How simple would life be if we focused on being more positive, humble, thankful and giving? I know what you are thinking- what about the reality of life? bills, problems, conflict? well let me just say the following: There will ALWAYS be someone somewhere who is doing a lot worst!...ALWAYS! So take a deep breath and join me by making little changes in your life. I guarantee, it won't disappoint.
What better way to enjoy the typical rainy/sunny bipolar Miami summer than to experiment with some Mexican food? A few years ago a dear friend gave me a book from Bobby Flay based on the food he serves at MESA Grill in Las Vegas. She very carefully left me notes on all the dishes they tried so that perhaps someday I would have the courage to make them. While I did not particularly make the ones she highlighted, I did make a few of the dishes from this amazing book and let me tell you, with a few adjustments made to cater to those who had them...every single thing came out delicious.
For you first timers, follow the recipe! Once you feel comfortable then make your changes and get creative.
Red Chile Honey Glazed Salmon
What you need:
4 (8 Oz) salmon fillets
1/3 C honey
1 Tbsp ancho chile powder (find this at whole foods)
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
kosher salt and pepper
How to make:
Whisk the honey, powder and mustard, add salt and pepper to taste.
Season salmon with salt and pepper. Grill or cook salmon for 3 minutes on one side. Brush the top with the glaze and flip to cook the other side until a golden crust has formed another 3 minutes (be careful not to overcook it). As soon as you take it off the heat, add a little extra glaze.
**Don't like it too spicy? skip the ancho and use either 1/2 tbsp. of Dijon or 1 tbsp. of regular mustard.
Yellow Corn Pancakes
What you need:
1/2 C yellow cornmeal
1/2 C apf (all purpose flour)
1 Tsp baking powder
2 Tbsp honey
1 egg, beaten
1/2 C + 2 Tbsp whole milk
1 Tbsp unsalted butter melted
Nonstick cooking spray
How to Make:
In a bowl combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt and honey. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk and butter. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ones and mix until combined. In a large nonstick sautee pan over high heat, spray with nonstick cooking spray. Drop batter by spoonfuls to make 3 inch mini pancakes. Cook until light brown 1-2 mins on each side. Work quick so they do not burn. This makes about 12.
**Lactose intolerant? use lactose free milk, works just as good as whole milk. Like more texture? use medium grind cornmeal.
Street Corn
What you need:
4 ears of corn husks removed
Butter
1/2 C Mayo
1 Tsp Chili powder
1 Tsp Garlic salt
Black pepper
1 Lime
Foil
How to make:
Rub butter on corn (do not oversaturate) and carefully wrap with foil. Place on baking tray and roast in oven at 450 degrees 20-25 minutes. When done, turn off the oven but leave the corn inside while you prepare the sauce.
Mix mayo, chili powder, garlic salt and black pepper. Using a grater, obtain the zest of the lime (about 1 tsp), and add it to the sauce along with the juice (1 tbsp or more if you like).
Take the corn out and carefully unwrap it, slather the sauce over...and allow it to melt. Serve with extra on the side.
**Go easy on the garlic salt, taste as you add to adjust.
~Enjoy!!
