8.27.2011

Basic Mashed Potatoes recipe.

Ingredients
2 pounds baking potatoes, peeled and quartered
2 tablespoons butter
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes; drain.
In a small saucepan heat butter and milk over low heat until butter is melted. Using a potato masher or electric beater, slowly blend milk mixture into potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Blueberry Oatmeal Coffee Cake recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup quick-cooking oats
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup fat-free milk
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries*
STREUSEL TOPPING:
1/4 cup quick-cooking oats
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons cold butter or stick margarine

Directions
In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, sugar, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, beat the egg, milk, oil and sour cream. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in blueberries. Pour into a 9-in. round baking pan coated with nonstick cooking spray.
For topping, in a small bowl, combine the oats, flour and brown sugar; cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over batter. Bake at 400 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

Barbecue Beef Cups recipe.

Ingredients
3/4 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup barbeque sauce
1 tablespoon dried minced onion
1 (12 ounce) package refrigerated biscuit dough
1/3 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease the cups of a muffin pan.
In a large heavy skillet over medium heat, cook beef until evenly brown. Drain excess fat. Stir in barbeque sauce and dried onion. Simmer for a few minutes over low heat.
Flatten each biscuit, and press into cups of the prepared muffin pan. Make sure the dough comes to the top of the pan. Spoon a portion of the meat mixture into each dough cup.
Bake in preheated oven for 12 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese, and bake for 3 more minutes.

Blue Cheese Bread Pudding recipe.

Ingredients
4 tablespoons butter, softened
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
20 ounces cubed French bread
1 pound blue cheese, crumbled
5 eggs, lightly beaten
5 egg yolks
3 cups heavy cream
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon ground black pepper

Directions
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-low heat, and cook the onion and garlic 20 minutes, until soft and golden brown.
Arrange 1/2 the bread cubes in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan. Layer with 1/2 the blue cheese and the onion mixture. Top with remaining bread cubes and cheese.
In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, heavy cream, salt and pepper. Pour over top layer of bread cubes in pan. Set aside for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Bake pudding 40 minutes in the preheated oven. Cover pan and continue baking 15 minutes, or until set and golden brown. Allow to sit 15 minutes before serving.

Aunt Faith's Clam Dip recipe.

Ingredients
1 (6.5 ounce) can minced clams, with juice
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 small sweet onion, minced
2 drops hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco�), or to taste

Directions
With a fork, mash the cream cheese in a bowl, adding a little bit of the clam juice at a time until smooth. Fold the clams and onions into the cream cheese mixture until evenly mixed. Stir the hot pepper sauce into the dip.

Basic Brine for Smoking Meat recipe.

Ingredients
1/4 cup kosher salt
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
4 cups water

Directions
In a medium bowl, combine the salt, sugar and water. Whisk vigorously until all the salt and sugar is dissolved. Then pour this mixture over the meat, poultry, or fish that you are preparing. Soak for several hours, or overnight. (Note: Make certain the meat is fully submerged in the brine, and make more brine as needed to fully cover the meat.)

Almond-Raspberry Meringue Bars recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
7 ounces almond paste
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup seedless red raspberry jam
3 egg whites
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup flaked coconut

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with greased aluminum foil.
To make the Crust: In a large bowl, mix together the butter, almond paste, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in one egg and the almond extract. Mix in the flour and stir until well blended.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden. Cool slightly, and spread the raspberry preserves over the crust.
In a large glass or metal bowl, whip egg whites until they form soft peaks. Gradually beat in 1/2 cup sugar until peaks become stiff. Spread the meringue over the jam and sprinkle with coconut.
Bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until firm. Let cool on wire racks. Lift foil from pan and cut bars with a sharp knife.

Alfredo Shrimp with Angel Hair Pasta recipe.

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

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

Apple Crisp III recipe.

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups Macintosh apples - peeled, cored and quartered
2 cups rolled oats
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup milk

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Combine apples and brown sugar in a large Dutch oven.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Combine milk, flour, and oats. Pour mixture over apples and brown sugar.
Bake for 1 hour. Serve.

Buttermilk Nut Bread recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons shortening, melted
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Directions
In a mixing bowl, beat the egg. Gradually beat in brown sugar and shortening. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to egg mixture alternately with buttermilk. Beat just until moistened. Stir in nuts. Pour into a greased 9-in. x 5-in. x 3-in. loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pan to a wire rack.

Banana Pudding IV recipe.

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups cold milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
4 bananas, sliced
1/2 (12 ounce) package vanilla wafers

Directions
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in condensed milk, pudding mix, cold milk and vanilla until smooth. Fold in 1/2 of the whipped topping.
Line the bottom of a 9x13 inch dish with vanilla wafers. Arrange sliced bananas evenly over wafers. Spread with pudding mixture. Top with remaining whipped topping. Chill.

Bacon Cheese Fries recipe.

Ingredients
1 (32 ounce) package frozen French fries
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/4 cup cooked crumbled bacon
Ranch salad dressing

Directions
Cook French fries according to package directions. Place fries on a broiler-safe dish or platter. Sprinkle with cheese, onions and bacon. Broil for 1-2 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve with ranch dressing.

Adzuki Bean Mango Stir Fry with Cilantro Lime Coconut Sauce recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup light coconut milk
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 lime, juiced
1 inch piece fresh ginger root, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon agave nectar
1 tablespoon peanut oil
1 red onion, cut into 1 inch long strips
1 green bell pepper, cut into 1 inch long strips
1/2 cup thinly sliced carrot
1 cup canned adzuki beans, drained
2 small mangos - peeled and cut into strips

Directions
To make the sauce, blend the coconut milk, cilantro, lime juice, ginger, garlic, and agave nectar in a blender until smooth; set aside.
Heat the peanut oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the onion, bell pepper, and carrot in the hot oil until the carrot is tender, about 10 minutes. Add the adzuki beans and mango; cook and stir until the mango is hot. Pour the sauce overtop to serve.

Barbequed Steelhead Trout recipe.

Ingredients
2 pounds steelhead trout fillets
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup barbeque sauce

Directions
Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat, and lightly oil the grate.
Arrange the trout fillets on large piece of aluminum foil. Whisk together the butter, lemon juice, paprika, and cayenne pepper; brush the mixture onto the fillets.
Cook on the preheated grill until the fish flakes easily with a fork, about 10 minutes; brush the fillets with the barbeque sauce; cook another 2 minutes.

Apricot Curry Chicken recipe.

Ingredients
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 cup white sugar
3 1/2 cups fresh apricots, pitted and halved
1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper hot sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon red curry paste (such as Thai Kitchen�)
1/2 (10 ounce) jar mild curry paste (such as Patak's�)
1/2 cup flaked coconut
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

Directions
Combine the white wine vinegar, sugar, apricots, coconut milk, onion, garlic, hot pepper sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cinnamon, red curry paste, mild curry paste, and coconut into a saucepan over medium heat; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the onion is translucent and the apricots are soft, about 10 minutes.
Pour the mixture 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. Pour the blended sauce back into the saucepan, and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. (You can also use a stick blender and puree the sauce right in the cooking pot.)
Stir the chicken meat into the simmering sauce and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, 20 to 30 minutes.

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.

Baked Spinach recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/4 pounds spinach
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup dried bread crumbs
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 2 quart baking dish.
Clean spinach thoroughly. Remove all excess water. Chop spinach. Arrange spinach and flour in layers, nestle beaten eggs about midway between the layers.
Combine cheese and bread crumbs. Mix in optional parsley, if desired. Sprinkle over top of spinach. Mix butter or margarine, milk, salt and pepper. Pour over all ingredients. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven for 50 minutes to one hour.

Authentic Kicked-Up Syrian Hummus recipe.

Ingredients
5 unpeeled garlic cloves
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained
1/2 cup tahini
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
Place unpeeled garlic cloves in the middle of a large square of aluminum foil. Drizzle cloves with 1 tablespoon of olive oil; wrap in foil. Roast in preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven, and allow to cool. When slightly cooled, squeeze roasted garlic out of peels.
Combine roasted garlic, garbanzo beans, tahini, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in the work bowl of a food processor. Process until very creamy.

Baked Chicken and Okra recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups uncooked white rice
1 (3 pound) whole chicken, cut into pieces
2 (28 ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes, chopped, juice reserved
2 cups small fresh okra
2 bay leaves
5 cups chicken broth
salt and black pepper to taste

Directions
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Spread the rice over the bottom of a 10x15 inch baking dish. Layer the chicken pieces, tomatoes, okra, and bay leaves on top of the rice. Pour the broth and reserved tomato juice over the ingredients and season with salt and pepper.
Cover and bake for 2 hours, until the chicken is tender and falling off the bone. Remove the bay leaves. Serve in large bowls with plenty of rice and sauce.

Blue Ribbon White Cake recipe.

Ingredients
5 tablespoons cornstarch
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup milk
3/4 cup water
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
6 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons orange zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. Then grease and flour the paper.
Sift together the cornstarch, flour, baking powder and salt.
Add the oil, milk, water and vanilla. Beat until it forms a very smooth batter.
In a separate bowl beat the egg whites until frothy, add the cream of tartar and beat until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar and beat until very well blended.
Fold the egg whites into the batter. Pour batter into the prepared pans.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool then frost with Orange Frosting.
Cream the butter until light and fluffy. Add the orange zest and salt. Beat in the confectioners' sugar alternately with the orange and lemon juices. Continue to beat until light and fluffy. Use to frost cooled cake.

Ambrosia Bites recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped dates
1 cup flaked coconut

Directions
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in peels and vanilla. Combine flour, oats, baking soda, baking powder and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Stir in remaining ingredients.
Drop by heaping tablespoonfuls 3 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375 degrees F for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Beghrir (Moroccan Pancakes) recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup warm water (115 degrees F/46 degrees C)
1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon white sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup semolina flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon orange-flower water, or to taste (optional)

Directions
Place the water, yeast, and sugar in a blender, and let stand without blending for 5 minutes, until the yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam. Add the milk, flour, semolina flour, eggs, baking powder, and salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth, about 1 minute. Leave the mixture in the blender to rest for about 30 minutes.
Heat a 5-inch nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Blend the pancake mixture for about 10 seconds, to remix, and scoop 1/4 to 1/3 cup of batter into the heated skillet. Cook the beghrir until bubbles have formed and popped, and the top of the pancake is no longer shiny, about 3 minutes. Do not flip. Adjust the heat as necessary so that the bottoms of the pancakes are just starting to brown when the tops are dry. Blend the batter for 10 seconds or so after cooking 3 or 4 pancakes, to keep the batter fluffy.
To make the sauce, place the butter, honey, and flower-water flavoring in a microwave-safe bowl, and microwave on High setting until the butter is melted and the honey is hot, about 1 1/2 minutes. Stir the sauce, and drizzle about 1 tablespoon over each warm pancake to serve.

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.

Angel Shrimp Pasta recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup margarine
1 onion, chopped
1 1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
8 ounces jalapeno processed cheese spread
1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 pound angel hair pasta

Directions
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt margarine and saute onions and mushrooms; add soup and processed cheese spread and blend together.
Add shrimp and cook for about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until al dente; drain.
Pour sauce over pasta and serve.

Blueberry Buckle recipe.

Ingredients
3/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup shortening
1/2 cup milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups fresh blueberries
1/2 cup white sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup butter, softened

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease one 8x8 inch pan.
Cream together 3/4 cup sugar, shortening, and egg.
In a separate bowl mix together 2 cups flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir into sugar mixture, alternating with milk. Stir in blueberries. Pour into greased 8x8 inch pan.
To make topping: Combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 cup flour, cinnamon, and butter. Sprinkle over cake batter.
Bake at 375 degree F (190 degrees C) for 25-30 minutes.

Best Chicken Quiche recipe.

Ingredients
1 (9 inch) refrigerated pie crust
1 poached skinless, boneless chicken breast half, cut into small chunks
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups skim milk
1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix
1 teaspoon paprika

Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
Spread crust into a 10 inch deep dish pie plate. Arrange chicken evenly over the crust. Cover with Gruyere cheese.
In a small bowl, beat eggs with a fork; stir in milk, onion soup mix and Parmesan cheese. Pour mixture into pie crust and sprinkle with paprika to taste.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then lower heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and bake for 30 more minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes and serve.

BREAKSTONE'S Creamy Avocado Dip recipe.

Ingredients
2 medium fully ripe avocados, peeled, pitted
1 (16 ounce) container BREAKSTONE'S Reduced Fat Sour Cream
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1 (1 ounce) package ranch dressing mix
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)

Directions
Mash avocados with fork or potato masher until smooth.
Add remaining ingredients; mix until well blended. Cover. Refrigerate 1 hour or until chilled.
Serve with WHEAT THINS Snack Crackers, cut-up fresh vegetables or chips.

Butter Balls II recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup butter
1/2 cup white sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup confectioners' sugar for decoration

Directions
Beat butter on medium speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar, beat until fluffy. Add flour, and beat at low speed until well blended, stir in pecans.
Shape into one inch balls. Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) on an ungreased cookie sheet for 20 minutes. Remove and put on wire rack to cool. Roll in confectioners' sugar when cool.

Blueberry Meringue Pie recipe.

Ingredients
1 (9 inch) pie shell, partially baked
4 cups blueberries
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 egg whites
1/4 cup white sugar

Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
In a large bowl, stir together the sugar, cinnamon and cornstarch. Add blueberries and lemon juice, and stir gently to coat berries. Pour into the pie crust.
Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven. When the pie is done, whip the egg whites in a large glass or metal bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually sprinkle in sugar while continuing to whip into a stiff meringue. Spread over the hot filling so that the meringue is sealed to the crust all around.
Bake for 10 more minutes, or until meringue is nicely browned. Cool to room temperature before refrigerating or serving.

Acorn Squash with Sweet Spicy Sausage recipe.

Ingredients
2 acorn squash, halved and seeded
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 pounds spicy turkey sausage, casings removed
1 cup brown sugar

Directions
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place the squash halves face-down in a baking dish in 1 inch of water and bake until flesh is tender, about 45 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; cook the sausage in the oil until brown, breaking the meat into small pieces as it cooks; set aside.
Once the squash halves are tender, discard the water. Generously sprinkle brown sugar into the cavity of each squash half, reserving about 1/4 cup for later use. Fill the squash halves with the browned sausage, and top with the reserved brown sugar. Return squash to the baking dish and bake until the sugar begins to melt, about 15 minutes.

Artichoke Bean Salad recipe.

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14.5 ounce) can cut green beans, drained
1 (6.5 ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts, undrained
1 1/2 cups chopped red onion
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup Italian salad dressing

Directions
In a large bowl, toss all ingredients. Cover and refrigerate until serving.

Asian Noodle Toss recipe.

Ingredients
8 ounces uncooked thin spaghetti
1 (10 ounce) package julienned carrots
8 ounces sugar snap peas
2 cups cubed, cooked chicken
1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
1/2 cup stir-fry sauce

Directions
Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Stir in carrots and peas; cook 1 minute longer. Drain; place in a bowl. Add the chicken, oranges and stir-fry sauce; toss to coat.

Anita's Cozy Apple Fig Compote recipe.

Ingredients
2 Red Delicious apples - peeled, cored and diced
14 ounces dried figs
1 (2 inch) stick cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 1/2 cups apple cider

Directions
Place the apples, figs, and cinnamon stick into a large saucepan. Pour in the lemon juice and apple cider. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, and cook 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cover the compote as it cooks if you prefer the compote thinner. Serve warm or cold.

Beer, Orzo and Chicken recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup orzo pasta
1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle beer
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 pound boneless chicken thighs
1/2 onion, minced
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup pimentos, drained
1 tablespoon ground turmeric
1/2 cup frozen petite peas
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Place the orzo in a small bowl. Pour enough beer into the bowl to cover the orzo; set the remaining beer aside.
Heat the oil in a large, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on both sides, about 4 minutes per side. Drain the fat from the skillet and lower heat to medium. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until the onions are translucent.
Pour in the orzo mixture, the rest of the beer, chicken broth, tomato sauce, pimentos, and turmeric; cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the peas; simmer another 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.