Too Much Turkey?

After spending 3 days in a "turkey coma" last week, I couldn't wait to make my Simple Roast Salmon back in NYC. I love the crisp crust that comes from searing the salmon first in a very hot pan before roasting it the oven (thank you, Barefoot Contessa!) This is one of my stand-by meals that always puts me back on track after some holiday indulgence. It's packed with protein and essential omega-3's. I serve it up with steamed short grain brown rice and grilled asparagus.



Simple Salmon
Time: 15 min Serves: 2


2 6-ounce Wild Salmon Fillets (we love Sockeye but go with what's available wild)

1 Tablespoon olive oil (not extra-virgin) or expeller-pressed canola or grapeseed oil

sea salt and fresh ground pepper


1. Preheat oven to 450* F.
2. Rinse salmon fillets in cold running water and pat dry with paper towels. Brush with the olive oil all over and season the tops liberally with salt and pepper.
3. Heat a dry oven-proof non-stick pan over high heat. When the pan is very hot, place the salmon fillets seasonings-sides down in the pan and cook over medium-high heat without moving for 2 minutes or until very browned. Turn the fillets over and put the pan directly into the preheated oven. Roast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes, until the salmon is cooked medium to rare. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, steamed brown rice and asparagus.

Wild Alaskan Salmon is no doubt one of the healthiest foods on the planet. It's chock full of a particular kind of fat that has more health benefits than almost any other food: omega-3s. These fats are good for heart and brain health, they fight inflammation, promote circulation and control blood sugar levels. (Farm-raised salmon eats an entirely different diet and therefore don't have nearly the same benefits... not to mention that fish farms are bad for the oceans and the planet in general). I suggest brown rice and asparagus with the salmon for a balanced meal. Brown rice is a whole grain with lots of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Most of this is insoluble fiber that helps protect against various cancers, including breast, colon, and prostate. Asparagus, like most vegetables, has a favorable ratio of potassium to sodium. It's high in folate (an important B vitamin) and vitamin K, essential for healthy blood clotting and strong bones. Asparagus are also classified as a "diuretic" and therefore are a popular diet food. They contain inulin, a special type of fiber that feeds the good bacteria in your gut and supports gastrointestinal health. Be gone, holiday bloat!