Friday, April 30, 2010

Baked Dijon Salmon

This is my favorite way to prepare salmon. It's absolutely delicious, you'll love it. Salmon is so healthy and tasty. Omega-3 is one of the best nutrient for your skin, hair, and heart. This dish is perfect for a weekday night as it takes less than 15 minutes to prepare, bake, and serve!

Ingredients:
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
  • 4 salmon fillets
  • salt & pepper
  • 1 lemon for garnish

Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400º.
  2. In a small bowl, stir together butter, mustard, and honey. In another bowl, mix together bread crumbs and pecans.
  3. Brush each salmon fillet with honey mustard mixture then sprinkle the top of each fillet with the pecan crumb mixture.
  4. Bake salmon for 12 minutes or until it flakes easily with a fork. Season with salt & pepper and garnish with a wedge of lemon.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

England Clam Chowder

It's so windy here in California today. We're going to warm up with clam chowder tonight. Serve this hearty clam chowder with some warm garlic bread. It'll fragrant your house and warm everyone's heart.

Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 1/2 large onion, chopped
  • 6 slices of bacon, diced
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cans of clams
  • 4 cans of chicken broth
  • 1 pound white boiling potatoes, chopped
  • 3 cups half-and-half cream
  • salt & pepper

Directions:
  1. Melt butter in a stock pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and diced bacon then saute until clear. Stir in flour and cook over low heat, stirring frequently for 4 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  2. In a separate pot, bring clams and chicken broth to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. In a small saucepan, cover potatoes with water. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender which is about 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  4. Pour hot clam stock into butter & flour mixture and stir constantly. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and add cooked potatoes. Add half-and-half. Season with salt & pepper. Heat through but do not boil.

Almond Blueberry Cookies

Almond blueberry cookies are soft, chewy, and so healthy! Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C. These cookies are perfect to serve during tea time or Sunday brunch. You'll enjoy and love these cookies!

Ingredients:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 stick butter
  • 1 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped almonds
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
Directions:
  1. Combine flour, baking powder, and sea salt in a medium bowl.
  2. In another medium bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Beat egg into mixture then add milk and almond extract.
  3. Combine and stir the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Fold in the almonds and blueberries. Put the dough into the fridge for 30 minutes.
  4. Preheat oven to 375º. Drop cookies on to baking sheet and bake until golden brown around the edges which is approximately 15 minutes. Enjoy!

Candied Walnuts

These candied walnuts are a family favorite. It brings back good memories and smells incredible when its baking in the oven. Super easy and fun to make. Walnuts are a healthy snack as its loaded with omega-3, fiber, and antioxidants.

Ingredients:
  • 1 pound walnut halves
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 sea salt
  • 6 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350º. Spread walnuts over a baking sheet. Roast for approximately 8 to 10 minutes or until walnuts start to turn brown.
  2. Stir sugar, cinnamon, sea salt, and milk together in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat for 8 minutes.  Remove from heat and stir in vanilla immediately.
  3. Combine walnuts with the syrup mixture. Stir and coat very well. Spoon nuts onto a sheet of waxed paper and separate nuts with a fork. Store in an airtight container after walnuts are completely cool.