Sunday, May 22, 2011

Recipe : Authentic Pepper Pot Soup

Ingredients
1 pound honeycomb tripe
5 slices bacon, diced
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
3 leeks, chopped
1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
2 green bell peppers, diced
2 quarts beef stock
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 large potato, peeled and diced
2 large carrots, diced
4 tablespoons margarine
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Directions
Place the tripe or other meat that you have selected to use in a saucepan, and cover with water. Bring to a boil, and turn off the heat. Allow the meat to cool a bit in the water, and then drain and rinse. Cut into 1/4 inch pieces.
In a large heavy kettle, saute the bacon until clear. Add the onion, celery, leeks, parsley, and green peppers; saute until tender.
Stir in beef stock, thyme, marjoram, cloves, red pepper flakes, bay leaf, and black pepper. Bring the kettle to a boil, and turn down to a simmer. Cook, covered, until meat is very tender, about 2 hours.
Add the diced potato and carrots, and cook for an additional 20 minutes.
Prepare the roux by stirring the flour into the melted butter or margarine, and cooking for a moment on the stove. When the soup is done to your liking, stir in the roux. Simmer, stirring all the while, until the soup thickens a bit. Correct the seasonings.

Recipe : Apricot Tarts

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup all-purpose flour
APRICOT FILLING:
3/4 cup finely chopped dried apricots
3/4 cup water
1/3 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons orange marmalade
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, cream cheese and flour until well blended. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
For filling, in a saucepan, bring the apricots and water to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Drain and transfer to a bowl. Add the pecans, sugar, marmalade, cinnamon and cloves; set aside.
Shape dough into 24 balls. Press onto the bottom and up the sides of greased miniature muffins cups. Spoon apricot mixture into cups. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until browned. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pans to a wire rack to cool completely.
For topping, in a small mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and butter. Stir in vanilla. Beat in confectioners' sugar. Place a dollop onto each tart just before serving.

Recipe : Broccoli and Artichoke Bake

Ingredients
2 heads broccoli, cut into florets
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped green onion
1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tomato, thinly sliced
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs

Directions
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets, and cook uncovered for a few minutes until the broccoli is just tender. Drain in a colander, then immediately immerse in ice water for several minutes until cold to stop the cooking process. Drain well, place into a large mixing bowl, and set aside.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the mushrooms and green onions, and cook until the mushrooms have softened and released their liquid, about 3 minutes. Scrape the mushrooms into the mixing bowl along with the broccoli, then add the artichoke hearts, sour cream, mayonnaise, and Parmesan cheese. Gently fold together until evenly mixed and spread into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange the sliced tomatoes over the broccoli, then sprinkle with the bread crumbs.
Bake in the preheated oven until the casserole is hot and the bread crumbs have turned golden brown, about 25 minutes.

Recipe : Brunch Casserole

Ingredients
4 tablespoons butter
1 onion, diced
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup half-and-half cream
salt and pepper to taste
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, drained
1 cup diced sharp Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced Monterey Jack cheese
1 pinch paprika, for garnish

Directions
Place eggs in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil; cover, remove from heat, and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel and slice.
In large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in onions and rice; cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are limp. Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, cover and cook until rice is done, about 20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
In another saucepan, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Whisk in flour. Slowly stir in cream and remaining 2 tablespoons chicken broth; stir constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Spread half of the cooked rice in bottom of the prepared pan. Top with half of the egg slices, half of the diced green chilies and half of each of the cheeses. Spoon half of the chicken gravy the eggs. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Bake uncovered in preheated oven until bubbly and golden. Sprinkle with paprika if desired.

Recipe : Barley Chicken Casserole

Ingredients
4 slices bacon, fat removed and meat finely chopped
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 carrots, diced
12 button mushrooms, quartered
2 1/2 cups chicken stock
1 cup barley
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 bay leaf, crushed
ground black pepper to taste
1 green bell pepper, chopped
4 dark meat chicken pieces

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
In a large skillet, fry bacon until browned. Reserve bacon fat for sauteeing chicken later. Add onions and carrots to skillet and saute 2 minutes. Add mushrooms, stock, barley, thyme, marjoram, parsley, bay leaf and pepper to taste. Mix all together and spread mixture in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Add green bell pepper on top and stir to settle.
Heat reserved bacon fat in skillet and brown chicken. Place browned chicken on top of barley mixture, cover baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Recipe : Brown-Eyed Susans I

Ingredients
1 cup butter
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon hot water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Cream butter or margarine and 1/4 cup white sugar until light and fluffy. Blend in almond extract. Add flour and salt; mix well.
Shape rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten middle of dough ball with thumb print. Bake 8 - 10 minutes or until golden brown around edges. Let cool.
To make Frosting: combine confectioner's sugar and cocoa. Add water and vanilla and mix well. Place chocolate frosting into thumb print indention of cooled cookies.

Recipe : Baby Carrots And Brussels Sprouts Glazed With Brown Sugar and Pepper

Ingredients
2 pounds baby carrots
2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and scored
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
6 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground black pepper

Directions
Blanch carrots in a large pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Transfer carrots to bowl of ice water using slotted spoon. Return water to boil. Add sprouts and blanch until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Transfer to another bowl of ice water. Drain vegetables, and refrigerate if making ahead.
Bring stock, butter or margarine, and brown sugar to a boil in a heavy large skillet. Stir until sugar dissolves. Boil until reduced by half, about 7 minutes. Can be prepared 6 hours ahead; return to boil before continuing. Add carrots. Cook until almost tender and sauce begins to coat, shaking pan occasionally, about 6 minutes. Add Brussels sprouts and pepper. Cook until heated through, stirring occasionally, about 4 minutes.

Recipe : Black Bean-Mushroom Happy

Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh ginger root, minced
1 tablespoon fermented black beans, minced
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
8 chicken drumsticks
4 cups fresh white mushrooms
1/2 tablespoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

Directions
Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and heat through. Stir in the garlic, ginger, black beans, green onion and green pepper. Sautee for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the garlic turns yellow.
Place drumsticks into the pan and fry for 5 minutes, then stir in the mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Cover and let cook for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and heat for 10 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
When chicken is cooked through, stir in the sesame oil and fresh chives, remove from heat and serve.

Recipe : BBQ Meatballs

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package frozen meatballs
1 (18 ounce) bottle barbecue sauce
1/4 cup ketchup

Directions
Place prepared meatballs, barbeque sauce, and ketchup in a slow cooker. Let cook on a low heat for 4 hours, stirring occasionally.

Recipe : Braised Lamb with a Sour Orange Marinade

Ingredients
6 pounds deboned leg of lamb
1 tablespoon dried oregano
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 bay leaves
4 sour oranges
1 cup white wine
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions
Juice the sour oranges, and combine with the garlic, onion, oregano, bay leaf, and white wine in a large bowl. Place meat into the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.
In a large pot, heat oil over medium high heat. Place meat into the pan, and sear on all sides. Decrease heat to low. Pour marinade over meat in the pan, and cover. Cook until the meat is fork tender, about 3 hours; add water to the pot if necessary to keep the meat from scorching.

Recipe : Banbury Tarts

Ingredients
1 cup chopped dried figs
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped candied citron
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
12 (5 inch) unbaked tart shells

Directions
Chop the figs as fine as possible, measure to 1 cup, and pour boiling water over to cover. Allow to stand for 45 minutes. Drain very well.
Beat the egg and sugar together. Stir in the figs, peel, raisins, and nuts. Fill tart shells 3/4 full with fruit filling.
Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 20 to 25 minutes. Cool on racks.

Recipe : 2-Step Garlic Pork Chops

Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 boneless pork chops, 3/4-inch thick
1 clove garlic, minced
1 (10.75 ounce) can Campbell's� Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (Regular, 98% Fat Free or 25% Less Sodium)
1/2 cup milk
4 cups hot cooked couscous or regular long-grain white rice

Directions
Heat the oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chops and garlic and cook for 10 minutes or until the chops are well browned on both sides. Remove the chops and set aside.
Stir the soup and milk into the skillet. Heat to a boil. Return the chops to the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 5 minutes or until the chops are slightly pink in the center*. Serve with couscous or rice.

Recipe : Banana Pecan Cake

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup shortening
1 cup mashed bananas
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup chopped pecans
PECAN FILLING:
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup light cream
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
FLUFFY FROSTING:
1 egg white
1/4 cup shortening
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups confectioners' sugar

Directions
In a large mixing bowl, cream sugar and shortening. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Blend in bananas and vanilla. Sift flour; then sift together with baking powder, soda and salt. Add alternately with buttermilk to the creamed mixture. Stir in nuts. Pour into two greased and floured 9-in. round cake pans. Sprinkle coconut on top of each cake. Bake at 375 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until cakes test done. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove and cool completely. For filling, combine sugar, flour, cream and butter in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thick. Add nuts, salt and vanilla; cool. Spread filling on one cake layer with coconut side up. Place second layer, coconut side up, on top. For frosting, beat egg white, shortening, butter and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Frost sides of cake only. If desired, cake can be made without frosting.

Recipe : Breakfast Fruit Salad

Ingredients
2 cups cubed cantaloupe
2 large red apples, chopped
1 cup red or green grapes
1 medium firm banana, sliced
1/2 cup lemon yogurt
1 tablespoon orange juice concentrate

Directions
In a serving bowl, combine the fruit. Combine the yogurt and orange juice concentrate; drizzle over fruit.

Recipe : Beer Soup (Biersuppe)

Ingredients
6 cups beer
2 egg yolks
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 slices French bread, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

Directions
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring beer, covered, to a boil.
Meanwhile, in a bowl, beat together egg yolks, sour cream, cornstarch, sugar and salt until well blended. Transfer mixture to a large saucepan over low heat. Pour in hot beer, a little at a time, stirring until well combined. Do not boil.
To serve, divide bread cubes into four warmed soup bowls. Sprinkle cheese over bread. Pour hot soup over all and serve piping hot.

Recipe : Bacon and Egg Breakfast Tarts

Ingredients
1 (11 ounce) package pie crust mix
1 (6 ounce) package Canadian-style bacon
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
Prepare pastry for a one crust pie as directed on package. Divide pastry into 4 equal parts. Roll each part into a 6 inch circle on a well floured, cloth covered board with a floured, cloth covered rolling pin. Fit pastry over backs of large muffin cups (3 x 1 1/2 inch), or 6 ounce custard cups; make pleats so pastry will fit closely. If using individual pie pans or tart pans, cut circles 1 inch larger than inverted pans, and fit into pans. Prick surface. Place tarts on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake until light brown, about 8 to 10 minutes. Cool 5 minutes, and carefully remove from cups. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place 2 bacon slices in the bottom of each pastry cup. Sprinkle cheese over the meat, making slight well in centers. Break 1 egg into each. Add 1 tablespoon milk into each tart. Sprinkle with nutmeg and pepper. Place tarts on an ungreased cookie sheet
Bake until eggs are soft cooked, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Recipe : Bacon and Date Appetizer

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package pitted dates
4 ounces almonds
1 pound sliced bacon

Directions
Preheat the broiler.
Slit dates. Place one almond inside each date. Wrap dates with bacon, using toothpicks to hold them together.
Broil 10 minutes, or until bacon is evenly brown and crisp.

Recipe : Ann's Neptune's Delight

Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups heavy cream, divided
2 ounces freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons dry sherry
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 cups cooked crabmeat
1 cup peeled cooked shrimp
1 1/2 cups garlic-flavored croutons
1/4 cup fresh parsley
4 tablespoons melted butter

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Remove from heat and whisk in flour. Pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and whisk well, return to heat.
Add cheese and stir until creamy. Remove from heat and pour in remaining cream. Stir in sherry, paprika, crabmeat, and shrimp. Spoon mixture into 6 large individual ramekins.
In a food processor or blender, blend together croutons and parsley. Top each filled ramekin with crouton mixture. Drizzle melted butter over the top.
Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until top is browned and bubbly.

Recipe : Avocado Dip II

Ingredients
2 avocados - peeled, pitted and diced
3/4 cup sour cream
3/4 cup salsa
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 dash ground black pepper

Directions
In a medium bowl, mash the avocados with a potato masher. Mix in the sour cream, salsa, cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Chill at least 30 minutes before serving.

Recipe : Amish Peanut Butter

Ingredients
1 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup peanut butter, smooth
1/4 cup marshmallow creme

Directions
In a bowl, mix corn syrup, peanut butter and marshmallow creme until thoroughly combined. Store in an air-tight container.

Recipe : Bacon Jack Chicken Sandwich

Ingredients
8 slices bacon
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
4 slices pepperjack cheese
4 hamburger buns, split
4 leaves of lettuce
4 slices tomato
1/2 cup thinly sliced onions
12 slices dill pickle

Directions
Preheat a grill for medium heat.
While the grill preheats, place the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until browned on both sides. Remove from the pan, and drain on paper towels.
Rub the poultry seasoning onto the chicken pieces, and place them on the grill. Cook for about 6 minutes per side, or until no longer pink in the center. Top each piece of chicken with 2 slices of bacon and 1 slice of pepperjack cheese. Grill for 2 to 3 more minutes to melt the cheese.
Place each piece of chicken on a bun, and top with lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle slices before serving with your favorite condiments.

Recipe : Apple Sausage Pancakes

Ingredients
1/2 pound bulk pork sausage
2/3 cup milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup pancake mix
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup shredded peeled apples
CIDER SYRUP:
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 cup apple cider
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons butter or margarine

Directions
In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain and set aside. In a bowl, beat the egg, milk and oil. Stir in pancake mix and cinnamon just until moistened. Fold in apple and sausage. Pour batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto a lightly greased hot griddle; turn when bubbles from on top. Cook until second side is golden brown.
For syrup, combine the sugar, cornstarch and pumpkin pie spice in a saucepan. Gradually stir in cider and lemon juice until smooth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in butter until melted. Serve warm with the pancakes.

Recipe : Angel Food Cake II

Ingredients
1 cup sifted cake flour
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 cups egg whites
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup white sugar
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
3 tablespoons cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Wash angel food tube pan in hot soapy water to ensure it is totally grease free. Let dry completely. Sift flour and 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar together three times; set aside.
In mixing bowl, beat egg whites and salt on high speed until foamy. Add cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and almond flavoring; beat until soft peaks form. Peaks should be soft enough so they bend over slightly at the tips. Gradually add 1 cup white sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Sift about 1/4 of the flour mixture over the egg whites, and using flat spatula, quickly but gently fold into egg whites. Repeat using 1/4 of the flour mixture each time. Pour batter into clean tube pan. Gently cut through batter with knife to remove air pockets.
Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, until an inserted wooden pick comes out clean. Invert pan onto a wire rack to cool for 1 hour.
Beat 2 cups confectioners' sugar, butter, cream, and 1 teaspoon vanilla together until smooth. Add more cream or confectioners' sugar as needed. Frost the cooled cake.

Recipe : Banana Cheesecake with Caramel Sauce

Ingredients
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup margarine, melted
1/4 cup white sugar
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup mashed banana
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
1 (14 ounce) package individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
1 banana, sliced

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted margarine. Press into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
In another bowl, mix together the cream cheese and 3/4 cup sugar until smooth. Blend in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and mashed banana. Pour into the prepared crust.
Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the center is set. Cool, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
Combine evaporated milk and caramels in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook stirring frequently until caramels are melted and the mixture is smooth. Garnish the cheesecake with banana slices, and drizzle caramel sauce over.

Recipe : Awesome Tangerine-Glazed Turkey

Ingredients
3/4 cup unsalted butter, divided
3/4 cup canola oil
1 1/2 cups tangerine juice
1 (10 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets reserved
2 1/4 cups sausage stuffing
salt and pepper to taste
2 1/4 cups turkey stock
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Directions
Melt 6 tablespoons butter with canola oil and tangerine juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat, and allow to cool about 5 minutes. Soak a piece of cheesecloth large enough to drape over the turkey in the mixture.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F ( 220 degrees C).Clean turkey, and season body cavity with salt and pepper. Loosely pack the neck cavity and body cavity with stuffing. Tie drumsticks together, spread 6 tablespoons butter over the turkey, and season with salt and pepper. Place turkey in a shallow roasting pan.
Roast turkey for 25 minutes in the preheated oven, and then arrange soaked cheesecloth over turkey. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees F (110 degrees C). Continue roasting 1 hour. Leaving the cheesecloth draped over the turkey, baste with the tangerine juice mixture. Continue roasting about 2 hours, basting occasionally, until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 180 degrees F (80 degrees C) and the stuffing inside the body cavity reaches 165 degrees F (70 degrees C). Discard cheesecloth, and place turkey on a serving platter. Allow turkey to cool about 25 minutes before carving.
Skim fat from pan juices, and reserve 1/4 cup fat and skimmed pan juices. In the baking pan, mix pan juices with 1 cup turkey stock; cook over high heat, stirring to scrape the bottom of the pan.
In a saucepan over low heat, whisk together reserved 1/4 cup fat and flour until thickened, about 3 minutes. Stir in pan juices and remaining turkey stock, and add neck and giblets. Simmer 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until giblets are cooked through. Strain through a sieve, and serve with the turkey and stuffing.

Recipe : Asparagus with Gorgonzola and Roasted Walnuts

Ingredients
1 bunch fresh asparagus
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
kosher salt to taste
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Rinse asparagus and snap off woody stem ends. Dry asparagus and arrange in a single layer in a shallow baking dish (a nonstick jelly-roll pan works well). Drizzle the olive oil over the asparagus and roll the spears to coat well. Sprinkle lightly with kosher salt.
Roast in oven for 7 to 14 minutes depending on the thickness of the spears (thin spears will take much less time than thick ones). When done, asparagus should still be crisp.
About 3 to 5 minutes before the asparagus are done, place chopped walnuts in a small pie tin and put into the oven alongside the asparagus. Watch so they don't burn!
Remove asparagus and walnuts from the oven. Divide asparagus among four luncheon plates. While asparagus are still hot, sprinkle them with the gorgonzola and the roasted walnuts.
Allow to cool slightly. Serve at room temperature for best flavor.

Recipe : Bourbon Glaze

Ingredients
1 cup bourbon whiskey
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup ketchup
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup white vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 pinch dry mustard
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
In a medium bowl, combine bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Use to baste meat, especially chicken or salmon, while cooking.

Recipe : Beer Nut Cookies

Ingredients
1 cup shortening
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups beer nut mix

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Cream the shortening and the sugar until light. Add the eggs (room temperature) and the vanilla and mix well. Combine the flour, salt, and baking soda. Add this to the creamed mixture. Stir in the nuts.
Drop about 2 teaspoons per each cookies onto greased cookie sheets. Bake for about 11 minutes, or until firm. Cool for about 3 minutes on the sheet and then remove to cool.

Recipe : Beef, Mushroom and Guinness� Pie

Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pound cubed beef stew meat
2 slices bacon, chopped
1 white onion, chopped
1 carrot, sliced
1/3 pound crimini mushrooms, sliced
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup Irish stout beer (such as Guinness�)
1 1/4 cups beef stock
1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch, or as needed
1 teaspoon water
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 egg, beaten

Directions
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, and brown the beef stew meat on all sides, about 10 minutes; set aside. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and cook the bacon just until it begins to brown; stir in the onion, carrot, mushrooms, garlic, and sugar. Cook the vegetables until soft and browned, 10 to 15 more minutes.
Stir in the flour until smoothly incorporated, and gradually mix in the Irish stout beer and beef stock. Mix in the thyme, bay leaves, and the reserved cooked beef. Cover, and bring the mixture to a boil; reduce heat to a simmer until the meat is tender, about 1 hour and 15 minutes; stir occasionally. Remove the cover, turn the heat up to medium, and let the stew boil until slightly thickened, about 15 more minutes. Mix cornstarch with water, and stir into the stew; let simmer for 30 more minutes to blend flavors. Remove from heat; discard bay leaves.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Spread the filling into a 9-inch pie dish; trim the puff pastry into a 10-inch circle, and place on top of the filling. Pinch and crimp the edges of the pastry with a fork, sealing it to the dish; cut 2 steam vents into the pastry with a sharp knife. Brush the top of the pie with beaten egg.
Bake in the preheated oven until the crust is browned, 30 to 40 minutes.