Monday, July 11, 2011

Recipe : Avocado Ham Sandwiches

Ingredients
1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and mashed
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 dash cayenne pepper
12 slices whole wheat or sourdough bread
6 slices fully cooked ham
6 slices Swiss cheese
6 tablespoons cream cheese, softened

Directions
In a small bowl, combine the first three ingredients; spread on six slices of bread. Top with ham and Swiss. Spread cream cheese on remaining bread; place over Swiss cheese.

Recipe : America's Best Cheddar Cheese Dip

Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 cup beer or nonalcoholic beer (not dark beer)
1 teaspoon dry mustard
2 cups Sargento� Artisan Blends� Shredded Double Cheddar Cheese
Bread sticks or Melba toast rounds

Directions
Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour; cook and stir 1 minute.
Add beer and mustard; heat to a boil, stirring frequently. Stir in cheese; reduce heat to low. Stir until cheese is melted and dip is smooth. Serve warm with bread sticks for dipping.

Recipe : Avocado Ice Cream Sauce

Ingredients
2 avocados, peeled and pitted
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup milk

Directions
Mash the avocados in a bowl using a fork. Stir in the sugar and milk until smooth and completely blended.

Recipe : Apricot Almond Loaf

Ingredients
1 (15 ounce) can apricots, drained and rinsed
2 teaspoons almond extract
2 1/2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sugar
3 1/2 cups bread flour
2 1/2 tablespoons vital wheat gluten
1 (.25 ounce) envelope rapid rise yeast
2/3 cup slivered almonds

Directions
Place ingredients (except the almonds) in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select cycle; press Start.
If your machine has a Fruit setting, add the almonds at the signal, or about 5 minutes before the kneading cycle has finished.

Recipe : Beef with Green Onion

Ingredients
1 1/2 tablespoons dry sherry
3 tablespoons oyster sauce
1/2 teaspoon white sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons peanut oil
1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
6 green onions, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

Directions
In a small bowl, mix the sherry, oyster sauce, sugar, and cornstarch.
Heat the oil in a skillet, and cook the flank steak about 3 minutes. Stir in sherry sauce mixture. Add the green onions, and continue cooking 10 minutes, or until the flank steak is evenly brown and the green onions are tender.

Recipe : Avocado and Black Eyed Pea Salsa

Ingredients
2 ripe but firm avocados, diced
1/2 cup chopped green onion
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 cup chopped roma (plum) tomatoes
1 (11 ounce) can shoepeg corn, drained
1 (15 ounce) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
salt and black pepper to taste

Directions
Lightly mix together avocados, green onion, cilantro, tomatoes, corn, and black-eyed peas in a salad bowl until well combined.
Whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, cumin, and minced garlic in a bowl, and pour over the salad. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and lightly toss the salad again. Chill for 1 hour before serving, to blend the flavors.

Recipe : Adobo Herb Salsa

Ingredients
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 green bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup minced red onion
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Directions
In a bowl, toss together the tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, cilantro, adobo sauce, tarragon, and vinegar. Season to taste with salt, cover, and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.

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 : Apricot Tea Cookies

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
6 tablespoons sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
4 ounces cream cheese
1/2 cup cold butter
1 tablespoon sour cream
1 1/4 cups chopped dried apricots or cherries
1/2 cup sugar
5 tablespoons orange juice
1 cup confectioners' sugar
4 teaspoons water

Directions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar and salt. Cut in cream cheese and butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add sour cream, tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Meanwhile, combine filling ingredients in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Uncover; simmer 7-9 minutes longer or until most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally. Set the filling aside to cool.
Divide dough in half. On a well-floured surface, roll out each portion into a 10-in. square; cut each into 2-in. squares. Place about 1/2 teaspoon of filling in the center of each square. Bring two opposite corners of square to the center; pinch firmly to seal. Place on greased baking sheets. Bake at 325 degrees F for 18-20 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool. Combine the glaze ingredients; drizzle over cooled cookies.

Recipe : Baked Bar-be-que Chicken

Ingredients
1 (2 to 3 pound) whole chicken, cut into pieces
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 cups prepared barbecue sauce

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place chicken in a shallow baking dish and sprinkle with garlic powder. Cover and bake 1 hour at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Remove baking dish from oven and drain any fat from dish. Pour the barbecue sauce evenly over the chicken and bake uncovered for 30 minutes at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Remove and serve.

Recipe : Black and Bleu Chicken Alfredo

Ingredients
3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
steak seasoning to taste
2 (10 ounce) containers Alfredo sauce
1 (8 ounce) bottle blue cheese dressing
2 fresh tomatoes, diced
1 (16 ounce) package angel hair pasta

Directions
Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat. Lightly oil grill grate. Season chicken on both sides with steak seasoning. Grill 6 to 8 minutes on each side, until juices run clear. Cool and slice.
In a saucepan over low heat, mix the Alfredo sauce, bleu cheese dressing, and tomatoes. Cook and stir until the sauce boils.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add angel hair pasta, cook 2 to 4 minutes, until al dente, and drain. Transfer to a large bowl, and toss with the grilled chicken and sauce to serve.

Recipe : Amanda's Big Beef Sauce

Ingredients
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons French dressing
4 teaspoons sweet pickle relish
1 tablespoon minced white onion
1 teaspoon white sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt

Directions
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, French dressing, sweet pickle relish, white onion, white sugar and salt. Cover and refrigerate 6 hours, or overnight, stirring occasionally, before serving.

Recipe : Brazilian Black Bean Stew

Ingredients
1 tablespoon canola oil
1/4 pound chorizo sausage, chopped
1/3 pound cooked ham, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 (1 pound) sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 large red bell pepper, diced
2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with juice
1 small hot green chile pepper, diced
1 1/2 cups water
2 (16 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 mango - peeled, seeded and diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat, and cook the chorizo and ham 2 to 3 minutes. Place the onion in the pot, and cook until tender. Stir in garlic, and cook until tender, then mix in the sweet potatoes, bell pepper, tomatoes with juice, chile pepper, and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender.
Stir the beans into the pot, and cook uncovered until heated through. Mix in the mango and cilantro, and season with salt.

Recipe : Beer Batter for Fish

Ingredients
3/4 cup beer
1 1/2 cups milk
4 cups pastry flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons cornstarch
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 pounds cod fillets
2 quarts vegetable oil for frying

Directions
In a medium bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cornstarch.
In a large bowl, beat together eggs and milk. Mix in beer. Stir in flour mixture. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
In an electric deep fryer or a heavy saucepan, heat oil to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Coat fish in batter, and submerge in hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. Serve.

Recipe : Apple Cake with Raisins

Ingredients
3 1/2 cups apples - peeled, cored, and coarsely chopped
2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup water
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup margarine, melted
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts
2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons hot water
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions
In a medium bowl, mix the apples and sugar. Let stand about 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 10x15 inch baking pans.
Stir the water into the bowl with apples. Blend eggs and margarine in a small bowl, and mix with the apples. Mix in the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the raisins and walnuts. Transfer to the prepared pans.
Bake 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool slightly before turning out of pans.
In a medium bowl, blend confectioners' sugar, hot water, and vanilla extract. Drizzle over the cakes while still warm.

Recipe : Barb's Supreme Curried Ham and Egg Stacks

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 medium shallot, thinly sliced
2 (1/4 inch thick) slices of Black Forest Ham
10 leaves baby spinach, rinsed and dried
2 English muffins, split and toasted (optional)
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/4 cup pineapple juice
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Add shallot, and cook until lightly browned. Remove from the pan, and set aside. Fry the ham slices in the same skillet just until browned on each side. As you turn the ham to brown on the second side, place the spinach leaves on top to steam a little. Remove from the skillet and place onto a plate or onto toasted English muffins, keeping the spinach on top.
Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in the skillet. Crack the eggs in, and fry on each side to your desired degree of doneness. Place the eggs on top of the ham stacks.
Return the shallots to the skillet, and season with curry powder. Gradually stir in pineapple juice, scraping the bottom of the pan to mix in all of the browned bits. Increase the heat to medium-high, and boil until the sauce has reduced and thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon sauce over the egg stacks and serve immediately.

Recipe : Angel Fruit Trifle

Ingredients
1 (12 ounce) package frozen blueberries
1 prepared angel food cake, cut into chunks
2 cups chopped fresh strawberries
1 (12 ounce) package frozen peach slices, chopped
1 (6 ounce) container fresh raspberries
2 (16 ounce) tubs reduced-fat frozen whipped topping, thawed

Directions
Pour the blueberries into a strainer, rinse with water, and shake off excess water. Spread the berries out onto paper towels to dry slightly.
In a deep, clear glass bowl or trifle bowl, spread a layer of angel food cake chunks. Scatter the cake with chopped strawberries in a thin layer. Sprinkle the strawberries with a layer of blueberries, followed by a layer of chopped peach slices. Sprinkle a few fresh raspberries over the peaches. Dollop a layer of whipped topping, then repeat layers until all cake and fruit has been used. Finish trifle with a layer of whipped topping. Cover the trifle, and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.

Recipe : Asian Fire Meat

Ingredients
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 large red onion, chopped
ground black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 leeks, chopped
1 small carrot, chopped
1 pound beef round steak, sliced paper thin

Directions
In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, and red onion. Stir in the black pepper, red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, leeks and carrot. Mix in the meat by hand to ensure even coating. Cover and let marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Brush the bottom half of a wok with cooking oil, and heat over medium-high heat. Put in all of the meat and marinade at once, and cook stirring constantly. The meat will be cooked after just a few minutes. Remove from heat and serve with rice or noodles. For Korean style fire meat, roll the meat mixture up in a leaf of red lettuce.

Recipe : Arugula Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

Ingredients
1/3 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
salt to taste
6 ounces arugula - rinsed, dried and torn
1 pear, cored and sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

Directions
In a jar with a tight fitting lid, combine grapefruit juice, orange juice, olive oil, and salt. Shake vigorously.
In a salad bowl, combine arugula, pear, and red pepper. Drizzle dressing over salad, and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Recipe : Brandon's Squash Surprise

Ingredients
2 medium delicata squash, halved and seeded
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice

Directions
Place squash in a large saucepan with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook 10 minutes or until tender. Drain, and cool slightly. When cool enough, remove the skin.
Transfer squash to a medium bowl. Mix in the honey, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, and allspice. Mash together thoroughly, and serve warm.

Recipe : Apple Butter Ham Glaze

Ingredients
1 cup apple butter
1/2 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions
Whisk together the apple butter, orange juice, dried onion flakes, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan. Simmer until slightly thickened.

Recipe : Avocado and Bacon Soup

Ingredients
1/2 pound bacon
1 medium onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 quart chicken stock
2 avocados - peeled, pitted, and chopped
1/2 cup white wine
1 lime, juiced
1 cup heavy cream
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until evenly brown. Drain, reserving 1 tablespoon grease in the skillet, chop, and set aside. Place onion and celery in the skillet, and cook until tender.
Transfer the onion and celery to a blender or food processor. Pour in 1/2 the chicken stock, add avocados, and blend until smooth.
Transfer blender mixture to a large pot over medium heat. Whisk in remaining stock, wine, lime juice, and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until heated through, but do not boil. Garnish with chopped bacon to serve.

Recipe : Apple Cake with Raisins

Ingredients
3 1/2 cups apples - peeled, cored, and coarsely chopped
2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup water
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup margarine, melted
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts
2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons hot water
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions
In a medium bowl, mix the apples and sugar. Let stand about 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 10x15 inch baking pans.
Stir the water into the bowl with apples. Blend eggs and margarine in a small bowl, and mix with the apples. Mix in the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the raisins and walnuts. Transfer to the prepared pans.
Bake 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool slightly before turning out of pans.
In a medium bowl, blend confectioners' sugar, hot water, and vanilla extract. Drizzle over the cakes while still warm.

Recipe : Beer Margaritas

Ingredients
1 (12 fluid ounce) can frozen limeade concentrate
12 fluid ounces tequila
12 fluid ounces water
12 fluid ounces beer
1 lime, cut into wedges

Directions
Pour limeade, tequila, water, and beer into a large pitcher. Stir until well-blended, and limeade has melted. Add plenty of ice, and garnish with lime wedges. Adjust with additional water, if needed.

Recipe : All-Around Good Smoothie

Ingredients
1/2 cup nonfat milk
1/2 cup fat-free plain yogurt
1/2 frozen banana, peeled and chopped
2 tablespoons powdered protein supplement
1 1/2 tablespoons flax seed
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 cup frozen strawberries

Directions
In a blender, blend the milk, yogurt, banana, protein supplement, flax seed, honey, and strawberries until smooth.

Recipe : Best Ever Split Pea

Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups chopped onion
2 cups chopped carrot
2 cups finely chopped celery
1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
1 cup yellow split peas
1 cup green split peas
8 cups fat-free chicken broth
1 1/2 teaspoons salt-free seasoning blend
1 teaspoon salt

Directions
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, heat olive oil. Cook onion, carrot, celery and garlic until onion is translucent. Stir in yellow and green split peas, broth, seasoning and salt. Cover, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 2 1/2 hours, stirring frequently. Puree with a blender or food processor. Return to pot, heat through, and serve.

Recipe : Addictive Sweet Potato Burritos

Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups canned kidney beans, drained
2 cups water
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
4 teaspoons prepared mustard
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
3 tablespoons soy sauce
4 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes
12 (10 inch) flour tortillas, warmed
8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Heat oil in a medium skillet, and saute onion and garlic until soft. Stir in beans, and mash. Gradually stir in water, and heat until warm. Remove from heat, and stir in the chili powder, cumin, mustard, cayenne pepper and soy sauce.
Divide bean mixture and mashed sweet potatoes evenly between the warm flour tortillas. Top with cheese. Fold up tortillas burrito style, and place on a baking sheet.
Bake for 12 minutes in the preheated oven, and serve.

Recipe : Banana Muffins I

Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup mashed ripe banana
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease muffin cups or line with paper muffin liners.
Mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, beat together banana, sugar, egg and vanilla. Stir in the sour cream. Stir banana mixture into flour until just combined. Scoop batter into prepared muffin cups.
Bake in preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean. Let cool before serving. For best flavor, place in an airtight container or bag overnight.