Glazed Salmon

We like to eat salmon at my house and i’m always on the hunt for new ways to liven it up.  I found this recipe for a nice honey/soy glaze.  It suggested serving it with some vegetables, but I preferred making the mashed sweet potato recipe if found.

I had to alter the recipe a bit because I bought more salmon than suggested and because they had incorporated the glaze into the suggested vegetables, so I figured out the ratios that i would actual need of the honey and soy and applied it accordingly.  You basically just broil the fish and then apply the glaze.  It makes a smoky mess, but it was worth it.  The potatoes were ok if you like sweet potatoes.  It was from a heart healthy section, which suggested using some of the water that you boil them in when you mash, but that just didn’t sound great to me, so I added a little milk and butter.  They were kinda soupy on the bottom, but they tasted fine.

Fresh Pizza

One of the meals I had planned for this week was fresh, homemade pizza.  I had originally planned to make it friday but I felt like having it monday and it worked out great!

For this pizza, I used a basic pizza recipe except I decided to use up the peppers and partial onion that have been kicking around my fridge.  I sauteed them and added some sliced green olives, then I added them to the prepared fresh crust.  I used some traditional sauce this time instead of our usual white sauce.  I topped it all off with a nice Italian blended cheeses.  I served it with a nice fresh green salad with blue cheese. And how was it?  Um, YUM.

I think i’ll be having the leftovers for lunch.

Potato and Leek Flat Bread with Greens

Dinner time!

When I saw this recipe while browsing through the real simple database I just knew I had to try it out. I’m a big fan of potatoes and leeks, so I figured I couldn’t lose. Boy, am I glad I gave it a shot! It’s the perfect meal, and even my son (who doesn’t like potatoes or leeks unless they’re somehow deep fried) said it was “pretty good”.

The recipe calls for 2 leeks, but I only used one, so as to not be overwhelmed by the leeky taste. I substituted 2 regular potatoes for red, and I added some fresh Rosemary to the oil and herb mixture instead of just using Thyme.

The recipe also calls for a 1/4 cup grated Gruyere cheese, but I used cheddar since that’s what I had on hand.

Toss these ingredients together, spread on a pizza crust (I made my own instead of using store bought dough as the recipe suggests), and sprinkle with cheese…

The end result?

Who's ready for seconds?

A delicious, light, and healthy meal for the entire family!

Honey Butter-it’s like Buttah.

If I have one weakness (note: I have more than one), it’s for honey butter. Previously I’ve always bought my honey butter from a local woman who made it from scratch, but when she recently decided to retire I was without a supplier-horror of horrors!-and BEGGED her to give me a recipe.

And, luckily for me (and you), she did, and she said it would be fine if I shared it with you!

It turns out that it’s very simple, and yet still very delish.

Time to get the party started!

First, you’ll need to gather your ingredients:

One stick of butter, room temp.

1 tablespoon Honey

1/2 teaspoon Pure Vanilla

Now, the woman who gave me this recipe actually used 1 TABLESPOON of vanilla, but I decided that I wanted to tone that down a bit so I just used half. I thought it turned out much better that way.

Honey-an important part of Honey Butter

Obviously the grade of honey is important here. You need to pick your favorite, as everyone’s tastes are different. This honey is from another local vendor, and because it is made from bees feasting on local plants,  it helps my daughter reduce her allergies in a natural way that we can both feel good about!

Throw it all together!

In a medium bowl, put all the ingredients together and begin to mix by hand. It will take a little elbow grease, but believe me-the results are worth it!

Don't give up now!

As you can see, it takes a little effort to get the vanilla to become incorporated with the butter and honey. I simply folded the butter around the vanilla repeatedly until most of it was absorbed.

Ta-da!

And…VOILA! Honey butter to die for! I ended up making a number of batches over the holidays and giving small containers of it to my childrens’ teachers along with loaves of homemade bread. It makes a wonderful, personal, and healthy gift that everyone is sure to enjoy!

I encourage you to try this recipe out for your family and friends!

Nachos

My hubby and I enjoy a nice snack on a sunday night every now and again.  We try to get creative and go all out and this past week was no exception.    While we were at the market doing our weekly shopping we picked up the ingredients for a killer plate of nachos.

Black beans, two kinds of cheese, chips, salsa and olives.  Hubby is an expert at making them now,  so I let him do the honors and then sat back and enjoyed! 

 

 

A New Favorite

Trying something new...and LOVING IT!

It’s so wonderful to sit down with those you love around your family table and eat a healthy, hearty meal…especially in this day and age when ipods and cell phones and video games seem to distract everyone every second! It’s nice to just sit and catch up, and not only enjoy nourishment for the body, but for the soul as well. That’s why I take cooking dinner so seriously. It’s not just food, it’s being there for my family.

This recipe had been sitting in my “To Try” box for quite some time, and last night I finally made it…and I’m so glad I did! It immediately became a new favorite, and I’ll be making it again soon.

Linguine with cabbage, prosciutto, and sage

Cook the pasta according to the package directions. While that’s boiling away, heat 1 tblsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add one onion, sliced, and cook until soft. Throw in about 1/8th of a teaspoon of pepper, as well.

Add 1/2 of a head of cabbage, 1 cup chicken broth, and cook until the cabbage begins to wilt. Stir in prosciutto (cut into strips), 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and 1 tablespoon of dry sage (or 2 of fresh). Cook until the butter has melted, serve over pasta, and listen to your family rave!

 

Enjoy this delicious meal with your family tonight!

Pot Roast

I’ve had a fresh beef roast in my freezer for awhile and I finally took it out and made a delicious pot roast with it.   Honestly, is there anything better than fall meals?

Snack Time!

I love me some popcorn balls and these are no exception.  I added some peanut butter to the sugar mix and YUM!

Plus the kids can help make them!

Chicken Soup for the Soul

The other night we had oven roasted chicken with baked potatos and green beans and um, yeah it was awesome.  So of course I had to make some chicken soup from the left overs.   So I made the broth and added some carrots and celery and let it simmer all day.  Perfect for a chilly fall night!

Soup Fit For a King

This photo speaks for itself.

I made this onion soup last night with cheesy pita crisps, and it was the perfect meal for a cold, November evening. I only wish there were leftovers for lunch today!