Lemon pepper

Where did the idea of combining lemon zest and pepper originate? It's hard to say, but this mixture has withstood the scrutiny of centuries of cooks. A standout with chicken, seafood, vegetable and pork or pasta dishes, it adds that just-right extra zing and “bite” that brings variety to your dishes. Using this seasoning on a plain dish of vegetables may just coax the kids into eating their veggies! Stir-fry dishes incorporating this combination with rice, vegetables and seafood or chicken adds a tempting note that's irresistible. Lemon pepper seasonings may be purchased at the grocery store, or made in your own kitchen. These ready-made seasonings may simply pique your appetite, providing a good starting point. Try it with broccoli for a delicious new taste. If you'd like to make your own, experiment as your taste dictates, using these approximate proportions of dried seasonings: 4 parts parsley 2 parts lemon zest 1 part each of basil, thyme, cracked black pepper and garlic. Mix the herbs and store in an airtight jar for a handy all purpose sprinkle for vegetables, seafoods and poultry. Lemon pepper adds a particular zest and liveliness to a ho-hum meal, giving a “bite” to an otherwise bland dish. Foods which benefit from a lemon pepper seasoning include fish, chicken, seafood, pork, pasta, salads and soups. Used in a marinade, lemon pepper is an important ingredient in your kitchen pantry. Lemon juice, in a marinade mix, tenderizes the meat and is especially effective with poultry. For one cup of marinade, mix 1/2 cup of lemon juice with an equal amount of chardonnay and a tablespoon or so of olive oil. Season with a teaspoon of dill and 1/2 teaspoon of cracked black pepper and you're good to go. The marriage of pasta and lemon pepper is so divine, you can find lemon pepper fettuccine at the market. Starting with the pasta, you can throw together a mean dish quite easily. Chopped onions, sliced olives, green onions and bite-sized cooked chicken are tossed with the cooked pasta and dressed with a little olive oil, lemon juice and dijon-style mustard. This versatile seasoning and seafood go together like peas in a pod. Tilapia, Tuna and Halibut are delicious partners. Brush the fish with butter, sprinkle on your seasoning and microwave until the fish flakes. Another must-try recipe is Cajun catfish. Mix a cup of flour with lemon pepper and a pinch of cayenne (to your taste). Dredge the fish and fry in a little olive oil. Another simple and tasty dish is prepared in the crock pot. Brush boneless chicken breasts with butter, season with lemon pepper and cook until done. Any leftover meat may be chopped and used in a fried rice dish, adding the vegetables of your choice. It's clear from a review of these uses for lemon pepper, the seasoning promotes good dietary habits. Try a few of these ideas to improve your health.

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