Sunday, September 11, 2011

Recipe : Asian Pasta Salad with Beef, Broccoli and Bean Sprouts

Ingredients
Soy-Ginger Dressing:
3 medium garlic cloves, minced
6 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon ground ginger
3/4 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/4 cup vegetable oil
Pasta Salad:
2 tablespoons salt
1 pound penne pasta
8 ounces broccoli florets
1 pound rare deli roast beef, sliced 1/8 inch thick and cut into bite-size strips
3 medium carrots, peeled and coarsely grated
1 medium red bell pepper, cut into bite-size strips
2 cups bean sprouts
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped roasted (or honey-roasted) peanuts
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions
Mix garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, ginger, and pepper flakes in a 2-cup Pyrex measuring cup. Whisk in mayonnaise until smooth, then in a slow steady stream, whisk in oil to make an emulsified dressing; keep chilled until ready to toss with salad. Store in a clean jar with lid.
Bring 1 gallon of water and 2 tablespoons of salt to boil in a large soup kettle. Add pasta and, using package times as a guide, boil, stirring frequently and adding broccoli the last 1 minute, until just tender. Drain thoroughly (do not rinse) and dump onto a large, lipped cookie sheet. Set aside while preparing remaining salad ingredients.
Place all salad ingredients (except soy-ginger dressing) in a large bowl or transfer to a gallon-size zipper bag. (Can be covered and refrigerated several hours at this point). When ready to serve, add dressing; toss to coat and serve.

Recipe : Apple-Filled Cranberry Muffins

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups finely chopped peeled apple
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup cranberry juice
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cranberries
3 tablespoons vanilla extract

Directions
For filling, combine apples, sugar and cinnamon; set aside. For muffins, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Combine eggs, oil, cranberry juice, cranberries and vanilla; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups one-third full. Spoon 1 tablespoon filling on top. Fill muffins cups two-thirds full with remaining batter. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35-30 minutes or until muffins test done. Cool 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack.

Recipe : Banana-White Chocolate Pancakes

Ingredients
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
2 cups all-purpose biscuit baking mix
3 bananas, peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup white chocolate chips

Directions
Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and ginger in a bowl until smooth. Stir in the baking mix until moistened, then add the bananas and chocolate chips, and stir to mix.
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Flip over once bubbles appear on the top. Cook until browned on the other side. Serve hot.

Recipe : 30-Minute Minestrone

Ingredients
2 medium carrots, chopped
1 cup chopped cabbage
1 celery rib, thinly sliced
1 small onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
3 cups water
1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian stewed or diced tomatoes, undrained
3 cubes beef bouillon
1 cup torn fresh spinach
2/3 cup cooked elbow macaroni
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions
In a 3-qt. saucepan, saute carrots, cabbage, celery, onion and garlic in oil for 5 minutes. Add water, tomatoes and bouillon; bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Stir in spinach, macaroni and pepper; heat through.

Recipe : Blackberry Spinach Salad

Ingredients
3 cups baby spinach, rinsed and dried
1 pint fresh blackberries
6 ounces crumbled feta cheese
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 green onion, sliced
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup edible flowers (optional)

Directions
In a large bowl, toss together baby spinach, blackberries, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, green onion, and walnuts. Garnish with edible flowers.

Recipe : Black Bean Soup I

Ingredients
2 cups dry black beans
6 cups water
4 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 onion, chopped
1 tomato, diced
1/2 cup chopped ham
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar

Directions
Simmer beans, water, ham bone, broth, and salt for 1 1/2 hours.
Discard ham bone. Puree about 1/2 of soup; pour back into pot.
Saute onion, tomato, and meat in oil until onion is soft. Stir in vinegar, and then add mixture to beans. Simmer for 20 minutes. Serve hot.

Recipe : Banana Pudding with Meringue

Ingredients
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 egg yolks
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk
6 bananas, peeled and sliced
1 (16 ounce) package vanilla wafer cookies
2 egg whites
3 1/2 tablespoons white sugar

Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
Line the bottom of a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish with vanilla wafer cookies. Top with a layer of banana slices. Repeat layers until you reach the top of the dish or run out of bananas. Set aside.
In a large saucepan, stir together the brown sugar and flour so there are no lumps. Mix in the egg and egg yolks. Gradually stir in the milk while warming over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes thick enough to coat the back of a metal spoon. Remove from the heat and allow to cool for about 1 minute. Then, pour the hot pudding evenly over the layers of banana and cookie in the casserole dish.
In a separate clean bowl, whip the egg whites with an electric mixer until they can hold a soft peak. Gradually sprinkle in the sugar while continuing to whip until they can hold a firm peak. Use a spatula to spread the meringue over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven until the meringue has browned, 5 to 10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Recipe : Amaretto Smoothie

Ingredients
4 (1.5 fluid ounce) jiggers amaretto liqueur
4 (1.5 fluid ounce) jiggers milk
1 cup vanilla ice cream

Directions
In a blender combine amaretto, milk and ice cream. Blend until smooth. Pour over ice into 4 glasses.

Recipe : Bringing Home Baby Carrots

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package fresh baby carrots
1 cup apple juice
3/4 cup water
1/3 cup honey

Directions
In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-14 minutes or until carrots are tender. Serve with a slotted spoon.

Recipe : Asparagus Sandwiches

Ingredients
1 (10 ounce) can asparagus tips, drained
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 pinch seasoning salt
1 (1 pound) loaf soft, sliced white bread

Directions
Set asparagus spears onto paper towels to absorb excess liquid. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, onion and seasoning salt. Remove crusts from bread slices, and spread mayonnaise mixture thinly on each slice. Place a spear onto the slice and roll up. Cut each roll in half, and arrange on a serving tray. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until serving.

Recipe : Apricot Raisin Pie with Stevia

Ingredients
1/2 cup powdered milk
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon stevia powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup dried apricots, chopped
1 cup raisins
2 cups water
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon butter
1 double crust ready-to-use pie crust

Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Whisk together the powdered milk, cornstarch, stevia powder, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl; set aside.
Place apricots, raisins, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat, and bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the powdered milk mixture, and cook, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in white vinegar and butter. Allow to cool for 15 minutes.
Turn the filling into a pastry lined pie pan. Cover with top crust. Seal edges, and cut slits in the top crust.
Bake in the preheated oven until crust is golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool before slicing.

Recipe : Banana-Orange Smoothie

Ingredients
1 banana, peeled
1 large orange, peeled and seeded
2 cups vanilla-flavored soy milk
1 teaspoon ground ginger

Directions
Place banana, orange, soy milk, and ginger in an electric blender. Process until ingredients are blended and smooth.

Recipe : Best Ever Rugelach

Ingredients
1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
3 tablespoons orange marmalade (optional)
1 egg white
2 tablespoons water

Directions
Combine cottage cheese and 1 cup of butter in a bowl. Mix thoroughly, then gradually stir in the flour. Dough will be sticky. Divide dough into thirds and wrap with waxed paper. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
Combine the remaining 1/4 cup of butter with the brown sugar, cinnamon, pecans, and raisins. Set aside. Roll one ball of dough at a time to a 9 inch circle on a floured surface, while keeping the remaining dough chilled. Spread 1 tablespoon of the optional orange marmalade over the circle. Gently press 1/3 of the nut mixture into the dough. Cut the circle into 16 wedges. Roll each wedge tightly, starting with the wide end. Place the cookie point-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough. Beat the egg white with the water in a small bowl, then brush the mixture onto each cookie.
Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes.

Recipe : Battenburg Cake

Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 drops red food coloring
1 cup apricot preserves
2 cups ground almonds
3 cups confectioners' sugar
1 egg, room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Directions
Cream butter and 1 cup sugar together. Beat in 3 eggs, one at a time. Mix in vanilla. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt gently. Add milk if needed.
Divide batter into 2 equal parts. Add food colouring to 1 part to make a deep pink color. Grease two 7 inch square pans. Spread batters into pans.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until an inserted wooden pick comes out clean, about 25 to 30 minutes. Let stand in pans 5 minutes. Turn out on racks to cool.
Trim edges from both cakes. Cut each cake lengthwise into 4 strips as wide as the cake is thick. Trim to make strips match. Heat jam slightly. Spread on sides to glue 2 pink and 2 white strips together checkerboard fashion. Spread all 4 sides of completed cake with jam. Repeat with remaining pink and white stripes. Makes two cakes.
To Make Almond Paste: Mix almonds, confectioners' sugar, egg, lemon juice, and almond extract together. Knead until smooth, adding a bit of lemon juice or water if too dry to roll. Add only 1/2 teaspoon at a time. It will be stiff. Divide into 2 equal parts.
Roll 1/2 of paste 1/8 inch or so thick on a surface lightly dusted with confectioners' sugar. Cut to fit length of cake, and long enough to cover 4 sides leaving ends uncovered. Lay cake on one end of paste. Wrap to completely enclose all 4 sides of cake pinching paste to seal. Roll in granulated sugar. Place with seal underneath on serving plate, or store in plastic bag. Repeat for second cake. Chill. Slice thinly to serve.

Recipe : Blackberry Wine Cake II

Ingredients
1 (18.25 ounce) package white cake mix
1 (3 ounce) package blackberry flavored gelatin
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup blackberry wine
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup blackberry wine

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease and flour a 10 inch Bundt pan.
In a large bowl, stir together cake mix and gelatin mix. Make a well in the center and pour in eggs, oil and blackberry wine. Beat on low speed until blended. Scrape bowl, and beat 4 minutes on medium speed. Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Pour 1/2 of blackberry wine glaze over top of cake while still warm. Let set for 10 minutes then remove cake from pan. Allow cake to cool fully before pouring the remaining glaze on top.
To make the Glaze: In a small bowl, stir together the confectioners' sugar and 1/2 cup blackberry wine.

Recipe : Apple-Stuffed Acorn Squash

Ingredients
3 acorn squash, halved and seeded
2 tablespoons stick margarine
1 cup chopped onions
3 cups peeled, seeded, and chopped Granny Smith apples
1/2 cup golden raisins
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place the squash onto a baking sheet cut side down. Fill the baking sheet with 1/2 inch of water.
Bake the squash in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Drain off any water remaining in the baking sheet.
While the squash is baking, melt the margarine in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the onion and apple in the margarine until the onion has softened and turned translucent, 10 to 15 minutes. Scrape the mixture into a bowl to cool until the squash has finished baking.
Once the squash is done, stir the raisins, brown sugar, cinnamon, and Cheddar cheese into the apple mixture. Turn the squash cut side up on the baking sheet and fill with the apple mixture. Return the squash to the oven; bake until the filling is hot and the cheese has melted, about 15 minutes.

Recipe : Asparagus Chicken Divan

Ingredients
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1/2 cup whipping cream, whipped
3/4 cup mayonnaise*

Directions
Broil chicken 6 in. from the heat until juices run clear. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, bring 1/2 in. of water to a boil. Add asparagus. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 3-5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and place in a greased shallow 2-1/2-qt. baking dish. Cut chicken into thin slices.
In a bowl, combine the soup, Worcestershire sauce and nutmeg. Spread half over asparagus. Sprinkle with 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese. Top with chicken. Spread remaining soup mixture over chicken; sprinkle with 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese.
Bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes. Fold whipped cream into mayonnaise; spread over top. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese. Broil 4-6 in. from the heat for about 2 minutes or until golden brown.

Recipe : Blazing Brisket

Ingredients
5 pounds beef brisket
2 pounds sliced bacon
5 cups brewed coffee
1/4 cup salt
1 cup butter
1/2 cup minced garlic
1/2 cup shortening
1 pound fatback, sliced into small rectangles
2 sweet potatoes, quartered
1 cup olive oil
2 1/2 tablespoons prepared horseradish

Directions
Wrap the brisket entirely in bacon slices, and place into a large glass baking dish. Mix together the coffee and salt. Pour the coffee mixture over the brisket, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator overnight.
In a saucepan over low heat, combine the butter and minced garlic. Cook stirring occasionally until butter is melted, and has turned golden. Spread all of the shortening onto the inside of a roasting pan. Place the brisket in the pan with one cup of the coffee marinade. Lay slices of the fatback over the roast. Place sweet potatoes around the perimeter of the roasting pan. Pour the garlic butter over the roast and potatoes. Let stand for 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C)
Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil, and bake for 4 hours in the preheated oven. The internal temperature of the roast should be at least 145 degrees F (62 degrees C) when taken with a meat thermometer. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing.
While you wait for the roast, stir together the olive oil and horseradish in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat for at least half an hour, then pour into a small bowl. This is the dipping sauce for the brisket.

Recipe : Baked Salmon Fillets Dijon

Ingredients
4 (4 ounce) fillets salmon
3 tablespoons prepared Dijon-style mustard
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup Italian-style dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup butter, melted

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a shallow baking pan with aluminum foil.
Place salmon skin-side down on foil. Spread a thin layer of mustard on the top of each fillet, and season with salt and pepper. Top with bread crumbs, then drizzle with melted butter.
Bake in a preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Recipe : Baked Beef Stew

Ingredients
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup water
3 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 pounds lean beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch chunks
3 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
2 celery ribs, cut into 3/4-inch chunks
1 medium onion, cut into chunks
1 slice bread, cubed

Directions
In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, water, tapioca, sugar, salt and pepper. Add remaining ingredients; mix well. Pour into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. or 3-qt. baking dish.
Cover and bake at 375 degrees for 1-3/4 to 2 hours or until meat and vegetables are tender. Serve in bowls.

Recipe : Anu's Bhapa Doi

Ingredients
1 (32 ounce) container plain whole-milk yogurt
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons sliced almonds

Directions
Line a large strainer with a large coffee filter, or several layers of cheesecloth. Pour the yogurt into the lined strainer, and set it over a bowl. Cover and refrigerate until the yogurt has reached the consistency of soft cream cheese, about 8 hours.
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8-inch pie tin.
Discard the liquid that has drained from the yogurt. Place the yogurt into the bowl, and whisk in the condensed milk. Pour into the prepared pan.
Bake in the preheated oven until the mixture is firm and the top is lightly browned, about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven, and sprinkle almonds over top. Cool to room temperature before slicing into wedges and serving.

Recipe : Bachelor Buttons II

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup shortening
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets. Sift together the flour, salt and baking soda, set aside.
In a medium bowl, cream together the shortening and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Stir in the sifted ingredients until well blended. Roll dough in to 3/4 inch balls or tiny crescents. Place cookies 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheet.
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 : Broccoli, Pepperoni and Three Cheese Calzones

Ingredients
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons white sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 heads fresh broccoli
2/3 cup shredded provolone cheese
1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup diced pepperoni
1/4 cup olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon water
2 tablespoons cornmeal

Directions
In a large bowl, proof the yeast by blending it with 1/4 cup of the warm water. Let stand until it bubbles.
In a large bowl combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Blend in the one tablespoon of olive oil by rubbing the mixture between the palms of your hands. Make a well in the dry ingredients. Add proofed yeast mixture and work in by hand. Gradually add the remaining warm water. Blend well and gather into a ball.
Place one teaspoon of olive oil on a wooden board. Knead dough on board until smooth. Place dough in a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap and a towel. Let rise in a warm place for 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in bulk.
Meanwhile, prepare calzone filling: separate the broccoli tops from the stalks. Soak in cool water with 1 teaspoon salt for 15 minutes. Rinse in cool water. Cook in a large pot of boiling water for 5 minutes. Drain well and chop into small pieces. Place in large bowl with provolone cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, pepperoni, olive oil, salt, and ground black pepper.
Punch down dough and knead for one minute. Divide into six equal pieces. On a floured board, roll each section into a 8x10 inch rectangle.
In a small bowl combine the beaten egg and water. On the long side of the dough, place 2/3 cup filling in a strip one inch away from the edges of the dough. Flatten the filling with a spoon. Brush egg mixture over edges of dough. Fold the dough over the filling. Fold edges under 1/4 inch. Seal edges.
Sprinkle two 12x16 inch baking pans with cornmeal. Place three calzones on each baking pan. Brush remaining egg mixture on top of calzones. Prick tops of calzones with toothpick, making holes 1/2 inch apart on top of dough.
Bake in a preheated 375 degree F (190 degrees C) oven for 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve hot or cold.

Recipe : Autumn Muffins

Ingredients
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup white sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup butter, melted
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/4 cups milk
1 cup chopped cranberries
1 cup chopped, peeled apple
1/2 cup chopped dried figs
3/4 cup chopped toasted hazelnuts

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease muffin pans or line with paper muffin liners.
In a large bowl, stir together the brown sugar, white sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Make a well in the center, and add the melted butter, milk and eggs, mix until smooth. Stir in the cranberries, apple, figs, and hazelnuts. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin pans. Cups should be at least 3/4 full.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven or until a toothpick inserted into a muffin comes out clean.