Caprese Salmon

Caprese salmon was one of my dinner swap meals from June.  We had it for lunch today with sweet potato fries and roasted asparagus and it is definitely a keeper!

Ingredients
4 4-6 oz. wild salmon filets
4 Tbs. pesto
8 Tbs. grated Parmesan cheese
1 tomato

Directions
Preheat oven to 425.  Line a baking dish and layer salmon with pesto, slice of tomato, and Parmesan.  Bake for 7-9 minutes or until fish is flaky and cooked through.

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Quick and Easy Baked Beans

These baked beans have a nice flavor that's sweet, but not too sweet.  This recipe serves 5-6, but it's easy to double.  Or quadruple.

Ingredients
1 can ranch style beans with vidalia onion
1 can bush's original style baked beans
4 slices bacon

Directions
Microwave the bacon between paper towels for 3 minutes or until just done.  Cut into 1/2" pieces and mix with both cans of beans in sauce pan.  Heat on medium-low until warmed through.   This is a great side for chipotle beef.

I was going to take a picture, but we were really hungry and ate all the beans before I got a chance.  I'll add one next time!

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Pollo Asado Salad

In this recipe, you can use any roasted or grilled chicken you have on hand.

Ingredients
pollo asado (or any chicken you have - grilled or roasted, with seasonings)
romaine, washed and torn
small can of corn, drained
grape tomatoes
cotija cheese
corn nuts
ranch vinaigrette, or dressing of your choice (today I mixed together balsamic vinaigrette and ranch)

Directions
Spread corn on a baking sheet at bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes or until warmed and lightly brown.
Layer salad in individual large bowls: romaine, roasted corn, grape tomatoes, crumbled cotija cheese, corn nuts.  Then add dressing.

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Easy Roasted Potatoes Recipe

My daughter made these tonight to go along with our baked pork chops.  Easy and delicious.

Ingredients
4 small red potatoes, cut into 4-6 wedges each
2 Tbs. olive oil
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. paprika (smoked paprika, if you have it)  OR 1 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary

Directions
Preheat oven to 350.  Line a baking dish with aluminum foil and add all ingredients.  Swish the potatoes around in the oil and spices until they are all covered.  Bake 25 minutes, then turn potatoes.  (If you are baking these with the pork chops, now is when to add the pork chops to the oven.)  Bake about 30 more minutes until lightly browned and crispy.

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Easy Baked Pork Chops Recipe

My 9 year old enjoys cooking.  Tonight she made these pork chops with roasted potatoes for dinner.  If only I could convince her she would enjoy cleaning up...

Ingredients
2 large center cut pork chops, 1 inch thick
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
any sauce you like

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line glass baking dish with aluminum foil and spray lightly with cooking spray.  Add pork chops in a single layer so they are not touching.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Bake 40 minutes or until done.  My method of checking is when a thermometer inserted in the center of a pork chop reads 145.  Remove from oven and let rest 3 minutes before cutting and serving.  My husband and I enjoy these with a bit of raspberry chipotle sauce heated and poured on top.

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Easy Sauteed Spinach Recipe

This is one of my favorite side dishes, although not everyone in my family agrees.  If you try it, let me know what you think!

Ingredients
16 oz. package of baby spinach, prewashed
1 1/2 - 2 Tbs. olive oil
1/2 tsp. salt
1 clove garlic, minced
2 oz. grated parmesan cheese
1 oz. cream cheese

Directions
Heat olive oil in your largest sautee pan over medium heat.  Add as much spinach as will fit and stir, then cover for 2 minutes.  Add garlic, stir and add more spinach, cover for 2 more minutes.  Stir and add remaining spinach, more olive oil if needed, and salt.  Continue cooking covered with occasional stirring until all spinach is wilted.  Add parmesan and cream cheese, stir, and remove from heat.  Serve with pork chops and roasted potatoes, or whatever your family is having for dinner.

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Easy Hummus Recipe

The basics of this hummus recipe came from my friend Joan.  Great with bagel chips or warm naan as a snack, or with veggies as a quick lunch.  The hardest part of this recipe is finding the tahini in the supermarket.

Ingredients
16 oz can garbanzo beans, drained (reserving 1/4 cup liquid) and rinsed
1/4 cup liquid from can
juice from 1 lemon
1 1/2 tablespoons tahini paste
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 roasted red pepper strips (optional)

Directions
Combine all ingredients in blender or food processor.  Blend for 3-5 minutes on low until thoroughly mixed and smooth. Add up to 1/4 cup of water if needed.

Refrigerate.

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