Salmon, Orzo and Arugula Pesto en Papillote

We probably eat fish once a week, and salmon tends to be our easy go-to selection. While we like it prepared very simply (salt, pepper, splash of olive oil on top -- either baked or grilled), sometimes it is nice to mix it up with something a little different. 

I found an easy recipe online that would add a little something different to the salmon. The recipe called for an arugula pesto that was pre-made and mixed in with orzo. 

I think this recipe turned out only okay. Full disclosure -- we didn't have parchment paper, so I used aluminum foil instead. From what I have read online, they are somewhat interchangeable, but the foil conducts heat better than the parchment paper, which may explain why I wasn't as happy with the result. 

I didn't love the taste of the arugula pesto -- and it was almost too bland when mixed in with the orzo. The orzo is also super soft and cooked by the time you eat it, since you've boiled it like regular pasta and then baked it with the salmon. 

I'm not sure if I would make this recipe again. I think I would try something different and would cook the fish in parchment paper. We have made fish using parchment paper before, and I have liked the way things turned out, so I think the method is sound -- just maybe another set of ingredients. 

Double Chocolate Biscotti

I wouldn't say that I'm a particularly good cook, but I'm certainly better at cooking than I am at baking. I spotted this recipe for double chocolate biscotti -- and thought that I could give this baking thing another shot. 

The recipe was super easy to make. The recipe author has several other biscotti recipes on her website, which I am definitely going to try.

It is a little challenging to move the loaves if you form them somewhere else besides the baking sheet. I had to move quickly holding the loaf up in the air so it wouldn't fall apart as I moved it over to the baking sheet. The loaf is soft and pliable, so breaks easily -- even after the first round of baking. 

The orange zest is a nice bright touch. The biscotti turn out a bit crispy, but certainly not as crunchy as I expected. They aren't as soft as a brownie, but you don't need to dip them in coffee or another beverage to soften them up enough to eat. That didn't stop me from having a couple with some coffee ice cream...which I'd recommend. 

Enjoy!