Eat Like the Irish

Did you know that Corned Beef and Cabbage is not an authentic Irish dish? In fact, according to historians, if you were to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland you would likely be sharing a meal of fish rather than Irish Stew. Given that information (and the fact that I already posted a recipe for Corned Beef and Cabbage), I’ve decided to help out those of you who prefer to eat like a real Irishman tomorrow. You can honor St. Patrick and celebrate all things Irish by feasting on some of my favorite simple fish dishes: HOMEMADE FISH STICKS AND … 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

Do Aquarium Pets Beg?

This past Monday was the tournament for my Monday night volleyball league. Like I did during the tourney for my Thursday night league, I sat around talking to my teammates. And, like what happened then with that conversation leading to blog material (see “Wives Judging Wives”), Monday night’s conversation also provided blog material. (This time for the Pets Blog, though, instead of the Marriage Blog.) It all started once I told two girls on my team, Jennifer and Susan, what exactly it is I do during the day. Susan’s an ardent animal lover. She’s very involved with rescuing dogs. At … 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

Fish Pedicure

Are you ready for the fish pedicure? Yes, you read that right. A spa in northern Virginia is offering a special treatment for dry, callused feet. Just dip your toes into a tank full of fish and they’ll nibble the dead, dry skin off your feet. Sounds great…? The fish in question is known as the doctor fish (officially, it’s called garra rufa). They thrive in hot water that doesn’t support much other plant or animal life — the doctor fish learned to feed on whatever was available. Apparently the menu includes dead skin. The doctor fish don’t actually have … 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 Selections: Tangy and Tropical Fruit Salsa with Grilled Chicken and Salmon

Take an evening stroll around your neighborhood during the height of summer and you’re likely to be tantalized with the smells of grilled goodies. The temperature is rising and the grills are out in full force so why not join the masses by whipping up the following simple, delicious and nutritious recipes. Both match a version of fruit salsa to a type of grilled meat-—either chicken or salmon. The chilled fruit creations add a refreshing zing to the hot meat and they are an effective means by which you can get your kids to eat fruit at dinnertime. Grilled Chicken … Continue reading

Sleeping with the Fishes

It’s probably not an offer you would consider if an associate of Don Vito Corleone suggested it, but the following deals, which allow you to come face to face with exotic fishes while you are trying to catch some zzzz’s, are 100% pure family-friendly. FLORIDA Getting to Jules’ Undersea Lodge, located in Florida’s Key Largo is an adventure in itself. Spending the night at the unique lodging requires diving 21 feet beneath the sea surface through a tropical mangrove lagoon. Your payoff for taking the plunge—an unforgettable night mingling with vibrant sea life at an underwater hotel that originally started … Continue reading

Filthy Fish

For an animal that lives in the water… fish sure are dirty! I might not have even realized this if not for my job at the cats only boarding facility. We have an aquarium and three fish for the kitties to watch during the day. It’s probably a fifteen or twenty gallon tank, I’d guess. Over the weekend, I decided to roll up my sleeves and clean the fish tank. That’s when I learned the dirty truth about our little fishy friends. Safety first! Always unplug all electrical equipment before doing anything to or in your aquarium. Ours has three … Continue reading