Five-Minute Onion Jam

Onions Simmering in Oil

Developed Summer, 2021 as a topping for hamburger sandwiches. How the onions are cut and the addition of salt and baking soda are key to shrinking the cook time.

1 medium (about 5 oz or 150 g) yellow onion
1 T (15 ml) vegetable oil
1/8 t (0.5 ml) table salt
1/8 t (0.5 ml) sodium bicarbonate

Slice the onion in half through the poles, trim off ends and peel it. Cut across to yield 1/8th inch (3 mm) half-round slices. Heat the oil over medium to about 350 F in a non-stick skillet, add the onions, salt, and soda, and mix. The mixture should be bubbling actively as water and carbon dioxide is driven off. When brown, soft, and condensed, the onions are ready. Spoon them onto hamburgers or other sandwiches. Serves two. Variation: Scramble with eggs.

Ginger Scallion Sauce

Adapted from a recipe downloaded from Salon.com. Although it is made from only a few simple ingredients, it delivers complex, spicy, savory flavor that complements mild-flavoried meats. It's potent; a little goes a long way. Low in carbs, this sauce turns a high-protein snack into a satisfying small meal. H/T to Ben for sharing the link

1 oz (30 g) fresh ginger root, peeled and cut into small chunks
4 oz (115 g) scallions, cut into 1-inch lengths
1/2 c (125 ml) vegetable oil such as peanut or another high-smoke-point oil
1 T (15 ml) coarse salt

Finely mince the ginger in a food processor and transfer it a large heatproof bowl. Mince the scallions in the food processor and add it to the ginger. Thoroughly mix in the salt. Heat the oil in a pan until wisps of smoke appear, then cautiously pour the hot oil over the ginger-scallion mixture. It will sizzle. Stir with a wooden spoon to combine. Let cool to room temperature. Stored in a tightly-closed container in the refrigerator, it will keep for months. Dip warm or cold thinly sliced meats, such as chicken, veal, turkey, or pork, bite by bite. 

Asian Dipping Sauce II

Developed February, 2014. Complements steamed buns, dumplings, shu mei, pot stickers, and similar dim sum items.

1/4 c soy sauce (Kikkoman™ is good)
1/4 c water
1/4 t fish sauce
1 t sugar
1 t rice vinegar
1 t Chinese rice wine
1 t dark sesame oil

Pour ingredients through a funnel into a small bottle with a tight-fitting cap. Stir and shake well until sugar is dissolved and oil is incorporated. Store tightly covered in the refrigerator. Lasts many months. Shake well before use.

Piquant Sandwich Sauce

First prepared and recorded August 7, 2010.

2 T prepared hot mustard (Colman’s or other spicy mustard)
1/4 c mayonnaise
2 T prepared horseradish (Kraft or equivalent)
1/2 t lime juice
salt and pepper, to taste

Mix thoroughly. Store in a covered glass jar in the refrigerator. Excellent for beef, ham, turkey, chicken, lamb, and grilled cheese sandwiches.

Tartar Sauce

As developed and prepared over the years. A Family Favorite.

3/4 c (160 g) mayonnaise
1/4 c (60 g) dill pickle relish
2 T dried minced onion
1 t dried dill weed
1 T dried parsley flakes
1 t lemon juice
1 T capers, rinsed, drained, and chopped
relish or pickle juice as needed

Measure mayo into a resealable container. Add the other ingredients, mixing between additions. Thin with relish or pickle juice as needed. Stored tightly-covered in the bottom rear of the refrigerator, this sauce will keep many months.
Note: To facilitate measuring the mayo and relish by weight using a digital kitchen scale, the volume measures have been converted to weight in grams taking account of product density.