9.30.2011

Butt Stompin' Barbeque Sauce recipe.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 cup chili sauce
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup crushed pineapple
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 pinch pepper
2 tablespoons hot pepper sauce
1 habanero pepper, seeded and chopped
1/2 cup bourbon whiskey

Directions
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions, and saute until they are transparent. Stir in the garlic, wine vinegar, chili sauce, pineapple juice, pineapple, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Season with Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, pepper, hot pepper sauce, and habanero pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.
Stir in the bourbon, and simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Store in the refrigerator.

Bite-Sized Salmon Tikka recipe.

Ingredients
2 teaspoons ground red pepper (cayenne)
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 pound wild Pacific salmon fillets, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 cup oil for frying

Directions
Mix together the cayenne, turmeric, and salt in a bowl. Add the salmon to the bowl and toss to coat. Allow to sit 15 minutes.
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, sprinkle the cornstarch over the salmon and again toss to coat.
Cook the salmon in the heated oil until golden brown, about 1 minute per side.

Brown Sugar Delight recipe.

Ingredients
3 egg yolks
2 cups brown sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup butter
3 egg whites
1/8 cup white sugar
1 (9 inch) pie shell, baked

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a saucepan, combine egg yolks, brown sugar and flour. Mix in the cream. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in butter. Pour into pre-baked pie shell.
In a large glass or metal mixing bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add white sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Spread meringue over pie, covering completely.
Bake in preheated oven for 5 to 10 minutes, or until meringue starts to brown.

Black-Eyed Peas Salad recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups cubed, cooked chicken
2 teaspoons seasoned salt
1 (15.5 ounce) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can white or yellow corn, drained
1 (8 ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup cooked wild rice
3/4 cup chopped cucumber
1/2 cup fresh broccoli florets
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions
Place the chicken in a large bowl; sprinkle with seasoned salt. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

Broiled Salmon Mignons recipe.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 pound skinless salmon fillet, cut into 6 - 3/4 inch strips
coarsely ground black pepper

Directions
Preheat the oven's broiler to 500 degrees; set the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source. Combine the balsamic vinegar and the garlic in a small bowl; reserve.
Roll the salmon strips, beginning on the thickest side, into 6 pinwheels. Secure with wooden skewers. Drizzle the balsamic and garlic mixture generously over each pinwheel.
Place salmon under hot broiler and cook for 7 minutes. Turn pinwheels over; cook until edges are brown, and fish is easily flaked with a fork, about 7 additional minutes. Sprinkle with pepper before serving.

Bumbleberry Pie I recipe.

Ingredients
2 (9 inch) unbaked pie crusts
1 1/3 cups white sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups thinly sliced apples
1 cup raspberries
1 cup fresh blackberries
1 cup fresh rhubarb, cut into 1 inch pieces

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Stir sugar and flour together in large bowl. Add apples, raspberries, blackberries, and rhubarb. Toss together, and turn into pie shell. Cover with pastry top. Trim and seal edges. Cut vents in top.
Bake at 350 degree F (175 degrees C) for approximately 45 minutes, until crust is brown and apple is cooked.

Brandy Almond Cake recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup butter
1 1/2 cups white sugar
4 eggs, separated
3 cups self-rising flour
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups water
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brandy
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
Preheat an oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Grease and flour an 8 inch round baking pan.
Beat the butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl until light and fluffy. The mixture should be noticeably lighter in color. Add the room-temperature egg yolks one at a time, allowing each egg yolk to blend into the butter mixture before adding the next. Pour in the flour alternately with the milk, mixing until just incorporated. Stir in the almond extract. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form in a large glass or metal mixing bowl. Lift your beater or whisk straight up: the egg whites should form a sharp peak that holds its shape. Fold the egg whites into the batter; mixing just enough to evenly combine. Pour the batter into prepared pan.
Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 90 minutes. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack. Cut any excess cake so that it is flush with the sides of the pan.
Bring the water and 1 cup of sugar to a boil for 8 to 10 minutes. Reduce heat to a simmer, then add brandy and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes and remove from heat. Allow syrup to cool to room temperature. Prick holes in the cooled cake with a toothpick, then slowly saturate the cake with the brandy syrup.

Broccoli Risotto with Cream and Lemon recipe.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 large sweet onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
5 cups hot chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
3 cups cooked broccoli florets
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 tablespoons grated Asiago cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook and stir until the onion begins to turn golden brown at the edges, about 2 minutes. Pour in the rice, and stir until the rice is coated in oil and has started to toast, 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the white wine and lemon juice.
Cook and stir until the wine has mostly evaporated, then stir in one third of the chicken broth; continue stirring until incorporated. Repeat this process twice more, stirring constantly. Stirring in the broth should take 15 to 20 minutes in all. Stir in the cream, and cook 5 minutes before stirring in the broccoli, chives, Parmesan cheese, and Asiago cheese. Cook and stir until the risotto is hot; season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.

Beer Cheese Soup II recipe.

Ingredients
1 tablespoon margarine
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle light beer
1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 cups half-and-half
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Directions
Melt the butter or margarine in a 4 1/2 quart soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and Worcestershire sauce and stir well. Add the beer and raise the heat to high and boil for 3 minutes to evaporate the alcohol. Add the chicken broth and bring the soup back to a boil. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer.
Combine the cornstarch with 3 tablespoons water and stir until smooth. Set aside.
Add the half-and-half and shredded cheese to the soup. Stir constantly until the cheese melts. Then stir in the cornstarch mixture. Stir constantly until the soup is thick, about 2 minutes. Serve garnished with bacon bits.

Black Walnut Cake I recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup butter
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 1/2 cups white sugar
3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped black walnuts
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1/4 cup butter
4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped black walnuts

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 10 inch tube pan.
In a large bowl, cream 1 cup butter, shortening, brown sugar, and white sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt, and add alternately with milk to the creamed mixture. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 cup black walnuts. Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 80 to 90 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool.
In a mixing bowl, cream together cream cheese and 1/4 cup butter. Add confectioners' sugar, beat well. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla. Frost cooled cake, and sprinkle with 1/2 cup nuts.

Baked Bar-be-que Chicken recipe.

Ingredients
1 (2 to 3 pound) whole chicken, cut into pieces
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 cups prepared barbecue sauce

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place chicken in a shallow baking dish and sprinkle with garlic powder. Cover and bake 1 hour at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Remove baking dish from oven and drain any fat from dish. Pour the barbecue sauce evenly over the chicken and bake uncovered for 30 minutes at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Remove and serve.

Beef Goulash Soup recipe.

Ingredients
2 pounds boneless beef sirloin steak, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 large onion, chopped
1 large green pepper, chopped
2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 medium carrots, chopped
4 cups beef broth
1 cup water
2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 bay leaves
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
2 tablespoons caraway seeds
Sour cream

Directions
In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook and stir the beef, onion and green pepper in oil until meat is browned on all sides; drain. Stir in the next 10 ingredients. bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste and caraway seeds. Cover and simmer 25-30 minutes longer or until meat is tender. Discard bay leaves. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream.

Batata Nu Shak (Potato Curry) recipe.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons peanut oil
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon fennel seed
2 dried red chile peppers
1 pinch asafoetida powder
1 small onion, chopped
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger root
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 tomato, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
4 cups peeled and cubed potatoes
2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon white sugar
salt to taste
1 teaspoon chickpea flour (besan) (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Directions
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the cumin seeds, mustard seeds, fennel seeds, and red chile peppers in the oil until the seeds begin to splutter. Stir the asafoetida powder into the mixture. Add the onion, ginger, and turmeric; cook and stir for a few minutes. Add the tomato and simmer until the tomatoes are soft. Sprinkle the ground cumin, coriander, and ground red pepper over the mixture.
Fold the potatoes into the mixture until coated. Pour the water into the skillet; season with the sugar and salt. Cover and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. The gravy should be nicely thickened. If not, add a teaspoon of chickpea flour to thicken it. Garnish with the cilantro to serve.

Barbequed Beef Steak with Orange Marinade recipe.

Ingredients
2 pounds top sirloin, 2 inches thick
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root
2 oranges, juiced

Directions
Make crisscross cuts on surface of meat on both sides, and place in a shallow dish. Reserve 1/2 cup orange juice. Mix remaining orange juice with garlic and ginger. Pour over meat, and marinate in refrigerator for at least 6 hours.
Preheat grill for medium heat.
Brush grate with oil, and place steak on grill. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes per side, or until done. Remove from grill, and rest for several minutes.
Meanwhile, heat reserved orange juice. Slice meat, and transfer to a serving platter. Pour heated orange juice over the meat.

America's Best Cheddar Cheese Dip recipe.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 cup beer or nonalcoholic beer (not dark beer)
1 teaspoon dry mustard
2 cups Sargento� Artisan Blends� Shredded Double Cheddar Cheese
Bread sticks or Melba toast rounds

Directions
Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour; cook and stir 1 minute.
Add beer and mustard; heat to a boil, stirring frequently. Stir in cheese; reduce heat to low. Stir until cheese is melted and dip is smooth. Serve warm with bread sticks for dipping.

Brown Chicken Stock recipe.

Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds chicken bones
1/4 cup olive oil
2 red onions, sliced
1 stalk celery
2 carrots, diced
8 cups water, or as needed
1 head garlic, halved
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
4 teaspoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon cracked black peppercorns

Directions
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (220 degrees C). Arrange the chicken bones on a baking sheet. Roast for about 45 minutes in the preheated oven, or until well browned.
Heat the olive oil in a stock pot over medium heat. Add the onions, celery and carrots; cook and stir until browned. If they scorch, just add a bit of water and scrape up all the bits.
Add the roasted chicken bones to the pot, and fill with enough water to cover the bones by 2 inches. Bring to a boil, and add the garlic, thyme, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered for 2 hours. Add more water if needed.
Strain out all of the solids from the broth, drain off the fat, and refrigerate. You can also remove the fat after it has chilled. The stock will be thick. Use full strength for soups and gravies, or dilute with water for a milder flavor. I like to use freezer bags for longer storage.

Auntie Emily's Rhubarb Pudding recipe.

Ingredients
3/4 cup white sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup milk
2 cups chopped rhubarb
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
3/4 cup boiling water

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8 inch square baking dish.
In a medium bowl, stir together the white sugar, flour and baking powder. Stir in the milk until blended, then stir in the rhubarb. Pour into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer. In a separate bowl, stir together the brown sugar, butter and boiling water until butter has melted. Pour over the cake in the pan.
Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes.

Baked Taco Chicken recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 (1.25 ounce) packages taco seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons milk
2 broiler/fryer chickens (3 to 4 pounds), cut up

Directions
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the flour, taco seasoning and salt. In a shallow bowl, beat eggs and milk. Dip chicken pieces in egg mixture, then place in bag and shake to coat. Place bone side down in a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 55-60 minutes or until juices run clear.

Banana Blueberry Pie recipe.

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 cups whipped topping
4 medium firm bananas, sliced
2 (9 inch) pastry shells, baked
1 (21 ounce) can blueberry pie filling
fresh blueberries and mint and additional sliced bananas (optional)

Directions
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping and bananas. Pour into pastry shells. Spread with pie filling. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Just before serving, garnish with blueberries, mint and bananas if desired.

Berry Breakfast Cobbler recipe.

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups mixed frozen berries
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 cinnamon stick, ground
2 tablespoons flax seeds, ground
1/4 cup unsweetened flaked coconut

Directions
Stir the berries and brown sugar together in a microwave-safe bowl; heat on High until the berries are hot, about 2 minutes, stirring once about 1 minute into the heating process. Stir the ground cinnamon, ground flax seeds, and coconut into the heated berries and serve.

Barb's Curried Mango-Avocado Salad recipe.

Ingredients
4 mangos - peeled, seeded and diced
4 avocados - peeled, pitted and diced
2 tablespoons minced red onion
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon curry powder

Directions
Toss together the mango, avocado, onion, lime juice, and curry powder in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

Butter Cornsticks recipe.

Ingredients
1/3 cup butter
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup canned cream-style corn
1/4 cup milk

Directions
Place butter in a 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan; heat in a 425 degrees F oven until melted. Tilt to coat bottom of pan; set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Stir in corn and milk. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead 10-12 times. Roll into a 10-in. x 8-in. rectangle, about 1/2 in. thick. Cut into 4-in. x 1-in. strips. Place in melted butter and turn to coat. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.

Asparagus Tossed Salad recipe.

Ingredients
2 medium carrots, sliced
1 pound fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
8 cups torn Bibb lettuce
ORANGE GINGER VINAIGRETTE:
1/4 cup orange juice
4 1/2 teaspoons olive or canola oil
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon grated orange peel
1/8 teaspoon salt

Directions
In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil for 1 minute. Add asparagus; cover and boil 3 minutes longer. Drain and immediately place vegetables in ice water; drain and pat dry. In a salad bowl, combine lettuce, carrots and asparagus. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the vinaigrette ingredients; shake well. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Belgian Molasses Bread recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons molasses
3/4 cup warm milk
4 1/2 tablespoons warm water
1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Directions
Place ingredients in the bread machine pan in the order suggested by the manufacturer. Select Basic or White Bread and 1 1/2 pound loaf settings. Press Start.

Bucket of Margaritas recipe.

Ingredients
4 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups tequila
1 (12 fluid ounce) can frozen limeade
1/2 cup triple sec (orange-flavored liqueur)
1 whole lime, cut into 6 wedges

Directions
Mix the water, tequila, limeade, and orange liqueur in a freezer-proof container with a lid; stir. Cover and store in freezer until it reaches a slush-like consistency, about 24 hours. Serve in glasses garnished with lime wedges.

Bryan's Sweet and Hot Tomato Pasta Sauce recipe.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 tablespoon crumbled dried red chile pepper
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
3/4 cup brown sugar, divided

Directions
In a saucepan, combine olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper and red peppers and lightly saute over high heat.
Reduce heat to low and mix in tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir in celery salt, salt and pepper. Start with 1/2 cup of the brown sugar and mix into the sauce. Gradually add brown sugar, depending on acidity of tomatoes. First taste of sauce should be sweet.

Barbequed Pork Ribs recipe.

Ingredients
5 pounds pork spareribs, cut into serving size pieces
1/2 cup butter
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
1 cup water
1 cup ketchup
1 cup hickory smoke flavored barbeque sauce
1 lemon, juiced
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Place ribs in large skillet or roasting pan. Cover with lightly salted water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 1 hour, or until meat is tender, but not quite falling off the bone. Remove from heat, and drain.
Place the boiled ribs in a roasting pan, and cover with sauce. Cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook the onion and garlic in butter until the onion is tender; remove from heat. In a blender, combine 1 cup water, vinegar, ketchup, barbeque sauce, and lemon juice. Pour in the melted butter mixture, and puree for 1 minute. Pour into a saucepan, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
Preheat grill for medium-high heat.
Brush grill grate with oil. Grill ribs for 10 to 20 minutes, or until well browned, basting with sauce and turning frequently.

Apple Pie III recipe.

Ingredients
3 transparent apples - peeled, cored and sliced
3 Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored and sliced
1/3 cup white sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup shortening
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup cold water
1 tablespoon half-and-half
1 teaspoon white sugar

Directions
Place apple slices into a large bowl. In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup flour, 1/3 cup sugar, and cinnamon, and then sprinkle over apples. Cover, and let sit overnight in refrigerator.
When you are ready to make the pie, begin by making the pastry. In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups flour and salt. Cut in the shortening and 2 tablespoons butter until the mixture is the consistency of cornmeal. Make a well in the center of the mixture, and add cold water. Stir together to form a ball. Let rest 20 minutes.
Roll out dough, and place in pie pan. Spread apple mixture into the pastry lined pan, and dot with 1 tablespoon butter. Cover with top crust, and seal the edges. Cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush half-and-half over the top crust. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sugar.
Bake in a preheated 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) for 10 minutes. Turn oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Continue cooking for 30 to 40 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.

Batter White Bread recipe.

Ingredients
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
2 tablespoons shortening
1 1/4 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 teaspoons salt
3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Directions
Mix together shortening, sugar, salt, yeast, and 1 1/5 cups flour. Add warm water and beat by hand about 300 strokes, or 3 minutes, with an electric mixer. Add remaining flour, scraping bowl often, and mix all together until smooth.
Cover with a clean cloth and let rise until doubled in volume.
Stir dough down gently, and spoon into a lightly greased 9x5 inch loaf pan (the batter should be sticky). Pat down with floured hands to help shape. Cover again, and let rise for about 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Bake for about 45 minutes. Place on a cooling rack, and brush top with melted butter.

30-Minute Minestrone recipe.

Ingredients
2 medium carrots, chopped
1 cup chopped cabbage
1 celery rib, thinly sliced
1 small onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
3 cups water
1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian stewed or diced tomatoes, undrained
3 cubes beef bouillon
1 cup torn fresh spinach
2/3 cup cooked elbow macaroni
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions
In a 3-qt. saucepan, saute carrots, cabbage, celery, onion and garlic in oil for 5 minutes. Add water, tomatoes and bouillon; bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Stir in spinach, macaroni and pepper; heat through.

Buffalochef's Strawberry Rhubarb Pie recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup chilled butter
1 recipe pastry for a 9-inch double crust pie
1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
3/4 pound rhubarb, chopped
1 1/3 cups white sugar
3 tablespoons minced crystallized ginger
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 eggs

Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Roll out half the pie crust pastry to a circle about 11 inches in diameter, and fit the crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Place the pie dish onto a rimmed baking sheet.
Whisk together 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of flour, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a bowl. With a pastry cutter, chop in the butter until the topping resembles crumbs; set the topping aside.
In another bowl, stir together the strawberries, rhubarb, 1 1/3 cup of sugar, crystallized ginger, 1/4 cup of flour, nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, and salt until thoroughly combined; beat in the eggs.
Roll the rest of the pastry out into an 11-inch circle, and cut the crust into 1/2-inch wide strips. Spoon the strawberry-rhubarb filling into the bottom crust, and sprinkle the crumb topping evenly all over the filling. Moisten the rim of the filled bottom crust with a bit of water, and lay the two longest strips in a cross in the middle of the pie. Working from the next longest down to the shortest strips, alternate horizontal and vertical strips, weaving the strips as you go. Press the lattice strips down onto the bottom crust edge to seal, and trim the top crust strips neatly. Press the crust edges with a fork dipped in a little flour to make a crimped edge.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 degrees C (175 degrees C) until the pie is bubbling, and the crust and crumb topping are lightly browned, 45 to 50 more minutes. Cool pie at least 1 hour before serving.

Baby Carrots 'n' Broccoli recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups fresh baby carrots
4 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Nature's Seasoning Blend*
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions
In a saucepan, bring 4 cups water to a boil; add carrots. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes; drain and pat dry.
In an ungreased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan, combine the carrots with remaining ingredients. Bake, uncovered, at 425 degrees F for 7-9 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender, stirring once.

Almost Caramel de Lite Bars recipe.

Ingredients
1 (18.25 ounce) package chocolate cake mix
3/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips
2 cups miniature marshmallows
2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

Directions
Preheat an oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease a 10x15 inch jellyroll pan.
Combine the cake mix and the melted butter in a large mixing bowl. Mix until evenly moistened, then press into the prepared pan. Layer chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, miniature marshmallows, and coconut over the cake mix crust. Pour the condensed milk over the layers.
Bake 30 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before cutting into bars.

Bacon Roll-Ups recipe.

Ingredients
16 slices bacon, cut in half
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
1 (10 ounce) package pita bread rounds

Directions
Preheat your oven's broiler.
Open pita rounds, and spread generously with cream cheese on the inside. Replace tops, and use a pizza cutter to slice into 1 inch wide strips. Cut the long strips in half crosswise. Roll up each piece, and wrap with half of a strip of bacon. Secure with toothpicks, and place close together on a baking sheet.
Broil for 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the bacon is cooked through. Use a spatula to remove them to a napkin lined bowl or platter. Remove toothpicks before serving.

Beer Cheese Soup I recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup sliced carrots
8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
3/4 cup butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon mustard powder
5 cups chicken broth
1 small head cauliflower
1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle beer
8 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste

Directions
Saute green onions, celery, carrots, and mushrooms in butter. Mix flour and dry mustard into sauteed vegetables. Add chicken broth, bring to a boil.
Break up cauliflower into bite-size pieces, steam until just tender.
Reduce heat of sauteed vegetables to a simmer, add cauliflower, beer, and cheeses. Simmer 15-20 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Check seasonings.

Bacon 'n' Egg Wraps recipe.

Ingredients
1 medium onion, chopped
3/4 cup chopped green pepper
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1 tablespoon milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 pound sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled
4 (10 inch) flour tortillas, warmed
Salsa

Directions
In a nonstick skillet, saute onion and green pepper in butter until tender. In a bowl, beat the eggs, milk, salt and pepper. Pour over vegetables in the skillet. Sprinkle with cheese and bacon. Cook and stir gently over medium heat until the eggs are completely set. Spoon 1/2 cup down the center of each tortilla; fold sides over filling. Serve with salsa if desired.

Beefy Rice Salad Sandwiches recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups rice, cooked
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
3/4 pound lean ground beef
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
1/2 avocado - peeled, pitted and diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
salt and pepper to taste
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
3 pita bread rounds, cut in half
lettuce leaves
tomato slices

Directions
Rinse rice in a fine mesh strainer under cold running water until no longer cloudy. Transfer to a medium saucepan and cover with 2 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes, remove from heat and let stand for at least 10 minutes, or until all liquid has evaporated. Set aside to cool.
Cook onion and bell pepper in 1 tablespoon oil over medium high heat until tender. Add ground beef and thyme, and cook until well browned, stirring occasionally and reducing heat if necessary.
In a bowl, stir together cooked rice, meat mixture, avocado, and parsley. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, rice vinegar, and desired amount of salt and pepper. Pour over rice mixture, and toss lightly. Line each pita half with lettuce and tomato, and fill each with rice mixture. Serve warm or cold. Enjoy!

Baby Blintz Stacks recipe.

Ingredients
1 (24 ounce) carton cottage cheese
2 fresh peaches - peeled, pitted and chopped
3 tablespoons white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon white sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 fresh peaches, pitted and sliced

Directions
Stir together the cottage cheese, chopped peaches, 3 tablespoons white sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and the almond extract in a bowl until evenly combined. Stir together the sour cream and brown sugar in a separate bowl. Refrigerate both fillings until ready to use.
Whisk together the flour, 1 tablespoon of white sugar, the baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the nutmeg in a bowl. Beat the eggs, milk, butter, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until smooth. Stir in the flour mixture until no lumps remain.
Heat a lightly oiled griddle over medium-high heat. Drop batter by large spoonfuls onto the griddle to form silver dollar-sized blintzes. Cook until bubbles form and the edges are dry, about 2 minutes. Flip, and cook until browned on the other side. Repeat with remaining batter.
To assemble, spread 1 tablespoon of peach filling on top of each blintz. Stack together 5 blintzes to make a serving portion, and spoon the sweetened sour cream overtop. Garnish with peach slices.

Baked Tofu Bites recipe.

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package extra firm tofu
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 dash hot sauce
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly spray a non-stick baking sheet with oil.
Slice tofu into 1/2-inch slices, and gently press excess water out of tofu. Cut sliced tofu into 1/2-inch cubes.
In a bowl, stir together the soy sauce, maple syrup, ketchup, vinegar, and hot sauce. Stir in sesame seeds, garlic powder, black pepper, and liquid smoke. Gently stir tofu cubes into sauce. Cover, and marinate at least 5 minutes.
Place the tofu on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in a preheated oven for 15 minutes. Turn tofu, and bake until the tofu turns golden brown, about 15 minutes more.

Brown Sugar Brownies recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9 x 9 x 1-3/4 inch pan.
Sift together flour, baking powder and salt and set aside. In large bowl, beat together butter, sugar, egg and vanilla until smooth.
Stir in the flour mixture and the nuts until well blended. Spread evenly in prepared pan. Bake 25-30 minutes or until surface springs back when gently pressed. Cool slightly. While still warm, cut into bars with a sharp knife.

Broccoli Crab Bisque recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup sliced leeks, white part only
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 cup chopped fresh broccoli florets
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon pepper
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup half-and-half cream
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1 (6 ounce) can crabmeat - drained, flaked and cartilage removed

Directions
In a large saucepan, saute leeks, mushrooms, broccoli and garlic in butter until tender. Add flour, thyme, pepper and bay leaf; mix well. Stir in the broth and cream. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
Add the cheese and crab; stir until cheese is melted and soup is heated through. Discard bay leaf before serving.

Broiled Zucchini with Rosemary Butter recipe.

Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter, softened
1/4 cup finely chopped green onion
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 medium zucchini

Directions
In a bowl, combine the first seven ingredients; set aside. Cut zucchini lengthwise into 1/2-in. slices. Place on a broiler pan coated with nonstick cooking spray. Broil 4 in. from the heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, or until crisp-tender. Spread with rosemary butter; serve immediately.

9.29.2011

Bacon Scalloped Potatoes recipe.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
2 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
2 small onions, sliced
3 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

Directions
In a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour and salt until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
In a greased 1-qt. baking dish, layer the potatoes and onions. Pour white sauce over the top. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 65-75 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Sprinkle with bacon.

Baked Chicken and Zucchini recipe.

Ingredients
1 tablespoon water
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup dry bread crumbs
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
5 medium zucchini, sliced
4 medium tomatoes, sliced
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
2 teaspoons minced fresh basil

Directions
In a shallow bowl, beat egg, water, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper. Set aside 2 tablespoons bread crumbs. Place the remaining crumbs in a large resealable plastic bag. Dip chicken in egg mixture, then place in bag and shake to coat.
In a skillet, cook chicken in 2 tablespoons oil for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown; remove and set aside. In the same skillet, saute zucchini in remaining oil until crisp-tender; drain. Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish.
Sprinkle the reserved bread crumbs over the zucchini. Top with tomato slices; sprinkle with 2/3 cup mozzarella cheese, basil and remaining salt. Top with chicken. Cover and bake at 400 degrees F for 25 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake 10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

Berry Cheesecake Parfaits recipe.

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups cold milk
1 (3.4 ounce) package JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding
1 1/2 cups thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, divided
24 NILLA Wafers, coarsely chopped
1 1/2 cups mixed blueberries and sliced fresh strawberries

Directions
Beat cream cheese with mixer until creamy. Gradually beat in milk. Add dry pudding mix; mix well. Whisk in 1 cup COOL WHIP.
Layer half each of wafers, berries and pudding mixture in 8 parfait glasses. Repeat layers.
Top with remaining COOL WHIP.

Best Bean Salad recipe.

Ingredients
1 (14.5 ounce) can green beans, drained
1 (14.5 ounce) can wax beans, drained
1 (15.5 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained
1 (14.5 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 (14.5 ounce) can black beans, drained
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup salad oil
1/2 cup vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
3/4 cup white sugar

Directions
Combine the green beans, wax beans, garbanzo beans, kidney beans, green pepper, onion, and celery in a large bowl; toss to mix.
Whisk together the oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and sugar in a separate bowl until the sugar is dissolved; pour over the bean mixture. Refrigerate 8 hours or overnight before serving.

Apple Turnovers recipe.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons lemon juice
4 cups water
4 Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored and sliced
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
1 (17.25 ounce) package frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
Combine the lemon and 4 cups water in a large bowl. Place the sliced apples in the water to keep them from browning.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain water from apples, and place them into the hot skillet. Cook and stir for about 2 minutes. Add brown sugar, and cinnamon, and cook, stirring, for 2 more minutes. Stir together cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water. Pour into the skillet, and mix well. Cook for another minute, or until sauce has thickened. Remove from heat to cool slightly.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Unfold puff pastry sheets, and repair any cracks by pressing them back together. Trim each sheet into a square. Then cut each larger square into 4 smaller squares. Spoon apples onto the center of each squares. Fold over from corner to corner into a triangle shape, and press edges together to seal. Place turnovers on a baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between them.
Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until turnovers are puffed and lightly browned. Cool completely before glazing.
To make the glaze, mix together the confectioners' sugar, milk and vanilla in a small bowl. Adjust the thickness by adding more sugar or milk if necessary. Drizzle glaze over the cooled turnovers.

Beef Steaks With Blue Cheese recipe.

Ingredients
2 (6 ounce) beef tenderloin filets, 1 1/2 inches thick
2 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons butter, softened
2 slices white bread, crusts removed and cubed
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
Place meat on broiler pan. Broil 4-6 in. from the heat for 5-8 minutes on each side or until meat is browned and cooked to desired doneness (for medium-rare, a meat thermometer should read 145 degrees F; medium, 160 degrees F; well-done, 170 degrees F).
Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine the blue cheese and butter; set aside. In a skillet, saute bread cubes in oil until golden brown. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Top steaks with blue cheese mixture and sprinkle with croutons; broil 1 minute longer or until cheese is slightly melted.

Breakfast Casserole I recipe.

Ingredients
8 ounces bacon
8 ounces broccoli, cut into florets
8 slices bread
2 tablespoons butter, softened
3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside.
Place a colander and two cups of water in a small stock pot. Add the broccoli and bring water to a boil. Cook until tender but still firm, about 10 minutes. Drain, cool and chop.
Lightly butter a 9x13 inch baking pan. Lightly butter bread slices. Line bottom of baking pan with bread slices. Cover bread with cheese, bacon and broccoli.
In a large bowl, beat together eggs, milk, mustard, salt and pepper. Pour egg mixture into pan. Refrigerate overnight or bake immediately.
Twenty minutes before baking, preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Bake until eggs are solid, approximately 60 minutes.

Blueberry Kuchen recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup milk
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup butter, melted

Directions
In a mixing bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Add the milk, butter, egg and vanilla. beat for 2 minutes or until well blended.
Pour into a greased 13-in. x 9-in.x 2-in. baking pan. Sprinkle with blueberries. In a bowl, combine sugar and flour; add butter. Toss with a fork until crumbly; sprinkle over blueberries. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes or until lightly browned.

Andouille and Chicken Creole Pasta recipe.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons margarine
1/2 pound andouille sausage, diced
2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into strips
3 tablespoons Creole seasoning
1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
4 green onions, chopped
1 (14.5 ounce) can fat-free chicken broth
1 cup 2% milk
2 teaspoons lemon pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup cold water
1 (16 ounce) package linguine pasta

Directions
Melt the margarine in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook sausage and chicken with the Creole seasoning until the meat is about halfway done. Add the mushrooms, green onion, green pepper and red pepper. Saute over medium heat until the mushrooms begin to shrink, about 10 minutes.
Stir in the chicken broth and milk, season with lemon pepper and garlic powder, and reduce the heat to medium-low. (Now is a good time to start boiling water for the pasta.) Mix together the cornstarch and cold water until dissolved - I like to use a coffee mug. Stir into the skillet. Cook, stirring gently, until the sauce returns to a boil. Boil for one minute, then remove from heat and set aside. Serve hot over cooked pasta.
Place pasta in a large pot of lightly salted water. Boil for 8 to 10 minutes, or until pasta is al dente. Drain.

Balsamic Marinated Chicken Breasts recipe.

Ingredients
3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon dried minced onion
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon dried minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon crushed dried rosemary
1/4 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
4 (6 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

Directions
Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, water, onion, red pepper flakes, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, rosemary, parsley, chili powder, and oregano in a bowl, and pour into a resealable plastic bag. Add the chicken breasts, coat with the marinade, squeeze out excess air, and seal the bag. Marinate in the refrigerator 30 minutes to overnight.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, or lightly grease a broiler pan. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, and shake off excess. Discard the remaining marinade, and place the chicken breasts onto the baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven until the chicken breasts are golden brown, and no longer pink in the center, about 40 minutes.

Apple Cider Biscuits recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup cold butter or margarine
3/4 cup apple cider
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions
In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. stir in cider just until moistened. turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead 8-10 times. Roll out to 1/2-in. thickness; cut with a 2-1/2-in. biscuit cutter. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Sprinkle with cinnamon; pierce tops of biscuits with a fork. bake at 425 degrees F for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown. serve warm.

Baby Burgers on Baguettes recipe.

Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
salt and pepper to taste
1 pinch mesquite seasoning
1 French baguette, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
6 leaves romaine lettuce
12 cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced
prepared yellow mustard

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Arrange baguette slices in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Place in the preheated oven, and bake until lightly toasted, about 5 minutes. Remove from the oven, and allow to cool.
Season the ground beef with mesquite seasoning, and mix lightly. Form tablespoonfuls of dough into mini burger patties. Season the patties with a little salt and pepper.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until browned and well done.
Place baguette slices on a large serving tray, and top each one with a piece of romaine leaf. Then place a mini burger on each one, and top with tomato slices. Apply ketchup and mustard before serving, or allow your guests to dress their own burgers.

Blueberry Lemon Bread recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup blueberries, rinsed and drained
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1/3 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 pinch salt
1/2 cup milk

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
Dredge the blueberries in 2 teaspoons flour; set aside. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in eggs one at a time, beating well with each addition. Mix in the lemon zest. In a separate bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt.
Stir the flour mixture into the egg mixture alternately with the milk. Fold in the blueberries. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
Bake in preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean. Allow bread to cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan.

Blueberry Custard recipe.

Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup honey
2 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup blueberries
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar for dusting

Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Place butter in a 9x13 inch baking dish and place dish in oven to melt butter.
In a blender, combine eggs, honey, milk, vanilla, flour and salt. Blend until smooth. Pour over melted butter in hot dish. Sprinkle blueberries on top.
Bake in preheated oven 20 to 25 minutes, until puffed and golden. Sprinkle with nutmeg and confectioners' sugar.

Beef, Asparagus and Portobello Stir-Fry recipe.

Ingredients
1 pound boneless beef sirloin steak, 3/4 inch thick
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 3/4 cups Swanson� Beef Broth (regular, Lower Sodium or Certified Organic)
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 pound asparagus, cut into 2-inch diagonal pieces
2 large portobello mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup roasted red pepper strips
4 cups hot cooked regular long-grain white rice, cooked without salt

Directions
Slice beef into very thin strips. Mix cornstarch, broth, soy, sugar and garlic powder until smooth. Set aside.
Cook beef in nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until browned.
Add asparagus, mushrooms and roasted pepper. Stir broth mixture and add. Cook until mixture boils and thickens, stirring constantly. Serve over rice.

Breadsticks with Parmesan Butter recipe.

Ingredients
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
1/2 cup sugar, divided
2 cups warm water (110 degrees to 115 degrees), divided
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions
In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar in 1 cup warm water. Add the oil, egg, salt, 2 cups flour, and remaining sugar and water. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 40 minutes.
Punch the dough down. Turn onto a floured surface; divide into 36 pieces. Shape each piece into a 6-in. rope. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 25 minutes.
Bake at 400 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Meanwhile, in a small mixing bowl, cream the butter, Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Serve with breadsticks.

Apricot Walnut Balls recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups finely chopped dried apricots
2 1/2 cups flaked coconut
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/4 cups chopped walnuts
confectioners' sugar

Directions
In a bowl, combine apricots and coconut. Add milk; mix well. Stir in walnuts. Chill for 30 minutes (the mixture will be sticky). Shape into 1-in. balls and roll in confectioners' sugar. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. Store in refrigerator.

Better Spanish Rice recipe.

Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 onion, chopped
1 1/4 cups uncooked instant rice
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 cup chicken broth

Directions
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and cook and stir the chopped onion until browned, about 8 minutes.
Stir in the rice, tomatoes, cilantro, and chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer until the rice is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes.

Broccoli Sausage Simmer recipe.

Ingredients
1 pound fully cooked kielbasa or Polish sausage, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 bunch broccoli, cut into florets
1/2 cup sliced red onion
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon sugar
3 cups cooked spiral pasta

Directions
In a large skillet, saute sausage, broccoli and onion for 5-6 minutes or until broccoli is crisp-tender. Add the tomatoes, basil, parsley and sugar. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Add pasta and heat through.

Apple Cinnamon Spice Cake recipe.

Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups white sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup orange juice
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
2 cups apple - peeled, cored and chopped
1 cup HERSHEY�'S Cinnamon Chips
confectioners' sugar for dusting

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 10 inch Bundt pan. Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt; set aside.
In a large bowl, combine sugar, eggs, oil, orange juice and vanilla. Beat on high speed of an electric mixer until blended. Beat in flour mixture. Fold in chopped walnuts. Pour 1/3 of batter into prepared pan. Mix together chopped apples and cinnamon chips, and sprinkle 1/2 of mixture over batter in pan. Repeat layers, ending with batter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar before serving.

Au Gratin Party Potatoes recipe.

Ingredients
20 pounds potatoes, peeled, cubed and cooked
4 (12 fluid ounce) cans evaporated milk
3 (1 pound) loaves processed cheese, cubed
1 cup butter or margarine, cubed
2 tablespoons salt
2 teaspoons pepper
Paprika

Directions
In several large bowls, combine potatoes, milk, cheese, butter, salt and pepper. Transfer to four greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dishes. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 45-50 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle with paprika if desired.

Brownie Bread recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup boiling water
2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 teaspoons white sugar
1/2 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
3 cups bread flour
2/3 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 egg yolk

Directions
In a small bowl, dissolve cocoa powder in boiling water.
In a separate bowl, dissolve yeast and 2 teaspoons sugar in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
Place cocoa mixture, yeast mixture, bread flour, remaining 2/3 cup white sugar, salt, vegetable oil and egg in bread machine pan. Select basic Bread cycle; press Start.

Basic Beurre Blanc recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped shallot
6 black peppercorns
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons dry white wine
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups cold butter, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

Directions
Place shallot, bay leaf, peppercorns, vinegar, and wine in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and continue simmering until only 2 tablespoons of liquid remain.
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer; simmer until the cream has reduced by half. Increase heat to medium-high, and rapidly whisk in the butter, piece, by piece until it has melted into the cream and thickened it. Strain the sauce through a mesh strainer to remove the spices. Serve immediately.

Apples by the Fire recipe.

Ingredients
1 Granny Smith apple, cored
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions
Fill the core of the apple with the brown sugar and cinnamon. Wrap the apple in a large piece of heavy foil, twisting the extra foil into a tail for a handle. Place the apple in the coals of a campfire or barbeque and let cook 5 to 10 minutes, until softened. Remove and unwrap, being careful of the hot sugar.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese II recipe.

Ingredients
1 pound macaroni
1 (11 ounce) can condensed cream of Cheddar cheese soup
1 1/2 cups milk
14 ounces extra sharp white Cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs

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 reserve.
In a large saucepan over low heat, warm soup and add milk; stir. Add 1/4 of cheese to soup and remove mixture from heat when cheese is melted.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Add macaroni and tomatoes to soup; stir and pour into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover with bread crumbs and remaining cheese.
Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 40 minutes or until the cheese is a golden brown; serve.

Apricot Chicken I recipe.

Ingredients
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 1/2 (1 ounce) packages dry onion soup mix
1 (10 fluid ounce) bottle Russian-style salad dressing
1 cup apricot preserves

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place the chicken pieces in a 4 quart casserole dish. Mix the soup mix, dressing and jam together, and pour over the chicken.
Cover dish and bake for 1 hour in preheated oven.

Beef Sirloin Tip Roast recipe.

Ingredients
1 (3 pound) sirloin tip roast
1 1/4 cups water, divided
1 (8 ounce) can mushroom stems and pieces, drained
1 envelope onion soup mix
3 tablespoons cornstarch

Directions
Place a large piece of heavy-duty foil (21-in. x 17-in.) in a shallow roasting pan. Place roast on foil. Pour 1 cup water and mushrooms over roast. Sprinkle with soup mix. Wrap foil around roast; seal tightly. Bake at 350 degrees F for 2-1/2 to 3 hours or until meat reaches desired doneness (for medium-rare, a meat thermometer should read 145 degrees F; medium, 160 degrees F; well-done, 170 degrees F).
Remove roast to a serving platter and keep warm. Pour drippings and mushrooms into a saucepan. Combine cornstarch and remaining water until smooth; gradually stir into drippings. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve with slice beef.

Almond-Topped Carrots recipe.

Ingredients
2 pounds carrots, julienned
2 cups water
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
6 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Dash pepper
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted

Directions
In a saucepan, bring carrots and water to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover and cook for 10 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain. Add the raisins, butter, honey, lemon juice, ginger and pepper. Place in a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 35 minutes or until the carrots are tender. Sprinkle with almonds before serving.

Apple Muffins recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup apple - peeled, cored and chopped

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease 12 muffin cups or line with paper muffin liners.
Stir together flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon and salt. In a separate bowl, stir together milk, egg and butter. Stir egg mixture into flour mixture just until combined. Fold in chopped apples. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.
Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean.

Barbeque Pork Two Ways recipe.

Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds pork shoulder
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups ketchup
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

Directions
Cut boneless pork shoulder crosswise into 1/4 inch slices. Partially freezing it will make slicing easier.
In the slow cooker, combine sliced pork, onion, garlic, brown sugar, dry mustard, salt, pepper, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce; mix well, and cover. Cook on Low, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 8 hours or until the meat is tender.
OR : In a Dutch oven or large saucepan, combine pork, onion, garlic, brown sugar, dry mustard, salt, pepper, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce; mix well. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cover. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until pork is tender.

Beef and Bean Pot recipe.

Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped
6 slices bacon, diced
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans
1 (16 ounce) can chili beans
1 (15 ounce) can pork and beans
6 slices American cheese
1 cup crushed tortilla chips

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
In a large skillet over medium high heat, saute the ground beef, onion and bacon for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the meat is browned and the onion is translucent; drain excess fat.
In a 3 quart casserole dish, combine the vinegar, mustard, ketchup, brown sugar, green bell pepper, kidney beans, chili beans, pork and beans and the meat mixture. Stir together until well blended.
Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 45 to 50 minutes, remove from oven and top with the cheese and crushed tortilla chips. Return to oven and bake for 5 to 6 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Anise Cutout Cookies recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups shortening
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons anise seed
6 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup apple juice
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions
In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar until fluffy; add eggs and aniseed. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; add to the creamed mixture. Add apple juice and mix well.
On a floured surface, knead until well blended, about 4-5 minutes. Roll dough to 1/2-in. thickness; cut into 2-in. shapes. Place on greased baking sheets.
Bake at 375 degrees F for 12-16 minutes or until lightly browned. Combine sugar and cinnamon; roll cookies in the mixture while still warm. Cool on wire racks.

Big Ray's Pork Pie recipe.

Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds lean ground pork
1/2 cup minced onion
1/2 cup water
1 cup fresh bread crumbs
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie

Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Crumble the ground pork into a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and water. Cook, stirring frequently, until evenly browned. Remove from heat, and mix in the fresh bread crumbs. Season with salt, cinnamon, and cloves, and mix well.
Press one of the pie crusts into the bottom and up the sides of a pie plate. Fill with the pork mixture. Place the second crust over the top, and pinch the seams to seal. Poke a couple of holes in the top crust to vent steam.
Bake for 35 minutes in the preheated oven, or until crust is golden.

Apple Carrot Salad recipe.

Ingredients
4 large carrots, shredded
1 medium tart apple, chopped
1/3 cup raisins
1/4 cup plain nonfat yogurt
1/4 cup fat-free mayonnaise
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons granulated artificial sweetener
1/3 cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese

Directions
In a bowl, combine the carrots, apple and raisins.
In a small bowl, combine yogurt, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, pepper and sweetener. Pour over carrot mixture and toss to coat. Stir in cheese.

Blueberry Lime Mold recipe.

Ingredients
1 (3 ounce) package lime flavored gelatin mix
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 pint fresh blueberries

Directions
In a medium bowl, whisk together the gelatin mix, sugar, lime juice, and boiling water for one minute, or until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Cover, and chill for one hour, or until slightly thickened.
When the gelatin mixture is thick, whip with a whisk or electric mixer until light in color, and double in volume. Whisk in whipped topping, and fold in blueberries. Lightly grease a 5 or 6 cup gelatin mold, and fill with the gelatin mixture. Chill for 4 hours, or until firm. Carefully unmold onto a platter, and serve.

Big Ray's Pork Pie recipe.

Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds lean ground pork
1/2 cup minced onion
1/2 cup water
1 cup fresh bread crumbs
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie

Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Crumble the ground pork into a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and water. Cook, stirring frequently, until evenly browned. Remove from heat, and mix in the fresh bread crumbs. Season with salt, cinnamon, and cloves, and mix well.
Press one of the pie crusts into the bottom and up the sides of a pie plate. Fill with the pork mixture. Place the second crust over the top, and pinch the seams to seal. Poke a couple of holes in the top crust to vent steam.
Bake for 35 minutes in the preheated oven, or until crust is golden.

9.28.2011

Awesome Banana Pancakes recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup mashed bananas

Directions
Whisk together the buttermilk and eggs in a bowl until evenly blended; set aside. Stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate large bowl. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and stir in the buttermilk mixture and mashed bananas, being careful not to over mix the batter (the batter will be lumpy). Let the batter sit for at least 1 minute before using.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, and coat with cooking spray. Pour 1/4 cupfuls of batter onto the skillet, and cook until bubbles appear on the surface. Flip with a spatula, and cook until browned on the other side.

Brownie Caramel Cheesecake recipe.

Ingredients
1 (9 ounce) package brownie mix
1 tablespoon cold water
1 (14 ounce) package individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate fudge topping

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan.
In a small bowl, mix together brownie mix, 1 egg and water. Spread into the greased pan. Bake for 25 minutes.
Melt the caramels with the evaporated milk over low heat in a heavy saucepan. Stir often, and heat until mixture has a smooth consistency. Reserve 1/3 cup of this caramel mixture, and pour the remainder over the warm, baked brownie crust.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Pour cream cheese mixture over caramel mixture.
Bake cheesecake for 40 minutes. Chill in pan. When cake is thoroughly chilled, loosen by running a knife around the edge, and then remove the rim of the pan. Heat reserved caramel mixture, and spoon over cheesecake. Drizzle with the chocolate topping.

Best Darn Minestrone Soup Around recipe.

Ingredients
8 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups chopped onions
4 (14 ounce) cans chicken broth
4 (15 ounce) cans mixed vegetables, with liquid
2 (16 ounce) cans kidney beans, with liquid
2 (14.5 ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes, with liquid
1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 1/4 teaspoons garlic powder
4 teaspoons dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup canned garbanzo beans, drained
4 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Directions
In a large stock pot over medium heat, stir and cook onions in butter until soft. Add broth, mixed vegetables, kidney beans, tomatoes, spinach, and tomato paste; simmer gently for 1 1/2 hours.
Using a slotted spoon, remove about half of the vegetables to a blender or food processor, reserving liquid in stock pot. Puree the vegetables until smooth and return them to stock pot.
Stir in garlic powder, parsley, salt, pepper, basil, macaroni, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, garbanzo beans, and heavy cream; cook for 1/2 hour, stirring frequently. Pour into bowls and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese.

Artichoke Mashed Potatoes recipe.

Ingredients
4 large baking potatoes, peeled and quartered
1 (15 ounce) can artichoke hearts in water, drained
1 teaspoon minced garlic, or to taste
1/2 cup hot milk
1/4 cup softened butter
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Place potatoes in a large pot with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until tender, 15 to 20 minutes; drain.
Meanwhile, puree the artichokes and garlic with the milk until smooth.
Place drained potatoes in a mixing bowl and mash with a potato masher until smooth. Stir in softened butter and artichoke puree until the butter has melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Apricot Nut Bread recipe.

Ingredients
1 (15 ounce) can apricot halves
1/3 cup shortening
1/2 cup white sugar
1 3/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions
Drain apricots, and save syrup. Puree apricots in a food processor, adding syrup if necessary to make 1 cup.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together shortening and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, and beat fill fluffy. Add flour mixture alternately with apricot puree to the creamed mixture. Stir in nuts. Spread batter into a greased and floured 9 x 5 loaf pan.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 50 minutes. Remove from pan, and cool on a rack.

Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Strata recipe.

Ingredients
12 thick slices white bread, cut into 1 inch cubes
1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh mushrooms (optional)
2 1/2 cups half-and-half
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Directions
Toss cubed bread with bacon, cheese, and mushrooms, and pour into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Whisk together eggs, half-and-half, and mustard until smooth, then pour evenly over cubed bread. Cover dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Remove plastic wrap from the baking dish, and bake strata in preheated oven until the top is golden brown, and the eggs are set, about 1 hour. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Artichoke Mashed Potatoes recipe.

Ingredients
4 large baking potatoes, peeled and quartered
1 (15 ounce) can artichoke hearts in water, drained
1 teaspoon minced garlic, or to taste
1/2 cup hot milk
1/4 cup softened butter
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Place potatoes in a large pot with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until tender, 15 to 20 minutes; drain.
Meanwhile, puree the artichokes and garlic with the milk until smooth.
Place drained potatoes in a mixing bowl and mash with a potato masher until smooth. Stir in softened butter and artichoke puree until the butter has melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Buckshot Duck with Wild and Brown Rice Stuffing recipe.

Ingredients
1 (4 pound) whole duck, dressed, innards reserved
4 cloves garlic, crushed
3 tablespoons crushed black peppercorns
3 (.18 ounce) packets sazon seasoning
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
2 cups uncooked long grain and wild rice mix
1 cup seasoned croutons

Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
Place the duck on a rack in a roasting pan. Rub the crushed garlic and pepper under the skin of the duck. Rub the skin with 1 packet sazon seasoning.
Roast 3 hours in the preheated oven, to an internal temperature of 180 degrees F (80 degrees) C.
Place the reserved duck innards and 1 packet sazon seasoning in a saucepan with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes, until tender.
Place the rice mix in a medium saucepan with just enough water to cover. Mix in the oil, and 1 packet sazon seasoning. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a bowl, mix the cooked innards, cooked rice, and croutons. Stuff the cooked duck with the mixture to serve.

Authentic Mexican Torta - Tortas Ahogadas recipe.

Ingredients
16 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons minced fresh oregano
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
9 pounds boneless pork butt
4 dried chipotle chili peppers
6 tablespoons vegetable oil
8 cloves garlic, minced
4 onions, chopped
20 Roma tomatoes, chopped
1 cup water
5 teaspoons minced fresh oregano
1/4 teaspoon white sugar
salt, to taste
12 Mexican bolillo rolls, lightly toasted, cut in half lengthwise
2 pickled jalapeno peppers, sliced

Directions
Preheat an oven to 475 degrees F (245 degrees C).
Mix the 16 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of minced oregano, 2 teaspoons of salt, and pepper in a bowl. Rub garlic mixture over the pork butt, and place pork in a shallow roasting pan.
Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Continue roasting until pork is tender and no longer pink in the center, about 2 hours and 15 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). Cover the meat with two layers of aluminum foil, and allow to rest in a warm area for 20 minutes before rough chopping or shredding it. Reserve pan drippings.
Place the chipotle peppers in a bowl, and cover with hot water. Allow peppers to soak until softened, about 3 minutes; drain. Set aside. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in 8 cloves of minced garlic and the chopped onions; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the Roma tomatoes, 1 cup of water, chipotle chili peppers, 5 teaspoons of oregano, sugar, and salt to taste. Add the reserved pan drippings. Simmer, uncovered, over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring frequently.
Pour the chipotle sauce into a blender, filling the pitcher no more than halfway full. Hold down the lid of the blender with a folded kitchen towel, and carefully start the blender, using a few quick pulses to get the sauce moving before leaving it on to puree. Puree in batches until smooth and pour into a clean pot. Alternately, you can use a stick blender and puree the sauce right in the skillet. Strain the sauce through a sieve.
To serve: Hollow out the bottom half of each bolillo to make a shallow bowl for the chopped pork. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the chipotle sauce over the bottom of each roll, then arrange the chopped pork over the sauce. Top each sandwich with a couple slices of pickled jalapeno, followed by the top half of the roll. Pour about 1/4 cup of additional chipotle sauce over the entire sandwich.

Baked Potato Chips Chicken recipe.

Ingredients
1 teaspoon butter
1 cup self-rising flour
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons meat tenderizer
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
3 cups crushed potato chips (such as Lay's�)
1/2 cup olive oil
8 chicken tenders

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish with butter.
In a bowl, stir together the self-rising flour, garlic powder, meat tenderizer, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, place the crushed potato chips. Pour the olive oil into a third bowl.
Rinse the chicken tenders under cold water. Working one at a time, dip a chicken tender into olive oil, then into the seasoned flour mixture, then back into the olive oil, then into the crushed potato chips. Lay the coated chicken tender into the prepared baking dish. Repeat with all the other pieces of chicken. Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of the seasoned flour onto the chicken pieces, then sprinkle the chicken with remaining potato chips.
Place the baking dish onto the middle rack of preheated oven, and bake until the chicken is no longer pink inside, the juices run clear, and the coating is golden brown, about 30 minutes.

Blueberry Sauce recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1/4 cup water
1 cup orange juice
3/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup cold water
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the blueberries, 1/4 cup of water, orange juice, and sugar. Stir gently, and bring to a boil.
In a cup or small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and 1/4 cup cold water. Gently stir the cornstarch mixture into the blueberries so as not to mash the berries. Simmer gently until thick enough to coat the back of a metal spoon, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the almond extract and cinnamon. Thin sauce with water if it is too thick for your liking.

Best Chicken Salad Ever II recipe.

Ingredients
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
6 (4 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
3 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons prepared Dijon-style mustard
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon pepper
1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup halved seedless red grapes
1/2 cup cashews

Directions
In a large, self-sealing bag, combine honey and Worcestershire sauce. Add chicken and place bag in a shallow dish in the refrigerator. Chill 2 to 4 hours, turning bag occasionally. Remove chicken and discard marinade.
Grill chicken over medium heat for 12 to 15 minutes, until juices run clear and chicken is no longer pink inside. Remove from grill, cool and chop.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining honey, mustard, vinegar, lemon zest, lemon pepper, poppy seeds and garlic powder. Add chicken, grapes and cashews and toss until evenly coated. Cover and chill until serving.

Ambrosial Bread recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/3 cups water
3/4 cup chocolate-covered crispy peanut butter candy
1/3 cup honey
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons dry milk powder
4 cups bread flour
2 3/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

Directions
Place ingredients into the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select Sweet Bread setting or White Bread setting. Start.

Balsamic Bruschetta recipe.

Ingredients
8 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 loaf French bread, toasted and sliced

Directions
In a bowl, toss together the tomatoes, basil, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Mix in the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, kosher salt, and pepper. Serve on toasted bread slices.

Bistro Veal Burgers recipe.

Ingredients
1 slice bread, torn into small pieces
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 basil leaves, chopped
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon pepper
1 pound ground veal
4 (1 ounce) slices Cheddar or pepper jack cheese (optional)
4 hamburger buns

Directions
Place torn bread into a bowl and sprinkle with milk and Worcestershire sauce. Mix in egg until combined. Season with basil, rosemary, and pepper. Mix in veal until evenly mixed. Shape veal mixture into four patties.
Preheat a grill for medium heat.
Lightly oil the hot grill. Grill veal burgers to desired degree of doneness, about 5 minutes per side for medium. Place a slice of cheese on each burger, and allow to melt for about 1 minute before serving on buns.

Basil Vinaigrette recipe.

Ingredients
1/4 cup olive or vegetable oil
4 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar or cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
In a jar with tight-fitting lid, combine all ingredients; shake well. Serve over salad greens.

Broccoli-Onion Deluxe recipe.

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package frozen pearl onions
1 pound fresh broccoli, cut into spears
6 tablespoons butter or margarine, divided
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 pinch pepper
1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup soft bread crumbs

Directions
In a covered saucepan, cook onions in a small amount of water for 5 minutes. Add broccoli; cook 5 more minutes. Drain. Place in a 2-qt. baking dish. In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter; stir in flour, salt and pepper. Gradually add milk; cook and stir until thickened. Add cream cheese; stir until melted. Pour sauce over vegetables; sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes. Melt remaining butter; combine with crumbs. Sprinkle over casserole. Return to the oven, uncovered, for 15 minutes.

Apple Crumble Tart recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 (17.5 ounce) package frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 tablespoon butter, melted
3 apple - peeled, cored, and chopped
3/8 cup all-purpose flour
3/8 cup chopped blanched almonds
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons butter, chilled
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 egg yolks
3 tablespoons white sugar
1/3 cup dry Marsala wine

Directions
In a small bowl, mix flour, almonds, 1/2 cup sugar, and cinnamon together. Add chilled butter and vanilla extract. Cut together with a pastry blender until small crumbs form.
Unfold pastry and cut into a 10 inch circle. Place on a large, ungreased baking sheet. Brush with melted butter or margarine. Arrange apples in the center of the pastry, leaving a 1/2 inch wide border of pastry. Spoon almond topping gently over the apples, being careful it doesn't spill over the edges of the pastry.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Place egg yolks and 3 tablespoons sugar in the top of a double boiler over simmering water. Beat mixture constantly with a portable electric mixer. When foamy, add the marsala; continue to beat until the mixture begins to thicken. Do not overcook, or the mixture will curdle. Remove from heat. Serve warm over the apple crumble.

All Pumpkins' Night Stew recipe.

Ingredients
3 tablespoons canola oil, divided
1 clove garlic, minced
2 onions, chopped
2 1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons pepper
2 tablespoons caraway seed
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
7 cups beef broth
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 teaspoon nutmeg
3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions
Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Stir in garlic and onion, and cook until softened and translucent; remove from pan. Pour 2 tablespoons canola oil into Dutch oven. While this heats, mix the beef with salt and pepper. Sear the beef in batches until browned all over, about 5 minutes.
Stir in caraway seeds and flour, cook until flour is incorporated and the caraway seed is fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in beef broth; add bay leaves, sugar, nutmeg, and onion mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the meat is tender, about 2 hours.
Stir in the potatoes and carrots; continue cooking until the vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes. Stir together the cornstarch and water; stir into the stew along with the parsley. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.

Basil Bean Salad recipe.

Ingredients
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14.5 ounce) can wax beans, drained
1 (14.5 ounce) can cut green beans, drained
1 medium green pepper, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
6 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
3/4 teaspoon salt

Directions
In a large bowl, combine beans, green pepper and onion. In a small bowl, combine vinegar, oil, sugar, basil, mustard and salt. Pour over bean mixture; toss to coat. Chill for several hours or overnight.

Bryan's Sweet and Hot Tomato Pasta Sauce recipe.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 tablespoon crumbled dried red chile pepper
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
3/4 cup brown sugar, divided

Directions
In a saucepan, combine olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper and red peppers and lightly saute over high heat.
Reduce heat to low and mix in tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir in celery salt, salt and pepper. Start with 1/2 cup of the brown sugar and mix into the sauce. Gradually add brown sugar, depending on acidity of tomatoes. First taste of sauce should be sweet.

Authentic Hungarian Goulash recipe.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
2 large onions, diced
2 pounds flank steak
1/8 teaspoon caraway seed
1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 clove garlic, minced
5 tablespoons paprika
2 cups water
4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium high heat. Saute onions until soft, then add beef and brown. Stir in caraway seed, marjoram, garlic and paprika. Pour water over all, lower heat to low and simmer for 2 1/2 hours.
Add potatoes and cook until tender, another 45 minutes to 1 hour. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

Apricot Glazed Chicken recipe.

Ingredients
6 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 (10.75 ounce) can low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup apricot preserves
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water

Directions
Spray a large skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Brown chicken in heated skillet.
Add chicken broth, jam and soy sauce. Simmer for 20 minutes or until chicken is done (no longer pink in the center).
Remove chicken from skillet. Add 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water to sauce to thicken (equal amounts more of each if you like it thicker). Return chicken to skillet and turn to coat thoroughly with sauce.

Bacon Cheese Stromboli recipe.

Ingredients
1 (10 ounce) can refrigerated pizza dough
3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
5 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1 (12 ounce) jar salsa
Sour cream

Directions
On an ungreased baking sheet, roll the dough into a 12-in. circle. One one half of dough, sprinkle cheeses and bacon to within 1/2 in. of edges. Fold dough over filling; pinch edges to seal. Bake at 425 degrees F for 9-11 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with salsa and sour cream if desired.

Asian Asparagus Salad with Pecans recipe.

Ingredients
2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 teaspoons sugar
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 tablespoon chopped green onions

Directions
Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil, and cook the asparagus until tender but crisp. Drain, and briefly immerse in cold water.
In a large, resealable plastic bag, mix the rice vinegar, soy sauce, vegetable oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Seal the asparagus in the bag. Marinate 24 hours in the refrigerator. Sprinkle the marinated asparagus with pecans and green onion to serve.

Alfredo Mostaccioli recipe.

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package mostaccioli
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

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.
Combine heavy cream and butter in a Dutch oven or large, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Heat until butter melts, stirring occasionally; be careful not to bring mixture to a boil. Stir in Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Toss with cooked pasta and serve immediately.

Buttermilk Pancakes II recipe.

Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons white sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup butter, melted

Directions
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat together buttermilk, milk, eggs and melted butter. Keep the two mixtures separate until you are ready to cook.
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. You can flick water across the surface and if it beads up and sizzles, it's ready!
Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture, using a wooden spoon or fork to blend. Stir until it's just blended together. Do not over stir! Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/2 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

Apple Cranberry Crisp recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup butter flavored shortening, melted
1 tablespoon water
1 (16 ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce
2 tablespoons cornstarch
5 Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored and thinly sliced

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
In a medium bowl, mix together the oats, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted shortening and water to form a crumbly mixture.
In a large saucepan, mix together the cranberry sauce and cornstarch. Bring to a boil, and then remove from heat. Stir in the apples. Spread into an 8x8 inch glass baking dish. Crumble the oat mixture over the apples.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the apples are tender. Serve warm.

Bangers and Mash recipe.

Ingredients
8 large baking potatoes, peeled and quartered
2 teaspoons butter, divided
1/2 cup milk, or as needed
salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 pounds beef sausage
1/2 cup diced onion
1 (.75 ounce) packet dry brown gravy mix
1 cup water, or as needed

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place potatoes in a saucepan with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain, and mash with 1 teaspoon of butter, and enough milk to reach your desired creaminess. Continue mashing, or beat with an electric mixer, until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until heated through. Remove from pan, and set aside. Add remaining teaspoon of butter to the skillet, and fry the onions over medium heat until tender. Mix gravy mix and water as directed on the package, and add to the skillet with the onions. Simmer, stirring constantly, to form a thick gravy.
Pour half of the gravy into a square casserole dish so that is coats the bottom. Place sausages in a layer over the gravy (you can butterfly the sausages if you wish). Pour remaining gravy over them, then top with mashed potatoes.
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until potatoes are evenly brown.

Apple Shortbread Pie recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup chilled butter, diced
2 egg yolks, beaten
1 1/4 pounds Golden Delicious apple - peeled, cored and cut into 1/4 inch slices
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C.)
Sift four, 1/2 cup sugar and salt into a large bowl. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Fold in egg yolks (mixture will be crumbly). Remove 1/4 of mixture, and set aside. Press remainder onto bottom and sides an 8 inch tart shell or pie pan.
In a large bowl, combine apples, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, cinnamon and nutmeg. Place apples into crust, and sprinkle reserved crumb mixture evenly over top.
Place pie on a baking sheet, and bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and continue baking 20 minutes, or until top is golden brown and filling is bubbling.

Anise Cookies IV recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup shortening
1 cup white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons anise extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a medium bowl, cream together the shortening, sugar and eggs until smooth. Stir in the anise extract. Combine the flour and baking powder; stir into the wet ingredients. Scoop out spoonfuls and roll into balls. Place balls 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until light brown. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. Frost when cool if desired.

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.

Asian Mushroom Soup recipe.

Ingredients
4 cups fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
3 garlic cloves, crushed
3 cups assorted mushrooms, sliced (I like white buttons, oyster, shiitake, portobello and crimini; if using shiitake, discard stems)
3 cups white cabbage, cut in wedges
1 cup thinly sliced carrots
2 cups chicken breast, shredded
2 cups fresh udon noodles (or substitute cooked linguine)
1 cup thinly sliced green onions, with some of the green tops
2 cups shredded raw spinach or whole baby spinach leaves
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon mirin (sweetened rice wine) (optional)

Directions
In a large pot, combine broth, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, mushrooms, cabbage, carrots and chicken. Cover. Bring to a boil; simmer until mushrooms are soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in noodles, green onions and spinach; simmer until greens are wilted, about 2 minutes. Season.

Banana Crumb Muffins recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 bananas, mashed
3/4 cup white sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease 10 muffin cups, or line with muffin papers.
In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, beat together bananas, sugar, egg and melted butter. Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.
In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour and cinnamon. Cut in 1 tablespoon butter until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Sprinkle topping over muffins.
Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean.