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.