7.16.2011

African Sweet Potato and Peanut Soup recipe.

Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger root
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch ground cloves
3 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 carrot, peeled and chopped
4 1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chopped, unsalted dry-roasted peanuts
1 pinch cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
1 bunch chopped fresh cilantro

Directions
Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Saute the onion 10 minutes, until lightly browned. Mix in the garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir in the tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and carrot, and continue to cook and stir about 5 minutes.
Pour water into the saucepan, and season the mixture with salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes.
Remove the soup mixture from heat. In a food processor or blender, blend the soup and peanuts until almost smooth. Season with cayenne pepper. Return to the saucepan. Whisk in the peanut butter, and cook until heated through. Serve warm topped with fresh cilantro.

Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry recipe.

Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
1 large potato, peeled and cubed
1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved lengthwise
1 red pepper, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/4 cup chicken broth
ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Directions
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onion, potato, and bay leaf. Cook and stir until the onion is transparent, about 5 minutes. Add the Brussels sprouts, red pepper, and chicken broth. Cover and cook until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Remove the bay leaf. Toss with black pepper, to taste. Garnish with green onions, and serve immediately.

Apple-Raisin Rice Dessert recipe.

Ingredients
2 1/4 cups water
1 cup sugar
3 cups sliced peeled tart apples
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 cups cooked long-grain rice
1/2 cup raisins
7 1/2 teaspoons butter or stick margarine
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
10 tablespoons reduced-fat whipped topping

Directions
In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil; add sugar. Cook and stir until sugar is dissolved. Stir in the apples, lemon juice and spices. Reduce heat; simmer for 3-5 minutes or until apples are tender. Stir in rice, raisins, butter and vanilla.
Pour into a 2-qt. baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 50-55 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish each serving with whipped topping. Serve warm.

Bierock Casserole recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 (16 ounce) can sauerkraut, drained and pressed dry
2 (8 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent rolls
1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Brown onion and ground beef in a large skillet over medium high heat; drain extra fat out of skillet, then stir in drained sauerkraut. Heat through and set aside.
Press 1 package of crescent roll dough into the bottom of a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread beef mixture on top, then lay 2nd package of crescent roll dough over the top of the beef mixture. Press dough seams together and sprinkle all with cheese.
Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Basil and Prosciutto-Wrapped Halibut recipe.

Ingredients
6 leaves basil
2 slices prosciutto
2 (4 ounce) fillets halibut
1/2 teaspoon adobo seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Lay 3 basil leaves on each slice of prosciutto. Season the halibut fillets with Adobo seasoning, place them on one side of the prepared slices of prosciutto, and wrap the fish fillets with the prosciutto and basil.
Set an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, pour in the olive oil and place the wrapped halibut fillets in the pan.
Cook the fillets until the prosciutto is golden brown, about 4 minutes. Flip the fillets over and move the pan into the preheated oven. Bake until the fish is firm to the touch and cooked through, about 5 minutes.

Apple Cheesecake recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
APPLE TOPPING:
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 dash ground nutmeg
6 Granny Smith or baking apples - peeled, cored and thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped pecans
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions
Combine crust ingredients; press into bottom and 1-1/2-in. up sides of a 9-in. springform pan. Refrigerate. For topping, place sugar, lemon juice, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg in Dutch oven; mix well. Add apples. Bring to a boil; cover and simmer 15 minutes or just until apples are tender. Gently stir as needed. Remove from heat; carefully stir in pecans. Cool to room temperature. Set aside 3 tablespoons of topping; refrigerate the rest until serving time. For filling, combine cream cheese, eggs, sugar and vanilla in a large mixing bowl; mix until well blended. Pour filling into crust. Bake at 350 degrees F for 50 minutes. Turn oven off, but leave cheesecake in oven with door ajar for another 1 hour. Cool to room temperature; chill at least 4 hours. Before serving, top with Apple Topping.

Banana Crepes recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup half-and-half cream
6 bananas, halved lengthwise
1 1/2 cups whipped heavy cream
1 pinch ground cinnamon

Directions
Sift flour and powdered sugar into a mixing bowl. Add eggs, milk, butter, vanilla, and salt; beat until smooth.
Heat a lightly greased 6 inch skillet. Add about 3 tablespoons batter. Tilt skillet so that batter spreads to almost cover the bottom of skillet. Cook until lightly browned; turn and brown the other side. Repeat process with remaining batter, grease skillet as needed.
Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large skillet. Stir in brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir in cream and cook until slightly thickened. Add half the bananas at a time to skillet; cook for 2 to 3 minutes, spooning sauce over them. Remove from heat.
Roll a crepe around each banana half and place on serving platter. Spoon sauce over crepes. Top with whipped cream and a pinch of cinnamon.

Blue Cheese Jalapeno Poppers recipe.

Ingredients
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup milk
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
12 jalapeno chile peppers
1/2 cup crumbled bleu cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Mix together the egg and milk in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together the panko crumbs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Cut jalapenos in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds. Stuff each jalapeno half with equal portions of the blue cheese. Place the halves back together and secure with toothpicks. Dip each stuffed jalapeno in the egg mixture and then coat with the panko mixture. Arrange the breaded peppers on a baking sheet.
Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 15 minutes.

Big Pot Sauce recipe.

Ingredients
1 large diced onion
20 cloves garlic
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon crushed red pepper
2 (4 ounce) links hot Italian sausage
1 cup dried oregano
1/4 cup dried basil
7 (28 ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
1 cup red wine

Directions
In a medium skillet, cook sausages over medium heat until juices run clear. Drain, and cut into bite sized pieces. Set aside.
In large (13 quart) stock pot over medium heat, saute onion, garlic and crushed red pepper in olive oil until golden brown. Stir in sausage pieces, half the oregano and half the basil, and cook 10 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, increase the heat to high and bring to a boil.
Stir in the remaining oregano and basil, reduce heat to low, and simmer 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour in the red wine, and with a handheld mixer, carefully blend the sauce in the pot until the tomatoes have been chopped into small pieces and the sauce is thick and chunky. Serve.

Angel Food Cake I recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups cake flour
1 3/4 cups white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups egg whites
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Directions
Beat egg whites until they form stiff peaks, and then add cream of tartar, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
Sift together flour, sugar, and salt. Repeat five times.
Gently combine the egg whites with the dry ingredients, and then pour into an ungreased 10 inch tube pan.
Place cake pan in a cold oven. Turn the oven on; set it to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Cook for about one hour, or until cake is golden brown.
Invert cake, and allow it to cool in the pan. When thoroughly cooled, remove from pan.

Baking Potato Soup recipe.

Ingredients
4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 1/2 cups water, divided
3 (1 ounce) packages white gravy mix

Directions
Place potatoes in a pot with water to cover. Bring to a boil, introduce butter, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer until potatoes are tender, 10 to 20 minutes more.
Meanwhile, prepare gravy mix. Bring 3 1/2 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Combine the remaining cup of water with the gravy mix and stir to dissolve. Stir into boiling water.
Drain potatoes and add to boiling gravy mix. Continue to boil 5 minutes more, adding water to thin if desired. Serve at once.

Asparagus, Chicken, and Pecan Pasta recipe.

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 bunches asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
1 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
salt to taste
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons butter
1 pound grilled chicken breast strips
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup pecan halves (optional)

Directions
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes; drain.
Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Stir in the garlic, red pepper, and asparagus; cook and stir 5 minutes until the garlic softens and mellows. Pour in the chicken broth, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Simmer until the vegetables have softened, then add the basil, salt, pepper, butter, and chicken. Cook and stir a few minutes until the chicken is hot. Stir in the cooked pasta, then fold in the Parmesan cheese and pecan halves to serve.

Apricot Nectar Cake II recipe.

Ingredients
1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup apricot nectar
1/3 cup hot water
2 cups confectioners' sugar
6 tablespoons lemon juice
1 (3 ounce) package lemon flavored gelatin mix

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease one 10 inch tube or Bundt pan.
Mix the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and apricot nectar together.
Dissolve the gelatin in the hot water and add to cake batter. Mix well and pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 to 60 minutes. Invert cake onto a plate and cool for several minutes. Pour glaze over cake while it is still warm.
To Make Glaze: Combine the confectioner's sugar and the lemon juice. Use immediately to pour over still warm cake.

Baked Havarti Chicken recipe.

Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1 (8 ounce) package sliced fresh mushrooms
2 (4 ounce) cans whole green chili peppers, drained, and sliced lengthwise
4 ounces sliced Havarti cheese with dill
Italian dressing
Greek seasoning (optional)
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon white cooking wine
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
salt

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Marinate chicken in Italian Dressing and Greek Seasoning, if using, for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Place chicken in a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle top with additional Greek seasoning, if desired, and bake in preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until no longer pink in center and juices run clear.
Shortly before chicken is done, melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until bubbling. Pour in wine, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic salt, and bring to a boil. Stir in mushrooms. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook until mushrooms are tender, about 3 to 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
Remove chicken from the oven. Lay green chili slices on top of each breast, then top each chili with a slice of cheese. Return to the oven until cheese has melted.
Remove chicken from the oven, top with mushrooms and their pan juices, and serve.

Artichokes and Green Beans recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/4 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
1/2 cup soft bread crumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2/3 cup finely chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1 (14 ounce) can water-packed artichoke hearts, rinsed, drained and quartered
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions
Place beans in a steamer basket. Place in a saucepan over 1 in. of water; bring to a boil. Cover and steam for 6-8 minutes or until crisp-tender. Remove from the heat and set aside.
In a nonstick skillet, toast bread crumbs over medium heat in 1 tablespoon oil; set aside. In the same skillet, saute onion and garlic in remaining oil until tender. Add the artichokes, salt, pepper and reserved beans. Cook and stir over low heat until heated through. Before serving, sprinkle with cheese and toasted bread crumbs.

Boiled Bagels recipe.

Ingredients
4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
3 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon white sugar

Directions
In large bowl, combine 1-1/2 cups flour and yeast. Mix water, 3 tablespoons sugar and salt together, and add to the dry ingredients. Beat with a mixer for half a minute at a low speed, scraping the sides of the bowl clean. Beat at a higher speed for 3 minutes. Then, by hand, mix in enough flour to make a moderately stiff dough.
Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic (8-10 minutes). Cover, let rest for 15 minutes.
Cut into 12 portions, shape into smooth balls. Poke a hole in the center with your finger, and gently enlarge the hole while working the bagel into a uniform shape. Cover, let rise 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, start a gallon of water boiling. Put 1 tablespoon of sugar in it, mix it around a bit. Reduce to simmering.
When the bagels are ready, put 4 or 5 bagels into the water, and cook 7 minutes, turning once. Drain them. Place on a greased baking sheet, and bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from oven, eat hot or cold.
Broiling option: For a glossier surface, place raised bagels on an ungreased baking sheet prior to boiling them. Broil them five inches from heat for 1 to 1-1/2 minutes on each side. Then put them into the hot water to be boiled as above. Note: do not bake broiled bagels as long as non-broiled ones, 25 minutes should be long enough.

Apple Enchiladas recipe.

Ingredients
1 (21 ounce) can apple pie filling
6 (8 inch) flour tortillas
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup water

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 2 quart baking dish.
Spoon about one heaping quarter cup of pie filling evenly down the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle with cinnamon; roll up, tucking in edges; and place seam side down in prepared dish.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, white sugar, brown sugar and water. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes. Pour sauce over enchiladas and let stand 30 minutes.
Bake in preheated oven 20 minutes, or until golden.

Attitude Chicken recipe.

Ingredients
2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into cubes
1 tablespoon butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup Italian salad dressing, or as needed
5 tablespoons lemon juice, divided
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1/4 cup milk
salt and pepper to taste
1 (12 ounce) package wide egg noodles
1 (12 ounce) package frozen broccoli spears, thawed
1 tablespoon butter
2 teaspoons lemon juice

Directions
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, and cook just until it turns white on the outside. Add the onion, garlic, and mushrooms. Saute until onions begin to turn clear. Pour in just enough Italian dressing to coat the chicken mixture, then add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer while you make the sauce.
Combine cream of chicken soup with milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat through, but do not allow it to boil. When the mixture is thoroughly heated, stir in 4 tablespoons of lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Be careful with the lemon - if you add it too soon the milk will curdle. The result of it done correctly will be a shiny smooth sauce.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add noodles, and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Drain.
Fit a steamer basket into a saucepan, and add one inch of water, 1 tablespoon of butter, and remaining 2 teaspoons of lemon juice. Bring to a boil, and add broccoli. Cover, and allow the broccoli to steam for 5 minutes, or until tender, but still bright green.
To finish the dish, mix together the sauce and noodles, and place them on a serving platter. Top with chicken in the center, and arrange broccoli around the outside edge.

Alex's Raw Chocolate Pudding recipe.

Ingredients
1 avocado - peeled, pitted, and cut into chunks
1 banana, peeled and cut into chunks
1 cup unsweetened soy milk
1/4 cup raw cocoa powder
2 tablespoons agave nectar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut (optional)

Directions
Place avocado, banana, soy milk, cocoa powder, agave nectar, lemon juice, and coconut into a blender. Cover, and puree until smooth. Divide into small containers, and store in the refrigerator 1 hour until set.

Busy Day Lunch Salad recipe.

Ingredients
1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 tomato, cut into small dice
1/4 red onion, minced
1 canned heart of palm, minced
1/3 cup grated reduced-fat mozzarella cheese
4 sprigs fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Toss the garbanzo beans, tomato, onion, heart of palm, mozzarella cheese, thyme, olive oil, and lemon juice together in a bowl until evenly mixed. Season with salt and pepper and retoss.

Bananas Foster Pudding recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 (1 pound) loaf bread, crumbled
2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup banana liqueur
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 dash vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans
6 bananas, sliced

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Beat in eggs. Blend in bread, cream, milk, banana liqueur, cinnamon and vanilla. Fold in nuts and banana slices. Pour into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Bake in preheated oven 90 minutes, until set.

Bulgur Barbecue recipe.

Ingredients
2 3/4 cups water, divided
2/3 cup bulgur
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 1/2 cups chopped celery
1 large onion, chopped
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
12 hamburger buns, split

Directions
In a saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Stir in bulgur. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat. Drain and squeeze dry; set aside.
In a large nonstick skillet, cook the beef, celery and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the tomato sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper and remaining water. Stir in reserved bulgur.
Transfer to a 2-qt. baking dish. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 50-60 minutes or until heated through. Serve on buns.

Banana-Chocolate Chip Cake recipe.

Ingredients
4 squares BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate, divided
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/3 cups mashed fully ripe bananas
1/2 cup KNUDSEN Sour Cream
1 1/2 cups flour
1 (3.4 ounce) package JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 ounces PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, cubed, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk

Directions
Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
Chop 3 chocolate squares. Beat butter and granulated sugar in large bowl with mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating after each until well blended. Add bananas and sour cream; mix well. Mix flour, dry pudding mix, baking soda and salt. Add to banana mixture; beat until well blended. Stir in chopped chocolate; pour into 12-cup fluted tube pan or 10-inch tube pan sprayed with cooking spray.
Bake 45 minutes or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Invert cake onto wire rack; gently remove pan. Cool cake completely. Transfer to plate.
Microwave remaining chocolate square in small microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1 minute or until melted when stirred. Stir in cream cheese until melted. Add powdered sugar; stir until mixture is well blended. Stir in milk. Drizzle over cake. Store in refrigerator.

Breakfast Pita Pockets recipe.

Ingredients
2 slices bacon
2 links pork sausage
2 slices Canadian-style bacon
3 eggs, beaten
1 pita bread, cut in half

Directions
Place bacon, sausage, and Canadian-style bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat. Fry until evenly brown; drain. Crumble bacon, and chop sausage.
Mix eggs into the skillet, and scramble with the bacon and sausage until no longer runny.
Place pita bread in a microwave, and heat on High about 30 seconds, until warm. Spoon the egg mixture into the pita bread halves, and serve warm.

Apple Cobbler recipe.

Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons milk
8 cups thinly sliced peeled baking apples
2 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
1 tablespoon milk
3/4 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions
In a bowl, combine flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. In another bowl, lightly beat eggs and vanilla; add to crumb mixture. With a fork, gently mix in milk to moisten. Stir until dough forms a ball. Press half of the dough into the bottom of a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Chill the remaining dough. Toss apples with tapioca, cinnamon and remaining sugar; place over dough in pan. On a lightly floured surface, roll chilled dough to fit top of pan. Place over apples. Brush with milk. Combine sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle on top. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45-50 minutes or until apples are tender and crust is golden.

Amazingly Easy Irish Soda Bread recipe.

Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup margarine, softened
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup buttermilk

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet.
In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and margarine. Stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and egg. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead slightly. Form dough into a round and place on prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine melted butter with 1/4 cup buttermilk; brush loaf with this mixture. Use a sharp knife to cut an 'X' into the top of the loaf.
Bake in preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, about 30 to 50 minutes. You may continue to brush the loaf with the butter mixture while it bakes.

Basic Ham and Bean Soup recipe.

Ingredients
1 pound dry great Northern beans
8 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped carrots
1/2 stalk celery, chopped
1 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon mustard powder
2 bay leaves
2 cups chopped ham
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper

Directions
Rinse the beans, sorting out any broken or discolored ones. In a large pot over high heat, bring the water to a boil. Add the salt and the beans and remove from heat. Let beans sit in the hot water for at least 60 minutes.
After the 60 minutes of soaking, return the pot to high heat and place the ham bone, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, mustard and bay leaves in the pot. Stir well, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 60 more minutes.
Remove ham bone and discard. Stir in the chopped ham and simmer for 30 more minutes. Season with ground white pepper to taste.

Bruschetta with Hummus recipe.

Ingredients
1 (14 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon chopped fresh garlic
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/4 cup butter, softened
12 slices ciabatta bread
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon paprika
24 slices roma (plum) tomatoes
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions
For the hummus, place the drained garbanzos, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and olive oil in a food processor. Process until blended, about 1 minute. Refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature before making the bruschetta.
Spread a teaspoon of butter on each slice of ciabatta; sprinkle with a teaspoon of Parmesan cheese. Place under broiler until slices are golden, about 3 minutes. Remove from oven and spread with a generous tablespoon of hummus. Sprinkle with a dusting of paprika.
To serve, top with tomato slices, feta cheese, and a sprinkle of the oregano and garlic powder.

Bitter Melon Stir-Fry recipe.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 pound pork loin, cut into small cubes
1/2 pound tiger prawns, peeled and deveined
1 tomato, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
1 bitter melon, seeded and sliced

Directions
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the onion and garlic in the hot oil until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Mix the pork into the onion and garlic; cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Stir the prawns into the mixture and cook until no longer translucent, about 5 minutes more. Add the tomatoes; season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking until the tomatoes soften, about 5 minutes. Stir the bitter melon through the mixture and cook until the melon is tender, about 5 minutes. Serve hot.

Beefy Taco Dip recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 pound ground beef
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1 cup Pace� Chunky Salsa
1/2 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, cut into pieces
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Assorted Toppings (see Note)
Sour cream (optional)
Tortilla chips

Directions
Cook the beef and chili powder in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until the beef is well browned, stirring often. Pour off any fat. Stir the salsa, cream cheese and Cheddar cheese in the skillet. Cook and stir until the cheese is melted. Sprinkle with the assorted toppings and top with the sour cream, if desired.
Serve with the tortilla chips.

Asian Coleslaw recipe.

Ingredients
6 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
6 tablespoons vegetable oil
5 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger root
1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
5 cups thinly sliced green cabbage
2 cups thinly sliced red cabbage
2 cups shredded napa cabbage
2 red bell peppers, thinly sliced
2 carrots, julienned
6 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions
In a medium bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, oil, peanut butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic.
In a large bowl, mix the green cabbage, red cabbage, napa cabbage, red bell peppers, carrots, green onions, and cilantro. Toss with the peanut butter mixture just before serving.

Breakfast Kolaches recipe.

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

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

Broccoli Casserole III recipe.

Ingredients
2 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped broccoli
8 ounces processed cheese food, shredded
1/4 pound butter
32 buttery round crackers, crushed

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place broccoli in casserole dish and cover with cheese.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter; add the cracker crumbs and stir until evenly coated. Sprinkle over cheese.
Bake for 30 minutes.

Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe.

Ingredients
2 (10 ounce) cans chunk chicken, drained
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup Ranch dressing
3/4 cup pepper sauce (such as Frank's Red Hot�)
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 bunch celery, cleaned and cut into 4 inch pieces
1 (8 ounce) box chicken-flavored crackers

Directions
Heat chicken and hot sauce in a skillet over medium heat, until heated through. Stir in cream cheese and ranch dressing. Cook, stirring until well blended and warm. Mix in half of the shredded cheese, and transfer the mixture to a slow cooker. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover, and cook on Low setting until hot and bubbly. Serve with celery sticks and crackers.

Buko (Young Coconut) Pie recipe.

Ingredients
1 fresh young coconut, drained with meat removed and chopped
2 (12 fluid ounce) cans evaporated milk
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
4 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup white sugar
1 pinch salt

Directions
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Stir the coconut, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, sugar, and salt together in a bowl; pour into a round 3-quart baking dish. Set the baking dish into a large roasting pan. Pour enough water into the bottom of the roasting pan to fill about halfway up the side of the baking dish. Carefully move to the preheated oven.
Bake in preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 60 minutes. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Blueberry Dessert recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup softened butter
26 saltine crackers, crushed
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
4 large egg whites
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (21 ounce) can blueberry pie filling
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

Directions
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Mix the butter, crushed saltines, and walnuts together in a bowl, and press the mixture into the bottom of an 8x12 inch baking dish.
With an electric mixer, beat the egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar, and vinegar in a large metal or glass bowl until the mixture forms stiff peaks, then beat in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Spread the meringue mixture over the prepared crust, and bake in the preheated oven until the meringue is golden brown and firm, 10 to 15 minutes. Let the crust cool.
Mix together the blueberry pie filling and lemon juice in a bowl, and spread the mixture over the cooled meringue.
Beat the cream and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract together with an electric mixer, gradually adding confectioners' sugar, until the whipped cream forms fluffy peaks. Cover the blueberry pie filling with the whipped cream, and refrigerate until served.

Bloody Mary Steaks with Green Olive Butter recipe.

Ingredients
4 (6 ounce) boneless beef sirloin steaks, room temperature
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 teaspoons cracked black pepper
2 teaspoons celery seed
1 1/2 cups extra spicy Bloody Mary mix
1 tablespoon orange juice concentrate
2 fluid ounces vodka
16 pitted green olives
3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
2 teaspoons chopped garlic

Directions
Preheat a grill to medium heat.
Brush steaks on both sides with olive oil, then sprinkle with a mix of cracked pepper and celery seed. Cook steaks to desired doneness on the preheated grill. When done, allow steaks to rest on a plate while continuing with the recipe.
Bring the Bloody Mary mix, orange juice concentrate, and vodka to a boil over high heat; then reduce heat to medium, and simmer for 5 minutes. While sauce is cooking, puree the olives, butter, and garlic in a small food processor until almost smooth.
To serve, pour a pool of the sauce in the center of each plate. Slice each steak into 4 or 5 slices, and fan out over the sauce. Add a dollop of olive butter, and spoon a little more sauce overtop.

Broiled Short Ribs recipe.

Ingredients
4 pounds boneless beef short ribs
salt and pepper to taste
1/3 cup molasses
2/3 cup ketchup
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions
Trim fat from rib meat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Place in a Dutch oven and cover with water. Simmer for 2 hours. Drain.
In a small bowl, combine the molasses, ketchup, lemon juice, dry mustard, chili powder and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly.
Place the drained meat on a broiler rack. Brush molasses mixture over ribs. Broil on medium for 10 to 15 minutes, turning and basting with sauce often.

Bubba's Pretzel Salad recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup crushed pretzels
1/2 cup sugar
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature
1 (8 ounce) tub frozen whipped topping, thawed
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup sugar
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained with juice reserved

Directions
In a medium bowl, mix together crushed pretzels, 1/2 cup sugar and melted butter until blended. Press into the bottom of a 9x9 inch baking dish.
In another bowl, beat 1/2 cup sugar and cream cheese until fluffy. Fold in whipped topping. Spread over the pretzel layer in dish.
In a small saucepan, stir together cornstarch and 1/4 cup sugar. Mix in reserved pineapple juice, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook, stirring until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in crushed pineapple. Spread over the whipped layer in the dish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 1/2 hours, or until firm.