Sunday, July 31, 2011

Recipe : Burnt Sugar Cake I

Ingredients
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup water
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup water

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease three 9 inch round cake pans.
In a small saucepan bring 1 cup of the water to a boil, slowly add 1/2 cup of the sugar and cook to a thick syrup.
Sift together the flour with the baking powder and salt.
In a large bowl, cream the butter or margarine with 1 1/2 cups of the sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
In another bowl, combine milk and sugar/water mixture. Add the vanilla and mix well.
Add the sifted dry ingredients alternately with the milk mixture to the creamed butter or margarine mixture. Stir until just combined. Pour batter equally into three greased 9 inch round cake pans.
Bake for about 30 minutes at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). When cool, glaze with burnt sugar syrup.
To Make Glaze: In a small saucepan bring 1 cup water to a boil, slowly add 1/2 cup of the sugar and cook to a thick syrup. Pour over top of cooled cake layers.

Recipe : Apple Chicken Stir Fry

Ingredients
1 pound cubed boneless, skinless chicken breast
1/2 cup onion, vertically sliced
1 3/4 cups carrots, thinly sliced
1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
1 cup fresh or frozen Chinese pea pods
1 tablespoon water
1 medium baking apple, cored and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon oil
2 cups cooked brown rice

Directions
Stir-fry cubed chicken breast in 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in nonstick skillet until lightly browned and cooked. Remove from skillet.
Stir-fry onion, carrots and basil in oil in same skillet until carrots are tender. Stir in pea pods and water. Stir-fry 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in apple. Add to chicken.
Serve hot over cooked rice.

Recipe : Brussels Sprouts Gratin

Ingredients
1 pound Brussels sprouts, cleaned and trimmed
2 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter, cut into tiny pieces

Directions
Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the Brussels sprouts and cook uncovered until tender, about 8 minutes. Drain in a colander, then immediately immerse in ice water for several minutes until cold to stop the cooking process. Once the Brussels sprouts are cold, drain well, and cut in halves or quarters, depending on size. Set aside.
Meanwhile, place the bacon in a large, deep skillet, and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until limp and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat and stir in the Brussels sprouts. Season with salt and pepper then toss for about 1 minutes to evenly distribute the seasonings. Arrange bacon and Brussels sprouts on the prepared baking dish. Pour cream evenly over the Brussels sprouts, then sprinkle breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese on top. Distribute pieces of butter over the bread crumbs.
Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and heated through, 20 to 25 minutes.

Recipe : Bacon Baked Beans

Ingredients
6 slices bacon
2 (16 ounce) cans baked beans
1 onion, diced
1/4 cup yellow mustard
3/4 cup ketchup
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 Granny Smith apple - peeled, cored and diced

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Cook bacon in a large skillet or in the microwave until much of the grease has been released, but the bacon is still flexible. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
In a 9 inch square baking dish, stir together the baked beans, onion, mustard, ketchup, brown sugar and apple. Top with slices of bacon.
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes in the preheated oven, until the bacon is crisp and beans are bubbling hot.

Recipe : Anise Biscotti

Ingredients
2 cups white sugar
1 cup butter, softened
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup brandy
1 1/2 teaspoons anise extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup almonds
2 tablespoons anise seed

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper or foil.
In large mixing bowl, beat sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine brandy, anise extract and vanilla in a small bowl or measuring cup. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Alternately add dry ingredients and brandy mixture to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir in the almonds and aniseed.
Drop dough by spoonfuls onto prepared sheet, forming two 2 x 13-inch long strips on each sheet. Smooth dough into logs with moistened fingertips.
Bake about30 to 35 minutes or until golden and firm to the touch. Place cookie sheets on racks and cool completely. Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees F.
Cut cooled logs on the diagonal into 3/4-inch thick slices using a serrated knife. Place slices on cookie sheets.
Bake for about 20 minutes, turning after 10 minutes, until dry and slightly brown. Remove to a rack and cool.

Recipe : A Very Intense Fruit Smoothie

Ingredients
1 (10 ounce) package frozen mixed berries
1 (15 ounce) can sliced peaches, drained
2 tablespoons honey

Directions
In a blender, combine frozen fruit, canned fruit and honey. Blend until smooth.

Recipe : Blackberry Syrup

Ingredients
4 cups blackberry juice
4 cups white sugar
1/3 (2 ounce) package powdered pectin (optional)

Directions
Mix the blackberry juice and sugar, bring to a boil. Boil rapidly for 2 minutes. Skim off foam. Pour into HOT sterile jars or bottles.
This makes a thin syrup (like true maple syrup). If you want it slightly thicker, you can add a small amount of powdered pectin (less than half a 2 ounce box) to the cold syrup and sugar mixture.

Recipe : Bacon and Tomato Cups

Ingredients
8 slices bacon
1 tomato, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
3 ounces shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 (16 ounce) can refrigerated buttermilk biscuit dough

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until evenly brown. Drain on paper towels. Crumble bacon into a medium mixing bowl, and mix with tomato, onion, Swiss cheese, mayonnaise and basil.
Separate biscuits into halves horizontally. Place each half into cups of the prepared mini muffin pan. Fill each biscuit half with the bacon mixture.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven , or until golden brown.

Recipe : A Berry-Purple Smoothie

Ingredients
1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapples in juice, chilled
1 (16.5 ounce) can blueberries or blackberries in light syrup, chilled and drained
1 1/2 cups small ice cubes
1 (6 ounce) container low-fat lemon or vanilla yogurt

Directions
Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Serve immediately or keep chilled for up to one hour. Mix again before serving.

Recipe : Au Gratin Cabbage

Ingredients
2 cups shredded cabbage
1/2 cup grated carrot
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup milk
3 tablespoons shredded Swiss cheese
1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions
In a large skillet coated with nonstick cooking spray, saute the cabbage, carrot and onions until for 7 minutes or crisp-tender. Transfer to a greased shallow 1-qt. baking dish.
In a bowl, combine the egg, milk, Swiss cheese and seasoned salt. Pour over the vegetables. Sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

Recipe : Baked Fish Sandwiches

Ingredients
1 pound cod fillets
1 clove garlic, minced
1 lemon, cut into wedges
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons steak sauce
4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
2 tablespoons Ranch-style salad dressing

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place the fish fillets in a shallow baking dish. Sprinkle with garlic, and squeeze lemon juice over them. Dot with pieces of butter.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Spread steak sauce on the cut side of the bottoms of the buns. Top with pieces of fish, then drizzle with Ranch dressing. Place the top buns over the filling, and serve.

Recipe : Baked Potato Soup IV

Ingredients
4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
8 cups water
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
16 ounces heavy cream
1/2 cup sour cream
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon onion salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
salt to taste
freshly ground pepper, to taste

Directions
Place the potatoes and water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 1 hour, or until potatoes are very soft.
Mix the evaporated milk, heavy cream, sour cream, butter, onion salt, garlic powder, salt and pepper with the potatoes. Simmer 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until liquid has reduced by 1/3.
Scoop out and drain 1 to 2 cups of the mixture and thoroughly mash with a potato masher. Return to mixture. Garnish and serve.

Recipe : Best Ever Meatloaf II

Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter
1 onion, chopped
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound lean ground beef
15 saltine crackers, crushed
8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese
1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning mix

Directions
In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, and green pepper and saute until onions are soft.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
In a large mixing bowl, place ground beef, crushed crackers, Cheddar cheese, taco seasoning, and sauteed onion and green pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Press beef mixture into a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Bake in a preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes or until done. Check with a meat thermometer for doneness. Internal temperature should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Recipe : Best Ever Chocolate Cutout Cookies

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/4 cups white sugar
1 egg

Directions
Sift together the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; set aside. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg. Gradually stir in the sifted ingredients to form a soft dough. Divide dough into 2 pieces, flatten and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/8 inch in thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Dough is sticky so be sure to add more flour to the rolling surface as needed. Place cookies 1 1/2 inches apart onto cookie sheets.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe : Blue Cheese Bites

Ingredients
1 (10 ounce) package refrigerated biscuit dough
1/2 cup butter, melted
5 ounces blue cheese, crumbled

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate with non-stick cooking spray.
Slice each biscuit into quarters, arrange then in the prepared pie plate. Pour melted butter over the biscuits, then sprinkle the biscuits with blue cheese.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.

Recipe : Baked Chicken Wings

Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, pressed
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and ground black pepper to taste
10 chicken wings

Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Combine the olive oil, garlic, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large, resealable bag; seal and shake to combine. Add the chicken wings; reseal and shake to coat. Arrange the chicken wings on a baking sheet.
Cook the wings in the preheated oven 1 hour, or until crisp and cooked through.

Recipe : Bertha's Big Bourbon Bundt Cake

Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
4 tablespoons bourbon
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon bourbon
1 cup toasted pecan pieces
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon butter, softened
5 tablespoons hot water

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease and flour one 10 inch Bundt or tube pan.
Cream 1 cup of the butter or margarine, cream cheese, 1 teaspoon of the vanilla, 6 tablespoons of the cocoa, 1/2 cup of the brown sugar, white sugar, and 4 tablespoons of the bourbon. Add eggs one at a time mixing well after each one.
Mix together flour and baking powder and mix into batter. Beat on medium speed about 3 minutes. Spread half of the batter in bottom of the prepared pan and place teaspoonfuls of filling around the center of batter. Cover with the remaining batter.
Bake at 325 degree F (165 degrees C) for 70 to 75 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool slightly on damp tea towel and then invert on to a plate. Cool completely and then spread with glaze.
To Make The Filling: Blend 1/4 cup of the unsalted butter or margarine, 1/4 cup of the cocoa, 3/4 cup of the brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of the bourbon together. Fold in the toasted pecans.
To Make The Glaze: Blend 1/4 cup of the cocoa, 1 cup of the confectioner's sugar,1 teaspoon of the vanilla, 1 tablespoon of the butter, and starting with 4 tablespoons of the water then adding more until the desired consistency is reached. Spoon over top of cooled cake.

Recipe : Blazing Steak

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 pounds round steak, cubed
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chopped onion
4 habanero peppers, seeded and minced
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 cup water
2 tablespoons finely grated raw horseradish
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce
2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup cold water

Directions
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in the hot oil until well browned on all sides, about 8 minutes. Stir in the garlic, onion, and minced habanero peppers, cook and stir for a few minutes until the onion has begun to soften.
Stir in the tomato sauce, 1 cup o water, horseradish, hot pepper sauce, vinegar, mustard, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the beef begins to turn tender, about 2 hours. Stir occasionally.
Dissolve the flour into 2/3 cup of cold water, and stir into the simmering meat. Cook until the meat is very tender, and the sauce is thick and smooth, about 30 minutes more.

Recipe : Apricot Muffins

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
2 teaspoons grated orange peel

Directions
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, combine the eggs, milk and oil; mix well. Stir into dry ingredients just until combined. Fold in apricots and orange peel. Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full.
Bake at 400 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack. Serve warm.

Recipe : Beans, Beans, and Beans

Ingredients
3/4 pound bacon
1 pound ground beef
2 large onions, chopped
1 (18 ounce) bottle honey barbecue sauce
4 (15 ounce) cans pork and beans
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can lima beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon liquid smoke flavoring (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place the bacon in a large, deep skillet, and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate. Let cool, and crumble.
Place the ground beef and onions into a large skillet over medium heat, and cook and stir until the meat is no longer pink, breaking the meat apart as it cooks, about 10 minutes. Drain excess grease. Transfer the beef and onion mixture into a large Dutch oven. Stir in the crumbled bacon, honey barbecue sauce, pork and beans, kidney beans, lima beans, black beans, brown sugar, cider vinegar, liquid smoke, salt, and pepper.
Cover, and bake in the preheated oven until bubbling, about 1 hour.

Recipe : Biscuit Baking Mix

Ingredients
9 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup baking powder
1 tablespoon salt
2 cups shortening

Directions
In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Cut in shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place or in the freezer for up to 8 months.

Recipe : Apricot Tea Rings

Ingredients
4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup butter, cubed
12 ounces dried apricots, diced
2 cups water
6 tablespoons brown sugar
4 teaspoons orange juice
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons milk

Directions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, salt and nutmeg. In a saucepan, heat the milk, water and butter to 120 degrees F-130 degrees F. Add to dry ingredients; beat until moistened. Beat in eggs until smooth. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
In a saucepan, combine the apricots and water. Cook over medium heat for 30 minutes or until the water is absorbed and apricots are tender. Remove from the heat; stir in the brown sugar, juice and nuts. Cool.
Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Roll each into an 18-in. x 12-in. rectangle. Spread half of the filling over each rectangle to within 1/2 in. of edges. Roll up each jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seam to seal.
Place seam side down on greased baking sheets; pinch ends of each together to form a ring. With scissors, cut each from outside edge two-thirds toward center of ring at 1 in. intervals. Separate strips slightly: twist so filling shows, slightly overlapping with previous piece. Cover; let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Bake at 375 degrees F for 25-28 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. Combine glaze ingredients; drizzle over warm tea rings.

Recipe : Boiled Mustard Potatoes

Ingredients
6 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 cup prepared yellow mustard, or to taste
5 large Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and halved

Directions
Whisk the water, yellow mustard, and salt together in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, and stir in the potatoes. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Drain liquid, and serve.

Recipe : Baked Brie and Mushroom Sourdough Appetizer

Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon minced garlic
12 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms
1 (8 ounce) wedge Brie cheese, rind removed, cubed
1 (1 pound) loaf round sourdough bread
2 1/2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
Preheat the broiler.
In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Saute the garlic and mushrooms until tender. Mix in the Brie. Cook and stir until melted and well blended.
Remove the top of the sourdough bread, and hollow out the center. Spoon the Brie mixture into the bread. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Place the filled bread on a baking sheet, and broil 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the top is lightly browned. Cool slightly, and slice into wedges to serve.

Recipe : Applesauce Custard Pie

Ingredients
1 (9 inch) pie shell
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
2 cups applesauce
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
In a medium mixing bowl combine butter or margarine, sugar, and eggs. Beat until smooth. Add applesauce and vanilla. Mix thoroughly.
Pour custard mixture into pie shell. Sprinkle top lightly with cinnamon.
Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until set in center.

Recipe : Banana Pancakes with Berries

Ingredients
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1/2 cup sugar
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 medium ripe bananas, cut into 1/4-inch slices
Whipped cream

Directions
In a bowl, combine the strawberries, sugar and vanilla. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
For pancakes, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl. Combine the egg, buttermilk, oil and vanilla; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.
Pour the batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto a lightly greased hot griddle; place 5-6 banana slices on each pancake. Turn when bubbles form on top; cook until second side is golden brown. Serve with strawberries and whipped cream if desired.

Recipe : Basil-Pesto Almonds

Ingredients
2 egg whites
1/4 cup packed whole basil leaves
2 cups whole natural almonds
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions
Preheat the oven to 225 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Combine the egg whites and basil in a blender; process on low speed until mixture is pureed. Toss egg white mixture with the almonds. Drain in a colander. Stir together cheese, salt and garlic powder in a medium bowl. Add drained almonds and toss to coat.
Place almonds in a single layer on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Cool completely and store in an airtight container.

Recipe : Beef 'n' Rice Bake

Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
3 celery ribs, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cups cooked rice
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1 (4.5 ounce) jar sliced mushrooms, drained
1/2 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 (3 ounce) can chow mein noodles

Directions
In a skillet, cook beef, celery and onion until the meat is browned and vegetables are tender; drain. Stir in rice, peppers, mushrooms, soy sauce, butter and brown sugar; heat through. Transfer to a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes. Sprinkle with chow mein noodles. Bake, uncovered, 5-10 minutes longer or until the noodles are crisp.

Recipe : Blender Sauce Noisette (Hollandaise with Hazelnut Butter)

Ingredients
1/2 cup hazelnuts
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 cup butter
3 egg yolks
1 pinch salt
1 pinch white pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Place the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 8 minutes, or until fragrant. Remove from the oven and cool. When cool enough to handle, place the nuts on a kitchen towel, fold the towel over to cover them and rub to remove the skins.
Place the cooled hazelnuts into a food processor or blender and grind to a fine powder. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the nuts and blend thoroughly. Set the hazelnut butter aside.
Melt 1 cup of butter in a small saucepan, and keep hot. In the container of a blender, combine the egg yolks, salt, pepper and lemon juice. Cover, leaving the hole in the lid open, and blend for about 5 seconds. Continue to blend at high speed while pouring butter in through the lid in a thin stream. Stir in the hazelnut butter while still warm. Keep warm until serving or serve immediately.

Recipe : Baked Sesame Chicken

Ingredients
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 pinch ground black pepper
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Place soy sauce in a 9x13 inch baking dish. On a piece of wax paper, mix together the sesame seeds, flour, salt and pepper. Dip the chicken pieces in the soy sauce to coat, then dredge in the sesame seed mixture. Arrange in baking dish in a single layer, then drizzle with melted butter.
Bake at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for approximately 40 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and tender and juices run clear. Baste with drippings once during cooking time. Garnish with extra sesame seeds if desired, and serve.

Recipe : Bacon Popovers

Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

Directions
In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs, milk and oil. Beat in flour and salt just until smooth (do not overbeat). Using two 12-cup muffin tins, grease and flour six alternating cups in each pan. Fill ungreased muffins cups two-thirds full with water. Fill greased muffin cups two-thirds full with batter. Sprinkle bacon over batter. Bake at 400 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until puffed and golden. Serve warm. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Recipe : BREAKSTONE'S Chocolate Chunk-Cinnamon Coffee Cake

Ingredients
1 (12 ounce) package BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunks
3/4 cup PLANTERS Pecan Pieces
2 cups sugar, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 2/3 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 teaspoon CALUMET Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups BREAKSTONE'S Reduced Fat Sour Cream

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix chocolate, pecans, 2/3 cup of the sugar and the cinnamon; set aside. Mix flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt; set aside.
Beat butter and remaining 1-1/3 cups sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Blend in vanilla. Add flour mixture alternately with the sour cream, beating after each addition until well blended. Spoon half of the batter into greased 13x9-inch baking pan; top with half of the chocolate mixture. Repeat layers.
Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack. Cut into 32 squares to serve.

Recipe : American Shepherd's Pie

Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed vegetable soup
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
3 cups mashed cooked potatoes
1 cup shredded Colby longhorn cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and lightly grease a 2 quart baking dish.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, stir and cook ground beef, onion and celery until juices run clear. Drain. Pour mixture into baking dish with vegetable soup and thyme; stir well. Spread mashed potatoes on top.
Bake 20 minutes. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and bake 5 minutes more, or until cheese has melted.

Recipe : Blackberry Pie IV

Ingredients
4 cups blackberries
1/2 cup white sugar
3 tablespoons tapioca
2 tablespoons butter
1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C.)
In a large mixing bowl, combine blackberries, sugar and tapioca. Be careful not to damage the berries. Pour into pie crust. Cover with top crust, seal and crimp edges, then cut slits in the top for steam vents. Top with pats of butter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Recipe : Best Apple Crumble

Ingredients
6 large Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored and chopped
2 tablespoons white sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup custard powder
3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup butter
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/3 cup shredded coconut
1/3 cup rolled oats

Directions
Place apples in a large pot with enough water to cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, and simmer 15 minutes, or until soft. Drain, and cool. Place in a large bowl, and toss with 2 tablespoons sugar to evenly coat.
In a large bowl, whip together the 1/2 cup butter and 2 tablespoons sugar until fluffy. Mix in the egg. In a separate bowl, mix 2 cups flour, baking powder, and custard powder. Mix dry ingredients into the bowl with butter and sugar. Press crust into the bottom and up the sides of a 9 inch springform pan.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Drain apples and place into the crust. Cut together 3/4 cup sugar, 3/4 cup butter, 1 1/4 cups flour, and cinnamon. Mix in coconut and oats. Sprinkle over the apples.
Bake 1 hour in the preheated oven, until golden brown. Remove sides from pan and allow crumble to cool before serving.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Recipe : Beef with Ramen Noodles

Ingredients
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup beef broth, divided
1 (3 ounce) package beef ramen noodles
1/2 pound boneless beef sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 (15 ounce) can baby corn, drained and rinsed
1 cup fresh broccoli florets
1/2 cup diced sweet red pepper
1/2 cup grated carrot
2 green onions cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup peanuts

Directions
In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and 2 tablespoons broth until smooth; set aside. Set aside seasoning packet from noodles. Cook noodles according to package directions.
In a skillet, stir-fry beef in oil. Add soy sauce; cook for 3-4 minutes or until liquid has evaporated. Drain noodles; add to beef.
Stir in the corn, broccoli, red pepper, carrot, onions and remaining broth. Sprinkle contents of seasoning packet over all.
Cook for 4-6 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Stir reserved cornstarch mixture and add to skillet. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Sprinkle with peanuts.

Recipe : Broken Window Glass

Ingredients
1 (3 ounce) package lime flavored gelatin mix
1 (3 ounce) package orange flavored gelatin mix
1 (3 ounce) package cherry flavored gelatin mix
4 cups boiling water
1 1/2 cups cold water
1 (3 ounce) package lemon flavored gelatin mix
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1 (1.3 ounce) envelope whipped topping mix

Directions
Prepare lime, orange and cherry flavored gelatins separately, according to package directions, using 1 cup boiling water and 1/2 cup cold water for each. Pour each into a separate 8x8-inch pan. Refrigerate until firm.
In medium bowl, combine lemon gelatin, sugar and remaining 1 cup boiling water. Stir until gelatin and sugar are dissolved. Stir in pineapple juice and chill in refrigerator until slightly thickened.
Cut firm gelatin into 1/2-inch cubes. Prepare whipped topping according to package directions. In a large bowl, combine whipped topping with lemon, pineapple juice mixture. Fold in cubed gelatin and pour into mold. Chill 5 hours or overnight before serving.

Recipe : Apricot-filled Triangles

Ingredients
1 pound dried apricots
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup sugar
2/3 cup shortening
3 tablespoons milk
1 1/3 cups sugar
1 teaspoon lemon extract
4 cups cake flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

Directions
In a saucepan, cook the apricots and water over low heat for 45 minutes or until the water is absorbed and apricots are soft. Cool sightly; transfer to a blender or food processor. Cover and process until smooth. Add sugar; cover and process until blended. Set aside.
In a large saucepan over low heat, melt shortening and milk. Remove from the heat; stir in sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in extract. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to the saucepan. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or until easy to handle. On a lightly floured surface, roll out to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with a 3-in. round cookie cutter dipped in flour. Place 1 teaspoon apricot filling in the center of each. Bring three edges together over filling, overlapping slightly (a small portion of filling will show in the center); pinch edges gently. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 400 degrees F for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Recipe : Anzac Biscuits I

Ingredients
1 cup quick cooking oats
3/4 cup flaked coconut
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 tablespoon golden syrup
2 tablespoons boiling water

Directions
Mix oats, flour, sugar and coconut together.
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the syrup and butter together. Mix the soda and the boiling water and add to the melted butter and syrup.
Add butter mixture to the dry ingredients. Drop by teaspoons on greased cookie sheets (or baking paper).
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 18 to 20 minutes.

Recipe : Beef 'n' Black Bean Soup

Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
8 green onions, thinly sliced
3 medium carrots, thinly sliced
2 celery ribs, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 cups cooked rice

Directions
In a skillet over medium heat, cook beef until no longer pink; drain. Transfer to a slow cooker. Add the next 12 ingredients. Cover and cook on high for 1 hour. Reduce heat to low; cook for 4-5 hours or until vegetables are tender. Add the beans and rice; cook 1 hour longer or until heated through.

Recipe : All Purpose Lime Marinade

Ingredients
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
2 green onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger root
1/4 teaspoon ancho chile powder

Directions
To make the marinade, whisk together the lime juice, teriyaki sauce, green onions, ginger, and ancho powder.
To use, marinate your chosen meat for 2 to 4 hours. Grill over hardwood charcoal.

Recipe : Asian Turkey Burgers

Ingredients
1 egg white
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon pepper
12 ounces ground turkey

Directions
In a bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. Crumble turkey over mixture and mix just until combined. Shape into four patties. Cook in a nonstick skillet coated with nonstick cooking spray until no longer pink.

Recipe : Broccoli Cheese Skillet Potatoes

Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, sliced
1 (10.75 ounce) can Campbell's� Condensed Broccoli Cheese Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)
1/3 cup milk
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 1/4 pounds potatoes, cooked and sliced 1/4-inch thick
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Directions
Heat the butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until it's tender.
Stir the soup, milk, pepper and potatoes in the skillet and heat through. Sprinkle with parsley.

Recipe : Awesome Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients
3 cups grated carrots
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups white sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice
3/4 cup chopped pecans
3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 (8 ounce) package Neufchatel cheese
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan.
In a large bowl, combine grated carrots, flour, white sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Stir in eggs, oil, 1 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, pineapple and 3/4 cup chopped pecans. Spoon batter into prepared pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool.
To Make Frosting: In a medium bowl, combine confectioners' sugar, Neufchatel cheese, 1/2 cup butter or margarine and 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla. Beat until smooth, then stir in 1 cup chopped pecans. Spread on cooled cake.

Recipe : Almond Bark Snacker

Ingredients
1 pound white candy coating, melted
1 cup peanut butter
3 cups crispy rice cereal
1 (16 ounce) package miniature marshmallows
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Directions
Stir together the melted candy coating and peanut butter. Add the rice cereal, marshmallows, and pecans; stir until evenly combined. Spoon the mixture onto a sheet of waxed paper in an even layer to cool completely before serving.

Recipe : Blueberry Cornmeal Muffins

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 egg whites

Directions
In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add blueberries. Stir in milk and oil just until mixed. In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; fold into batter. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 400 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until muffins test done.

Recipe : Apricot Cobbler

Ingredients
3/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup water
3 (15 ounce) cans apricot halves, drained
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons cold butter or margarine
1/2 cup milk

Directions
In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon and nutmeg. stir in water; bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil and stir for 1 minute; reduce heat. Add apricots and butter; heat through. Pour into a greased 2-qt. baking dish.
For topping, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a bowl; cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in milk just until moistened. Spoon over hot apricot mixture. Bake at 400 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the topping comes out clean.

Recipe : Beef Enchiladas II

Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 (1.5 ounce) package dry enchilada sauce mix
10 (10 inch) flour tortillas
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 (2.25 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a medium skillet over medium high heat, cook the ground beef and onion until beef is evenly browned and onion is tender.
Prepare the enchilada sauce according to package directions. Pour 1/4 cup of the sauce into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
On each flour tortilla, place an equal portion of the ground beef mixture and about 1 ounce of Cheddar cheese, reserving at least 1/2 cup of cheese. Then tightly roll the tortillas and place seam side down in the baking dish.
Pour the remaining sauce over the top of the enchiladas and sprinkle with the remaining cheese and olives.
Bake in a preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and cheese is thoroughly melted.

Recipe : Berry Cornmeal Muffins

Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup white sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups chopped fresh strawberries
1 (8 ounce) container naturally flavored strawberry yogurt
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 egg, lightly beaten

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease 12 muffin cups or use paper liners.
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl gently toss strawberries in 1/2 cup of flour mixture.
Whisk yogurt, melted butter, and egg together. Stir the yogurt mixture into the flour mixture; stir just to moisten. Fold in strawberries. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.
Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until a tooth pick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Recipe : Avocado Soup with Chicken and Lime

Ingredients
4 (6 inch) corn tortillas, julienned
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 white onion, sliced thinly
8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
4 fresh jalapeno peppers, sliced
8 ounces skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into thin strips
1 quart chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 tomato, seeded and diced
salt and pepper to taste
1 avocado - peeled, pitted and diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Arrange tortilla strips on a baking sheet and bake in preheated oven until lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook onion, garlic and jalapenos in olive oil until lightly browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in chicken, chicken broth, lime juice, tomato, salt and pepper. Gently simmer until chicken is cooked, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in avocado and cilantro and heat through. Adjust seasonings.
Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle with tortilla strips to serve.

Recipe : Bacon and Roquefort Stuffed Burgers

Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
4 ounces Roquefort or other blue cheese, crumbled
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
1 tomato, sliced
1 red onion, sliced
4 leaves lettuce

Directions
In a large bowl, lightly mix the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and pepper. Divide into 8 equal portions and flatten each one into 1/4 inch thick patty. In a separate bowl, combine the crumbled bacon, Roquefort cheese and thyme. Place an equal portion of the bacon mixture onto 4 of the patties. Top with the remaining 4 patties, pressing the edges together to enclose the filling.
Preheat a grill for medium heat. When hot, lightly oil the grate.
Grill the patties for 6 to 8 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Serve immediately on toasted buns, topped with tomato, onion and lettuce.

Recipe : Best Zucchini Appetizer

Ingredients
3 cups sliced zucchini
1 cup all-purpose baking mix
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 clove garlic, minced

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix zucchini, all-purpose baking mix, onion, salt, eggs, Cheddar cheese, vegetable oil and garlic.
Spread zucchini mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven 25 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly browned. Cut into bite-sized pieces to serve.

Recipe : Blueberry Cornmeal Pancakes

Ingredients
1 cup soy milk
1/2 cup water
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup stone ground cornmeal
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh blueberries
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions
Preheat oven to 200 degrees F (95 degrees C).
In a small bowl combine the soy milk and water.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir in the soy milk mixture just until combined. Fold in the blueberries and let the batter sit for 5 minutes.
Lightly oil a skillet or griddle and heat over medium heat. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle and cook until pancakes are bubbly on top and edges are slightly dry looking. Turn and cook until pancakes are browned. Transfer to a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven while cooking the remaining batter. Serve warm with syrup or jam.

Recipe : Best BBQ Shrimp Ever

Ingredients
1 cup canola oil
3/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco�)
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/4 cup tomato-based chili sauce
1 lemon, juiced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 pounds peeled and deveined medium shrimp
16 skewers

Directions
Whisk together the canola oil, hot pepper sauce, garlic, chili sauce, lemon juice, and oregano in a large glass or ceramic bowl. Add the shrimp and toss to evenly coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and marinate in the refrigerator 1 hour.
Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grate.
Remove the shrimp from the marinade, and shake off excess. Discard the remaining marinade. Thread about 4 shrimp onto each skewer.
Cook on the preheated grill until pink on the outside and no longer translucent in the center, about 3 minutes per side.

Recipe : Artichoke Spread

Ingredients
1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 clove garlic, peeled
3/4 teaspoon dried dill weed

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Place the artichoke hearts in a food processor and process until smooth. Process the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, garlic and dill with the artichoke hearts until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Transfer to a 9 inch pie pan.
Bake in the preheated oven 10 to 15 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly brown.

Recipe : Best Apple Crisp Ever

Ingredients
4 apples - peeled, cored and sliced
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
In a 9 inch square baking pan, mix sliced apples with brown sugar. In a large bowl, mix together flour, white sugar, cinnamon and salt. In a small bowl, beat together egg and melted butter. Stir into flour mixture. Spread evenly over apples.
Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until topping is golden and crisp.

Recipe : Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce

Ingredients
3 eggs, beaten
1 cup white sugar
2 1/2 cups whole milk
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 fresh peaches - peeled, pitted and sliced
4 apples - peeled, cored and sliced
6 cups day-old bread cubes
6 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
1 cup whiskey
1 pound butter
2 cups white sugar

Directions
Coat a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, combine eggs, 1 cup sugar, milk, cinnamon and nutmeg and stir until smooth. Fold in peaches, apples and bread cubes, until bread is well coated. Pour into prepared baking dish. Dot with 6 tablespoons butter.
Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour, until set. Serve warm with whiskey sauce.
To make whiskey sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine whiskey, 1 pound butter and 2 cups sugar. Cook and stir until sugar dissolves and sauce is smooth. Remove from heat and serve hot.

Recipe : Angela's Oriental Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients
3 cups water
1 (3 ounce) package chicken flavored ramen noodles
2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
2 leaves bok choy, sliced
1 carrot, sliced
1 teaspoon sesame oil

Directions
In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Break up block of noodles and stir into pot, reserving seasoning packet. Stir in chicken, bok choy and carrot. Bring to a boil again, then reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes. Stir in contents of seasoning packet and sesame oil.

Recipe : Asian Mushroom Soup

Ingredients
4 cups fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
3 garlic cloves, crushed
3 cups assorted mushrooms, sliced (I like white buttons, oyster, shiitake, portobello and crimini; if using shiitake, discard stems)
3 cups white cabbage, cut in wedges
1 cup thinly sliced carrots
2 cups chicken breast, shredded
2 cups fresh udon noodles (or substitute cooked linguine)
1 cup thinly sliced green onions, with some of the green tops
2 cups shredded raw spinach or whole baby spinach leaves
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon mirin (sweetened rice wine) (optional)

Directions
In a large pot, combine broth, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, mushrooms, cabbage, carrots and chicken. Cover. Bring to a boil; simmer until mushrooms are soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in noodles, green onions and spinach; simmer until greens are wilted, about 2 minutes. Season.

Recipe : Apple Mincemeat Crumble

Ingredients
4 cups thinly sliced apples
1 1/2 cups prepared mincemeat pie filling
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup Brazil nuts, chopped
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup quick cooking oats
1/3 cup butter

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly butter one 9x9 inch pan.
Mix together the apples, mincemeat and lemon juice. Place in prepared pan.
In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, nuts, sugar and oats; cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over apple mixture.
Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 45 minutes or until apples are tender.

Recipe : Black Bean Pizza

Ingredients
1 (10 ounce) can refrigerated pizza crust
1 medium onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup finely chopped zucchini
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian diced tomatoes, undrained
1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided

Directions
Press dough into a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Bake at 425 degrees F for 4-6 minutes or until crust just begins to brown.
Meanwhile, in a skillet, saute the onion and garlic in oil until tender. Add zucchini; cook and stir for 1 minute. Add the beans and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Boil, uncovered, for 2 minutes; drain. Sprinkle 2/3 cup of cheese over crust. Top with bean mixture and remaining cheese. Bake 8-10 minutes longer or until crust is browned and cheese is melted.

Recipe : Baked Spaghetti

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package spaghetti
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (26 ounce) jar meatless spaghetti sauce
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
5 tablespoons butter, melted
2 cups small curd cottage cheese
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions
Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and seasoned salt; set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, Parmesan cheese and butter. Drain spaghetti; add to egg mixture and toss to coat.
Place half of the spaghetti mixture in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Top with half of the cottage cheese, meat sauce and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes. Uncover; bake 20-25 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

Recipe : Bourbon Chicken

Ingredients
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 teaspoon ground ginger
4 ounces soy sauce
2 tablespoons dried minced onion
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3/8 cup bourbon
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions
Place chicken breasts in a 9x13 inch baking dish. In a small bowl combine the ginger, soy sauce, onion flakes, sugar, bourbon and garlic powder. Mix together and pour mixture over chicken. Cover dish and place in refrigerator. Marinate overnight.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
Remove dish from refrigerator and remove cover. Bake in the preheated oven, basting frequently, for 1 1/2 hours or until chicken is well browned and juices run clear.

Recipe : Asian Rainbow Trout

Ingredients
4 (6 ounce) fillets boneless, skinless rainbow trout
2 teaspoons soy sauce
salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
4 green onions, chopped

Directions
Rub trout fillets with soy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and sugar; set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic, ginger, and green onions; cook and stir until golden brown. Add trout fillets and cook until browned and crispy, about 3 minutes. Turn fillets over, and continue cooking until the fish flakes easily with a fork, about 3 minutes more.

Recipe : BREAKSTONE'S Creamy Berry-Topped Dessert

Ingredients
3 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
2 1/4 cups sugar
2 tablespoons vanilla
1 (16 ounce) container BREAKSTONE'S Sour Cream
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
1/4 cup strawberry preserves
2 cups blueberries

Directions
Preheat over to 325 degrees F.
Prepare cake batter: mix flour and baking soda until well blended; set aside. Beat butter in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Blend in vanilla. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add flour mixture alternately with 1 cup of sour cream, beating until well blended after each addition.
Spoon into greased and floured 12-cup fluted tube pan or 10-inch tube pan.
Bake 1 hour 15 minutes or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.
Meanwhile mix remaining sour cream and sugar. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Combine strawberries and preserves. Let stand at room temperature 30 min.
Spoon sour cream mixture over cake slices just before serving; top with strawberry mixture and blueberries.

Recipe : Braised Collard Greens

Ingredients
2 pounds collard greens - rinsed, stemmed and thinly sliced
2 pounds fresh ham hocks
1/2 pound salt pork
3 quarts chicken stock
1 cup chopped onion
2 bay leaves
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons white sugar
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar

Directions
Place ham hocks, salt pork, onion, bay leaves, red pepper flakes, and sugar in a large pot with the chicken stock. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer, and cook for 30 minutes.
Stir collard greens into the pot, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, and cook for 30 minutes, or until greens are tender. Season with red wine vinegar and salt and pepper to taste.

Recipe : 15-Minute Marinated Chicken

Ingredients
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

Directions
Combine the first five ingredients; spread on both sides of chicken. Place chicken on plate. Marinate at room temperature for 10-15 minutes or for several hours in the refrigerator. Grill, uncovered, over medium coals, turning once, for 10-15 minutes or until juices run clear.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Recipe : Blue Cheese Beef Roll

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cold milk
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 pounds ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons salt
1 egg, beaten
1 cup sour cream
1/3 cup blue cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup chopped black olives
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions
In a medium bowl, blend together the butter, cream cheese and salt until smooth. Stir in the flour, until the mixture is evenly crumbly. Sprinkle the milk over the flour mixture one tablespoon at a time, stirring with a fork until the dough is moistened enough to be formed into a ball. Press dough together, and knead for just a couple of turns. Flatten the ball slightly, wrap and refrigerate.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion, and cook until the beef is no longer pink. Drain off fat, and set aside to cool. Transfer the meat mixture to a bowl, and mix in the salt, egg, sour cream, blue cheese, olives and walnuts until well blended.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
On a sheet of waxed paper, or between two sheets, roll the pastry out into a rectangle about 10x12 inches. Place the meat mixture down the center of the pastry, then bring the sides up around the filling, pinching together to enclose the filling completely. Use the waxed paper to pick up the roll, and roll it onto a baking sheet so that it sits with the seam on the bottom.
Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the pastry is a nice golden brown.

Recipe : Brown Rice Hot Dish

Ingredients
1 1/3 cups instant brown rice
1 tablespoon butter or stick margarine, divided
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh mushrooms
1 1/4 cups finely chopped celery
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 1/4 cups hot water
1/3 cup chopped pecans
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon rubbed sage
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme

Directions
In a nonstick skillet, saute rice in half of the butter until golden brown; transfer to a large bowl. In the same skillet, saute the mushrooms, celery and onion in remaining butter until tender; add to rice. Stir in the water, pecans, salt, marjoram, pepper, sage and thyme.
Transfer to a 1-1/2-qt. baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Recipe : Almond Shortbread II

Ingredients
1 1/8 cups butter
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 cup cornstarch
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup almond meal
20 almonds

Directions
In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and confectioners' sugar until very light. Gradually add the cornstarch, all purpose flour and nutmeg. Stir until well blended. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead for a few turns. Divide the mixture into 2 parts. Roll each part into a roll about 6 inches (15 cm) long. Wrap the rolls in plastic wrap or wax paper, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. These can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
Unwrap the rolls and slice into 1/2 inch thick slices. Place onto the prepared cookie sheets. Gently press an almond onto the top of each cookie.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven. When cookies are cooled, store in an airtight tin to preserve crispness.

Recipe : Blueberry Bread Pudding

Ingredients
2 slices day-old Italian bread
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 dash ground cinnamon
1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
confectioners' sugar

Directions
Cut bread into 1/2-in. cubes; place into a greased 20-oz. baking dish. In a bowl, combine the egg yolk, cream, milk, sugar, butter, vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon. Stir in blueberries. Pour over bread cubes. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes or until top is golden brown and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar and serve warm.

Recipe : Black Halloween Punch

Ingredients
1 (.13 ounce) envelope unsweetened grape soft drink mix
1 (.13 ounce) envelope unsweetened orange soft drink mix
2 cups white sugar
3 quarts cold water
1 liter ginger ale

Directions
To make a frozen hand, wash a disposable glove, fill with water, seal with a rubber band and freeze until hard.
Stir together grape soft drink mix, orange soft drink mix, sugar and water until solids are dissolved. Combine with chilled ginger ale just before serving. Dip the frozen hand briefly in warm water, then peel off the glove. Float the prepared hand in the punch bowl for a ghastly effect.

Recipe : Blackened Tuna

Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds fresh tuna steaks, 1 inch thick
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter

Directions
Generously coat tuna with Cajun seasoning.
Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over high heat. When oil is nearly smoking, place steaks in pan. Cook on one side for 3 to 4 minutes, or until blackened. Turn steaks, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or to desired doneness.

Recipe : Annie's Turkey Salad

Ingredients
6 cups cooked turkey meat
1 (16 ounce) jar sweet pickles, chopped
1 1/2 (10 ounce) jars mustard-mayonnaise blend
3/4 cup mayonnaise

Directions
Place eggs in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil and immediately remove from heat. Cover and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel and chop.
In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the eggs, turkey, pickles, prepared sandwich and salad sauce and mayonnaise. Chill in the refrigerator approximately 3 hours before serving.

Recipe : Bubble 'n' Squeak

Ingredients
1/2 medium head cabbage, sliced
3 slices bacon, diced
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 cup cubed cooked ham
1 tablespoon butter
3 cups potatoes - baked, cooled and thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon paprika
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
In a medium saucepan, cook cabbage in a small amount of water for about 5 minutes, or until tender. Drain, and set aside.
In a well-seasoned cast iron skillet, cook bacon and onion until onion is soft and bacon is cooked. Add ham, and cook until heated through. Add butter, then mix in the cooked cabbage and potatoes. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned on bottom, turn, and brown again.

Recipe : Banana Frittata

Ingredients
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 pinch salt
2 tablespoons white sugar
1/4 cup milk
2 large bananas, sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 tablespoon butter

Directions
In a bowl, combine the flour, salt and sugar. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly, until a smooth batter is formed. Add the eggs, one at time, stirring well each addition. Stir in sliced bananas.
Heat oil and butter in a nine inch non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour the mixture in by spoonfuls, spreading the mixture evenly across the pan. When the bottom has turned a golden brown turn the frittata and cook over low heat until golden brown on the other side. Sprinkle with sugar and serve warm.

Recipe : Banana Macaroon Trifle

Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 small firm bananas. sliced
1 tablespoon pineapple juice
1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

Directions
For macaroon mixture, beat butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until well blended. Add egg; mix well. Combine coconut, oats, flour and baking powder. Combine milk and vanilla; add to the sugar mixture alternately with coconut mixture alternately with coconut mixture (mixture will appear curdled).
Spread in a well-greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Bake at 325 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Cool completely; crumble. Set aside 1/4 cup for topping.
Just before serving, toss bananas with pineapple juice. In a 2-1/2-qt. serving bowl, layer a third of the macaroon crumbs, whipped topping and bananas. Repeat layers twice. Sprinkle with reserved crumbs.

Recipe : Blueberry Cornmeal Pudding

Ingredients
1 cup fresh or frozen unsweetened blueberries, thawed
1/2 cup sugar, divided
2 cups milk
6 tablespoons yellow cornmeal
3/4 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions
In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine blueberries and 1/4 cup sugar. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 3 minutes or until sugar is dissolved, stirring once.
In a 3-qt. microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk, cornmeal, lemon peel and remaining sugar. Cover and microwave on high for 7 minutes or until thickened, stirring every 2 minutes. Stir in the vanilla and salt. Pour into dessert dishes; cool slightly. Top with blueberry sauce.

Recipe : Bacon Crackers

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package buttery round crackers
1 pound sliced bacon, cut into thirds
1 pound brown sugar

Directions
Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C).
Arrange the crackers in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Top each cracker with 1/3 slice bacon, and sprinkle desired amount of brown sugar over all.
Bake 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until browned and crisp. Serve warm.

Recipe : Ambrosia Salad

Ingredients
1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
1 cup miniature marshmallows
1 cup flaked coconut
1 cup sour cream

Directions
In a large bowl, combine the oranges, pineapple, marshmallows and coconut. Add sour cream and toss to mix. Cover and refrigerate for several hours.

Recipe : Better Help for Hamburger

Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
3 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1/2 large red onion, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 fresh jalapeno pepper, chopped

Directions
Place ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and crumble until evenly browned. Drain grease, and set aside.
Meanwhile place potatoes in a saucepan with enough water to cover. bring to a boil, and cook for about 10 minutes, until just tender. Drain potatoes, and remove from the pan.
Heat oil over medium heat using the pan that the potatoes were cooked in. Add the bell pepper and onion. Cook and stir for about 5 minutes, until tender. Mix in the ground beef and potatoes, cooking until heated through, about 5 minutes. Stir in cheese, and remove from heat. Serve immediately.

Recipe : Asian Carryout Noodles

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package angel hair pasta
1 teaspoon canola oil
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 skinless, boneless chicken breast half - cut into bite-size pieces
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
2 leaves bok choy, diced
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons dry sherry
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 green onions, minced

Directions
In a large pot with boiling salted water cook angel hair pasta until al dente. Drain.
Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet heat canola and sesame oil over medium high heat. Saute onion and garlic until softened. Stir in chopped chicken, and cook until chicken browns and juices run clear. Stir in ginger, bok choy, chicken stock, sherry, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce. Reduce heat, and continue cooking for 10 minutes.
Toss pasta with chicken mixture until well coated. Season with salt. Serve warm sprinkled with minced green onions.

Recipe : Brownie Oat Cookies

Ingredients
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup white sugar
1 cup quick cooking oats
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 egg whites
1/3 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
Spray cookie sheet with non-stick spray. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix in the egg whites, syrup, and vanilla. Drop by spoonfuls on the prepared cookie sheet.
Bake 10 minutes in the preheated oven.

Recipe : Austrian Tea Cakes

Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups ground hazelnuts or almonds
powdered sugar for dusting

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and light. Add the flour, salt, and ground hazelnuts; stir together until well combined. Chill dough for 1 hour, then drop onto greased cookie sheets in rounded teaspoons.
Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Allow to cool for 10 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar. Cool completely on a wire rack, then roll in powdered sugar once again.

Recipe : Beer Bread II

Ingredients
3 cups self-rising flour
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle beer
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup canned green chile peppers, chopped
6 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, stir together flour, sugar, beer, cheese and chilies. Spoon batter into prepared loaf pan; spread batter to evenly fill pan. Pour melted butter on top of loaf.
Bake in preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of loaf comes out clean.

Recipe : Bean, Bacon and Pepper Soup

Ingredients
5 slices bacon
3 onions, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
4 cups chicken broth
2 (15 ounce) cans cannellini beans, with liquid
1/2 cup chopped parsley

Directions
In a large pot over medium high heat, saute the bacon until crisp. Drain the fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pot. Crumble the bacon, reserving for later for garnish. Add the onions, carrots, red bell pepper, celery and garlic to the pot and saute in the bacon fat for 10 minutes.
Stir in the sugar, ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, bay leaf, thyme and Worcestershire sauce. Now pour in just a small amount of chicken stock to deglaze the pan. (Note: This removes all of the caramelized particles from the bottom of the pan.)
Add the beans and the rest of the stock and continue to cook over medium high heat for 10 to 15 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.
In a food processor or blender, puree 3 cups of soup at a time, adjusting seasoning if necessary. Return all pureed soup to the pot, stir in the parsley and crumbled bacon and simmer for 10 more minutes.

Recipe : Better Vegetable Stew

Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 potatoes, cut into wedges
3 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
2 onions, peeled and quartered
1 tablespoon cumin seeds, toasted
1 tablespoon mustard seed, toasted
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 medium head garlic
4 large red bell peppers
4 fresh tomatoes, cored
1 cinnamon stick
1 (29 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained
1 lemon, juiced
salt and pepper to taste
2/3 cup cooked white rice

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Cover two baking sheets with aluminum foil, and drizzle with olive oil. Arrange potatoes, carrots and onions on one baking sheet. Drizzle with more olive oil and sprinkle with oregano, cumin and mustard seeds. Place the garlic bulb on the baking sheet. Arrange the peppers and tomatoes on the second baking sheet, and sprinkle with olive oil.
Place both pans in the oven. Cook, stirring the contents occasionally, until the potatoes, carrots and onions are tender and the peppers and tomatoes are black, about 30 to 45 minutes. The bell peppers and tomatoes may take a little longer to cook than the potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic. Feel free to remove the baking sheet of potatoes earlier than the baking sheet of bell peppers. Reduce the oven's heat to 350 degrees F ( 175 degrees C).
Transfer the tomatoes and peppers into a medium size mixing bowl with the canned tomatoes and cinnamon stick. Cover the bowl, and let it set for 30 minutes.
Skin and seed the peppers and skin the tomatoes. Chop the peppers and tomatoes and place them into a medium size pot that can be placed in the oven. Squeeze the garlic from skins into the pot and stir in the potato mixture and chickpeas. Season with lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Cover the stew, and bake it for 30 minutes.

Recipe : Buried Treasure Date Bars

Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup wheat bran
1 1/2 cups dates, pitted and chopped
1 cup chopped walnuts
1/3 cup confectioners' sugar for decoration

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease an 8 inch square baking pan.
Combine flour, baking powder and salt and set aside. Separate eggs and beat together egg yolks and sugar until thick. Beat in milk and vanilla extract. Gradually blend in flour mixture. Fold in bran flakes, dates and nuts. In a large bowl, beat egg whites until stiff but not dry and fold into date mixture.
Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes until top is lightly colored. Leave in pan and cool on wire rack. Cut cooled dough into 1 inch strips and sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.

Recipe : Bolognese on a Budget

Ingredients
1 cup red lentils
1 3/4 cups water
2 (14.4 ounce) cans chopped canned tomatoes
2 onions, chopped
1 cube vegetable bouillon
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions
Rinse lentils under cold running water and drain. Place the water and lentils in a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until lentils just begin to soften, about 20 minutes. Stir the tomatoes and onions into the lentils; bring to a gentle simmer. Crumble the bouillon cube into the lentil mixture and stir until it's dissolved. Simmer for about 5 minutes more, stirring frequently. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Recipe : 2-Step Inside-Out Chicken Pot Pie

Ingredients
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut-up
1 (10.75 ounce) can Campbell's� Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)
1 (16 ounce) package frozen vegetable combination (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots)
8 hot biscuits, split

Directions
Cook chicken in nonstick skillet until browned, stirring often.
Add soup and vegetables. Cover and simmer until done. Serve on biscuits.

Recipe : Bouillabaisse

Ingredients
3/4 cup olive oil
2 onions, thinly sliced
2 leeks, sliced
3 tomatoes - peeled, seeded and chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 sprig fennel leaf
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 teaspoon orange zest
3/4 pound mussels, cleaned and debearded
9 cups boiling water
salt and pepper to taste
5 pounds sea bass
1 pinch saffron threads
3/4 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined

Directions
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan, and add the onions, leeks, chopped tomatoes, and garlic. Cook and stir over a low heat for a few minutes until all vegetables are soft.
Stir in the fennel, thyme, bay leaf, and orange zest. Add shellfish and boiling water; stir to combine. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Turn up the heat to high, and boil for about 3 minutes to allow the oil and water to combine.
Add fish, and reduce the heat to medium. Continue cooking for 12 to 15 minutes, or until fish is cooked. The fish should be opaque and tender, but still firm. Fish should not be falling apart.
Taste the bouillabaisse and adjust the seasoning. Stir in saffron, and then pour soup into a warmed tureen or soup dishes. Serve immediately.

Recipe : Beer-Baked Irish Beef

Ingredients
6 slices bacon, diced
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground allspice
2 1/2 pounds cubed beef stew meat
4 carrots, peeled and cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces
4 large onions, cut into eighths
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle Irish stout beer

Directions
Place the bacon in a large nonstick skillet, and cook over medium heat until crisp and brown. Remove the bacon pieces and set aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
Place the flour, salt, black pepper, and allspice in a large plastic zipper bag, and shake a few times to combine. Place the beef stew meat into the bag, and shake to coat the meat with flour mixture. Place the meat pieces in the skillet with the bacon drippings, and cook the meat until brown on all sides.
Remove the browned meat to a slow cooker, and add the carrots, onions, garlic, parsley, rosemary, marjoram, and bay leaf to the cooker.
Pour the beer into the skillet, and bring to a boil over medium-low heat, scraping all the browned bits of flavor from the bottom of the skillet. Pour the beer into the slow cooker, over the meat and vegetables. Cover, and cook on Medium setting until the meat is very tender, 4 to 5 hours.
Before serving, remove the bay leaf, and sprinkle the stew with the reserved bacon pieces.

Recipe : Almond Rhubarb Cobbler

Ingredients
1 cup sugar, divided
1/2 cup water
6 cups chopped rhubarb
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cold butter
1/4 cup milk

Directions
In a large saucepan, bring 1/2 cup sugar and water to a boil. Add the rhubarb. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until tender, about 5 minutes. Combine flour and remaining sugar; stir into rhubarb mixture. Return to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Stir in butter and almonds. Reduce heat to low; stir occasionally.
In a bowl, combine dry ingredients; cut in butter until crumbly. Whisk egg and milk; stir into crumb mixture just until moistened. Pour hot rhubarb mixture into a 2-qt. shallow baking dish. Drop topping into six mounds over the rhubarb mixture. Bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Recipe : Basic Cheese Polenta

Ingredients
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup cold water
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups boiling water
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
In a mixing bowl combine cornmeal, cold water and salt. Grease a loaf pan.
Bring the remaining 3 cups of water to a rolling boil and stir in the cornmeal mixture. Bring the mixture back to a boil while stirring constantly. Reduce heat to a simmer and stir in the cheese.
Let the mixture simmer for 20 to 30 minutes; stirring frequently. Allow the polenta to simmer until it becomes very thick. Spread the mixture into the loaf pan and refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.

Recipe : Butternut Squash Bisque

Ingredients
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 cup diced onion
3/4 cup diced carrots
4 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash
3 cups vegetable stock
salt and ground black pepper to taste
ground nutmeg to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)

Directions
Heat the oil and melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Cook and stir the onion in the butter and oil under tender.
Mix the carrots and squash into the pot. Pour in vegetable stock, and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until vegetables are tender.
In a blender or food processor, puree the soup mixture until smooth. Return to the pot, and stir in the heavy cream. Heat through, but do not boil. Serve warm with a dash of nutmeg.

Recipe : Blueberry Pound Cake

Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup white sugar
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter
2 cups white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups fresh blueberries
1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease a 10 inch tube pan with 2 tablespoons butter. Sprinkle pan with 1/4 cup sugar. Mix together 2 3/4 cups flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup butter and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Gradually beat in the flour mixture. Dredge blueberries with remaining 1/4 cup flour, then fold into batter Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 70 to 80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely.

Recipe : Apple Blue Cheese Salad

Ingredients
1 Granny Smith apple, cored and julienned
1 cup balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing
1 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/2 cup chopped pecans
4 slices turkey bacon
6 cups torn romaine lettuce

Directions
Place the julienned apple into a bowl with the balsamic vinaigrette. Refrigerate for at least one hour to marinate.
Cook bacon in the microwave or in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned. Drain, and crumble.
In a salad bowl, combine the blue cheese, pecans, bacon and romaine lettuce, and toss to blend. When ready to serve, pour the apples and dressing over the top.

Recipe : Baked Spaghetti with Venison

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package angel hair pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound cubed lean venison
1 small onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 1/2 teaspoons dried dill
1 1/2 teaspoons dried marjoram
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
4 ounces shredded Mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until al dente; drain.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it begins to smoke. Add venison and cook until well browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in onion and green pepper, continue cooking until softened, about 4 minutes. Add tomato paste and tomato sauce, season with garlic salt, dill, marjoram, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium, and simmer for 5 minutes.
Place drained pasta into prepared casserole dish and pour venison overtop. sprinkle with Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Bake in preheated oven until the cheese is bubbly and browned, about 25 minutes.

Recipe : Bean, Bacon and Pepper Soup

Ingredients
5 slices bacon
3 onions, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
4 cups chicken broth
2 (15 ounce) cans cannellini beans, with liquid
1/2 cup chopped parsley

Directions
In a large pot over medium high heat, saute the bacon until crisp. Drain the fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pot. Crumble the bacon, reserving for later for garnish. Add the onions, carrots, red bell pepper, celery and garlic to the pot and saute in the bacon fat for 10 minutes.
Stir in the sugar, ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, bay leaf, thyme and Worcestershire sauce. Now pour in just a small amount of chicken stock to deglaze the pan. (Note: This removes all of the caramelized particles from the bottom of the pan.)
Add the beans and the rest of the stock and continue to cook over medium high heat for 10 to 15 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.
In a food processor or blender, puree 3 cups of soup at a time, adjusting seasoning if necessary. Return all pureed soup to the pot, stir in the parsley and crumbled bacon and simmer for 10 more minutes.

Recipe : Blend of the Bayou

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, cubed
4 tablespoons butter or margarine, divided
1 large onion, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 large green pepper, chopped
1 pound cooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 (6 ounce) cans crabmeat - drained, flaked and cartilage removed
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 (4.5 ounce) jar sliced mushrooms, drained
1 teaspoon garlic salt
3/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3/4 cup cooked rice
3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup crushed butter-flavored crackers

Directions
In a small saucepan, cook and stir the cream cheese and 2 tablespoons butter over low heat until melted and smooth. In a large skillet, saute the onion, celery and green pepper in remaining butter until tender. Stir in the shrimp, crab, soup, mushrooms, garlic salt, hot pepper sauce, cayenne and rice.
Transfer to a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Combine cheese and cracker crumbs; sprinkle over the top. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly.

Recipe : Apricot Fold-Ups

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
8 ounces cream cheese, cold
1 cup margarine, chilled
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
2 cups apricot preserves
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons water

Directions
In a medium bowl, stir together the flour and salt. Cut in the cream cheese and margarine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle on the milk and vinegar. Work the dough by hand until it holds together in a ball. Divide dough into 4 pieces and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (190 degrees C).
On a lightly floured surface, roll out each piece of dough into a rectangle measuring 7 1/2x10 inches. Cut the dough into 2 1/2 inch squares. Place a 1/2 teaspoon dollop of apricot preserves onto the center of each square. Fold each corner to the center and pinch together.
Place cookies on an unprepared cookie sheet, and bake for about 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Drizzle with glaze when cool.
In a small bowl stir together 3/4 cup of confectioners' sugar with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Drizzle over the cookies.

Recipe : Black Bean and Corn Salsa

Ingredients
4 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 orange bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1/4 red onion, finely chopped
1 (16 ounce) package frozen corn, thawed
2/3 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce, or to taste

Directions
Stir the black beans, yellow bell pepper, orange bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, corn, olive oil, red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, salt, cumin, cilantro, garlic, and hot sauce together in a non-reactive container. Chill in refrigerator overnight.

Recipe : Blackberry Apple Pie

Ingredients
1 pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie
5 cups thinly sliced, peeled cooking apples
1 pint fresh blackberries, rinsed and drained
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon water or milk
Additional sugar

Directions
Place bottom pastry in a 9-in. pie plate; top with a thin layer of apples. Combine blackberries and remaining apples in a large bowl; sprinkle with lemon juice. Add sugar and cornstarch and toss gently. Spoon into pie shell; dot with butter. Top with a lattice crust; seal edges. Combine egg and water or milk; brush over lattice top and pie edges. Bake at 375 degrees F for 50 minutes or until filling is bubbly and apples are tender. Sprinkle with additional sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Recipe : Banana Split Shakes

Ingredients
1/2 cup milk
1 small ripe banana, cut into chunks
10 maraschino cherries
1 tablespoon baking cocoa
1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
3 cups vanilla ice cream, softened

Directions
Place the first five ingredients in a blender; cover and process until smooth. Add ice cream; cover and process until blended. Pour into chilled glasses. Serve immediately.

Recipe : Best Rolls Ever!

Ingredients
2 cups water
1 cup butter
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon white sugar
3 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
7 1/2 cups self-rising flour

Directions
In a large bowl place 2 cups water and butter or margarine. Microwave about 2 minutes.
In another bowl, mix 1 cup sugar and eggs.
In a separate cup, microwave 1/2 cup water for 30 seconds. Add 1 teaspoon sugar and dissolve yeast in this.
Mix butter water and sugar and eggs mixture together; add salt. Mix in yeast water. Stir in 7 to 7 1/2 cups flour. Mix well and let rise in the refrigerator overnight, covered.
When ready to use, dump onto floured surface (DO NOT PUNCH DOWN!) and let warm to room temperature. LIGHTLY KNEAD! Only work in enough extra flour to handle.
Shape into rolls and place on greased sheet(s). Let rest 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Bake in a preheated 400 degree F (205 degrees C) oven until tops are golden. Brush with oil or butter immediately out of the oven.

Recipe : Aunt Jane's Brown Bread

Ingredients
2 cups milk
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups bread flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 teaspoons baking powder

Directions
Butter and flour two 9x5 inch bread pans. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a small bowl combine milk, sugar and molasses.
Mix together whole wheat flour, regular flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Add to milk mixture and mix well.
Pour mixture into bread pans. Bake for 45 minutes.

Recipe : Beef or Moose Jerky

Ingredients
3 pounds rump roast
3 cups soy sauce
3 cups packed brown sugar
4 fluid ounces hickory-flavored liquid smoke

Directions
Slice roast into slabs approximately 1/4 inch thick, (Note: you can have this done at the grocery store or butcher). Trim off all of the fat from the edges. Cut the slabs into pencil-like strips (about 1/4 inch wide), and about 4 inches long.
In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar and hickory-flavored liquid smoke; blend well. Place all of the meat into the bowl of marinade. Cover and place in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Place the meat in a food dehydrator for about 12 to 20 hours, depending how dry you like your jerky. Rotate the trays after 6 hours. For example: Bottom tray on top, top tray on bottom, second tray from bottom to be second tray from top, and so on.

Recipe : Besan (Gram Flour) Halwa

Ingredients
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
3/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
1 cup sugar

Directions
Bring the milk and water to a simmer in a saucepan over medium-low heat; stir the cardamom into the mixture. Set aside.
Melt the ghee in a shallow skillet over medium heat; stir the chickpea flour into the melted ghee and cook until fragrant, about 10 minutes. Add the sugar and stir to incorporate. Slowly pour the milk mixture into the skillet while stirring to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the halwa pulls away from the sides of the pan, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve hot or spread the mixture into a rimmed plate and allow to cool. Cut into squares and serve.

Recipe : Bread Machine Focaccia

Ingredients
1 cup lukewarm water
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
3 cups bread flour
1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary

Directions
Place water, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, garlic, 1 tablespoon rosemary, bread flour and yeast in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select Dough cycle; press Start.
Remove dough from bread machine when cycle is complete. Pat dough into either a 9x13 inch baking pan or 12 inch pizza pan. Use your fingers to dimple the dough every inch or so. Brush with remaining olive oil and sprinkle with remaining rosemary.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Cover foccacia with plastic wrap while oven preheats.
Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown. let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe : Bran Muffins with Coffee

Ingredients
3/4 cup white sugar
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 cup brewed coffee
2 tablespoons buttermilk
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
3 cups whole bran cereal

Directions
In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, white sugar and butter until smooth. Stir in the buttermilk and coffee. The mixture will look curdled. Combine the flour and baking soda; stir into the coffee mixture. Blend in bran cereal. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to a week.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a muffin pan or line with paper muffin liners. Fill each cup with 1/4 cup batter.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the top springs back when lightly touched. Cool in pan before removing.

Recipe : Almond-Honey Wheat Bread

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups water (70 to 80 degrees F)
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
2 teaspoons salt
2 cups bread flour
2 cups whole wheat flour
2/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted
3 teaspoons active dry yeast

Directions
In bread machine pan, place all ingredients in order suggested by manufacturer. Select basic bread setting. Choose crust color and loaf size if available. Bake according to bread machine directions (check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or flour if needed).

Recipe : BLT Chicken Salad

Ingredients
1/2 cup mayonnaise
4 tablespoons barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon pepper
8 cups torn salad greens
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
10 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
2 hard-cooked eggs, sliced

Directions
In a small bowl, combine the first five ingredients; mix well.
Cover and refrigerate until serving.
Place salad greens on a large serving platter. Sprinkle with tomatoes, chicken and bacon; garnish with eggs. Drizzle with dressing.

Recipe : Awesome Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Ingredients
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix
1 1/4 cups water
5 1/2 pounds pot roast

Directions
In a slow cooker, mix cream of mushroom soup, dry onion soup mix and water. Place pot roast in slow cooker and coat with soup mixture.
Cook on High setting for 3 to 4 hours, or on Low setting for 8 to 9 hours.

Recipe : Autumn Harvest Cookies

Ingredients
1 cup softened butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon orange extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
2 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup dried cranberries

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream together butter and the brown and white sugars in a bowl until smooth. Beat in the eggs, vanilla and orange extract.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder and pumpkin pie spice; stir flour mixture into the sugar mixture. Add the rolled oats, walnuts and cranberries and mix thoroughly. Using a small ice cream scoop or teaspoon, drop rounded scoops of dough onto the prepared cookie sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven until the edges are golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe : Apricot Upside-Down Cake

Ingredients
2 (15 ounce) cans apricot halves
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs, separated
2/3 cup sugar
2/3 cup cake flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions
Drain apricots, reserving 3 tablespoons juice (discard remaining juice or save for another use); set aside. Place butter in a greased 9-in. square baking pan; place in a 350 degrees F oven for 3-4 minutes or until melted. Stir in the brown sugar. Arrange apricot halves, cut side up, in a single layer over sugar. In a mixing bowl, beat egg yolks on high for 4 minutes or until thick and lemon-colored. Gradually beat in sugar. Stir in reserved apricot juice. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to egg yolk mixture. In another mixing bowl, beat egg whites until stiff. Fold into yolk mixture. Carefully spread over apricots. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center of cake comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.