Showing posts with label wine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wine. Show all posts

SANDRA’S CANDIED PECAN, APPLE and GOAT CHEESE SALAD with HONEY and RED WINE VINAIGRETTE

All of the flavors marry together so well that
they knock this salad out of the park,
and it's absolutely a quick fix with
a bit of preparing beforehand...
Serves: 4
Prep: 10 Mins. 
--(With candied pecans 
and vinaigrette 
made ahead of time)

INGREDIENTS (all organic)

Salad:
2 cups fresh spinach, stems removed and torn
2 cups romaine, torn
¼ cup parsley, sprigs only
½ cup candied pecans 
2 gala apples, cored and diced
½ cup goat cheese crumbles










METHOD
Prepare the honey and red wine vinaigrette (can be made ahead of time).

Honey and Red Wine 
Vinaigrette 
Recipe
Prepare the candied pecans (cab be made ahead of time).



To assembly salad, place spinach, romaine, parsley in a serving bowl, and toss with a ¼ cup of vinaigrette.  Add apples, goat cheese, and candied pecans, and toss just before serving. ~ Enjoy!

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

Tip:  This salad is a favorite of mine to take to functions, especially during the summer BBQ season...

SANDRA’S ‘GO-TO’ HONEY and RED WINE VINAIGRETTE

In 5 minutes you can prepare
this phenomenal vinaigrette
that pairs superbly with most
any tossed salad...
Yields: 1 cup
Prep: 5 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup honey
1 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon white pepper
½ cup light olive oil

METHOD

To make the vinaigrette, in a blender, combine red wine vinegar, honey, garlic, kosher salt, and white pepper. 

Place lid on blender and blend on high. While blender is running, remove center of lid and add oil in a steady stream, and run until vinaigrette is emulsified. 

Vinaigrette can be stored in refrigerator for about 2-3 weeks. Shake well before serving. ~ Enjoy!


SANDRA’S PASTA with SHRIMP and BROCCOLI RABE INFUSED with LEMON GRASS


This recipe was inspired from spices 
I purchased from a local merchant called 
"Red Onion Organic Spice and Tea Company"
here in Juneau, Alaska...
Servings (6)
Prep/Cook: 30 Mins. | Steep: 2-4 hrs.
--(i.e., infused lemon grass broth)

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

2 teaspoons organic dried lemon grass, re-hydrated (for infused broth)
1/2 cup hot water
½ lb. uncooked angel hair pasta
4 tablespoons light olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ onion, finely chopped
1 lb. broccoli rabe, trimmed, and cut into 2” pieces
Red Onion Organic Spice 
& Tea Company - Juneau, Alaska
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ cup white wine
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 4 pats, at room temp.
2 tablespoons organic dried parsley
1 lb. shrimp/prawns, peeled and deveined

--warm crusty bread slices for sopping up sauce

METHOD

Make the infused dried lemon grass by immersing it into 1/2-cup hot water; letting it steep for 2 to 4 hours. Pour through a strainer, and just reserve liquid broth; set aside. Toss lemon grass pieces.

Cook angel hair pasta according to package directions, about 7 minutes.

Ready to plate
Meanwhile, heat large skillet over medium-high heat, and saute garlic, and onion in light olive oil for 1 minute. Add the prepared broccoli rabe, sea salt, ground pepper, red pepper flakes, and 1/2-cup lemon grass broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Add wine, and butter, and prepared shrimp, and parsley; let simmer; uncovered for 2 minutes (turning shrimp after 1 minute). Remove skillet from heat.

Drain angel hair pasta (reserving 1 cup of hot pasta-water, about 2 ladles); add pasta to the skillet. Add reserved pasta-water to moisten the angel hair pasta. Toss with tongs to combine, and pour the entire contents onto a serving platter, and place the warm crust bread slices along side – Enjoy!

SANDRA’S PORK CHOPS with a MUSHROOM CHARDONNAY SAUCE

This was our most-excellent
 Sunday night dinner...Enjoy folks!
Servings: (4 to 6)
Prep Time: 5 Mins.|
Sear/Simmer: 1 Hr. - 25 Mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

6 pork chops – 1” thick
2 teaspoons sea salt
1 teaspoon ground pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup crimini mushrooms, sliced
1 small yellow onion, julienned
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 (10.75 oz. cans) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup milk
3 teaspoons worcestershire
1 cup of quality chardonnay (I used Matchmaker-San Luis Obispo County 2009)
¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
¼ teaspoon ground sage
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped; plus reserve a few whole sprigs for garnish
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
½ teaspoon of paprika

METHOD

Rinse pork chops, pat dry, lightly brush them on both sides with olive oil, and liberally season both sides with sea salt and ground pepper.

Heat the oil in a large heavy-bottom skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops undisturbed 5 minutes on the first side, just until lightly golden brown. Flip over the pork chops, and add the mushrooms, onions, and garlic over them, and then continue searing pork chops undisturbed for 5 minutes longer on the final side.

Meanwhile, whisk the cream of mushroom soup, milk, worcestershire, chardonnay, rosemary, sage, bay leaf, parsley, cayenne, and paprika in a medium bowl.

When pork chops have seared, cover them with the sauce mixture and bring to a boil, while scraping bits from bottom of skillet, and then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer, letting the pork chops gently cook for about 1 hr.-25 minutes, while occasionally moving them with tongs throughout cooking process to ensure the pork chops do not stick to bottom of skillet.

Prior to serving, taste the sauce for seasonings adding sea salt and ground pepper, if needed. Remove and toss bay leaf. Serve the pork chops and sauce, garnished with whole sprigs of parsley, along with your favorite sides. - Enjoy!


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



Tip: We like to serve these scrumptious pork chops and sauce with smashed potatoes, maple-ginger glazed carrots, and of course a glass of chilled chardonnay!

SILKY FRENCH ONION SOUP

Serves: (4)
Prep: 5 Mins. | Cook: 45 Mins.

Posted: by Sandra at: http://sandrarecipeblogsite.blogspot.com/

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons light olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 spanish onions, julienned
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
kosher salt and ground pepper
½ cup quality red wine (I used Cabernet Sauvignon)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup (Heinz recommended)
¼ teaspoon sriracha sauce (hot sauce)
1 baguette, sliced
1 cup mozzarella, grated
¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated

DIRECTIONS

Melt the olive oil and butter in a dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the onions, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, and salt and ground pepper, and reduce the heat to low and cook until the onions are very soft and caramelized, about 25 minutes.

Add the wine, bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer until the wine has evaporated and the onions are nearly dry, about 5 minutes. Discard the bay leaf. Dust the onions with the flour, and stir to evenly incorporate. So the flour does not burn, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 5 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Add the beef broth, worcestershire sauce, sriracha sauce, and ketchup; bring the soup back to boil, and then reduce heat to medium-low to simmer for 10 minutes. Taste for seasonings, adding additional kosher salt and ground pepper, if desired.

Preheat the broiler.

Meanwhile, place the bread slices on a foil-lined baking sheet, and broil until lightly browned and crispy, for about 2 to 3 minutes, and set aside.

Once soup is done, ladle into four ovenproof bowls and top each with 2 slices of bread, sprinkle equally with mozzarella, and then parmesan cheese. Place the bowls onto a baking sheet, and then under the broiler to melt the cheese until bubbly and golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. Serve with remaining bread slices. – Enjoy!

MAX’S MOOSE ITALIAN SAUSAGE MEATBALLS in YOSHIDA SAUCE APPETIZER


The perfect recipe to serve as a hearty appetizer,
or as a main dish with pasta, steamed rice,
or mashed potatoes...

This photograph was featured on 9-6-11
 @ http://recipeox.com/easy-banana-
cupcake-recipe/ website...

Again, the photo on 5-1-12 
@ http://www.fast-and-easy-recipes.com
/italian-appetizer-recipes/

Yields: 60 Meatballs
Prep: 20 Mins. |
Saute: 5 to 7 Mins. |
Bake in Sauce: 20 Mins.

Feel free to substitute moose burger for venison, beef, buffalo, elk, caribou, pork, or poultry...

Posted by Max via Sandra

INGREDIENTS

***Meatballs:
1 lb. ground ‘sweet’ italian moose sausage
1 lb. ground ‘hot’ italian moose sausage
2 teaspoons onion, grated
1 clove garlic, grated
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried)
1-1/2 cups italian seasoned breadcrumbs
2 eggs, beaten
1/3 cup quality red wine
Olive oil for frying

***Sauce:
2 cups prepared original yoshida sauce - found in the Asian isle of the market - (or for the recipe, click here: Sandra's Homemade Yoshida Sauce)

--60 toothpicks

METHOD

Place all ingredients in a large mixing bowl, and gently combine just until blended using clean hands (please do not over mix or the meatballs will become tough).  Form the meatballs so they are about the size of a golf ball, about 1-1/2 inches in diameter (Max likes large ones, not cocktail size). 

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.  Place the meatballs in hot oil (do not overcrowd – you may have to saute in batches).  Move meatballs around every couple minutes so they do not burn and to ensure even browning; you are just par-sauteing for 5 to 7 minutes, until lightly golden brown (they will continue bake in the sauce in the oven).

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Remove par-sauteed meatballs from skillet with a slotted spoon, and place into a 9”x12” baking pan that has been lined with foil, then sprayed.  Pour yoshida sauce over top of meatballs, then use a pastry brush to evenly coat them with sauce.  Cover the baking pan with foil, and bake for 20 minutes.  Remove from the oven, and let the meatballs stand, covered, for 5 minutes (they'll continue cooking, but without dying out).

To serve, pierce each meatball with a toothpick to make it easier for your guests to pick up and enjoy, and place them on a decorative serving platter.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tip:  It's important to only par-saute the meatballs to ensure that moistness is seared in, then add to sauce to finish baking, which guarantees moistness every time.

SANDRA'S TASTY and MOIST POACHED WILD ALASKA KING SALMON EVERY TIME


There is no healthier way to prepare
food than poaching without losing flavor,
and using the microwave
has proven to be a real time-saver...
Servings: (4)
Prep:  3 Mins. |
Microwave: 6 Mins.

Posted: by Sandra

INGREDIENTS:

4 boneless, skin-on wild alaska king salmon 1-1/2 " thick fillets, (skin-on while microwaving makes for
moister salmon)
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup quality white wine
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon crushed dried dill seeds
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground pepper

METHOD

In a microwavable 9”x9” casserole dish with a glass lid, combine butter, wine, lemon juice, paprika, dark brown sugar, dill weed, and kosher salt and ground pepper. Microwave, covered, on high, until butter is melted for about 2 minutes, depending on the individual wattage of your microwave.

Add salmon flesh-side down (it makes it easier to remove the skin after microwaving).  Cover casserole dish, and microwave on high for 6 minutes.  Be sure to use oven mitts when removing the hot casserole dish from microwave.  Serve with your favorite side dish. ~ Enjoy!

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

Tip:  This recipe is fabulous if you choose to use halibut fillets, although reduce the cooking time to 5 minutes and substitute the dill for your favorite herb (e.g., parsley, tarragon and/or chives) please.

SANDRA'S SMOKY KIELBASA and CABBAGE with ROASTED POTATOES

The key for this fabulous dish is to
cut the potatoes small so they
roast must faster...
Servings: (4 to 6)
Prep: 10 Mins. |
Cook/Bake: 30 Mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

***Roasted Potatoes
2 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½” cubes
2 tablespoons light olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 red onion, finely chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

***Kielbasa and Cabbage
4 slices smoky bacon, cut into ½” strips
1 lb. smoked kielbasa, cut into ½” rounds on the diagonal
1 spanish onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon dried sweet basil
¼ teaspoon ground thyme
¼ teaspoon ground caraway
¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
½ cup good-quality white wine
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 large head of green cabbage, cut into quarters, remove core, and the slice into ½” thin wedges

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Prepare a baking sheet lined with tin foil and spray with oil. Also, prepare a saucer and a regular plate by lining them both with paper towel, and set aside.

Par-cook the potato cubes in a glass bowl in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel on high for 4 minutes, tossing mid-way through for even cooking. Add the remaining ingredients, toss to combine, and spread evenly in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, while turning mid-way through for even browning.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute the bacon over medium heat until browned and crisp. Remove bacon from pan using a slotted spoon and place on the paper towel lined saucer, reserving drippings in skillet. Add kielbasa rounds and saute until lightly caramelized, and remove to the regular sized paper-towel lined plate, again, reserving drippings. Add the onion, and saute until translucent. Add the garlic, red pepper flakes, basil, thyme, caraway, and ground pepper, and saute for 30 seconds longer.

Deglaze the skillet by adding in the red wine vinegar, white wine, and chicken broth, while scraping bits from the bottom. Add the thin cabbage wedges, cover, bring to boil, and reduce heat to low to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes (depending upon your desired tenderness of cabbage), then return the caramelized kielbasa to the skillet, and stir to combine, cover, and let it simmer for a couple minutes longer to warm through.

Using a slotted spoon, ladle cabbage/kielbasa mixture onto a serving platter, along with the crispy potatoes on the side, sprinkle crumbled crispy bacon over the top, and serve hot. – Enjoy!


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


Tip: It’s important to adhere to the recommended sizes for cutting certain ingredients, as this allows this entire entree to cook within a 30-minute timeframe.

MAX’S FAMOUS SHRIMP PASTA SALAD

When Max makes his famous shrimp pasta salad,
there is never any left as it is one of the
first side dishes people tend to gravitate to...
Servings: (6 to 8)
Prep: 10 Mins. |
Cook: 15 Mins.

Posted by Max via Sandra

INGREDIENTS

½ lb. elbow pasta, cooked and cooled
--(Max prefers Barilla due to the ridges in the macaroni)
½ lb. cooked cocktail shrimp
--(Max gets his at SuperBear)
5 eggs, hard-boiled, peeled and chopped
2 ribs of celery, chopped
6 radishes, thinly sliced
3 green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons chopped hot and sweet pickle slices
--(Max prefers Snacker brand)
1 small can of sliced black olives, drained
1 cup mayonnaise
--(more or less to your desired moistness)
1-1/2 tablespoons dijon mustard
1-1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
½ teaspoon old bay seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

METHOD

Cook pasta according to package directions.  Drain in colander while running cold water over noodles to quickly cool.  Pour drained pasta in a large bowl, and add the remaining ingredients.  Gently fold to combine. Let stand, covered, for a minimum of 1 hour in refrigerator for flavors to meld. After one hour, taste for seasonings, and add additional kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, if needed. - Enjoy!

SANDRA'S SALMON and/or HALIBUT ROYALE in PAPER POUCHES

An exquisite method in which to prepare
very flavorful and appealing pouches of
salmon and/or halibut...
Serves: (4)
Prep: 15 min
Bake: 15 mins.

INGREDIENTS

4 halibut and/or salmon steaks, cut 1" thick
2 teaspoons olive oil
½ red bell pepper, julienned
½ yellow bell pepper, julienned
½ zucchini, julienned
1/3 cup quality white wine
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning blend
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
½ white onion, cut into 4 thin round slices, and separated
1 lemon, cut into 8 round slices, seeds removed

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Cut lemon into 8 even slices, removing any seeds, set aside.

Heat small nonstick skillet with olive oil to medium-high heat; saute the peppers and zucchini just until they begin to soften. Add the broth, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and simmer for 3 minutes. Remove the skillet from burner, and set aside.

On a flat surface, using scissors: cut four pieces of parchment (or aluminum foil) to wrap the steaks into 14” squares, then fold in half and cut a large heart shape out of each. Spray 1 side of each paper with oil.

Lay each thin onion slice on one half of heart paper, placing a steak on top, and spoon one quarter of the vegetable mixture on top, topping each with two lemon slices. Take the other heart half of paper and bring over the steak, then make tiny folds and crimps around edge to tightly seal (see photo). Repeat with other 3. Place all pouches on a foil-lined baking sheet.

Bake for about 15 minutes. (Thicker steaks will require additional cooking time, and thinner less.)

When done, carefully transfer packets to individual serving plates, cutting open with scissors just before serving; of course, along with your favorite side dishes.

SANDRA'S STEAMER CLAMS in a WHITE WINE SAUCE

Life just doesn't get any
better than when you're eating
these tasty steamer clams and sopping
up the flavorful sauce with warm
crusty bread...
Serves: (4)
Prep Time: 10 min |
Cook Time: 10 min.

Posted: by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

***Steamer Clams:
3 lbs. live steamer clams, cleaned and scrubbed
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
½ medium onion, cut into quarters and julienned
3 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup good white wine, I used Pinot Grigio
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

***Garnish:
1 green onion, chopped
Fresh parsley, chopped
Fresh lemon wedges

--Warm, crusty bread slices for sopping up sauce

METHOD

Place a steam-insert into a large pot, and add water so it is just below it and heat to boiling (this is to let any remaining sand fall to the bottom of pot, not in your sauce).

Meanwhile, heat a large skillet to medium-high, add olive oil and butter until melted, toss in onions; cooking just a few minutes until translucent, add the garlic and cook 30 seconds longer. Add the white wine (remove from heat source beforehand if using gas burners to prevent flare up). Add the basil, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper; turn heat down to warm.

Reduce heat under large pot to medium-high. Place the steamer clams inside of insert and cook with lid on for about 4 minutes. Remove lid from pot and most steamer clams should be open, and toss any that are not. Remove insert with clams and gently place clams into large skillet with sauce, spooning sauce over them to ensure flavors are distributed throughout, and cook for 1 minute.

Transfer clams with tongs into pasta-type serving bowls, pour sauce over them, garnish with green onions, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and place lemon wedges on the side, including crusty bread slices for dipping. ~ Enjoy!


**********************************


***Imperative: Do Not Eat or Serve any Steamer Clams
that Do Not Open after Cooking!***

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