Zucchini (No) Crab Cakes

I got the inspiration to use Old Bay in Zucchini fritters a couple of years ago from my mother-in-law in North Carolina. Unfortunately, I forgot to save the recipe, so I looked up a similar version. It just wasn't as good this time. Then (after the fact), I looked up a few others and decided I'll try again. Posting the one I tried first, then the one I'll try next second. I think I will also add fresh chopped onions and fresh garlic also.

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/13938/connies-zucchini-crab-cakes/

http://www.mykitchenaddiction.com/2012/07/zucchini-crab-cakes/

Gumbo

Every once in a while I get a craving for New Orleans style food. The hubby had added to the freezer Andouille sausage and the store was having a great sale on shrimp so I decided it was time for a nice big pot of gumbo. I will say this is the best version I have ever tried, the hubby seconded that. I cooked the bacon and sausage in the bottom of the pot first then started adding the other ingredients. I also like to add rice to my gumbo. Since I only had a couple of hours to get it simmering and served, I used the rice cooker then added the cooked rice to the pot. The hubby has a hard time with green peppers so I used my mini food processor to chop it up fine--no complaints! I used Sriracha for the hot sauce and, although I think there is a misprint regarding the gumbo file powder, I added 4 teaspoons, but 3 might have been a little better. I did add 6 cups of water rather than 3 since I added rice. I also added carrots per the hubby's request. I recommend taste testing and add salt in moderation. This one is definitely a keeper. :)

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/216888/good-new-orleans-creole-gumbo/

Cream of Avocado Soup with Crab Meat

So the hubby is wanting to eat healthier--targeting his immune system. When we were shopping in the grocery store, I found a cookbook which is at this website:  www.autoimmune-paleo.com . After reading about it's purpose and recipes, I'm discovering that they are fun (and sometimes weird), healthy recipes even if you don't follow the plan. However, it's also a great way to find out if you have food allergies and health problems related to food over a 30-60 day period. We're not disciplined enough to go that far, but I am already finding I love these recipes, especially involving salmon or avocado since that's what my husband buys a lot of at the store.

For this recipe I actually served it hot by heating up the chicken broth before putting it in the blender. I served 2, maybe 3 people and I would recommend doubling the crab meat. The hubby was still raving about it today and even suggested freezing up batches of it, particularly when there's an avocado sale. :)

http://autoimmune-paleo.com/cream-of-avocado-soup-with-crab-meat/