9.12.2011

ABC (Absolute Best Chewy) Chocolate Chippers recipe.

Ingredients
3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons dark corn syrup
1 tablespoon half-and-half cream
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts, toasted

Directions
Position oven rack in lower third of oven and preheat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). (Using an oven thermometer will ensure proper baking temperature since ovens vary.) Line cushion-type baking sheets with baking parchment; set aside. (Professional bakeries double their baking sheets and use baking parchment.)
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder; set aside. In a large mixer bowl, cream together butter, sugars and vanilla at medium speed until creamy and light. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in corn syrup and cream or milk. Reduce mixer speed to low. Add flour mixture, in 3 separate batches, scraping down bowl after each addition. Mix well to ensure full incorporation of flour mixture. Stir in chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) and nuts.
For each cookie, using a 1- 3/8 inch spring-loaded scoop (or 1 tablespoon measuring spoon), scoop 2 level spoonfuls of dough and roll into a ball with wet hands. (Dough will be very sticky. Wetting hands between every 3 rollings of dough will prevent sticking. Simply hold hands under running tap water and shake hands 10 times over sink before handling dough. Don't worry, this will not harm the cookies. I guarantee that this added effort will be worth it for these cookies!) Arrange at least 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. (Cookies will spread a bit during baking.) Flatten each ball of dough slightly with heel of hand or fingers.
Bake for 14 minutes or until light golden brown around edges and centers are still a little puffy. (Do not underbake this particular cookie or they will be too soft.) Allow cookies to cool at least 5 minutes while on baking sheets before transferring (with a thin, metal cookie spatula) to wire racks to cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough and fresh sheets of baking parchment. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. (These chewy chocolate chip cookies keep better than traditional types.)
Note: Professional chefs and pastry chefs use coarse kosher salt and I use it in my everyday cooking and baking. It really does have a better flavor. However, you may substitute 1 teaspoon regular table salt for 1- 1/4 teaspoons coarse kosher salt.
To Toast Nuts: Toasting nuts brings out their flavor and makes them crisp. It is easy to do. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place nuts, in a single layer, on an ungreased baking sheet. (I like to use my round non-stick pizza pan because it has a lip on it which prevents the nuts from rolling off.) Bake for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring halfway through baking time, or until nuts become fragrant and are lightly browned. (Watch nuts closely to prevent burning.) Cool nuts completely before chopping and adding to recipe. (You can speed up the cooling process by immediately placing hot, toasted nuts onto a plate and place in the freezer for 5 to 8 minutes. Halfway through chilling time, stir the nuts to aid the cooling process.)

Banana Brown Sugar Pancakes recipe.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 packet instant, banana-flavored oatmeal

Directions
Whisk together egg, oil, and milk until smooth. Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt; add to egg mixture along with brown sugar, and oatmeal; stir until just combined.
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or spoon the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

Beef and Biscuit recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/4 pounds lean ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green chile pepper
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1 (10 ounce) can refrigerated buttermilk biscuit dough
1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
1/2 cup sour cream
1 egg, lightly beaten

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef, onion and green chile pepper; drain. Stir in tomato sauce, chili powder ,and garlic salt. Simmer while preparing the biscuits.
Separate biscuit dough into 10 biscuits. Pull each biscuit into 2 layers. Press 10 biscuit halves on the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish to form bottom crust. Reserve the other 10 biscuit halves for the top layer.
Remove meat mixture from heat, and stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheese, sour cream, and egg; mix well. Spoon over bottom crust. Arrange remaining biscuit halves to form top crust, and spoon remaining cheese evenly over the top.
Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until biscuits are a deep golden brown color.

Angel Chicken Pasta recipe.

Ingredients
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/4 cup butter
1 (.7 ounce) package dry Italian-style salad dressing mix
1/2 cup white wine
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed golden mushroom soup
4 ounces cream cheese with chives
1 pound angel hair pasta

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in the package of dressing mix. Blend in wine and golden mushroom soup. Mix in cream cheese, and stir until smooth. Heat through, but do not boil. Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour sauce over.
Bake for 60 minutes in the preheated oven. Twenty minutes before the chicken is done, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until al dente, about 5 minutes. Drain. Serve chicken and sauce over pasta.

Baby Greens and Goat Cheese Wrap recipe.

Ingredients
1 (12 inch) whole wheat tortilla
1 cup mixed baby salad greens
4 cherry tomatoes, chopped
2 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese
2 tablespoons diced roasted red peppers
1/2 tablespoon shredded mozzarella cheese
balsamic vinegar to taste
olive oil to taste

Directions
Lay the tortilla out flat, and arrange the baby greens across the tortilla. Sprinkle the cherry tomatoes, goat cheese, roasted red pepper, and mozzarella cheese evenly across the greens. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
Fold the bottom of the tortilla up about 2 inches to enclose the filling, and roll the wrap tightly.

Black-eyed Peas and Ham Hocks recipe.

Ingredients
3 cups water
1 pound dry black-eyed peas
2 smoked ham hocks
salt to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf

Directions
Rinse dried peas thoroughly, sorting any tiny pebbles or other debris.
In a large stockpot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil with black-eyed peas, ham hocks, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Reduce to a simmer and cook, uncovered, 1 1/2 hours, or until peas and ham hocks are tender. If ham hocks require further cooking, simmer in water in a separate pot until meat is easily pulled from the bone.
Cool ham hocks and remove all meat from the bone. Stir ham into the peas, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, and serve.

Bohemia Cookies recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup shortening
1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup ground walnuts
6 ounces milk chocolate, grated

Directions
Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C).
In a medium bowl, cream together the shortening and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Stir in the vanilla and salt. Mix in flour, walnuts and grated chocolate until well blended. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until firm. Remove from baking sheets to cool on wire racks.

Banana Date Bars recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups sliced bananas
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup dates, pitted and chopped
1/2 cup chopped almonds
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, cream margarine and sugar. Gradually mix in eggs and vanilla. Stir in bananas. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir into the sugar mixture. Finally, fold in dates and chopped almonds.
Spread batter evenly into prepared baking pan. Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes.
While the bars are baking, You can make the lemon icing. In a small bowl, Mix together salt and confectioners sugar. Stir in soft butter, lemon juice, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
When bars are cool, spread the lemon icing over the top and cut into squares. Mmmm Mmmmm!

Apricot Ginger Game Hens recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup apricot preserves
3/4 teaspoon grated fresh ginger root
1 teaspoon crushed garlic
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 teaspoon white sugar
2 Cornish game hens, halved lengthwise

Directions
In shallow dish, mix the soy sauce, apricot preserves, ginger, garlic, wine, and sugar. Place the hens in the dish, and coat with the marinade. Cover, and allow to marinate in the refrigerator 8 hours, or overnight.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
Arrange the hen halves in a baking dish. Pour remaining marinade over the hens. Bake uncovered 1 hour and 15 minutes in the preheated oven, basting frequently with the marinade, until hen juices run clear.

Brilliant Potatoes With Paprika and Caramelized Onions recipe.

Ingredients
3 tablespoons canola oil
2 large Vidalia or other sweet onions, roughly chopped
4 (15 ounce) cans whole new potatoes, drained
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon dried minced garlic
2 tablespoons paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup butter, at room temperature

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then stir in the Vidalia onion. Cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned deep brown, 10 to 15 minutes. While the onions are caramelizing, toss the drained potatoes with the olive oil in a large bowl. Season with garlic salt, garlic powder, dried minced garlic, and black pepper; toss until well coated, then pour into the prepared baking dish, and spread into a single layer.
Sprinkle the caramelized onions on top of the potatoes, then dot the top of the dish with the room temperature butter, and sprinkle with paprika. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven until the outsides of the potatoes are crisp, 45 to 55 minutes.

Apple-Glazed Pork Chops recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup SMUCKER'S� Apple Jelly
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
4 (1-inch-thick) pork chops
2 small baking apples, cored and sliced

Directions
Combine first four ingredients in saucepan; cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until jelly melts. Keep warm.
Place pork chops on rack in broiler pan. Broil five inches from heat, seven minutes on each side.
Remove from oven; brush one side with jelly glaze, and broil three minutes. Flip and brush other side with glaze; top with apple slices, and drizzle with remaining glaze. Broil three minutes.

Amber's Sesame Chicken recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup toasted sesame seeds, divided
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
5 (6 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into chunks
5 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 yellow onion, cut into wedges
1/2 cup green bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
2 tablespoons honey

Directions
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine flour, 1/4 cup sesame seeds, black pepper, five-spice powder, and red pepper flakes. Place a few pieces of chicken at a time into the bag, and shake to coat. Remove to a platter.
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Place chicken into skillet, and brown on both sides, about 5 minutes. Remove chicken, and set aside. Stir onion wedges and bell pepper slices into skillet; cook until slightly browned, about 2 minutes. Remove, and set aside.
Return chicken to skillet, and reduce heat to low. Mix in teriyaki marinade, 1/4 cup sesame seeds, and honey; stir until sauce thickens. Return onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Warm through, and serve.

Apple Crisp I recipe.

Ingredients
3 1/2 pounds apples - peeled, cored and sliced
1/2 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 packets instant maple and brown sugar oatmeal
1 pinch salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup maple syrup

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place apples in a 9x13 inch baking dish. In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Stir in flour, instant oatmeal and salt. Fold in walnuts. Sprinkle oatmeal mixture evenly over apples. Drizzle with maple syrup.
Bake in preheated oven 50 to 70 minutes, until apples are tender and topping is golden.

Broccoli Casserole I recipe.

Ingredients
2 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped broccoli
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup herb-seasoned dry bread stuffing mix
1 tablespoon melted butter

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place broccoli in a large saucepan with enough water to cover. Heat over medium-high heat until water begins to boil; remove from heat and drain.
In a large bowl combine broccoli, soup, onion, sour cream and flour. Mix well and transfer to a 2 quart casserole dish. In a small bowl combine stuffing mix and butter; spread over broccoli mixture.
Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting.

Artichoke-Red Pepper Tossed Salad recipe.

Ingredients
1 head iceberg lettuce, torn
1 head romaine, torn
1 (14 ounce) can water packed artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
2 medium sweet red peppers, julienned
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions
In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine oil, vinegar, mustard, sugar and seasoned salt; cover and shake well. Drizzle over salad; toss to coat. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Barbie's Tuna Salad recipe.

Ingredients
1 (7 ounce) can white tuna, drained and flaked
6 tablespoons mayonnaise or salad dressing
1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1/8 teaspoon dried minced onion flakes
1/4 teaspoon curry powder
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried dill weed
1 pinch garlic powder

Directions
In a medium bowl, stir together the tuna, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and onion flakes. Season with curry powder, parsley, dill and garlic powder. Mix well and serve with crackers or on a sandwich.

Bistro Onion Burgers recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 pouch Campbell's� Dry Onion Soup and Recipe Mix
3 tablespoons water
6 Pepperidge Farm� Farmhouse Premium White Rolls with Sesame Seeds, split and toasted
Lettuce leaves
Tomato slices

Directions
Mix thoroughly beef, soup mix and water. Shape firmly into 6 patties, 1/2-inch thick each.
Cook patties in skillet 10 minutes or until done.
Serve on rolls. Top with lettuce and tomato.

Amazingly Delicious Whole-Grain Brownies recipe.

Ingredients
1/4 cup applesauce
3/4 cup white sugar
2 egg whites
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon coffee flavored extract
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8x8 inch square pan.
In a medium bowl, stir together the applesauce, white sugar, egg whites and butter until smooth. Mix in the buttermilk, vanilla extract and coffee extract. Combine the cocoa, all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder and salt; stir into the sugar mixture just until incorporated. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, but the brownies are still moist. Cool, and cut into squares.

Ambrosia Salad recipe.

Ingredients
1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
1 cup miniature marshmallows
1 cup flaked coconut
1 cup sour cream

Directions
In a large bowl, combine the oranges, pineapple, marshmallows and coconut. Add sour cream and toss to mix. Cover and refrigerate for several hours.

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.

Beer Batter Waffles recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups self-rising flour
1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle beer
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup milk
2 eggs, separated
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
Preheat a waffle iron according to manufacturer's instructions. Combine flour, beer, butter, milk, egg yolks, honey, and vanilla in a large bowl; stir until the mixture is smooth. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold egg whites into batter.
Spray preheated waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray. Ladle the batter into waffle iron. Cook the waffles until golden and crisp. Serve immediately.

Big John's BBQ Ribs and Dry Spice Rub recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup chili powder
1 tablespoon dried minced garlic
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons seasoning salt
2 pounds rib roast
4 cups canned tomato sauce
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped fresh tomato
1/4 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons dried onion flakes
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup water

Directions
In a small bowl or jar, mix together chile powder, dried minced garlic, onion powder, cumin, salt and seasoning salt.
Place rib roast on a medium baking sheet. Rub vigorously with 1/2 the chile powder mixture. Cover and refrigerate 4 to 6 hours.
In a medium saucepan, mix together 1/2 the chile powder mixture, tomato sauce, brown sugar, tomato, Worcestershire sauce, dried onion flakes, soy sauce and water. Cook 3 to 5 hours, stirring occasionally, over low heat.
Prepare an outdoor grill for indirect heat. Lightly oil grate.
Cook ribs covered on the prepared grill 3 to 5 hours, or to desired doneness. Brush with the sauce mixture from the medium saucepan during the last minutes of cooking. Serve with remaining sauce mixture.

Best Bruschetta Ever recipe.

Ingredients
2 tomatoes, cubed
1 teaspoon dried basil
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, crushed
seasoning salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste

Directions
In a medium bowl, mix tomatoes, dried basil, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, seasoning salt and ground black pepper. Cover and chill in the refrigerator 8 hours, or overnight, before serving.

Barb's Broccoli-Cauliflower Salad recipe.

Ingredients
12 slices bacon
1 head fresh broccoli, diced
1 head cauliflower, chopped
1/2 red onion, diced
3/4 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup creamy salad dressing
1 1/2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1/4 cup white sugar

Directions
Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside.
Combine the bacon, cauliflower, broccoli, onion and sunflower seeds or pecans.
Whisk together the salad dressing, vinegar and sugar. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Refrigerate and allow to chill before serving.

Berries with Sour Cream Sauce recipe.

Ingredients
1 quart fresh strawberries, halved
1 pint fresh raspberries
1 pint fresh blueberries
1 pint fresh blackberries
2 cups reduced-fat sour cream
1/4 cup honey

Directions
In a large bowl, combine the first four ingredients. In another bowl, combine the sour cream and honey. Serve with berries.

Banana Bread VII recipe.

Ingredients
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups mashed bananas
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/3 cups baking mix
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Generously grease the bottom of a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan.
Measure oil, bananas, vanilla, eggs, baking mix, sugar, and nuts into a large bowl. Beat vigorously with a spoon for about 30 seconds. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, about 55 to 65 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes in the pan. Loosen sides of loaf from the pan. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

Blueberry Mini Muffins recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
1 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
5 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
Additional sugar

Directions
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, buttermilk and vanilla; mix well. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt; stir into the creamed mixture just until moistened. Fold in blueberries (batter will be thick).
Fill greased or paper-lined miniature muffin cups with about a tablespoon of batter. Sprinkle with sugar if desired. Bake at 400 degrees F for 10-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack.

Apple Cake with Raisins recipe.

Ingredients
3 1/2 cups apples - peeled, cored, and coarsely chopped
2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup water
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup margarine, melted
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts
2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons hot water
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions
In a medium bowl, mix the apples and sugar. Let stand about 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 10x15 inch baking pans.
Stir the water into the bowl with apples. Blend eggs and margarine in a small bowl, and mix with the apples. Mix in the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the raisins and walnuts. Transfer to the prepared pans.
Bake 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool slightly before turning out of pans.
In a medium bowl, blend confectioners' sugar, hot water, and vanilla extract. Drizzle over the cakes while still warm.

Aunt Hazel's Apple Oatmeal Cookies recipe.

Ingredients
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups rolled oats
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 apple - peeled, cored and shredded
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon milk

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Mix together brown sugar and margarine until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs and vanilla.
Mix in the rest of the ingredients, except for powdered sugar and milk. Stir until well blended.
Drop on cookie sheet and bake 9 to 12 minutes.
Mix powdered sugar and milk in small bowl and drizzle over cooled cookies.

Artichoke and Herb Tarts recipe.

Ingredients
1 (17.3 ounce) package Pepperidge Farm� Puff Pastry
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1/2 cup diced roasted sweet red pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions
Thaw the pastry sheets at room temperature for 40 minutes or until they're easy to handle. Heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or spray with vegetable cooking spray.
Stir the cream cheese, mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese until the ingredients are mixed. Stir in the artichokes, red pepper and parsley. Season to taste.
Unfold 1 pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Roll the sheet into a 12-inch square. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the edges of the pastry with water. Fold over the edges 1/2 inch on all sides, pressing firmly with a fork to form a rim. Prick the pastry thoroughly with a fork. Repeat with the remaining pastry.
Divide the cheese mixture between the pastry crusts and spread to within 1/2 inch of the edge. Sprinkle each with the remaining cheese.
Bake for 20 minutes or until golden. Let cool for 5 minutes on a wire rack. Serve warm.

Bacon and Egger Dinner Salad recipe.

Ingredients
8 slices bacon, cut into small pieces
6 cups iceberg lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
1 green bell pepper, diced
4 green onions, chopped
1 cucumber, peeled and diced
3 stalks celery, sliced
2 cups small broccoli florets
1/4 cup mayonnaise

Directions
Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Reserving a small amount of the grease, drain the bacon, crumble, and set aside.
Using the same pan, heat the reserved bacon grease to medium-high. Fry the eggs until yolks are cooked through, but still tender, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat, cool slightly, and cut into long strips.
Divide lettuce among salad plates, and arrange bell pepper, green onion, cucumber, celery, and broccoli over lettuce. Top each salad with bacon, sliced eggs, and 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise. To be tossed on the plate once served.

Butter Brickle recipe.

Ingredients
1/4 (16 ounce) package saltine crackers, crushed
1 cup butter, melted
1 (16 ounce) package chocolate chips
1 cup walnuts, chopped

Directions
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with foil and set aside.
Place the crushed crackers in a bowl, pour the melted butter over them, and stir gently to coat the cracker pieces with butter. Spread the crackers out on the foil-lined baking sheet, and bake for about 10 minutes, until the crackers have started to brown.
Remove the sheet from the oven, and sprinkle the chocolate chips in an even layer over the hot crackers. Let the chips melt for about 1 minute, then spread the chocolate evenly over the crackers with a spatula. Sprinkle the walnuts on top.
Let the candy cool and harden for about 30 minutes, until the chocolate is set. Break the candy into pieces to serve.

Broccoli Chicken Stir-Fry recipe.

Ingredients
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into thin strips
2 teaspoons canola oil
2 medium carrots, julienned
2 cups broccoli florets
3 1/4 cups water, divided
3 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 cup cornstarch
4 cups hot cooked rice

Directions
In a large nonstick skillet or wok, stir-fry chicken in oil until no longer pink. Remove and keep warm. stir-fry the carrots and broccoli for 3-4 minutes or until crisp-tender. Remove and keep warm.
Add 3 cups water to the pan; bring to a boil. Add bouillon; stir until dissolved. Reduce heat. Add soy sauce, ginger, chicken and vegetables; cook for 5 minutes or until heated through. Combine the cornstarch and remaining water until smooth; stir into pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve over rice.

Black Bean, Sausage, and Sweet Potato Soup recipe.

Ingredients
5 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups dry black beans
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon water
1/4 pound Italian sausage, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 pound sweet potatoes
3 green onions
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste

Directions
In a 4 quart saucepan, combine beans, garlic, bay leaf, allspice, broth and 5 1/2 cups water. Cook, partially covered, until beans are tender, about 50 minutes. Discard bay leaf.
In a blender puree 1 cup cooked beans with 1 cup cooking liquid, and return to pan.
In a small bowl, stir together tomato paste and 1 tablespoon water; stir into beans with sausage and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer soup, covered, for 15 minutes. Soup may be prepared up to this point 3 days ahead.
While soup is simmering, peel sweet potatoes and cut into 1/2 inch pieces. Steam until tender, about 10 minutes. Stir potatoes, 3 chopped scallions, and salt and pepper to taste into soup. Serve soup garnished with scallion greens.

Adele's Summer Special recipe.

Ingredients
4 green bell peppers
1 large red onion
1 (8 ounce) bottle zesty Italian dressing

Directions
Slice tomatoes and peppers and set aside. Slice the red onion and separate the rings. Using a large bowl with a lid, layer the tomatoes, green pepper and onion until all vegetables are used. Shake the bottled dressing and pour over the vegetable layers. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours or, for best results, overnight. Before serving, turn bowl upside down to make sure all vegetables are coated with the dressing.

Beef Bourguignon III recipe.

Ingredients
2 pounds lean stew beef
1 cup red wine
4 sprigs fresh parsley
1 sprig fresh thyme
4 tablespoons butter
1 onion, sliced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/4 cup beef broth
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter
4 ounces bacon, chopped
12 small onions
4 ounces button mushrooms, sliced

Directions
In a medium bowl, combine beef, wine, parsley, thyme and bay leaf. Let marinate for 3 hours.
Remove beef; strain and reserve marinade. Heat 4 tablespoons butter in a large heavy saucepan over medium high heat. Saute the sliced onion until tender. Stir in beef, and cook until evenly brown. Remove beef and onion; set aside. Add flour to pan, and cook, stirring, until brown. Slowly stir in beef broth, then the reserved marinade. Return the beef mixture to the pan. Cover, and simmer for 3 hours.
Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a medium skillet over medium high heat, Stir in the bacon and small onions, and saute until onions are tender. Add mushrooms, and continue cooking until mushrooms are golden brown. Serve as a garnish.

Apple Pan Chicken recipe.

Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
3 apples - peeled, cored and sliced
3 tablespoons dried currants
3 tablespoons pine nuts (optional)
1/3 cup apple juice
1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped (optional)
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Saute onions and garlic until soft and translucent. Move the onions to the side, and brown chicken breasts 4 minutes on each side. Top chicken with apples, currants and pine nuts. Pour in apple juice. Season with thyme, parsley, jalapeno, salt and pepper. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until apples are cooked and chicken is no longer pink.

A-Number-1 Banana Cake recipe.

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 pinch salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup white sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar
4 ripe bananas, mashed
2/3 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour 2 - 8 inch round pans. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.
In a large bowl, cream butter, white sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Mix in the bananas. Add flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk to the creamed mixture. Stir in chopped walnuts. Pour batter into the prepared pans.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove from oven, and place on a damp tea towel to cool.

Belgian Endive au Gratin recipe.

Ingredients
8 heads Belgian endive, trimmed
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup grated Gruyere cheese, divided
2 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, or amount to taste
salt and ground black pepper to taste
8 slices deli-style ham
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions
Lightly grease a baking dish.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Place the endives into the water. Cover, and cook until tender, 5 to 10 minutes.
Place the butter into a saucepan, and melt over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, and stir until the mixture becomes paste-like and golden brown. Gradually whisk the milk into the flour mixture, whisking constantly until thick and smooth. Stir in 3/4 cup Gruyere cheese, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until well blended. Cook gently over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
Preheat an oven broiler to low.
Drain the endives. Wrap each endive with a slice of ham, and place into the prepared baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the endives. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup Gruyere cheese and parsley.
Cook the endives under preheated broiler until cheese is golden brown and sauce bubbles, about 10 minutes.

Beef Stroganoff II recipe.

Ingredients
1 pound sirloin steak, cut into bite size strips
1 onion, chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 1/4 cups fat free sour cream
1 (8 ounce) package egg noodles

Directions
Brown the beef strips in a large skillet over medium high heat and drain excess fat. Add the onion and saute for 5 minutes, or until tender. Stir in the flour, salt, paprika and ground black pepper.
Add the soup, reduce heat to medium low and let simmer for 15 minutes. Then add the sour cream, stirring well.
Prepare egg noodles according to package directions. Serve beef mixture over the egg noodles.

Alder Wood-Smoked Acorn Squash Soup recipe.

Ingredients
3 split pieces of alder wood
4 acorn squash, halved and seeded
8 ounces sliced maple cured bacon
1 cup butter
1 quart chicken stock
1 quart water
salt to taste
1 tablespoon cumin
4 cups sour cream
1 cup parsley
2 cups chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions
Prepare charcoal for smoking: Light and wait for the gray ash to cover at least 90 percent of the coals. Place the split wood on the coals and wait about 10 minutes before reducing the air flow to make it burn slower.
Arrange the squash halves cut side down on the grilling surface and close the lid. Slow smoke for 2 hours or less if you prefer them less smoky - as long as they are tender.
Place bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until browned and crisp; remove and drain on paper towels.
Once the squash are smoked, scoop the flesh out of the skins with a large spoon and transfer to a food processor. Process until smooth, adding butter and half of the water. Transfer to a soup pot and stir in the chicken broth and remaining water. Season with cumin, parsley and paprika; simmer over low heat for 40 minutes.
To serve, ladle soup into bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream, a generous amount of crumbled bacon and cilantro. Dust lightly with cayenne pepper.

Autumn Apple Tart recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup cold butter
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons milk
6 medium tart apples, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch slices
1/3 cup sugar
4 1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons cold butter

Directions
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Combine egg and milk; gradually add to flour mixture, tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball.
With lightly floured hands, press dough onto the bottom and up the sides of a 12-in. fluted tart pan with removable bottom. Arrange apple slices in a circular pattern over dough, starting at the outer edge and overlapping slices.
For topping, combine the sugar, flour and spices in a small bowl. Cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over apples. Bake at 350 degrees F for 50-60 minutes or until apples are tender. Serve warm or cold.