Smoked Salmon Zucchini Cups

I admit it, I'm obsessed with zucchini. And why shouldn't I be? It's such an awesome vessel for so many low-carb treats. I've been playing with zucchini cups as a great little appetizer dish. The goal here was a quick, easy and tasty summer appetizer. I say, and so does Michael, a win!

How to Make It

• 1 large zucchini
• 4 oz. goat cheese
• 8 oz. smoked salmon

Slice the zucchini to pieces about 1/3 inch thick. Using a melon baller, carve out a little cup in each zucchini slice. Fill the cup with a teaspoon of goat cheese. Top with a bit of smoked salmon. Simply delicious!

Skewered Caprese

Need to bring a party appetizer but don't have a lot of time for complicated cooking? This skewered version of a Caprese salad is always a party hit and it's so easy. Build them by simply skewering cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and little fresh mozzarella balls. Serve with a side of balsamic vinegar or sprinkle a little over the top just before serving. 

Crispy Chicken

This recipe was inspired by the Crispy Sonoma Chicken Breast at Bistro Aix, our favorite local restaurant. It was delicious!

How To Make It

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Boneless chicken breast, with skin still on
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt & pepper

Heat butter and oil in an oven safe skillet. Season top side of chicken with half the oregano, garlic powder and salt & pepper. Carefully place chicken top side down into the heated oil. Again, carefully, season the bottom side of the chicken. Let it cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Turn it over and place the pan into a preheated oven at 350 (f). Bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven and return to stove top.

I used the pan juice and added a little heavy cream and mustard to make a sauce. Tossed with some roasted asparagus and mushrooms and placed the chicken atop. There you go!

Homemade Turkey Vegetable Soup

Turkey. It's not just for the holidays! Turkey is a great option for affordable dishes that can span multiple meals. This batch of soup is great for dinner and provides me with lunch for another one or two days! Delicious, nutritious and affordable!

How to Make It:

I'll get a nice sized turkey breast and roast it for sliced turkey breast served with gravy one night, and the next night I'll use what's remaining for a home-made turkey soup. Put the turkey breast carcass into a stock pot. Cover with water and seasonings of your choice. Set at a low boil for 90 minutes or so. Strain the broth and return it to the pan. Toss in the vegetables you'd like (here, I used carrots, mushrooms, spinach celery and onion). Salt (generously) and add freshly ground pepper. 

Broiled Salmon with Zucchini Pasta

Spiralizing zucchini is one of my new favorite things. It's such a healthy, low-carb yet delicious option for a side dish or even main course.

Spiralize the zucchini. Then mix it with some salt and set it aside in a bowl. This will extract moisture. After 20 minutes or so, rinse to get the salt out and wrap the zucchini in a dish towel gently squeezing to dry. Sauté diced shallots and minced garlic in a little olive oil. Add the zucchini, fresh tomatoes, olives and chopped basil. Season with salt, pepper and fresh lemon juice. Then mix in some pesto. Let the mixture cook through a little (but not too much because the zucchini noodles are kind of gross if they're over cooked) and serve with a little fresh parmesan cheese.

The salmon pictured here is simply rubbed with fresh herbs and a little olive oil then broiled to perfection. This is a super delicious low-carb meal. One of my personal favorites.

Ingredients:

• 2 large zucchini

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 tablespoons diced shallots

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 3 Roma tomatoes chopped into bit sized pieces

• 1/2 cup of pitted Kalamata olives cut in half

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

• Juice from half a lemon

• 1/4 cup pesto

• Salt & Pepper to taste

• Grated parmesan cheese