Cucumber Salad

Typically I would have Persian cucumbers in a pita with goat cheese and olive oil for lunch. I decided to mix things up and create a salad with them instead this time.

You will need:

2 Persian Cucumbers, thinly sliced.
Green Onions
Cilantro
Ginger
A Hatch Chile Pepper (optional)
Rice Vinegar
Fresh Spinach
Sesame Seeds

Simply chop everything, throw in a bowl with the spinach, and sprinkle with rice vinegar and sesame seeds. Really fast, and really delicious!

Sweet Potato Burrito

This is a great alternative to a bean burrito, and really simple to make. It is a great weeknight meal.

Sweet Potato (chopped and cooked)
Chopped Garlic
Chopped Onion
Flour Tortilla
Fresh Cilantro

For the Sauce:
I used a creamy avocado sauce and added lemon juice and fresh cilantro to it.



Once the sweet potatoes softened (by boiling or microwave) put them in a pan with the garlic, a little bit of onion (save most of it for the topping), and some cilantro.

Heat a tortilla and then fill with the sweet potato filling. Then just roll the tortilla and add the sauce and the rest of the onions and cilantro. It's that easy!

 

Homemade Pizza

I recently started making my own pizzas at home. I decided I no longer wanted to eat unhealthy delivery pizza. I use fresh ingredients that I have at the house. I always have tons of extra dough so I freeze it in individual balls that can be taken out for dinners later in the week. Just defrost, roll out, add toppings, and cook! It is such a simple meal, it's healthy, and tastes amazing. I will post my pizza crust recipe soon, however this will work with any homemade crust.

Preheat the oven to 425 (with a Pizza Stone in the oven)
Divide the dough into smaller portions (about 6-8 for personal sized pizzas)
Flour the rolling surface (I always make them on a Pizza Paddle ; and roll dough into desired size.
I either create my own pesto or simply spread olive oil over the dough instead of using pizza sauce.
Add the toppings of your choice. On this one I added chopped garlic, red onion, basil, spinach, red   bell pepper, fresh mozzarella, and a small amount of ricotta cheese.
Once the pizza is ready slide it onto the Pizza Stone
Cook for about 6-8 minutes.
If making more than 1 repeat the process. (Only cook 1 at a time)




These are great for picky eaters (like kids), since everyone can add their own toppings. It also promotes healthy eating habits for children and lets them make their own food and discuss the different toppings.

 

Citrus Halibut

     This is a quick and easy way to prepare fish. I received the recipe on a flyer in the mail. I was so excited I had to try it. The citrus and cilantro compliment the fish, and there was no "fishy" taste. I marinated the fish, which wasn't called for, but I feel it gave it some extra flavor. For some reason the navel oranges I bought looked like grapefruit inside (which was kind of cool), but yes these are navel oranges.

This recipe is for 2 people.

2 Halibut filets (Tilapia would work as well).
Season with salt and pepper

Marinate filets for about 20-30 minutes in:
1/4 c. soy sauce
2 tbsp. ginger
1 clove garlic

Meanwhile begin preparing the topping:
2 navel oranges sliced and then cubed
1/4 a red onion chopped
About 1/4 to 1/2 cup of cilantro (depending on how much you like it)
1 clove of garlic
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1/8 tsp ground chipotle pepper (optional)
Combine all ingredients in a bowl

I cooked the fish in foil on the grill for 5-6 minutes. You could also cook it in a oiled skillet on medium-high for about 2-3 minutes per side. Once the fish is browned plate it and pour the topping over the fish. Serve immediately.