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 UNIVERSAL HONEY-DIJON DIPPING SAUCE, DRESSING, SPREAD, or MARINADE

This is a terrific spread

to use in place of traditional mayonnaise,

including all sorts of 

other imaginative applications...

Yields: 1/2 Cup

Prep: 3 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

4 tablespoons creamy dijon

4 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

METHOD

Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium-low heat, just until slightly golden and fragrant.

Whisk together dijon, honey, toasted sesame seeds, and freshly grated ginger, then use to finish your creations by applying it to an assortment of meats or seafood. ~ Enjoy!

Here's a recipe using this honey-dijon as a condiment, which you might like:

Sandra's Terrific Toasted 
BLT Bagel Surprise

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Tip: This honey-dijon pairs impeccably well with pork, turkey, ham, venison, beef, moose, buffalo, salmon, or seafood.

SANDRA’S LEMON-HONEY-DIJON VINAIGRETTE

Drizzle vinaigrette over your favorite

combination of organic salad greens

and other mixed fresh vegetables...

Servings: (4)

Prep: 5 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1 meyer lemon, juiced

1 teaspoon dijon

2 tablespoons honey

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Pinch of freshly ground pepper

4 tablespoons light olive oil

METHOD

Add all vinaigrette ingredients to all small glass bowl, except olive oil.  Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify, then let stand for 15 minutes for flavors to meld.  ~ Enjoy!

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Tip:  Vinaigrette will store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, just ensure to shake before serving.

SANDRA’S ORGANIC FALL HERB GARDEN SALAD with LEMON-HONEY-DIJON VINAIGRETTE

A robustly delicious salad

that perfectly accompanies

any entree...

Servings: (4)

Prep: 15 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Vinaigrette:

1 meyer lemon, juiced

1 teaspoon dijon

2 tablespoons honey

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Pinch of freshly ground pepper

4 tablespoons light olive oil

Salad:

6 cups mixed herb and salad greens

6 radishes, cut in half and sliced

2 roma tomatoes, each cut into 8 wedges

1 tablespoon julienned red onion

¼ orange bell pepper, chopped

½ cup sliced celery

½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ teaspoon kosher salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

METHOD

Place all vinaigrette ingredients into all small glass bowl, except olive oil.  Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify, then let stand for 15 minutes for flavors to meld.

Meanwhile, gently toss salad ingredients in a medium bowl.

To serve, distribute salad ingredients among four salad bowls, then drizzle each with desired amount of vinaigrette. ~ Enjoy!

Tip:  I recently served this delicious salad with Sandra's Awesome Albacore Tuna Noodle Casserole:

Sandra's Awesome
Albacore Tuna Noodle Casserole

SANDRA’S BAKED HONEY-DIJON CRUSTED WILD ALASKA KING SALMON with RICE CARBONARA

Fresh king salmon makes
this a five-star meal that turned out
fabulously moist and delicious,
and the rice carbonara
makes for a perfect accompaniment...

Servings: (4)

Prep:  5 Mins.

Bake 20 to 25 Minutes.

INGREDIENTS

Crusted Salmon:

1 lb. (2” thick) skin-on king salmon fillets

½ teaspoon kosher salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1 tablespoon grainy dijon mustard

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon mayonnaise

½ tablespoon olive oil

¾ cup Italian herb seasoned breadcrumbs

Rice Carbonara:

½ tablespoon olive oil

½ tablespoon butter

¼ cup diced onion

¼ cup diced bell pepper

½ teaspoon granulated garlic

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

2 cups pre-cooked rice

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1 egg, lightly beaten

Garnish:

--A few sprigs of fresh parsley

METHOD

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

Sprinkle fillets equally with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.  Whisk together dijon, honey, mayonnaise, and olive oil in a small bowl.  Place the fillets on the prepared baking sheet skin side down (the skin will remove easily once the fish is baked).  Brush the sauce mixture all over the top and sides of fillets. Pat breadcrumbs evenly all skinless sides of fish, and spray tops with olive oil.  Place fillets in oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Meanwhile, prepare the rice carbonara while the fillets are baking by heating a nonstick skillet to medium heat.  Melt the butter with the olive oil, and add the onion, bell pepper, granulated garlic, kosher salt, and pepper.  Cook until the onions are translucent for about 3 to 5 minutes.  Add the rice and parsley; mixing to combine and cook for 3 minutes.  Add the beaten egg while stirring for 2 to 3 minutes, until cooked and incorporated throughout.

To serve, place the fillets on a serving platter alongside the rice carbonara, and garnish with sprigs of fresh parsley. ~ Enjoy!

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

Tip:  Thicker or thinner fillets will take more or less time to bake, although the "rule of thumb" is to bake the fillets about 10 to 12 minutes per inch of thickness.

SANDRA’S WORLD-CLASS ITALIAN SALAD

My husband and I adore
this impeccable salad ~
I created this after being inspired 
by a version I had at a local eatery...

Servings: (4)
Prep: 5 Min.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

***Vinaigrette:

1-1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

3 tablespoons honey

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dijon

***Salad:

6 cups mixed dark salad greens and herbs

1/8 of a red onion, julienned

8 pitted kalamata olives, quartered lengthwise

1 (6.5 oz. jar) marinated and quartered artichoke hearts, drained

¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

METHOD

For the vinaigrette, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, and dijon, until the honey is incorporated.  Gently drizzle the olive oil in a steady stream while whisking, until vinaigrette is emulsified.

For the salad, in a medium bowl, toss together the mixed greens and herbs, red onion, and kalamata olives.  Drizzle salad with vinaigrette, and toss.  Serve prepared salad among 4 plates, place the quartered artichokes around parameter of each, and sprinkle with feta crumbles. – Enjoy!

SANDRA’S RUSTIC ONE-POT SMOKY KIELBASA VEGGIE DINNER

A rustic dinner
that you'll end up often
craving and making as we do...

Servings: (6)
Prep: 15 Mins. |
Saute: 30 Mins. |
Roast: 15 Mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

1 ring of smoked kielbasa, cut into ½” slices
4 potatoes, (2 medium russet, 2 large red) scrubbed, and cut into ¾” inch cubes
1 onion, roughly chopped
¼ head of green cabbage, roughly chopped
16 baby carrots, cut in half
3 large garlic cloves, minced
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon wasabi paste (or freshly grated horseradish)
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1/8 teaspoon dried marjoram, rubbed in palm to release herb oils before adding
1 bay leave
1 tablespoon worcestershire

-- Sides of grainy dijon mustard, and savory herb artisan bread for serving

METHOD

Heat a dutch oven over medium-high heat, and saute the kielbasa, just until lightly caramelized. Add the potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic, and saute while occasionally stirring for 10 minutes. Add the chicken broth, wasabi paste or horseradish, sea salt and ground pepper to taste, bay leaf, marjoram, and worcestershire. Bring mixture to a boil, and reduce to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, while occasionally stirring, just until the potatoes are fork tender.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Roast, uncovered, in oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until top becomes slightly roasted and carrots are crisp-tender.

Serve with slices of your favorite artisan bread, and a side of grainy dijon mustard for dipping – Enjoy!


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Tip: My husband and I like to serve this with Fennel and Raisin Bread that we purchase freshly-baked and warm from the local Breeze In!

SANDRA'S ROASTED SWEET POTATO FRIES with SPICY N' SWEET MUSTARD DIPPING SAUCE

I finally created Sweet Potato Fries 
with a Dipping Sauce 
that's simply addicting ~
(Use small appetizer forks 
for dipping)...

Serves: (2 to 4)
Prep: 5 min. |
Roast: 35 min

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

***Sweet Potato Fries:
2 large sweet potatoes, washed (cooking time will lessen if you use medium or small)
2 tablespoons peanut oil
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
pinch of ground cloves
kosher salt and ground pepper, to taste

***Dipping Sauce: (Yields about 1 cup)
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
2 tablespoons honey
kosher salt and ground pepper, to taste

METHOD

Combine with a whisk in a small bowl all of the Dipping Sauce ingredients, and then place in refrigerator for flavors to meld, while you begin making the Sweet Potato Fries.

In a large pot, par-boil the whole, unpeeled sweet potatoes by covering them with cold salted water. Bring them to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling point is reached, lower the heat so you have a gentle boiling point, and cook for about 20 to 25 minutes - testing with a paring knife just until there is little a little resistance (be careful not to overcook them).

Meanwhile, while sweet potatoes are cooking, preheat oven broiler. Also, prepare a baking sheet lined with foil, and then spray it with oil, and set aside.

Once sweet potatoes are par-boiled to the right stage, transfer them to a large bowl of cold water to stop their cooking process. Once the sweet potatoes have cooled, drain them well, and peel with a paring knife, and then cut them lengthwise in half, and then into 6 wedges per sweet potato. Place the potatoes into a large ziploc bag, and drizzle them with olive oil and the remaining ingredients, and toss to evenly coat. Put the wedges on prepared baking sheet, and broil for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until they are caramelized, turning half way through. Serve them immediately with a side of  Dipping Sauce. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S KICKER HORSERADISH SAUCE

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!

SANDRA'S CREAMY HOMEMADE HONEY DIJON DRESSING or DIP

You'll never buy store-bought again
because you can make this fantastic
recipe that's so flavorful
and know all the ingredients within it...

Yields: (1/3 cup)
Prep. 3 Mins

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon dijon (regular or stone ground)
1 tablespoon honey (for my recipe, click here:  Sandra's Alaska Fireweed Honey - Homemade)
1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

METHOD

In a small non-reactive bowl (glass or ceramic), whisk together the mayonnaise, dijon, honey, and lemon juice, until smooth and emulsified.

Cover and refrigerate any leftovers.


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


Tip: Try using this instead of beaten eggs when breading meat, seafood, or poultry. Also, this is fantastic as a dip for chicken tenders, or as a dressing for garden salads, esp. when adding strips of chicken, turkey, or fish.

SANDRA'S CLASSIC DIJON VINAIGRETTE

Yields: (3/4 Cup)

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.

SANDRA'S APRICOT-DIJON GLAZED PORK CHOPS

Super moist and delicious
method in which to prepare pork chops
for a quick and easy family meal...

Servings (4)
Prep: 5 mins. |
Cook: 25 mins.

INGREDIENTS:

Pork Chops:
4 pork chops, 1/2" thick
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, cut into rings
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Apricot-Dijon Glaze:
1 (11.5 oz. can) apricot nector (I prefer Kern’s)
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning herb blend

METHOD:

Trim excess fat from chops, and sprinkle with kosher salt and ground pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add oil oil, and sear chops on both sides. Remove chops to a plate. Reduce heat to medium, add onions, and cook, while occasionally stirring, until translucent. Slide onions to one side of skillet, and return chops to to the other side.

Combine apricot-dijon glaze ingredients in a small bowl, then pour over chops and onions.

Cover skillet and reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes, until meat is tender and cooked through (turning the chops mid-way), or until center reaches 155 degrees.

--(I like to serve the glazed pork chops with steamed brown rice, and sautéed zucchini & yellow squash.)--

**IMPORTANT**: If using thicker than 1” chops, cook covered over medium-low heat for 30 minutes (turning the chops mid-way), or until center reaches 155 degrees.

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

TIP: This apricot-dijon sauce is also wonderful with halibut, salmon, chicken, or adding to pork roast to thicken drippings for gravy.

SANDRA'S GO-TO GREEK SALAD

It just doesn't get better than this -
this is a salad that I often crave...

Servings: (6)
Prep Time: 10 min |
Stand Time: 30 min

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

***Salad
· 1 hothouse cucumber, (unpeeled) cut in half, and sliced 1/4-inch thick
· 1 red bell pepper, large-diced
· 1 yellow bell pepper, large-diced
· 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
· 1/2 red onion, sliced in half, and julienned
· 2 TB crumbled feta cheese:
(Sprinkle cheese on top just before serving)
· 1/2 cup calamata olives, pitted and halved

***Vinaigrette
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 teaspoon dried oregano
· 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
· 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
· 1/2 cup good olive oil
· 1 teaspoon kosher salt
· 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

METHOD

Place the cucumber, peppers, tomatoes, olives and red onion in a medium bowl.

For the vinaigrette whisk together the garlic, oregano, mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper in a small bowl. While still whisking, slowly add the olive oil to make an emulsion. Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetables.

Sprinkling feta on top (do not toss). Set aside for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld at room temperature, and serve.

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

Variation: Roast just the vegetables tossed with olive oil for 20 minutes at 400 degrees in oven.