8.30.2011

Amaretto Cheesecake I recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
3 tablespoons white sugar
3 tablespoons butter
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
1 1/4 cups white sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 (16 ounce) container sour cream
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
5 tablespoons amaretto liqueur
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 eggs

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Mix together the graham cracker crumbs and the 3 tablespoons white sugar. Add the melted butter and mix well. Press into the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes, set aside.
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, and cornstarch, and mix until smooth. Add sour cream, vanilla, amaretto liqueur, and salt. Mix until well blended. On low speed of an electric mixer, add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour batter over crust.
Bake in preheated oven for 60 minutes. Remove from oven. Loosen around the edges with a knife and cool on a wire rack while still in pan. Refrigerate, remove from pan when completely chilled.

Bratwurst Potato Skillet recipe.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 medium red potatoes, cut into 1/4 inch slices
2 fully cooked bratwurst, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 small onion, chopped
1/3 cup chopped green pepper
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon orange juice
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon salt
Dash pepper

Directions
In a heavy skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes; cover and cook for 6 minutes or until browned and crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.
Add bratwurst, onion and green pepper. Cook and stir for 5 minutes or until meat is heated through and vegetables are crisp-tender.
Combine the soy sauce, orange juice, basil, salt and pepper; add to the skillet. Cook and stir 1-2 minutes longer or until meat and vegetables are evenly coated.

Argentinean Chimichurri recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/3 cup minced shallot
1/3 cup minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions
Stir olive oil and lemon juice together with garlic, shallot, parsley, basil, thyme, and oregano; season to taste with salt and pepper. Allow to stand for 2 hours at room temperature before serving; store remaining chimichurri in refrigerator.

Beet Salad with Almonds and Chives recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds beets - red, yellow, the candy-striped Chioggia, or a mixture
1/4 cup slivered almonds, roasted
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt
2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
A few whole chives for garnish

Directions
Place beets in a medium pot and cover with water. Cover, bring to a boil, and cook 15 to 25 minutes, until a beet is easily pierced with a fork. Drain, let cool, and use a paring knife and fingers to slide off skins.
Cut beets into bite-sized pieces and place in a large salad bowl. Add almonds, olive oil, chives, lemon juice and salt, and toss gently. Sprinkle with feta, lay whole chives across salad as garnish, and serve.

Blackberry Yummies recipe.

Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup white sugar
1 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch ground mace
2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
1/3 cup apple juice
1 1/4 cups fresh blackberries

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees C (165 degrees C). Lightly grease one 8x8 inch baking pan.
In large bowl beat the butter or margarine together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat well.
Combine the flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon and mace or nutmeg. Add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture and stir to combine. Mix in the vinegar and juice. Fold in the blackberries.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool in pan and cut into squares.

Berry-Filled Lemon Cake recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups water
3/4 cup liquid egg substitute
1/4 cup plain nonfat yogurt
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
1 (18.25 ounce) package light yellow cake mix
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
3 teaspoons lemon juice
2 cups sliced strawberries

Directions
In a mixing bowl, combine water, egg substitute, yogurt and lemon peel; add cake mix. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour into a greased and floured 10-in. fluted tube pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
Combine sugar and lemon juice; drizzle over cake. Fill center of cake with strawberries.

Broccoli-Cheese Corn Bread recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 (8.5 ounce) package corn bread/muffin mix
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 medium onion, chopped

Directions
In a bowl, combine eggs, butter and salt. Stir in corn bread mix just until blended. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Pour into a greased 11-in. x 7-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Slice and serve warm.

Applesauce Muffin Mix recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
2 tablespoons quick cooking oats
ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS:
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon sugar

Directions
In a bowl, combine the first five ingredients. In a 1-pint glass jar, layer 3/4 cup flour, oats, sugar mixture and remaining flour. Cover and store in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.
To prepare muffins: In a bowl, combine the egg, applesauce, butter and vanilla. Stir in muffin mix just until moistened. Fill greased muffin cups three-fourths full. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 375 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes our clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack.

Amaretto Chicken recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, divided
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
3 green onions, diced
1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh tarragon
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
1/2 cup amaretto liqueur
1/4 cup capers

Directions
Melt 1/4 cup of the butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Brown chicken in butter quickly, and remove to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Add remaining 1/4 cup butter to skillet and brown the green onion and mushrooms with the garlic and tarragon. Pour this saute mixture over chicken breasts.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Heat the cream, cheese and amaretto in the skillet, whisking rapidly. Stir in capers, then pour sauce over chicken, green onions and mushrooms.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.

Apple-Glazed Pork Chops recipe.

Ingredients
4 (3/4 inch) thick bone-in pork chops
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup apple cider or apple juice
2 tablespoons brown sugar, divided
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon cold water
2 large tart apples, sliced
1/2 cup sliced onion
2 tablespoons butter or margarine

Directions
In a large skillet, brown pork chops in oil. Add the cider, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, salt, rosemary and thyme. Cover and cook for 7-8 minutes or until meat juices run clear. Combine the cornstarch and water until smooth; add to the skillet. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened.
Meanwhile, in another skillet, cook the apples, onion, butter and remaining brown sugar over medium heat for 3-4 minutes or until apples are softened. Serve over pork chops.

Bird's Nest Pie recipe.

Ingredients
4 medium apples - peeled, cored and sliced
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup sour milk*
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions
Divide apples evenly between two greased 9-in. pie plates; set aside. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, cream of tartar, sour milk and egg; mix well. Divide batter and pour over apples. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until pies are lightly browned and test done. Invert onto serving plates (so apples are on the top). Combine all topping ingredients; sprinkle over apples. Serve warm.

Blueberry Snack Cake recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup cold butter or margarine
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 eggs, separated
2 cups fresh blueberries or frozen blueberries*

Directions
In a mixing bowl, combine flour and sugar. Cut in butter until crumbly. Set aside 3/4 cup for topping. Add the baking powder, milk and egg yolks to remaining mixture; mix well. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form; fold into batter.
Pour into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with blueberries and reserved crumb mixture. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

Better-Than-Takeout Thai Stir-Fry recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1/2 sweet onion, sliced
1 small head broccoli, cut into spears
1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
1 (12 ounce) package shredded coleslaw mix
3 cups bean sprouts
1 (9 ounce) package diced cooked chicken breast meat
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Directions
Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, onion, and broccoli; cover, and steam until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in tamari, peanut butter, and pepper flakes until smooth. Add the coleslaw mix, bean sprouts, and chicken; cook until heated through. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds to garnish.

Broccoli Fish Bake recipe.

Ingredients
1 (10 ounce) package frozen broccoli spears, cooked and drained
1 pound fresh or thawed frozen firm white fish fillets (cod, haddock or halibut)
1 (10.75 ounce) can Campbell's� Condensed Cream of Broccoli Soup
1/3 cup milk
1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs
1 teaspoon butter, melted
1/8 teaspoon paprika

Directions
Arrange broccoli in 2-quart shallow baking dish. Top with fish. Mix soup and milk and pour over fish. Sprinkle with cheese.
Mix bread crumbs, butter and paprika and sprinkle on top. Bake at 450 degrees F for 20 minutes or until fish is done.

Basil Sugar Snap Peas recipe.

Ingredients
1 pound fresh sugar snap peas
2 tablespoons water
1 (2 ounce) jar sliced pimentos, drained
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Directions
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the peas and water. Cover and cook on high for 3-5 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain. Stir in the remaining ingredients.

Asian Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/4 pounds boneless beef top sirloin steak, cut 1 inch thick
4 cups assorted fresh vegetables, such as sugar snap peas, broccoli florets, bell pepper strips and shredded carrot
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup prepared stir-fry sauce, preferably sesame-ginger flavor
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
3 cups hot cooked rice
2 tablespoons unsalted dry-roasted peanuts (optional)

Directions
Cut beef steak lengthwise in half, then crosswise into 1/4-inch thick strips.
Combine vegetables and 3 tablespoons water in large nonstick skillet. Cover and cook over medium-high heat 4 minutes or until crisp-tender. Remove and drain.
Heat same pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add 1/2 of beef and 1/2 of garlic; stir-fry 1 to 2 minutes or until outside surface of beef is no longer pink. Remove. Repeat with remaining beef and garlic.
Return all beef and vegetables to pan. Add stir-fry sauce and red pepper; heat through. Spoon over rice. Sprinkle with peanuts, if desired.

Asparagus Rolantina recipe.

Ingredients
1 pound fresh green asparagus spears, trimmed
4 slices Swiss cheese
5 (1/2 ounce) slices prosciutto
ground black pepper to taste
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup Italian-style dried bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Lower asparagus into the water, and cook for 1 minute, 2 minutes if the spears are thick.
Lay one slice of meat on a plate. Layer a slice of cheese on top of the slice of meat. Place 3 to 4 asparagus spears at one end of the cheese and meat, and sprinkle with black pepper to taste. Roll the cheese and meat up over the asparagus, and secure with a toothpick. Place asparagus rolls in a casserole dish. Once all of the asparagus rolls have been arranged in the casserole dish, pour melted butter over the entire dish. Sprinkle with bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crumb mixture has formed a crust over the asparagus rolls.

Beefy Lentil Vegetable Soup recipe.

Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1 1/2 cups dry lentils, rinsed
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
3 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
ground black pepper to taste
2 cubes beef bouillon cube
6 cups tomato-vegetable juice cocktail
1 (4.5 ounce) can mushrooms, drained
1 dash Worcestershire sauce

Directions
Brown beef; break meat into small pieces while cooking. Drain.
Place meat in a big pot with lid. Add lentils, vegetables, water, salt, pepper, bouillon, vegetable juice, mushrooms, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook on high until it boils. Reduce heat to low, and cover. Simmer for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until lentils are tender. Stir occasionally.

Bacon, Potato and Cheese Tart recipe.

Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter
18 slices bacon
1 1/2 pounds baking potatoes, peeled and sliced
1 1/4 cups shredded fontina cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Coat an 8 inch round baking dish with the butter. Arrange bacon in a spiral fashion in the baking dish, draping ends of the slices over the pan edge to fold over filling.
Arrange 1/3 of the potatoes over bacon, and sprinkle with 1/3 Fontina cheese. Repeat layers with remaining potatoes and cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Fold bacon over filling to form the upper layer.
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven 1 hour, or until potatoes are tender. Drain any drippings, and cut into wedges to serve.

Asparagus with Garlic and Onions recipe.

Ingredients
1/4 cup water
1/2 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
1/2 cup diced white onion
3 tablespoons butter
salt and black pepper to taste
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

Directions
Pour water into a skillet. Place asparagus and onion in the skillet. Bring water to a boil over medium heat. Cover skillet and steam asparagus and onion 2 to 5 minutes, just until slightly tender. Add a few tablespoons of extra water, if needed, to maintain steam.
When water has steamed off, immediately place butter in skillet. Continue cooking until onions and asparagus are lightly browned. Mix in garlic, and continue cooking about 30 seconds. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Brilliant Christmas Sunset recipe.

Ingredients
Crushed ice
4 tablespoons pomegranate or grenadine syrup
4 cups orange juice

Directions
Add ice to four glasses. Pour 1 tablespoon pomegranate juice or grenadine syrup over ice in each glass. Slowly add 1 cup orange juice. Stir if desired.

Alyson's Broccoli Salad recipe.

Ingredients
1 head fresh broccoli, cut into bite size pieces
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup red onion, chopped
2 tablespoons white sugar
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sunflower seeds
10 slices bacon

Directions
Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Crumble and set aside.
In a salad bowl, toss together broccoli, raisins and red onions. In a separate bowl, whisk together the white sugar, vinegar and mayonnaise. Pour over broccoli mixture and toss to coat. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Before serving, sprinkle with sunflower seeds and crumbled bacon. Toss and serve.

Algerian Flafla (Bell Pepper Salad) recipe.

Ingredients
3 green bell peppers
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion
1 clove garlic, minced
salt and pepper to taste
1 roma (plum) tomato, diced

Directions
Preheat an oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Place the whole peppers on aluminum foil. Bake until the skin is spotted black and the peppers are soft, 30 to 45 minutes, turning the peppers once if necessary.
Remove peppers from the oven and set aside to cool for 10 minutes. Peel off the skin and remove the stem and seeds. Chop the roasted peppers into half-inch pieces.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, salt, and pepper; stir in the chopped peppers and tomato. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the tomato is soft and the mixture is well incorporated, about 5 minutes.

African Peanut Soup recipe.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium onions, chopped
2 large red bell peppers, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, with liquid
8 cups vegetable broth or stock
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
2/3 cup extra crunchy peanut butter
1/2 cup uncooked brown rice

Directions
Heat oil in a large stock pot over medium high heat. Cook onions and bell peppers until lightly browned and tender, stirring in garlic when almost done to prevent burning. Stir in tomatoes, vegetable stock, pepper, and chili powder. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
Stir in rice, cover, and simmer another fifteen minutes or until rice is tender. Stir in peanut butter until well blended, and serve.

BBQ Tuna Fritters recipe.

Ingredients
1 (6 ounce) can light tuna in water, drained
2/3 cup quick-cooking oats
3 tablespoons barbeque sauce
3 tablespoons chopped green onion
1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon dried savory
1 pinch salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions
In a medium bowl, stir together the tuna, egg and oats until blended. Mix in the barbeque sauce, green onion, hot pepper sauce, savory, and salt.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Spoon tablespoonfuls of the tuna mixture into the pan, and flatten slightly. Smaller patties hold together better. Cook until browned on each side, about 3 minutes per side.

Brown Sugar Spice Cake recipe.

Ingredients
vegetable cooking spray
1 (10.75 ounce) can Campbell's� Condensed Tomato Soup (Regular or Healthy Request�)
1/2 cup water
1 (18.25 ounce) package spice cake mix
1 1/4 cups hot water
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
vanilla ice cream

Directions
Spray the inside of a 4-quart slow cooker with the cooking spray.
Combine the soup, water, eggs and cake mix in a medium bowl and mix according to the package directions. Pour the batter into the cooker.
Stir the water, brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Pour over the batter.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Spoon the cake into bowls, spooning the sauce from the bottom of the cooker. Serve warm with the ice cream.

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.

Banana Cream Supreme recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup melted butter
1/4 cup white sugar
1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (3.5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup sour cream
3 bananas, sliced

Directions
In a medium bowl, combine crackers, butter and sugar. Press mixture into bottom and sides of a 9x13 inch pan.
In a large bowl, combine whipped topping, pudding and sour cream; whisk together. Put half of this mixture into crust. Layer sliced bananas over top of pie. Pour second half of pudding mixture over top of bananas.
Immediately cover and refrigerate pie for one hour.

Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice recipe.

Ingredients
1 pound dry kidney beans
1/4 cup olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 stalks celery, chopped
6 cups water
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon dried sage
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
4 cups water
2 cups long grain white rice

Directions
Rinse beans, and then soak in a large pot of water overnight.
In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Cook onion, bell pepper, garlic, and celery in olive oil for 3 to 4 minutes.
Rinse beans, and transfer to a large pot with 6 cups water. Stir cooked vegetables into beans. Season with bay leaves, cayenne pepper, thyme, sage, parsley, and Cajun seasoning. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 2 1/2 hours.
Stir sausage into beans, and continue to simmer for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the rice. In a saucepan, bring water and rice to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve beans over steamed white rice.

Blueberry Gelatin Mold recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups boiling water
1 (6 ounce) package raspberry flavored gelatin mix
1 (15 ounce) can blueberries
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 pint sour cream
3 tablespoons white sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup chopped pecans

Directions
In a medium bowl, stir 2 cups boiling water into the raspberry gelatin until dissolved. Mix in blueberries and pineapple and pour into a 2 quart mold. Let set in refrigerator until firm (about 2 hours).
In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar and vanilla until well blended. Spread over the set gelatin and sprinkle with chopped pecans, if desired. Refrigerate until serving.

Apple and Feta Pan Fried Pizzas recipe.

Ingredients
6 1/2 ounces dry pizza crust mix
1/2 cup hot water
5 tablespoons olive oil
8 ounces crumbled feta cheese
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1/2 tablespoon butter
4 apples, cored and chopped
ground black pepper to taste

Directions
In a medium bowl, combine contents of the pizza dough package and 1/2 cup hot water. Stir vigorously, about 25 strokes. Set the bowl in a warm place (about 85 degrees F, or 35 degrees C) for 5 minutes. Turn dough onto floured board, divide the dough into 8 small sections. Knead the dough and shape it into rounds.
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the dough and fry until the dough is lightly browned, flipping once to brown on both sides. Once cooked, place the circles on a cookie sheet. Sprinkle the feta, red onion, and thyme on top of the circles.
Bake the pizzas until the feta begins to brown, about 10 to 12 minutes.
While the pizzas bake, in the previously used skillet, heat 1/2 tablespoon of butter and a few sprigs of thyme. Mix the apples into the skillet, and cook until the apples are soft and golden. Lay the apples on top of the pizzas, season with pepper, and serve.

Autumn Cheesecake recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
3 tablespoons white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups apples - peeled, cored and thinly sliced
1/3 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup chopped pecans

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a large bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and melted butter; press into the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar. Mix at medium speed until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in vanilla; pour filling into the baked crust.
In a small bowl, stir together 1/3 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Toss the cinnamon-sugar with the apples to coat. Spoon apple mixture over cream cheese layer and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped pecans.
Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes. With a knife, loosen cake from rim of pan. Let cool, then remove the rim of pan. Chill cake before serving.

Butter Dip Breadsticks recipe.

Ingredients
1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 cup milk

Directions
Place butter in an ungreased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt; mix well. Stir in the milk just until moistened. Turn onto a floured surface; knead 10 times. Roll into a 12-in. x 9-in. rectangle. Cut into 9-in. x 1/2-in. strips.
Dip each side of strip in butter in prepared pan; arrange in the pan (do not allow sides to touch). Bake at 450 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Autumn Apple Blender Cake recipe.

Ingredients
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 cup milk
1 apple - peeled, cored and chopped
confectioners' sugar for dusting

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 10 inch Bundt pan. Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg. Set aside.
In a blender on low speed, combine butter, sugar, maple syrup, eggs and cream of tartar. Gradually mix in the flour mixture, then stir in the milk. Turn off the blender, then fold in chopped apple.
Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool 10 minutes in the pan before removing. Dust with confectioners' sugar before serving.

Artichoke Spinach Lasagna recipe.

Ingredients
cooking spray
9 uncooked lasagna noodles
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 (14.5 ounce) can vegetable broth
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 (14 ounce) can marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained and squeezed dry
1 (28 ounce) jar tomato pasta sauce
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 (4 ounce) package herb and garlic feta, crumbled

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add noodles and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and heat on medium-high. Saute onion and garlic for 3 minutes, or until onion is tender-crisp. Stir in broth and rosemary; bring to a boil. Stir in artichoke hearts and spinach; reduce heat, cover and simmer 5 minutes. Stir in pasta sauce.
Spread 1/4 of the artichoke mixture in the bottom of the prepared baking dish; top with 3 cooked noodles. Sprinkle 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese over noodles. Repeat layers 2 more times, ending with artichoke mixture and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle crumbled feta on top.
Bake, covered, for 40 minutes. Uncover, and bake 15 minutes more, or until hot and bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.

Barbecued Corn Muffins recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 pound ground beef
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 (8.5 ounce) package corn bread/muffin mix
2/3 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions
In a skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain and place in a bowl. Add brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Prepare corn bread mix according to package directions. Fill greased muffin cups with a scant 2 tablespoons of batter. Top each with 2 tablespoons beef mixture; sprinkle with cheese. Top with remaining corn bread mix. Bake at 400 degrees F for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack. Serve warm. Refrigerate leftovers.