Hearts of Palm?

If you've never tried hearts of palm you might like this yummy dish which tastes a bit like a mock potato salad. Hearts of palm are very mild (think artichoke) and take on the flavor of a marinade very nicely. I served this with grilled flank steak and sautéed sweet peppers and onions drizzled with white balsamic.

This serves two so double if you have more people to feed.

1 can hearts of palm, drained and cut in 1/2 inch rounds
1 T olive oil
1 t Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove minced
pepper
two green onions chopped (white and green parts)

In a small bowl, mix the dressing and then stir in the hearts of palm and the green onion. Refrigerate to let flavors develop.

Easy Cauliflower Curry

I know I mention Trader Joe's products a lot but they're pretty good and allow me shortcuts that don't short change taste. I used their Thai Red curry cooking sauce for this dish and it came together fast and yummy.

1 head cauliflower, chopped in large pieces
1 medium onion in large chunks
some olive oil
1 bottle TJ's Ref baby spinach
handful of chopped fresh herbs. ( I used basil, parsley, oregano and thyme) but this is totally optional I had just pruned my herbs so I threw them in the curry!
Cooked brown rice

In large lidded skillet brown the onion and cauliflower for about 5-8 minutes so you get all the pieces a little brown. Add the sauce and cover-simmer for 20 minutes. Add the spinach, stir, and cover again for five minutes or so--long enough to wilt the spinach. Serve over brown rice. I also added some steamed asparagus to the bowl, but many other veggies would go just as well.

Lazy Day Scallops

Scallops are so good and so quick and easy. They don't really need much seasoning because their flavor is rich on its own. I call these lazy because I didn't even make my own mashed potatoes! Horrors! I must admit that this bed of  'tators is good old Bob Evans from the refrigerator section in the grocery store. Sometimes a person is just not in the mood to peel, boil and mash. 

Recipe for Lazy Day Scallops for 2

6 large sea scallops-seasoned with salt and pepper

grape seed oil 

a couple T of butter

fresh basil

Get your pan and the oil hot and then sauté the scallops about 3 minutes on the first side then flip for another 2 minutes and add the butter. Place on a bed of mashed potatoes, pour over with butter sauce and top with fresh basil-YUM!

Italian Tuna Salad

I'm not really sure why I'm calling this Italian Tuna Salad?  I think maybe because it's jazzed up regular tuna salad? Whatever its name, it's pretty darn good. The ingredients may seem a bit odd-apples and olives? Trust me (never trust anyone who says that) ha--seriously, this concoction is tasty.

1 large can albacore tuna (in water) drained and flaked
1 small apple diced
1/4 onion diced
2 stalks celery, diced
5 garlic stuffed green olives, chopped
handful of fresh herbs: oregano, basil and mint chopped

Dressing: A couple T mayo mixed with a bit of dijon mustard and a couple T red wine vinegar.

Mix everything together and refrigerate a while.

Simple Baked Cod

Sometimes simple is best. I have some fresh herbs growing on my deck and I did utilize them in this dish but you could  easily substitute dried and it would be just fine. Cod is a mild fish and it easily takes on the lemony buttery goodness in this dish.

Preheat over 425
3 pieces of cod, dried with paper towels
3 T butter melted
1 large lemon, juiced
a handful of fresh herbs, chopped ( I used thyme, oregano, and parsley)
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
sea salt and pepper

Spray a small baking dish. Lay fish in and drizzle with half the butter and lemon juice. Salt and pepper. Mix fresh herbs with bread crumbs. Sprinkle bead crumbs over fish and then drizzle with remaining butter and lemon juice. Bake for 12 minutes and then run under the broiler to brown the crumbs more if you like.  I served this with wild rice cooked with mushrooms, onion and carrots and minted peas. Very tasty :-)

Spicy Chicken Sausage with Kale

Here's a good one pot dinner that is tasty and all you need is some nice bread to round out the meal!

1 pkg spicy chicken sausage (or any sausage that you like)
5 oz chopped kale
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium onion, sliced
1 red and 1 yellow pepper, sliced
salt and pepper
1 can diced tomatoes
a bit of shredded cheddar (optional)

In a large skillet with lid, sauté sausage in a bit of olive oil-then throw in the garlic, onion and peppers, salt and pepper--stir around and cook for a few minutes then add the tomatoes and the greens. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes. Serve topped with some cheddar if you like and some good, crusty bread.