Tuesday, September 13, 2011

The Holtburger

Standing on a hill overlooking the River Prosper as it runs from the heights of Mount Esper into the lowlands, the town of Holtburg was one of the first Aluvian Villages. Settlers erected it in 2 P.Y. (Portal Year, time dating from the year humans overthrew Olthoi rule), having struck out into the wilderness from the safety of nearby Cragstone to log the vast Tiofor Wood to the west. The town has since become a major waypoint for travelers, as it stands between the villages surrounding Lake Blessed and Glenden Wood, with the Gharu'ndim settlements beyond.

It wasn't long after the settlement was established that it began to be well-known for a certain rare treat that Aluvians had not tasted since Asheron Called them to Dereth. Delicious ground meat between slices of bread with vegetables, savory sauces and sharp cheeses. This wonderful burger of times past quickly adopted the name HoltBurger. And it's enjoyed in every corner of Dereth today. It will take a little more than clap-clapping to put this burger together but it's well worth the effort.


The Holtburger

4 Servings | Total Time: 25 min | Artisan

Mats:
  • 1 lb Ground Beef
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (sharp is best)
  • 1 Tbl Garlic Salt
  • 2 tsp Pepper
  • 1 Tbl Onion Powder
  • 1 Egg
  • 4 Hamburger Buns
  • Desired Toppings
Craft: In a large bowl mix together ground beef, garlic salt, pepper, onion powder and egg. Divide the beef into four equal portions. Divide each portion into two equal halves. Form each half into a very, very thin patty. Place 1/4 cup of cheese into the center of four of the patties. Cover with the remaining four and seal the seams. Pan fry or grill until meat is cooked through.

Strategies: I would not recommend an appliance grill for this recipe. The real smoky flavor from a true outdoorsy grill is the best. But if you don't have a choice, just be sure to oil your indoor grill really well so there is no sticking and falling apart.

LFM: Fries and/or Grilled Veggies.

Cost:
  • 1 lb Ground Beef | $2.00
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese | $2.00
  • Hamburger Buns | $1.00
Total Cost: $5.00
Cost Per Serving: $1.25

Category: Casual, Troll Fuel

*This meal contains staple items such as spices that you may or may not have in your pantry so your cost may vary.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Naaru Bean Balls

The Naaru are crystalline beings of the Holy Light. They are not only great champions of the light but their natures are literally light in nature. But like all things, Light cannot exist without the Dark. Sometimes, a wounded Naaru can be drained of their power and become darkened. Darkened Naaru becomes servants of the Void. It is extremely rare for a Naaru to fall into a darkened state and it is a tragic event for all the Naaru as a race. Even more rare is it for a Naaru to be redeemed from a darkened state.

It is this yin yang nature of the Naaru that inspired this dish. Black Bean Croquettes are a fairly common dish for people who love black beans but I wanted to expand my horizons so I created Butter Bean Croquettes as well as light and dark sauces for them. You won't know which one you like more, I promise!




Naaru Bean Balls

4 Servings | Total Time: 20 min | Artisan

Mats:
  • 1 can Black Beans
  • 1 can Butter Beans
  • 1/2 can White Whole Kernel Corn
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup Medium Salsa
  • 2 Tbl Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 pkg dry Ranch Dip
  • 1 cup Sour Cream
  • 1 Slices of Pepper Jack Cheese
  • 3/4 cup Barbecue Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Steak Sauce
  • 1 Tbl Honey
  • 1 Tbl Bacon Bits
Craft: Preheat oven to 425° F. Grease a baking sheet. Drain and rinse black beans. Mash black beans with a fork in a bowl. Mix in salsa, 1/4 cup at a time until moist but still firm. Form mixture into 1" balls, using breadcrumbs to firm them up if needed. Drain and rinse the butter beans. Mash butter beans in a separate bowl with a fork. Drain corn and add to the butter beans. Form mixture into 1" balls, using breadcrumbs to firm them up if needed. Place the bean balls on the baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small sauce pan mix ranch dip, sour cream and pepper jack cheese. Turn the heat to medium low and stir constantly until cheese is melted. Set aside. In a small bowl, mix barbecue sauce, steak sauce, honey and bacon bits. When bean balls are done serve them with dark sauce over the white balls and the white sauce over the dark balls. Or vice verse if desired. Two bean balls per serving.

Strategies: You can make extra bean balls and sauce then freeze them for later meals. To reheat them, bake at 425° F for 10-15 minutes. Reheat sauces in a covered bowl in the microwave for 2 minutes.

LFM: Coleslaw and fruit cocktail.

Cost:
  • Black Beans | $0.50
  • Butter Beans | $0.50
  • White Whole Kernel Corn | $0.50
  • Medium Salsa | $2.00
  • Dry Ranch Dip | $1.00
  • Sour Cream | $1.00
  • Pepper Jack Cheese | $1.50
Total Cost: $7.00
Cost Per Serving: $1.75

Category: Raid Night, Critical Hits

*This meal contains staple items such as spices that you may or may not have in your pantry so your cost may vary.