Rosemary Balsamic Salmon and Wine About Your Veggies Brussels Sprouts

Mrs. Renfro Jalapeno Salsa is currently being stocked at Big Lots across the country.  This salsa is a near match to La Victoria Jalapeno Salsa, which is required for Salsa Roll-ups... a delicious appetizer made with Cream Cheese, Salsa, Cheddar Cheese, and Tortilla Shells.  Completely simple, yet sinfully delicious.  I am unsure of the ratios; therefore, I cannot currently share the complete recipe.  I generally just keep tasting until it seems right.  Regardless - the salsa is delicious.  If you happen to frequent a Big Lots, be sure to snag some!  (A bargain at $2.00/jar.)

In relation to the above blurb/plug, we had to go to Big Lots to buy them out of their stock of salsa (20 jars, approximately), which effectively took up the remainder of our shelving storage space in the basement.  That led to an abbreviated evening, which led to the creation of a quick and simple, yet tasty meal.

Rosemary Balsamic Salmon

2 Salmon Fillets
2 tbsp. Garlic Powder
2 tbsp. Rosemary
1/2 cup Balsamic Vinegar (also a good buy at Big Lots)
1/4 cup Chicken Stock
Salt/Pepper

Season salmon with 1 tbsp of garlic powder and salt/pepper.  In a skillet heat chicken stock, balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp. garlic powder, and rosemary.  Let cook down for 3 minutes, add salmon. Cover.  Watch that liquid doesn't burn/reduce too much.  Let cook for 4 minutes, flip.  Let cook until flaky.

Wine About Your Veggies Brussels Sprouts

These adorable little cabbages are delightful when not overcooked.

2 cups Brussels Sprouts
1 tbsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Crushed Red Pepper
1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
1/4 cup Mustard (we used Smoked, but Dijon or anything NOT plain ole yellow would work)
1/4 cup White Wine (or chicken stock)
Pepper to taste

Clean brussels sprouts by trimming the hard end off.  Mix wine and mustard in a pan.  Add seasonings and brussels sprouts and steam until they start to lose their vibrant color.  Add more liquid as needed.  I judge their doneness by keeping some of them bright - seems to be about the right time to turn off the heat.  But you just keep on tasting and see how you like them!

Of course we had spaghetti squash with our meal... because we have approximately 38 more left in the basement.  I'm considering giving spaghetti squash for Christmas gifts.  Slap a bow on it and there's a $10 gift!  I was wondering what I should do for our office Secret Santa exchange.  I'm pretty sure everyone would NOT be fighting over this.

Just Keep Tasting!  You never know what you might like.