7 Recipes for a Sharp Mind

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    Want to keep your mind razor sharp and your memory intact? Puzzles help, but so does the right food. These 7 delicious recipes contain brain-enhancing nutrients, including antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and iron…

    Moroccan Grilled Salmon
    Tangy plain yogurt mixed with the classic ingredients for chermoula – a Moroccan spice mix – serves as both the marinade and the sauce in this salmon dish. If you like your food on the spicy side, add a pinch of cayenne to the mixture.

    Serves: 2
    Preparation time: 40 minutes

    Ingredients
    2 tablespoons low-fat or nonfat plain yogurt
    2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
    2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
    1 tablespoon lemon juice
    1-1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
    1 clove garlic, minced
    3/4 teaspoon paprika
    1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
    1/8 teaspoon salt
    Freshly ground pepper, to taste
    8 ounces center-cut salmon fillet, skinned and cut into 2 portions
    2 lemon wedges

    Preparation
    1. Combine yogurt, parsley, cilantro, lemon juice, oil, garlic, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the sauce; cover and refrigerate. Place salmon in a medium sealable plastic bag. Pour in the remaining yogurt mixture, seal the bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate for 10 (or up to 30) minutes.

    2. Meanwhile, preheat grill to medium-high.

    3. Oil the grill rack. Remove the salmon from the marinade, blotting any excess. Grill the salmon until it is browned and just cooked through, 4-5 minutes per side. Top the salmon with the reserved sauce and garnish with lemon wedges.

    Enjoy!

    Nutrition Facts
    Per serving:
    290 calories
    20 g fat (4 g sat, 10 g mono)
    68 mg cholesterol
    2 g carbohydrate
    23 g protein
    0 g fiber
    184 mg sodium
    481 mg potassium

    Nutrition Bonus: selenium (60% Daily Value), vitamin C (20% DV), high omega-3s

    Mixed Greens with Berries & Honey-Glazed Hazelnuts
    For a sophisticated starter, try this colorful salad, which marries fresh berries, caramelized nuts and tangy feta cheese. Puréed berries form the base of the dressing, giving it a velvety texture and rich flavor.

    Serves: 4
    Preparation time: 25 minutes

    Ingredients
    For the nuts:
    1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
    1 teaspoon honey
    1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts, or walnuts

    For the dressing:
    1/3 cup raspberries, blackberries and/or blueberries
    2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
    1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
    1 tablespoon water
    1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    1 small clove garlic, crushed and peeled
    1/2 teaspoon honey
    1/8 teaspoon salt, or to taste
    Freshly ground pepper, to taste
    2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots

    For the salad:
    10 cups mesclun salad greens, (about 8 ounces)
    1 cup blackberries, raspberries and/or blueberries
    1/2 cup crumbled feta, or goat cheese (4 ounces)

    Preparation
    To prepare nuts:
    1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a small baking dish with cooking spray. Combine oil and honey in a small bowl. Add nuts and toss to coat. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and bake, stirring from time to time, until golden, 10-14 minutes. Let cool completely.

    To prepare dressing:
    1. Combine berries, oil, vinegar, water, mustard, garlic, honey, salt and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in shallots.

    To prepare salad:
    1. Just before serving, place greens in a large bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the greens and toss to coat. Divide the salad among 4 plates. Scatter berries, cheese and the glazed nuts over each salad; serve immediately.

    Enjoy!

    Nutrition Facts
    Per serving:
    232 calories
    17 g fat (4 g sat, 10 g mono)
    17 mg cholesterol
    15 g carbohydrate
    7 g protein
    6 g fiber
    349 mg sodium
    596 mg potassium

    Nutrition Bonus: vitamin A (80% Daily Value), vitamin C (60% DV), calcium (20% DV)

    “Fajita” Burgers
    This spicy burger is served on an oblong roll, slathered with a spicy chipotle mayonnaise and topped with roasted Anaheim peppers and a delicious slaw.

    Serves: 4
    Preparation time: 50 minutes

    Ingredients
    1 pound 90%-lean ground beef
    3/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, divided
    1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
    1/4 cup chopped scallions
    2 teaspoons minced garlic
    1 tablespoon chili powder, preferably New Mexican
    1 teaspoon ground cumin
    1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, preferably Mexican
    1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
    1/4 teaspoon salt
    1/3 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
    1 tablespoon lime juice
    1 tablespoon chopped chipotle chile in adobo
    1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
    4 French rolls, preferably whole-wheat, split and toasted
    2 roasted Anaheim or poblano peppers
    1 cup shredded green cabbage
    4 slices tomato
    4 thin slices red onion

    Preparation
    1. Preheat grill to medium-high.

    2. Place beef, 1/4 cup cilantro, onion, scallions, garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, pepper and salt in a large bowl. Gently combine, without over-mixing, until evenly incorporated. Form into 4 equal patties, about 1/2 inch thick and oval-shaped to match the rolls.

    3. Combine the remaining 1/2 cup cilantro, mayonnaise, lime juice and chipotle in a small bowl.

    4. Peel the roasted peppers, halve lengthwise and remove the seeds.

    5. Oil the grill rack. Grill the burgers until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 165°F, about 6 minutes per side. Top with cheese and cook until it is melted, about 1 minute more.

    6. Assemble the burgers on toasted rolls with the chipotle mayonnaise, half a roasted pepper, cabbage, tomato and onion.

    Enjoy!

    Nutrition Facts
    Per serving:
    416 calories
    19 g fat (7 g sat, 6 g mono)
    82 mg cholesterol
    34 g carbohydrate
    30 g protein
    7 g fiber
    695 mg sodium
    628 mg potassium

    Nutrition Bonus: zinc (47% Daily Value), vitamin C (35% DV), iron (30% DV), vitamin A (25% DV), calcium (20% DV)

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