Have I told you lately, that I love you......

JAK was away from each other for WAY TOO long.  I genuinely missed "J" and "A" so much, and it was so wonderful to be back in their company this past Monday.  We vowed never to take that much time off again.  Life happens though.

With being out-of-pocket for a few weeks, "J" certainly didn't lose his game!  His meal all for made up for the time apart.

Eggs weren't the star in this evenings meal; but this photo was so pretty! 

The brain behind this meal is in this bowl.  A start to a salty play dough.

The salty play dough!

Another visually beautiful photo.

The dough gets rolled out.

Fresh herbs, from the garden, are chopped.

And placed atop the dough.

A rather large beef tenderloin is seared on each side (total of 8 minutes, 2 minutes on each side).

I mean seriously, is that not the biggest tenderloin you've ever seen?!?!

The tenderloin finds its place on the blanket of herbs, atop the salt dough.

If you still have no clue what this is (neither did I, when I first walked in) it's a salt cast.  The tenderloin will cook in this cast, for 25 minutes.

While the tenderloin was cooking, fresh corn joined the evening!

Nothing is better than fresh corn.  The sweetness it entails, delish!

Cast iron skillet gets a layer of butter.

Corn goes in, with cream, various seasonings and some honey (to add a deeper sweet flavor).

When it thickens, it's placed in the stove to bake.

While the corn joined the tenderloin, "A" made kale chips!  I've seen the Hungry Girl, on the Food Network, make these and have always wanted to try it myself.

They were excellent.  You bake the kale in the oven, and it becomes a crunchy chip!  Salt on top, and done!  Very good snack.

This is "J" cutting into the salt cast!  I was a little scared.

But, wow.  Look how beautiful.  "A" and I tried a sample, before he got the salt cast completely off.  It was, because of being an end piece, very salty.

More of the cast being removed.  The tenderloin (past the end pieces) had just the right amount of salt and flavor.  Not too overpowering at all.  Keep in mind, it had zero seasoning.  Just the season from the salt and herbs.  Very flavorful!

The case after the tenderloin was removed.  Look at all the wonderful juices!

Seriously, could it have been cooked any more perfect? 

The corn done baking!  It took a topping of Parmesan cheese (my favorite).

Fabulous meal.  Simple by looks, but detailed in flavor (and preparation!).

For dessert?  Just some homemade blueberry sauce.

To be drizzled over a homemade angel food cake and this fabulous ice cream.  If you haven't tried this ice cream, it's a must (can be found at Forward Foods or Buy for Less on NW Expressway).  Best (vanilla) ice cream I've ever had! 

Finished product.  So simple, so yummy.

It's great to be back!

Until next time......A la cuisine!