For years fish has been labeled “brain food” and more recently nutritionists have added “rich in Omega3” and “heart healthy” to the labels.  It’s all true!  Fish is a good source of protein, selenium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin B6, and Omega3 oils.  The benefits of eating fish, in particular baked or broiled salmon, three times per week include lowering:  the risk of heart disease, blood pressure, macular degeneration, ADHD in children, grumpy teenage syndrome, dementia in seniors, and a whole host of other ailments and diseases.  A recent Purdue University study found that nearly 30% of the Americans studied have un-measureable levels of omega3 fatty acids in their systems, placing them at greater risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, dementia, behavioral and learning problems.

So listen up folks!  Adults and children need to eat fish every week.  If you think you don’t like fish, start off with fish sticks or fish burgers until you develop a taste for it, then move on to tuna sandwiches, baked and broiled salmon, halibut, and next thing you know the world will be your oyster.

This recipe is for canned salmon which is easy on the pocket book as well as tasty.

Salmon Patties

Ingredients: – makes 2 servings

·         1 can (14.75 oz) salmon, drained

·         ¼  cup Italian bread crumbs

·         2 Tbsp minced onion, sautéed in butter

·         2 Tbsp minced celery, sautéed in butter

·         1 Tbsp capers, chopped

·         1 Tbsp pimentos, chopped (or use 8-10 stuffed green olives, chopped)

·         1 lemon, juice ½ and cut the other half into wedges for garnish

·         2 to 3 dashes of Tabasco sauce

·         Fresh ground black pepper, about ¼ tsp or 6 to 8 grinds

·         1 egg, beaten

·         ½ cup Panko bread crumbs

·         1 Tbsp butter and 1 Tbsp vegetable oil for frying

Method:

1.      Combine all ingredients in a bowl, except Panko bread crumbs and frying oil and butter.  Use your hands just like mixing a meat loaf. If the mix is too wet add another Tbsp of Italian bread crumbs. The patties will be moist but hold together for breading.

2.      Form 4 patties for main dish or 12-16 patties for appetizers.

3.      Pour Panko bread crumbs onto a plate. Cover salmon patties with bread crumbs, patting and shaping as necessary to cover the entire surface.  Let patties rest for 30 minutes or longer.

4.      Warm butter and oil over medium heat.  When butter froths, fry patties until golden brown on top and bottom.

5.      Serve hot with lemon tarragon aioli.

Lemon Tarragon Aioli

Ingredients:

·         2 cloves garlic mashed with 1 tsp salt

·         1 tsp dried tarragon

·         2 tsp lemon juice

·         1 cup mayonnaise (homemade is best)

Method:

1.      Use a mortar and pestle to mash the garlic with salt.  Add the tarragon and lemon juice then the mayo.  Stir until well combined.

2.      Add a couple dashes of Tabasco and a few grinds of black pepper if desired.