There are lots of popular recipes that call for the use of breadcrumbs. Simple dishes like breaded chicken cutlets or chicken fingers call for breadcrumbs to add flavor and texture. They are used as a binder in recipes such as meatloaf, meatballs, or crab cakes. Breadcrumbs could be considered a pantry staple in may homes. Unfortunately, some packaged breadcrumbs contain ingredients such as high levels of corn syrup, sodium, and other additives. Using an ingredient such as ground flaxseed could give you similar results while adding health benefits to your meal.

Flaxseed is derived from the flax plant. You can buy it in seed form but you will have to ground it as our bodies can’t naturally break them down. You can buy bags of pre-ground flaxseed meal. A serving of flaxseed has protein, fiber, heart healthy omega-3 fatty acid, and aids with digestive health. You can simply add it your oatmeal, or pancake mix in the morning. Try adding it to any smoothies, or sprinkling it on your peanut butter and jelly.  Any time you would use a breadcrumb try substituting with ground flaxseeds or adding it to the mix. It has a slightly nutty flavor. A good rule of thumb is 1-2 Tablespoons of flaxseed per cup of breadcrumbs.

Flaxseed meal will keep best in the refrigerator. Light can actually make the oils in the seed go rancid quicker. Make sure to store in a cool, dry place paying attention to the “Best if used by” date. It can usually be found in the baking section of your grocer or the natural foods section. Add flaxseeds to your pantry for an added nutritional boost to your everyday food routine.

Easy Horseradish and Flaxseed Crusted Salmon

ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs salmon, individual filet form or one large piece

marinade

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

• 2 Tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed

• 1/2 Tbsp dijon mustard

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 Tbsp fresh chives, chopped

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• 1 tsp pepper

horseradish flaxseed crust

• 1/4 c ground flaxseed

• 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp horseradish

instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with tin foil if using one large piece of salmon.

2. In a small bowl whisk together the ingredients for the marinade until well combined

3. Place the salmon skin side down on the prepared baking sheet and baste with the marinade. Don’t be afraid to use all of it!

4. Let the salmon sit with the marinade while you prepare the horseradish flaxseed crust. If you have time set the baking sheet in the fridge (covered) and let it marinade for 30 minutes.

5. In another bowl combine the flaxseed, parsley, garlic, horseradish and olive oil. This should form somewhat of a chunky paste.

6. Layer this over the piece of salmon pressing it gently into the top of the salmon

7. If you are using individual salmon filets place each one on top of a piece of foil. Baste the piece with the marinade and then top with the crust. Then fold together over the top of each salmon piece as if to make a packet for each one. Placing each packet on the baking sheet

8. Place the salmon in the oven for 20-25 minutes covered, or until your desired texture. A good indication of when the salmon is done is when it flakes easily with a fork.

9. Drizzle with a little bit olive oil if desired, and serve.