Dog Days of Summer

Welcome to my first blog entry! This 90+ degree heat wave of summer is oppressive but we're trying to keep cool by grilling and preparing food that doesn't need a lot of oven time. One of my favorite quick meals is to rub fish with a light coating or spray of olive oil and then season with salt and pepper. Add a simple spice rub if you like and then grill or bake until it just begins to flake, about 10 to 20 minutes depending on the thickness of the fish and the cooking temperature. A fresh fruit salsa is quite refreshing and creates a happy dance for your taste buds. The colors and flavors of summer also add eye appeal to your dish. This recipe came from a coworker several years ago and it's been a winner ever since.

Watermelon Mango Salsa

1 cup diced fresh mango (chopped small dice, 1/4 inch)
3/4 cup diced fresh seedless watermelon (small dice)
1/3 cup diced red onion
1/3 cup diced English cucumber (seeds removed)
1 finely chopped jalapeno pepper (seeds removed)
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
kosher salt & fresh-ground pepper, to taste


Prepare by mixing ingredients together and season to taste with salt and pepper. Mix 1 hour before serving. Serve with baked chicken or fish (tilapia, flounder, snapper).