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Elk Queso

  • Elk Queso & Chips

This is a great appetizer for any game day party! My brother John sent me this recipe – He’s a big elk hunter and usually brings a few pounds of ground elk after a successful hunting trip. Hint to John! Elk can be tough to find at your local market, but there are a few places out there that offer it. Elk is low fat, but of course you can substitute lean ground beef (90%/10%) . This recipe is easy to make and it’s always gone by the end of the game. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground elk (you can substitute lean ground beef (90%/10%)
  • 1 tsp. avocado or olive oil
  • 1 pound of yellow American cheese cut into 1/2″ cubes or shredded cheese
  • 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilis

Directions:

  1. Brown ground elk/beef in oil, working it into small pieces with wooden spoon or potato masher. Salt and pepper a little for taste. Don’t over cook. Drain any oil from the meat.
  2. Layer cheese, browned meat, Rotel diced tomatoes and chilis and green chilis into a casserole bowl until evenly mixed.
  3. Bake in a 350° for 30 minutes, stirring the mixture every 10 minutes.
  4. Serve it up hot with corn chips, or soft pretzels.

Posted on

Orange You an Adorable Cake?!

The Best Cake Ever Submitted by Guest Baker Michelle Gordon

Leigh and I met today’s guest baker, Michelle Gordon, through our son, Thom. Thom and Michelle’s son, Josh, are best friends and have been working together for several years in the fast-growing Grand Rapids improv scene. Once the quarantine is lifted you can catch Thom and Josh cracking each other and everyone else up at The Comedy Project on Leonard Street.  As for Michelle, you will find her and daughter, Amanda, doing an outstanding job helping clients market, stage and buy and sell homes throughout west Michigan. Until then, stay home and make this unique and delicious cake.  Thank you, Michelle!!

Ingredients:

  • 2 oranges
  • 2.5 cups almond flour
  • 5 eggs
  • 1 t. baking soda
  • ¾ cup of sugar (or substitute – Michelle recommends monk fruit)
  • Almond slivers
  • Powdered sugar

Directions: 

  • Boil 2 oranges for 1.5 hours (with ends cut off) and drain.
  • Chop up skin and remove the membranes inside. 
  • Put in food processor with almond flour, eggs,baking soda, and sugar.
  • Top with almond slivers bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes.
  • Cool then dust with powdered sugar.

Bonus Drink Tip from Michelle: 

“Measure left over water you boiled oranges in and add the same amount of sugar. I used cane sugar. Simmer until sugar is dissolved. I added 2 drops of tangerine essential oil. Stain water and put in fridge. Good for one month. Make your favorite drink.”