It has been over three years since I started posting recipes on Swedish Chef - it doesn't seem possible. In that time, I have been amazed by the number of visits to my blog from all over the world. I am not exactly sure how so many of my followers found me, but I am so pleased that you did.

I hope that I have offered a variety of easy and delicious recipes for you. I look forward to another year of easy, affordable, and delicious cuisine. If you would like to request a recipe, please contact me via email.

Thank you,

Randy Swanson
"The Swedish Chef"

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Swedish Chef's Sweet Tater Salad

 
Okay, I know summer is almost over and all of the picnics are done.  But this recipe would be perfect for a potluck dinner or a perfect accompaniment to fried chicken or baked ham dinner.  You'll be amazed how delicious and different this sweet tater salad is.

Ingredients:

6 medium sweet potatoes (4 cups, diced)
7-8 slices thick-sliced bacon
4 T. small red onion, minced
1 c. golden raisins
½ c. honey
1½ c. mayonnaise
2 T. dijon mustard
parsley
dash of salt





 

 Cut ends off sweet potatoes and peel skins using a vegetable peeler.  Slice one edge so that it sits firmly on the cutting board.  Cut into half-inch planks, then cut each plank into half-inch cubes.  Place in pot of cold water.



Over medium-high heat, bring sweet potatoes to a boil.  Boil for five minutes and check to see if potatoes are tender.  Do not overcook.  Remove from heat and pour into a colander and drain.  Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes.  Place potatoes in a covered container and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.

 


Cut slices of bacon into half-inch pieces and place in skillet.  Fry until lightly browned.  Remove from skillet onto a paper towel to absorb grease.



Cut a small red onion in half and mince enough to make 4 tablespoons.


Chop parsley, enough for 2 tablespoons.  Mince bacon.


 

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, honey, and dijon mustard.  Blend until completely smooth.



 

Remove potatoes from refrigerator and place into a large mixing bowl.  Add salt, raisins, bacon, onion and parsley. 


Pour dressing over salad and toss gently with a spatula.  Taste for seasoning, adding more salt if needed.  Place into a serving dish and refrigerate until ready to serve.


Sunday, September 2, 2012

Hawaiian Stir Fry



Aloha!

The Swedish Chef presents a tropical twist to a simple stir fry.  This dish is sure to wow your guests and impress them.  Don't like ham?  Try substituting chicken or pork instead.  Yum!


Ingredients:

2 c. cubed ham
20oz. can unsweetened pineapple tidbits
2 T. brown sugar
1 T. corn starch
2 T. reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 carrot, cut into 2" julienne strips
canola oil
1 medium sweet red pepper, julienned
1 medium sweet yellow pepper, julienned
1 medium onion, cut into thin wedges
2 c. sugar snap peas, frozen or fresh
1 c. pineapple juice (reserved from can of pineapple tidbits)
1 T. grated fresh ginger
pinch of red pepper flakes
¼ c. salted peanuts


Drain pineapple, reserving juice.  In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, corn starch, soy sauce and reserved pineapple juice.  Combine until smooth; set aside.


 


In a large non-stick skillet or wok, add 2 T. canola oil and add julienned carrot.  Stir fry for approximately 1-2 minutes.  Stir in sweet peppers and onions and stir fry for 3 minutes.  Add sugar snap peas and ginger, and stir fry for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until vegetables are crisp tender.  Add more oil if needed.

Remove vegetables and keep warm.



 

In the same skillet, add another 2 T. canola oil and stir fry ham 3-4 minutes.  Add pineapple, vegetables, soy sauce mixture and red pepper flakes.  Bring to a boil and stir until mixture is thickened.  Add peanuts, heat thoroughly, and serve over rice or noodles.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Fresh Garden Tomato and Basil Salad with Fresh Mozzarella


 The tomatoes in our garden are beginning to ripen.  One of my favorite things to do with them is to make this fresh tomato, basil and mozzarella salad.  It works well as an accompaniment with any Italian dish.  I just enjoy eating it a luncheon entree.  A nice piece of warm, crusty Italian bread would be a great accompaniment with this dish.


Ingredients:

1½ lbs. Roma tomatoes
fresh basil, rinsed and dried
16oz. fresh whole-milk mozzarella
2 t. sugar
½ c. red wine vinegar
3/4 c. extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste




Rinse tomatoes and allow to dry completely.  Using a sharp knife, quarter tomatoes and place in a large bowl.


Cut mozzarella cheese into small cubes.



 Tear basil leaves into the tomatoes and cheese.
 

Add salt and pepper, to taste.

 

In a small bowl, add vinegar and sugar and stir with a whisk.  Slowly drizzle in olive oil, using the whisk to make an emulsified mixture.  Taste and adjust season according to your liking.


Pour dressing over tomatoes, mozzarella and basil; toss gently and serve.