Salmon Burgers

I guess it's about time for me to post my first recipe! I've been wanting to share a few with everyone but I always forget to take pictures when I'm cooking!

Last night Branden and I made salmon burgers for the first time and we found them to be delicious! I found the recipe in one of my cookbooks so I figured I'd share it!

Prep Time: 20 min     Total: 30 min

Sour Cream Dill Sauce

1/3  cup sour cream
3     tablespoons mayonnaise or salad dressing
3/4  teaspoon dried dill weed

Burgers

1     egg
2     tablespoons milk
1     can (14 3/4 oz) salmon, drained, skin and bones removed, flaked
2     medium green onions, chopped (2 tablespoons)
1     cup soft bread crumbs (about 1 1/2 slices bread)
1/4  teaspoon salt
1     tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions

1. In a small bowl, stir sauce ingredients until well mixed. Cover & refrigerate until ready to serve

2.  In a medium bowl, beat the egg & milk with a fork or whisk. Stir in remaining ingredients, except oil.

3. Shape mixture into 4 patties, about 4 inches in diameter.

4. In a 10-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Cook patties in oil about 8 minutes, turning once, until golden brown. Serve with sauce.


One thing I will try different next time is to use fresh salmon instead of the canned salmon. It was very tedious picking out all of the bones and it was just a hassle. I know the can says they are edible but I don't like things poking me as I eat. It may take a little longer to prepare fresh salmon but I bet it tastes better too.

In addition, the recipe comes with instructions on how to make a sour cream dill sauce. Branden hates sour cream though so he made his own sauce with ranch and buffalo sauce. He said it turned out great. I definitely recommend some kind of sauce to add, though, because it can get really dry without it. Maybe next time I'll try adding a little lemon juice to try and moisten them up.

It was a nice change of pace to eat a healthier version of a burger and not eat our normal fish or chicken during the week.

 

My First Half Marathon

Yesterday I successfully ran my first half marathon! I've been training for it since the end of March and every week was a new challenge since I did one "long run" each week. I had no reason to do it other then I wanted to challenge myself. I can say that it was definitely a challenge.

During training I missed 2 weeks of long runs because of a back injury, followed immediately by being sick. It put me behind where I was hoping to be but I knew I'd be able to finish the race regardless. My nerves ran high before the race but once it started I felt great. I kept a nice pace thanks to the provided pacers but started to fall back before the halfway point. I continued at my own pace with some walking here and there (along with a stop for a quick stretch) and was ecstatic when I realized I was almost finished.

As I crossed the finish line, Branden was there waiting for me and cheering me on. I am so thankful that I had his support throughout the training process. I am proud of myself for accomplishing a half marathon but I know I can do better next time! Here are a few pictures from the event :-)

Arrived at the start location and ready to run!

 Starting line

I'm so close to the finish line! Only a couple more yards!

 I can see it!

 Finished with my cup of wine and champagne glass!

 Thanks to my amazing husband for all the support!

 We had to walk another mile home but we made it!

Memorial Weekend Recap

I know I'm almost 2 weeks late with this post but I got sick right after the weekend :-( and then I got too lazy to post. Even though I was in bed with a fever for a few days I'd much rather be sick like that then a week-long cold or the flu!

Branden and I had quite the eventful time for the long weekend. It started on Saturday when we drove to Stockton to celebrate Kianna's first birthday. The poor girl was sick (we thought she just had a fever because of teething but later realized she had Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease), but we think she was able to enjoy the day as best she could. Sereena rented a bounce house for all the kids and I could tell everyone had a great time at the party. Here are a few (or a lot) pictures from the day!

Branden and I spent Friday evening building our present for Kianna

 Mama and the birthday girl :-)

 Lorraine and I were hanging out in the bounce house

 Piñata time!

 Time for her own cake!

 I think she enjoyed it

 Uncle Branden loved pushing her around in her new Cozy Coupe

After the party, Glenda, Sereena, and Kianna came back to Alameda with us to spend the rest of the weekend. Even though Kianna was sick most of the time, a little Motrin and TLC were just the cure. On Sunday we walked to the beach (we are so lucky to live so close) and spent some time hanging out in the pool. Kianna loves the water and had tons of fun playing in the sand.

On Monday we walked to the park and were hoping Kianna would enjoy the playground. She did enjoy it but was more interested in picking up the bark and putting it in a pile on the slide.

The rest of Monday and most of Tuesday (I took the day off) were spent just lounging around the apartment but it was definitely needed. On Tuesday we did cook one of Branden and Sereena's childhood favorite foods: Tator Tot Casserole. I know it sounds weird (and it is) but it's really good and a definite comfort food. It's also really easy to make! Maybe I'll do a separate post about how to make it.

Overall we had an amazing weekend. It was nice to spend time with family and friends and I can't wait for another long weekend to do the same!