I remember when my oldest daughter was about four years old and we were hanging out on the living room floor, reading books and talking about how someday she would have a baby brother or sister.
As we were chatting, she turned her rosy cheeked, sweet blue eyed, blonde head to me and said “Mom, how did you know to pick me?” I was a little surprised by the question and I asked “what do you mean?” She replied “you know, how did you know you wanted ME?” The question caught me by surprise and as I tried to recover I said “Well… Dad and I saw all the baby angels playing in heaven and that’s when we spotted you. We instantly fell in love and knew we wanted you for our baby.”
Now, I know some of you might think that’s one tall tale to tell a four year old, but honestly, that is what I came up with. My heart was so warmed by the question, I wanted my answer to reflect how much we wanted her and how much we cherished our little sassy blonde girl.
She clung to those words for years to come and when our second daughter arrived, my sassy little gal said to her Dad, “I guess this is the one you picked?”
As you know, I have two sassy gals now and they are the food for my soul. Motherhood and parenting have been a wild ride and I wouldn’t trade a minute.
I’m truly honored to have been asked to participate in my sweet friend’s virtual baby shower. Alyssa, of Everyday Maven, her handsome husband and their adorable little boy will soon know the joy of welcoming a new baby boy to their family.
Several years ago, I met Alyssa at a blog conference in Seattle – while noshing on the most divine appetizers. I liked her immediately. A breath of fresh air, exuding a warm and genuine personality, Alyssa is a most beautiful and lovely lady.
I’m happy to say, we’ve been friends ever since.
Alyssa writes the delicious food blog Everyday Maven and has published two fantastic e-Books. Her recipes are drool worthy and written with good health and nutrition in mind. I think one of my favorite Everyday Maven recipes has to be the Cabbage Rolls. And of course her guest post for my blog, Karista’s Kitchen, gluten free Banana Chip Cookies.
Today, several other bloggers and myself are hosting a virtual baby shower for Alyssa. A plethora of delicious recipes to celebrate but also recipes to prepare during the first few months after the new baby’s arrival. Recipes to comfort and nourish with ease of preparation for a quick meal or leisurely weekend. Although as we know, there is nothing “leisurely” about a new baby in the house; just lots of love and smiles and hopefully, soon to be restful nights.
Congratulations Alyssa and family!
Here is a list of Alyssa’s Virtual Baby Shower Recipes, lovingly prepared by some fabulous food bloggers!
Breakfast
Fried Egg Topped Curried Sweet Potatoes from A Beautiful Bite
Chocolate Orange Protein Smoothie from The Lemon Bowl
Spaghetti Squash Hash from Eats Well With Others
Lunch
Hearty Garbanzo Soup from Sweet Life Bake
Pumpkin White Bean Soup from Blue Kale Road
Dinner
Slow Cooker Red Wine Pot Roast from Jeanette’s Healthy Living
Slow Cooker Beef and Bacon Stew from Girlichef
Lemon Pepper Chicken with Arugala from Virtually Homemade
Roast Chicken Ratatouille from An Edible Mosaic
Snack
Spiced Honey Nut and Seed Snack Mix from Fake Food Free
Charred Brussel Sprout, Bacon, and Toasted Sesame Guacamole from Baker by Nature
Quick and Easy Cucumber Bites, Three Ways from Hip Foodie Mom
Arugula Chimichurri over Roasted Salmon
December 5, 2014
Category
Grilling
Karista's Kitchen
Kid Friendly
Salmon
Seafood
Persons
1
Notes
I love serving this Arugula Chimichurri with roasted salmon, but it's also fabulous with pan seared or grilled scallops and makes a tasty dipping sauce for grilled or poached shrimp.
Ingredients
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 cup fresh baby arugula leaves, packed
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach leaves
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a food processor or blender, add all the ingredients and blend until ingredients are pureed into a smooth sauce. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over pan seared or grilled halibut and serve with wild rice pilaf, white rice and/or roasted veggies.
- For a step by step pictorial on how to pan sear salmon, click here
Arugula Chimichurri over Roasted Salmon
Notes
I love serving this Arugula Chimichurri with roasted salmon, but it's also fabulous with pan seared or grilled scallops and makes a tasty dipping sauce for grilled or poached shrimp.
Ingredients
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 cup fresh baby arugula leaves, packed
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach leaves
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a food processor or blender, add all the ingredients and blend until ingredients are pureed into a smooth sauce. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over pan seared or grilled halibut and serve with wild rice pilaf, white rice and/or roasted veggies.
- For a step by step pictorial on how to pan sear salmon, click here
What a stunning presentation – this would be perfect for entertaining or for dinner – for a new mom or anyone! I love how easy it is to prepare.
Thank you Jeanette! It’s one of my “go to” dinner recipes. Here in the Pacific Northwest we have a fairly consistent supply of salmon so I’m always thinking up new ways to prepare it. Wishing you the happiest and healthiest of Holidays!
That is such a cute story about what you told your daughter! And this dish is a real show-stopper – just gorgeous! Thank you so much for participating in Alyssa’s virtual baby shower!
🙂 My gals were always asking me the darndest questions! Lol! Thank you Faith for inviting me to participate. It’s been so fun and what a pleasure getting to know new food bloggers!
Awwwww, that is just one of those questions that melts your heart…so sweet. And this arugula chimichurri sound absolutely amazing. I think I need to make some salmon this weekend!
Thank you Heather! Yep, those two sassy gals of mine are always stumping me with their questions. Lol! Sweet babies for sure. Enjoy the chimichurri!
The salmon is so beautiful with the green! I just love the spicy flavor of arugula. I bet this is fantastic!
Thank you Lori! It’s quick and simple but full of flavor. My ideal dinner! 🙂 Happiest of Holidays to you!
What a sweet idea! And what beautiful colors on that plate.
Thank you Ksenia! I do love a colorful plate. 🙂 Hope you are having a happy holiday season!
Awww, Karista, you totally got me all teared up! Thank you so much for the kind words and for participating in the shower! I woke up to this totally surprised and filled with gratitude for all of the love.
This dish is perfect for the wild salmon we have access to (and that cooks quickly!) and I know will come in super handy when the new baby is here!
xoxo
Alyssa
You are so welcome Alyssa! I had a beef dish planned that I thought you’d love but guess who ate it before I could photograph? Lol! So I switched to another Northwest fave, salmon. 🙂 Wishing you all the best this holiday season and can’t wait to see your new little boy very soon! xo Karista
Your daughters are so beautiful!! I have two too. . but mine are ages 4 and 7! 🙂 LOVE this salmon. . it looks SO good!!!
Alice I have to admit… I stalk your instagram just to see photos of your darling girls! And your food of course, but I must say your angels can steal the show. 🙂 I miss those ages, such precious moments. So much fun being a mommy of girls. You have lots of adventure ahead! thank you for stopping by Alice, have a lovely holiday season. xo Karista
Such a lovely post, such lovely girls and an amazing, gorgeous dish Karista! Those days when they were little like that are gone so quickly aren’t they? Miss them and miss you too! hugs
Thank you Maria! I agree, time goes by so quickly and in a blink of an eye those sassy little gals are almost adults! Miss you too my sweet friend! xo
I love hearing your stories about motherhood Karista, especially when it’s about your sassy girls and little Tank. I remember a couple of years back when one of your girls was in hospital and you found the courage to share your story with us. It is really nice to hear about the memories you have, way back when they were little ones. I guess only a parent knows and understands all the little things that make up their children’s great big lives!
Plus an abundance of delicious food doesn’t hurt either 😉
Alice thank you so much for your sweet comment! Life is a funny thing. I’ve learned over the years it’s to be cherished and shared. Relationships, whether they be friendships or family members are the most important thing we have. When all else fails we have each other. Thank you for being such a true and sincere blogging friend Alli! I adore my blogging friends and someday I’d love to meet everyone in person! Wouldn’t that be a blast?!
Aww I love that answer to your first daughter! Note to self on what to tell my future babies. Such a sweet story!
And this salmon with chimichurri is just the thing to brighten up these cold winter months! So baby shower perfect!
Thank you so much Joanne! It is amazing what we come up with when our kids ask those crazy questions. Lol!
THIS RECIPE has my name written ALLLLLL over it!!!!! Seriously, you have NO IDEA my obsession with salmon and chimichurri!! OHHH YES YES YES!
So glad you love the recipe. 🙂 I am the same about chimichurri. Honestly, I could sip it with a straw. Thank you for stopping by!