A Little Spring Time Fun

So, while I've been giving you all fun, healthy but delicious recipes, I thought this week shouldn't be any different! We're going to add a little butter to the mix and a drink that is so delicious and simple to make! Let's get to it!

Brown Butter Citrus Salmon

Ingredients

1.5 pounds fresh salmon fillets, pat dry (I used skin on)
¼ cup honey
salt & pepper
7 tablespoons unsalted butter, chopped
Juice of 1 lime (1 tablespoon)
Juice of 1 lemon (1 tablespoon)
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon honey (optional)
Zest of lemon, lime and orange (optional)
8 flour tortillas, heated in oven until crisp on outside and chewy on the inside (optional)

TOPPINGS

lettuce, shredded
tomatoes, chopped
avocados, diced
sweet corn kernels
red onions, diced
Make an Easy Lemony Blueberry Pie

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Brush salmon fillets generously with honey and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
Place in a foil-lined pan (skin side down). Set aside.
In a light-colored pot, over medium heat, add butter.
Allow butter to melt, stirring often.
When butter has melted continue to stir as the butter begins to foam and bubble slightly.
Keep stirring or swirling the butter constantly as the butter solids begin to turn golden in color and release a fragrant aroma.
*Remove butter from heat immediately and pour into a heatproof bowl. (brown butter can burn fast)
Let cool.
Stir in lime juice, orange juice, lemon juice, garlic powder, honey, salt and pepper into the brown butter.
Pour over salmon fillets.
Bake for 12 minutes. Turn the oven to a low broil and broil for about 2-3 minutes (watch carefully) or until salmon is flaky and tender.
Remove from oven and shred salmon. (add citrus zest if desired)
Place salmon in prepared tortilla shells and top with toppings.
Drizzle on citrus brown butter sauce.
Enjoy!

Let's wash this down with a tasty drink! Feel free to leave the alcohol out if you choose!

Sparkling Strawberry Margarita Punch

Ingredients

16 oz. fresh strawberries, hulls removed (can also use frozen)
1 can frozen limeade concentrate
4 cups water, divided. May need more (can also use sparkling water for a fizzier punch)
2 cups orange juice (without pulp)
4 cups strawberry soda
1½ cups tequila, can use more
½ cup cointreu or triple sec, can use more

Instructions

Process 1 cup of water and strawberries in a food processor until smooth.
Add to a large pitcher.
Stir in frozen limeade.
Add in orange juice, strawberry soda, tequila and cointreau.
Stir in 3 cups of water. (Can use more water if you think it’s too sweet, but remember punch is suppose to be sweet so don’t water it down too much.)

Spring Time Detox!

So, the ancients and the pagans believe Spring to be a new year, instead of January. This is the time where the weather changes and you should be ridding yourself of bad habits...and people. Let's stick with food this time! You know what that means....time for a detox! Below you will find what herbs work best for this!

Cilantro contains phytonutrients, flavonoids and active phenolic compounds. It helps your body get rid of heavy metals by binding to them. Eating a diet rich in cilantro can also have great anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. If you’re one of the thousands of people who can’t stand cilantro, try adding it in small amounts to pesto or smoothies to reap the benefits without being overwhelmed by the flavor.

Green tea is high in flavonoids (antioxidants) and is the best source of catchins. Catechins are a group of antioxidants that stop cell damage and fight disease and are even more powerful than vitamins C and E. Green tea appears to also help lower the risk of certain kinds of cancer and help prevent heart disease. (source)

Cucumbers don’t get as much attention as they should – they are great sources of vitamin C, K, beta-carotene and molybdenum. They are full of phytonutrients that provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits. (source)

Pineapple is one of the best sources of vitamin C around. Just one 8-ounce serving provides 131% daily value of vitamin C. It is also an excellent source of bromelain, an enzyme which aids in digestion, as well as several b vitamins. Pineapple is an excellent source of manganese.

Ginger has long been known to help with digestive troubles, but more recently studies have shown that it also has many anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Ginger contains gingerol which can help reduce the symptoms of arthritis. It also helps with circulation and gives your metabolism a big boost. (source)

Avocados are an excellent source of numerous vitamins and minerals including high amounts of potassium, vitamin E and B vitamins, as well as other antioxidants. It can also help replenish liver cells, making it a great detox food. The high (healthy) fat content makes it a great companion to other foods containing vitamin A, as it helps the body absorb the other vitamin. Adding in some avocado each day will also help add fiber to your diet, which in turn helps with digestion.

Lemon juice is a natural diuretic with great cleansing and detox properties. It’s high in vitamin C, citric acid, magnesiun and calcium, all of which give the immune system a boost. Starting the day with lemon juice will help improve digestion. It works with the liver to cleanse the body and can help balance pH levels and clear the skin. (source)

Raw honey contains phytonutrients with antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help the boost the body’s immune system and fight illness. It also contains trace minerals, enzymes and antioxidants. Pasteurizing can destroy the benefits of honey, so it’s best to consume it in its raw state. (Don’t give to babies under one though. That’s true for raw or pasteurized honey.) Raw honey is a source of the enzyme amylase which helps with digesting carbohydrates properly. (source) Another benefit of honey, particularly local honey, is that it can help combat spring allergies.

What can you do with some of these ingredients? Well...Let's make a smoothie!

1 cup cilantro
1 cup organic baby kale (or another baby green)
1 cup cucumber
1 cup pineapple
juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
½ avocado
1 green apple

Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth. I recommend using frozen fruits so you won't need much ice! Enjoy!

PARTY Time!

So, since we're embarking upon Summer time, I think it's only appropriate that I give you guys some ideas and recipes! Enjoy!

Let's start with Love Potion-great for a girl's night!

Pink Lemonade, Raspberry Sherbet, Sprite, and Vodka. (measurements depend on your crowd)

The BEST Party Punch

The Party Punch

1 can frozen piña colada concentrate, thawed (Bacardi makes a good one)

1 can frozen orange pineapple juice concentrate, thawed

4 liters of diet lemon-lime soda (That’s two 2-liters for the mathematically challenged.)

1 bag of pebble ice (You can buy it at Sonic Drive-In or at most grocery stores in the deli or meat departments.)

1 bag of frozen raspberries

Directions:

Pour the thawed concentrates into your punchbowl and stir.

Use one of the empty cans and fill it with water four times and add it to the mixture. Stir.

Add your diet soda to the mixture. (You can use regular sugar-filled soda if you want, but I think it gets too sweet and you will also feel guilty when you fill your glass for the sixteenth time. Which you WILL.)

Next, add about half your bag of pebble ice.

(NOTE: Please do not insult The Punch by using crappy ice cubes from your freezer. The Punch will hate you forever.)

(ANOTHER NOTE: Please do not screw up the order and add the ice before the soda. You will get an ugly foam at the top of your punch bowl.)

(ONE MORE NOTE: I’m sorry if it seems like I’m micro-managing this recipe. It’s just that I have already suffered bad punch experiences so that you won’t have to. I micro-manage because I care.)

Let’s see….where were we? Oh, yes. We’re ready for the crowning ingredient…

Add your frozen raspberries to the top.

Congratulations! You have just created the Mona Lisa of Punch!

Your punch should be a lovely dark yellow at the bottom of your punch bowl, light lemony yellow in middle, almost white on the top, and then bright magenta on the very, very top! So pretty!

The Best Burger Recipe

Ingredients

Burger

2 lbs ground beef 85/15

sesame seed buns

½ cup of grated Monterrey jack cheese

¼ cup BBQ sauce

season salt to taste

cracked black pepper

onion powder

Secret Sauce

¾ cup of mayo

¼ cup ketchup

¼ cup relish

2 tablespoons worcestershire

seasoned salt

Instructions

Combine the ground beef, grated cheese, bbq sauce, and seasonings. Shape patties that are about 1 inch thick.

Then it is very important to push a ½ inch indent into the center of the patty–this is what prevents the patty from becoming a dome. These burgers stay extra moist because the bbq sauce and cheese are mixed in with the meat.

Wait for the skillet to get super hot and then apply a very thin layer of butter to the pan. Place the patties on the pan, indent side up.

Reduce heat to medium and allow this side of the patty to cook for about 4-6 minutes, but make sure it doesn’t burn. Then flip the burger over and cook until done.

For the sauce: Combine all ingredients and whisk until well mixed. Taste and adjust ingredients to your liking.

Assemble the burgers and serve with avocado, lettuce or your choice of toppings!

Coffee for what?!

So, as we're slowly but surely approaching summer, I thought it'll be perfect to help the ladies out there reading this blog. As women, we are either prepping ourselves for the visits to the beach, or dreading the upcoming visits to the beach. One of the problem areas that most women face is...-drumroll- cellulite! So, here's an all-natural scrub that helps combat cellulite. I know the ingredients sound a little out there, but trust me! I'll include some of the benefits below.

2 Tablespoons Instant Coffee Grounds
2 Cups Sugar
1/2 Cup Coconut Oil (Melt coconut oil before mixing)
1Tablespoon Honey
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
Mason Jar (Optional)

Add all ingredients into medium size mixing bowl, mix together and you're all done! You can use this scrub up to two times a week!

How it works

The caffeine and antioxidants in coffee are moderately effective to mitigate the appearance of cellulite in the short term. As a stimulant, the caffeine in coffee dilates blood vessels, which temporarily tones and tightens tissue. Plus it increases circulation and reduces water retention, both of which may also help smooth the rumpled look of cellulite. The antioxidants in coffee may help to release toxins, which is not only helpful for cellulite, but for healthy skin in general.

Cheddar Bites!

So lately, I've been trying to explore Jacksonville more. What more could I do besides indulge in seafood?! When I think of seafood, I automatically think of cheddar biscuits (RED LOBSTER IS TO BLAME!) Lol. This recipe is courtesy of Divas Can Cook. Let's take a bite out of some cheddar herb muffin bites! 

Cheddar Muffin Bites

 

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, grated

1 cup Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated

½ cup Cracker Barrel Mediterranean Herb cheddar cheese, grated

1½ cups cold buttermilk

Melted butter and parsley flakes, to brush on hot muffins

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 F.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.

Cut in the butter, just until the butter is coated with flour mixture and crumbly.

Stir in the cheeses until coated with flour mixture.

Make a well in the center of the bowl and add buttermilk.

Use a rubber spatula or your hands to gently incorporate the buttermilk into the dry mixture just until moistened.

Batter will be very sticky. Do not over stir.

Grease a mini muffin tin.

Use a mini ice cream scoop to drop the batter into the muffin tin.

Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden.

Remove from oven and brush lightly with melted butter and sprinkle with parsley.

Serve hot.

Three Layers Cafe

Like Desserts? Like Quiet Time? Well, Raeyvin says: Come here!

 

View Three Layers Cafe in a larger map

The Three Layers Cafe is a cute, quiet dessert and pastry cafe. This is definitely your neighborhood spot for mile-high cakes, bistro lunches, wine and local beer. Located in historic Springfield on Walnut Street, Three Layers serves up amazing food in a comfortable setting, both inside and out. Take advantage of the great Florida sunshine and dine in the Zen Garden or inside on one of the overstuffed chairs. And did I mention the Jeff Squares? The must-have, signature dessert is warm, gooey and one-of-a-kind. I almost said ‘NO’ when I asked what was in the Jeff Squares and they mentioned cream cheese with a pecan base but it works! I had three in one sitting! Also, check this place out especially every Monday; they have live music and poetry and the best part about it: IT’S FREE!

So, support a local business! Everyone is sweet and loves new faces! Give them a try!

Peach Cobbler

"Peach Cobbler" by  Mark  is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Peach Cobbler just tastes like home. Warm and comforting. Finish this off with a scoop of ice cream and enjoy! 

Ingredients

Two 15 oz of canned sliced peaches( do not drain!)

2 tablespoons of pure vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger

1 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

1 stick of butter or margarine

1 cup of white sugar

1 box of store bought crust

1/2 cup of water

1/4 cup of all purpose flour

Instructions

Add your flour and water in a small bowl and mix. Then set aside.

Add all of your other ingredients( other than the crust) in a pot and put it over medium heat. Stir

periodically.

When it starts to boil, pour in your water and flour mixture. This helps thicken your cobbler

filling. Remove from heat.

Pick out your desired baking pan, and butter the edges. Pour in your cobbler filling.

Tear apart one of your pie crust and drop the dough throughout the cobbler filling. When done, top your cobbler with the remaining crust.

Preheat your oven on 375, and bake for 35 minutes.

ENJOY!