Bacon Wrapped, Maple Glazed Salmon

This was our Valentines dinner. It was very simple. I always feel like salmon is something that can be elegant no matter how simple the recipe is so this is what I decided to do with it on this occasion.

Marinate your salmon fillets in a mixture of about 1/2 c maple syrup, and a couple tablespoons of each soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Let marinate for at least an hour, up to overnight (reserve marinade). When it's close to time to serve, take a couple pieces of bacon and wrap them lengthwise across the salmon and fold them under. Place the bacon wrapped fillets top side down on a foil lined baking sheet and broil for about 4 minutes, or until the ends of the bacon look crisp, and then turn over cooking for the same amount of time. Pour the glaze into a sauce pan and simmer until thick, only a few minutes. Drizzle maple glaze onto warm salmon. Here it is served with wild rice with white cheddar shavings and steamed green beans, but many sides would go well with this. Roasted potatoes seem like a particularly yummy addition. Maybe next time.

Tuna Casserole

There is actually a funny story about this meal. We had just gotten home from our cruise and wanted something really simple and quick. We were so used to eating rich meals constantly on the cruise so we were pretty hungry. We had hardly anything in the fridge so I was lucky to have the ingredients for anything. I like to think that I could go into anyone's kitchen and no matter how few ingredients they have in the cupboards, I can make a decent meal. This is what I made in a pinch.

It is super simple so I understand if you are not impressed. Here is the recipe

2 cans White Albacore Tuna in water (I know it's more expensive, but it's worth it.)
About 1/2 c sour cream. I didn't really measure.
About 1/2 c low fat Mayo. Same as above. I just added until I liked the texture.
About 1/4 c bread crumbs.
Shredded cheese
Any kind of pasta, cooked. I used the colorful curly ones.
Salt, pepper, Mrs. Dash to taste
Marinated red peppers (optional)

Mix the Tuna, sour cream, cheese, bread crumbs, mayo, salt, pepper, Mrs. Dash, and pasta in a
bowl. Spread into a baking dish and top with marinated peppers, more bread crumbs, and more cheese. Bake at 375 until it is warmed through.

Of course you can really dress this meal up, but again, we didn't have ANY fresh groceries due to all the traveling, so that fact that we ate that night was pretty impressive. The leftovers we good too.

Salmon en croute with caramelizd shallots.

I have to admit, it wasn't my favorite. Probably because I'm not a salmon lover. KC liked it though. I place the raw salmon, along with a spinach, mushroom, onion mixture, I sauteed and mixed with cream cheese on raw pie crust an made a little pocket. Egg wash, poke a vent hole, and bake at 375 for about 20 minutes or something. I can't remember. I just made sure it was nice and golden. I also made a dill, lemon sauce for the top. I thought it needed something. The shallots were making our eyes water all night. Who knew. A little olive oil, salt and pepper and they are perfect. Saute a little on the stove and them put in the oven for a few minutes while the salmon is finishing up. I put a little red wine, but would omit it next time. I like the natural flavor of the caramelization.