Month: July 2016

GRILLED PINEAPPLE/CHICKEN WITH PINEAPPLE/RUM SAUCE

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My palate did leaps of joy as I partook of this succulent dish. Yes, guys, I brought the tropics to my kitchen. I couldn’t help myself. I had the right ingredients in the form of fresh pineapple and Jamaican white rum. I took the cue and went with it.

Baked a few drumsticks and thighs and basted with fresh pineapple sauce simmered along with a squeeze of honey and of course a splash of Jamaican white rum.  Oh, I was happy.

FRESH PINEAPPLE SAUCE WITH A SPLASH OF RUM
FRESH PINEAPPLE SAUCE WITH A SPLASH OF RUM

Paired chicken with grilled pineapple slices.

GRILLED PINEAPPLE SLICES FOR CHICKEN AND DESSERT
GRILLED PINEAPPLE SLICES FOR CHICKEN AND DESSERT
FINISHED DISH OF BAKED CHICKEN WITH GRILLED PINEAPPLE AND PINEAPPLE/RUM SAUCE
FINISHED DISH OF BAKED CHICKEN WITH GRILLED PINEAPPLE AND PINEAPPLE/RUM SAUCE

I couldn’t leave out my dessert. Added a grilled slice of the sweet and tropical fruit to a couple scoops of vanilla ice cream:

GRILLED PINEAPPLE WITH VANILLA ICECREAM
GRILLED PINEAPPLE WITH VANILLA ICECREAM

 

 

 

PERFECT PARTNERS #ROASTED PUMPKIN RINGS/SALMON PATTIES

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Needed the ideal partner for my salmon patties. Went with roasted pumpkin rings which turned out to be just the perfect pairing I was seeking.

CANNED WILD ALASKAN SALMON AND PUMPKIN FOR ROASTING
CANNED WILD ALASKAN SALMON AND PUMPKIN FOR ROASTING

Drizzled olive oil on pumpkin along with a pinch of salt, powdered ginger, and paprika. Then, roasted pumpkin rings on baking tray in oven at 405-degree Fahrenheit for approximately 35 to 40 minutes.

PUMPKIN RINGS FOR ROASTING
PUMPKIN RINGS FOR ROASTING
ROASTED PUMPKIN RINGS
ROASTED PUMPKIN RINGS

Rings were sweet, smooth and tender on the inside and crusty on the outside. Topped and paired with my salmon patties which yielded  a delicious contrast.

WILD ALASKAN SALMON FROM MY PANTRY #SALMON PATTIES

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Didn’t have to venture on high seas and contend with choppy and perilous waves to get my wild Alaskan salmon to my kitchen. Thanks to those hard-working fisher men/women, I was able to fetch a can of this omega food in my hands.

I had the perfect plan. Decided to make a few salmon patties to crave the hunger within. Drained canned salmon and added a few other ingredients:

  • egg (1)
  • Panko bread crumbs (1/4 cup)
  • finely chopped onions
  • capers/olives (optional)
  • paprika
  • pinch of salt and sprinkle black pepper
  • olive and canola oil for frying
  • fresh lime juice

After combining all ingredients, eight patties were made.

SALMON PATTIES FOR PAN FRYING
SALMON PATTIES FOR PAN FRYING

Patties were pan fried in a combination of  canola/olive oil under low to medium heat until warmed and cooked on the interior and brown and flaky on the outside. Salmon patties were topped with a dollop of sour cream and finely chopped scallion.

 

BIG LOVE!! #FRUIT FEST

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As the summer temperatures and humidity skyrocket on the outskirts, my palate takes a nose-dive with my food choices. I’m less likely to cook heavy meals. I crave the light and easy.

Moreover, I tend to increase the amount of fruits in my daily dietary plan. Thanks to my neighborhood farmer’s market, I’m able to access relatively inexpensive fruits that are locally grown.

WATERMELON BALLS WITH CHERRY
WATERMELON BALLS WITH CHERRY

These wholesome foods help to replenish what I lost via perspiration and otherwise during the sizzling days.  Fruits are loaded with nutrients like fibers, vitamins, potassium and others which are beneficial to the body.

You could say, these fruits and I have a great kinship.

PROTEIN-PACKED LUNCH #HARD-BOILED EGGS

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Wanted a quick, easy, and satisfying dish for lunch. Decided on hard-boiled eggs on a bed of garlic asparagus. Paired same with servings of summer’s sweet/juicy tomatoes and creamy avocado. Made sure to  sprinkle  with black pepper and pinch of salt.

With a few crispy whole-wheat crackers (not in pic) on side, lunch was served.

WENT WITH THE FLOW #BERRIES/MELON

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When the temperatures sizzle on the outskirts, I’ve to find ways to quench the thirst within. Didn’t have to look far for some of my faves. Reached for the low-calorie watermelon which is loaded with great amounts of vitamin C, and other beneficial nutrients.

It’s a ‘no-brainer’ for me. Love to stock up on the antioxidant foods, blueberries. These  are said to promote brain health. During this time, the marketplaces are packed with these berries which make the prices relatively inexpensive. As a result, I try to freeze a portion and snack on the fiber goodness.

Went with the flow and was super-happy.