Happy Father’s Day – have some delicious salmon

Hi all,

Happy Father’s Day to all of you who might be celebrating.  We started our celebration last night with an impromptu dinner.  We had a great but overly filling dinner at a great Latin restaurant in Annapolis – Palandar.  Then we took a delightful siesta, and a long walk along the bay.  My daughter with her eagle eyes found this tiny turtle who just emerged from the water.  We finished the day with a quick and nutritous dinner at home, a group effort with my kids, allowing my husband to sit back and relax.  This is one of my go-to recipes, and includes garlic and ginger to add to the health benefits of the omega 3 fats in salmon.  We steamed some green beans and cooked buckwheat pasta while the salmon was cooking, and dressed them with Pecan Praline Balsamic Vinegar from Cleo’s in Annapolis, and dinner was served!

We sometimes don’t stop to appreciate everything that the dads in our lives do or have done for us.  Unfortunately, both my husband and I have lost our dads, so today will be a day of reflection about all they did for us.   Yesterday would have been been my dad’s 90th birthday, although he passed away 20 years ago.  Despite significant economic hardship, he and my mom did everything they could to make sure I made it through medical school with a manageable amount in loans.  He had many health problems, starting at a very young age, but still made sure he provided for us.  He used to love to watch cartoons, and I can still hear his hearty laughter even today.  Fortunately, we have a very important dad to honor in our house – my husband!  He has done everything he can for his family, over these last 24 years of being a dad.  Despite the teasing he endures for giving advice freely, we know he always has our backs.  Thank you, Jerry!

I hope all of you have time to reflect today on dads, on life, on what makes you feel happy and healthy.  Take a walk, call someone who has made a difference in your life. 

Here’s my quick salmon recipe:

Maple Teriyaki Salmon

This is a great quick marinade that is good served warm when first prepared, but even better served cold the next day.

Ingredients:

1 tsp Asian sesame oil
1 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
2 Tbsp maple syrup
1 1/2 tsp finely grated fresh ginger
1 clove garlic minced
1 1/3 pounds salmon

Directions:

1) Combine the marinade ingredients. Put the salmon in a shallow dish, pour the sauce over, turn to coat, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.  Yesterday, I didn’t have time to marinate, but it was still delicious.

2) Bake at 375 for about 20 minutes. Check thickest part to be sure it is cooked thoroughly.

3) Put the remaining marinade in a small pot and boil for 1 minute until slightly thickened. Pour over the fish or serve as a dipping sauce.