Today is my birthday! I was fortunate to be able to take the day off from work and have my parents and my friend Mark over for a sheep themed meal. A co-worker thought it was strange that I was making lunch for my own birthday. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to make and share a fun meal with people who are close to me.

Sheep in a Field Layered Rice

1. Line a small ramekin with plastic wrap.
2. Add a layer of hot Nishiki rice and press down.
3. Add a small layer of cooked white beans and cut tomatoes cooked in some Vegetarian Broth with some added oregano.
4. Add an additional layer of hot cooked rice and press down.
5. Carefully lift the layered rice out of the ramekin and place on the serving plate.
6. Add Basil Pesto (this happens to be homemade and Vegan) to the top of the rice.
7. Cut a sheep out of Daikon (Japanese Radish) using a sheep cookie cutter.
8. Cut lines in snow peas with a sharp knife.
9. Cut butterflies out of carrot with a mini clay cutter.
10. Arrange the daikon, carrot, and snow pea on top of the pesto. Pipe a thin layer of pesto around the layered rice.

Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Zest – roast asparagus with a little salt and olive oil at 425 for about 10 minutes or until tender. Add lemon zest after plating.

Roasted Cauliflower with Almond Aioli – Roast cauliflower with some olive oil and smoked paprika at 425 for about 20 minutes or until tender. Serve with Almond Aioli.

Baby Potato Chips – Slice baby potatoes with a mandoline slicer. Fry in vegetable oil.

My Critique of the Meal:

As usual I am more critical than my guests. I think that the sides were the most popular. I tried to recreate the cauliflower and almonds with baby potato chips that I had in Iceland at the Blue Lagoon Lava Restaurant. It was not exact but it was delicious.

Plating is something that I continue to strive to improve. My plates are not as precise as the planning sketch I drew but I like how I loaded the plates with flavor. If I put less food on the plates it would have looked prettier but then my guests would not have as much to enjoy. That said, it was a hearty lunch with the Sheep in the Field Layered Rice. I think my plates have a rustic look to them.

It was a memorable meal and I am thankful for the people who came and shared it with me.