Salmon loaf

My foray into my mom’s 1960s recipes left behind a distinctive…cachet. If you’ve ever used canned salmon, you know what I mean. Despite the lingering scent, I give the throwback dinner a solid B-plus.

As I said in an earlier post, I found a recipe for salmon loaf while clearing out my mother’s pantry. In an effort to try new (or in this case, old) things, I made it for dinner last night. I’ve never used oatmeal as a filler – I’m a bread crumb gal. But I was pleasantly surprised by the taste and texture here.

The taste is similar to the salmon patties I make on occasion, but quicker and healthier because there is no frying. Hubby LOVED it. If I make it again, I will cut the salt in half and keep my addition of garlic and dill.

This is a dish, like revenge, that is best served cold. Once chilled, it slices like a dream and is wonderful on a toasted onion bagel with a smear of cream cheese.

If you had trouble reading the recipe card in the previous post photo (charmingly transcribed by my dad on an actual typewriter), I have written the (slightly updated) recipe below.

SALMON LOAF

• Two 14-ounce cans salmon, drained and flaked
• 1 1/3 cup rolled oats, uncooked
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper or Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
• 1 1/3 cup milk
• 2 eggs, beaten

Preheat oven to 350. In large bowl, combine all ingredients thoroughly. Pack into greased 9-inch loaf pan. Bake for 60-70 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes before slicing. For best results, let cool before unmolding from pan. Served with a sauce of 1 part horseradish cream to 2 parts ketchup.

Something’s fishy

Not all adventures have to happen on the road, in the air, or on the sea. Some can happen at home. All we have to do is be willing to climb out of our rut and try something new. But as we age into our (mumble mumble) years… OK, OK, I’m 69. Yes, yes, almost a septagenarian. Anyway, as we age, we lean toward what is familiar and easy. And while that is comfortable, it definitely isn’t exciting.

So, in addition to tackling my bucket list, I’m challenging myself to occasionally try something new. Today, it’s a recipe. While clearing out my mother’s house, we found an old metal index card box stuffed full of recipes. Tonight I’m trying something called Salmon Loaf. Very 1960s. Starts with canned salmon, which, I won’t lie, smells bad. Like open-the-windows bad.

I tweaked it a bit (sorry, Mom) by adding some garlic and some dill. I’m also making a horseradish sauce to serve on the side. I will report on results. Meanwhile, if you try something new in the kitchen, let me know.