Saturday, June 4, 2011

Recipe : Black Bean Cakes

Ingredients
3 cups dry black beans
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon milk
1 pinch cayenne pepper

Directions
Place black beans in a large pot with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 1 hour, or until tender.
In an electric blender or food processor, process black beans until smooth. Stir in cumin, chili powder, salt, and cilantro; blend. Roll the mixture into balls, allowing 3 tablespoons of mixture per ball.
Place balls between sheets of wax paper and press down on the wax paper to form 1/8 inch thick rounds.
Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet. Fry the cakes 2 or 3 minutes per side.
In a bowl, combine yogurt, milk, and cayenne pepper (to taste). Serve the sauce over the hot black bean cakes.

Recipe : Baked Chicken with Mushroom Gravy

Ingredients
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 (3 1/2) pound broiler-fryer chicken, cut up
2 cups sliced onions
4 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 dash paprika
Hot cooked rice

Directions
Pour melted butter into an ungreased 13-in.x 9-in.x 2-in. baking dish; set aside. Place flour in a large resealable plastic bag. Add chicken, a few pieces at a time; shake to coat. Place chicken, skin side down, in baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 425 degrees F for 30 minutes. Turn chicken pieces; bake and additional 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, saute onions and mushrooms in a nonstick skillet until tender. In a bowl, combine next five ingredients. Drain and discard chicken drippings. Cover chicken with onions, mushrooms and the soup mixture. Sprinkle with paprika. Reduce heat to 325 degrees F Cover and bake 20 minute or until juices run clear. Serve over rice if desired.

Recipe : Apricot Salad

Ingredients
1 (6 ounce) package apricot flavored gelatin mix
2/3 cup white sugar
2/3 cup water
2 (4 ounce) jars apricot baby food
1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/3 cup chopped pecans
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

Directions
In a small saucepan, combine gelatin, sugar and water. Bring to a boil and mix until dissolved. Remove from heat, add baby food and pineapple with juice. Stir, set aside to cool for 10 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk, mix together until smooth. Pour into fruit mixture and whisk together.
Stir in pecans and pour into a 9x13 inch pan. Refrigerate until chilled. Top with thawed whipped topping if desired. Sprinkle with pecans to decorate and cut into squares.

Recipe : Almond-Orange Tossed Salad

Ingredients
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup sliced almonds
4 cups torn iceberg lettuce
4 cups torn romaine
1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
1 large ripe avocado, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup diced celery
2 green onions, sliced
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions
In a small skillet over medium-low heat, cook sugar, without stirring for 12-14 minutes or until melted. Add almonds; stir quickly to coat. Remove from the heat; pour onto waxed paper to cool.
In a large serving bowl, combine the ice berg lettuce, romaine, oranges, avocado, celery, onions and almonds. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the dressing ingredients; shake well. Drizzle over salad; toss gently to coat.

Recipe : Avocado Shrimp Ceviche-Estillo Sarita

Ingredients
2 pounds large shrimp - peeled, deveined and chopped
3/4 cup fresh lime juice
5 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced
1 white onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
salt and pepper to taste
1 avocado - peeled, pitted and diced
16 saltine crackers

Directions
Place the shrimp and lime juice into a large bowl, and stir to coat. Let stand for about 5 minutes, or until shrimp are opaque. The lime juice will cook them. Mix in the tomatoes, onion, and cilantro until coated with lime juice; cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Remove from the refrigerator, and mix in the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, hot sauce, salt and pepper. We have our own hot sauce recipe, but you can use whatever hot sauce you like, or leave it out and let people add their own when serving.
Serve in glass tumblers and top with avocado pieces. Set out extra Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, lime wedges and hot sauce for people to individualize their dish. Serve with saltine crackers.

Recipe : Beef and Cornbread Bake

Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves, crushed
3/4 cup Pace� Picante Sauce
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (16 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 (8 ounce) package corn muffin mix

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Cook beef and oregano in skillet until browned. Pour off fat. Add picante sauce, tomato sauce and corn. Heat through. Stir in cheese. Pour into 2-quart shallow baking dish. Mix corn muffin mix according to package directions. Spread over beef mixture.
Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes.

Recipe : Brisket with BBQ Sauce

Ingredients
4 pounds lean beef brisket
2 tablespoons liquid smoke flavoring
1 tablespoon onion salt
1 tablespoon garlic salt
1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 cup ketchup
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1 tablespoon liquid smoke flavoring
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons mustard powder
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Pour liquid smoke over brisket. Rub with onion salt and garlic salt. Roll brisket in foil and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Place brisket in a large roasting pan. Cover and bake for 5 to 6 hours. Remove from oven, cool, and then slice. Put slices back into pan.
In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, ketchup, butter, water, celery salt, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt and pepper. Stir, and cook until boiling.
Pour sauce over meat slices in pan. Cover and bake for 1 more hour.

Recipe : Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts I

Ingredients
2 (8 ounce) cans water chestnuts
2 cups teriyaki sauce
1 pound bacon

Directions
Drain chestnuts and place them in a bowl. Cover chestnuts with teriyaki sauce and marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours or more.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Remove water chestnuts from refrigerator and drain well. Cut bacon strips in half so that strips are about 3 inches long. Wrap each chestnut with bacon and secure bacon closed with a toothpick. Arrange all wrapped chestnuts on a baking sheet.
Place in oven until bacon is crispy. Remove from oven and enjoy.

Recipe : Baked Soy Lemon Chops

Ingredients
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
4 pork chops

Directions
In a shallow dish, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, lemon juice, pepper and oil. Add pork chops, and turn to coat evenly. Cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Place marinated pork chops in a roasting pan, and bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, basting meat often with marinade.

Recipe : Barbecued Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
8 Kaiser rolls, split
8 tomato slices
8 lettuce leaves

Directions
Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag; add barbecue sauce. Seal the bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate overnight.
Grill chicken, covered, over medium-hot heat for 6-8 minutes on each side or until juices run clear. Cool; cover and refrigerate chicken until chilled.
Chop chicken; place in a bowl. Stir in the mayonnaise, onion, celery, salt and pepper flakes. Serve on rolls with tomato and lettuce.

Recipe : Barbye's Cornbread Dressing

Ingredients
1 (9x9 inch) pan cornbread
8 slices white bread, lightly toasted
2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, chopped
1/2 pound portobello mushrooms, sliced
2 teaspoons granulated garlic
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
1 egg, beaten
1 cup white wine
1/2 cup chicken broth

Directions
In a heavy skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add onions and mushrooms. Saute until mushrooms release liquid and onions soften.
Crumble cornbread and place in large bowl. Tear toast into bite-sized pieces; add to cornbread.
Add mushrooms and onions, granulated garlic, pepper, egg and white wine. Mix thoroughly; add enough broth to moisten.
Makes enough to stuff a 12 to 14 pound turkey with about 4 to 5 cups left over. Place excess stuffing in a baking dish and bake in a 325 degree F (165 degrees C) oven for 40 minutes.

Recipe : Berry Crumb Tarts

Ingredients
1 package Pepperidge Farm� Puff Pastry Shells
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 (21 ounce) can fruit pie filling

Directions
Bake pastry shells according to package directions.
Mix flour, sugar, cinnamon and butter until crumbs form.
Spoon about 1/3 cup pie filling into each pastry shell. Top with crumb mixture. Bake at 400 degrees F for 5 minutes. Let cool. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Recipe : Beef and Bean Stew

Ingredients
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch cubes
3 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil, divided
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
2 cups water
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
3/4 teaspoon rubbed sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 (16 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

Directions
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the flour, paprika, salt and cayenne. Add beef and shake to coat. In a Dutch oven over medium heat, brown beef in 2 tablespoons oil. Remove with a slotted spoon. In the same pan, saute onions in the remaining oil. Add water, tomato paste, sage and thyme; mix well. Return beef to pan. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 1-1/4 hours, stirring occasionally. Add more water if needed. Stir in beans. Cover and simmer 15 minutes longer or until meat is tender.

Recipe : Bacon Cheese Puffs

Ingredients
1 pound sliced bacon
2 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
1 cup mayonnaise
1 pound sliced pumpernickel party bread

Directions
Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside.
Preheat oven to broil.
In a medium bowl combine the bacon, cheese, mustard and mayonnaise. Stir well. Arrange party bread on a cookie sheet. Spoon mixture onto each slice of bread.
Broil for 5 minutes, or until bubbly.

Recipe : Baked Beef and Brown Rice

Ingredients
1 cup uncooked brown rice
1 large onion, sliced
4 carrots, grated
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 medium green pepper, diced
2 teaspoons salt
2 cups tomato juice
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup wheat germ

Directions
In a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish, layer rice, onion, carrots, beef and green pepper. Sprinkle with salt. Combine the tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce and basil; pour over the top. Sprinkle with cheese and wheat germ. cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 1-1/2 hours or until the rice is tender.

Recipe : Banana Blueberry Pie

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 (1.3 ounce) envelope dry whipped topping mix
3 bananas, sliced
2 (9 inch) pie shells, baked
1 (21 ounce) can blueberry pie filling
1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

Directions
In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese and sugar until light. Prepare the whipped topping mix according to package instructions, and fold into the cream cheese mixture.
Place a layer of sliced banana into the bottom of each pie shell. Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture into each pie, and spread evenly. Spoon half of the blueberry pie filling over each pie in an even layer. Cover the tops of the pies with the thawed frozen whipped topping. Chill until serving.

Recipe : Banana Peanut Butter Bread

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 bananas, mashed
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Lightly grease a 5x9 inch loaf pan.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs; beat well. Stir in peanut butter, bananas, flour and baking soda until blended. Fold in walnuts. Pour into prepared pan.
Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean. Remove to a wire rack to cool.

Recipe : Asparagus with Pecans and Parm

Ingredients
1 bunch asparagus spears, ends trimmed
2 tablespoons butter
1 (8 ounce) package sliced mushrooms
1 onion, minced
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
Steam the asparagus spears in a basket-style steamer over boiling water until tender, 5 to 10 minutes. Drain and remove to a serving dish; keep warm.
Meanwhile, melt half of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted (it's ok if it begins to brown), stir in the sliced mushrooms, and cook until they brown, soften, and begin to release their liquid; pour into a serving dish, and set aside. Melt the remaining butter in the skillet, and stir in the onions. Cook until the onions soften and turn translucent, about 3 minutes. Season with garlic powder, basil, salt and pepper. Stir in the chopped pecans, and cook for a minute more.
Sprinkle the onion mixture with half of the Parmesan cheese, and stir in the reserved mushrooms. Pour over the asparagus in the serving dish and sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Recipe : Blue Sky Martini

Ingredients
1 fluid ounce vodka
1/4 fluid ounce sweet vermouth
1/4 fluid ounce Blue Curacao
3 stuffed green olives

Directions
Fill a mixing glass with ice. Pour in vodka and sweet vermouth. Stir (or shake) and strain into a martini glass. Splash with blue curacao. Garnish with 3 green olives.

Recipe : Banana Bran Muffins

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup oat bran
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup mashed ripe bananas
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions
In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. In another bowl, beat the eggs, juice, sugars and oil. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in bananas and nuts. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 400 degrees F for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Serve warm.

Recipe : Broccoli Stir Fry

Ingredients
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon-pepper seasoning

Directions
In a skillet over medium-high heat, stir-fry broccoli in butter and lemon pepper until crisp-tender, about 2-3 minutes.

Recipe : Birdseed Treats

Ingredients
2/3 cup sesame seeds
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup natural, creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup flax seeds

Directions
Toast the sesame and sunflower seeds in a dry, heavy skillet over medium heat until light brown and fragrant. Sesame seeds should crumble easily when rubbed between your fingers.
Heat honey and peanut butter in a saucepan over low heat until warm; stir in the toasted seeds and flax seeds. Line an 11 x 7 inch dish with plastic wrap. Press the mixture into the bottom of the lined dish; allow to cool completely. Cut into 2-inch squares to serve.

Recipe : Bologna Potato Soup

Ingredients
1 onion, peeled
2 (15 ounce) cans cut green beans, with liquid
1 1/2 pounds bologna, cut into pieces
8 potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 quarts water
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup cold water

Directions
Place water in a 6-quart (or larger) pot. Bring to a boil. Place whole onion and bologna into the water and boil for 30 minutes, adding more water as needed.
Add potatoes and cook until tender.
Remove onion and add the beans. Whisk the cornstarch and cold water together and also add. Cook until thickened.

Recipe : Artichoke Tossed Salad

Ingredients
2 heads romaine lettuce - rinsed, dried, and torn into bite-size pieces
1 pound bacon, cooked and drained
1 (6 ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and sliced
1 (4 ounce) package blue cheese crumbles
1 cup sliced celery
1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
1 medium yellow bell pepper, sliced
6 tablespoons cider vinegar
1/4 cup chopped onion
4 teaspoons brown sugar
4 teaspoons spicy brown mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Directions
In a large salad bowl, combine the first seven ingredients; cover and refrigerate. In a blender or food processor, combine the vinegar, onion, brown sugar, mustard, salt and pepper; cover and process until smooth. With blender running, add oil in a steady stream; blend until thickened. Drizzle over salad; toss gently. Serve immediately.

Recipe : Breakfast Bread Pudding

Ingredients
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
3 eggs, separated
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
9 slices bread, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions
In a large bowl combine butter, egg yolks, milk, mustard, salt and cayenne pepper. Stir in bread cubes and cheese. In another bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form; fold into bread mixture. Pour into a greased 9-in. square baking dish. Cover and chill for 8 hours or overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 40-45 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting.

Recipe : Almond Easter Bread

Ingredients
1/2 teaspoon white sugar
1/2 cup warm water - 100 to 110 degrees F (40 to 45 degrees C)
2 (.25 ounce) envelopes dry yeast
1/3 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
4 1/2 cups sifted all purpose flour, divided
1 pound stick butter
1 (12.5 ounce) can almond cake and pastry filling (not almond paste)
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
6 dyed hard-cooked Easter eggs
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons additional white sugar for sprinkling, or as desired
1/2 cup sliced almonds, divided

Directions
Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of sugar in the warm water in a 1-cup measuring cup, and sprinkle with the yeast. Stir to mix the yeast into the water, and let stand in a warm place until frothy and doubled in volume, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir together 1/3 cup of sugar, 2 raw eggs, salt, the yeast mixture, milk, and 3 cups of flour in a large bowl, and beat with an electric mixer for 3 minutes to develop gluten. Mix the remaining flour into the batter, and beat until the dough is shiny, soft, and elastic, about 5 minutes. Scrape down the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Place sticks of butter 1 inch apart between 2 large pieces of waxed paper. Roll the butter out into a square about 12 inches on a side, place the waxed paper with square of butter onto a baking sheet, and freeze for 15 minutes.
Turn the dough out onto a well-floured work surface, turn the dough around to pick up flour on all sides, and sprinkle the dough with flour. Roll the dough out into a rectangle 18 inches square. Brush off excess flour from the dough, if necessary. Peel off the top layer of waxed paper from the butter square. Place the square of cold butter, remaining waxed-paper side up, catty-corner onto the dough rectangle so the corners of the dough extend out beyond the butter. Peel off the remaining waxed paper. Fold the top and bottom points over the butter, meeting in the middle; fold the left and right points over the butter. Pinch the sides and seams of the dough together to enclose the butter in the dough.
Roll the flat dough envelope filled with butter, seam side down, out on the floured surface to a rectangle 12 by 24 inches, and fold the dough in half (into a 12x12 inch square), then in half again, to make a 6x12 inch square of dough with four butter layers. Chill the dough for about 5 minutes; then roll the dough out again to a 12 by 24-inch rectangle, and fold in quarters as before; chill, repeat rolling and folding the dough one more time. Refrigerate dough at least 1 more hour or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cut the dough into two pieces (you will see buttery layers). On a well-floured surface, roll out a dough piece into a rectangle 30 by 9 inches; cut the rectangle into 3 long strips, 30 by 3 inches each. Mix almond filling, 1/2 cup of butter, and 1/2 cup of sugar together in a bowl, and spread half the filling mixture all down the center of the 3 strips. Fold the strips over the filling the long way and pinch the edges closed, enclosing the filling in 3 long ropes. Braid the 3 ropes together, and arrange the braid into a ring. Pinch the ends closed. Repeat for 2nd dough piece and remaining half of filling, making two ring-shaped braided pastries.
Place the pastries onto the lined baking sheets, reforming into symmetrical rings if necessary. Set 3 hard-cooked Easter eggs, wedged between braids, into top of each braided pastry. Brush pastries, eggs and all, with beaten egg; sprinkle with additional white sugar and sliced almonds.
Bake in the preheated oven until browned and crisp, 40 to 45 minutes.

Recipe : Beef Bourguignon III

Ingredients
2 pounds lean stew beef
1 cup red wine
4 sprigs fresh parsley
1 sprig fresh thyme
4 tablespoons butter
1 onion, sliced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/4 cup beef broth
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter
4 ounces bacon, chopped
12 small onions
4 ounces button mushrooms, sliced

Directions
In a medium bowl, combine beef, wine, parsley, thyme and bay leaf. Let marinate for 3 hours.
Remove beef; strain and reserve marinade. Heat 4 tablespoons butter in a large heavy saucepan over medium high heat. Saute the sliced onion until tender. Stir in beef, and cook until evenly brown. Remove beef and onion; set aside. Add flour to pan, and cook, stirring, until brown. Slowly stir in beef broth, then the reserved marinade. Return the beef mixture to the pan. Cover, and simmer for 3 hours.
Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a medium skillet over medium high heat, Stir in the bacon and small onions, and saute until onions are tender. Add mushrooms, and continue cooking until mushrooms are golden brown. Serve as a garnish.

Recipe : Artichoke Salsa

Ingredients
1 (6.5 ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
3 roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped black olives
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
In a medium bowl, mix together the artichoke hearts, tomatoes, onion, olives, garlic, salt, and pepper. Serve chilled, or at room temperature, with tortilla chips.

Recipe : Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients
1 (12 ounce) package macaroni
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
In a large pot of salted water, lightly boil the macaroni for about 5 minutes until half-cooked.
Whisk the egg and milk together in a large cup. Add butter and cheese to the egg and milk. Stir well.
Place the lightly cooked macaroni in the prepared baking dish. Pour the egg and cheese liquid over the macaroni, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and stir well. Press the mixture evenly around the baking dish.
Bake uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is brown.

Recipe : Biscuits with Ham Butter

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sour cream
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 cup cubed fully cooked ham
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened

Directions
In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt; set aside. Combine sour cream and egg; mix well. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead gently 4 to 5 times. Roll to 1/2-in. thickness; cut with a 2-1/2-in. biscuit cutter. Place on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 425 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned.
Meanwhile, in a blender or food processor, process ham until finely minced. Add butter and continue processing until well mixed. Spread over warm biscuits.

Recipe : Broccoli Casserole II

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup processed cheese sauce
2 eggs, beaten
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup bread crumbs

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 F (175 degrees C).
In a 4 quart casserole dish combine broccoli, mayonnaise, processed cheese, eggs and mushroom soup. Mix well, sprinkle bread crumbs on top. Bake for 1 hour.

Recipe : Blueberry Pigs

Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup shortening
6 tablespoons cold water
4 cups blueberries
1 pinch ground cinnamon
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup butter, chilled and diced

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C.)
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in water until mixture forms a ball. Divide dough in half and shape into balls. On floured surface, roll from center to edges into 12 inch circle. Avoid rolling too thin.
Spread approximately 2 cups blueberries on each rolled pastry, or enough to make a single layer of blueberries leaving a 2 inch border. Sprinkle with cinnamon, sugar and slices of butter.
Roll pastry like a jelly-roll, tucking the ends as you roll, and place on a cookie sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until golden brown.

Recipe : Big Ray's Pork Pie

Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds lean ground pork
1/2 cup minced onion
1/2 cup water
1 cup fresh bread crumbs
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie

Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Crumble the ground pork into a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and water. Cook, stirring frequently, until evenly browned. Remove from heat, and mix in the fresh bread crumbs. Season with salt, cinnamon, and cloves, and mix well.
Press one of the pie crusts into the bottom and up the sides of a pie plate. Fill with the pork mixture. Place the second crust over the top, and pinch the seams to seal. Poke a couple of holes in the top crust to vent steam.
Bake for 35 minutes in the preheated oven, or until crust is golden.

Recipe : Beef Marinade II

Ingredients
3/4 cup red wine
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon crushed bay leaf
1 teaspoon garlic powder
4 slices lemon

Directions
In a nonreactive container, blend red wine, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Place meat in the mixture, and season with basil, oregano, bay leaf, and garlic powder. Place lemon slices over the beef. Cover, and marinate in the refrigerator 25 minutes, turning once, before grilling as desired.

Recipe : Baked Onion Dip I

Ingredients
2 cups sweet onion, peeled and chopped
2 cups mayonnaise
2 cups Parmesan cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare a 2 quart baking dish with cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, onions and cheese. Pour the mixture into the baking dish and bake for approximately 45 minutes, until the top is slightly brown. Serve hot with buttery, round crackers.

Recipe : Blame the Dog Bean Casserole (Kielbasa and Bean Dish)

Ingredients
1 pound fully cooked kielbasa or Polish sausage, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
1 (28 ounce) can baked beans
1 (15.5 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup red wine
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped celery
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
1 dash Worcestershire sauce

Directions
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Combine sausages, baked beans, kidney beans, tomato sauce, ketchup, red wine, onion, celery, garlic, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a 3-quart baking dish. Bake in preheated oven until hot and bubbly, about 1 hour.

Recipe : Black Pasta in a Pink Gorgonzola Sauce

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package black squid ink pasta
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 shallots, minced
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup white wine
1 cup chicken stock
8 ounces Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
5 (1/2 ounce) slices prosciutto, diced
1/4 cup half-and-half cream
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
6 leaves fresh basil, cut into thin strips

Directions
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Saute shallots and garlic until lightly golden. Pour in wine and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, and stir in gorgonzola. Add tomato paste and prosciutto; bring to a boil. Stir in half-and-half, reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add pasta, and toss to coat evenly. Cook until pasta is heated through. Transfer to serving dish, and garnish with parmesan and basil.

Recipe : Aniseed Yeast Roll

Ingredients
5 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
4 teaspoons aniseed, divided
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup butter, cubed
6 eggs

Directions
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups flour, brown sugar, salt, yeast and 3 teaspoons aniseed. In a saucepan, heat water and butter to 120 degrees F-130 degrees F. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Add five eggs; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until nearly doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch down dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into 22 pieces. Shape each into a ball. Place 2 in. apart on grease baking sheets. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about 30 minutes. Beat remaining egg; brush over dough. Sprinkle with remaining aniseed. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-22 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks.

Recipe : Busy Day Lunch Salad

Ingredients
1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 tomato, cut into small dice
1/4 red onion, minced
1 canned heart of palm, minced
1/3 cup grated reduced-fat mozzarella cheese
4 sprigs fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Toss the garbanzo beans, tomato, onion, heart of palm, mozzarella cheese, thyme, olive oil, and lemon juice together in a bowl until evenly mixed. Season with salt and pepper and retoss.

Recipe : Baby Blue Punch

Ingredients
1 (0.13 ounce) package blue, berry flavored unsweetened drink mix
1 (2 liter) bottle lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage
1 (64 fluid ounce) bottle white cranberry juice
8 scoops vanilla ice cream
1 cup white sugar, or to taste

Directions
In a large punch bowl, stir together the drink mix, lemon-lime soda, and white cranberry juice. Taste, and stir in sugar to your liking. (I like to add the whole cup.) Float scoops of ice cream on the top. The ice cream melts somewhat and turns the punch a beautiful baby blue color with frothy white clouds floating on the top.