New England Summer Roll

10 Wednesday Jul 2013

Posted by Sarah Lasry in Dairy, dinner, Fish, General Rants & Thoughts, Whats for Dinner Tonight?

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Best Kosher Fish Sandwich, Mock Lobster Roll, What to make with Tilapia & Cod

it’s only the 2nd week of July

and already for some odd reason

I have this weird panicky feeling … the summer is flying by.

before I know it, the holidays will be here & the school year will start again!

AHHH…please just slow down…

I think this past winter really did a number on me

and I am subconsciously grasping on to the warmth and light..

fearful…it may leave before I am ready

to face the cooler season.

I have a bucket list of sorts that I really would like to check off this summer

things for me and Tunie B. to experience..

things for myself to accomplish…

moments that will hopefully…

give both of us warm happy memories

to conjure up at will

anytime we might be shivering from the cold moments of our lives….

The other day I was watching my Tunie B.

my 3 3/4 year old if you please…

and I felt this fluttery feeling in the pit of my heart

My baby is not a baby any more

she is a real live person..

I am responsible for this person…entirely…

I feel old and too young to deal with this..if you can understand that?

and it scares me…it actually terrifies me..

what and who she will become…

I don’t want her making the same mistakes I did…but I don’t want to smother her.

..she has opinions on everything…

she has ideas, she has fears, she has loves & hates,

she has SO MUCH to teach me

and I her…

it’s about now I wish I had the super power to stop time

so I can catch up, get all my chips in place, organize

accomplish, most of all enjoy her to the fullest in the moment that is now…

the list never ends of what I want for her childhood…

but I am truly overwhelmed…

this single mom thing…not so easy to handle

anyone else feeling this way?

I guess there is real truth to the saying…

one day at a time.

I just wish the summer was a little longer this year…

New England Summer Roll

If summer had a taste – this sandwich would be the flavor. Everything about it, just screams. “EAT ME- I AM THE PERFECT SUMMER MEAL!” Inspired by my many trips to Nantucket over the last years, and my true love for that place. For some reason in Nantucket, for those brief few days, summer stands still, and all the worries of life and winter to come, just disappear. Hopefully, I will have a chance to get there again soon.

yields 4

2 large pieces of fresh tilapia cut into bite size pieces

3 Tbsp. lime juice

2 Tbsp. butter or olive oil

1/3 cup scallions, chopped

¼ cup celery, finely chopped

¼ cup carrots, finely chopped

½ tsp. garlic powder

¼ tsp. ground black pepper

1 tsp. dried parsley

¼ tsp. dried cilantro

2 Tbsp. honey Dijon mustard

1 Tbsp. Lite mayonnaise

Pinch of ground ginger

4 hot dog buns or New England Rolls

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in frying pan, add tilapia and lime juice, let cook stirring occasionally. Remove tilapia from pan, set aside. In the same frying pan add scallions, celery, carrots, garlic parsley, cilantro and pepper cooking until tender, when done pour into bowl with fish. In a separate bowl mix mustard and mayonnaise and ginger, pour over fish and mix.

Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a frying pan, when melted toast rolls on each side in butter, about 2 minutes per side. Spoon mixture into buns and serve.

answer: SABABA…..(Israeli Thai Salmon Stir Fry)

15 Monday Apr 2013

Posted by Sarah Lasry in Dairy, dinner, Fish, General Rants & Thoughts, Healthy Eats, Israel, Sarah's Travels, Whats for Dinner Tonight?

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

Divorce Musings, Sarah's Travels, whats for dinner tonight

Sababa…

my new favorite word.

for some reason this is the first time after countless times being in Israel…

that I actually noticed this word being used….ALL THE TIME.

it is the Israelis’ answer for everything…

their version of Ce’ sara sera

or the less verbal …”shrug of the shoulder”

it can also be used

to appease someone who is getting worked up….

or to make a point….at the end of your sentence.

It is literally the BEST word for every life situation.

it is my ultimate word…

the word that is right now taking me through my everyday life…

these days.

Because no matter the situation…

I just say

Sababa….

and the sun shines

& I am still smiling.

Sababa…

What’s For Dinner Tonight? (Israeli Style “Thailandi” Salmon Stir Fry)

In honor of Yom Haatzmaout (Israeli Independence Day) & my current withdrawal from the country of my Heart & my Family…

I am making this delicious dish that you can find on almost every dairy Israeli cafe menu. 9 out of 10 times you will find me ordering it, because I know that no matter what it is always a sure-fire hit for my tastebuds. Talking about “tastebuds” I put this dish on my menu the first month I opened, and it is one of the most remembered dishes people stop me on the street about. I have made so many different variations of the dish,(fish, chicken, meat) that it’s hard for me to actually write a recipe….because every way is truly delish.

Here is my latest version…Eat Up & Sababa!

If you want to see more recipes, & Photos of my Everyday Kosher Crazy Life in REAL TIME – FOLLOW ME NOW PLEASE on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook - & Don’t Forget to Pin it on Pinterest!

Israeli “Thailandi” Salmon Stir Fry

Tip: You can use any type of noodle for this recipe (whole wheat, soba, udon, regular thin spaghetti) I love the healthier Udon noodles that you can find in the freezer section at your local grocer.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp. toasted sesame oil

2 1/2 cups cubed fresh salmon (about 2-3 6oz fillets)

2 cups, shredded cabbage

1 large red pepper, julienned

1small red onion, julienned

2 cups thin green beans

1 cup shredded carrots

2 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. ginger powder

1/2 cup sweet teriyaki

2 tbsp. peanut butter (optional)

salt & pepper to taste

1/2 cup chopped salted peanuts for garnish

1 package of thin spaghetti or udon noodles, cooked

Directions:

In a larger heavy duty skillet, on a high-medium flame, heat 1 tbsp. of your sesame oil. When the oil is hot, add your fresh salmon and cook on all sides for about 2 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.

In the same hot pan add the rest of the sesame oil, and the cabbage, peppers, and onions. Stir & cook uncovered for about 5-6 minutes, until they are fork tender. Then add the green beans and carrots to the mix, stir and cook for about 3-4 minutes.

Add the garlic powder, ginger powder, teriyaki, and peanut butter to the vegetables and mix well. Then add the salmon back to the pan and cover and cook for about 6 minutes.

Remove lid, add the noodles, mix well (add some more teriyaki if you like it more saucy) and serve on to a platter. Garnish with the chopped peanuts.

Melt in your Mouth …..Healthy Thursdays

03 Thursday Jan 2013

Posted by Sarah Lasry in baked goods, Dairy, Fish, Holiday Treats, NYC Tuesdays, Sarah's Product & Places Reviews, The Joys of Single Parenting, Whats for Dinner Tonight?

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The Kosher Spread of goodies that we brought from home!

LIFE is all about those

melt in your mouth moments…

where the pleasure of

doing (eating, seeing, experiencing..)

something simple

or decadent

when finally tasted

is a pure delightful

experience

that makes you want to hold it close for a moment

so you can savor

every little flavorful nuance….

a melt in your mouth moment!

and yesterday me & my

Tunie B.

decided to take the day off

and

have just one of those kinda days.

with all the recent talk about where her daddy is? (he has been MIA for the last 8 months)

and me out of the house more than usual lately for work…

It was sorely needed.

Despite the fridgid cold

of NYC

we met up with my favorite food blogger friends Allaya F

and spent the afternoon with her daughters

Allaya with her daughter Lamey (she is a yum just like her name!)

having an afternoon party

at Alice’s Tea House

with our own home & store bought pastry goodies

(they charged us a plating fee – but had no problem us bringing in our kosher food)

& their delcicious pink berry & honey vanilla Alice blend tea

How adorable is that teapot?

we had a little slice of wonderland

which the girls adored!

Allaya’s youngest daughter Candence (she cracked me up the entire time) contemplating the serious decision of my store bought marshmallows or her mothers yummy chocolate chip or ginger scones with a dollop of homemade lemon curd ( personally I ate everything!!!)

then Tunie B. & me

went to swing with the Threads

some artsy fartsy exhibit..

the first sight you are greeted with upon entrance

yes weird is hardly the word to describe this…

because I really had no idea why there were 50 swings attached to threads and

a huge sheet hanging in the middle of the NY Armory

that also had upon entrance

a table full of pigeons with

people who were dressed like russian comunots

reading poetry in low monotone voices?

My Tunie had no clue what was going on – but she was fascinated.. spent at least 10 minutes just staring at these people & the pigeons LOL!

but what can I say..

it sorta worked because Tunie B. & I had quite the swinging time

a melt in your mouth

day indeed.

Tunie B. “Wipe”Ed OUT after a fun long day!

Visit me on instagram @sarah Lasry to see all the fun pics of that day with Tunie B. and to keep up with all my recipes & other fun shenanigans.

also make sure to subscribe to this blog (click the link on the right) and join me on Facebook & twitter!

And for those of you who want your own melt in the mouth experience today

you must try this new healthy recipe I just discovered and tweaked over this past weekend.

it is truly a delicious one.

Grilled Salmon Topped with Melting Cherry Tomatoes & Kale

adapted from an Ina Garten & Eric Ripert recipe

Ingredients:

Good Olive Oil

1 cup chopped sweet onion

3 cloves fresh garlic, minced

1 pint (a little over 2 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

kosher salt & fresh black pepper

1 1/2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

1 cup chopped Kale Leaves

2 tsp. dried basil or 1 1/2 tbsp. fresh basil

4 (2 inch thick) pieces of salmon fillet with skin

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 425F

Heat 2-3 tbsp. olive oil in a medium sauté pan. Add the onion and sauté over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until very tender but not browned.

Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute more. Stir in the tomatoes, 1 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper and cook over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid evaporates and the tomato sauce thickens slightly.

After 15 minutes, add the chopped kale and mix well with the tomatoes and onions. Let cook for another 3-4 minutes on medium-low until kale is wilted.

Off the heat, stir in the vinegar and fresh basil. ( if you are using dried basil – add it when adding the kale)

set aside & keep warm

Place a large cat iron skillet pan over high heat for 5 minutes. Brush salmon all over with olive oil, sprinkle liberally with salt & pepper, and place it skin side up in the pan. Cook the fish for 3-4 minutes with out moving them, until browned. Turn the salmon skin side down with a small spatula and transfer to aluminum pan (or keep in your cast iron oven approved pan) and bake in oven for 8 minutes. (the salmon will not be completely cooked through) Remove the fish to a serving plater, cover with tin foil, and allow to rest for 5 minutes.

reheat the tomatoes & kale, season to taste, and serve hot, warm or room temperature over the salmon.

….just right (road trip part 2…nantucket)

20 Monday Aug 2012

Posted by Sarah Lasry in dinner, Fish, Sarah's Product & Places Reviews, Whats for Dinner Tonight?

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

a nantucket vacation, ceviche & pasta, kids in boston, whats for dinner tonight

last week

I was goldilocks…

looking for an adventure…

sometimes you just need a change

of scenery

different people

different experiences

to make things in your life feel

just right…

with the world.

and last week’s road trip

was not too big

not too small

despite the long traffic

and the torrential rain storms …

it was what I could only call

the perfect… vacation road trip

for me and my Tunie B.

it was ….simply

just right!

Here are some of my pics from the road…

I know I am on the way to nantucket when I see this sign…cracks me up every time

1st stop Nantucket Island – you have to drive to Hyannis Port, MA (4.5 hrs -5 hrs from NY) and then take one of the ferries over to the Island – one of my favorite places on earth. Introduced to it by my Aunt Nadia who just happens to have a gorgeous summer home there…I have been lucky to spend a few summer days over the years visiting her and my cousins. For me it was love at first sight…if I could I would live there full time…its a place that just seems to make everything and everyone ….happy.

the Hyline Ferry from Hyannis Port

Tunie B. eating the packed lunch I brought on the 2 hr ferry ride - enamored with everything about the boat.

Tunie B. not loving the smell of the seaweed -she was cracking me up with her love/hate relationship with all things ocean.

Finally…the first gorgeous sight of Nantucket Island….

A Nantucket vacation is all about beach,bike riding, backyard dinners, and family relaxation!

I was excited to introduce Tunie to it…and because my aunts house was full with all her married kids and new babies..I stayed at one of the B&B’s that are all over the Island. Because I booked last minute and the room was vacant – I got a great deal (thank you LYNN!!!) at this truly lovely newly remodeled Centerboard Inn. I would stay there happily every time I go – it was really just right! (and note if you go not in season – you can really enjoy the island at a very friendly low cost)

My gorgeous room at the Centerboard Inn – just my style – the fresh clean quintessential Nantucket look – white, with pops of turquoise! LOVE!

the yummy breakfast that is served at the B&B – a bowl of cheerios & milk for Tunie B. some fresh fruit & yogurt for me (LYNN – in the middle pic -accommodated me with plastic everything as I needed – truly the Best Inn Keeper I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with!)

My Aunt & Uncles truly cozy house on Nantucket – the locals all name their houses – coincidentally they named theirs JUST RIGHT!!! – and boy is it!

more fun Nantucket houses that I loved photographing as I walked in the early morning hours with Tunie B.…I found one with a good yiddishe name and one with an interesting address… What would you name your house?

beach day with all the Israeli cousins – Tunie B had a blast with one of the twins Micha - she cried when she had to leave her!

then it was a twilight Dinner at the house – pasta with marinara & cheese for the kids…and ceviche, My Aunt Nadia’s famous Caesar salad & extra pasta for the adults!

then it was home on the last possible ferry out of Nantucket at 10pm – but first a trip to the candy store for some last minute treats to take to Boston

the candy store had some crazy things I had never seen (un-kosher ) candy pimento olives? A wall of celeb photos who visited the island (Katie Couric, Kathie Lee Gifford, Mit Romney & family)

My trip was so fantastic that I can not fit it all in one post …so tomorrow the best of Boston!

Here is the recipe for my cousin Yifat’s Ceviche (raw fish salad – think Sushi with out the rice or the seaweed):

YIFAT’s CEVICHE SALAD

This is the perfect light refreshing summer meal if you are a raw fish fan (which I am!!) the key though is to get really fresh fish, which is abundant on Nantucket, and where locally you would need to go to your trusted fish monger for. The chili peppers add just the right amount of bite to the dish, and is perfectly paired with a delicious Caesar salad and a ice cold cup of red wine (that’s how I like my wine – don’t judge)

Ingredients:

1lb fresh tilapia or sea bass, diced

1 pint cherry red & yellow tomatoes

2 small chili peppers, deseeded and diced small

1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley

1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro

1 large avocado, diced

Juice of 1 fresh lime

juice of 1 fresh lemon

salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

mix everything together in a large bowl and serve.

keeping my cool…in the kitch

21 Thursday Jun 2012

Posted by Sarah Lasry in dessert, dinner, Fish, Salads, Whats for Dinner Tonight?

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

chickpea & avocado sandwich, kind bars, spinach salad with canned salmon, watermelon feta salad

NewImage

man it is hot outside

I love it

better to be hot than cold

but today…sorta ridiculous with the heat index 110 @8AM

this morning I realized

after the last week in the kitchen

testing..and testing recipes

I just want to keep my cool…

in the kitch

what does that mean?

well now that I am trying my best to eat well

not diet…just eat well

because dieting never works

BELIEVE me! (you all know I am saying the truth!)

Since Monday I have made myself a promise…

I am determined to think before I eat

plan my menu out…instead of scrounge

when I am hungry

but today..I am keeping the ovens OFF

the challenge…making delicious food

that is satisfying…yet requires no cooking

and Tunie B will actually eat with me!

i got this covered…a piece of cak.. carrot

Have an awesome day all – me & Tunie B will!!

xxx Sarah

ps.. I am trying to build this site..and I can use all of your support. So if you like what I am doing please like my page on Facebook, join me on twitter and or subscribe to my emails. Much appreciated!! You can also follow me on interest and instagram

Here is Today’s Keep it Cool Menu:

Breakfast:

Watermelon Feta Salad

This salad satisfies both my sweet and savory tastebuds as well as being perfect for breakfast. After a nice size plate of this salad, i am good to go.

I know rules say that you should eat most of your calories and protein at breakfast, but I find I like to keep breakfast on the lighter side, I am just not that hungry in the morning.

Recipe:

NewImage

½ seedless watermelon, sliced into bite-size chunks

1 cup feta cheese, crumbles

For the Lemon Vinaigrette:

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

2 Tbsp. olive oil

1 ½ packets Splenda or 1 Tbsp. sugar

Pinch of kosher salt

Fresh mint for garnish

It is best to plate each salad individually rather than mixing it all in a large bowl; the feta tends to melt when you add liquid.

On each plate, place a generous amount of the bite-size watermelon. Sprinkle chunks of the feta cheese on top as you desire. In a separate bowl whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, and Splenda. Drizzle lightly over the watermelon and feta; top it off with a sprinkle of kosher salt. Garnish with fresh mint and serve.

lunch:

Smashed Chickpea & Avocado Sandwich

NewImage Usually it is lunch time that I am starving and most times I am never home and have not thought ahead. Sadly to say most times I push off lunch till later in the day and have a lunch supper with Tunie..then another supper by myself. So not good!!!

Today I am planning ahead and packing lunch for me and Tunie as we go have our first summer day off together…NO SCHOOL – HELLO BEACH!

This is a great sandwich recipe that I got from www.twopeasandtheirpod.com (a really great blog!)

And because Tunie B. will eat ANYTHING with Avocado…she wolfs this lunch down every time I make it for her!

recipe:

1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas

1 large ripe avocado

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

2 tablespoons chopped green onion

juice from 1 lime salt and pepper, to taste

bread of your choice fresh spinach leaves or other sandwich toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, sprouts etc..

dinner:

Spinach Salad with canned Salmon

I find that I enjoy canned salmon more than Tuna, and so does Tunie B. (ironic considering her name lol) She eats hers with pretzel chips and the veggies. I eat mine topped on a bed of Spinach leaves with more avocado & cherry tomatoes.

Tip: to keep my dressing under control I have these 2oz plastic cups that you get in the stores when you buy a salad. I refill them and viola…instant portion control.

recipe:

1 can salmon

3 tbsp. mayo

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. kosher salt

1 tsp. fresh black pepper

2 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped

1 tsp. curry (optional)

Spinach leaves

cherry tomatoes

avocado

Mix the canned salmon with the mayo and spices. Plate salad according to taste.

For dessert:

Because in my house there is ALWAYS dessert! – My favorite thing…Frozen Banana.

Frozen banana tastes exactly like ice cream and is super delicious..if you have never tried it…well do it SOON!

And of course no day goes with out a snack!

These days I have found a new bar that I love that has great flavors and has anywhere between 150-210

calories depending on the flavor.

You can find these all over your groceries and local starbucks!

Kind bars

I am also a huge fan of the simply bars – but have not seen them in my local grocery lately.

the Patchke Princess

Category Archives: Fish

New England Summer Roll

answer: SABABA…..(Israeli Thai Salmon Stir Fry)

Israeli “Thailandi” Salmon Stir Fry

Melt in your Mouth …..Healthy Thursdays

….just right (road trip part 2…nantucket)

keeping my cool…in the kitch