Product Review: Trader Joe's White Salmon Alla Checca

While recently checking out the frozen fish at my local Trader Joe's, I came upon this little package. White Salmon Alla Checca, or Wild Salmon Fillets Marinated with Herbs & Spices. In addition to the white salmon (which I've never tried, or even heard of), the ingredients listed tomato, lemon juice, garlic, leeks, shallots and basil.  All those things sounded good to me and I'm always on the lookout for quick and tasty dinner options so decided to give it a try.

The package is sold by weight and the nutrition facts said the servings per container varied so I wasn't sure how many fillets I was buying. But $8/pound didn't seem ridiculous to me. Is that high? For an American product? It says it's a product of the USA so I hope that means the salmon is American, too.

Broccoli and Garlic Penne

Do you still cook the same way you did when you first started making your own meals? Or have your skills and tastes changed and evolved over the years?

My skills as a cook have definitely improved (those two years spent in culinary school helped) and my taste buds have changed, too. I cook from scratch most of the time and if I end up grabbing a pre-packaged something due to a time pinch, I'm generally disappointed. Believe me, I wish I could find frozen meals that I thought were worth the time savings - and calories. If you've found something you love and would recommend, please let me know!

But aside from the frozen ravioli that I keep for emergencies (and the ice cream kept for um, other emergencies), there isn't much in the frozen food aisle that I can honestly say I like. Most things, no matter what your skill level might be, always taste better when made with your own hands.

Wednesday Links

Did you watch Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution last night? What did you think?
Here's some backstory of Jamie's food fight with the LA schools.
The fiscal toll of treating 'lifestyle diseases' - more from Mark Bittman.
5 great pantry staples at Trader Joe's. Definitely check out the canned smoked trout, too. It's a great, sustainable alternative to canned tuna, especially if you're concerned about mercury levels.
How to share a cow. I've been meaning to look into this - anyone interested?

Local news:
Going out to eat this Easter? Here's a list of Metro Detroit holiday brunch spots.
Or maybe a home delivery service of locally produced food? Door to Door Organics promises that during the Michigan growing season, as much as 75% of their produce will be sourced from local farmers.