Momma Said

I hear on the news now that the COVID-19 virus could possibly be a seasonal flu. And what about the huge outbreak in Louisiana, that will soon be a new epicenter for the virus, what if the mosquitos bite an infected person and mutate the virus into something entirely new? By fall we may have a new strain of this deadly virus to contend with.

And young people still not taking this virus seriously, still gathering together and then dispersing to destinations unknown. We have seen a huge spike in cases and health care facilities are overrun. This virus is not bias, it is killing people of all age groups. Our country is full of people who do not take the best care of themselves. We are a culture of over indulgence, we eat takeout, snack foods and sugar based drinks.

The main health problems that this virus attacks are diabetes, breathing and heart problems and a large majority of people with these complications are overweight. Pneumonia is the big factor with this virus, so when you can’t breathe properly to start with this can be a recipe for disaster. Every person is at risk and if everyone does not take this more seriously we will see the death rate skyrocket.

I do not want to sound like the “Angel of Death” but this is real people. We are facing something that some of us have never seen. We read about the Bubonic Plague that killed a large majority of people in England and we think this is something that only happened in the history books. We are making history right now and it may be something that we will have to learn to live with every year. Momma Said, “Think not only of yourself but the future of our planet. Remember even the dinosaurs couldn’t run far enough or fast enough to outrun extinction.”

Baked Salmon Patties

INGREDIENTS

• Olive oil spray

Dip:

• 1/2 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
• 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Patties:

• 2 (7.5oz cans) salmon, well-drained, flaked with a fork
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup flour

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper (not foil) and lightly spray it with olive oil.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the dip ingredients. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the remaining ingredients. Use a 4-tablespoon ice cream scoop to form eight salmon patties and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to flatten to 1/2-inch thick.
4. Lightly spray the salmon patties with olive oil. Bake 10 minutes. Remove from oven, flip, spray again and bake 10 more minutes, until golden-brown. Serve immediately with the sauce.