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 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 ALASKAN MOOSE ROAST - PRIME RIB STYLE

A simplistic method using minimal spices and ingredients
to guarantee utmost flavor
of our prized Alaskan moose roasts; prime rib style, that is!

Servings: (8-10)

Prep: 5 Mins.

Roast:  1 Hr. 20 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

4 lb. boneless moose roast (tied with kitchen string)

6 fresh medium garlic cloves, sliced in half

Canola oil (sufficient amount to rub entire exterior of roast prior to seasoning)

Fresh ground black pepper (we like to use a lot!)

Kosher salt (a fairly nice dusting)

METHOD

Remove roast from refrigerator 1 hour prior to roasting (tie with kitchen string if not already done). Using a sharp boning knife, poke as many small holes all over uncooked roast to insert the number of garlic clove halves; push in holes. Let prepped roast sit at room temperature for 1 hour (this is an important step to relax meat fibers).

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 450 degrees for a minimum of 15 minutes.

Rub roast with canola oil, and season exterior with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt.

Place roast fat-side up on roast rack inside a shallow-sided roasting pan. Insert a meat thermometer into middle of roast.

Roast uncovered at 450 degrees for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes of high-heat cooking, reduce heat to 350 degrees and continue to roast for 1 hour, or until meat thermometer registers 135 degrees for medium rare doneness (temperature will increase while standing another 5 to 7 degrees).

When 135-degree internal temperature is achieved, remove roast to a carving board. Tent loosely with parchment paper then foil (do not let foil touch roast directly) and allow roast to rest (without cutting) for at least 20 or more minutes to allow inner juices to redistribute. ~ Enjoy!

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

Tips: Start checking internal roast temperature for a 3-lb roast (subtract appx. 15 minutes), or for a 5-lb roast (add appx. 15 minutes) of roasting time during the final 350-degree cooking time.

This method of roasting wild Alaskan game works well with venison (deer), caribou, beef., et. al...

SANDRA'S ALASKA WILD DUCK with SECRET SAUCE over STEAMED RICE

A wonderful Alaskan 'comfort food' recipe I created this evening

that consists of one Pintail and another Mallard duck.

~ Thanks to my husband! ~

We'll be looking forward to having this fine dinner again and again...

Servings: (8)

Prep: 30 Mins.

Cook: 1 Hr.

INGREDIENTS

1/4 lb bacon, cut into 1/2" strips, browned (retain grease and drippings)

4 Alaska wild duck breasts, brined (See below*)

= Must be brined 3 days prior

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic

1/4 teaspoon granulated onion

Vegetables-herbs-spices:

2 cups sliced celery

1 cup chopped yellow onion

1/4 teaspoon dried sweet basil

1/8 teaspoon dried marjoram

1/8 teaspoon dried ground sage

1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic

1/4 teaspoon granulated onion

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Sauce:

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 pkg dry brown gravy mix

2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

3-4 cups water (depending on sauce consistency)

1 tablespoon worcestershire

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1 dry bay leaf

--Prepared steamed rice

METHOD

*Brine duck breasts 3 days prior to preparing recipe, as follows:

Clean and dress by boning and skinning two Alaska wild ducks.  Place four whole breasts in medium-size, clean, glass bowl in brine consisting of 1 tablespoon table salt and 4 cups cold water, cover and refrigerated for 3 days. Rinse brined duck breasts with cold water until water runs clear; pat dry. Remove any remaining silver skin, cut in half lengthwise, then slice into 1/2" thick pieces.

In a large heavy-bottom stainless steel skillet, over medium-high heat, brown the bacon. Using a slotted spoon, remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain; set aside. (Retain drippings and bacon grease in skillet).

Add duck pieces to the hot skillet, including granulated garlic and onion, and sauté until browned. Using a slotted spoon, remove duck pieces to another paper towel-lined plate to drain; set aside. (Retain drippings and remaining grease in pan).

Add celery, onion, basil, marjoram, sage, parsley, granulated garlic and onion to skillet and sauté until onions are translucent. Sprinkle in flour and sauté for 1 minute longer.

In the meantime, whisk all sauce ingredients in medium bowl; add to skillet. Also, add the reserved bacon and duck pieces, and bay leaf; bring to boil. Reduce heat to low to gently simmer, covered, for 1 hour, while occasionally stirring. Check sauce consistency when stirring, adding additional water, if needed.

Meanwhile, prepare steamed rice, according to package directions.

Serve over steamed rice with your favorite vegetable alongside. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S EASY CHOCOLATE PARFAITS topped with CINNAMON PECANS

A quick and easy dessert I created using ingredients I had on hand
for a halftime treat ~ Go Seahawks!!

Servings: (6)

Prep: 15 Mins.

Set in refrigerator: 1 Hr.

INGREDIENTS

1 (6-serving size pkg) instant chocolate pudding mix

3 cups cold milk

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon agave (or granulated sugar)

1 (8 oz. tub) cool whip, thawed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 tablespoons cinnamon pecans

--(found in the ice cream topping section of the market)

METHOD

In a medium bowl, whisk the pudding mix and milk until fully combined, place in refrigerator to set for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small glass bowl, melt the butter in the microwave, about 40 seconds. Add the graham cracker crumbs and agave; use a fork to combine.

Add vanilla extract to the cool whip; mix to combine.

Remove pudding, then layer dessert among 6 decorate glasses in the following order: 1/2 crumb mixture, half chocolate pudding, half cool whip, half cinnamon pecans - repeat a second time.

Place parfaits in refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour to set and for flavors to meld. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA’S ALASKA WINTERTIME STEW

An excellent all-around

comforting stew you are bound to make

over and over again...

Servings: (8 to 10)

Prep: 15 Mins.

Cook: 30 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1.5 lbs. extra-lean burger (I used moose)

--(Or, use beef, elk, caribou, buffalo, turkey, etc., if you wish)

½ teaspoon sea salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

½ cup celery, sliced

½ cup carrots, sliced

1 jalapeno, stem, ribs, and seeds removed, then finely chopped

--(Retain ribs and seeds if you’d like a spicier stew)

1 (14.5 oz. can) diced tomatoes, with juice

1 (14.5 oz. can) chili beans, with juice

1 (6 oz. can) tomato paste

6 cups low-sodium beef broth (6 cups if you prefer more broth)

1 tablespoon sherry

1 tablespoon worcestershire

1 whole bay leaf

1 teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon dried oregano

¾ cup uncooked white fiber mini-penne pasta (I used Barilla)

1 handful fresh parsley, roughly chopped; plus more for garnish

METHOD

In large pot, begin browning the burger over medium-high heat, and sprinkle with sea salt and ground pepper.  When burger is nearly finished browning, add garlic, onion, bell pepper, celery, carrots, and jalapeno.  Saute until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the diced tomatoes and chili beans with juices, tomato paste, broth, sherry worcestershire, bay leaf, basil, and oregano, then bring to boil.  Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes.

Add mini-penne pasta, and continue simmering for an additional 15 minutes.

Remove from heat, toss bay leaf, and add parsley; stirring to combine.  

Ladle stew into bowls, and garnish with remaining parsley. ~ Enjoy!

This stew is fabulous when served with the following as a side (Click on title for recipe):

Sandra's Premium Cornbread Muffins
Recipe

SANDRA’S PROSCIUTTO-WRAPPED PEACH-GLAZED JALAPENO POPPERS

Sesame seeds become slightly toasted
while slowly baking and are absolutely scrumptious
on these glazed prosciutto-wrapped jalapeno poppers.
A perfectly addicting 'game day' or
'holiday get-together' appetizer...

Yields: (24 popper halves)

Prep: 20 Mins.

Slowly Bake: 45 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

12 fresh jalapenos

1 (4 oz. tub) cream cheese with chives, at room temperature

¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon grated parmesan

1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon dried minced onion

1 (12 oz. pkg.) sliced prosciutto, cut in half lengthwise

2 tablespoons Jarred Peach Spreadable Fruit 

--(I used Smucker's)

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

--Toothpicks

--Latex gloves

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with oil, then set aside.

Begin by cutting jalapenos in half lengthwise using latex gloves. Keep the stems intact by cutting through their center, as they later make for useful handles when eating.  Using a small spoon to scrape out seeds and ribs (retain seeds and ribs if you wish for spicier poppers).

In a small bowl, combine cream cheese with chives, cheddar cheese, parmesan, and lemon juice, and onion. Mix ingredients. 

Stuff each hollowed jalapeno half with cheese mixture.

Cut prosciutto slices in half lengthwise.

Wrap prosciutto slices around each half, covering as much surface as possible, without overstretching as it shrinks during baking, then secure each wrapped popper with a toothpick.  Place filling side up on prepared baking sheet.

In a small microwavable bowl or ramekin, heat peach spreadable fruit for 30 seconds to thin. 

Pour sesame seeds in a small dish.

Brush top surface of prosciutto with preserves, then sprinkle with sesame seeds. 

Slowly bake in preheated 275-degree oven for 1 hour. Remove toothpicks, and serve hot or at room temperature. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA’S ARTICHOKE-CRAB-DIP STUFFED LOAVES

A perfect ‘Game Day’ appetizer

that will leave your fans

cheering for more...

Servings: (6 to 8)

Prep: 10 Mins.

Bake/Broil: 25 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Stuffed Loaves:

1 (14 oz. can) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

½ lb. lump dungeness crab meat

2 teaspoons dried minced onions

2 garlic cloves, minced

4 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature

¼ cup mayonnaise

½ cup sour cream

Pinch of cayenne

1 teaspoon dried parsley

½ cup grated mozzarella

¼ cup grated parmesean

1 (1 lb.) prepared French bread loaf

Topping:

2 tablespoons graded parmesean

¼ cup grated mozzarella

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a 9”x13” baking dish with foil, and set aside.

Combine artichoke, crab meat, onions, garlic, cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, cayenne, parsley, mozzarella, and parmesean in a medium bowl.

Using a serrated knife, cut the French bread in half lengthwise, and then each half crosswise (ending with four 6” halves).  Hollow out a ½” to form a slight well in center of each of bread half.

Equally spread stuffing mixture atop bread halves.  Top with remaining cheeses.

Stuffed bread halves ready to be baked

Place loaves right side up in prepared baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes.

Just out of the oven after baking the first 20 Mins.

Remove bread from oven, and uncover.  Turn oven up to broil.  Broil stuffed bread halves for 4 to 5 minutes, just until cheese has melted and turns a light golden brown.

Slightly golden brown after broiling 

Cut individual loaves into fourths, and serve. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA’S NO-FAIL EASY 'N MOIST MEATLOAF

A fabulous meatloaf that continues to

stand the test of time in

flavor and texture...

Servings: (8)

Prep: 10 Mins.

Bake: 1 Hour

Stand: 10 Mins.

INGREDIENTS:

Meatloaf:

1-1/2 lbs. lean ground burger (I used moose)

--Or, feel free to use ground venison, elk, caribou, or buffalo

1 large egg, beaten

2 teaspoons dried minced onion

2 tablespoons milk

1/3 cup chili sauce

2 teaspoons cider vinegar

1 teaspoon worcestershire

½ cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs

½ teaspoon Italian herb seasoning

½ teaspoon Kosher salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Topping:

¼ cup chili sauce

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 5”x9” loaf pan, and set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine burger, beaten egg, dried minced onion, milk, chili sauce, cider vinegar, worcestershire, bread crumbs, Italian herb seasoning, salt, and pepper. Place into prepared loaf pan. Bake for 30 minutes. 

Remove from oven and top with remaining chili sauce, return to oven and continue baking for 30 additional minutes.

Remove from oven, and let stand 10 minutes for juices to redistribute. 

Slice into 8 servings. ~ 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).

MAX’S IRRESISTIBLE HAM and VEGGIE PASTA SALAD

A wonderful pasta salad for potlucks,

‘game day’, get-togethers,

or just because...

Servings: (8-10)

Prep: 10 Mins.

Cook: 15 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

½ lb. elbow pasta, cooked and cooled

--(Max prefers Barilla due to ridges in the macaroni)

2 cups cooked and cubed ham

5 eggs, hard-boiled, peeled and chopped

2 celery ribs, chopped

6 radishes, thinly sliced

3 green onions, finely sliced

2 tablespoons chopped dill pickles 

--(Max prefers Nalley Baby Dills)

1 small can sliced black olives, drained

1 cup mayonnaise

--(more or less to your desired moistness)

1-1/2 tablespoons dijon mustard

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

½ teaspoon old bay seasoning

½ teaspoon garlic granules

½ teaspoon onion granules

½ teaspoon paprika

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

METHOD

Cook pasta according to package directions.  Drain in colander while running cold water over noodles to quickly cool.  Pour drained pasta in a large bowl, and add the remaining ingredients.  Gently fold to combine. Let stand, covered, for a minimum of 1 hour in refrigerator for flavors to meld, then serve. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA’S SMOKIN' BARBECUE BAKED BEANS

These Smokin' Baked Beans are a splendid

addition to any get-together, especially when

served with Orange-Mango Ribs 

and a side of Coleslaw...

Servings: (10 to 12)

Prep:  15 Mins.

Cook 40 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

12 ozs. thick hickory center-cut smoked bacon, cut into 1” thick strips

2 tablespoons bacon drippings

1 cup chopped Spanish (yellow) onion

2 cloves fresh garlic, minced

1/3 cup chopped orange bell pepper

1 diced fresh jalapeno, retaining ribs and seeds

2 (28 oz. cans) Bushes Orginnal Baked Beans

1 (14 oz. can) black beans, drained and rinsed

1-1/2 cups Bull’s Eye Original barbecue sauce

1 tablespoon molasses

¼ cup ketchup

2 tablespoons French’s yellow mustard

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

METHOD

Fry bacon slices in a dutch oven over medium-high heat until crisp, and remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate, then set aside.  Reserve 2 tablespoons of drippings. Saute onions, orange bell pepper, and jalapeno in reserved bacon drippings until onions are translucent.  Add the minced garlic and saute for 30 seconds.  Stir in beans, barbecue sauce, molasses, ketchup, mustard, and smoked paprika. Cover dutch oven and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes, while occasionally stirring.

Toss in the reserved bacon slices and stir to incorporate, then serve.  Enjoy!

Optional additions:

Orange-Mango Ribs Recipe

Best Coleslaw Recipe

SANDRA'S ORIGINAL ORANGE-MANGO PORK RIBS

I prepared these Orange-Mango Ribs

for our Friday night family get-together

and they were a hit, along with my

Smokin' Baked Beans

and Coleslaw...

Servings: (10-12)

Prep: 10 Mins. |

3 hrs. 45 Mins.

INGREDIENTS:

Pork Ribs:

6.5 lbs. (2 racks) seasoned pork ribs -- [We purchased ours from Costco]

Marinade:

2 cups orange/mango juice

-- (I use Naked brand)

2 (1.06-oz.) pkts. dry teriyaki marinade mix

1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

Sauce:

1-1/2 cups orange/mango juice

1-1/2 cups prepared barbecue sauce (I used Bull’s-Eye Original)

1 tablespoon dark brown sugar

METHOD:

Trim ribs, and place in large, shallow non-reactive glass baking dish, 

then set aside.

 In a small bowl, combine marinade ingredients, 

and pour over ribs in baking dish. 

Cover, and let marinate at room temperature for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (or with grill over in-direct heat).

Remove ribs from marinade mixture, but do not discard marinade. 

Cover baking pan tightly with heavy-duty foil, and bake for 2 hours 

(or over in-direct heat on a covered grill).

While ribs are baking/grilling, 

make the sauce by first adding the leftover marinade to a small saucepan. 

Bring to a boil for 5 minutes over high heat. 

Reduce heat to medium and add the sauce ingredients. 

Simmer, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes to reduce and thicken, 

then remove from heat. 

Pour half the sauce into a small bowl for basting ribs while cooking. 

Reserve the other half in the covered saucepan separately for serving.

Remove ribs from oven, then uncover.

Carefully baste par-baked ribs 

with the designated sauce in the bowl.

Continue baking/grilling, uncovered, for 30 minutes longer, 

then re-brushing half way through baking with designated sauce. 

Cut ribs into serving portions and place on a platter, 

along with the other designated serving sauce from saucepan 

that was reheated, then poured into a small bowl for dipping.

Enjoy!

Optional sides:

Smokin' Baked Beans Recipe

Best Coleslaw Recipe