Sunday, September 14, 2014

Salmon Cakes over Pea Puree

 
Every year on September 11th, we have a special family dinner. This special dinner is our way of remembering and honoring all those who were affected by the tragedy.  On this day we make it a point to take some time out and celebrate our family and how blessed we are to have each other.

Thirteen years ago on September 11th my daughter turned six months old and I was about excited as I could be because this meant she could eat real food for the first time.  I had looked forward to this day for such a long time.  I had a special outfit chosen for her with a matching bonnet. I also had a homemade pea puree prepared and waiting in the fridge. My plan was to dress her up, feed her, and take all sorts of pictures.  Everything was laid out and waiting.

Then I went to work and that day turned into something I will never forget.  The fear, the panic, and the heartbreak seemed neverending as one tragedy unfolded after another.  Thankfully my employer let us leave early and there was nothing I wanted to do more than see my baby girl's sweet little smiling face. 

I was never so happy to see Olivia and give her a big hug.  I didn't know what else to do so I went ahead and took her to her appointment.  The doctor gave his approval for her to start eating real food. I no longer felt like celebrating but I took her home, dressed her up, fed her pureed peas, and took a few pictures. She was smiling and happy and it was just what I needed in that moment.  When I look back on that day my first thoughts are about the tragedy.  Then I remember my sweet baby girl and how she made me smile on a day when there was so little to smile about and I'm incredibly grateful.   

So each year on September 11th, we remember the tragedy and we honor it with a special meal.  Our special meal always has to include peas, of some sort, and Olivia always gets an extra helping.  We tease her that she has to dress up just like I made her do on that day thirteen years ago. We congratulate her on eating real food for thirteen years, or however many years it happens to be.  Mostly we are just silly and grateful to be together. 



Salmon Cakes
Adapted from The Guardian
by Nigel Slater
Serves 2-4

1 pound (500g) salmon, diced
a large stick of lemongrass, chopped finely
zest and juice of a lime
a thumb sized piece of ginger,grated
a small hot chili, diced
clove of garlic, grated
2 spring onions, diced
handful of cilantro, chopped
8 tablespoons breadcrumbs
salt and pepper, to taste
butter and/or oil, for cooking


Place the diced salmon into a mixing bowl. Add the finely chopped lemongrass, the grated ginger, chopped spring onions, grated garlic, and diced chili.  Stir the salmon adding in the lime juice and zest.  Be sure to use a light hand as to not turn the salmon into a paste.

Fold in the chopped cilantro and breadcrumbs together with a little salt and pepper.  Take up scoops of the mixture and pat into small thickish cakes.  The mixture should make about four patties.  Warm a little butter and oil in a skillet.  I prefer cast iron for frying.  Lower the salmon cakes into the skillet and cook until golden on each side.  Serve with the pea puree. 



Minted Pea Puree
Adapted from The Guardian
by Nigel Slater
Serves 2-4

One bag frozen peas
4 sprigs of mint
one clove of garlic
salt and pepper, to taste

Boil the peas, mint sprigs, and clove of garlic in lightly salted water till tender, drain, and whizz peas and the mint in a food processor with the oil till smooth.  Be sure to taste and season well. Serve with salmon cakes.

Theme: Lentils, Legumes, and Pulses Oh My!







9 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing your story, I was just sitting in my car on the way to the day care center to pick up my boys. I couldn't believe what I heard in the news. Peas to remember the tragedy,

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  2. What a lovely tradition to remember a happy event and a sad event.

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  3. A beautiful and moving post Kim. I am glad you take the time to remember with your family. This dinner looks like the perfect way to do that--love the combination.

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  4. Thank you for sharing your story. That's a lovely meal to remember by....

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  5. Hi Kim,
    Salmon cakes with minted pea puree looks really good!
    Having your family around for a family dinner is a wonderful tribute to honour the ones affected in the tragedy.

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  6. Celebrate every day with your loved ones, Kim. That was a horrific tragedy and it's funny the things we remember all these years later. Greta post and very moving.

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  7. I love the tradition and everything it stands for. Maybe I'll start eating peas on 9/11 also and think of you guys!

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  8. It was a terrible time. Thankful you had something good to go home to.

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  9. Oh, Kim, you brought a tear to my eye. Not just a beautiful dish, but your story really touched me. Your story reminded me that no matter how shitty life gets (and sometimes it seems as though we live in a world that has turned shitty beyond belief), there is always still much to be grateful for. I will forever now think of you and your beautiful girl when I eat peas, and it will make me smile xo

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