Basic Cheesecake recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
5 tablespoons butter, melted
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
1 cup white sugar
1 cup sour cream
1 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 eggs

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, chopped walnuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and melted butter. Mix well and press into the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Beat in sour cream and heavy cream. Blend in the flour and vanilla. With mixer on low speed, add eggs one at a time. Pour batter over crust.
Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until center is almost set (filling will be soft). Refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight before removing from pan.

Amy's Mexican Soup recipe.

Ingredients
4 (6 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, drained
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh garlic
1 (32 fluid ounce) container chicken broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14.5 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
cayenne pepper to taste
chili powder to taste
Cheddar cheese, shredded
sour cream, for topping

Directions
Preheat the oven broiler.
Arrange chicken breasts in a large pan, and broil 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove chicken, allow to cool, then shred.
In a food processor or blender, puree the drained whole tomatoes and diced tomatoes.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion and garlic; cook until onion is soft and translucent. Stir in chicken broth and pureed tomatoes. Add shredded chicken, kidney beans, and black beans. Season with cayenne pepper and chili powder. Bring to a boil; then cover, leaving the lid slightly ajar, and simmer 2 hours. Ladle into bowls, and top with cheese and dollops of sour cream.

Burgundy Lamb Shanks recipe.

Ingredients
4 (20 ounce) lamb shanks
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 medium carrot, chopped
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 cup Burgundy wine or beef broth
1 teaspoon beef bouillon granules

Directions
Sprinkle lamb with salt and pepper. Place in a 5-qt. slow cooker. Sprinkle with the parsley, garlic, oregano and lemon peel.
In a small saucepan, saute the onion and carrot in oil for 3-4 minutes or until tender. Stir in wine or broth and bouillon. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Pour over lamb. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until meat is tender.
Remove lamb and keep warm. Strain cooking juices and skim fat. In a small saucepan, bring juices to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced by half. Serve with lamb.

Baklava Martini recipe.

Ingredients
1 fluid ounce amaretto liqueur
3 fluid ounces gin
1 fluid ounce creme de cacao
1 1/2 fluid ounces simple syrup
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions
Combine amaretto, gin, creme de cacao, simple syrup, and cinnamon in a cocktail shaker full of ice. Shake well; strain into 2 martini glasses.

Broccoli Blue Cheese Strata recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup blue cheese dressing
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
1 teaspoon minced garlic, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried savory
1 (1 pound) loaf sliced white bread
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli, thawed
1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salad dressing and melted butter. Season with salt, pepper, garlic, thyme and savory.
Place enough slices of bread into the prepared baking dish to cover the bottom. Spread the thawed broccoli over the bread. Pour half of the egg mixture over. Make another layer of bread slices, and pour the remaining egg mixture over. Cover with shredded Cheddar cheese.
Bake for 45 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the strata is golden brown and puffy. Let stand for a few minutes before cutting into squares to serve.

Alfredo Potatoes recipe.

Ingredients
2 large baking potatoes
1 cup prepared Alfredo sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions
Pierce potatoes several times with a fork and place on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 6 minutes or until tender. Allow potatoes to cool slightly.
Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine the Alfredo sauce, garlic powder, pepper and thyme. Stir in 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop out the pulp and add to the sauce mixture; mix well. Spoon into potato shells. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese. Microwave on high for 1 minute or until cheese is melted.

Almond Flour Pancakes recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup almond flour
1 tablespoon sugar
2 cups low-fat plain yogurt
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted and cooled

Directions
Preheat a non-stick griddle to 375 degrees F (185 degrees C). Lightly grease the cooking surface with butter.
Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together into a mixing bowl. Mix the almond flour and sugar into the flour mixture until just blended. Stir the yogurt, eggs, and butter together in a separate bowl; add to the flour mixture, stirring only until just incorporated. The batter will be thick and airy.
Pour about 1/3 cup of the batter onto your preheated cooking surface, leaving space for the pancakes to expand. Cook until dry around the edges and bubbles have formed over the top, 2 to 3 minutes; turn and continue cooking until done in the middle and golden brown, another 1 to 2 minutes.

Apple-Rhubarb Dessert recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
6 ounces brioche, torn into 1/2 inch pieces
3 cups diced rhubarb
1 Granny Smith apple -- peeled, cored and sliced into thin wedges
5/8 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch ground nutmeg
1/2 lemon, zested and juiced
1 tablespoon butter, diced
3/8 cup warm water

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Butter a shallow, 1-quart baking dish.
In a medium bowl, combine melted butter and brioche. Line the bottom of the baking dish with one-third of the mixture.
In another bowl, combine rhubarb, apple, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice and zest. Let rest until juices begin to run, 5 minutes. Then spread half of the mixture over the brioche in the dish. Top with half the remaining brioche. Spread the remaining rhubarb over that and top with the last of the brioche. Dot with 1 tablespoon butter. Spoon the warm water evenly over the top.
Cover and bake in preheated oven 25 to 35 minutes, until rhubarb is tender. Increase oven temperature to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C), uncover dish, and bake until top is crusty, rhubarb is soft, and bubbles form at the edges of the dish, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve warm.

Blueberry Muffins I recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup white sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Directions
Heat oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C). Grease bottoms only of 12 muffin cups or line with baking cups.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, blueberries, grated lemon zest and salt; mix well. In a small bowl, combine milk, oil and egg; blend well. Add dry ingredients all at once; stir just until dry ingredients are moistened (batter will be lumpy.)
Fill cups 2/3 full. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 1 minute before removing from pan. Serve warm.

Appetizer Meatballs recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups ketchup
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup honey
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon dried minced onion
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 dash garlic powder
dash cayenne pepper
2 1/2 pounds frozen fully cooked meatballs

Directions
In a Dutch oven, combine the first nine ingredients Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, thaw meatballs in microwave according to package directions. Stir into sauce; heat through.

Barbecued Bean Salad recipe.

Ingredients
1 pound dry pinto beans, rinsed
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium green pepper, diced
1 medium sweet red pepper, diced
1 (16 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon chili powder
5 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions
In a large kettle, cover beans with water; bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand 1 hour. Drain and rinse beans; return to the kettle. Cover with water again and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-1/2 hours or until beans are tender. Drain and rinse beans; place in a large bowl and cool to room temperature. Add the onion, peppers and corn; toss. In a saucepan, combine all dressing ingredients; simmer for 10 minutes. Pour over vegetables and mix well. Cover and chill.

Aunt Jules' Balsalmic Chicken with Peppers recipe.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil, or to taste
4 cloves garlic, crushed
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 green bell pepper, cut into strips
1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
1 large red onion, cut into strips
1 bunch fresh asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 (6 ounce) bag baby spinach leaves
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar, or to taste
1 tablespoon brown sugar

Directions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and drizzle the olive oil into the hot skillet. Cook and stir 4 garlic cloves just until fragrant, about 1 minute, smashing them into the oil with a spoon as you stir. Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and brown them in the hot oil until the surface is golden and the meat is no longer pink inside, 5 to 8 minutes per side. Remove the chicken breasts to a platter and keep warm.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet over medium heat, and scrape up any browned bits of flavor from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in 2 more cloves of garlic, the green, red, and yellow bell peppers, red onion, and asparagus, and cook and stir until the vegetables are brightly colored and softened, about 10 minutes. Toss the spinach leaves with the hot vegetables to just wilt the spinach. Divide the cooked vegetables between 4 serving plates, and top each plate with a chicken breast.
Stir the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar into the skillet over medium-low heat, stirring until the vinegar comes to a full boil and the sugar has dissolved. Cook the mixture until reduced and thickened, 3 to 5 minutes; spoon the balsamic sauce over each chicken breast to serve.

Baked Lemon-Basil Pasta recipe.

Ingredients
3 cups bow tie pasta
1 skinless, boneless chicken breast half - cut into bite-size pieces
1 teaspoon lemon pepper
1/4 cup margarine
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup white wine
2 cups sour cream
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup torn fresh spinach

Directions
Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Stir in the bow tie pasta; return to a boil. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through, but still firm to the bite, about 10 minutes. Drain.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Season chicken with lemon pepper.
Melt the margarine with the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook and stir the chicken pieces until no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken pieces, and place them in the bottom of a casserole dish.
To the same skillet, add the garlic, white wine, sour cream, basil, lemon zest, and 1/2 of the lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove the skillet from the heat; stir in the pasta. Spoon the pasta and sauce mixture over the chicken. Cover with foil.
Bake in the preheated oven until heated through, about 15 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle evenly with Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, parsley, spinach, and drizzle with the remaining lemon juice. Bake, uncovered, for 10 minutes.

Blueberry Liquor recipe.

Ingredients
1 (12 ounce) package frozen blueberries, thawed
1/2 lemon, zested
3 whole cloves
1 1/2 cups vodka
3/4 cup simple syrup

Directions
Mash thawed blueberries with a fork in a bowl, then place into a 1-quart canning jar. Add the lemon zest, cloves, and vodka.
Seal the jar tightly with its lid and place in a cool, dark place. Allow the vodka to stand for 3 months, shaking the jar gently every few days.
After 3 months, strain out the blueberries, and filter the vodka through cheesecloth into another 1-quart jar. Pour in the simple syrup, seal the jar tightly with its lid, and shake until the syrup has dissolved.
Again place into a cool, dark place, and age for at least a month. When ready to bottle, filter again through cheesecloth, then pour into a decorative bottle of your choice.

Apple Crisp II recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup rolled oats
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup butter, melted
4 cups peeled, cored and sliced apples
1/2 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon and melted butter. Stir until crumbly. Press half the oat mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover with sliced apples.
In a medium saucepan, combine white sugar, cornstarch, water and vanilla. Cook, stirring, until thick and clear, 10 minutes. Pour over apples. Cover apples with remaining crumble mixture.
Bake in preheated oven 45 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Acapulco Chicken recipe.

Ingredients
2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into bite-size pieces
1 tablespoon chili powder, divided
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
1 large tomato, cut into chunks
10 drops hot pepper sauce

Directions
Season chicken with 1/2 tablespoon chili powder, salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat and saute seasoned chicken for 3 to 4 minutes, or until no longer pink. Remove from skillet with a slotted spoon and keep warm.
In same skillet, stir fry bell pepper and onion until soft. Add jalapeno peppers, tomatoes, remaining 1/2 tablespoon chili powder and hot pepper sauce. Cook, stirring, for an additional 3 to 5 minutes; add chicken and stir fry for 2 minutes more.

Angel's Old Fashioned Beef Stew recipe.

Ingredients
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 pounds beef chuck, cubed
12 small boiling onions
6 large potatoes, peeled and diced
6 carrots, sliced
3 stalks celery, sliced
3 (10.5 ounce) cans beef broth
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cold water

Directions
In a large pot heat oil over medium high heat. In a resealable plastic bag mix together the flour, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Add a small handful of meat at a time and shake until well coated; brown in hot oil, about 1 minute per side. Remove the browned meat and continue until all the meat is browned.
Lower heat to medium and add onions. Brown onions on both sides, about 3 minutes per side, then remove from pot and set aside. Drain excess fat from pot.
To pot add potatoes, carrots, celery, reserved onions, browned meat and broth. Stir all together and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
For a thicker broth: 1/2 hour before stew is done, combine 3 tablespoons flour and water in a small bowl and mix well, then slowly stir mixture into stew.

Baked Pretzels recipe.

Ingredients
1 tablespoon margarine
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
1 tablespoon warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
2 tablespoons kosher salt

Directions
Measure first 6 ingredients in order listed into baking pan. Select: Dough/Pasta Setting and press start.
When the cycle is complete remove dough to a lightly floured surface. If necessary, knead in enough flour to make dough easy to handle. Roll into a 14X9 inch rectangle. With a sharp knife, cut into eighteen 14X1/2 inch strips. Gently pull each strip into a rope 16 inches long. To shape into pretzels: Curve ends of each rope to make a circle; cross ends at top. Twist ends once and lay over bottom of circle. Place on greased baking sheets. DO NOT LET RISE.
Combine lightly beaten egg and 1tablespoon water; brush on pretzels. Sprinkle with kosher salt. Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven for 18-20 minutes or until done. Remove from sheets and let pretzels cool on wire rack. Enjoy!

Bologna Salad Sandwich Spread I recipe.

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package bologna
1 (16 ounce) jar creamy salad dressing
1 cup sweet pickle relish

Directions
Place eggs in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil and immediately remove from heat. Cover and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel and chop.
Grind the bologna and eggs in a meat grinder with a medium blade.
In a large bowl, mix the bologna mixture with desired amount of creamy salad dressing and desired amount of sweet pickle relish. Refrigerate 2 to 3 hours, or until chilled.

All-Bran Mochaccino Cookies recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup cocoa
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup Kellogg's* All-Bran* Original cereal
1/2 cup 2% milk
2 teaspoons instant coffee crystals
1/2 cup soft butter or margarine
1 cup packed brown sugar
3 egg whites
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions
In medium bowl, mix together flours, cocoa, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
In medium bowl, mix together cereal, milk and coffee crystals. Set aside.
In large mixing bowl, with electric mixer, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg whites and vanilla.
Stir in cereal and flour mixtures until combined.
Drop by 15 mL (level tablespoon) about 5 cm (2 inches) apart on baking sheet coated with non-stick cooking spray.
Bake at 180 degrees C (350 degrees F) for about 10 minutes, until almost firm to the touch. Let cool for 2 minutes then remove to wire racks and cool completely. If desired, drizzle tops with icing. Store in airtight container.

Artichoke Orzo Pilaf recipe.

Ingredients
1 medium leek, white portion only, chopped
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
2 tablespoons olive or canola oil
1 (14.5 ounce) can reduced sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 cup water
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 (14 ounce) can water packed artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
In a nonstick skillet, saute leek and orzo in oil for 3 minutes or until leek is tender. Add the broth, water and Italian seasoning; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Stir in artichoke hearts and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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Directions
In large mixer bowl, beat margarine and sugar until creamy. Add vanilla; then gradually beat in flour, blending thoroughly.
Gather dough into a ball, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm (1 hour) or for up to 3 days.
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
On lightly floured board, roll out dough to 1/4" thick. Cut, place on lightly greased sheets. Bake 35-40 minutes or until firm to the touch (press very lightly to test). Transfer to racks and let cool. Store in an airtight container.

Brown Sugar Smokies recipe.

Ingredients
1 pound bacon
1 (16 ounce) package little smokie sausages
1 cup brown sugar, or to taste

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Cut bacon into thirds and wrap each strip around a little sausage. Place the wrapped sausages on wooden skewers, several to a skewer. Arrange the skewers on a baking sheet and sprinkle them liberally with brown sugar.
Bake until bacon is crisp and the brown sugar melted.

Bing Cherry Delight recipe.

Ingredients
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
7 tablespoons lemon juice
1 (16.5 ounce) can pitted dark sweet cherries, drained
1 cup whipping cream
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup vanilla wafer crumbs

Directions
In a large bowl, combine milk and lemon juice. Fold in cherries. In a mixing bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold cream and pecans into cherry mixture. Spread into an ungreased 11-in. x 7-in. x 2-in. dish; sprinkle with wafer crumbs. Cover and freeze overnight or until firm. May be frozen for up to 2 months. Remove from the freezer 15 minutes before cutting.

Apple Cheddar Scones recipe.

Ingredients
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup cold butter or margarine
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup diced peeled apples

Directions
In a bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in buttermilk just until moistened. Gently fold in the cheese and apples. Turn onto a floured surface; knead 10 times.
Pat into a 9-in. circle. Cut into eight wedges. Separate wedges and place on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 450 degrees F for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Almond Cookies I recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup ground almonds
2 teaspoons amaretto liqueur

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
In large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Beat in the egg, amaretto, and almonds. Gradually mix in the flour until well blended. Drop by teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake 5 to 8 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cookies are lightly colored.

Baked Fish with Shrimp recipe.

Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 pounds red snapper fillets
1/2 pound cooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium low heat. Whisk in flour and salt to make a paste. Gradually whisk in milk. Stirring constantly, cook until sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Select a pan large enough to accommodate all the fillets in one layer. Coat with cooking spray. Arrange fish in pan, and cover with shrimp.. Pour white sauce over shrimp. Sprinkle with grated cheese.
Bake, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes.

Brazilian Collards recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 pound peppered bacon, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 pounds collard greens - rinsed, stemmed and torn into 3x6 inch pieces
1 cup chicken stock
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Directions
Place bacon in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Cook until browned and most of the grease has been released. Stir in onion and cook until tender and glistening, about 4 minutes.
Place collards into the pot and stir to coat with the bacon drippings. Pour in the chicken stock. Season with cayenne pepper. Reduce heat to low and cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Stir red wine vinegar into the pot. Continue cooking 15 minutes, until liquid is reduced by about 1/2.

Bacon 'N' Veggie Pasta recipe.

Ingredients
2 (14.5 ounce) cans stewed tomatoes
2 cups broccoli florets
2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
4 bacon strips, diced
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
1/3 cup chopped green pepper
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
16 ounces uncooked medium shell pasta
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions
In a large saucepan, combine the first seven ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until broccoli and carrots are tender.
In a skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels; drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings. In the drippings, saute the mushrooms, green pepper, onion and garlic until tender; add to tomato mixture and heat through. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and place in a serving bowl; top with vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with bacon and Parmesan cheese.

Apricot Brandy Pound Cake I recipe.

Ingredients
1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup apricot brandy
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon orange extract
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 (3.5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
4 eggs

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and lightly flour a bundt pan.
In a large bowl, beat cake mix, pudding, and eggs until smooth. Mix brandy and flavorings in sour cream, and add to egg mixture. Beat at least 2 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Pour batter into prepared pan
Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool cake in pan on wire rack for 20 minutes. Remove from pan, and continue cooling on wire rack.

Barbecued Beef recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups ketchup
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons prepared Dijon-style mustard
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 (4 pound) boneless chuck roast

Directions
In a large bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, Dijon-style mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke. Stir in salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Place chuck roast in a slow cooker. Pour ketchup mixture over chuck roast. Cover, and cook on Low for 8 to 10 hours.
Remove chuck roast from slow cooker, shred with a fork, and return to the slow cooker. Stir meat to evenly coat with sauce. Continue cooking approximately 1 hour.

Beef 'n' Green Bean Pie recipe.

Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5 ounce) can cut green beans, drained
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1 (8 ounce) package refrigerated crescent rolls
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
Paprika

Directions
In a skillet over medium heat, cook beef, onion and green pepper if desired until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the tomato sauce, beans, salt and garlic salt. Simmer for 8 minutes or until heated through.
Meanwhile, separate crescent dough into eight triangles; place in an ungreased 9-in. pie plate with points toward the center. Press onto the bottom and up the sides to form a crust; seal perforations. In a bowl, beat egg and 1 cup cheese; spread over crust. Stir 1/2 cup cheese into meat mixture; spoon into crust. Sprinkle with paprika and remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting.

Awesome Red Pepper Hummus Dip recipe.

Ingredients
1 (14 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained, liquid reserved
2 tablespoons tahini (sesame seed paste)
1 lemon, juiced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup bottled roasted red bell peppers

Directions
Place the garbanzo beans, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and red peppers in the bowl of a food processor. Add 2 tablespoons of the reserved juice from the garbanzo beans. Pulse until the mixture is smooth, scraping the sides and blade to mix completely. Cover, and refrigerate until ready to use.

Apricot Casserole recipe.

Ingredients
2 (15 ounce) cans apricot halves
1/2 cup butter or margarine, divided
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/3 cups crushed butter-flavored crackers

Directions
Drain apricots, reserving 3/4 cup juice. Place apricots in a greased 11-in. x 7-in. x 2-in. baking dish. melt 1/2 cup butter; add the brown sugar, flour and reserved juice. Pour over apricots.
Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes. melt remaining butter; toss with crackers crumbs. Sprinkle over top. Bake 15-20 minutes longer or until golden brown.

Big-Batch Butterscotch Cookies recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups butter or margarine, softened
3 cups packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
5 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

Directions
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Transfer to a larger bowl if necessary. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and cream of tartar; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Drop by level tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Almond Butter Icing recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup shortening
1 cup butter
5 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
4 1/2 tablespoons milk
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract

Directions
Cream together the shortening and the butter, add the almond extract and beat until fluffy.
Beat in the confectioners' sugar, one cup at a time. Add the milk alternately with the confectioners' sugar, one tablespoon at a time until the icing reaches the desired consistency. Color and decorate as desired.

Brown Sugar Smokies recipe.

Ingredients
1 pound bacon
1 (16 ounce) package little smokie sausages
1 cup brown sugar, or to taste

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Cut bacon into thirds and wrap each strip around a little sausage. Place the wrapped sausages on wooden skewers, several to a skewer. Arrange the skewers on a baking sheet and sprinkle them liberally with brown sugar.
Bake until bacon is crisp and the brown sugar melted.

Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 cup chopped onions
1 cup chopped broccoli
1/3 cup MIRACLE WHIP Calorie-Wise Dressing
1/3 cup milk
1 cup KRAFT Double Cheddar Shredded Cheese Light
1 frozen deep-dish pie crust (9 inch)

Directions
Heat oven to 375 degrees F.
Cook vegetables in skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium heat 5 min. or until crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.
Beat eggs, dressing and milk in medium bowl with whisk until well blended. Stir in vegetable mixture and cheese; pour into pie crust. Place on baking sheet.
Bake 40 to 45 min. or until centre is set and top is golden brown. Let stand 10 min. before cutting to serve.

Black Beans con Jalapeno recipe.

Ingredients
1 (15 ounce) can white hominy, drained
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup diced white onion
1 cup diced green bell pepper
1 cup diced red bell pepper
1 cup diced green onions with tops
1/4 cup seeded and chopped jalapeno pepper
1 (24 ounce) jar picante sauce
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons white sugar
1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro

Directions
In a large bowl, gently stir together the hominy, black beans, onion, green and red peppers, green onion, jalapeno, picante sauce, cumin, salt, sugar and cilantro. Refrigerate at least an hour before serving. Serve with tortilla chips on a bed of lettuce.

Avocado Dip II recipe.

Ingredients
2 avocados - peeled, pitted and diced
3/4 cup sour cream
3/4 cup salsa
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 dash ground black pepper

Directions
In a medium bowl, mash the avocados with a potato masher. Mix in the sour cream, salsa, cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Chill at least 30 minutes before serving.

Apricot-Glazed Chicken recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/2 tablespoons butter
4 skinless chicken thighs
1/2 onion, sliced
1 (15 ounce) can apricot halves, drained
1 tablespoon chili sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat and brown the chicken thighs on both sides, 5 to 8 minutes per side. Remove the chicken thighs and set aside. In the hot skillet, cook and stir the onions until softened, about 5 minutes.
Pour the apricot halves, chili sauce, brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and black pepper into a blender, and pulse several times to puree. Pour the mixture into the skillet with the onions, bring to a boil, and reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer the sauce until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Return the chicken thighs to the sauce, and spoon sauce over the chicken. Simmer until the chicken is tender and no longer pink inside, 15 to 20 minutes. Serve chicken topped with sauce.

Broiled Lobster Tails recipe.

Ingredients
2 whole lobster tails
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
salt to taste
ground white pepper, to taste
1 lemon - cut into wedges, for garnish

Directions
Preheat the broiler.
Place lobster tails on a baking sheet. With a sharp knife or kitchen shears, carefully cut top side of lobster shells lengthwise. Pull apart shells slightly, and season meat with equal amounts butter, paprika, salt, and white pepper.
Broil lobster tails until lightly browned and lobster meat is opaque, about 5 to 10 minutes. Garnish with lemon wedges to serve.

Baker's Secret Pie Crust recipe.

Ingredients
3/4 cup cake flour
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon baking powder
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 tablespoons shortening
2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar
3 cubes ice
1/2 cup cold water

Directions
Measure butter & shortening onto a plate, put into freezer for about 20 minutes.
Measure cake flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, salt and baking powder into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse for a few seconds to mix.
Take 1/2 of the cold butter and 1/2 of the cold shortening, put into processor with dry ingredients and pulse off and on for about 1 minute. Scrape down twice while doing this.
Take remainder of the cold butter & cold shortening and cut in very briefly with the processor, leaving visible pea-sized chunks. Do not over process at this stage!
In a measuring cup, mix egg yolk and vinegar together, add ice cubes and water. Let this get chilled, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Remove mixed flours and shortening from processor, put into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle approximately 4 to 5 tablespoons of this egg, water, vinegar mixture, a little at a time, mixing gently with a fork. The key to this is, you do not want a wet dough, and you do not want to overmix.
Place this dough into plastic wrap or plastic bag, chill in refrigerator for a few minutes. (May also be frozen for a few weeks at this stage for future use).
Remove from refrigerator and roll out. This makes absolutely the BEST pie crusts. I have won County Fair competitions with this pie crust. Double for making a 2-crust pie.

Basil Pecan Pesto recipe.

Ingredients
3 cups fresh basil leaves
1 1/2 cups pecans
4 cloves garlic
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 pinch ground black pepper to taste

Directions
Blend the basil, pecans, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper together in a food processor until the mixture becomes a slightly chunky paste.

Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Mushrooms recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup chopped green onions
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
20 fresh mushrooms, stems removed
1 pound sliced bacon, cut in half

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a medium bowl, mix together the green onions and cream cheese . Stuff mushroom caps with the cheese mixture. Wrap each mushroom with a half-slice of bacon, and secure with toothpicks. Place on a baking sheet.
Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, until the bacon is cooked through.

Brazilian Bananas recipe.

Ingredients
6 medium bananas, halved lengthwise
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup white sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup flaked coconut

Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Place the bananas into the baking dish. Combine the orange juice, lemon juice, sugar and salt in a pitcher or bowl; pour over the bananas. Dot with butter.
Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Sprinkle with coconut before serving.

Best Zucchini Appetizer recipe.

Ingredients
3 cups sliced zucchini
1 cup all-purpose baking mix
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 clove garlic, minced

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix zucchini, all-purpose baking mix, onion, salt, eggs, Cheddar cheese, vegetable oil and garlic.
Spread zucchini mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven 25 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly browned. Cut into bite-sized pieces to serve.

Apple-Oat Breakfast Treats recipe.

Ingredients
3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup apple pie filling

Directions
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and brown sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients; add to the creamed mixture and mix well.
Drop by 1/4 cupfuls 6 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Flatten into 3-in. circles. Make a slight indentation in the center of each; top with a rounded tablespoonful of pie filling. Bake at 350 degrees F for 16-20 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool for 5 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.