Salmon Croquettes

Cooking for myself on a limited budget is a continual challenge.  I have learned to get the most bang for my buck with elegant, yet budget-friendly recipes.  This salmon dish is a delicious and frugal way to satisfy my expensive taste buds, while keeping my finances in check.  It's quick and easy and the dipping sauce compliments it so nicely.


Directions for Salmon Croquettes:

Ingredients:

1 can 14 3/4 oz salmon
1/4 cup plus 4 Tablespoons mayonnaise, divided
1/4 cup dry Italian bread crumbs
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 egg white
1 Tbs. lemon juice
1 tsp, seasoned salt
2 tsp. butter
2 tsp. honey Dijon mustard

In a medium bowl, combine salmon, 1/4 cup manonnaise,  bread crumbs, green onion, egg white, lemon juice and seasoned salt.  Mix well and shpe into four 1/2 in thick patties.  Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot.  Add the salmon patties and cook 3 to 4 minutes on either side, until golden brown.  Meanwhile, combine remaining 2 T. mayonnaise and mustard.  Dribble sauce over patties or serve on the side.  Makes 4 servings.

And as an added bonus for those of you who are cooking for just one of 2 the leftover patties can be individually frozen for a later date!

Remembering Christmas' Long Ago...

Andrew and Booboo

For years now, I have been digging these little teddies out of the basement storage and setting them down next to the tree, every Christmas.  I know they probably don't care anymore, but my sons, now grown, loved and cuddled these little bears when they were children.  Their little faces, old and worn by years of being hugged, watch quietly from their perch, as though remembering all the Christmases past, when they dangled from tiny fingers, waiting for Santa to arrive.  I know my sons barely remember, but I will always cherish my memories of those Christmases long ago.

A Christmas Angel Keeping Watch from Up Above...

I have 2 little windows like this up high on either side of my living room wall.  The little angel fills the spot perfectly.

One Can Never Have Enough Chicken Recipes

Merry Christmas to All!

My Very Best Meatloaf Recipe...

I love homemade meatloaf on a crisp fall evening.  It's pure comfort food.  I've been making this version for years.  And the best part is, I can freeze slices in individual size portions.






Sweet & Tangy Meatloaf

Ingredients:

2 eggs
3/4 cup milk

2/3 cup finely crushed saltines

1/2 cup onion

1tsp salt

1/2 tsp rubbed sage

dash of pepper

1 1/2 lbs ground beef

1 cup ketchup

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

Directions:

In a large bowl, beat the eggs.  Add milk, saltines, onion, salt, sage and pepper.  Add beef and mix well.  Shape into an 8 1/2 in x 4 1/2 inch loaf on an ungreased shallow baking pan.

Combine remaining ingredients; spread 3/4 cup over meat loaf.  Bake at 350 degrees for 60-65 mins or until meat is no longer pink; drain.  Let stand 10 minutes before slicing.  Serve with remaining sauce.

Yield: 6-8 servings

Delicious!

A Peek Inside My Studio: Before and After

After moving into my tiny apartment, I no longer had a place to paint, so the search for an art studio began.  I finally found a room to rent in a building shared with other artists that was just a short 1/2 mile from my apartment.  It was very small, dark and dingy, but at only $100 bucks a month, I set out to spruce it up with fresh white paint from top to bottom and lots of good lighting.  Until I can afford something bigger and better, this is where I now paint and draw.  It's cozy, cool in the summer and warm in the winter.  I really enjoy creating in my new little space and go there to work whenever I can.