Mom's Salmon Dip

Same story different day, stealing mom's recipes over the phone. I should probably call mom more.

This is a delicacy that my mom always makes during the holidays. Our family holidays usually equate to the whole family hanging out in and around the kitchen, with a hors d'oeuvres on the island. This dip always ran out first, so she made more than necessary. This is in no way healthy, but who cares, it's delicious! As always, keep in mind that quantities in this recipe are approximate, moms don't measure so use your judgement!

Ingredients

• 15oz can salmon
• Two 8oz blocks cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon onion, minced
• 2 teaspoons grated horseradish
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (about ½ of a medium lemon squeezed)
• 3/4 tsp liquid smoke
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Place cream cheese out on the counter for at least an hour or until close to room temperature to aid in mixing.
2. Strain and remove all skin and bone from salmon. Small pieces of bone are OK if they're too tough to get out, they will disintegrate and be unnoticed in the mixture.
3. Add all ingredients to a medium mixing bowl, preferably using a stand mixer.
4. Mix ingredients until homogenized.
5. Taste mixture for seasoning level. If desired, add more salt and pepper, then mix completely.
6. Place mixture into containers (usually around 2 small dishes) and chill for several hours, preferably overnight.
7. Serve chilled with cracker of choice. Robust crackers are better, weak crackers will break easily.

This will keep for several weeks if consistently refrigerated (take out for no more than a few hours at a time). Usually this is enough for the party and a bit left over for home, depending on the popularity!

Source: Mom!

Mom's Scalloped Potatoes

Here I am again on the phone with mom, sucking her recipe memory dry! Another household staple I grew up on, always makes me happy (and fat!) when I nom it. Keep in mind that quantities in this recipe are approximate, moms don't measure, so use your judgement!

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large sauce pan over medium heat, sautee onion in butter until translucent.
2. Add potatoes oil as needed, and salt/pepper to taste. Simmer until translucent.
3. When potatoes are nearly done, add garlic and sautee until garlic is softened and aromatic.
4. Add flour, mix and allow to thicken. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
5. Top potato mixture with milk until mostly covered and bring to a boil for 5 minutes.
6. Transfer potato mixture into oven-safe pan
7. Add pan to preheated oven, bake for 45 minutes
8. Skim off excess grease and liquid. Flatten potatoes, add 1/4" cheddar cheese, broil until brown

Source: Mom!