Fruit for Dinner

Like many kids her age my preschooler would much rather crunch on apples than carrots and celery. My daughter loves fruit. Vegetables… not so much. So imagine her surprise when we visited Hawaii a couple months ago and my fruit loving daughter was offered the following dishes. They were a hit with my little one and I have since integrated these recipes into our menu mix. (Note: I would make them more often; however, I am allergic to some of the ingredients.) COCONUT CHICKEN WITH FRUIT SALSA Ingredients: 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts Salt and pepper 1/2 cup flour 1 … Continue reading →

Shrimp-tastic Entrees

While the price of milk and bread has skyrocketed in the past six months, the cost of shrimp has gone down in most places. Experts say it’s simply a matter of supply and demand. I’m allergic to shrimp, though I wish that wasn’t the case, given that my local grocer has reduced the price of the popular seafood so dramatically, it’s hard not to be tempted to buy. I may not be able to gorge on shrimp like others, but growing up in Hawaii I’ve had multiple opportunities to cook them up at family gatherings. The following are some of … Continue reading →

Spring Break Menu—New Orleans

The Big Easy is a big draw for many spring breakers. Not only is it home to waterfront attractions and legendary landmarks, but it also boasts some of the most incredible cuisine in the country. If you can’t make it to New Orleans this spring, then consider cooking up some of the region’s most iconic dishes in your own kitchen. CLASSIC SHRIMP PO’ BOY Ingredients: 10-inch crusty French bread 10 lightly breaded, fried shrimp Cajun tartar sauce Marinated salad mix Cajun Tarter Sauce Ingredients: Mayonnaise Relish Cajun seasoning (available in your grocer’s spice aisle) Directions: Combine ingredients to taste. Marinated … Continue reading →

Making Meatless Meals

In honor of Ash Wednesday I thought it would be appropriate to feature some simple meatless meal options. The following recipes can be made in less than 30 minutes, but the satisfaction you’ll get from preparing such healthy and delicious dishes will last ten times as long. SHRIMP AND ARTICHOKE SCAMPI Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 large cloves garlic, minced 1 1/4 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 (14-ounce) can quartered artichoke hearts, drained 1/3 cup dry white wine 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2 teaspoons lemon zest 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish … Continue reading →

Simple Seafood Recipes

During our recent trip to Hawaii I realized that I don’t cook nearly as many fish dishes as I should. Seafood is loaded with beneficial nutrients and I certainly did my body some good by dining on a variety of sensational seafood dishes while in the Islands. Now that we’re back home I’ve been trying to make good on the promise I made in Hilo to prepare more fish dishes. If you too are trying to expand your family’s culinary palette, then consider the following fish recipes. The first is about as easy as it gets. The Fish in Foil … Continue reading →

Seafood Saturday

What do you typically eat on a Saturday night? For some home cooks the weekends allow more time to experiment with new recipes. If you usually eat hamburgers on Saturday, why not mix it up by preparing seafood dishes? Or, try a new pork recipe instead of making the same ol’ boring lasagna. If you choose to go with the former, consider trying some of my grandfather’s famous shrimp recipes. They are super simple (which allows you more time to relax with family and friends) and healthy too. SPICY GRILLED SHRIMP Ingredients: Frozen shrimp, thawed Butter, 2 tablespoons melted Butter, … Continue reading →

Recipes for a Simple Saturday Night Dinner

This three-course meal is elegant enough to serve to weekend guests, yet simple enough so that you won’t be slaving away in the kitchen all night. If you aren’t entertaining this weekend, then consider treating your family to this delicious fall meal. Kick off your night with some Raspberry Brie Tarts. They are extremely easy to prepare thanks to pre-made pastry shells. The main entree features fettuccine and shrimp with a lemony twist. Finally, top off your Saturday night with chocolate, coconut, and pecans in a sumptuous 7-Layer dessert. RASPBERRY BRIE TARTS Ingredients: 2 (2.1) ounce packages of frozen mini … Continue reading →

Quick and Easy Weekday Meals

With school back in session and after-school activities in full swing those nights of leisurely weeknight dinners on the back deck seem like a distant memory. These days home cooks are lucky to get a couple courses on the table between dropping one child off at soccer and picking the other one up from dance. The following fish recipes are ideal for families on the go. They don’t require a ton of prep nor do they call for you to spend time basting, sauteing, stirring or flipping. Rather, for these healthy dishes to come out perfectly delicious all you need … Continue reading →

Healthy Grilling: Super Summer Salmon Salad

According to the American Heart Association, adults should be eating two servings of fish, especially oily fish that are high in omega-3 fatty-acids, such as salmon and trout, at least twice a week to maintain a healthy heart. One of my favorite ways to prepare salmon is on the grill. I especially love wild salmon, but according to my fishmonger, the famous Copper River salmon is in short supply this year. If you already have your grill set up for the summer season you might consider making the following recipe for a grilled salmon salad with an Asian inspired dressing. … Continue reading →

Summer Cooking: Kicked Up Crab Cakes

Summer grill fests are a fantastic way to enjoy great food in the great outdoors, but if you are looking to take a break from the gas and charcoal for a bit you might consider this next recipe. You’re still assured of wonderful sunny flavors in a dish that features a taste of the sea. The recipe features hearty jumbo lump crab and a blend of curry powder. And while the recipe calls for several ingredients, it doesn’t compromise the simplicity of the dish. You still end up with savory crab cakes, but these provide your guests with an unexpected … Continue reading →