Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Recipe : Banana Split Dessert

Ingredients
1 cup miniature marshmallows
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup whipped topping
2 small firm bananas. split lengthwise
Chocolate syrup
2 maraschino cherries

Directions
In a bowl, combine the marshmallows, pineapple and whipped topping. Place banana halves in dessert dishes with two scoops of marshmallow mixture between. Drizzle with chocolate syrup; top with a cherry. Serve immediately.

Recipe : Asparagus Parmesan

Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup olive oil
1 pound fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Melt butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add asparagus spears, and cook, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes, or to desired firmness. Drain off excess oil, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.

Recipe : Apple Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients
6 Morningstar Farms� Maple Flavored Veggie Sausage Patties
1 small cooking apple, cored and chopped
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
4 cups cubed, firm-textured multigrain bread
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
6 eggs, beaten
1/3 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups fat-free milk

Directions
Chop Morningstar Farms� Maple Flavored Sausage Patties into bite-size pieces. Set aside. In small bowl toss together apple, 1 tablespoon sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
Place half of the bread in 8 x 8 x 2-inch baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray. Top with half of the veggie patties, half of the apple mixture and half of the cheese. Repeat layers.
In medium bowl whisk together eggs and sour cream. Whisk in 2 tablespoons sugar, vanilla and salt. Add milk, whisk until combined. Pour over mixture in baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 24 hours.
Bake, uncovered, at 325 degrees F about 70 minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean (170 degrees F.). Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Recipe : Beefy Baked Ziti

Ingredients
1 pound dry ziti pasta
1 onion, chopped
1 pound lean ground beef
52 ounces Classico� Tomato and Basil Sauce
6 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
1 1/2 cups sour cream
6 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes; drain.
In a large skillet, brown onion and ground beef over medium heat. Add pasta sauce, and simmer 15 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer as follows: 1/2 of the ziti, Provolone cheese, sour cream, 1/2 sauce mixture, remaining ziti, mozzarella cheese and remaining sauce mixture. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cheeses are melted.

Recipe : Brown Sugar Delight

Ingredients
3 egg yolks
2 cups brown sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup butter
3 egg whites
1/8 cup white sugar
1 (9 inch) pie shell, baked

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a saucepan, combine egg yolks, brown sugar and flour. Mix in the cream. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in butter. Pour into pre-baked pie shell.
In a large glass or metal mixing bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add white sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Spread meringue over pie, covering completely.
Bake in preheated oven for 5 to 10 minutes, or until meringue starts to brown.

Recipe : Black Bean And Corn Salad II

Ingredients
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 cup olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels
1 avocado - peeled, pitted and diced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
6 green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Directions
Place lime juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper in a small jar. Cover with lid, and shake until ingredients are well mixed.
In a salad bowl, combine beans, corn, avocado, bell pepper, tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro. Shake lime dressing, and pour it over the salad. Stir salad to coat vegetables and beans with dressing, and serve.

Recipe : Berry Cobbler

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter, melted
2/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg, beaten
2 cups raspberries

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Stir in butter, milk, vanilla and egg until smooth. Fold in raspberries. Pour into prepared pan.
Bake in preheated oven 35 to 40 minutes, until top is firm.

Recipe : Butternut and Acorn Squash Soup

Ingredients
1 butternut squash, halved and seeded
1 acorn squash, halved and seeded
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup chopped sweet onion
1 quart chicken broth
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
ground cinnamon to taste (optional)
fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place the squash halves cut side down in a baking dish. Bake 45 minutes, or until tender. Remove from heat, and cool slightly. Scoop the pulp from the skins. Discard skins.
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, and saute the onion until tender.
In a blender or food processor, blend the squash pulp, onion, broth, brown sugar, cream cheese, pepper, and cinnamon until smooth. This may be done in several batches.
Transfer the soup to a pot over medium heat, and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

Recipe : Barbecued Beans

Ingredients
1 pound dry navy beans
1 pound sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 (32 fluid ounce) bottle tomato juice
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
2 cups chopped onion
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons garlic salt
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon ground mustard

Directions
Place beans in a 3-qt. saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; let stand for 1 hour. Drain beans and discard liquid. In a 5-qt. slow cooker, combine remaining ingredients; mix well. Add the beans. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours. Reduce heat to low and cook 8-10 hours longer or until beans are tender.

Recipe : Broccoli Squash Bake

Ingredients
2 cups broccoli florets
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 cups sliced yellow summer squash
1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1/4 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
dash cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
In a skillet, stir-fry broccoli in butter for 3 minutes. Add squash. Cook 3 minutes longer or until the vegetables are tender. Transfer to a greased 1-qt. baking dish. In a bowl, combine the egg, Swiss cheese, milk, mustard and cayenne; mix well. Pour over vegetables. Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until set.

Recipe : Basic Margarita

Ingredients
5 fluid ounces tequila
3 fluid ounces triple sec
2 (6 ounce) cans frozen limeade concentrate
4 cups ice cubes
coarse salt

Directions
Salt the rims of 2 large margarita glasses. To do so, pour salt onto a small plate, moisten the rims of the glasses on a damp towel and press them into the salt.
In a blender combine tequila, triple sec and limeade concentrate. Fill blender with ice cubes. Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses, garnish with slice of lime and serve.

Recipe : Angry Shrimp with Tuscan White Beans

Ingredients
Bean Mixture:
1 (19 ounce) can Progresso� cannellini beans, drained, rinsed
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 cup Progresso� chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley
Coating Mixture:
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 1/2 teaspoons California chili powder
1 tablespoon coarse sea salt (gray salt)
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup Progresso� plain Panko crispy bread crumbs
Shrimp Mixture:
16 large uncooked shrimp, peeled (tail shells left on), deveined
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil (or as needed)
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 small serrano chile, thinly sliced
1 cup fresh whole basil leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons grated orange peel
Additional extra-virgin olive oil

Directions
In small saucepan, heat beans, 2 tablespoons olive oil and the chicken broth to boiling. Reduce heat to low to keep mixture warm. (Lemon juice and parsley will be added later.)
In small bowl, mix flour, chili powder, 1 tablespoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. In another small bowl, beat egg lightly. In third small bowl, place bread crumbs.
Coat shrimp with flour mixture, shaking off excess; next dip shrimp into egg and then coat with bread crumbs. In 10-inch skillet, heat 1/3 cup of the oil over high heat. Add shrimp to skillet in single layer. (Do not toss or move shrimp.) Cook about 3 minutes. Turn shrimp over; cook until browned. Remove shrimp from skillet to cookie sheet.
Add garlic to hot oil in skillet; cook and stir until light brown, adding more oil if necessary. Add chile; cook until soft. Carefully add basil (water in skillet will pop). Cook 45 to 60 seconds or until crisp.
Meanwhile, stir lemon juice and parsley into bean mixture in saucepan; season to taste with additional salt and pepper.
Stir orange peel into basil mixture in skillet. Remove from heat. Return shrimp to skillet; toss to combine.
Spoon bean mixture onto platter or individual plates. Drizzle with olive oil. Top with shrimp; spoon some of basil mixture with some of its oil over top.

Recipe : Artichoke Spread

Ingredients
1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 clove garlic, peeled
3/4 teaspoon dried dill weed

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Place the artichoke hearts in a food processor and process until smooth. Process the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, garlic and dill with the artichoke hearts until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Transfer to a 9 inch pie pan.
Bake in the preheated oven 10 to 15 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly brown.

Recipe : Bolas de Mani (Peanut and Plantain Balls)

Ingredients
4 green plantains, peeled, and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup chunky peanut butter

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.
Place plantain chunks and salt into a saucepan, and add water to cover plantains. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium, and simmer until a fork will easily pierce the plantains, about 20 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking water, then drain the plantains. Allow to steam for a few minutes.
Mash the plantain with the peanut butter and reserved water until fine. Allow to cool until you can handle it, then roll into 24 golf ball-sized pieces. Place onto prepared baking sheet.
Bake in preheated oven until the balls firm up, and turn golden brown, about 45 minutes.

Recipe : Beth's Spicy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup butter flavored shortening
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup raisins

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, butter flavored shortening, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt; stir into the sugar mixture. Stir in the oats and raisins. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake 10 to 12 minutes until light and golden. Do not overbake. Let them cool for 2 minutes before removing from cookie sheets to cool completely. Store in airtight container. Make sure you get some, because they don't last long!

Recipe : Broiled Sirloin

Ingredients
3 pounds (1 inch thick) sirloin or round steak
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions
With a meat fork, pierce holes in both sides of steak. Place in a large resealable bag. Combine the onion, lemon juice, oil, garlic salt, thyme, oregano, celery salt and pepper; pour over meat. Cover and refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight.
Drain and discard marinade. Broil steak 6 in. from the heat for 8 minutes. Brush with butter and turn. Broil 6 minutes longer or until meat reaches desired doneness (for medium-rare, a meat thermometer should read 145 degrees F; medium, 160 degrees F; well-done, 170 degrees F).

Recipe : Bakery Graham Cracker Pie

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/3 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups scalded milk
4 egg yolks, beaten
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 egg whites
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
Preheat an oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
Mix graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons of white sugar, and melted butter together in a bowl. Reserve a couple tablespoons of the cracker mixture to use as garnish. Press the remaining cracker mixture into a 9-inch pie plate to form a crust.
Place 1/2 cup of sugar, cornstarch, and salt in the top of a double boiler over just-barely simmering water. Slowly stir in the scalded milk, stirring until mixture thickens. Slowly whisk 1/3 of the milk mixture into the beaten egg yolks, then pour the egg mixture back into the double boiler. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly so as not to scramble the eggs. Remove from heat, and cool slightly, then stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, until butter is melted. Pour the egg mixture into the prepared pie shell. Set aside.
Beat egg whites until foamy in a large glass or metal mixing bowl. Gradually add 1/4 cup of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Lift your beater or whisk straight up: the egg whites should form a sharp peak that holds its shape. Spread the meringue over the pie.
Bake in the preheated oven until the meringue is lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Cool, and sprinkle with the reserved graham cracker mixture before serving.

Recipe : Almond Yummies

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons almond extract
1/4 cup sliced almonds

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F ( 175 degrees C ).
In a medium bowl, stir together the flour and sugar, add almond extract and eggs; mix until well combined. Roll dough into 1 inch balls, place on a cookie sheet, and place an almond slice on to top of each one. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until golden brown.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until golden brown.

Recipe : Bacon-Roasted Chicken with Potatoes

Ingredients
6 chicken thighs
6 chicken drumsticks
12 slices center-cut bacon
salt and black pepper to taste
1 onion, coarsely chopped
1 1/2 pounds baby Dutch yellow potatoes
Seasoning Mix:
2 tablespoons dried chives
2 tablespoons dried basil
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon adobo seasoning
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Wrap each chicken piece in a slice of bacon, trying to cover as much of the chicken as possible. Place the wrapped chicken pieces in a 9x13 inch baking dish, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle the onion over the chicken. Push potatoes down into the spaces between the chicken pieces and around the edge of the dish.
Combine the chives, basil, garlic powder, adobo seasoning, and black pepper in a small bowl, and sprinkle the seasoning to taste over the chicken and potatoes.
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, until the bacon is crisp and brown and the potatoes are tender. Sprinkle with salt, if desired, and serve hot.

Recipe : Bierox Casserole

Ingredients
1/2 medium head cabbage, cored and shredded
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 clove chopped fresh garlic
1 (10 ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
1 (1 pound) loaf processed cheese food, cubed
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place the cabbage and ground beef into a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring to crumble beef, until evenly browned and cabbage is tender. Drain off excess grease, and stir in the onion, garlic, and processes cheese. Scoop into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Unroll crescent roll dough, and place over the top of the dish. Pinch seams together to cover completely.
Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the top is puffed and browned.

Recipe : Almond Cherry Biscotti

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cold butter (no substitutes)
1 tablespoon milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup coarsely chopped blanched almonds
1 cup halved candied cherries

Directions
In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In another bowl, beat eggs, milk and vanilla until blended; stir into dry ingredients until blended. Stir in almonds and cherries (the dough will be crumbly). Divide dough in half; shape each half into a ball. On an ungreased baking sheet, roll each ball into a 10-in. x 2-1/2-in. rectangle. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Carefully remove to wire racks; cool for 20 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board; cut diagonally with a sharp knife into 3/4-in. slices. Place cut side down on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 15 minutes or until firm. Remove to wire racks to cool. Store in an airtight container.

Recipe : Apple Lemon with Cinnamon Muffins

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 pinch salt
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs, lightly beaten
10 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 large Granny Smith apple - peeled, cored and chopped
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Grease 12 muffin cups.
In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup sugar, eggs, butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and milk. Mix the creamed ingredients into the flour mixture until evenly moist. Fold in the apples. Spoon into the prepared muffin cups.
Mix the 1 tablespoon sugar and cinnamon, and sprinkle over the tops of the muffin batter.
Bake 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean. Cool 1 to 2 minutes before turning out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Recipe : Beef Pepper Steak

Ingredients
12 black peppercorns, coarsely ground
2 tablespoons tamari
1 clove garlic, minced
1 pinch white sugar
1 pinch salt
10 ounces beef filet
2 tablespoons butter

Directions
In a small, nonporous bowl, combine the peppercorns, tamari, garlic, sugar and salt. Add the beef filet and coat well on all sides. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Place the beef filet in the pan and saute for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches at least 145 degrees F (65 degrees C).

Recipe : Blue Ribbon Horseradish Pickles

Ingredients
7 cups water
1 3/4 cups white vinegar
1 1/4 cups white sugar
1 teaspoon whole pickling spices
5 tablespoons pickling salt
10 cloves garlic, peeled
10 (1/4 inch x 3 inch) strips peeled fresh horseradish root
40 small pickling cucumbers

Directions
Soak the cucumbers in ice cold water for 2 to 3 hours.
Sterilize 5 (1 quart) jars with lids and rings and keep hot.
In a large pot, combine the water, vinegar, sugar and pickling spices. Stir to dissolve sugar and bring to a boil.
While the mixture is heating up, place the following things into each jar: 1 tablespoon of salt, 2 cloves of garlic, 2 strips of horseradish, and a few sprigs of dill. Trim the ends from the cucumbers and make a slit in the skin of each one so the brine can soak in and any air can get out. Pack the cucumbers into the jars. Pour the boiling brine into the jars to within 1/2 inch of the rims. Seal with lids and rings.
Bring the water to a boil in the pot where you sterilized the jars. Place the jars into the water and turn off the heat. Let them sit in there until the water is cool. Test the jars for a good seal by pressing on the center of the lid. Refrigerate any unsealed jars.

Recipe : Braised Green Beans with Fried Tofu

Ingredients
2 tablespoons white sugar
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 (14 ounce) package tofu, drained
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 cups oil for frying, or as needed
1 onion, chopped
4 plum tomatoes, sliced into thin wedges
12 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 3 inch pieces
1 cup bamboo shoots, drained and sliced
1 cup chicken broth, or as needed
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons water

Directions
In a small bowl, stir together the white sugar, soy sauce, white wine and 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Set the sauce aside.
Pat the tofu dry with paper towels, and cut into cubes. Season the cubes with salt and pepper. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cornstarch over them on all sides.
Heat a little more than 1 inch of oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. If you have a deep-fryer, fill to the recommended level, and heat the oil to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). When the oil is hot, add the tofu, and fry until golden brown on all sides. Turn occasionally. Remove from the oil with a slotted spoon, and drain on paper towels.
In a separate skillet, heat one tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and green beans; cook and stir for 3 to 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the tomatoes, and cook until they begin to break apart, about 4 minutes. Add the bamboo shoots, and stir to blend.
Stir the sauce into the skillet with the beans, and bring to a boil. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the liquid starts to evaporate too much, stir in up to 1 cup of chicken broth.
Mix together the remaining 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and water until cornstarch is dissolved. Stir this into the sauce in the skillet. Simmer, stirring gently, until the sauce clears and thickens. Add the fried tofu, and stir to coat with the sauce.

Recipe : Autumn Pear Dessert

Ingredients
1 medium firm pear
1/4 cup whipped topping
3 tablespoons raisins
2 tablespoons toasted, chopped pecans

Directions
Peel the top third of the pear; core from the bottom, leaving stem intact. Place on a microwave-safe plate; cover and cook on high for 2-3 minutes or until tender. Immediately transfer to a serving plate. Serve warm with whipped topping, raisins and pecans.

Recipe : Baked Asian-Style Honey Chicken

Ingredients
1 (3 pound) whole chicken, cut into pieces
3 tablespoons chopped onion
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup chopped green onions

Directions
To Marinate: Arrange chicken pieces in a 9x3 inch baking dish. In a small bowl combine the onion, soy sauce, ginger, garlic and honey; mix together and spoon mixture over chicken. Cover dish and refrigerate to marinate for 1 hour, turning pieces once.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
Bake chicken at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) for 30 minutes. Turn pieces over and top with green onion, then continue baking for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until chicken is tender and cooked through and juices run clear. Serve immediately.

Recipe : Banana Cream Cheesecake

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
1/2 cup ground walnuts
5 tablespoons butter, melted
4 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature
1 1/8 cups white sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup sour cream
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup banana liqueur
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
3 tablespoons cold water
1/3 cup white sugar
4 egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups heavy cream, chilled
12 vanilla wafer cookies

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease the sides of a 9 inch springform pan. In a medium bowl, mix together the vanilla wafer crumbs, ground walnuts, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
In a large bowl, stir cream cheese to soften. Mix together 1 1/8 cup sugar and flour; stir into the cream cheese until smooth. Stir in eggs, one at a time, mixing until well blended after each one. Stir in sour cream, mashed banana, banana liqueur, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla. Pour over the crust in the springform pan.
Cover the bottom of the outside of the cheesecake pan with aluminum foil to prevent water from the water bath from seeping in. Place springform pan inside a larger pan. Place the whole thing into the preheated oven, and fill the outer pan with hot water.
Bake for 45 minutes in the preheated oven. After the time is up, turn the oven off, but leave door closed. Leave cheesecake in the unopened oven for 1 hour. Before removing from the water bath. Run a knife around the outer edge of the cake to keep it from shrinking away from the center and cracking. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled, at least 3 hours, or overnight.
In a small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the cold water, and set aside to soften. Heat milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until hot but not boiling. Meanwhile, whisk together 1/3 cup sugar and egg yolks until smooth and frothy. Whisk about 1/3 of the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture, then pour the yolk mixture into the pan with the remaining milk. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a spatula, making sure that the mixture does not burn on the bottom, until it is thick enough to coat the back of a metal spoon. Remove from the heat. Stir the softened gelatin into the hot pastry cream until dissolved, then stir in vanilla. Pour into a bowl, place a sheet of plastic wrap directly on the surface, and refrigerate until cooled, about 1 hour.
When the pastry cream is cooled, whip heavy cream just past soft peaks. Stir pastry cream to soften, then fold in the whipped cream. Place vanilla wafers on top of the cooled cheesecake, then spread the vanilla cream over the entire top. Chill until serving. Run a wet knife around the outer edge of the cake before removing the sides for a cleaner look.

Recipe : Berry Nectarine Salad

Ingredients
4 medium unpeeled nectarines, sliced
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 cups fresh raspberries
1 cup fresh blueberries
3 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese

Directions
Place nectarines in a large bowl. Combine sugar and ginger; sprinkle over nectarines and gently stir to evenly coat. Drizzle with lemon juice. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, stirring once.
Drain and reserve liquid. Gently stir raspberries and blueberries into nectarines. In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in reserved liquid. Spoon over fruit; serve immediately.

Recipe : Aunt Betty's Banana Pudding

Ingredients
2 (3.4 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
6 bananas, sliced
1/2 (12 ounce) package vanilla wafers

Directions
In a medium bowl, combine pudding mix and milk and stir until mix is dissolved. Refrigerate 15 minutes, until partially set.
Stir condensed milk into pudding mixture until smooth. Fold in sour cream and whipped topping. Fold in bananas.
Make a single layer of vanilla wafers in the bottom of a 9x13 inch dish. Spread pudding evenly over wafers. Crush remaining wafers and sprinkle on top. Refrigerate until serving.

Recipe : Banana Monkey

Ingredients
1 cup pina colada mix
1 fluid ounce coffee-flavored liqueur (such as Kahlua�)
1 fluid ounce vodka
1/3 banana, mashed
1 cup ice cubes

Directions
Place pina colada mix, coffee-flavored liqueur, vodka, banana, and 1/2 cup of ice into a blender. Cover, and puree until smooth. Add ice a little at a time and repeat until drink reaches desired consistency.

Recipe : Bacon N Egg Pizza

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package refrigerated crescent rolls
12 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1 cup frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese

Directions
Unroll crescent dough into one long rectangle. Press onto the bottom and 1/2 in. up the sides of a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Seal seams and perforations. Sprinkle with bacon, potatoes and cheddar cheese.
In a bowl, beat eggs and milk. Pour over cheddar cheese. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until eggs are completely set.

Recipe : Aunt Irene's Frosting

Ingredients
1 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 (.25 ounce) package unflavored gelatin
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions
In a medium sized saucepan, stir the sugar, flour, cornstarch and gelatin together. Add the eggs and beat until smooth. Beat in the milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the butter and the vanilla. Let cool and chill until cold.
Once cold, beat until smooth and fluffy.
Whip the cream into soft peaks and fold it into the frosting. Makes enough to frost one 8 or 9 inch layer cake.

Recipe : Berry-Filled Doughnuts

Ingredients
4 cups vegetable oil
1 (7.5 ounce) package refrigerated buttermilk biscuits, separated
3/4 cup seedless strawberry jam
1 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions
In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375 degrees F. Fry biscuits, a few at a time, for 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Cut a small hole in the corner of a pastry or plastic bag; insert a very small tip. Fill bag with jam. Push the tip through the side of each doughnut to fill with jam. Dust with confectioners' sugar while warm. Serve immediately.

Recipe : Breadsticks with Parmesan Butter

Ingredients
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
1/2 cup sugar, divided
2 cups warm water (110 degrees to 115 degrees), divided
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions
In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar in 1 cup warm water. Add the oil, egg, salt, 2 cups flour, and remaining sugar and water. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 40 minutes.
Punch the dough down. Turn onto a floured surface; divide into 36 pieces. Shape each piece into a 6-in. rope. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 25 minutes.
Bake at 400 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Meanwhile, in a small mixing bowl, cream the butter, Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Serve with breadsticks.

Recipe : Apricot-Orange Glazed Carrots

Ingredients
8 medium carrots, sliced
1/2 cup dried apricots, sliced
1/2 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon butter
1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon grated orange peel
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger

Directions
Place 1 in. of water in a large saucepan; add carrots. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 9-11 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and set aside.
In the same pan, combine the remaining ingredients; cook and stir until lightly thickened. Return carrots to the pan; stir until glazed and heated through.

Recipe : Butter Frosting

Ingredients
1/3 cup butter
4 1/2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions
In a bowl beat butter or margarine until fluffy. Gradually add 2 cups of the confectioners' sugar, beating well.
Slowly beat in the milk and vanilla. Slowly beat in remaining sugar. Beat in additional milk, if needed, to make of spreading consistency. Tint with food color, if desired.

Recipe : Broccoli Tofu Pitas

Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup fresh broccoli florets
1 cup diced firm tofu
2 tablespoons thousand island dressing
1 pita bread

Directions
In a skillet over medium high heat, heat the tablespoon of oil. Fry broccoli in hot oil for 5 minutes, then stir in the tofu. Cook until broccoli is slightly tender, about 3 to 4 more minutes. Remove from heat and toss with the salad dressing.
Cut pita bread in half and stuff each pocket with half of the mixture. Other types of dressing may be used in place of thousand island if desired.