Halibut Veracruz

I wanted to share this fantastic recipe I tested over the weekend. I pulled it from my most favorite website, The Food Network. This recipe is a compilation of fresh ingredients from the gulf coast of Mexico, thus the name Halibut Veracruz. Seriously folks, this one is a keeper.



How fresh is that?

 Halibut Veracruz

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/guy-fieri/halibut-veracruz-recipe/index.html

This recipe was super easy. I made a couple modifications to the recipe. I grilled the fish rather than baked it in butter. I also used chipotle green olives over the standard spanish green olive. For wine, I cooked with a dry Washington riesling from Gooseridge. Don't be shy when it comes to garnishing this dish. Pile on the cilantro and avocados. Avocados are heart healthy and literally full of nutrients. The California Avocado Association (CAA) believes that California Avocados may be one of nature's highest achievements. I think that speaks for itself.  The CAA also has an informative website that provides avocado preparation, nutrition information and some off the chart heart healthy recipes. I even saw one for baby food.  For more information visit http://www.avocado.org/.


Foodie509 version



Buen Apetito!                                                         

                    

Fresh Basil, Fresh Eats

I know there is nothing out of the ordinary about fresh basil but, last weekend when I was grocery shopping I picked up some live basil. Live basil still has it roots and it is packaged upright in a little water. Once you bring it home you place it in a glass with water and keep it on your kitchen counter. When you’re ready to use it just pluck off what you want. I love that! It makes me feel like its summer in February. I don’t know about you but I absolutely love fresh herbs!



Live Basil



Fresh basil is aromatic and full of flavor. It can be used in a variety of dishes and carries a laundry list of health benefits. Basil is high in vitamin A, K, and iron. Basil is also full of anti-oxidants and is known to have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Basil is most commonly used in Italian, Thai and Vietnamese foods.. One of the simplest ways I use basil is in salads. Mince up a handful and mix it in with your mixed greens. Talk about bringing things up a notch!

Tonight, I took roma tomatoes, cut them in half and placed them on a cookie sheet. I drizzled them with olive oil, balsamic vinegar (buy a decent balsamic, it will make a difference) and season them with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper. I roasted them in the oven at 400° for about 10 minutes. Every oven is a little different so, I would say 375°-400° for 10-15 minutes will do. I like the roma’s tender but firm. My husband on the other hand likes them soft. So, I will leave it up to you for how long you decide to cook them for. Take them out of the oven and sprinkle them with fresh minced basil.

Cooked

Roasting Roma’s does bring an intensity of flavor and sweetness that you would not otherwise get if you were to eat them raw. Cooking them also boosts their health benefits by increasing the amount of lycopene, a potent antioxidant.  Lycopene has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and macular degeneration.

 My husband absolutely loves these roasted tomatoes and tonight he ate seven of them! I have to admit, I ate my fare share as well. Some of the tastiest foods are the easiest to make. It'll take your oven longer to heat up then it will for you to prepare this fresh eat!





Bon Appétit!