Cooking Adventures: Salmon Cooking Technique

One night, I ventured into Central Market (love) and passed by the seafood counter, looking for some inspiration for dinner. The guy behind the counter was able to talk me into some type of salmon that was hardly ever on sale (I think it was from New Zealand?) and even gave me a few ounces for free. I have also cooked this recipe with 6.99$ a lb salmon and it was totally tasty too!

 I love salmon but sometimes I find it difficult to cook because it seems very easy to over-cook (and over cooked salmon is fun for no one). The seafood man gave me a simple recipe that changed my life and made cooking salmon a lot less intimidating. First, you season the salmon with whatever you like- the beauty of this fish is that so many different things work! I used a fish rub that the guy at Central Market also recommended (so so good).

{Image via}

Heat a skillet that you are able to cover to medium high heat and drizzle some olive oil in the pan. When it's hot, put the salmon FISH side down (not skin side) and sear for 2 minutes. This locks in the seasoning and gives you a lovely outside crust. Flip the salmon over carefully and reduce the heat slightly, covering the fish with the lid. Let it steam and after 8-10 minutes (could be shorter or longer, depending on thickness) you will have a beautiful tasty and EASY dinner! The beauty of this cooking method is that you can let the salmon cook as long as you need-- the fatty skin creates a nice layer of protection that won't allow the bottom to burn! I've made this more than once now and it is just a favorite in our house...and healthy too!

 Do you have a favorite fish dish that you like to make? What is your preferred cooking method?

Cooking Adventures: Portobello Pizza

Cooking is not exactly my favorite thing to do, but every once in a while I get inspired. I figured I'd try a recipe and then share my experience with you all! I have wanted to try this recipe for a long time, but my husband doesn't like mushrooms much so I waited until he was out of town on a trip to experiment! As far as ease goes, this recipe takes the cake. It took NO time to put together and there was hardly any cleanup. LOVE. Also, for those of you watching your gluten, this is completely gluten-free!

recipe adapted from www.tenleymolzahn.com


Preheat your oven to 350 degrees so it's ready to go when you're done prepping the pizza :).

Pick yourself out a lovely medium/large portobello mushroom, and then remove the stems and the "gills" (this is the dark fan-looking part on the underside of the mushroom). You might want to run a damp paper towel over the outside of the mushroom to clean it.

Before stem/gills removed

Cleaned and stem/gills removed

Now, you're ready to add your toppings. I chose onions, bell peppers and mozzarella. Add a layer of tomato sauce before you add your other toppings (Side note: I used Prego pasta sauce but I think next time I would go for PIZZA sauce...the pasta sauce turned out a little watery). 

Now you're ready to put the pizza in! I put mine on a layer of foil on a baking sheet to cook--- even EASIER clean-up! I cooked mine for about 12 minutes, but I think next time I would go a bit longer (maybe up to 15-17 minutes) to "crisp" the cheese a little. Ovens can vary on their cooking speed, so it's good to check and cook it just like you like it! 

finished product :)

RECIPE REVIEW:

Like I said, as far as ease goes....SO EASY. I loved how fast I could put this together (very important to me!!!). Now, also like I said, I think I would choose an actual "pizza" sauce next time because the pasta sauce did make it slightly watery. I also think I would add some seasonings- italian seasoning, pizza seasoning, I don't know...just something to boost the flavor a little! That said, I absolutely loved the texture of the mushroom and the idea of eating pizza without feeling super full from thick pizza crust! I will definitely make this again, and hopefully you will like it if you try it! Let me know in the comments what you think. 

Next time, I spotlight my friend's annual Valentine's Day Tea Party! Very exciting things coming up...stay tuned! :) 

We've Moved!...and We're here.

Hey guys, thanks for following me over here. I wanted to re-name my blog to help me define the direction I wanted to go in with it...which ironically, is kind of NOT a direction at all! I'm a self-proclaimed randomhead, and I decided that THAT would be my blog's purpose. To bring you all of what goes in my brain, what I like, what I watch, what I do, what I copy others doing.....this is where I get my joy in life, so maybe out of the randomness you will find a diamond in the rough! Nothing too much will change, I'm just going to be incorporating lots of things into one place- my makeup faves, reality tv show rants, pictures, etc. I hope you enjoy it! I hope you'll subscribe and visit often, and follow "Jill" on twitter, since you know, now I'm the "Jill" of all trades...Yes, it's undeniably nerdy and thus, undeniably me. =)