Thursday, December 09, 2010

'LET EVERY DAY BE CHRISTMAS' ~ HOLIDAY CACTUS / HOLIDAY CRAB CAKES

“Let Every Day Be Christmas”

~ Norman W. Brooks


Holiday cactus
(Schlumbergera truncata)

~ portrait overlay

______________________

HOLIDAY CRAB CAKES


~ As an appetizer or entree, this family favorite is always a hit.

(easy broiling as tasty as frying)

_________


1 lb. good lump crab meat

1 cup panko crumbs

2 large lightly beaten organic eggs

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

4 finely chopped green onions

1/2 diced red bell pepper

1/2 diced yellow pepper

1 Tbs. chopped green chilies

2/3 cup mayonnaise

coarse salt & freshly ground pepper to taste

2 Tbsp. melted unsalted butter
Hungarian paprika
chopped green onions or chives


  • Combine all ingredients. Gently fold in crab.
  • Preheat broiler. Using scoop, drop onto Pam sprayed baking sheet. Brush with melted butter. Sprinkle with chopped green onion or chives and a dusting of Hungarian paprika.
  • Broil approximately 6 minutes or until golden.



21 comments:

Kala said...

Beautiful collage of the "holiday" cacti Joey!

Nature Rambles said...

Hi Joey, this is a great appetizer recipe. And tastes wonderful in the winter months. I didn't realize this plant was called Thanksgiving cactus too. Thanks for the info and the many different names. Your images are a treat!

The Idiot said...

Panko crumbs? That's a new one on me! I do cook a lot of Asian food, but little Japanese. A quick google later informs me I can get them a few miles away. Happy days!

Carol said...

You capture the exquisite beauty and movement of the Christmas Cactus Joey! Though when I grew it, mine never bloom on time! I guess it had its own clock and could not care less for ours. ;>) Lovely post as always and your recipe is tempting sans the butter. Where will I find Hungarian paprika?

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Joey,
I have a Christmas/Thanksgiving cactus right now that doesn't look too good. I think I may have watered it too much!

The crab appetizers sound delicious and easy to make.

Eileen

Chloe m said...

I wish I had some crab handy. It's so funny that my son really likes crab and we live nowhere near the ocean.

Thanks for sharing this recipe!

Anonymous said...

Dearest Joey, As you can imagine, if the gourmet Idiot Gardener has no idea what Panko crumbs are, I am at a complete loss. I do, however, know about Hungarian paprika and I am so pleased that you have specified this sort particularly for your receipt. In my view it adds warmth and colour to food but does not overwhelm it like some other varieties. That said, I shall, of course, admire the Crab Cakes virtually since I love Crab but know that I shall never be organised to create these most delicious sounding cakes.

Dejemonos sorprender said...

Mmm, really beautiful pictures.. i liked..

joey said...

Thanks Kala ... Happy Holidays : )

Thank you, dear Kanak. Liked your skink looking snake :)

Never fear, IG! You can substitute bread crumbs but Panko, made from crustless bread, are flakier/crisper/crunchier ... I like that :)

How kind, Carol, and thank you. Hungarian paprika is usually near regular paprika. Even as a child, my mother used Pride of Szeged Hungarian Paprika (red 5 oz. can) and so do I.

It truly is an easy recipe, Eileen. Sorry about your cactus :( Mine, despite neglect especially in summer, has a mind of its own and just keeps on giving. I really don't know why except it must love me :)

My kinda' kid, Rosey. This recipe is so easy, he might enjoy making it himself! I've stopped (well almost) frying crab/salmon cakes and find broiling just as satisfying.

Dearest Edith ... I frequently use Hungarian Paprika and will NEVER sprinkle again without thinking of you, dear friend :)

Welcome Dejemonos and thank you :)

One said...

You always have excellent photos!!!

Rose said...

Beautiful cactus, Joey! I'm still waiting for any appearance of buds on mine. I always find it amazing that they know when it's Christmas.

Cat said...

Joey I never find a thing "ho hum" about your blog! Always lots of inspiration and joy. So glad to have come across your path ;)

Lisa Sall - Sall's Country Life said...

Glad I found you! Your blog is delightful, doesn't look Ho-Humm at all to me! I'll be following!! Thanks!c

Anonymous said...

Last year my Christmas cacti all disappointed me, but this year they are all blooming. With my FIL passing away recently, I haven't been admiring them or photographing them, isn't it a shame? My poor blog is getting neglected. I'll do better after the holidays. Remember, I work at Kohl's, so my life is not my own right now!

joey said...

How kind, One ... thank you :)

Hi Rose. Yes, this plant has a mind of its own :)

Hugs, WG and thanks ... I feel the same :)

Welcome Sall and thank you. I too enjoyed visiting you (now a fan)!

You are not alone, dear Robin. It's always a delight to connect. As I live my colorful/rich/packed life, my blog gasps! Take a deep breath, smile, and get through Christmas at Kohl's. Holiday ((hugs)) fun friend.

Tatyana@MySecretGarden said...

It is just my breakfast time, but I am craving for crabcakes... You are a teaser Joey! ...The picture of the plant is wonderful!

RURAL said...

Joey, I am so loving that photo with the texture, it's eyecatching. And the crab cakes of course...oh yum.

I did make the pumpkin chilli, and that was delish.

Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

joey said...

Thanks, Tatyana. Yes, Crab Cake Benedict, evert rich forkful, the best :)

Hi Jen and thanks for turning me on to Kim Klassen (http://www.kimklassencafe.com/ ) ... having a ball!
So happy you enjoyed the pumpkin chili ... a once a year must for me. Happy Holidays :)

Jennifer@threedogsinagarden said...

Though I love it, I am terribly allergic to shellfish, so I won't be able to enjoy your recipe. Your opening photo is very lovely. The translucent layering suits the cactus flower perfectly!

Rob (ourfrenchgarden) said...

I'd wolf those crab cakes down in seconds flat. Have to have a bit of chilli sauce on the side, I'm mildly addicted to chilli. YUM.

joey said...

How kind, Jennifer, and thank you. I had fun creating :)

Yes, they disappear fast, Rob! My family, all salsa addicts, wolf them down too. You would feel right at home dining with them :)