8.02.2011

Baby Blue Punch recipe.

Ingredients
1 (0.13 ounce) package blue, berry flavored unsweetened drink mix
1 (2 liter) bottle lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage
1 (64 fluid ounce) bottle white cranberry juice
8 scoops vanilla ice cream
1 cup white sugar, or to taste

Directions
In a large punch bowl, stir together the drink mix, lemon-lime soda, and white cranberry juice. Taste, and stir in sugar to your liking. (I like to add the whole cup.) Float scoops of ice cream on the top. The ice cream melts somewhat and turns the punch a beautiful baby blue color with frothy white clouds floating on the top.

Amazing All-Purpose Marinade recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 cup orange juice
1 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
hot pepper sauce to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

Directions
In a medium bowl, blend the vinegar, orange juice, pineapple juice, olive oil, pepper, garlic powder, green onion, hot pepper sauce, and thyme.
Place meat or fish in a shall glass dish or bowl, pierce with a fork on top a few times, and pour 1/2 of the marinade over it. Turn over and repeat. Marinate for at least 1 hour, up to 24 hours for the most flavor.

Apricot Brisket recipe.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
6 pounds beef brisket
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves crushed garlic
1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix
1 pound dried apricots

Directions
In a large heavy skillet, heat oil over medium high heat. When the oil is hot, brown the beef on all sides. If the brisket is too large, cut it in half first, and brown in two stages. Place the meat in a large Dutch oven with a lid.
Add onions to the drippings in the skillet. Saute over medium heat until the onions are beginning to brown. Stir in garlic, and cook for 2 or 3 more minutes. Pour over the brisket in the Dutch oven.
Empty one package of dry, instant onion soup mix over the browned onions and meat. Arrange all of the apricots on top of the soup mix. Pour enough water around outside of meat, not on top, to cover the sides of brisket. Cover.
Bake at 325 degrees F (160 degrees C) for 1 hour. Check liquid; if dish is starting to look dry, add a bit more water around meat. Cover, and cook another hour. Remove lid, and stir apricots into gravy. Leave uncovered, and cook for another hour. Stir gravy again, and add more water if the gravy is too thick. Meat should be very tender; if necessary, bake for an additional 1/2 hour. Cut across grain to serve.

Aunt Maria's Pudding Cake recipe.

Ingredients
1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
1 (3.5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup cream sherry
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees (175 degrees C). Lightly grease and flour one 10 inch tube or bundt pan.
Mix together the yellow cake mix, vanilla pudding, vegetable oil, cream sherry, eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, and poppy seeds, beat at medium speed with an electric mixer for approximately 7 minutes. Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 to 50 minutes.
Variations: Poppy seeds may not work with these variations: 1) chocolate cake mix with chocolate pudding, 2) white cake mix with pistachio pudding and a dash of green food coloring (nice for St. Patrick's Day or Christmas), 3) yellow cake mix with lemon pudding, and 4) 3/4 cup oil and 3/4 cup beer (not everyone's first choice!)

Beefy Upside Down Pizza Casserole recipe.

Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 teaspoon minced garlic
16 ounces Classico� Tomato and Basil Sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 (8 ounce) can refrigerated crescent rolls

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Brown beef, onion and garlic in a large saucepan over medium high heat. Once browned, drain fat and stir in spaghetti sauce.
In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of sauce. Top with 1/2 of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, another layer of sauce and the rest of the cheese. Top with crescent rolls, pinching seams together.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until rolls are golden brown.

Banana Cream Cheesecake recipe.

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

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

Alfredo Shrimp with Angel Hair Pasta recipe.

Ingredients
16 ounces Classico� Creamy Alfredo Sauce
1 (16 ounce) package angel hair pasta
2 pounds fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup butter, melted
1/2 small green bell pepper, diced
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Directions
In a saucepan over low-temperature, heat the Alfredo sauce. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 minutes or until al dente; drain.
Boil shrimp in a large pot of water until they turn orange. Then place in bowl with melted butter. Let shrimp marinate for 15 to 30 minutes; remove. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook and stir the green pepper and onion in a small amount of oil.
Mix together the cooked pasta, shrimp, pepper-onion mixture and Alfredo sauce. Season with garlic powder and cumin.

Baked Soy Lemon Chops recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
4 pork chops

Directions
In a shallow dish, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, lemon juice, pepper and oil. Add pork chops, and turn to coat evenly. Cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Place marinated pork chops in a roasting pan, and bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, basting meat often with marinade.

Angel's Ravioli Alfredo with Mushrooms recipe.

Ingredients
1 (20 ounce) package cheese ravioli
3 tablespoons butter
1 (8 ounce) package fresh mushrooms, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10 ounce) container Alfredo sauce
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 green onions, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to taste

Directions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add ravioli and cook for 5 to 8 minutes or until al dente; drain.
Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the mushrooms and garlic, and cook until tender.
In a medium saucepan over low heat, toss the cooked ravioli with the Alfredo sauce to coat. Mix in the mushrooms and garlic. Cook and stir until sauce is heated. Top with Parmesan cheese, green onion, and red pepper to serve.

Boo's Kiwi and Mango Salad recipe.

Ingredients
2 kiwis, peeled and chopped
2 small mangos - peeled, seeded, and diced
1 large red bell pepper, chopped
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup sweet corn
1/4 cup French dressing

Directions
Stir together the kiwi, mango, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and sweet corn in a bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and stir to coat; serve immediately.

Blueberry Bake recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon white sugar
1/2 cup lowfat buttermilk
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 cups fresh blueberries

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
To Make Biscuit Topping: In a medium bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Mix well then stir in buttermilk just until all ingredients are moistened and dough forms a ball. Set aside.
To Make Berry Filling: In a large saucepan combine honey, 1 tablespoon sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, water, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth, then add berries. Simmer over medium heat, stirring gently, until thickened (about 10 minutes). Spoon berry mixture into an 8x11 inch nonstick casserole dish.
Drop biscuit dough onto berry mixture by tablespoonfuls.
Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until biscuits are lightly browned.

Black Beans and Rice recipe.

Ingredients
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup uncooked white rice
1 1/2 cups low sodium, low fat vegetable broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 1/2 cups canned black beans, drained

Directions
In a stockpot over medium-high heat, heat the oil. Add the onion and garlic and saute for 4 minutes. Add the rice and saute for 2 minutes.
Add the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, cover and lower the heat and cook for 20 minutes. Add the spices and black beans.

Brussels Sprouts in a Sherry Bacon Cream Sauce recipe.

Ingredients
1 tablespoon salt
1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved lengthwise
2 tablespoons olive oil
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 shallot, chopped
7 cremini mushrooms, chopped, or more to taste
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup cream sherry
1/2 cup heavy cream

Directions
Dissolve 1 tablespoon of salt in enough water to cover the Brussels sprouts in a bowl, and soak the sprouts in the salty water for 1 hour. Drain off the water, and toss the sprouts in olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper to coat thoroughly.
Preheat oven to 475 degrees F (245 degrees C).
Place the bacon in a large, deep skillet, and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until just beginning to brown at the edges, 5 to 8 minutes. Reduce heat to medium; stir in the shallot and mushrooms, then cook until the shallots turn translucent, about 5 more minutes. Sprinkle in the garlic, and cook 1 minute, then stir in the sherry and cream until well combined. Bring the mixture to a boil, and stir until reduced by half. The thickened sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
While the sauce is cooking, lay the Brussels sprouts, cut sides down, onto a baking sheet, and bake in the preheated oven until the sprouts are browned, about 15 minutes. Transfer the browned sprouts to the sauce, toss to coat, and season to taste with salt and black pepper.

Barbarella's German Pancakes recipe.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons white sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 cup milk

Directions
Place the eggs, sugar, flour and milk into the container of a blender. Process until smooth on low speed.
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Pour batter about 1/4 cup at a time (or more for larger pancakes). Tilt pan to achieve a round shape. Heat until golden, then flip and brown on the other side. Serve immediately with syrup, or fresh berries and whipped cream.

Applesauce Oat Cake recipe.

Ingredients
1 3/4 cups applesauce
1 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup butter flavored shortening
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
In a small saucepan, bring the applesauce to a slow boil. Stir in oats; remove from the heat. Cover and let stand for 20 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and brown sugar. Add egg; mix well. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and cloves; add to the creamed mixture alternately with applesauce mixture. Pour into a greased 8-in. square baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
In a mixing bowl, combine the frosting ingredients; beat until smooth. Frost cooled cake.

Apricot-Glazed Shrimp recipe.

Ingredients
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons apricot preserves
1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted
1 medium green pepper, julienned
1 medium sweet red pepper, julienned
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1 garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons canola oil
1/2 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts, drained
1 1/2 cups hot cooked rice

Directions
In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, broth, preserves, soy sauce and sesame seeds until blended; set aside. In a large nonstick skillet or wok, stir-fry the peppers, onions and garlic in oil for 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Add shrimp and water chestnuts; stir-fry until shrimp turn pink. Stir broth mixture; add to the pan. bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Serve over rice.

Beef Sirloin Steak with Baby Spinach recipe.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 (1 pound) boneless beef sirloin steak, 3/4-inch thick, cut into 4 pieces
1 large onion, sliced
1 small red pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10.75 ounce) can Campbell's� Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1 (7 ounce) bag fresh baby spinach
Hot mashed potatoes

Directions
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until well browned on both sides. Remove the beef from the skillet. Pour off any fat.
Heat the remaining oil in the skillet. Add the onion and pepper and cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, stirring often.
Stir the soup, water, vinegar and rosemary in the skillet and heat to a boil. Return the beef to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the spinach. Cover and cook the beef for 2 minutes for medium or until desired doneness. Serve the beef and vegetable mixture with the potatoes.

Butter Frosting recipe.

Ingredients
3/4 cup butter
6 cups confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons milk
7 drops red food coloring

Directions
Beat butter in a large bowl until fluffy. Gradually add 3 cups of the sifted confectioners' sugar, beating well. Slowly beat in the vanilla, salt, and 1/3 cup of the milk. Gradually beat in the 3 remaining cups of confectioner's sugar. Beat in additional milk (1 to 2 tablespoons) if needed, to make frosting of spreading consistency. If desired tint the frosting pink with 6 to 8 drops of red food coloring.

Baby Food Cake III recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups white sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
2 (4 ounce) jars plum baby food
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup applesauce

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease and flour a 10 inch Bundt pan. Sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine sugar, eggs, and oil. Beat until smooth. Mix in baby food and nuts. Beat in flour mixture alternately with applesauce. Pour batter into a 10 inch Bundt pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely.

Apricot Tarts recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup all-purpose flour
APRICOT FILLING:
3/4 cup finely chopped dried apricots
3/4 cup water
1/3 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons orange marmalade
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, cream cheese and flour until well blended. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
For filling, in a saucepan, bring the apricots and water to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Drain and transfer to a bowl. Add the pecans, sugar, marmalade, cinnamon and cloves; set aside.
Shape dough into 24 balls. Press onto the bottom and up the sides of greased miniature muffins cups. Spoon apricot mixture into cups. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until browned. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pans to a wire rack to cool completely.
For topping, in a small mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and butter. Stir in vanilla. Beat in confectioners' sugar. Place a dollop onto each tart just before serving.

Amazing Artichoke and Spinach Dip recipe.

Ingredients
1 (6 ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup creamy salad dressing, e.g. Miracle Whip ™
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
1 (10 ounce) box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
Combine the artichoke hearts, onion, salad dressing, mayonnaise, sour cream, Swiss cheese, mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl; mix evenly. Gently fold the spinach into the mixture; spread into the bottom of an 8x8 casserole pan. Sprinkle 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover with aluminum foil.
Bake in preheated oven 15 minutes. Remove the aluminum foil and bake until top begins to brown, about 10 minutes more. Allow to cool 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Aunt Jewel's Chicken Dressing Casserole recipe.

Ingredients
3 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast meat
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup
1 (10.75 ounce) can milk
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 (6 ounce) package seasoned cornbread stuffing mix

Directions
Place chicken in a large saucepan full of lightly salted water. Bring to a boil; boil for about 30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (juices run clear). Remove chicken from pan, reserving broth. Cut chicken into bite size pieces and place in bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a medium bowl mix together cream of chicken soup and cream of celery soup. Fill one empty soup can with milk, and mix milk with soups. Pour mixture over chicken. In a small bowl combine stuffing and broth; mix together and spoon mixture over casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.

Apple and Sunflower Seed Salad recipe.

Ingredients
2 green apples - washed, cored and cubed
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1 head romaine lettuce - rinsed, dried, and chopped
2 dill pickles, diced
2 tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup ranch-style salad dressing

Directions
In a large bowl, mix together the apples, sunflower seeds, lettuce, pickles and tomato. Pour dressing on top, toss and enjoy!

Banbury Tarts recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup chopped dried figs
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped candied citron
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
12 (5 inch) unbaked tart shells

Directions
Chop the figs as fine as possible, measure to 1 cup, and pour boiling water over to cover. Allow to stand for 45 minutes. Drain very well.
Beat the egg and sugar together. Stir in the figs, peel, raisins, and nuts. Fill tart shells 3/4 full with fruit filling.
Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 20 to 25 minutes. Cool on racks.

Black-Eyed Pea Salsa recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup white rice
2 cups water
2 (15.5 ounce) cans black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers

Directions
Bring a small pot of rice and water to a boil. Cover pot, reduce heat to simmer and let cook 20 minutes or until rice is tender.
In a large saucepan, combine rice, peas, tomatoes and chili. Stir the mixture over a medium heat until it is heated through.

Asian Coconut Rice recipe.

Ingredients
1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk
1 1/4 cups water
1 teaspoon sugar
1 pinch salt
1 1/2 cups uncooked jasmine rice

Directions
In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Stir in rice. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 18 to 20 minutes, until rice is tender.