I do majority of the cooking here at home; that doesn’t count take out food or pizza delivery. I’m always interested in trying new things. I know how to make several things without using a recipe to guide me, but sometimes those are the items that I usually make way too many times in one month.

Grandma bought a couple recipe books that I have used a few times. One book is call Land O Lakes Recipe Collection which has quite a few great recipes that I have tried. Another book is called Classic Recipes with Old Fashioned Quaker Oats which has a lot of great recipes that I have used.

Today I made dinner (Salmon Cakes with white rice) and desert (Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp) using both of these books. It was the first time that I made apple crisp and it turned out so good that I actually went back for seconds. I mostly try to refrain from seconds, but this time I couldn’t avoid it. Both recipes are really easy to make and I’ll share them with you.

Salmon Cakes

1 can (14 3/4 ounces) pink salmon, drained, skin and bones removed

3/4 cup of Quaker Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)

1.3 cup fat-free (skim) milk

2 egg whites, lightly beaten

1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)

Combine all ingredients in medium bowl; mix well (I use my hands instead of a spoon). Let stand 5 minutes, then shape into 4-5 oval patties about 1 inch thick. Lightly spray skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Cook salmon cakes over medium heat 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and heated through.

Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp

6 medium apples, peeled, cored, sliced

3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

3/4 cup uncooked old-fashioned oats

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup cold Land O Lakes Butter (I didn’t really use Land O Lakes)

Heat oven to 375F. Place apples into ungreased 9-inch square (2 quart) baking dish.

Combine brown sugar, oats, flour, and cinnamon in medium bowl; cut in butter with pastry blender or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle sugar mixture over apples. Bake for 25-35 minutes or until apples are tender and topping is golden brown. Serve warm with ice cream, if desired.