Salmon Stars & Pesto Fettucine

[mish]

Salmon Stars & Pesto Fettucine
Makes 3 servings

8 ounces uncooked fettucine
1 cup crushed Cheddar cheese-flavored crackers
1/4 cup milk
1 egg, beaten
1/2 teaspoon seafood seasoning blend
Dash hot pepper sauce
Dash Worcestershire sauce
2 cans (6 ounces each) salmon packed in water, drained and flaked
1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
4 teaspoons olive oil, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup prepared pesto sauce
Salt and black pepper

Cook fettucine according to package. Drain, set aside; keep warm.

Combine crackers, milk, egg, seasoning, hot pepper sauce and Worcestershire sauce in large bowl. Add salmon and bell pepper; mix well.

Divide mixture into 6 balls. Flatten each ball into 1/2-inch-thick patty with palm. Cut each patty with 3-inch star-shaped cookie cutter.

Heat 1 teaspoon oil in medium skillet over medium-high heat. Place 3 starfish in skillet and cook 2 to 3 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned. Turn; add 1 teaspoon oil and cook 2 to 3 minutes or until firm and lightly browned. Repeat with remaining 3 starfish. Set starfish aside; keep warm.

Combine cooked pasta, cheese and pesto sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Arrange pasta on serving platter and top with starfish.

Variations: Substitute tuna or crab in place of salmon - or mac 'n cheese in place of fettucine for a kid-friendly dish.

[KAYLINDA]

Ummmmmmm! This sounds so great! I need help though...can you tell me what Pesto Sauce is? Can I make it myself? Thank you!

[mish]

Originally Posted by KAYLINDA

Ummmmmmm! This sounds so great! I need help though...can you tell me what Pesto Sauce is? Can I make it myself? Thank you!

Pesto sauce usually(?) is a combo of basil leaves, evoo, pine nuts (or walnuts), garlic and Parmesan cheese made in the food processor. There are many yummy variations - sun-dried tomatoes is very good too. It can be used in so many ways (on pasta, seafood, chicken, baguettes, etc.). You can purchase store-bought ready-made at the market, but it's so easy to make at home in batches & save for later use. Here's a link I posted a while back.

Pesto-bilities

[KAYLINDA]

Thank you Mish! I'll have to get on it!

[mish]

Originally Posted by KAYLINDA

Thank you Mish! I'll have to get on it!

You're very welcome, Kaylinda. Start with the basil pesto to see how you like it.

I've shmeared it on a grilled (mozzarella) cheese sammich, filled hollowed-out little red potatoes with pesto, & an appetizer idea - watermelon bites. Peel and cut watermelon into squares/rectangles about 2 1/2", scoop out a little of the centers, fill with pesto & top with shaved Parmesan. Line them up on a platter & it makes a nice presentation.

P.S. Disregard the "amps" in the recipe. We discussed it a while back & think it's just a glitch in the system.