no connection to neither a pine or apple tree.  What inspiration will they find, or will the recipes fall flat?  Gentlemen let the games begin!





Today first up will be Danno, and he has brought on some serious game.  A delicious teriyaki salmon dinner, check out this Asian-inspired salmon recipe that features a glaze made from pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and orange zest.

Pineapple Teriyaki Salmon

2 Tbsp brown sugar 
2  Tbsp  low-sodium soy sauce 
1 tsp finely grated orange zest 
6 oz pineapple juice 
1/2  tsp salt, divided 
2  tsp  canola oil 
4- 6 oz salmon fillets, about 1 inch thick
1/4  tsp  freshly ground black pepper 
Grated orange rind 

1. Preheat oven to 400°.
2.  Combine first 4 ingredients and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small saucepan over high heat, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer until reduced to 1/4 cup (it should take about 15 minutes). Then set aside. 
3. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle both sides of salmon with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and black pepper. Add fish to pan; cook 3 minutes. Turn fish over and place in oven; for 3 minutes. Remove from oven; brush 1 tablespoon sauce over each fillet. 
4. Return to oven, and cook 1 minute or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork or until desired degree of doneness. Sprinkle with orange rind, if desired.

Steve is up next, he has a Hawaiian staple (okay maybe Danno doesn't agree).  He is bringing a  unique Hawaiian pizza that features fresh pineapple, mozzarella, caramelized onions, prosciutto, arugula, and a hint of lemon.  Can the state handle this?

Hawaiian Pizza

1 – 8oz pizza dough
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1-4 oz ball of fresh mozzarella
1/4 of a pineapple, diced
5-6 slices of prosciutto, halved
1 cup arugula
Fresh squeezed lemon juice

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees
2. In a medium fry pan over medium heat add a tablespoon of olive oil and sliced onions.  After about five minutes, add a 1/4 teaspoon of salt and keep cooking until completely caramelized.  This should take about 20-30 minutes to completely caramelize.  
3. Gently pull on pizza dough to form pie, place on a pizza pan and drizzle with 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. 
4. Add mozzarella and diced pineapple and place in the oven.  Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until cheese is melted and crust is golden brown. 
5. Remove from oven and add the prosciutto, warm caramelized onions and arugula.  Before serving squeeze lightly with fresh lemon juice.