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The Special Sauce, Saginaw, TX (2026)

11/24/2025

Kosambri (Carrot Salad)

Ingredients
- 1/4 cup yellow moong dal (optional) - soaked from night before
- 3 carrots - shredded
- 1/2 small cucumber - peeled, seeded, chopped
- little plum tomato chopped
- 1 small shallot - chopped
- 3 tablespoons fresh coconut
- juice of half a lemon
- cilantro chopped
- salt to taste
- 2 green chilis chopped
- 2 teaspoons oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seed
- pinch of hing (asafoetida)
- 3 fresh curry leaves (or dried curry leaves)
- 1 inch dried red chilis - broken pieces

Preparation

Wash dals until the water is clear and soak overnight.

Drain dals the next day and place in a bowl with carrots, cucumber, tomato and shallot.

In a little pan, fry the oil with mustard seed and hing.

When the mustard seed starts to spurt, add fresh or dry curry leaves and dried red chili.

Stir for a few seconds until coated with oil.

Pour this oil mixture over ingredients in a bowl and mix.

Add lemon, coconut, cilantro and salt and mix well.

Taste and if you want more spice, add some chopped green chili.

Source: Foodista

11/18/2025

Asian Noodles

Ingredients
- 2 mediums carrots julienned
- 1/2 cup cashews (optional)
- 12 ounces dry egg noodles
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
- 4 ounces fresh shiitake mushrooms stemmed, sliced
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 green chile pepper seeded, minced
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil
- 1 medium red bell pepper julienned
- 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 2 scallions, white and light green parts sliced
- 8 ounces snow peas

Preparation

Cook noodles according to package directions; drain well. Blanch snow peas in boiling water for 1 minute.

Drain and refresh in cold water, then pat dry.

Transfer to a medium bowl.

Add carrots and scallions. In a medium skillet, heat oil over medium heat.

Add garlic and chile pepper and cook, stirring often, 30 seconds.

Add mushrooms and cook, stirring often, 2 minutes.

Add mushrooms to the bowl with vegetables.

Add vinegar, ginger and hoisin sauce to the pan and warm through.

Pour over vegetables.

Add noodles and toss.

Once the vegetables have been sliced, this tasty main dish salad can be thrown together in minutes.

Serve these noodles with a packaged miso soup mix.

Serve warm or at room temperature. This recipe yields 4 servings.

Source: Foodista

11/13/2025

Glazed Banana Bread Bundt Cake

Ingredients
- 6 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- SUGAR-LEMON GLAZE
- 1/8 cup milk, or more as needed
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups granulated sweetener (I used half Splenda, half sugar)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cups toasted wheat germ
- 1 1/3 cups whole wheat flour

Preparation

CAKE

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spray a standard bundt cake pan with baking spray, or grease and flour.

Combine both flours, wheat germ, baking soda and salt together with a whisk.

Set aside.

Beat butter and preferred sweetener together until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Add banana, applesauce, and vanilla, beating well.

Stir in flour mixture.

Use a wooden spoon to mix until just moist.

Pour batter into a bundt cake pan and level the top with your spoon as best you can.

Bake for about an hour. Insert a toothpick into the batter to test for doneness.

Cool for 10 to 15 minutes on a wire rack before turning out onto a plate or cake platter.

Wait for the cake to cool completely before applying the glaze.

SUGAR-LEMON GLAZE

Use a whisk to combine all ingredients.

Add more milk, a tablespoon at a time, as needed to reach desired consistency.

Drizzle over the top of your cooled cake.

Grate a little lemon zest over the top of the glaze, if desired (optional).

Source: Foodista

11/06/2025

Kahlua Tiramisu

Ingredients
- 500 grams mascarpone
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoons Kahlúa
- 1 1/2 cups strong coffee or espresso, cooled to room temperature
- 250 ml whipping cream (30%)
- 8 tablespoons icing sugar
- 30 inches lady fingers (savoiardi)
- cocoa powder, to dust

Preparation

Put the mascarpone, vanilla, Kahlua and a little less than 1/2 of coffee in a medium mixing bowl, blend until everything is smoothly mixed together.

In another medium bowl, beat the cream with the icing sugar until smooth, then fold in the mascarpone mix.

Place the remaining coffee into a large deep plate, quickly dip the biscuits flipping sides, one by one, enough to make one layer in a 11x7 casserole dish.

Spread evenly half of the mascarpone mix on top.

Repeat with another layer of biscuits and the rest of the mascarpone mix.

Refrigerate.

Before serving, fill a small sieve with cocoa powder and lightly dust the top.

Grate some bittersweet chocolate or make chocolate curls and scatter them all over.

Source: Foodista

10/29/2025

Pan Seared Shrimp & Scallops Over Bacon-Corn-Chile Relish

Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons Ancho chili powder
- 5 slices bacon
- 1 sweet bell pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 4 ears sweet corn
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound sea scallops
- 1 pound shrimp

Preparation

In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.

Add the bacon and fry, rendering all of the fat until the bacon is crispy.

Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon.

Pour all of the oil out of the pan and wipe the pan clean.

Pour all but 3 tablespoons back into the pan, through a sieve to filter out bits that might burn, and turn the heat up to medium high.

Working in batches and taking care not to do too much at once (you want the seafood to sear, not steam), pan sear the scallops and shrimp in the bacon fat and oil.

Set aside as you finish.

When done, pour all of the oil out, wipe the pan, and add the remaining 3 tablespoons of bacon fat/oil back into the pan.

Turn heat to medium high.

Add the onion to the pan.

Cook for 5 minutes and then add the peppers.

Cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Add the corn and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Add the garlic and spices and cook, stirring, for another 2 minutes.

Turn off the heat and add the cilantro and lime juice.

Taste for salt and pepper.

Serve by placing a generous scoop of the relish on each plate, sprinkle some bacon pieces over it, and place some of the scallops and shrimp on top of that.

Garnish with some extra cilantro and a lime wedge.

Source: Foodista

10/13/2025

Italian Beef Braciole

Ingredients
- 1 pound round steak (choose a solid piece without loose segments)
- 4 slices prosciutto
- 6 slices Genoa salami
- 1 cup fresh bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, minced
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan or Romano cheese
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and halved
- 6 cups prepared marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup red wine

Preparation

Pound the beef between two sheets of plastic wrap with a meat tenderizer mallet until about to inch thick being careful to prevent holes or tears in the meat. Any holes that do happen can be patched with a piece of prosciutto or salami during the next step.

Place the prosciutto and salami in a single layer over the beef. If there are any holes or thin places in the beef, make sure to place the meat over those areas.

Spread the breadcrumbs over the salami in an even layer leaving an inch on all sides to make rolling the meat easier.

Sprinkle the cheese over the breadcrumbs and drizzle 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over all.

Carefully fold the edges over and begin to roll the beef.

Tie the roll in several places with kitchen twine and gently rub the outside of the roll with the remaining oil.

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium high heat.

With the aid of tongs, sear the roll all over, including the ends, until nicely browned all over.

While the meat is browning, heat the marinara sauce, garlic and wine in a Dutch oven or pan large enough to hold the size of the roll.

Place the browned braciole in the sauce and bring to a gentle simmer.

Cover and braise, over low heat until tender. The braciole took 3 hours until a fork inserted into the meat slid in easily.

When tender, carefully remove the beef roll from the sauce and set on a platter.

Let the roll cool for about 5-10 minutes and remove the string.

Slice the braciole and serve with pasta or gnocchi with the sauce over the top and plenty of parmesan cheese.

Source: Foodista

12/19/2024

Yummy and healthy salad! 🍴🥗😋

Copycat KFC Coleslaw

Ingredients:

- 1 (14-ounce) package of
coleslaw mix

- ¼ cup finely chopped yellow onion

- ½ cup mayonnaise

- ¼ cup sugar

- 2 tablespoons milk

- 2 tablespoons buttermilk

- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

- ½ teaspoon salt

- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

Stir together coleslaw mix and onion in a large bowl.

Whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, milk, buttermilk, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a second bowl until smooth.

Pour dressing over slaw; stir well and chill at least 2 hours or up to overnight.

Source: AllRecipes

06/29/2023

Yummy, so tasty and hearty! 🍜🥄🫒🧄

Jewel's Favorite Soup

Ingredients
- 15 oz cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 ribs celery, chopped in a medium dice
- 6 cups chicken stock, vegetable stock or water
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped in a medium dice
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 ripe tomatoes, cut into small pieces

Preparation

Place beans, stock, and garlic in a large pot on the stove

Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low

Continue cooking for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally

Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

When the skillet is warm, add the olive oil and saute the onion and celery for 5 to 6 minutes until soft and translucent.

Add the tomatoes and salt.

Continue to cook for another 3 to 4 minutes.

Add the vegetable mixture and parsley to beans.

Cook another 15 minutes or so to meld flavors together.

Serve with Parmesan cheese.

Source: Foodista

06/28/2023

Perfectly cooked, tastes excellent! 🐄🥬🧈🥕

Slow Cooked Corned Beef And Cabbage

Ingredients
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 1/2 cups beef broth
- 10 black peppercorns
- 5 medium carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces (about 2 1/2 cups)
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar
- 1 corned beef brisket (about 3 pounds)
- 5 garlic cloves
- 1 head green cabbage, trimmed and cut into 6 wedges (about 2 pounds)
- 2 medium onions, cut into quarters
- 5 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters (about 5 cups)
- 2 sprigs of thyme

Preparation

Stir the broth and vinegar into a 6-quart slow cooker.

Add the onions, potatoes, carrots, beef and cabbage.

Submerge the Bouquet Garni (last four ingredients) in the broth mixture.

Cover and cook on low for 8 to 9 hours or until the beef is fork-tender.

Remove the Bouquet Garni.

Source: Foodista

06/25/2023

A fresh blackberry filling is layered on top of a buttery crust! 🍋🥚🧈

Blackberry Pie Bars

Ingredients
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 4 cups fresh blackberries
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 large eggs
- zest of 1 lemon
- pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 pound sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Spray 8"x8" baking pan with cooking spray. If using nuts, spread them out on an ungreased baking sheet and lightly toast them in the oven, about 8-10 minutes.

In a bowl, combine the sugar and lemon zest, and rub together with fingers or the back of a spoon until lemon is fragrant and mixed into the sugar. You will end up with lemon scented sugar.

Combine the lemon sugar, flour, salt, and butter and beat on medium speed with an electric mixer fit with paddle attachment until mixture looks crumbly.

Reserve 3/4 cup of mixture, and press remaining onto bottom of prepared pan.

Source: Foodista

06/23/2023

Delicious rice burger, perfect for a delectable sauce! 🍔🐮🧀

The Unagi Burger

Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground sirloin beef
- 1/2 cup panko
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup fresh ginger
- 1/2 cup green onions sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons of sesame oil
- 3/4 cup broccoli sprouts
- 8 pieces shaved cucumber ribbons (2 per burger)
- 4 whole wheat baker's rolls

Preparation

Wasabi Dressing: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons wasabi paste or fresh grated wasabi cream -

Mix all ingredients well.

Taste it and add a little wasabi paste more if you like it really spicy.

This can be made ahead of time and last in the refrigerator for a week or more.

Source: Foodista

06/21/2023

Delicate, light as air, and dusted with sweet Chinese five spice! 🐔 🍫🥚

Fried Stuffed Wontons With Healthy Dark Chocolate

Ingredients
- 1/2 cup toasted almonds, chopped (1 tbsp reserved for sprinkling)
- 1 chicken breast- cooked and shredded
- 1 egg
- pepper
- salt
- vegetable oil
- 5 Xocai nuggets, chopped
- 1 Tbsp water
- 12 wonton sheets

Preparation

Beat together egg and water.

Combine almonds (all but 1 tbsp), nuggets, chicken and salt and pepper.

Place a small scoop of the filling in the center of each wonton, and then brush lightly with egg wash.

Bring sides together and pinch at the top to seal.

Make sure the oil is hot, and drop our wontons in carefully; turn to brown on all sides it does not take long.

Remove from oil and drain on a paper towel.

Sprinkle it with leftover chopped almonds.

Serves 6.

Source: Foodista

The Special Sauce

11/24/2025

11/18/2025

11/13/2025

11/06/2025

10/29/2025

10/13/2025

12/19/2024

06/29/2023

06/28/2023

06/25/2023

06/23/2023

06/21/2023

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