This past weekend was incredible weather here in the T Dot – especially Sunday. And to boot, Vince and I were able to spend some time together just walking around, enjoying the sunshine, and doing some shopping.

Before we headed out, we made a simple breakfast – sunny side up eggs on top of sauteed spinach and toasted gluten free bread (our first time trying that), topped with fresh avocado and a bit of my mom’s homemade pepper sauce (peppers fried in olive oil). It hit the spot, and even though the bread was half the size of the eggs, it was super filling. I definitely haven’t craved bread again since which is making me think that maybe I could do without bread on a regular basis. Maybe.

We both hadn’t set foot in a Starbucks since the beginning of our 28 Day Challenge and on Saturday Ngan introduced me to one of their lattes I can actually have – green tea. Thank goodness!! It was delicious, and even though it tasted sweet to me, it had no sugar or flavour shots added (which makes me a firm believer that sugar tolerance can be reduced!). So I then had another one on Sunday with Vince – it was that good.

Instead of walking the main streets where the crowds were (it seemed everyone was out for the gorgeous weather), Vince and I took the side streets to look at the houses, stop to look at the blooms that came through the soil, and feel the warm sun on our faces that wasn’t obscured by skyscrapers.

Unfortunately, though, our walk took us past here:

My all time favourite neighbourhood gelato. And for a split second, I debated going in just to look at what new flavours they had and old favourites (like coconut!), but Vince knew better and pulled me away before I could give it any serious thought. But honestly, it was probably the lowest point of the Challenge so far – I mean really, with the first gorgeous day of the year, who wouldn’t want gelato???

Luckily Vince came up with a brilliant idea that immediately cheered me up – dining al fresco. So we headed home and while Vince prepped for dinner, I gave the balcony a quick clean up and we brought the patio furniture out from storage. That was the best decision ever and the first time we dined al fresco this year!

And what a meal it was. Fresh salmon grilled with a sweet Tamari glaze on top of quinoa pilaf packed with colourful veggies and tons of bright flavour. The perfect meal to end a sunny, warm day!

Here’s how we made it.

Salmon glaze:

1/2 cup Tamari sauce
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp minced ginger
1 lemon
1 lime
3 tbsp olive oil

2 lbs salmon (4 8 oz portions)

Combine all ingredients with the juice of the lemon and lime and whisk together.

Place the salmon in the marinade for at least 15 min. In the meanwhile, heat the grill. Once heated, grease the grill with vegetable oil using paper towel.

Season salmon with salt and pepper and place on grill skin side up for 4-6 minutes depending on thickness. Then carefully turn the salmon over skin side down. Spoon remaining marinade all over the salmon. After 3 minutes remove and let rest. For medium to medium well, leave on the grill for an additional 2-4 minutes.

Quinoa pilaf:

1 red pepper
1 yellow pepper
1 cucumber
1 carrot (medium)
1 pint of cherry tomatoes
1/4 red onion
1 bunch parsley
3 lemons
1/2 cup olive oil
2 cups cooked quinoa (for tips on how to prepare quinoa, click here)

Salt

Chop peppers, cucumber, red onion, carrot, and parsley. Halve the tomatoes. Juice the lemons. Combine all ingredients. Add salt to taste. Enjoy at room temperature, cold or heated…it always tastes yummy (especially the next day).

Enjoy! I promise, its mouth watering good.

It was a wonderful Sunday and the perfect way to spend some time with Vince – not too busy, bright sunshine, preparing food together, and enjoying the fresh air as we eat. I wish every day was like this.

With love,

Chef’s Wife