Shrimp Po'Boy and Caesar-ish Salad

Have I mentioned my unbridled love for po'boys? Yet I feel like I need to caveat that. I love them... but only certain ones. Heavy, thickly-breaded, deep-fried shrimp? No thanks. More sauce than shrimp? I'll pass. But crusty fresh bread with some flavorful sauce, luscious shrimp, and crispy vegetables? Yes, please! My all-time favorite sandwich shop, Woodrows, has an amazing po'boy and I used to indulge in it regularly. Unfortunately, a few years ago we moved away and a po'boy sized hole in my life opened up. I'm now happy to say that while it may not be a Woodrows sandwich, I've found a way to satisfy my craving in a relatively healthy manner. Best of all, it comes together quickly. So get moving and enjoy your own version at home right now!

And one more quick suggestion... I tend to pair my po'boys with a crispy "caesar-ish" salad. I've already purchased the romaine for the sandwich and it provides a perfect, light complement that will leave you satisfied but not overly stuffed.

Time: 1 hr 15 min (mostly marinating time)

Roasted Pear-Pomegranate Salad

Divine! I have to admit, this was my first time roasting pears. I have obviously enjoyed them raw on a regular basis and have even poached them from time to time for a dessert... I have cooked them in cobblers and pies, too. Yet, somehow, I had never simply roasted a pear. This salad will change that forever. The pears were absolutely delicious. The roasting brought out the natural sweetness, caramelizing without adding sugar. I snacked on them straight from the pan and I had to stop myself to ensure there were enough to go in the salad!

I customized a little bit, but this recipe is adapted from a Wegmans recipe. You'll also note that it makes use of their own lemon vinaigrette. While I do love Wegmans and purchased this vinaigrette, you can easily make something similar on your own. Either simply dress with your favorite balsamic vinegar and olive oil or else mix in a little fresh lemon juice. No matter, simply let the pears shine and you will not be sorry.

Time: 1 hr

Nut Tilapia with Red Quinoa-Tomato-Avocado Salad

Not only does this meal come together extremely quickly, it features some of my favorite foods (hello avocado and tomato!), packs in a ton of nutrients, and can even make use of leftover ingredients from past meals. If you're like me you frequently end up with handfuls of this or that which was purchased for a specific recipe. Finally, at some point, I always have to dive into my cabinets, pull everything out, and get creative out about how to use it up. This meal helps with just that - using up whatever leftover nuts you have sitting around.

Once again, I'll need to thank Wegman's for this meal since they contributed (most) of the recipe for the red quinoa-tomato-avocado salad. I tore it out of the annual magazine I get from them, excited to try it, and it has quickly become a staple in my house. While here you see it as part of a dinner meal, we'll also mix up a double batch and use it for lunches for the week. My husband loves it paired with some grilled chicken for a healthy meal at work.

Time: 25 min

Honey Mustard-Mushroom Salmon, Pan-Fried Potatoes, Tomato Salad

This fast meal epitomizes the new focus of my blog extremely well. It's focused on healthy fish (and salmon to boot with its fantastic omega-3s) and vegetables, comes together in 30 minutes, and uses minimal processed ingredients (hi honey mustard). In fact, if you change the salmon's topping, you could have none at all. This meal reminds you that you can indeed have healthy, delicious dinners for your family after spending a long day at work.

The trick? Make use of the ingredients I used to shun in my pre-children days such as cleaned potatoes that microwave in a bag (don't worry, we make them tastier than that) and pre-sliced mushrooms. The downside is that these ingredients are slightly more expensive so they're not an option for everyone, but hopefully if you balance all of these pieces out it means you can at least have home-cooked meals some days of the week! After all, despite having a cooking blog, I still just pull up eat24 on a regular basis (and that's one of the things I'll miss the most if I move out of the city!)

Keep in mind, for all of these meal times, it assumes that once one thing is cooking you get started on another piece. Don't wait until one part of your meal is completely done before moving forward! But I assume you knew that.... so without further ado, let's dive right in to the fun after the jump.

Time: 30 minutes

Coconut Curry Salmon and Apple-Cheddar Kale Salad

Very few dinners in life are more satisfying than those involving curry sauce - and this one hits a home run. The rich coconut curry sauce pairs perfectly with thick salmon. You'll be licking the plate clean when no one's looking.

The richness of the curry is perfectly contrasted by a fresh kale salad. The coconut milk will warm you up while the crisp apples and kale leaves will lighten the meal overall and leave you craving more. Make this dinner to impress without sacrificing any health at all!

Cumin Paiche with Cucumber and Watermelon Salad

I'd never had paiche before, but when it popped up at Whole Foods I couldn't resist trying this new creation. Turns out, it's one of the largest freshwater fish in the world. It comes from South America and is also known as pirarucu or arapaima. It's mild in flavor, fairly firm, and cooks quite quickly. While it may not be particularly different from other white fish, it's still definitely worth trying at least once for the novelty!

I also made a cucumber watermelon salad which is absolutely perfect on a hot summer day. It's fresh, juicy, and tantalizing and the mint adds a spark of freshness that is completely irresistible. You'll find yourself eagerly gobbling it down, with the sweetness broken perfectly by the red onion, so definitely make extra if you're planning on leftovers!

Time: 20 min
Difficulty: medium-easy

King Crab Salad

I don’t get the opportunity to make crab very often due to its price tag, but it’s absolutely delicious and I leap at the opportunity whenever it presents itself. In this case, some very affordable King Crab at Wegman’s gave me the chance to feature it and, in conjunction with my husband, I came up with this delicious summer salad idea. It combines some incredible, fresh, local produce (well… except for avocado…) with the delicious, naturally buttery crab. It’s truly divine.

Of course, customization is highly encouraged. You can sub in or out for your favorite additions- just let us know in the comments if you find an especially delicious variable that we should all make sure to include next time!

Difficulty: easy
Time: 20 min

Pecorino-Mushroom Orzo and Ribboned Summer Squash with Herbs and Lemon

This summer meal is delicious and healthy yet still easy to prep. My husband and I whipped this up in just about 45 minutes together – though I timed it below for one person as well. Orzo is always a favorite and this one is extra tantalizing with the umami mushrooms and tangy pecorino romano. It’ll even satisfy meat lovers if you’re going for a vegetarian meal. Or, you can go the route I did, and toss on some freshly seasoned tilapia.

On the other end of the meal, you’ll be craving the squash ribbons again and again after you try them here. And, if you haven’t tried the ribbons before, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy, fun, and impressive-looking they are. You can quickly become a gourmet chef with little effort. This no-cook method also means this side can be prepared in just a few minutes.

Difficulty: medium
Time: 30 min

Shrimp and Corn Salad with Lime Vinaigrette

I know some eager-eaters out there are hesitant about entree salads, but this one is filling and delicious - absolutely hitting the spot. It combines luscious shrimp, creamy avocado, sweet corn, and a tart lime vinaigrette with the freshest of greens. This will easily stand on its own or you can pair it with nearly any side. In my case, I made it with one of my favorites - apple and garam masala soup.

Did I also mention that this salad is healthy? That's right - eat this one guilt-free! Of course, the avocado is fattening, but just a little bit adds a lot of flavor without too many calories.

Difficulty: medium-easy
Time: 15 min
Cost: $30.41

Nutrition and recipe below the jump!

Chocolate Rugelach and Arugula Citrus Salad

Hanukkah! Okay, a little late for Hanukkah, but at least I'm not as far behind yet as I was with the Thanksgiving post.. progress counts, right? For this Hanukkah dinner I worked to combine some of the classics with some new options for a delightful meal. Make this any of the eight nights, or just any night of the year when you're craving some 'Chosen People' goodness :)

First up, I made latkes, because how can you celebrate Hanukkah without these potato fried yumminess? For some protein, I decide to go the breakfast for dinner route. I laid out some freshly cut nova lox on top of a couple latkes and then poached some (free range) eggs and plopped those on top. Savory breakfast for dinner! Then, in a tribute to my Sephardic half, I made a fresh salad using a variety of citrus fruits- an ode to the Mediterranean. Finally, I couldn't resist dessert. I tried my hand at chocolate rugelach. They're a longtime favorite that I'd never attempted before. I quickly found out it was worth it!

Difficulty: medium
Time: 2 hrs
Cost: $17.03

Nutrition and recipe below the jump!

Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo and a Greek Artichoke and Spaghetti Squash Salad

That's right - this is shrimp fettuccine on a healthy food blog. And no, it's not a misnomer. Believe it or not, the dish that is embodied by cream and salt is lightened up considerably here for a delicious dish that still keeps the thick, creamy texture you love but uses fresh ingredients that carry a lot of taste, meaning you can get away with a bit of sauce that packs a wallop of flavor without drenching your pasta, and also makes use of the wonders of low-fat and fat-free ingredients. I cannot fathom how fat free half and half exists, but I do not ask questions about it!

Along with the pasta, I prepared a spaghetti squash and artichoke salad. It packs in a lot of fresh ingredients - full of vegetables - but also adds chickpeas for protein and a contrasting texture and just enough of a light vinaigrette to provide a delightful flavor finish that doesn't overpower the natural flavors of the ingredients. You could easily make this salad as the main entree or else pair it with a variety of other dishes.

Nutrition and recipe below the jump!

Difficulty: medium-easy
Time: 30 min (or 1 hr 30 min with time to cook squash)
Cost: $31.48

Avocado Mixed Greens Salad

There is very little in life more delicious than avocado. They are amazing in every form and in every dish, and this is no exception. Here the creamy avocado combines with crisp greens and a lemony olive oil dressing for tastiness in every bite.

I served the salad with cajun catfish and tomato bruschetta - two of my other favorites. The meal was quite simple and fast to put together, but absolutely delicious. Make this when you don't have a lot of time or energy, but still want a healthy, homemade meal.

Nutrition and recipe below the jump!

Difficulty: easy
Time:
Cost: $32.89

Smoked Trout, Apple, and Pecan Salad

Ready for a delicious, nutritious meal? Then you've come to the right place! This entree salad combines fresh trout, smoked to perfection, crisp apples, creamy pecan chips, and juicy lettuce. The flavors and textures work wonderfully together for a delicious mouthful in every bite. This meal is perfect for late summer or early fall - whenever you can get some high quality ingredients.

I chose to go old school, serving this salad with crispy tater tots. They might be a kid's favorite, they were certainly a favorite of mine, but I have yet to grow out of that fad! Fried and full of salt, they're only a special treat these days, but when I have them they always hit the spot.

Difficulty: medium-easy
Time: 40 min
Cost: $9.60

Recipe and nutrition below the jump!

Creole Pan-Fried Shrimp with Cucumber-Fennel-Tomato Salad and Peach-Blueberry Cobbler

You know a meal is good when the featured piece is a freshly made fruit cobbler. With peaches and blueberries in season, bursting with juices and flavor at the farmer's market, I couldn't resist this great summer classic. I've made peach and raspberry cobblers before but decided to mix it up here, crafting a peach and blueberry version with a thick, delicious topping. It's sure to impress and while not quite good for you, certainly it's not all that bad in this version, either!

Of course, I couldn't ONLY have dessert for dinner, although I tried to convince my boyfriend of just that. So I added in a salad, utilizing more fresh farmer's market produce, combining tomatoes, fennel, and cucumber. I hadn't actually used fresh fennel in a recipe before, so I found it quite interesting. It's a bit crispy with a licorice taste - definitely different than anything I've had before. Finally, I made some pan-fried shrimp. They're a healthier version of crispy, deep-fried creole shrimp, and definitely hit the spot for a delicious dinner.

Difficulty: medium-easy
Time: 1 hr 30 min
Cost: $27.52

Turbot Fish Curry and an Apricot-Toasted Chickpea Salad

Beans are not a natural favorite of mine, but I've been making an attempt to branch out and experiment a bit more with them to take advantage of their health value! Part of this means turning to dry beans. My little use of beans has always mainly included canned beans - which come soggy and in a weird sauce-like coating. Dried beans just somehow seem fresher and more exciting to me. Just make sure that you allow enough time to cook them - this usually includes at least an hour of simmering or soaking and could take several hours. It's low-maintenance, so just set it up and let it go but this still means it takes some advance planning!

For this meal, I combined the fresh, summer tastes of juicy, sweet apricot and crunchy, toasted chickpeas with a rich, Turbot curry. I'm a huge Turbot fan and it did not disappoint here, flaking nicely and combining with the richness yet lightness of the sauce for a perfect meal.

Difficulty: medium-easy
Time: 45 min
Cost: $29.72

Grilled Fig, Onion, and Tomato Salad

(Yes, I forgot the picture, forgive me...)

The Mediterranean knows how to do many things right, and figs are just one more example of their amazing food prowess. These delightful treats are sticky and sweet, reminiscent of dessert, but blend perfectly in savory dishes as well for a main meal dish rather than just a sweet post-dinner treat. Here, I combine them with vidalia onions, also grilled, and some fresh tomatoes, ripe and delicious at the peak of their season. The flavors are all sweet and savory at the same time, with varying textures that combine for a delightful treat.

I made this salad alongside some fresh swordfish, tossed onto the new grills on my roof deck. I simply marinated them in some white wine and garlic and then grilled them - leaving them with slight char marks on the outside from the grill but juicy and tender in the middle. The Mediterranean is definitely not a bad place to mimic when it comes to food.

Difficulty: easy
Time: 15 minutes
Cost: $19

Israeli Avocado Salad, Blackened Brisket, Leek Croquettes, Almond-Coconut Torte with Chocolate-Orange Liqueur

Better late than never, right? I think it has taken me just as long to get around to writing this post as it took to make the original meal! But now, at last, I present you with the post detailing, step by step, the entire massive meal I created for my 2011 seder, the 4th I have hosted. The essentials were still here, like brisket and kugel, but some featured twists and other recipes were new. I mean, what's the fun in cooking the same thing year after year?

Due to the unique nature of this post, things are set up a little differently. I didn't both with a cost since I was cooking for 12 and therefore spent a small fortune. I also do not give a total time for the whole meal. Instead, each recipe still gets a time estimate (and nutrition!) and I note how many servings I made compared to how many a normal person might want to make. As always, if you have any questions just stick them in the comments and I'll get back to you right away.

Finally, here is the full menu I made for my seder. Items in italics I had made previously and are posted elsewhere on this blog while those without are detailed below!

Date Charoset, Matzah Ball Soup, Israeli Avocado Salad, Sweet Citrus Tilapia, Blackened Brisket, Leek Croquettes, Potato Kugel, Apple Noodle Kugel, and an Almond-Coconut Torte with Chocolate-Orange Liqueur.

Shrimp Summer Salad with a Potato-Leek-Garlic Soup

Summer! Farmer's markets are back, and I for one am super excited about this new development. With a local market literally outside of my front door, how can I not be?? I get fresh, local, organic produce every week - and more. Not only does my market feature fruits and vegetables but i can also buy cheese, meats (if I wanted to eat them) and eggs there. If you live anywhere close to your own farmer's market I suggest you start getting out there on a regular basis. It's good for the environment, often cheaper than going to a store, and delicious. There is nothing to beat the taste of freshly picked fruits and vegetables, or homemade cheeses.

To celebrate the summer, I prepared a delicious salad as my entree for this meal. I whipped up some delicious shrimp, seasoned with the always versatile paprika, and then tossed the protein with fresh greens, avocado, tomatoes, and corn. A light, healthy dressing finished it of for a delicious meal that would be perfect on a roof deck or back patio with a crisp white wine.

Then, as a bonus, I served it with homemade soup. Due to mounds of leftover kugel, I've been using potatoes in interesting ways since my seder. Here, I re-purpose the grated potatoes of the kugel to prepare a potato-garlic-leek soup that is delicious and even rather simple to make.

Difficulty: medium-easy
Time: 1 hr 20 min
Cost: $25.36

Strawberry Arugula Salad

I know, I know. Unfortunately, I completely forgot to take a picture of this dish. I'm not sure if I was distracted by the nice weather, the delicious strawberries, or just plain absent-minded, but you'll have to use your imagination for this one. Or, better yet, make this delightful salad for yourself and submit a picture in the comments below.

The salad was only new dish for this meal. It was served alongside macadamia crusted tliapia, always a favorite in my kitchen, and some cous cous. Perhaps not the flashiest meal I ever made, but quick to prepare, healthy, and completely satisfying. Whip this up when the strawberries look amazing and you are seeking both the health of a homemade meal yet the speed of take out!

Difficulty: easy
Time: 30 min
Cost: $17.45 (as always, this is for the entire meal)

Blackened Tuna Caesar Salad

Perhaps not nearly as complicated as many of my other dishes, but this one still hits the spot. Fresh tuna (from my fish market!) is grilled with a homemade blackening blend and served over a bed of caesar salad. And this isn't just any caesar salad, but a homemade, healthy version of the classic. It skips the anchovies and raw egg, so no worries if you also shy away from such things, and the homemade dressing mimics the classic taste without the huge volume of salt, fat, and calories.

Speaking of salt... I made my own blackening rub that is listed below. I'm a big fan of mixing up my own spice mixtures so I can play with taste and emphasize (or de-emphasize) certain spices. Aside from the fun and authenticity, though, is salt content. Most pre-made spice blends are stuffed solid with salt that not only overwhelms the other flavors and leaves you quite thirsty, but also wreaks havoc with your body. Most likely you're already getting far more salt than you should, so go my route, mix up your own, and skip the salt altogether. Trust me, it's really not needed. This blackening rub already includes a lot of flavor! And if you want a bit more, just add some more chili powder. Mine is light on it since I prefer milder (but still flavorful) blends, but you can certain spice yours up some more.

Finally, I served this with some fresh, homemade cheesy garlic bread.

Difficulty: easy
Time: 40 minutes
Cost: $19.50