Salmon Loaf with Dill Sauce

"This recipe is truly a favorite "pantry meal".  I have adjusted a Taste of Home Recipe for Mini Salmon Loaf to suit our needs, and doubled it to support my cook once, eat twice rule. I always keep Costco's Kirkland canned salmon on hand. I make the dill sauce seasoning mix ahead and just mix a couple Tablespoons of it into some mayo and sour cream as we need the dip. It doubles as a great vegetable dip!"

Salmon Loaf with Dill Sauce
(Serves 4)

1 1/2 cups chopped celery
1 cup finely chopped onion
2 Tablespoons canola oil
2 cans (7 oz) salmon, drained (bones & skin removed, if necessary)
1/2 cup egg substitute (or 2 eggs)
2 Tablespoons almond milk (or regular milk)
2 cups soft bread crumbs (I use 2 Fiber One English muffins, chopped up in my food chopper - low carbs!)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Sauté' the vegetables in canola oil in a non-stick pan on the stove.  Cool slightly.  Then, mix the vegetables and remaining ingredients together lightly.  Lightly spread into a small baking dish (8"x6" rectangle, or a 8" loaf pan) sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.  Don't pack it down into the pan!  Bake in 350 degree oven for 40-45 minutes, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.  Serve with dill sauce.

Notes:  The fresh bread crumbs are key!  Use whole wheat, or some other good bread if you like.  Run them through your food processor, or food chopper, or even tear up finely with your fingers.  I often soften the vegetables in the microwave, with a smaller amount of oil.   I use ingredients to lower the carbs, to support my diabetes, but you don't have to.  Leftovers heat up quickly in the microwave.

Dill Sauce Mix:

2 teaspoons celery salt
2 Tablespoons minced onion
2 Tablespoons parsley flakes
2 Tablespoons dill weed

Mix these dry ingredients and store in an air tight container until ready to use.  I usually double it when I mix up more.

Mix two Tablespoons of the above mix with 1/4 cup mayo and 3/4 cup sour cream and refrigerate until ready to use.  I usually thin it down a bit with cold water to make it to the consistency I enjoy.