Wayne's Smackdown Day 1 Cook/Meal Details

[WayneT]

I thought I'd post the details of my Day 1 Cook/Meal here sort of as a 'chain of custody' report, giving attribution where needed and showing how everything was scratch made.

Course 1 - Pistachio Crusted Scallops - by Mari Jo (wife)









Course 2 - Caesar Salad


Caesar dressing


Years ago my wife, Mari Jo, had a Caesar salad at Tavern on the Green in NYC where they charred the Romaine first. We had to try it. That's on the gasser.


Next time I'll crank the gasser up higher and use the CI skillet to get a better overall char.


Plated Caesar salad with home made croutons and the required anchovy fillet.

[WayneT]

Course 3 - Surf & Turf

Smoked lobster tails with a Champagne vanilla sauce - Wayne






Decadent Champagne vanilla sauce


Lobster tails with compound butter.



Wrapped and ready to chill awaiting the smoker.

Petite beef tenderloin filets with truffle butter - Wayne


Petite beef tenderloins dry brined.


Smoked to IT of 125F. Time of pellet smoker, approx 1 hour but varied according to size. Smoker setting, 'smoke'.


Because there's not much room for error with such small steaks, I chose SV to reheat and 'hold' them at 131F until the lobster tails were done. So these were actually QVQ steaks. Total time in bath about 75 mins.

Veggie skewers - Wayne & Mari Jo


Veggie skewers on gasser.

[WayneT]

Course 4 - Key lime pie - Wayne


Graham cracker crust.


Crust baked.


Key lime pie is a traditional favorite in southern seafood restaurants. We prefer ours more tart than sweet. I adapted this recipe from a Food Network recipe after trying 5 other ones. I add additional butter to the crust so it holds together better and a bit more lime zest.

[Stuey1515]

This feast looks fit for a king, good job mate!

[WayneT]

Thanks. I first served the lobster dish to my wife on Valentine's Day years ago. It's a staple in our repertoire now.

[hoovarmin]

Brother Wayne is in it to win it, people! Looking good buddy. I score 10 out of 10 for menu selection.

[WayneT]

Thanks for the kind words. My wife and I love entertaining and enjoy collaborating on the menu, with each of us prepping and cooking a featured dish.

[klflowers]

Very nice!

[WayneT]

Thanks Kev!

[Whiskeyman53]

I have been trying to talk my wife into having grilled lobster tails but she is a staunch steamed with a side of butter only New Englander. Everything looks great, good work .

[WayneT]

The vanilla (2 whole vanilla beans) in the sauce goes so well with the smoke in the lobster. It's to die for!

[Purc]

Amazing... what a spread! Great detailed pics.

[RonB]

A lot of work, but well worth it I'm sure.

[WayneT]

Yep, been planning this since Monday and yes, it's a labor of love and worth every minute.

[Panhead John]

The stick burner guys better put their big boy pants on…….

[WayneT]

Panhead John You mean these?



These fit well under bib overalls. Make Mickey proud Stick Burners!

[Draznnl]

Way to put it out there Wayne. You’ve really staked your claim to Panhead John ‘s trophy. Team twig is too busy throwing wood on their fires to create anything like that.

[DaveD]

Fantastic work!!

[GolfGeezer]

Game Over!! That is one scrumptious looking meal! Great job, man.