Say "I Love You!" With a Heart-Healthy Meal

If the only thing you normally make for Valentine’s Day is reservations, then this is the year to try something new. Times being what they are, flowers and dinner out might strain the budget. But a memorable dinner at home doesn’t have to. Columnist Harriet van Horne once said, “Cooking is like love – it should be entered into with abandon or not at all.” It’s true. This year make a restaurant quality meal that’s as visually appealing as it is healthy for you. Cooking for your family on special occasions is not only an act of love, but it’s the stuff memories are made of as well. So, this year – make a memory. Make dinner.

The entrée is Salmon with Maple-Soy Glaze which can be prepared in under 20 minutes start to finish. I like to serve this with wilted garlic spinach, which is also a really quick and healthy side dish.

Salmon with Maple-Soy Glaze

1 full salmon fillet
4 T. pure maple syrup
2 t. soy sauce
½ t. lime juice
¼ t. liquid smoke

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place fillet in 9x13 baking dish, coated with non-stick cooking spray. Mix maple syrup, soy sauce, lime juice & liquid smoke. Brush onto the top of salmon fillet evenly. Sprinkle fillet with a little sea salt & cracked pepper. Bake 12 minutes or until fish flakes easily with fork.

Wilted Garlic Spinach

2 cloves garlic, sliced
1 bag spinach, pre-washed
Olive oil

In medium non-stick skillet heat oil over medium high heat. While it’s heating, slice garlic cloves. Drizzle olive oil into skillet, about 1 tablespoon. Cook garlic, stirring occasionally, until nearly crisp. Remove garlic from pan at this point and put the entire bag of spinach into seasoned oil and lower heat to medium. Continue stirring spinach until all leaves are wilted, which shouldn’t take long – less than 5 minutes.

Serve alongside salmon fillet.

Simple. Satisfying. Savory ~ and served with love.