Stout-Braised Short Ribs with The Salt Table Shamrock Dust, River Street Cobblestone Blend or All Round Good Grinder Blend.

Recipe by Damon Lee Fowler, featuring

Salt Table Shamrock Dust, River Street Cobblestone Blend, or All Round Good Grinder Blend

Short ribs braised in stout is an Irish favorite that has become popular in Savannah not only during our infamous St. Patrick’s Day celebration but throughout the winter. Salt Table’s Shamrock Dust is the perfect pairing for stout-braised beef. Other great blend alternatives for this recipe are River Street Cobblestone Blend and of course All Round Good Grinder Blend.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • 4½ pounds (bone-in) beef short ribs
  • Salt Table Shamrock Dust, River Street Cobblestone Blend, or All Round Good Grinder Blend.
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large yellow onion, peeled and diced small
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced small
  • 2 large ribs of celery, strung and diced small
  • 1 12-ounce bottle of Irish Stout
  • About 3 cups beef broth or 1½ cups beef broth mixed with 1½ cups chicken broth
  • 2-3 tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

How to make it:

  1. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350° F. Wipe the ribs dry with paper towels and season with Shamrock Dust. Heat the oil and butter in a large, heavy-bottomed braising pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss ribs in flour, shake off excess, and add them to the pan. Raise the heat to medium-high and brown them well on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. This can be done in batches if necessary. Transfer them to a rimmed sheet pan, plate, or platter.
  2. Lower the heat under the pan to medium and add the onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté, tossing, until softened and beginning to color. Sprinkle lightly with Salt Table Shamrock Dust, River Street Cobblestone Blend, or All Round Good Grinder Blend and pour in the stout. Bring it to a boil, stirring and scraping to loosen the cooking residue, then return the ribs to the pan. Pour in enough stock to half-cover the ribs, cover, and set bake for 30 minutes.
  3. Lower the heat to 275 degrees and continue baking until the ribs are falling off-the-bone tender, about 3-4 hours more.
  4. Tip the pan and spoon off the excess fat. If the cooking liquid seems too thin, remove the ribs to a platter and put the pan over medium heat. Bring the liquid to a boil, adjust it to a lively simmer, and cook until it’s reduced and thick. Return the ribs to the sauce and let them rewarm. Sprinkle them with parsley and serve with mashed potatoes, Irish colcannon (mashed potatoes and greens), or crusty bread.

 

Suggested Seasonings

Savannah Shamrock Dust

Savannah River Street Cobblestone Blend

All Round Good Grinder Blend

Basic Sauté of Beef with Spanish Moss, Southern Italian, All ‘Round Good Grinder Blend, Cobblestone Blend, or Savannah Sizzle

Recipe by Damon Lee Fowler, featuring

Salt Table Spanish Moss, Southern Italian, All ‘Round Good Grinder Blend, Cobblestone Blend, or Savannah Sizzle

This simple, intimate sauté for two has all the flavor of a hearty, slow-cooked beef stew takes in just minutes from start to finish. The Salt Table’s seasoning blends make it especially quick and easy, and the flavor can be varied simply by changing the blend. Savannah Spanish Moss Blend lends a rich, autumnal flavor to the beef, but River Street Cobblestone Blend, Southern Italian Blend and All Round Good Grinder Blend would also be great.

For a spicy finish, try substituting Savannah Sizzle Seasoning Blend.

Serves 2

 

Ingredients:

  • 10-12 ounces beef sirloin, sirloin tip, or filet tips
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt Table Spanish Moss Blend, River Street Cobblestone Blend or All Round Good Grinder Blend
  • 1 medium shallot, trimmed, split lengthwise, peeled, and minced
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon minced flat-leaf (Italian) parsley

How to make it:

  1. Trim any fat and gristle from the beef and cut it into uniform 1-inch cubes. Wrap in paper towels and thoroughly pat dry.
  2. Film the pan with olive oil and put it over medium high heat. When hot, add the beef and sauté until it’s browned and done to your taste, about 3-4 minutes for medium rare. For medium-well to well done, adjust heat to medium to keep outside from browning too much and sauté 2-3 minutes longer. Remove it from the pan.
  3. Add the shallot and sauté until golden, about 2 minutes, then deglaze pan with beef broth (¼ cup for 1 serving, ½ cup for 2). Bring to boil, stirring and scraping, and boil until reduced by 2/3. Add any accumulated juice from meat, stir, and turn off heat. Return beef to pan, add optional herbs, toss to coat, and serve.

To make it with a red wine déglacé: Allow ½ cup pinot noir or cabernet. After the shallot is golden, deglaze the pan with wine, bring to boil, then add broth and boil, stirring and scraping pan, until it’s reduced and syrupy. Add any accumulated juice from the meat, let it heat through, and turn off the heat. If you want it enriched, whisk in from 1 to 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cut into chunks). Whisk in the herbs, return the beef to the pan, toss to coat it, and serve.

 

Suggested Seasonings

Southern Italian Grinder Blend

Savannah Spanish Moss Blend

Savannah River Street Cobblestone Blend

All ‘Round Good Grinder Blend

Savannah Sizzle Seasoning & Rub

Grill-Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Salt Table Savannah Grillin’ Blend

Recipe by Damon Lee Fowler, featuring

Salt Table Savannah Grillin’ Blend

Beef Tenderloin is a luxury cut, but it feeds a crowd with almost no waste so it’s actually great for tailgate parties and other fall gatherings. It’s also not the most flavorful cut of beef, but The Salt Table’s Savannah Grillin’ Blend and hardwood charcoal really give it a flavor boost.

Serves About 8-10

Ingredients:

  • 3-3½ pounds center-cut beef tenderloin, trimmed
  • Olive or vegetable oil
  • Salt Table Savannah Grillin’ Blend
  • Fresh Horseradish Sauce (recipe follows)

How to make it:

  1. Wipe beef dry. Rub all sides generously with Savannah Grillin’ Blend (you’ll need at least 2 tablespoons). If you’re not cooking on the grill, skip to step 3.
  2. Prepare a grill with hardwood coals or preheat a gas grill. Spread the coals only on one side or turn off the burner on one side if using gas. Put the beef over the coals or direct heat, cover, and sear on all sides, allowing about 3-4 minutes per side. Move it to indirect heat (side without coals), cover, and cook to the desired internal temperature (115-125° F. for rare to medium rare, 130-140° for medium), about 20-25 minutes longer. Remove it from the grill to a platter or rimmed sheet pan, cover, and let stand 15 minutes. Skip to step 4.
  3. Alternatively, Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 550° F. Roast 15 minutes and turn off oven. Do not open the oven door. Let it remain in the oven 45 minutes. It should be medium rare. If oven is quick cooling type (with a fan), instead of turning it off, reduce the oven temperature to 350° and roast to desired internal temperature (130 degrees in the thickest part for medium-rare, 140 for medium), about 20-25 minutes longer. Remove it from oven to a platter or rimmed baking sheet, cover, and let it rest 15 minutes.
  4. To serve, carve the beef into thin slices and serve warm or at room temperature with horseradish sauce, either in sandwiches or as a main dish.

 

Fresh Horseradish Sauce

This is a simple and lovely English-style cream horseradish sauce that’s beautiful on beef, lamb, or cold roast pork. It’s also nice as a dipping sauce for shrimp. To really give it kick, substitute The Salt Table’s Ghost Pepper or Sriracha Pepper Sea Salt for the Himalayan salt called for here.

Makes about 2 cups

Ingredients:

  • 1-1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 2/3 cup prepared horseradish, or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • Pinch sugar
  • Salt Table Fine Pink Himalayan Salt

How to make it:

  1. Lightly whip cream until holding soft peaks.
  2. Fold in horseradish, vinegar, mustard, sugar, and salt to taste. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings.

 

Suggested Seasonings

Savannah Grillin’ Blend, chosen “Taste of State”

Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Recipe by Damon Lee Fowler, featuring

Excellent for any of these Salt Table Seasoning Blends

Hostess City Southern Hospitality Blend

Savannah River Street Cobblestone Blend

All ‘Round Good Grinder Blend

Southern Italian Grinder Blend

Southern Herb Garden Grinder Blend

Totally Awesome Grinder Blend

 

This is based on the taste memories of the frugal casseroles my mother would invent in an effort to get her picky child (me) to actually eat budget-friendly hamburger meat. She would have loved having Hostess City Southern Hospitality Blend to simplify the seasonings. It’s a perfect mate for beef and potatoes. Other great Salt Table blends for this are Southern Herb Garden, All Round Good Grinder Blend, Southern Italian, and River Street Cobblestone Blends.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • 2½ pounds russet potatoes (about 3 large)
  • Salt Table Fine Sea Salt
  • Canola, olive, or other vegetable oil
  • 1 pound ground beef (preferably chuck)
  • Salt Table Seasoning Blend of your choice
  • 2 tablespoons butter or drippings from browning meat (see step 2)
  • 1 large yellow onion, peeled and diced small
  • 1 medium clove garlic, peeled and minced
  • 3 tablespoons instant-blending or all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk, warmed to room temperature
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1½ cups coarsely grated extra-sharp cheddar

How to make it:

  1. Peel and slice the potatoes ¼-inch thick. Put them into a 2½-3-quart saucepan, cover with water, add a large pinch of Sea Salt, and bring to a boil. Adjust the heat to a steady simmer and cook until the potatoes are barely tender, about 5 minutes. Drain and let cool enough to handle.
  2. Meanwhile, position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 350° F. Film a large skillet with about 1 tablespoon of oil and put it over medium heat. When it’s hot, raise the heat to medium high and crumble in enough beef to cover the bottom without crowding. Brown it lightly and transfer it with a slotted spoon to a bowl. Season lightly with the Salt Table Seasoning Blend of your choice. Repeat with the remaining beef. Drain off the fat, then put 2 tablespoons of butter or return 2 tablespoons of the drippings to the pan. (Let the remaining drippings cool and discard them.)
  3. Adjust the heat to medium, add the onion, and sauté until softened and golden, about 5 minutes, then add the garlic and stir until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and stir until bubbly and smooth. Slowly whisk in the milk and broth and it bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Cook, stirring, until thickened and adjust the heat to a simmer. Season well with Hostess City Southern Hospitality Blend Blend, stir, and simmer 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning and turn off heat.
  4. Smear the bottom of a rectangular 2-quart casserole with a little sauce. Cover it with a layer of potatoes and scatter 1/3 of the meat over them. Sprinkle on 1/3 of the cheese and spoon 1/3 of the sauce over. Add a second layer of potatoes, another 1/3 of the meat, 1/3 of the cheese, and 1/3 of the sauce. Repeat once more with the remaining potatoes, meat, and sauce, then sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.
  5. Bake in the center of the oven until bubbly to the center and the topping cheese is lightly browned. Let it rest 10 minutes before serving.

 

 

Fresh Beef Tacos

Recipe by Damon Lee Fowler, featuring

Salt Table’s Summer Salt Blend

Taste-Tested and enthusiastically approved by my grandchildren. Our granddaughter likes them finished with a drizzle of ranch dressing, but you could add sour cream, and/or any salsa that you like, but keep the dressings spare or the excess will just ooze out and drip all over you.

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 teaspoons olive or vegetable oil
  • 1 pound ground beef chuck, preferably from grass-fed cattle
  • About 2 teaspoons Salt Table’s Savannah Summer Salt, or to taste
  • About 2 teaspoons chili powder, or to taste
  • ¼ cup tomato catsup or chili sauce, optional
  • 8 large whole wheat flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 large, ripe tomato, cored, seeded, and diced
  • 1-1½ cups shredded Romaine or Iceberg Lettuce
  • ½ medium Vidalia Sweet Onion, peeled and thinly sliced
  • Thinly sliced fresh hot Jalapeno peppers, optional
  • Ranch dressing, sour cream, and/or salsa of your choice, for serving, optional
  1. Warm the oil in a 10-inch skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Crumble in the beef, raise the heat to medium-high, and sauté, tossing or stirring occasionally, until it has lost its raw, red color and is beginning to brown. Season well with Summer Salt and chili powder to taste and lower the heat to medium low. If you’d like a sauce to bind the meat, add the optional catsup or chili sauce. Let it simmer about 2-3 minutes longer, or until the beef is just cooked through (and if you’ve added catsup, it’s reduced and thickened). Remove it from the heat.
  2. Warm a griddle or large non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Lay a tortilla in the pan. Let it get hot, turning it once, and remove it from the pan to a serving plate. Spoon 1/8 of the beef down its center and top with a sprinkling of cheese, then the tomato, lettuce, onion, and jalapeno peppers. Lightly sprinkle with Summer Salt and, if you like, drizzle a little dressing or sour cream over it, or add a spoonful or two of salsa (or offer these for each diner to add to taste).
  3. Fold a quarter of the tortilla at the top and bottom over the edge of the filling and then fold the left side all the way over them. Roll the taco over the filling into a neat package. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and fillings and serve immediately.

 

Suggested Seasonings

Savannah Summer Salt