My Tiramisu Gelato (ice-cream) Cake

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Sorry for my absence I haven’t had the time to really do anything lately that has to do with my regular routine. I started a new job and moved into a new house; all things that I am extremely excited about but that have taken up huge amounts of my time and energy.
Our days have been filled with trying to do everything while still trying to work a 40-hour week, so yes; my pots and pans are still in boxes and hopefully this weekend we’ll get all the furniture needed and finally settle in.

Our meals have consisted of raw vegetables, salads with or without tuna or mozzarella and of course on some occasions are all time favorite cereal night were you put all sorts of berries in a bowl and/or other fruit, nuts and/or seeds, chia seeds and then my husband has his favorite oats and I have mine all topped off with either milk or greek yogurt with a sprinkle of cinnamon and if I use the yogurt then also honey.
All this to say that I have not had time to cook up any new recipes, but all the while we still make healthy choices each day. I don’t like the fact that even if you don’t have a full on kitchen set up or eat out you can’t make or eat healthy foods. So, I actually always strive to be on point because if you’re stressed and then top that off with unhealthy food you just feel worse.
It’s a lifestyle that you acquire but so beneficial and essential to feeling strong, healthy and energized.

Anyways, if you are anything like me you are already thinking of what you could potentially serve on Easter. I always try to opt for a dessert I can make before hand and then on the day of just focus on the main meal.

This is a simple and really delicious dessert that is refreshing especially after a big meal. It’s one of my favorite desserts with that extra something to it. It’s hassle free and fun to make. It’ll save you so much time but it will also make your guests think that you spent so much time on it and they’ll love every bite they take.

You’ll love this indulgent take on the classic Tiramisu dessert for Easter or also for any day. I made mine a little smaller for my Husband and I but the recipe posted is for a regular sized cake.

Enjoy!

Ingredients:
Serves 12

2 pints of Coffee Gelato

2 Pints of Vanilla Bean Gelato

A small Vanilla Sponge Cake

2 cups Espresso, freshly brewed

1/3 cup Coffee Liquor, (Baileys, Kahlua, Or Illy Liquor)

2 tbsp. Dark Cocoa powder, unsweetened

Chocolate shavings

 

In a small bowl stir together the Espresso and Coffee liquor.

Cut the cake in half horizontally.
In a 9×9 inch baking pan place a layer of the cake on the bottom. With a pastry brush, brush ½ the Espresso and liquor liquid.

Put the Vanilla Bean gelato in a bowl and beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Pour over the cake in the pan and smooth over. Sprinkle evenly 1 tbsp. of the Cocoa powder. Top with the second layer of cake. Brush with remaining Espresso and liquor.

Put the Espresso gelato in a bowl and beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
Pour over the cake and smooth over evenly. Freeze until completely hardened.

Take out of freezer and place in fridge about 30 minutes before serving and sprinkle the remaining tbsp. of cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate shavings.

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1st Cooking Vlog

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I’ve wanted for sometime now to post a video on cooking and health tips but also on how to make some of my favorite recipes.

I’ve taken so long because I don’t know too much about this whole thing and also I don’t want to put up something stupid but I do know that once I start posting videos it’s going to need some upkeep; perhaps not every week, but definitely once or twice a month to start out.

I’m sure there will be room for improvement but I hope that you enjoy the videos and find them helpful yet fun and easy to follow.

Alright, so let’s get to what I decided to post as my first video and why?

I chose Octopus because it’s one of the most popular things to eat in Italy. It’s always served simple yet it’s one of those things that you want to see how it’s cooked before you attempt to do it yourself. It’s not hard but reading how to cook it vs. visualizing it is so different. It simplifies any questions one might have.

I love Octopus. I know what you are thinking and you are right. Had I not grown up in Italy and tasted this and how delicious it is you probably couldn’t get me to try it out now. But, then again my Husband didn’t grow up eating it and he loves it so who knows.

It’s almost the same texture as lobster or shrimp and pretty much similar in taste.

Make sure that your Octopus is cleaned already. Here in Italy that’s the way they are sold most of the time. However, the cleaning is easy you need to cut off the eyes, teeth and remove the ink sack, then rinse really well under the water to remove any sand.

The general rule of thumb in cooking it is approx. 20 minutes per 500gr. (I got 1 kilo so 40 minutes) you want to make sure that the water is boiling before you put your Octopus in and then put on the lid and lower flame to a minimum for the full cooking time.

Some say to salt the water others believe that you shouldn’t and because there are so many mixed feelings I’ve decided that I don’t add salt to mine and only in the end when I’m dressing it. Works out perfectly.

Follow the steps in the video for cooking the Octopus. I’ll list here what you’ll need.

  • Octopus
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Some Fresh Chopped Parsley
  • Juice of ½ a Lemon (optional)
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • Add so boiled Potatoes to complete the dish (optional)

Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownies (Vegan)

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I love love love love peanut butter. So, these were just perfect.

With this weather I’ve been craving some sweet stuff, but as you all know I’m not a sweet tooth so I needed something that was not a traditionally sugary dessert. And I love nuts so this was right up alley.

I made these Vegan because I am really trying to get into the chia seeds that are just a mega Super food and it makes my guilty foods a little less guilty with some healthy benefits. And they really are awesome to use as an egg re-placer. I haven’t noticed that they take any flavor away and actually really taste delicious. It keeps my desserts very moist and hey they really hit the spot. So, far the chia seed experimentation is really working out!

I also used the crunchy peanut butter because I love all things crunchy, all things seriously! I like the feeling of something crunchy in my mouth it makes eating a pleasure. But you use whatever you like, if you want smooth; use that.

Store in the fridge in a tight container. They also taste great cold.
I hope that you enjoy these as much as we did!

Vegan BrowniesIngredients:

2 cups Peanut Butter (crunchy or smooth)

3/4 cup Honey

2 tbsp. ground Chia or Flax + 6 tbsp. Water (make 10min ahead)*

1/2 tsp. Baking Soda

2 tbsp. Cocoa Powder (organic, unsweetened)**

1/2 tsp. Vanilla Extract

1/4 cup Dark Chocolate, chopped***

Preheat oven @ 325.
Prepare a 9×13 pan (I use parchment paper, or you can butter & flour)

In a mixing bowl add the peanut butter, honey mix well. Then add the chia/flax mix, and then incorporate baking soda, cocoa powder and vanilla. Mix all ingredients well.
Pour in pan and sprinkle chopped chocolate on top or mix it in the batter. You see!

Bake for 25 minutes or until edges are browned.
Cool completely and try not to eat all of them in one sitting.

* you can use 2 eggs if you don’t find ground chia or flax seeds
**you can leave out the choco powder and make blondies
*** you can add the choco chips or not I made both versions

Valentine’s Day Recipe: Gluten-Free Coconut Pancakes

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Today I wanted to write about the lovely Valentines Day coming up and give you a healthy recipe that you could make for breakfast.

I think most of us don’t really celebrate Valentines Day anymore or somewhat think that it’s overrated?! I know if you’re single you probably hate this day because you feel like you have no one to celebrate it with.

If you are in a new relationship you are probably stressing or really planning this day out, from what present to give (if any)? where to go? what to write on the card? what chocolate to buy? or no chocolate? what to wear? lingerie? dress? how to make it romantic? etc…

If you are in a long relationship or married for 5 years or more you probably haven’t given this day much thought or maybe just planned to drink a glass of wine and have a nice dinner?!

I agree with a lot of you. I don’t think that you need to wait for this day to show love to someone and I also don’t think that just because it’s Valentines Day you have to go through all this. But I do think that it is a nice excuse to just stop and take time out of your day to really show your partner that you love them!

I know that love in a relationship is a given; but sometimes it’s nice to do a nice gesture of love than to just say “I love you bye, see you tonight after work and oh you decide what you wanna do I’m up for anything.” I look at it as a day that I have to put my Husband above all else. Not that I don’t already everyday, and not like he asks me, but if I can’t try to go out of my way once a year to sit and have a no rush catch-up conversation, coffee on the phone checking FB or Tweeter, see you tonight with our fave show; then I am really missing out on giving love on the day to show Love!

I’m not saying any of the above things aren’t nice, trust me I enjoy doing each and everyone of them and do do them. But sometimes we need to keep love alive. Do one thing different.

  • If you never eat out on Friday night and generally do Saturday’s switch it up and go out Friday night (seeing that that’s Valentines Day).
  • If you don’t have lunch together and usually stay in the office go out with him for lunch that day. Or meet up at a bakery and share a dessert or a coffee.
  • If you don’t have breakfast together because one of you leaves earlier than the other, either wake up earlier and have breakfast with each other or better yet leave him or her a card or note by the coffee machine.
  • Have a card sent to his or her office a couple of days before so that it gets there for Valentines Day.

Do something that is different and sweet and shows that you are not forgetting them and that no matter what life has going on you are always thinking of them. It’s fun, thoughtful and years down the line you’ll be happy you never stopped showing your love.

The reason I am posting this recipe is because it’s a romantic gesture to cook breakfast! Most times you cook breakfast the night before, or just grab something to eat on the way to work or at work. Valentines is all day so why not start it out at breakfast and get your mood on for the rest of the day. This way if he has dinner planned you have breakfast planned. We’ve all done the ‘I’ll cook dinner tonight’ or at least have planned the end of the day. So do something different. It’s not anything fancy but it’s the thought that counts.

And the best part is that these are healthy and light; so don’t worry about the fact that you are going to eat out or have a more indulgent dinner because these are just perfect to keep you full all-day long and to keep you looking sexy in that outfit you have planned.

Happy Valentines Day Mythineaters!!

Ingredients:
Makes about 6 small Pancakes

2 Eggs, whole

2 Egg whites

3 tbsp. Coconut oil

1 1/2 tbsp. Honey

1 tsp. Salt

1 tsp. Cinnamon

1 tsp. Vanilla

3 tbsp. Coconut, Shredded unsweetened

1/2 cup Chia and/or Flax seeds, ground

1/2 tsp. Baking powder

Whisk together eggs, egg whites, coconut oil, honey. Add salt, cinnamon, vanilla, coconut and chia/flax mix well and then fold in baking powder.

Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes.

Heat some coconut oil in a griddle over medium heat. Spoon batter onto griddle and allow to cook until top of pancake starts to get holes and then flip. and cook for another minute.

Serve with whatever topping you like.

P.s. the batter will be a bit more liquid the regular pancake mix. Don’t add anything else even if you are tempted too. They’ll be perfect when they cook.

Variations all tried and tested:

  • Substitute almond flour for the coconut.
  • Replace 2 eggs with a banana
  • Add berries or choco chips to the batter if you want.

 

 

Super Simple Meatless Monday Recipe: Beets & Goat Cheese

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Today we are talking Beets. I know that they don’t look enticing or they might not be fun to cook with or even that great tasting for most people. But let me tell you that this is a fabulous super food and you should try to incorporate it into your diet.

Here is why it’s healthy:
Beets belong to the same family as spinach and chard. It’s a rich purple color, but can also be white or golden. Think of beets as red spinach.

Beetroot is of exceptional nutritional value mainly Vitamin C, Folate & Betaine. All of which are exceptional for the human body. From lowering blood levels & helping with cardiovascuar health, to immune boosting & liver detoxification, as well as cancer fighting benefits and of course high in antioxidants.

You should really try them. You can eat them raw, pickled but mainly they are eaten steamed.

Here is a quick recipe that packs a bunch of flavor and will keep you coming back for more of this little overlooked vegetable.

Ingredients: Serves 2

2 Beets, cooked

2 Caprino (goat) soft cheese sticks*

4 Bibb Lettuce leaves

2 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive oil

Cayenne (optional)

Tumeric (optional)

S&P to taste

Wash your lettuce and place 2 on each plate. Slice your beets and lay them on top of the lettuce.

Slice your cheese and place on top of the beets.

Drizzle 1 tbsp of Extra Virgin Olive oil, sprinkle remaining ingredients and enjoy!

*check how they sell the soft goat cheese in your country here in Italy I find them like this at the grocery store

Beets and goat cheese

 

 

Meatless Monday Radicchio Risotto

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The wonderful Holidays are behind us and we are off to a wonderful 2014.

I don’t know why but I feel like this year is going to be fantastic, it’s an even number and I love the way it’s starting out. I feel positive and happy!

Tomorrow is my Monday because here in Italy it was Epiphany today, “which pretty much means a ton of candy, chocolate and of course another big family meal.”
With that being said I will be doing my Meatless Monday tomorrow and I thought that this Italian recipe was perfect. I love rice and I love veggies so this Risotto is a must in my book!

Let me know what you think and how you like it. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 small head of Radicchio

200 gr. Rice

1 Shallot

3-4 cups Vegetable Broth

1 tbsp. EVOO

Splash white wine

Salt

Parmiggino Reggiano, grated

Wash the radicchio and slice thinly. Get your shallot and slice finely; place in a sauce pan with the EVOO allow to get golden and then add the radicchio and cook until it wilts.

Add your rice and incorporate with all the ingredients, add your splash of white wine mix and allow it to evaporate.
Add your hot vegetable broth to the pan mix and allow to cook for about 20 minutes or desired doness.
Once it’s ready sprinkle some parmiggiano mix well and serve.

My Healthy Coconut Oil Banana Bread

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If you’re anything like myself this is the time of year where you really start enjoying some of the delicious traditional holiday foods.

With that being said you also try not to eat them everyday and try to stay healthier at least 80% of the time, whilst still enjoying the foods you love.

I personally love fresh baked cakes and breads. They truly are my passion; especially as far as eating them goes.The aromas, the softness, the texture, the crust, the edges; I could go on & on but I need to focus on the blog.
So, when I get in one of my baking, eating, wanting of something kinda like a cake, yet not to sweet I always opt for this Banana Bread. It’s delicious!

I don’t care for frosting’s, I actually really dislike them and whenever I see something baked cake wise I always want to get my hands on it before the frosting goes on top.
I grew up in Italy, frosting are really not common and I like it that way. A cake is perfect without all the added calories that frosting brings to it. I like to taste the actual cake not the sugary added part, but then again that’s me and I also am not a huge fan of sweets.

I know the holidays are around the corner and there is gonna be a lot of delicious food and desserts and we are all gonna just enjoy it and indulge in all the things we love some healthy and some not so much. So, I think that this is a perfect Christmas Healthy breakfast, snack or whenever you want addition to add to the roster of things to serve.

It’s gonna give you all the satisfaction a banana bread gives you, except that it’s much lighter and healthier than the traditional version. No one will notice the difference but your body will thank you! Enjoy!

Healthy Banana BreadIngredients:
Makes 1 4×8 loaf pan

2 1/2 ripe Bananas

1 cup Kamut flour

1/2 cup Coconut, shredded & unsweetened

4 tbsp. Coconut oil (melted)

1/3 cup Honey

2 Eggs

1/4 cup Walnuts, chopped

1/2 tsp. Salt

1/2 tsp. Baking Powder

1/2 tsp. Baking Soda

1 tsp. Cinnamon

Coconut chips or walnuts for topping (optional)

Preheat oven @ 350°F (180°C)

Prepare your pan with butter and flour then set aside.

Mix all your dry ingredients in a small bowl & set aside.

In a larger mixing bowl mash your bananas. Add in your coconut oil, honey & eggs. Incorporate all the ingredients.

Slowly start adding in the mixture of dry ingredients and make sure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.

Pour batter in the prepared pan. If you are adding some topping sprinkle on top now.

Bake for 35-50 min. When toothpick inserted comes out clean.
I hope that you enjoy this delicious banana bread.

Merry Christimas From Mythineats
We wish you the warmest, happiest holidays and a wonderful new years. Stay safe and most of all enjoy it. Stop and take in this year and think of all you’ve accomplished.
Much Love, Mythineats family.

Goji Berry Energy Bliss Balls (Raw & Vegan)

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This month for me is one that requires a lot of energy & when my body feels more exhausted.

Don’t get me wrong I do have fun running around doing all the wonderful Christmas things from parties, to cooking, planning and shopping; but I do feel like I run out of energy and my immune system get’s a little spent.
It is also a month where we tend to ingest a little more of the heavier foods causing the body to be just a bit more sluggish and bloated with not the best nutrition especially if you are eating out a lot. Unless you are watching what or how much you are eating you don’t generally realize the difference just a few here and there snack and meals for a whole month can do to the body.

I want something that really nourishes my body, fills me and gives me the energy that I need to workout, cook, attend parties, stay up later, work, shop and all the other housewife chores that still need to be done but that also keep me eating clean and healthy. These bliss balls do just that!

Here are some of ingredients that are in these little magic balls and their extraordinary benefits.

Goji Berry Bliss BallsGoji berries (Lycium barbarum) native to the Himalayan Mountains, Tibet & Mongolia are the most nutritionally dense fruit on Earth.
Amongst fruits they contain all the essential amino acids and also have the highest concentration of protein than any fruit. They are loaded with vitamin C, contain more carotenoids than any other food, have twenty-one trace minerals, and are high in fiber. Boasting 15 times the amount of iron found in spinach, as well as calcium, zinc, selenium and many other important trace minerals, there is no doubt that the humble goji berry is a nutritional powerhouse.

This amazing little super-fruit also contains natural anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal compounds. Their powerful antioxidant properties and polysaccharides help to boost the immune system. It’s no wonder then, that in traditional Chinese medicine they are renowned for increasing strength and longevity.

Gojis are most commonly available in dried form, and make a great snack eaten as is, added to trail mix, muesli or oatmeal. They can also be soaked for a couple of hours in enough water to cover them. Then the soak water can be drained off and makes a delicious drink, or both water and berries added to smoothies.

Flax seeds (also called linseeds) are a rich source of micro-nutrients, dietary fiber, manganese, vitamin B1, and the essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid, also known as ALA or omega-3.

It is not only a source of healthy fat, antioxidants, and fiber; modern research has found evidence to suggest that flax seed can also help lower the risk of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

Cocoa Powder unsweetened is rich in Minerals. Just 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder contains 3 to 9 percent of the recommended daily intake of iron, manganese, magnesium and zinc.

In addition to carrying oxygen, iron helps make red blood cells and is essential for your immune system. Manganese is a component of enzymes that form cartilage and bones, metabolize nutrients and function as antioxidants inside every cell in your body. Magnesium helps produce energy and maintain a normal heart rhythm. Zinc is vital for the production and development of new cells, including immune system cells. Without enough zinc, the number of bacteria-fighting cells goes down and you become more susceptible to illness.

Flavonoids are the plant-based substances responsible for many of cocoa’s health benefits. There are many different types of flavonoids, but cocoa is a good source of two: epicatechin and catechin. The flavonoids in cocoa function as antioxidants that help prevent systemic inflammation. Epicatechin relaxes the muscles in blood vessels, which improves blood flow and helps lower blood pressure, according to research published in the March 2012 issue of the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.”

Speaking of antioxidants did you know according to a study at Cornell university the antioxidant concentration in cocoa is almost twice as strong as red wine, 3x’s stronger than that of green tea & 4x’s stronger than black tea.

These are just a few of the ingredients that are in these Bliss balls. There are many more health benefits for the rest of the ingredients. But I think that I should stop talking and give you the recipe.

This is the 1st time that I’ve attempted to make a raw, vegan dessert. I was kinda worried that they would taste like cardboard or just not be good but to my surprise they turned out delicious and I really enjoyed them as did my husband. I think these would be great to serve as an additional holiday treat, or to eat when you get that mid afternoon or after dinner craving.
They are simple, fast, nutritious and delicious. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
Makes about 24 balls

1 cup Seeds, mixed (pumpkin, flax, sesame, sunflower)*

2 cups Shredded Coconut, Unsweetened

1 cup Goji Berries, soaked at least 4 hrs prior

3 tbsp. Cocoa Powder, unsweetened

1 tbsp. Cinnamon

1/2 tsp. Vanilla Extract

1 tbsp. Raw Honey

Place all ingredients in food processor and pulse until becomes incorporated and thick. Make truffle sized balls and put in fridge for 1 hour or eat them right away.

You can roll the balls in coconut or leave them like that your choice.
Store in fridge for up to 2 weeks in sealed container.

*Use whatever seed you like if you have all use them all or you see what you have or want.

Healthy Thanksgiving Cooking Ideas

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So today is all about Thanksgiving. It’s wonderful to give Thanks always but it’s also nice to have a day that you for sure need to stop and give Thanks for what’s in your life!

Kinda like Valentines you can or do tell your other half that you love them all the time and show gestures of love throughout the year but when that day comes you know you just have one more excuse that you need to do something cute or special for them because it’s the international day where everyone shows love to one another so why not take advantage of this day!

With that being said it does seem that as soon as Thanksgiving comes around the corner, so do all the holiday parties, dinners, Christmas, New Years and so on… (here in Italy we have other Holidays throughout that time), but it does seem like there are endless events to attend and tons of reasons to eat! I love eating but I’m also one of those people that just don’t have the stomach to eat all these heavy dishes, I feel like my body starts rejecting and starts asking me to give it something green, healthy and not too heavy.
Click on these links below for my tips on how to:

I love to indulge, but my indulgences also consist of more simple things like wine, cheese, bread, pie and maybe some baked goods or one of my favorite Panettone.
I don’t like stuffing, casseroles, creamy salad dressings, fried foods, frosting or icing, candy, chocolate (except the occasional 70-80% and generally only on Easter), sweet cocktails, sodas, or any of that stuff. I guess I wasn’t raised with it so my taste buds never acquired a liking to them.

So I guess what I am trying to say is that it might be easier for me to eat too much when it comes to cheeses, wine and that sorta stuff and although not as unhealthy as say maybe fried foods still too much of anything is not good. So, I always incorporate an array of veggie side dishes anytime I cook; especially on events such as these ones coming up this way I fill up on greens vs. pie.

I am glad about the lifestyle that I was raised with because eating and loving food the way I do is easier for me and I am able to stay on track because of the foods that I truly crave are after all not really that bad for me.

I know you’re thinking that this is a load of crap or that I’m strange how can I not crave french fries, or a huge burger with bacon & cheese, or sausage muffin, a chocolate sundae, a blizzard, coke, a bloomin’ onion, deep dish pepperoni pizza, fried chicken and waffles, etc…. well I had a tough time writing those down just because honestly those don’t come to mind when I’m hungry or craving something. I think truly it’s the human body what it’s accustomed to and what really wakes up your taste buds and mine are on a whole other array of foods.

Listen I’m not saying that you are a bad person if you eat these things, but what I am saying is that you have to really watch for these things because they aren’t good for you, they have to be occasional indulgences, especially living in the USA where they are so readily available. If you are a person that craves those things then I have to say that I am absolutely proud of the fact that you manage to live a clean healthy life with these occasional indulgences. You’re awesome! I’m not saying I don’t crave unhealthy stuff c’mon we are all humans and what I crave might not be what you crave.
But I have learned to satisfy my ‘cravings’ generally with one or three bites i.e. Cinnamon Rolls from Cinnabon; oh yes I went there they are delicious but also super high in calories, fat and carbs, I can’t generally finish a whole one on my own and generally take about 2 days to digest it so I know that if I order one I generally will be able to eat 1-2 bites and the rest will have to go I used to be able to finish it but now I can’t I have tried to make simpler yeast-free versions (recipe here) but I still don’t make them all the time because I know that I shouldn’t eat them all the time so I avoid. You see you have to learn to listen to your cravings but also be wise enough to know that you can stop and always go back for more another time. It’s not like you have to eat as much all in one seating. Space these cravings out throughout the year this way you won’t hate them and your body won’t hate you!

This is one of those things that I am thankful for: Being able to live a healthy lifestyle and sharing it with others. So others can learn to be happy about themselves and live a longer, happier, healthier, sexier life!

Now for my healthy cooking ideas.
For Low-fat cooking Ideas Click Here.

If you are having trouble trying to figure out what to make for sides here are some options I posted with a lot of recipes: (click on any of the links below)

Or maybe some healthier dessert options: (click on any of the links below)

And there you have tons of ideas for this lovely Thanksgiving Day. I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving full of love, happiness and most of all Thankfulness.
With Much love from Mythineats! XO

Happy Thanksgiving

Light & Clean Meal: Salmon & Green Beans

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Let’s talk and make something healthy, light and nutritious.

It’s definitely getting colder outside, the heat is on and I don’t know if where you live they are putting up Christmas decorations but they definitely are here in Italy. All the shops, city centers, coffee shops and even the grocery stores are decorated and selling all things Christmas. I do love Christmas but I think that it might just be a bit too early for me to start decorating the house.

I feel like we recently just stopped going to the beach; wait actually I was at the beach the last week of October in my bikini, so yeah we did just end summer. Either summer ended late (which actually it did because it started late) but hold-your-horses I still want fall. I have mentioned this before and I will mention it again….I love Fall. With that being said there are some dishes I find to be perfect for both summer & winter. They are not too light or too heavy they are at that perfect in-between that is perfect year round.

Just like I change out my closets, I change my style in the kitchen. I tend to go for lots of salads, grilled veggies and lean proteins (which mainly consist of chicken and lots and lots of fresh seafood of all sorts), frittata’s, white wine, espresso and lots of raw veggies and homemade parfaits in the summer.

I generally cook lots of soups, roasted vegetables and chicken, fish al cartoccio, slower cooked winter stews such as Chicken Cacciatora, Chicken Adobo, all-vegetable stew, stuffed vegetables, cappuccino’s, red wine and lots of steamed vegetables and healthy baked treats in the winter.

Then of course there are those foods (and there  are quite a few) that I eat year round to name a few: risotto, pasta, pizza, cheese (parmigiano, pecorino & mozzarella my favorite), salads, tuna, fruit, nuts, ice-cream (occasionally but sometimes I crave it more in the winter than the summer), nut butters, and in this case Salmon.

Salmon is wonderful. It tastes fantastic both steamed, baked, grilled, smoked and even as a carpaccio. So it really doesn’t matter what the temp is outside your body will always welcome it.

Full of Omega 3, DHA & EPA Salmon has a whole bunch of amazing benefits for your body, mind and being. It boosts brain function, reduces inflammation, supports cardiovascular health, protects your eyes, increases bone density & strength, and about 3-6oz of Salmon can supply you with a days worth of Vitamin D crucial to maintaining optimal health. Plus many more benefits.
It’s so good for you and can be eaten both summer and winter and you won’t mind!

Your best bet is to consume wild or organically farmed fish to avoid any additional pesticides, fungicides and excessive omega-6 consumption (which leads to inflammation) found in conventionally farmed fish.

Here’s my light, healthy, toxic-free dinner to keep you in good health and shape.

Ingredients:

Serves 2

For the Salmon you’ll need:

  • 2 sheets of Aluminum foil
  • 2 6oz Salmon Filets
  • 1 Lemon
  • Salt & Peppercorns to taste
  • Chili Flakes (optional)

For the Green Beans you’ll need:

  • 3 cups Green Beans, end cut off
  • 2 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp. Lemon juice, fresh squeezed
  • Salt & Pepper to taste

Method:

Preheat your oven @ 350

Place a medium pot half filled of water to boil.

Grab salmon filets and place each on at the center of the aluminum foil sprinkle with salt & peppercorns. Slice your lemon and place 2 slices over each filet. Get your foil and lightly wrap creating sort of a pocket or bag; you don’t want it touching the top of salmon. Make sure no open areas around the filets, place on a baking tray and bake for about 15 minutes.

Your water should be boiling by now so through in your green beans allow to boil until turns bright green about 6 minutes or desired doness. I like mine just a bit crunchy.
Prepare a bowl of cold water with some ice cubes. Drain your green beans and quickly place them in the bowl of cold water. This allows them to stop cooking instantly and preserves the vibrant color of the vegetable. Drain place in a bowl and drizzle the EVOO, Lemon juice, salt and pepper mix thoroughly and set on table.

Your Salmon should be ready remove from oven be careful when you open the pockets as some steam may come out (it burns).
Serve with Green beans and Enjoy!