Portabello Mushroom Burgers

PORTABELLO MUSHROOM BURGERS

2 large mushroom caps

¼ cup balsamic vinegar

2 Tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

salt and pepper to taste

2 slices Gouda cheese

2 slices onion

2 slices tomato

2 burger buns toasted

Scrape black gills from mushroom caps.  Make marinade, and marinate mushroom caps 10 minutes each side.  Grill (about 6” from flame) the mushroom caps and onion slices coated with marinade, about 6 minutes each side.  Add cheese the last minute or so to melt.  Toast burger buns.

Serve with Pesto Mayonnaise (about half-and-half mixture of mayonnaise and fresh pesto).

YUMMY ORANGE SAUCE

Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
Grated Orange Zest
Grated Fresh Ginger
Soy Sauce
Hoison Sauce

Heat to boiling, thicken with corn starch. Serve.

We used this over smoked chicken breast, and it was yummy.

QUICK AND EASY CHERRY SAUCE

Sprinkle garlic granules in bottom of pan
Small amount of Cherry Preserves
About a Tablespoon of Red Wine
About a Tablespoon of Mild Vinegar

Heat and stir until consistency of sauce to pour over meat.  We enjoyed this on Smoked Duck Breast.

Guacamole

Makes about 4 servings

         
3 avocados - peeled, pitted, and mashed

         
1 lime, juiced

         
Salt

         
1/2 cup diced onion

         
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

         
Chopped jalapeno peppers (canned)

         
1 teaspoon minced garlic

         
1 pinch ground cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions

In a medium bowl, mash together the avocados, lime juice, and salt. Mix in onion, cilantro, jalapenos, and garlic. Stir in cayenne pepper. Refrigerate 1 hour for best flavor, or serve immediately.

PORK AND GREEN CHILE STEW

Lois’ Recipe

Leftover pork chops, cut in pieces

1 can diced green chiles

2 cups chicken broth

½ cup chopped onion

3 or 4 minced garlic cloves

1 stock chopped celery

3 medium potatoes, cut in cubes

1 carrot diced

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

½ teaspoon oregano

½ teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon red chile powder

Heat to boiling, then simmer at least 40 minutes (and until vegetables are tender.  Turn off hear.  Then let it stand to enhance the flavors.  Reheat before serving.

Made this for Valentine's Day 2014.  We liked it better than going out to any over-priced and crowded restaurant.