Homemade Au Jus

I made a fantastic prime rib on my Char-Broil Big Easy the other day. I needed a rockin’ good homemade au jus to go with it. And this is it. I couldn’t get enough drippings off the rib roast to make an au jus, so this was the next-best-thing. Great beefy flavor.

Homemade au jus

Makes A Lot. And That’s A Good Thing.

This recipe for homemade au jus makes a pretty good sized batch (about 3 cups or so), but if you’re like me you’ll use a good amount. I like to freeze any leftover sauce. It’s great for dipping French dip sandwiches too.

I also made a kickin’ Sriracha horseradish sauce for the prime rib. The entire dinner was absolutely fantastic. I still dream about it.

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3.67 from 3 votes

Homemade Au Jus

This recipe for homemade au jus makes a pretty good sized batch (about 3 cups or so), but if you’re like me you’ll use a good amount.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword dipping sauce, homemade
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 3 cups
Calories 2kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Put water, bouillon, and soy sauce in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
  • Whisk in the garlic powder until combined.
  • Season with salt and pepper as desired.
  • Lower heat and keep warm until ready to serve.

Notes

Also great made using Better than Bouillon.

Nutrition

Calories: 2kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 144mg | Potassium: 10mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Prime Rib on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Note: This recipe was developed using the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer. If you are cooking using the Char-Broil Smoker-Roaster Grill you should cook with the lid open and the temperature set to High. You might also need to adjust the cooking time.

This was my first time making prime rib on my Char-Broil Big Easy. It will definitely not be the last time. Preparation and cooking were, as always with the Big Easy, easy. And the end result was just crazy good. Tender, beefy and just flat out delicious. Incredible. This ended up being one of the best meals I’ve ever had.

Prime Rib on the Char-Broil Big Easy

I started with an almost five-pound rib roast. All I did was salt and pepper it. Nothing fru-fru. Just rubbed it on and into the Big Easy. Like I said, prime rib on the Char-Broil Big Easy is easy!

Prime Rib on the Char-Broil Big Easy

About 2 hours later the meat hit 125 F (and a bit higher in spots, so next time I’ll keep a closer eye on it). The weather was chilly, mid 50s, with some pretty good winds. I had expected the cook time to be 15 minutes/pound, but it ended up closer to 20 minutes/pound.

Prime Rib on the Char-Broil Big Easy

After resting and slicing I served the prime rib with homemade au jus, Sriracha horseradish dipping sauce, cedar planked Cajun mashed potatoes, and grilled Cajun green beans.

Prime Rib on the Char-Broil Big Easy

I Can’t Recommend This Enough

Everything on the plate was fantastic. I highly recommend making prime rib in the Big Easy.

If you use a bunk bed basket, you’ll have space to cook a side dish for this delicious prime rib!

It’s always a good idea to keep a few spare grease trays on hand for your Char-Broil Big Easy.

Love your Big Easy as much I love mine? Check out my Big Easy Add-Ons page and all 3 of my huge free Big Easy eCookbooks!

Prime Rib on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 2 votes

Prime Rib on the Char-Broil Big Easy

This was my first time making prime rib on my Char-Broil Big Easy. It will definitely not be the last time. Preparation and cooking were, as always with the Big Easy, easy. And the end result was just crazy good.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, prime rib
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 1695kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Combine the salt and pepper and rub over all sides of the rib roast.
  • Put the roast into a cooking basket and put into the Big Easy. Insert an cooking thermometer into the meatiest part of the roast.
  • Cook about 15 minutes/pound or until the meat reaches 125 F. Note: 125 F will give you a rare roast. If your guests prefer their meat done medium-well or well, slice and then finish on a grill instead of cooking the entire roast to a high temperature.
  • Once the desired doneness has been reached remove the roast to a baking pan and cover with foil and a kitchen towel. Let rest 20 minutes.
  • Slice and serve as desired.

Notes

Serve leftovers cold or warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 1695kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 77g | Fat: 151g | Saturated Fat: 63g | Cholesterol: 343mg | Sodium: 1997mg | Potassium: 1273mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 8mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cuban Black Beans

It has been a long, long time since I had real Cuban black beans. The last time was in Tampa, and I remember it like yesterday. Tasty, tender (but not mushy) beans in a broth that is a little thicker than a traditional soup. I was in a real Cuban restaurant somewhere in the city. It’s been so long ago that I don’t recall the name or even where it was. But I definitely remember the beans. Sometimes the memory of a really good meal stays with you for the rest of your life. Food memories are some of the strongest you have.

Cuban Black Beans

A Big Favorite In Our House

These Cuban black beans are just like the great beans I enjoyed over 20 years ago. They are so good that they could easily be enjoyed as a meal by themselves.

Everything about these beans is fantastic. The house smelled terrific while they cooked slowly on the stovetop. Every bowl was a bowl of bean happiness. Really.

I like to use my good ole trusty Dutch oven to make these beans and pretty much darned near anything like it on my stovetop. It’s nice and big and sturdy. That extra weight helps it maintain and distribute heat perfectly. As an added bonus, it’s actually pretty easy to clean up too!

Also try my slow-cooked lima beans.

Cuban Black Beans
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5 from 1 vote

Cuban Black Beans

These Cuban black beans are just like the great beans I enjoyed over 20 years ago. They are so good that they could easily be enjoyed as a meal by themselves.
Course Side
Cuisine Cuban
Keyword beans, Cuban
Prep Time 12 hours
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 16 hours
Servings 12
Calories 287kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

The night before

  • Rinse the beans and add to a large pot.
  • Add enough water to cover the beans by an inch and let soak overnight.

The next day

  • Add one onion, quartered.
  • Add one pepper, quartered.
  • Add 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Add 3 bay leaves.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon pepper.
  • Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of cumin.
  • Add enough water to again cover the beans by an inch.
  • Bring to a boil and let boil for 5 minutes.
  • Reduce to a simmer and let simmer for 2 1/2 hours or until the beans are no longer hard but aren't mushy, checking the water level on occasion.
  • Remove the now almost dissolved vegetables to a blender or food processor and puree until a thick paste forms.
  • Add back to the pot and stir.
  • Add the remaining bay leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Continue simmering.
  • Add 1/4 cup of olive oil to a large saute pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add the remaining onion (chopped) and bell pepper (also chopped) and cook until starting to soften.
  • Add the remaining 4 cloves of garlic (minced) and remaining 1 teaspoon of cumin.
  • Stir and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add the vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste.
  • Stir.
  • Remove from heat and then add to the pot of beans.
  • Continue simmering the beans for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
  • The beans should be tender and the broth should be thick.

Notes

These beans are even better the next day.

Nutrition

Calories: 287kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 1258mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 128IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 118mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Mini Churros

These mini churros will disappear as soon as you make them. They taste just like the churros I remember getting from street vendors as a kid living in Peru. I used to hope that there’d be a churro cart at my school bus stop when I got out of school each day. The carts had little gas-fired deep fryers on them. The vendor would squeeze out the batter into the hot oil, and in minutes (and after a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar) you had a hot treat that you could not stop eating.

Mini Churros

Deliciously Addicting

This version for mini churros using oyster crackers is even easier than the classic version. And no deep frying is required. But the flavor is the same. And oh, how good they are! You’ll find yourself unable to stop eating them too!

If you follow this blog you know I like a little kick in everything, even my snacks. So I was tempted to add just a bit of cayenne to the sugar mixture. But since I made these treats for my wife to share with her co-workers, I resisted the temptation. I doubt I’ll be as strong the next time I make them, which will be very, very soon.

Also try my spicy oyster crackers.

Mini Churros
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5 from 1 vote

Mini Churros

These mini churros will disappear as soon as you make them. 
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword crackers, sweet, treats
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 5 cups
Calories 517kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Line a large baking pan with foil.
  • Add the crackers and spread them out evenly.
  • Melt butter in a medium saucepan.
  • Stir in the brown sugar and stir until dissolved.
  • Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and let boil for 2 minutes.
  • Remove pan from heat and stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon and all of the vanilla.
  • Carefully pour mixture over the crackers.
  • Using a spatula, gently toss and stir the crackers to get them coated completely.
  • Place in the oven and bake for 10 minutes.
  • Stir together the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, the sugar and salt.
  • When the crackers are done baking sprinkle them generously with the sugar mixture.
  • Let cool completely then break the crackers apart (some will stick together).

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Nutrition

Calories: 517kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 485mg | Potassium: 75mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 48g | Vitamin A: 1137IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Waffled Fries

You could’ve pushed me over with a feather. I thought that no way could these waffled fries be great. Potato flakes aren’t the first thing that come to mind when I think about making fries at home. To be honest, I don’t ever think of potato flakes. Well, I didn’t. Now I do.

Well, I was wrong. These little potato bites are highly addicting, and very… potato-y. And, there’s no deep frying involved. Clean up is a breeze. These are the fries of dreams. And they look way cool too!

Waffled Fries

Ready In No Time

It takes about 3 minutes to make these waffled fries. Our little waffle iron can only make 4 at a time, so I kept them warm in the oven’s warming drawer while I made the rest of the batch.

For a little twist on the usual fries, add a pinch of Cajun seasoning to the batter. Or freshly ground black pepper. Whatever suits your fancy.

Also try my mac-and-cheese waffles.

Waffled Fries
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4 from 1 vote

Waffled Fries

These little potato bites are highly addicting, and very… potato-y. And, there’s no deep frying involved. Clean up is a breeze.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword fries, waffles
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 413kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat your waffle iron to high. Spray with non-stick spray.
  • Meanwhile, combine the remaining ingredients in a medium bowl. Let set until thick. Add more water, a little at a time, if the mixture is too thin to stick together.
  • Working in batches, form a tablespoon of batter into a small ball and place onto the waffle iron. Add as many as you can without crowding them. Close the waffle iron lid and cook 3 minutes or until golden brown and crunchy.
  • Serve hot.

Notes

These fries can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven.

Nutrition

Calories: 413kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 647mg | Potassium: 666mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 706IU | Vitamin C: 49mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Sweet and Sour Meatball Sliders

Sweet and sour meatball appetizers have probably been around forever. I’ve certainly made them a time or two. I was looking for a different way to serve them. Something new that makes people not realize they’re eating the usual. Something with a great sweet and sour sauce and more. And so I made sweet and sour meatball sliders. These are a great way to get rid of those ‘oh great meatball appetizers again’ doldrums. Of course you still get great meatballs, but you get more. A lot more.

Sweet and Sour Meatball Sliders

They Pop In Your Mouth

The crispiness and coolness of the cucumber really makes these sweet and sour meatball sliders stand out in the crowd. As does the tomato. They’re quite yummy and addicting. Make a bunch for your next family get-together and watch them disappear. They assemble in just minutes, making them perfect for feeding a crowd.

I used my cast iron skillet to make the meatballs and sauce.

Sweet and Sour Meatball Sliders
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5 from 1 vote

Sweet and Sour Meatball Sliders

The crispiness (really a great contrast to the meatballs) and coolness of the cucumber really makes these sliders stand out in the crowd. As does the tomato. They’re quite yummy and addicting. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword meatballs, sliders, sour, sweet
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 28 sliders
Calories 90kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 1 24 ounce meatballs pre-cooked, thawed (I used Johnsonville)
  • 4 cups sweet and sour sauce I made a batch of our easy sweet and sour sauce
  • 28 slider rolls
  • 2 large cucumbers sliced
  • Cherry tomatoes

Instructions

  • Place meatballs and sauce in a large sauce pan or pot and warm over medium heat.
  • Place a slice (or two if they are small) of cucumber on each slider roll bottom.
  • Add a meatball with a little of the sauce. Note: I flattened the meatballs just slightly using a wooden spatula so they would look a little larger on the buns. If you’re using larger meatballs you can probably skip flattening them.
  • Add top bun and secure with a skewer and tomato.

Notes

For a spicy version, substitute a slice of jalapeno for the cucumber.

Nutrition

Calories: 90kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 27mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 14IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Homemade Canadian Bacon

I was so happy with just how great this homemade Canadian bacon turned out. The flavor is fantastic and the meat is just the right amount of tenderness. Now, I just need to do a better job trimming the pork loin before I start! Despite my lack of butchering skills, I’d make this again and again.

Homemade Canadian Bacon

Wonderful Canadian Bacon

I loved this. I use it on my copycat Tiny Tim’s subs (creamy Italian dressing, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, Swiss, mozzarella, lettuce).

Canadian bacon on pizzas with a little pineapple is another favorite of mine. A slight variation on the traditional Hawaiian pizza. And of course this homemade Canadian bacon would be fantastic in an omelet or frittata.

I prefer to use fruit or nut woods when I smoke unless I want a heavier smoke flavor. Pecan, apple or cherry are my favorites. This time I used apple.

Also try my homemade tasso.

Homemade Canadian Bacon
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5 from 1 vote

Homemade Canadian Bacon

I was so happy with just how great this homemade Canadian bacon turned out. The flavor is fantastic and the meat is just the right amount of tenderness. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword bacon, homemade
Prep Time 3 days 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 days 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings 2 pounds
Calories 1791kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine 1 quart of water, the salt, syrup, brown sugar, curing salt, bay leaves, garlic and peppercorns in a large pot.
  • Bring to a boil, whisking to dissolve.
  • Boil for 1 minute then remove from heat.
  • Add 3 quarts of cold water.
  • Transfer the cool brine (if it is not cool, refrigerate for 30 minutes or so until it is) to a large sealable container.
  • Add the pork (It should be fully submerged) and seal.
  • Place in refrigerator for 3-5 days.
  • Fire up your smoker to cook at 225 F.
  • Add some light wood.
  • Meanwhile, remove the pork from the brine and rinse well.
  • Smoke pork over indirect heat for 2-3 hours until the meat reaches 140 F.
  • Let pork rest for 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Go light on the smoke. It should not overpower the meat.

Nutrition

Calories: 1791kcal | Carbohydrates: 149g | Protein: 204g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 572mg | Sodium: 57058mg | Potassium: 3901mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 132g | Vitamin A: 40IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 318mg | Iron: 6mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Waffled Sausage Patties

I usually pan fry my breakfast sausage patties. Sometimes I’ll cook them in the oven, but I prefer pan frying. I don’t like the mess, though. The splatter. The grease. So, when I came across this approach to cooking up sausages using a waffle iron I just had to try it. Waffled sausage patties… who knew?

Waffled Sausages

Crunchy Delicious Patties

In about 3 minutes you will have perfectly cooked waffled sausage patties, with a little bit of a crust to them. You know what I mean. GBD. Golden Brown Delicious. I don’t trust sausages that don’t have a bit of crust to them. It’s just not normal. It’s hard to get that crust if you bake your sausages. Well you can get it, but you’re going to have to bake them for a while or have them spend some time under the broiler. This is easier.

I can cook four sausages at a time on our little round Cuisinart waffle maker, which is perfect for the two of us. Cleanup was very easy, too!

Looking for something new to cook on your waffle iron? Try these awesome waffled French fries or these great waffle iron cinnamon rolls! They all go great with my Silver Dollar pancakes.

Waffled Sausages
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5 from 1 vote

Waffled Sausages

When I came across this approach to cooking up sausages using a waffle iron I just had to try it. Waffled sausage patties… who knew?
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword sausage, waffles
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 258kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 sausage patties

Instructions

  • Heat your waffle iron on high.
  • Add patties to iron and close lid. Do not press down on the lid.
  • Cook about 3 minutes or until internal temperature of the sausages reaches 165 F.

Notes

These sausages freeze well. Make a bunch of them and freeze for reheating later.

Nutrition

Calories: 258kcal | Protein: 13g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 541mg | Potassium: 211mg | Vitamin A: 64IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Sloppy Cuban Sandwiches

If I’d had any idea just how fantastic these sloppy Cuban sandwiches would be I would’ve been making them for years. Every week. I would say every day, but that wouldn’t leave me much time for grilling burgers and such. The meat mixture is just incredible. The ingredient list may look long, but there’s nothing that’s hard to find on it.

Sloppy Cuban Sandwiches

Messy Deliciousness

These sloppy Cuban sandwiches were messy. Sloppy. You pick one up and you never set it down until it’s all gone. The meat has a bit of kick, but not much, and it’s offset by the cool crunchiness from the pickles. These may well be the perfect sandwiches.

I like to use my good ole trusty Dutch oven to make these sandwiches and pretty much darned near anything like it on my stovetop. It’s nice and big and sturdy. That extra weight helps it maintain and distribute heat perfectly. As an added bonus, it’s actually pretty easy to clean up too!

I also make another great take on a sloppy Joe that uses chorizo called, well, a Chorizo Sloppy Joe. My Big Daddy’s Sloppy Joe is something a bit more traditional but with more grownup flavors. I’m a big Sloppy Joe fan!

Sloppy Cuban Sandwiches
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5 from 1 vote

Sloppy Cuban Sandwiches

If I’d had any idea just how fantastic these sloppy Cuban sandwiches would be I would’ve been making them for years. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Cuban, sandwich, sloppy Joes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 510kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Crumble in the chorizo and ground pork.
  • Add the onion, garlic, allspice, paprika, coriander and salt and pepper.
  • Cook for 5 or so minutes or until the meat starts to brown.
  • Add the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce and the lime zest and lime juice. Stir well.
  • Stir in the chicken stock and tomato sauce.
  • Bring to a slow simmer and let cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.
  • Place a slice cheese onto each roll (having it on the bottom will slow the lovely juices from making your bread soggy… but not for long!).
  • Top with a generous amount of the meat mixture.
  • Place under the broiler for a few minutes until the buns starts to brown and the cheese is melted.
  • Top with some chopped dill pickle and serve.

Notes

You can substitute spicy ground sausage if you cannot find Mexican (not Spanish) chorizo.

Nutrition

Calories: 510kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 1025mg | Potassium: 410mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 331IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 204mg | Iron: 12mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Memphis Rib Rub

There was a time when I purchased many of the rubs I used for cooking. Especially when it came to smoking pork butt or ribs. Now, I just use this simple but very tasty version of a Memphis rib rub. This fantastic seasoning mix is based on a recipe from Myron Mixon.

Memphis Rib Rub

Sweet Heat

A little sweet, and a little heat (add more cayenne if you like) makes this Memphis rib rub perfect. It made my St. Louis-style ribs (and tips) something great. This recipe makes a nice big batch. Just store any extra in an air-tight container out of the light and away from heat.

I keep my homemade spice mixes in resealable containers. To identify them I write the name of the mix and the date on painter’s blue tape. The tape comes off easily when I’m done with the mix so I can re-use the containers for other things.

This rub is great on smoked St Louis-style ribs.

Memphis Rib Rub
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5 from 1 vote

Memphis Rib Rub

There was a time when I purchased many of the rubs I used for cooking, specially when it came to smoking pork butt or ribs. Now, I just use this simple but very tasty version of a Memphis rib rub based on a recipe from Myron Mixon.
Course Spice Mixture
Cuisine American
Keyword ribs, seasoning
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 557kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients.

Notes

Store in an air-tight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 557kcal | Carbohydrates: 132g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 7152mg | Potassium: 700mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 109g | Vitamin A: 4487IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 208mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.