Lunch today - Tuna Cakes

I made these for lunch today, improvising because I had no eggs. Yes, they were a bit flaky but all three of my girls ATE THEM! I was thrilled. Even more thrilled than normal because I just kind of threw ingredients in and hoped for the best. I am a 'must have a recipe in front of me' kind of girl so I impressed myself with these tasty cakes. Although anything with 'cake' in the title, can't be all bad.

Basically, they were warmed tuna salad. Here are the details as best I can remember from an hour ago. : )

~ 2 cans tuna, drained

~ 3-4 Tbsp. mayo

~ 1 Tbsp. mustard

~ 1 1/2 Tbsp. relish

~ 1 chopped green onion

~ handful of crumbed feta cheese (got the idea from this recipe)

~ 6 soda crackers crumbled fine

~ few drops of hot sauce

~ pepper

(an egg is probably recommended but I muddled by without one)

I think that was all.

Mix altogether. Form into patties. Melt some butter or use olive oil to coat your pan. Cook patties in pan over medium high heat. Flip over, once they are browned on one side (2 or 3 minutes per side).

We had them with these and it was a yummy fall lunch! Would make a good supper too. : )

Enjoy!

~ Photo from Kraftfoods.com

Quick Pickles

These pickles are easy and sooooo delicious! They'll keep for up to a year in the fridge in a container.

~ 5 lbs. (little) dill cucumbers
~ 1 red pepper, chopped fine
~ 1 large white onion, chopped fine
Put these ingredients into an ice cream bucket or container of your choosing.

Brine
~ 4 c. sugar
~ 2 c. vinegar
~ 2 Tbsp. pickling salt
~ 1 tsp. celery salt
~ 1 tsp. mustard seed
~ 1 tsp. turmeric

Bring brine to a boil. Pour over the cucumber mixture. Mix. Cool completely before putting the lid on. Refridgerate for about a week before eating. Soooooo good!! Try it!

~ Contributed by Linda K.

Make your own Pizza night

The girls and I had a make your own pizza night while Daddy was in bed with a terrible cold. That time of year already?  Anyway, they had a great time making their pizzas and they even looked edible!!  They were sooo tasty! 

We kept the ingredients really simple since my girls don't like any 'weird' toppings.  They topped their pizzas with pizza sauce, pepperoni, pineapple and cheese.

I just bought Pillsbury pizza crust (the stuff in the can) and we sliced it into 10 equal slices to make 10 mini pizzas.  

The girls then helped press down and flatten the dough.  Bake it for about 6 minutes, let cool slightly, then let the kids add their toppings.  Put back into oven for another 5 minutes or thereabouts, til the ingredients heat up and the cheese melts. 

 

Super good and fun.  Make it a movie night to top off the fun!

Peach Salsa

I know, I know, ANOTHER salsa recipe.  But it's a great way to take advantage of all the wonderful fresh produce in the summer.  On our holidays, my parents bought 80 pounds of peaches and we were the recipient of a few of them.   So I made salsa!  This is a recipe my sister gave me a couple years ago and it's so delicious.

~ 2 cups chopped fresh (or frozen, thawed) peaches

~ 1/4 c. finely chopped red bell pepper

~ 2 to 4 Tbsp. grapefruit juice (I used pineapple juice)

~ 4 tsp. chopped fresh cilantro

~ 2 medium green onions, chopped (2 Tbsp.)

~ Dash of salt

(I also added a touch of lime juice)

Mix all ingredients.  Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour to blend flavours.

My aunt and cousin threw a wonderful bridal shower for my sister a few years ago and they had the fantastic idea to have a salsa bar.  It was so delicious!  You can use this peach salsa and this one and this one and have your own salsa bar!  Feel free to send me YOUR favourite salsa recipes, jzmgirlz@gmail.com. 

~ From the kitchen of Leah C.