salmon

Baked Salmon with Creme Fraiche

Salmon recipes can be cooked many ways, but in my book, there’s nothing as easy as baked salmon in white wine and lemon for a healthy dinner, or to make and use for meal prep all week long.

Whether it’s baked salmon, poached, grilled salmon, pan-seared, whole salmon, or cut into filets, the benefits of cooking and eating salmon are not only fast and easy enough for any level of cook to make, but so incredibly good for your health, too.

While visiting my mom earlier this year, my Aunt Jane cooked us this simple salmon dinner baked in wine and topped with lemon, then topped with an easy, and totally flavorful creme fraiche sauce.

Jane is one of those cooks where everything seems effortless. But she confided that while she loves to entertain, she doesn’t always feel so confident in the kitchen, especially when cooking for others. That’s why when she does, she zeroes in on a recipe that’s tried and true. It leaves less margin for error, and more time for enjoying guests rather than time in the kitchen worrying over the stove.

Being from Seattle, this baked salmon with a creamy creme fraiche sauce has pretty much become Jane’s signature dish, and now it can become yours, too.continue to the recipe… about Baked Salmon with Creme Fraiche

Creamy Bowtie Pasta with Salmon and Asparagus

You know how moms are, always, always, always telling others what to do? “Giving” their advice? Even when nobody asked. “Sharing” their opinion. Even when everybody already knows what it is.

Here I am. Hand raised. I’m a mom! That’s me! Straight up, I’m not even denying I have a slightly (not slight at all) bossy streak, or as I like to call it, “Offering tips to make things better.” Or easier. And better. At least in my eyes.

And the scary part is that I was like this well before my child bearing years, during them, and of course continuing strong even now after them. My poor family. continue to the recipe… about Creamy Bowtie Pasta with Salmon and Asparagus

Poached Salmon With Mustard Dill Sauce

While it may seem complicated to some home cooks, poached salmon is one of the simplest ways to cook this popular fish once you know the poaching secrets, and it’s even better topped with this deliciously easy mustard dill sauce that’s ready to serve in under 30 minutes.

Healthy-ish. Formal-ish. Style-ish. Lately these are words I’ve been adopting with relish.

In their root form, these lifestyle descriptions can sometimes feel too hard to achieve. Because who can truly devote themselves to always eating healthy and acting healthy when wine and cookies beckon? And who has it in them (not to mention the time) to nail each and every detail as the ultimate entertainer? And if anyone expects me to look like I strutted straight out of the pages of a magazine, I hope they’re reading a magazine about how to wear the same uniform day in and day out.

But with that little “-ish” at the end of almost any word, those stricter interpretations become more fluid, somewhat easier, a little less intimidating, and a lot more achievable.

This poached salmon recipe is a prime example of being healthy-ish, formal-ish, and totally style-ish for cooking any time, and because both the salmon and the sauce hold up especially well, its perfect for a simple-ish brunch, lunch or dinner buffet. continue to the recipe… about Poached Salmon With Mustard Dill Sauce

10-Minute Maple-Crusted Salmon

A spicy sweet rub tops salmon fillets that are broiled then drizzled with maple syrup to create a caramelized crust for a healthy, easy dinner ready in under 10 minutes.

Featuring a lifestyle that’s a little bit healthy with a whole lot of clean eating, we’ve been smitten with the pint-sized Boston blogger Lexi Kornblum of Lexi’s Clean Kitchen ever since we enjoyed a girls weekend in her hometown of Boston, MA where we were immediately drawn to her her ambition, passion and throaty, deep-voiced laughter that puts Scarlett Johansson to shame.

For Lexi, what started out as a spur of the moment Instagram account to document the changes she made in her diet to combat chronic health issues has evolved into a full-fledged blog where we can’t get enough of her healthy, beautifully photographed, and approachable recipes that work for everyone in the family (try her Slow Cooker Thai Curry Chicken), and its looking good that you’ll feel the same.

“I truly believe in the power of food,” Lexi writes in her new cookbook. And that motto shines bright on each and every page with recipes just like this fast to the table 10 minute Maple-Crusted Salmon you’ll find at the end of this post.continue to the recipe… about 10-Minute Maple-Crusted Salmon

Salmon Cakes with Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce

Leftover or canned salmon made into these crispy cakes creates a whole new meal with tons of flavor made extra delicious thanks to a super simple, creamy roasted red pepper sauce.

I have very vivid food memories of my childhood and I’ve shared so many of them with all of you here on the blog, with more to come. But one of the challenges I’ve struggled with over the past year or so is the fact that I’m not creating those same types of memories for my daughter.

Think about it. Most cooks rotate 10-20 favorite meals for dinner time. Some drop in and some drop out of the menu line-up, but mostly, our favorite recipes go on repeat.

Not when you’re a food blogger.continue to the recipe… about Salmon Cakes with Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce

Orange-Spiced Salmon with Spaghetti Squash

A combination of five-spice powder, brown sugar and orange zest gives a sweet but subtle flavor to this healthy baked salmon and spaghetti squash dinner.

Happy October, friends. Whoa, did I really just say that? Let the good eating commence!

October is THE month for comfort food. It’s when we’ve finally pulled up the last of summer’s tomato plants, put away the picnic baskets and are thoroughly wooed by photos and recipes of thick and sultry stews and soups, decadent mac ‘n cheese with fried chicken, and too-good-to-pass-up pies, cookies, and brownies.

Now is the season we turn a blind eye when beckoned to give in to comfort food’s temptation, even when we KNOW we need to fit into our skinny jeans later.

But I’m here to declare that comfort food doesn’t have to be rich, heavy or calorie-laden. This salmon, served with in-season-now spaghetti squash, is totally figure-friendly, flavorful and so good at satisfying your seasonal cravings you’ll be categorizing it as comfort food-lite.continue to the recipe… about Orange-Spiced Salmon with Spaghetti Squash

Superfood Salad with Lightened-Up Poppy Seed Dressing

Kale, brussels sprouts, broccoli, quinoa, and salmon are just a few of the superfoods in this powerhouse salad that packs a nutritious punch in just one bowl.

Again this year I’m happy to share that I’m partnering with Blue Diamond AlmondBreeze to share healthful recipes made with almond milk. Today we’re adding Almond Breeze’s new Almondmilk Cashewmilk Blend to the recipe mix for a creamy, healthy dressing to one of my standard lunchtime salads.

This however, is no normal salad. It is simply packed, and I mean PACKED with a bounty of superfoods that should make any normal human being feel, well, superhuman.

In a previous version of my professional life I designed natural health magazines. Each month I designed the pages of those magazines where the article’s authors explained the merits of things from shark liver oil to CLA, from GLA to SAM-e, from whey protein to spirulina and all the vitamins, minerals and healthy alternatives to what is standardly subscribed, or ignored, by mainstream medicine.

We talked a LOT about eating well for good health. It’s a philosophy I’ve adopted in my own life And in my family’s. And it’s a philosophy I’m happy to share here on FoodieCrush, too.

continue to the recipe… about Superfood Salad with Lightened-Up Poppy Seed Dressing

Mustard Salmon Sheet-Pan Dinner

A tangy mustard sauce flavors this sheet-pan baked salmon recipe with caramelized asparagus and potatoes for a super simple dinner with minimal clean-up.

If this sheet-pan recipe gives you even 15 more minutes to spend with those you love, my job is done for the day.

It isn’t just about savoring the meal, it’s about savoring the moments.

A few of my local blogging friends are going through trials and tribulations that have reminded me to do just that. The unexpected death of one friend’s beloved mother. The diagnosis of leukemia for the sweetest little pre-schooler of another blogging friend, and the unknown prognosis of yet blog friend after a hair-raising and lengthy hospital stay where questions still remain.

Hug your kids. Kiss your husband, your wife or partner. Call your mom. Snuggle with your pet, because they are your children. Time is precious and you shouldn’t waste a minute of it.

This sheet-pan salmon recipe will have you in and out of the kitchen so you can get to what’s really, truly important. The ones you love.

I can guarantee, you’re going to love this recipe as much as they do because it’s incredibly easy, fast and makes weekly meal planning a breeze with some tasty leftovers to spread through the week.

continue to the recipe… about Mustard Salmon Sheet-Pan Dinner

Fish Chowder With Copper River Salmon

This thick and creamy, perfectly chunky, and easy to make chowder made with the best Copper River salmon gets a Thai makeover with flavors of coconut milk, fresh lemongrass, ginger, and kaffir lime, for a unique spin on a comfort food favorite.

This fish chowder, if it could talk, would have a long story to tell about a very short trip I was on that ended in minutes with a very quick fall.

This soup and I met on a rainy Alaskan night. There were no walks on the beach but we did get caught on the rain. The piña coladas were on an entirely different continent and man oh man, how I wished I had champagne to kill the pain. But this soup from Cordova, Alaska’s local Fishwives, and it’s subtle Thai-inspired flavors saved me instead.

continue to the recipe… about Fish Chowder With Copper River Salmon

Smoked Salmon Spread

Celebrations call for bites of all sizes, big, small and every other. Luckily, my Smoked Salmon Spread fits the bill no matter how big you’re craving is or the size of your eagerly awaiting mouth.

There’s a beautiful reason to add to today’s celebration, because the lovely food blogger Stefanie of Sarcastic Cooking is soon to deliver a bouncing baby boy.

Babies are not only good for nuzzling and snuggling and the reason to max out the credit card buying an exorbitant amount of needless baby gear for, but also because soon enough they turn into expert taste testers. Which comes in handy when mama is a food blogger.

Stephanie has been a kindred spirit of mine for a long time. Not just because she is a consistent supporter of other food blogs, takes mouth watering photos and develops terrific recipes for my kind of food, but also because she makes food I love to eat.

Like…

continue to the recipe… about Smoked Salmon Spread

Baked Salmon with Spicy Plum Preserves and a GIVEAWAY

You’ve been there, we all have in one form or another. You’ve invited friends over for a weeknight bite and a sip, but the bossman says, “You know that campaign you were working on for Friday? Guess what? Times change and you will too. It’s due tomorrow.” Sucks to be you is what you’re thinking and then you realize, oh wait, he’s got his coat and his cute little lunchbox his wife packed for him and HE’S the one walking out the door.

But wait! I have friends coming over and I still need to stop by the grocery store for the main dishalish. I still need to grab some vino at the wine store and vacuum the top layer of dog hair off the floor.

What’s a hostess to do?

continue to the recipe… about Baked Salmon with Spicy Plum Preserves and a GIVEAWAY

Salmon and Bagel Egg Benedict for Mother’s Day Brunch

While writing this I can overhear my husband singing along to Pete Townsend.

It’s not the expected rendition of one of the The Who‘s famously loud and uproarious songs. No, its a much sweeter and tender tune sung to a simple ukelele with a message that resonates deeply with me this Mother’s Day.

“I like every minute of the day!
I like every second, so long as you are on my mind,
Every moment has its special charm,
It’s all right when you’re around, rain or shine.”
—Blue, Red and Grey, The Who

It’s too easy these days between work commitments, running kids to and fro—not to mention our daily obsession with Instagram and Pinterest—to forget what is most important in our ever-expanding to-do-list-filled days.

To take a breath. To sit back and to look around and take advantage of the moments we have together as a women, moms and daughters.

Whether it’s an impromptu pinecone dodgeball fight in the park with my darling and quickly maturing daughter or a telephone conversation with my most supportive cheerleading mom, it’s just like Pete says, it’s all right when they’re around.

Smudge and her Mimi at a recent outing at the Zoo via @FoodieCrush Instagram

And that’s why I’m thrilled that I’ll again be spending this Mother’s Day with both of my girls. Yes, it is just a day like any other calendar day, but it’s also a reminder to take advantage of time spent with one another. To respect the teachings of the mom who’s lived a life of learning and to share her life lessons with my absorbent little sponge of a Smudge.

We’ve made this recipe a couple of times for my parents. Although my dad was a wee bit skeptical the first time out of the gate, he’s definitely been won over.continue to the recipe… about Salmon and Bagel Egg Benedict for Mother’s Day Brunch

Thai Curried Salmon

photo > foodiecrush

Salmon season is upon us and I…am…ready…

Considered a top Superfood and packed with Omega 3’s (yes, that one-liner is a hangover from my days working for a natural health magazine) one of my favorite recipes for preparing salmon is simple: a fresh filet of firm, rich Copper River salmon, seasoned with a large grind of fresh peppercorns, a generous sprinkling of kosher salt that’s seared on a hot grill then topped with a yogurt-cucumber-dill sauce.

My husband is pretty much the king of grilling salmon, so when he declared he wanted to try a different recipe, something with a little more flavor-flav, I was curious to see what he’d come up with. And the search was for curry recipes was on.

photo > What Did You Eat?

While I usually search the internet via tried and true foodie search resources, my husband Jeff casts a wider net with the ever-expanding-so-keep-on-digging-googlemachine. The result is blog finds that are off the beaten path. So when he found the recipe that inspired this post from What Did You Eat? for Kona Kampachi With Thai Red Curry Sauce, Cabbage Salad and Jasmine Rice. We figured it would adapt just fine to salmon thanks to the fish’s sturdiness and the sauce’s perfect combo of curry, coconut milk and the royal topper of a fresh cabbage and cucumber salad. Oh my, delicious!

And then we read the blog’s final entry made just a few short months after Sherry posted this recipe. It was a not so gentle, but lovely reminder of how quickly things can change.

Thank you and cheers to Sherry for continuing to share her legacy of recipes, photography and stories with those of us searching for the deliciousness in life.

photo > The Perfect Pantry

A spicy asian fish “stew” made with red curry paste, lovely fresh veggies and a sweetness thanks to coconut cream and pineapple chunks, Lydia’s Salmon Choo Chee is a quick and easy one pan—or wok—salmon dish. The Perfect Pantry is a mini-wikipedia of foodie ingredients and her list of additional recipes at the end of each post gives the reader more tasty options from fellow foodie bloggers. Now that’s foodie love!

photo > Bonbini

Prepared as a composed appetizer or small plate, blogger and Thai pastry chef Thip’s adaptation of her childhood Fish Curry from Bonbini is a pretty sample of red curry, fresh kaffir lime and the essential flavor of Thai fish sauce. If you can’t find kaffir lime leaves, substitute with finely grated lime zest for that fresh citrus flavor.

photo > The Weather in Cascadia

A seasoned traveler and Thai curry lover, Christine of the blog The Weather in Cascadia adds shitake mushrooms and swiss chard to her take on Red Curry Salmon and Rice Noodles. Although she doesn’t note which noodles to use, I’d recommend rice noodles cooked for just a minute or two in the sauce to soak up some of the coconuty-goodness.

Thanks for reading. If you liked this post, please subscribe to foodiecrush and follow me on twitter.