Diet

Green Payaya Salad - Som Tum

Perhaps one of my Favorite Thai dishes, Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad) is served cold and is the perfect summer treat. It is healthy and refreshing and can be served as an appetizer or as a main dish.  (thanks gladys for the recipe)

ThaiTable.com is a great site filled with delicious Thai recipes you can make at home.  If you have trouble finding the exotic ingredients, try EthnicGrocer.com, they will ship from anywhere in the world to anywhere in the world.

What's for Dinner

Stephen Smith's website, What's for Dinner has quickly become my favorite this summer -- His recipes are delicious and his presentation makes your mouth water.  Bookmark this site, he updates it daily, and you are sure to find many sumptuous delights.

Summer Bruschetta

4 large (vine ripened) tomatoes, diced 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil 1/4 cup freshly shredded Romano cheese, 2 cloves garlic- finely chopped, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt (to taste), 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper(to taste) Finely dices fresh oregano (to taste), 1 loaf French bread - toasted and sliced

In a large bowl, mix together the tomatoes, basil, Romano cheese, and garlic. Mix in the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, kosher salt, pepper, and oregano. Spoon onto toasted french bread slices and serve as a delicious summertime snack with a chilled glass of chardonnay.

Picky Little Eaters

My friends are always complaining about how picky their kids are when it comes to meal time.  I came across this site and thought it might be helpful when it comes to preparing meals that are healthy and that your kids will enjoy.

Summer Japanese Citrus Salmon and Asparagus

half fillet of salmon (a few pounds) or 4 salmon steaks 3/4 of an inch thick
(optional) 1/4 cup of Saki or rice wine

one lime
one lemon

1/4 cup - extra virgin olive oil
fresh dill sprigs (about 10 - 20)
2 tablespoons of light soy sauce

20 stalks of asparagus

Mix juice of 1/2 lemon, 1/2 lime into the olive oil, soy and Saki.  Place salmon skin side down on a large piece of foil on top of grill heated to a medium heat.  Brush with flavored marinade.  Lay dill sprigs on top of salmon.  Slice remainder of lemon and lime and lay on top of the dill.  Close lid to the grill and let cook for 20 minutes. 

Cut the base of each asparagus, and shave the skin of the remaining stalk.  Use the same marinade to brush onto stalks.  Cook on grill with salmon (on foil) for 20 minutes with the salmon.

This promises to be a delicious summer dinner, light and easy to prepare.  This fast meal is a good for the soul and healthy for the body.