Baked Salmon and Lemon Foil Packets - A healthy Start!

There are times when we eat healthy, and there are times when we indulge. This is a healthy day. And one of my all time favorite healthy foods has to be salmon. I could eat salmon everyday. That's how good it is. And it not only is delicious, but a healthy addition to my household meals.

Here are some healthy benefits that I've heard about salmon:

Salmon is high in vitamin D and along with selenium found in salmon, has been said to have anti-cancerous properties, and can protect against different kinds of cancer.

Salmon is also a source of omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, which is said can help protect the heart from plaque buildup-up.

Salmon and fish oil promotes eye health and is known to improve vision.

I make no claims or guarantee what health benefits salmon can provide, but from all that I've read or heard about salmon, it sounds like a superfood to me.

And I know that butter is not really known as a superfood, I couldn't help myself. But hey it's a start!

And my kids can't get enough of it:) 

When I tell them that I am cooking salmon for them, they get so excited, and can't wait for me to get started on dinner.

My husband on the other hand is a meat and potatoes man, and wants nothing to do with it.

So I usually cook this when I know that he will be out for a while at his buddies house watching basketball.

While he is watching basketball and eating all kinds of snacks, we will be eating healthy, and that kind of balances things out right!?

So here is my recipe for baked salmon in foil. Below this recipe, you will find links to additional salmon recipes by some awesome bloggers.

Ingredients:

4 salmon fillets 

2 lemons sliced

2 tablespoons butter sliced into pats

Salt and pepper to taste 

Grated lemon zest 

Minced parsley for garnish

4 pieces of non-stick foil

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

On each piece of foil, place two lemon slices in center. Then add salmon fillet on top of lemon slices. Top salmon with two pats of butter, and season generously with salt and pepper. Add a pinch of grated lemon zest, and fold foil into a packet. Place foil packets onto a baking sheet, and let bake for about 30 minutes. Serve with rice or veggies, add a bit of chopped parsley and enjoy!

Here is a few more recipes from some of the best websites around!

http://pinchofyum.com/caramelized-salmon

http://www.skinnymom.com/2014/07/01/connection-recipe-coconut-crusted-salmon/

http://damndelicious.net/2013/11/13/sesame-ginger-salmon/

http://www.betterrecipes.com/blogs/daily-dish/2014/01/08/healthy-salmon-dinner/

http://cuckooking.blogspot.com/2011/12/bruschetta-salmon.html

 

http://www.savvyinthekitchen.com/2013/12/st-nicholas-day-salmon-and-great.html

Be sure to check out these wonderful salmon recipes for you and your family to enjoy! Happy Eating:)

Picky Eaters - Twice Baked Potatoes

I am truly a meat and potatoes mom. In my life I have many picky eaters. Three of them to be exact. To make a meal that they will all agree on, it usually consists of meat and potatoes. Veggies unfortunately are hardly ever touched.

I will make them, but they will not eat them. I end up begging for them to take a bite. My husband included. I must admit that it can get challenging trying to introduce new meals and menus to this household. I on the other hand am very much like a chef. I will try anything once and I usually like anything I try.

I love food. All kinds of food. I love veggies and anything new and exciting to try. My husband not so much.

These twice baked potatoes are a staple in our home and they are one of the foods that everyone can agree on. They are packed with flavor and simple fillings and everybody loves bacon!

So if you have a picky eater, this ones for you.

Twice Baked Potatoes

4 large russet potatoes 

6 slices bacon

2 cups shredded cheddar 

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt

Ground pepper

Preheat oven to 450

Wash potatoes with vegetable scrubber, rinse and pat dry.

 Rub potatoes with a bit of olive oil, 

then place in oven and bake potatoes for one hour. Remove potatoes from oven and carefully slice each potato in half length-wise.

Using a spoon, scoop out most of potato into large bowl. 

Be sure to leave enough potato to retain shell. Set potato shells aside. In bowl with potato filling, add two tablespoons butter.

 While potato filling is cooling down a bit, fry bacon slices until browned and drain on paper towel lined plate. Chop bacon into bits. They were really hot so husband used a fork.

Toss bacon bits in with potato filling. Add two cups shredded cheddar to potato mixture along with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste.

Mix well to combine. 

Spoon mixture back into potato shells and sprinkle with more shredded cheddar. 

Place potatoes back into oven and cook for another 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serves 4

I topped mine with some leftover sloppy joe mix from last night.

Was fabulous!