'Next Food Network Star' Contestant Brett August Cooks Up Pan-Seared Swordfish

Recently eliminated The Next Food Network Star contestant Brett August stopped by to tlak about his experience on the show and to help us make aa delicious meal for Father's Day meal -- Pan-Seared Thyme Swordfish with Creamed Spinach and Homemade French Fries.

August say that swordfish is a dad food because, although it's a departure from the usual "meat and potatoes" manly menu, it's still a meatier, manly fish that will please his wife and kids too! The creamed spinach is a classic comfort food and the home made fries will be the "guilty pleasure".

August is a native New Yorker and is the the executive sous chef at Doral Arrowwood Hotel in Rye Brook, N.Y. He graduated from New York Restaurant School and his culinary style focuses on simple food for the home cook.

The Next Food Network Star airs Sundays at 9pm on the Food Network. For more on the show, visit www.foodnetwork.com.

Pan-Seared Thyme Swordfish with Creamed Spinach and Homemade French Fries
Recipe courtesy Brett August
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Inactive Prep Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Ease of preparation: easy

Ingredients
2 (3-ounce) portions of center cut swordfish
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
Kosher salt and cracked black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup white wine
1 tablespoon butter
1 lemon, halved

Directions
1. In a medium bowl, add fish, fresh thyme, and oil. Season with salt and pepper and marinate for 30 minutes.
2. In a medium saute pan over high heat, sear fish for about 2 minutes on each side. Remove the fish to a serving platter.
3. Add the wine to the pan and reduce buy half.
4. Whisk in the butter, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and season with more salt and pepper, if needed.
5. Pour sauce over fish and serve.

Creamed Spinach
Recipe courtesy Brett August
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ease of preparation: easy

Ingredients
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 shallot, julienne
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 pound bag spinach
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan

Directions
1. In a large saute pan over medium heat, add the oil, shallots and garlic and allow to caramelize. Add the spinach and cook until tender.
2. Season with salt and pepper, then add cream and Parmesan and reduce for 2 minutes.
3. Taste to make sure the spinach is well. seasoned.
4. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve.

Homemade French Fries
Recipe courtesy Brett August
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ease of preparation: easy

Ingredients
2 large russet potatoes
2 tablespoons truffle oil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried garlic
1/2 teaspoon dried onion powder

Directions
1. Preheat oven 450 degrees F.
2. Cut potatoes into wedges and add to a large bowl. Add the truffle oil and remaining ingredients.
3. Toss to completely coat the potatoes.
4. Place on baking sheet and bake until crisp and golden brown, about 30 minutes.
5. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve.