strawberry, spinach and watermelon smoothie with flaxseed

Each week I have the same dilemma of having several items going ‘bad’ in my fridge. I have the best intentions of making multiple recipes in a week and even going as far as to meal plan each night. But, each week, I find myself feeling guilty for not utilizing the fresh produce I purchase.
This morning, I opened the fridge …
Sitting there was three pounds of strawberries looking lonely and weak …
Even with the upward smile that a cut watermelon mimics, somehow, (as if reading my emotions) now illustrated my sorrow with the rind forming a down-turned mouth of displeasure.
My produce was sad and I had to save it.
Nothing that a handful of phytonutrients and omega rich flaxseeds can’t fix

2 cups strawberries
2 cups spinach, loosely packed
1 cup watermelon
1 tbsp ground flaxseed
1 cup almond milk
1 tbsp honey, raw

{blend and enjoy}

balsamic orange ginger glazed sablefish (black cod)

A couple days ago at work, I noticed the price of sablefish (black cod). It was tad higher than the rest and I had heard about how ‘worth it’ the price was. Hey, it’s wild caught and of course, since everyone is jumping off that bridge – I’m next in line.

I didn’t have a certain flavor or ingredient come to mind when buying it, so I figured why not try the recipe on the package? I proceded to neatly cut out the recipe and pretty much followed it. Take note of the the italics on ‘pretty much’.

My findings?
It is everything that it’s cracked up to be. The preparation had me thinking that I would not be able to distinguish the ingredients added from the actually taste of the fish. I was incorrect. It ends up being a very light and perfectly seasoned fish while having some liquids to drizzle over – or onto a bed of rice {that would compliment it perfectly}. The presence and flavor of the fish is unique and definitely better than most that I’ve tried.

In my version of the recipe, I wanted a stronger citrus flavor, so I decided against zest’ing and instead minced the rind.
Ok, that’s a lie.
Truth is, I didn’t feel like zesting the orange.
Similar to not feeling like putting away laundry.
It makes sense. They are both practical. Just not for me, I suppose.

I also want to mention that I used the foil/packet method of cooking this fish. I am not quite sure why, it just seemed like the right thing to do. And again, I was saving myself a little clean up.

More importantly.
If you have little time, great company, or/and just a general love for good fish … do yourself (and anyone joining you) the favor of making it.

“Sablefish live in the Pacific Ocean, and are harvested from Alaska to Baja California. Sablefish is prized for its rich, buttery flesh and is used in many cuisines”
- trader joe’s label

1 pkg sablefish (black cod), thawed
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tsp soy sauce
1 tbsp orange rind, minced
3 tbsp orange juice
1 tsp ginger, minced
2 tbsp grapeseed oil, or whatever oil you like to use
salt to taste
pepper to taste
*aluminum foil, recommended

Preheat the oven to 450.
Find a baking dish and lay and oversized piece of foil in it. Big enough to set the fish inside while still having the edges protrude.
Lay pieces of fish in the middle and add ingredients on top.
Add a second piece of foil over the top sealing the edges by folding (alternating the sides).
Place packet of fish (without the baking dish) in oven for 16 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through. It flakes beautifully and tastes even better.

Enjoy.

pineapple and honey salsa

After reading an insightful mini-article about the benefits of pineapple, I decided to actually use the freshly cut pineapple I was holding hostage in my fridge. Unable to actually just eat the fruit like a normal person – I’ve been wanting to add it into something for a tropical twist.
Sure.
I could have pureed it …. mixed it with a little cream, squirt of lemon, and trickle of honey for a sweet topping for my newest love of danish pancakes ..
but I didn’t.

I made salsa.
I pulled out a frozen portion of soy-ginger cod and happy ate them together. I’m pretty sure the two are in love, and they made that love in my mouth.

Feel free to serve it over chicken or even pork chops.
Vegetarian: don’t feel left out. Grab an avocado, dice it, and throw it in for a great meal.
Vegan: you’ll already know to use agave instead of honey.
Raw: you are not left out on this one – dig in.

1 cup pineapple, diced small (preferably fresh)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
1/3 red onion, diced
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 lemon
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt, coarse

Combine ingredients in a bowl. Allow the flavors to combine, by placing in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Enjoy

cha siu bao (‘sweet’ pork buns)

These buns are tons of fun.
I popped two of them in the microwave for about 45 seconds, peeled away the fancy paper on the bottoms – and yum. Yes Trader Joe’s, you have done it again.
The outside of these buns are very delicate and airy and after trying several kinds within the last couple weeks, I’d have to deem these my favorite. The dough has a notable taste that will bring you back to warm pretezel eating days (while still remaining true to the traditional texture and taste of the cha siu bao). As your teeth sink into the sweet center – you’re tastebuds lock in. Truthfully, I am not a huge pork fan and somehow still manage to be a huge fan of these. Not only is the pork sweetened, but unlike the traditional rolls, the meat is consistent and also seasoned a bit better. It has a bit more of a salty note mixes well with the sweetness to keep things interesting.
These get a solid 7 in my book. And my book is solid.

cheesy broccoli and asparagus bake

cheesy broccoli & asparagus bake
dairy free, vegetarian {optional}, vegan {optional}, trader ro’s {optional}

1 head broccoli
1 bunch asparagus
1.5 package soysation cheese
2 packages precooked {frozen} rice
1 yellow onion
1.5 cup unsweetened almond (or soy)
.5 cup breadcrumbs
1 .5 tablespoons bullion {chicken preferred}
.5 tablespoon fresh ground pepper

* 1 cup corn {optional, not pictured}
*1 cup shredded chicken {optional not pictured}

Fill large saute pan with water {half way} and heat on high.
Preheat oven to 400.
Oil, butter, or grease large {glass preferred} baking dish .
Cut broccoli into florets.
Cut asparagus into 1/4′s and discard the bottom portion (no tough ends, please).
Dice onion.
Place broccoli and asparagus in hot water for 5 minutes.
Heat packages of rice {or make fresh rice you’re call, I like saving time & pots}
Drain broccoli and asparagus.
In a large bowl, combine broccoli & asparagus, onions, 2 cups cheese, bullion, and pepper.
Pour into large baking dish.
Pour milk over mixture.
Add the soysation {or remaning} cheese evenly on top.
Sprinkle breadcrumbs over entire dish.
Bake for 25 minutes.

Let cool {and thicken} for at least 5 minutes before serving.

enjoy.

bbq, mango, and almond chicken sandwich

1 can chicken, large
1 mango
1 corn on the cob
1 red onion
1 cup almonds
2 slices of bread
1.5 tablespoons mayonnaise

Drain water from can of chicken
Dice mango
Cut corn off the cob {leave raw}
Use anywhere from 1/2 to whole red onion, dice finely
Combine: chicken, mango, corn, onion, almonds, and sauce in medium mixing bowl
Toast bread and lightly spread mayonnaise on both sides
Add chicken mixture to the bottom slice of bread
{pictured with tomato and romaine lettuce}
Top with second slice of bread
Enjoy

chicken in red mole with white rice

I would have to give this an overall 7.
It tastes close to authentic with the chocolatey undertone you expect and love about mole, and the sauce is rich and deep in color. If I were being hyper-critical (which is the point here, right?) .. I would say that it lacks depth. The provided rice makes for a great quick dinner or a decadent lunch for two.
Next time I plan to wrap this up in a tortilla with avocado, cilantro, and fresh diced tomatoes …. hmmmmmm ;}

enjoy

Trader Ro's