One of our Favorite Recipes: Salmon Burgers with Parmesan Pasta

There was a time when hubby would talk about making salmon patties and the whole family turned up our noses at the thought. My main problem with using the salmon was the bones. Supposedly the bones are good for you to eat. Ummm, I don't care if they are (personally I have a theory that they just say that so they don't have to clean them out, I know I'm wrong but sounded good didn't it) either way I can't stand the thought of eating them or the skin. Makes me gag in fact.

One day a year or so ago I had a can of salmon (with the bones of course) and wanted to figure out what to do with it. I Googled, "What can I do with canned salmon?" and found a link to about.com's Busy Cooks where they discuss the benefits of canned salmon and include some recipes. Here is the recipe for Salmon Burgers that we fell in love with:

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup minced onion (I usually use my chopper to chop about 1/2 an onion)
• 1 clove garlic, minced (it comes out fine with garlic powder)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 (14-ounce) can salmon, drained (3 cans of the salmon that is w/o bones and skin works fine)
• 3/4 cup fine saltine cracker crumbs (this is about 25-27 crackers)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon milk
• Salt and pepper to taste (no salt needed really)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 English muffins, split
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 thin slices Muenster cheese
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise  
• 1 cup lettuce leaves

(We don't use the mayonnaise or the lettuce.)

Preparation:

Combine onion, garlic, and butter in small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high power for 1-2 minutes, stirring once during cooking time, until onion is tender.

Place salmon into bowl and remove skin and bones, if desired. Flake salmon. Add onion mixture, cracker crumbs, thyme, egg, milk, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix gently but thoroughly. 

I have found that using my Magic Bullet makes great cracker crumbs:

Shape mixture into four patties.

Heat olive oil in large skillet. Add patties and cook over medium heat, turning once, until patties are browned and hot.

Toast the English muffin in a toaster and then butter it and add the Muenster cheese. 

When salmon patties are done, place on melted cheese on muffin bottom. Add another slice of cheese and top half of muffins. Serve immediately. Serves 4

We also love our pasta topped with butter and Parmesan cheese. After draining and rinsing the pasta, while it is still hot, add butter or spread and let it melt while stirring. Then shake in some Parmesan cheese. Yummy!

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