KLBB's Harried Gourmet is Vienette Olson of Trade Winds Spice Company. Listen for her weekly recipes Friday mornings at 9:40 with Reed Hagen. Add hours of flavor in minutes at Trade Winds Spice Company. 423 South Main in Stillwater. (651) 351-0422.
Spiced Caramelized Bananas
Warm, strongly aromatic, slightly spicy and pungent, nutmeg was prized during medieval times in Europe because it was believed to ward off the plague. When the spice trade flourished during the sixteenth century, nutmeg was at the center of a centuries long tussle between the Portuguese, Spanish and Dutch as they vied to control the Banda Islands (Moluccas or Spice Islands) in Indonesia.
2 ½ Tablespoons butter 2 Tablespoons brown sugar ½ teaspoon grated Trade Winds Spice Company Whole Nutmeg ¼ teaspoon Trade Winds Spice Company Ground Allspice 4 bananas, peeled and halved lengthwise Grated zest and juice of 1 orange 1 Tablespoon rum 2 Tablespoons lightly toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped
Ice cream (optional)
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in the sugar, grated nutmeg and allspice. Mix until combined and cook for 1 minute until the sugar has dissolved. Add the bananas to the pan, cut side down and cook for 2 minutes or until a little softened.
Remove the bananas to a service plate. Add the orange zest and juice to the skillet and stir for about 2 minutes until the mixture is thick and syrupy. Stir in the rum. If serving over ice cream, place the bananas with the ice cream. Spoon the sauce over the bananas. Sprinkle with the chopped nuts and sprinkle with some freshly grated nutmeg.
Serve immediately.
Beefy Black Bean Salsa Bake
Easy to make and tasty to eat, a hearty warm supper to carry us through the last of winter and the tease of spring.
1 lb ground beef 1 Tablespoon Trade Winds Spice Company Chili Blend 3 Tablespoons sour cream 12oz jar Trade Winds Spice Company Black Bean Salsa 8 oz (about 2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese 2 cups tortilla chips crushed into large pieces
Preheat oven to 350°F. Brown the ground beef and drain off the fat. Stir in the chili blend, sour cream and salsa and set aside. Place ½ of the beef mixture in a 2 quart casserole dish, sprinkle on ½ of the cheese and 1 cup chips. Repeat the layers. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
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