Brandon's Birthday Meal 2014

So as tradition goes, whenever it is somebody's birthday in my family I will make a meal of whatever they ask for. Brandon's birthday was earlier in the week, but tonight was the first night we got to actually spend together, so I made his meal tonight. He asked for spinach artichoke dip and something with swordfish. I have never really made a swordfish dish, but with the power of the internet I found a fun looking recipe.

Swordfish a la Siciliana
3 oz raisins
5 Tbs olive oil
1 onion - chopped
1 garlic clove - chopped
1/2 lb tomatoes - diced
10 green olives - chopped (I used the big queen's size olives)
2 oz pine nuts
1 Tbs capers
2 lbs swordfish

~ soak raisins in warm water for 30 min, then drain
~ preheat oven to 400 degrees
~ in a skillet over medium heat, saute onions and garlic until soft and slightly translucent
~ add the rest of the ingredients (except fish), reduce heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes
~ season swordfish steaks with salt and pepper, place in a greased baking dish and cover with sauce from skillet
~ bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes, or until steaks are firm and flake easily

 The spinach artichoke dip was a packet that I mixed with some cream cheese, basil, garlic powder, and cream cheese... nothing fancy! (served with pita chips) I didn't make a desert because Brandon bought ice cream.

Overall the sauce had a very Mediterranean feel that was nice. I am not a huge fan of swordfish (not that I dislike it, just not my favorite). I just think that swordfish can have a strong flavor or be a little on the "fishy" side. Brandon was happy with how things turned out, so as long as he is happy, I am happy.

 Happy Birthday Hunny!!