Saturday, April 4, 2009

Decorate and Rejuvenate~Grilled Salmon~Carrot Slaw!!

Bring spring into the house!
The good news: spring happens all by itself. The snow melts, the first flowers begin to poke their noses out, and the buds appear on the trees, all courtesy of Mother Nature. The bad news: Mother Nature isn't much help with decorating your house. You may still have a wreath on your door; loose strands of tinsel spread out in the living room, or some other remnant from a gone-by winter holiday. You may also still be using winter tablecloths, bedspreads, or other suddenly inappropriate items of home décor. The result is a house that doesn't really reflect the excitement of the new season or the spirit of renewal we all feel when the weather starts to warm. But rest easy. These quick tips will have your house in step with spring in no time.
Spring is about colors
Remember those autumn or winter bedspreads and tablecloths? They're probably in the muted colors of fall or the cool colors of winter. Turning the corner into spring can be as simple as replacing them with the warm, bright colors of spring. Consider switching your duvet covers, bedspreads, and bathroom towels to get a quick infusion of spring color. You could also try creating a centerpiece using colorful glass balls you can get at a craft store, or keep it even simpler by stacking an assortment of lemons, limes, and oranges in a glass bowl. Add a few artistic pieces of fern or leaf stems from the garden for a finishing touch.
Say it with flowers
Nothing says spring like flowers, and spring is when some of the most beautiful flowers become readily available. Daffodils and tulips are both iconic spring flowers, and using them doesn't need to be complicated. Place a simple vase of cut flowers on a dresser, bookcase, or table, and voila-instant spring.
Clean it up
They don't call it spring cleaning for nothing. Wintertime means closed windows, and even the neatest house can start to smell musty and stale by March. On the first warm day (or even just the first day that's not freezing), throw open those windows and get to work. You don't need to do a comprehensive clean; even a quick sweep through to knock down the cobwebs and wipe down the windows will leave things feeling fresh and new. And while you're hard at work, that fresh air will do your house a world of good. There's nothing like an hour or two of good old fresh air to bring new life to a house. (Maybe Mother Nature can help out after all.)
Spring is all about renewal, change, and growth. A few simple alterations to your home decorating, and you'll be in step in no time.

GRILLED SALMON WITH CHINESE BARBEQUE SAUCE:

Serves 4
Ingredients
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 tablespoon minced garl1c
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1 tablespoon minced green onion
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup hoisin sauce
3/4 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoon sesame oil
4 (8-ounce) salmon steaks, 1-inch thick
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Vegetable oil, for brushing
3 cups baby spinach
Directions
Heat a medium size saucepan, over medium heat.
Add canola oil and saute garlic, ginger, and green onion until fragrant and tender. Add the red pepper flakes. Mix the remaining ingredients in a separate bowl and add to the saucepan. Bring to a low simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
Lightly season the salmon steaks with salt and pepper. Oil the grill with vegetable oil. Place the fish down for 4 to 5 minutes. Flip the fish over and brush with the barbecue sauce, continue cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes, until opaque throughout. Divide the baby spinach among 4 plates. Place the salmon steaks on top of the beds of spinach while still very hot. This will make the spinach wilt.

CARROT SLAW:

Serves 4
Ingredients
Vinaigrette:
6 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Slaw:
4 cups shredded carrots
1 tablespoon celery seeds
1/4 cup chopped fennel fronds
1/4 cup currants
1/4 cup slivered almonds
For the vinaigrette:
Add all ingredients to a small bowl and combine well.
For the slaw:
Directions
In a medium bowl, mix together all the slaw ingredients. Add the vinaigrette and toss until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve

1 comment:

The Charm House said...

Ok Sue... I don't check in for a day or two and I am sooo BEHIND on trying to do your IDEAS!!! YOU ARE THE BEST!
Grandma is hanging in there, playing Bingo at the nursing home and trying to behave. Thanks for all the prayers!!
I am due for my monthly treatment Monday, so I will be very behind for a couple of days with your blog. :(
I will miss it!
Take care and Hugs for you!!
Yvette