Showing posts with label fresh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fresh. Show all posts

Sandra's Fresh Apple Pecan Cake (9x13")

 
My husband loves this cake
so much he had two pieces 'after' eating lunch...

Ingredients
Method

SANDRA'S HOT ARTICHOKE BASIL DIP

I have quite a few fresh basil plants always growing,
so decided to try it in my traditional hot artichoke dip recipe
(instead of spinach) and we love it...




Yield: 6-8 Servings
Prep: 10 Mins.
Bake: 25 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
2/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese (not grated)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon freshly-ground pepper
1 (14 oz.-can) quartered artichoke hearts, drained, then chop each heart crosswise 4 times
2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350F. Spray a 9 x 9" baking dish with oil; set aside.

In a medium-size mixing bowl, stir together cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, granulated garlic, parmesan, mozzarella, lemon juice, and pepper. Fold in artichokes and basil.


Spread mixture into prepared baking dish. Bake in preheated oven, uncovered, for 25 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes.

Serve with Ritz and/or Club crackers, toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, bagel chips, pita chips, etc. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S CHICKEN and FRESH VEGETABLE TACO SOUP

I created this recipe using what I had on hand today, and I tell you...
this Chicken and Fresh Vegetable Taco Soup is quite phenomenal, 
you truly must give this recipe a whirl...





Servings: (4-6)
Prep: 10 Mins.
Cook: 30 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

--1 cup uncooked mini-macaroni, cooked according to pkg directions but only to par-cook for 5 minutes, reserve after draining to add back during 'finishing' below...

Taco Soup:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 medium white onion, chopped
1/4 red bell pepper, chopped
1 ear of fresh corn, kernels removed, reserving corn cob
1 stalk of celery, finely chopped
1/2 bunch fresh asparagus, cut in half and discard rough end sections;
--Cut tips to 1" lengths, then thinly slice stocks - both are cooked separately
1 (14.5-oz. can) stewed tomatoes, undrained (break apart in a small bowl with masher)
1/2 cup bottled chili sauce
2 cup of cooked, roughly shredded chicken
1 tablespoon of taco seasoning
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
3 cups hot water

Finishing:
Asparagus tips, reserved from above
1 green onion, both white and green parts, sliced
2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
1/2 teaspoon lime juice
Pasta par-cooked, reserved from above

--Optional side:
1 pkg Jiffy Cornbread, prepared according to package directions, with the addition to the batter before baking:
--2 TB shredded cheddar
--2 TB shredded Mozzarella
--1/2 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning.

METHOD

In a medium heavy-bottom pot, par-cook the pasta, as stated above...for 5 minutes, drain; set aside.

Heat olive oil in same pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, sliced-stock-portion-only of asparagus, and corn kernels. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and cook for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the cornbread (as stated above), if using.

To continue with the soup, add stewed tomatoes with juices, chili sauce, chicken broth, water, taco seasoning and reserved corn cobs minus their kernels (adds flavor). Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, uncovered. Remove, then toss the corn cobs.

Add all the finishing ingredients, and simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes longer.

Serve soup immediately, with the prepared cornbread. ~ 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 ALASKAN AMBER BEER BATTER CLAM FRITTERS

A crazy-good clam fritter recipe I created for lunch today!
It's like a party in your mouth, really...


Yields: 16 to 18 fritters
Prep: 10 Mins.
Cook: 4 to 5 Mins.

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup raw, minced clams (fresh, or thawed if frozen) that were soaked and cleaned (do not drain)
1 cup all-purpose flour
Locally brewed
Alaskan Amber...
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon old bay seasoning'
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice (from 1 fresh lemon)
1/3 cup Alaskan Amber Beer
1 large egg, beaten
Vegetable oil for deep frying

Servings options:
--Fresh lemon wedges
--Sandra's Homemade Tarter Sauce (I made the dill version)
--Steamed fresh broccoli
--Steamed rice

METHOD

Preheat oven to 225 degrees (warm). Place in oven a foil-line baking sheet topped with a wire baking rack.  Also, set a paper towel-lined aside on counter top.

In a medium bowl, use a fork to combine flour, baking soda, old bay seasoning, garlic and onion powders, sea salt, pepper, and parsley. In a measuring cup, add the beer, beat in egg, and add the lemon juice. Mix to combine. Stir in minced clams with their juices into the dry mixture, followed by the wet ingredients. Mix just until ingredients are incorporated (do not over mix), then set aside to let batter rest.

Meanwhile, heat 2" of vegetable oil to 375 degrees in a heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat (use a candy thermometer). [Frying will commence in 3 batches, hence keeping fritters once they're fried in a warm oven.] When oil reaches desired temperature, use a mini (2-TB size) scoop to carefully drop batter mounds into hot oil. Deep fry until fritters are golden brown, turning once, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towel-line plate, sprinkle while hot with sea salt, then place hot fritters into oven on prepared rack to keep warm. Repeat.


Once all fritters are finished cooking, serve with fresh lemon wedges, Sandra's Homemade Tarter Sauce (I made the dill version), steamed broccoli, and basmati rice. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S FRESH RHUBARB-GINGER SNICKERDOODLES


I created this divine cookie recipe today
using fresh rhubarb a kind neighbor provided to me.

These snickerdoodles turned out to be incredibly awesome,
and my husband loves 'em too...


Yields: 7 Doz.
Prep: 20 Mins.
Bake: 12 to 14 Mins.

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1-1/2 cups dark brown sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3-3/4 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
--(depending upon moistness of fresh rhubarb)
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
Pinch of fine-grain kosher salt
2 cups finely-chopped fresh rhubarb

--1/2 cup granulated sugar
--1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

METHOD:

Mix 1/2 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a shallow, flat-bottom bowl, and set aside.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Line a couple baking sheets with parchment paper or use a Silpat liner.

With a hand mixer, blend together butter and granulated sugar in a medium bowl until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, and mix to incorporate. Sift into another medium bowl the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cream of tartar, cinnamon, ginger, and fine-grain kosher salt. Using a wooden spoon, mix the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, until incorporated. Fold in rhubarb, just until combined. (Add additional sifted all-purpose flour at this point, if needed, to adequately form balls.)

Roll dough into 1” balls, and alternately coat the outside of each with the cinnamon/sugar mixture. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets spaced 1” apart, and bake for 10 to 12 minutes; remove to a cooling rack, and repeat until dough is gone. – Enjoy!

SANDRA’S SUMMER CUCUMBER-ONION-RED BELL PEPPER SALAD

A wonderful refreshing, light and healthy
summertime salad that’s a great
accompaniment to any barbecue or main dish... 

Servings: (4)
Prep: 10 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1 cucumber, peeled, cut in quarters lengthwise, then into ½” chunks
½ small yellow onion, thinly sliced
½ red bell pepper, cut into ½” pieces
¼ teaspoon freshly chopped oregano (or 1/8 teaspoon dried)
1 teaspoon freshly chopped sweet basil (or ½ teaspoon dried)
1 tablespon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

METHOD

Add all ingredients to a small glass/ceramic (non-reactive) bowl, and toss to combine.  Refrigerate for 15 minutes prior to serving to allow flavors to meld.  Toss a final time, and serve. ~ Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tip:  I made this salad with what I had on hand today, although feel free to also include fresh tomato wedges and kalamata olives if you wish, just increase the amount of red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil and herbs, accordingly.

SANDRA’S FRESH and LIGHT TROPICAL FRUIT SALAD

I at first served this fresh salad as is,
then later with a dollop of yogurt.
I found both methods to be incredibly delicious....
Serves: (8 to 10)
Bearrs Seedless Limes
were used  in this recipe
from my indoor dwarf
citrus tree...
Prep: 15 Mins.
Stand: 15 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Dressing:

1 tablespoon honey
6 mint leaves, finely sliced
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

Fresh Fruit:
1 mango, peeled and chopped
1 papaya, peeled and chopped
1 gala apple, cored and chopped
1 granny smith apple, cored and chopped
2 cups whole red seedless grapes
6 whole strawberries, sliced
1-1/2 cup pineapple, chopped

Garnish:
-Sprig of whole mint leaves

METHOD

In a large, glass (non-reactive) bowl, whisk the lime juice, honey, and mint.  Add all the prepared fruit, toss with a wooden spoon to combine ensuring all the dressing has been incorporated. Let salad stand 15 minutes, toss, and serve. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA’S 5-MINUTE FRESH APPLE SPINACH SALAD

This is a mouth-watering addition
to the table with the red and green
contrast of ingredients.
The versatile creamy sweet vinaigrette
would also pair nicely with any other
salad greens or toppings...
Servings: (4)
Prep: 5 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Creamy Sweet Vinaigrette:
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
¼ teaspoon celery seeds
Pinches of salt and fresh white pepper

Salad:
4 cups baby spinach
1 red delicious apple, unpeeled, cored and chopped

METHOD
In a small glass bowl, whisk the creamy sweet vinaigrette ingredients until combined. 

Sandra's Creamy Sweet Vinaigrette Recipe
To serve, divide the spinach and apples among 4 salad bowls, then drizzle with creamy sweet vinaigrette.  Enjoy!

SANDRA’S VIBRANTLY FRESH VIETNAMESE SPRING ROLLS

These light spring rolls have a gentle
crunch thanks to the addition of green leaf lettuce,
Alaska grown mung bean sprouts, and carrots...
Yields: 8 rolls, or 16 halves
--(A serving is 2 rolls, or 4 halves)
Prep: 30 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Dipping Sauce:
3 tablespoons prepared hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon minced shallots
2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
3 tablespoons water
--(more of less to reach desired consistency)
2 teaspoons Asian red chili paste
2 tablespoons minced roasted peanuts

Spring Rolls:
2 ozs. bean thread (vermicelli) noodles
2 teaspoons seasoned rice vinegar
8 (8.5” round) rice paper spring roll wrappers
12 cooked, peeled and deveined shrimp, cut in half lengthwise
4 large green leaf lettuce leaves, cut into ½” strips (remove tough stems)
2 teaspoons chopped fresh mint leaves
2 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 cup julienned carrots
2 fully cooked, boneless, smoked pork chops, julienned
1 cup Alaska Grown mung bean sprouts (Purchased at Fred Meyer)

METHOD:


In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, prepare the dipping sauce by whisking hoisin sauce, shallots, rice vinegar, and water; heat and stir just until mixture comes to a boil. Remove from heat, and whisk in chili paste. Let sauce cool for 30 minutes; whisking occasionally, while preparing spring rolls. Just before serving, stir minced peanuts into dipping sauce.


 Meanwhile, cover bean thread noodles with boiling water in a glass bowl and let soak 15 minutes; drain using a sieve. Return noodles to dry bowl, and toss with seasoned rice vinegar. Cover with a damp paper towels, and set aside.


 Fill a pie plate with warm water. Immerse rice paper in warm water for 10 seconds, just until slightly soft.  

Very easy to assemble spring rolls
when you prepare the work area beforehand
Work with one rice paper at a time, being gentle as they break easily when brittle. Remove from water and place rice paper on a clean, damp kitchen cloth. Arrange three pieces of shrimp halves (cut side up) across the center of rice paper (this is so it properly shows through from the outside when wrapped).  Spread a light layer of lettuce over shrimp to outer border of rice paper, but retain 1” clear space around outer edge. Add a light layer of bean thread noodles, and sprinkle with small pinches of mint and cilantro.  Add a light layer of pork, carrots, and mung bean sprouts, while ensuring you don't overfill. Also, be sure the ingredients on top of shrimp are evenly distributed before rolling.


 Gently press down on filling with fingers to tighten the roll while folding the bottom end of the sheet nearest you over the top of the filling and roll into a cylindrical shape half of the way. 
Fold the left and right sides of rice paper up and inward.


 Complete rolling up the spring roll. 


Transfer spring roll to a plate, seam-side down, and cover each of them with a damp paper towel to ensure the spring rolls do not touch each other 
(or they will stick together). Repeat until all spring rolls are formed. 

[Note: A this point, if you choose to make these spring rolls ahead of time, 
you can store them as such in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap 
for several hours prior to serving.]

Add the minced peanuts to the cooled dipping sauce; whisk to combine.

To serve, cut spring rolls diagonally in half, and place small individual serving bowls of dipping sauce alongside. ~ Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tip:  I usually end up making leftover ingredients, just so I can add all of them together to form a salad; I drizzle the salad with a bit of dipping sauce when ready to serve.

SANDRA’S GRANDIOSE FRESH RAW BEET N’ FRUIT SLAW WRAPS

I used organic ingredients
to prepare these healthy slaw wraps
 - a great starter that’s oh so fun
and delicious to serve before
the main course
(even those that dislike beets
tend to love these)...
 
Servings: (6 to 8)
Prep: 10 Mins.
Marinate: 30 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Slaw:
1 unpeeled pear, cored and quartered
1 unpeeled apple, cored and quartered
1 large (1 lb.) peeled beet, cut lengthwise into 6 pieces

Citrus Vinaigrette:
2 teaspoons orange zest
¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (I used 1 large orange)
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (I used one large lemon)
2 tablespoons honey
Pinch of kosher salt
2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnish:
1 teaspoon parsley, chopped + a few whole sprigs

Wraps:
Leaves of green leaf lettuce

METHOD

Grate slices of pear and apple in the food processor fitted with a shredding blade (or by hand using a box grater). Peel the beets with a vegetable peeler, slice them, then grate in the food processor as well.


Whisk the orange juice, lemon juice, dijon, and kosher salt in a medium glass or ceramic non-reactive bowl, then slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to form vinaigrette. Add the slaw mixture to the medium bowl of vinaigrette, and toss to combine.  Cover, and place in refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. 


Line a platter with green lettuce leaves, top each with the slaw mixture using a slotted spoon, garnish with chopped parsley, including some whole sprigs, and serve.  Let your guests have fun forming their own individual healthy slaw wraps. ~ Enjoy!

CHANTIL’S INDIVIDUAL HALIBUT OLYMPIA LOAVES using FRESH ASPARAGUS SPEARS

We often prepare these loaves and they're
beyond scrumptious...
Prep: 10 Mins
Bake 35 to 40 Mins.
Servings: 4 Mini-Loaves (= generous portions)

Posted by Chantil via Sandra

INGREDIENTS:

***Layers:
1 bunch fresh asparagus, cut ends off (we prefer the small pencil size cut into 2" pieces)
1-1/2 lbs. (fresh or thawed) 1-1/2" thick halibut fillet, cut into four, 3-inch by 2-inch pieces
½ teaspoon *seafood seasoning [See below for Chantil's version]

***Sauce:
2-1/2 cups sour cream
2-1/2 cups mayonnaise
1 cup canned, finely-grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups canned, French fried onions (we used Cheddar type French fried onions, not regular, because that was what we had on hand and they were good)
1 teaspoon *seafood seasoning

METHOD:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray 4 aluminum mini loaf pans, and set aside.  Line a baking sheet with foil, and set aside as well.

In a medium bowl, combine sauce ingredients.

One of the prepared Halibut
Olympia loaves ready for the oven..
.
Layer the asparagus in bottom of prepared loaf pans, and place halibut pieces over asparagus, while ensuring the halibut is not completely touching the sides of pans, and sprinkle halibut with seafood seasoning.  Liberally top halibut with sauce, including ensuring that you spread it down the sides between halibut pieces and inside of loaf pan edges.

Place filled mini loaves on the prepared baking sheet and into the preheated oven, uncovered, and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until they're a deep golden brown on top.

*Chantil’s Seafood Seasoning Blend
2 tablespoons Johnny’s Seasoning Salt
2 tablespoons granulated garlic
1 tablespoon granulated onion
1 tablespoon lemon pepper

A fantastic seasoning blend to use
while preparing
many other seafood or shellfish
dishes as well...
(Store any remaining seasoning blend in an
empty, air-tight seasoning jar or container)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tips:  This is also great using frozen or fresh whole green beans as an alternative to fresh asparagus.  Also, these freeze very well by wrapping the loaves with plastic wrap, then foil, and marking the top with the contents, date, and baking instructions.  

When frozen, we take them from the freezer and place in refrigerator overnight to fully thaw.  We then let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes prior to baking  ~ be sure to remove plastic and tin foil on top of loaves before baking on a foil-lined baking sheet.

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 FRESH DELECTABLE BRUSSELS SPROUTS with CRISPY BACON

Servings: (4)
Prep: 10 Mins. |
Cook: 17 to 20 Mins.

Posted by: Sandra

INGREDIENTS

2 bacon slices, cut into bits --(I used local Jerry’s Meats double-smoked bacon)
¼ red onion, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 lb. fresh Brussels sprouts of similar size, trimmed, and halved lengthwise
¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon ground dry mustard

METHOD

Brown bacon bits in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Remove bacon to drain on a paper towel lined plate with a slotted spoon; reserving drippings in skillet.  

Add onion to the skillet and saute, until translucent, about 3 minutes.  

Add garlic and saute 30 seconds longer. 

Add Brussels spouts and toss in drippings to coat. Season with freshly ground pepper. 

Cook Brussels sprouts without disturbing for 2 to 3 minutes to slightly soften and lightly caramelize.

Add broth to deglaze while scraping bottom of skillet, including adding dry mustard seasoning. 

Bring broth just to a boil, cover, reduce heat to medium low, and simmer for 8 minutes, just until sprouts are crisp-tender. Transfer sprouts to a serving dish with a slotted spoon, and top with cooked bacon bits. – Serve immediately ~ Enjoy!

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

Factoid: The name is "Brussels sprouts," not "Brussel sprouts" or "Brussel's sprouts" because they are named after the Belgian city of Brussels.

SANDRA’S FRESH MANGO-BANANA-STRAWBERRY SMOOTHIE (Non-Dairy)

This is a creation I made today 
per a request for a non-dairy, 
full-bodied and fruity smoothie...

[This photograph was featured in 
BEST PICTURES OF Website on 6-1-11 - Yay!;
'Smoothie Web' just featured a wonderful review 
http://www.smoothieweb.com/ - very, very nice!; 
and it was also featured on 8-18-11 
http://www.trendykeys.blogspot.com/ 
- I am honored!

This recipe and photos of it were
feature once again on 6-9-12
at http://whatscookinglove.blogspot.com
/2012/06/layered-strawberry-mango-smoothies.html 

Another mention of this recipe
was found listed on 5-10-13
http://www.whatscookinglove.com/2012/06/
layered-strawberry-mango-smoothies.html
Servings: (2)
Prep:  10 Mins.

Posted: by Sandra 

INGREDIENTS

***1st layer:
1 mango, peeled, pitted and chopped
½ cup orange juice
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 tablespoons honey
3 medium ice cubes

***2nd Layer:
1 banana, chopped
10 strawberries, cut in half
1 tablespoon lime juice
3 medium ice cubes

METHOD

In a blender, puree the mango, orange juice, lime juice, honey, and ice cubes, until smooth, and divide amongst 2 straight-sided 8 oz. glasses, and set aside.

Rinse blender, then puree banana, strawberries, lemon juice, and ice cubes, until smooth, and gently pour into glasses while trying to maintain a line separating the layers. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA’S SPRINGTIME BACON and FRESH VEGETABLE CHOWDER

I came up with this recipe from 
an assortment of fresh vegetables 
and herbs I had on hand, 
as my Full Circle order 
arrived this afternoon; 
hence the need to make room
 in the refrigerator...(This chowder is fab!)

Servings:  (4 to 6)
Prep: 5 Mins. |
Cook 25 Mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

***First set of ingredients:
4 strips of bacon, cut into ½” slices
3 tablespoons flour
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 teaspoon old bay seasoning
1 whole bay leaf
1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
4 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½ in cubes
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ onion, chopped
1 carrot, scrubbed and chopped
1 rib celery, chopped
½ red bell pepper, chopped

***Second set of ingredients:
1 small zucchini, chopped
1 cup broccoli florets, cut smaller
3 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (optional)

***Third set ingredients:
1-1/2 cups 2-percent milk

--Warm and crispy bread (optional)

METHOD

Heat a medium heavy-bottom pot to medium-high heat; add the bacon, and brown, until crisp.  Add the flour, and saute for 1 minute (for the flour flavor to cook out).  Add the seasonings, and chicken broth, while scraping bits from bottom.  Add remaining first set of ingredients, bring to boil, cover, and reduce heat to low to simmer for 15 minutes.

Add the second set of ingredients, stirring to combine, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.

Add milk, stir for 1 minute, and remove from heat; tossing bay leaf.  Ladle into chowder bowls, along with a side of warm and crispy bread. – Enjoy!

SANDRA’S FRESH N’ SMOKED WILD KING SALMON JALAPENO DIP

It is so hard to wait for the 
flavors to meld ~ Although it's a must!
Yields: (Appx. 3 cups)
Prep: 15 Mins.
+ chill, and then return to room temp. time

Posted by Sandra 

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups quality white wine
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon old bay seasoning
1 teaspoon sea salt
6 whole black peppercorns
2 fillets of fresh wild king salmon, skinned and boned, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 fillets wild smoked king salmon, minced
4 tablespoons sour cream
4 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 jalapeno, seeded and ribs removed, and finely chopped
2 teaspoons dried parsley
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Baked wheat thin crackers (or your preferred brand)

METHOD

Add the white wine, bay leaf, old bay seasoning, sea salt, and peppercorns in a non-reactive saucepan and bring to a simmer. Add the salmon cubes and cook for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon, to drain on a paper towel-lined plate, then place poached salmon in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Mash the salmon cubes with a fork to sufficiently break them up. Add the smoked salmon, sour cream, minced onions, and lemon juice, and mix well. Add the minced jalapeno, parsley, and salt and pepper, to taste.  Chill for 1 hour in refrigerator for flavors to meld.

Return to room temperature, about 30 minutes, before serving. To serve, spread on baked wheat thin crackers. – Enjoy!

SANDRA’S SPRING STRAWBERRY KIWI MANGO TARTLETS


What a wonderful way to bring in 
a fine spring day 
with such an exquisite dessert...
Yields: (4 mini-tartlets,
or large tartlet)
Prep/Bake:  20 Mins.
+ crust cooling time

Posted by Sandra 

INGREDIENTS

***Crust:
1 refrigerated, prepared pie crust
(Or make make this recipe using: Sandra’s Pie Crust recipe)
1 teaspoon granulated sugar mixed with a dash of cinnamon

***Filling:
1 (3.4 oz. box) vanilla instant filling mix --(4.5-cup serving size)
2 cups milk
1/2 vanilla bean, scraped of inner seed pods (or 1 tsp. vanilla extract)
2 tablespoons apricot-pineapple jam

***Topping:
1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
2 fresh kiwis, peeled, and sliced
1 fresh mango, deseeded, peeled and sliced
2 tablespoons apricot-pineapple jam

--Prepared whipped cream

METHOD

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Unroll crust and cut into large enough circles to fit into individual tartlet tins with removable bottoms, and lightly dust each tartlet crust with sugar/cinnamon mixture.  Prick bottoms and sides of crusts with a fork.  Bake for about 8 minutes, until light and golden brown.  Remove from oven, and let crusts cool completely.

Meanwhile, prepare the filling in a medium bowl by mixing all the filling ingredients with a wire whisk, until well blended and thick for 3 to 5 minutes. Pour equally into cooled tartlet shells. Arrange the sliced strawberries, kiwis, and mangos randomly over filling.

In a small glass bowl, heat the jam in the microwave for 20 seconds; stirring to combine.  Brush warm jam over the fruit to glaze, and refrigerate tartlets for at least 1 hour before serving.  Serve by topping each tartlet with whipped cream. – Enjoy!

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