Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Perfectly Simple Salmon

Sometimes salmon just needs to be done simply.  

Easy flavors that enhance the flavor without over powering it.

Lemon and parsley will always make it happen.  Always.

Perfectly Simple Salmon

1/2 salmon, cut lengthwise
1 tbsp. salt
1 tbsp. freshly cracked pepper
1 large lemon, sliced into 1/4" thick rounds, zest removed first!
1/2 c. italian parsley minced

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

Place the salmon filet on parchment paper skin side up on a sheet pan.  Salt and pepper with 1/2 tbsp. of each.  Place in oven and cook for 10 minutes.

Remove from oven.  Flip the filet, carefully.   I suggest using two fish spatulas.

Once the salmon is flesh side up, put remainder of salt and pepper evenly on the fish.  Evenly sprinkle the parsley and zest on the fish and then place the lemon slices on.  Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes depending on thickness of filet.  The thickest part should feel slightly firm.  Similar to the skin in between your thumb and first finger.  However, I prefer my salmon medium, so you may want to cook it more if you don't.

Remove from oven and allow to sit about 10 minutes.

Slice and serve, squeezing cooked lemon over the top if you enjoy a little more lemon flavor!


Monday, March 17, 2014

Roasted Broccoli with Dried Fruits

I know it has been a while since my last recipe post, and for that I apologize.  I have been cooking and creating, I just haven't had time to write about it because I have been very busy editing photos for  Ginnie Coleman Photography, which is my other business!

I need to make sure I am at least posting one per week, so I promise I'll make more of an effort.  

Last night I was craving broccoli, but I wanted a bit of sweetness to so this is what I came up with.  The dried fruits I used for this were a perfect match!  This is also my standard roasting recipe.  You really can't beat roasted vegetables.  What makes them extraordinary is finding different combinations to enjoy.  Have fun and try something new today.

Roasted Broccoli with Dried Fruits

2 large heads broccoli
4 tbsp. olive oil
1/2 c. dried fruit mixture (figs, plums, and apricots), sliced into thin strips
1/4 c. sliced almonds
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat an oven to 450 degrees.  

Slice the broccoli stem off so the broccoli head has about 2 inches of stem on each one.  Then slice bigger florets in half or quarters lengthwise so they are all about the same size.  Place on a sheet pan and drizzle the oil with the broccoli, and then mix to make sure the broccoli is evenly coated with the oil.

Cook for 10 minutes.  Turn the broccoli and then put back in the oven.  Cook for an additional 6 minutes.  If the broccoli isn't al dente at this point, cook until it is before you proceed with the next step.  Add the dried fruits and almonds so they are evenly spaced, salt and pepper and return to the oven for another few minutes...just enough to heat the fruits. (They will hard to candy if you let it cook too long!)

Enjoy!