Simple Supper: Salmon with Puff Pastry & Pesto

My background is in the visual world, so I love it when aesthetics are taken into account when cooking. Especially for simple, quick suppers. Just because it takes 10 minutes to make doesn't mean it has to look like it. Dressing up basic dishes & putting a bit more love into them makes even the most ordinary dinner feel special. After all we eat with our eyes first! A little touch of color or drizzle of oil can go a long way. There's an interesting page here that gives a run down on the art of "plating." And with more of us avoiding pricey restaurant tabs it doesn't seem like a bad idea to hone your plating skills and enjoy an evening in.

My card reader has gone astray, so I haven't been able to upload the shots I got of this wonderfully simple dinner I made last night. It was a beauty. This dish takes a mere 15 minutes to whip up from start to finish & is a treat for both they eyes and the tummy.

Salmon with Puff Pastry & Pesto, serves 4
recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis
4 pieces of purchased puff pastry, each cut to be just larger than a piece of salmon
4 (4 to 6-ounce) pieces salmon
1/4 c. sliced almonds
1/4 c. pesto
2 tomatoes, sliced

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

On a foil-lined baking sheet, place the 4 pieces of puff pastry. Also place the 4 pieces of salmon, being careful to make sure they are not touching. Sprinkle each piece of salmon with 1 tablespoon of the sliced almonds. Bake for 10 minutes.

To serve, place each piece of puff pastry on a plate. Top each puff pastry with 1 tablespoon of pesto. Top the pesto with 2 slices of tomatoes each. Top the tomatoes with the salmon and serve.

Image, foodnetwork.com