Books and Steamer Bags

So, yesterday was a freakin' cold day here in Ohio (raining too), so I did not get out of my pajamas. Instead, I looked on my bookshelf and saw Larry Brown's The Rabbit Factory (which I think I stole from my sister at some point), and I decided to reread it (since it's been about 5 years since I'd read it). It is one of the fastest reads ever. It's a book that connects the lives of many different characters (all of whom live in the Memphis/Desoto County/Marshall/Lafayette County area...so all of the local references are so fun). It's a dirty, raw novel...mostly about sex, murder, drugs, and general immoral behavior. But, literally, you cannot put the book down when you start it, thus...

I wasn't able to do my normal Sunday cooking (which sets up most of our meals for the week). What's a girl to do?

This is my plug for the ziploc steamer bags, which literally are the greatest 21st century invention, in my opinion. All you do is take what you got, toss it in the bag, put in some seasonings, and follow the instructions on the bag to prepare. Very healthy alternative to my traditionally-country kitchen.

Last night, we had salmon, asparagus, and mushrooms. All we did was take the frozen salmon fillets (yes, frozen..you don't have to thaw your frozen meat out! I know, right?). Put the fillets in the bag, tossed in some fresh asparagus (in season, so it's really cheap) along with some mushrooms. I like to put in a capful of Newman's Own Balsalmic Vinagrette (yum) and some lemon juice, salt and pepper, and close up the bag. Microwave for 5-10 minutes (depending on how "done" you like everything).

Wa-laa... Healthy meal in 10 minutes and almost zero cleanup (though I do have my Maw Maw's genes and tend to wash out and reuse plastic ziploc bags).