Told you I had plans for them!! Those mashers would make the perfect side to this maple glazed baked salmon…with roasted brussels sprouts and pears because ahh, it’s fall! For some reason as soon as the days get cold and the nights get looooonnnng, I forget all about seafood. Like it literally leaves my brain and does not return again until spring. I know, this is horrible, but all my mind wants to think about is all the cozy foods, like pasta, soup, and roasted chicken. Well, I changed my thought process this week and made us all salmon…fall inspired salmon, of course. And I promise, it’s just as cozy and delicious as any roasted chicken. Especially with this maple-soy glaze, roasted brussels sprouts and pears. AND, it could be even cozier when served with a side of these cheesy mashed potatoes. <–do this, obviously. I am going to be totally honest, I had other plans for today’s recipe. I was testing out a few recipes last week and when one chicken dinner failed miserably I decided to pick my spirits back up and create a simple salmon dinner. I had some frozen fillets in the freezer and pairing them with a maple-soy glaze sounded so delicious…over a bed of roasted veggies and pears, mmmm. Then I remember I had leftover mashed potatoes in the fridge and I was SOLD. Dinner was ready in under and hour and umm, it was just perfection. Simple, fast, colorful, healthy and cozy!! Yes, yes, yes!!
I am really into using maple in both sweet and savory recipes right now. I just cannot get over the flavor it has and it seems to combine so well with all things fall. It’s the perfect amount of sweetness to balance out the saltiness of the soy, and the hit of spice from the cayenne…guys, that is what’s happening in this glaze. Maple, soy, orange juice, and a pinch of cayenne (use it to your taste…I added a lot!). Whoa, just FOUR ingredients. I honestly didn’t know I could create a 4 ingredient recipe like this. OK, well technically the whole recipe is not four ingredients, just the salmon portion is, but trust me, you totally NEED the brussels sprouts and roasted pears to round out the meal. Plus, if you didn’t already know, roasted pears are delicious! And while the addition of mashed potatoes are totally your choice, I highly recommend them, like highly. I mean, since we are eating health food, the bowl of mashed potatoes is totally cool. Life well balanced. 🙂 Oh and lastly, is it just me or this whole getting dark at four in the afternoon thing a real bummer? I loved the extra hour of sleep on Sunday, but I mean, really it’s pitch black here by five. Totally not into it. Anyone else with me? Keeping things short today, as mom told me that I must not write a lot today…ooopsies! Have a great Wednesday!
PS. I’ll be adding pomegranate arils to every single recipe from here on out. Can’t get enough.
