SANDRA'S EASY ONE-PAN CHICKEN THIGH and RICE CREOLE BAKE

First, I sear the chicken thighs, then add all the other ingredients,

cover and bake for 50 minutes = absolute perfection with crispy, moist chicken

and heavenly seasoned rice!

Servings: 3-4

Prep: 5 Mins.

Cook  10 Mins.

Bake: 50 Mins.

Rest: 10 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Spice blend (divided):

2 teaspoons Creole seasoning (I use Tony Chachere's in the green container)

1 teaspoon Lawry's seasoning salt

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 teaspoons onion powder

2 teaspoons paprika

1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper

Chicken:

3-4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs, (mine are from Costco the 3-pack tends to come with 3/4 thighs)

1/2 of above spice blend mixture (reserve other 1/2 for rice, below)

1 teaspoon Mazola oil

Plus, 1 tablespoon Mazola oil for searing

Rice:

1 cup raw Calrose rice (short-grain)

Remaining 1/2 of spice mixture

1 tablespoon Worcestershire

2 tablespoons ketchup

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 teaspoon lemon juice

METHOD

Preheat oven to 400F. Place an ovenproof medium-size stainless steel skillet, with lid, aside.

Add all the spice blend ingredients onto a paper plate, then whisk to combine; set aside.

Place the skillet (see photo) over high heat on stovetop with 2 tablespoons of Mazola oil.

Meanwhile, pat chicken thighs dry with paper towel, including using kitchen shears to cut any excess fat without disturbing skin on under-side.  Place prepared thighs in a medium bowl.  Add half the spice mixture and drizzle with 1 teaspoon Mazola oil, then gently rub spices into both sides to coat evenly.

Place chicken skin-side down using tongs into hot skillet, while sliding back and forth initially when doing so to prevent sticking. Sear for 4 minutes on skin-side down, turn over then do the same on the under-side for 4 more minutes. Remove seared chicken thighs to a paper plate and set aside; drain grease from pan while reserving drippings.

Reduce heat under pan to medium-high and add the raw rice and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the other 1/2 of the reserved spice mixture, ketchup, Worcestershire, and lemon juice; sauté for 30 seconds.

Deglaze pan with chicken stock while scraping bottom with a wooden spoon.  Using tongs, place the seared chicken thighs back into pan atop the rice, skin-side up.  Cover, then bake, undisturbed, for 50 minutes.

Remove pan from oven, leaving covered, and let rest for 10 minutes for chicken juices to redistribute. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S MORNING ALASKA WHOLE-WHEAT SOURDOUGH BREAD LOAF

This is a 1-hour initial rise ~ No stand-mixer required:

The longer the initial dough ball rise,
the stronger the sourdough flavor becomes
(e.g., 1-hour vs a 9-12 hour rise time)...

Yield: (1 loaf)

Prep: 7 Mins.

Total rising time: 1-2 hours

Bake: 35 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Proof:

1-1/2 cups lukewarm water

1 teaspoon active yeast (not rapid or instant)

1 tablespoon light agave (or honey)

Sponge:

1/2 cup ripe (fed) sourdough starter

Dry:

2 cups All-Purpose Flour

1 -1/2 cups Whole-Wheat Flour (I use King Arthur)

1-1/4 teaspoons kosher salt

--2 teaspoons Mazola oil

(For top and bottom of dough ball, so it doesn't stick or form crust while rising)

--2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

(For brushing top of loaf through mid-baking time, and post-baking time if you desire a more-tender and golden brown crust)

METHOD

Add to a small glass/plastic bowl, the lukewarm water, yeast, and agave; stir to combine. Let proof for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a medium glass/plastic bowl, add the flours, kosher salt, and sponge. Once the yeast mixture has proofed, add it to this mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon to combine. The dough will look rough and shaggy. Use clean hands to shape into a ball.

Place 2 tablespoons Mazola oil into a separate medium/glass bowl. Place the dough ball into the oiled bowl, swirling it around to coat; turn over and swirl a bit more. Spray bottom of plastic wrap and cover bowl. Place in a warm, non-draft area and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled. (Save plastic wrap.)

Spray a loaf pan and set aside.

Lightly oil working surface (not flour), and knead dough for 5-10 minutes, just until smooth and dough bounces back when depressed with your thumb.  Roll into a loaf shape, and place in prepared pan. Cover with reserved plastic wrap, and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.

Meanwhile, 15 minutes prior to final rise, preheat oven to 375F.

After loaf has fully risen, spray a sharp knife with oil and cut a 1/2" slit lengthwise across the top of loaf.

Bake for 15 minutes, and note which direction you take pan out of oven, turn pan and brush top of loaf with melted butter then return to oven to continue baking an additional 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 192F.

Remove from oven, leaving loaf in pan and place, uncovered, on rack to cool for 5 minutes. Remove loaf from pan and place upright on rack, cover with clean kitchen towel and allow to completely cool before slicing.  

Wrap loosely in plastic wrap to store at room temperature up to 2 days. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S OVERNIGHT ALASKA SOURDOUGH BREAD LOAF

This is a 9-hour initial rise ~ No stand-mixer required:

The longer the initial dough ball rise,
the stronger the sourdough flavor becomes
(e.g., 1-hour vs a 9-12 hour rise time)...

Yield: (1 loaf)

Prep: 7 Mins.

Total rising time: 9-12 hours

Bake 35 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

 

Proof:

1-1/2 cups lukewarm water

1 teaspoon active yeast (not rapid or instant)

1 tablespoon light agave (or honey)

Sponge:

1/2 cup ripe (fed) sourdough starter

Dry:

3-1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour

1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

--2 teaspoons Mazola oil

(For top and bottom of dough ball, so it doesn't stick or form crust while rising)

--2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

(For brushing top of loaf through mid-baking time, and post-baking time if you desire a more-tender and golden brown crust)

METHOD

Add to a small glass/plastic bowl, the lukewarm water, yeast, and agave; stir to combine. Let proof for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a medium glass/plastic bowl, add the flour, kosher salt, and sponge. Once the yeast mixture has proofed, add it to this mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon to combine. The dough will look rough and shaggy. Using clean hands, shape into a ball.

Place 2 tablespoons Mazola oil into a separate medium/glass bowl. Place the dough ball into the bowl, swirling it around to coat; turn over and swirl a bit more. Spray bottom of plastic wrap and cover bowl. Place in a warm, non-draft area and let rise overnight for 9-12 hours...the longer the rise time, the more sourdough flavor you'll achieve. (Save plastic wrap.)

Spray a loaf pan and set aside.

Lightly oil working surface (not flour), and knead dough for 3-5 minutes, just until smooth and dough bounces back when depressed with your thumb.  Roll into a loaf shape, and place in prepared pan. Cover with reserved plastic wrap, and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.

Meanwhile, 15 minutes prior to final rise, preheat oven to 375F.

After loaf has fully risen, spray a sharp knife with oil and cut a 1/2" slit lengthwise across the top of loaf.

Bake for 15 minutes, and note which direction you take pan out of oven, turn pan and brush top of loaf with melted butter then return to oven to continue baking an additional 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 192F.

Remove from oven, leaving loaf in pan and place, uncovered, on rack to cool for 5 minutes. Remove loaf from pan and place upright on rack, cover with clean kitchen towel and allow to completely cool before slicing.  

Wrap loosely in plastic wrap to store at room temperature up to 2 days. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S CHEESY HASH BROWN CASSEROLE

Delicious sides dish that's a 'crowd pleaser' 

when the recipe is doubled,

or for a smaller family (as in recipe shown below) it's just as great too!

After all, you can't go wrong with potatoes and cheese...

(Serves 2 to 4)

Prep: 10 Mins.

Bake: 30 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1-1/4 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese, divided

1-1/4 cup shredded mozzarella, divided

1 tablespoon unsalted cold butter, divided

1/4 cup low sodium beef broth

2 tablespoons dried minced onion

1 teaspoon granulated garlic

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

10 ozs. (about 2 cups) frozen hash browns (do not thaw) 

~ I make my own freezer hash browns using russet potatoes

METHOD

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Spray, with butter spray, a 6x6" casserole dish and set aside.

In a medium bowl, mix the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to combine; set aside separately 1/2 cup of cheese mixture for the final topping.

Divide the cold butter in half (2-teaspoon-portions each). Melt half the butter; set both cold and melted butter aside.

To the cheese mixture in the medium bowl, add the reserved melted butter, beef broth, dried minced onion, granulated garlic and black pepper; mix to combine.  Gently fold in frozen hash browns (do not over mix).

Place a large non-stick skillet over medium heat; add the reserved cold butter. Once the butter is melted, gently add the hash brown mixture to the skillet (do not pack down) and heat mixture just until cheese melts, while occasionally stirring very gently (do not break up hash browns), about 3 to 5 minutes.

Pour mixture into prepared casserole dish and top with reserved 1/2 cup of cheese mixture. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes, just until the top turns a deep golden brown.

Let casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving. ~ Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tip:

If you wish to double the recipe, it's easily done by using a larger 8x8" casserole and increasing the baking time (but at the same temperature above) to 50 minutes, which will provide 6 to 8 servings.

SANDRA'S NO-BAKE CHERRY YUM YUM

Truly, truly a ''yummmm...yummm" dessert

in both this cherry version ~ or the alternate blueberry option!

Servings: (12)

Prep Time: 15 mins

Refrigerate to set: Minimum of 4 hrs or overnight

INGREDIENTS

Crumb mixture:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

1/2 cup granulated sugar

Creamy mixture:

1 (8 oz. pkg.) regular cream cheese, room temperature (not whipped)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted

1 (16 oz. container) whipped topping, thawed (or 2, 8 oz. containers)

Filling:

1 (32 oz. can ) prepared cherry pie filling (or 2, 16 oz. cans) - Blueberry is an option too!

Garnish:

2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar, sifted over top

METHOD

Using a fork, combine crumb mixture ingredients in a medium bowl.

Press half  of the crumb mixture in a glass 9x12x2" rectangle baking dish, set remaining aside.

In large bowl, add all creamy ingredients in 3 increments; switch to using a wooden spoon to fold in each addition until smooth.

Spread half of the creamy mixture on top of crumb crust. Top with pie filling. Add remaining creamy mixture in small dollops and sprinkle top with other half of crumb mixture, then press lightly to adhere.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight. Generously dust top of dessert with a couple of tablespoons of confectioners' sugar sifted through a fine-mesh sieve. Cut into squares, and serve. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA’S BELOVED CHEESY SHREDDED POTATO-BACON BAKE

This entree of potatoes, cheese,

bacon and spinach is perfect for

brunch, a potluck, game day, or a quick,

colorful and flavorful dinner

with a salad...

Servings: (12)

Prep: 20 Mins.

Bake: 1 Hr.-15 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

½ white Vidalia sweet onion, diced

½ cup celery, finely chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup milk

3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth

2 teaspoons worcestershire

½ cup mayonnaise

½ cup sour cream

Salt and white pepper, to taste

Other ingredients:

1 (1 lb.-4 oz. pkg.) refrigerated shredded real hash browns (I used Simply Potatoes)

1 (10 oz. pkg.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained, hand-squeezed, and chopped finer

4 strips of bacon, sliced and browned

2 cups medium shredded cheddar cheese, divided

METHOD:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Spray a 9”x13” baking dish, and set aside.

In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.  Add onion and celery and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until onions are translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.  

Whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in milk, chicken broth, and worcestershire, then bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring regularly, until desired consistency is achieved, about 10 minutes. 

Remove from heat, and fold in mayonnaise and sour cream to combine.  Add salt and white pepper, to taste.

Add shredded potatoes, spinach, bacon, and 1-1/2 cups shredded cheese to a large bowl.  

Add sauce, and fold mixture to combine. 

Spread mixture in prepared baking dish, cover baking dish with foil, and bake for 1 hour. 

Remove from oven.

Sprinkle with remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and bake, uncovered, for an additional 15 minutes.  

Let cool 15 minutes.  Cut into 12 equal squares, and serve. ~ Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tip:  This baked potato entree can be prepared ahead of time, such as the night before and refrigerated, and then baked the following day (just bring it to room temperature for 30 minutes prior to placing in oven).

SANDRA’S SWEETLY SPICED CANDIED PECANS

Candied pecans are fantastic to eat as a snack,

are a great addition to salads,

and feel free to top desserts

with these yummy morsels...

Yields: 2 cups

Prep: 5 Mins.

Bake: 30 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1 egg white

1 tablespoon water

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups whole pecans

½ cup granulated sugar

1-½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

¾ teaspoon fine-grain kosher salt

METHOD

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with oil, and set aside.

Pour sugar, cinnamon, and fine-grain kosher salt into a plastic bag, and shake to mix.

Place egg white, water, and vanilla extract into a medium bowl, beat with a hand mixer until slightly foamy, and add pecans; tossing to coat well. Lift pecans out of bowl with a slotted spoon (or spider used in Asian cooking and stir-fry recipes) and place them into the bag of sugar and spices. Shake pecans in bag making sure they are well coated.

Place the coated pecans so they are separated and in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, while tossing with a fork 15 minutes into the baking process. Let cool completely before serving. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA’S TRIED N’ TRUE ALASKA KING SALMON-BAKE-STYLE FILLETS

A simple and fabulous

way to get that local

Alaska Salmon-Bake-Style

essence at home...

Servings: (4)

Prep: 5 Mins.

Grill: 15 to 20 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

4 (8 oz.) boneless, skin-on, 2” thick salmon fillets

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

6 tablespoons dark brown sugar

4 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Side options:

--Prepared steamed rice

--Prepared garden salad

METHOD

Prepare grill by placing charcoal in a pile on one side of grill (direct heat), and the opposite side without charcoal (in-direct heat).

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, add lemon juice and brown sugar, and cook just until melted while whisking. Brush the sauce over the salmon fillets.

Place salmon fillets presentation-side down on grill over (direct heat), cover, and grill for 7 to 10 minutes.  Flip the fillets over to the (in-direct heat) side of grill and baste with sauce, cover, and continue grilling for another 7 to 10 minutes; time will vary depending upon thickness of fillets.

Serve grilled salmon fillets with sides of steamed rice and a nice garden salad. ~ Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tip:  This also works well baked in a 400 degree oven for the same about of time, although no flipping is required, just place the fillets in the sprayed baking pan skin-side down.

SANDRA’S IDEAL PEPPER-JACK CHEESE CORNBREAD

This sweet and moist pepper-jack-cheese
cornbread is a "must have"
with baked beans, chili, or soup...

Servings: (16)

Prep: 5 Mins.

Bake: 50 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

¾ cup unsweetened evaporated milk

¾ cup water

2 large eggs

1/3 cup vegetable oil

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2/3 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup yellow corn meal

1 teaspoon double-acting baking powder (or regular)

1 teaspoon kosher salt

¼ cup pepper-jack cheese, finely diced

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8”x8” square baking dish, and set aside.

Whisk milk, water, eggs, vegetable oil, and melted butter in medium bowl.  Whisk in flour, sugar, corn meal, baking powder, and kosher salt, just until combined.  Add pepper-jack cheese, and whisk to incorporate. 

Pour batter into prepared baking dish.

Bake for 50 minutes, or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool in pan on wire racks for 5 minutes; cut into 16 squares and serve warm. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA’S CHEESY-ONION ZUCCHINI STRIPS

A superb and healthy appetizer or side dish...

Serves: (4)

Prep:  5 Mins.

Bake: 10 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup finely crushed French fried onions

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon fine-grain kosher salt

1/8 teaspoon organic dried basil

1/8 teaspoon organic dried oregano

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1/4 teaspoon organic granulated garlic

2 medium organic zucchinis cut lengthwise into quarters, then halved (16 total strips)

Olive oil spray

 

--Prepared recipe of Sandra’s Homemade Ranch Dip

 

METHOD

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with foil, and set aside.

Combine dry ingredients in a small flat-bottom dish. 

Dry off cut zucchini strips with paper towels, and spray with olive oil on all sides. 

Press each strip with crumb mixture on all sides. 

Arranged coated strips on prepared baking sheet.  

Bake for about 10 minutes, until golden brown and crisp. Plate, and serve with ranch dip. ~ Enjoy!

MAX’S AMAZING VENISON ENCHILADAS

We love these venison
enchiladas, although Max makes them other
times that are equally delicious when he
substitutes the venison with
halibut, chicken, beef, and so on...

Yields: (7) 10” enchiladas

Prep: 15 Mins.

Bake: 25 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1-1/2 lbs. cooked and shredded venison

--(Max used leftover venison roast simmered for 2 hrs. in low-sodium beef broth)

7 (10”) flour tortillas

***Sauce

1-1/2 cups medium picante sauce

1 (14.5 oz. can) medium enchilada sauce

1 (4 oz. can) mild diced green chilies

1-1/2 cups sour cream

1/1-2 cups medium shredded cheddar cheese

***Topping

½ cup medium picante sauce

½ cup shredded cheese

***Garnish:

½ cup chopped iceberg lettuce

½ cup homemade salsa

½ cup sour cream

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a 9x13 baking dish, and set aside.

Finished being prepared,
just prior to baking...

Combine all the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl.  Layer each tortilla with a couple tablespoons of shredded venison, spoon the same amount of sauce over meat, and sprinkle with the same amount of shredded cheese; roll up, and repeat with remaining tortillas.  Place enchiladas seam side down in prepared baking dish.  Top rolled enchiladas in baking dish with dollops of remaining picante sauce, and sprinkle with a layer of shredded cheese.

Bake, uncovered, for 25 minutes, until cheese melts and sauce bubbles.  Cut enchiladas in half crosswise, and garnish each serving with lettuce, salsa, and dollops of sour cream. – Enjoy!

SANDRA’S WHOLE CRANBERRY N’ FRESH ORANGE BREAD

I make this bread year round,
not just during the holidays
because it’s so delicious,
and I always have
frozen cranberries on-hand...

Servings: 10 to 12

Prep: 20 Mins.

Bake: 1 hr. -15 Mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted

1 cup granulated sugar

¼ cup dark brown sugar

1-1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon fine-grain kosher salt

1 large egg

1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest

¾ cup freshly-squeezed orange juice (It turned out to be 2 medium oranges that I squeezed for juice; and 1/2 an orange zested)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 vanilla bean, split, and scraped to remove seeds

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

-- Cream Cheese, at room temperature (For spreading later on warm bread slices).

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a loaf pan, and set aside.  Take cream cheese out of refrigerator, and set aside to come to room temperature while loaf is baking.

Ready for the oven...

In a large bowl, beat egg, and add orange zest and juice, melted butter, and vanilla bean seeds.  Sift flour through a sieve into the large bowl, and add the remaining dry ingredients to wet ingredients, and stir just until moistened; batter will be rather thick.  Gently fold in cranberries. Spoon batter into prepared loaf pan.

Hot n' fresh out of the oven...

Bake for 1 hr. and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in loaf pan for 15 minutes before removing and placing on a wire rack.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tip:  This bread is fantastic when toasted, then spread with cream cheese as well.  Also, you are free to make muffins rather than a loaf, simply adjust your baking time accordingly.

SANDRA’S SENSATIONAL SOUTH-OF-THE-BORDER POTATO BAKE

A very hearty one-dish mexican casserole 
you can whip together without a lot of fuss... 
[Featured on 9-23-11 on "Pinterest 
@ http://pinterest.com/pin/192061310/]

Servings: (6)
Prep: 15 Mins. |
Bake 45 Mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

***Potato Bake:

1 lb. extra lean ground venison burger, (or moose, or beef)
½ onion, chopped
¼ red bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (16 oz. can) refried beans
2 tablespoons organic taco seasoning
1 teaspoon organic chili powder
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
¼ cup (of a 10. oz. can) rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained, and divided (see *Tip below)
3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into small ½” cubes
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

***Garnish:

Fresh Homemade Salsa

1 cup Sandra's fresh salsa (Shown in photo to the left, and link to the recipe.)
6 teaspoons sour cream
2 teaspoons fresh cilantro, chopped

METHOD

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 9”x9” casserole dish with oil, and set aside.

Heat a large skillet to medium-high heat, and brown the burger until 3/4s the way done.  Add the onions, bell pepper, and garlic, and saute until the onions are translucent.  Add the refried beans, organic taco seasoning, organic chili powder, sea salt, ground pepper, and rotel; stirring until warmed through and refried beans are soft and incorporated; remove from heat.

Meanwhile, place the small cubed potatoes into the casserole dish in an even layer.

Spoon the meat/refried bean mixture atop of potatoes; smoothing to an even layer.

Hot out of the oven

Cover with lid (or foil), and bake for 35 minutes.  Remove from oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro, and cheese over top, and return to oven to bake for a final 10 minutes, until cheese is melted.

Top each serving equally with Sandra's fresh salsa, dollops of sour cream, and freshly chopped cilantro. – Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 *Tip – I add the remaining rotel by draining it, and then folding it into the fresh salsa!

SANDRA'S TASTY TANGERINE BBQ BONELESS PORK RIBS

What a treat these tasty boneless ribs are,
they have a great moistness inside 
and a perfect texture outside...

Servings: (4)
Prep: 10 Mins. |
Cook: 3 Hrs.

Posted by Sandra 

INGREDIENTS:

***Boneless Country-Style Pork Ribs:
3 lbs. bonless country-style ribs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
sea salt and ground pepper to taste

***Marinade:
1 cup tangerine juice
1 (1.06-oz.) pkg. dry teriyaki marinade mix
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 teaspoon smoked paprika

***Sauce:
1 cup tangerine juice
1 cup barbecue sauce (recommend Bull’s-Eye Original)

METHOD:

Place ribs in a large pot of water, just enough to cover ribs, and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and ground pepper.  Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for1 hour.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine marinade ingredients. When ribs are done par-cooking, remove ribs with tongs and place them in a 9"x"9 baking dish, and pour marinade mixture over the top.  Cover, and let marinate at room temperature for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Remove ribs from marinade mixture, and discard marinade. Place ribs on rack of shallow broiling pan lined with foil, and sprayed with oil. Cover tightly with foil, and bake for 45 minutes.

While ribs are cooking, make sauce by adding 1 cup tangerine juice, and 1 cup barbecue sauce to a small sauce pan; stir, and bring to boil.  Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes to reduce sauce, and remove from heat.

Remove ribs from oven after 45 minutes, uncover (reserving foil), and carefully baste with the sauce, and continue baking, uncovered, for 15 minutes longer; turning and brushing midway with the sauce. Remove from oven, and let rest, lightly tented with reserved foil for 10 minutes.  Serve, and enjoy!


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tips: Serve with coleslaw, or potato salad, and baked beans! Also, at time we BBQ grill the ribs over indirect heat in the same method as for the oven (while still boiling, and marinating the ribs for the same amount of time as listed above). Further, it will cut your time immensely if you boil and marinate the ribs the morning or night before you anticipate cooking them!

SANDRA'S BROCCOLI CHEDDAR and SMASHED POTATO BAKE

You definitely can't miss with this side dish...

Servings: (6)
Prep: 15 to 20 Mins. |
Bake: 20 to 25

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

2 lbs. red potatoes, scrubbed, and cut into 1” cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 spanish onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups broccoli florets, chopped fairly small
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 cup medium shredded cheddar cheese ~ divided
--Garnish: 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley

METHOD

Cook the potatoes in boiling water for 10-15 minutes, until tender.

Meanwhile, heat olive oil over medium heat in a large saute pan, add the onion and saute 5 minutes until translucent, add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds more, and set aside.

Place the florets in a microwave safe bowl with 3 tablespoons of water, cover with a damp paper towel, and cook on high for 5 minutes until tender, drain, and set aside.

In the interim, preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Drain the potatoes, and return to the pot or a large bowl. Mash with the sour cream, butter and milk. Add the onion, garlic, broccoli, and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, then stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Spray a 9”x9” or 10” round baking dish with cooking spray. Place mashed potato mixture in the baking dish, and top with panko crumbs and remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese. Bake at for 20 to 25 minutes, until the crust is lightly golden brown, and sprinkle with fresh parsley. – Enjoy!

SANDRA'S RASPBERRY NUTELLA PROFITEROLES (Mini Cream Puffs)

These are decadently petite,
but so very tasty, which will end up being the hit
at any party or gathering...

Yields: (Yields: 24)

Prep. 20 Mins. |
Bake: 22 - 25 Mins.
Posted: by Sandra at:

INGREDIENTS

*Nutella Cream Filling:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons confectioners’ (powdered sugar)
1/2 cup Nutella
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

**Raspberry Dessert Sauce
1 cup fresh raspberries, or frozen
--(no need to thaw)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon orange juice
tiny pinch of kosher salt
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ cup cold water

***Profiteroles (Mini-Cream Puffs):
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup butter
pinch of kosher salt
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 eggs, lightly beaten

--Confectioners’ (powder) sugar, for dusting through a fine sieve

METHOD

*Nutella Cream Filling (chill for 1 hour):
Whip the heavy whipping cream in a chilled bowl with chilled beaters of a mixer until fairly stiff peaks form, and slowly add the confectioners’ sugar, and the vanilla until combined. Add the nutella to a separate bowl, and add 1/2 the whipped cream to the bowl with the nutella, and whip until combined. With a spatula, fold in the remaining ½ of whipped cream, and place in refrigerator to chill.

**Raspberry Dessert Sauce:
Combine the raspberries, brown sugar, orange juice, and kosher salt in a cold saucepan. Whisk the cornstarch in a small bowl with the cold water until smooth, and add to saucepan, and then bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer for about 5 minutes while occasionally stirring, and then strain out seeds it through a fine sieve that has been placed over a small bowl, using a wooden spoon to push all of the sauce through, and then place in refrigerator to chill.

Preheat oven to 375. Spray a mini-muffin pan with baking spray, and set aside. Also, set a cooling rack aside.

***For the Profiteroles (or Mini-Cream Puffs):
In small saucepan combine water, butter and salt; bring to a boil over high heat. Add flour all at once while stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until mixture leaves sides of pan and forms into a ball. Remove from heat and add the beaten eggs vigorously stirring until smooth and thick. Using small and slightly mounded ice cream scoop (or a tablespoon) place batter into cups. Bake 22-25 for minutes, until medium golden brown on top. Remove from oven and make a small slit ½ way up the sides of each profiterole to release excess steam. Remove profiteroles from pan onto a baking rack and allow to cool (this only takes a few minutes).

Once puffs are cooled, gently cut in half (as in photo), and careful pinch out any obvious large strands of extra dough in bottoms, leaving tops as is. (Be careful not to take out too much or else you’ll expose the bottom.). Spoon or pipe the filling into bottom of profiteroles, and then the sauce, topping with the lids. Place on serving platter, and dust with powdered sugar. – Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tip:  To store, place a piece of bread or non-flavored cracker inside an airtight container, and place profiteroles in a single layer.