SANDRA'S PERFECT BUTTERCREAM FROSTING or ICING

A truly delightful and airy buttercream frosting or icing
that I often prepare, as this confectioners' delight
enhances most any cake, bar, cookie, or sweet bread recipe...

Yields: (2-1/2 cups)
Prep: 7 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup (1/2 cube) unsalted butter, room temperature

1/4 cup (1/2 of an 8-Oz. block) cream cheese, room temperature
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted

1-2 tablespoons milk for frosting | 3-4 tablespoons milk for icing

METHOD

In a medium mixing bowl, using a hand mixer to cream together softened butter and cream cheese on high for about 2 minutes. Sift confectioner's sugar over wet ingredients, add milk (depending on your desired consistency for frosting or icing), blend on medium speed until light and fluffy for about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula, as needed. Cover tightly with plastic wrap until ready to use, keeping it at room temperature (as it will tend to harden if refrigerated).

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Tips:

~For variations, feel free to add natural food coloring(s), extracts for flavor, sprinkles, etc.

~One of my favorites is chocolate, simply add 1/3 cup Hershey's unsweetened cocoa powder.

~Finally, I substitute caviar of a small vanilla bean, when on-hand, I like the punch of flavor and its small flecks it provides.

SANDRA'S EASY PRUNE PLUM GINGER JAM

Prune plums have a slight tang and are less juicy than other plums

and are fabulous cooked, as the heat concentrates their flavor.

It's divine drizzled over pancakes, ice cream and cheesecakes

or spread over toast, bagels, scones and muffins...

Yield: (Approximately 3-1/2 cups)

Prep: 5 Mins.

Cook: 20 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

2 pounds (appx. 7 large) quartered, pitted prune plums (Found at Costco in a 4 lb container)

2 cups granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground ginger

2 tablespoons Dole orange-pineapple-banana juice

Salt

--1 tablespoon cold butter

METHOD

Over medium heat, bring prune plums, sugar, ginger, juice, and a pinch of salt to a boil in a pot, while stirring constantly then let cook for 10 minutes.  Begin mashing prune plums with a potato masher, until mixture has the consistency of jam.  Use tongs to remove skins, and continue cooking until you reach your desired consistency.  Remove pot from heat, add the cold butter and incorporate using a wooden spoon (this eliminates the foam while adding flavor).

Let jam cool completely, uncovered, in the pot (if you're not using the water-bath method). Ladle jam into mason jar(s), add lids and rings, then refrigerate, until ready to use (up to 1 month)...or freeze (up to 3 months). Alternatively, water bath sterilized, filled with hot jam, then seal jars by immersing in boiling water for 10 minutes to store up to 1 year in pantry. ~ Enjoy!

Perfect balance of flavors, not too tart nor too sweet...

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Tip:

I refrigerated 1 jar of jam for us now, and water-bath sealed the remaining 3 jars to store in the pantry. It's up to you as to what method you choose to store your newly made jam.

SANDRA’S CREAMY SEAFOOD AIOLI

A perfect sauce to accompany

crab cakes, salmon patties, 

seafood appetizers,

pan-seared or grilled salmon,

halibut, and so on...

Prep: 5 Mins.

Yields: ½ cup

INGREDIENTS

½ cup sour cream

¼ cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon lemon juice

¼ teaspoon old bay seasoning

¼ teaspoon sriracha (Asian hot sauce)

METHOD

In a small bowl, whisk all the ingredients. Taste, and add more sriracha sauce if you like.  Make ahead for flavors to meld, and chill leftovers in an airtight for up to 1 week.

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Tip:  I recently served this Seafood Aioli with:

Sandra's Luscious 
Alaska Dungeness Crab cakes 

SANDRA’S NO-FUSS APPLE-CRANBERRY CRISP and CANDIED PECAN TOPPING

I had apples on-hand and a

yellow cake mix in the pantry

so I threw together this quick dessert

in a matter of minutes.

It's absolutely terrific...

Servings: (10 to 12)

Prep: 15 Mins.

Bake: 40 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Bottom Filling:

5 red apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced

½ cup whole frozen cranberries

1 tablespoon cold unsalted butter, cut into 9 pieces

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Crisp:

1 (18.25 oz. pkg.) super moist yellow cake mix

¼ cup dark brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Topping:

¼ cup brown sugar

¼ cup chopped candied pecans (Always in my freezer)

Optional:

--French vanilla ice cream

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13 baking dish. Place apples and cranberries in bottom of dish, dot with 1 tablespoon of cold butter pieces, and drizzle with vanilla extract and lemon juice.

 In a large bowl, combine cake mix, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, melted butter, and mix with a fork until crumbly, about the size of peas. 

Sprinkle mixture evenly over apples.

 Mix topping ingredients in a small bowl. 

Sprinkle topping ingredients evenly on top.

 Bake, uncovered, for 40 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes.

Serve warm and topped with French vanilla ice cream. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA’S SWEETLY SPICED CANDIED PECANS

Candied pecans are fantastic to eat as a snack,

are a great addition to salads,

and feel free to top desserts

with these yummy morsels...

Yields: 2 cups

Prep: 5 Mins.

Bake: 30 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1 egg white

1 tablespoon water

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups whole pecans

½ cup granulated sugar

1-½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

¾ teaspoon fine-grain kosher salt

METHOD

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with oil, and set aside.

Pour sugar, cinnamon, and fine-grain kosher salt into a plastic bag, and shake to mix.

Place egg white, water, and vanilla extract into a medium bowl, beat with a hand mixer until slightly foamy, and add pecans; tossing to coat well. Lift pecans out of bowl with a slotted spoon (or spider used in Asian cooking and stir-fry recipes) and place them into the bag of sugar and spices. Shake pecans in bag making sure they are well coated.

Place the coated pecans so they are separated and in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, while tossing with a fork 15 minutes into the baking process. Let cool completely before serving. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA’S SWEET SOURDOUGH ZUCCHINI BREAD with a GLAZED TOPPING

This is one of two brilliantly glazed and textured
sweet sourdough zucchini loaves
we like as is, with whipped cream on top
or French vanilla ice cream...

Yields: (2 loaves)

Prep:  15 Mins.

Bake/Cook: 50 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Wet:

3 eggs, slightly beaten

1-1/2 cups *sourdough starter (see below)

2/3 cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry (sifted):

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground cloves

¼ teaspoon fine-grain kosher salt

1-½ teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons double-acting baking powder (or regular)

Folding additions:

1 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)

1 cup grated zucchini (or apple, or pear)

¾ cup raisins (or any other dried fruit)

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Glazed Topping (optional):

½ cup unsalted butter

2 teaspoons milk

½ cup dark brown sugar

 METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Prepare two buttered and sugared loaf pans, and set aside.

In a large bowl, add the wet ingredients, and mix with a wooden spoon to combine.  Sift the dry ingredients through a sieve over the wet ingredients into large bowl, and incorporate into batter. 

Fold in remaining ingredients.

Evenly distribute batter between both prepared loaf pans.

Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Meanwhile, (if making glaze option) prepare the glaze ingredients by placing them in a small saucepan over medium heat.  Bring to a boil while whisking constantly.  Boil for 2 minutes, and spoon equally over warm loaves in loaf pans.  Use a pastry brush to distribute topping until it’s absorbed.  Carefully remove loaves when cool enough to handle. ~ Enjoy!

[This photograph and link was featured on April 7, 2012 @ http://remarqs.com/?q=dessert%20recipes&source=pic&cid=2&new=y]

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Sandra's Sourdough
Starter (How to...)

Tip:  

I ordered my *Sourdough Starter Packet from Alaska Herb and Tea Company a couple of months ago.

I’m pulling out my old recipes now that I have a batch active again.

Click on link below photograph on left to start your own batch of Alaska Sourdough...

SANDRA’S INDIVIDUAL ALASKA HALIBUT OLYMPIA

I thought I had died and gone to heaven
while eating this Halibut Olympia,
the individual servings make you feel special...

Servings: (4)

Prep: 10 Mins. |

Bake: 15 Mins.

INGREDIENTS:

***Layers

¼ yellow onion, julienned

¼ red pepper, julienned

1 clove garlic, minced

1 lb. fresh halibut fillet, quartered

2 tablespoons olive oil

***Topping

¼ cup Ritz cracker crumbs

2 tablespoons fresh Parmesan cheese, grated

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

½ teaspoon Italian herb seasoning

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Martie’s Magic

 Sensational Seasoning
(organic)

***Sauce, divided

1 cup of sour cream

1 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon (organic) Martie’s Magic

 Sensational Seasoning

***Garnish

1 green onion, chopped

METHOD:

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

Prepare your layer ingredients.  

Mix the sauce in a small bowl, and whisk to combine.  

Combine all the topping ingredients in another small bowl, and stir to combine.

Spray four ramekins with oil, and layer the onions, red pepper, and garlic in bottom; drizzle with each with ½ tablespoon olive oil.  

Spoon half the sauce equally over the vegetables.

Place a halibut fillets over the sauce, while ensuring you leave space between sides of ramekins and halibut pieces.  

Spread the remaining half of sauce over the halibut in each ramekin, including between sides of ramekins and halibut pieces.

Sprinkle topping over top layer of sauce.  

Place filled ramekins on prepared baking sheet.  

Bake uncovered in preheated oven for 15 minutes, just until halibut is opaque and flakes easily (do not overcook or halibut will be dry).  

Remove from oven, top with green onions (as in main top photograph), and serve. – Enjoy!

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Tip:  I served these Individual Alaska Halibut Olympia with an Apple Pecan and Goat Cheese Salad with Zesty Lime Vinaigrette that I prepared while these were baking.

Apple Pecan and Goat Cheese Salad
with Zesty Lime Vinaigrette

SANDRA'S BLUEBERRY-CINNAMON SAUCE

A scrumptious blueberry sauce that is so very
versatile to use in a variety of dishes...

Yields: (2/3 cup)

Posted: by Sandra
Total Time: 10 mins.

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 cup fresh blueberries
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

METHOD

Whisk together sugar and cornstarch in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the remaining ingredients and stir with spoon constantly until mixture boils, and then reduce heat to simmer for 5 minutes, while stirring occasionally.


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Tip: This is great and simple recipe to serve over pancakes, waffles, crepes, ice cream, puddings, angel food cake, pound cake, and so on.

SANDRA'S INDIVIDUAL BEAN and VENISON SAUSAGE STEW

Servings: (6 individual ramekins)

Posted: by Sandra
Prep: 5 Mins. |
Cook: 30 Mins.

INGREDIENTS:

***Bean and venison sausage stew:
1 lb. ground venison sweet italian sausage
1 spanish onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup beer, (I use Alaskan Amber), or dry white wine, or more broth
1 (14.5 oz. can) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 (14.5 oz. cans) of cannellini beans (white beans), drained and rinsed
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Freshly ground pepper to taste

***Bread topping:
2 tablespoons butter, melted
¼ cup fresh parmesan cheese, grated
¼ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

--Prepared warm crispy bread or cornbread

METHOD:

***Prepare the bean stew:
In a large high-sided skillet, heat to medium-high heat.  Add the ground venison sausage, onion, and sauté until sausage is browned. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds longer. Add the broth, beer, drained tomatoes and beans. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes. Smash half of the beans with a masher to create a creamy consistency.  Add the balsamic vinegar, and ground pepper, to taste; cooking, uncovered, for 3 minutes longer.

Preheat the broiler.

Transfer the stew evenly among six ovenproof ramekins.

***Prepare the topping:
In a small bowl, combine all the topping ingredients, and sprinkle evenly over the top of the stew in each ramekin. Place ramekins on baking sheet, and broil in the oven, just until the breadcrumbs are slightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes (watch carefully so the topping does not burn). - Enjoy!

SANDRA'S PERFECT PUMPKIN CREME BRULEE

I used to wait for pumpkin creme brulee
to be served only during Thanksgiving 
at a local restaurant. I wanted it more often 
so I decided to create my own recipe...

Yields: (6 individual ramekins)
Prep: 15 mins. |
Bake: 30 to 35 mins.
Broil: 2 to 4 mins.

INGREDIENTS

3 cups heavy or whipping cream
2 tablespoons dark Jamaican rum, (optional)
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
--(For a my homemade spice blend, click here: Sandra's Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend)
Pinch of salt
1 cup granulated sugar, divided
8 large egg yolks
1 (15 oz. can) pure pumpkin puree, (not pumpkin pie mix)

METHOD

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

In heavy-bottom medium saucepan, with wire whisk mix cream, rum, spice, salt, and 3/4 cup sugar. Heat over medium-high heat until bubbles form around edge of pan. Remove saucepan from heat.

Meanwhile separate the eggs, retaining just the yolks in large bowl. With a whisk, beat egg yolks and pumpkin until well combined. Very slowly whisk warm cream mixture into egg mixture until well blended.

Place six (8 oz.) broiler-safe ramekins or custard cups in large roasting pan. Pour cream mixture evenly into ramekins. Carefully pour enough hot water into pan to come halfway up sides of ramekins. Place pan in oven, and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, just until set (mixture will still be slightly soft in center). Remove from oven and transfer ramekins to wire rack to cool at room temperature. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 3 hours.

Remove from refrigerator and allow to them to reach room temp., about 30 minutes. Just before serving, from remaining 1/4-cup sugar, sprinkle 1-1/2 teaspoons evenly over the top of each custard.

Place ramekins on baking sheet for easier handling. With broiler rack at closest position to heat source, broiling custard 2 to 4 minutes, just until sugar melts and browns – watch closely (to resemble the photograph above).

Serve immediately – you’ll be in heaven. - Enjoy!