Herb Gardens.

These pics were taken only days after planting. I will upload more pics next week and let you see the progress.

Most home cooks waste a ton of money buying herbs in the local store, using less than half and letting the rest wilt and dry out in the refrigerator. For a small investment, you can set up your own organic herbs gardens. And the savings will be instant plus the added joy of using your own home grown organic herbs.

You don't need to go as elaborate as we did here. However, my cooks and I are getting a great yield out of these two raised gardens. We planted French Tarragon, Greek Oregano, Italian Parsley, Spicy Oregano, Thai Basil, Lemon Thyme, Chives, Cilantro, English Thyme, Curley Parsley, Marjoran, Mint & Rosemary.

Easy to maintain and easy to set up. Next week I will upload pictures of a more simple potted herb garden I established at home.

That's all for now, Happy cooking.

Copper River Salmon.

I love the call I get from my fish guy over at Santa Monica Seafood each May. "Copper River Salmon is here". And I usually order at least 30lb's right off the bat.

I have been having great fun creating some wonderful dishes with the salmon and will create an old classic later this week. Poached Copper River Salmon with a classic sorrel sauce. The richness of the salmon is balanced beautifully with the soft buttery bitterness of the baby sorrel.

(I will include some pics & recipes later)

What is all this fuss I hear you say.

Well, for one thing. The Copper River Salmon season is a short one, three or four weeks in May & June for the fresh salmon. The Copper River flows through the state of Alaska. Almost 300 miles in length, this rushing river empties into Prince William Sound at Cordova. Salmon that originate in these pristine waters are challenged by its length and its strong, chill rapids. Copper River salmon are strong & robust with a healthy store of natural oils and body fat. These qualities make the salmon among the richest, tastiest fish in the world. And it is loaded with Omega-3 oils. Those good one's we are told to look out for which are good for the heart.

And speaking of the heart. That is not the only part of your body that benefits from salmon consumption: studies have found that fish oil can help combat such ailments as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, breast cancer and migraines.

And speaking of Sorrel, I recently started a raised herb garden. And included sorrel in the garden, can't wait to use it.

Later my fellow cooks.

Mark.

Healthy and Delicious

These organic beans are simply steamed and tossed with mint, garlic & lemon zest.

The cucumbers below are marinated with chili's & low sodium soy. Best to marinate at day or two before serving.

Healthy Potato Salad for Memorial Day or 4^TH of July

Having a Memorial Day or 4^th of July BBQ? How about a sweet potato salad? And it is not only healthy, but easy to make. Serve with grilled chicken, meat, or fish.

Yogurt and red-wine vinegar make a smooth and tasty dressing for this dish. Tarragon or Fresh Rosemary can be added instead of basil for a twist. Sweet potatoes are available year-round, and this dish works well served warm in winter months.

Drain the potatoes and don’t rinse them after cooking them but before adding the dressing.

1.5 LB’s 
Sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1" cubes.

1/3 cup nonfat or low-fat plain yogurt.


1 small red bell pepper, diced.


2 scallions, thinly sliced.


3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or other herb of choice.

1 teaspoon red wine vinegar

1/4 teaspoon salt


1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Place sweet potato chunks in a medium saucepan and add cold water to cover. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, 8 to 10 minutes, drain.

In a large bowl, combine sweet potatoes, yogurt, bell pepper, scallions, basil, vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Only 120 calories per cup size portion, 27 g carbohydrate


Entrance to the Mound of Hostages, "Hill of Tara".

This is the entrance to the "Mound of Hostages" which is the main ceremonial burial ground on the Hill of Tara. Notice the entrance stone on the left. The carvings and symbols tells of the importance of the "Mound". This stone dates back 3000 years and the carvings pre-date the pyramids of Giza.

Tara

Each of these sloping hills are about 15 or 20 feet high. On top was a wood and stone fort. These sloping hills have been here for over 3000 years. The center stone is a fertility stone. Numerous fertility stones can be found around Ireland.

Imagine these sloping hills were made over 3000 years ago with out the help of a "Caterpiller" digger. An amazingly peaceful place.
Below is the "Mound of Hostages". Below this mound the cremated remains of over 200 members of the ancient Irish royal family lay.

Hill of Tara

This ancient church dates back 300 years. It is now a cultural center and the path leads to the "Hill of Tara". Which dates back over 3000 years. (Yes, three thousand). The Hill of Tara is the ancient Hill of Irish Chieftain's and Queens. It was is a place of great importance in Irish History. The British actually tired to demolish it in the 17 & 18 hundreds. Thanks to local farmers and rebels it is still here.

Notice the entrance to the Church grounds. This narrow cut-out in the wall is to stop sheep, goats and cows from entering the Churchyard. Just look how green the moss on the tree is. Amazing.