State Fair Competition - I'm In! 

Happy Saturday!  I'm so glad it's the weekend!  Exciting things going on in my neck of the woods - one of which this post is about. :) The State Fair is coming at the end of September, just one more month.  Woo-hoo!  The State Fair has been a big part of every year for me since I was just a wee little child. I don't care if it's the same stuff every year, I never lose my excitement for it. One of my favorite things now that I've gotten older though is the competitions. Last year was my first time entering in one of them and - you'll never guess ;) - it was the baked goods competition.  I didn't get a ribbon but I still was very glad to participate. However, this year, I'm bringing my A-game. After giving some thought to what I will enter this year I have decided on the following:

1. Baking Powder (aka - Gun Powder) Biscuits
2. Apple Pie
3. Coffee Cake (for the King Arthur Flour challenge)

My biscuits have always been fabulous and have just become more so over the past year, so they're a given.  My apple pie can be pretty good if I do say so myself.  I started using a different recipe several months ago and it. is. incredible.  My main challenge there, will be ensuring that the crust is not too soggy on bottom.  I don't usually bake my pies in tin foil pans, so I will need to experiment with the crust in those pans to ensure it can be a success. And the coffee cake, well, who wouldn't love a good challenge like that?  I mean, not only do the winners receive ribbons, they also get King Arthur Flour gift cards. I'm all in! :) 

So here's to experimenting over the next couple of weeks and hopefully a ribbon!  Or, at the very least a spot in the display case.  And trust me, if either of those happen there will be photos! 

Hot & Spicy Baked Salmon

Today I want to share with you a delicious, simple, lite, and HOT salmon recipe.  This is one of the easiest recipes in my kitchen and perfect for any weeknight. I personally prefer it with a little less black pepper, but my husband loves hot food and so this has become a staple recipe for us. :) 

Start off by placing the salmon fillets on a piece of foil that's in a glass dish.  

You'll cover them in a marinade of garlic, olive oil, basil, salt, black pepper, lemon juice,& parsley. Phew! That's a list!

Don't ya just love my little whisk? :)

 Marinate the fillets in the fridge for about an hour (or all day while you're at work!), turn them at least once, several times if you're able. (Actually, let me be honest. A lot of times I just smother both sides of the salmon and then don't even bother with flipping. ;) )

All that's left is popping them in the oven & baking for about 35-45 minutes or as is customary with fish... until they flake easily with a fork.

Okay, so not exactly the quickest recipe, but certainly easy.  I hope you enjoy. :)

Baked Salmon

2 garlic cloves, minced

6 tblsp. light olive oil

1 tsp. dried basil

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. ground black pepper

1 tblsp. lemon juice

1 tblsp. fresh parsley, chopped

2 (6 oz.) salmon fillets -->(I usually do 4 and there's still plenty of marinade)

(1)In a glass bowl, mix garlic, light olive oil, basil, salt, pepper, lemon juice, & parsley.

(2)Place fillets in glass dish & cover with marinade.

(3)Marinate in fridge about 1 hour, turning occasionally.

(4)Preheat oven to 375.

(5)Place fillets in foil, cover with marinade, & seal.

(6)Place sealed salmon in glass dish & bake 35-45 minutes, until easily flaked with a fork.

*Recipe taken from Food.com*