A Good Use For Mayo

Happy Friday, everyone! This morning, I woke up to this:

Shortly afterward, this happened:

How did I get such a pushy puppy?

I had only one class today, so I had plenty of time to catch up on my to-do list. I had a long walk back to the parking lot from class.

While Peter was working on his knife handle, I had the privilege of getting acquainted with some delicious food! On the menu tonight was Garlicky Ginger Baked Salmon with Almond Raisin Swiss Chard.

Garlicky Ginger Baked Salmon

Ingredients:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tbsp minced ginger
1 tbsp olive oil
S+P

Mix all ingredients and smother on your favorite salmon (this one was wild coho salmon). Bake for about 15 minutes per inch of thickness, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Has anyone tried that trick where you peel ginger with a spoon?? I just tried it for the first time tonight and it worked like a charm!

Almond Raisin Swiss Chard

Ingredients:
1 bunch Swiss chard (rainbow chard looks best), chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 onion, chopped
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp sugar or sweetener of choice
1 tbsp vinegar (I used red wine vinegar, but any kind will do)
1-1/2 cups broth
1/4 cup raisins (dried cranberries would be great, too)
1/4 cup sliced almonds

Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until soft.

Add mustard, sugar, vinegar, and broth.

Bring to a boil, then add Swiss chard. Reduce heat, cover, and let steam for a few minutes, until wilted. Add raisins and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until raisins are soft.

Sprinkle with almonds and enjoy!

As I was finishing the chard, Peter came upstairs and showed me his finished knife. Behold this beauty:

Yes, he made the handle. 🙂 I’m waiting for him to work on my machete next.

We also had roasted Japanese sweet potatoes with dinner (unpictured).  This meal is a perfect example of how I like to plan all my meals: I know I want to include a fiber-rich starch (sweet potato), lean protein (salmon), healthy fats (salmon and olive oil), and as much nonstarchy vegetable as I want (Swiss chard).  When I think of meals in terms of fulfilling these categories, I find that it’s much easier to plan meals quickly.  And, I make sure I get a balanced meal in the process.

Filling and fabulous. 🙂