Outdoor summer dinner in less than a hour.

I always get a weird rush when I cook for my parents. Mostly cause you never know if they're going to eat it or stare at it like an alien has landed in the backyard. These summer evenings have been so perfect, and we're so lucky to have a great area to eat outside and enjoy this beautiful weather. I kept it cool and refreshing with a watermelon and feta salad to start and a healthy and light citrus and dill salmon.

Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids that help with cognitive function and inflammation of the joints and tissues (chia seeds, flax, and other seafoods are great sources too). Feta cheese is not as fattening or caloric as other cheeses and because it has a strong taste you only need a little to get the full effect.

What are some hits or misses you've cooked for your loved ones?

Watermelon, feta, basil salad
Serves 3

1/4 small watermelon chopped into cubes
4 oz. feta cheese crumbled (did it myself with a little fork)
handful of basil chopped
lime juice

1. Add the watermelon, basil, and cheese into a bowl and mix.
2. Squeeze a lime over the mix just enough to make it tangy.
3. Set in individual bowls and garnish with mint.


Citrus and dill salmon cooked in parchment paper
One of the best parts about using parchment paper is the steaming effect when everything is all wrapped up that makes the fish so moist and flavorful.

Salmon filet (I used sockeye) to be cut into 4 oz. portions
1/2 orange
handful of dill
olive oil
pepper
garlic powder

1. Preheat the oven to 400° F. Cut and clean your salmon into 4 oz. pieces. Place the filets on separate pieces of parchment paper (3 for me).
2. Add dill, pepper, garlic powder, olive oil, and slices of orange (in that order) on top of the salmon.
3. Wrap the papers up like mini envelopes and places the pouches on a baking tray.
4. 40 minutes in the oven and you have a very moist piece of healthy and delicious salmon. The fun part about the parchment paper is just putting the envelope on the plate and letting your guests open it to see the beautiful presentation and get a whiff of the citrus and dill aroma.