Salmon Cakes with a Creamy Caper Chive Sauce

My grandparents would go up to Fort Bragg, California every year from about the middle of July to the end of August. It was practically an article of faith for them that was done for two main reasons. One, it was an escape from the triple-digit heat of summer in Stockton, and two, my grandfather loved deep-sea salmon fishing.

My grandfather was a great fisherman, and that 6 week period provided 1/3 of ALL the meat they would eat for an entire year. My grandparents would freeze and smoke some of it, but they canned most of it.

Now, for this recipe you don't need any of my grandmother's famous canned salmon (I used the last of that 4 years ago), but you can use any store bought variety, and it will taste almost as good (grin). So, here is my grandmother's recipe for salmon cakes with a creamy caper chive sauce. It is heart healthy, diabetic friendly and very, very tasty.

SALMON CAKES with CREAMY CAPER CHIVE SAUCE

• 2 slices whole wheat bread
• 2 large egg whites, slightly beaten
• 1 can (14 3/4 oz.) sockeye salmon, drained, bones and skin discarded
• 2 tblsp chopped fresh chives
• 3/4 to 1 tsp "Old Bay" seasoning
• 2 tsp canola oil
• 1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
• 2 tblsp drained capers
• lemon or lime wedges (optional. Be creative and use both)

1. To prepare fresh bread crumbs, tear bread into pieces; place in bowl of food processor. Process until finely minced.
2. Place in medium bowl, and stir in egg whites.
3. Break salmon into small chunks; add to bowl of breadcrumbs with 1 tblsp chives and seasoning. Mix well.
4. Shape into 4 patties about 3 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick.
5. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot.
6. Add salmon cakes, cooking 3 to 4 minutes per side or until golden brown.
7. Meanwhile, combine sour cream, remaining 1 tblsp chives and capers in small bowl. Mix well.
8. Serve salmon cakes with caper sauce and lemon or lime wedges (or both if you're creative like me).

This recipe makes 4 servings.

As always, eat and enjoy.