Doggie Daycare

Anthropomorphism n. Attribution of human motivation, characteristics or behavior to animals, objects or natural phenomena.

If Max could only speak, he would say "I'm NOT going!" He burrows into a pile of comforters on our bed, and looks at me soulfully as I stand over him with hands on my hips. Meanwhile, Eddie's already curled himself up into a ball underneath the armoire.

The dogs go to daycare on days when I teach cooking at home. Those who are familiar with the breed know that Dachshunds are sweet, funny and lively dogs who immediately form a loyal attachment to their family. So when strangers come into the house, our little watchdogs are intimidating with their loud, persistent bark. Max and Eddie have just started at daycare, so my dogs still aren't sure why they have to spend hours away from home, and with strangers - the four-legged kind!

Each "parent" takes a diary home, with a daily update on their pets. Yesterday's entry said, "Max and Eddie spent all day following their handlers around. They don't really play with the other dogs, but we are encouraging them to develop social interactions."

The Montessori of Doggie Daycare!

This is one recipe I taught at class yesterday, using the original ingredient of Red Snapper fillets. I substituted the fish with chicken breasts when I made it for dinner, as seen on the photos. I would recommend using Red Snapper, Halibut or Cod fillets, though, when you do this recipe. It's delicious!

Nut-Crusted Fish Fillet with Soy Vinaigrette

1/2 cup crushed Peanuts

1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs

4 Halibut or Red Snapper Fillets*

1 tablespoon Peanut Oil

Salt and Pepper to taste

2 tablespoons each Peanut Oil and Butter

Preheat oven to 200 deg C.

Combine peanuts and panko in a bowl. Rub fillets with 1 tablespoon of oil, season with salt and pepper. Dredge in crumb mixture to coat one side thoroughly.

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a saute pan until very hot. Add butter and let foam (should brown but not burn). Saute the fillets coated side first until golden brown. Flip over and place in an oven. Cook until fish breaks apart easily when lightly pressed, 5-10 minutes depending on thickness.

Drizzle with Soy Vinaigrette. Serve with sugar snap peas or favorite vegetable.

*If you use chicken breast fillets instead of fish (or if you want to coat a fillet on all sides), please remember to dip the chicken in beaten eggs before coating in bread crumbs.

Soy Vinaigrette

1/4 cup Soy Sauce

1/4 cup Water

1/4 cup Rice Wine Vinegar

1/2 cup Mirin (Japanese Sweet Cooking Wine)

1/4 cup Sugar

2 tablespoons peeled and minced Ginger

3 tablespoons peeled and minced Garlic

2 tablespoons Chili Sauce

1 tablespoon Cilantro, finely chopped

1/4 cup Sesame Oil

1/4 cup Peanut Oil

In a bowl, combine all the ingredients except sesame and peanut oils. Slowly whisk in the oils. Season to taste with more vinegar and/or sugar.