Woke up in a sweat…can’t blame it on the Devil. My dream was so vivid…David and I strolling the ancient pathways in the southern Peloponnese, having a heated discussion while thousands watched and hung on our every word. Dried off and thankfully realized that the roles of David and Toby were being played by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. By the way, you must see, “Before Midnight”. It is the third amazing film from the talented filmmakers and actors who brought you “Before Sunrise” (1995) and “Before Sunset” (2004)…the trilogy is stunningly realistic and truly romantic. Step aside, “The Way We Were” and “Love Story”.

Keeping with the pervasive water theme, I dressed to kill and hit Beverly Hills to search for Father’s Day gifts. Well, I entered Barney’s and lustfully wandered through the handbag and shoe department and I started to gush. My white tuxedo jacket looked as if the party was long over. I started to make excuses to the salespeople saying, “I can”t believe I was almost mugged on Wilshire. I had to run to Barneys to beat my mugger!” I seem to always forget my blotter as I have found that a high Egyptian count cotton towel is the only fabric that will absorb my menopausal overflow.

I recovered and actually was complimented numerous times on my outfit and shoes.

I lunched at Spago and thought the food was good, but not worth the price. The sashimi dish had 4 pieces total of hamachi and tuna on a bed of lettuce for $26.00.  Gotta hand it to Wolfganag Puck, after all these years he is still the King of Schmooze as he went from table to table shaking hands, taking photos and asking if all was well. Nothing replaces the old fashioned way of connecting with people.

I came home and showered so that I could sweat anew and made sautéed wild salmon over mashed potatoes. Four servings for under $30.00.

Serves 4

2 lbs. Atlantic Salmon from Whole Foods on special for $14.00/lb.

Trader Joe’s Mashed Potatoes $1.99

Trader Joe’s Cut White Corn

1 Lemon

Kosher Salt

Fresh Ground Pepper

3 Tbs. Fat Free Half and Half

Optional: Crème Fraiche or Fat Free Sour Cream, Rosemary

I used 8 mashed potatoes discs per person as I am always counting calories. Put in microwave bowl and heat for 2 minutes. Mash and add pinch of Kosher salt and a generous amount of fresh ground pepper. Add minimum 3 tbs. fat free half and half. If you are being good, add a tablespoon of fat free sour cream and heat for 2 more minutes. If you want divine mashers, add a tablespoon of crème fraiche…yum!

Defrost the corn and add a teaspoon of water and heat for 30 seconds. I often add the corn in with the mashers during the third heat so they are warm. Never follow heating directions on a bag of frozen veggies…they will always be overcooked.

In August, I always use fresh corn. Heat a skillet and fill half way with water and a teaspoon of sugar. Bring water to a rapid boil and cook on high for 1 minute and remove from cob. I also used fresh potatoes and bake them in the oven for 1 hour at 450 degrees. When fork goes in easily, they are done. Scoop and mash and follow frozen mashed directions.

Garnish salmon with lemon zest and squeeze some fresh lemon juice on the fish.