Thursday, August 4, 2011

Recipe : Bacon Mustard Pork Roast with Stuffed Mushroom Caps

Ingredients
1 (2 pound) boneless sirloin pork roast
3/4 cup prepared spicy mustard
10 slices bacon
6 bacon strips, cut in half
1/2 small onion, minced
2 large mushroom stems, chopped
3/4 cup prepared spicy mustard
12 large mushroom caps

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Use a knife to cut shallow slits into the surface of the roast. Using 3/4 cup of mustard, brush half over the roast, then completely cover it with 10 strips of bacon; brush bacon with remaining mustard. Cook in preheated oven for 60 minutes until bacon is browned, or until meat thermometer inserted into thickest part of the pork reaches an internal temperature of 150 degrees F (65 degrees C).
Meanwhile, cook halved bacon over medium heat in a skillet until crispy; drain on a paper towel. Crumble bacon into a small bowl and combine with the onion, chopped mushroom stems, and 3/4 cup of mustard. Spoon mixture into the mushroom caps. Place caps in a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes. Serve with sliced pork roast.

Recipe : Barley, Lentil and Mushroom Soup

Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
3/4 cup pearl barley
3/4 cup dry brown lentils
1/3 cup dried porcini mushrooms, rinsed
2 quarts low-sodium beef broth
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 cups sliced button mushrooms
1 tablespoon dry sherry (optional)

Directions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion; cook and stir until onions are limp, but not brown, about 5 minutes. Mix in the celery and carrot; cook for another 5 minutes. Stir in the barley and lentils so they are coated with oil, continue to cook and stir until lightly toasted.
Pour in the beef broth and season with thyme, parsley, pepper and the bay leaf. Bring to a boil. Add the porcini mushrooms, cover and simmer for 25 minutes over low heat. Add the button mushroom, cover and continue cooking for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mix in sherry during the last 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Recipe : Basil Pork Chops

Ingredients
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
4 (4 ounce) boneless pork loin chops, 1/2 inch thick

Directions
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, basil, salt and chili powder. Gradually stir in 1 tablespoon oil until crumbly. Rub over both sides of pork chops.
In a large skillet, cook pork in remaining oil over medium heat for 7-8 minutes on each side or until juices run clear.

Recipe : Banana Nut Frosting

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened
4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 medium banana, mashed
1 cup flaked coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
Cream together the softened butter or margarine, and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Add the banana, coconut, pecans, vanilla and mix well. Makes enough to fill and frost a 9 inch layer cake or one 9x13 inch sheet cake.

Recipe : Broccoli Turkey Roll-Ups

Ingredients
2 (10 ounce) packages frozen broccoli spears
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup plain yogurt
6 green onions, finely chopped
8 slices Swiss cheese
8 slices deli smoked turkey breast

Directions
Cook broccoli according to package directions; drain. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yogurt and onions. Place a cheese slice on each turkey slice; spread with 1 tablespoon mayonnaise mixture. Top with broccoli spears. Set remaining mayonnaise mixture aside.
Roll turkey up and place seam side down in a greased microwave-safe 11-in. x 7-in. x 2-in. dish. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Top with remaining mayonnaise mixture.

Recipe : Applesauce Cookies II

Ingredients
1 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup shortening
1 cup applesauce
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup raisins

Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
In a medium bowl, cream together the brown sugar and shortening until smooth. Stir in the egg, and then the applesauce until well blended. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves; stir into the applesauce mixture. Mix in walnuts and raisins. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, until the edges start to brown. Cool on cookie sheets for a few minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.

Recipe : Asparagus with Blue Cheese Sauce

Ingredients
1/2 pound fresh asparagus spears
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons evaporated milk
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon crumbled blue cheese

Directions
In a small saucepan, cook asparagus in a small amount of water until crisp-tender. Meanwhile, in another saucepan, whisk cream cheese, milk and salt over low heat until smooth. Stir in blue cheese and heat through. Drain asparagus and top with sauce.

Recipe : Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff, Aussie Style

Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter
1 onion, chopped
1 teaspoon minced garlic
8 fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 teaspoons curry powder
1 pound beef top sirloin, thinly sliced
2 cubes beef bouillon
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 (6 ounce) can mushroom stems and pieces, drained
1/4 cup dried shiitake mushrooms
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1 (8 ounce) package uncooked egg noodles

Directions
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and fresh mushrooms; cook until the onions are translucent. Stir in curry powder until well blended. Place the meat strips in the skillet, and fry until evenly browned.
Dissolve the bouillon cubes in the boiling water, then stir into the skillet. Add the mushroom stems and pieces and dried shiitake mushrooms. Let the mixture simmer over medium heat until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook until tender, about 7 minutes. Drain.
Reduce the heat under the skillet to low, and pour in the cream, stirring until the sauce is an even color. Simmer for about 5 minutes, but do not boil. Serve over noodles.

Recipe : Apricot Muffins

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

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

Recipe : Broccoli Chicken Casserole II

Ingredients
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - boiled and cut into bite-size pieces
2 heads fresh broccoli , boiled and cut into pieces
3 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon curry powder
3 tablespoons lemon juice
8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place chicken and broccoli in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish. In a medium saucepan combine cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, curry powder and lemon juice. Bring all to a boil over low heat, stirring constantly. Pour soup mixture over chicken/broccoli mixture and top with shredded cheese.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 20 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Recipe : Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups white sugar
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 5/8 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar for dusting

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9 inch Bundt pan.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the sour cream and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; stir into the batter just until blended. Fold in blueberries.
Spoon half of the batter into the prepared pan. In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon and pecans. Sprinkle half of this mixture over the batter in the pan. Spoon remaining batter over the top, and then sprinkle the remaining pecan mixture over. Use a knife or thin spatula to swirl the sugar layer into the cake.
Bake for 55 to 60 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted into the crown of the cake comes out clean. Cool in the pan over a wire rack. Invert onto a serving plate, and tap firmly to remove from the pan. Dust with confectioners' sugar just before serving.

Recipe : Brie and Mushroom Phyllo Puffs

Ingredients
1 cup butter, divided
8 crimini mushrooms, sliced
6 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 (8 ounce) wedge Brie cheese
1 (16 ounce) package frozen phyllo pastry, thawed

Directions
Melt 2 1/2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Saute crimini and shiitake mushrooms with garlic until tender. Remove from heat, and set aside. Melt remaining butter in a dish in the microwave.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Unroll the phyllo dough, and cut into three equal strips, about 3x12 inches. I like to use kitchen shears for this. Place two sheets of the phyllo onto a cutting board or other work surface, and cover the stack of remaining sheets with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out.
Brush the top sheet of phyllo with melted butter, and place a raspberry sized dab of brie on one end. Top with a small amount of the mushroom mixture. Fold phyllo dough over the filling to make a triangle. Continue folding back and forth in a triangle shape, brushing the exposed side of the dough as you go. Seal the end closed with a little water or butter. Place on an ungreased baking sheet, and repeat with remaining dough and filling.
Bake the triangles for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, turning over once during baking, until golden brown.

Recipe : Blue Cheese Walnut Toasts

Ingredients
1 French baguette, cut into 1/3 inch thick slices
1/4 cup butter, melted
4 ounces crumbled blue cheese
1/4 cup butter, softened
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Brush one side of each slice of bread with melted butter, and place butter side up on a baking sheet. Bake for 7 minutes, or until lightly toasted.
In a small bowl, stir together the blue cheese, softened butter, salt and pepper. Spread this mixture over the tops of the toasted bread slices, then sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
Bake for 6 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the topping is melted and bubbly. Arrange on a serving tray and garnish with chopped parlsley.

Recipe : Amalgamation Cake I

Ingredients
2 cups white sugar
1 1/2 cups butter
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup raisins
1 cup flaked coconut
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups any flavor fruit jam
4 egg whites
1 1/2 cups evaporated milk
2 cups white sugar
4 egg yolks
1/2 cup butter
2 cups chopped walnuts
2 cups raisins
2 cups flaked coconut

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease and flour 3 8-inch cake pans.
Mix flour, soda, cloves, and cinnamon; add 1 cup raisins, 1 cup nuts, and 1 cup coconut and mix well. Set aside.
Cream 2 cups sugar and 1 1/2 cups butter. Stir in jam. Add buttermilk alternately with flour mixture, mixing with a spoon, until all is used up, ending with flour mixture.
In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until they hold a peak. Fold into other mixture. Pour into prepared cake pans.
Bake approximately 30 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched. Cool and frost.
To make frosting: mix 4 egg yolks until they are broken up and smooth, add 1/2 cup evaporated milk and mix together until the eggs yolks are mixed well with milk. Add rest of evaporated milk, 2 cups sugar, and 1/2 cup butter. Cook until thick and remove from heat. Stir in 2 cups nuts, 2 cups raisins, and 2 cups coconut. Cool slightly while beating mixture with a spoon. Spread on cooled cake.

Recipe : BREAKSTONE'S Creamy Avocado Dip

Ingredients
2 medium fully ripe avocados, peeled, pitted
1 (16 ounce) container BREAKSTONE'S Reduced Fat Sour Cream
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1 (1 ounce) package ranch dressing mix
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)

Directions
Mash avocados with fork or potato masher until smooth.
Add remaining ingredients; mix until well blended. Cover. Refrigerate 1 hour or until chilled.
Serve with WHEAT THINS Snack Crackers, cut-up fresh vegetables or chips.

Recipe : Apple Rosemary Pork Tenderloin

Ingredients
4 teaspoons dried rosemary
1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons dried marjoram
salt and pepper to taste
3 pounds pork tenderloin
1 (12 fluid ounce) bottle hard apple cider
3 Granny Smith apples, cored and cut into 1 inch pieces
1 large red onion, cut into 1 inch pieces
5 tablespoons brown sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup maple syrup

Directions
In a small bowl, mix together rosemary, thyme, marjoram, salt, and pepper. Rub herb mixture over tenderloin. Place in a container, and pour hard cider over roast. Add water until pork is completely submerged. Cover, and refrigerate 6 to 8 hours, or overnight.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
Place roast in a roasting pan, elevated from the bottom, and pour marinade around the meat. Bake for 1 hour in preheated oven.
In a large bowl, mix apples and onion. Put mixture around and on top of roast. Spoon brown sugar over entire pan evenly. Place roast back into oven, and continue to cook for 1 hour more, or until meat reaches 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). Transfer roast, apples, and onion to a serving platter.
For the gravy, brown flour in a skillet. Pour the marinade/drippings mixture into the skillet. Stir in syrup. Cook and stir over high heat until liquid has thickened to desired consistency.
Slice roast, and serve with gravy.

Recipe : Barbecue Ham Pizza

Ingredients
1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
3 tablespoons honey
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
2 cups diced cooked ham
1/2 cup honey barbecue sauce, divided
2 tablespoons butter
1 red onion, halved and thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 (8 ounce) can pineapple tidbits, drained
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup shredded Gouda cheese

Directions
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
Add the all purpose flour, whole wheat flour, honey, olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture; stir well to combine. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out into a 14 inch diameter circle and place on a 14 inch pizza pan which has been lightly dusted with cornmeal or lightly oiled. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside.
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). In a small bowl, combine ham and 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce; set aside.
Melt butter in a medium saute pan over medium heat. Saute onions and garlic in butter, stirring occasionally, until onions are brown and caramelized, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in ham and pineapple.
Spread remaining 6 tablespoons barbecue sauce over pizza dough. Top with half of the cheeses. Spread on ham mixture. Top with remaining cheese.
Bake in heated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, until crust is lightly browned and cheese completely melted. Let pizza sit for 5 minutes before slicing.

Recipe : Booyah Chicken

Ingredients
1 (4 pound) whole chicken, cut into pieces
2 1/2 pounds cubed beef stew meat
1 1/2 pounds pork shoulder roast
7 cups water
3 cups chicken broth
3 cloves garlic, whole
2 bay leaves
water to cover
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cups diced onion
2 cups diced carrots
2 stalks celery, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
6 potatoes, unpeeled and diced
1 1/2 cups fresh green beans, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 (14.5 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, drained
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 cup frozen green peas
1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions
Combine the chicken, beef, pork, water and broth in a large pot and bring to a boil. Add whole cloves of garlic and bay leaves, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 2 hours.
Remove chicken, beef and pork. Strip meats from bones and cut into bite size pieces. Strain stock in pot and add water to yield 8 cups of stock. Return meats to broth.
Heat oil in a medium skillet and saute the onion, carrot, celery and minced garlic for about 5 minutes. Add saute mixture to pot along with the potatoes, beans, tomatoes, salt, rosemary, pepper and thyme. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes. Stir in the peas, lemon zest and red pepper. Heat through and serve garnished with parsley.

Recipe : Babaci's Potato Pierogi

Ingredients
12 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
3 tablespoons cream cheese, divided
3 teaspoons milk, divided
2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
2 1/2 (8 ounce) containers cottage cheese
salt to taste
2 tablespoons butter
oil for frying

Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain and cool.
Meanwhile, prepare dough by combining 1 egg, 1 tablespoon cream cheese, 1 teaspoon milk and 1/2 cup flour. Once all the flour has been worked in, add another 1/2 cup flour, 1 tablespoon cream cheese and 1 teaspoon milk. When the dough is well blended, add 1 egg, 1 tablespoon cream cheese and another 1/2 cup flour; mix well. Finally, add the remaining egg, 1 teaspoon milk and 1/2 cup flour. If dough is too dry, add a little more milk; if too wet, add more flour.
On a well floured surface, roll out 1/4 of the dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Using a glass, muffin cutter, or any rounded surface, cut out circles of dough. Flour both sides of the circle and set aside in a single layer on wax paper. Repeat process with remaining dough.
Mash the potatoes with the cottage cheese, salt and butter. Place a spoonful of the filling slightly below the center of a circle of dough. Fold the dough over and seal edges with fingertips. Use enough filling so that you have to stretch the dough over it, but not so much that it squeezes out when sealed.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in pierogis, a few at a time. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until they float to the top; drain.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry boiled pierogis in hot oil until crispy.

Recipe : Apple Chutney

Ingredients
15 tart apples - peeled, cored, and finely chopped
1 yellow onion, quartered
3 (1 inch) pieces fresh ginger root, peeled
1 cup white wine vinegar
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions
In a saucepan, mix the apples, onion, ginger, vinegar, white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, white pepper, cardamom, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cover. Simmer 30 minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples are tender. Mix in some water if necessary to keep the ingredients moist. Remove the onion and ginger, and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Recipe : Butter Schnitzel

Ingredients
12 boneless pork loin chops, 3/4 inch thick
2 cups bread crumbs
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 pound butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup dry white wine (optional)
1 pound mushrooms, sliced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
olive oil as needed

Directions
Pound the pork chops with a spiked meat mallet until 1/4 inch thick; set aside. In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley flakes, salt, and pepper. Press the pork into the crumbs to bread thoroughly; set aside.
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the wine and sliced mushrooms. Allow to simmer and cook until the mushrooms have softened, about 10 minutes. Stir together the cornstarch and water, then add to the mushroom sauce. Simmer until the sauce has thickened, then remove from the heat and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the pork cutlets a few at a time until golden brown and cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Serve with reserved mushroom sauce.

Recipe : Baked Chicken with Peaches

Ingredients
8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 cup brown sugar
4 fresh peaches - peeled, pitted and sliced
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Place chicken in the prepared baking dish, and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Place peach slices over chicken, then sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar, ginger, cloves, and lemon juice.
Bake for about 30 minutes in the preheated oven, basting often with juices, until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.

Recipe : Asparagus Cashew Rice Pilaf

Ingredients
1/4 cup butter
2 ounces uncooked spaghetti, broken
1/4 cup minced onion
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 1/4 cups uncooked jasmine rice
2 1/4 cups vegetable broth
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2 inch pieces
1/2 cup cashew halves

Directions
Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Increase heat to medium, and stir in spaghetti, cooking until coated with the melted butter and lightly browned.
Stir onion and garlic into the saucepan, and cook about 2 minutes, until tender. Stir in jasmine rice, and cook about 5 minutes. Pour in vegetable broth. Season mixture with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover, and cook 20 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid has been absorbed.
Place asparagus in a separate medium saucepan with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook until tender but firm.
Mix asparagus and cashew halves into the rice mixture, and serve warm.

Recipe : Almondy Warmth Cookies

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup butter-flavored spread
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
1 tablespoon amaretto liqueur
1 1/2 teaspoons bourbon
1/2 cup chopped almonds (optional)

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a cookie sheet. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Set aside.
Cream together brown sugar, white sugar, and vegetable oil spread in a medium bowl. Stir in sour cream, olive oil, almond extract, amaretto and bourbon, blending well after each addition.
Gradually stir flour mixture into sugar mixture until well blended. Stir in almonds if desired. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto prepared cookie sheet.
Bake until just crisp around the edges, 12 to 14 minutes.

Recipe : Butter Cornsticks

Ingredients
1/3 cup butter
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup canned cream-style corn
1/4 cup milk

Directions
Place butter in a 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan; heat in a 425 degrees F oven until melted. Tilt to coat bottom of pan; set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Stir in corn and milk. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead 10-12 times. Roll into a 10-in. x 8-in. rectangle, about 1/2 in. thick. Cut into 4-in. x 1-in. strips. Place in melted butter and turn to coat. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.

Recipe : Brine for Smoked Salmon

Ingredients
1 gallon water
1 cup kosher salt
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
lemon pepper to taste
1 (3 ounce) package dry crab and shrimp seasoning mix
freshly ground black pepper to taste
4 cloves garlic, crushed or to taste
1 dash hot pepper sauce (optional)
4 lemons, sliced and crushed
2 oranges, sliced and crushed
1 lime, sliced and crushed
1 large yellow onion, sliced

Directions
Pour the water into a large bowl or small bucket. If you must use a pot, use one that does not contain aluminum. Stir in the kosher salt, white sugar, brown sugar, lemon pepper, parsley and seasoning mix. Add the garlic, hot pepper sauce, lemons, oranges, lime and onion. Soak your salmon in this brine for 12 to 36 hours. Smoke using your desired method.

Recipe : Asparagus Florentine

Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
1 medium onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup butter
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup, undiluted
1/2 cup water
3 egg yolks
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/8 teaspoon ground mustard
Dash pepper
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, cubed
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

Directions
Place asparagus in a saucepan with a small amount of water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 3-5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and set aside. In a large saucepan, saute onion and garlic in butter until tender.
In a bowl, whisk together the soup, water, egg yolks, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and pepper. Whisk in lemon juice. Add to onion mixture. Add cream cheese. Cook and stir over low heat until cheese is melted. Stir in spinach and asparagus; heat through.
Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 325 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160 degrees F. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe : Banana Nut Cake

Ingredients
1 teaspoon baking soda
4 tablespoons buttermilk
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup chopped pecans
3 tablespoons butter, softened
2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Pecan halves (optional)

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 9 inch round cake pans.
Separate the eggs and set aside.
Stir the baking soda into the buttermilk. Cream 1/2 cup of the butter or margarine with the white sugar. Add the egg yolks, and vanilla, beating well. Add flour alternately with the mashed bananas. Stir in the buttermilk mixture.
Beat the egg whites until stiff. Stir the pecans into the cake batter then fold in the egg whites. Pour batter into prepared pans.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 25 minutes or until cakes test done. Let cakes cool in pans.
To Make Icing: Cream 3 tablespoons butter or margarine with the confectioners' sugar. Stir in the heavy cream until well blended. Spread icing on to cooled cake layers. Top with pecan halves if desired.

Recipe : Broccoli Salad II

Ingredients
1/2 pound bacon
2 heads fresh broccoli, chopped
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1/2 cup shredded carrots
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Directions
Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the bacon, broccoli, green onions, carrots and salt and pepper.
In a small bowl whisk together the mayonnaise and vinegar. Pour dressing over vegetables and toss to coat evenly. Chill for 1 hour before serving.

Recipe : Best Ever Chocolate Cutout Cookies

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

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

Recipe : Baked Chicken and Brie

Ingredients
1 cup light beer or dry white wine
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon dried oregano, or to taste
8 ounces Brie cheese

Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Pour the beer or wine into a glass baking dish large enough to lay out the chicken. Season the chicken with salt, pepper and oregano on both sides, and place in the dish.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until juices run clear. While chicken is baking, slice Brie with the rind into 1/4 inch thick slices. When chicken is done, place slices of Brie over the top. Return to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, until cheese is melted. Voila, chicken with Brie sauce is complete!

Recipe : Barbecued Spam Sandwiches

Ingredients
1 (12 ounce) container fully cooked luncheon meat (e.g. Spam)
1 1/2 cups barbeque sauce
1 cup prepared coleslaw
1 loaf French bread, cut into 4 pieces, split and toasted

Directions
Slice the lunch meat into thin slices. Combine the sliced lunch meat and barbeque sauce in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until heated through. Spoon meat and sauce onto the bottom halves of the toasted bread. Top with coleslaw, and then the other half of the pieces of bread.

Recipe : Blue Cheese, Port, and Walnut Spread

Ingredients
1 pound blue cheese
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/3 cup port wine
1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts

Directions
In a food processor blend together cheese, butter, and port until the mixture is smooth. In a bowl, combine the cheese mix and the walnuts. Transfer the spread to a crock. Chill.

Recipe : All-Bran Classic Beef and Mushroom Meatloaf

Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cups finely chopped mushrooms
1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (optional)
1 1/2 cups All-Bran Buds* cereal
3/4 cup beef stock
2 pounds extra lean ground beef
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
Pepper, to taste

Directions
In no-stick skillet, over medium heat, heat oil. Add onions; saute about 4 minutes. Add mushrooms; cook until tender, stirring frequently. Remove from heat, stir in parsley. Let cool slightly.
In medium bowl, stir together cereal and beef stock. Let stand 2 minutes or until stock is absorbed and cereal softens.
In large bowl, combine beef, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire, salt and pepper. Add mushroom mixture and cereal. Mix together until lightly blended.
Press mixture into 2 L (9 x 5-inch) loaf pan. Bake at 180 degrees C (350 degrees F) for 60 to 75 minutes or until cooked through.
Let stand about 15 minutes before slicing. Pour off any accumulated juices.

Recipe : Awesome Turkey Sandwich

Ingredients
2 slices whole wheat bread, toasted (optional)
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
2 teaspoons Dijon-style prepared mustard
3 slices smoked turkey breast
2 tablespoons guacamole
1/2 cup mixed salad greens
1/4 cup bean sprouts
1/4 avocado - peeled, pitted and sliced
3 ounces Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, sliced
2 slices tomato

Directions
Spread mayonnaise on one slice of toast, then spread mustard on the other. Arrange the sliced turkey on one side. Spread guacamole over the turkey. Pile on the salad greens, bean sprouts, avocado and cheese. Finish with tomato slices, then place the remaining slice of toast on top.

Recipe : Apple and Pecan Stuffing

Ingredients
1 (6 ounce) package dry bread stuffing mix
3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
2 apples - peeled, cored and chopped

Directions
Prepare stuffing mix according to package directions.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
Mix pecans and apples into the stuffing.
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven 35 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Recipe : Blueberry Sauce

Ingredients
2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1/4 cup water
1 cup orange juice
3/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup cold water
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the blueberries, 1/4 cup of water, orange juice, and sugar. Stir gently, and bring to a boil.
In a cup or small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and 1/4 cup cold water. Gently stir the cornstarch mixture into the blueberries so as not to mash the berries. Simmer gently until thick enough to coat the back of a metal spoon, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the almond extract and cinnamon. Thin sauce with water if it is too thick for your liking.

Recipe : Apple Pie Bread

Ingredients
1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 1/4 cups bread flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons powdered buttermilk
1 1/4 cups apple pie filling
1 1/2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup water

Directions
Place all ingredients into the pan of the bread machine in the order suggested by the manufacturer. Press Start.

Recipe : Beefy Fajitas with a Twist

Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 pound boneless beef top round steak, cut into strips
1 medium green pepper, cut into 2-inch strips
1 medium onion, sliced
1 (10.25 ounce) can Campbell's� Beef Gravy
8 (8 inch) flour tortilla, warmed
Shredded Cheddar cheese
Pace� Chunky Salsa

Directions
Heat oil in skillet. Add beef and cook until browned and juices evaporate, stirring often.
Add pepper and onion and cook until tender-crisp.
Add gravy and heat through. Spoon beef mixture into tortillas. Top with cheese and salsa and wrap. Makes 8 fajitas.

Recipe : Baked Apples in Caramel Cream

Ingredients
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 cup hot water
4 large Rome beauty apples, cored
1 tablespoon lemon juice
12 individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
1/2 cup whipping cream

Directions
Combine brown sugar and water in an 9-in. square baking dish. Peel the top half of each apple; brush with lemon juice. Place in the baking dish. Fill each with three caramels. Bake at 350 degrees F for 60-65 minutes or until apples are tender, basting every 20 minutes. Carefully lift apples, allowing any caramel in centers to drip into pan, and place in individual dessert dishes. Pour sauce into a small saucepan; add cream. Cook and stir over medium-low heat until sauce is smooth and thick. Spoon over apples; serve immediately.

Recipe : Apricot Oat Muffins

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups fat-free milk
1/3 cup canola oil
1/4 cup egg substitute
3/4 cup chopped dried apricots
1/3 cup chopped walnuts

Directions
In a bowl, combine the flour, oats, sugars, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice and salt. In another bowl, combine milk, oil and egg substitute until blended; stir into dry ingredients just until blended (batter will be thin). Fold in the apricots and walnuts.
Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.

Recipe : Anise Waffle Cookies

Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour, or as needed
1 tablespoon anise seed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons white sugar
3 small eggs
1 drop anise oil
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, or as needed

Directions
Preheat a waffle iron according to manufacturer's instructions. Whisk together flour, anise seed, and salt in a bowl.
In a separate bowl, mash the shortening until creamy, and stir with all of the sugar, eggs, and anise oil until thoroughly mixed. Stir the flour mixture into the wet ingredients to form a dough. Break off about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie, and roll into 1-inch balls.
Spray the waffle iron with cooking spray. Place dough balls onto the iron, close the lid, and bake until the iron stops emitting steam and the cookies are lightly golden brown, 1 to 3 minutes. Check after about 1 minute. Remove the cookies from the iron and sprinkle with confectioners' sugar while still warm. Cool on wire rack.

Recipe : Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
2 large onions, diced
2 pounds flank steak
1/8 teaspoon caraway seed
1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 clove garlic, minced
5 tablespoons paprika
2 cups water
4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium high heat. Saute onions until soft, then add beef and brown. Stir in caraway seed, marjoram, garlic and paprika. Pour water over all, lower heat to low and simmer for 2 1/2 hours.
Add potatoes and cook until tender, another 45 minutes to 1 hour. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

Recipe : Apple Harvest Pound Cake with Caramel Glaze

Ingredients
2 cups white sugar
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
2 medium Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored and chopped
1 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup butter or margarine
2 teaspoons milk
1/2 cup brown sugar

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9 inch Bundt pan.
In a large bowl, beat the sugar, oil, vanilla and eggs with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; stir into the batter just until blended. Fold in the apples and walnuts using a spoon. Pour into the prepared pan.
Bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes in the preheated oven, until a toothpick inserted into the crown or the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool for about 20 minutes then invert on to a wire rack.
Make the glaze by heating the butter, milk and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar, then remove from the heat. Drizzle over the warm cake. I like to place a sheet of aluminum foil under the cooling rack to catch the drips for easy clean up.

Recipe : Apricot Meringue Pie

Ingredients
12 ounces dried apricots, chopped
1 1/2 cups water
2 1/2 cups sugar, divided
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 eggs, separated
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 (9 inch) pastry shell, baked

Directions
In a saucepan, bring apricots and water to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until apricots are softened. In a bowl, combine 2 cups sugar, cornstarch and salt; stir into apricot mixture. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook and stir for 1 minute or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir a small amount of hot filling into yolks. Return all to pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 1 minute longer or until glossy and clear. Remove from the heat; stir in butter. Keep warm.
In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Pour hot filling into crust. Spread meringue evenly over filling, sealing edges to crust.
Bake at 325 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Chill for at least 3 hours before serving. Refrigerate leftovers.

Recipe : Apricot Chip Cookies

Ingredients
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup shortening
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2/3 cup chopped dried apricots
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions
In a mixing bowl, cream the butter, shortening and sugars. Add egg and vanilla; mix well. Combine the flour, salt and baking soda; add to the creamed mixture. Stir in the apricots, chocolate chips and walnuts.
Drop by tablespoonfuls 2-in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375 degrees F for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Recipe : BBQ Teriyaki Pork Kabobs

Ingredients
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
salt and pepper to taste
1 pound boneless pork loin, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 (14.5 ounce) can low-sodium beef broth
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
3 portobello mushrooms, cut into quarters
1 large red onion, cut into 12 wedges
12 cherry tomatoes
12 bite-size chunks fresh pineapple

Directions
In a shallow dish, mix together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, olive oil, 1 clove minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add pork cubes, and turn to coat evenly with marinade. Cover, and refrigerate for 3 hours.
In a saucepan, combine beef broth, cornstarch, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, brown sugar, 2 cloves minced garlic, and ginger. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes.
Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil grate. Thread pork cubes onto skewers, alternating with mushrooms, onion, tomatoes, and pineapple chunks.
Cook on grill for 15 minutes, or until meat is cooked through. Turn skewers, and baste often with sauce during cooking.

Recipe : Apple Peanut Spinach Salad

Ingredients
2 (6 ounce) packages fresh baby spinach
1 medium apple, chopped
1/4 cup raisins
2 tablespoons chopped peanuts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 tablespoon chutney
3/4 teaspoon curry powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions
In a large bowl, combine the spinach, apple, raisins and peanuts. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the remaining ingredients; shake well. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat.