SANDRA'S ALASKA STEAMER CLAMS in a GARLIC-BUTTER-VODKA SAUCE

Yakutat Alaska white steamer clams
are prepared in a velvety garlic-butter-vodka sauce
to create my infamous side or main dish,
including adding crispy Texas toast dipping...

Servings: 4 as an appetizer or 2 as a main course

Prep: 10 Mins.

Cook: 20 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 3 equal pats (divided)

3/4 cup finely chopped celery

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup chopped green onion, both white and green parts

1/2 cup chopped, fresh roma tomatoes

Yes, we ate all the steamer clams
and I ate the small cockle,
but we refrained from eating the starfish ;-)

2 pounds live steamer clams in shells, scrubbed

1/4 cup quality vodka

3-1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 teaspoon dried parsley

1 teaspoon dried sweet basil

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Tip: Prep all your ingredients ahead of time, including laying out your servings bowls.

Also, preheat your oven to 375F, then begin baking your garlic Texas toast, according to pkg directions, about 8-10 total minutes

(it's found in the freezer section of the market).

METHOD

In a large, high side sauté pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons/pats of butter. Add the finely chopped celery and sauté for 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic, green onions and chopped tomatoes, and sauté for 2 minutes.

With pan off heat, add the vodka to deglaze pan by scraping bottom.  Return pan to heat and add chicken broth, parsley, basil, and pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce to a rolling simmer, add clams, cover pan, and cook just until they open up, about 3-5 minutes (do not overcook).

Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Add remaining tablespoon/pat of butter and gently stir to incorporate. 

Serve immediately in shallow, wide bowls with hot and crispy garlic Texas toast for dipping. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S ALASKAN AMBER BEER BATTER CLAM FRITTERS

A crazy-good clam fritter recipe I created for lunch today!
It's like a party in your mouth, really...

Yields: 16 to 18 fritters

Prep: 10 Mins.

Cook: 4 to 5 Mins.

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup raw, minced clams (fresh, or thawed if frozen) that were soaked and cleaned (do not drain)

1 cup all-purpose flour

Locally brewed
Alaskan Amber...

1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon old bay seasoning'

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice (from 1 fresh lemon)

1/3 cup Alaskan Amber Beer

1 large egg, beaten

Vegetable oil for deep frying

Servings options:

--Fresh lemon wedges

--Sandra's Homemade Tarter Sauce (I made the dill version)

--Steamed fresh broccoli

--Steamed rice

METHOD

Preheat oven to 225 degrees (warm). Place in oven a foil-line baking sheet topped with a wire baking rack.  Also, set a paper towel-lined aside on counter top.

In a medium bowl, use a fork to combine flour, baking soda, old bay seasoning, garlic and onion powders, sea salt, pepper, and parsley. In a measuring cup, add the beer, beat in egg, and add the lemon juice. Mix to combine. Stir in minced clams with their juices into the dry mixture, followed by the wet ingredients. Mix just until ingredients are incorporated (do not over mix), then set aside to let batter rest.

Meanwhile, heat 2" of vegetable oil to 375 degrees in a heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat (use a candy thermometer). [Frying will commence in 3 batches, hence keeping fritters once they're fried in a warm oven.] When oil reaches desired temperature, use a mini (2-TB size) scoop to carefully drop batter mounds into hot oil. Deep fry until fritters are golden brown, turning once, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towel-line plate, sprinkle while hot with sea salt, then place hot fritters into oven on prepared rack to keep warm. Repeat.

Once all fritters are finished cooking, serve with fresh lemon wedges, Sandra's Homemade Tarter Sauce (I made the dill version), steamed broccoli, and basmati rice. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S LIGHT ASIAN DIPPING SAUCE with WILD ALASKA PAN SEARED SCALLOPS

A terrific Light Asian Dipping Sauce I created while in Yakutat, Alaska
preparing a family dinner when I had minimal on-hand ingredients,
served as a first course with Pan Seared Wild Alaska Bay Scallops ~ Delish!

Serves: 4

Prep: 10 Mins.

Indoor Grill: 4 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Light Asian Dipping Sauce:

1 tablespoon low-sodium Tamari (soy sauce)

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon honey, more/less to your desired sweetness

2 tablespoons water

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Dash of garlic powder

Dash of onion powder

Dash of freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro (measured after mincing)

Scallops:

2-1/2 lbs Wild Alaska Bay Scallops

METHOD

Whisk all dipping sauce ingredients in a small glass (non-reactive) bowl. Let flavors meld at room temperature for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, rinse and pat scallops dry. Place on paper towel-lined baking dish. (Can be stored covered with plastic wrap in refrigerator for a few hours as such, although bring to room temperature for 20 minutes prior to searing.) Lightly pat tops of scallops one final time with paper towel prior to searing.

Preheat a dry cast iron grill-ribbed skillet over medium-high heat. Pan sear bay scallops for 1-2 minutes per side, depending upon size. (Larger scallops will take slightly longer to sear.) Do not overcook scallops or they'll become tough.

Place seared scallops on serving platter in a single layer with dipping sauce in a small, decorative bowl at the center, along with small dipping forks. ~ Enjoy!

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

Tips: Pan sear scallops in batches so as not to overcrowd pan, preventing steaming scallops. Also, if using larger sea scallops, cut them into quarters prior to searing.

SANDRA’S OVEN-BAKED ALASKA DUNGENESS CRAB ‘N ARTICHOKE DIP

An epic recipe that’s truly addicting,

and lets the dungeness crab be the shining star...

Serves: (10 to 12)

Prep:10 Mins.

Bake: 30 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Dip:

1 (8 oz. pkg.) cream cheese, room temperature

1 cup grated medium cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

3 green onions (green parts only), finely chopped

Dash of cayenne pepper

1-1/2 teaspoons old bay seasoning

1-1/2 cups cooked dungeness crab meat, drain any liquid, if present

--(About 1 shucked dungeness crab)

1 (7 oz. jar) quartered artichoke hearts in water, drained, and roughly chopped

--[Please do not use marinated artichokes,

as they have too strong of a flavor profile for this dish]

For scooping:

--Butter crackers (I used Club), or toasted French bread slices

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9” round (or square) ovenproof baking dish, and set aside.

In a medium bowl, add cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, green onions, cayenne pepper, and old bay seasoning. 

Very gently fold in the crab meat and artichokes (taking care not to break them apart).

Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Lightly sprinkle top with paprika.  

Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes, until lightly golden on top.

Serve immediately with butter crackers or toasted French bread slices.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Tip: This is an amazing dip you’re able to make ahead of time and refrigerate, just ensure you remove it 30 minutes to reach room temperature prior to baking.

The story behind this incredible dungeness crab:
My husband and I recently launched our skiff to go king salmon fishing and came upon this dungeness crab crawling in the saltwater shallows; hence we were able to net it and haul it aboard. Shortly thereafter, the crab ended up crawling under the rear floorboard of the skiff while we were fishing, so we had to locate its whereabouts with the help of a camera and coat hanger upon our arrival back home. Yes, he definitely made for a mighty fine hot crab 'n artichoke dip...

SANDRA’S LUSCIOUS ALASKA DUNGENESS CRAB CAKES with SEAFOOD AIOLI

Simply put, this is another reason why I love living in Alaska! 
Yum...

Servings: (2)

Prep: 5 Mins.

Chill: 20 Mins.

Cook: 8 to 10 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Seafood Aioli: (Yields ½ cup)

½ cup sour cream

¼ cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon lemon juice

¼ teaspoon old bay seasoning

¼ teaspoon sriracha (Asian hot sauce)

Fresh-Cooked Lump
Alaska Dungeness
Crab Meat

Crab cakes:

¼ cup mayonnaise

½ cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs

¼ teaspoon old bay seasoning

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon onion powder

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 teaspoons dijon

1 teaspoon worcestershire

¼ teaspoon sriracha (Asian Hot Sauce)

Pinches of fine-grain sea salt and white pepper

½ lb. cooked lump dungeness crab meat, picked over

--For frying:

----1 tablespoon vegetable oil

----1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Garnish:

1 green onion, finely sliced (green and white parts)

METHOD

Prepare steamed basmati rice, according to package directions (if using) beforehand.

Whisk the aioli (sauce) ingredients in a small bowl. Taste; add more sriracha sauce if you like it spicier.  Refrigerate for flavors to meld.  Store leftovers, covered, in refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Sandra's Creamy Seafood Aioli

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, add all crab cake ingredients, except crab meat; mix to incorporate.  

Gently fold in the crab meat, just until incorporated. 

Shape mixture into four 1” thick crab cakes; transfer to a wax paper-lined plate.

Refrigerate formed crab cakes until firm for a minimum of 20 minutes, or up to 4 hours.

Heat oil and butter in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add crab cakes and cook until golden on bottom, about 4 to 5 minutes per side, for a total of 8 to 10 minutes. 

Transfer crab cakes to individual plates, and serve topped with Seafood Aioli and garnish with sliced green onions, with a side of steamed basmati rice drizzled with ginger soy sauce. ~ Enjoy!

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

Tip:  I served these crab cakes with steamed basmati rice and ginger soy sauce, including the following as a first course:

Sandra's Ultimate Dungeness Crab Salad:
Click link for recipe...

SANDRA’S ULTIMATE ALASKA DUNGENESS CRAB SALAD

I keep the ingredients

to a minimum so the flavor of the
dungeness crab is paramount...

Servings: (4)

Prep: 5 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

4 cups iceberg lettuce, chopped or torn

1 tomato, chopped

1 rib of celery, sliced

1 green onion, sliced

½ teaspoon salad elegance

Pinches of fine-grain sea salt and white pepper

3 tablespoons mayonnaise

½ lb. ½ lb. cooked lump dungeness crabmeat, picked over

METHOD

Fresh-Cooked Lump
Alaska Dungeness Crabmeat

In a medium bowl add all the salad ingredients, except the crabmeat, and mix to combine.  Gently fold in the crabmeat, just until incorporated. Transfer crab salad to individual bowls, and serve. ~ Enjoy!

MAX’S LOBSTER-SHRIMP-KIELBASA CREOLE with STEAMED RICE

A perfectly seasoned Creole my husband

Max prepares using lobster,

shrimp and smoky kielbasa...

Servings: (6 to 8)

Prep: 10 Mins.

Cook: 30 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

½ red onion, diced

1 cup celery, diced

½ yellow bell pepper, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 (15-oz. cans) Italian stewed tomatoes, undrained (cut up tomatoes)

4 cups low-sodium beef broth

½ teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more if you like it spicier)

1 teaspoon Creole seasoning

2 bay leaves (remove after cooking)

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

1 lb. ring of smoked kielbasa sausage

½ lb. cooked lobster tail chunks, thawed (from Costco)

½ lb. cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined

-- 4 cups prepared Basmati steamed rice (i.e., 2 cups raw rice cooked according to pkg. directions)

-- 1 prepared loaf of warm, crust French bread

Garnish option:

4 sprigs of fresh parsley

METHOD

In a dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat and add onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic; cooking until onions are translucent. 

Stir in stewed tomatoes, beef broth, spices; bring to boil, and then reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.  

Stir in parsley, add the kielbasa, and simmer for 5 minutes.

Stir in lobster tail chunks, and shrimp; simmer for 3 minutes.  

To serve, mound steamed rice in center of bowls and ladle Creole around rice, and garnish with a sprig of parsley. Be sure to include French bread slices for sopping up the wonderful broth. ~ Enjoy!

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

 Tip: Store leftovers in refrigerator in separate containers, i.e., rice in one, and Creole in another.

SANDRA’S WORLD-CLASS TRI-SEAFOOD POT PIES

These hearty Alaskan halibut, shrimp and scallop
pot pies provide for a complete meal...

Yields: 

--(4 Individual 6” Bowl Servings)

Prep: 15 Mins.

Bake: 40 Mins.

Rest: 15 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

8 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1” pieces

½ medium red onion, chopped

1 cup celery, sliced into ½” pieces

1 cup scrubbed and sliced into ½” pieces

½ cup frozen peas

1 teaspoon dried basil

2 teaspoons old bay seasoning

2 garlic cloves, minced

½ cup all-purpose flour

4 cups milk

1 tablespoon quality white wine

½ lb. skinless and boneless halibut fillets, cut into 1" pieces

½ lb. prawns (large shrimp, I used Skagway 'Coon'), peeled, deveined, and cut crosswise into 1” pieces

½ lb. bay scallops, cut into 1” pieces with the grain

½ teaspoon sea salt

½ teaspoon ground white pepper

1 tablespoon dried parsley

1 prepared recipe of Sandra’s Pie Crust pastry (for 2 crusts), or 2 store-bought

1 large egg

1 tablespoon water

METHOD

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil, and set aside.

Melt butter over medium-high heat in a large Dutch oven. Sauté potatoes, onions, carrots, and celery for 12 minutes. 

Add peas, basil, old bay seasoning, and garlic; cook 1 minute. Sprinkle flour over vegetables, and cook, stirring constantly for 3 minutes. 

Whisk in milk, and white wine; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, and simmer 2 to 3 minute, until filling has thickened. 

Add all the seafood, pepper, and parsley, and then bring filling back up to a simmer. 

Remove from heat. 

Ladle filling into 4 individual ovenproof vessels (I used 6” ceramic bowls) within 1/2" of top edge of bowls, and let cool.

Meanwhile, roll out both pie crusts together on a lightly floured surface to 1/8” thick. Cut pastry into circles, ensuring to cut them 1” larger than the mouth of the soup bowls. Whisk together egg and 1 tablespoon water; brush underside of pastry edges with egg wash and place over bowls, pressing edges to seal, and trim edges so they are somewhat uniform around outside of bowls. Brush tops and outside edges with egg wash, and cut four small slits on top of crust to allow steam to release while baking. Place the bowls on prepared baking sheet to catch any drips.  

Bake for 40 minutes (turning half way through baking for even cooking of crusts), and bake until the pastry is golden brown and filling is bubbly. 

Allow seafood pot pies to rest for 15 minutes before serving. ~ Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tip: If you have leftovers and would like to reheat the seafood pot pies directly from the refrigerator, simply place them on a foil-lined baking sheet in a non-preheated oven set to 350 degrees and re-bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

STEVE’S INCREDIBLE WILD ALASKA SEAFOOD STEW

It’s a must to serve this extraordinary seafood stew
with a loaf of warm and crusty garlic bread
for sopping up its amazing broth...

[This recipe and photo were featured 
@ http://paper.li/denali_ak/alaskans-10#!travel]

Servings: (10 to 12)

Prep: 10 Mins. | Stew: 45 Mins.

A unique seafood stew with wild Alaska shrimp, scallops, clams, and halibut.  You can change this recipe up in so many ways by also using or substituting the ingredients below with mussels, crab, white and/or red king salmon, sockeye, cod, and so on.

INGREDIENTS

1-1/2 cubes unsalted butter

2 yellow onions, chopped

3 large garlic cloves, minced

2 handfuls fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley, roughly chopped

2 (14.5 oz. cans) Italian stewed tomatoes, undrained-break-up further using a potato masher

2 (14.5 oz. cans) low-sodium chicken broth

3 organic bay leaves

1 tablespoon organic dried basil

¾ teaspoon organic dried thyme

¾ teaspoon organic dried oregano

1 tablespoon old bay seasoning

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 cups quality white wine:

--(We used Wollombi Pass South Eastern Australia Semillon Chardonnay 2011)

1-1/2 lbs. fresh shrimp/prawns, peeled and deveined

1-1/2 lbs. fresh bay scallops (if using sea scallops, cut into quarters)

18-live steamer clams

1-1/2 lbs. fresh halibut fillets, cut into 1" cubes

Fine-grained sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Serve with:

-- A loaf of prepared warm and crusty garlic bread

METHOD

In a large heavy-bottom stockpot, melt butter over medium-low heat, add onions and cook while stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and parsley, and cook for 30 seconds longer.  Add tomatoes, chicken broth, bay leaves, basil, thyme, oregano, old bay seasoning, lemon juice, and wine; gently fold to combine.  Cover stockpot, and gently simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in the shrimp, scallops, clams, and halibut; bring to a gentle boil, and immediately lower heat.  Cover stockpot and simmer 5 to 7 minutes, just until clams open. Toss bay leaves.  Ladle stew into bowls, and serve with warm and crusty garlic bread slices. ~ Enjoy!

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

Tip:  It’s IMPERATIVE after the cooking process to toss any unopened clams (or mussels)!

SANDRA’S ALASKA GRILLED BAY SCALLOPS

These succulent bay scallops 
were a super special treat 
as an appetizer for us last night...

Servings: 8
Prep: 5 Mins. |
Grill 4 to 6 Mins.

Posted by Sandra 

INGREDIENTS

***Scallops:

2 pounds Alaska bay scallops (if using the larger sea scallops, allow for more cooking time)
4 tablespoons olive oil; plus more for oiling the grill
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika

***Dipping Sauce:

1 cube of unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
½ fresh lemon, cut in half horizontally, seeds removed

***Garnish

½ fresh lemon, cut in half horizontally, seeds removed and cut into 4 wedges
Sprigs of whole parsley

METHOD

Liberally oil the grill with olive oil, and preheat to medium-high. (I use charcoal, and the direct heat method).

Combine 4 tablespoons olive oil, sea salt, ground pepper, and paprika in a shallow bowl, and whisk well. Pat the scallops very dry and remove any visible cartelidge.  Add scallops to the olive oil misture and coat evenly. Slide scallops through the side onto stainless steel skewers (so they lay flat while grilling, and are easier to turn over), and allow a bit of space between each of them (or if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning on grill).

Skewered bay scallops
just placed on the grill

Place scallops on grill over direct heat, cover, and grill for 2 to 3 minutes without disturbing them.  Turn skewers over, cover, and continue to grill on the other side for 2 to 3 more minutes. Using mitts, remove skewers from heat before scallops are completely cooked to allow them carry-over-cook on a serving platter.

Meanwhile, melt the butter, with garlic powder in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, add freshly chopped parsley, and stir to combine, and pour into a small serving bowl.

Serve the grilled scallops with the dipping sauce, and fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over top.  Garnish with fresh parsley sprigs – Enjoy!

SANDRA'S CLAMS and ZUCCHINI ANGEL HAIR PASTA topped with FRESH TOMATOES

Exciting!!

My recipe and photograph were featured 
@ http://www.nocalorienoodles.com/
blog/?wpmp_switcher=mobile

Servings: (4)
Prep/Cook: 15 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons olive oil
½ medium yellow/Spanish onion, chopped
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1 medium zucchini, sliced in half lengthwise, and then into 1/8” thick slices
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 (4.75 oz. can) chopped clams, undrained (preferably Snow’s)
--or preferably ½ cup freshly cooked with 1/4 cup of reserved liquid
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
8 ozs. (1/2 box) angel hair pasta
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 roma tomato, chopped

METHOD

Begin by boiling the angel hair pasta in salted water for 6 to 8 minutes, while stirring often to prevent sticking together, only until al dente.

Meanwhile, place a large skillet over medium-heat, and add the olive oil. Add the onions and red pepper flakes and saute until the onions are translucent, then add the zucchini, garlic, and cook for 3 minutes. Add parsley, gently stir in the clams with the juice, and add the butter; mixing to combine. Reduce heat to low to simmer, just until pasta is done.

When angel hair is done, reserve 1/4 cup (about a ladle full) of the pasta water before draining the angel hair, and add the reserved pasta water including the drained angel hair into the zucchini mixture in the skillet, and gently toss with tongs to combine.

Pour onto a serving platter, top with freshly chopped tomatoes, and serve immediately. – Enjoy!

~~~~~~


Tip: I like to break my pasta up when placing it in the pot of boiling water, as it makes for easier tossing, and more even cooking, including serving.

SANDRA'S SENSUOUS LUMP CRAB AVOCADO BISQUE

This bisque, I must say, is one of my most 
favorite creations to date...

Servings (4)
Prep: 5 Mins.
Cook: 15 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

***Bisque:
2 avocados, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
1 tablespoon light olive oil
1/2 small Spanish (yellow) onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 heaping tablespoon of all-purpose flour
2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
1/2 cup of heavy cream
1 cup freshly cooked lump dungeness crab (or quality canned lump crab, drained)
¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

***Bread:
1/2 fresh baguette, sliced
1 garlic clove, halved

METHOD

Mash together avocados and lime juice in a medium bowl, and set aside.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place slices of bread on a baking sheet, and set aside.

Saute chopped onion in butter and light olive oil in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat, until translucent. Add garlic, and continue sautéing 30 seconds more. Add all-purpose flour and stir for 1 minute to cook out raw flour flavor. Add chicken stock while whisking until smooth, and bring to a boil just to thicken. Reduce heat to low to simmer; add avocado mixture to liquid and cook low and slow for 5 minutes. Add cream, crab, parmesan, parsley, including kosher salt and cayenne pepper, then simmer for 3 minutes more (do not boil).

Meanwhile, bake bread slices for 3 to 5 minutes, just until lightly golden and crispy. Remove from oven, and while hot rub with a raw garlic clove that has been cut in half, and set aside.  Toss used garlic.

When crab and avocado bisque is done, ladle into bowls, and serve with toasted garlic bread slices. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S SUPERB SHRIMP and ANGEL HAIR PASTA (in 10 minutes)

What a pleasant entree when
your're lucky enough to have beautiful shellfish
such as this...

Servings: (2)
Prep: 5 Mins. |
Cook: 5 to 7 Mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

1/4 lb. angel hair pasta (1/4 of a box)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb. shrimp/prawns – peeled and de-veined
Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (divided)
1/4 cup parmesan cheese

--Prepared garlic/cheese bread

METHOD

If you are baking store-bought garlic/cheese bread, you may want to start baking it so it is done at the same time as your Superb Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta dish.


Cook angel hair pasta according to package directions; boil for about 5 minutes. Drain in colander, and set aside; while reserve 1/2 ladle of pasta water.

Meanwhile, while pasta is cooking, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-heat in a large non-stick skillet, and add garlic, shrimp, kosher salt and ground pepper to taste, and 1 tablespoon fresh parsley. Saute for about 2 minutes per side for shrimp, just until pink when they have a “loose curl” – (please do not overcook to a tight curl stage or they will be too tough). Toss in the drained angel hair pasta, parmesan cheese, and 1/2 ladle of pasta water; tossing to combine. Pour immediately onto a serving platter and top with the remaining tablespoon of fresh parsley, and serve with the garlic/cheese bread placed along side. ~ Enjoy!


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


Tip: If using large Alaska prawns as I have in the above-photograph, please increase the sautéing time to 3 minutes per side - And, if your shrimp are different sizes, cook the larger ones first for a minute or so before adding the smaller ones.

MAX’S KING SALMON CREOLE

Max has perfected this dish over the years, 

which he often makes for his crew aboard our 

F/V Chelsey using Alaska Wild White 

or Red King Salmon, Shrimp/Prawns, 

Scallops, or Halibut (or any combination thereof), 

and the spice level and flavors turn out just right 

- every time...(This is one of my Mom’s favorite 

dishes that he makes for her 

during hunting trips to Yakutat, Alaska)...

Servings: (4)
Prep: 5 Mins. |
Cook: 30 Mins.

Posted courtesy of Max via Sandra

INGREDIENTS

1/3 medium red onion, diced
1 stalk of celery, diced
½ red bell pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 (15 oz. can) Italian seasoned stewed tomatoes with juices, broken up (Max does so using a potato masher in a small ceramic bowl)
2 (15 oz. cans) low-sodium beef broth
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
--(or more if you like it spicier as we do)
1/2 tablespoon creole seasoning
2 bay leaves
1 lb. raw, boneless, skinless king salmon fillets, cut into ¾” chunks (2 fillets)

--2 cups steamed rice (i.e., 1 cup raw, and cooked according to pkg. directions)

Garnish: with freshly chopped parsley

METHOD

Begin making rice according to package directions.

In a large dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the onion, celery, bell pepper and saute until the onions are translucent. Add the garlic and continue to saute for 30 seconds longer. Stir in the stewed tomatoes, beef broth, spices, and then bring to boil, and then reduce to a simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Check the consistency, and add more beef broth, if needed. Stir in king salmon chunks, and continue cooking just a couple of minutes, just until they turn opaque pink and are cooked through (do not overcook or salmon will become dry and tough).

To serve, place steamed rice equally among four pasta-type bowls, and ladle the King Salmon Creole over the top (or around rice as I did in the photo above), and garnish with freshly parsley. – Enjoy!

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

Tip: When storing left-overs in refrigerator, Max does so in separate bowls (rice in one, and King Salmon Creole in another) to prevent rice from losing its integrity.

SANDRA'S FIESTA FAJITAS

This fajita recipes goes well with
a host of meat types, including seafood
and shellfish (I just happened
to have a ribeye steak on-hand
when making these)...

Servings: (4)
Prep. 10 Mins. |
Cook: About 15 Mins.

Posted: by Sandra

INGREDIENTS:

1 lb. beef, moose, or venison, cut into thin strips against the grain
--(or shrimp/prawns)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, julienned
½ yellow bell pepper, julienned
½ red bell pepper, julienned
½ green bell pepper, julienned
6 crimini mushrooms, sliced
1 clove of garlic, chopped
½ cup water
3 tablespoons fajita seasoning
--(or click here for my recipe: Sandra's Fajita Seasoning Blend)
4 (10”) flour tortillas

Topping options:
--cheddar cheese, shredded
--mozzarella cheese, shredded
--1 roma tomato, chopped

Sandra's Fajita
Seasoning Blend

--sour cream
--slices of jarred pickled jalapenos

METHOD

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound chicken, beef, (or shrimp that takes even less time than meat), etc., and sear until meat (or seafood) is cooked through, and then remove to a plate, and set aside.

Add yellow, red, and green julienned bell pepper, 1 julienned onion, and 6 sliced crimini mushrooms, and cook for 2 minutes. Add the garlic, tossing to combine and cook for 30 seconds. Add 1/2 cup water and 3 tablespoons of  Sandra's Fajita Seasoning Blend to the skillet, and bring to a boil, and then let the sauce reduce by half. Add the meat back to the skillet and cook for 2 more minutes to heat through.

Serve filling wrapped in tortillas that have been heated (I just place mine on my electric burner set to low for a couple of seconds per side), and then add your desired toppings. – Enjoy!

SANDRA'S INCREDIBLE INDIVIDUAL SCALLOPS GRATIN

You'll want to savor every 
single succulent bite...

Individual Servings: (4)
Prep: 5 Mins. |
Bake: 5 to 7 Mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

***Alaska Bay scallops:
2 pounds bay scallops
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon old bay seasoning
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon lemon juice

***Gratin:
2 tablespoons italian seasoned breadcrumbss
2 tablespoons canned french fried onions, finely chopped
2 tablespoon parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
¼ teaspoon paprika

***Garnish:
--lemon wedges

METHOD

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Butter 4 individual ovenproof gratin dishes, and set aside.

Rinse scallops, and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels. Place scallops in 4 prepared gratin dishes in a single layer. Combine the remaining ingredients in a small bowl, and brush over scallops. Combine the gratin ingredients in another small bowl, and sprinkle atop scallops. Lightly sprinkle each with fresh parsley, and paprika. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes, just until gratin topping starts to turn golden and scallops are opaque-do not overcook. Remove from oven, and place hot gratin dishes on 4 individual heatproof plates, with lemon wedges. – Enjoy!


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Tips: I served mine with toasted and lightly buttered whole-wheat triangles, and a slice of watermelon along side for dessert ;-)  I too sometimes substitute out the french fried onions, with two strips of freshly browned crispy bacon broken into crumbles.


Also, if you are using larger 'sea' scallops, increase baking time to 10 to 12 minutes.

SANDRA'S CREAMY CLAM DIP with LIGHT RYE WASA CRACKERS

A very, very satisfying and tasty
clam dip that you're 
bound to adore...

Servings: (6 to 8)
Prep: 5 Mins. |
Stand time: 15 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1 (8 oz.pkg.) cream cheese, at room temperature
½ cup sour cream
1 (6.5 oz. can) minced clams (I prefer Snows)
----drained (while reserving some juice depending upon desired consistency)
¼ teaspoon seasoning salt (I prefer Johnny’s Seasoning Salt)
¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon old bay seasoning
½ teaspoon worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
¼ teaspoon paprika

--Garnish with 1 teaspoon freshly chopped Italian parsley

--1 pkg. of wasa light rye crackers (see photograph)

METHOD

Place cream cheese and sour cream in a medium bowl; whisking until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients, except parsley, and continue to whisk until combined. Cover and let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes for flavors to meld. Check consistency, adding more clam juice if desired, and place Clam Dip in a smaller decorative serving bowl, then sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.  Place in center of a large platter, and line outer parameter with light rye wasa crackers, including a few table knives for spreading Clam Dip on crackers. – Enjoy!

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Tips: You can also make this into a crab dip by replacing 8 oz. of broken lump crab for the clams. Also, many people love to eat this Clam Dip with ruffle potato chips, and it gets tastier the next day.