Swordfish and Scallops with Creamed Purple Cauliflower

Restaurant-quality food, easily made at home! This succulent dish will have your friends and family thinking they're dining at a five-star restaurant. The perfect dinner for that special someone, who will think you're a top chef! :) Pretty quick meal that tastes like you've been in the kitchen for hours! 

Ingredients:

- 1 small head purple cauliflower, chopped

- 2 Tbs half and half

- 5 Tbs butter, divided

- 2 tsp. grated parmesan

- salt and pepper to taste

- 1/4 tsp. onion powder

- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 lb. fresh boneless swordfish
- pinch of salt and pepper

- 2 sprigs of thyme

- lemon zest from one lemon
- 1/2 lb. fresh scallops

- basil, tarragon, or parsley for garnish

Rinse cauliflower, chop, and place in a microwavable-safe bowl. Add 2 tsp. water and microwave, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove, let cool slightly, and transfer to a food processor. Add half and half, 1 tablespoon of butter, parmesan, salt and pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Process until smooth. Set aside. (You can quickly reheat if it cools off too much).

In a skillet over medium-high heat, add 3 tablespoons of butter. Sprinkle swordfish with salt and pepper. Once butter starts sizzling and the pan is very hot, add swordfish and thyme sprigs and sear on each side for 2 to 3 minutes, while continually spooning the melted butter on top of the swordfish while it's searing. Remove from skillet to a plate and sprinkle with lemon zest.

In the same skillet, add last tablespoon of butter. Rinse scallops and pat dry. Sprinkle scallops with salt and pepper. Once butter starts sizzling, add scallops to skillet and sear for 1 minute on each side. Remove to a plate. 

Plate your beautiful entree' with the creamed cauliflower, then swordfish, and then scallops. Garnish with parsley, basil, or tarragon. Enjoy!! If you'd like a printer-friendly version of this recipe, Click Here.

"Until further notice, celebrate everything." - Anonymous 

Kielbasa and Whole Grain Rice with Redeye Gravy

Redeye gravy is a delicious brown gravy made with coffee. No wonder I love it! This healthy dish, using turkey kielbasa and whole grain rice, packs great flavor with just a few ingredients. Easy to make and even easier to devour! Enjoy! 

NOTE: You can also use grits in place of the rice.

Ingredients:

- 2 Tbs Land O Lakes light butter
- 1/2 shallot, diced
- 1 clove garlic, diced
- 7 oz. turkey Kielbasa (I used Jenny-O turkey kielbasa), thinly sliced
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1/2 cup coffee (pre-made)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 Tbs flour
- 1/2 tsp. fresh thyme
- Uncle Ben's Ready-Made Whole Grain Rice Medley (the package you just place right in the microwave)

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallots and garlic and 

sauté for about a minute. Add kielbasa and sauté/cook for 2 minutes or until kielbasa begins to brown. Add pepper, coffee, and beef broth. Let cook until it comes to a boil, and then sprinkle in the flour, a little at a time, whisking briskly until all the flour dissolves. Let sauce continue to boil and reduce for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh thyme. Spoon rice onto 3 plates and add equal amounts of kielbasa and gravy over each plate. Enjoy! If you'd like a printer-friendly version of this recipe, Click Here.

"A true friend is someone who overlooks your broken fence, and admires the flowers in your garden." - Anonymous