Sausage

We received another half pig from Bob and Barb this year (thank you!!) and are once again exploring new pork recipes :) Last week, when I made lasagna, I used a version of this recipe for the italian sausage. We have also consistently used this breakfast sausage recipe for things like Sweet Potato Hash and many other breakfast needs :) Both are re-written below for your convenience.

Mild Italian Sausage Seasoning (for adding to 1 lb ground pork)
3 cloves garlic, pressed
1 t paprika
1/2 t fennel seeds
1 t salt
1 t pepper
1/4 t cayenne pepper
1 t parsley

In a medium bowl, mix pressed garlic and pork. Mix remaining ingredients in smaller bowl then add to pork. Mix well with hands.

Breakfast Sausage Seasoning (for adding to 1 lb ground pork)
1 t dried sage
1 t salt
1/2 t pepper
1/8 t marjoram
1 1/2 t brown sugar
pinch red pepper flakes
pinch ground cloves

Mix spices in a small bowl. In a medium bowl, add spice mixture to pork and mix well with hands.

Granola

I have been making granola for several years now. We regularly eat it over yogurt or just with milk. When I have shared it with friends they laugh at my "36 minute" baking time, but I tell you what, it works!

Granola
6 c oats (can use 1/2 quick)
2 c rice krispies
1 c wheat germ
1 c wheat bran
1/3 c ground flax seed
1 T cinnamon
1/2 c slivered almonds
1/2 brown sugar
1/2 canola oil
1 c honey
2 t vanilla extract

Mix dry ingredients in large bowl. Mix wet ingredients in smaller bowl/measuring cup. Pour over dry ingredients. Stir until all dry ingredients are moistened.

Spread granola in thin layer on two large cookie sheets (I use 11x17 jellyroll pans). Bake at 295 for 36 min, stirring and alternating pans (top rack to middle rack, and visa versa) every 12 min.

Granola will still be "wet" when removed from the oven. Stir again 5 min after removing from oven to avoid large chunks. Allow to cool and dry completely before storing.

*Can add different nuts or dried fruits if desired. This recipe also works with coconut oil instead of canola.

Beer Bread

Typically when I share this recipe I have just sent a text message of the recipe my mom wrote out for me several years ago. People always think it's some secret family recipe, but it's not. Just real good, butter soaked, quick, easy bread :) Not necessarily a complement for every meal, but okay in moderation, right?!?

Beer Bread

3 c flour

3 t baking powder

1 t salt

1/4 c sugar

12 oz beer

1/2 c melted butter

Mix dry ingredients. Add beer. Pour into greased loaf pan. Pour melted butter over mixture. Bake 1 hr at 375. Remove from pan and cool 15 min before cutting.

*You can use 1/2 whole wheat flour for a less-guilty version :)

Bacon Avocado Green Salad with White Wine Vinegar Dressing

This was a favorite this summer and was often served on Sunday nights with grilled pizza. Who doesn't love salad that has bacon in it? And our children will eat anything with avocados, so this is a big win at our house. The dressing it the best part of this salad though, light, fresh, yummy!

Salad greens (mix of romaine, green leaf, red leaf, arugula)
8 strips of crispy bacon, chopped
1 avocado, diced
Feta cheese

Dressing
1/4 c white wine vinegar
2 t honey
2 t dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 c olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Mix dressing well and toss with greens, bacon, and avocado. Sprinkle with cheese. Serve immediately.

Adjust amounts of greens, etc., according to number of servings needed.
Dressing amount is likely sufficient for two large salads. Keeps well in fridge for 1 week.

Oops

Oops. Apparently I've been busy with other things as evidenced by the silence on the blog for more than 6 months! And it's true, we have been busy. We moved to the Iowa City area after Bobby accepted a position with Veritas Church here. We are still settling into our home but are already feeling connected in our new community. Though we miss our friends in Ames dearly, we are thankful to only be a few hours down the road and have been graced with many visits from familiar faces :) Thank you friends, both old and new!

Owen and Rya both started Kindergarten this fall and LOVE it! Here is a pic from the first day of school. Crazy kids.

Gibson and Adia got right to work getting themselves into new shenanigans. 

Below they are covered in mascara and concealer. Naturally.

During my absence from the blogosphere I haven't been completely absent in the kitchen, so I will be catching up with a few recipes in the next few days!