Recipe: Balsamic Orange Salmon

Salmon is a perfect light summer meal, and the fresh taste of citrus goes wonderfully with this meaty fish. This easy recipe is packed with fresh flavors. Fresh herbs right out of the garden will give it the finishing touch! Serve with fresh bread and a green salad for the perfect summer lunch or dinner.

Balsamic Orange Salmon
(Serves 4.)

Ingredients:

3/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp onion, finely minced
2 tsp chopped parsley
2 tsp basil, chopped
2 tsp chopped mint
2 tbsp orange zest
1/8 tsp kosher salt
dash freshly ground black pepper
4 fillets salmon (6 oz each)
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
• Combine the first 10 ingredients in a glass jar, cover tightly, and shake well to mix; set aside.
• Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper to taste. 
• Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large oven-proof skillet. 
• Place salmon fillets in the pan, skin side down, and cook until skin starts to crisp.
• Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for around 8 to 10 minutes.
• Transfer cooked salmon to a serving platter and keep warm while finishing the sauce.
• Pour the sauce from the jar into the skillet. Put on burner set on high and stir to warm through.
• Spoon sauce over salmon and serve immediately.

Recipe: Simply Sparkling Cranberry Apple Punch

This simple and delicious drink is packed with the tangy flavors of fall, but it's great any time of year!  From a holiday or special occasion, to a summer evening sipping on the patio, this one is sure to please the palate of just about anyone. The cranberry lends a beautiful color, and the soda gives it a festive flair. For the ultimate in freshness and nutrition, make your own fresh juices. It's really easy with a good juicer, like the one we reviewed on Wednesday.  Just juice, mix, pour, and sip away!

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Simply Sparkling Cranberry Apple Punch
(Serves 2-4.)

Ingredients:

2 cups cranberry juice
2 cups apple juice
1 1/2 cups orange juice
2 cups Club soda
ice cubes
orange slices for garnish

Directions:

• Pour the three juices into a large punch bowl or pitcher and lightly stir to combine.
• To serve: Pour the Club soda in and stir, then pour into glasses with a few ice cubes and float an orange slice on top for garnish.