Corn, Tomato & Avocado Salad Recipe
This past week, the weather in the PNW finally started to warm up and that’s when we love to barbecue! One of my favorite side dishes is my corn, tomato & avocado salad. It’s easy to prepare, even on a boat. A crowd favorite for sure!
This salad is so versatile, that you can really add any of your favorite veggies or beans. Often, I’ll add black beans and chicken to make it a complete meal. I use fresh corn, but you can also use frozen corn. Simply microwave it for about one minute. Try to find an avocado that is not too ripe, as you don’t want it to be mushy.
The best way to cut up an avocado, is to slice it in half. Then CAREFULLY stab the seed with a knife, turn it sideways and the seed should pop out. Then using a large spoon, scoop out the avocado and cut it up.
I use a simple lime dressing for this corn, tomato and avocado salad. Be sure to let it marinate in the dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Enjoy!
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Corn, Tomato & Avocado Salad
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This is a very easy salad to make and everyone loves it. The citrus in the lime dressing will prevent the avocado from turning brown. This salad is best when you use all fresh vegetables and lime juice.
Instructions
Hold the ears of corn upright in a large bowl. Using a sharp knife, saw off the kernels into the bowl. Add the remaining diced vegetables.
Juice the entire lime into a small bowl and add remaining dressing ingredients. Whisk to blend well and taste. If you want it zestier or spicy, simply adjust to your taste preference.
Add the dressing to the salad, mixing carefully so you don't mush the avocado. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
What’s for Breakfast? Try our Red Bell Pepper & Onion Frittata!
I love to make a frittata when we stay on the boat. They are so easy, especially when you use the Xpress Redi Set Go Cooker
. Scott bought two of these portable ovens long before we bought Kokomo, with the intention of using them on the boat.
We use our Xpress Redi oven for things like pizza, baking chicken, grilled cheese sandwiches and toasting bagels.
For this frittata recipe, you can either saute’ the veggies first or simply add them to your egg mixture. Give yourself at least 10-15 minutes for it to cook completely in the center. Be careful when you serve it, as it will be piping hot! Enjoy!
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Red Bell Pepper & Onion Frittata
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This recipe can be altered in many ways. Just add your favorite veggies and protein for a delicious breakfast!
Instructions
Remove any dividers in the Redi Oven and pre-heat it. Whisk the eggs with the milk and add seasonings, veggies and cheese.
Spray the Redi Oven with non-stick spray and carefully pour in the egg mixture. Make sure to leave some room, as the egg will expand. Otherwise it will overflow. Close the lid and cook for about 12-15 minutes until cooked in the center.
Using a spatula, remove the frittata to a plate and cut into quarters. Serve with your favorite side dish or fresh fruit.
Recipe Notes
If you are not using the Redi Oven, you can use an omlet pan that is oven safe. Pre-heat your oven to 375 degrees. Spray the pan with non-stick spray and heat on medium high. Pour in the egg mixture and cook on the stove top for about 2 minutes.
Move the pan to the oven and continue cooking until the center is thoroughly cooked, about 12 minutes.
Homemade English Muffins are so Easy!
About a year ago, Cruising World Magazine had an article about making your own bread and homemade English muffins while cruising. This is vital for cruisers who don’t have access to bakeries or stores. Plus, what else are you going to do with your time while sailing the ocean?
Scott and I use English muffins for other meals, besides breakfast. I make larger ones and then they are great for panini sandwiches or as buns for burgers. Unlike traditional bread dough, there’s no kneading or flouring of surfaces. This is such an easy recipe, that you may never buy English muffins again.
With this recipe, you can tweak it slightly too. I used fat-free milk this time and they turned out awesome! Be sure to let them cool and use a fork to split them so you get all of the nooks and crannies – don’t use a knife! Enjoy!
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English Muffins
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These homemade English muffins only take about 2 hours to make, which includes the rising period. They are so easy and tasty, that you may never buy English muffins again.
Instructions
Bring milk to 110 degrees (don't let it get hotter) and dissolve yeast.
In a large bowl, mix butter, salt, egg, sugar and flour with milk. Mix dough either with a mixer or by hand until the dough is smooth, about 10 minutes.
Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for about an hour and half until doubled in size.
Line a cookie sheet with non-stick foil and sprinkle corn meal on it. Divide the dough into 10-16 pieces depending on the size of muffin you want and then roll and shape the English muffins. Place on cookie sheet and sprinkle the top with corn meal. Let them sit and rise for another 8 minutes.
Heat a large skillet or griddle to medium heat. Spray surface with oil cooking spray and sprinkle in corn meal. Carefully place muffins in pan, cover and cook for about 4 - 5 minutes (watching that you don't burn the bottom). Then flip the muffins over and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes. If your muffins are really big, they may be doughy on the inside. You can always move them to the oven at 350degrees and bake for another 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and let them cool completely before storing.
Remember to use a fork to split them, not a knife so you get all of the nooks and crannies. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
These muffins can be stored in an air-tight container for about 5 days.
Smoked Salmon Potato Chip Appetizers Recipe
For your next gathering, be sure to make these smoked salmon potato chip appetizers! They are so easy, elegant and perfect for entertaining on your boat or during your next cocktail party. In this recipe, I use lox style smoked salmon. it’s much more delicate and the presentation is gorgeous. One of my favorite smoked salmon brands lox style is Echo Falls Beechwood Smoked Atlantic Canape’ Slice Salmon. You can find it at your local grocery store.
There are many appetizers out there that are beautiful & tasty, but the prep time can really be an issue. What I love about this recipe, is you can whip it together in just a few minutes. You can even make ahead and refrigerate about 45 minutes before serving. Folks will gobble these up, so plan on making at least four chips per person.
Most galleys are on a boat are small and don’t offer a lot of prep space. That’s why I try to make items that don’t require mixing bowls or lots of counter space. If you have a favorite recipe that you make on your boat, please share with us. Enjoy! Scott & Ally
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Smoked Salmon Potato Chip Appetizers
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These smoked salmon potato chip appetizers are a crowd favorite. You can serve them at your next elegant dinner party or after a day of boating. You only need a few ingredients and within a few minutes your appetizer is ready to serve. Enjoy!
Instructions
You can assemble the potato chips about 40 minutes before serving. Line a platter with the potato chips and place a dollop of sour cream on each. Gently place a bite size piece of smoked salmon on top, then a few rings of pickled shallot and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
Variations: Add capers, caviar and or chives
Pickled Shallots
In a small sauce pan combine vinegar, water, salt and sugar. Bring to a boil and stir until salt and sugar are dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool. Pour liquid into a mason jar or a container with a tight seal, add bay leaf and sliced shallot. Refrigerate for at least 5 hours. Pickled shallots can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 weeks.
Cranberry Feta Pinwheel Appetizers For Your Holiday Party
The holidays are here and I love how delicious these cranberry feta pinwheel appetizers are. As you all know, I make pinwheel sandwiches during the summer as they are easy to prep and perfect for a day of boating.
Each year Scott and I host a holiday party. I want all of my appetizers to be festive on my table and these pinwheels are perfect! Yes, I will also share later my recipe for the pasta skewers shown here in the photo.
If you entertain on a boat or at home, you know how important it is to find recipes that you can prep ahead of time. I made the pinwheels earlier in the day, sliced them about an hour before guests arrived and kept them refrigerated.
We plan on attending our marina’s holiday party this year and these would be perfect! Enjoy!
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Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
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These cranberry feta pinwheels are sweet & savory. They are a bit rich, so most people will only eat a couple. You could also add nuts to them for some crunch. Enjoy!
Instructions
Mix the cream cheese with cranberries, scallions, feta cheese and red pepper flakes. Place a tortilla wrap on a 12" piece of foil or plastic wrap. Spread the cream cheese mixture on the right hand side of the wrap and make sure that the left edge is covered with a bit of cream cheese to help seal it. Roll the wrap up tightly from the right side. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. When ready to serve, slice into 1 1/2" slices. These can be placed on platter, covered and refrigerated for an hour before serving.
Hearty Beef Stew with Mushrooms, Carrots and Potatoes
It’s finally winter and who doesn’t love beef stew? This recipe is set up to make in an oven, but you can easily make it on a stove top using a Dutch oven. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on an expensive Dutch oven. I bought my Martha Stewart Enameled Cast Iron 6 qt. Round Casserole
Dutch Oven for just $99. Simply keep it at a simmer, stir often and be sure to check on it regularly.
Whether you have been boating all day or working outside in the yard, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of hot stew with tender beef. I recently served this for one of my dinner parties, with homemade artisan bread and it was a huge hit! Enjoy!
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Hearty Beef Stew with Mushrooms, Carrots and Potatoes
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This hearty stew is elegant enough to serve at your finest dinner parties or for your hungry boating crowd. Give yourself at least three hours to cook it for the ideal taste and tenderness.
Instructions
Pre-heat oven to 300º. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in Dutch oven on medium high. Cook bacon until crisp and remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel covered plate. Cut chuck roast into 2" pieces. Season beef with salt and pepper. Brown beef on all sides, then remove from pot and set aside with bacon.
Add remaining olive oil to Dutch oven and add onion. Cook for about 5 minutes until tender. Add garlic cloves, beef and bacon to the pot. Add thyme, bay leaves and red wine, cooking for about 5 minutes. Add beef stock and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover and place pot in oven. Cook for 2 hours and check regularly. Add more broth if needed.
Add carrots, mushrooms and potatoes to beef stew and continue cooking in oven for 1 hour or until potatoes are tender. Remove from oven and return pot to stovetop. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Heat pot to a simmer. Add water to corn starch and add to beef stew to thicken. Stir gently. If it thickens too much, simply add a bit more stock. Serve with warm artisan bread.
This smoked salmon pasta is probably the top favorite recipe I have been making over the past five years. It all started when I owned our wine shop, The Wine Alley and we started carrying a local smoked salmon. Steve’s Hot Smoked Salmon, is made locally in Buckley. It’s unlike any other smoked salmon you will try. It’s extremely moist and super flavorful! You can get this at The Wine Alley or at some local grocery stores.
Don’t try and serve this simply as an appetizer by itself, unless you have more than one filet. It will disappear in literally five minutes as I learned the hard way.
How the Smoked Salmon Pasta came to life
Back to the smoked salmon pasta dish! Scott and I were working late one night and I didn’t have time to go to the grocery store, but I knew I had some salmon in the fridge at the wine shop. I decided to whip up a simple pasta dish and when I say simple, that’s exactly what this is! It only has a handful of ingredients and it is elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. It also would be super easy to make on a boat! Enjoy!
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Smoked Salmon Pasta
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This is an all time favorite dish that I make for friends and family who rave over it. It is rich and hearty and super easy to make.
Instructions
Make pasta according to the directions.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and saute' onions until tender, about 3 minutes. Season with garlic salt, ground pepper and parsley. Add whipping cream, stirring frequently. To thicken, mix corn starch with water and gradually pour into cream mixture. If it gets too thick, then add some pasta water until you get the consistency you like. Add smoked salmon, breaking it up into bite size pieces. Stir in capers and cooked pasta. Stir in parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
Pasta with Chicken, Kale & Mushrooms
Pasta, chicken, kale, mushrooms and whatever else is in the fridge. The other day I found a recipe for chicken soup with mushrooms. It sounded delicious and I was planning on making it. However, Scott only eats soup on a cold blustery day (yes, this is true!) and it happened to be a nice sunny day.
I’m not one to waste ingredients, so I wondered, what else could I make? I’ve been trying to use up tons of my veggies in the fridge and so I decided to whip up a quick pasta! This is so easy and filling. You can easily make it on the boat for a crowd! Enjoy!
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Pasta with Chicken, Kale & Mushrooms
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There is a lot more in this pasta than chicken, kale and mushrooms. In fact, you could add any of your favorite veggies too! This is a very rich and hearty dish, perfect for cold boating season.
Instructions
Cook pasta according to the directions, drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and add onions and mushrooms. Saute' until tender, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic, bacon and kale. Season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Add chicken stock and simmer for about 5 minutes. Add whipping cream and chicken and blend well. Cook for another 5 minutes until thickened. To make the sauce thicker, in a small bowl, whisk corn starch with 2 tbsp. of water and add to skillet. Add cooked pasta to the mixture and mix in parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Chicken Chili for those tailgating nights!
White chili, also known as Chicken Chili is a favorite in our house. Now that Fall & Winter is arriving, who doesn’t love chili especially when watching your favorite football team? Chili is actually very easy to make on a boat in a small galley and it keeps for a few days for great leftovers.
While I love traditional chili, there’s something about Chicken Chili that is just as tasty and makes me feel like I’m eating healthier! Happy cooking!
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Chicken Chili
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This medium spicy chili is easy to make and a definite crowd pleaser. Even my husband, who only likes traditional chili loves this recipe!
Instructions
In a large pot, heat canola oil and add onion & jalapeno. Cook until tender under medium high heat. Add diced garlic and all of the spices and cook for about 2 minutes (do not let the garlic burn). Add 1/2 of the white kidney beans and smash them in the pot. Add chicken broth, bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Add corn, chicken, remaining white kidney beans and pinto beans. Simmer for about 25 minutes. If you want it thicker, add 1 tbsp. of water to the corn starch and mix thoroughly. Add to the chili, stirring to keep it from clumping.
Serve with shredded cheddar cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, chopped cilantro & crushed tortilla chips.
Recipe Notes
Since I don't like chopping onions & other veggies, especially on a boat, I use my Onion Chopper by Müeller
. It works great, collects the onion in the bin (no mess and no tears) and the clean up is easy!
This post may contain affiliate links for products I mention.
. Scott bought two of these portable ovens long before we bought 
Dutch Oven for just $99. Simply keep it at a simmer, stir often and be sure to check on it regularly.
. It works great, collects the onion in the bin (no mess and no tears) and the clean up is easy!
