Minimalism at its Tastiest

So Friday night is the unofficial-official cooking night.

This Friday, my friends and I scavenged Hewitt for food. They had some decent food, the typical college menu: fried chicken breasts (or "breaded asiago chicken"), nachos, etc. Well luckily for my lazy self, I was saved by a ring. A telephone ring. It was my friend, Jess, calling with a dinner invite.

This post is dedicated to Jess. The chef of the week.




Sometimes the best dinner is the simplest dinner.

Jess made a wonderful and healthy dinner. Completely guilt-free. (the best kind)

MENU:
Part of a baguette, some goat-cheese and fig spread (bought at Westside market. some of the most amazing spread ever), Salad, Couscous, and Salmon.

Appetizers
baguette and spread.
very simple, easily storable. delicious.

(Tip: If you enjoy baguettes, but are afraid of keeping them because they get stale... FEAR NO MORE. Sprinkle some water on the stale baguette and then put it in the microwave for 15 seconds at a time. Usually, you will never need more than 30 seconds. Afterwards, the baguette will be stale no more)

Salad
-some mixed greens (easily can be found at your dining hall salad bar)
-cherry tomatoes (same as the greens)
-some Parmesan cheese
-a little vinaigrette

Couscous
-buy a small box
-follow directions

Salmon
-Filet of salmon
-Some vinaigrette

-Jess marinated the salmon in vinaigrette (same as the salad) for 30 minutes.
-Then she put it in the oven (in a pyrex pan) at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

Now let me tell you. This salmon was perfect. If you follow this salmon recipe and it turns out exactly the same as the one I ate Friday night, you will have salmon with perfect texture and a light, but super tasty flavor.


Now, this dinner is not only incredibly easy to make, but also quite inexpensive to make.

I know most students are on a budget. No, strike that. Who isn't on a budget?
So waste not, want not.

The couscous (average $3.19), Salmon ($11-$15), and Salad (free from your local salad bar ;] ). Also the price of the parmesan ($3 or so... can be kept for later), and vinaigrette (avg $4).
This made enough food for a full meal for 4 people (with leftovers!)!
Split the total price between 4 or 5 people, and it's a $5 meal. Seriously, go buy yourself a coffee and meanwhile, I'll be enjoying a deliciously healthy and tasty meal.

(disclaimer: These photos are found online at flikr. This is not from the meal we ate, but it might as well have been. minus the tomatoes and green beans... but there's a few ideas...
Also, for future reference my photos will all be real! I will be taking photos of the food I create, and sometimes the food my fellow Epicureans make. I hope you are looking forward to it).


Otherwise, please live well. Eat well.