A Hummus Duo

In need of more healthy snack options to take with me to work - I am after all, in a frequent snacking phase of my preggo life - I set out to make a batch of hummus. As I warmed up my food processor blending tahini hummus, inspiration struck. What about a couple of different flavored hummus options?

I usually turn to hummus for the snacking appeal, but it's also good for spreading on to sandwiches as a healthy alternative to mayo. These hummus flavors would give me great versatility.

Citrus Herb Copper River King Salmon with Potatoes

As a member of the Fresh Catch Crew, I get to taste the salmon varieties of Copper River Salmon - the wild caught, high demand, top-of-the-market salmon.

I know, I'm one lucky gal, huh?

I posted a few weeks ago about Sockeye salmon. And now I am talking about King salmon. So, how is King salmon different? What makes it unique?

Happy Anniversary with Fresh Squeezed Lemonade!

Today marks the 2 year anniversary of The Salted Spoon! I can hardly believe it it's been 2 years already!

Those of you who've been with me since the beginning know it took a little time to find my blogging groove. For you The Salted Spoon newcomers - I WELCOME you!

Thank you for following, supporting and chatting with me as I journey along in my foodie adventures.

On this special day, I am happy to celebrate a blog I truly enjoy with an ice cold glass of homemade lemonade!

Cedar Plank Grilled Sockeye with Parsley Butter

I’ve long been a salmon lover. This summer I get the opportunity to become a salmon aficionado.

As part of the Fresh Catch Crew, I get to taste the different salmon varieties that come from Copper River Salmon. I’m always up for expanding and fine-tuning my palate. Of course, this will come at the cost of ruining me for other, lesser quality salmon. But that's a cross I am willing to bare. :)

Watermelon Mint Granita

I had some leftover watermelon from a barbeque and refashioned it into a tasty after dinner treat.

A treat that's both fresh and fruity that satisfies my ever-so-present desire for ice cream.

Copper River Salmon season is here!

Warm weather has arrived and this means backyard grilling, dinner on the patio and my favorite part - light, fresh, colorful meals. I love this time of year!

And this summer, I'm excited to share (!), I will be representing Denver as a member of the Copper River Salmon’s Fresh Catch Crew. Being a Crew member means that I get to cook with this *prized* salmon throughout the summer.

Maple Almond Cookies

I've been baking up a storm ... and I am so excited to share my creation with you! These cookies are both delicate and delicious. Their light almond flavor and texture is reminiscent of a sugar cookie.

We've been enjoying these cookies in our house for a couple of days now. But they are nearly gone. A treat this good doesn't last long around here!

Popcorn Friday: Cracked Pepper Corn

Popcorn Friday is here and I am back to flavorings of the savory persuasion.

If you like salt and pepper potato chips, this week's popcorn is a healthy alternative to those chips. The flavor comes from the freshly cracked pepper - ground pepper is no substitute here.

Soft Pretzels

I've had a tasting for soft pretzels lately. This must be because yesterday (April 26th) was national pretzel day. How timely of me, right? So this week, in lieu of my normal popcorn adventures, I changed things up with a little baking.

There are numerous pretzel recipes out there. Some are more complicated than others and may require boiling the twisted dough prior to baking.

Sautéed Mushroom Cups

When entertaining for dinner, I like to have a starter ready to go when our friends arrive. It satisfies those who are arrived with hungry bellies and gives me time to visit before serving dinner.

We had friends for dinner and I had leftover wonton wrappers from some recent potstickers I had made. I dont think wonton wrappers freeze well so I needed to use them up.

Popcorn Friday: Homemade Kettle Corn

This week's popcorn continues my sweet twists on popcorn. And it's one of my favorites - Kettle Corn.

I love that at nearly every farmers' market, fair and outdoor event there's kettle corn to be had! I typically smell it roasting before seeing the kettle drum roaster and I reach into my purse for cash - that is if my husband doesn't already have the money out.

What draws me in? It's the combination of sweet and salty that gets me. That, and crunchy. An ideal combination for snack time eats!

German Chocolate Cake Popcorn

I've enjoyed the sweet twists to popcorn. This week, I was inspired by a desire for chocolate. Rather than have a whole chocolate bar, I created a chocolaty and crunchy popcorn.

Mango Madness Cocktail

Dan and I vacationed in Puerto Rico a couple of weeks ago. We enjoyed a full week of much needed R&R!

It was glorious. I was so relaxed, I took very few pictures. Nearly all of them of food! Thankfully, I have a couple pictures to at least remember our laid back trip.

Together, we sipped on fruity beverages while overlooking the beach from the comfort of our lounge chairs. Since then, I’ve had adult beverages on the brain.

Lightened-Up Egg Salad Sandwich

Every year, my adult siblings and I dye Easter eggs. Yes, I said adult siblings. We still enjoy doing this and have convinced our spouses to join in on the colorful creations as well.

Naturally, this tradition leaves us with lots and lots of hard-boiled eggs. The quintessential Easter leftover dish is an egg salad sandwich. But with the common ingredient of mayonnaise, I am sorry to say, such a sandwich makes for a calorie-laden lunch.

To health it up, I swapped Greek yogurt for the mayo. The result, the same great flavor but without the excess calories and fat.

Popcorn Friday: Party Time Popcorn Balls

I've been loving these Popcorn Fridays! It's so much fun to get creative in the kitchen!

This week, I changed things up by getting sweet with popcorn. These party time popcorn balls are coated in marshmallow - much like a rice krispie treat!

Curry Chicken Salad with Watercress

I have been traveling quite a bit these past months. I spend my days working for a wellness company for older adults and I get the opportunity to travel the nation visiting our partners.

In doing so, I also have many food-related experiences. Some healthy and some not so much. My travel eats inspire ideas about how to make dishes healthier.

This dish was inspired by a trip in which I enjoyed lunch with the team at a senior living community. The menu was much like a restaurant menu and offered several common lunch-time fares, such as tuna and chicken salad.

Popcorn Friday: Honey Mustard Popcorn

This week's popcorn is a shout out to all you honey mustard fans! I know you are out there and having lived with a honey mustard enthusiast in my early college years, I also know how fanatical you can be for this flavor.

I must share that this popcorn flavoring has proved the most difficult of the Friday Popcorns thus far. Now before you're scared away, let me reassure you that it won't be difficult for you to recreate.

In fact, it's actually quite easy. I strive to make my popcorn snacks quick and easy. I imagine you eat your popcorn as I do ... as a crunchy late night snack or for eats during a weekend movie night.

Vanilla Bean Ricotta with strawberries & toasted coconut

I've had some gorgeous vanilla beans burning a hole in my kitchen cabinet for several months now.

There are many good uses for a vanilla bean pod . I considered flavoring my sugar canister, making sweet treats and even a savory treat with the vanilla. I finally settled on dessert. A light dessert.

Popcorn Friday: Cajun Corn

Dan has been in the mood for something a little spicy this week. He is the spice lover in the family, not me. This usually means he adds Cholula to his dinner.

But his desire for spicy food inspired a new popcorn flavor - Cajun. Its got a touch of heat but not too spicy for me to enjoy alongside him.

Popcorn Friday: Truffle Cheese Popcorn

Continuing with my Friday night feature, I've got another flavored popcorn to share with you! And this one is ABSOLUTELY DIVINE!

Comfort food is so IN right now! It has been so for a few years already. There's no sign of its popularity slowing either. One of those uber popular comfort food dishes is Marconi & Cheese. And there's several takes on it...Lobster Mac, Truffle Mac...