Simple Stir fry

For the longest time I've always made Thursday my international meal night. This may not qualify as authentic Asian food but it has great appeal in both taste and preparation.  Spicy cashew shrimp stir fry is fast to make, and may just become a repeat offender - it is that good!

Cajun Cuisine

Have you ever been to an authentic Cajun cafe?  During my time on the east coast I traveled to various states and was able to go to the deep South and talk with some of the chefs.  My shrimp creole recipe is a traditional Cajun recipe that is not only delicious but is also healthy! 

Taste the flavour!

When I think of summer time food I automatically think of grilling, and kicking back with a refreshing glass of lemonade. 

 Mango spiced steak skewers  were a fabulous find, paired with Lemon Thyme rice, and steamed veggies were truly representative of a great summer time meal!  The best part - you can have dinner finished in under 30 minutes!!!

To complete the meal I served a lemonade made with Meyer lemons, and of course dinner wouldn't be complete without a slice of lemon pie!  

A trip to the South

Cajun meets Key west - imagine what kind of flavour that would have, especially when you add a bit of California fusion to the menu!

Tonight I made a yummy Key west citrus grouper now what gave this meal a cajun kick was the addition of some cajun seasoning instead of the onion powder - why use both garlic powder AND onion powder - they'll only mask the others flavour.  So I kicked the onion powder to the curb and used cajun seasoning instead.  I will certainly repeat this meal again it was THAT good.

Cauliflower, ugh that dreaded WHITE vegetable that's about on the same level as broccoli for some.  Not me tho, I like Cauliflower (esp smothered in cheese sauce...yeah there goes eating healthy, I know) .  If you think you hate cauliflower, give this Culiflower alla parmigiana recipe a try OMG it's SO yummy!!! You may just surprise yourself b/c this stuff isn't how your mother made Cauliflower!

Add in some wild rice, and dinner is done!  All in less than 45 minutes time!  You can't beat that!

Spice is the flavour of life

Tonight I took a break from Allrecipes, and used MY recipe for spice rubbed salmon - this will be the ONLY recipe I will not share.  I've had a local restaurant manager who tasted my spice rub and he said I need to market it.  Talk about a boost to my self confidence!

I am in love w/ my food ring molds - I made garlic herb rice pilaf to go along w/ my salmon and it was yummy
Please note this rice pilaf uses a traditional rice, not a "quick cook" type.
1 Tbsp grapeseed or Extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp butter
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp EACH thyme, savory, basil, and salt
1 cup rice (Instructions are NOT for instant rice!)
1/2 cup orzo
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup water
Directions:
1. Warm the olive oil and butter in a saucepan, covered, with the heat on high.
2. Add the herbs, and toast lightly in the olive oil and butter.
3. Add the rice, orzo, and salt, and stir up a bit to coat the rice with the spices.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and water and bring all to a boil.
5. Turn the heat down, cover the saucepan, and cook until done (about 20 minutes for white rice, about 50 for brown rice).

Maryland crab cakes

1 pound lump crabmeat

1 1/2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs

2 tsp chopped fresh parsley
salt and pepper to taste

1 egg
1 1/2 Tbsp mayonnaise

1/2 tsp ground dry mustard

1 tsp Old bay seasoning


Mix together crabmeat, bread crumbs, parsley, salt and pepper. Beat together egg, mayonnaise, Old bay seasoning and mustard. Combine with other ingredients and mix well. Form into patties Refrigerate for at least 1 hour Pan fry in 2 Tbsp grapeseed oil OR place on a lightly greased broiler pan or baking sheet. Broil for 10 to 15 minutes, until lightly brown.

The veggies were one of the Green Giant steamers - it rounded out my meal quite nicely!