Showing posts with label thanksgiving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thanksgiving. Show all posts

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!

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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 ANYTIME MARSHMALLOW-WHIPPED SWEET POTATOES

A very scrumptious
side dish to serve anytime,
not just during holidays anymore...
Serves: 4
Prep:  10 Mins.
Cook/ Bake: 30 Mins. Total

INGREDIENTS

2 lbs. sweet potatoes (about 3 to 4), peeled, and cut into 1” cubes
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
½ teaspoon fresh orange zest
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
Pinch of white pepper
2 cups miniature marshmallows, divided

METHOD

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

Place the sweet potatoes into a medium sized pot and cover with cold water, cover pot and bring to boil over medium-high heat.  Boil for 15 minutes, just until sweet potatoes are tender when pierced.  Drain, and pour the hot sweet potatoes into a medium bowl; add the orange juice, butter, ginger, sea salt, white pepper, and 1 cup of miniature marshmallows.  Using an electric hand mixer immediately beat the hot mixture on medium speed until light and fluffy. (If you need to further melt the marshmallows, as I do at times, feel free to microwave the mixture on high for 1 minute, then continue mixing until fluffy.)



Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Arrange the remaining 1 cup of miniature marshmallows over the top of the whipped sweet potatoes.



Bake, uncovered, for about 15 minutes, until the marshmallows turn a light and crispy golden brown. ~ Enjoy!

This pairs well with my recipe for Whole-Roasted Spicy Beer-Can Chicken (which I made on the outdoor charcoal grill versus in the oven):

Sandra's Whole-Roasted Spicy Beer-Can Chicken

SANDRA'S HOMEMADE FRESH SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE with GOLDEN MARSHMALLOWS

This casserole is so quick and easy to prepare
and it tastes absolutely scrumptious...
Servings: (8 to 10)
Prep: 15 Mins. |
Bake 25 to 30 Mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

5 medium sweet potatoes, sliced
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
3 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
1-1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (10.5 oz. pkg.) miniature marshmallows - enough to sufficiently cover top

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray, with butter spray, a 9”x13” baking dish, and set aside.

Place sweet potato slices in a large saucepan with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat, drain, and mash. Place mashed sweet potatoes in large bowl, and use an electric mixer to blend with the melted butter, brown sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Spread evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with miniature marshmallows. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until heated through, and marshmallows are puffed and golden brown. – Enjoy!

SANDRA'S HOMEMADE BASIC MOIST DRESSING (or stuffing if inside bird)

This my most flavorful basic dressing
that I tend to change up depending upon
what the main course is that I'm serving it with, i.e.,
with pork, I'll add chopped apples and dried cranberries, and so on...
Servings: (8 to 10)
Prep: 15 Mins. |
Bake 1 Hr..

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 medium onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
8 crimini mushrooms, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon rosemary
1 teaspoon sage
1 teaspoon ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon savory
2 tablespoons dried parsley
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
8 cups stale whole-wheat bread, broken into one-inch pieces
3 to 4 cups poultry stock (depending on how moist you like your dressing)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Melt butter in large skillet and add all ingredients, except the bread and stock. Cook over medium heat until onions are soft. Pour into a large mixing bowl. Add the bread and stock and mix well using clean hands, or if you prefer a large spoon. Let dressing cool.

Spray a 13”x9” baking dish. Transfer stuffing to prepared dish. Cover with foil that has been sprayed on the underside, and bake until heated through, about 45 minutes. Uncover and bake until top is golden brown, about 15 minutes longer. - Enjoy!


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Tip:  I prefer my dressing more moist, so I leave the baking dish covered for the entire hour, your choice ;)



SANDRA'S PERFECTLY ROASTED TURKEY with HOMEMADE MOIST STUFFING

I've provided options to either stuff the turkey, 
and/or  bake the dressing separate, 
as many people have varying opinions regarding this...
Servings: (8 to 10)
Prep: 30 Mins. |
Bake: 3-1/2 Hrs. |
Stand: 15 Mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

***Stuffing
1/2 cup butter
1 medium onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
Dressing as it's called, or stuffing if you choose to do so inside the turkey
8 crimini mushrooms, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon rosemary
1 teaspoon sage
1 teaspoon ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon savory
2 tablespoons dried parsley
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
8 cups stale whole-wheat bread, broken into one-inch pieces
3 to 4 cups poultry stock (depending on how moist you like your dressing)

***Turkey
1 (10 to 12-lb.) turkey, giblets removed
light olive oil, to rub on skin
kosher salt and ground pepper, to taste

METHOD

Melt butter in large skillet and add all ingredients except the bread and stock. Cook over medium heat until onions are soft. Pour into a large mixing bowl. Add the bread and stock and mix well using clean hands, or if you prefer a large spoon. Let stuffing cool.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Meanwhile, place the turkey into a large bowl (for easier handling) neck side up, and remove giblets (I save these for the gravy). Rub the bird with oil. When stuffing is cool, fill both the main turkey cavity and neck cavity with stuffing. (*and/or bake remaining or all of dressing in a dish as outlined below). Place the turkey into a roasting pan, on a rack, and season with salt and pepper. Place the roasting pan on the middle rack of the oven. Roast for 3 hours while basting on the hour, and then increase the heat to 450 degrees and cook for another 30 minutes, or until the thigh reaches 180 degrees and/or meat in the breast reaches 170 degrees (please do not let thermometer hit the bone to ensure correct readings). Remove from oven, and lightly tent with foil and let rest for 15 minutes for juices to redistribute. Remove the stuffing to a large bowl, carve the roasted turkey, and serve immediately. – Enjoy!

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*To bake dressing in pan: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13”x9” baking dish. Transfer stuffing to prepared dish. Cover with buttered foil and bake until heated through, about 45 minutes. Uncover and bake until top is golden brown, about 15 minutes.

**If you choose not to stuff the turkey, the roasting time will be less ~ be sure to keep an eye on your thermometer!!

SANDRA'S TURKEY DINNER IN ONE HOUR

I was craving a turkey dinner (for lunch), 
so I whipped this up meal with ingredients 
I had on-hand today, and it was scrumptious...
Servings: (4)
Prep: 30 Mins. |
Cook/Bake: 30 Mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

***Turkey:
1 (1.5 lb.) fully-cooked, extra lean ¼-hickory-smoked turkey breast, cut into ½” thick slices
sprinkling of poultry seasoning

***Deviled Eggs:
4 eggs
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 teaspoon sweet pickle relish
pinch of garlic powder, and onion powder
¼ teaspoon lemon juice
kosher salt and ground pepper, to taste
--garnish: paprika, and freshly chopped parsley

***Dressing:
1 (6 oz. bag) seasoned dressing cubes
2 tablespoons butter
½ cup onion, finely chopped
½ cup celery, finely chopped
¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning
1-1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (more if you like moister dressing)
--garnish: freshly chopped parsley

***Smashed Potatoes:
2 large russet potatoes, peeled, and cut into ½” cubes for faster boiling
¼ cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons sour cream
½ teaspoon garlic powder
kosher salt and ground pepper, to taste

***Gravy:
1 (10.75 oz. can) cream of mushroom soup (save can to measure broth & milk)
1/3 can low-sodium chicken broth
1/3 can milk
¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning
pinch of ground garlic powder, ground onion powder, and ground pepper
¼ teaspoon worcestershire sauce

***Sweet Potatoes:
1 (9.3 oz. can) cut sweet potatoes, drained, reserving ½ the liquid
½ tablespoon brown sugar
¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
¼ cup miniature marshmallows

***Cranberry Sauce:
1 (14.oz. can) cranberry sauce (whole berries, or jellied)

METHOD

Begin by boiling the eggs in a small saucepan, covered, for 15 minutes. When done, let cold water run over them in the saucepan placed in the sink so they cool quickly.

While eggs are cooking, in a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the onions, and celery, and poultry seasoning, and saute until onions are translucent. Add the chicken broth and bring to boil, and let simmer for 3 minutes. Stir in the bread cubes in with a fork and combine until moistened. Spray a small baking dish with butter spray, add the dressing, and sprinkle with parsley. Cover with tin foil, and set aside.

When the eggs are cooled, peel and cut them in half lengthwise and pop out the yolks into a small bowl. Smash the yolks with a fork, then add mayonnaise, relish, garlic and onion powders, lemon juice, kosher salt, and ground pepper to taste; mixing to combine. With a teaspoon, fill each of the egg white halves equally. Place on a small plate, and sprinkle with paprika and parsley, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Place the cranberry sauce in a decorative dish, and cover with plastic wrap, and then place in refrigerator to cool.

Place the sweet potatoes and half of the sauce into a small baking dish, and add the remaining ingredients in order listed, and set aside (uncovered).

Place the smoked turkey breast slices in a 9”x9” baking dish, and sprinkle with poultry seasoning, cover with a glass lid (or tin foil), and place in oven. Also, place the uncovered sweet potatoes, and the covered stuffing in as well. Bake all for 30 minutes (I like to baste the turkey in it’s own juices about ½ way through the baking process).

Place the potato cubes in a medium saucepan, cover the potatoes with water, and add a ½ teaspoon kosher salt and a drizzle of oil, and bring to boil. Tilt the lid so it is ajar to prevent them from boiling over, and cook for 20 minutes, until tender. Drain, and add remaining ingredients, and smash to your desired consistency.

Meanwhile, prepare the gravy by adding all the ingredients into a small saucepan, whisk to combine until smooth. Cover, and bring to a slight boil, and reduce the heat to warm, just until potatoes and the remaining dishes are done.

Serve family style, and don’t forget your deviled eggs and cranberry sauce in the refrigerator. - Enjoy!


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Tip: A fruit salad, rolls, whole olives, and pumpkin pie for dessert would be nice side dishes as well ;-)

SANDRA's DECADENT SWEET POTATO MERINGUE TART

A simple dessert to make
that is off-the-charts on
presentation and taste...
Servings: (8)

Posted by Sandra
Prep: 20 mins. |
Bake: 1 hr. total

INGREDIENTS

***Sweet Potato Tart
3 cups peeled, cubed, and boiled sweet potatoes just until tender, drain and cool
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 stick melted butter
4 eggs, beaten
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1-1/2 cups evaporated milk (or one 15 oz. can)
10-inch unbaked pie crust (or use this recipe: Pie Crust - Homemade)

***Meringue
3 egg whites
¼ cup sugar
¼ teaspoon cream of tartar

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.

Mash the cooled sweet potatoes.  For the filling, using an electric hand mixer, combine the potatoes, both sugars, melted butter, beaten eggs, vanilla, salt, orange zest, and spices. Mix thoroughly. Add the milk and continue to mix. Pour the filling into the tart crust, and bake for 15 minutes.

Decrease oven temperature to 350 degrees, and continue baking for 45 minutes, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Place the tart on a rack and cool to room temperature before covering with meringue and re-baking.

Preheat the oven once again to 350 degrees.

Meanwhile, for the meringue, using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form; beat in 1/4 cup sugar 1 tablespoon at a time, and add the cream of tartar. Continue beating until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is glossy and stiff, but not dry. With a spatula, spoon the meringue onto the tart, forming peaks. Make sure the meringue touches the crust all around edges (or it will pull away during baking). Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cool and serve. - Enjoy!

SANDRA'S EASY and SCRUMPTIOUS PUMPKIN MOUSSE TORTE

A perfectly easy torte to prepare
that is so impressive
and utterly light and very tasteful...
Servings: (8)
Prep/Bake Time: 15 mins.
+ 2-hours refrigeration time

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS:

***Crust:
1-3/4 cups finely ground graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

***Filling:

1-1/2 cups cold milk
1 (2.9 oz. pkg.) instant vanilla pudding
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (For my homemade blend, click here: Sandra's Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend)
1 (15 oz. can) pure pumpkin puree (not spiced pumpkin pie mix)
1 (8 oz. tub) cool whip, thawed, and divided (or make your own whipped cream)

METHOD:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

For the crust, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon until well blended . Press mixture into an 9” torte pan or pie plate using a flat-bottomed measuring cup to press down bottom and along edges to form crust. Bake pastry shell for 7 minutes.  Cool for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl with a hand mixer beat the milk, pudding mix and spices for 2 minutes. Add the pumpkin puree, and half of the cool whip; gently folding with a spatula to combine. Pour mixture into cooled crust and spread out so it is even. Top with remaining cool whip. Refrigerate for 2 hours to set and for flavors to meld. – Enjoy!

MAX'S RAISIN PECAN-WALNUT BREAD PUDDING topped with a CARAMEL RUM SAUCE

My husband Max's traditional
 Bread Pudding is a hit at every
Thanksgiving family get-together...
Serves: (12)
Prep Time: 15 Mins. |
Stand Time: 30 Mins. |
Bake: 50 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

***Bread Pudding:
1 (1-lb. loaf ) Cinnamon Raisin Bread, cut into ½” cubes
5 cups whole milk
2 (3.4 oz. pkgs.) Jello Vanilla Instant Pudding
1/3 cup dark rum
2 egg yolks, beaten
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup walnut pieces, lightly toasted
1/4 cup pecan pieces, lightly toasted
1/2 cup raisins

--Caramel Rum Sauce, (Recipe follows)

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Spray a 9"x13" glass baking dish with butter cooking spray. Cut bread into 1/2" cubes and place in prepared baking dish.

In a large bowl, combine milk, dry vanilla pudding mix, rum, egg yolks, and nutmeg. Whisk until well blended. Stir in pecans, walnuts and raisins. Pour mixture over bread cubes; press down lightly with a spoon on top of bread to submerge into custard. Let stand for 30 minutes to completely absorb.

Bake, uncovered, for 50 minutes, until top is golden brown and bread pudding puffs. Serve warm with Caramel Rum Sauce, as follows:

***Caramel Rum Sauce:
2/3 cup store-bought caramel sauce
3 tablespoons heavy cream
3 tablespoons dark rum

Combine caramel sauce, cream and rum in medium glass bowl. Heat in microwave for 45 seconds. Whisk to blend. Drizzle evenly over bread pudding. - We serve it with a mega scoop of Vanilla Bean Ice Cream...Enjoy!

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