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 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!

SANDRA'S MARVELOUS MOOSEY MINI-MEATBALL OPEN-FACED SUBS

A wonderful and very comforting meal
served with local Alaskan Summer beer.
This marinara sauce will end up being your favorite of all time,
I'm sure...

Yields: (8, 6" long sub halves)
Prep: 15 Mins. 

Bake: 15 Mins. (Meatballs)
Bake: 5 to 7 Mins. (French Bread halves)
Simmer: 30 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1" Mini-Meatballs:
--(Yields: 48 mini-meatballs)
1 lb. extra-lean burger (I used moose) 

1 large egg, slightly beaten

2 tablespoons milk

1/2 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs), or regular
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 garlic clove, minced

3 tablespoons red onion, finely minced

½ teaspoon ground mustard

½ teaspoon celery seeds

kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Be sure to have
Alaskan Summer Beer
on hand...

Marinara Sauce:
--(Yields: 5 cups)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
Pinch of red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning herbs
2 teaspoons onion granules
1 (14 oz. can) Italian stewed tomatoes, with juices, broken into small pieces
2 (14 oz. cans) tomato sauce
2 teaspoons honey
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons aged balsamic vinegar

Subs:
1 Loaf of Sandra's Homemade French Bread
2 cups shredded mozzarella
2 cups shredded romaine

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with tin foil, spray with oil, and set aside.

In a medium bowl, mix together burger, beaten egg, milk, panko, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, minced onion, ground mustard, celery seeds, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper. Roll into 1” balls (I do so using a small scoop to ensure meatballs are of uniform size).

Par-bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, turning once half way through.

Meanwhile, in a heavy-bottom large saucepan heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, saute for 30 seconds.  Add the Italian seasoning, and onion granules.  Pour in tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, honey, and kosher salt; bring sauce to a boil. Reduce heat to low, then stir in  balsamic vinegar.

Add the par-baked meatballs, and gently fold to coat with sauce. Simmer, uncovered, on low for 30 minutes, while occasionally folding to continue to coat meatballs with sauce.

In the meantime, slice the french loaf in half lengthwise, and remove a bit of bread in the middle to form a slight well, then cut each half into quarters crosswise (ending up with 8 halves). Place on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly crispy and golden.  

Spread a layer of shredded romaine among each loaf half, generously top with mini-meatballs and sauce, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella. 

Serve with plenty of napkins. ~ Enjoy!

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Tip:  The mini-meatballs and marinara sauce would also be fabulous if you wish to serve it over prepared spaghetti noodles.

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.

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(*) – 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!

MAX’S SCRUMPTIOUS WILD ALASKA KING SALMON SANDWICHES

What a fabulous flavor the
hot and sweet pickles add
to this salmon spread,
we use them in most all  of our sandwiches,
burgers, or individually on the
side with many other dishes...

Serves: (4 to 6)
Prep: 15 Mins.

Posted: by Max via Sandra

INGREDIENTS

3 cups pre-grilled salmon, flaked (no skin or bones)

2 ribs celery, finely chopped
3 scallions (green onions), finely sliced white and green parts
½ cup mayonnaise (more or less to reach desired consistency)
1 teaspoon French’s mustard

Max's Secret Ingredient

¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder 8 hot and sweet pickle slices, finely chopped
--and 2 red chili pickled peppers (from same jar), finely chopped
-----(recommended brand: Private Selection Snackers @ Fred Meyer)
1 iceberg lettuce leaves, torn into pieces
8 to 12 slices whole wheat bread

METHOD

Max's Salmon Spread

In a medium bowl, add all the ingredients, and fold to combine.  Place salmon spread onto half of the bread slices, top with lettuce leaves.  Cut sandwiches diagonally in half, and serve. – Enjoy!

Fresh Tomato Basil Soup

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Tip:  Our favorite is to serve these Salmon Sandwiches with Tomato Basil Soup (click on link below photograph).  Afterwards, we eat fresh wedges of organic oranges, which finishes the meal off quite nicely.

SANDRA’S BUFFALO PULLED-CHICKEN BURGERS

All the ingredients 
for a perfect game day feast...

Servings: (4)
Prep: 5 Mins. |
Cook: 7 to 10 Mins.

Posted by Sandra

***Chicken:
2 cups cooked, skinless, boneless chicken, shredded

*** Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter, melted
½ cup bottled chili sauce
--(or, for Sandra's recipe, click here: Homemade Chili Sauce)
1 dash sriracha sauce (hot sauce)
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon dry mustard
¼ teaspoon celery seed
½ teaspoon molasses

***Remaining ingredients:
4 hamburger buns, toasted
4 tomato slices
4 lettuce leaves
celery sticks
Ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)

METHOD

Add the butter to a medium saucepan, and heat to medium-heat to melt. Add the shredded chicken, and remaining ingredients, tossing to combine, and reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, toast the buns. Place about 1/2 cup chicken mixture on bottom halves of buns; top each with one tomato slice, and one lettuce leaf, and place other halves of buns on top. Place celery sticks, and ranch dressing alongside. – Enjoy!

SANDRA’S ON-THE-RUN BREAKFAST EGG N’ CHEDDAR BLT

A splendid and hearty morning sandwich
to take with you on those busy mornings working, fishing,
hunting, or just any time when you and 
your children are on-the-run - It's great warm,
although wonderful at room temperature too...

Serving: (1)
Prep: 5 Mins. |
Cook: 5 to 7 Mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

2 strips of quality bacon, cut in half crosswise, and browned
1 organic whole egg, fried (with yolk broken)
2 lettuce leaves
2 slices of tomato
1 slice of cheddar cheese
Mayonnaise, for spreading on toast
2 slices whole wheat bread, toasted
Fine-grained Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

METHOD

In a small non-stick skillet over medium heat, brown the bacon, and drain on a paper towel lined plate, reserving a bit of drippings. Reduce the heat to low, and gently fry the egg with the broken yolk.

Meanwhile, place the bread in the toaster. When toast is done, spread one side of each with mayonnaise, and layer the bacon, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and egg on top of one slice of toast. Sprinkle fried egg with sea salt and ground pepper, to taste. Add the other slice of toast. – Enjoy!

SANDRA'S KICKER HORSERADISH BURGER SANDWICHES

I made these burger sandwiches with ingredients
I had on-hand for Max and my lunch, and we were
addicted; hook-line-and-sinker...

Servings: (2)

Prep: 5 Mins. |
Cook: 12 ot 16 Mins.
Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

***Burgers:
½ lb. lean burger, (beef, venison,  moose, or buffalo)
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
pinches each of kosher salt, and ground pepper

***Horseradish Sauce:
1/3 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons hot horseradish
1-1/2 tablespoons dijon
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

--4 slices of whole wheat bread
--Romaine lettuce leaves
--1 ripe tomato, sliced

METHOD

Heat a medium non-stick skillet to medium-high heat. In a medium bowl add the burger, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and ground pepper, and then gently mix just to combine. Form the burger mixture into 2 square-shaped patties (that are a bit larger than your bread slices, as they will shrink during the cooking process), and place a dimple in center. Cook burgers for 6 to 8 minutes per side.

Whisk the sour cream, horseradish, and dijon in a small bowl, and then taste; adding kosher salt and ground pepper, to taste.

Toast four bread slices, and spread the horseradish mixture over all of them. Arrange the hamburgers over 2 prepared slices of toasted bread, followed by romaine lettuce leaves, tomato slices, and the other prepared bread slices upside down. Place any remaining Horseradish Sauce in a small serving bowl, and serve aside the Horseradish Sandwich Burgers for dipping, with dill pickle spears. – Enjoy!


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Tip:  Store remaining Horseradish Sauce in refrigerator for using with other sandwiches or recipes.

SANDRA'S B.L.A.S.T. SANDWICH or APPETIZER

Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado, Sprouts, and Tomato
(B.L.A.S.T.) Sandwich = SCRUMPTIOUS!

Prep: 3 Mins. |
Cook: 7 Mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

6 slices peppered smoky bacon
4 slices of quality bread
mayonnaise (for spreading)
romaine lettuce leaves
½ ripe avocado, peeled, deseeded, and sliced
½ cup sprouts
½ tomato, sliced
Kosher salt and ground pepper to taste

***Optional:
--I sometimes add provolone or pepper jack cheese slices as well ;)

METHOD

Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the bacon and cook until brown and crisp for about 7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain.

Lightly toast the bread slices, and then spread each with mayonnaise. Layer on the bacon, lettuce, avocado, sprouts, and tomatoes onto two of the toasted slices of bread. Season with kosher salt and ground pepper to taste, and place remaining two toasted slices of bread on top, then cut in half. ~ Enjoy!


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Tip: This sandwich is absolutely wonderful when served with a side of tomato soup ;)

SANDRA'S SUPERB FRESH HALIBUT PO’ BOYS

Serves: (4)

Prep: 5 mins. |
Cook: 10 mins.

Posted: by Sandra

INGREDIENTS:

***Topping
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sour cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1-3/4 cups shredded green cabbage
1/4 cup shredded carrots

***Prepare Halibut Strips
1 lb. fresh halibut fillets, cut into 2-1/2” strips (finger-size)
2 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornmeal
2 teaspoons cajun seasoning (or creole seasoning)
½ teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

4 potato sandwich rolls split lengthwise, and lightly toasted
--(I do so in the toaster, although 5 to 7 mins. in
a 350-degree oven works as well)

METHOD

In a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and sugar until smooth. Add coleslaw mix; toss, and set aside.

In a shallow dish, coat the halibut with milk. In a large ziploc bag, combine flour, cornmeal, cajun seasoning, salt, and cayenne and mix thoroughly, and then add the halibut strips a few pieces at a time; zip bag closed and shake to coat.

In a large non-stick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat, and cook halibut for 3 to 4 minutes per side, just until fish flakes easily with a fork and coating is golden brown (do not overcook).

Spoon coleslaw onto bottom half of lightly toasted sandwich rolls, and top with halibut strips, and then add a bit more coleslaw mixture on top, topping with other half of roll.~ Enjoy!