Asian Sesame Salmon - and Mommy's Secret Helper

Come September, I think just about every mom is ready for a bit of peace.  While summer may have been absolutely fabulous with no alarms to wake up to, a bit of travel, a few days lounging by the pool, and no strict schedules, I know the thought of a day all to myself with the kids back to school and my husband back to work sounded like a little slice of heaven.

I had grandiose ideas of planning healthy, well rounded meals, leisurely shopping at midweek Farmer's Markets, and our family sitting together around the table enjoying a fabulous dinner created by me.  Sketching out the menu would be done as I sipped my morning coffee, then I'd toss the breakfast dishes into the dishwasher and fold up the last of that laundry.  There would be time for the gym, walking the pups, and with all of my organization, perhaps even a lounge in the sun with one of the magazine from my every growing unread stack.

This is about the point where all of those fantasies fell apart...  Enter my driving schedule which has me on the road multiple times a day, never driving very far, but the mere fact that I'm jumping behind the wheel every few hours to deliver some child to some new destination interrupts my organization and takes time.

Add to that, the fact that my husband has been on vacation for some 19 days (having him home 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with no schedule at all...), and I have even less of an organized life.  Yes, we've had time for a few lunches together and we've walked the dogs along the beach, but by the time those two activities are done it's time for me to jump back in the car for school pick up and I still haven't planned dinner.

As the kids arrive home from school hungry and with only a short time before they need head back out the door, I needed something quick, easy, and on the table in a flash.

Here is where I am thankful to be a part of DailyBuzz Food's Tastemaker Program.  With an offer in my email box to try McCormick's Recipe Inspirations, I hit "reply" within mere seconds as my subconscious begged for meal-prep help.  Within days a box arrived on my doorstep hefting some 10 samples of McCormick's Asian Sesame Salmon Inspiration packages.

Salmon, always a favorite with our family, is a staple in my freezer and just happened to be thawing as the box of seasonings arrived after school.  Seizing an Inspiration Package I whipped up the handy recipe on the back in less than 3 minutes, placed the thawed salmon into the glaze, and popped the fish into the oven.  Setting rice on the stove to boil and tossing together a quick salad, I was looking like a hero with dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes.

Pre-measured portions of spices, sesame seeds, and dried garlic and onions bring wholesome, real ingredients (with no added sodium) to the recipe while combining with a few additional commonly stocked items in your pantry.  Honey, soy sauce and freshly sliced green onions finished off the recipe, and served with the rice and salad, a healthy meal set the kids on their way for the evening activities.

Thanks DailyBuzz Food and McCormick for making me shine like a superstar.  Oh, and please accept my apologies for not mentioning to the family that it was really you that made the fish so good...

Baklava - Dreaming of Greece

Vacation... we wait so long for it to get here.  We plan, we shop, we pack.  Then in just the blink of an eye we find ourselves back at the computer with memory cards full of photos and our minds full of memories.

Only days back from our Adriatic adventure, my entire family has found our thoughts often drifting back to our vacation as we randomly drop comments about a memorable day or event, a funny conversation with a new friend, or a fabulous new found food.  Liv's thoughts have returned time and again to a sticky piece of sweet Baklava served to us by our new Greek friend, Iakis, on his boat the Nautilus.

Our day in Greece remains incredibly memorable as we discovered a new land filled with a happy hospitality and a verve for life that is remarkably contagious.  Arriving in port, we spent much of our day on the Nautilus cruising the Corfu coastline and swimming in the crystal turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea.  Iakis, the boat's Captain, smiled from his heart as he welcomed us onboard, and his generosity never dimmed throughout the day.

Touring Corfu after our day on the boat, warm smiles followed us from shop to shop as we purchased trinkets for home.  The clerk in the first souvenir shop eagerly provided sample after sample of olive oils, kumquat liquors and citrusy lotions, all the while sharing bits and pieces of his life on the island of Corfu.  Leaving the shop he didn't just shake hands, but gave quick hugs with "nice to meet you" sentiments that go far beyond someone simply wishing to sell their wares.

The next stop had us visiting an olive wood shop lined with walls filled with every sort of wood item you can think of.  Vases, jewelery boxes, figurines, salt and pepper mills, etc. etc. etc.

While the shop itself was fun to browse, it was the shop owner/clerk who made my visit particularly special.  Approaching us with a welcoming smile she proceeded to help me choose various items, but never pressured me to buy a thing.  Laughter was commonplace and we enjoyed learning about her life on Corfu.

After I had made my choices I asked if she would mind if I took a photo.  I had meant of her wares, but she immediately struck a pose and said "Sure!!  Just like Cindy Crawford!"  Turns out to be a fabulous photo, and yes... eat your heart out Ms Crawford.

The Olive Wood Mini Shop and Workshop - Corfu, Greece

Taking a quick tour of the workshop behind the store, Ms. Sagidadinos gave me a brief history of her husband and his apprenticeship  beginning at the age of 10 years-old.  Definitely a stop (and a shop) I will remember forever.  Keep an eye out for The Olive Wood Shop on Filellinon Str. if you are ever in Corfu Town, and give Mrs. Sagidadinos my best.  Again, parting with hugs and cheek kisses, we were on our way.

The last stop found us in a quiet little patisserie on the hunt for Liv's new found love - Baklava.  Greeted by teen clerks with more welcoming smiles, we soon had a to-go package of sweet treats for my girl and our day in Corfu Town came to a close.

Now home, our memories of Corfu Town, Greek hospitality and Baklava remain forefront in our minds.  I came away with a wonderful impression of the Greek community, however I shouldn't have been surprised as one of Liv's best dance friends hails from Greece.  A warm and generous family, like our new friends in Greece, their smiles rarely dim.