Haven’t tried a new recipe for a while. But last week, I had the opportunity to make something new and it was a hit. If it wasn’t a hit, trust me, I wouldn’t be blogging about i

Dinner consisted of:

-Appetizers: pita chips (homemade of course, here’s the recipe), roasted garlic, and salsa from Sabra!

 

-Salmon with Snap Peas, Yellow Peppers and Dill Pistachio Pistou, Smoked Couscous, Spinach and Almonds

The spinach was a nice addition too. #healthy

The Salmon with Snap Peas, Yellow Peppers and Dill Pistachio Pistou is want I want to share with you. Not only did the plate look amazing but it was a pretty flavourful meal too!

Here’s the recipe: (courtesy of Epicurious)

1/3 cup chopped fresh dill

1/3 cup finely chopped green onions

1/2 cup shelled or natural pistachios or almonds (I used whole almonds)

1/4 cup olive oil

2 yellow peppers cut into 1/2 inch strips

1 package of sugar snap peas, trimmed, strings removed

1 garlic clove, minced

1/4 cup water

4 – 6 ounce salmon filets

DIRECTIONS:

Mix dill, green onions, pistachios, (or almonds) and 1/4 cup oil in medium bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Pistou can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.

1.Heat 1/2 tablespoon oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add peppers and sauté until beginning to soften, about 2 minutes. Add snap peas, garlic, and 1/4 cup water;  sprinkle with salt. Sauté until vegetables are just tender and water evaporates, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish.

2. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Sprinkle salmon with salt and pepper. Place salmon, skin side down, in skillet; cook until skin is crisp, about 3 minutes. Turn salmon and cook until almost opaque in center, about 3 minutes longer.

4. Arrange salmon fillets over vegetables on platter. Spoon some pistou down center of each fillet and serve, passing remaining pistou alongside.

NOTE: This recipe was rated 5 stars out of 5 stars and they were right – it’s certainly worth 5 stars!!

Happy Cooking!!

Thanks to Pinterest (and not twitter for a change) I bought a Belkin iPad Kitchen Mount Holder. I saw a picture of it on Pinterest- clicked to find out more and then went on Amazon to buy it.

It was THAT simple.

Here’s what motivated me to buy it:

a) no assembly required. That’s right – no screws, no bolts…Nothing!!

b) this gadget will ensure that my iPad wont get filthy when I cook/bake as it’s suspended in the air and not sitting on the counter.

c) I will now be able read recipes on my iPad while I cook/bake and not have to bring  my MacBook into the kitchen.

d) I now have my playlist right at my fingertips in the kitchen. I believe music and cooking go hand and hand.

Seriously… this was a good investment.

I now have 3 Belkin products…a Belkin cover for my iPhone, a Belkin cover for my iPad and now a Belkin Kitchen Mount for my Ipad. I guess you could say I am brand loyal.

I am happy.

What tech gadget have you bought lately? Do share.

 

 

 

After eating my way thru New York City  – it was time for me to, um, eat healthier. This means – cut down on eating out and make more salads at home!!

Here’s two of my favorite corn salads.

(original recipe posted on The Pioneer Woman – sadly I cant find the exact link – sorry )

4 ears of corn, cooked

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

2 large avocados (I used only 1)

1 jalapeno, seeded and finally diced (I only used a little)

Dressing:

juice of 1 lime

plenty of cilantro

salt

1 tbsp of vinegar

1 tsp of sugar

Preparation: Boil water in a saucepan. Then add corn. Boil till tender. Rinse. Drain. Then slice off corn from the cobb.

Dice avocado, red onion and jalapeno.

Dressing: Using a food processor, combine the cilantro, vinegar, lime juice, salt and sugar.

Assembly: Add corn to other ingredients. Pour dressing over the corn mixture. Toss. Cover and refrigerate.

END RESULT:

Barley and Corn Salad with Basil Chive Dressing

(original recipe posted on epiciurious)

2 cups water

3/4 tsp salt

1 cup barley

2 cups corn

1/3  cup oil

1/3 cup  fresh basil

3 tablespoons chives

1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1/4 tsp sugar

1/4 tsp black pepper

Preparation:

Bring a large saucepan to boil – then place the corn in the boiling water till tender. Rinse. Drain. Then cut off kernels from the cobb.

Next, bring 2 cups of water with 1/4 tsp of salt to boil in another large saucepan. Stir in barley, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, until barley is tender. About 10-15 minutes

For the Dressing: Pulse in a cusinart – oil, basil, chives, vinegar, sugar and pepper,  and the remaining 1/2 tsp of salt

Assembly: Slice corn of off the ears – transfer to a bowl. Add the barley. Add the dressing. Toss to combine.

END RESULT:

I love salads. Do you?