Cranberry Ketchup


If you like cranberries and ketchup, you will love this condiment. I just tried it for the first time a couple of weeks ago, and knew right then, I would be making it very soon. As I mentioned in my previous post, it was on a turkey burger I had, and added tremendous flavor. My recipe isn’t an identical replica of what I tried in New York, but I am really very pleased with how it turned out! I’ve already been enjoying it with some sweet potato fries. YUM!

Cranberry ketchup and sweet potato fries

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 can (14 oz.) jellied or whole berry cranberries sauce (I had this on hand – next time will use 1 bag (12 oz.) cranberries)
  • 1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp. ground allspice *

Directions

  1. Using a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, add oil and 3 tablespoons water, and cook onion until tender.
  2. Add cranberry sauce (or cranberries), tomato sauce, sugar, cider vinegar, and allspice.
  3. Turn up to high heat, and bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally for about 20 minutes. If using cranberries, make sure to mash them while stirring.
  5. Spoon ketchup into jar or bowl (it will thicken a bit as it cools), cover and refrigerate until chilled.

* If you don’t have allspice, you can make your own by using 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. ground cloves and 1/4 tsp. ginger. Mix well. This will give you one teaspoon of the equivalent of allspice.

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Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage


In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, I decided to go a little Irish and make some corned beef and cabbage. I never made it before, so was very anxious to see how it’d turn out and if I’d enjoy it. And WOW, did I!! Not only is this recipe super easy, but it is also truly delicious!

Ingredients

  • 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into matchstick pieces
  • 10 baby red potatoes, quartered
  • 1 onion, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 5 cups water
  • 1 (4 lb.) corned beef brisket in spices or with spice packet
  • 6 ounces beer (you can omit this if desired)
  • 1/2 head cabbage, coarsely chopped
  • Garlic & pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Place the carrots, potatoes, and onion into the bottom of a slow cooker, pour in the water, and place the brisket on top of the vegetables.
  2. Pour the beer over the brisket, if using.
  3. Sprinkle on the spices from the packet (if included) , garlic and pepper, cover, and set the cooker on low.
  4. Cook the brisket for 7 hours.
  5. Stir in the cabbage and cook for 1 more hour.

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Turkey Sausage Bolognese


If you’re a fan of pasta sauces like I am, then you will truly enjoy this bolognese. I first made this back in March, and thought it was absolutely delectable, and am not really sure why it took me 7 months to post the recipe, but alas, here it is. I made it again last night to go with some stuffed shells and once again, it was delicious!

This may be a no-brainer, but I find preparing all of the ingredients first, simplifies the cooking process.

This recipes yields a lot of sauce, so if you’re making it for one or two, I’d recommend dividing everything in half.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 cups chopped onions
  • 1/2 cup diced carrot
  • 1 tbsp. fennel seeds, crushed in spice mill or in mortar with pestle
  • 1 lb. spicy Italian turkey sausages, casings removed
  • 3 large garlic cloves, pressed
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (I recommend a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
  • 5 cups crushed tomatoes with added puree (from two 28-ounce cans)
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 2 tbsp. chopped fresh oregano

Directions

  1. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add onions, carrot, and crushed fennel seeds; sauté 5 minutes.
  3. Add sausage and garlic; sauté until sausage is cooked through, breaking into small pieces, 8 to 10 minutes.
  4. Add wine; boil 1 minute.
  5. Add tomatoes, basil, and oregano.
  6. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; simmer until sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
  7. Season with salt & pepper.

Serve with your favorite pasta dish. 

Source: Bon Appétit

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Red (or White) Onion Marmalade


This SWEET and tangy condiment is perfect for grilled meats, burgers, sandwiches, pizza or on a crostini as an appetizer.

 Ingredients

  • 2 red (or white) onions
  • 3/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

Directions

  1. Halve onions lengthwise and cut into thin slices.
  2. Add vinegar and sugar to a saucepan over medium heat.
  3.  Bring to a simmer and add the onions.
  4.  Cook, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat and continue cooking for 20 minutes, or until the onions are shiny and caramelized.

Holy Guacamole!


Love guacamole? Me, too! Here is an easy, but tasty dish you can whip together in about 10 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 3 avocados – peeled, pitted & mashed
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 plum tomatoes, diced
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • A pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 1 to 3 chopped serrano chiles (optional)

Directions

  1. In a medium bowl, mix together the avocados, lime juice and salt – mash well.
  2. Add in the onion, cilantro, tomatoes, garlic and cayenne pepper.
  3. Best to refrigerate for 1 hour, but can be served immediately.

 Avocado tips:

Use Hass avocados, the brown, wrinkly kind, for guacamole. They’re especially rich & creamy. Buy avocadoes that are slightly soft, but not squishy. Ripen in a paper bag with a banana or an apple at room temperature. Store ripe avocados in the fridge for 2 or 3 days.