SANDRA'S MINI KEY LIME PIES

 

Yields: 5 Mini Pies [5 (8-oz./1-cup size) Ramekins]

Prep: 15 Mins.

Bake Crust: 8 Mins.

Bake Filled Pies: 8 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Crust:

1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1-1/2 tablespoons salted butter melted

Filling:

1 (14 oz. can) sweetened condensed milk

1/4 cup sour cream

1/3 cup key lime juice (or lime juice)

1 key lime zested (or a regular lime zested)

1 large egg yolk, beaten

Whipping cream:

1 cup heavy whipping cream

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

4 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350F. Place 5 ramekins on a baking sheet; set aside. Place a medium glass bowl in the refrigerator to chill for whipped cream preparation.

For the crust, place the butter and sugar in a small glass bowl and microwave on high for 30 seconds. Add the graham cracker crumbs and mix to combine. Spoon the crust mixture equally amongst the 5 ramekins and press to form crust-like bottoms.  Bake in preheated oven for 8 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the filling by zesting the lime (divide in half, as you'll use 1/2 for the filling and the other 1/2 for garnishing the pies).  In a 4-cup glass measure, add the lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, beaten egg yolk, and 1/2 the lime zest; whisk to combine until smooth.

Once the crust are baked, pour the filling equally on top of the crusts in the 5 ramekins; bake for 8 minutes. Remove from oven to a baking rack and let mini pies cool for 30 minutes.

Once cooled, place in refrigerator, uncovered, for 3 hours to fully set and for flavors to meld.

Meanwhile, prepare the whipped cream in the prepared chilled bowl and whip until peaks form, add the vanilla extract and confectioners' sugar; whip to incorporate until it reaches the stiff-peak stage. Place, covered, in the refrigerator until pies are ready to serve (along with the remaining lime zest for garnish).

After 3 hours, remove the pies, top with whipped cream, sprinkle each pie equally with the remaining lime zest. ~ Enjoy!

___________

Tip: If you are not going to serve all of them after the 3-hour refrigeration time, please cover any remaining pies with plastic wrap and feel free to store up to 5 days.

SANDRA’S JALAPEÑO-LIME JAM

My vibrant Jalapeño-Lime Jam is flecked with tiny bits of peppers

that adds a jewel-like flair to appetizers.

Spread on a block of warmed cream cheese and serve with crackers,

or as stated below with Smoked Wild Alaska Salmon...

Yield: 7 (8 oz) half pints

Prep: 20 Mins.

Process: 10 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

12 medium jalapeño peppers, with ribs and seeds, roughly chopped

1-1/2 cups cider vinegar, divided

1/2 cup bottled lime juice

6 cups granulated sugar

2 (3-oz pouches) of Liquid Pectin

1 TB cold unsalted butter

10 drops natural green food coloring

7 (8 oz.) sterile glass canning jars with lids and bands

METHOD

Prepare boiling water canner. Heat jars in simmering water until ready for use. Do not boil. Wash lids in warm soapy water and set bands aside.

Pulse peppers in food processor or blender with 1 cup cider vinegar until small chunks are present. Do not strain purée.

Combine purée with remaining 1/2 cup cider vinegar, 1/2 cup lime juice and sugar in a large heavy-bottom pot. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add 1 TB butter and 10 drops natural green food coloring; stir to combine until butter has melted (this rids the jam of foam, so no skimming is required).

Add pectin, immediately squeezing entire contents from pouches. Continue to boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

Ladle hot jalapeno jam into hot jars leaving 1/4 inch head-space. Wipe rims with damp paper towel. Center lid on jar. Apply band until fit is finger-tip tight.

Place jars right side up in canner ensuring water is 1” above them. Bring to boil and begin timing processing for 10 minutes.

Remove jars and place to cool upright on a clean kitchen towel for 15 minutes.  Use a potholder to turn over for 15 minutes (so the speckles evenly distribute and don't float to the top), then turn upright to cool completely. The jars will ‘ping’ as they seal, but double check lids to ensure they’re sealed after 24 hours. Lids should not flex up and down when center is pressed. ~ Enjoy!

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TIPS:

—Great when layering Ritz crackers with whipped cream cheese, pickled salmon, pickled onions, then top with a dollop of this jalapeno-lime jam as an appetizer.

—Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place an uncovered 8-oz. block of Cream Cheese on a baking dish and bake for 12-15 minutes; top with jalapeno-lime jam. Serve with crackers on the side.

SANDRA'S HOMEMADE LIME SHERBET (No-cook--Eggless--Lactose Free)

I've created this recipe for many of  my friends,
a lot of whom are lactose intolerant,
even so, those who do not suffer from this are still able to enjoy
this incredible dessert just the same... 

Yields: (1 qt)

Prep: 10 Mins.

Ice Cream Maker - Churning: 30 Mins.

Pre-prep:

Chill paddle and ice cream maker in freezer

for a minimum of 2 days (24 hours) beforehand

~~~

I simply store my clean maker with its paddle in my freezer at all times,

this way it's ready to use when the whim hits me for frozen delectable desserts...

-- Special Equipment:

            Kitchen Aid (which I use), or another type of ice cream maker (see note above)

            Plastic quart container with lid

INGREDIENTS:

2 medium-size limes; zest, plus their juice

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 cups 2% lactose free milk

METHOD:

In a 4-cup glass measure, add the lime zest and juice and whisk until sugar has fully dissolved (about 3-5 minutes).  Gently whisk in the milk.

Place your fully frozen (important) ice cream maker with paddle insert onto kitchen aid mixer, including its specified attachment.

Pour in the sherbet mixture into the ice cream maker, and lock stand mixer into place. Set at #2 (stir) and let it churn for 30 minutes. You will notice that the sherbet will increase by volume (almost double) as the churning takes place.

Scrape and remove paddle, then spoon sherbet into a quart container, (placing plastic wrap directly on the surface of exposed sorbet to minimize the formation of ice crystals and prevent loss of texture); place lid on container, then freeze for a minimum of 4 hours or up to 6 hours before serving. ~ Enjoy!

The sherbet will store in the freezer for up to 1 month.

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 SPRING ASIAN SWEET PEA GREEN SALAD with HONEY-LIME DRESSING

I created this vibrant and crunchy salad today,

mainly from "green" ingredients I had on hand;

it’s superb and will fare well alongside any main dish...

Servings: (8 to 10)

Prep: 10 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Dressing:

4 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 tablespoon honey

2 teaspoons freshly-squeezed lime juice

Salad:

6 cups romaine lettuce, torn

1-1/2 cups frozen sweet green peas, thawed, and pat dry

1 (8 oz. can) sliced water chestnuts, drained, pat dry, and cut into slivers

3 ribs celery, diagonally sliced

4 long green onions (green parts only), sliced

Handful of fresh parsley, chopped

--(Or, 2 tablespoons dried parsley)

Garnish:

--Toasted sesame seeds

METHOD

In a medium glass (or non-reactive) bowl, add and whisk together all the dressing ingredients. Toss in all salad ingredients, and fold to combine. To serve, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. ~ Enjoy!

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

I served this salad for lunch with homemade meatloaf, and smashed potatoes with sour cream and chives topped with mushroom-sage gravy. We'll also have this same salad this evening for dinner with barbecue pulled pork burgers.

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 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!

MAX’S PANKO PAN-SEARED ALASKA HALIBUT CHEEKS

Alaska halibut cheeks are definitely truly tender,
mouth-watering, and flavorful morsels...

Servings: (2)

Prep: 5 mins

Sear: 6 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Breading:

¾ cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)

Pinch of red pepper flakes

¼ teaspoon granulated onion

¼ teaspoon granulated garlic

¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Halibut Cheeks:

½ lb halibut cheeks, rinsed and dried on paper towels

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

1 fresh lemon, juiced (first reserving 2 lemon wedges for serving)

Searing:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil

---------------------

Optional sides:

--Prepared tartar sauce, glazed carrots, and chili-lime fries

---------------------

METHOD

Mix the dredging ingredients together in a small flat dish.  

Salt and pepper the cheeks on both sides.  Squeeze fresh lemon juice over one side of the cheeks and dip in the Panko crumb mixture; pressing them down so the crumbs adhere, flip the cheeks and repeat with the lemon juice and dredging mixture.  

Heat unsalted butter and olive oil together in a skillet over medium-high heat.  Pan-sear the cheeks about 3 minutes on each side, just until they turn a light golden brown (do not over cook or they’ll become tough).

Serve immediately with wedges of fresh lemon for squeezing over the halibut cheeks and  tartar sauce for dipping, along with glazed carrots, and chili-lime fries. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA’S HALIBUT TAQUITOS with a CILANTRO LIME DIPPING SAUCE

A very refreshing and easy method in which
to enjoy halibut by incorporating a
bit of southwestern flair...


How nice, my recipe and photo was featured on:
http://www.eatsalaska.com/page/13

Yields: (20 Taquitos)

Prep: 20 Mins.

Bake: 15 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Filling:

4 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature

1/3 cup prepared green salsa

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground chili powder

1/2 teaspoon granulated onion

1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic

1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons sliced green onions

2 cups cooked halibut, roughly shredded

1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

20 (6”) yellow corn tortillas

Olive oil for brushing tortillas (prevents them from cracking)

Garnish:

1/2 tablespoon freshly chopped cilantro

METHOD

Prepare the dipping sauce (below) several hours ahead of time to allow it to thicken, covered, in refrigerator.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil, and place a baking rack over top and lightly coat with cooking spray, then set aside. 

Halibut filling prepared...

Add all the filling ingredients to a medium bowl, except halibut, and mix well to combine.  Gently fold in halibut so as not to break apart.

Ready to roll up...

Brush the tortillas on both sides with olive oil, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for 20 seconds to soften (I do so in 2 batches of 10 tortillas).  Work with a few warm tortillas at a time (while keeping others covered so they don’t dry out) by placing 2 tablespoons of halibut mixture on the lower third of a tortilla, keeping it about ½” from each edge.  Gently roll up the tortilla fairly tightly and place seam side down on prepared baking rack, then repeat.  Lay all taquitos on baking sheet while ensuring they are not touching each other (again, I bake in 2 batches of 10 rolled tortillas at a time).

Ready for the oven...

Bake for 15 minutes, or until crisp and the ends start to turn a light golden brown.  Garnish warm taquitos with freshly chopped cilantro, and serve with dipping sauce. ~ Enjoy!

Serve with:
Sandra's Cilantro
Lime Dipping Sauce

SANDRA’S CILANTRO LIME DIPPING SAUCE or SALAD DRESSING

I created this to dip my
Crispy Halibut Taquitos in,
and found it is wonderful
as a salad dressing,
and for dipping vegetables as well...

Yields: (2-1/4 cups)

Prep: 5 Mins.

1 (1 oz. pkg.) Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix

1 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup milk

1/2 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

1/4 cup green salsa

Sriracha (hot sauce), to taste

Whisk all ingredients in a small bowl, and add Sriracha sauce, to taste.  Place, covered, in refrigerator to thicken and for flavors to meld for 2 hours.  Use as a dip with your favorite appetizers and vegetables, or as a dressing for salads. ~ Enjoy!

Serve this dipping sauce with:
Sandra's Crispy Halibut Taquitos

SANDRA’S CHAI BANANA APPLE ORANGE KIWI SMOOTHIE

A delightful and healthy
afternoon 'fruity' smoothie you
can have within minutes...

Serving: (1)

Prep: 10 Mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

½ tablespoon organic Rooibos Winter Chai Tea leaves

½ cup hot water

1 organic kiwi, peeled and sliced (reserve one slice for garnishing rim of glass)

1 organic *banana, peeled, sliced, and frozen

1 unpeeled organic apple, cored, and sliced

1 organic orange, peeled, and remove pulp and seeds by sectioning

1 teaspoon organic freshly squeezed lime juice

½ tablespoon wheat germ

-- 1 straw

METHOD

Place ½ cup hot tap water and tea leaves in a 2-cup glass measuring cup and microwave on high for 1 minute, and set aside to steep for 3 minutes.  Strain into a small bowl, toss tea leaves, and let broth cool.

Meanwhile, prep and add all remaining ingredients to blender.  Add cooled tea broth and puree for 1 minute, just until smooth, and serve. – Enjoy!

Getting ready to
press the puree button...

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

*Tip: I freeze peeled, ripe bananas that I've cut into quarters in Ziploc bags. I use them often for frozen treats such as this, or for baking in recipes later on once thawed.

SANDRA’S APPLE PECAN and GOAT CHEESE SALAD with ZESTY LIME VINAIGRETTE

I created this salad today using with my
organic bearss seedless limes
that I grow indoors.
~ This side dish turned out absolutely fabulous ~

Servings: (4)

Prep:  10 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

***Zesty Lime Vinaigrette:

1/2 fresh lime, juiced

1 teaspoon fresh lime zest, grated

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon onion, grated

1/4 teaspoon dry mustard

1/4 cup light olive oil

Fine-grain Himalayan sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

***Salad:

Bunch of organic fresh spinach, washed, dried, and torn

Bearss Limes I grow
indoors on a dwarf
citrus tree...

2 organic granny smith apples, quartered, and thinly sliced

2 tablespoons chopped candied pecans

1/4 cup crumbled organic goat cheese

METHOD

In a small bowl, whisk the lime juice, zest, honey, onion, and mustard, then whisk continuously while drizzling in the olive oil.  Season with sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste. 

Toss torn spinach with granny smith apples.  Place salad mixture onto four salad plates. Sprinkle candied pecans over each.  Drizzle the salads with vinaigrette, sprinkle with goat cheese crumbles, and serve. – Enjoy!

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

Tip: I served this salad with Individual Alaska Halibut Olympia that I prepared in ramekins.

Sandra's Individual
Alaska Halibut Olympia

MOSCOW MULE COCKTAIL HOUR

This refreshing beverage was served 

to my husband sometime ago by a 

friend while on a trip to Fairbanks, Alaska. 

We recently made this cocktail 

while eating dinner and watching a 

Mariners game with an out-of-town 

guest here in Juneau.

(BTW: The recipe is listed directly on 

each Cock ‘n Bull Ginger Beer bottle.)

Servings: (4)
Prep: 5 Mins.

Posted: by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

6 ozs. (jiggers) vodka
2 fresh limes, halved crosswise and juiced, reserving 4 squeezed lime halves
Ice cubes
4 (12 oz.) chilled Cock ‘n Bull Ginger Beers
--(A bottled, non-alcoholic beverage found at Fred Meyer in the grocery section)

METHOD

In a glass pitcher, add all the ingredients and toss in the squeezed lime halves, give it a good stir, and pour into 4 glasses. – Enjoy!

SANDRA'S ALASKA GRILLED SALMON STEAKS with a CREAMY LIME MARINADE

A perfect way to barbecue fresh salmon
on a summer day...

Servings: (4)

Prep: 5 Mins. |
Marinade 15 Mins. |
Grill: 10 mins.


Posted by: Sandra

INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 cup low-fat plain yogurt
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 green onion, sliced
½ teaspoon dry rosemary
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
4 (1”) thick salmon steaks (if thicker, allow more cooking time)
1 lime, cut into wedges

METHOD:

Whisk together oil, lime juice, honey, yogurt, ginger, garlic, green onion, rosemary, salt and pepper in a shallow non-reactive dish. Add fish steaks and turn to coat with marinade. Cover and marinate for at least 15 minutes, but no longer than 30 minutes, (turning once after 7 minutes).

Preheat indoor grill to medium-high heat, or an outdoor grill. Oil a folded paper towel, hold it with tongs and rub it over the rack, or grill pan.

Coarsely grind pepper onto steaks. Place the steaks onto hot oiled grill rack, turning once at 5 minutes; continue cooking until the fish is opaque, and flakes easily with a fork, about 10 minutes total (discarding marinade). Serve immediately with lime wedges. - Enjoy all!

SANDRA’S TROPICAL LIME JELLO SURPRISE

I grew up partaking in this delightful dessert following
my Mom's delicious dinners; 
still mix the whipped cream  in with
the jello before eating it too...

Servings: (6)
Prep: 5 Mins.
Pre-Set: 1 Hr.
Full-Set: 4 Additional Hrs.
--(or overnight is more flavorful)

INGREDIENTS:

1 (6 oz. pkg.) lime jello (or orange, or lemon)
2 cups boiling water
2 cups total: reserved juice from fruit (below) + cold water
1 (8 oz. can) pineapple chunks, drained (reserving juice), roughly chopped
1 (15 oz. can) tropical fruit chunks, drained (reserving juice), roughly chopped
2 carrots, peeled, and shredded
1/2 tablespoon lime juice (or orange juice with orange jello, or lemon juice with lemon jello)
½ cup coconut, shredded

--Prepared whipped cream

METHOD:

In a medium saucepan, heat 2 cups of water over high heat to boiling, remove from heat and add lime jello, gently stirring until dissolved. Add remaining 2 cups of cold liquid (reserved juice and cold water), and stir to combine. Pour into a 2 qt. square glass dish, and refrigerate to partially set for 1 hour (to prevent the additional ingredients from sinking later on).

Just before jello has partially set, grate carrots (to prevent them from oxidizing) and toss into a small bowl with lime juice. Remove partially set jello from the refrigerator, and fold in tropical fruit, carrots, and coconut. Return to refrigerator and let set completely, about 4 hours. Serve with whipped topping (I like to mix my whipped cream into the jello mixture, as stated above ;). – Enjoy!

Be sure to store leftovers, covered, in refrigerator.

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

Tip:  I don’t use pre-shredded carrots or a food processor to do so because they do not maintain the proper texture or flavor for this dessert, IMHO; I simply shred using a box grater ;)

SANDRA'S FRESH N' SPICY MANGO SALSA PUREE with VEGGIES and CHIPS

 A light and refreshing appetizer, 
with a slightly spicy fresh fruit dip...

Yields: (2-1/2 cups)
Prep: 5 Mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

1 mango, peeled, deseeded, and chopped
¼ red onion, chopped
1 plum tomato, chopped
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 jalapeno, deseeded, de-ribbed, and chopped
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
kosher salt and ground pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

METHOD

Combine all of the Mango Puree ingredients, except the olive oil and pulse a few times in blender, and then puree for 1 minute until smooth. Drizzle in the olive oil while pureeing for 15 seconds more. Pour into a decorative serving bowl.


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


Tip:  This is wonderful with tortilla chips and veggies as a dip, or over salad as a dressing, or as an accompaniment with your favorite fish, pork, or chicken entrees.

SANDRA'S LOVELY LIME and MINT WATERMELON SALSA

A very refreshing take on a salsa
I made with ingredients that
just naturally compliment each other...

Yields: (Appx. 2 cups)

Prep: 10 Mins.
Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

1-1/2 cups watermelon, rind removed, seeded, and diced
1/2 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded, de-ribbed, and minced
1/4 red onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves, finely sliced
Zest and juice of 1 lime
1 teaspoon honey (for recipe, click here: Alaska Fireweed and Clover Honey - Homemade)
pinch of table salt

--Club Crackers or Tortilla Chips

METHOD

Add the watermelon, cucumber, jalapeno, onion and basil in a medium-sized nonreactive bowl, and gently fold to combine.

In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, table salt, and whisk to combine, and then add to salsa mixture in medium bowl, folding to combine.

Chill for a minimum of 30 minutes for flavors to meld, and then drain excess liquid, if desired.

Serve in a decorative non-reactive ceramic or glass bowl, with Club Crackers for scooping. – Enjoy!


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


Tip: This is also very refreshing to serve as a side with many variations of fish dishes, esp. halibut – oh...and pork as well ;-)   Some also like to eat this Lovely Lime and Mint Watermelon Salsa with tortilla or pita chips.

SANDRA'S CRISPY CHILI-LIME FRIES with CHILI DIPPING SAUCE

A very quick and easy appetizer
or side dish to prepare
that packs a punch of flavor...

Servings: (3 to 4)
Prep: 2 Mins. |
Bake 8 to 10 Mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

½ of a (20 oz. bag) of frozen Ore-Ida Crispers
1-1/2 teaspoons chili powder
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet)
pinch of kosher salt
pinch of ground pepper
-- jarred chili sauce, for dipping (or, click here for: Homemade Chili Sauce)
-- a wedge of lime, to squeeze over fries before serving

METHOD

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil, spray with oil, and set aside. Prepare a serving platter with a small container of chili sauce for dipping in center, and set aside.

Place the fries in a medium bowl, and sprinkle with chili powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and ground pepper.

Place seasoned fries on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer so they are not touching, and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until crispy brown. Remove hot fries from oven and squeeze fresh lime juice over them, and immediately place on serving platter around the chili sauce while hot. – Enjoy.


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


Tip: If you like more lime flavor, feel free to sprinkle about ¼ teaspoon of fresh lime zest over them while hot as well as its juice.

SANDRA'S FIESTA GRILLED SHRIMP with a KICK

This is a perfect entree, side dish, or appetizer...

Servings: (6 to 8)

Prep: 15 Mins. |
Marinate: 1 Hr. |
Grill: 4 to 6 mins.

Posted: by Sandra

INGREDIENTS:

2 lbs. raw shrimp/prawns, peeled and deveined (tails on)
2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 teaspoons cilantro, chopped, (+ more for garnish)
1 teaspoon sugar
kosher salt
ground black pepper

***Garnish:
-- 1 teaspoon cilantro, chopped
-- 1 fresh lime, cut into wedges

METHOD

Whisk together the sriracha, olive oil, worcestershire sauce, garlic, cilantro and sugar, adding kosher salt and ground pepper to taste. Put in a 1-gallon plastic bag, add toss to ensure all the shrimp are coated with the marinade, and place in refrigerator for 1 hour.

Meanwhile, heat a grill to medium-high heat (have a mitt ready because skewers will get hot). Skewer the shrimp (5 shrimp per 10” metal skewer) and grill until pink for about 2 to 3 minutes per side just when they will have a 'loose curl' - do not overcook. Remove the skewered shrimp from the grill using mitts. Slide the shrimp off of the skewers using a fork, and place them on a serving platter. Sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro, and wedges of fresh lime. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S SALMON and PASTA in a CREAMY LIME SAUCE

I'm sharing my tasty and zesty recipe
for using up left-over salmon
that you can make in less than 30 minutes!

Servings: (2)

Prep: 10 mins. |
Cook: 20 mins.

Posted: by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

***Pasta and Peas

½ lb. pasta, such as fettuccini or linguine (plus some reserved liquid*)

1/2 cup frozen green peas

***Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 green onions, chopped into 1/4" slices
pinch of red pepper flakes
1 large garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup quality white wine
4 oz. pkg. herbed goat cheese
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
*1 cup reserved pasta water
1 teaspoon freshly grated lime zest
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

***Salmon
1 or 2 cooked salmon fillet(s), skin and bones removed

***Garnish
1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese

METHOD

Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions, adding the peas to the pot to thaw during the last minute of cooking, and then drain both in colander, reserving 1 cup of hot pasta water; set aside.

Return the cooking pot over medium heat. Add the oil, then the green onions, red pepper flakes and garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds. Deglaze with white wine, and cook until some wine evaporates. Add the goat cheese by breaking it into chunks into pot; add the onion powder, 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, lime zest, and ½ cup pasta water. Whisk to combine, until the cheese melts into a sauce. Whisk in the remaining ½ cup of pasta water. Taste for seasonings, adding kosher salt and ground pepper to taste.

Reduce heat to low, and add the salmon by breaking fillet(s) into large chunks. Simmer for 1 minute to warm the salmon. Add the pasta and gently toss to coat with tongs (be careful not to break up the salmon). Season to taste with salt and pepper, if needed. Serve in two pasta bowls, and then equally garnish with chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese.