Showing posts with label Salmon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Salmon. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

How to Make Big Mac Sauce

First I'd like to plug here that I updated my website with a post from my first race of the year! 
I know it's not pretty, but this was me accidentally recreating the McDonald's Big Mac Sauce. Wasn't planning on posting this until I was pretty stoked since it tasted delicious (and childhood). The key:

OLIVES+CIDER VINEGAR+FRESH THYME+EGG YOLK=BIG MAC SAUCE


The red pepper maybe helped out a bit, along with the flavor from the browned egg white and mince. There was some coconut oil mixed in the egg yolk too.
This was the best massive Salmon salad ever. There's no wild salmon here but you can always find quality canned wild salmon (NOT PINK, that's more lame). It was an epic sun dried tomato basil avocado bacon sando as a salad but butter.

I used a massive dreamy avo, a little leftover bit of an amazing simple tomato soup recipe on the bottom combined with fresh and sun dried tomato, Japanese pumpkin is always delicious, Bacon is always delicious, and a little soy sauce NEVER hurts.
Fresh Basil from the garden on top for some extra love and presentation.


I also came across this recently so figure I'd share it:
How to Store Vegetables without Plastic
Artichokes‐ place in an airtight container sealed, with light moisture.
Asparagus‐ place them loosely in a glass or bowl upright with water at room temperature. (Will keep for a week outside the fridge)
Avocados‐ place in a paper bag at room temp. To speed up their ripening‐ place an apple in the bag with them.
Arugula‐ arugula, like lettuce, should not stay wet! Dunk in cold water and spin or lay flat to dry. Place dry arugula in an open container, wrapped with a dry towel to absorb any extra moisture.
Basil‐ is difficult to store well. Basil does not like the cold, or to be wet for that matter. The best method here is an airtight container/jar loosely packed with a small damp piece of paper inside‐left out on a cool counter.
Beans, shelling‐ open container in the fridge, eat ASAP. Some recommend freezing them if not going to eat right away
Beets‐ cut the tops off to keep beets firm, (be sure to keep the greens!)by leaving any top on root vegetables draws moisture from the root, making them loose flavor and firmness. Beets should be washed and kept in and open container with a wet towel on top.
Beet greens‐ place in an airtight container with a little moisture.
Broccoli‐ place in an open container in the fridge or wrap in a damp towel before placing in the fridge.
Broccoli Rabe‐ left in an open container in the crisper, but best used as soon as possible.
Brussels Sprouts‐ If bought on the stalk leave them on that stalk. Put the stalk in the fridge or leave it on a cold place. If they’re bought loose store them in an open container with a damp towel on top.
Cabbage‐ left out on a cool counter is fine up to a week, in the crisper otherwise. Peel off outer leaves if they start to wilt. Cabbage might begin to loose its moisture after a week , so, best used as soon as possible.
Carrots‐ cut the tops off to keep them fresh longer. Place them in closed container with plenty of moisture, either wrapped in a damp towel or dunk them in cold water every couple of days if they’re stored that long.
Cauliflower‐ will last a while in a closed container in the fridge, but they say cauliflower has the best flavor the day it’s bought.
Celery‐ does best when simply places in a cup or bowl of shallow water on the counter.
Celery root/Celeriac‐ wrap the root in a damp towel and place in the crisper.
Corn‐ leave unhusked in an open container if you must, but corn really is best eaten sooner then later for maximum flavor.
Cucumber‐ wrapped in a moist towel in the fridge. If you’re planning on eating them within a day or two after buying them they should be fine left out in a cool room.
Eggplant‐ does fine left out in a cool room. Don’t wash it, eggplant doesn’t like any extra moisture around its leaves. For longer storage‐ place loose, in the crisper.
Fava beans‐ place in an air tight container.
Fennel‐ if used within a couple days after it’s bought fennel can be left out on the counter, upright in a cup or bowl of water (like celery). If wanting to keep longer than a few days place in the fridge in a closed container with a little water.
Garlic‐ store in a cool, dark, place.
Green garlic‐an airtight container in the fridge or left out for a day or two is fine, best before dried out.
Greens‐ remove any bands, twist ties, etc. most greens must be kept in an air‐tight container with a damp cloth‐ to keep them from drying out. Kale, collards, and chard even do well in a cup of water on the counter or fridge.
Green beans‐ they like humidity, but not wetness. A damp cloth draped over an open or loosely closed container.
Green Tomatoes‐ store in a cool room away from the sun to keep them green and use quickly or they will begin to color.
Herbs- a closed container in the fridge to kept up to a week. Any longer might encourage mold.
Lettuce‐ keep damp in an airtight container in the fridge.
Leeks‐leave in an open container in the crisper wrapped in a damp cloth or in a shallow cup of water on the counter (just so the very bottom of the stem has water).
Okra‐ doesn’t like humidity. So a dry towel in an airtight container. Doesn’t store that well, best eaten quickly after purchase
Onion‐ store in a cool, dark and dry, place‐ good air circulation is best, so don’t stack them.
Parsnips‐an open container in the crisper, or, like a carrot, wrapped in a damp cloth in the fridge.
Potatoes‐ (like garlic and onions) store in cool, dark and dry place, such as, a box in a dark corner of the pantry; a paper bag also works well.
Radicchio‐ place in the fridge in an open container with a damp cloth on top.
Radishes‐ remove the greens (store separately) so they don’t draw out excess moisture from the roots and place them in a open container in the fridge with a wet towel placed on top.
Rhubarb‐wrap in a damp towel and place in an open container in the refrigerator.
Rutabagas‐ in an ideal situation a cool, dark, humid root cellar or a closed container in the crisper to keep their moisture in.
Snap peas‐ refrigerate in an open container
Spinach‐ store loose in an open container in the crisper, cool as soon as possible. Spinach loves to stay cold.
Spring onions‐ Remove any band or tie and place in the crisper.
Summer Squash‐ does fine for a few days if left out on a cool counter, even after cut.
Sweet peppers‐ Only wash them right before you plan on eating them as wetness decreases storage time. Store in a cool room to use in a couple a days, place in the crisper if longer storage needed.
Sweet Potatoes‐ Store in a cool, dark, well‐ventilated place. Never refrigerate‐‐sweet potatoes don’t like the cold.
Tomatoes‐ Never refrigerate. Depending on ripeness, tomatoes can stay for up to two weeks on the counter. To hasten ripeness place in a paper bag with an apple.
Turnips‐ remove the greens (store separately) same as radishes and beets, store them in an open container with a moist cloth.
Winter squash‐store in a cool, dark, well ventilated place. Many growers say winter squashes get sweeter if they’re stored for a week or so before eaten.
Zucchini‐ does fine for a few days if left out on a cool counter, even after cut. Wrap in a cloth and refrigerate for longer storage.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Ode to Sous Vide

I've really been enjoying the Sous-Vide Supreme I got my mom for Christmas (unfortunately more than her, but hopefully she'll catch on soon). The benefits are endless. I mostly enjoy the convenience, efficiency, and perfect control of cooking.

This post is all about extremely fine tasting food that's stupidly easy to prepare.
Boom! Standard Breaky Ready in Advance
Cinnamon Sea Salt Sweet Potato w/ some PERFECTLY soft boiled eggs from the batch.
Magic revealed.
I used it for this Salmon and it came out amazing. Exploding with flavor from the Turmeric and some Green Curry Paste that was all vacuum trapped inside while cooking.
So tender, not over or underdone.
I enjoyed with some Mashed Cauliflower which I was recently really into after my Mom made some. Steam and then food process! It tastes better than mashed potatoes by far (especially because you can eat pounds of it and feel great). I did Garlic, Rosemary, and Sea Salt in mine.
A bit of Ghee melted over everything is always good.
Some Steamed Carrots and Chard Sauté as well.
I threw some Lamb Loin Chops in before training with a New Zealand Lamb Rub Spice Blend that came with the machine. It was done in an hour but I took it out 6 hours later!
And still perfect medium rare, exploding with flavor.
Along with Coconut Oil on Sweet Potato, Sauerkraut, and Sun Dried Tomato. Those three have sort of become a staple as i've been trying to eat less fiber on my bigger days to help with digestion, and that's really all I need (carbs, fat, probiotic fermented food, sun dried tomato b/c they are awesome).

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Persimmons and Chestnuts Go Together

Before I dive in to some recent eats I came across this post on healthy living and how to burn fat the other day and think it really sums everything up in a clear and straight foreword manner.
My first Squash and Sweet Potato Parfait! (kabocha as always)
This is definitely as good or better than your standard fruit and granola parfait. I used leftovers that were herb and turmeric baked and then some Full Fat Strauss Yogurt and a little extra plain whey protein. Delish. Extra Cinnamon of course.
Just ate chestnuts for the first time... and now they are a go to carb source! Pure carbs unlike a normal nut. I found some cooked and vacuum packed although also enjoyed roasting my own.
So delicious to get some glucose/starch recovery going in addition to the fructose heavy Persimmon in my smoothie.
If you just use fructose (fruit=mostly), you replenish liver glycogen more than muscle, and also don't absorb the carbs as well compared to when you get some of each.
Roasted yumminess.
I was afraid of consuming any fructose before, but now use it in moderation and don't feel any negatives. Whey, Persimmon, and Cinnamon for the win. Almost like last year! So much has changed.
 Pretty stoked on finding this Persimmon Tree when a friendly fellow customer at Good Earth in Fairfax (can't wait for the new one!) told me about it as I asked the staff if there were any more Persimmons. Used some in a feast of epic proportions which I may post soon.
One of my better meals enjoyed recently. It didn't take much, but each thing was so good individually and together.
  • Wild Smoked Alaska Salmon (8 oz)
  • 2 Soft Boiled Free Range Eggs (Sous Vide)
  • Prather Ranch Bacon
  • Baked Yam w/ Cinnamon
  • 1/2 Avocado
  • Bubbie's Raw Sauerkraut
  • Sun Dried Tomatoes in Olive Oil
I poured the bacon grease over my Yam which is already so delicious with Cinnamon. The creaminess from the mushy egg yolks, avocado, Salmon, Bacon fat, and even the Yam to some degree, combined with the crispy skin of the Yam and meat from the bacon, combined with saltiness/savory sun dried tomato and kraut, PLUS the smokey Salmon and bacon, is amazing.

Also, I started making some quick videos for my parents to learn about nutrition and good eating without me repeating myself in person all the time! Here's a recent one but they are all available on my Youtube Channel.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Canada To Cali

A few quick inclusions from the trip from Canada to Cali:
A pretty dialed meal as far as eating while driving goes. Well balanced bursting with flavor and super healthy.
 I am obsessed with these Bombay Curry Kale Chips! They are extra tasty with a bit of spice and all good ingredients. Some yummy big clusters and they remind me a little bit of childhood BBQ Lays.
The Grass Fed-Teriyaki Jerky was pretty good too.
More of the Standing Stone Brewery! I wish I could eat here so many more times to try everything on the menu!
I had to try their in-house kimchee, and it was delicious. Lots of ginger and they use real chile flakes to avoid the preservatives in other kimchee seasonings/peppers. Different (the ginger factor) but quite good. And they let me sub it for the salmon's pub mashers!
Wild Alaskan Salmon Fillet
 So goooood! A quality fish but the highlight was the sauce on top, lemony with a hint of curry/cumin, definitely Thai-influenced. Served over a delicious mix of sautéed veggies.
I can't wait for the Ashland Mountain Challenge in 2012 so I can go here again!


Saturday, September 10, 2011

Noodle Tutorial and New Japanese Favorites

It's time for a noodle tutorial. Salads, soups, and stir fry's...
Available at your local Whole Foods! 0 calories, shelf stable until opened, clear, noodl-y, a bit crunchy raw, soft when heated. Nutrients and fiber... (Ingredients=Kelp)
Rinse before use
Shirataki Noodles! Also mostly fiber, made of Mountain Yams (turned into a flour first). Not the sweet kind, more like a daikon or turnip and turned into noodles! More likely only at your Asian grocer, possibly just labeled yam noodles.
I like buying them in these little packages, and then untying the little bundles after rinsing... Soft and noodly from the start! (Ingredients=Yam Flour)
First in a salad, both kinds mixed with some fresh veggies
Tossed with delicious Ginger-Yuzu (Citron juice)-Garlic Dressing
And some Steamed Sesame Squash and Raw Sushi Salmon (Wild BC amazingness of course, couldn't not take a bite before the photo...)
Finally all tossed together with all my other favorite ingredients! They really make me feel like i'm eating wheat noodles/pasta. Quite amazing for the nutrition.
A little break from 'noodles', this is a Gluten Free Seasonal Fruit Bar from the Farmer's Market! Blueberries and Nectarines this time, with crunchy Quinoa Flakes and Apple Juice/Honey Sweetened.
Onto soup!
This 'Miso' was so much more.
It rivaled my favorite Ramen from Izakaya. That's a feat.
Topped with my favorite Kimchee available everywhere in Whistler!
Kale 'Ramen' Miso Soup
This is when they seriously start to act like noodles. Extra tender and full of the broth's flavor. This soup combo is now my go to version for miso!  I consider Enoki mushrooms in here just as good substitutes for noodles as well. 
  • 2 Cups Water to 2T White Miso, 1T Ginger, 1T Garlic
  • 1/2 Bunch Kale
  • 1 Sheet Nori Sushi Seaweed
  • Shirataki and Kelp Noodles
  • Soft Boiled Egg+2 More Boiled Egg Whites
  • Enoki Mushrooms
  • 1 Package Plain Natto and 1 Block Tempeh (tempeh toasted first)
  • Sushi Ginger, Kimchee to top
The flavors in this soup concoction are so good, and the contents bring them even higher. I am especially pleased with using Natto for the first time, it's almost like having slightly bitter not strong chewy miniature coffee beans in your soup! Soft Boiled Eggs and Nori Seaweed for the win of course...
My other new Japanese FAVORITE: Kabocha Squash. Yeah you guys eat your NORMAL fall pumpkins... I'll stick with Japanese. (and wait for Persimmons!)
 (Japanese Pumpkin)! Just slice to desired size, scoop the seeds, pop it in the oven w/ some cinnamon/cayenne/coconut oil if desired (at least do the coconut oil!), and enjoy, skin and all! Slightly less caloric then a sweet potato and more so than butternut squash.  40 min. to an hour at 400º. Dialed.
Remember when I said I was going to enjoy some Wild BC Salmon Burgers with a legit creamy dill dressing? Well I did it!
 Not fully accomplished yet, but the added dill dressing matched the taste of the salmon and the fresh dill in the herb salad mix! All mixed up, can't wait to use some tahini to make a more mixed up (Coconut Milk doesn't mix with oil so well) Creamy Dill Dressing (like Annie's Goddess gone dill...mmmm).

Monday, September 5, 2011

Settling Routines

Pretty much just posting this to show off the quality Salmon! 
I toaster-ovened it with some leftover broccoli and yam, topped with plenty of coconut butter. It tasted bomb with a hint of dill that I wanted more of so I sprinkled some extra on. I cant wait to properly grill the next one with some creamy lemon dill dressing.
Onto the real goods: some more protein pancakes, more off of this recipe this time.
  • Some Coconut Water
  • 1 Scoop Vanilla Whey
  • 1t Vanilla
  • Blueberries
  • 1T Cacao powder
  • 1T Coconut flour
  • Some coconut shredded
  • Some Cacao nibs
  • 1T Chia seeds
  • An Egg white
The Cacao-Coconut Side
I thought I put too much coconut water but they actually puffed up a bit and made nice thin pancakes!
 Chocolate Chip Pancakes gone protein and primal! (grain free)
 So chocolatey and coconut-y with delicious cooked blueberries, with some more fresh and melty coconut butter on top. Win.
These taste so much like traditional choco-blueberry pancakes! Imagine the coconut butter as completely melted and drizzled all over if you'd like (more like frosting instead of a butter replacement upgrade).
Wasn't going to post this but I had to highlight one thing:
1) I'm loving seaweed in salads, it soaks up the dressing and becomes undried and the flavor is delightful. This was some turkey breast, greens, avocado, and sweet potato with some Flax Oil-Bangkok Pesto-Lemon Dressing.
I followed up the seaweed in salads theme with the most packed Asian Salad Bowl ever.
  • Raw Hotate Scallops (for Sushi)
  • Kimchee Liquid, Lemon, Flax Oil, Minced Ginger, Minced Garlic Dressing
  • Greens, Cucumber, Avocado
  • Shirataki Noodles and Sushi Ginger
  • Nori Seaweed
  • Steamed Crookneck Squash w/ Sesame Oil
  • Artichoke Hearts
  • Macadamia Nuts and Sesame Seeds
 The scallops, even plain were insanely good: a bit creamy, not fishy at all, the perfect soft texture.  The dressing had plenty of spice from the kimchee with ginger-lemon-garlic flavors. The seaweed and noodles  made some noodly texture. Then some crunchy macadamias and mushy avocado and tasty squash. It lasted forever and never got old!
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