4.30.2011

Angie's Perfect Dinner Rolls recipe.

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups warm milk
4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 teaspoons salt
7 cups all-purpose flour, or as needed
1/2 cup butter, melted

Directions
Pour milk into a large mixing bowl, and sprinkle yeast over the surface. Allow to rest for 5 minutes. Beat in the sugar, eggs, 1/2 cup butter, and salt; blend thoroughly. Gradually stir in the flour to make a soft dough. Cover bowl, and set in a warm place until dough doubles in size, about 1 hour.
Punch down the dough, cover the bowl, and allow to rise again. Repeat this step two more times.
Break off 2 to 3 inch size pieces of dough, roll lightly into round shape, and place in prepared baking dish, edges touching. Repeat to make 36 dough balls. Cover and let rise until doubled in size.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Bake rolls in preheated oven until tops turn golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes. When rolls are finished baking, drizzle melted butter over the top, and serve warm.

Butter Bean Veggie Soup recipe.

Ingredients
3 celery ribs, chopped
3 medium carrots, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth
2 (15 ounce) cans butter beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, cut up
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions
In a large saucepan, saute the celery, carrots and onion in oil until tender. Stir in flour until blended. Gradually add the broth.
Stir in the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until soup is heated through.

Apple Pan Dowdy recipe.

Ingredients
4 cups peeled and sliced apples
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 1/2 tablespoons shortening
3/4 cup milk

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish. Layer the sliced apples evenly into the baking dish.
Mix together brown sugar and 1/4 cup flour in a saucepan, and stir in vinegar and water until the mixture is well blended and the sugar has dissolved. Bring to a simmer over low heat, and stir constantly until the mixture has thickened, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat, let cool for about 10 minutes, and stir in the vanilla extract and butter. Pour the mixture over the apple slices in the pan.
Mix together 1 cup flour and the baking powder in a bowl until there are no more lumps, and cut the shortening into the flour mixture until the mixture forms crumbs the size of peas. Stir in the milk, and spread the batter over the apples and syrup.
Bake in the preheated oven until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender, about 35 minutes.

Beef Burgundy Casserole recipe.

Ingredients
2 pounds beef roast, cut into cubes
1/2 (1 ounce) package herb and lemon soup mix
1 cube beef bouillon
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (4.5 ounce) can mushrooms, drained
1/2 cup Burgundy wine
4 cups cooked egg noodles

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
In a large bowl combine the beef, dry soup mix, bouillon, onion and soup. Mix all together and pour mixture into a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover and bake in the preheated oven for 4 hours.
Add mushrooms and wine and bake for another 10 minutes. Add cooked egg noodles and mix all together. Serve with fresh bread and a green salad, if desired.

Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe.

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup white sugar
2/3 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup mashed bananas
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets. Sift the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda together, and set aside.
Cream the butter with the sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. Mix in the mashed bananas. Add the flour mixture, and stir until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips. Drop by spoonfuls onto prepared cookie sheets.
Bake in preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes.

Buttermilk Wheat Rolls recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups warm buttermilk (70 to 80 degrees F)
1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/4 cups bread flour
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

Directions
In bread machine pan, place the first 10 ingredients in order suggested by manufacturer. Select dough setting (check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or flour if needed).
When cycle is completed, turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and punch down. Divide into 24 pieces; shape each into a ball. Place on two greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes. Brush with butter if desired. Bake at 350 degrees F for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

1-Dish Pepperoni Cheese Pizza Bake recipe.

Ingredients
Mazola Pure� Cooking Spray
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 envelopes Fleischmann's� RapidRise Yeast
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup very warm water (120 degrees F to 130 degrees F)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup pizza sauce
2 ounces pepperoni slices
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions
Mix batter ingredients in a pre-sprayed 9-1/2-inch deep dish pie plate. Spread pizza sauce evenly over batter.
Top dough with pepperoni slices. Firmly push pepperoni into batter. Sprinkle with cheese.
Bake by placing in a cold oven; set temperature to 350 degrees F. Bake for 30 minutes or until done.

Apricot Sesame Cookies recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
7 tablespoons sesame seeds
6 tablespoons apricot jam

Directions
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in extract. Combine the flour and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture.
Roll into 1-in. balls, then roll in sesame seeds. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Using the end of a wooden spoon handle, make an indentation in the center of each ball. Fill with jam. Bake at 400 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Asparagus and Crab Salad recipe.

Ingredients
2 pounds fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
1 pint grape tomatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 pound bacon strips, diced
1 pound imitation crabmeat, flaked
4 hearts of palm, drained and sliced
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced

Directions
Preheat an oven to 430 degrees F (225 degrees C).
Toss the asparagus, tomatoes, and olive oil together in a bowl until the vegetables are evenly coated; season with salt and pepper. Pour into a baking dish; sprinkle 1 minced clove of garlic over the mixture.
Roast in the preheated oven until tender, about 9 minutes. Set aside to cool. Cut the asparagus into 2 inch pieces.
Cook the bacon in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until crisp, about 10 minutes. Remove the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, reserving 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings in the skillet. Add the crabmeat to the hot bacon drippings and cook until warmed through, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a large mixing bowl; add the asparagus, tomatoes, and hearts of palm.
Whisk the lemon juice, olive oil, and 1 minced clove garlic together in a small bowl; season with salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Sprinkle the bacon over the salad just before serving.

Butter Crescents recipe.

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

Directions
Warm the milk in a small saucepan until bubbles form at the edges; remove from heat. Mix in the butter, sugar, and salt. Let cool until lukewarm. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine milk and yeast mixtures. Stir in 1 egg. Beat in flour 1 cup at a time until dough pulls together. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl, and turn to coat. Cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
Deflate the dough, and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into two equal pieces, and form into rounds. Cover, and let rest 10 minutes.
Using a floured rolling pin, roll each dough half into a 12 inch circle. Cut each circle into 6 wedges. Roll each wedge up towards the point. Bend ends inward to form crescents, and place point side down on lightly greased baking sheets. Cover, and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Brush rolls with beaten egg, and bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown.

Buffalo Jack Chicken recipe.

Ingredients
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 1/2 cups hot chicken wing sauce
1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
4 slices pepperjack cheese

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). While the oven is preheating, place the chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish. Cover with hot wing sauce, and allow to marinate at room temperature until the oven is hot.
Bake the chicken in the sauce for 20 minutes. Open the oven, and place the red and yellow bell pepper strips on top of the chicken. Place slices of cheese over the peppers and chicken. Bake for an additional 15 minutes. The chicken juices should run clear, and the center no longer pink.

Apple Sheet Cake recipe.

Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
APPLE FILLING:
3 pounds apples - peeled, cored and sliced
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter
2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1/3 cup butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). In a large bowl, combine 3 cups flour, baking powder and salt. Cut in shortening to the consistency of coarse crumbs. Stir in 1 cup cold milk slowly until completely blended. Separate dough into two balls. Roll out one ball of dough to fit a 15 x 10 inch pan with some dough extending over the edge of the pan.
In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon and 2 tablespoons flour. Place filling in an even layer over prepared crust. Thinly slice 1/2 cup butter and evenly distribute over the apples. Roll out the remaining dough and place over the apple filling. Seal edges and prick the top all over with a fork.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Cool 5 minutes before frosting.
To make the frosting: In a small bowl, combine confectioners' sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, 1/3 cup butter and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.

Breakfast Cake recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons shortening
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, cream together sugar and shortening. Stir in vanilla. Sift together flour and baking powder. Stir flour into sugar mixture alternately with milk. Mix until smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
Bake in preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into center of the pan comes out clean, about 35 to 45 minutes.

Balsamic Chicken Salad recipe.

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) bottle light balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing (such as Newman's Own� Lighten Up� Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing), divided
8 chicken tenders
1 (6 ounce) package sliced portobello mushroom caps
2 hearts of romaine lettuce, chopped
2 green onions, sliced diagonally
1 pint cherry tomatoes, cut into quarters
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup sliced fresh basil leaves

Directions
Combine 1/3 bottle of balsamic vinaigrette dressing with the chicken tenders in a bowl. Toss together sliced mushrooms with 1/3 bottle of dressing in a separate bowl. Reserve the remaining 1/3 bottle. Allow the chicken tenders and mushrooms to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven's broiler, and set the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
Remove the chicken tenders and mushrooms from the marinade, and drain off the excess. Broil the chicken and mushrooms until the chicken is browned and cooked through, 5 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken and mushrooms from the heat, and slice the chicken tenders into bite-sized pieces.
To serve, divide the chopped romaine lettuce between four plates, and top each with broiled chicken and mushrooms. Sprinkle each plate with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and sliced basil leaves; serve with the remaining vinaigrette dressing.

Apricot Upside-Down Cake recipe.

Ingredients
2 (15 ounce) cans apricot halves
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs, separated
2/3 cup sugar
2/3 cup cake flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions
Drain apricots, reserving 3 tablespoons juice (discard remaining juice or save for another use); set aside. Place butter in a greased 9-in. square baking pan; place in a 350 degrees F oven for 3-4 minutes or until melted. Stir in the brown sugar. Arrange apricot halves, cut side up, in a single layer over sugar. In a mixing bowl, beat egg yolks on high for 4 minutes or until thick and lemon-colored. Gradually beat in sugar. Stir in reserved apricot juice. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to egg yolk mixture. In another mixing bowl, beat egg whites until stiff. Fold into yolk mixture. Carefully spread over apricots. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center of cake comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.

Apple Crisp V recipe.

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) jar applesauce
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 pinch salt
18 apples, peeled, cored and sliced
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter, melted

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 2 quart baking dish.
In a medium bowl, mix together applesauce, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and salt. Place sliced apples in a large bowl. Add applesauce mixture and stir well. Spoon mixture into baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and flour. Stir in melted butter or margarine. Sprinkle mixture evenly over apple filling.
Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour.

Apricot Meringue Pie recipe.

Ingredients
12 ounces dried apricots, chopped
1 1/2 cups water
2 1/2 cups sugar, divided
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 eggs, separated
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 (9 inch) pastry shell, baked

Directions
In a saucepan, bring apricots and water to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until apricots are softened. In a bowl, combine 2 cups sugar, cornstarch and salt; stir into apricot mixture. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook and stir for 1 minute or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir a small amount of hot filling into yolks. Return all to pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 1 minute longer or until glossy and clear. Remove from the heat; stir in butter. Keep warm.
In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Pour hot filling into crust. Spread meringue evenly over filling, sealing edges to crust.
Bake at 325 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Chill for at least 3 hours before serving. Refrigerate leftovers.

Amanda's Sangria recipe.

Ingredients
1 (750 milliliter) bottle red wine
1/2 cup rum
1 lemon, sliced
1 orange, sliced in rounds
1 lime, sliced
1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 apple, cored and sliced
9 whole cloves
1 liter lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage

Directions
In a large jar or pitcher combine wine and rum with sliced lemon, orange, lime, and strawberry. Push cloves into apples slices and add to mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight (the longer the better).
To serve, pour a tall glass half-full of wine mixture. Fill the rest of the glass with soda and stir gently. Remove cloves from apple slices and garnish drinks by spooning some marinated fruit into glass.

Brussels Sprouts and Feta Pastry Roll recipe.

Ingredients
15 Brussels sprouts, trimmed and cut in half
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, or to taste
1 teaspoon honey, or to taste
1/4 cup olive oil
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1 small white onion, chopped
1/4 cup walnuts
1/4 cup almonds
1 (6 ounce) container sheep-milk feta cheese, crumbled
2 (8 inch) square sheets of frozen puff pastry, thawed

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the Brussels sprouts in a saucepan with about 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer over medium-low heat until they are bright green and tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the heat, drain, and allow to cool.
Mix the lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a bowl; set aside.
Place the cooled Brussels sprouts into the work bowl of a food processor. Add basil, onion, walnuts, and almonds; process until the mixture is finely chopped, about 15 seconds. Remove Brussels sprouts mixture to a bowl, and mix in the feta cheese and lemon juice mixture to form a moist filling.
Lay the 2 sheets of puff pastry out on a work surface. Divide the filling in half, and spoon and pat half the filling on each square. Leave about 3/4 inch of puff pastry bare at one end of the square. Roll each square up into a roll, and pinch the unfilled end of the pastry sheet closed. Place the filled rolls onto the prepared baking sheet, seam sides down.
Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Serve hot.

Bayou's Bodacious Pork Rub recipe.

Ingredients
5 tablespoons kosher salt
6 tablespoons paprika
10 tablespoons dark brown sugar
3 tablespoons file powder (powdered sassafras leaves)
2 tablespoons ground dried thyme
2 tablespoons dried dill weed
2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons dried basil
2 tablespoons ground black pepper
10 tablespoons garlic powder
10 tablespoons onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons dry mustard powder
2 tablespoons ground allspice
2 tablespoons ground dried sage

Directions
Stir together the salt, paprika, brown sugar, file powder, thyme, dill, oregano, basil, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, mustard, allspice, and sage in a bowl until evenly blended. Store the rub at room temperature in an airtight container.
To use: liberally coat pork butt or brisket with some of the rub, massaging it into the meat. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. Smoke meat as you normally would.

Basic British Scones recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 pinch salt
1/4 cup margarine
1/8 cup white sugar
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons milk

Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Sift the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt into a bowl.
Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar and enough milk to mix to a soft dough.
Turn onto a floured surface, knead lightly and roll out to a 3/4-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch rounds and place on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with milk to glaze.
Bake at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) for 10 minutes then cool on a wire rack. Serve with butter or clotted cream and jam.

Apple Oatmeal Cookies I recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup shortening
3/4 cup white sugar
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup diced apple without peel
1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar. Beat in the eggs until well blended. Combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; stir into the sugar mixture until well blended. Fold in the walnuts, oats and apples. Drop dough by spoonfuls about 2 inches onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Let cool on wire racks.

Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprints recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup apricot preserves
1/3 cup confectioners' sugar for decoration

Directions
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and cream cheese until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Combine the flour and baking powder; stir into the cream cheese mixture until just combined. Cover, and chill until firm, about 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Roll tablespoonfuls of dough into balls, and place them 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Using your finger, make an indention in the center of each ball, and fill with 1/2 teaspoon of apricot preserves.
Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are golden. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely. Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar.

Almond Toffee Bark recipe.

Ingredients
4 cups sliced California Almonds, roasted*
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/3 cup water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 pound fine-quality bittersweet chocolate
1/2 pound fine-quality semi-sweet chocolate
3 ounces milk chocolate or white chocolate (optional)

Directions
Oil a large baking sheet. Set aside.
In a large heavy saucepan bring butter, sugar, water, vanilla and salt to a boil over moderate heat, stirring with a wooden spoon. Boil mixture, without stirring, until deep golden, about 12 minutes.
Remove pan from heat and stir in 2 cups roasted almonds. Immediately pour onto reserved baking sheet. Spread evenly and then place into the refrigerator to set.
Chop chocolate. In a hot double boiler, melt chocolate until smooth. Pour chocolate over cooled almond toffee and spread evenly with an offset spatula. Sprinkle top with remaining almonds. If desired, drizzle top with melted milk chocolate, or white chocolate for contrast. Chill uncovered until firm, at least 1 hour. Break toffee into pieces.

Blondie Brownies recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup shortening
1 tablespoon milk
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour one 8x8 inch pan.
Combine shortening and milk in large saucepan. Place over low heat until shortening melts. Remove from heat, add the brown sugar and egg. Stir until well blended.
Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; stir into sugar mixture. Stir in vanilla and nuts. Spread evenly into prepared pan.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean. Cool and cut into 2x2 inch squares.

Bacon, Avocado and Cheese Omelet recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups finely chopped tomatoes, seeded
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 jalapeno peppers, or to taste, seeded and minced
4 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
Salt and pepper to taste
3 tablespoons fresh lime or lemon juice
12 large eggs
6 tablespoons water
Salt and pepper to taste
3 tablespoons Crisco� Baking Sticks All-Vegetable Shortening
9 slices lean bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 small avocados, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 1/2 cups coarsely grated Monterey Jack cheese

Directions
Stir together, in a small bowl, tomato, onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
Whisk together eggs, water, and salt and pepper to taste. Heat 1/2 tablespoon CRISCO�, in an 8-inch skillet, preferably non-stick, over moderately high heat, until the foam subsides. Pour in 1/6 the egg mixture evenly over bottom of skillet. Cook for 1 minute, or until it is set.
Sprinkle 1/2 the omelet with 1/6 of the bacon, 1/6 of the avocado and 1/6 of the Monterey Jack cheese; cook the omelet for 1 minute, or until it is set.
Fold omelet over the filling, transfer to a plate and keep warm.
Repeat in the same manner with the remaining CRISCO�, egg mixture, bacon, avocado and Monterey Jack cheese.
Serve omelets with the salsa.

Allison's Supreme Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon coffee-flavored liqueur
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups rolled oats
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
In a large bowl, cream together the shortening, butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and coffee liqueur. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the sugar mixture. Mix in the oats, chocolate chips, and walnuts. Roll tablespoonfuls of dough into balls, and place them 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before eating!

Angela's Oriental Chicken Noodle Soup recipe.

Ingredients
3 cups water
1 (3 ounce) package chicken flavored ramen noodles
2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
2 leaves bok choy, sliced
1 carrot, sliced
1 teaspoon sesame oil

Directions
In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Break up block of noodles and stir into pot, reserving seasoning packet. Stir in chicken, bok choy and carrot. Bring to a boil again, then reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes. Stir in contents of seasoning packet and sesame oil.

Anne's Fabulous Grilled Salmon recipe.

Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 lemon, juiced
1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger root
2 tablespoons honey
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1 tablespoon finely chopped shallots
1 (3 pound) salmon fillet, with skin

Directions
Make a pan out of aluminum foil by doubling up layers of foil large enough to hold your fillet. Place the foil onto a cookie sheet. Lay the fillet onto the foil with the skin side down. In a small bowl, stir together the oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, ginger, honey, basil and shallots. Pour over the salmon and let it marinate while you preheat the grill, about 20 minutes.
Preheat a grill for medium-low heat. Slide the foil with the salmon off of the cookie sheet and onto the grill. Cover with the lid and grill the fillet for 10 minutes per inch of thickness, about 20 minutes. Salmon should be able to flake with a fork, but not be too dry. When you serve the salmon, the skin will stick to the foil and your grill will remain clean. Simply slice and use a spatula to scoop the fillet off of the skin to serve.

Buffalo Burgers recipe.

Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 (10.75 ounce) can Campbell's� Condensed Tomato Soup (Regular or 25% Less Sodium)
1/2 teaspoon Louisiana-style hot sauce
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
4 Pepperidge Farm� Classic Hamburger Buns, split
Lettuce leaves
Red onion slices
Tomato slices

Directions
Shape the beef into 4 (1/2-inch thick) burgers.
Heat the soup and hot sauce in a 1-quart saucepan over medium heat. Heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Keep warm.
Lightly oil the grill rack and heat the grill to medium. Grill the burgers for 10 minutes for medium or until desired doneness, turning over halfway through cooking. Serve the burgers on rolls with lettuce, onion and tomato if desired. Top with the soup mixture. Sprinkle with the cheese.

Beer Basted Rabbit recipe.

Ingredients
3 pounds rabbit meat
2 tablespoons garlic salt
2 (12 fluid ounce) cans beer

Directions
Preheat grill to medium high and lightly oil grate.
Place rabbit meat on heated grill and season with garlic salt. Pour beer into a medium bowl. Let meat cook 15 minutes, then start basting with beer every 10 minutes until done, about 30 minutes.

Beef Teriyaki recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups uncooked glutinous white rice
1 2/3 cups water
1 pound boneless beef sirloin steak (3/4 inch thick)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 (14 ounce) can beef broth
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
4 cups fresh broccoli florets

Directions
In a saucepan bring water to a boil. Add rice and stir. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, slice beef into very thin strips.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, broth, soy sauce, sugar and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly.
In a large skillet, over medium/high heat, saute the beef strips until browned and juices evaporate.
Stir broccoli and cornstarch mixture into meat. Cook until mixture boils and thickens, stirring frequently. Serve over the cooked rice.

Beef Pot Pie I recipe.

Ingredients
1 (17.5 ounce) package frozen puff pastry, thawed
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 cup raw porcini mushrooms
1 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 potato, diced
1 pound beef tenderloin, cubed
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup dry Marsala wine
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 egg white

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large skillet, cook bay leaf, oregano, onions and mushrooms in olive oil until soft. Stir in garlic, carrots, celery, potatoes, and meat.
Cook and stir for 10 minutes, or until meat starts to brown. Pour in wine. Bring to a boil, and reduce heat to simmer. Simmer for 35 to 45 minutes.
Place in pie dish, sprinkle with parsley, and cover with pastry. Brush with egg whites.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Broccoli Chicken Divan recipe.

Ingredients
1 pound chopped fresh broccoli
1 1/2 cups cubed, cooked chicken meat
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of broccoli soup
1/3 cup milk
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon butter, melted
2 tablespoons dried bread crumbs

Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
Place the broccoli in a saucepan with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook 5 minutes, or until tender. Drain.
Place the cooked broccoli in a 9 inch pie plate. Top with the chicken. In a bowl, mix the soup and milk, and pour over the chicken. Sprinkle with Cheddar cheese. Mix the melted butter with the bread crumbs, and sprinkle over the cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly brown.

Breakfast Kolaches recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup warm milk
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 egg yolk, beaten
3 cups bread flour
1/2 tablespoon salt
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup white sugar
3 teaspoons bread machine yeast
18 2 inch sausages, cut in 1/2
1 (16 ounce) package frozen hash brown potatoes
8 slices Cheddar cheese, quartered

Directions
In the order suggested by the manufacturer, place milk, egg, egg yolk, bread flour, salt, butter, sugar and bread machine yeast in bread machine. Select Dough cycle, and press Start.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet.
On a lightly floured surface, punch down dough, and divide into 36 pieces. Roll pieces into balls. Arrange balls in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Allow balls to rise 15 to 20 minutes.
Flatten balls, and make a depression in the center of each. Fill each with 1 piece of sausage, about 1 tablespoon hash browns, and 1 quarter slice of cheese.
Bake 15 to 18 minutes in the preheated oven, or until lightly browned.

Apple Pie Bars recipe.

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, chilled
2/3 cup milk
1 cup crushed cornflakes cereal
8 cups thinly sliced apples
1 cup white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 egg white
2 tablespoons white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a medium bowl, stir together the flour and salt. Cut in the 1 cup butter until mixture is mealy. With a fork, stir in the 2/3 cup milk and egg yolk. Divide dough into 2 equal parts. On a lightly floured surface, roll out 1 piece of dough into a large rectangle. Place on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan.
Sprinkle cereal over the crust, then layer the apples over the cereal. Stir together the 1 cup of white sugar, and the 1and 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon and nutmeg; sprinkle over the apple layer. Roll out the other half of the dough and cover everything in the pan. Brush top crust with the reserved egg white and sprinkle with a mixture of 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon.
Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour in the preheated oven. Top crust should be lightly browned. Mix together the 1 cup of confectioners' sugar, 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla until smooth; drizzle over bars while they are still warm.

Boston Cream Pie Minis recipe.

Ingredients
1 package (2-layer size) yellow cake mix
1 cup cold milk
1 pkg. (4 serving size) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding
1 1/2 cups thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, divided
4 squares BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare cake batter and bake in 24 greased medium muffin pan cups as directed on package. Cool in pans 10 min. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.
Beat milk and dry pudding mix with wire whisk 2 min. or until well blended. Let stand 5 min. Meanwhile, use serrated knife to cut cupcakes horizontally in half. Gently stir 1/2 cup of the whipped topping into pudding. Spoon about 1 Tbsp. of the pudding mixture onto bottom half of each cupcake; cover with top of cupcake.
Microwave remaining 1 cup whipped topping and the chocolate in small microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1-1/2 min. or until chocolate is almost melted, stirring after 1 min. Stir until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is well blended. Let stand 15 min. to thicken. Spread onto cupcakes. Refrigerate at least 15 min. before serving. Store leftovers in refrigerator.

Burgers with Chunky Grilled Vegetables recipe.

Ingredients
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 medium yellow bell pepper
1/2 medium medium red bell pepper
1 small zucchini, halved lengthwise
1 baby eggplant or Japanese eggplant, halved lengthwise
4 Morningstar Farms� Grillers� Original

Directions
In small saucepan cook vinegar over low heat about 5 minutes or until reduced to 2 tablespoons and syrupy. Set aside.
In small bowl stir together olive oil and garlic. Brush bell peppers, zucchini and eggplant with olive oil mixture.
Grill peppers and zucchini over medium heat for 5 minutes, turning occasionally. Add burgers and eggplant to grill. Grill for 4 to 6 minutes more or until burgers are heated through and vegetables are tender, turning occasionally. Remove from grill. Cut vegetables into 3/4- to 1-inch pieces.
To serve, spoon vegetables on burgers. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar.

Barbados Punch recipe.

Ingredients
1 ounce Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
1/4 ounce triple sec
1 ounce lime juice
2 ounces pineapple juice
1 slice lime
1 slice pineapple

Directions
Add Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, triple sec, lime juice, and pineapple juice in a blender with crushed ice.
Blend until smooth and pour into glass.
Garnish with lime slice and pineapple slice.

Asian Chicken Noodle Soup recipe.

Ingredients
12 chicken wings
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger root
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
1/4 cup dry sherry
2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
1/4 cup Kikkoman Less Sodium Soy Sauce
1 (10 ounce) package Asian style vegetables
6 ounces angel hair pasta, broken into 2-inch lengths

Directions
Disjoint chicken wings; discard tip, season wings with garlic powder. Heat vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a Dutch oven or large saucepan over medium high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on both sides, about 10 minutes. Add 4 cups water, sherry, ginger, vinegar and less sodium soy sauce; cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 45 minutes.
Add vegetables, simmer, covered 3 minutes. Stir in pasta; return to boil. Cook until pasta is soft, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, stir in remaining sesame oil. Serve immediately.

Bacon-Balsamic Deviled Eggs recipe.

Ingredients
4 slices bacon
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup minced red onion
2 teaspoons white sugar
1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions
Place the eggs in a large pot in a single layer and fill with water to cover by 1 inch. Cover the saucepan and bring the water to a boil; immediately remove from the heat and let the eggs stand in the hot water for 15 minutes. Drain. Cool the eggs under cold running water in the sink. Peel and halve lengthwise. Separate the yolks from the whites, placing the yolks in a bowl; arrange the egg whites with the rounded side down onto a serving platter.
Place the bacon in a large, deep skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate; chop.
Mash the yolks with a fork. Add the bacon, mayonnaise, onion, sugar, vinegar, celery salt, and pepper; stir until thoroughly combined. Spoon the mixture into the egg whites. Garnish with parsley.

4.29.2011

Avocado and Sun-Dried Tomato Spring Rolls recipe.

Ingredients
1 quart oil for frying
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/3 cup shredded cabbage
1/4 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup shredded cucumber
2 tablespoons diced onion
1/4 cup diced green onion
2 tablespoons finely chopped shiitake mushrooms
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
2 ounces boneless chicken breast halves, cooked and diced
1 ounce cooked crabmeat, diced
1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
1 avocado - peeled, pitted and diced
1 teaspoon lemon juice
8 spring roll wrappers

Directions
Heat 1 quart oil in a wok over medium high heat.
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in cabbage, carrots, cucumber, onion, green onion, shiitake mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, salt and pepper. Slowly cook and stir until all vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
Stir chicken, crabmeat and Chinese five-spice powder into the cabbage mixture. Sprinkle avocado with lemon juice, then stir it into the mixture. Remove from heat.
Place approximately 1 teaspoon of the cabbage and chicken mixture in the center of spring roll wrappers. Fold wrappers, and seal the edges with moistened fingers.
Carefully lower spring rolls into the heated quart of oil. Deep fry approximately 3 minutes, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Cut in half to serve.

Banana-Dulce de Leche Pie (Banana-Caramel Pie) recipe.

Ingredients
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 1/2 cups whipping cream
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
To make dulce de leche, place the unopened can of sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan, and add enough water to cover half-way up the can. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Cook for 3 hours, adding more water as necessary. Remove from heat and cool.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Combine the graham cracker crumbs with the butter in a mixing bowl until evenly blended. Press the crumb mixture evenly into a 9 inch pie plate.
Bake pie crust in preheated oven until lightly browned, 10-15 minutes. Remove from oven, and cool on a wire rack.
Open the can of dulce de leche, and pour half, or about 3/4 cup, over the pie crust. Slice the bananas and arrange half in a layer over the dulce de leche filling. Pour the remaining dulce de leche over the bananas. Top with remaining banana slices.
Pour the whipping cream into a mixing bowl, and beat until soft peaks form. Add the sugar and vanilla extract; continue beating until stiff peaks form. Spoon the whipped cream over the bananas. Chill at least 1 hour before serving.

Bread Machine Challah I recipe.

Ingredients
3/4 cup milk
3 tablespoons margarine
3 cups bread flour
1/4 cup white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast

Directions
Add ingredients to the pan of the bread machine in the order suggested by the manufacturer.
Select Basic Bread and Light Crust settings. Start.

Barlow's Blackened Catfish recipe.

Ingredients
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons lemon pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons pepper
1 pound catfish fillets
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup Italian-style salad dressing

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish.
In a shallow, medium bowl, mix cayenne pepper, lemon pepper, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
Brush both sides of catfish fillets with butter. Rub fillets with the cayenne pepper mixture on both sides.
Heat a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat until really hot. Add fillets, and fry approximately 2 minutes on each side, until slightly blackened.
Arrange blackened fillets in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, and coat with Italian-style salad dressing. Bake 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, until fish is easily flaked with a fork.

Bandito Chicken Wings recipe.

Ingredients
12 whole chicken wings
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup butter or margarine, divided
2 tablespoons cooking oil
1/2 cup taco sauce
1/4 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup French salad dressing
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

Directions
Cut chicken wings into three sections; discard wing tips. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, combine 2 tablespoons butter and oil. Fry chicken until brown, about 6-8 minutes on each side. Place in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. In a saucepan, combine taco sauce, barbecue sauce, French dressing, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce and remaining butter; cook and stir over medium heat until butter is melted and sauce is blended. Pour 1/2 cup over the chicken wings. Bake, uncovered, at 300 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until chicken juices run clear. Serve with the remaining sauce.

Amish Friendship Bread Starter recipe.

Ingredients
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
3 cups white sugar, divided
3 cups milk

Directions
In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Let stand 10 minutes. In a 2 quart container glass, plastic or ceramic container, combine 1 cup flour and 1 cup sugar. Mix thoroughly or flour will lump when milk is added. Slowly stir in 1 cup milk and dissolved yeast mixture. Cover loosely and let stand until bubbly. Consider this day 1 of the 10 day cycle. Leave loosely covered at room temperature.
On days 2 thru 4; stir starter with a spoon. Day 5; stir in 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup milk. Days 6 thru 9; stir only.
Day 10; stir in 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup milk. Remove 1 cup to make your first bread, give 2 cups to friends along with this recipe, and your favorite Amish Bread recipe. Store the remaining 1 cup starter in a container in the refrigerator, or begin the 10 day process over again (beginning with step 2).

Blonde Bobbie recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup Ice cubes
1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger Irish cream liqueur
1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger butterscotch schnapps
1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger coffee flavored liqueur

Directions
Place ice in a short glass. Pour the Irish cream, butterscotch schnapps, and coffee liquor over the ice. Stir and serve.

Apricot Cranberry Cake recipe.

Ingredients
3 cups biscuit/baking mix
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
3/4 cup chopped dried apricots
1/2 cup chopped almonds
1 cup confectioners' sugar
4 teaspoons orange juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
In a bowl, combine the biscuit mix and sugar. In another bowl, combine the eggs, yogurt, orange juice, oil and almond extract. Stir into biscuit mixture just until combined. Fold in the cranberries, apricots and almonds.
Transfer to a greased and floured 10-in. fluted tube pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 50-55 minutes or until toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool completely. In a bowl, combine the glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake.

Brunch Scones recipe.

Ingredients
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 tablespoons white sugar
2/3 cup whole milk
1/2 cup currants
1 egg yolk, beaten

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line with baking parchment.
Sift flour and baking powder into a medium bowl. Rub butter and sugar into flour to form a fine crumble. Make a well in center, and add milk and currants. Knead gently together, being careful not to over mix. Dough will be sticky.
On a generously floured surface, roll out dough to 3/4 inch thickness. Stamp out 2 1/2 inch rounds with a plain pastry cutter. Transfer to prepared pan, and brush tops with egg yolk. Allow to stand for 15 minutes.
Bake in preheated oven until risen and lightly golden on top, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove to a rack to cool.

Baked French Fries II recipe.

Ingredients
3 russet potatoes, sliced into 1/4 inch strips
cooking spray
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a medium baking sheet.
Arrange potato strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, skin sides down. Spray lightly with cooking spray, and sprinkle with basil, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.
Bake 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown.

Butter Crunch Cookies recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups butter (no substitutes), softened
2 cups sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 cups cornflakes, slightly crushed
1 cup chopped pecans

Directions
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Combine flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Stir in the cornflakes and pecans. Roll into 1-in balls. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks.

Ann's Neptune's Delight recipe.

Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups heavy cream, divided
2 ounces freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons dry sherry
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 cups cooked crabmeat
1 cup peeled cooked shrimp
1 1/2 cups garlic-flavored croutons
1/4 cup fresh parsley
4 tablespoons melted butter

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Remove from heat and whisk in flour. Pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and whisk well, return to heat.
Add cheese and stir until creamy. Remove from heat and pour in remaining cream. Stir in sherry, paprika, crabmeat, and shrimp. Spoon mixture into 6 large individual ramekins.
In a food processor or blender, blend together croutons and parsley. Top each filled ramekin with crouton mixture. Drizzle melted butter over the top.
Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until top is browned and bubbly.

Bangan ka Bhurta (Indian Eggplant) recipe.

Ingredients
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 sprigs chopped fresh cilantro

Directions
Preheat the oven broiler. Place eggplant in a roasting pan, and broil 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until about 1/2 the skin is scorched.
Place eggplant in microwave safe dish. Cook 5 minutes on High in the microwave, or until tender. Cool enough to handle, and remove skin, leaving some scorched bits. Cut into thick slices.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat, stir in the onion, and cook until tender. Mix in eggplant, and tomatoes. Season with cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Continue to cook and stir until soft. Garnish with cilantro to serve.

Aunt Wanda's Turkey Carcass Soup recipe.

Ingredients
3 large carrots, chopped
1 (15 ounce) can cut green beans, drained
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped fresh spinach
1 cup chopped cabbage
2 cups white rice

Directions
Pick your Thanksgiving turkey nearly clean. (Turkey salad is great for a few days, or even turkey pot pies.) We are not real concerned about the choice meat here. Dump the turkey and all of its debris, including the juices, into a large pot. Add green beans, celery, spinach, cabbage, and white rice. Pour in enough water to cover everything.
Bring soup to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for an hour or so. Add more water as needed.
Remove all turkey bones and unwanted debris (i.e., skin, cartilage, etc.). There you have it. It's kind of a culinary scrapbook of your Turkey Day.

Buttermilk Corn Bread recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup vegetable oil

Directions
In a mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugars, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, beat the egg, buttermilk and oil; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Pour into a greased 9-in. round or square baking pan (pan will be full). Bake at 425 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Serve warm.

Beef and Tomato Pie recipe.

Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
2 tablespoons ketchup
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups biscuit/baking mix
2/3 cup milk
1 cup diced fresh tomato
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions
In a skillet over medium heat, cook beef and onion until meat is no longer pink; drain. Remove from the heat. Stir in ketchup and salt; set aside.
Combine biscuit mix and milk just until moistened. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead 6-8 times. Roll into a 10-in. circle; transfer to a greased 9-in. pie plate. Flute edges. Spoon meat mixture into crust. Sprinkle with tomatoes.
Bake at 425 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese; bake 2 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

"Zuccotto" Cupcakes recipe.

Ingredients
For Cupcakes:
1 (18.25 ounce) package white cake mix with pudding
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 egg whites
1 1/4 cups water
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped fine
For Filling:
1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup frozen unsweetened raspberries
1/4 cup chocolate-coated toffee bits
1/2 cup finely chopped toasted hazelnuts, skins removed
For Ganache:
1/2 cup heavy cream
6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
For Frosting:
1 (12 ounce) package white chocolate chips
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
food coloring, if desired (optional)

Directions
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line muffin tins with 24 cupcake liners.
Combine the cake mix, oil, egg whites, and water in a mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase the speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl. Stir in the chopped bittersweet chocolate and scoop the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them two-thirds full.
Bake in the preheated oven until golden and the tops spring back when lightly pressed, 15 to 20 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake should come out clean. Remove the cupcakes from the pans and cool completely on wire racks.
Beat 1 cup cold whipping cream on medium-high speed until the cream has thickened, about 1 minute. Add confectioners' sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Stir in the frozen raspberries, toffee bits, and chopped toasted hazelnuts.
Remove the centers of the cupcakes using an apple corer or paring knife, cutting out the middles in a funnel shape by holding the knife at a 45-degree angle. Spoon or pipe the filling into the cupcakes. Refrigerate the cupcakes while you prepare the ganache.
Place the semisweet chocolate pieces in a heat-safe bowl. Bring 1/2 cup heavy cream to a boil. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate; cover the bowl and set aside for 5 minutes. Whisk the chocolate and cream until well combined; allow the ganache to cool until it reaches a spreadable consistency, about 1 hour. Spread a spoonful of ganache evenly over each cupcake. Refrigerate the cupcakes while you prepare the frosting.
Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl by heating for 1 minute, stirring after 30 seconds. Allow the white chocolate to cool until almost room temperature but still fluid. Cream the butter and cream cheese together. Blend in the melted white chocolate, vanilla extract, and food coloring (if using). Spread the frosting on the cupcakes. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until serving.

Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe.

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup white sugar
2/3 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup mashed bananas
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets. Sift the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda together, and set aside.
Cream the butter with the sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. Mix in the mashed bananas. Add the flour mixture, and stir until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips. Drop by spoonfuls onto prepared cookie sheets.
Bake in preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes.

Beef Potato House Pie Casserole recipe.

Ingredients
6 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
2 pounds ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
1 (8 ounce) package processed American cheese, sliced

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain, then mash with milk and butter until smooth.
In a large, deep skillet over medium high heat, combine ground beef, onion and green pepper. Cook until beef is evenly brown. Drain excess fat. Season with salt and pepper.
In a deep casserole dish, spoon a layer of beef mixture. Spread a layer of mashed potato over the beef. Continue alternating layers until the dish is full. Top with cheese.
Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Bacon Cheese Treats recipe.

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (12 ounce) jar bacon bits
1 pinch ground black pepper, or to taste
1/4 cup diced onion
2 (8 ounce) packages refrigerated crescent roll dough

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, bacon bits, pepper and onion.
On a lightly floured surface, unroll the crescent rolls lengthwise and form into a long rectangle. Thinly spread the cream cheese mixture on the dough. Starting with the long edge of the rectangle, roll the dough into a long, thin roll. Slice the roll into 1/4 inch thick pieces. Place rolls on a lightly greased baking sheet.
Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until brown.