Seasoned Salmon Steaks

Okay, so I realize I've been doing a lot of recipes on here. But that's kind of what I've been experimenting with lately. We made these yesterday and they were divine! It was absolutely the best salmon I've ever had, and I've had some awesome salmon before. I think that even people who don't like fish would probably like this recipe because it didn't taste that fish-y.

We only had 2 steaks, so I cut the sauce in half and generously applied it. I didn't add the lemon zest or the cayenne pepper (I didn't feel like buying a whole lemon just for the zest, and I just plain forgot about the cayenne pepper). I also basted the steaks with the sauce every time I checked them so they would be well-seasoned. Other than that, I believe I followed the recipe. Hope you like it too!

Ingredients

• 6 salmon steaks (1 inch thick and 6 ounces each)
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel
• Dash cayenne pepper

Directions

• Place salmon on a greased broiler rack. Broil 4-6 in. from the heat for 8-10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine the remaining ingredients. Brush some over some over salmon. Turn and broil 10 minutes longer or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Baste with remaining butter mixture. Yield: 6 servings.

Garlic Lime Chicken

Okay, so I found this recipe in my Taste of Home cookbook (which is pretty much my favorite cookbook, BTW) and decided to try it. And it is DELISH! Seriously. We're having it tomorrow for dinner so I whipped up the marinade tonight. mmm! This is an especially good recipe for days when your schedule is going to be hectic; you can make the marinade the night before (and it's easy peasy) and let the chicken sit overnight and get nice and tasty, then slightly cook it in a skillet and bake it! Oh, and I usually use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of the bone-in ones the recipe calls for. Anywho, here's the recipe:

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh oregano or 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried coriander
• 2 teaspoons pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 8 bone-in chicken breast halves (8 ounces each)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Directions

• In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the lime juice, vinegar, garlic and seasonings; add chicken. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
• Discard marinade. In a skillet, brown chicken on all sides in oil. Transfer to a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 30-35 minutes or until a meat thermometer reaches 170° and juices run clear. Yield: 8 servings.

Green Rider, by Kristen Britain

So I discovered this series a while back, and recently got my own copy of the books and re-read them. Whew, they're awesome! They are definitely action-packed and they draw you in. I love that the characters have a lot of depth and really make you want to root for them. I am definitely waiting with baited breath for when the 4th one comes out (I'm not sure if that's going to be the last one or not, but #3 definitely leaves you hanging).

This story is about a girl, Karigan G'ladheon, who runs away from school and stumbles upon a messenger who has been shot in the back with 2 arrows and is mortally wounded. He begs her to deliver his message to the king. She is pursued by those who don't want that vital message to reach the king because it will spoil their 'evil plans' (mwahahaha) and has many near-death experiences. It definitely keeps you on your toes.

Funeral -- The Arcade Fire

Okay, so I got this CD from a friend's music collection. I don't remember if I got it because the band name sounded interesting or if it was because she recommended it. Either way, it's taken me a while to get around to listening to them. I'm not exactly sure who to compare them to, but they are definitely indie rock. I really really like them, though. One of my favorite songs on this album is "Crown of Love." It's got rhythmic chords (sometimes broken) in the background, along with a steady, simple drum beat. I just like the contrast between the fairly fast chords, the drum beats on 2 + 4, and the really slow, aching melody. It's awesome.

Radiohead & The Strokes

I have recently decided that I really like Radiohead. I think my favorite songs are "Creep" (the clean version), and "High and Dry". They're somewhat similar to U2 and R.E.M. Their songs are somewhat mellow and have some soulful lyrics.

I have also decided that I like The Strokes. I don't think I've heard a song by them that I don't like.

Sorry this is so vague, but you should definitely check them out via Pandora or something. They rock! =)

Cranberry Orange Bread

So I made this tonight, and it was really yummy. And I thought that maybe someone else might want to try it! Hence, this recipe! (Although I made it without the walnuts, since I can't have any, lol)

INGREDIENTS

* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 cup sugar
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 egg
* 1/2 cup orange juice
* Grated peel of 1 orange
* 2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine
* 2 tablespoons hot water
* 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
* 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients. In another bowl, beat egg. Add orange juice, peel, butter and hot water. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until moistened. Gently fold in cranberries and walnuts. Spoon into greased 9-in. x 5-in. x 3-in. loaf pan. Bake at 325 degrees F for 60 minutes or until toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack.

Good Morning Pie

This is one of my absolute favorite recipes. It's similar to a cobbler. It is ridiculously easy. And let me just say that it is fantastic for breakfast ;) (or whenever, really) Enjoy!

What you'll need:
1/2 c butter
1 c sugar
1 c flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 c skim milk
1 qt canned fruit w/ juice

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter in 9x13 pan. Sift together dry ingredients. Add milk & stir until will blended. Pour over melted butter--do NOT stir. Pour fruit & juice (I like to chop my fruit into smaller pieces, but you don't have to) over flour mixture--again, do not stir. Bake for 1 hour. Serve warm. Makes ~15 servings.