Sweet and Spicy Winter Crunch Salad

Here is my "healthy doesn't have to be boring" entry for Miller's Recipe Contest and I think you're going to love it. I love a dish that offers contrast and this one packs them all in! Tangy and spicy dressing made with honey, orange juice and Miller’s Hot Banana Pepper Sauce for that touch of heat. Apples, fennel, carrots and sunflower seeds for crunch. Canned chickpeas for an easy no cook protein. Dates and dried cranberries for chewy sweetness and fresh mint because I think mint on a savory dish is the most underrated thing in the kitchen.

Sweet and Spicy Winter Crunch Salad 

1 garlic clove

1/3 cup Miller’s Hot Banana Pepper Sauce

2 Tablespoons orange juice 

1 Tablespoon honey

1 Tablespoon olive oil

1 (15.5 ounce) can chickpeas

1 cup fresh fennel, sliced thinly 

1 cup julienned carrot

1 cup julienned green apple 

¼ cup thinly sliced red onion

2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh mint

2 tablespoons chopped dates

2 tablespoons dried cranberries

2 tablespoons sunflower seeds

In a small food processor puree the garlic, Miller’s Hot Banana Pepper Sauce, orange juice, honey and olive oil until smooth.

Pour the dressing into a large serving bowl and add the chickpeas, fennel, carrot, green apple and red onion. Gently toss so all of the vegetables are coated evenly.

Sprinkle with the mint,  dates, dried cranberries and sunflower seeds and serve.

Serves 2 as a main dish and 4 as a side   

You can find Miller's Banana Pepper Sauce at Whole Foods, Wegmans or Amazon 

You can follow Miller’s on Facebook or Instagram

#betterwithmillers #millersrecipechallenge #anythingbutbland

Apricot Habanero Hasselback Sausage Bites

Y’all! These are absolutely addicting and I cannot get enough. Don’t let “habanero” scare you off, these are sweet and tangy with a little bit of spice at the end that will have you going in for more. Millers is hosting a recipe contest and they are looking for the best recipes to wow your friends on gameday - I think this one is a winner! With only 6 ingredients, naturally gluten free and super quick to throw together this will be your new game day go-to! 

Apricot Habanero Hasselback Sausage Bites

2 teaspoons dry mustard powder

2 Tablespoons brown sugar

¼ cup apricot preserves

½ cup Miller’s Habanero Banana Pepper Sauce

1 package chicken apple sausages (fully cooked, 12 ounce package)

2 Tablespoons thinly sliced green onion

 

Preheat oven to 425° and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mustard powder, brown sugar, apricot preserves and Miller’s Habanero Banana Pepper Sauce.  Pour half of the mixture into a small serving bowl and set aside.

Place one of the sausage links on a cutting board and lay a chopstick along both of its long sides. Using a sharp knife, slice every ¼ inch along the length of the sausage, stopping when your knife reaches the chopsticks so the link stays intact along the bottom. Slice the links fully into 1-inch bite-sized pieces (about 3 rings per piece) and repeat with the remaining links.

Place the sausage bites into the large bowl with the remaining sauce and toss to evenly coat.

Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are crisp and well browned. Place on a serving platter with the reserved dipping sauce, sprinkle with green onion and serve immediately.

 

You can find Miller's Banana Pepper Sauce at Whole Foods, Wegmans or Amazon 

You can follow Miller’s on Facebook or Instagram

#betterwithmillers #millersrecipechallenge #anythingbutbland