Roasted Garlic Parmesan Sauce

 This is great over pasta, roasted veggies  or chicken.  Sometimes I put it on a sandwich, burger or hotdog.

ROASTED GARLIC PARMESAN SAUCE

(makes 2 1/2 cups)

Ingredients:

*1 whole garlic head, roasted

*1 tablespoon butter

*1/4 cup all-purpose flour

*2 cups chicken stock

*1/2  cup whole milk

*1/4 teaspoon salt

*1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1 teaspoon dried oregano

*1 teaspoon dried basil

*1 cup heavy cream

*1 1/2 cups parmesan cheese, finely grated

Directions:

~Mince roasted garlic.

~In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over low heat.

~Once butter is melted, add roasted garlic and 1/4 cup all purpose flour to saucepan, and whisk continuously for 1 minute.

~Slowly whisk in 2 cups chicken stock and whisk until well mixed.

~Whisk in 1 cup whole milk, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, and 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme until well mixed and mixture starts to thicken.

~Whisk in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 1/2 cups parmesan cheese until cheese is melted.

~Serve over pasta, burger, hot dog, roasted veggie or on a sandwich.

Mushroom Gravy

 This is good over pork chops, chicken, and potatoes.

Mushroom Gravy

Ingredients:

*3 tablespoons butter

*1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

*1 (8 ounce) package mushrooms, sliced

*1/3 cup all-purpose flour

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1 teaspoon ground black pepper 

*2 cups chicken stock 

*1/3 cup heavy cream

*2 dashes Worcestershire sauce

*1 tablespoon soy sauce

Directions:

~Melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat in a large skillet.

~Add 1 small finely chopped onion and 1 (8 ounce) package sliced mushrooms.

~Sauté for about 7-9 minutes, or until veggies are done,  stirring often.

~Stir in 1/3 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper until the flour is dissolved (about 1-2 minutes).

~Whisk in 2 cups chicken stock 1/4 cup at a time, whisking well after each addition.

~Whisk in 1/3 cup heavy cream, 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon soy sauce until fully incorporated.

~Simmer for 5 more minutes.

Bang Bang Sauce

 This is made for chicken, but it's also good over burgers or even dipping veggies in it.

BANG BANG SAUCE

(makes 1 1/2 cups)

Ingredients:

*1 cup Mayonnaise 

*1/4 sweet chili sauce (I make my own)

*1 tablespoon honey

*hot sauce if you want more heat

Directions:

~In a small bowl, whisk 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce, and 1 tablespoon honey.

~If you want more spice, but desired amount of hot sauce in it.

~Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour.

Quick Sweet Chili Sauce

 Great for Bang Bang chicken.  I have made this using peppers, but this recipe works great and is super easy to make.

QUICK SWEET CHILI SAUCE 

(makes 1 cup)

Ingredients:

*1 cup water

*1 tablespoon chili flakes (add more if you like it really spicy)

*2 tablespoon ketchup 

*1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

*2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic

*1/2 cup granulated sugar

*1/4 teaspoon salt

*1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1 tablespoon white vinegar

Thickener Ingredients:

*1 tablespoon corn starch

*2 tablespoons water

Directions:

~In a medium saucepan, over medium heat bring 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon chili flakes, 2 tablespoon ketchup, 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger,  2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper and 1 tablespoon white vinegar to a simmer (low boil).

~In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon corn starch and 2 tablespoons water together until smooth.

~Pour into sauce and whisk continuously until it thicken up a little.

~Remove from heat and place into a covered container into the refrigerator.  

Garlic Dill Mayo

This is good on a cheeseburger, hot dog or as a dip.

GARLIC DILL MAYO

(makes about 1 1/2 cups)

Ingredients:

*1 large egg

*1 cup light olive oil

*1 garlic clove, minced

*1 tablespoon mustard

*2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

*1/2 teaspoons salt

*1 teaspoon ground black pepper

*2-3 tablespoons fresh dill

Directions:

~In a tall container, whisk the mayonnaise, olive oil, garlic, mustard, lemon juice, salt & pepper until it starts to become thick (I use an immersion blender).

~Add in dill wee and whisk until thick.

~Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. 

1. In a bowl, whisk the mayonnaise with the lemon juice and dill and season with salt. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Brown Gravy

 Easy to make.  It takes about 10-12 minutes.

BROWN GRAVY

(makes about 3 cups)

Ingredients:

*2/3 cups vegetable oil

*2/3 cup all-purpose flour

*1 teaspoon salt

*1 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

*1/2 teaspoon onion powder

*pinch of dried rosemary (optional)

*1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

*2 1/2 cups Beef stock or broth

Directions:

~In a large skillet over medium heat, add the oil and flour.

~Whisk continuously, until the mixture turns brown (about 6-8 minutes).

~Add seasonings and Worcestershire sauce and whisk for 1 minute.

~Turn heat down to low.

~Slowly whisk in chicken broth, and whisk for about 2 minutes.

Nutella

 Good on toast, a banana (freeze it), homemade pop tart or just out of the spoon.  Sometimes I like to take about 1/2 cup of milk chocolate chips and melt them and mix it into the Nutella.   

NUTELLA

(makes 1 cup)

Ingredients:

*1 cup hazelnuts, raw

*2 tablespoons vegetable oil

*1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa

*4 tablespoons powdered sugar

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

~Put the hazel nuts on a cookie sheet in a single layer.

`bake for about 6-8 minutes, or until slightly browned and the skins are blistered a little (be careful not to burn them).

~Place the hazelnuts on a kitchen towel and rub vigorously to remove the loose skin.

~Place the hazelnuts in a food processor and grind until they become a paste (about 3-5 minutes).

~Add vegetable oil and blend for another 1-2 minutes.

~Add in sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt, blend for another 1-2 minutes or until smooth.

~Transfer to a container and cover with a lid.

Mock Arby's Sauce & Horsey Sauce

 The stores do sell bottles of these, but it's so easy and much cheaper to make them.

                                                       Arby sauce

Horsey Sauce

MOCK ARBY'S SAUCE

Ingredients:

*1/2 cup ketchup

*1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

*1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

*1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

*1/4 teaspoon onion powder

*1/4 teaspoon paprika

*1/4 teaspoon salt

*1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

*2 tablespoons light brown sugar

Sauce Directions:

~Whisk all the ingredients in a small bowl until mixed well.

~Place in a small container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before using (helps the flavors meld).

Horsey Sauce Ingredients:

*1 cup mayonnaise

*1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar

*1 tablespoon granulated sugar

*2 tablespoons fresh horseradish 

*1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Horsey Directions:

~Whisk all the ingredients in a small bowl until mixed well.

~Place into a small container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before using.

Garlic Dill Sauce

 Great to dip veggies and chips in.  I also love to mix veggies in it for a veggie pita. 

 CREAMY GARLIC DILL SAUCE

(makes about 2 cups)

Ingredients:

*1/2 cup mayonnaise or plain greek yogurt 

*1 cup sour cream 

*juice squeezed from a half of a small lemon

*1/4-1/2 cup fresh dill weed

*1/8 teaspoon salt

*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions:

~Place all of the ingredients into a blender or food processor.

~Blend on high until all ingredients are mixed in well and dill weed is chopped well.

~Place in a small bowl and cover.

~Refrigerate for at least 3 hours (I normally make this the night before or in the morning).

Salted Caramel Sauce

 Great over ice cream, cake, brownies, pancakes, waffles, apples, milkshakes, and more.

SALATED CARAMEL SAUCE

(makes )

Ingredients:

*1 1/2 cups sugar

*1/4 cup water

*1 cup heavy cream, room temperature 

*5 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature 

*1/2-1 teaspoon sea salt

Directions:

~In a medium saucepan, pour in sugar.

~Drizzle water over sugar, but do not stir.

~Over medium heat, and cook until sugar mixture becomes a golden brown (do not over cook).  DO NOT STIR!!

~Brush the inside of the pot with a wet pastry brush as it cooks to prevent crystals from forming.

~Remove from heat and carefully, but vigorously stir in heavy cream.

~Add butter and put pot back on burner and cook over medium-low heat for another 2-3 minutes, whisking as it cooks.

~Remove from heat and stir in salt.

~Allow to cool and then refrigerate in a sealed container until ready to use.

Blackberry Sauce

 Good over ice-cream or angel food cake or lemon pound cake.

BLACKBERRY SAUCE 

(makes about 2 cups)

Ingredients:

*4 cups fresh or frozen blackberries

*1 cup granulated sugar

*zest from one lemon

*1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch 

*3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions:

~In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice and cornstarch.

~Mix sugar, lemon zest, and blackberries into a saucepan. 

~Cook over medium heat for 2-4 minutes or until berries are breaking down and mixture is boiling.

~Whisk in cornstarch mixture.

~Stir until mixture thickens.

~Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Mock Chick Fil-a Honey Roasted BBQ Sauce

 I use this recipe for my grilled chicken sandwiches.  Also goes great on chicken.  Tastes like Chick-fil-a honey roasted bbq dipping sauce.

HONEY ROASTED BBQ SAUCE

(makes 2 )

Ingredients:

*1/2 cup vegetable oil

*1/3 cup honey

*2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

*2 teaspoons ketchup

*2 teaspoons granulated sugar

*1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

*1/4 teaspoon onion powder

*1/4 cup white vinegar

*1 teaspoon hickory liquid smoke flavoring 

*1/2 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

*2 egg yolks

*2 teaspoons water 

*2 tablespoons cornstarch

Directions:

~In a medium saucepan, combine, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1/3 cup honey, 2 tablespoons dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons ketchup, 2 teaspoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder together.

~Cook over medium heat, bringing mixture to a boil, stirring continuously.

~Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes.

~As mixture is cooling, whisk 1/4 cup vinegar, 2 teaspoons water, 1 teaspoon liquid smoke, and 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice together.

~Slowly drizzle cooled bbq mixture into egg mixture, whisking quickly as you do.

~Add in 2 tablespoons cornstarch to desired thickness.

BBQ Sauce

 This is good on chicken, ribs, burgers, pork, and even hotdogs.   Great to dip french fries in too.  

BBQ Sauce

(makes about 2 cups)

Ingredients:

*1 (20 ounce) bottle ketchup (around 2 cups)

*1 cup water

*1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

*1/2 cup light brown sugar (not packed)

*1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

*1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice

*1/3 cup honey

*2 teaspoons onion powder

*1/2 tablespoon ground mustard 

*2 teaspoons ground black pepper

*1/4 teaspoon salt

*1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (depending on how hot you want it) (optional)

Directions:

~In a medium saucepan whisk 2 cups ketchup, 1 cup water, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/3 cp honey, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 1/3 tablespoon ground mustard, 2 teaspoons ground black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper together, over medium heat.

~Once mixture starts to boil, reduce heat to low.

~Simmer for 90 minutes.

**This is a thinner sauce.  If you want it thicker, decrease the water by a 1/2 cup.

Avocado Cilantro Lime Sauce

 Good on tacos, salads,  grilled chicken, turkey burgers or for dipping veggies or french fries in.  I'm not an avocado fan, but I do like this sauce.  

AVOCADO CILANTRO LIME SAUCE

Ingredients:

*1/2 cup plain greek yogurt

*1/2 cup sour cream

*1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (1 or 2 limes)

*grated lime zest from the lime you use

*1/2-3/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

*1/4 - 1 small jalapeño pepper (depending on how much heat you like or leave out completely)

*2-3 garlic cloves, minced

*1/8 cup of green onion tops (optional)

*2 small-medium avocado

*1/4 teaspoon salt

*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

Directions:

~Blend everything together in a food processor or immersion blender until smooth.

~Can serve immediately, but I like to refrigerate for an hour before using.

Garlic Yogurt Sauce

 I like this on my Chicken Shawarma.   I make mine very garlicky, but you can put less or more if you prefer.  It's also really good  to dip warm pita bread in too.  

GARLIC YOGURT SAUCE

(makes 1 1/2 cups)

Ingredients:

* 1 cup plain greek yogurt (you can use plain yogurt)

*1/2 cup mayonnaise (optional)

*1 teaspoon cumin

*juice squeezed from 1/2 lemon

*3-6 garlic cloves, minced fine

*1/4 teaspoon salt

*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:

~Whisk all the ingredient into a small bowl, until smooth.

~Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Pesto Sauce

 Pesto sauce is so quick and easy to make.   I love it on chicken and Italian subs.  

PESTO SAUCE 

(makes 1 cup)

Ingredients:

*1 cup fresh basil leaves

*3-4 garlic cloves

*3 tablespoons pine nuts

*1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 

*1/3 cup olive oil

Directions:

~In a food processor, combine everything but the olive oil.

~With the motor running, slowly drizzle the olive oil  in.

~Mixing until it is  emulsified.

~Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

Zip Sauce

 I love this on my steaks or burgers.   I've heard some people put it on their chicken too, but I've not tried that yet. 

ZIP SAUCE

(makes about 3/4 cup)

Ingredients:

*1 teaspoon crushed dried rosemary 

*1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, rubbed between fingers

*1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

*1 teaspoon minced parsley

*1/4 cup butter, cut into cubes or sliced (so its melts quicker)

*1 teaspoon sea salt

*1 Tablespoon dijon mustard

*1 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

*1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

*1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 

Directions:

~Mix rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, parsley in a small saucepan.

~Heat over low heat, stirring until butter is melted.

~Remove from heat and stir in salt, dijon mustard, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, cumin and cayenne pepper until mixed well.

~Pour desired amount over cooked steak or burgers.

~Store leftover zip sauce in a cover container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Tzatziki Sauce

I love tzatziki sauce.  I put it on just about any pita sandwich.  Pretty tasty on a hot dog too.

TZATZIKI SAUCE
(makes about 1 1/2 cups)

Ingredients:
*1 English cucumber, partly peeled and end cut off
*1 teaspoon kosher salt
*1 cup plain greek yogurt
*1/4 cup sour cream
*1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
*1 teaspoon olive oil
*2 garlic clove, finely minced
*1/2 teaspoon fresh onion, minced
*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

~Grate cucumber. 
~Toss cucumbers with 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
~Allow to sit for 10 minutes.
~Place salted cucumber into a colander.

~Place colander over a bowl.

~Squeeze the cucumber until the liquid has drained from the cucumbers.

~In a medium bowl, mix yogurt, sour cream, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and olive oil.

~Mix in garlic, oregano, and minced garlic.

~Stir in drained cucumber in to sauce.

~Season with ground pepper.

~Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (I like mine to sit overnight).

Mock Chick-fil-a Sauce

This tastes a lot like the Chick-fil-a dipping sauce.    So good with homemade waffle fries or chicken nuggets.  

MOCK CHICK-FIL-A SAUCE

(makes about 1/3 cup)

Ingredients:

*1/4 cup mayonnaise 

*2 tablespoons honey

*1 tablespoon yellow mustard

*1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

*2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

*2 tablespoons barbecue sauce

Directions:

~In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 2 tablespoon barbecue sauce. of the ingredients.

~Place in a bowl with a lid.

~Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Spaghetti Sauce

Homemade spaghetti sauce has so much flavor and is so easy to make.  The best thing is you can make it ahead of time and fresh or can it.  You then have it ready anytime to you want it.

SPAGHETTI SAUCE

Ingredients:
*2 teaspoons olive oil
*1 medium onion, chopped
*6 garlic cloves, minced
*2 (28 ounce) cans whole Italian peeled tomatoes (I use the tomatoes I can)
*1 1/2 teaspoons salt
*1/2 teaspoon black pepper
*1 teaspoon granulated sugar
*2 bay leafs
*1 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
*1 teaspoon dried basil

Directions:
~In a large saucepan over medium heat, sauté garlic and onion in the olive oil, until onion is translucent (careful not to burn the garlic).
~Stir in the rest of the ingredients.
~Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 2 - 3 hours or cook in slow cooker for 5-6 hours.
~If you like your spaghetti sauce smooth (my family does), use an immersion blender or blender to blend up the tomatoes.  
~Serve over spaghetti or chicken.