Friday, July 12, 2013

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Kale Salad with Sockeye Salmon

 
 
 
KALE SALAD with SOCKEYE SALMON
30 Minute Meal
 
 
 
BAKED SALMON
 
Preheat Oven 450°F
 
1 lb Sockeye Salmon
2 Garlic Cloves
Salt & Pepper
Olive Oil Cooking Spray
 
Put cast iron skillet into the oven while it is preheating.  Coat salmon (skin side down) with salt, pepper and garlic.  Set aside.
 
When oven is ready, spray lightly with cooking spray and place salmon into hot pan.  Cook 12 minutes.
 
 
SUMMER Kale Salad
 
1/2 Bunch Kale
1/2 Head Radicchio (chopped)
1 Portobello Mushroom (cut into 1/2" cubes)
1 Carrot (peeled into ribbons)
1 Piece corn  (kernels removed)
2 Radishes (sliced thinly)
1/4 cup Pumpkin Seeds (toasting is optional)
1 T Grapeseed Oil
1/2 Lemon
1/4 C Shallot Dressing (see below) 
Salt & Pepper
 
Cleaning Kale:  Remove the leaves from the rib of the kale and tear apart into small pieces.  Wash and dry.
 
Bruising Kale:  Add 1 T Grapeseed Oil and salt to the trimmed leaves.  With salad tongues, lightly toss and press down on the leaves until they start to become a darker shade of green.  Set aside.
 
Add all ingredients to the salad and toss while salmon is baking.  Salad will keep for 2 days refrigerated.
 
SHALLOT DRESSING
 
I like to keep a jar of this in my refrigerator.  It is great for when you have extra herbs and gets better with time.  Generally it will last for 2 weeks, but rarely does it make it that long.
 
3 large shallots (diced)
1 lemon, juiced
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup grapeseed oil (olive oil works too)
salt
pepper
summer herbs (diced and optional)
 
In a jar, add ingredients.   Place in refrigerator for at least 3 hours before using.  Shake and bring to room temperature when ready to use.
 
 
 
 





Monday, July 1, 2013

A lighter New Orleans Breakfast

Eggwhite Omelette and Café Du Monde Coffee
 
A lighter side of NOLA
 

New Orleans is one of my favorite cities in the US . Sadly, this will be the first year in nearly 10, that I will not be visiting.  It's funny how something as simple as coffee can  so I have been enjoying Café Du Monde coffee with breakfast once a week to make up for the absence.

EGGWHITE OMLETTE

2 Egg Whites
1T Greek Yogurt
Cumin
Paprika
Cayenne
Fresh Veggies (salsa is a great addition too)
Salt & Pepper
Cooking Spray

In a bowl whisk together eggs and yogurt.  In a small skillet on medium heat spray with cooking spray and lightly dust the pan with the spices, salt and pepper.  Add eggs and cook until set.  Add veggies and lightly fold in half. 

Café D'Amande
(Café Au Lait with Almond Milk)

Although there is nothing like sitting at the famous Café Du Monde café with the scent of beignets and powdered sugar traveling through the air.  The rich taste and scent of chicory coffee always perks me up and gives me the opportunity to daydream and allow my mind to take me to somewhere "I'd rather be"....

The sun is just rising, tourists are lining up, street cars are hobbling by and just as the scent of beignets begins to fill the air your nose is tickled by powdered sugar that has escaped from your neighbor's (not-so-gluten-free) pastry. 

I enjoy heating 1/4 cup of almond milk and adding freshly brewed coffee for a "lighter" but flavorful version of the classic.