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A crowd-pleasing taco salad that your guests will rave about...

Servings: (8)
Prep Time: 15 min |
Cook Time: 15 min.


INGREDIENTS

1 lb. lean venison burger
--(or moose, beef, or buffalo)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 large jar of medium spiced
Picante Salsa, divided
--(or mild if you like it less spicy)
1 pkg. taco seasoning
1 head of iceberg lettuce,
torn into bite-size pieces
1 red bell pepper, chopped
3 ripe roma tomatoes, chopped
2 sm. cans of sliced black olives, drained
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 regular-size bag Nacho Cheese Doritos chips, slightly crushed
1/2 bottle of store-bought Russian Dressing

Garnish options:
--Sour cream
--Green onions, sliced
--Jarred pickled jalapeno slices

METHOD

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the lean burger, and add the onions and cook until translucent. Add the taco seasoning, and a ½ cup of the salsa and simmer for 5 minutes more. Remove from heat, and let cool.

Meanwhile, tear the lettuce, and chop the bell pepper, and place them into a large bowl..  Add the tomatoes, olives, sharp cheddar cheese, and cooled meat mixture.

Just before serving, add crushed Doritos (so they retain their crunch), and pour in the remaining salsa and a 1/2 bottle of Russian Dressing.  Fold to combine. Serve with dollops of sour cream, a sprinkling of green onions, including a few pickled jalapeno slices. - Enjoy!


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Tip:  At times, I also like to add a can of black beans, which have been drained and rinsed; plus there are many other potential variations, although the recipe as stated is my personal favorite that I often make!

A very tasty Asian flavored sauce that I use in many, many of my recipes...

Yields: (Appx. 4 cups)
Prep: 10 mins. |
Cook: 20 mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups low-sodium soy sauce
¾ cup dark brown sugar, divided
¾ cup white sugar, divided
½ onion, grated
1 inch of fresh ginger, grated
1 garlic clove, grated
1 cup honey (for homemade recipe click here:  Alaska Fireweed-Clover Honey)

METHOD:

Combine soy sauce, ½ cup dark brown sugar, ½ cup white sugar, grated onion, ginger, and garlic to a large saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil, and then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes. Pour the remaining dark brown sugar and white sugar, and honey into the saucepan. Bring to a boil (the mixture will rise and foam), when it doubles in size, remove the pan from heat, and cool.


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Tip: You can use this as a marinade for most types of meat, poultry, or seafood; as a sauce addition, or where I incorporate this in many of my recipes. – Enjoy!

Now this is love on a plate if you ask me, in moderation of course ;)

Servings: (4)
Prep: 5 Mins. |
Cook: 10 Mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

4 smoked brats (I prefer Johnsonville)
4 hotdog buns
Butter baking spray
1 (15 oz. can) of chili with beans (I prefer Nalley’s Original)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 roma tomatoes, finely chopped
2 tablespoons purple onion, finely chopped
12 slices of jarred sliced pickled jalapenos
Ketchup
French’s yellow mustard

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil, and set aside.

Open up hot dog buns (without breaking apart) and lay right side up on the baking sheet. Spray the tops with butter flavored spray. Place in oven and bake until lightly toasted for about 5 to 7 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat a medium skillet to medium-high heat. Butterfly each brat lengthwise (not all the way through), and place in skillet, and cook on both sides until lightly caramelized.

While the brats are browning, pour the chili, and chili powder into a small saucepan and heat through.

To serve, place a toasted bun on 4 separate plates, then a browned butterflied brat onto of each, spoon the chili mixture equally on top of them, and then sprinkle with cheese, tomatoes, onions, and jalapeno slices. Finally, lightly squirt each with ketchup and mustard, and place potato chips along side. – Enjoy!

Prep: 5 mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

¼ cup olive oil
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

METHOD

In a small nonreactive bowl (glass or ceramic), whisk together the dijon and red wine vinegar until incorporated, and then slowly drizzle the olive oil while whisking to form an emulsion. Once thickened, add kosher salt and ground pepper, to taste. - Enjoy!



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Tip:  This is also an excellent marinade for poultry, fish, and shellfish.

The absolute delightful dessert where youll savor every bite, seriously...

Servings: (12)
Prep: 15 mins. |
Bake: 1 hr. 15 mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

***Filling
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon fine-grain kosher salt
5 cups fresh peaches, blanched to peel, and sliced
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 lemon, juiced
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon unsalted butter, at room temperature

***Crumble
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup rolled oats (not quick cooking)
1/4 cup glazed pecans, chopped
1/2 cup dried blueberries
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of fine-grain kosher salt
1 stick unsalted butter, chilled, and cut into cubes

METHOD

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spray a 13”x9” baking dish with butter flavored oil, and set aside.

To make the peach filling, in a large bowl stir together brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, nutmeg, cinnamon and kosher salt. Add peaches and gently toss to coat. Mix together cornstarch and lemon juice, and vanilla, and then stir into peaches to incorporate. Add the filling mixture into the prepared 9”x13” baking dish, and evenly spread mixture out. Dot with 1 teaspoon of butter by breaking into pieces beforehand.

To make the crumble, in a medium bowl combine dry ingredients, add in 1 stick of butter chilled cubes and combine with pastry cutter or fork, until the dry mixture is the size of small peas.

Top peaches with half of the crumble topping. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees and bake Peach Crumble, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Add the remaining crumble topping, and reduce heat to 325 degrees and finish by baking, uncovered,  for another 45 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand for 15 minutes to set Peach Crumble before serving. - Enjoy!


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Tip: I serve this Peach Crumble warm with french vanilla ice cream and/or fresh whipped cream.

I always have this mix on-hand so breakfast and other recipes are a breeze to make by adding only a few wet ingredients...

Yields: (12 cups)
Prep: 10 Mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS:

8 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups powdered milk
2 cups shortening

METHOD

Mix flour, baking powder, salt, cream of tartar, baking soda, nonfat milk, and shortening together in large bowl. Add shortening about a half cup at a time, cutting in well with two butter knives after each addition, until there mixture consists of pea-size crumbles.

Place in an air-tight container and store in refrigerator or at room temperature, and use within about 3 months.


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Tip: Here are some recipes you can use this baking mix for (including many other recipes that call for bisquick):


***BISCUITS:
Mix 2 cups of Baking Mix with 1/2 cup water. Bake at 450 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes.


***MUFFINS:
Mix 2 cups of Baking Mix with 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 beaten egg, and 2/3 cup milk. Bake at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes.


***PANCAKES:
Mix 2 cups of baking mix with 1 beaten egg and 1-1/3 cup milk.


***WAFFLES:
Mix 2 cups of baking mix with 1 beaten egg, 2 Tablespoons oil, and 1-1/3 cup milk.

A salad that is so very healthy and tasty, itll have you going back for more...

Serves (6)
Prep: 10 mins. |
Set time: 30 mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

***Salad
- 2 heads of broccoli (flowerets only) – cut into bite-size pieces
- ¼ cup raisins
- ¼ cup green onion, finely chopped

***Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste

***Last-minute additions:
- 2 strips bacon, sliced, then browned
- 2 tablespoons toasted sunflower seeds

METHOD

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, and pepper. Blend together until smooth; set aside for flavors to meld.

In a medium dry skillet heat to medium heat, and add the sunflower seeds and toast just a couple of minutes just until fragrant (do not burn). Remove to a small bowl and set aside. In the same skillet raise temp. to medium-high, add the bacon slices and cook until crispy. Remove and let cool on paper-towel covered plate.

In medium bowl, combine all salad ingredients and pour dressing onto broccoli mixture. Toss salad to combine, and refrigerate 30 minutes prior to serving.

Just before serving, finely chop the bacon into small bits, and add to mixture, along with the sunflower seeds. Toss the salad, serve, and enjoy!

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This is a fabulous recipe to also change up with using halibut shrimp, crab, turkey, and cooked n shredded meats of any type, including burger...

Servings: (6)
Prep Time: 15 mins. |
Cook Time: 30 mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

4 boneless skinless chicken breast, cooked – cooled & shredded
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chopped white onions
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons dried cilantro
2 cups pre-shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 (15 oz. can) red enchilada sauce, (I prefer ‘medium’ spice)
1 (8 oz. can) green enchilada sauce
1 cup sour cream, divided
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
12 (8”) corn tortillas

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Shred cooled chicken using two forks, and set aside.

In a medium skillet, heat to medium-high heat and saute onion in olive oil until translucent, adding garlic, and cilantro, then mix together and continue sauteing 30 seconds. Remove from heat (divide in half).

Pour 1/3 of the red enchilada sauce to coat the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish that has been lightly sprayed with oil beforehand.

In a small bowl, combine the chicken, ½ the onions, and cilantro mixture, the green sauce, ½ cup sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt and pepper, to taste, while gently folding so as not to break up chicken further.

Microwave tortillas for 20 seconds just until soft (so they do not break apart while folding). Place the filling inside tortilla; roll them up and place in baking dish (seam side down). Repeat until your baking dish is full. Pour remaining 2/3rds of the red sauce to cover the tortillas. Sprinkle the enchiladas with other ½ of the onions, and cilantro mixture, including remaining 1 cup of cheese.

Bake for 30 minutes. - Enjoy!


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A beautiful and refreshing  twist on typical quesadillas...

Serves (2)
Prep: 5 mins. |
Cook: 4 mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS:

-4 (10”) flour tortillas
-1 sm. jar of mango salsa (or peach)
-1 cooked halibut steak, broken into small pieces
-4 slices of canadian bacon, chopped
-1 (8 oz.) can crushed pineapple, drained
-¼ cup chopped yellow bell pepper
-1 green onion, finely chopped
-1/2 cup mexican blend cheese, grated (or more, if desired)

METHOD:

Lightly spray a medium nonstick skillet with oil, and heat to medium.

Meanwhile, layout 2 of the tortillas and spread each with a layer of salsa; topping each equally with remaining ingredients. Gently place one of the filled tortillas in the heated skillet, and then top with a plain tortilla and cook for 2 minutes over medium heat, and then flip and continue cooking for 2 more minutes on the other side. Repeat to make the second quesadilla.

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Posted by Sandra
Prep Time: 15 min |
Cook Time: 15 min.

INGREDIENTS

1 lb. lean beef burger (or moose/venison)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 large jar of medium spiced Picante Salsa (divided)
1 pkg. taco seasoning
1 head of iceberg lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
1 green bell pepper
1 pint of cherry tomatoes, cut into quarters
2 sm. cans of sliced black olives, drained
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 regular-size bag Nacho Cheese Doritos chips, slightly crushed
1/2 bottle of Russian (or French) Dressing
--[or click for: Homemade Russian Dressing (make double batch)]

Garnish Options:
Sour cream
Green onion, sliced
Jarred pickled jalapeno slices

METHOD

In a large skillet, brown the lean burger 3/4s of the way, and add the onions and cook until translucent. Add the taco seasoning, and a ½ cup of the salsa and simmer for 5 minutes more. Remove from heat and let cool.

Meanwhile, tear the lettuce, and chop the bell pepper. Add them to a large bowl; plus the tomatoes, olives, and cheese. Once cooled, add the meat mixture.

Just before serving add the crushed Doritos (to maintain their crunchiness), and pour in the remaining salsa, and the 1/2 bottle of Russian dressing (or more if you like).

Toss to combine. Serve with a dollop of sour cream, sprinkle with green onions, and pickled jalapeno slices.

A terrific dessert your family is bound to adore...

Serves: (12)
Prep: 15 min. |
Bake: 30 mins.

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons butter (at room temperature)
1-1/2 cup grated carrots (2 medium)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoons. baking soda
1 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon ground gloves
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons cinnamon
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
2 eggs, beaten
¾ cup sugar
1 cup raisin (slightly chopped)
1-1/2 cup orange juice
½ cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)
1/4 cup grated coconut, grated, slightly chopped
1 (8 oz. can) crushed pineapple, drained
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons molasses

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9"x13"x2" baking pan with oil. Microwave butter microwave-proof glass bowl 40 seconds, then toss with grated carrots in a medium bowl.

In a large bowl sift (through a sieve by tapping the edge) the flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices, and salt; mixing to combine.

With hand mixer, beat in a small bowl the sugar and eggs until light in color; add raisins, and orange juice mixing well.  Add to the large bowl of dry ingredients; combine (with a spoon), and then add the nuts, crushed pineapple, and vanilla; folding to gently to combine (do not over mix).

Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely, and frost with “Cream Cheese Buttercream” recipe below, and then cut into 12 bars - enjoy!

Cream Cheese Buttercream
(Yields 2 Cups) |
Prep: 5 Mins.

1 (8 oz.) pkg. of cream cheese (at room temperature)
¼ cup butter (at room temperature)
2 cups of confectioners’ sugar (sift through a sieve to prevent lumpy buttercream)
1 tablespoons milk (add more if you like a thinner consistency)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a medium bowl, with a hand mixer cream together the cream cheese and butter, and mix in vanilla. Gradually stir in (with a spoon) the milk, and then the confectioner’ sugar, mixing until smooth.

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Tip:  I like to cut my bars in more of a rectangular shape, and for special occasions use a piping bag to decorate with the buttercream, including adding a piped decorated carrot on top.

How can you not serve this to your loved ones...

Servings (2 as an entree,
or 4 as a side dish)
Prep: 30 mins. |
Cook: 15 to 20 mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

***Poaching Eggs:
· 4 large eggs
· 2” depth of water in a 10” skillet
· 2 tablespoons white vinegar (it quickly coagulates the egg white)

***Hollandaise Sauce:
· 3 egg yolks
· 1 tablespoon water
· 1 tablespoon lemon juice
· 2 sticks butter, at room temperature (cut into 2 tablespoon pats while cold)
· 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

 *** Topping:
· 4 canadian ham, slices (or regular ham slices)
· 1 tablespoon butter

***Garnish:
· fresh parsley, chopped

Equipment for poaching eggs:
- a small bowl or ramekin to break the eggs into before adding to water
- a kitchen timer
- a slotted spoon;
- a pie plate of very warm water (to wash off vinegar)

METHOD

Preparing the sauce:  Whisk the yolks, water, and lemon juice in the saucepan for a few moments, until thick and pale. Set the pan over low heat and continue to whisk. As they cook, the eggs will become frothy and increase in volume, and then thicken. When you can see the pan bottom through the streaks of the whisk and the eggs are thick and smooth, remove from the heat. Add the soft pats of butter while whisking constantly to incorporate each addition, continue adding one pat of butter at a time until it is all fully absorbed. Whisk in the cayenne pepper.

Preparing the poached eggs:  Pour water into the skillet and heat to boiling; pour in vinegar and stir, reducing the heat so water is just simmering – quietly bubbling. Crack 1 egg into small bowl, and then holding the bowl as close over the water as you can manage – to let the egg slide gently into the simmering water. Set timer for 4 minutes. Continue with the 3 other eggs, adding them clockwise around edge of pan. Regulate the heat so that the poaching water remains at hardly a bubble, and when 4 minutes are up, carefully remove first egg with a slotted spoon and slide it into the pie plate of very warm water, and then remove the other eggs in turn.

Just before serving, toast the muffins lightly, and warm the ham in a frying pan with a tablespoon of butter. Center a toast round on each warm serving plate; cover with a slice of ham and then a poached egg (I first dab under the spoon lightly with a paper towel to remove excess water from egg). Spoon hollandaise sauce over each egg, and sprinkle with parsley.

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A wonderful zippy sauce that adds just the right zest to prepared meat, including sandwiches...

Yields: 1/4 cup
Prep: 3 Mins. |
Refrigerate 1 hr.

INGREDIENTS:

1/3 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons "hot" horseradish
1-1/2 tablespoons dijon
kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste

METHOD:

Whisk all ingredients in a small non-reactive glass or ceramic bowl, and place in refrigerator for flavors to meld for 1 hour before serving with your favorite prepared beef, moose, venison, or buffalo meat!

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Tip:  This Kicker Horseradish Sauce is also wonderful to serve with roasts, on sandwiches, or just alongside as a dipping sauce. ~ Enjoy!