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I would like to raise my glass… so I will.
To the time we spend together and the time we spend apart. To new friends, old friends and friends we will never meet (in person).
To drinks that are raised, to food that is eaten (enjoyed + thoughtfully prepared).
To cooks that are passionate, to cooks that are good, to cooks that experiment (which are those that have the most fun).
To a red fish, a blue fish, and a place in the sun.
To Angie, for giving us a venue to cook, share and inspire.
Cheers…
Now, please
Close your eyes, if you will, and imagine this: a hot beach, scattered with squishy white sand still warm from the sun. A sunset, exploding with color and filling the sky. Music, softly and rhythmically performing in unison with the lapping waves of the ocean; I’m thinking, Taj Mahal (especially with The Hula Blues Band). Bebel Gilberto (or any relation*), perhaps Charles Afton (check out Lost Sunset Lounge), Stan Getz (the Bossa Nova years*) or Sarah Vaughn (particularly Copacabana).
Okay, imagine breathing in, the taste of salty air languishes on your tongue. The smell of fragrant flowers mix in, blending, in perfect harmony, with that of the hot coals, readying themselves for the feast. Partygoers are arriving dressed in linen and silk, flip flops, sandals and hats. There are smiles and conversation, food, drink and the promise of fun. It is Fiesta Friday and I am there to help make you feel welcome with a kind word and a smile. I hand you a cocktail and a bite to begin before mixing into the crowd, sharing stories, making memories and letting the stress of the busy week seem miles away.
Now, as you open your eyes, you will see an amuse-bouche to start you on your way, over to the party.
Chez Stacey Tuna Poke bites
Makes twelve amuse
INGREDIENTS
3 oz sashimi grade ahi tuna
2 TB lite soy sauce
1 tsp chopped, roasted shiitake mushrooms
1 TB chopped pickled ginger
1 TB sliced spring onions (green and white parts)
1/2 tsp chopped chipotle
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp sesame seeds
1 TB chopped cilantro
PREPARE
Rinse and pat dry the fish.
Combine the remaking ingredients.
With a very clean knife, on a very clean surface (I keep my tuna on wax paper over a cutting board), dice the tuna into 3/8″ cubes.
Toss this into the sauce mix and stir to combine. Now comes the fun. Plate, style and garnish as you wish.
I found it fun to use the spring onion as a spoon by slicing lengthwise up the middle of the stem and peeling off the outer pieces. The smaller, inner pieces were perfect for slicing to add to the mix.
Now, with cocktail in hand, and amuse down the hatch, step over to Angie’s site here, to mix and mingle…but wait, first, please meet the beautiful (inside and out) Elaine, my partner co-host for Fiesta Friday #16, that will have amply prepared scrumptiousness (yes, it’s a word) for your enjoyment. So, please, step over here first. Then, over to the Novice Gardner here for the “real” party.
(be sure to check out the party guidelines here so you can link up properly).
Salute!
Fabulous post – I’m totally on your beach eating the ‘amuse bouches’. Yum! 🙂
Excellent, Hugo, Buddy and Ginger are off frolicking in the sand.
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I am so there, sandals and all! This looks so light and tasty. I love good sushi and this seems tasty enough for hubby to enjoy. Now to figure out where to buy the fish! It’s nice to meet you Stacey, Happy Fiesta Friday! and thank you so much for co-hosting.
Perhaps your sandals have been shed by now so that the sand squishes between your toes? So glad you joined us and I do hope you are able to secure a nice piece of fish to share with your man (you should have brought him along). I am so lucky to have one of the best fishmonger’s in Washington located just down the street.
Lovely to meet you and look forward to chatting again soon.
Ah, Stacey, I’m on that beach, wafting around in my linen…thank you for bringing these lovely little bits of scrumptiousness ☺️ They are a gorgeous addition to the party..now, back to work, more wonderful guests to meet..have fun x
Elaine, you are so good! Traversing the surf and sand with personality, wit and good cheer. Wafting in linen is the best way to stay cool! Meet you later for a drink and a download! Carry on…
wow!!! i love this recipe! compliments! greetings from Italy!
Simi
Thanks! Loving compliments from Italy! Salute!
WOW reading this post actually made me feel so relaxed!!! I LOVE it, and this recipe is GREAT, thanks soo much for sharing- I love your site name, 10 legs in the kitchen, so cute and creative! I’ll definitely be back 🙂 Great to meet you!
Thanks Stephanie, I am glad to meet you too. I’m glad it made you feel relaxed, that was the idea. Hopefully you have tucked into the party and met some great people.
Aahhh…such a delightful welcome you’ve offered to the party-goers! 😀
Your tuna poke bites sound fantastic and look delicious!
Thanks Nancy. I am reminded of the islands when I make this and island entertaining can be such fun.
Sent from my iPad
These look delicious! I can’t wait to dig in!
Thanks, please help yourself.
Thank you, I’ll take the cocktail, please. And the beach, the music, the sunset, and what else are you offering? Red fish, of course, in the raw! Gasp! I’m closing my eyes as I take your amuse bouche.
Cocktail…check, beach…check, music…check, sunset..check! Red fish (no) blue fish (not), amuse (close your eyes), yum! She likes it, hey Mikey!
Poki TUNA?! STOP it. One of my favorite dish. Sooo simple and delicious. =)
Simple like a good martini; quality and proportion are key. Thanks
How beautiful, Stacey!! I didn’t know we had a writer in our midst! Just lovely! I wanted to thank you for being one of our co-hosts tonight! And I think you are the perfect hostess!! Not only have you put squishy white sand between my toes, but I have a drink in one hand and an amuse bouche in the other! What more can a girl ask for?? Well…let’s not go there… but thanks so much for all of this tonight! You rock! 😀
Oh, I wish I were a writer, leading the obscure yet exciting times in the days of the Great Gatsby…
My pleasure to co-host and I’m glad you were comfortably set up. What more?…girls want “big shoes”? I mean “nice shoes”?
LOL! Yes, I think, nice shoes!
What a fabulous hostess you are 🙂 Beautiful dish with an amazing presentation! Cheers 🙂
Thanks, I keep meaning to catch up with you, thanks for popping in. Salute.
So sweet of you to say. Have fun at the party.
Beautiful!
Thanks, appreciate you stopping in. I love your beautiful pooches!! Hopefully you will let them play on the sand.
Lovely presentation Stacey! Thank you being such an amazing hostess 🙂 Happy FF!
Thanks Naina. Your strawberries are so fun and the picture of your little one, priceless! Thanks for your kind words.
Thank you so much Stacey 🙂
Beautiful post Stacey 🙂 Thank you for hosting the Fiesta Friday and enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Thank you, my weekend is very enjoyable so far. Enjoy, eat and have fun.
I could eat poke every single day. Beautiful presentation too.
You and my Tom too. He will turn into an ahi one day. Miss you at the party; hope all is well.
Oh, I’m so behind reading everyone’s FF posts. All is well, just super busy trying to get everything sorted at work before I leave for my brother’s wedding. Hopefully back to contributing soon!
Thank you so much for co-hosting Stacey! So good to meet you and be introduced to your blog! I absolutely love the name of your blog by the way, and the pic you use with it! I am picturing your two dogs roaming under your feet as you cook! 🙂 Love it!
…under, over or happily in line. They are my muse. Thanks for visiting; they welcome you too!
Ah, so sweet! I love animals! 🙂
I feel so welcomed to the party, Stacey, and will gladly take that whole plate of poke bites! I love poke, but have never tried to make it myself. Looks easy enough to do as long as I can get some good tuna, and delicious spooned up with those spring onion stalks. Your intro reminded me of Hawaii actually (the only place I usually have poke) and seeing people all dressed up to go to luaus on the beach front hotels. Perfect setting!
I am glad you are comfortable and feeling appropriately welcomed. I think I have said this before; making poke is like mixing a good martini, simple but reliant on good quality and perfect proportions.
I was channeling Hawaii, our happy place but insert beach scene from many other places too. I am always amazed at the reality our fellow party goers are joining from all corners of the globe.
Thanks for your kind words.
Ooh I love poke and adore your header design! Glad to have met you at FF16. I’m already thoroughly enjoying your blog (goat cheese cake? Yes please) ~
What’s not to like about poke, right? So glad to meet you too. I am thrilled that you like my blog, always so nice to hear, thanks.
Yeah, my favorite place too. The bonfire is still going, conversation is deep.
Thanks for co-hosting this week – I just introduced myself to Elaine and wanted to be sure I thanked you as well. Have a great week 🙂
You are so welcome. Thanks for joining the fun. You have a good week as well.
Hi Stacey – I have finally made it though the throngs of revellers on the beach to come over and say hello! I’ve been swaying to Belbel Gilberto (actually playing on Spotify now!) clutching onto my Bianca Jaggeresque wide brimmed hat while the sea breeze gently pulls at my linen palazzos, drink in hand…I’ve had a couple of your gorgeous pokes and a cocktail or three…perfect setting for FF16 – you and Elaine are the perfect hosts! And look at your wonderful dogs frolicking at the sea’s edge…PS. Stunning plating and photos x
Why hello dear Selma. How stylish you are; I am just loving your hat. It has been such a great turn out so far but I am surprised not to see Prudy, Patty, Saucy or Liz (yet?).
Elaine is a gem and we are having so much fun. Thanks for your compliments (as you know, you and Jhuls were a hard act to follow).
Ahhhh, Beibel is so soothing, just love her sound.
You are quite right – where are they? Hopefully not under the bar table swilling back the cocktails…Glad you are having a good time – it was bit slower on Friday and then livened up yesterday! I’ve had a look at other link parties and this one is just so friendly – so much camaraderie and support – I think that is also because WP makes it so easy to follow, like and leave comments…Don’t envy you having to choose your fave three – there are so many excellent posts!!
They are more likely off cooking up something in cahoots for the FF Challenge. More power to them; I best be getting to mine.
I thought it to be plenty lively on Friday but I hit the day running behind. This is a wonderful community; such good people, cooks, entertainers and friends.
Fabulous post, Stacey! I’d love the beach and the music. (Are books allowed? Uh, no! How could I chat if I read a book?)
Chatting is better, anyway. Well, at least only during FFs. 🙂
Thanks for co-hosting today. <3 Hope you are having a great time.
Thanks Jhuls! Of course books are welcome, especially if one is a journal to record all the fun.
It has been so much fun co-hosting; you and Selma did such a great job last week, thank you for that.
I know we are all down there on the beach with you – one of my favorite places to be 🙂
So good to know that I am not alone. It is one of my favorites too. Back to he city for me, oh well.
Cheers! And what a delicious addition to fiesta friday! Ah, it makes me long to be down there on the beach as well!
Yes, I hear the beach calling my name. Thanks.
Love your post and the tuna I’m sure it was delicious!