Everywhere I go these days, it seems like I run into people who are trying to find balance in their lives. I am among those searching for the perfect balance between home/work/family/fun. I have to say, I’m not doing such a great job of it lately. Work seems to be taking on a life of its own, and balancing that with the family and fun stuff is taking a lot more skill on my part.
I have often wondered what the secret is to life balance. How do those of you who are really good at balancing do it? I have a feeling that part of it is being willing to say no to things, and I know that is something I struggle with. I recognize that achieving it all is not possible, but figuring out what exactly I am willing to let go of is difficult.
There are certain parts of my life where balance comes easy and usually that has to do with cooking. When I am in my kitchen cooking, I feel balanced. I feel like I really have my stuff together when I make a meal. Because, let’s face it… knowing what’s for dinner and actually getting it on the table can be one of the first areas to go out the window when your life is out of whack. If I want to feel even just a tad bit accomplished, I cook.
My friend Candace called one time and asked, “What exactly is a clove of garlic?” As I was explaining to her that garlic comes in bulbs, and a clove is a piece of that bulb, she started laughing. “No wonder my salsa tasted horrible. The recipe called for 3 cloves of garlic and I thought a clove was the whole bulb, so my salsa had 3 bulbs of garlic instead of 3 cloves!!” Ohhhh… talk about out of balance flavor! I love garlic and all, but I am not sure that I could even down something with three bulbs of garlic in it!
Balance is a tricky thing, even in cooking. Too much of one thing, no matter how tasty, and it can throw everything else out of balance. Just like life, with cooking, balance is important.
One of my favorite salmon recipes, Garlic Lovin’ Salmon, takes the flavor balance just to the brink of over the top. This simple and delicious recipe takes on the power of garlic and combines it with lemon and pepper to achieve the perfect combination of flavors. If I could achieve perfect balance like this recipe, life would be good!
Garlic Lovin’ Salmon
30 min | 15 min prep |
SERVES 4
| 2 | tablespoons butter |
| 3-4 | garlic cloves, pressed |
| 2 |
teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning |
| 4 | (4 ounce) salmon fillets |
|
lemon wedges |
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter.
- Stir in garlic.
- Sprinkle salmon fillets on both sides with lemon pepper seasoning.
- Place fish in the pan and cook on both sides for approx 3-5 minutes per side, until fish flakes when tested with a fork.
- Garnish with lemon wedges and serve.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Sounds fabulous. The balance in life thing is something I’m always struggling with myself.
oh my gosh! you’re killing me here. that looks and sounds fantastic! i hear you on the struggle to find balance…i feel like it’s a never-ending quest. fabulous photo, by the way!
This is going to sound simplistic, but the secret to balance in all things — life, cooking, fashion, travel, work, etc — is practice. It’s a myth that some people achieve balance on their first attempt!
That sounds like a brilliant recipe.
Kristen, that sounds delicious! So simple, yet very elegant. I have no idea what balance is right now, I hope to find it at some point though!
I agree – if I ever feel like I need balance, I go into the kitchen because that is where I feel best about myself!
I haven’t had salmon for awhile and this recipe is calling my name!
That salmon sounds wonderful! Will definitely try it this spring.
Wish I could offer some suggestions for balance… I am not doing so well at it myself. Since we are in the midst of spring sports, I can’t seem to keep up at all!
I love how simple yet delicious this is, Kristen.
Ah, Kristen, what a topic of conversation, finding balance. We were given a rock that had etched in it this saying, "We may not have it all together, but together we have it all." Maybe balance requires family teamwork with all on the same page and working towards the same goals. Mom
Wow Kristen, how you’ve changed! Great look my friend!
And balance . . . that’s an interesting one and you’ve said it so well. Sometimes I think of it as those old scales where you have to keep making tiny little moves and I never got the scale to go level. Sometimes you just have to go with it. I’m like you in the kitchen, it’s where I can get things most in balance most of the time.
The salmon looks balanced and way good to eat!!
Kristen, it looks like you’re enjoying a fine salmon dish too!