SANDRA'S QUICK HOMEMADE SAUERKRAUT with CARROTS

 Absolutely the freshest and best tasting sauerkraut,

in my humble opinion,

which is great on venison or moose Reuben grilled sandwiches

or Smoked Brat hot dogs...

Yield: (3 cups)

Prep: 5 Mins. (more time if shredding your own veggies)

Cook: 45 Mins.

Store: Refrigerated up to 2 wks

INGREDIENTS

1 (16-oz. pkg) Organic Shredded Cabbage and Carrots

--or 1/2 head of medium-size green cabbage thinly sliced into shreds and 1 shredded carrot on large holes of box grater--

1/4 cup distilled white vinegar

3/4 cup water

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon whole caraway seeds

METHOD

Add all the ingredients to a non-reactive Dutch Oven (or heavy-bottom stainless steel pot).  Stir, and bring to boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 45 minutes, while occasionally stirring.

Let sauerkraut cool completely.  Spoon into a glass quart-size wide-mouth Mason jar, cover with a plastic lid (not metal), and store up to 2 weeks in refrigerator. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S INSTANT (Ground) CORNED-BEEF-STYLE SEASONING BLEND

A quick and easy method in which to add
a corned-beef
flavor to 3 lbs of cooked (sliced/shredded) venison/moose/beef roast.

I came up with this recipe so I could prepare grilled Reuben sandwiches
any time to my heart's desire...

Yield: (1/2 tablespoon)

Prep: 5 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon ground mustard

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

--3 lbs sliced/shredded cooked venison/moose/beef

--1/2 cup hot broth (either venison/moose/beef)

METHOD

In a small bowl/ramekin, mix all ingredients.

Whisk spice mixture with 1/2 cup hot broth (venison/moose/beef). Add to 3 lbs. of sliced/shredded cooked venison/moose/beef; microwave for 2 minutes to incorporate spices into meat for a corned-beef flavor. 

Enjoy on your favorite Reuben grilled sandwich, or serve with steamed cabbage and carrots for a main dish!

SANDRA'S HOMEMADE THOUSAND ISLAND DRESSING

A classic dressing that I've been making for years!

It's my 'go to' dressing to enhance grilled Reuben sandwiches,
moose and venison burgers,
iceberg wedge salads,
as a dip for fresh veggie sticks, etc...

Yield: Appx. 2 cups

Prep: 15 mins.

Chill: 2 hrs. minimum

INGREDIENTS

1 cup prepared mayonnaise (I use Best Foods)

1/2 cup Ketchup (I use Heinz)

2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/4 cup finely diced sweet gherkins

1 large egg, hard boiled, cooled, peeled and finely diced

METHOD

Mix all ingredients in a small glass bowl. Transfer to a glass wide-mouth pint-size Mason jar, cover with a plastic lid, and chill for a minimum of 2 hours or up to 2 wks. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA’S GRILLED HAM REUBEN SANDWICHES

The traditional method is to use Pastrami,
although I had Ham on-hand today ~
These are superb!

Serves: 2

Prep: 5 Mins. |
Grill: 4 to 6 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

2 teaspoon unsalted butter, at room temp

4 slices whole wheat bread

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1-1/2 tablespoons ketchup

1 tablespoon gherkins, finely chopped

½ teaspoon lemon juice

4 slices *Dubliner cheese (or Jarlsberg or Swiss)

4 thin slices of quality ham

4 tablespoons sauerkraut, squeezed dry

***Suggested serving options:

--Prepared French fries, with ketchup for dipping

--2 dill pickles, halved lengthwise

METHOD

On a paper towel, spread each slice of bread with butter on one side, and flip them over.

Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickles, lemon juice in a small bowl, and spread on each bread slice (non-buttered sides). Top spread with half the cheese, ham, sauerkraut, and remaining cheese. Top with other bread slices (sauce-side down).

Heat a large non-stick grill (or regular) skillet over medium heat. Grill sandwiches for 2-3 minutes on each side until bread is golden and cheese melts. Cut each sandwich diagonally in half and serve with French fries and ketchup for dipping, and dill pickle slices.

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

(*) – We purchased the 2-lb. Irish Dubliner cheese from Costco ~ It has a very distinct flavor with a hint of sweetness, and it's a fine melting cheese.  It’s also delicious as a snack with sliced apples!