Lamb For Holy Week

This is the time when lamb reigns supreme.It's the most desired meat of the season, especially for both Easter, . Italians and Greeks along with the French make the most lamb dishes now, with either a roast leg of it or the entire animal. This tradition is taking on a new twist - the meat is organic and usually bred in the American Southwest - not New Zealand.

Most lamb now is organic. which is what most restaurant and home chefs both demand. Like any free range meat, the lambs are bred without any chemicals or hormone injections. The lambs are now raised (as basically they have been for centuries) in New Mexico.Most of the sheep are descended from the original ones the Spaniards brought to the area in the 1500s and the bloodlines are pure. The diets seem basically the same as they have for five hundred years too. These sheep eat wheat grass along with native snowberry and yarrow as opposed to the usual farm feed.

How does organic lamb taste? The meat is usually flavored with the greens that the animal has lived on. it gives it an herbal yet earthy taste, usually not associated with lamb. The meat itself is tender, perfect for grilling and braising. There's no need for marinading and there's always a guaranteed melt in your mouth quality about it.

The is the season for lamb. The organic kind is probably the best to serve . It is a new spin on a traditional Holy Week standard and a much improved version too.

Salmon Heathy Goodness

Salmon is one of those foods that's not only good for you but also tasty.It's good for both the body and the palate. Salmon is also one of the most versatile of all the fishes going from pan to grill, from sushi to lox. It also can be served at any time, form breakfast right on through to dinner.Salmon is the perfect seafood for any cook from the novice to the pro.

Most salmon eaten is usually the salt water kind. These are divided into sub categories: Atlantic and Pacific . The Atlantic salmon are farmed while the Pacific variety are more "freer ranged"or wild. There are some fresh water salmon breeds that are also sold in fish markets and groceries. These are the sockeyes and come come from Alaska mostly. Keep in mind that the salt water ones from the Atlantic do contain PCB a dixoin that can cause damage to the body. If you're buying salmon, ask specifically for the Pacific grown ones because they will be healthier for you. All salmon contain Omega 3 fatty acids which are good anti cancer agents as well as brain food. (meaning they speed up the growth of brain cells) Salmon is usually a pinkish coral in color although you can buy white fleshed kind. the color comes from the fish eating carotenoid pigments found in krill and other smaller seafood (like shrimp). Most people prefer their salmon with this rich reddish hue.

Salmon is a versatile meat. It can be grilled with just a spritz of lemon or a variety of marinades.This makes for th e perfect summer time dinner, especially with a side of quick made rice pilaf or a nice fresh picked garden salad.Another easy and tempting dish are salmon cakes. These are similar to the classic crab ones except that Worcester sauce and cheddar are added. A salmon mousse makes a wonderful spread when you're having guest overs for hors oeuvres and drinks. Don't forget about salmon for breakfast it can sub in nicely for Canadian bacon in Eggs Benedict and is often included in omelets.

Salmon is a versatile fish that can be made a variety of way. Not only that; it tastes good but it's good for you. It's the perfect food on any level, whether culinary or dietary. Salmon is just full of goodness and health.