Packet Cooking

One of the easiest and healthful ways to cook is to steam.  To add a little dramatic flair try using a parchment paper packet.  It is very easy to do. This is a recipe for Salmon but you could use any fish.


6 oz portion of salmon fillet (take the skin off)
Two tablespoons of Olive Oil
Diced Shallots or Red onion
Splash of white wine or Lemon Juice
Julienne of Orange Pepper
Williams Sonoma Pizza Spice  - 1/2 teaspoon
Parchment Paper sheet

Preheat your oven to 400 F

Take the paper and fold it in half on a baking sheert.  Open it like a book with the seam to your left.  Brush the bottom where the fish will go with some of the olive oil.  Set the salmon on top of that section.  Mix the lemon or white wine with the rest of the olive oil and add the Pizza seasoning.  You can use any dried spice you like.  I used this since it had a lot of seasoning including sun dried tomato flakes, garlic etc.. Fold the paper over the fish. Starting at one end use your fingers and make a sharp fold along the edge in about  half inch sections. The end result should look like a Calzone -  half moon shape. if necessary staple the last section to keep it sealed.

Cook the package for 15 minutes.  Serve the package on a plate and let each person open their package. Careful there is a lot of steam in these! You will be surprised how easy this is. You can use this method with any fish.

BBQ Chicken

Yes it is winter and most grills are on vacation.  But that does not mean that you cannot have the taste and tang of some good Bar-Be-Que. No matter what the weather is like this method will perk up your taste buds.

Use any type of chicken you like. Whether it is a whole bird, or pieces. Season the chicken with DAVIS DUST or any seasoning that you like.  I cook the chicken on the bone with the skin. But if you want to lower the calories then take the skin off.   Place the chicken on baking sheet and roast in 375 degree convection oven or at 400 in a regular oven for 25 - 35 minutes.  During the last 5 minutes, baste with your favorite BBQ sauce.  I turn the chicken over and baste the underside and then turn it over and baste the top.  cook until the sauce is hot and the chicken is done.  Make sure the chicken is at the proper temperature - use an instant read thermometer. Take it out, cover with aluminium foil and let it rest  for 5 - 7 minutes.  While that is resting heat some of the sauce then baste just before you serve.

This is a great way to liven up a rainy or snowy day.  

Quick Healthy Breakfast

I know that many of us are watching our intake right now.  But you should not skip breakfast.  I stumbled on a great healthy breakfast.  I wanted to have some cereal but was out of milk so I used non-fat Greek Yogurt.  WOW what a flavor boost.  I did add some honey but not a lot.  It was very good.  It also was very satisfying and filling.   It does not mater what kind of cereal you use.  Use one you like.  I found that the yogurt with its tangy taste help cut through any sugar that the cereal had.  So give it a try.