5.22.2011

Andrew's Herb Risotto recipe.

Ingredients
3 tablespoons canola oil
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup trimmed, diced fennel bulb
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, divided
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary, divided
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest, divided
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1 1/2 cups uncooked Arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
3 1/2 cups chicken stock
salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
Heat oil and butter in a medium heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add fennel, bell pepper, onion, garlic, 1 1/2 tablespoons mint, 1 1/2 tablespoons parsley, 1 tablespoon rosemary and 1 teaspoon lemon zest. Saute, stirring, until vegetables are slightly softened (about 2 to 3 minutes).
Stir in coriander and rice and saute, stirring, until rice grains are oil-coated (about 3 minutes). Pour in wine and stock and reduce heat to medium low. Simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until liquid is almost absorbed and rice is tender but firm. (Note: Stir once or twice while simmering.)
Remove pan from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in remaining mint, parsley, rosemary and lemon zest, then add lemon juice and cheese. Cover saucepan with waxed paper and let stand 8 to 10 minutes before serving.

Banana Cream Frosting recipe.

Ingredients
1 (3.5 ounce) package instant banana pudding mix
1 very ripe banana, mashed
2 tablespoons rum
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

Directions
In a medium bowl or food processor, mix pudding, banana, milk and rum until very thick. Gently fold in whipped topping. Spread over any size cake.

25-Minute Tunisian Vegetable Couscous recipe.

Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 red onion, chopped
1 zucchini, coarsely chopped
1 yellow squash, coarsely chopped
1 carrot, coarsely chopped
1 red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup sliced baby portabella mushrooms
4 cups vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon smoked sweet paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 (16 ounce) can chickpeas, drained
2 Roma tomatoes, sliced
2 cups dry couscous
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
1 tablespoon finely chopped toasted almonds (optional)

Directions
Heat oil in large pot over medium-low heat. Place onion, zucchini, yellow squash, and carrot in pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions begin to soften and turn translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the red and yellow peppers and mushrooms; cook another 3 minutes. Vegetables should still be firm.
Pour in the vegetable stock and season with paprika, cardamom, salt, and cilantro. Bring mixture to a boil; reduce heat to low. Stir in chickpeas and tomatoes. Slowly pour in the couscous; stir. Cover pot immediately and remove from the heat. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff couscous with a fork. The couscous should have absorbed about half the cooking liquid.
Serve at slightly warmer than room temperature. Garnish with orange zest and the grated cheese, paprika, and almonds.

Aloha Chicken Burgers recipe.

Ingredients
2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 slices thick cut bacon
2 large hamburger buns, split
1 tablespoon softened butter
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
2 slices Swiss cheese
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 slices pineapple
2 slices tomato
2 slices of iceberg lettuce

Directions
Place chicken breasts into a plastic zipper bag with soy sauce, seal the bag, and marinate in refrigerator for 30 minutes. While chicken is marinating, place the bacon in a large, deep skillet, and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate, and set aside. Spread cut sides of hamburger buns with butter.
Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat, and lightly oil the grate.
Remove the chicken from the soy sauce, and discard the excess soy sauce. Place the chicken breasts onto the preheated grill, and grill until chicken shows good grill marks, is no longer pink inside, and the juices run clear, 4 to 5 minutes per side. When chicken is almost done, brush each piece generously on both sides with teriyaki sauce to finish grilling. Place a slice of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast, and cover with a lid to help the cheese melt onto the chicken.
While chicken is grilling, spread the buns open on the grill and cook until toasted and showing grill lines, about 2 minutes. Set the buns aside.
To assemble, spread the grilled sides of each bun with mayonnaise, and top each bottom bun with a cooked chicken breast, 1 1/2 slices of bacon, a slice of pineapple, a slice from a head of lettuce, a slice of tomato, and the top bun.

Aaahh! Potato Soup recipe.

Ingredients
2 Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
1 (5.5 ounce) package au gratin instant potato mix
1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed chicken broth
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup heavy cream

Directions
In a large saucepan or pot, combine potatoes, au gratin potato mix, chicken broth and water. Add more water to cover if necessary. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender, about 40 minutes. Stir in cream and heat through. Serve.

Bean and Tomato Stew with Sage recipe.

Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, quartered
1/4 cup white wine
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes in juice
2 tablespoons water
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons ground sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 (16 ounce) can cannellini beans
salt and pepper (optional)

Directions
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic, and saute until lightly browned. Pour in the white wine, and simmer for a minute. Pour in the tomatoes with juice and water, and season with pepper, sage, thyme, and the bay leaf. Bring to a boil, and let simmer for about 20 minutes.
Pour in the beans, and simmer for another 20 minutes or so, until the stew is thickened and flavors have blended. Remove the bay leaf, taste, and season with salt and pepper before serving.

Ambrosia Fruit Salad recipe.

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
2 1/2 cups shredded coconut
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 (8 ounce) can fruit cocktail, drained
1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
3 cups miniature marshmallows
1 (10 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained (optional)
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions
In a large bowl, combine the whipped topping, coconut, chopped nuts, fruit cocktail, pineapple, mandarin oranges, marshmallows, cherries, nutmeg and cinnamon. Mix together well and refrigerate for 30 to 45 minutes.

Baked Lemon Chicken with Mushroom Sauce recipe.

Ingredients
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup butter
3 cups fresh sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C).
Place the olive oil in an 8x8 glass baking dish. Place the chicken breasts in the dish, coating each side with oil. Squeeze the juice of 1/2 lemon over all. Slice the rest of the lemon and place a lemon slice on top of each chicken piece. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes until brown.
In a large skillet, melt the 1/4 cup butter or margarine. Add the sliced mushrooms. Cook and stir until the mushrooms are brown and have exuded their juices, about 6 minutes. Sprinkle with the flour and blend. Add the chicken broth, stirring to make a medium thick sauce. Allow to reduce, adjusting with a little more broth to make a creamy sauce. Add fresh parsley at the last minute. Spoon the sauce over the lemon baked chicken breasts. Delicious!

Apricot Explosions recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup chopped walnuts
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup shortening
1 cup apricot preserves
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions
In large mixing bowl, combine sugar, eggs, and shortening together by hand. Add flour and baking powder; mix well. Divide dough in half.
Spread half of dough in 10 x 15 inch pan. Spread preserves over dough. Sprinkle walnuts on top and then sprinkle cinnamon on top
Grate second half of dough on top (crumble). Press down gently. Bake for 1/2 hour at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Cut into squares when cool.

Applesauce Cake I recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
1 cup white sugar
1 cup chilled applesauce
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions
Cream butter or margarine with sugar. Add applesauce; beat well. Stir in flour, soda, and spices. Add nuts and raisins.
Pour the batter into a greased and floured 8 inch square pan. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 40 minutes, or until done. Serve warm.

Banana Date Bars recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups sliced bananas
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup dates, pitted and chopped
1/2 cup chopped almonds
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, cream margarine and sugar. Gradually mix in eggs and vanilla. Stir in bananas. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir into the sugar mixture. Finally, fold in dates and chopped almonds.
Spread batter evenly into prepared baking pan. Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes.
While the bars are baking, You can make the lemon icing. In a small bowl, Mix together salt and confectioners sugar. Stir in soft butter, lemon juice, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
When bars are cool, spread the lemon icing over the top and cut into squares. Mmmm Mmmmm!

Baked Chicken with Ham Gravy recipe.

Ingredients
4 (8 ounce) bone-in chicken breast halves
4 ounces sliced cooked ham or prosciutto
1 cup Campbell's� Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)
1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 medium hot baked potatoes, split

Directions
Place the chicken into a 3-quart shallow baking dish.
Bake at 375 degrees F for 30 minutes. Pour off any fat.
Arrange the ham around the chicken in the baking dish. Stir the soup, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika and black pepper in a small bowl. Spoon the soup mixture over all.
Bake for 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken to a serving platter. Stir the sauce and serve with the chicken and potatoes.

Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
1 onion, chopped
1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli
4 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth
1 (1 pound) loaf processed cheese food, cubed
2 cups milk
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2/3 cup cornstarch
1 cup water

Directions
In a stockpot, melt butter over medium heat. Cook onion in butter until softened. Stir in broccoli, and cover with chicken broth. Simmer until broccoli is tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
Reduce heat, and stir in cheese cubes until melted. Mix in milk and garlic powder.
In a small bowl, stir cornstarch into water until dissolved. Stir into soup; cook, stirring frequently, until thick.

Almond French Toast recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup slivered almonds
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 thick slices French bread
3 tablespoons canola oil
3 tablespoons butter
confectioners' sugar for dusting

Directions
Place almonds in a small saucepan over low heat. Tossing frequently, toast until lightly browned, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, flour, salt, baking powder, almond extract and vanilla extract. Soak bread slices in the mixture until saturated. Place slices in a shallow pan. Refrigerate slices approximately 1 hour.
Heat canola oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. One at a time, press one side of soaked bread slices in the almonds to coat. Fry bread slices on both sides until golden brown. Dust with confectioner's sugar before serving,

Aunt Betty's French Dressing recipe.

Ingredients
2/3 cup ketchup
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 small onion, quartered
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Directions
Prepare the dressing by combining the ketchup, sugar, vinegar, oil, onion, paprika and Worcestershire sauce in a blender or food processor. Blend until the onion is well chopped. Chill and serve.

Amazing Gluten-free Layer Bars recipe.

Ingredients
7 ounces flaked coconut
1 cup butterscotch chips
6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
8 ounces unsalted peanuts
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F ( 175 degrees C ). Generously grease one 13x9 inch baking pan.
Spread 2/3 of the flaked coconut evenly on the bottom of the baking pan. Sprinkle the butterscotch morsel, chocolate chips, and peanuts evenly over the coconut layer. Pour condensed milk evenly over the whole pan. Top with sliced almonds and remaining coconut . Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven. Cool completely before cutting into squares.

BBQ Hotdogs on Rice recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
2 cups water
1 pound kielbasa sausage, thinly sliced
1/2 cup dark molasses
2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
1 (10 ounce) can tomato sauce
1/4 cup barbeque sauce (optional)

Directions
Place the rice and water in a pot, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 20 minutes.
Cook the kielbasa in a skillet over medium heat until evenly browned. Mix in the molasses, vinegar, tomato sauce, and barbeque sauce. Continue to cook until heated through. Serve over the rice.

Baby Food Cake II recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups white sugar
1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 (2.5 ounce) jar applesauce baby food
1 (2.5 ounce) jar carrot baby food
1 (2.5 ounce) jar apricot baby food

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan.
In a medium bowl, stir together the eggs, sugar, and oil. Combine the flour baking soda and salt, stir into the egg mixture. Finally, stir in the baby food. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool and frost with your favorite cream cheese frosting.

Bacon and Balsamic Glazed Sugar Snap Peas recipe.

Ingredients
1/4 pound bacon, minced
1 1/2 cups fresh sugar snap peas
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon turbinado sugar, such as Sugar in the Raw
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Cook the minced bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the fat has rendered out and the bacon has begun to crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leave the bacon fat in the skillet. Add the sugar snap peas, and toss to coat with the fat. Cook and stir until just cooked through, about 5 minutes. Pour in the balsamic vinegar, sugar, and cooked bacon. Continue cooking until the balsamic has reduced, and the sugar has dissolved, about 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Brussels Sprouts with Pecans recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons butter
1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, thinly sliced
1/3 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons chopped pecans, toasted

Directions
In a large skillet, saute onion in butter until tender. Add brussels sprouts; saute for 2 minutes. Add the broth, sugar and salt; cover and cook for 5 minutes or until sprouts are tender, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with pecans.

Best Chocolate Pound Cake recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup butter, softened
3 cups white sugar
5 egg yolks
5 egg whites
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/4 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 10 inch tube pan.
Cream shortening and butter until light and fluffy, gradually adding sugar. Beat well at medium speed of an electric mixer. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating after each addition.
Sift flour, baking powder, salt, cocoa and cinnamon together. Add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix just until blended after each addition. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold carefully into cake batter, mixing only until no streaks remain. Pour batter into a greased and floured 10 inch tube pan.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes, remove from pan, and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Apple and Spice Pork Roast recipe.

Ingredients
1 (4 pound) boneless pork roast
1 cup applesauce
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons vinegar
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions
Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Stir together applesauce, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard and cloves in small bowl; refrigerate half of the applesauce mixture and set aside remaining applesauce mixture. Combine flour, salt, sugar, garlic powder and pepper in another small bowl.
Rub flour mixture evenly over entire surface of pork. Place pork on rack in shallow roasting pan. Roast, uncovered, until internal temperature is 140 degrees F. Spoon reserved applesauce mixture over roast. Roast until internal temperature is 155 degrees F., 1 to 1 1/2 hours total cooking time (about 18-20 minutes per pound). Transfer roast to serving platter; cover with foil and let stand for 15 minutes before slicing. Heat chilled applesauce mixture in small saucepan until boiling; boil for 1 minute. Spoon heated applesauce mixture over pork slices.

Bourbon Pecan Chicken recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/4 cup clarified butter, melted
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
2 2/3 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
3/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
1/2 cup sliced green onions

Directions
Stir together the pecans, bread crumbs, and 2 tablespoons of clarified butter. Spread the mixture out on a plate. Press the chicken breasts into the mixture to coat on both sides. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of clarified butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the coated chicken breasts in the pan, and fry on both sides until nicely browned and chicken meat is cooked through, about 10 minutes per side.
In a small saucepan, whisk together the Dijon mustard, brown sugar, bourbon, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, then remove from the burner, and whisk in the 3/4 cup of unsalted butter one piece at a time. Do not return to the heat.
Arrange the chicken breasts on a large serving plate. Pour the sauce over the chicken, and sprinkle with green onion.

Breakfast Pizza recipe.

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) can refrigerated crescent rolls
1 pound bulk pork sausage
1 cup frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
Unroll crescent dough and place on a greased 12-in. pizza pan; press seams together and press up sides of pan to form a crust. In a skillet, brown sausage over medium heat; drain and cool slightly.
Sprinkle sausage, hash browns and cheddar cheese over crust. In a bowl, beat eggs, milk and pepper; pour over pizza. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Bake at 375 degrees for 28-30 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.

Beef Stuffed Manicotti recipe.

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package manicotti pasta
1 pound lean ground beef
1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 (32 ounce) jar Classico� Tomato and Basil Sauce

Directions
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and cool. Reserve.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet brown beef on medium heat. Drain and cool.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Combine beef, cottage cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg whites and oregano. Mix well. Stuff shells with mixture.
Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour enough spaghetti sauce in dish to cover the bottom. Place stuffed noodles in the dish. Cover with pasta sauce and top with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Bake in preheated oven for 50 minutes.

Black Bean Lasagna II recipe.

Ingredients
9 lasagna noodles
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (16 ounce) can refried black beans
2 3/4 cups canned tomato sauce
1/2 cup salsa
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, divided
1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1/4 cup sliced ripe olives
8 sprigs fresh cilantro

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.
Coat a large skillet with non-stick cooking spray, and place over medium heat. Saute onion, red bell pepper, corn and garlic until tender. Stir in black beans, refried beans, tomato sauce, salsa and 1/4 cup cilantro. Cook until heated through and slightly thickened; set aside.
In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, ricotta, sour cream, shredded Monterey Jack cheese and remaining 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; set aside.
Coat a 9x13 inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange 3 of the cooked lasagna noodles in the bottom of the dish, cutting to fit if necessary. Spread with 1/3 of the bean mixture, then 1/3 of the cheese mixture. Repeat layers twice more.
Cover, and bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes. Garnish with sliced black olives and sprigs of cilantro.

Broccoli Cheese Soup III recipe.

Ingredients
4 cups fresh broccoli, cut into bite size pieces
1 1/2 quarts chicken broth
2 cups milk
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of celery soup
4 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup cold water
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions
In a large soup pot, cook broccoli in broth until tender, about 10 minutes.
In a medium bowl, mix together milk and condensed celery soup. Blend cornstarch with cold water, then stir into soup mixture. Pour into the pot with the broccoli. Cook over medium heat, stirring steadily until thick and bubbly. Stir in cheese, and simmer, stirring until hot. Do not boil.

Bacon Cheddar Jalapeno Poppers recipe.

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package Cheddar cheese
6 jalapeno peppers, seeded and halved
12 slices bacon

Directions
Preheat the broiler.
Cut Cheddar cheese into 12 slices long enough to fit inside the jalapeno halves. Insert cheese slices into the halves. Wrap the jalapeno halves with the bacon slices, securing with a toothpick, if necessary. Place on a medium baking sheet.
Broil 5 to 10 minutes, or until the bacon is evenly brown.

Breakfast in a Muffin recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs, divided
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

Directions
In a large bowl, combine first five ingredients. Combine milk, oil and 1 egg; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups half full. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and second egg. Add cheddar cheese and seasoned salt; mix well. Stir in bacon. Spoon 2 tablespoons in the center of each muffin. Bake at 425 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until muffins test done. Serve warm.

Braised Beef with Barley recipe.

Ingredients
2 pounds boneless chuck roast
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (14.5 ounce) can beef broth
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup pearl barley
1 cup frozen peas
1/3 cup sour cream

Directions
In a Dutch oven, brown meat in oil on all sides over medium-high heat. Remove roast and set aside. Drain, reserving 1 tablespoon of drippings. Saute the onion, mushrooms and garlic in drippings until tender.
Return roast to the pan. Add the broth, bay leaf, salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-1/2 hours. Add barley. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes or until meat and barley are tender. Add peas; cover and simmer for 5 minutes or until peas are tender.
Discard bay leaf. Set the roast and barley aside; keep warm. Skim fat from pan juices. If desired, add sour cream to the pan juices; stir until heated through over low heat (do not boil). Slice roast; serve with barley and gravy.

Applesauce Raisin Bars recipe.

Ingredients
1/4 cup shortening
2/3 cup brown sugar
1 cup applesauce
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 cup raisins
3 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon milk

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch pan.
In a medium bowl, cream together shortening and brown sugar until smooth. Blend in the applesauce and egg. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt and pumpkin pie spice, stir into the applesauce mixture. Fold in raisins. Spread the batter evenly in to the prepared pan.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until firm. To make frosting: Heat butter in a small saucepan until melted and golden brown. Blend in the confectioners' sugar and vanilla. Gradually stir in the milk until icing is smooth and spreadable. Spread over cooled bars before cutting into squares.

Buddy's and Bubba's Homemade Dog Food recipe.

Ingredients
2 chicken leg quarters
1 cup brown rice
1 pound ground beef
2/3 cup rolled oats
1 (10 ounce) package chopped frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
2 cups frozen chopped broccoli, thawed
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans - rinsed, drained and mashed
2 carrots, shredded
1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup olive oil

Directions
Place the chicken leg quarters in a large pot, and fill with enough water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 40 minutes. Remove the legs and allow to cool. Strain and return the cooking liquid to the pot. Once the legs have cooled. remove and discard the skin and bones; chop the meat, and set aside.
Stir the brown rice into the reserved chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender, 45 to 50 minutes. Drain off any excess liquid, and add the rice to the bowl with the chicken.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, and add the ground beef. Cook and stir until the beef is crumbly and no longer pink, about 7 minutes. Pour off any excess grease, and place the beef into the bowl. Stir in the oats, spinach, broccoli, kidney beans, carrots, garlic, cottage cheese, and olive oil. Store the dog food in resealable containers in the freezer. Thaw the daily portions overnight in the refrigerator.

Best BBQ Rub in Texas recipe.

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) bottle seasoning salt
1/4 cup paprika
2/3 cup chili powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons ground dry mustard
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon dry mesquite flavored seasoning mix
2 tablespoons garlic salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 cup packed brown sugar

Directions
In a large bowl, mix seasoning salt, paprika, chili powder, ginger, nutmeg, dry mustard, cloves, dry mesquite flavored seasoning mix, garlic salt, black pepper and brown sugar.

Baked Sweet Potato Sticks recipe.

Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon paprika
8 sweet potatoes, sliced lengthwise into quarters

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Spray a baking sheet with cooking spay or vegetable oil.
In a large bowl, mix oil and paprika. Add potato sticks, and stir by hand to coat. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake 40 minutes in the preheated oven. Best eaten at room temperature.

Bramblett's Vegetable Stock recipe.

Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 onions, cut into chunks
1 celeriac (celery root), chopped
1 cup potato peelings
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup fresh mushrooms
1 cup butternut squash peelings and pulp
salt to taste
1 quart water

Directions
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Place onions in pot and cook 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until very tender and golden brown.
Mix celery root, potato peels, carrots, mushrooms and squash into pot. Season with salt. Continue cooking 45 minutes or until vegetables are very tender and golden brown.
Pour water into pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain out the solids, taste for sufficient salt and voila! Your stock!

Asparagus with Blue Cheese Sauce recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 pound fresh asparagus spears
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons evaporated milk
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon crumbled blue cheese

Directions
In a small saucepan, cook asparagus in a small amount of water until crisp-tender. Meanwhile, in another saucepan, whisk cream cheese, milk and salt over low heat until smooth. Stir in blue cheese and heat through. Drain asparagus and top with sauce.

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.

Apples in Pajamas recipe.

Ingredients
4 large Granny smith apples - peeled, cored and sliced into 1/2 inch thick rings
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 pinch salt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/3 cup milk
1/4 cup water
4 cups oil for frying, or as needed
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons white sugar

Directions
In a shallow bowl, stir together the flour and salt. Whisk in the eggs, 1 tablespoon of oil, milk, and water until batter is smooth. The batter should be just thick enough to stick to the apples and coat them. If the batter is too thin, more flour may be added. If the batter does not want to stick, toss the apples with a bit of flour.
Heat one inch of vegetable oil in a deep heavy skillet to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Coat apple slices with batter, and place 4 or 5 slices into the hot oil at a time. Fry until golden on one side, then use tongs to flip and fry until brown on the other side. Drain on paper towels. Stir together the cinnamon and sugar; sprinkle over the apple slices before serving.

Broccoli Chicken Stir-Fry recipe.

Ingredients
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into thin strips
2 teaspoons canola oil
2 medium carrots, julienned
2 cups broccoli florets
3 1/4 cups water, divided
3 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 cup cornstarch
4 cups hot cooked rice

Directions
In a large nonstick skillet or wok, stir-fry chicken in oil until no longer pink. Remove and keep warm. stir-fry the carrots and broccoli for 3-4 minutes or until crisp-tender. Remove and keep warm.
Add 3 cups water to the pan; bring to a boil. Add bouillon; stir until dissolved. Reduce heat. Add soy sauce, ginger, chicken and vegetables; cook for 5 minutes or until heated through. Combine the cornstarch and remaining water until smooth; stir into pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve over rice.

Aunt Ione's Icebox Cookies recipe.

Ingredients
6 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon extract
2 cups chopped nuts

Directions
Sift together first five ingredients; set aside. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars. Add eggs, vanilla and lemon extract; beat well. Add dry ingredients; mix well. Stir in nuts. Divide dough into four parts and shape into 1-1/2-in. x 11-in. rolls. Wrap in foil and chill overnight. Slice cookies 3/8 in. thick. Bake on greased baking sheets at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes.

Bacon Breakfast Cake recipe.

Ingredients
12 slices bacon
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 (9 ounce) package white cake mix, batter prepared as directed on package
1 teaspoon maple flavored extract
1/4 cup maple syrup

Directions
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9 inch round cake pan.
Place the bacon in a large, deep skillet; cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until lightly browned but still soft, about 7 minutes. Drain the bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate. Place the bacon on the bottom of the greased cake pan, overlapping slices as necessary to fit. Sprinkle the bacon strips with the brown sugar.
Combine the prepared cake batter, maple extract, and maple syrup in a large bowl, mixing well. Pour the batter over the brown sugar and bacon in the cake pan.
Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 15-20 minutes. Cool cake slightly and remove from pan by inverting onto a serving platter. Cut into wedges to serve.

Beefy Spanish Rice recipe.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup uncooked converted white rice
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 pound ground beef
1 cup canned corn
1 (6 ounce) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1 cup water
salt and pepper to taste
garlic powder to taste

Directions
In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the rice, onion and bell pepper and saute for 5 minutes, or until onions are tender. Add the ground beef and saute until browned. Drain excess oil and fat.
Add the corn, tomato sauce, ketchup and water. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is cooked, stirring occasionally. Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste.

Angie's To-Die-For Banana Bread recipe.

Ingredients
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter at room temperature
1/2 cup vegetable shortening
2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 ripe bananas
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup sour cream
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease 2 9x5-inch loaf pans. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, beat the butter, vegetable shortening, white sugar, and brown sugar together with an electric mixer on Low until thoroughly mixed; beat in the bananas, eggs, buttermilk, sour cream, and vanilla extract until well combined. Mix half of the flour mixture into the banana mixture; beat until combined; beat in remaining flour mixture. Mix on Medium speed for 1 minute. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pans.
Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean, 50 minutes to 1 hour. Allow to cool for 15 minutes; serve warm.

Brandy Butter (Hard Sauce) recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/8 cups unsalted butter, softened
2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons orange zest
2 tablespoons orange juice
4 tablespoons brandy

Directions
Place butter, confectioners sugar, orange rind, orange juice, and brandy or cognac into food processor and mix until smooth. Pile sauce into serving bowl and refrigerate. Remove from fridge about one hour before serving.

Baby Spinach Omelet recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup torn baby spinach leaves
1 1/2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
In a bowl, beat the eggs, and stir in the baby spinach and Parmesan cheese. Season with onion powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
In a small skillet coated with cooking spray over medium heat, cook the egg mixture about 3 minutes, until partially set. Flip with a spatula, and continue cooking 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low, and continue cooking 2 to 3 minutes, or to desired doneness.

Apple Pie Shot recipe.

Ingredients
1 fluid ounce vodka
1 fluid ounce apple cider
1 tablespoon whipped cream
1 pinch ground cinnamon

Directions
In a 2 ounce shot glass, combine vodka and apple cider. top with a dollop of whipped cream and a pinch of cinnamon.

Beef 'n' Olive Sandwiches recipe.

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 cup chopped dried beef
3 tablespoons sliced stuffed green olives
3 tablespoons chopped walnuts
8 slices bread

Directions
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, cream and pepper; mix well. Stir in beef, olives and walnuts.
Spread on four slices of bread; top with remaining bread. Freeze. Remove from the freezer at least 4 hours before serving. May be frozen for up to 2 months.