Quick Cuke Canapes: Gluten Free Naturally

There is just something really special to me about preparing something elegant yet SUPER easy that is created from naturally gluten free ingredients. These canapes fit that description. Perfect for your New Years's Eve celebration or anytime. Enjoy!

2 medium cucumbers (I use seedless English cukes)
1 (3oz.) pkg. cream cheese , softened
2 Tbs finely chopped fresh parsley
2 Tbs finely chopped chives
1 Tbs sour cream or mayonaisse
1 tsp prepared horseradish
1/2 tsp lemon juice
1/2 cup finely chopped cooked shrimp

Makes 36 canapes
Original source unknown

1. Draw tines of fork lengthwise through cucumber peel to score; cut into 1/4 inch thick slices. Place on paper towels to drain.
2. In a small bowl, combine sour cream, horseradish, and lemon juice; beat until smooth. Stir in shrimp.
3. Spread or pipe 1 tsp mixture onto each cucumber slice. Garnish as desired.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 2 hours.

Steamed Shrimp

The following recipe was taken straight off the can of Old Bay Seasoning, one of my favorites in the kitchen!

Recipe Tips:  Shrimp are delicious alone or accompanied by a small bowl of melted butter for dipping. Although white vinegar is fine, my mother swears apple cider is best for this dish.

2 Tbsp. Old Bay Seasoning

1/2 cup vinegar

1/2 cup water

1 lb. shrimp in shells

In saucepan, combine first 3 ingredients. Bring to a boil. Add shrimp, stir gently. Cover; steam until tender, about 3-5 minutes. Drain, remove shells.
Enjoy!

More Salmon Patties, Please!

"More Salmon patties, please",  is the phrase you will hear when you have served this delicious meal. I use two cans of Salmon when I make this dish because if you have leftovers they don't hang around for long.

 Recipe tip: I have used McCormick Salmon Grill Mates for the seasoning, but lately cannot find this product. I recently saw a product called Chef Paul Prudhomme's Magic Salmon Seasoning which may be just as good, but I have not yet verified it as gluten free. For your safety verify all ingredients as gluten free when following a strict gluten free diet.

Salmon Patties
2 (14.75oz.) cans Salmon, cartilage removed
1 cup Hellman's Mayonnaise
1 Tbsp. Salmon seasoning 
1 Tbsp. Leah & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce (Gluten Free on the label, YAY!)
1 cup bread crumbs (I process unused portions of Pamela's Bread, I make in my bread machine)
2 Tbsp. Canola Oil

1. Flake Salmon with a fork or fingers in a large bowl.
2. Combine remaining ingredients with Salmon.
3. Shape into patties on a plate, cover with plastic wrap and  place in refrigerator for a minimum of two hours or overnight. This minimizes breakage when frying.
4. Heat oil in pan to med-high heat. Fry patties for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned gently flipping halfway through cooking time.
5. Drain on paper towels. Serve.
Enjoy!

Makes a lot depending on how large your patties are. Experiment, have fun!

Jack Mackerel Cakes

I dedicate this post to my oldest son. If it were not for him I would have never discovered how much I love this dish. He is an avid fisherman and is quite knowledgeable about fish, their habitats, fishing and now recipes. This recipe originally began as Salmon Cakes, but thanks to him is now made even more reasonably priced with the use of Jack Mackerel. I will post a similar salmon recipe at a later time.

Recipe tip: I love McCormick's Salmon Spice, but I will often change what I use either because I cannot get the Salmon Spice or simply because I like to experiment with flavors and spices. I have also used McCormick Garlic and Onion. Today I am using Old Bay Garlic and Herb Seasoning.

Jack Mackerel Cakes
1 15oz. can jack mackerel, drained and spinal column removed
1 egg
1tsp. McCormick Salmon Spice (see recipe tip for substitution)
1 cup stone ground cornmeal
1/4 cup Hellman's mayonnaise (gluten free is written on the label, yay!)
canola oil for frying

1. Place mackerel in a bowl, break large pieces apart so that it combines well with the other ingredients.
2. Place egg, spice, cornmeal and mayonnaise in the bowl with the mackerel, stir thoroughly to combine.
3. Take a heaping tablespoon of mixture and shape into cakes. Place on a plate and cover with plastic wrap.
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours; even overnight. This step is very important so the cakes do not fall apart.
5. Heat enough oil in a pan to fry the cakes. Gently place a few cakes in the pan at a time. Fry until golden brown, turn and fry the opposite side in the same way.  Place on a plate with paper toweling. Serve and ENJOY!

Makes 12-15 cakes

Clam Dip

Imagine sinking a chip into that. MMMMmmm, good!

For this Father's Day and many other days throughout the year, we dip our favorite gluten free potato chips and assorted veggies in clam dip. I found this fantastic recipe on About.com

Recipe tips: I like to make a good size portion of this flavorful dip. To do this I increase the cream cheese to 8oz. and also use about a cup of mayonnaise. I use Hellman's Mayonnaise, Gluten Free is printed on the label! This dip has turned out best when I use an electric mixer to blend first 3 ingredients. To soften the cream cheese I put it in a microwave safe bowl and warm for 30 seconds.

Clam Dip
 
6-8oz. cream cheese
3/4 - 1 cup mayonnaise
1 clove garlic, minced
1 7oz. can minced clams, drained
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
dash cayenne pepper or hot pepper sauce
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce


Mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, and garlic until smooth. Add minced clams and carefully blend with remaining seasoning. Chill dip thoroughly. Serve with chips and veggies. Enjoy!