A Fish Dinner in Memison

Spiced Nuts with Sugared Bacon

Time: 50 minutes

2 cups unsalted, roasted mixed nuts (or use all almonds or cashews)
1½ tablespoons egg white, beaten slightly
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon garam masala
¾ teaspoon cumin
⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon allspice
Pinch

Take two pounds of tomatoes (Italian pear tomatoes -- Roma or San Marzano -- are best, but any tomatoes will do). Wash them, cut them lengthwise, and put them in a covered saucepan. Simmer them for ten minutes.

Purée them through the

Pecan Pie
(copied by Marcia from an unknown source)

1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup dark corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1 cup+ pecan halves

Cream butter. Add sugar gradually and cream until fluffy.

Add syrup and salt. Beat well.

Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Stir in pecans.

Minestra di Funghi e Patate

The little bit of sour cream is a clear indication of the soup's Slavic influence. Don't be surprised at the amount of salt in the soup; the potatoes absorb it thirstily.

1 ounce dried porcini mushrooms
2 or 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 pound

Potato Soup with Fried Almonds
(Sopa de Patatas y Almendras)

1½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup whole blanched almonds
6 large garlic cloves, peeled
⅓ cup (about 2 ounces) finely diced serrano ham or prosciutto
4 cups chicken stock or broth, or more if needed
Coarse salt (kosher or sea) and freshly ground black pepper