Cooking for Seven

I have always loved Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage. However, when I became more aware of the detrimental effects of MSG, I promptly shunned Jimmy Dean.

Then, I found this recipe to make your own breakfast sausage from scratch! Perhaps it is not a perfect substitute for store-bought breakfast sausage, but I much prefer to know exactly what goes into my sausage.

I have found it handy to double or triple the spice recipe and store the leftovers in a spice jar. Just add 1 tablespoon + 3/4 teaspoon to every pound of pork. Also, if you do not wish to use ground pork, you could substitute ground beef. Just remember that the taste and texture will not be the same!

Breakfast Sausage Spice Blend

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Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
• 1/2 teaspoon rubbed summer savory
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3/4 teaspoon marjoram
• 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper

Directions:

Stir all ingredients together thoroughly. Store in an airtight container.

To make sausage: Mix the spice blend thoroughly with 1 lb of ground pork.

Makes about 1 tablespoon + 3/4 teaspoon, or enough for 1 lb of sausage.

This recipe was one of those successful concoctions that occasionally happen in the kitchen. My sister, Janna, first happened upon this delicious combinations of spices and cream cheese.

The list of ingredients is very small, but the flavors are wonderful. Next time you’re short on time and need something fast, consider this super-simple spread. No alliteration intended.

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Rosemary & Thyme Spread

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Ingredients:

• 1 (8 0z) package of cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve with crackers or toast.

With this little mix of spices you can create your own bulk Italian sausage. Perfect for pizza or any place sweet Italian sausage is called for.

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:: Sweet Italian Sausage Spice Blend ::

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Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground pork (ground beef may be substituted, but the flavor and texture will not be the same)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
• 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped parsley

Directions:

Combine the spices in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly with ground pork. Cook as directed by recipe.

P.S. It’s Kitchen Tip Tuesday…

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: : Taco Seasoning : :

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder (see recipe below)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red peppers
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Shake well before using.

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: : Mild Chili Powder : :

If your prefer a more spicy chili powder, simply increase the amount of cayenne pepper.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 2 tablespoons oregano
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Shake well before using.

What a wonderful match of fall flavors! A while back Mom bought two lugs of pears, and we have been patiently waiting for them to ripen. Now they’re ready, and we have to deal with those two lugs of pears. NO problem! We froze some, dehydrated others, and turned them into jam. And I couldn’t help but put them into this scrumptious loaf!

: : Honey Pecan Pear Bread : :

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup honey
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups (9.5 oz) Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cups chopped peeled pears
• 2/3 cups chopped pecans, toasted

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease an 8 x 4 x 2-in. loaf pan. In a large bowl, combine honey and butter. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add sour cream and vanilla; mix well.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cardamom and cinnamon. Gently fold into the wet ingredients just into moist. Fold in the pears and pecans.

3. Pour into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in preheated oven for 60-75 min or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve with butter, cream cheese, pear jam, or a combination.