Random Kitchen Night - Ginger & Lemon Verbena Blue Hake and a Sammich

My kids are on vacation.  And I am having the biggest problem making myself a decent meal.  I don't know what the deal is.  I can make ANYTHING I want, but last week I found myself eating marshmallows for dinner, after having skipped breakfast and lunch altogether, drinking sodas like they're going out of style.  RI-diculous!  I have everything for different kinds of smoothies, but no.

After another full day of this dilemma, I forced myself to go to the pantry, refrigerator and freezer to see what I could some up with last night.  I needed to cook some real food.


It was very random.

Concoction #1

I found this recipe for a Ginger & Cilantro Baked Tilapia from The Kitchn.  I would actually like to try this recipe with the Talapia, but based upon what I found in my pantry, I ended up with this:

Ginger & Lemon Verbena Blue Hake

3 fish filets, thawed
Salt & Pepper (to taste)
1 1/2 T. Ginger Paste
1 1/2 T. Garlic Paste
2 T. dried Lemon Verbena
1/4 c. Coconut Water Vinegar
2 T. Gluten-Free Soy Sauce
1 t. Virgin Coconut Oil
1 T. dried Minced Onion

Preheat oven to 475 degrees F.

Pat fish dry, lay in a 9x9 baking dish.  Season with salt & pepper

Whisk garlic, ginger, lemon verbena, vinegar, soy sauce, oil and onion until well blended.

Pour over fish and run it in a little.  Bake 8-10 minutes. 

It was good.  This would be nice with a rice and/or a nice green veggie today for lunch.  Last night, I just had the filet alone to try it.

Concoction #2

I often forget that this is even an option!  I love crusty and melt-y!  And yes, I took a bite. I have a sammich addiction.

Crusty Open-Face Ham & Cheese Sammich

I used leftover 3 Cheese Bread from Panera Bread and add a little mayo, a little shaved ham, some red bell pepper slices, a couple of chunks of goat cheese and a slice of Swiss.  I put these under the broiler for about 7-8 minutes.  I would say they could go up to 10 minutes to get them a littler browner if you desire.  Also, avocado, bacon, tomato or zucchini would be excellent additions or variations!

Today's Mission: Veggies, Smoothies and No Junk.