In the Kitchen – February 2026
Protein! That seems to be the trending word for mealtime. Salmon is among my favorites…protein that is. Poached, grilled, baked, smoked, I really could enjoy salmon every day at every meal. And I hear Clint Eastwood has salmon for breakfast daily. I keep good company!!! Check out below and see how we help with the “protein” issue. You can increase the protein levels in the pasta bake by adding salmon to the pasta. would work very well. Bon Appetit!
THREE CHEESE PASTA & VEGGIE BAKE
1 lb. penne pasta
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 lb. mushrooms, sliced 6 garlic cloves, sliced
5 C. blanched fresh broccoli, chopped 7 sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced
1 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. black pepper
16-oz. part skim ricotta cheese 4 C. marinara sauce
1 C. part skim shredded mozzarella cheese 1/4 C. grated parmesan cheese
Prepare pasta per directions on box, drain, and return to pot. Prepare 9-by 13 inch ovenproof baking dish. Preheat oven to 375° degrees.
In large pan heat oil. Add mushrooms and cook until liquid evaporates and they begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook about 2 minutes. Add broccoli and sun-dried tomatoes, basil oregano and pepper. Stir to combine.
Add veggies to drained pasta. Stir. Add ricotta and marinara and stir to combine well. Transfer mixture to baking pan. Spread mixture evenly and sprinkle top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese. cover dish and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for additional 25 minutes or until sauce is bubbling and cheese is melted.
GRILLED BUFFALO SALMON
1/3 C. cayenne hot sauce
1 Tbsp. ketchup
11/2 lbs. skinless salmon fillet
In medium bowl combine cayenne sauce and ketchup. Transfer 2 Tbsp. to a small bowl and set aside. To remaining sauce add salmon filet and toss to coat.
Place salmon on baking sheet and grill on medium high. Turn salmon occasionally until fish is opaque about 8 minutes. Baste with remaining sauce during last minutes of cooking.
CRISPY SALMON NUGGETS
4 beaten eggs
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
3 C. instant mashed potatoes
11/2 boneless, skinless salmon fillet 1/4 cup olive oil
In a wide, shallow dish, whisk together eggs, salt, and pepper until frothy. Pour instant mashed potatoes into a second wide, shallow pan. Dip the salmon pieces, one piece at a time, in eggs to coat. Dip in potato flakes, shaking off any excess. Repeat process to double-coat salmon.
Heat olive oil in large pan until very hot. Place half of salmon in single layer in pan and cook, turning halfway through until cooked through, about 4 minutes. Remove from pan and place on paper towel-lined baking sheet. Add 2 more Tbsp. oil to pan and repeat cooking the final batch of salmon nuggets. Yum!
BAGUETTE W/OLIVE BUTTER & RADISHES
Pulse ¼ C. kalamata olives in food processor until finely chopped. Add 4 Tbsp. butter, tsp. fresh thyme and ½ tsp. each anchovy paste and grated lemon zest. Process until almost smooth. Spread on baguette slices. Top with thinly sliced radishes and more thyme.
