Getting into Paleo with Spicy Orange Salmon

After watching the Crossfit games on ESPN a few weeks ago, I was inspired enough to join a crossfit gym here in Syracuse and sign up for their 6 week shred.  So far, I am LOVING it!!  Every day we do something different and everything is a challenge.  No more boring treadmill, listening to men grunt while I lift weights unobtrusively in the corner, watching for an opening on a machine and darting in to get a few sets done.  The others in the group are encouraging and they struggle just as much with the activities as I do, so there is no feeling of inadequacy... most of the time.

The hardest part of this shred program is, surprisingly, NOT going Paleo, but giving up dairy entirely.  I have been eating fat free plain Greek yogurt almost everyday since getting really serious about getting in shape last September.  I LOVE cheese, as anyone who has been to a party here knows when they see the cheese board selection.  Salads are so tasty with crumbled feta or goat cheese, burgers elevated by a melty slice of cheddar or bleu cheese and eggs, oh man, how I still crave a gooey mexican cheese omelette with salsa and sour cream on top. Sigh.

Since last Saturday I have been following the Paleo food plan, and since this past Thursday have been totally dairy free.  Tonight for dinner I made Spicy Orange Baked Salmon with steamed asparagus.  Amazing!

Spicy Orange Baked Salmon

2 Tbs Polaner Orange Marmalade - it has no added sugar, just oranges cooked down to jelly
1+ Tbs Garlic Chili Paste - I get the jar with the green lid
1 tsp Fish Sauce
1# Salmon Fillet 

In a microwave safe bowl, put the marmalade and zap for 30 sec to melt it.  Stir in the chili paste and fish sauce.  Rip off a piece of aluminum foil that is bigger than the salmon. Place the salmon skin side down and fold up the sides really tight to the fish and taller than the fish.  You are trying to create high sides that will hold the orange sauce on top of the salmon.  Some will inevitably seep under while baking, don't fret about it.  Bake the salmon at 350 - 375 until it flakes easily.  Serve immediately, spooning some of the sauce over each piece once plated.