SANDRA'S HOMEMADE MILD SWEET ITALIAN MOOSE SAUSAGE

It's imperative to let the flavors meld for a minimum of 12 hours
prior to cooking
this wonderful moose sausage...

Yield: Four 2-1/2 lb. portions (total of 2 lbs.)
Prep: 20 Mins.
Cook Patties: 3-4 Mins per side (7-8 Mins total)

Meld Flavors: 12 hours

 
INGREDIENTS
 
2 pounds lean ground moose (venison or other meats and poultry work well too)
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon fine-ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon ground fennel seed
--(crush whole seeds in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder)
¼ teaspoon brown sugar
⅛ teaspoon dried oregano
⅛ teaspoon dried thyme
 
METHOD
 
Place ground moose and red wine vinegar in the bowl of a food processor, sprinkle with parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, salt, black pepper, paprika, red pepper flakes, fennel seed, brown sugar, oregano, and thyme. Gently pulse until flecks of spice are evenly distributed throughout meat (scraping down sides as needed).
 
Form mixture into four 3-inch squares (1/2 lb. ea.), double-wrap each in plastic wrap, label, and date. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours before cooking, or freeze* directly.
 
To cook thawed sausage, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Form mixture into 3" patties that are 1/2" thick.  Working in batches, cook sausage patties in the hot skillet until no longer pink in the center, about 3-4 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 160F.
 
TIP:
*You can freeze the sausage if desired - when ready to use, pull out of freezer and thaw in refrigerator overnight then continue to prepare as stated above.

Here is the frozen version
(made yesterday and froze overnight)

SANDRA'S CHRISTMAS MORNING CASSEROLE

 

This was a new creation this Christmas Eve 'evening,' and
I baked the casserole off Christmas morning.

The husband had two helpings and I loved it as well, so this recipe
will be a new tradition as it's a keeper...

Servings: (8)
Prep: 20 Mins.
Bake: 60 Mins.
 
INGREDIENTS:
 
Layers:
2 tablespoons softened butter
7 slices whole wheat bread, cut into ½” cubes
4 slices cooked bacon, chopped into bits
 
Custard:
6 large eggs, beaten
2 cups 2% milk
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
1 teaspoon dry mustard
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
 
Topping:
½ cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
1 large roma tomato, cut into 8 slices (reserve, will be added in the morning just before baking)
 
METHOD:
 
Using baking spray, spray a glass 9x13” baking dish; set aside.
 
Lay out the 7 slices of whole wheat bread and evenly spread one side with softened butter. Stack the slices and cut all into 1/2“ cubes.  Spread cubes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the bacon bits evenly over the bread cubes.
 
In a large bowl, beat the eggs, whisk in the milk, 1 cup of shredded cheese, the dry mustard, and ground pepper until evenly combined. Pour custard mixture evenly over the contents of the casserole.
 
Top with remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese, cover with parchment then foil, and place in refrigerator a minimum of 8 hours or overnight.

In the morning, preheat oven to 350F.
 
Uncover the casserole and add the tomato slices on top (see photo).  Re-cover the casserole and bake for 45 minutes, turning halfway through this baking time.  Uncover and continue baking for 15 minutes.  Remove hot casserole to a baking rack to cool for 10 minutes prior to slicing and serving. ~ Enjoy!
 

SANDRA'S APPLE PIE SPICE or ALL-PURPOSE DESSERT SEASONING BLEND

Outside of apple pies, I also sprinkle, to taste, to stir into fruit/berry smoothies,

coffee cake, muffins, cupcakes, donuts, cookies, granola,

hot cereals and oatmeal, parfaits, fruit/berry pies, cobblers-crisps-buckles,

waffles, pancakes, French toast, rice and bread puddings,

sweet/quick breads, cakes, hot toddies,etc.:

an all-purpose seasoning for your sweeter-type desserts
and/or breakfast dishes...

Yield: 1/2 cup

Prep: 5 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

4 TB ground cinnamon

1 TB ground nutmeg (preferably freshly graded using a rasp)

1 TB ground cardamom

1/4 tsp + 1/8 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp + 1/8 tsp ground allspice

METHOD

In a small bowl, whisk all ingredients until well combined. Store in an airtight container.

Make label on jar to state to use in apple pie (by size): 2 tsp per 10" pie, or 1 tsp per 9" pie. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S INDIVIDUAL HASH BROWN BREAKFAST CASSEROLES

The ideal romantically intimate breakfast for two

(utilizing a 'real' potato)...

Servings: 2

Prep: 10 Mins.

Bake 30 Minutes

Stand: 5 Minutes

Special Equipment:

--2 Individual Ceramic Dishes

INGREDIENTS

Base:

1 large russet potato, peeled, grated and par-baked

Vegetables and seasoning:

1 teaspoon Mazola oil

1/4 cup diced yellow onion

2 tablespoons diced orange bell pepper

Pinch of kosher salt

Pinch of pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Filling:

4 large eggs, beaten

2 tablespoons 2% milk

1/4 cup Mexican blend shredded cheese

Topping:

1/4 cup Mexican blend shredded cheese

6 sliced grape tomatoes

Garnish:

2 basil leaves, julienned

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350F. Rub the inside of 2 individual ceramic dishes with Mazola oil; set aside.

Shred potato on the largest holes of a box grater; squeeze dry. Transfer shredded potatoes to a plate lined with two layers of paper towel.  Top with a damp paper towel; microwave on high for 3 minutes.  Place par-baked potatoes, evenly disbursed, in each of the 2 individual ceramic dishes.

Meanwhile, in a small skillet over medium heat, add the oil.  When hot, add the onion, bell pepper, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Saute for 3 minutes. Disburse evenly atop the potatoes in the 2 dishes.

In a small bowl, beat the eggs and milk with the 1/4 cup of shredded cheese. Pour atop, evenly, among the 2 dishes.

Top each dish equally with the remaining shredded cheese, then layer each with the sliced grape tomatoes.

Cover each dish with parchment, then tin foil.

Bake, covered, for 30 minutes.  Remove from oven and let stand, covered, for 5 minuets.  Uncover, top with julienned basil, then serve. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S FAVORITE OVEN ROASTED POTATOES and PERFECT EGGS (for one)

My kind of 'comfort food,'
pretty much any time of the day...

Servings: (1)

Prep: 5 Mins.

Bake: 35-45 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1 large russet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2" cubes

1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic (or powder)

1/4 teaspoon granulated onion (or powder)

2 teaspoons Mazola oil

2 large eggs

METHOD

Preheat oven to 425F.

Spray an ovenproof 6x6" baking dish; set aside.

Place the cubed potatoes, seasoning salt, pepper, granulated garlic and onion, including Mazola oil into a gallon Ziploc bag and shake to combine. Pour seasoned potatoes into a single layer in prepared baking dish. Bake, uncovered, for 25 minutes.

Reduce oven temperature to 350F.

Crack eggs (individually, into a single layer) atop the hot potatoes. Return baking dish back to oven; continue baking, uncovered, at the lower temperature of 350F for an additional 10-20 minutes, until eggs are set to your liking.

Serve immediately in hot baking dish, with a cotton napkin underneath, placed onto a serving plate. ~ Enjoy!

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

Tips:

1) Most times I like this served 'as is,' although occasionally before serving I'll top with a few drops of Sriracha, or red taco sauce, or sliced pickled jalapenos, or homemade salsa.

2) This recipe can easily be doubled, just bake in an 8x8" baking dish - or - quadrupled, just bake in a 13x9" baking dish.

SANDRA'S ALASKA SOURDOUGH GLAZED COFFEE CAKE

There's no better way to start your day than

with a piece of this incredible sourdough coffee cake

and a nice cup of hot coffee...

Servings: (9)

Prep: 10 Mins.

Bake: 30 to 35 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Cake

1 cup 'fed' sourdough starter  

--[Click this link for "Sandra's Homemade Sourdough Starter"]

1⁄3 cup Mazola oil

1 large egg

1 cup all-purpose flour

3⁄4 cup granulated sugar

1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon double-acting baking powder (or regular)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Topping

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1⁄2 cup dark brown sugar

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold, cut into 1/4" cubes

Glaze

1 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted

2-1/2 tablespoons 2% milk

1/2 teaspoon bourbon vanilla extract (or regular vanilla extract)

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350F. Spray a 9" square baking dish; set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk the egg. Add the sourdough starter and oil, whisk to combine.

In another bowl, sift through a sieve the remaining cake dry ingredients; add to sourdough mixture and switch to a spoon to combine batter.

Place batter into the prepared baking dish.

In a small bowl, add the cinnamon, brown sugar and flour topping ingredients.  Work in the cold butter using a pastry cutter until crumble-topping resembles the size of small peas. Sprinkle topping crumbles over batter in baking dish.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, just until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Meanwhile, prepare the glaze in a small bowl by sifting the confectioners' sugar, stir in milk and bourbon vanilla extract, and whisk to combine.  Once cake is done baking, drizzle the glaze over the top while warm.  Let the cake cool, then cut into 9 equal squares. Serve with your favorite cup of coffee. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S WILD ALASKA BLUEBERRY STREUSEL MUFFINS from SCRATCH

While recently picking my first batch of Wild Alaska Blueberries from my front yard,

I decided to come up with a muffin recipe from scratch.

End result...these streusel topped muffins turned out absolutely fabulous!

Yields: (12)

Prep: 15 Mins.

Bake: 30-35 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Berries

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1-1/2 cups fresh wild Alaska blueberries

Wet

1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon lemon powder (or zest)

1/2 cup 2% milk

Dry

2 cups all-purpose flour

1-1/2 teaspoons double-acting baking powder (or regular)

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon table salt

Streusel

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons cold, unsalted butter, diced

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place 12 paper liners in regular-size muffin tin slots, then spray liners with baking spray; set aside.

In a small bowl, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour over blueberries, and swirl bowl to coat; set aside.

In a stand mixer bowl, beat 1/2 cups softened butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest and milk. Sift 2 cups flour, 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon table salt through a sieve over bowl of wet ingredients; mix on low just until combined. Remove bowl from mixer, and gently fold, using a spatula, the blueberries (shaking off excess flour beforehand), do not stir or over mix. Use an ice cream scoop to equally proportion batter into prepared muffin liners. Use the back of a spoon to even out tops.

Combine 2 tablespoons flour, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in 2 tablespoons cold butter with fork until mixture resembles course crumbs. Sprinkle equally on top of batter in muffin liners.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, turning pan half way through baking, just until a toothpick inserted in center of a muffin comes out clean. Cool muffins in pan on a wire rack, just until cool enough to transfer to a serving platter.  ~ Enjoy!

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

Tip:

If using a large 6-cup muffin tin, be sure to increase baking time accordingly.

SANDRA'S HOMEMADE GRANOLA CLUSTERS

My favorite homemade
granola ingredient combo to date
~ this is a keeper!

Yields: (Appx. 4-1/4 cups)

Prep: 15 Mins.

Bake: 30 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1st -- Pulse in food processor until half its size:

1-1/2 cups old-fashioned oats (not quick cooking)

2nd -- Pulse in food processor until the size of the 'pulsed oats'

1/4 cup whole candied pecans

1/4 cup whole walnuts

1/2 cup shelled sunflower seeds

1/4 cup sliced almonds

1/4 cup dried cranberries 

1/4 cup shredded, sweet coconut

3rd -- Final addition:

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2-*3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted (takes about 40 seconds in the microwave on High)

Fine-grain kosher salt, to taste

Granola serving options, add:

--Milk for cereal

--Yogurt and fresh fruit for a layered parfait

--Snack-size Ziploc bag for snacking on the go (feel free to add chocolate chips, M&M's, etc.)

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Line a 14x17" rimmed baking pan (makes for easier stirring, as you'll read below) with parchment paper; set aside.

Add 1st Pulse the old-fashioned oats to the food processor and process until 1/2 its size, or to your desired texture. Pour into a large bowl. (No need to clean out processor at this point.) -- Add the 2nd Pulse ingredients to the food processor and process until the size of the 'pulsed' oats (if you desire softer texture cranberries, pulse separately and hold aside to add after baking).  Pour this mixture also into the bowl with the oats.

Add to the bowl the final addition of ingredients, folding together to fully combine. Pour mixture into prepared baking pan, and spread out in an even layer -- do not compact.

Bake for 30 minutes, tossing with a fork at 10-minute intervals to ensure nuts do not burn.

Remove from oven, let granola cool completely in pan (add reserved cranberries if you chose to not bake them).

Crumble into clusters. Store granola in a tightly closed container(s), e.g., mason jar(s) at room temperature in a cool, dark place (1-2 months), or freeze for extended storage (3-6 months). Be sure to label and date each container/jar.

Serve as a cereal, layer in a parfait, or take it on the road with you as a 'trail-mix-type' snack. ~ Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tip:

*For larger clusters, simply add a bit more melted coconut oil where listed to do so in recipe.

SANDRA'S BAKED RICE PUDDING with RAISINS

Each time I prepare this heavenly dessert
 it brings back numerous and comforting memories...

Servings: (6-8)

Prep: 15 Mins.

Bake: 1 Hr. 30 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

3 large eggs

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons bourbon-vanilla extract (or vanilla extract)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

2-1/2 cups 2% milk (or regular)

1/2 cup raisins

1-1/2 cups cooked, cold basmati rice

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350F. 

Whisk together cold milk, eggs, vanilla and sugar. 

Stir in rice, spices and raisins. 

Pour into a greased casserole baking dish (I used an 8x8 pan). 

Bake, uncovered, for 50 to 60 minutes, or until set (stirring half way to distribute spices floating on top more evenly). ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S FRESH APPLE STREUSEL COFFEE CAKE

A delightful change-up to an old  coffee cake classic
with the addition of thinly sliced fresh Fugi apples.

It's so amazing the incredible enhancement of flavors
that predominately come through 
once this dessert is allowed to sit overnight...

Servings: (12)

Prep: 15 min.

Bake: 45 to 50 mins.

INGREDIENTS

Streusel:

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 cup chopped candied pecans
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Cake:

-Wet Ingredients -

1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

1 egg, beaten

1 (6-oz. carton) Chobani Greek Yogurt (I used strawberry, found by the case at Costco)
1 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon bourbon extract (or vanilla)

-Dry Ingredients-

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon fine-grain kosher salt

Fruit:
2 Fugi apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced

METHOD

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray a glass 9x12" square baking dish and set aside.

In a small bowl, whisk streusel ingredients; set aside.

In a large bowl of a stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, yogurt, sour cream and vanilla until combined (while stopping mixer periodically to scrape sides of bowl). Place a sieve over top of large bowl of wet ingredients, adding flour, and sprinkling in baking powder, baking soda and salt; sift dry ingredients over wet ingredients, and mix until batter is fully incorporate (batter will be somewhat thick).

Using the back of an offset spatula, gently spread batter into prepared baking dish working from the center to outer edges; sprinkle 1/2 of streusel evenly over batter and gently press to adhere. Layer sliced apples in an overlapping fan fashion to form 3 rows lengthwise (see photo below), and gently press to adhere. Sprinkle remaining streusel over top.

Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour-10 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean and apples are tender. 

Cool coffee cake on a wire rack for a minimum of 30 minutes prior to slicing into 12 squares. ~ Enjoy!

Oh, the anticipation until it cools...

SANDRA'S BEST-EVER PECAN-STREUSEL COFFEE CAKE

Nice, warm pecan-streusel coffee cake on a foggy Juneau, Alaska day

with a freshly brewed latte is simply divine...

Servings: (9-12)

Prep: 15 min.

Bake: 45 to 50 mins.

INGREDIENTS

Streusel (halved):

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup packed light brown sugar

1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 cup chopped candied pecans

--2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (added to 2nd half)

Cake:

-Wet Ingredients -

1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

1 egg, beaten

1/4 cup Greek vanilla yogurt

1 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

-Dry Ingredients-

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon fine-grain kosher salt

METHOD

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray a glass 8" square baking dish and set aside.

In a small bowl, whisk streusel ingredients (except melted butter, not yet) together and set aside.

In a large bowl of a stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, yogurt, sour cream and vanilla until combined (while stopping mixer periodically to scrape sides of bowl). Place a sieve over top of large bowl of wet ingredients, adding flour, and sprinkling in baking powder, baking soda and salt; sift dry ingredients over wet ingredients, and mix until batter is fully incorporate (batter will be somewhat thick).

Using the back of an offset spatula, gently spread half the batter into the prepared baking dish working from the center to outer edges; sprinkle 1/3 of streusel evenly over batter and gently press to adhere. Spread remaining batter in the same manner, and sprinkle remaining streusel over top and gently press to adhere.

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. 

Hot out of the oven,
I wish you could smell its scrumptiousness!

Cool coffee cake on a wire rack for a minimum of 15 minutes prior to slicing into 9-12 squares. ~ Enjoy!

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

Tip: This breakfast-type dessert is best if baked and allowed to cool overnight, the flavors that are allowed to develop are even more amazing!

SANDRA'S MILD GREEN-CHILI CHEESY SAUSAGE TATER TOT CASSEROLE

A simple but addicting breakfast/brunch casserole
with country sausage, mild green chilies, cheese and tater tots...

Servings: (10)

Prep: 10 Mins.

Bake: 45 Mins.

A simple but addicting breakfast/brunch casserole with sausage, mild green chilies, cheese and tater tots, oh my!

INGREDIENTS:

1 lb. ground country style sausage, browned

1 (4 oz. can) mild diced green chilies, drained (or medium-heat for spicier flavor)

2 cups medium shredded cheddar cheese

2 cups milk

3 large eggs, beaten

1-1/2 lbs. frozen crispy Ore Ida tater tots (='s 3/4's of a 2-lb. bag)

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place sausage in a large skillet, and cook over medium-high heat until evenly brown using a spatula to bread into small bits. Drain, and spread evenly in bottom of a glass 9x13" baking dish. Sprinkle over sausage the diced green chilies, then shredded cheese.

In medium bowl, beat the eggs. Add the milk, and mix to combine. Pour mixture over cheese. Top with tater tots, and gently press into mixture.

Bake casserole, uncovered, for 45 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes, uncovered, before serving. ~ Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~
Tip: I found it's also most-excellent topped with a bit of salsa and a tiny dollop of sour cream (over-the-top heavenly)...

SANDRA’S TERRIFIC TOASTED BLT BAGEL SURPRISE

You’ll need a lot of napkins for this

bad boy, while you savor the yummy explosion

of many fantastic flavors 

taking place with each and every bite...

Servings: (1)

Prep: 5 Mins.

Cook: 10 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Honey-Dijon Spread:

4 tablespoons creamy dijon

4 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

Bagel:

1 sour dough bagel, sliced in half and toasted

Green leaf lettuce

2 slices of tomato

2 slices of crispy-cooked bacon, cut in half

¼ avocado, roughly mashed

1 egg, either poached or fried

METHOD

Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium-low heat, just until slightly golden and fragrant.  Add remaining spread ingredients to a small bowl, and whisk the toasted sesame seeds into spread, then combine.

Sandra's Universal Honey-Dijon
 Condiment Spread,
Dipping Sauce,
Dressing,
or Marinade

Toast bagel, and lightly spread both halves each with 1 teaspoon honey-dijon. Layer remaining bagel ingredients in order listed above. ~ Eat and enjoy!

SANDRA’S TROPICAL MANGO-PAPAYA-PINEAPPLE-BANANA SMOOTHIES

A taste of the tropics with every sip

that will definitely put 

a 'spring in your step'...

Servings: (2)

Prep: 10 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

--Non-dairy smoothies--

1 frozen banana (I freeze mine in quarters)

1 cup pineapple chunks in light syrup (retain juice)

1 diced ripe papaya

1 diced ripe mango

1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lime juice

4 mint leaves, torn

Ganish:

Whole mint leaves

METHOD

Place all ingredients in blender in order listed.  

Pulse several times, 

and then puree until smooth and incorporated, about 1 minute.  

Serve in a tall glass with a straw and a sprig of fresh mint. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA’S MARVELOUS HONEY-APPLE-BANANA MUFFINS

Warm, moist and delicious muffins

packed full of nutritious ingredients

guaranteed to start your day off with a smile...

Yields: 18 Cupcake-Sized Muffins

Prep: 15 Mins.

Bake: 16 to 18 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/2 cup banana/strawberry Greek yogurt

2 eggs, at room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup mashed ripe bananas (I used 3 small)

3/4 cup honey

1 cup quick-cooking oats

½ cup whole-wheat flour

1 cup unbleached bread flour

1 teaspoon double-acting baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground cardamom

¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt

1 red delicious apple, washed, cored, (unpeeled) and finely chopped

½ tablespoon turbinado sugar (sugar in the raw)

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  

Place 18 liners among two cupcake tins, 

and fill water ¼ way up in empty cups of second tin 

to ensure even baking.  

Also, set aside a wire rack.

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and yogurt using a hand mixer.

 Add eggs, vanilla extract, bananas, and honey, then beat to incorporate.

 Add one cup of oats on top of wet ingredients.

Place a sieve over bowl, and sift remaining 

dry ingredients over mixture.

 Using a wooden spoon, combine all ingredients just until moistened.

 Add the apples, and fold to incorporate.

 Fill paper-lined muffin cups three-quarters full using an ice cream scoop.  

Sprinkle top of each muffin with a pinch of turbinado sugar.

Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until muffins test done; 

turning half way through baking for even browning.

 Cool in pan for 10 minutes, 

and then remove to wire rack to finish cooling. 

Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Tip:  If you prefer the larger muffin-sized version, spray muffin cups with cooking spray before filling and increase baking time accordingly.

SANDRA’S ANYTIME QUINOA (“Keen-Wa”) PATTIES with POACHED EGGS

I often make these delicious patties

using leftover quinoa,

and this afternoon I decided to

add poached eggs on top.

These are spectacular and wholesome...

Servings: (4)

Prep: 10 Mins.

Cook: 20 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Patties:

2 large eggs

1/2 whole grain Italian breadcrumbs

1-1/2 cups cooked quinoa, at room temperature

1/2 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1/3 cup finely chopped red bell pepper

1/3 cup finely chopped red onion

1 tablespoon finely chopped sun dried tomatoes

1 large garlic clove, minced

1/3 Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon ground mustard

1 tablespoon dried parsley

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons cold water

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, for frying

Poached Eggs:

Water

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Serving options:

--Lettuce leaves

--Dried parsley

--Dabs of sriracha sauce (Asian chili hot sauce)

METHOD

Beat eggs in a medium bowl.  Add breadcrumbs and stir to combine.  Add remaining patty ingredients, except the olive oil. Stir to combine, and form into 4 (3”x1”) patties.

Heat olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-low heat, and add the patties.  

Cook for 10 minutes, until the bottoms are golden brown. Flip the patties and cook the second side for 7 minutes, until golden brown as well. 

Place patties on a paper towel lined plate, and set aside.

Meanwhile, in another large skillet, bring 1-1/2” depth of water to a gentle simmer, and then reduce heat to medium-low so water is no longer boiling.  Add vinegar to congeal the egg whites more easily.  Working with the eggs one at a time, crack an individual egg into a small ramekin, then place ramekin near the surface and gently slide the egg into the hot water.  Cover skillet, and let poached eggs cook for 4 minutes. Lift poached eggs out of skillet using a slotted spoon.

To serve, place quinoa patties over lettuce leaves on serving plates, top with poached eggs and sprinkle each with a pinch of parsley, including adding a dab of sriracha sauce to each plate. ~ Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~

Tip: Whole grain quinoa is the most nutritious of all grains and is high in fiber, iron, and 8 essential amino acids.

SANDRA’S SILKY RASPBERRY MID-AFTERNOON SMOOTHIES

My favorite smoothie that has
just the right amount of tartness without
being too sweet ~ simply delicious...

Servings: 2

Prep: 10 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups frozen raspberries

1 cup cold water

12 ozs. (2, 6-oz. containers) berry yogurt 

--(I used 1 strawberry, and 1blueberry)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon wheat germ

1 tablespoon honey

METHOD

Place all ingredients in blender in order listed, cover, and pulse a couple of times.  Switch to puree setting, and blend for 3 minutes.  

To remove seeds, strain mixture through a sieve into a 4-cup glass measuring vessel, using a spoon to push puree mixture through sieve while retaining seeds.  Pour smoothie mixture into glasses and garnish with fresh raspberries, then serve. ~ Enjoy!

BTW: This is my friendly porcupine that came to visit when I was picking the fresh raspberries last evening to garnish these smoothies...he was gently snorting 1' away when I discovered him visiting, and he acted like he was happy to see me and hung around for about 15 minutes; he kind of likes his picture taken ;)