Monday, September 12, 2011

Recipe : Avocado Smoothie

Ingredients
1 ripe avocado, halved and pitted
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
3 tablespoons honey
8 ice cubes

Directions
Combine the avocado, milk, yogurt, honey, and ice cubes in a blender; blend until smooth.

Recipe : Blueberry Peach Cobbler

Ingredients
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon ground mace
1/4 cup sherry or unsweetened apple juice
5 cups sliced peeled peaches
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup cold butter
1/4 cup milk
1 egg, lightly beaten

Directions
In a large saucepan, combine the brown sugar, cornstarch and mace. Stir in sherry or juice until blended. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Add the peaches, blueberries, pecans, butter and lemon juice. Pour into a greased shallow 2-qt. baking dish.
For topping, in a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in butter until coarse crumbs form. Stir in milk and egg. Spoon over fruit mixture. Bake at 400 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and a toothpick inserted in the topping comes out clean. Serve warm.

Recipe : Berry Good Coffee Cake

Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup reduced-fat plain yogurt
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
1 tablespoon slivered almonds
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon fat free milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly coat an 8 inch round cake pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, yogurt, butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir the egg mixture into the flour until well moistened. Toss the raspberries with the brown sugar in a small bowl.
Pour 2/3 of the batter into the cake pan and sprinkle with the raspberries and almonds. Spoon the remaining batter over the raspberries.
Bake in preheated oven until cake springs back when lightly touched, 35 to 40 minutes. Set aside to cool.
To make the glaze, stir together the sugar, milk, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle glaze over the cooled coffee cake. Serve at room temperature.

Recipe : Anzac Biscuits I

Ingredients
1 cup quick cooking oats
3/4 cup flaked coconut
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 tablespoon golden syrup
2 tablespoons boiling water

Directions
Mix oats, flour, sugar and coconut together.
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the syrup and butter together. Mix the soda and the boiling water and add to the melted butter and syrup.
Add butter mixture to the dry ingredients. Drop by teaspoons on greased cookie sheets (or baking paper).
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 18 to 20 minutes.

Recipe : Braised Pork Ragu

Ingredients
2 pounds pork shoulder roast, cut into cubes
1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves, crumbled
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 carrot, peeled and diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry red wine
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 cup chicken stock

Directions
Season pork with the rosemary, thyme, pepper, and salt. Heat oil in a large large Dutch over over medium-high heat. Sear pork in the hot oil until well browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.
Stir onion and carrot into pot; cook until onion is soft, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Pour in the wine; stir, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the tomatoes and stock. Bring to a simmer; cook until meat is very tender and the sauce has thickened, about 30 minutes.

Recipe : Black Bean Lasagna I

Ingredients
9 lasagna noodles
1 pint part-skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 (16 ounce) cans black beans
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions
In a large pot of lightly salted boiling water, cook the lasagna noodles 10 minutes, until al dente, and drain.
In a bowl, blend the ricotta cheese and egg, and set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Coat a 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
Spray a large skillet with cooking spray, and saute the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic until tender. Mash 1 can of black beans. Stir mashed black beans, whole black beans, and tomato sauce into skillet, and cook until heated through.
Arrange 3 lasagna noodles in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, and layer with 1/3 each of the ricotta mixture, black bean mixture, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat twice.
Bake 40 to 45 minutes in the preheated oven. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Recipe : Apricot Cashew Clusters

Ingredients
1 (11.5 ounce) package milk chocolate chips
1 cup chopped dried apricots
1 cup chopped salted cashews

Directions
In a microwave or double boiler, melt the chocolate chips; stir until smooth. Stir in apricots and cashews. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Chill until set, about 15 minutes. Store in an airtight container.

Recipe : Baked Pork Chimichangas

Ingredients
1 pound dried pinto beans
1 (3 pound) boneless pork loin roast, trimmed
3 (4 ounce) cans chopped green chilies
1 large onion, chopped
1/3 cup chili powder
1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
30 (6 inch) flour tortillas
4 cups shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
2 cups picante sauce
1 egg white
2 teaspoons water

Directions
Place beans in a soup kettle; add water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 1 hour. Drain and rinse beans, discarding liquid.
Place roast in a Dutch oven. In a bowl, combine chillies, onion, chili powder and beans. Spoon over roast. Cover and bake at 325 degrees F for 1-1/2 hours. Stir in broth; cover and bake 30-45 minutes longer or until a meat thermometer reads 160 degrees F. Increase oven temperature to 350 degrees F.
Remove meat and shred with two forks; set aside. Mash bean mixture; stir in shredded pork. Spoon 1/3 cup mixture down the center of each tortilla; top with picante sauce. Fold sides and ends over filling and roll up. Place seam side down on two 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pans coated with nonstick cooking spray.
In a bowl, whisk egg white and water; brush over top. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until heated through. Serve immediately or cool, wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Recipe : American Girl's Peach Cobbler

Ingredients
1/2 cup reduced-calorie margarine, melted
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup skim milk
4 (15 ounce) cans sliced peaches packed in juice, drained and juice reserved

Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Pour the melted margarine into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish; set aside. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and white sugar. Stir in 1 cup of the reserved liquid from the peaches and the milk until smooth. Pour the batter evenly into the bottom of the dish over the margarine. Do not stir. Spoon peaches over the batter.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the top is golden.

Recipe : Best Ziti Ever

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta
1 pound mild Italian sausage, casings removed
2 (24 ounce) jars marinara sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil, divided
12 ounces ricotta cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
1 dash salt and pepper
1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). 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.
Place sausage in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside. In a large saucepan, heat marinara with 1 teaspoon basil until bubbling. In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
Spread bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish with sauce. Layer 1/2 of the ziti, 1/2, the sausage, 1/2 of the ricotta, and 1/2 the mozzarella. Spoon half of the sauce over top. Repeat layers. Sprinkle top with remaining 1/2 teaspoons basil and Italian seasoning.
Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes.

Recipe : Billy's Favorite Gingerbread Spiced Coffee Syrup

Ingredients
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon honey
1 (1 inch) piece fresh ginger root, sliced
1 cinnamon stick, broken into large pieces
8 whole cloves
1/2 teaspoon whole allspice berries
1/2 teaspoon whole peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine water, sugar, and honey. Stir in ginger, cinnamon stick, cloves, allspice, peppercorns, and nutmeg; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool for 20 minutes, then strain through a fine mesh sieve, or double layer cheesecloth.

Recipe : Bacon-Wrapped Venison

Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds venison tenderloin
2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil, divided
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
4 bacon strips
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 1/4 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Directions
Rub tenderloin with 1-2 teaspoons of oil and the garlic. Combine the flour, salt and pepper; sprinkle over tenderloin and shake off excess. In a skillet, brown tenderloin on all sides in remaining oil. Remove and keep warm. In the same skillet, saute mushrooms until tender; remove and set aside. Wrap bacon around tenderloin, securing the ends with toothpicks. Return to skillet. Cook over medium heat until bacon is crisp and a thermometer inserted into tenderloin reads 160 degrees F, turning frequently. Remove and keep warm. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and broth until smooth; add to skillet. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add parsley and reserved mushrooms; cook and stir until heated through. Discard toothpicks from tenderloin; serve with mushroom sauce.

Recipe : Alabama Slammer II

Ingredients
1 fluid ounce Southern Comfort liqueur
1 fluid ounce amaretto liqueur
1 dash grenadine syrup
4 fluid ounces orange juice

Directions
In a glass of ice, combine Southern Comfort, amaretto and grenadine. Fill with orange juice and stir.

Recipe : Asian Tomato Beef

Ingredients
2 (10.75 ounce) cans Campbell's� Condensed Tomato Soup
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (3 pound) boneless beef round steak, cut into strips
6 cups broccoli flowerets
Hot cooked rice

Directions
Stir the soup, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, black pepper and beef in a 3 1/2-quart slow cooker.
Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours* or until the beef is fork-tender.
Stir in the broccoli. Increase the heat to HIGH. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until the broccoli is tender-crisp. Serve the beef mixture with the rice.

Recipe : Baked Tilapia with Arugula and Pecan Pesto

Ingredients
3 cups young arugula leaves, rinsed and dried
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 dash fresh lemon juice
sea salt to taste
1/2 cup young arugula leaves, rinsed and dried
4 (8 ounce) fillets tilapia
1 tablespoon grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
Combine 3 cups arugula, garlic, pecans, olive oil, 1/4 CUP Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, black pepper, and lemon juice in a blender and blend until it reaches the consistency of a pesto sauce.
Spread 1/2 cup arugula on the prepared baking pan. Place the tilapia fillets on the arugula. Spread the remaining pesto generously on top of fillets. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese on the pesto.
Bake in preheated oven until fish flakes easily, about 20 minutes.

Recipe : Big Mama's Fruit Dip

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow creme

Directions
Blend marshmallow creme and cream cheese until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours.

Recipe : Broccoli and Tofu Stir Fry

Ingredients
1 tablespoon peanut oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
2 crowns broccoli, cut into florets
1/3 cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon dry sherry
2 teaspoons cornstarch
8 ounces extra firm tofu, diced
2 tablespoons cashew pieces

Directions
Heat peanut oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Stir in garlic and cook for a few seconds until it begins to brown. Add the bell pepper and broccoli; cook until the pepper begins to brown and soften, about 5 minutes.
Stir together the chicken broth, soy sauce, sherry, and cornstarch until dissolved. Pour the sauce into the wok and bring to a boil. Stir in the tofu, and cook until hot, about 1 minute. Garnish with cashew pieces to serve.

Recipe : Apple Cabbage Slaw

Ingredients
6 cups shredded cabbage
3 medium red apples, chopped
1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons grated onion
1 teaspoon celery seed
1/2 teaspoon salt
Dash pepper

Directions
In a large bowl, toss the cabbage and apples. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Pour over cabbage mixture and toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving.

Recipe : Black Bean Brownies

Ingredients
1 (15.5 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 pinch salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon instant coffee (optional)
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips (optional)

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease an 8x8 square baking dish.
Combine the black beans, eggs, oil, cocoa powder, salt, vanilla extract, sugar, and instant coffee in a blender; blend until smooth; pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top of the mixture.
Bake in the preheated oven until the top is dry and the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan, about 30 minutes.

Recipe : Butter Crescents

Ingredients
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 egg, beaten

Directions
Warm the milk in a small saucepan until bubbles form at the edges; remove from heat. Mix in the butter, sugar, and salt. Let cool until lukewarm. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine milk and yeast mixtures. Stir in 1 egg. Beat in flour 1 cup at a time until dough pulls together. Turn 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. 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. Divide the dough into two equal pieces, and form into rounds. Cover, and let rest 10 minutes.
Using a floured rolling pin, roll each dough half into a 12 inch circle. Cut each circle into 6 wedges. Roll each wedge up towards the point. Bend ends inward to form crescents, and place point side down on lightly greased baking sheets. Cover, and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Brush rolls with beaten egg, and bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown.

Recipe : Almond Dukkah

Ingredients
1/4 cup coriander seeds
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/2 cup prepared dry-roasted almonds
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
2 teaspoons kosher salt or sea salt
Pita bread or hearty, crusty dipping bread
Olive oil

Directions
Heat a heavy skillet over medium-low heat. Stirring frequently, toast coriander seeds, sesame seeds, peppercorns and fennel seeds until slightly brown and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Cool and transfer to food processor. Add almonds, cumin, thyme and salt. Grind until crumbly; do not allow mixture to become a paste.
Serve Dukkah in a bowl or plate, along with a bowl or plate of olive oil and bread. Dip bread first in olive oil and then in Almond Dukkah so it adheres to the olive oil; serve as an appetizer or hearty and nutritious snack.

Recipe : Black Bottom Pie II

Ingredients
1 (9 inch) pie crust, baked
1/2 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk
2 eggs, separated
2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
3 tablespoons cold water
2 1/2 tablespoons rum
1 (1 ounce) square unsweetened chocolate
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/3 cup white sugar

Directions
Soften gelatin in cold water. Melt chocolate chips in the top of a double boiler or in a bowl in the microwave. Stir until smooth. Set aside to cool.
Combine 1/2 cup sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan. Blend together milk and egg yolks, stir into sugar mix. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, just until mixture boils. Remove 1 cup of custard, and combine with chocolate: spread into baked pie shell. Stir softened gelatin into remaining hot custard mix. Stir in rum. Place pan in a bowl of ice water, or refrigerate. Stir occasionally, until mixture mounds slightly when dropped from spoon. Combine chocolate & the reserved custard mix. Pour into baked pie shell.
Stir softened gelatin into remaining hot custard mix. Stir in rum. Place pan in a bowl of ice water, or refrigerate. Stir occasionally, until mixture mounds slightly when dropped from spoon.
Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy. Beat in 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, and continue beating until stiff and glossy. Do not underbeat. Fold in chilled custard. Spread over chocolate mixture. Chill at least 3 hours or until set.

Recipe : Arrachera (Skirt Steak Taco Filling)

Ingredients
2 pounds skirt steak, pounded flat
10 (.18 ounce) packets sazon seasoning with coriander and achiote, such as Goya�
1 tablespoon white pepper
1/2 (12 fluid ounce) bottle Mexican beer (such as Corona�)

Directions
Sprinkle each piece of skirt steak with the sazon and white pepper. Stack the seasoned steaks in a deep dish as you season them. Pour the beer over the steaks. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil the grate. Remove the steaks from the dish and discard the marinade.
Cook the skirt steaks on the prepared grill until they are very firm, hot, and gray in the center, 7 to 10 minutes per side.

Recipe : Bread Machine Rolls

Ingredients
3 cups bread flour
3 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup dry milk powder
1 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
1 egg white
2 tablespoons water

Directions
Place the bread flour, sugar, salt, milk powder, water, butter, and yeast in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Set on Dough cycle; press Start.
Remove risen dough from the machine, deflate, and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into twelve equal pieces, and form into rounds. Place the rounds on lightly greased baking sheets. Cover the rolls with a damp cloth, and let rise until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a small bowl, mix together the egg white and 2 tablespoons water; brush lightly onto the rolls. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.

Recipe : Angel Hair Pasta Chicken

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed
12 ounces angel hair pasta
1 carrot, sliced diagonally into 1/4 inch thick slices
1 (10 ounce) package frozen broccoli florets, thawed
2 cloves garlic, minced
2/3 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and saute for 5 to 7 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (no longer pink). Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 2 to 4 minutes, or until al dente; drain and set aside.
While pasta is cooking, heat 2nd tablespoon oil over medium heat in same skillet used for chicken. Stir fry carrots for about 4 minutes, then add broccoli and garlic and stir fry for another 2 minutes. Finally, stir in broth, basil and cheese and return chicken to skillet. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 4 minutes.
Place drained pasta in a large serving bowl. Top with chicken/vegetable mixture and serve immediately.

Recipe : Apple-Cheddar Tossed Salad

Ingredients
10 cups torn mixed salad greens
1 cup chopped red apple
1 cup cubed Cheddar cheese
1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
HONEY DRESSING:
2/3 cup honey
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 teaspoon celery seed
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated onion
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup vegetable oil

Directions
In a large salad bowl, combine the greens, apple, cheese and walnuts. In a blender or food processor, combine the first eight dressing ingredients. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. Serve with salad.

Recipe : Asparagus Ham Fettuccine

Ingredients
4 ounces uncooked fettuccine
1/2 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1/2 pound fully cooked ham, julienned
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 green onion, chopped
2 tablespoons minced fresh sage
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions
Cook the fettuccine according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, bring 4 cups water to a boil; add asparagus. Cover and cook for 3 minutes. Drain and immediately place in ice water; drain and set aside.
In a skillet, saute the ham, walnuts, onion, sage and pepper in oil until onion is tender. Add asparagus; cook and stir for 1 minute. Drain fettuccine; toss with ham mixture. Sprinkle with cheese.

Recipe : Apple Cake in a Jar

Ingredients
2/3 cup shortening
2 2/3 cups white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
3 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup water
3 cups grated apple
2/3 cup raisins
2/3 cup chopped walnuts

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Lightly grease the insides of 8 straight-sided wide-mouth pint canning jars. Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, nutmeg and cinnamon. Set aside.
Cream shortening and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and beat in well. Add flour alternately with water and mix until smooth. Fold in apples, raisins and nuts.
Fill jars 1/2 full of batter, being careful to keep the rims clean. Wipe off any batter that gets on the rims. Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 45 minutes. Meanwhile, sterilize the lids and rings in boiling water.
As soon as cake is done, remove from oven one at a time, wipe rims of jars and put on lid and ring. Jars will seal as cakes cool. Place the jars on the counter and listen for them to "ping" as they seal. If you miss the "ping", wait until they are completely cool and press on the top of the lid. If it doesn't move at all, it's sealed.
Jars should be eaten or kept in refrigerator for up to a week.

Recipe : Apple-Leek Pork Chops

Ingredients
2 (4 ounce) lean boneless pork loin chops
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 tart green apple, sliced
1 medium leek, white portion only, sliced
1 cup unsweetened apple juice
1/2 teaspoon grated orange peel
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
2 cups cooked wild rice or long grain rice

Directions
In a nonstick skillet, brown pork chops in oil for 3-4 minutes. Turn chops; add apple and leek. Cook for 3-4 minutes. Add the apple juice, orange peel, rosemary, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 3 minutes. Combine cornstarch and water until smooth; add to skillet. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve with rice.

Recipe : Broccoli and Cheese Dip

Ingredients
6 slices bacon
1 (10 ounce) package frozen broccoli
2 tablespoons water
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon yellow mustard

Directions
Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside.
Place broccoli and water in a medium saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil. Cook 5 minutes. Uncover, continue cooking 2 to 3 minutes, until tender. Remove from heat and drain.
In a medium saucepan, mix the Cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, white pepper, sour cream and mustard. Cook and stir over medium heat until well blended and warm. Stir in the crumbled bacon and cooked broccoli. Transfer to a medium dish to serve.

Recipe : Authentic Cochinita Pibil (Spicy Mexican Pulled Pork)

Ingredients
1 red onion, sliced thin
3 habanero peppers, sliced
10 limes, juiced
salt to taste
3 ounces dried guajillo chile peppers, seeded and deveined
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
salt and pepper to taste
3 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 cups fresh orange juice
1 cup white vinegar
1 bulb garlic, peeled
7 1/2 ounces achiote paste

Directions
Combine the onion, habanero peppers, lime juice, and salt in a bowl; cover and refrigerate while preparing and cooking the pork. Use rubber gloves when preparing the habanero peppers and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or skin while slicing peppers.
Place the guajillo peppers in a bowl; pour enough hot water over the peppers to cover. Allow to soak until the peppers are softened, about 10 minutes.
Heat the oil in a large skillet at medium-high heat. Season pork with salt and pepper; cook in the hot oil until completely browned, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer the pork to a slow cooker.
Combine the guajillo peppers, orange juice, vinegar, garlic, and achiote paste in a blender; blend until smooth. Pour the sauce over the pork cubes in the slow cooker.
Cook on High until the pork easily falls apart, 6 to 8 hours. Remove the pork to a serving dish and shred with 2 forks. Pour the achiote sauce over the shredded pork. To serve, top with the onion-habanero salsa.

Recipe : Banana Pineapple Delight

Ingredients
2 cups crushed graham crackers
1/2 cup margarine, melted
1/2 cup margarine
2 cups confectioners' sugar
4 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple in heavy syrup, drained
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

Directions
Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted margarine, and pat into bottom of 9x13-inch pan.
In medium, non-stick saucepan over medium heat, combine remaining margarine, confectioners' sugar, eggs, corn starch and vanilla. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Continue stirring, reduce heat and simmer 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool, then spread over crust.
Peel and slice bananas, dipping each piece in lemon juice to prevent browning, and layer over custard mixture. Layer pineapple on top of bananas. Cover all with whipped topping. Keep refrigerated until serving.

Recipe : Broccoli Cheese Chicken

Ingredients
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 (10.75 ounce) can Campbell's� Condensed Broccoli Cheese Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)
1/3 cup milk
4 cups hot cooked medium egg noodles
Chopped fresh parsley

Directions
Place chicken in 2-quart shallow baking dish. Mix soup and milk. Spoon over chicken and bake at 400 degrees F. for 20 minutes or until chicken is done.
Serve with noodles and garnish with parsley.

Recipe : Apple Pan Betty

Ingredients
1 medium apple, peeled and cubed
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 cup bread cubes
3 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions
In a skillet over medium heat, saute apple in butter until tender, about 2-3 minutes. Add bread cubes. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon; mix well. Saute until bread is warmed. Serve immediately.

Recipe : A Firefighter's Meatloaf

Ingredients
2 slices whole wheat bread
2 pounds ground beef
1 green onion, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped onion
1 cup medium salsa
2 tablespoons whole grain Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons minced garlic
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon barbeque sauce

Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Soak the bread in warm water in a small bowl. Place the beef in a large bowl. Drain bread and add to beef along with green onion, onion, salsa, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt and pepper. Mix by hand until well blended. Form into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan.
Bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven. Drain off excess fat and top with barbeque (Diana) sauce. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

Recipe : Butternut Cranberry Sauce Pizza

Ingredients
1 (10 ounce) package refrigerated pizza crust dough
1/2 cup mashed, cooked butternut squash
1/4 cup cranberry sauce
1/2 cup Cheddar cheese, grated
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup pecans, chopped

Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
Roll out the pizza dough and shape into a round circle to fit a 10 inch pizza pan. Slide the dough onto the pan.
Stir the squash and cranberry sauce together in a bowl until smooth. Spoon the squash mixture over the pizza dough so it's even but not too thick. Sprinkle the sauce with the Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Sprinkle the pecans over the cheese.
Bake in preheated oven until cheese is melted. Remove pizza from the oven, slide onto a serving plate, and cut into wedges. Serve immediately.