Sunday, May 31, 2009

Best Grilled Salmon Recipe in the World

And that's just what this is. My little sis, Kilee, makes this better than I did, but oh it is ever yummy. I think the trick is to just under-cook it. I know, sounds bad, but it's salmon so it won't hurt you. Just don't over-grill it, like we did, or it will taste dry. Marinate it for at least 8 hours for best flavor. It's summer--whip out that BBQ and make this tonight! Even if you don't like fish, I dare you to try this one--you might just change your mind.

Grilled Salmon Recipe Ingredients

8 salmon fillets
Best Salmon Marinade Ingredients

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon sesame oil
5 tablespoons soy sauce
4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons honey
3 teaspoons brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger (I have done both fresh grated ginger and the ground ginger spice, I personally like the spice better)
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, more or less to taste
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
2 green onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

Place salmon fillets in a large resealable plastic bag. In a separate medium bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients. Whisk together well, and pour over the salmon in the plastic bag. Remove the air from the bag and seal tightly. Marinate the salmon fillets in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight.


Wrap the salmon fillets tightly in aluminum foil. Spray the inside of the aluminum foil with non-stick cooking spray before adding the salmon. Lightly oil the grill grates. Grill the salmon for 15 minutes per inch of thickness on a medium hot grill, or until salmon just flakes with a fork. Turn salmon over halfway through grilling.



After you try this grilled salmon recipe, I think that you will agree that it is the best grilled salmon recipe you have ever tasted. You will never make grilled salmon differently again.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Quick Easy Kid Meal


I'm sure many of you do this meal already, but I wanted to post it for those of you who don't! Not only does it easy, but it's super-cheap and my kids love it! My mom made this for us all growing up, so it being Mother's Day this weekend, this post goes out to her. Call it what you like, but we call it. . .

Egg Bread

All you need are eggs and bread!

Cut center out of a slice of bread, either with a drinking glass or a cute cookie cutter shape. (We did ours Valentines weekend with hearts.) Melt butter on a heated skillet. Place bread on skillet and crack egg in center. Salt and pepper it. Heat until it becomes firm enough to flip. Cook both sides--I also like to toast the centers--the kids love those too. We serve ours with ketchup or melted cheese on top. With a side of applesauce or fruit and milk you've got all major food groups!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

A spin on Tacos


I'm always trying to think of creative ways for my kids to get their Omega-3s, aka fish, without them turning their nose up at it. Yes, they love their fish sticks, but mama and papa needed something a little bit healthier and more savory. I saw this recipe on the Better Homes and Garden website and decided to give it a go. It took VERY little preparation and it was done in 20 minutes, start to finish. Can't say my kids loved every bite, but I sure did and so did my husband and older kids. Maybe you'd like it too. . .

Fish tostadas with Chili Lime Cream

1 lb. fresh tilapia or cod fillets
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1 lime, halved
1/2 c. sour cream
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
8 6-inch tostada shells
2 cups shredded cabbage mix
1 avocado, peeled and sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes (I just used chopped on-the-vine tomatoes)
Bottled hot pepper sauce (optional, although this was a must for me and my hubby)

Directions: Preheat broiler. Sprinkle fish with 1/4 tsp chili powder and 1/4 tsp. salt. For chili-lime cream, in bowl squeeze 2 tsp. lime juice. Stir in sour cream, garlic powder and remaining chili powder; set aside. Cut remaining lime half in wedges for serving. Place fish in greased pan. Place shells on baking sheet on lowest rack. Broil fish 4 inches from heat 4-6 min. per 1/2 inch thickness, until fish flakes with a fork. Break into chunks. Serve tostadas with cabbage, chili-lime cream, avocados, tomatoes, lime and pepper sauce. I think you could also add cheese to the mix, don't you? VERY simple, tasty meal that includes all the 5 basic food groups!

Monday, March 9, 2009

Skillet Summer Pasta



Yes, I said SUMMER pasta, because I'm in denial about the snow that is dumping itself outside right now. AND, maybe, just maybe, if I start on the summer foods, I can WILL summer here faster.

I made this for my family the other night and I was pleased with the final product and the response from my family. I have to put a plug in for Sunflower Market. I get my produce here whenever I can and I feel like living healthy is finally affordable again. I hope you have one near you--their prices are unbelievable!

First I cooked about 8 oz. whole wheat fusilli (or any other curly pasta).

While this was boiling, I sauteed the following (you can add or subtract any amount according to your family's size):

1/2 onion
2-3 small zucchini
2-3 yellow summer squash
1 head broccoli florets
2-3 cloves garlic

When these were done, I put them in a bowl off to the side and I thought it needed some protein so I sauteed a package of firm tofu, until brown, in the same pan.

Drain noodles and add vegetable to the pan with the tofu. Add 2-3 chopped tomatoes and heat through. Add about 1 cup (or more if you want) of shredded cheese (I used mixed cheeses) until the whole meal looks nice and cheesy. Add salt and pepper to your liking and enjoy! Super easy, super fast and super delish!

Monday, February 23, 2009

Going Green


I saw this recipe on the Vita-Mix website and knew I had to try it. It has all of my favorite things in it! I've made it a few times already and not only is it delicious, but it is quite filling. It's also packed with antioxidants and if you are having any digestive issues at all, this is great for that.

a few ice cubes
1/2 cup water
handful of spinach
a few pineapple chunks
1/2 apple with skins on
handful red seedless grapes
1/2 banana
1/2 an orange (peeled)
1/2 a peach (I peel this)

I put the ingredients in the order listed. I've also added kiwi and strawberries in replace of some I might not have had above. A good blender should be able to mix just as well, just make sure it mixes for a few minutes to make sure all the big chunks are gone.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Easy Manicotti


I made this Manicotti the other night and I forgot just how easy it is and how much my kids love it. Even the picky-eaters asked for seconds and literally licked their plates clean. The key to making Manicotti easy is to not cook the noodles beforehand. I just used the recipe on the back of the American Beauty noodle box, with some of my own variations:

Cheese-Filled Manicotti

Part-skim ricotta cheese (approx. 2 cups)
1 1/2 c. mozzarella cheese
1/4 c. Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. dried parsley
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 26 oz. jar spaghetti sauce (plus 1 cup water)


Grease 9 x 13 pan. Spread thin layer of sauce on bottom of pan. Make cheese filling and, with a spoon, stuff into uncooked noodles. Place stuffed noodles in pan. Pour the remaining sauce over noodles. Cover with foil. When ready to cook, keep covered and bake at 375 for 40 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle about 2 cups of cheese (I use mixed cheeses) over top and bake for another 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted. Remove from oven and serve.





This meal is great when coupled with the Quick and Easy Breadstick recipe. This time I've included some pictures!




Monday, January 26, 2009

Something Yummy


A friend of mine passed this little treat along to me and I just knew i had to try it! Thanks Jana! It is a nice healthy snack and something that has satisfied my sweet tooth multiple times. Not sure what to call it--maybe Yogurt/Ricotta Parfait?

Yogurt Ricotta Parfait

1/4-1/2 cup Skim Ricotta cheese
1/4-1/2 cup Lowfat Vanilla Yogurt (I use organic Brown Cow)
Mix these together well.
Top with berries (I have used blackberries and blueberries, but I'm sure any kind would be delicious!)
Sprinkle sliced almonds on top

Simple, but delicious and packed with antioxidants!