Breakfast and Brunch

© Chef LaLa

Smoked salmon

is typically a fillet that has been cured and then hot or cold smoked.  Due to its moderately high price, smoked salmon is considered a delicacy.  Since salmon is a large and fatty fish, it’s an excellent fish for smoking, which gives it a very distinct, smoky flavor and light texture.  There are two ways to prepare smoked salmon, either cold-smoked or hot-smoked, which are very different.  Cold-smoked salmon is usually frozen first to kill parasites and is not cooked, but salt cured, usually in a flavored brine, then air-dried in a cool place to allow the smoke to penetrate.  It’s then smoked at a very low heat to lend a smoky flavor and a silken texture best for salads, appetizers, on bagels and other cold preparations.  Hot-smoked salmon can be served hot or cold because it’s actually slow-cooked and is best in such things as eggs, pastas, and potato dishes.  The process of hot smoking salmon is similar to cold-smoked, cured or not, but it is slowly cooked in a smoker, making it similar to cooked fresh salmon.   

© Chef LaLa

Summer is just around the corner and summer fruits are beginning to arrive in your local supermarkets, specialty markets and farmer’s markets.  Experts recommend consuming 5 servings* a day of fruits and vegetables to help reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer. Summer fruits are bright, smell sweet and come from exotic places, regional farms, and even your own backyard.  They are not only good, they’re good for you - providing nutrients such as vitamins A, C, E, beta-carotene, magnesium, potassium, antioxidants, fiber and other nutrients as well as great hydration from fresh fruits to keep you looking and feeling your best.  Try one or more of the following today:

Be sure to pick unblemished fruits that show no signs of mold, bug infestation or are overly squishy.  If you are uncertain how to choose fruits that are ready to be eaten, ask the produce manager or local farmer you are buying from – they will be glad to help you and will often offer you a sample to try.

For fun, healthy treats for the whole family, try:

·         Adding sliced citrus fruits like lemon, lime, or orange to your still or bubbly water or making ice cubes from fruit juice rather than reaching for a soda.

·         Try freezing seedless grapes or grabbing a handful of berries for a refreshing snack rather than candy. 

·         Adding sliced berries or a banana to your cereal or waffle for a refreshing summer breakfast.

·         Adding fruits such as mangoes and berries to your salad for a sweet summer flavor.

* One serving of fruit is equivalent to ¼ cup dry or one medium sized piece of fresh fruit such as an orange or ¾ of a cup of juice.

6 ounces potato
½ teaspoon canola oil
2 stalks green onions, shredded
5 large eggs, whites only
1 large egg
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper

METHOD

* Wash and boil the potatoes until tender. Peel and cut into medium dice.

* Separate five eggs from the egg whites into a mixing bowl.

* Add one whole egg to egg whites.

* Whip the eggs.

* Add salt and pepper, fold over to combine all ingredients.

* Heat the oil in a small nonstick skillet.

* Add onions, and potatoes to skillet.

* Cook until the potatoes are golden brown.

* Add egg mixture.

* Cook for two minutes .

* Transfer to a preheated oven for 8 minutes at 375˚.

* Cook until egg is set or firm.

* Allow to cool.

* Slice into wedges and serve.

Note: This dish is served at room temperature.

Servings: 2

Nutritional Guide Per serving

Calories 130
Fat (g) 2.6
Saturated .8
Unsaturated 1.8
Protein (g) 8.8
Carbohydrates (g) 12.9
Fiber (g) 1.5
Cholesterol (mg) 10
Sodium (mg) 442

Recipe from the book “Latin Lover Lite” by Chef LaLa available at amazon.com and retailers near you.

Sorry, this entry is only available in Spanish.

Sorry, this entry is only available in Spanish.