7.13.2011

Breakfast Pizza recipe.

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

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

Baked-Bottom Nanaimo Bars recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
3 tablespoons butter
1 (5.1 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
2 1/4 cups milk
1/4 cup flaked coconut

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter an 8x8-inch square baking pan.
In a large mixing bowl, beat unsalted butter with sugar with an electric mixer until very creamy, about 1 minute. Add the egg and cocoa powder, and beat until the ingredients are well mixed. Pour in the graham cracker crumbs, 1 cup coconut, and almonds, and beat on low speed until the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes, and let the crust cool.
Melt chocolate chips with 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over very low heat, stirring until well blended. Remove from the heat, allow to cool for several minutes, then spread the chocolate mixture over the crust in a smooth layer. Refrigerate the dish while you make the next layer.
Beat the pudding mix and milk in a mixing bowl with an electric mixer until the pudding is thick and smooth, about 2 minutes. Spread the pudding over the chocolate layer; sprinkle the dish with 1/4 cup coconut, cover loosely, and refrigerate until chilled and set, at least 1 hour.

Almond-Stuffed Pears recipe.

Ingredients
6 medium pears, peeled, halved, and cored
1 1/2 cups water
1/3 cup white grape juice
1/2 cup finely chopped toasted almonds
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon almond extract

Directions
Place pears, cut side down, in an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in baking dish. Combine water and grape juice; pour over pears. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 35-45 minutes or until tender. Turn the pears over. Combine almonds, sugar and extract; mix well. Spoon into pear cavities. Bake, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Serve warm.

"Zuccotto" Cupcakes recipe.

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

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

Basic Brownies recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups Basic Cookie Mix
1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup cold water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup sifted cocoa
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9x9 inch pan.
Lightly beat egg and add to Basic Cookie Mix.
Melt butter over low heat and add to mixture. Stir in water, vanilla, cocoa, and nuts. Mix well.
Bake for 25 minutes or until top springs back when touched. Cool and cut into squares.

Best Ever Chocolate Cutout Cookies recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/4 cups white sugar
1 egg

Directions
Sift together the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; set aside. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg. Gradually stir in the sifted ingredients to form a soft dough. Divide dough into 2 pieces, flatten and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/8 inch in thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Dough is sticky so be sure to add more flour to the rolling surface as needed. Place cookies 1 1/2 inches apart onto cookie sheets.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Almond Blue Cheese Fritters recipe.

Ingredients
3 ounces blue cheese
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1/4 cup slivered California Almonds
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup flour for rolling dough
1 (15 ounce) package ready-made pie crust containing 2 pie crusts (Pillsbury�)
2 tablespoons slivered California Almonds
oil for frying

Directions
Blend blue cheese, cream, 1/4 cup slivered almonds and red bell pepper in a food processor.
Sprinkle countertop with flour and unroll the two pie crusts. Cut 8 (2x3-inch) rectangles out of each crust. Place 1 tablespoon filling each on 8 rectangles. Cover them with the remaining 8 rectangles. Pinch small points in the corners, middle and ends to seal the edges. The packet will have 8 small points. Press the remaining 2 tablespoons almonds onto the top of the fritters.
Heat oil to 350 degrees F and fry the fritters one at a time for about 1 minute or until they are golden. Drain on a plate lined with paper towels.

Breakfast Pepperoni Pizza recipe.

Ingredients
1 green onion, chopped
2 teaspoons water
1 teaspoon butter
1 (7 inch) prebaked Italian bread shell crust
1/3 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup pizza sauce
12 slices pepperoni sausage

Directions
In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, onion and water. In a small skillet, heat butter until hot. Add egg mixture; cook and stir over medium heat until eggs are partially set.
Place the crust on an ungreased baking sheet. Sprinkle with about 2 tablespoons cheese and drizzle with about 2 tablespoons pizza sauce. Top with scrambled egg mixture. Drizzle with remaining pizza sauce; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Top with pepperoni. Bake at 400 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until crust is slightly crisp. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Becky's Easy Cilantro Lime Rice recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 onion, chopped
1 (4 ounce) can green chilies
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 lime, juiced
1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
3 cups water
4 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon butter, softened
3 cups uncooked instant rice

Directions
Blend the onion, green chiles, garlic, and lime juice together in a food processor until smooth; add the cilantro and pulse until the cilantro is finely chopped into the mixture.
Bring the water to boil in a saucepan. Stir the cilantro mixture, chicken bouillon granules, salt, butter, and rice into the water and return to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer until the rice has absorbed the liquid entirely, about 20 minutes.

Barbeque Chicken recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup vinegar
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
In a large glass bowl mix lemon juice, vegetable oil, vinegar, oregano, and garlic powder. Place chicken pieces in the bowl, and season with salt and pepper. Cover, and marinate in the refrigerator at least 1 hour.
Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat, and lightly oil grate.
On the prepared grill, cook chicken until no longer pink and juices run clear. Periodically brush chicken with the remaining marinade mixture while cooking. Discard any leftover marinade.

Artichoke and Mussel Bisque recipe.

Ingredients
3 whole artichokes
1 bulb fennel, trimmed and diced
1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 quarts water to cover
salt and pepper to taste
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon margarine
1 pound mussels - cleaned and debearded
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 lemon, juiced
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions
Remove the hearts and stems from the artichokes and discard the leaves. Chop the hearts and stems and place them in a large pot over low heat with the fennel and onion. Add the cream, just enough water to cover all, and salt and pepper to taste. Let this simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until tender.
Meanwhile, rinse and de-beard the mussels. In a separate large saucepan over medium low heat, sweat the garlic in the butter or margarine for 30 seconds. Add the cleaned mussels and the wine, cover and let simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the mussels and reserve the liquid. (Note: Be careful not to brown the garlic.)
Transfer the vegetable mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. Add the lemon juice, reserved mussel liquid and season with salt and pepper to taste. Strain this mixture through a fine mesh strainer and top each serving with some mussels. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Apple Cookies recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/3 cups packed brown sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped apples

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
Cream shortening, sugar and egg. Add half of the dry ingredients.
Blend in milk and remaining dry ingredients.
Add nuts, raisins, apples and mix.
Drop on greased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool and spread with Vanilla Glaze (see recipe).

Apple Dumplings III recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups self-rising flour
1/2 cup apple juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup diced apples
2 (46 fluid ounce) cans apple juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Directions
In a medium bowl, combine flour, 1/2 cup apple juice and cinnamon, stirring until smooth. Stir in diced apple.
Into a 4-quart pot with a tight fitting lid, pour 2 cans of apple juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Drop diced apple mixture by soup-spoonfuls into boiling juice. Cover and let boil 20 minutes. Do not remove lid during cooking. After 20 minutes, remove dumplings from pan; set aside.
Stir cornstarch into remaining apple juice in pot and cook until thickened. Serve over dumplings.

Best Frozen Daiquiris recipe.

Ingredients
1 (12 fluid ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
1 (6 ounce) can frozen limeade concentrate
4 1/4 cups water
1 (750 milliliter) bottle light rum

Directions
In a large freezable container, mix lemonade concentrate, limeade concentrate, water and rum. Freeze for 24 hours.
When frozen, break up with a wooden spoon, stir and serve. Store remainder in freezer until needed. Be sure to stir before serving, as the alcohol tends to settle to the bottom.

Barley Salad With Almonds And Apricots recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups pearl barley
4 1/2 cups water
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 red onion, thinly sliced
3/4 cup dried apricots, sliced
1/2 cup sliced almonds
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 cup plain low-fat yogurt
2 tablespoons honey
1 lemon, juiced
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pinch ground nutmeg

Directions
Rinse barley in a fine sieve. Bring water to a boil in a heavy saucepan. Stir in the barley, and return to a boil. Cover, and reduce heat. Simmer until water is absorbed, about 45 to 50 minutes. Cool to room temperature.
Pour oil into a small skillet, and place over medium heat. Add onion, and saute until golden brown.
In a serving dish, combine barley, onion, apricots, almonds, and parsley. Toss.
In a small bowl, mix together yogurt, honey, lemon juice, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, and nutmeg. Pour over the barley mixture ,and toss well to combine. Serve at room temperature.

Basil Green Beans recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups frozen French-style green beans
2 teaspoons butter or margarine
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
salt to taste

Directions
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer for 6-8 minutes or until beans are tender.

Apple, Pecan, Cranberry, and Avocado Spinach Salad with Balsamic Dressing recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup baby spinach leaves
1 tablespoon dried cranberries
1 tablespoon chopped salted pecans
1/2 apple, cored and diced
1 tablespoon diced red onion
2 tablespoons grated carrot
1/4 avocado, peeled and diced
1 tablespoon balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing, or to taste

Directions
Place spinach, cranberries, pecans, apple, onion, carrot, and avocado into a bowl. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette, and toss to coat.

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.

Blonde Brownies recipe.

Ingredients
1/4 cup butter flavored shortening
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions
In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and brown sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Stir in nuts and chocolate chips. Spread into a greased 11-in. x 7-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack. Cut into bars.

Apricot Beef Stir-Fry recipe.

Ingredients
1 (15 ounce) can apricot halves
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3/4 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 1/2 pounds boneless beef round or sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
1 tablespoon canola oil
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup cherry tomatoes
Hot cooked rice

Directions
Drain apricots, reserving 1/4 cup juice. Cut apricots in quarters and set aside. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, broth, soy sauce and reserved apricot juice until smooth; set aside.
In a large skillet or wok, stir-fry beef in oil for 3 minutes. Add broccoli and onion; stir-fry 2-3 minutes longer or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Stir sauce and add to the pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add tomatoes and reserved apricots; heat through. Serve over rice.

BLT Chicken Salad recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup mayonnaise
4 tablespoons barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon pepper
8 cups torn salad greens
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
10 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
2 hard-cooked eggs, sliced

Directions
In a small bowl, combine the first five ingredients; mix well.
Cover and refrigerate until serving.
Place salad greens on a large serving platter. Sprinkle with tomatoes, chicken and bacon; garnish with eggs. Drizzle with dressing.

Brontosaurus Burgers recipe.

Ingredients
2 slices bread, torn into bite size pieces
1 egg, beaten
1 pound ground beef chuck
1 pound ground beef sirloin
1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup steak seasoning sauce (such as Dale's Steak Seasoning�)
3 tablespoons hot pepper sauce
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 (18 ounce) bottle barbeque sauce

Directions
Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat, and lightly oil the grate.
Place the torn-up bread into a large bowl, and mix with the egg. Lightly mix in the ground chuck, ground sirloin, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, steak seasoning sauce, hot sauce, and salt and pepper. Form the meat mixture into 6 large patties, 6 inches across by 1 inch thick.
Place the burgers on the preheated grill, and cook 10 to 15 minutes per side, until the burgers are browned and no longer pink in the middle. Brush each burger with barbecue sauce, flip them and grill for 5 minutes to slightly char the sauce. Brush the other sides with sauce, flip, and grill for 5 more minutes to cook the other side.

Baked Sweet Potatoes with Ginger and Honey recipe.

Ingredients
3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup honey
3 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
2 tablespoons walnut oil
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
In a large bowl, toss together the sweet potatoes, honey, ginger, walnut oil, cardamom, and pepper. Transfer to a large cast iron frying pan.
Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven. Stir the potatoes to expose the pieces from the bottom of the pan. Bake for another 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized on the outside.

Belle's Cheesy Potato Stoup recipe.

Ingredients
6 potatoes, diced
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of onion soup
1 (12 ounce) can fully cooked luncheon meat (such as SPAM�), cubed
2 cups milk
1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese
1 pinch red pepper flakes, or to taste
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Place the potatoes into a large saucepan and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the potatoes are tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain off all but 2 cups of the water, then stir in the cream of onion soup, luncheon meat, milk, and Cheddar cheese. Return to a simmer over medium heat, and cook a few minutes until hot. Season to taste with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

Bubbie's Grits Casserole recipe.

Ingredients
8 slices bacon
1 cup quick-cooking hominy grits
4 cups water
1 (8 ounce) package processed cheese, cubed
2/3 cup milk
3 eggs, beaten
salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Fry the bacon in a large deep skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels, reserving 3 tablespoons of the drippings.
Bring the water to a boil and stir in the grits. Cook and stir over medium heat until thick, about 5 minutes. Crumble in about half of the bacon and stir in bacon drippings, processed cheese, milk and eggs. Season with salt and pepper. Pour into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and sprinkle Cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven until the top is browned and grits are set, about 40 minutes.

Busy Mom Peach Cobbler recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
1 (16 ounce) can sliced peaches in heavy syrup
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, or to taste
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg, or to taste
1 cup 2% milk
2 tablespoons white sugar

Directions
Preheat an oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Put the butter in an 8x8 inch baking dish and place in the oven to melt while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
Bring the peaches with syrup and 2 tablespoons of sugar to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 10 minutes; set aside. Whisk together the flour, 1 cup sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Stir in the milk until the mixture is just moistened. Pour into the hot baking dish over the butter. Spoon the peach slices and most of the syrup over the batter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. Return to the oven and bake until the top is golden brown, 30 to 45 minutes longer.

Apricot Swan Cream Puffs recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup water
1/2 cup butter (no substitutes)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk
2 egg yolks, beaten
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
3/4 cup chocolate syrup
2/3 cup apricot preserves
confectioners' sugar

Directions
In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, bring water, butter and salt to a boil. Add flour all at once; stir until a smooth ball forms. Remove from the heat; let stand for 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat until smooth and shiny.
Cut a hole in the corner of a pastry or plastic bag; insert a #10 pastry tip. On a greased baking sheet, pipe twelve 3-in. long S shapes for the swan necks, making a small dollop at the end for head. Bake at 400 degrees F for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire rack to cool.
For each swan body, drop remaining batter by heaping teaspoonfuls 2 in. apart onto greased baking sheets. With a small icing knife or spatula, shape batter into 2-1/2-in. x 2-in. teardrops. Bake at 400 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks.
For filling, combine sugar, cornstarch and salt in a saucepan; gradually stir in milk until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat. Gradually stir a small amount of hot filling into egg yolks; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in butter and extracts. Refrigerate until cool.
Just before serving, spoon about 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup onto serving plates. Cut off top third of swan bodies; set tops aside. Remove any soft dough inside. Spoon 1 tablespoon apricot preserves into bottom of puffs; add filling. Set necks in filling. Cut reserved tops in half lengthwise to form wings; set wings in filling. Place swans on prepared plates. Dust with confectioners' sugar.

Butter Tarts II recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon lemon extract
1 tablespoon melted butter
1/2 cup raisins
8 (3 inch) unbaked tart shells

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C.)
In a large bowl, beat the egg, then beat in brown sugar and salt. Stir in vanilla and lemon extract. Beat until light and bubbly, then stir in melted butter. Fold in raisins. Drop filling by spoonfuls into tart shells.
Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and bake an additional 20 to 25 minutes, until filling is set and pastry is golden brown.

Banana Oatmeal Cookie recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup shortening
1 cup white sugar
1 cup mashed bananas
1 3/4 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, nutmeg and cinnamon.
Cream together the shortening and sugar; beat until light and fluffy. Add egg, banana, oatmeal and nuts. Mix well.
Add dry ingredients, mix well and drop by the teaspoon on ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 15 minutes or until edges turn lightly brown. Cool on wire rack. Store in a closed container.

Avocado Icing recipe.

Ingredients
2 avocados, peeled and pitted
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 (16 ounce) package confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Directions
Combine the avocado and lime juice in a bowl; mix with a hand mixer about 2 minutes. Add the sugar in small amounts while continually mixing until smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract.

BBQ Pork for Sandwiches recipe.

Ingredients
1 (14 ounce) can beef broth
3 pounds boneless pork ribs
1 (18 ounce) bottle barbeque sauce

Directions
Pour can of beef broth into slow cooker, and add boneless pork ribs. Cook on High heat for 4 hours, or until meat shreds easily. Remove meat, and shred with two forks. It will seem that it's not working right away, but it will.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Transfer the shredded pork to a Dutch oven or iron skillet, and stir in barbeque sauce.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until heated through.

Aloha Coleslaw recipe.

Ingredients
1 medium head green cabbage, rinsed and very thinly sliced
1 large carrot, shredded
1 (15 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon salt

Directions
In a large bowl, stir together the cabbage, carrot, pineapple, mayonnaise and salt and let chill for at least an hour before serving.

Baby Guinness recipe.

Ingredients
2 fluid ounces coffee flavored liqueur
1/2 fluid ounce Irish cream liqueur

Directions
Fill a shot glass almost to the top with coffee liqueur. Top off with Irish cream. It should float perfectly on top making the ''head'' of your shot.

Apple-Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe.

Ingredients
1 pound fresh spinach, torn
2 cups chopped unpeeled Granny Smith apples
3/4 cup fresh bean sprouts
1/2 cup sliced fresh strawberries
1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup white wine vinegar
1 small onion, grated
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons salt

Directions
In a large salad bowl, combine the first five ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients. Just before serving, pour over salad and toss.

Apricot Twists recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground mace
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cup butter
6 tablespoons water
1/4 teaspoon lemon extract
1/4 cup apricot preserves
3 tablespoons milk

Directions
Stir together flour, sugar, salt, mace, and baking powder. Cut in butter or margarine until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Combine 1 tablespoon water and lemon extract and sprinkle over the mixture. Toss gently with a fork.
Repeat with the remaining cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time until all is moistened.
Form into a ball, cover and chill for about 30 minutes or until easy to handle.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Divide the dough into quarters. Roll two of the quarters into 12 x 4-inch rectangles and spread with the preserves. Roll the remaining two quarters into 12 x 4-inch rectangles and carefully place over those spread with the preserves. Trim the edges.
Cut each rectangle into twelve 4 x 1-inch strips. Twist each strip twice and pinch ends to seal. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.
Remove from oven, brush with milk and sprinkle with additional sugar. Return to the oven and bake 5-8 minutes more or until done. Remove and cool on wire rack.

Bacon and Tomato Baked Chicken recipe.

Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray
3 pounds broiler-fryer chicken pieces
1 (12 ounce) can Hunt's� Tomato Paste
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
6 cups hot cooked egg noodles (optional)
6 slices bacon, cooked, drained, crumbled
Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Spray 13x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Arrange chicken in dish; set aside.
Place tomato paste, water, vinegar, basil and oregano in food processor container; cover. Process until well blended. Pour over chicken.
Bake uncovered 45 to 50 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in thickest part and juices are clear when pierced with tip of knife (175 degrees on meat thermometer). Serve chicken over noodles, if desired. Top with bacon. Garnish with parsley, if desired.

All Purpose Lime Marinade recipe.

Ingredients
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
2 green onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger root
1/4 teaspoon ancho chile powder

Directions
To make the marinade, whisk together the lime juice, teriyaki sauce, green onions, ginger, and ancho powder.
To use, marinate your chosen meat for 2 to 4 hours. Grill over hardwood charcoal.

Broccoli Corn Stuffing recipe.

Ingredients
1 tablespoon chopped onion
3 tablespoons butter or stick margarine, divided
1 (14.75 ounce) can cream-style corn
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli, thawed
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup seasoned stuffing croutons, divided

Directions
In a skillet, saute the onion in 1 tablespoon butter. In a bowl, combine the corn, broccoli, egg, salt if desired and pepper; mix well. Add the onion mixture and 3/4 cup of croutons. Spoon into a greased 1-qt. baking dish.
Melt the remaining butter; toss with remaining croutons. Sprinkle over the top. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until heated through.

Baked Chicken Thermidor recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups cooked, cubed chicken meat
1 cup diced celery
1 cup frozen green peas
1 (5 ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped
1/2 cup toasted and sliced almonds
2 cups chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons chopped pimento peppers (optional)
2 tablespoons white wine
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 cup milk
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
2 slices white bread, cut into cubes
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
In a large heat-resistant bowl combine the chicken, celery, peas, water chestnuts, 1/4 cup of the almonds, bell pepper, onion, pimiento, wine and lemon juice. Mix all together.
In a saucepan heat the milk and soup over low heat, stirring. Pour soup/milk mixture into bowl containing chicken mixture and mix well. Pour this mixture into a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with bread crumbs.
Bake casserole in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until bubbly. Sprinkle cheese on top and bake for 5 to 6 minutes more. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup almonds on top and serve.

Berries 'n' Cream Dessert recipe.

Ingredients
3/4 cup sour cream
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup vanilla ice cream
3/4 cup whipping cream
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups fresh raspberries

Directions
In a bowl, whisk the sour cream and brown sugar. Stir in ice cream. Refrigerate. In a chilled mixing bowl, beat whipping cream until it begins to thicken. Add sugar and vanilla; beat until stiff peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Fold in sour cream mixture and berries. Pour into serving dishes. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Baker's Secret Pie Crust recipe.

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

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

Baked Stuffed Winter Squash recipe.

Ingredients
3 acorn squash, halved and seeded
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 pound sweet Italian sausage
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place squash halves cut side down in baking pans. Fill pans with about 1/2 inch water. Bake squash 40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until tender.
While squash bakes, heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place onions and celery in the skillet, and cook until tender. Stir in the sausage and thyme. Cook and stir until evenly brown.
Remove squash from the oven, and carefully scrape the pulp from the rinds. Set rinds aside. Place the pulp in a bowl, and mash with a potato masher. Mix in the cooked sausage mixture, egg, bread crumbs, raisins, and pecans. Scoop into the reserved rinds. Set stuffed squash in the baking dishes.
Bake 25 minutes in the 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven, until heated through.

Beef Fried Rice recipe.

Ingredients
Dash pepper
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 pound ground beef, cooked and drained
2 cups cooked long-grain rice
2 small onions, chopped
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar

Directions
In a bowl, beat eggs and pepper. In a skillet, heat oil. Add eggs. Cook until partially set. Lift the edges, letting the uncooked egg flow underneath. When eggs are completely set but still moist, remove from skillet. Cut into strips; return to pan. Add remaining ingredients; mix well. Gently cook and stir for 5 minutes or until heated through.

Brussels Sprouts with Pecans recipe.

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

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

Brussels Sprouts with Mushrooms recipe.

Ingredients
4 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
1/2 pound whole mushrooms
5 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
salt and pepper to taste
fresh lemon juice

Directions
Cook Brussels sprouts in a pot of lightly salted boiling water for 15 minutes, or until fork-tender; strain through a colander, removing as much water as possible. Set aside.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Cook and stir mushrooms until lightly browned. Toss Brussels sprouts with mushrooms, and sprinkle with parsley and lemon juice. Serve immediately.

Black Bean Avocado Salad recipe.

Ingredients
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (11 ounce) can Mexicorn, drained
1 1/3 cups chopped peeled avocado
1 cup chopped seeded cucumber
1 cup chopped seeded tomatoes
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
1 teaspoon lime juice
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Directions
In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Brocomole Dip recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups chopped fresh broccoli, cooked and chilled
1/4 cup reduced fat sour cream
3 tablespoons chopped onions
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 lemon, juiced
1/4 teaspoon chili powder

Directions
In a food processor or blender, combine the broccoli, sour cream, onion, mayonnaise, lemon juice and chile powder. Blend until smooth. Transfer to a medium bowl, cover and refrigerate until chilled.