During lent my family gives up meat on Fridays in memory of Good Friday. If you didn't know meat was chosen as a sacrifice because it was a celebratory food long ago.
If your home is anything like mine our kids are not always fans of seafood unless it has a shell. So, during Lent, I make meals for my husband and me and meals for the kids. I like to have the kids help out in the kitchen as they are getting older. It is a great way for them to learn how to cook and is a life lesson they will use for years to come. I enjoy the time with them even if it means the kitchen is going to be a little messier. Let's just say my boys make a lot more dishes when they help, and you can find all the ingredients on the counter when they are measuring.
So, for dinner tonight we made salmon in the oven paired with broccoli rabe. I have made salmon a few times trying different ingredients and my husband said this was his favorite so far! The kids also enjoyed the pizzas they made. Taste tested all the food, and it was delicious! What is more important is the memories we made together!
Baked Salmon
Serves 2
Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Total time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 (6oz) salmon fillets
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 fresh lemon
- 3 tablespoons of melted butter (if using salted then add less additional salt)
- 4 individual cloves of garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon of parsley
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400 °F.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper (for easy clean-up) and place salmon fillets in the center.
- Squeeze half of the lemon over salmon fillets.
- Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and parsley over salmon fillets.
- Add minced garlic and melted butter to salmon fillets.
- Bake for about 10 mins. Make sure salmon is opaque throughout.
Optional: Garnish with lemon slices!
Garlic Broccoli Rabe
Serves 2
Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Total time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- Bunch of fresh broccoli rabe
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- Olive oil
- 3-4 individual cloves of garlic sliced
Instructions:
- Trim stems approx. 1-2 inches. This removes the tough part of the stalks.
- Wash Broccoli Rabe.
- Then place broccoli rabe in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender.
- Drain water and squeeze out as much water as possible.
- Sauté garlic in a few tablespoons of oil over medium heat for 2 minutes.
- Add broccoli rabe to the pan and sauté for a few minutes.
Optional: Add salt and pepper to taste! If you like a little spice you can add red chili flakes.
Homemade Pizza
Serves 2-4
Prep time: 15 minutes Rising time: 15-20 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Dough Ingredients:
- 2 - 2 1/3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup of warm water
- 1 packet of instant dry yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of sugar (optional)
- 3/4 teaspoons of salt
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Other Ingredients:
- Pizza sauce (Homemade or jar sauce)
- Mozzarella cheese
Optional Toppings: Pepperoni, Mushrooms, Sausage, Veggies, etc...
Dough Instructions:
- In a bowl mix the flour, sugar, salt, and warm water together.
- Then add the instant yeast and make it into a ball.
- Coat ball of dough in oil.
- Cover the bowl and let rise for 15-20 mins at room temperature.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Instructions:
- On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or pizza stone stretch dough with your hands or use a rolling pin to work the dough into a circle shape.
- Put the dough in the oven for about 4-5 minutes. I find by doing this the pizza cooks evenly in the oven at home and is easier for kids when adding the sauce. (Optional)
- Take the dough out of the oven and add sauce to your liking.
- Then it is time to add the cheese and optional toppings.
- Place in over for 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the baking sheet or pizza stone from the pizza and cook for another 2-3 mins to brown the bottom of the pizza.
- Remove from oven and slice pizza.
Now it is time to sit down and enjoy a nice family meal together!
