Recipe - Sweet Potato Salmon Patties

Using what I have on hand, in the freezer, on the counter, hanging out in the frig, in the pantry, that is how I like best to cook. I think it is called "no recipe" but it is not the same as "no planning" because having so many ingredients available does take planning (at least previous shopping!).

So here is how I made some Sweet Potato - Salmon Patties a few weeks ago.

Ingredients:

• 3 small to medium size sweet potatoes (not the jumbo ones) - bake in oven or microwave until cooked through, cool, peel, and mash well in large bowl
• 2 small cans of salmon (or one larger can) - do not drain, just put in bowl with sweet potato and flake with fork to mix well
• 1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs - add to bowl and mix well (I always have these in my freezer, which I make in my blender or food processor from bread ends)
• 1 large egg (or 2 small ones) - beat in small bowl separately and then mix in thoroughly with other ingredients in larger bowl
• 2 Tbsp. Pike Place Market seafood seasoning (any brand will do, but with one Seattle-based son, this is what I have in my pantry) - mix in well with all other ingredients
• Optional topping: smoked paprika or chopped chives would add a nice touch of color when serving.

Directions:

(1) Mix all ingredients together very thoroughly in a large bowl
(2) Make into 10-12 patties
(3) Bake or cook up in a skillet (I used my cast-iron skillet)
(4) These can be frozen well after cooking and then thawed at a future date for your own fast food!

(Photo: Sweet Potato - Salmon Patties)

(Photo: Sweet Potato - Salmon Patties -- close-up)

Serve on whole grain buns with freshly cooked vegetables and salad. I should have taken a photo of my dog inhaling the sweet potato peels, one of her favorite treats, followed by her licking the bowl, the place-mat under her bowl and then the floor while looking for more!

Easy, easy, easy as long as you have all these basic ingredients in the house. Put them on your next shopping list for a delicious and quick meal!

"Cultivate your life - you are what you grow - inch by inch, row by row"

Diana Dyer, MS, RD