Not So Super Secret To Simple Syrup

Simple Syrup's a great way to sweeten your summertime drinks and can be used in many recipes. 

Once you mastered this basic recipe, you can make your own twists to the syrup. 

I've used 1/3 c. of sugar for this. 

You can adjust the amount of sugar for desired sweetness. 

1 c. cold water

1/4 - 3/4 c. sugar (regular or dietetic)

Heat water on high just until it just comes to boil in saucepan.

Reduce heat to medium, add sugar. 

Stir sugar 2 - 5 min or until it's fully dissolved.

Remove from heat and let cool. 

Pour into small container with lid.

 

Store in refrigerator until needed.

Makes 48 (1 tsp.) servings.

Ready for Summer Fish ™

This is a satisfying, yet light recipe for fish, perfect for summer. I've used pollack for this, but you can use what you like.


4 fish fillets 
1/8 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp each: parsley, granulated garlic
Non-stick cooking spray
1-2 T olive oil
Squeeze of fresh lemon juice


Preheat broiler to high.

Spray cooking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.

Sprinkle: salt, pepper, parsley and granulated garlic over both sides of fish.
Drizzle olive oil over both sides of fish.  Squeeze fresh lemon over fish.


Broil for 12 -15 min or until done. 


Serves 4.

Honey Mustard Dressing

This is a very easy recipe for honey mustard dressing. You can adjust the amount of ingredients to taste.  Enjoy!

1/4 c (4T) appx.  mayo (regular or lite)

2-3 T each: honey, mustard

In a bowl combine ingredients. Mix well with a fork. 

Serves 12  (1 tsp.).

Here A Chicken, There A Chicken, Everywhere A Chicken Noodle Soup ™

There is nothing better than homemade soup to make one feel better. This is an easy recipe for chicken soup. You can adjust the amount of chicken, noodles and vegetables used. 


1 - 2  chopped boneless chicken breasts or thighs (uncooked)
4 c - 6 c cold water
1/3 c chopped onions
1/4 c each: sliced carrots, sliced celery
1/4 tsp each: black pepper, dried or fresh parsley
1/8 tsp salt  (optional)
1 clove fresh garlic crushed, chopped
1/4 c star shaped noodles (optional)


In a saucepan combine: chicken, water, onions, carrots, celery, salt, pepper, parsley, garlic.  Bring pan to a boil. 


Boil ingredients for 30 min, stirring occasionally. Lower heat to medium low, add noodles if desired and let simmer for 20 more min.  Stir occasionally.


Serves 4-6.

Spring Fling Cooler ™

What a better way to celebrate a new season with a refreshing smoothie. This recipe is from a nephew.


I've used reduced fat milk , but you can also make this vegan by using dairy free milk and vegan ice cream. You can even try this recipe with frozen yogurt too. 


You can adjust the amount the ice cream, if desired. Enjoy!


1/2 c each sliced strawberries (fresh or frozen), orange juice, milk 
1/2 - 1 c strawberry ice cream
1 banana sliced


Combine ingredients in a blender. Blend well for 15 - 30 seconds.


Serves 2

Simple Simon Salmon ™

 This is a very easy recipe that is perfect for Lent or anytime of the year. 


1.5 - 2  lb salmon fillet
1/8 - 1/4 tsp each: salt, ground black pepper (to taste)
1/2 - 1 tsp each:  dried parsley, dried or fresh dill (to taste)
1 clove chopped garlic, crushed
juice and zest of 1 lemon
2 - 3  T approx.  butter (cut into pieces)
Nonstick cooking spray

Preheat broiler.

Spray cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray.


Place salmon fillet on cookie sheet. Sprinkle salt, pepper, parsley, dill, garlic, butter pieces and lemon zest evenly over fillet. Squeeze lemon evenly over salmon.


Place salmon in broiler and broil on high for 12- 15 min. or until flaky. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes. Cut fillet into 4 - 6 serving pieces.


Serves 4 - 6.  

Please Eat Your Vegetables Soup ™

Nothing is more satisfying on a late Winters day than a hearty bowl of soup. This is a very easy recipe for vegetable soup.


 I've used inexpensive stewing beef and low sodium beef broth. You can use leftovers as well.  You can even make this soup with chicken or even vegetarian if you wish.


8 c low sodium broth (I've used beef broth) 
2 c  meat (cut into chunks)
4 c mixed vegetables (canned or frozen)
1 c chopped celery
1 can diced tomatoes
1 c chopped onions
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
pinch of salt (optional)


In a large pot combine: broth, meat, veggies, celery, tomatoes, onions,. pepper and salt. Bring to a boil for 10-15 min. Reduce heat and let simmer for 1- 2 hours, stirring occasionally.


Serves 8.