Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Blackened Salmon for 2


Does it seem like time flies fast? It does. Before you know it you will be old and gray. Don't you want to have the memories of the special times you have together? Romantic Tip: Purchase an inexpensive calendar reserved only for romance notes. Keep track of upcoming romantic dates and events; don't use it as your everyday calendar. Keep this calendar as a special keepsake when the year is done. On New Year's Eve, pull out the calendar and reminisce about the past year together, and plan on making new ones in the upcoming year. 

Now I have a wonderful easy recipe that will knock your partners socks off! 

Blackened Salmon for 2
adapted from This Mama Cooks

1 teaspoon Garlic Salt
1/2 teaspoon Paprika 
1/2 teaspoon  Onion Powder 1/2 teaspoon Oregano 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
1/4 teaspoon Thyme
1 pound Salmon





Combine garlic salt, paprika, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, cayenne pepper and thyme. 
Mix it together and rub mixture on both sides of fish. 
Note: I leave the skin on one side to fry. Once it is seared, I peel the skin off and add the seasoning. Frying the fish with the fat allows you to cook with virtually no oil. I just don't serve mine with the skin on. 
Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Spray skillet with non-stick cooking spray and add fish. 
Cook 5 to 8 minutes on each side, or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Brazilian Red Snapper and Lemon Rice


Looking for a way to spice up your love life? Let's be honest, we all have fantasies. Some are more out there than others. I think for the most part we keep those fantasies private. But is that really fair? I mean how can your significant other fulfill your dreams and fantasies if you don't share them? I know sometimes it is embarrassing or you may feel judged. 
Romantic Tip: Each of you should make a list of romantic fantasies to share with each other. If you are afraid of being judged or embarrassed, ask your partner to read them in private. Take a leap of faith in your partner today and make this love the best ever.

Today I have a recipe for the best meal I have ever made. It is spicy just like my man likes it!

Brazilian Red Snapper and Lemon Rice for 2
adapted from Apple Mint



2 Red Snapper fish fillets 
For the Marinade:
5 tbsp white vinegar
7-8 dried red chillis deseeded and soaked
4-5 whole black peppercorns
2 tsp cumin seeds
3 tbsp chopped garlic
½ tsp sugar
1 tbsp coriander
½ tsp turmeric
Salt to taste

For the Lemon rice:

1 TBSP canola oil
1 cup basmati rice
1 large red onion chopped
1 tsp mustard seeds


1/2 tsp curry powder
1 jalapeno chopped
2 bay leaves
½ tsp turmeric
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt to taste

Handful of chopped cilantro



For the fish marinade:

Add all the ingredients in a food processor, Blend till it forms a smooth paste. Massage it on to the fish and leave for about an hour. 
For the Lemon Rice:
Cook your rice according to the directions on the package (usually it is one cup of rice to 2 cups water and 1tsp salt).
Prepare your ingredients.
Take a frying pan, and heat the oil over medium high heat. 
Add the mustard seeds and when they begin to splutter, add the bay leaves, onions, and jalapeno. 
Fry for about 2 minutes and add then add the rice. 
Sprinkle the salt, curry, and turmeric and mix well. Fry for about 5 minutes more on medium flame. Turn off the heat now, add the lemon juice and cilantro and mix well.
For the fish, Slice your filets in half, to make 4. My filets were very large and would not fit into the pan otherwise. Add oil to a hot skillet. Add your marinated snapper. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side on high heat, or until cooked through.
 Serve on a bed of hot lemon rice.

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Poached Salmon with Mustard Sauce

I am told most people get into ruts when it comes to cooking. With the hustle and bustle of life, it can be so easy to just have a week long calendar of food that you just rotate through each week. Go to the store today and buy something you normally don't make. The internet is a great source for recipes. 

Romantic Tip: Sometimes changing your normal routine can spark romance. Making a new dish, using candles or mood lighting, bringing home a bouquet of flowers to set the stage for romance...spice it up!


Poached Salmon with Mustard Sauce for two
adapted from Bon Appétit

1/3 cup dry white wine 
1 TBSP shallots chopped
2 6-ounce Salmon filets
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream 
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 
1 green onion, sliced on the bias 

Bring wine and shallots to simmer in heavy large skillet.
Add fish, cover and simmer until fish is just cooked through, about 8 minutes.

Transfer fish to plates. Tent with foil to keep warm. 
Add cream to skillet and bring to boil.
Boil until reduced to sauce consistency, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Mix in mustard. 

Spoon sauce over fish. Sprinkle with green onion.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Thai Ginger Lime Lemon Grass Claypot Chicken

You know what I like? Getting old fashioned mail. These days it seems like every time I go to the mailbox, all I get is a big pile of advertisements. Every once in a while there is something legit in there that surprises me. It makes me smile to hear from people in old fashioned snail mail. 

Romantic Tip: Send your love a letter at work or even home. You can disguise it in a regular business envelope and it can be funny or/and romantic. Or even a little naughty if you're planning a special evening together.

I like to make a lot of different types of foods. That way my Man never gets bored with dinner. Keep him guessing! This Thai Ginger Lime Lemon Grass Claypot Chicken is amazing and perfect for a romantic dinner for two. 
Thai Ginger Lime Lemon Grass Claypot Chicken

1 lb chicken breast pieces
1 cup sliced baby bella mushrooms
1 1/2 cups seafood stock
1/8 cup fresh ginger, thinly sliced and cut into matchsticks
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tsp.soy sauce
1/2 Tbsp. fish sauce
1 Tbsp Lemongrass, minced
1 red pepper thinly sliced into batons
1 bay leaf
2 lime leaves
Juice of 1/2 a lime
1 fresh jalapeno diced fine
1 1/2 TBSP brown sugar
1/4 cup red onion cut into slivers
1/8 cup green onions, sliced
1 cups chopped broccoli
In a large pan, place the mushrooms, seafood stock, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, lemongrass, red pepper bay leaf, lime leaves, juice of one lime, jalapeno, sugar, red onion and green onions. Stir well to combine and bring to a boil.

Add the chicken pieces, and broccoli. Bring back to a boil, then cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring often.
Remove bay leaves and lime leaves.
Transfer the ingredients to individual Pots, or serving bowls.

This dish is best served with steamed white rice and lime wedges served on the side, for people to have the option of adding more lime.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Panera

Sometimes simple wins the race. I love to pamper my man with many gourmet meals. However, sometimes my passion for that, takes time away from our relationship. Sometimes you need to just get out and let someone else do the work so you can focus on your partner. That is what we did today. Have you heard of Panera's You-Pick-Two combo? You get a soup and sandwich, or a salad and sandwich, or a salad and soup... YOU PICK!  So my husband and I hopped over to Panera and had a nice quiet lunch with no work at all. My husband got the steak and gorganzola salad with a french onion soup. 
I got the caesar salad with a chicken and wild rice soup. 
The portions are really large! It was nice to spend some time together without knowing there are dishes to be done!  
Romantic Tip: Take time out to enjoy each other. A day off from all duties can be very rewarding. 

Print This Post

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...