Friday, August 5, 2011

Recipe : Beer Cheese Soup V

Ingredients
3/4 cup butter
1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup diced onion
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground dry mustard
1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
5 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese
5 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle beer

Directions
In a large saucepan over medium high heat, melt butter. Cook celery, carrots and onion in butter until onion is translucent. Stir in flour and mustard to coat vegetables. Pour in chicken broth and simmer until slightly thickened. Puree mixture in a blender or food processor or using an immersion blender. Return to pot.
When pureed mixture is hot, begin to stir in Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Parmesan, a little at a time, alternately with the beer, until all is fully incorporated and melted. Serve at once.

Recipe : Burmese Chicken Curry

Ingredients
2 1/4 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
2 teaspoons curry powder
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon salt
2 onions, chopped
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger root
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons paprika
2 tablespoons water
5 teaspoons corn oil
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 teaspoon minced lemon grass
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 cup water

Directions
Rub chicken thighs with curry powder, garam masala, salt. Cover and set aside. Place onion, garlic, ginger, cayenne pepper, and paprika in a blender with 2 tablespoons of water and blend into a smooth paste.
Heat the oil in a large, lidded skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir onion mixture until darkened, about 7 minutes. Stir in chicken thighs and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, then add tomatoes, lemon grass, and fish sauce. Cook for 2 minutes. Stir in 1 cup of water and bring the curry to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low and cook until the chicken begins to fall apart, stirring occasionally, 25 to 35 minutes. Remove lid and increase heat. Cook until the sauce is reduced, about 5 minutes. Skim off excess oil from the top and discard.

Recipe : American-Italian Pasta Salad

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package fusilli pasta
1 cup frozen petite peas, thawed
2 (2 ounce) cans sliced black olives
1 cup cubed Genoa salami
3/4 cup chopped green onions
3/4 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 (.7 ounce) package dry Italian-style salad dressing mix
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons milk

Directions
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente, rinse under cold water and drain.
In a medium bowl combine mayonnaise, sour cream, milk and Italian dressing mix. Whisk together until smooth, set aside.
In a large salad bowl combine cooked and cooled pasta, peas, olives, salami, green onions, celery and parsley. Mix in dressing last, reserving 1/2 cup. Let sit over night in fridge. Stir before serving. Add extra dressing if pasta appears dry.

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 and Provolone Quiche

Ingredients
3 cups broccoli florets
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 (9 inch) unbaked deep dish pie crust
4 eggs, beaten
1 egg yolk, beaten
1 pint heavy cream
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded provolone cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Place a steamer basket in a medium saucepan filled with about 1 inch of water. Place broccoli in the steamer basket, and bring water to a boil. Cover, and steam 5 minutes, or until broccoli is tender but firm.
Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat, and saute garlic and onion until tender. Mix in the broccoli, and continue cooking 1 to 2 minutes. Season with red pepper flakes. Transfer to the pie crust.
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolk, and heavy cream. Pour over the broccoli mixture in the pie crust. Season with salt and pepper. Top with Provolone.
Bake 35 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Recipe : Awesome Broccoli-Cheese Casserole

Ingredients
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup mayonnaise
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup onions, chopped
3 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped broccoli
8 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste
1 dash paprika

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together condensed soup, mayonnaise, egg and onions.
Place frozen broccoli into a very large mixing bowl. (I like to use my large stainless steel bowl to mix this recipe thoroughly.) Break up the frozen broccoli. Using a rubber spatula, scrape soup-mayonnaise mixture on top of broccoli, and mix well. Sprinkle on cheese, and mix well. Spread mixture into prepared baking dish, and smooth top of casserole. Season with salt, pepper and paprika.
Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Recipe : Awesome Ham Pasta Salad

Ingredients
8 ounces ziti pasta
1 pound cooked ham, cubed
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 large red onion, coarsely chopped
15 small sweet pickles, chopped, juice reserved
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
2 1/2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced

Directions
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
In a large bowl, mix together the drained pasta, ham, peppers, onion, pickles and tomatoes.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, beef bouillon granules, vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic and 1/2 cup of reserved pickle juice. Fold into the salad and toss gently until evenly coated. Chill overnight to allow the flavors to blend. Serve near room temperature.

Recipe : Asparagus Crab Omelets

Ingredients
1 (1.25 ounce) envelope hollandaise sauce
2 tablespoons milk
salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste
1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
2 cups cut fresh asparagus, cooked, divided
2 cups flaked imitation crabmeat, coarsely chopped, divided
minced chives

Directions
Prepare hollandaise sauce according to package directions; set aside and keep warm.
In a bowl, beat eggs, milk, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Heat oil in a 10-in. skillet over medium-low; add half of the egg mixture. As the eggs set, lift edges, letting uncooked portion flow underneath. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup cheese, 1 cup asparagus, 1 cup crab and another 1/2 cup cheese. Fold omelet in half. Cover for 1-2 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Repeat for second omelet. Serve with hollandaise sauce. Garnish with chives.

Recipe : Brunch Potato Casserole

Ingredients
4 pounds new potatoes, skinned, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 pound processed cheese food, cubed
2 cups mayonnaise
1 onion, finely chopped
1 pound bacon, cooked crisp and chopped

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place potatoes in a large pan, fill with water to cover potatoes, and bring to a boil. Cook until potatoes are just soft. Drain, place in a large bowl. While the potatoes are still hot, gently stir in cheese without mashing potatoes. Continue to stir, every minute or so, until cheese is melted.
In a separate bowl, stir together mayonnaise, onion, and bacon. Gently stir into potatoes and cheese. Spread into a 13x9-inch baking dish.
Bake in a preheated oven for 50 minutes.

Recipe : Butter Frosting

Ingredients
3/4 cup butter
6 cups confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons milk
7 drops red food coloring

Directions
Beat butter in a large bowl until fluffy. Gradually add 3 cups of the sifted confectioners' sugar, beating well. Slowly beat in the vanilla, salt, and 1/3 cup of the milk. Gradually beat in the 3 remaining cups of confectioner's sugar. Beat in additional milk (1 to 2 tablespoons) if needed, to make frosting of spreading consistency. If desired tint the frosting pink with 6 to 8 drops of red food coloring.

Recipe : Apple Dip with a Twist

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups fat free ranch dressing
1 1/4 cups grated apple
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste

Directions
Mix the fat free ranch dressing, grated apple, horseradish, pumpkin pie spice, lemon juice and pepper in a medium sized serving bowl and chill until serving.

Recipe : Autumn Apple Salad

Ingredients
1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice
2/3 cup white sugar
1 (3 ounce) package lemon flavored gelatin mix
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup diced, unpeeled apples
1 cup chopped nuts
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed

Directions
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, boil the pineapple and sugar 3 minutes. Mix in the lemon gelatin mix, stirring until dissolved. Stir in the cream cheese. Remove from heat and allow to cool 10 to 15 minutes.
Gently fold the apples, nuts, celery and whipped topping into the mixture. Transfer to a 9x9 inch square pan. Refrigerate 4 hours, or until firm.

Recipe : Australian BBQ Meatballs

Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup bread crumbs
2 small onions, chopped
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
1 egg, beaten
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon margarine
2 small onions, chopped
3/4 cup ketchup
1/2 cup beef stock
1/4 cup steak sauce
1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons white vinegar
2 tablespoons instant coffee granules
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a medium bowl, mix together the ground beef, bread crumbs, 2 onions, curry powder, Italian seasoning, egg, garlic, salt and pepper. Gradually mix in the milk until you have a nice texture for forming meatballs. You may not need all of the milk. Form the meat into balls slightly smaller than golf balls. Place them in a greased baking dish.
Bake the meatballs for 30 minutes in the preheated oven. Once the meatballs are in the oven, start making the sauce straight away.
Melt the margarine in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the remaining onions, and cook until browned. Stir in the ketchup, beef stock, steak sauce, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, instant coffee, brown sugar and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are done.
Remove the meatballs from the oven, and drain any excess grease. Pour the sauce over them, and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 30 minutes.
These meatballs taste even better after they have been left to rest for a while to soak up the sauce. I usually make the recipe at lunchtime and let it cool. I put it back in the oven at about 200 degrees for approximately 15 minutes to reheat for dinner. This is not necessary but it makes it taste even better!

Recipe : Apple Bread Pudding Pie

Ingredients
1 cup applesauce
1/2 cup vanilla fat-free yogurt
1/2 cup SPLENDA� No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated
1/4 cup SPLENDA� Brown Sugar Blend
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 cups bread cubes
2 apples - peeled, cored and chopped
1 (9 inch) unbaked 9 inch pie crust
2 tablespoons SPLENDA� Brown Sugar Blend
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a medium mixing bowl stir together eggs, applesauce, yogurt, SPLENDA� Granulated Sweetener, 1/4 cup SPLENDA� Brown Sugar Blend, oats, and cinnamon. Stir in bread and apples. Pour into pie crust.
In another bowl stir 2 tablespoons SPLENDA� Brown Sugar Blend and flour. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle on top of pie filling.
Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour or until top is golden and fruit is tender.

Recipe : Banana and Chocolate Bread Pudding

Ingredients
2 cups milk
1 cup SPLENDA� No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4 cups cubed French bread
2 bananas, sliced
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
In a large mixing bowl, mix eggs, milk, SPLENDA� Granulated Sweetener, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in bread, bananas, and chocolate chips, and let rest 5 minutes for bread to soak. Pour into prepared pan.
Line a roasting pan with a damp kitchen towel. Place loaf pan on towel inside roasting pan, and place roasting pan on oven rack. Fill roasting pan with water to reach halfway up the sides of the loaf pan. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Recipe : Black 'n' White Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup butter
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
In a double boiler or microwave, melt chocolate chips and butter, stirring occasionally. Stir in the graham cracker crumbs. Set aside 1/4 cup for topping. Press the remaining crumbs into an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan.
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in milk, egg and vanilla. Pour over crust. Sprinkle with reserved crumbs. Bake at 325 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Refrigerate 3 hours or until completely chilled. Cut into bars. Store in the refrigerator.

Recipe : Beans and Greens

Ingredients
4 (14.5 ounce) cans vegetable broth
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach
1 (15 ounce) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 ounce) can light red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, with liquid
1 (15 ounce) can great Northern beans, with liquid
1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, with liquid
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon garlic powder
salt to taste
black pepper to taste

Directions
Place broth and spinach in a pot over medium heat, and cook 5 minutes, or until spinach is thawed. Mix in dark and light kidney beans, black beans and liquid, great northern beans and liquid, pinto beans and liquid, and oil. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Recipe : Albuquerque Delight

Ingredients
1 (14 ounce) can refried beans
1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
3 avocados - peeled, pitted, and mashed
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons minced onion
1 dash garlic salt
1 cup sour cream
1 cup chopped green chile peppers
1/2 pound shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 pound shredded mild Cheddar cheese
2 medium fresh tomatoes, chopped
1 (2.25 ounce) can pitted black olives, sliced

Directions
Mix the refried beans and taco seasoning mix, and spread over the bottom of a large pie dish. Mix mashed avocados with lemon juice, onion, and garlic salt, and spread over the beans. Layer with sour cream, green chile peppers, Monterey Jack cheese, and Cheddar cheese. Top with tomatoes, and garnish with olives. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Recipe : Apricot Pecan Bars

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package refrigerated crescent rolls
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, divided
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 (12 ounce) jar apricot preserves
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup cold butter or margarine
1 cup flaked coconut

Directions
Unroll crescent dough into a rectangle; press into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Sprinkle with 1 cup pecans, confectioners' sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Drop preserves over the top.
In a bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar; cut in butter. Add the coconut and remaining pecans. Sprinkle over preserves. Bake at 375 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack before cutting.

Recipe : Asparagus Casserole II

Ingredients
WHITE SAUCE
2 teaspoons butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs, browned in butter
20 asparagus tips
5 hard-cooked eggs, chopped

Directions
To Make White Sauce: Melt butter in a small skillet over medium low heat; stir in flour, then milk. Cook until thickened and season with salt and pepper.
Spread 1/2 of the browned bread crumbs in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Add layers of asparagus and chopped egg, alternately. Pour White Sauce over all and top with remaining bread crumbs.
Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Recipe : Baked Chicken Curry Flavor-Fest

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups Dijon mustard
2/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
6 tablespoons chili powder
1/4 cup ground cumin
2 tablespoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
10 pounds bone-in chicken pieces
6 cloves garlic, minced

Directions
Whisk together the mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cumin, ginger, and turmeric in a large bowl. Add the chicken to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated. Scatter the minced garlic over the chicken and toss again. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
Arrange the chicken pieces with the skin side facing up in a single layer in baking dishes or roasting pans. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken. Cover with aluminum foil.
Bake in preheated oven until the juices run clear, 40 to 45 minutes.

Recipe : Baked Onion Dip I

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

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

Recipe : Baked Rice and Vegetables in Broth

Ingredients
3/4 cup uncooked long-grain rice
1 tablespoon uncooked wild rice
1/4 cup uncooked brown rice
1/4 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1/4 chopped fresh broccoli
1/4 cup chopped carrots
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 1/2 cups vegetable broth

Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
In a 9 x 13 inch baking dish combine white rice, wild rice, brown rice, mushrooms, broccoli, carrots, bell pepper, onion, salt, onion flakes, paprika, black pepper and broth. Mix well; cover.
Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until cooked through; stir once during baking.

Recipe : Broccoli Casserole I

Ingredients
2 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped broccoli
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
2 cups instant rice
3/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup butter
1 (16 ounce) jar process cheese sauce
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste

Directions
Cook rice as directed on box.
Saute onions in margarine until done.
Cook broccoli as directed on package and drain.
Mix together broccoli, soup, rice, onion, butter or margarine, and cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Place in a 9 by 13 inch oven proof dish.
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Recipe : Blackberry Jalapeno Jelly

Ingredients
1 (1.75 ounce) package powdered pectin
1/2 cup white sugar
4 cups blackberry juice
1 green jalapeno pepper, minced
1 red jalapeno pepper, minced
3 1/2 cups white sugar
5 half pint canning jars with lids and rings

Directions
Mix the pectin crystals with 1/2 cup sugar in a bowl. Stir the blackberry juice, pectin mixture, green jalapeno, and red jalapeno together in a saucepan; bring the mixture to a boil for 1 full minute. Add the 3 1/2 cups sugar and return to a rolling boil until the sugar has fully dissolved, about 1 minute. Remove from heat; stir while off heat to remove bubbles and foam for about 5 minutes.
Ladle into sterile jars leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Seal jars in a hot water bath. Refrigerate jelly after seal is broken.

Recipe : Alsatian Pork and Sauerkraut

Ingredients
4 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 onion, chopped
1 (16 ounce) can sauerkraut, drained
1 1/2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
4 cups chicken broth, plus more if needed
3 potatoes, quartered
1 large Granny Smith apple, cored and sliced
12 juniper berries
6 whole black peppercorns
2 whole cloves
1 sprig fresh parsley
4 (6 ounce) boneless pork chops, 1/2 inch thick
1 pound kielbasa sausage, cut into 3-inch pieces

Directions
Place the bacon in a large, deep pot, and cook over medium-high heat, stirring to turn pieces occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon pieces on a paper towel-lined plate. With a paper towel, wipe the bacon grease out of the pot but keep as much of the brown bits as possible. Stir in the onion, sauerkraut, brown sugar, and chicken broth, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add the potatoes and apple slices.
Place the juniper berries, peppercorns, cloves, parsley, and bay leaf into a small cheesecloth square, and tie the ends together to make a spice bag (or place the spices into a stainless steel tea ball). Place the spice bag into the pot, and add the pork chops and kielbasa sausage pieces. Add more chicken broth, if needed, to just cover the ingredients. Bring the pot to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until the potatoes are very tender, about 1 hour.
To serve, use a slotted spoon to remove the sauerkraut, potatoes, and apple slices to the center of a serving platter. Arrange bacon, pork chops, and kielbasa pieces around the outside of the platter.

Recipe : All-Bran Simple Way Chili

Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
2 medium green peppers, chopped
1 (28 ounce) can tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
4 teaspoons chili powder, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 pinch pepper
1 (19 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup Kellogg's* All-Bran* Original cereal

Directions
In large, heavy saucepan, cook beef with onion and green pepper until meat is brown, stirring frequently. Drain off any fat.
Add tomatoes; break into chunks. Stir in tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper until well mixed. Stir in beans and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in cereal and cook about 10 minutes longer, stirring frequently.

Recipe : American Turkey Tacos

Ingredients
1 pound ground turkey
1/2 sweet onion, chopped
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 pinch garlic powder, or to taste
8 taco shells, warmed
2 avocados, peeled and mashed
3/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1 cup pico de gallo
1 cup shredded Colby cheese

Directions
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; cook and stir the ground turkey and onion in the hot skillet until the turkey is crumbly, evenly browned, and no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Drain and discard any excess grease.
Spread one side of the taco shell with avocado and the other side with sour cream. Fill each taco shell with ground turkey and top with Colby cheese and pico de gallo.

Recipe : Authentic Chinese Egg Rolls (from a Chinese person)

Ingredients
4 teaspoons vegetable oil
3 eggs, beaten
1 medium head cabbage, finely shredded
1/2 carrot, julienned
1 (8 ounce) can shredded bamboo shoots
1 cup dried, shredded wood ear mushroom, rehydrated
1 pound Chinese barbequed or roasted pork, cut into matchsticks
2 green onions, thinly sliced
2 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon monosodium glutamate (MSG)
1 (14 ounce) package egg roll wrappers
1 egg white, beaten
4 cups oil for frying, or as needed

Directions
Heat 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Pour in beaten eggs and cook, without stirring, until firmed. Flip the eggs over and cook for an additional 20 seconds to firm the other side. Set egg pancake aside to cool, then slice into thin strips.
Heat the remaining vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Stir in cabbage and carrot; cook for 2 minutes to wilt. Add bamboo, mushroom, pork, green onions, soy sauce, salt, sugar, and MSG; continue cooking until the vegetables soften, about 6 minutes. Stir in sliced egg, then spread mixture out onto a pan, and refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour.
To assemble the egg rolls, place a wrapper onto your work surface with one corner pointing towards you. Place about 3 tablespoons of cooled filling in a heap onto the bottom third of the wrapper. Brush a little beaten egg white onto the top two edges of the wrapper, then fold the bottom corner over the filling and roll firmly to the halfway point. Fold the left and right sides snugly over the egg roll, then continue rolling until the top corners seal the egg roll with the egg white. Repeat with remaining egg roll wrappers, covering finished egg rolls with plastic wrap to keep from drying out.
Heat about 6-inches of oil in a wok or deep-fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Fry egg rolls 3 or 4 at a time until golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

Recipe : Butternut Squash Enchiladas

Ingredients
8 (5 inch) corn tortillas
1/2 unpeeled butternut squash, seeded
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 onion, chopped
2 cups chopped fresh spinach
4 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup enchilada sauce
1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
1/4 cup sour cream, for topping (optional)

Directions
Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Lay the tortillas flat onto a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until crispy, about 10 minutes. Remove and allow to cool. Meanwhile, place the butternut squash half into a microwave-safe dish cut-side-down, and pour in the water. Cook in the microwave until tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Once cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh and dice; place into a mixing bowl and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the garlic and onion; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Continue cooking until the spinach wilts. Gently fold the spinach mixture into the diced butternut squash.
Arrange four crispy tortillas on the baking sheet. Divide the squash mixture among the tortillas. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of goat cheese over each tortilla, then top with the remaining tortillas. Pour the enchilada sauce over top, and sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon of cotija cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven until hot, about 10 minutes. Garnish each enchilada with chopped cilantro leaves and a dollop of sour cream to serve.

Recipe : Beefy Rice Dinner

Ingredients
1 (6.8 ounce) package beef flavored rice mix
1/2 pound lean ground beef
1/3 cup chopped celery
1/3 cup chopped green pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions
Prepared rice according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef, celery and green pepper until the meat is browned and vegetables are tender; drain. Add rice, salt and pepper. Transfer to a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted.

Recipe : Apricot Pecan Bars

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package refrigerated crescent rolls
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, divided
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 (12 ounce) jar apricot preserves
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup cold butter or margarine
1 cup flaked coconut

Directions
Unroll crescent dough into a rectangle; press into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Sprinkle with 1 cup pecans, confectioners' sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Drop preserves over the top.
In a bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar; cut in butter. Add the coconut and remaining pecans. Sprinkle over preserves. Bake at 375 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack before cutting.

Recipe : Asparagus Salad

Ingredients
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 (.25 ounce) envelopes unflavored gelatin
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons grated onion
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 (4 ounce) jar pimentos
1 (10 ounce) can canned asparagus, drained

Directions
In a saucepan, combine the sugar, white vinegar and 1 cup water. Bring to boil and stir until dissolved.
In a small bowl, whisk together the salt, gelatin and 1/2 cup water. Add to saucepan, stir and cool.
Once mixture is cool, add lemon juice, onion, celery, pecans, pimentos and asparagus. Mix well and place into favorite mold. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Recipe : Apple Chutney Chops

Ingredients
4 cups chopped, peeled apples
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup honey
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
4 bone-in pork loin chops, 1 inch thick
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions
For chutney, in a large saucepan, combine the apples, raisins, honey, vinegar, salt, ginger, mustard and curry. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes or until apples are tender.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, brown pork chops in oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side. Reduce heat; cook, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes or until juices run clear. Serve with chutney.

Recipe : Banana Bread French Toast

Ingredients
3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons butter
1 loaf banana bread
confectioners' sugar for dusting (optional)

Directions
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, sweetened condensed milk and vanilla with a fork. Set aside.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Slice banana bread into 4 thick slices. Dip each slice into the egg mixture, then place in the hot pan. Cook on each side until golden brown. Dust with confectioners' sugar just before serving, if desired.

Recipe : Braided Peach Strudel

Ingredients
1 tablespoon water
1 (16 ounce) package frozen peach slices, thawed and well drained
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 (17.3 ounce) package Pepperidge Farm� Puff Pastry Sheets, thawed
2 tablespoons coarse sugar or granulated sugar

Directions
Heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Beat the egg and water in a small bowl with a fork. Stir the peaches, brown sugar, flour, pecans and vanilla extract in a large bowl.
Unfold the pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Roll the pastry sheet into a 14x12-inch rectangle. Spoon the peach mixture lengthwise down the center of the pastry. Cut slits 1 inch apart from the 2 sides of the pastry rectangle to within 1/2 inch of the peach mixture. Starting at one end, fold the pastry strips over the peach mixture, alternating sides, to cover the peach mixture. Brush the pastry with the egg mixture. Sprinkle with the coarse sugar. Place the pastry onto a baking sheet.
Bake for 25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown. Let the pastry cool on the baking sheet on a wire rack for 20 minutes.

Recipe : Anise Cookies (Springerle)

Ingredients
4 cups confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons lemon zest
4 1/2 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
4 drops anise oil

Directions
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until very light and fluffy. Stir in the anise oil and lemon zest. Add the flour and baking powder; mix until well blended. Cover and chill dough for 3 to 4 hours.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 to 1/8 inch thickness. Use a springerle rolling pin or board to make the designs. Cut into 1 1/2 inch rectangles, place onto a cookie sheet, and let them sit out overnight, uncovered, in a cool dry place.
The next morning, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake the cookies for 15 to 20 minutes. Do not let the cookies brown. Allow cookies to cool, and store in an airtight tin for 1 week to blend the flavors.

Recipe : Blue Cheese Appetizer Pizza

Ingredients
1 (1 pound) loaf frozen bread dough, thawed
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons dried basil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 small red onion, thinly sliced, pulled into rings
2 plum tomatoes, chopped
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
3 ounces crumbled blue cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
Divide bread dough in half. Press each portion onto the bottom of a 12-in. pizza pan coated with nonstick cooking spray; build up edges slightly. Prick dough several times with a fork. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
Brush dough with oil. Combine the basil, oregano and garlic powder; sprinkle over dough. Bake at 425 degrees F for 10 minutes. Arrange onion and tomatoes over crust; sprinkle with cheeses. Bake 8-10 minutes longer or until golden brown.

Recipe : Best Meatloaf in the Whole Wide World!

Ingredients
1/3 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup bacon bits
1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1 dash Worcestershire sauce
1 pound ground beef
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup crushed saltine crackers
1 egg, beaten
1/2 clove garlic, minced
1/4 onion, minced
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce

Directions
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Stir ketchup, brown sugar, bacon bits, pineapple, and 1 dash Worcestershire sauce together in a small bowl; reserve.
Combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, saltines, egg, garlic, onion, and 2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl; mix well. Pat meat mixture into a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
Bake meatloaf in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove from oven; pour reserved pineapple mixture over loaf. Return to the oven; bake until no longer pink in the center, about an additional 20 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).