Lavender + Salmon Dinner

This recipe stemmed from S wanting to eat healthier more often, like introducing salmon into our diets on a weekly basis. Being that I recently received lavender sea salt as a gift, I wanted any excuse to use it. I found that the sea salt and pepper is really all that a salmon needs, plus the lavender made for a very delicate and floral flavor. 

I paired it with gorgeous pearl cous cous, a staple my dad always has in his house these days, seasoned with a blend of spices called "Fishermen's spice" that was also a gift. With the arugula, I dressed it with my favorite balsamic and olive oil, plus the lavender sea salt, just a little, for some complimentary flavors.

Lately it's been a cold two days in Orlando (cold for Florida) and I have so been embracing it. Although everyone up north is bracing snow storms and working from home, I'm thankful for this cold front, otherwise we would have never had a winter. In Florida, people snicker that it will be back in the 80's by Friday (which it won't - this is a common thing among people who live here. It will be a high of 79, like yesterday was and it will barely crack 70, but people like to gloat.) This gloating bothers me for the main reason that I'd rather be up north, worrying with coworkers if our cars will start, bundled up with neighbors to shovel the snowy driveways, and feel that sense of community. There is nothing to gloat about our 90 degrees 9 months of summer here. Take it from me, it's not pleasant the rest of our year this far south. 

Maybe because I grew up with snow days and tea at night just to stay warm and cuddles on the couch with a movie when it's gloomy but that's what winter is all about. You bear it for a couple of months because the rest of the year is pleasant and getting a snowball tossed at you that slides down your neck is worth it, just because it's winter.

I'm dreaming of snow down here because we get out of work and something about this cold front smells like snow. It reminds me of our last trip up north, the last time I needed snow boots and crunched in the snow. I'm the type that barely turns on the heat and would rather bundle up in sweaters and blankets. What else is this time of year for? 

Yesterday was my brothers birthday (and mine, born one year and four days later, this Sunday!). So, a little happy birthday song in Portuguese like my mom and her family always sang to us. Parabéns pra você, nesta data querida. Muitas felicidades, muitos anos de vida! Happy Birthday big brother Mike!