Pear and Pepper Salsa

(From the Monterrey Bay Spice company…modified by Judy.)This peppery, sweet salsa is a great condiment served with fish, chicken or pork. It’s also surprisingly good with eggs or as a dip for corn chips. Try a dollop on a cracker spread with cream cheese. This recipe makes about 8 or 9  8-ounce jars.  Can also be bottled in pint jars…

1/2 C. white vinegar

1/2 C. lemon or lime juice
7 cups pears, peeled and chopped (you can also use bottled pears, drained and diced in small pieces.)
5 green bell peppers, seeded and chopped (optional: 2 can be red bell…for additional color)

You can also substitute 1 Anaheim pepper for additional spice.
1 small onion, chopped
1/3 cup sugar
2 t salt
pinch of dry mustard

1/4 t powdered ginger (or 1 t fresh crushed)
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Place the vinegar and lemon juice in a large saucepan. Toss in the pears as you chop them, stirring to cover with the vinegar (this will prevent browning. If you use bottled pears, skip this step and add the pears after the other ingredients have cooked). Stir in the peppers, onion, sugar, salt, mustard, turmeric, ginger and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and continue to cook on low, stirring often, for about 3 minutes. (Save some out for immediate use. J) Ladle salsa into prepared canning jars, leaving ½-inch space at the top. Remove air bubbles, if necessary, and wipe rims clean. Secure lids and bands in place. Process in a hot water bath or steam canner for 20 minutes.    

Best Ever Jerky

About 3 pounds venison steak. (Can be round or even rump roast.)  Can even be beef (although made this way, you can't even tell the difference between beef and deer.) Slice while mostly frozen. Make sure it's really lean.  That's why venison is a good choice.  Pieces about 1" by 1/8".

Coating:

2 T soy sauce

4 T worch sauce

3 T catsup

1/4 t ground black pepper

1/2 t garlic powder

1/2 t onion powder

3/4 t salt (depending on your taste for saltiness)

3 T brown sugar

1 t paprika

3 T lemon juice

1/2 t fresh ginger, crushed OR 1/4 t. powdered

Pinch of Old Bay seasoning (optional)

(If you want an extra "kick" of spiciness, add 1/8 t cayenne)

3 drops Cade essential oil (smoky kind) or 1 T liquid smoke

2 drops rosemary essential oil

1 drop thyme essential oil

6 drops orange essential oil

Mix all ingredients except oils and heat, but don't boil.  Add oils.  Set aside while you slice the meat.  Add the sliced meat, stir thoroughly to coat all pieces. You can let it marinate for 1-2 hours or process immediately. Arrange slices on trays in the food dryer.

Dry in food dryer at 145-150 degrees for  3-5 hours until done.  Should be slightly pliable.  Store in glass jars.  Don't know how long it keeps. Some say 1-2 years depending on storage conditions. I would say vacuum packed would extend the shelf life. Based on experience, I would use it within a few months for best flavor and texture.

14 Karat Cake

 

(developed from several recipes.  Better than Taggart Grill's… If you don't count salt, it has 14 ingredients including the frosting)

Mix together:

1 C. whole wheat flour and 1 C. white flour (or use all white)

1 ½ t baking Soda

2 t. baking powder

2 t. cinnamon

½ t. salt

½ t. nutmeg

½ t. ginger (optional)

¾ c. sugar (or even less.  Also can use soaked and pureed dates to sweeten)

Then add;

¾ c. butter or coconut oil

4 eggs

Then remove from mixer and stir in:

3 c. grated carrots  (can be part grated zucchini), ½ C. chopped pecans or walnuts.  Pour into dripper size greased pan.

Bake at 350 for 40 minutes until done. (toothpick test)

Frost with cream cheese frosting.

Frosting:

8 oz. cream cheese, softened to room temp

3 Tb Butter 

About 2 ½c. powdered sugar

2 Tb. Milk or orange juice to thin

Raspberry Lime Freezer Jam

Raspberry Lime Freezer Jam

(from "Within the Kitchen Blog") Who knew making jam was so easy???   BUT freezer jam is beyond easy - crush, stir, pour, done. 

Of course, freezer jam can't sit in your pantry because it is not properly sealed but it is great to make small batches of jam - keep a few jars for your family and give away the others to deserving friends!

This jam has not only sweet, delicious raspberries but also a hit of lime zest which adds an amazing citrus zing to the jam.

Note: Also can be made with blackberries…

Ingredients

4 c raspberries

1-1/2 c sugar

1 package (45 g) freezer pectin or 2 Tbl. Ultra or Clear jel (Add the jel to the sugar first and stir before adding to raspberries.  This helps it to dissolve better.)

zest of 2 small limes (after you have "zested" the limes, use the lime juice for limeade)

4-5 drops of Lime essential oil (optional)

Stir everything in a large bowl for 3 minutes. Use a mixer for best results.

Spoon into jars. Wipe clean and add lids. Close tightly.

Let sit for 30 minutes so it thickens.

Refrigerate - will last up to 3 weeks

Freeze - will last many months

 

Tuna Casserole

(My version without using “cream of” soups.  I know many "modern" people make fun of this casserole, but it is one of my husband's most requested.)

 Begin cooking 2 1/2 c. dry noodles to desired tenderness and drain (takes about 15-20 mins) (You can add the liquid drained off the tuna in the water to cook the noodles)

Melt 4 T. butter, then add

4 T. flour, stir thoroughly, then add

2 c. milk, stir again until no lumps, then

Simmer until thick and just barely bubbling.

Then add—

1 c. combination of ranch and Italian type dressing--or just add more mayo, sour cream, seasonings

2 cans tuna, drained

3/4 cup mayonnaise or Miracle Whip

Milk to thin

Salt, pepper to taste

1 t. all purpose seasoning (optional)

Optional:  Add 1 cup frozen peas

Place in casserole pan and sprinkle grated cheese and/or breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips on top, heat thoroughly, then serve!  (OR, just serve from the saucepan after warming)

Shrimp Enchiladas Verde

(a delicious way to stretch 1 # of shrimp)  

(Serves 4-5)

1 # peeled, cooked shrimp, tails removed and cut into smaller pieces. (you can buy the uncooked shrimp, saute in butter and garlic)( Also can use chicken or turkey instead of shrimp.)

1 C. frozen corn

4 oz. can chopped green chilis, (not drained)

1  to 2 C. canned green enchilada sauce or  mild green salsa (depending on how saucy or spicy you like it)

15 oz. can of black OR pinto beans, rinsed and drained

8 corn tortillas OR 6 cooked flour tortillas

8 oz. shredded cheese (Mexican style, Mozzarella, Jack or Cheddar)

1/2 C. chopped fresh cilantro

Lime, cut into wedges

Coat 9 x 13 or dripper pan with cooking spray.

Combine  corn, chilis and 1/2 of enchilada sauce.  Microwave until heated through.  Add beans and shrimp.

Layer 1/2 of the tortillas onto the pan.  You may have to tear them to fit.  Top with the shrimp/bean mixture. Layer the rest of the tortillas.  Sprinkle cheese all over the top.  Cover with foil.  Bake at 300 - 325 for about 30 mins. until all ingredients are heated and cheese look bubbly.  Remove foil, top with cilantro.  Serve with lime wedges and ranch dressing if desired.

DUTCH OVEN CAMPING OPTION:  Use a 14" DO.  Use canned shrimp, canned or fresh corn.

 

Chocolate Chili

Inspired by Chef Bryan Woolley, KUTV. Modified by Judy.

Ingredients:

1 lbs. ground beef, bison burger or steak, chopped finely.

1 onions, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced finely

1 red or green bell pepper, minced

1 can black beans, juice and all

2 c blended tomatoes or salsa

1 tsp Mexican seasoning

1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

splash of Tabasco--optional

Salt to taste, fresh cracked pepper

Directions:

Brown meat and peppers, onions, garlic in some olive or vegetable oil.  Simmer for a couple of minutes.  Add beans and tomatoes and spices.  Simmer for about 30-40 minutes.  Add chocolate, simmer a few more minutes until it is dissolved.  Taste and adjust seasonings.  Serves 4-5.  May easily be doubled.