Little Bit Of Spring

I really don't mind the snow and cold, really.  What gets me this time of year is the lack of color and sunshine.  Yesterday, a friend that lives in California posted some photos of some beautiful flowers.  The day before, I was looking out the window at my sleeping garden, longing for those first shoots and little narcissus buds to start poking out.  Realizing this isn't going to happen for at least 3 more months, made me really sad.  So, I had to stop at Meijer on the way home last night to pick up some green onions and while in line, I noticed the floral section.  I ended up buying this beautiful bouquet.  Every girl should buy herself flowers.  They brighten up the house and my mood. 

Dinner last night was also very spring-like.  Light and full of layers of flavor that paired very nicely with a Michigan Riesling.  Renee stayed over at the neighbors for dinner, so DH and I had a wonderful dinner alone together.


This is the first time I have ever made Rainbow Trout and it was amazing.

Asian Style Rainbow Trout with Trader Joe's Harvest Grain Blend

Make 2 servings of Harvest Grain Blend following package directions

16 oz of Wild Caught Rainbow Trout fillets
1 tbsp of sugar
4 tbsp of soy sauce
salt and pepper
4 white button mushrooms, sliced
1 bunch of green onions, biased cut (white and about 2 inches of greens)

1 tsp of minced fresh ginger

1/2 cloves of elephant garlic, minced or pressed through garlic press

2 tbsp each of canola oil and sesame oil

1 thin sliced sweet red pepper

1/4 head of napa cabbage shredded

1/4 bag of Mann's Rainbow Salad
2 tbsp of fish sauce

1/4 cup of  Rice Wine Vinegar

1/4 cup of orange juice
1 whole star anise

rub fish on flesh side with 2 tbsp of soy, sugar, and salt and pepper (just a couple of dashes)

heat oils in a large heavy skillet such as a chicken fryer
saute onions, garlic, ginger and mushrooms for about 4 minutes

add veggies, fish sauce, orange juice, rest of soy and rice wine vinegar and stir

place fish flesh side down and throw in star anise

cover and simmer for about 4 minutes and then flip the fish over and cover and simmer for an additional 4 minutes. 

layer grains, veggies and fish.  Enjoy!