Going Crackers

I can’t recall the last time I personally purchased crackers, yet I always seem to have them in abundance. People bring them and leave them and I try to ration them into my lunches, so I don't eat too many at once. As a kid I was not keen on saltines but considered Captain’s Wafer’s a fancy treat. Now my sister goes crackers when she visits and hits H-E-B. Their lines came in jalapeno, rosemary, beet and more. Can’t “beet” that. So then I begin to wonder why we say “going crackers” crazy or wacky. Turns out we can thank the Brits for this naval expression referring to firecrackers in one’s head. Or it could mean becoming extremely annoyed or angry, as if someone ate all your crackers.

 

Prime Shrimp makes is easy. Say you’re in the Cajun Capital of Texas (Port Arthur) and you’re dreaming of Louisiana Boil or New Orleans Style BBQ shrimp for supper. You pull out some Prime Shrimp boxes of those varieties and in 10 minutes you could be sopping up the juices from your plate. But plan ahead Cajun food lovers. You’ll want to make a pot of rice, acquire a loaf of French Bread, eye some corn or make a salad to go with your feast. Prime Shrimp is a box of frozen stuff that gets rave reviews online. I agree. Cook in the bag with no thaw and no mess and you get two servings sure to impress. These compact boxes fit in your freezer so you’ll always have something special in the house. The “about us” section at www.primeshrimp.com shows a young fella at work. In 1943 the founder was 16 and dreamed up a shrimp peeling machine for his dad’s packing plant in Houma, Louisiana.

 

     Wild Mackerel - Maybe I wasn't supposed to eat all the olive oil, but it was so good on the fresh cucumbers and cherry tomatoes I brought to augment my can of wild caught fish. Omega-3s make a great lunch date when you are otherwise alone. Insert joke here about eating boring cans of smelly fish. But wait, this was neither boring or smelly in any way. Safe Catch Skinless Boneless Wild Mackerel is from the North Atlantic and joins the line's better-for-you fish products. It's clean protein touted for kids, pregnant women and lunch-box divas like me. This was a delicious quick  noon meal or it could have been inspiration for a more fancy dinner. No rules here, except the Safe Catch high standards you can read about at www.safecatch.com My can was refreshing and my body felt good absorbing the nutrients and olive oil in the tin. It also prompted me to ask why we say Holy Mackerel and it is apparently a reference to Catholics eating fish on Fridays.

 

     Bonus Kitchen Thing - Lock Socket is a charger lock that screws into an outlet so your USB charger cube is always ready for your iphone. If charger-lock.com could make your life easier, you can install this in minutes. Lock Socket

 

Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie going crackers in search of fun foodie research. Reach her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com

 

The "power" to make great sandwiches/burgers

 

The “power” to make great sandwiches/burgers

 

Hot dogs and an Astros game was the invitation this weekend. I had an idea the hostess would make them a little gourmet. The upgrade was a pretzel bun. And the Astros won. I left the gathering during the windy, rainy episode that kept my power off until bedtime Sunday. No Tony Awards for me.

We’d been to Saturday Mass and ended up attending on Sunday as well, to hear a friend’s music and stay cool. That’s how we got invited to charge our phones and have a bite. He toasted Ezekiel bread and served an almond butter sandwich with a twist: thinly-sliced red onion and a sprinkle of salt and garlic. Clever and delicious. It was actually a treat to have toast since I had no “power” to cook at home.

And how here’s what’s up from Safe Catch, the brand of canned fish that is certified sustainable seafood planned to be good for you and the ocean. Go to www.safecatch.com to be impressed by their methods and selection and for recipes such as mackerel jalapeno poppers. Talk about a twist on foodie flavors. So there are lots of burger recipes that put you in the summer mind. They also remind me of the croquettes my grandmother would get at Luby’s. The addition of quick oats is what drew me to the one below, which I made with great success. Try it for yourself.

 

Salmon Burgers Made Easy

INGREDIENTS

• 2 Cans of Safe Catch Salmon
• 1 Egg
• ½ Heaping Cup of Quick Oats
• ½ tsp dried ginger
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos
• Choice of favorite sauces and toppings

 

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Beat egg in mixing bowl, add dry spices and Soy Sauce, mix until incorporated
2. Flake two cans of salmon in the can (do not drain), then pour each into mixing bowl
3. Put Quick Oats in a blender and pulse until a medium-coarse flour is achieved, then add to mixing bowl
4. Fold ingredients with a spatula until evenly mixed together (set aside for 5 mins)
5. Preheat grill on high, then fold a single sheet of aluminum foil in half to create a double layer, to cover the grill grate
6. Coat foil generously with cooking spray
7. Use a 1/3 cup to scoop salmon burger mix and either form by hand or place inside an egg ring to create the classic burger shape
8. Cook each side 3-4 minutes on grill, or until golden brown
9.  

SERVING SUGGESTION

Salmon is an amazing source of lean protein and Omega-3’s, but it may be a new flavor for kids or adults. So, feel free to sauce with your favorites: barbecue, sweet chili, or an herb ranch. Also, add your favorite burger toppings too: lettuce, tomato, pickles or whatever your family favorites may be. This recipe makes 4 Salmon Burgers.

Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie catching some great eats. Share your finds at darraghcastillo@icloud.com

Lenty things Does Lent make you want to pop open a can? Of fish? Safe Catch’s Wild Mackerel is a North Atlantic catch in olive oil that makes me feel healthy with just a nibble. A pristine white can’s tab pulls back to reveal a neat little steak soaking in very delicious oil that I consider a treat. Even if the spring/Lenten season calls for fasting, you can still have very healthy and very good food. Safe Catch is very into fishing our waters in the right way. Read on:

Safe Catch Do wild sardines sound wild to you? Who made them so fancy? Would you think of opening a little can of fish as your birthday meal? Care and consciousness has elevated the noble tuna fish to gourmet status, even when it comes in a little round can. Learn how Safe Catch tests every tuna and salmon for mercury at safecatch.com.You can also sort for recipes based on gluten-free, keto and other diets and those friendly to pregnancy and kids. Bone up on their precautions and you’ll feel good about eating these products. Wild Pacific Pink Salmon looked so fetching in a pink/salmon toned can that I based my birthday meal around this luxuriant fish. Seafood always says celebration to my family and these are easy staples to stock. The company promoted salmon poppers with cranberry for the holidays and this fish, the official salmon of the American Pregnancy Association, could be my official seafood stock up of the Culinary Thrill Seeking pantry. Also, I’m upcycling the cute little can for succulent plantings. Spicy Spin Do you know your harissa? I knew enough to know I love it, but a new offering explains the spice. Mighty Sesame Harissa Tahini squeezes right out of a bottle to elevate your eggs, tortillas, meats and vegetables. So handy and so flavorful at any time of the day. Mighty Sesame Co. calls it the first-ever harissa flavored tahini. (Epicurious anointed original Mighty Sesame Tahini The Best Tahini You Can Buy). Look for this paste of roasted hot red peppers with other spices and herbs on Israeli, Moroccan, and Tunisian tables. The chili paste is often combined with garlic, olive oil, cumin, coriander, caraway and the combinations are as varied as grandmas’ gumbos around these parts. Gluten-free glee Are you ever tempted by the foods your gluten-free friends are enjoying? One of mine noted it is not a “choice” for her, though she’s managed to find products to adapt to her already-fabulous cooking style. I continue to point my finds to her. Absolutely! Gluten-Free offers new blueberry and key lime flavors in their line of grain free coconut chews that I’m savoring in real time. I’m enjoying as I write this very sentence. It’s moist and flavorful and they transport me to Florida for a breezy taste of Key Lime. Also to wherever blueberries are their best. These little individually-wrapped goodies are billed as real, wholesome and delicious and are also vegan, with no eggs and dairy. www.absolutelyGF.com Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie working to live simply and love large this Lenten season. Reach her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com

Have a Heart? Just be a Sweetie to Someone Else

We’re thinking pink here with a bunch of sweet foodie news in anticipation of Valentine’s Day. Experiences to share? Gifts? Treat yourself time? Put your heart into these goodies:

Wine Purses are Real! I used to think long narrow bags were wine purses because you could put a bottle in there and tote it to a party. Now I understand the PortoVino line of totes, messenger bags and literally “swanky” purses. You put your wine in the bag, then the bag in the purse, then you bring it to your function and then, you impress your friends by dispensing said wine right from the subtle side flap. That’s just how it works. The bags are sturdy, stylish and are 100 percent conversation starters. Hey, you could keep a sandwich instead of wine chilled in the side pocket if it’s a work day. Because, you’re going to want to carry around one of these bags. I’m keeping organized in a perky pink polyester tote with great lines. It’s roomy and stylish and holds all the stuff other “dry” purses do. www.porto-vino.com also has very stylish masks that are like silk scarfs. It’s a bag of Valentine “yes.” Unwilted It’s not that I don’t love flowers, I have never enjoyed a bouquet as a gift. They don’t last forever, you know. Enter Unwilted, working with Italian crepe paper to create each leaf and petal that is hand-cut, painted, shaped and constructed for realism, and art. These beauties will last. They are both modern and classic. Recipients will think about the thrill of receiving and the giver’s thought for years to come. You’ll love the color, the detail and the arrangement names, such as Peony for your Thoughts, Crepe Paper Suzette and Saffron Lust. So, these are the arrangements people like me love to get. They’re sustainable, I’d say. If you know anyone named after a flower, shop their style at www.unwilted.com The Cocktail Universe The drama of Singani63 began in 1530 when a single grape grown and distilled in the Bolivian Andies unleashed the cocktail universe. What does this mean? I’ve shared in nearly a full bottle’s worth and I’m still not sure. But I love the intrigue. Try this clear brandy as suggested in a spicy margarita, Ramos Fizz, sangria, Vieu Carré or make up your own story. Filmmaker Steven Soderbergh is part of this release which I agree, is a category of its own. The more I look into it the more of a mystery remains. A “63” pin implies you are part of a society with exciting plans ahead. A friend of mine let loose with the bottle and came back with a pineapple and ginger blend. Try what you like, or mix your Valentine one of these: Bolivian 63 2 ounces Singani 63 .75 ounces freshlemon juice .75 ounces simple syrup Champaign Lemon Twist Shake first three ingredients with ice, then stain into a flute glass. Top with Champaign and garnish with a lemon twist. www.singani63.com Safe Catch Do wild sardines sound wild to you? Who made them so fancy? Would you think of opening a little can of fish as your birthday meal? Care and consciousness has elevated the noble tuna fish to gourmet status, even when it comes in a little round can. Learn how Safe Catch tests every tuna and salmon for mercury at www.safecatch.com. You can also sort for recipes based on gluten-free, keto and other diets, and those friendly to pregnancy and kids. Bone up on their precautions and you’ll feel good about eating these products. Wild Pacific Pink Salmon looked so fetching in a pink/salmon toned can that I based my birthday meal around this luxuriant fish. Seafood always says celebration to my family and these are easy staples to stock. The company promoted salmon poppers with cranberry for the holidays and this fish, the official salmon of the American Pregnancy Association, could be my official seafood stock up of the Culinary Thrill Seeking pantry. Also, I’m upcycling the cute little can for succulent plantings. Wet Hydration The pink one is Dragon Fruit + Yerba + Hibiscus. But maybe your Valentine prefers the green one: Cucumber Lime + Vitamin E + Collagen. It’s all good and it’s no calories. That’s a plus in my glass. Wet Hydration “curated nutrients,” “blended in perfect harmony.” If you’re going Keto or Gluten-Free, vegan, Kosher and Non-GMO, grab a BPA-free bottle of these flavors and refuel. How well do you research your drinks? If you just go for flavors, such as Watermelon + Lemon Lime + Electrolytes, then you can get potassium with intrinsic antioxidants tossed in. Orange + Mango + Ginger + Turmeric is a flavor trend with zero calories and I’m drinking it up. www.wethydration.com Darragh Doiron is in LOVE with the notion of being a sweetheart to friends on Valentine’s Day. Reach her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com