Grilled Swordfish perfect for summer

Swordfish steaks are a treat on the grill in the summer. The secret is not to overcook the swordfish. It should cook for 8 minutes per inch of thickness. Most steaks are about an inch thick. Alter your cooking time according to the thickness of the swordfish steak you buy. It will continue to cook in its own heat off the fire.

Arugula is mostly used in cold salads. Anna, my Italian friend, likes to serve her arugula cooked, using it as the base for this pasta dish.

Fred Tasker wine suggestion: These are strong flavors. Id try a powerful California pinot noir.

BALSAMIC GRILLED SWORDFISH Recipe by Linda Gassenheimer

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 large garlic clove, crushed

2 6-ounce swordfish steaks (or one large steak)

DIRECTIONS Preheat grill. Mix the olive oil, balsamic vinegar and garlic together in a plastic self-seal bag or bowl. Rinse the swordfish and add to the marinade. Let marinate 10 minutes, turning once during that time. Drain swordfish from marinade discarding the remainder of the marinade and place on hot grill grate for 1 minute. Lift and make a quarter turn, leaving the swordfish on the same side. This will help prevent the fish from sticking and make a crosshatch pattern on the steak. Grill for 2 more minutes, then turn over and leave 1 minute, lift and make a quarter turn and leave 2 minutes.

Yield 2 servings.

PER SERVING: 300 calories (48 percent from fat), 15.9 g fat (3.1 g saturated, 9.2 g monounsaturated), 66 mg cholesterol, 33.8 g protein, 3.2 g carbohydrates, 0.1 g fiber, 161 mg sodium. Note: Analysis based on one third of the olive oil and balsamic vinegar are absorbed by swordfish.

ARUGULA PASTA Recipe by Linda Gassenheimer

INGREDIENTS

1/4 pound fettuccine

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/4 pound arugula (about

4 cups), washed and dried

2 garlic cloves, crushed

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons grated

Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add pasta. Cook 9 minutes if dried, or 2 minutes if fresh. Heat olive oil in a skillet and add the arugula and garlic. Toss 1 minute. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss all of the ingredients together. Add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.

Yield 2 servings.