Don’t you hate those crazy days when your feet hit the ground running in the morning and just never seem to be able to stop until the rest of you crumples in a sweaty, exhausted, glassy-eyed heap on the floor about twelve hours later? I’ll bet those of you that have already waved goodbye to forty know what I mean. And then, as you’re trying to resuscitate yourself, you’re met with hungry, quizzical eyes and the dreaded question, “What are you making for dinner?” At that point, I usually want to bare my teeth and snarl “Reservations!” But, I usually don’t. After all, it’s not their fault. Although, they could offer to help out once in a while. (But, that’s a story for another day.)

Anyway, it’s on nights like those that I usually either call Pizza Hut or dig out a box of Hamburger Helper. No, I’m not proud of it. But I will admit that, on occasion, I have resorted to Hamburger Helper to fill the bellies of my loved ones. Cheeseburger Macaroni is my poison of choice.

Sometimes, however, before total delirium sets in, I still have the presence of mind stop at the store on my way home and pick up something that I can throw together in minutes to stave off the ravenous hordes. Well, not actual hordes. There are only three of us – four, if you count my Golden Retriever, Bella. But, she’s usually happy with a bowl of kibble.

This Maple-Mustard Glazed Salmon is one of those “throw together” dishes. It is so light and flavorful and very easy to make. In fact, you probably already have all of the glaze ingredients in your pantry. All you do is mix some maple syrup, Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar together, brush it on some fresh salmon, and then bake it. A total no-brainer! I also added some pureed chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the glaze to give it a little kick, because I had some. A squirt of Sriracha sauce does the trick too. You should try to get the nicest, freshest salmon you can, though. It makes a difference. but, only I used a wild sockeye salmon this time.

This article appears in Aug 5-11, 2010.