Chicken Ramen with Soy Eggs is one of our favorite spring soups. I start this soup by poaching chicken breasts in a fragrant chicken and miso broth. Then, I add ramen noodles and lots of sugar snap peas, mushrooms, soy marinated eggs, and carrots. We like this soup for …
Orange and Candied Walnut Salad is one of our favorite late winter salads. I start this salad by making the candied walnuts. Then, I make a sweet Orange Marmalade Vinaigrette. Finally, I toss them all together with blood and navel oranges, pomegranates, orange zest, red onions, and honey goat cheese. …
Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta is one of our favorite seafood dinners. I start this dish by cooking linguini pasta. While the linguini boils, I cook shrimp and garlic in lots of butter. Finally, I toss the shrimp, peas and linguini with red pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese. We like this dish for several reasons. First of all, I like that I can cook this entire dish in just twenty minutes. That makes it perfect for busy days. Secondly, I like that I can make this dish ahead of time. I like to make it early in the day and then heat it up in the microwave. And, lastly, we all love the sweet shrimp and the garlicky, buttery linguini.
THE EQUIPMENT I USED
A Large Pot- Use a large pot to cook the linguini for this Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta so that it doesn’t stick together.
THE INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR BUTTER GARLIC SHRIMP PASTA
Salt- Use salt to flavor your pasta cooking water.
Linguini- I used linguini, but you can use any pasta shape that you like.
Butter- Be sure to use unsalted butter. I always use Kerry Gold Irish Butter. In a dish with just a few ingredients, using a good quality butter makes a big difference.
Shrimp- I really like Gulf shrimp. I buy them frozen. If you can find these, you should try them.
Oil- Use extra virgin olive oil. I really like the California Olive Ranch brand.
Garlic- I like to buy the peeled garlic cloves and store them in the freezer.
Parmesan Cheese- Use Italian imported Parmesan cheese.
HOW I MADE MY SHRIMP PASTA
First, I boiled the linguini for my Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta. You want it to be ready when the shrimp is ready.
Next, I made the shrimp. Cook them until they’re pink and opaque.
Finally, I tossed the shrimp, peas and linguini with the butter and spices.
If you like shrimp, you need to try this spicy and delicious Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta.
Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Linguini tossed with shrimp, butter, olive oil, red pepper flakes, peas and Parmesan cheese.
7tbsp.unsalted butter, softened and cut in seven tablespoon pieces
2tbsp.minced garlic
1poundGulf shrimp, peeled and deveined
5tsp.extra virgin olive oil
½tsp.garlic powder
1tsp.red pepper flakes
⅔cupParmesan cheese
1cupcooked peas
Instructions
Bring the water to a boil in a large pot. When it reaches a boil add 9 teaspoons of the salt and the linguini. Cook the linguini until it is just al dente. The time for this should be on the pasta box.
While the linguini cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat with two tablespoons of butter. Add the garlic and shrimp and cook until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
While the pasta and shrimp cooks: In a large bowl, stir together the rest of the butter, oil, garlic powder, red pepper flakes and the last teaspoon of the salt.
Add one tablespoon of the pasta water to the bowl and stir until combined. Drain the pasta well and add it to the bowl along with the shrimp, peas and cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta is completely coated in the butter mixture. Serve right away.
Steak Kabobs with Cilantro Rice are one of our favorite warm weather steak dinners. I start this easy and healthy steak dinner by cooking some tender and delicious Rastelli’s Black Angus Beef filet mignon tips that I put on skewers along with mango and tomato. Then, I make a …
Sweet Chili Salmon Bowls are one of our favorite salmon dinners. I like this salmon dish for several reasons. First of all, I like how light and healthy these fish bowls are. Secondly, I like that I can make this entire rice-based meal in less …
Salmon with Mushroom and Rice Pilaf is one of our favorite easy salmon and rice dinners. I start this dish by cooking rice, mushrooms, and leeks together in chicken stock. Then, I steam both asparagus and peas. Finally, I cook the salmon with butter and spices and serve it on top of the pilaf and veggies. We like this salmon and rice dish for several reasons. First of all, I like that I can make this whole salmon dinner in just thirty minutes. Secondly, I like that I can make the rice pilaf and veggies ahead of time. Thirdly, I like that this dish is easy enough for a busy weekday night, but fancy enough to serve to company. Then, I can just heat them up in the microwave. Finally, we all love the fresh spring flavors in this dish.
THE EQUIPMENT I USED
A Skillet- Use a nonstick skillet to cook the fish. That way it won’t stick to the pan.
THE INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR SALMON WITH MUSHROOM AND RICE PILAF
Chicken Stock- You’ll need this for the pilaf. I used the new Bell and Evans chicken stock.
Leeks- You can also use onions.
White Rice- You can use any long grain white rice.
Lemon Juice- Be sure to use fresh lemon juice for this recipe.
Asparagus- Look for salmon with intact, not seedy looking tips. That way you know it’s fresh. Snap off the ends.
Peas- Use frozen baby peas.
Salmon- Use Irish Salmon or any other salmon that you like.
HOW I MADE MY SALMON AND PILAF
First, I made the pilaf. Brown the mushrooms but take care to not burn them. And, set a timer so your rice doesn’t overcook.
Next, make the veggies. Again, take care to not overcook the veggies.
Then, I cook the salmon. I like to sear the salmon on both sides. Sometimes I cover the pan so that the insides cook evenly.
Finally, I serve the salmon on top of the veggies and mushroom pilaf.
If you like salmon, you need to try this delicious Salmon with Mushroom and Rice Pilaf.
Salmon with Mushroom Rice Pilaf
Salmon in a lemon butter sauce with a mushroom and rice pilaf and asparagus and peas.
1Pound salmon filet, with the skin removed, cut in four pieces
½tsp. eachgarlic powder, onion powder, paprika
¼tsp. eachkosher salt and black pepper
2tbsp.unsalted butter
1tbsp.lemon juice
1tbsp.lemon zest
For the Asparagus and Peas:
2cupscooked English peas (fresh or frozen)
1bunchfresh asparagus, trimmed
For the Garnishes:
1lemon, sliced
¼cup sliced scallions
¼tsp.red pepper flakes
Instructions
Begin by making the Mushroom and Rice Pilaf: In a three-quart saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter on medium heat and cook the leeks until they're soft. Stir in the rice and salt and cook for another minute. Add the chicken stock and bring it to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook on low heat for twenty minutes. While the rice steams, heat a tablespoon of butter in a skillet and cook the mushrooms on medium heat until they're golden brown. Stir them into the finished rice.
Next, make the vegetables: In a three quart saucepan, bring one inch of water to a boil. Add the asparagus, cover, and steam for six minutes. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, make the Lemony Salmon: heat a nonstick skillet on medium heat and melt the butter. Season the salmon with all the spices and cook on both sides until it's cooked to your likeness. We like ours well done. Squeeze on the lemon juice and sprinkle with the lemon zest.
Serve each person with some rice topped with the veggies and the fish. Garnish the dish with the garnishes.
Cookie Butter Banana Waffles are one of our favorite breakfasts. I start these waffles by making an easy banana waffle batter. Then, I top the waffles with homemade vanilla whipped cream, Cookie Butter spread, sliced bananas, walnuts, and strawberries. We like these banana waffles for several reasons. First of all, I like that …
Shortcake Baskets with Coconut Cream are one of our favorite springtime desserts. I start these shortcake baskets by baking up a buttery coconut batter. Then, I top the cakes with coconut whipped cream and sweet berries. We like this dessert for several reasons. First of all, I like that …
Filet Mignon with Chipotle-Lime Sauce is one of our favorite steak dinners. I start this easy and healthy steak dinner by cooking some tender and delicious filet mignon. Then, I make a buttery Lime and Cilantro Rice. Finally, I top the rice with the sliced steak and the rich Chipotle-Lime Sauce. We like this meal for several reasons. First of all, I like that I can make this entire steak supper in just thirty minutes. Secondly, I like that this dinner is easy enough to make on a busy weeknight, but fancy enough to serve to guests. And, lastly, we all love the tender steak and buttery rice.
THE EQUIPMENT I USED
A Cast Iron Skillet- I like to cook my steaks in a cast iron skillet. But, you can use any skillet.
An Instant Read Meat Thermometer- I highly recommend using this to check the temperature of your meat. I used the excellent ThermoMaven meat thermometer.
THE INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR FILET MIGNON WITH CHIPOTLE-LIME SAUCE
Filet Mignon- I used filet mignon, but you can use any steak that you like. Filet mignon happened to be on sale at my market. Otherwise, I might have used a different steak.
Chipotles in Adobo Sauce- You can find this in the Hispanic food section of your market.
Limes- Be sure to use fresh lime juice for this recipe.
Cilantro- Wash your cilantro well as it can often be sandy.
Butter- Use cold butter to stir into the sauce. Make sure it is unsalted butter.
HOW I MADE MY STEAK DINNER
First, I cooked my steak. Use the thermometer to test for doneness.
Then, while the steak cooked, I made the rice and sauce.
Finally, I topped the rice with the sliced steak and the sauce.
If you like steak, you need to try this tender and tasty Filet Mignon with Chipotle-Lime Sauce.
Filet Mignon with Chipotle-Lime Sauce
Filet Mignon topped with a chipotle lime sauce and served with cilantro lime rice.
Begin by making the Cilantro Lime Rice: In a three-quart saucepan, on medium heat, bring half a cup of water to a boil. Add the rice and salt. Cover and simmer 16 minutes. Then, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit covered for ten minutes. Then, stir in the rest of the ingredients.
Season the steaks with the seasoned salt and brush them with the oil.
In a cast iron skillet, on medium high heat, cook the filets until they reach a temperature of 145 degrees for medium rare.
While the steak cooks, make the Chipotle-Lime Sauce. In a medium skillet, melt one tablespoon of butter on low heat. Add the onions and cook until soft, about five minutes. Add the chipotles and flour. Stir and cook for one minute. Add the stock and bring it to a simmer. Remove the skillet form the heat and stir in the butter one tablespoon at a time. Once one tablespoon melts you can add the next one. Finally, stir in the lime juice, zest, and cilantro.
Slice the cooked steak and serve it on the rice and topped with the sauce.
Fettuccini Puttanesca with Whipped Ricotta is one of our favorite meatless meals. I start this fettucine puttanesca recipe by cooking fresh tomatoes into a luscious sauce. Then, I add capers, anchovies, herbs, and kalamata olives to my easy puttanesca pasta recipe. Finally, I toss the …