SANDRA’S ASIAN CABBAGE MANDARIN RAMEN SALAD

This healthy salad is

just as vibrant as it is delicious…

Servings: 10-12

Prep: 30 Mins.

Refrigerate: Min. of 1 hr. before serving

 

INGREDIENTS

 

Salad

 

6 cups shredded green cabbage

1 cup shredded carrots

1 pkg chicken ramen noodles broken into small pieces, reserving seasoning pkt for dressing

½ red bell pepper, julienned

¼ cup sliced green onions, both white and green parts

2 (13-oz) cans mandarin oranges, drained

¼ cup toasted and chopped almonds

 

Dressing

 

½” piece of fresh ginger, grated

1 garlic clove, grated

Seasoning pkt from ramen

½ cup canola oil

1 tsp toasted sesame oil

2 TB rice wine vinegar

¼ c lemon juice

2 TB low-sodium soy sauce

1 TB agave

¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

 

METHOD

 

Place all the salad ingredients into a large bowl. 

 

In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients until emulsified.

 

Pour the dressing over salad mixture and toss coat evenly.

 

Cover and store in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour before serving. ~ Enjoy!

 

SANDRA'S HOT ARTICHOKE-SPINACH DIP

My best recipe for this dip without a lot of frills
to let the artichoke and spinach flavors shine through...

Yield: 6-8 Servings

Prep: 10 Mins.

Bake: 25 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup sour cream

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 garlic clove, grated

2/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon freshly-ground pepper

1 (14 oz.-can) quartered artichoke hearts, drained, then chop each heart crosswise 4 times

6 oz. frozen spinach, thawed, then squeezed to drain excess liquid, and chopped finer

METHOD

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

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

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

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

SANDRA'S TERRIFIC TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE

A quick and easy go-to meal made with ingredients
most have on hand, and it's deliciously addicting... 

Servings: (6-8)
Prep: 20 Mins.
Bake: 35 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Pasta:

1 (12-oz. bag) wide-egg noodles cooked according to pkg directions, but to al dente for about 5 minutes, drain

Filling:

2 TB mazola oil

1/2 cup diced yellow onion

1/4 cup diced celery

1/4 cup finely diced carrots

Assembled and ready for the oven...

1 (4-oz can) sliced mushrooms, drained

1/2 teaspoon garlic granules

1/2 teaspoon onion granules

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/2 teaspoon Johnny's Seasoning

1/4 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning

--1/4 cup frozen peas

Sauce:

1 (10.5-oz can) cream of mushroom soup

1 (7-oz can) albacore tuna packed in water, do not drain - however break up pieces

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1 cup 2% milk

3/4 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
1 TB worcestershire
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 TB dried parsley

Topping:

13 ritz crackers, crushed
1 TB shredded parmesan

2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter

METHOD

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray, then set aside a 9x13" glass baking dish.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add all filling ingredients, except frozen peas, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes while occasionally stirring, just until carrots are crisp-tender. Add the frozen peas, and set skillet aside off heat.

In a large bowl, combine sauce ingredients.  Add the cooked noodles and filling ingredients to the bowl; fold to combine.  Add casserole mixture to the baking dish and spread out in an even layer.

In a small bowl, add the crushed ritz crackers, parm cheese and melted butter, mix to combine.  Sprinkle casserole with the topping mixture.

Bake in preheated oven, covered, for 25 minutes. Uncover, then continue baking for 10 minutes, just until top turns golden.  Let stand 5 minutes, then serve with your favorite salad and/or garlic bread. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S SPECTACULAR SLOPPY JOES

A quick and easy lunch or dinner.

Also, it's a perfect take-along dish if you wish to double or triple the recipe

for functions ~ keep warm in a slow cooker though and serve as sliders!

Servings: (4)

Prep: 10 Mins.

Cook: 15 to 20 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1 lb extra-lean ground moose (or venison, or beef)

1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic

1/4 teaspoon granulated onion

1/2 cup diced celery

1/4 cup diced yellow onion

1/4 cup diced red bell pepper

1 (8oz-can) tomato sauce

1⁄4 cup ketchup

2 tablespoons spicy barbecue sauce (I use Stubb's Spicy)

1 tablespoon light brown sugar

1 teaspoon dry mustard

Freshly ground pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon cider vinegar

METHOD

In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground meat, celery, bell pepper and onion.

Stir in remaining ingredients, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve open-face style over toasted buns with a side of prepared Sandra's potato salad or coleslaw. ~ Enjoy!

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

Tip: I toast my buns in my toaster set on the 'bagel setting,' or feel free to do so in the oven under the broiler.

SANDRA'S CHEESY HASH BROWN CASSEROLE

Delicious sides dish that's a 'crowd pleaser' 

when the recipe is doubled,

or for a smaller family (as in recipe shown below) it's just as great too!

After all, you can't go wrong with potatoes and cheese...

(Serves 2 to 4)

Prep: 10 Mins.

Bake: 30 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1-1/4 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese, divided

1-1/4 cup shredded mozzarella, divided

1 tablespoon unsalted cold butter, divided

1/4 cup low sodium beef broth

2 tablespoons dried minced onion

1 teaspoon granulated garlic

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

10 ozs. (about 2 cups) frozen hash browns (do not thaw) 

~ I make my own freezer hash browns using russet potatoes

METHOD

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Spray, with butter spray, a 6x6" casserole dish and set aside.

In a medium bowl, mix the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to combine; set aside separately 1/2 cup of cheese mixture for the final topping.

Divide the cold butter in half (2-teaspoon-portions each). Melt half the butter; set both cold and melted butter aside.

To the cheese mixture in the medium bowl, add the reserved melted butter, beef broth, dried minced onion, granulated garlic and black pepper; mix to combine.  Gently fold in frozen hash browns (do not over mix).

Place a large non-stick skillet over medium heat; add the reserved cold butter. Once the butter is melted, gently add the hash brown mixture to the skillet (do not pack down) and heat mixture just until cheese melts, while occasionally stirring very gently (do not break up hash browns), about 3 to 5 minutes.

Pour mixture into prepared casserole dish and top with reserved 1/2 cup of cheese mixture. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes, just until the top turns a deep golden brown.

Let casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving. ~ Enjoy!

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

Tip:

If you wish to double the recipe, it's easily done by using a larger 8x8" casserole and increasing the baking time (but at the same temperature above) to 50 minutes, which will provide 6 to 8 servings.

SANDRA'S BEST ALASKAN SALMON DIP/SPREAD

A go-to appetizer that is a family favorite
which you are able to use with salmon (as I did here),
or sub the salmon for cooked halibut, dungeness or tanner crab, or minced clams...
--for king crab which is richer here's the link for that recipe https://sandrarecipeblogsite.blogspot.com/2017/07/sandras-famous-alaskan-king-crab-dip.html#.WYAQGoTyvDc...

Yield: (1-1/2 cups)

Prep: 10 mins.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup (about 2 fillets) prepared cooked, regular or smoked salmon, flaked (no bones or skin)

--do not use lox--

1/4 cup whipped cream cheese

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1/2 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon worcestershire

1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic

1/4 teaspoon granulated onion

1/2 teaspoon old bay seasoning

1/4 teaspoon seasoning salt

1/4 teaspoon ground paprika

Pinch of ground cayenne

Pinch of freshly ground black pepper

Serving options:

--crackers

--whole wheat bread slices quartered

--cucumber slices

--celery stocks

--toasted baguette slices

Garnish options:

--Green onion (green parts only), finely sliced

--Paprika

METHOD

Combine all the above ingredients in a small bowl, using a dinner fork. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

Serve with your favorite snacking options (a few suggestions are listed above), then top with finely sliced green onions and a light sprinkle of paprika. ~ Enjoy!

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

Tip:

Also great to make halibut, dungeness or tanner crab, or clam dip, simply substitute the 1 cup of cooked salmon for cooked halibut, dungeness or tanner crab, or minced clams, respectively.

If you're lucky to have King Crab...here's the separate recipe link, as it's richer and requires different ingredient proportions: https://sandrarecipeblogsite.blogspot.com/2017/07/sandras-famous-alaskan-king-crab-dip.html#.WYAQGoTyvDc

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 ICE BOX STRAWBERRY POKE CAKE

A perfectly delightful and flavorful cake that's incredibly scrumptious!

This dessert can easily be made a day ahead of when you plan to serve it
or deliver to your favorite function...

Servings (12)

Prep: 20 Mins.

Bake: 30 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Jello

1 (3-oz. pkg. - small box) Sugar Free Strawberry Jello

1 cup boiling water

Cake

2 large eggs

1 cup water

1/2 cup Mazola oil

1 (5.3-oz. container) Strawberry Chobani Greek Yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 (15.25 oz. box) Betty Crocker Delights Super Moist French Vanilla Cake Mix

Strawberry Frosting

2-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/2 cup Yakutat Wild Alaska Strawberry Jam

2 heaping tablespoons sour cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1-2 tablespoons water (or enough until your desired consistency is reached)

Optional: Red organic food coloring gel

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13" glass baking dish; set aside.

In a glass 2-cup measure, pour 1 cup of boiling water, add jello and stir to dissolve; set aside.

In a medium bowl, beat the eggs, add the water, oil, yogurt and vanilla extract and beat (using a hand mixer) to combine. Add the dry cake mix and beat to combine, for 2 minutes. Pour batter evenly into prepared baking dish, and gently tap to release air bubbles and assist to level cake.

Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, turning half way through, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Place cake, while in baking dish, onto a baking rack to cool completely. 

Once cooled, poke the cake using a wooden skewer about 1/2" apart from top to bottom. Give the jello a final stir and slowly pour over cake surface (avoid the edges of cake).  Place the cake in the refrigerator to solidify the jello for 2 hours.

Meanwhile, prepare the frosting by sifting the confectioners' sugar in a sieve placed over a medium bowl. Add the butter, vanilla extract, strawberry jam, sour cream and water. Use a hand mixer to combine, adding water 1 tablespoon at a time until your desired consistency is reached.  Add a few squirts of red organic food coloring gel, if desired.

Frost cake surface, while in baking dish, cover, and return to refrigerator after serving to store remaining cake. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S BANANA-PINEAPPLE-LEMON BARS

The most succulent dessert bars you'll ever have
with a tropical flair that's simply decadent...

Servings: (12)

Prep: 15 Mins.

Bake: 35-40 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Wet:

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup granulated sugar

1 egg, beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry (sift):

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon double-acting baking powder (or regular)

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup all-purpose flour

Add:

2 medium, ripe bananas, peeled and mashed

1 (8-oz. can) crushed pineapple, drained

1/2 teaspoon finely grated, lemon zest

Topping:

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray with baking spray a dark 9 x 9 square pan with cooking spray; set aside.

In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to combine melted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar. Add beaten egg and vanilla extract; mix to combine (while scraping sides of bowl) until light and fluffy.

Place a sieve over wet ingredients and sift cinnamon, salt, baking powder and soda, and flour over dry ingredients.

Do not mix further until you add the mashed bananas, drained pineapple and grated lemon zest.  Using a wooden spoon, mix batter just until these ingredients are incorporated.

Spread mixture evenly into prepared pan, gently tap to release air bubbles.

In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over top of batter mixture.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, just until cake tester comes out clean (do not over bake or bars will be dry).

Remove pan from oven onto a baking rack and allow to cool in pan for 30 minutes. Carefully cut into 12 even bars and place onto a serving platter. Serve with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S FINEST BANANA BUNDT CAKE EVER

What a fabulous dessert that's awesome the day it's baked,
and even more scrumptious the following day...

Servings: 12

Prep: 20 Mins.

Bake: 45-55 Mins.

INGREDIENTS:

1st Wet:

3 (medium) ripe bananas, mashed

1 tablespoon freshly-squeezed lemon juice

2nd Wet:

1 tablespoon freshly-squeezed lemon juice

1-1/2 cup 2% milk

Beat:

2/3 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed

3rd Wet:

3 large eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry (sift)

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1-1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon table salt

METHOD:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a bundt pan with baking spray; set aside.

In a small bowl, add the bananas with 1 TB lemon juice, and mash until combined; set aside.

In a 2-cup-glass-measuring-cup, add 1-1/2 cup milk and then 1 TB lemon juice (let activate for 5 minutes).

Meanwhile, in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the butter with both sugars for 3 minutes.  Add the beaten eggs and vanilla extract; mix to combine for 2 more minutes.

Stop mixer, and place a sieve over wet ingredients in mixing bowl. Add all the dry ingredients to sieve and sift over wet ingredients.

Restart mixer very slow and gently pulsing mix in, while pouring, the milk/lemon juice mixture. Add the banana/lemon juice mixture and then mix gently just until combined.

Use a spatula to scrape sides and bottom of bowl, folding to combine cake batter a few times by hand. Pour cake batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan.  Tap pan to remove air bubbles.

Bake for 45-55 minutes, turning bundt pant half way through baking, just until a toothpick inserted in center of bundt ring comes out clean (do not over bake or cake will become dry).

Let cake cool in bundt pan for 5 minutes on baking rack, then flip using baking rack and let rest on rack then dust while hot with powdered sugar (I place tin foil underneath baking rack to ease with clean up).  Let cake cool completely on baking rack before transferring to a covered cake pedestal/plate.

Serve with whipped cream, if desired. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S PEANUT BUTTER-MINI CHOCOLATE CHIP-CINNAMON COOKIES

A light, buttery cookie that enhances in flavor over time,
they're delectable and deliciously addicting!

Yields: About 42 cookies
Prep 15 mins

Bake: 10-12 mins

INGREDIENTS

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1 large egg, beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon double-acting baking powder (or regular)

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter)

1/4 cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips

--Sugar (1/2 cup) for rolling balls, and dipping fork to form criss-cross texture on cookie tops

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare baking sheets topped with silpat liners or parchment paper; set aside.

In a stand mixer using the paddle attachment, cream together the peanut butter, butter, white sugar, and brown sugar for 5 minutes, until light and creamy. Add the beaten egg and vanilla, mixing to combine. Place a sieve over the wet ingredients in the stand mixer bowl and sift flour, baking powder and soda, cinnamon and salt; mix to combine. Add the mini chocolate chips, mix just to combine (do not over mix).

Place 1/2 cup sugar into a small bowl; set aside.

Roll mini scoop full of dough into balls. Roll each ball in sugar, and place cookies 2 inches apart onto prepared baking sheets. Press each ball twice with fork tines to form a criss-cross pattern (dip fork into sugar so it does not stick while doing so). Be sure not to flatten the cookies too much when doing so, or they will not bake properly.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in preheated oven, until edges are lightly browned. Let cool on baking sheet for 1 minute before transferring to a baking rack to cool completely. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S ANYTIME SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

I microwave the sweet potatoes with 1 TB of water

so as to retain their utmost flavor

versus boiling them in the traditional fashion.

This makes for a phenomenal sweet potato casserole...

Servings: (6)

Par-Cook: 7-10 Mins.

Bake: 30 to 35 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

4 (about 1 lb.) of regular-size sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2" cubes

2 tablespoons cold, unsalted butter, diced

2 tablespoons real maple syrup (more or less, to your desired sweetness)

1 tablespoon orange juice

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pinch of freshly ground nutmeg

--2 cups miniature marshmallows

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Set aside an 8x8" casserole dish.

Place sweet potatoes in a medium glass bowl with 1 tablespoon water, cover with a large microwaveable plate, and cook in microwave on high for 7 minutes. Stir, recover, and microwave in for 1 minute -- 3 times; for a total of 10 minutes, just until sweet potatoes are fork tender.

Using mitts, as bowl will be hot, remove from microwave (do not drain). Add butter, maple syrup, orange juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg; toss to combine just until butter has melted. Spread evenly into prepared baking dish. Top with miniature marshmallows.

Bake, uncovered, for 30 to 35 minutes in preheated oven, until marshmallows are puffy, golden brown and crispy. ~ Enjoy!

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

Tip:

If you prefer a fluffy and smooth sweet potato casserole, simply use a hand mixer to beat the mashed sweet potatoes and other ingredients (except marshmallows), then top with marshmallows before baking.

SANDRA'S WHITE 'N DARK CHOCOLATE WALNUT COOKIES

Watch out folks!

These newly created sinfully delicious cookies

will knock your socks off, they're every chocolate lovers' dream...

Yields: (Appx. 5 doz.)

Prep: 15 Mins.

Bake: 10 to 12 Minutes (per batch)

INGREDIENTS

Wet:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs

Dry (sift):

2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

2/3 cup Hershey's unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon espresso powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon double-acting baking powder (or regular)

1/4 teaspoon table salt

Additions:

1/2 cup Mini Semi Sweet Chocolate chips
1/2 cup White Chocolate Chips

1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts (measure after finely chopping)

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line 2 baking sheets with silpat liners or parchment paper; set aside.

Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in stand mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Sift dry ingredients together through a sieve, then gradually add and beat into dry mixture. Add both chocolate and white chips, and walnuts; mix, just to incorporate. Drop by a rounded mini-scoop (or teaspoon), 1" apart, onto prepared  baking sheets.

Bake in batches for 10 to 12 minutes/batch, until centers are set. Cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes; remove to wire rack to cool completely. ~ Enjoy!

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 ALASKAN HALIBUT FRIED RICE

An incredible and  tasty one-pot-wonder that is quite versatile
in that you can change it up by substituting halibut with
shrimp, chicken, or pork, and so on...

Servings: ( 8 to 10)

Prep: 15 min

Cook: 10 min

INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons canola oil, divided

3 eggs, lightly beaten

8 oz. fillet halibut, cut into 1" cubes

2 cups *pre-steamed carrots and sweet petite peas (See How To TIP below)

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon granulated garlic

1 tablespoon dried minced onion

Freshly ground pepper, to taste

5 cups cooked white rice

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

1/8 teaspoon sesame oil

1/4 teaspoon rice vinegar

METHOD

In a Dutch Oven, heat 1 tablespoon of the canola oil over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and stir fry, while breaking into large bits; remove to a plate. Wipe out pot clean, and add 1 tablespoon canola oil. Add the halibut, and stir fry until opaque. Remove halibut to same plate as eggs; set aside.

Wipe out the skillet, place it back on heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon canola oil. Add the mixed vegetables, ginger, garlic powder, and dried minced onion, pepper and rice, and stir fry for 2 minutes. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil and rice vinegar; stir to combine, and continue cooking for another 2 minutes. Gently add back in the halibut and chopped egg and fold for another 2 minutes to combine and heat through. Serve immediately. ~ Enjoy!

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

Tip:

*PRE-STEAM VEGGIE PREP:

Finely dice the carrots to equal 1 cup. Add the carrots and frozen petite sweet peas to a microwave-able bowl with 1 tablespoon water. Cover bowl with a plate, and microwave on High for 3 minutes to pre-steam. Drain.

SANDRA'S BAKED RICE PUDDING with RAISINS

Each time I prepare this heavenly dessert
 it brings back numerous and comforting memories...

Servings: (6-8)

Prep: 15 Mins.

Bake: 1 Hr. 30 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

3 large eggs

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons bourbon-vanilla extract (or vanilla extract)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

2-1/2 cups 2% milk (or regular)

1/2 cup raisins

1-1/2 cups cooked, cold basmati rice

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350F. 

Whisk together cold milk, eggs, vanilla and sugar. 

Stir in rice, spices and raisins. 

Pour into a greased casserole baking dish (I used an 8x8 pan). 

Bake, uncovered, for 50 to 60 minutes, or until set (stirring half way to distribute spices floating on top more evenly). ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S BAKED DONUT HOLES

A delightful and airy confection!

I guarantee you won't be able to stop with just 1, 2, 3 or 4...

Yield: (Appx. 60 Donut Holes)

Prep: 10 Mins.

Bake: 10-12 Mins. per batch

INGREDIENTS

Special equipment: Mini Muffin Tin (24/batch)

Batter:

1 large egg, beaten

1-1/2 cup milk

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1-1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg

2 teaspoons double-acting baking powder (or regular)

Finishing:

Brush warm donut holes with:

--1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (in microwave-proof bowl for 30 secs)

--Place in large Ziploc bag (for shaking warm donut holes to coat)

1 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Pinch of freshly ground nutmeg

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spot spray with Bakers Joy each mini muffin tin cup; set aside (or with oil then dusted with flour) -- this process will be repeated for each batch to prevent donut holes from sticking.

In a medium bowl, add egg and beat with a fork. Add in milk, vegetable oil and vanilla extract, mix to combine. Add in remaining batter ingredients; and using a wooden spoon mix to just combine. Using a 2-TB-size scoop, fill each cup in mini muffin tin, about 3/4's full.

Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until they're light golden on top and slightly brown on edges, and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Meanwhile, place 1 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg in a large 

Ziploc bag, shake to combine and set aside. Also, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a small microwave-proof bowl for 30 seconds; set aside with a pastry brush.

Place a clean kitchen towel on counter. While hot, tip muffin tin over on its side so hot donut holes fall out onto kitchen towel. Flip them over and lightly brush tops with melted butter. Gently add warm donut holes, 6 at a time, into Ziploc bag with spice-sugar mixture, shake to coat, then place onto a wire rack to cool. Store completely cooled donut holes in an airtight container. ~ Enjoy!

TIP:

If you'd like to make mini donuts, do so in the same method; same baking time but use a mini non-stick donut pan (I purchased mine through Amazon-Prime).

Chocolate Glaze

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

3 tablespoons milk or water

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract.

In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and cocoa powder.  Slowly stir in milk and vanilla extract.  Whisk until silky and smooth.  If you need a touch more milk to make this a dippable glaze, add a bit more.

Dip doughnuts in chocolate glaze and let rest to harden slightly.

Doughnuts are best served the day they’re made.  They also freeze just fine!

SANDRA'S FRESH APPLE STREUSEL COFFEE CAKE

A delightful change-up to an old  coffee cake classic
with the addition of thinly sliced fresh Fugi apples.

It's so amazing the incredible enhancement of flavors
that predominately come through 
once this dessert is allowed to sit overnight...

Servings: (12)

Prep: 15 min.

Bake: 45 to 50 mins.

INGREDIENTS

Streusel:

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 cup chopped candied pecans
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Cake:

-Wet Ingredients -

1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

1 egg, beaten

1 (6-oz. carton) Chobani Greek Yogurt (I used strawberry, found by the case at Costco)
1 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon bourbon extract (or vanilla)

-Dry Ingredients-

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon fine-grain kosher salt

Fruit:
2 Fugi apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced

METHOD

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray a glass 9x12" square baking dish and set aside.

In a small bowl, whisk streusel ingredients; set aside.

In a large bowl of a stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, yogurt, sour cream and vanilla until combined (while stopping mixer periodically to scrape sides of bowl). Place a sieve over top of large bowl of wet ingredients, adding flour, and sprinkling in baking powder, baking soda and salt; sift dry ingredients over wet ingredients, and mix until batter is fully incorporate (batter will be somewhat thick).

Using the back of an offset spatula, gently spread batter into prepared baking dish working from the center to outer edges; sprinkle 1/2 of streusel evenly over batter and gently press to adhere. Layer sliced apples in an overlapping fan fashion to form 3 rows lengthwise (see photo below), and gently press to adhere. Sprinkle remaining streusel over top.

Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour-10 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean and apples are tender. 

Cool coffee cake on a wire rack for a minimum of 30 minutes prior to slicing into 12 squares. ~ Enjoy!

Oh, the anticipation until it cools...

SANDRA'S ALASKAN HEARTY MOOSE LASAGNA

I created this lasagna recipe

using ingredients I had on hand this morning.

It turned out fabulous just in time for lunch!

We'll be enjoying this for dinner as well...

Servings: (12)

Prep: 15 Mins.

Bake: 1 Hr.

Let Stand: 15 Mins.

INGREDIENTS:

Moose meat sauce: 
--(When using no-boil lasagna noodles, it's imperative that the sauce be thinner than normal so the correct lasagna consistency is achieved):

1 lb. extra-lean moose burger 

--(or other types of meat, although drain after browning if non-extra-lean burger is not used)

1/4 cup finely chopped sweet onion

1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper

1/4 cup finely chopped button mushrooms

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic

1/2 teaspoon granulated onion

2 teaspoons balsamic

1 teaspoon worcestershire

2 teaspoons amber agave

1 (24 oz jar) Newman's Own Organic Tomato Basil marinara sauce

1/4 cup water (to rinse marinara jar, as this sauce is rather thick)

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

Cheeses:

4 cups shredded fiesta blend cheese, divided

1 (15 oz. container) ricotta

1/4 cup finely shredded fresh parmesan, plus more for final topping

Pasta:

12 no-boil lasagna pasta sheets

METHOD:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Set aside a 9x12" glass baking dish sprayed with oil, and place atop a slightly larger foil-lined baking sheet.

Moose meat sauce:

In a medium saucepan over medium high-heat, brown the burger half way about 3 minutes. Add the onion, bell pepper and onions and cook for 3 minutes. Add the remaining sauce ingredients and bring to boil; reduce heat to simmer, cover, and let simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, uncover, and set aside.

Cheeses:

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, gently combine 2 cups of fiesta blend cheese, ricotta and parmesan. Set aside, along with remaining 2 cups of fiesta blend cheese.

Pasta:

Lay out no-boil lasagna sheets; set aside.

ASSEMBLY:

Lightly cover bottom of prepared glass baking dish with a bit of sauce.

Then begin layering with 3 sheets of no-boil pasta, 3/4 cup of sauce, 3/4 cup of cheese mixture; repeat 3 times.

Final layer: Place 3 sheets of no-boil pasta, the remaining sauce, and top with reserved 2 cups of fiesta cheese, including a final sprinkling of parmesan.

Assembled lasagna, ready for the oven...

BAKE:

Cover baking dish with foil (sprayed underneath with oil to prevent cheese from sticking while baking). Bake for 45 minutes.  Remove foil and continue baking for 15 minutes, until lasagna is bubbly and golden on top. 

Remove lasagna from oven and let stand on wire rack, uncovered, for 15 minutes prior to slicing. Serve lasagna with your favorite dressed garden salad. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S MOOSEY ALASKAN SLOPPY JOES (Quick N Easy)

A surprisingly quick and easy method to prepare terrific sloppy joes for a crowd

that's nearly as fast as opening the traditional store-bought canned version, 

but tastier...

Serves: (6-8, depending on bun size)

Prep: 5 Mins.

Cook: 10 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1 lb. lean moose burger (or venison, buffalo, caribou, elk, poultry, beef...)

Pinch of red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon finely chopped green bell pepper

1 tablespoon finely chopped celery

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon low-sodium tamari (or soy sauce)

1 teaspoon worcestershire

1 (15 oz. can) tomato sauce

1/2 cup ketchup

1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard

6-8 potato buns (or your preference)

Side options:

-Potato Chips

-Dill Pickle Spears

-Sandra's Best Coleslaw (click for recipe)

-Sandra's Best Potato Salad (click for recipe)

METHOD

In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, brown the burger (drain if using non-lean).  Add the remaining ingredients; bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.  Cover skillet and simmer for 10 minutes, while occasionally stirring.

Meanwhile, lightly toast buns either under the broiler for a couple of minutes or in the toaster using the 'bagel' setting.

Serve immediately by generously spooning Sloppy Joe sauce onto bottom toasted bun, top with other half of bun. ~ Enjoy!