My High Desert Homestead: Simple "Gourmet" Dinner

When I first began dating my husband, he loved to impress me with his culinary skills. He was always introducing me to new foods, flavors, and countries cuisines. Just one of the many reasons I was enamored with him...I guess it holds true for women too; a way to a woman's heart is through her stomach! Hahah! In my case, it's true!

One of the very first date-night meals was this. I remember, he bought a new cookbook that day at the campus bookstore and invited me over because he found a recipe he couldn't wait to try. I jumped at the opportunity to have a meal prepared for me - or with my help - so I came over and we prepared this recipe together. It was so delicious and simple, we've been making every-so-often ever since! It takes me back to that date-night...not only good food but a new experience in my passionate cooking journey!

I hope you enjoy it as much as we did, and still do!

Salmon with Balsamic-Orange Sauce

4 salmon fillets (5 oz. each or so)
Salt and Pepper
1 small onion
1 Tbs. chopped fresh mint
1 Tbs. chopped fresh basil
1 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley
1/2 c. orange juice, preferably fresh
1/4 c. balsamic vinegar

Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper, wrap in aluminum foil and place on a pre-heated grill. Grill about 10-15 min (depending on size and thickness) until cooked through. (Really, any number on ways can be used to cook the salmon first. You can grill it in a pan, cook it in the oven, or even cook it over open heat. The point is you need to just simply season the salmon and get it cooked. The magic is in the sauce!)

Meanwhile, finely chop the onion and herbs. Place the onion in a skillet over medium heat for two minutes, to soften the onion slightly. Add the herbs, orange juice, and vinegar to the onion in the hot skillet. Bring to a boil and boil gently for five min., until reduced slightly. Remove from the heat.