Sandra’s Homemade Salsa Verde

Excellent as a dip with tortilla chips,
with tacos, enchiladas, or over eggs for breakfast, etc...

Yield: 2 ½ cups salsa

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds tomatillos (about 12 medium), husked and rinsed
1 to 2 medium jalapeños, stemmed, (depending on your desired spiciness)
½ cup chopped white onion
¼ cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
1 to 2 medium limes, juiced, to taste
½ to 1 teaspoon salt, to taste

Optional: 1 to 2 diced avocados, for creamy avocado salsa verde

Method

Preheat the broiler with a rack about 4 inches below the heat source.

Place the tomatillos and jalapeño(s) on a rimmed baking sheet and broil until they’re blackened in spots, about 5 minutes.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven, carefully flip over the tomatillos and pepper(s) with tongs and broil for 4 to 6 more minutes, until the tomatillos are splotchy-black and blistered.

Meanwhile, in a food processor or blender, combine the chopped onion, cilantro, 2 tablespoons lime juice and ½ teaspoon salt. Once the tomatillos are out of the oven, carefully transfer the hot tomatillos, pepper(s) and all of their juices into the food processor or blender.

Pulse until the mixture is mostly smooth and no big chunks of tomatillo remain, scraping down the sides as necessary. Season to taste with additional lime juice and salt, if desired.

The salsa will be thinner at first, but will thicken up after a few hours in the refrigerator, due to the naturally occurring pectin in the tomatillos.

Optional: If you’d like to make creamy avocado salsa verde, let the salsa cool down before blending in 1 to 2 diced avocados.

SANDRA'S HOT ALASKAN MOOSE TACO DIP and MINI-BISCUIT APPETIZER

I created this recipe after being inspired by several variations that I've had in the past.

Here's my 'Alaska Spin' on this delightful appetizer

--------

You are able to make it to your exact spiciness level versus my medium version ~

simply substitute milder salsa for a lighter dip

or hotter salsa for a dip with more zest...

Yields: 6 to 8 servings

Prep: 15 Mins.

Bake 23-25 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Dip:

1 lb extra-lean moose burger

1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic

1/4 teaspoon granulated onion

1 pkg. dry cheesy taco seasoning mix

2 cups medium salsa (from Costco)

1 cup Mexican-blend shredded cheese

1 cup shredded medium cheddar cheese

1 (4 oz. pkg.) cream cheese, cubed at room temperature

--2 green onions (both white and green parts), sliced

Atop dip/mini-biscuits:

1 pkg. Grand Biscuits, quartered and formed into balls

1 tablespoon melted butter

1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic

1 teaspoon dry cilantro

Paprika

METHOD:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, while placing rack on lower 2/3'rds of oven, including placing a medium-size pan on the rack (you'll later be placing the cast iron skillet on this to catch potential drips).

Heat a seasoned, 10" medium-size cast iron skillet to medium high heat on the stovetop, then brown the burger with 1/4 teaspoon each of granulated garlic and granulated onion. After about 5 minutes of browning, add the cheesy taco seasoning and salsa, stir to combine. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 5 minutes.  Turn off heat and fold in the three cheeses, just until melted and combined. Sprinkle top-center of mixture with green onions.

While reserving 9, place remaining biscuit balls around the perimeter. Place the reserved 9; one in center, and other 8 around it (see above photo).

Melt in the microwave the butter in a ramekin with 1/2 teaspoon of granulated garlic for 30 seconds. Using a pastry brush to combine. Brush the butter mixture gently over all biscuit balls. Sprinkle biscuit balls with 1 teaspoon dry cilantro and some paprika.

Place cast iron skillet in the preheated oven atop the hot pizza pan and bake for 23-25 minutes, until all biscuits are golden brown. Let hot dip cool 5 minutes (so you don't burn yourself), then serve immediately family style. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S LIP SMACKIN' ALASKA VENISON TACO SOUP

Nothing says 'comfort' more than this fun and delightful tasting soup
on a blustery winter day
that's guaranteed to bring a smile to your face!

Servings: (6 to 8)

Prep: 10 Mins.

Cook 25 Mins.

INGREDIENTS:

2 slices bacon, cut cross-wise into 1/4" strips

1/4 yellow onion, diced

1/4 red bell pepper, diced

1 fresh jalapeno, seeds and ribs removed, finely diced

1 (14.5 oz can) chili beans, undrained

1 (14.5 oz can) Mexican-style diced tomatoes, undrained

3 tablespoons taco seasoning

3 tablespoons medium Picante sauce (jarred salsa)

1 teaspoon red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons ketchup

1-1/2 to 2 cups water (depending upon your desired consistency)

1 pound left over venison roast, finely diced

Garnish:

Tortilla Strips (our's are from Costco)

Shredded medium cheddar cheese

Roma tomatoes, diced

Sour Cream

METHOD:

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the bacon half way. Add onions, peppers, and jalapenos to the skillet; sauté for 5 minutes. Add remaining ingredients, (except diced venison and garnish toppings). Bring soup to a slight boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.  Add diced venison, cover, and heat through for about 5 minutes.

To serve, place generous handfuls of crushed tortilla strips in bottom of bowls, ladle taco soup over crushed chips, top each serving with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream.  Place whole tortilla chips in center of dining room table.  When eating, scoop up the soup using whole tortilla strips (along with a spoon if you wish) ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S PECAN MEXICAN WEDDING COOKIES

Melt in your mouth cookies that are superbly airy and tender…

Yields: 32 cookies

Prep: 10 Mins.

Bake: 12 Mins.

Melt in your mouth cookies that are superbly airy and tender…

INGREDIENTS

2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature

2-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, divided

1 teaspoon bourbon-vanilla extract (or regular vanilla extract)

2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted

Pinch of fine-grain sea salt

2 cups pecans, very finely chopped

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Set aside a couple of baking sheets lined with parchment paper or Silpat liners.

With an electric or stand mixer, beat butter, 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, and bourbon-vanilla extract, until pale yellow and fluffy. Add sifted flour, salt and nuts to batter; and mix to incorporate (if using a hand mixer, you may want to use a spoon at this point), ensuring to scrape sides of bowl.

Roll dough into 1" balls. Place on ungreased, lined baking sheets.

Bake 12 minutes, until lightly golden.

While hot, roll in remaining 1-1/2 cups unsifted confectioners’ sugar. Cool on wire rack, then dust with additional ‘sifted’ confectioners' sugar. Let cookies fully cool. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA’S MEXICAN CHICKEN CORN TORTILLA LASAGNA

An ideal lasagna entree you’re able to prepare ahead of time and make

as mild or spicy to your heart’s content, including alternatively substituting chicken for precooked pork, beef, moose, venison, caribou, elk and so on...

Servings: (12)

Prep: 15 Mins.

Cook Time: 1 Hr.

INGREDIENTS

Lasagna:

1 (16 oz. can) refried beans

1 (1.25 oz. pkg.) taco seasoning

18 (6”) corn tortillas

3 chicken thighs, cooked and roughly shredded*

1 (15 oz. can) black beans, rinsed and drained

2 cups prepared salsa

1 (4 oz. can) fire roasted mild diced green chilies, drained

1 cup sour cream

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

1 (2.25 oz. can) sliced olives, drained

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Garnish:

--Shredded romaine lettuce

--Diced fresh tomatoes

--Sliced pickled jalapenos

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13”x9” baking dish, and set aside.

Place refried beans and taco seasoning in a small saucepan over low heat, mix to combine.  Stir occasionally, and heat until warm (so it spreads easily).

Repeat following layers 3 times in prepared baking dish: Arrange a layer of 6 corn tortillas in baking dish, top evenly with 1/3 refried bean mixture, 1/3 chicken, 1/3 black beans, 1/3 salsa, 1/3 green chilies, 1/3 sour cream, 1/3 bell peppers, 1/3 sliced olives, 1/3 mozzarella cheese, and 1/3 cheddar cheese.

Ready for the oven...

Spray bottom of foil (to prevent cheese from sticking) and cover lasagna, then bake for 45 minutes. Uncover, and continue baking for 15 minutes, until cheese is melted. 

Cut into squares, and serve topped with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced pickled jalapenos. ~ Enjoy!

Hot and ready to serve...

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

*Tip: I precooked 3 bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs covered with water in a medium saucepan, then added a bit of sea salt, freshly ground pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. I brought the mixture to a boil, covered, then reduced heat to a simmer to gently boil for 25 minutes.  I cooled the thighs on plate, removed the skin and bones, then roughly shredded the meat.

SANDRA’S MEXICAN HAM, SWEET POTATO 'N BLACK BEAN CHILI and CORNBREAD

An incredibly hearty and healthy chili you're able to prepare in one pot 

that's ready to serve in an hour...

Servings (8 to 10)

Prep: 15 Mins.

Cook: 45 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Grateful to use fresh
lime juice from my newly
picked Bearrs Limes
harvested off of
my indoor dwarf citrus tree...

2 (14.5 oz. cans) Mexican diced tomatoes, undrained

1 (15 oz. can) black beans, undrained

2 cups low-sodium beef broth 

2 tablespoons chili powder 

1 tablespoon ground cumin

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 bay leaf

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

4 small sweet potatoes (or 2 large), peeled and roughly chopped into 1” pieces

1 medium red onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 cups cured, smoked ham, roughly chopped into 1” pieces

--Prepared recipe: Sandra’s Mexican-Style Premium Cornbread

METHOD

Combine all ingredients in dutch oven, or heavy-bottom pot, and stir to combine. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and 'gently' simmer for 45 minutes, while occasionally stirring. 

(Meanwhile, prepare cornbread recipe listed below so it is ready when chili has finished cooking.)

Ready to serve... 

Toss bay leaf, and serve with Sandra’s Mexican-Style Premium Cornbread alongside (shown below). ~ Enjoy!

Sandra’s Mexican-Style Premium Cornbread
(Click here for recipe)...

SANDRA’S ULTIMATE ALASKA HALIBUT CEVICHE

This halibut ceviche lovingly triggers

fond memories of many

of our past Mexico vacations...

Yields: (Appx. 4 cups)

Prep: 10 Mins.

Marinate: 1 Hr.

Stand: 1 Hr.

INGREDIENTS

Marinade halibut:

1 lb. boneless skinless halibut, cut into ¼” pieces

1 small yellow onion, finely diced

1 teaspoon sea salt

Fresh lime juice, enough to cover diced onion and halibut (about 1/2 cup)

Ceviche:

3 vine-ripe tomatoes, seeded and finely diced

½ red bell pepper, finely diced

1 jalapeno, seeds and ribs removed, and finely diced

1 handful fresh cilantro, finely chopped

½ teaspoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon lime juice

½ teaspoon sea salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

--Restaurant-style tortilla chips

METHOD

Place diced halibut, lime juice, and 1/4 cup of the white onion in a glass or ceramic non-reactive bowl.  Add sea salt and stir.  Let onion and halibut mixture marinate refrigerated for 1 hour, until halibut is cooked through and opaque.

Once halibut is done, drain liquid using a sieve, and place mixture back into a glass serving bowl.

Add remaining diced onion, jalapeno, tomatoes, bell pepper, cilantro, oregano, lime juice, and sea salt and pepper.  

Toss gently to combine. Place back in refrigerator for 1 hour for flavors to meld.

Serve with restaurant-style tortilla chips. ~ Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~

Tip: Feel free to substitute halibut with scallops, shrimp, crab, or a 1-lb. combination thereof.

SANDRA'S MEXICAN-STYLE PREMIUM CORNBREAD

Very hearty, flavorful, and moist cornbread
with the addition of fire-roasted green chilies,
Mexican corn, and cheddar cheese...

Servings: (8 to 10)
Prep: 5 Mins.
Stand: 5 Mins.
Bake: (20 to 25 Mins.)

INGREDIENTS

1 (8.5 oz.box) jiffy corn muffin mix
1 egg, beaten
1 (10 oz. can) of Mexican corn, drained
1 (4.5 oz. can) of mild diced fire-roasted green chilies, drained
¼ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1/3 cup of milk

METHOD

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Spray a 8" round baking dish (or 8"x8" square baking dish) with butter spray, and set aside.

Mix all cornbread ingredients in a medium bowl, and let batter stand for 5 minutes. Pour the cornbread batter into prepared baking dish.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until cornbread is done (when a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean). Run knife around rim of baking dish, and cut cornbread into 9 serving portions. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA’S BEER N’ HONEY PINEAPPLE SALSA

Another day at home

playing with ingredients in the kitchen,

and this pineapple salsa turned out

to being an absolute keeper
that I'll be serving with 
Alaska grilled halibut fillets...

Yields: 1 Cup

Prep: 15 Mins.

Marinate: 30 Minutes

INGREDIENTS

¼ cup Mexican beer 

--(I used Dos Equis)

1 tablespoon honey

1 (8 oz. can) pineapple rings, drained, and cut into small wedges

--(feel free to use fresh pineapple)

2 green onions, finely sliced 

--(use all white and green parts)

¼ cup red bell pepper, finely chopped

½ fresh jalapeno, cut lengthwise, seeds and ribs removed and finely chopped

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

--(a small handful)

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

½ teaspoon fine-grain sea salt

METHOD

In a small non-reactive glass or ceramic bowl, whisk the beer and honey, and add the pineapple wedges; tossing to combine.  Refrigerate while preparing other ingredients for a minimum of 15 minutes.

Drain off and discard all but 2 tablespoons of marinade from bowl.  Add the green onions, red bell pepper, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, and sea salt; tossing all in bowl with pineapple to combine.  Refrigerate at least 30 minutes prior to serving over grilled halibut, salmon, ham, pork, or turkey. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA’S JALAPENO POPPER QUESADILLA

This delicious and exquisite quesadilla

is guaranteed to ignite your appetite...

Servings: (1)

Prep: 5 Mins.

Cook: 6 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

¼ lb. extra-lean ground burger (beef, venison, moose, buffalo, or poultry)

1 tablespoon taco seasoning

2 tablespoons water

1 tablespoon cream cheese

½ tablespoon ranch dressing

1 tablespoon green onions, thinly sliced

3 slices jarred fire-roasted pickled jalapenos, roughly chopped

½ tomato chopped

½ teaspoon fresh cilantro

1 cup medium shredded cheddar cheese

1 (10”) flour tortilla

olive oil spray

Garnish:

1 tablespoon sour cream

Pinch of chopped fresh cilantro

1 tomato wedge

METHOD

In a small skillet, brown the burger (I used venison).  Add the taco seasoning and water and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until liquid is absorbed.

Spray one side of tortilla with olive oil, and flip over. 

Meanwhile, mix the cream cheese, ranch dressing, and green onions together in a small bowl.  Spread sauce (on the un-sprayed side) on half of the tortilla.  Top sauce with seasoned burger mixture, sprinkle with jalapenos, tomatoes, and shredded cheese.  Fold the tortilla in half, and cook in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until golden brown on each side, about 6 minutes total.  Slice quesadilla into four triangles, plate, and garnish with dollops of sour cream and a pinch of chopped cilantro, with a tomato wedge alongside. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA’S FIESTA TACO SALAD in BAKED TORTILLA BOWLS

It’s healthy and easy to create
lovely shell-shaped bowls for
taco salad that’s crispy and yummy...


I found my recipe and photograph 
featured on  6-17-12 @
http://whotalking.com/flickr/guacamole+recipe

Servings: 4

Prep:  15 Mins.

Bake/Cook: 10 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Shells:

4 8” Flour Tortillas

Olive oil spray

Salad:

1 lb. extra-lean ground venison/moose/beef/buffalo

1 pkg. taco seasoning

¾ cup water

2 cups lettuce, chopped

1 medium tomato, chopped

1 (4 oz. can) sliced olives, drained

Homemade salsa and guacamole

¼ cup sour cream

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Fresh sprigs of fresh cilantro

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spray tortillas on both sides with olive oil.  Gently push tortillas down into ovenproof bowls to form the shell shapes.

Bake for about 10 minutes, just until tortillas become rigid and lightly browned.  Remove tortillas from oven and let cool (shells will become a bit more crispy).

Meanwhile, place a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the burger, add the taco seasoning and water, then simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.

Fill the shells by alternating layers of taco seasoned meat, lettuce, tomatoes, and olives.  Top each off with spoonfuls of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.  Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh cilantro sprigs. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA’S RESTAURANT-STYLE SALSA

This crazy-good salsa is so quick to put
together it's unbelievable...

Yields: (Appx. 6 cups)

Prep: 10 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Salsa:

2 (14.4 oz. cans) mexican diced tomatoes, drained

1 jalapeno, roughly chopped (retain seeds and ribs if you like spicier salsa)

1 (4 oz. can) mild fire-roasted diced greed chiles, drained

4 roma tomatoes, de-seeded, juiced, and roughly chopped

½ yellow onion, roughly chopped

½ fresh lime juiced

1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce (again, more if you like it spicier, or your brand of hot sauce)

1/2 bunch of cilantro

Fine-grain kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

For scooping: 

-- Tostitos Artisan Roasted Garlic and Black Bean Tortilla Chips (found at Costco)

METHOD

Add all the salsa ingredients to the food process and pulse a couple times, until a consistent chunky consistency is achieved.  Taste, and adjust seasonings as necessary.  Add to a non-reactive glass or ceramic bowl, cover, and refrigerate for a minimum of two hours to allow flavors to meld. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA’S TEX-MEX FRITO PIE CASSEROLE

A snowy Monday today so it just seemed
fitting for such indulgence...

Serves: (6)

Prep: 5 Minutes

Bake: 20 Minutes

INGREDIENTS

Casserole:

3 cups Fritos chips, roughly crushed

3 cups sharp shredded cheddar cheese

1 (15 oz. can) Texas-Style Chili

¼ cup medium Black Bean and Corn Salsa (Costco - Private Selection brand)

Garnish options:

--Sour cream

--Chopped green onions

--Chopped roma tomatoes

--Chopped fresh cilantro

--Chopped Avocado

--Pickled jalapeno slices

METHOD

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Lightly spray a 2-quart casserole dish with olive oil. 

Just out of the oven...

Combine the chili and salsa in a small bowl.

Layer half of the Fritos in bottom of dish, half the cheese over the chips, and all of the chili/salsa mixture over the cheese layer.  Sprinkle chili layer with remaining cheese, then remaining Fritos on top.  Cover, and bake for 20 minutes, until cheese melts.  Portion equally among six serving bowls, and garnish with ingredients in the order listed above. ~ 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

MAX’S AMAZING VENISON ENCHILADAS

We love these venison
enchiladas, although Max makes them other
times that are equally delicious when he
substitutes the venison with
halibut, chicken, beef, and so on...

Yields: (7) 10” enchiladas

Prep: 15 Mins.

Bake: 25 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1-1/2 lbs. cooked and shredded venison

--(Max used leftover venison roast simmered for 2 hrs. in low-sodium beef broth)

7 (10”) flour tortillas

***Sauce

1-1/2 cups medium picante sauce

1 (14.5 oz. can) medium enchilada sauce

1 (4 oz. can) mild diced green chilies

1-1/2 cups sour cream

1/1-2 cups medium shredded cheddar cheese

***Topping

½ cup medium picante sauce

½ cup shredded cheese

***Garnish:

½ cup chopped iceberg lettuce

½ cup homemade salsa

½ cup sour cream

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a 9x13 baking dish, and set aside.

Finished being prepared,
just prior to baking...

Combine all the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl.  Layer each tortilla with a couple tablespoons of shredded venison, spoon the same amount of sauce over meat, and sprinkle with the same amount of shredded cheese; roll up, and repeat with remaining tortillas.  Place enchiladas seam side down in prepared baking dish.  Top rolled enchiladas in baking dish with dollops of remaining picante sauce, and sprinkle with a layer of shredded cheese.

Bake, uncovered, for 25 minutes, until cheese melts and sauce bubbles.  Cut enchiladas in half crosswise, and garnish each serving with lettuce, salsa, and dollops of sour cream. – Enjoy!

SANDRA’S SOUTH-OF-THE-BORDER CHICKEN STEW

A quick, hearty, and delicious stew.

Servings: (4)
Prep: 10 Mins. | 

Cook: 30 Mins.

Posted: By Sandra

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup chopped celery

1 cup diced onions

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 large russet potato, peeled, and cut into ½” cubes

3 cups cooked chicken

1 (1.25 oz. pkg.) taco seasoning, or Sandra’s Taco Seasoning Blend

1 (14.5 oz. can) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 cup whole-kernel frozen corn

1 (4 oz. can) diced green chilies, drained (mild, or medium spiciness)

1 (4 oz. can) sliced olives, drained

3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 teaspoon organic dried oregano

¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

METHOD

Garnish options:
Sour Cream
and Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Click here for the recipe:
 Sandra's Premium Cornbread Muffins

Heat a medium soup pot with olive oil over medium-high heat, and add the celery and onion, and saute until the onions are translucent.  Add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds.  Add the remaining ingredients and bring to boil; reduce heat, and simmer, covered, for 25 minutes, while stirring occasionally (being careful not to break up chicken pieces).  Enjoy!



SANDRA’S SENSATIONAL SOUTH-OF-THE-BORDER POTATO BAKE

A very hearty one-dish mexican casserole 
you can whip together without a lot of fuss... 
[Featured on 9-23-11 on "Pinterest 
@ http://pinterest.com/pin/192061310/]

Servings: (6)
Prep: 15 Mins. |
Bake 45 Mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

***Potato Bake:

1 lb. extra lean ground venison burger, (or moose, or beef)
½ onion, chopped
¼ red bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (16 oz. can) refried beans
2 tablespoons organic taco seasoning
1 teaspoon organic chili powder
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
¼ cup (of a 10. oz. can) rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained, and divided (see *Tip below)
3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into small ½” cubes
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

***Garnish:

Fresh Homemade Salsa

1 cup Sandra's fresh salsa (Shown in photo to the left, and link to the recipe.)
6 teaspoons sour cream
2 teaspoons fresh cilantro, chopped

METHOD

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 9”x9” casserole dish with oil, and set aside.

Heat a large skillet to medium-high heat, and brown the burger until 3/4s the way done.  Add the onions, bell pepper, and garlic, and saute until the onions are translucent.  Add the refried beans, organic taco seasoning, organic chili powder, sea salt, ground pepper, and rotel; stirring until warmed through and refried beans are soft and incorporated; remove from heat.

Meanwhile, place the small cubed potatoes into the casserole dish in an even layer.

Spoon the meat/refried bean mixture atop of potatoes; smoothing to an even layer.

Hot out of the oven

Cover with lid (or foil), and bake for 35 minutes.  Remove from oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro, and cheese over top, and return to oven to bake for a final 10 minutes, until cheese is melted.

Top each serving equally with Sandra's fresh salsa, dollops of sour cream, and freshly chopped cilantro. – Enjoy!

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

 *Tip – I add the remaining rotel by draining it, and then folding it into the fresh salsa!

SANDRA’S FEISTY FIESTA MEXICAN RICE BOWL

A super hearty meal that is
without a doubt feisty with a fiesta
style in a snap!

Servings: (6 to 8)
Prep: 5 Mins. |
Cook: 30 Mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

1 lb. lean burger (moose, venison, beef, or buffalo)
½ red bell pepper, chopped
½ spanish onion, chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup water
1 tablespoon, canned diced hot jalapenos (less if you like it less spicy)
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 (14.5 oz. can) diced tomatoes, retain juice
1 (14.5 oz. can) tomato sauce
1 pkg. dry original ranch dressing
1 pkg. dry taco seasoning
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (divided)

Garnish:
--Medium cheddar cheese, shredded
--Remaining cilantro

--Prepared steamed brown rice

METHOD

Note: Start the rice about an hour prior to serving.

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown burger ½ way, add the bell pepper, onion, and celery and cook until onion is translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the water, jalapenos, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, ranch dressing, and taco seasoning; mixing to combine. Bring to boil, and reduce to low to simmer for 20 minutes. Add the ½ of the cilantro and cook for 1 more minute.

To serve, mound rice in the center of each bowl, spoon the fiesta sauce around its diameter, and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and the remaining cilantro. – Enjoy!

SANDRA’S SOUTH-OF-THE-BORDER CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP

A tried and true fiesta comfort soup...


[Featured on 3-19-12 at:
http://cook.sevnav.com/we-cook-soup/
sandras-fresh-tomato-basil-soup]

Serves: (4)
Prep/Cook: 25 Mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons light olive oil
2 ribs celery, chopped
½ red bell pepper
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons chili powder
¼ teaspoon sriracha sauce (or your preferred hot sauce)
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1-1/2 cups water
2 fresh corn on the cob, kernels removed, (or 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 cups skinless, cooked chicken, roughly shredded
1 (14.5 oz. can) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (creamy white beans)
2 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro
2 plum tomatoes, chopped
1 avocado, seeded, and chopped
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Garnish:
--4 lemon wedges
--tortilla chips

METHOD

In medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat until hot. Add celery, bell pepper, onion, and garlic, and cook, covered, 8 to 10 minutes, until vegetables are tender while frequently stirring. Add cumin, chili powder, and sriracha sauce, and cook 30 seconds, while stirring. Add broth, water, corn kernels, and lemon juice to vegetable mixture; cover saucepot and heat to boiling over high heat.

Add chicken pieces, chopped cilantro, and cannellini beans into broth mixture in saucepan; heat to boiling, covered, over high heat for 3 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat; stir in chopped tomatoes. Taste for seasonings, adding sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, if desired.

Place a handful of crushed tortillas in bottom of each bowl, and ladle soup over top, and then sprinkle each bowl with avocado pieces. Serve with lemon wedges to squeeze over soup just prior to eating. Place additional whole tortilla chips along side for scooping. ~ Enjoy!


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Tip:  This soup is fabulous using lime instead of lemon as well (I just happened to have fresh lemons on-hand today.

SANDRA'S ELEGANT EIGHT-LAYER NACHO DIP

A fantastic dish that's a crowd pleaser and a perfect 
Cinco de Mayo appetizer, potluck contribution,
or just for a special game day occasion...

Servings: (12)
Cook/Prep: 30 mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

***Cooked ingredients:
· 1 lb. lean moose burger (or venison, or beef)
· ½ white onion, diced
· ½ cup red bell pepper, chopped
· 2 garlic cloves, minced
· 1 can of refried beans
· 1 pkg. taco seasoning
· 1 teaspoon chili powder

***Guacamole:
· 2 avocados, peeled – seeds removed – and mashed with a fork.
· 1 teaspoon lemon juice
· ½ tomato, chopped
· sea salt and ground pepper, to taste

***Non-cooked ingredients:
· 2 cups sour cream (reserve some to dollop on top)
· 1 small can hot green chilies (or mild if you like it less spicy); although there are many ingredients so it's not too hot if you choose the hot option ;)
· 2 small cans sliced black olives
· 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
· 2 cups medium picante salsa
· 1 tomato, chopped

***Garnish ingredients:
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
-  a few dollops of sour cream on top.

-- Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips (for scooping)


METHOD

In a medium-size skillet heat to medium-high heat and brown the burger, about ¾’s the way through add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, taco seasoning, and chili powder; cooking until the onions are translucent. Add in the refried beans, and gently stir to combine, just until bubbly. Remove from heat, and let cool.

Make guacamole by smashing the avocados in a small bowl with a fork, and add the lemon juice, and chopped tomato; mixing to combine.  Season with sea salt and ground pepper, to taste.

Layer cooled meat mixture on bottom of 9”x13” glass dish (or other decorative vessel), and then layer sour cream, guacamole, green chilies, black olives, shredded cheese, picante sauce, chopped tomatoes, lettuce, cilantro, and green onions.  Top with dollops of sour cream.  Serve at room temperature, and for easy dipping with restaurant-style flour tortilla chips. - Enjoy!

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Tip:  I provide a serving spoon to scoop out layers of dip onto small serving plates so the guests can also place chips alongside.