SANDRA’S DECADENTLY EASY FRENCH ONION SOUP

This quick and easy French Onion Soup

is loaded with caramelized onions in an aromatic beef broth,

then topped with rye croutons and melty gooey cheese…

Servings: (4)

Prep: 5 Mins

Cook: 50 Mins

Broil: 1-2 Mins

INGREDIENTS

3 medium yellow onions, sliced thin lengthwise into 1/8” strips

3 tablespoons salted butter

½ teaspoon agave

2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves (not ground)

1 large dry bay leaf

1/2 cup red wine (I used Pinot Noir)

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

4 cups low-sodium beef broth

1 teaspoon Worcestershire

½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

--4 slices toasted rye bread croutons (make in toaster, then cut into 1” cubes)

--8 slices Swiss cheese

METHOD

In a large pot melt butter, and add onions, agave, thyme leaves, and bay leaf. Cook over medium high heat while stirring often, for about 40 minutes until onions are amber in color and caramelized.

Add red wine and stir, breaking up any browned bits on the bottom of pan. Cook to let liquid reduce to half the amount, about 1 minute. Sprinkle with flour, stirring to coat.

Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 5 minutes. Discard bay leaf.

Meanwhile turn your oven on to broil, placing top rack 6” under broiler element.

Place four oven-safe bowls on a foil lined baking sheet. Ladle soup into bowls, divide the prepared rye croutons among the bowls, and top each bowl with two slices of Swiss cheese. Carefully place in preheated oven and broil until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 1-2 minutes (watch closely).

Use caution when serving, as the bowls will be very hot. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S ITALIAN-STYLE SALSA

Serve with toast points as an appetizer,

over toasted baguette slices as bruschetta,

or atop breakfast casseroles, hot pizzas,

or serve as a dip with tortilla chips...

Yields: 2 cups

Prep: 15 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1 medium roma tomato, sliced, de-seeded and finely diced

1 (14.5 oz. can) diced tomatoes, drained, and finely chopped

1 handful fresh basil leaves, julienned

1/4 cup finely diced red onion

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/8 teaspoon agave

1 tablespoon freshly-squeezed lemon juice

1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

METHOD

Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl, cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.  ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S SIGNATURE CREAMY TOMATO VINAIGRETTE

I usually have this incredible
creamy vinaigrette on hand in my refrigerator,
it's a fresh and tasty staple readily available at most times in my house...

Yield: 2 cups

Prep: 10 Mins.

Refrigerate: Up to 7 days

INGREDIENTS

1 cup mayonnaise

1 cup seeded and diced roma tomatoes

1/3 cup diced yellow onion

3 tablespoons cider vinegar

2 tablespoons Mazola oil

1/2 teaspoon garlic granules (or powder)

3 tablespoons dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon freshly chopped)

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

METHOD

Place all ingredients into the pitcher of a blender; puree until smooth.

Transfer to a pint-size Mason jar, cover, and store in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours for flavors to meld, or up to 7 days.

Serve with your favorite garden salad, or as a vegetable or torn rustic bread dip. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S HAM and CARAMELIZED ONION PIZZA HAND PIES

Delectable filling includes a combination of

caramelized onion, sweet ham, mozzarella,

parmesan, parsley and a white sauce.

Yields: (8 Hand Pies)

Prep: 30 Mins. (Not including pizza dough 1-Hr/10-Mins. prep/rise time)

Bake: 30 Mins.

homemade pizza dough

INGREDIENTS

2 teaspoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

Pinch of sugar

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/2 recipe of homemade pizza dough

All-purpose flour, for dusting

2-1⁄4 cups shredded mozzarella

1/2 cup finley chopped sweet, cooked ham

2 tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley

homemade ranch dressing

3 tablespoons homemade ranch dressing, plus more for dipping when serving

1⁄2 cup shaved parmesan

-- Egg wash:

1 large egg slightly beaten

1/4 teaspoon water

-- Coarse kosher salt, sprinkle tops before baking

METHOD

If previously refrigerated, make sure pizza dough is at room temperature (takes about 1 hour).

Meanwhile, heat 2 teaspoons olive oil a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, sugar, salt, and pepper, and reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized, about 30 minutes, let cool. [Can easily be prepared ahead of time.]

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.

Dust work surface and dough lightly with flour. Using a rolling pin, roll dough into a rectangle large enough to cut out 16 squares about 1⁄4" thick. Use a 3-1/2" square cutter, or knife, to cut dough into squares. If dough becomes hard to roll, simply let it rest 10 minutes, then continue working it.

Brush olive oil over center (not edges) of half of the square bottom sections. Dividing ingredients equally among half of the squares without over-filling - sprinkle each with half the mozzarella. Top with ham, caramelized onion, and parsley; drizzle with ranch dressing. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and the parmesan over top of each. Place top of squares over filled bottom squares, press edges to initially adhere with fingertips, then with a fork tines to completely seal.  Brush center of tops of pizza pies with egg wash mixture. Finish tops with a light sprinkle of kosher salt.

To cook the pizza hand pies, place pies on prepared baking sheet, cut two small slits on top of each (to vent steam while baking). Bake until crusts are puffed and golden, about 30 minutes. Let set for 5 minutes before serving. ~ Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~
Tip:
Feel free to substitute the ham with finely diced chicken or turkey, that's divine too!

SANDRA'S CHEESY SCALLOPED POTATOES with BACON

This incredible scalloped potato side dish

is a brilliant addition to any main course year-round...

Servings: (6)

Prep: 15 Mins.

Cook: 15 Mins.

Bake: 50 to 60 Mins.

Set: 10 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

2 slices bacon, sliced into strips, browned and crumbled

Sauce:

1/4 yellow onion, chopped

1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic

1 TB Flour

1 to 1-1/2 cups milk

1/4 cup shredded Mexican-blend cheese

6 russet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/8" wide

Topping:

1/4 cup shredded sharp Wisconsin cheddar cheese

1/4 cup shredded dubliner cheese (at Costco)

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a glass 8x8x2" baking dish; set aside.

Heat a medium skillet to medium-high. Brown the bacon, then remove to a paper towel-lined plate, while reserving drippings.  Add the onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.  Reduce the heat to medium, add the flour and let cook for 1 minute.  Pour in milk and bring to a simmer, just until sauce thickens.  Remove from heat and add the 1/4 cup shredded Mexican-blend cheese, gently mixing to combine.

Layer 1/2 of the potato slices in the bottom of prepared baking dish. Sprinkle bacon on top of potato slices, then half the sauce. Layer on the remaining potato slices, then remaining sauce.

Cover baking dish with parchment, then tin foil.  Bake for 30 minutes.  Uncover, sprinkle with 1/4 cup shredded cheddar and 1/4 cup shredded dubliner, and continue baking for 20 to 30 additional minutes, just until potatoes pierced with a fork are tender. Remove from oven and let stand 10 minutes to set. Serve and enjoy!

SANDRA'S COMFORTING PENNE with VEGGIES

Had a craving for a meatless dinner this evening 

so created this recipe using on-hand ingredients, 

which 'fit the bill' to perfection...

Servings: (6)

Prep: 10 Mins.

Cook: 25 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 lb. penne pasta, prepared according to pkg. directions

2 tbsp. light olive oil

2 tbsp. unsalted butter

1/2 onion, finely chopped

1/2 yellow bell pepper, finely chopped

6 crimini mushrooms, halved and sliced

1 garlic clove, minced

2 zucchini, cubed

1 (15 oz. can) diced Italian seasoned tomatoes, undrained

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

2 teaspoons dried basil

2 teaspoons worcestershire

2 teaspoon balsamic

Small squirt of agave (or honey)

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Finishing:

2 tablespoons. unsalted butter

Freshly grated parmesan cheese

METHOD

Begin preparing pasta according to package directions, except cooking shy by a couple minutes (pasta will finish cooking in sauce).  When draining, reserve 1/2 cup hot pasta liquid; set aside.

Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add onion, bell pepper, mushrooms and garlic. Cook until onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add zucchini and tomatoes, kosher salt, red pepper flakes, basil, worcestershire, balsamic, and agave. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 10 minutes.

Add cooked, drained, hot pasta with and additional 2 tablespoons softened butter to skillet, along with freshly ground pepper, and reserved pasta water; toss to combine, and cook for a final 2 minutes.

Serve in pasta bowls, topped with freshly grated parmesan. ~ 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 REFRESHING TOMATO CUCUMBER and BASIL SALAD

A vibrant and delicious salad
you can prepare in minutes
that is so very refreshing and satisfying...

Servings: (4)

Prep: 15 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1 cucumber peeled, and sliced

1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered

¼ red onion, julienned

1 tablespoon fresh torn basil

2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

METHOD

In a medium glass bowl, toss together grape tomatoes, cucumber, onion, basil, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil.  Add kosher salt and pepper, to taste.

Let salad stand 15 minutes for flavors meld prior to serving.

SANDRA’S SENSATIONAL HERB SCALLOPED POTATOES

This low-temperature process

allows all the flavors to gradually and fully

meld into the potatoes

over the 2-hour baking period...

Servings: (6)

Prep: 15 Mins.

Bake: 2 Hrs.

INGREDIENTS

5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/4" thick)

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1-3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon dry mustard

½ teaspoon dried sweet basil

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/8 teaspoon white pepper

1 teaspoon dried parsley

¼ teaspoon paprika

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  

Peel and slice the potatoes, and chop the onions.

Spray a 2-quart baking dish with olive oil, and alternatively layer potatoes and onions; three times.

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter; whisk in flour until smooth, and cook for 2 minutes while continuing to whisk. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, sweet basil, kosher salt and white pepper; cook and stir for 2 minutes, until thick and bubbly. 

Pour sauce over potatoes. Sprinkle with parsley and paprika. 

Cover baking dish, and bake for 2 hours, until potatoes are tender. ~ Enjoy with your favorite main dish and salad or sauteed veggies.

Tip:  This side dish can be prepared in the morning, refrigerated, and then baked when you return home from work in the early evening.

SANDRA’S DOUBLE-BAKED PEPPER-JACK STUFFED POTATOES

Oh my, these potatoes are fantastic
with just the right amount of
spiciness and cheesy gooeyness...

Servings: (2)

Prep: 10 Mins.

Bake: 1 hr. + 10 mins.

INGREDIENTS

2 russet baking potatoes

1 tablespoon butter

1 garlic clove, minced

1/4 cup sour cream

1/4 cup pepper-jack cheese, chopped

2 tablespoons crushed French fried onions

1 teaspoon dried cilantro

1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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

DIRECTIONS

Heat oven to 400.  Pierce potatoes and wrap in tin foil and bake for 1 hour, or until tender. When potatoes have cooled enough to handle, cut lengthwise and scoop out flesh to within ¼” of skin. Set aside to cool; reserve potato shells.

Meanwhile, in medium saucepan melt butter over medium heat, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.  Add cooled potato flesh, pepper-jack cheese, crushed French fried onions, sour cream, cilantro, and kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste. Mash potatoes until all ingredients are incorporated.  Spoon mixture into potatoes shells, and top equally with grated Parmesan. 

Place prepared potatoes on baking sheet, and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until heated through and lightly golden on top (time may vary depending upon the size of potatoes used). ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA’S QUICK N’ HEALTHY PICKLED CUCUMBERS and RED ONIONS

A favorite snack of mine to munch on
during mid-day,
or I use these pickled veggies
as a quick addition to salads,
sandwiches, burgers,
or as a side dish...

Exciting: My recipe was recently featured  on
http://thehomesteadsurvival.com/pickled-cucumbers-red-onions-recipe/

Servings: (6)

Prep: 10 Mins.

Marinate: 1 day

INGREDIENTS

1 medium unpeeled organic cucumber

--score outside flesh lengthwise using a fork, and cut into ¼” slices

¼ organic red onion, cut into ¼” strips

½ teaspoon celery seeds

Pinch of kosher salt

Pinch of granulated sugar

¼ cup apple cider vinegar 

1-3/4 cup cold filtered water

METHOD

Layer the cucumber slices in a wide-mouth pint-sized canning jar, add a pinch of celery seeds, and a layer of red onion strips.  Repeat this layering until jar is filled.  Add the pinches of kosher salt and sugar on top.  Fill jar with the apple cider vinegar and filtered water.  

Cover jar, and store in refrigerator to marinate for 1 day.  

Serve as a snack, side dish, or on your favorite sandwiches and burgers, or an addition to salads. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA’S CHEESY-ONION ZUCCHINI STRIPS

A superb and healthy appetizer or side dish...

Serves: (4)

Prep:  5 Mins.

Bake: 10 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup finely crushed French fried onions

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon fine-grain kosher salt

1/8 teaspoon organic dried basil

1/8 teaspoon organic dried oregano

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1/4 teaspoon organic granulated garlic

2 medium organic zucchinis cut lengthwise into quarters, then halved (16 total strips)

Olive oil spray

 

--Prepared recipe of Sandra’s Homemade Ranch Dip

 

METHOD

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with foil, and set aside.

Combine dry ingredients in a small flat-bottom dish. 

Dry off cut zucchini strips with paper towels, and spray with olive oil on all sides. 

Press each strip with crumb mixture on all sides. 

Arranged coated strips on prepared baking sheet.  

Bake for about 10 minutes, until golden brown and crisp. Plate, and serve with ranch dip. ~ 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 TROPICAL BACON-WRAPPED JALAPENO POPPERS with PINEAPPLE

A tropical complexity of flavors 
that you'll simply adore...

Yields: (10 Poppers)

Prep: 10 mins. | 
Roast: 10 to 15 mins.

Posted: by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

***20 toothpicks, soaked for 30 minutes
***Latex gloves for preparing jalapenos

10 medium jalapeno peppers

--(All of similar size, about 3" long)

1 (8 oz. pkg.) cream cheese, at room temp.

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 (8 oz. can) pineapple tidbits, drained, and squeezed 
--(or crushed pineapple)

2 green onions, finely chopped

10 slices of quality bacon

--(I use Jerry's Meats double-smoked peppered bacon)

Dipping options:

--Store-bought ranch dressing; 
----(or, Sandra's Homemade Ranch Dressing); or

--Sour cream

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.  Prepare a baking sheet lined with foil, with a baking rack on top, and set aside.

Butterfly one side of the jalapeno peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds, ribs, and stems (without cutting through other side of jalapeno flesh - leave some seeds/stems in if you like them spicier).  Cut each piece of bacon in half crosswise. Mix cheeses together in a small bowl, along with the pineapple and green onions. Fill each jalapeno pepper half with cheese mixture. Wrap each jalapeno half with bacon and secure with soaked toothpicks, and place them cheese-filled side up on rack.

Roast poppers in the oven until the bacon is fully cooked, about 10 to 15 minutes (depending on how crispy you like your bacon, and how thick it is to begin with).  Let poppers cool slightly before serving, about 5 minutes.

Note:  You can serve the poppers with a ranch dressing or sour cream, although they're also great as is.

[Don't forget to wash your hands after handling hot peppers even if you used gloves.]

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

Tip: Cooking these on the grill is another great way to add even more smokiness to your jalapeno poppers.

SANDRA’S HOT DUNGENESS CRAB, ARTICHOKE and SPINACH DIP

A festive crowd-pleasing and year-round appetizer 
perfect for any occasion...

Serves: (4 to 6)

Prep: 10 Mins. | Bake: 20 Mins.

Posted: by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

4 oz. cream cheese, at room temp.

1 cup mayonnaise

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon lemon juice

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

1 cup cooked lump Dungeness crab meat

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

1 (9 oz. pkg.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed to drain (I chop it a bit more)

2 green onions, sliced

1 tablespoon jarred roasted bell peppers, chopped

1 teaspoon old bay seasoning

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon dried parsley

--Toasted baguette slices and/or assorted crackers

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a 1-quart casserole dish, and set aside.

Mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, cream, lemon juice, and kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, until combined. Fold in crab, artichokes, spinach, onions, roasted bell peppers, old bay seasoning, garlic powder, and kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

Spoon mixture into prepared casserole dish, while smoothing top.  Sprinkle with remaining ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, and parsley

Cover and bake for 20 minutes, until cheese is melted.

Serve warm with toasted baguette slices, or assorted crackers. – Enjoy!

SANDRA’S WORLD-CLASS ITALIAN SALAD

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

Servings: (4)
Prep: 5 Min.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

***Vinaigrette:

1-1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

3 tablespoons honey

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dijon

***Salad:

6 cups mixed dark salad greens and herbs

1/8 of a red onion, julienned

8 pitted kalamata olives, quartered lengthwise

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

¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

METHOD

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

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

SANDRA’S PORK ITALIAN RED SOUP with STEAMED RICE

I created this recipe using ingredients 
I readily had on hand this evening.
I must say, this is a keeper!

Servings: (4)

Prep: 5 mins. |
Cook: 25 to 30 mins.

Posted: by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon olive oil

1.5 lbs. pork loin, cut into 1” x ½” strips

½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

½ yellow onion, julienned

½ red bell pepper, julienned

1 stock of celery, diagonally sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 (14.5 oz. can) Italian diced stewed tomatoes, with juices

2-1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1/2 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon dried parsley

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

2 cups romaine lettuce, julienned

Garnish:

--2 green onions, sliced

--Also, prepared steamed rice

METHOD

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil.  Add the pork and freshly ground pepper, and cook until lightly seared about 5 to 7 minutes.  Add the onions, red pepper, and celery, and saute until onions are translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.  Add all the remaining ingredients, except the romaine lettuce and green onions.  Cover and reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. 

Add the romaine lettuce, and stir just until wilted. 

Serve over steamed rice in bowls, and garnish each with green onions. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA’S TASTY VENISON SALAMI FRIED RICE

I used homemade Venison Salami 
our brother in law 
Larry Harvey recently provided us...

Servings: (2)

Prep: 5 Mins. |
Cook: 15 Mins.

Posted by:  Sandra

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons light olive oil, divided

2 eggs

¼ cup yellow onion, diced

¼ cup celery, diced

¼ cup red bell pepper, diced

1 garlic clove, minced

¼ cup venison salami, diced

2 cups pre-steamed basmati rice

2 tablespoons ginger soy low-sodium sauce

¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Garnish:

--1 green onion, sliced

--4 large cherry tomatoes, halved

METHOD

Heat a large skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon light olive oil.  Beat the eggs in a small bowl.  Scramble the eggs while breaking them up slightly, and set aside in a small bowl. 

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to skillet and heat to medium-high heat.  Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper to the skillet, and saute until onions are translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.  Add the garlic, and saute for 30 seconds.  Add the diced venison salami, and saute for 1 minute.  Add the rice, and break it up to incorporate with other ingredients while sautéing.  Add the soy sauce and freshly ground pepper, and continue sautéing for a couple of more minutes.  Lastly, add the reserved scrambled eggs, and saute until warmed through.

Serve equally between two dinner plates, and garnish the fried rice with sliced green onions.  Place the cherry tomato halves along side – Enjoy!

SANDRA’S MEYER LEMON STIR-FRY CHICKEN over STEAMED RICE

I created this recipe using Meyer Lemons
grown on my indoor dwarf citrus tree.

Servings: (4)

Prep: 10 Mins. |
Cook: 15 Mins.
(+ Time to steam rice)

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

1 meyer lemon, zested, and juiced

1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth

3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce

2 tablespoons honey

2 teaspoons cornstarch

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and cut into 1” strips

1 cup sliced crimini mushrooms

1 cup diagonally sliced carrots, ¼” thick

1 cup diagonally sliced red bell pepper, ¼” thick

½ cup diagonally sliced onion, ¼” thick

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon chopped, fresh parsley

--Prepared steamed brown rice

METHOD

(Prepare steamed rice, so it is ready when stir-fry is completed.)

Grate 1 teaspoon meyer lemon zest and set aside.

My Lovely Indoor-Grown
Meyer Lemons

Juice the meyer lemon and whisk 3 tablespoons of juice with broth, soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch in a small bowl. 

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until just cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate with tongs.

Add carrots to pan and saute for 1 minute.  Add mushrooms, and bell pepper, and onions to the pan and saute until tender, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, reserved lemon zest, pepper, and reserved chicken and accumulated juices; saute, until fragrant for about 1 minute.

Whisk the broth mixture, and add to pan; stirring, until thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.  Serve stir-fry over brown steamed rice, and sprinkle with parsley.  Enjoy!

SANDRA'S RUSTIC KIELBASA POTATO and VEGGIE CASSEROLE

A very tasty and simple meal to 
quickly put together on those busy nights.

Servings: (4 to 6)

Prep: 10 Mins. |
Bake: 1 Hr.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

1st Set of Ingredients

3 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1” cubes

1 medium onion, roughly chopped

2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped

2 handfuls of baby carrots

1 pkg. dry Lipton onion soup mix

2 tablespoons sherry

1 teaspoon organic dry basil

½ teaspoon organic dry rosemary

1 teaspoon organic dry mustard

2 tomatoes, seeds and juice removed, and roughly chopped

2 zucchini, roughly chopped

METHOD

2nd Set of Ingredients

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Set aside a 9”x12” baking dish.

Place all the first set of ingredients into the baking dish, and toss to combine.
Cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. 

Remove from oven, and add second ingredients; the tomatoes and zucchini, and toss to incorporate.  Re-cover, return to oven, and bake for 15 minutes. 

Hot out of the oven

Remove once again from oven, and toss to combine.  Continue baking, uncovered, for 15 more minutes, or just until potatoes and carrots are fork tender. – Enjoy!

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Tip:  I served this casserole with a loaf of warm and crispy French bread.