9.28.2011

Awesome Banana Pancakes recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup mashed bananas

Directions
Whisk together the buttermilk and eggs in a bowl until evenly blended; set aside. Stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate large bowl. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and stir in the buttermilk mixture and mashed bananas, being careful not to over mix the batter (the batter will be lumpy). Let the batter sit for at least 1 minute before using.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, and coat with cooking spray. Pour 1/4 cupfuls of batter onto the skillet, and cook until bubbles appear on the surface. Flip with a spatula, and cook until browned on the other side.

Brownie Caramel Cheesecake recipe.

Ingredients
1 (9 ounce) package brownie mix
1 tablespoon cold water
1 (14 ounce) package individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate fudge topping

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan.
In a small bowl, mix together brownie mix, 1 egg and water. Spread into the greased pan. Bake for 25 minutes.
Melt the caramels with the evaporated milk over low heat in a heavy saucepan. Stir often, and heat until mixture has a smooth consistency. Reserve 1/3 cup of this caramel mixture, and pour the remainder over the warm, baked brownie crust.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Pour cream cheese mixture over caramel mixture.
Bake cheesecake for 40 minutes. Chill in pan. When cake is thoroughly chilled, loosen by running a knife around the edge, and then remove the rim of the pan. Heat reserved caramel mixture, and spoon over cheesecake. Drizzle with the chocolate topping.

Best Darn Minestrone Soup Around recipe.

Ingredients
8 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups chopped onions
4 (14 ounce) cans chicken broth
4 (15 ounce) cans mixed vegetables, with liquid
2 (16 ounce) cans kidney beans, with liquid
2 (14.5 ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes, with liquid
1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 1/4 teaspoons garlic powder
4 teaspoons dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup canned garbanzo beans, drained
4 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Directions
In a large stock pot over medium heat, stir and cook onions in butter until soft. Add broth, mixed vegetables, kidney beans, tomatoes, spinach, and tomato paste; simmer gently for 1 1/2 hours.
Using a slotted spoon, remove about half of the vegetables to a blender or food processor, reserving liquid in stock pot. Puree the vegetables until smooth and return them to stock pot.
Stir in garlic powder, parsley, salt, pepper, basil, macaroni, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, garbanzo beans, and heavy cream; cook for 1/2 hour, stirring frequently. Pour into bowls and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese.

Artichoke Mashed Potatoes recipe.

Ingredients
4 large baking potatoes, peeled and quartered
1 (15 ounce) can artichoke hearts in water, drained
1 teaspoon minced garlic, or to taste
1/2 cup hot milk
1/4 cup softened butter
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Place potatoes in a large pot with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until tender, 15 to 20 minutes; drain.
Meanwhile, puree the artichokes and garlic with the milk until smooth.
Place drained potatoes in a mixing bowl and mash with a potato masher until smooth. Stir in softened butter and artichoke puree until the butter has melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Apricot Nut Bread recipe.

Ingredients
1 (15 ounce) can apricot halves
1/3 cup shortening
1/2 cup white sugar
1 3/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions
Drain apricots, and save syrup. Puree apricots in a food processor, adding syrup if necessary to make 1 cup.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together shortening and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, and beat fill fluffy. Add flour mixture alternately with apricot puree to the creamed mixture. Stir in nuts. Spread batter into a greased and floured 9 x 5 loaf pan.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 50 minutes. Remove from pan, and cool on a rack.

Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Strata recipe.

Ingredients
12 thick slices white bread, cut into 1 inch cubes
1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh mushrooms (optional)
2 1/2 cups half-and-half
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Directions
Toss cubed bread with bacon, cheese, and mushrooms, and pour into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Whisk together eggs, half-and-half, and mustard until smooth, then pour evenly over cubed bread. Cover dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Remove plastic wrap from the baking dish, and bake strata in preheated oven until the top is golden brown, and the eggs are set, about 1 hour. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Artichoke Mashed Potatoes recipe.

Ingredients
4 large baking potatoes, peeled and quartered
1 (15 ounce) can artichoke hearts in water, drained
1 teaspoon minced garlic, or to taste
1/2 cup hot milk
1/4 cup softened butter
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Place potatoes in a large pot with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until tender, 15 to 20 minutes; drain.
Meanwhile, puree the artichokes and garlic with the milk until smooth.
Place drained potatoes in a mixing bowl and mash with a potato masher until smooth. Stir in softened butter and artichoke puree until the butter has melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Buckshot Duck with Wild and Brown Rice Stuffing recipe.

Ingredients
1 (4 pound) whole duck, dressed, innards reserved
4 cloves garlic, crushed
3 tablespoons crushed black peppercorns
3 (.18 ounce) packets sazon seasoning
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
2 cups uncooked long grain and wild rice mix
1 cup seasoned croutons

Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
Place the duck on a rack in a roasting pan. Rub the crushed garlic and pepper under the skin of the duck. Rub the skin with 1 packet sazon seasoning.
Roast 3 hours in the preheated oven, to an internal temperature of 180 degrees F (80 degrees) C.
Place the reserved duck innards and 1 packet sazon seasoning in a saucepan with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes, until tender.
Place the rice mix in a medium saucepan with just enough water to cover. Mix in the oil, and 1 packet sazon seasoning. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a bowl, mix the cooked innards, cooked rice, and croutons. Stuff the cooked duck with the mixture to serve.

Authentic Mexican Torta - Tortas Ahogadas recipe.

Ingredients
16 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons minced fresh oregano
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
9 pounds boneless pork butt
4 dried chipotle chili peppers
6 tablespoons vegetable oil
8 cloves garlic, minced
4 onions, chopped
20 Roma tomatoes, chopped
1 cup water
5 teaspoons minced fresh oregano
1/4 teaspoon white sugar
salt, to taste
12 Mexican bolillo rolls, lightly toasted, cut in half lengthwise
2 pickled jalapeno peppers, sliced

Directions
Preheat an oven to 475 degrees F (245 degrees C).
Mix the 16 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of minced oregano, 2 teaspoons of salt, and pepper in a bowl. Rub garlic mixture over the pork butt, and place pork in a shallow roasting pan.
Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Continue roasting until pork is tender and no longer pink in the center, about 2 hours and 15 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). Cover the meat with two layers of aluminum foil, and allow to rest in a warm area for 20 minutes before rough chopping or shredding it. Reserve pan drippings.
Place the chipotle peppers in a bowl, and cover with hot water. Allow peppers to soak until softened, about 3 minutes; drain. Set aside. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in 8 cloves of minced garlic and the chopped onions; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the Roma tomatoes, 1 cup of water, chipotle chili peppers, 5 teaspoons of oregano, sugar, and salt to taste. Add the reserved pan drippings. Simmer, uncovered, over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring frequently.
Pour the chipotle sauce 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 and pour into a clean pot. Alternately, you can use a stick blender and puree the sauce right in the skillet. Strain the sauce through a sieve.
To serve: Hollow out the bottom half of each bolillo to make a shallow bowl for the chopped pork. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the chipotle sauce over the bottom of each roll, then arrange the chopped pork over the sauce. Top each sandwich with a couple slices of pickled jalapeno, followed by the top half of the roll. Pour about 1/4 cup of additional chipotle sauce over the entire sandwich.

Baked Potato Chips Chicken recipe.

Ingredients
1 teaspoon butter
1 cup self-rising flour
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons meat tenderizer
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
3 cups crushed potato chips (such as Lay's�)
1/2 cup olive oil
8 chicken tenders

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish with butter.
In a bowl, stir together the self-rising flour, garlic powder, meat tenderizer, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, place the crushed potato chips. Pour the olive oil into a third bowl.
Rinse the chicken tenders under cold water. Working one at a time, dip a chicken tender into olive oil, then into the seasoned flour mixture, then back into the olive oil, then into the crushed potato chips. Lay the coated chicken tender into the prepared baking dish. Repeat with all the other pieces of chicken. Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of the seasoned flour onto the chicken pieces, then sprinkle the chicken with remaining potato chips.
Place the baking dish onto the middle rack of preheated oven, and bake until the chicken is no longer pink inside, the juices run clear, and the coating is golden brown, about 30 minutes.

Blueberry Sauce recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1/4 cup water
1 cup orange juice
3/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup cold water
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the blueberries, 1/4 cup of water, orange juice, and sugar. Stir gently, and bring to a boil.
In a cup or small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and 1/4 cup cold water. Gently stir the cornstarch mixture into the blueberries so as not to mash the berries. Simmer gently until thick enough to coat the back of a metal spoon, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the almond extract and cinnamon. Thin sauce with water if it is too thick for your liking.

Best Chicken Salad Ever II recipe.

Ingredients
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
6 (4 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
3 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons prepared Dijon-style mustard
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon pepper
1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup halved seedless red grapes
1/2 cup cashews

Directions
In a large, self-sealing bag, combine honey and Worcestershire sauce. Add chicken and place bag in a shallow dish in the refrigerator. Chill 2 to 4 hours, turning bag occasionally. Remove chicken and discard marinade.
Grill chicken over medium heat for 12 to 15 minutes, until juices run clear and chicken is no longer pink inside. Remove from grill, cool and chop.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining honey, mustard, vinegar, lemon zest, lemon pepper, poppy seeds and garlic powder. Add chicken, grapes and cashews and toss until evenly coated. Cover and chill until serving.

Ambrosial Bread recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/3 cups water
3/4 cup chocolate-covered crispy peanut butter candy
1/3 cup honey
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons dry milk powder
4 cups bread flour
2 3/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

Directions
Place ingredients into the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select Sweet Bread setting or White Bread setting. Start.

Balsamic Bruschetta recipe.

Ingredients
8 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 loaf French bread, toasted and sliced

Directions
In a bowl, toss together the tomatoes, basil, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Mix in the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, kosher salt, and pepper. Serve on toasted bread slices.

Bistro Veal Burgers recipe.

Ingredients
1 slice bread, torn into small pieces
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 basil leaves, chopped
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon pepper
1 pound ground veal
4 (1 ounce) slices Cheddar or pepper jack cheese (optional)
4 hamburger buns

Directions
Place torn bread into a bowl and sprinkle with milk and Worcestershire sauce. Mix in egg until combined. Season with basil, rosemary, and pepper. Mix in veal until evenly mixed. Shape veal mixture into four patties.
Preheat a grill for medium heat.
Lightly oil the hot grill. Grill veal burgers to desired degree of doneness, about 5 minutes per side for medium. Place a slice of cheese on each burger, and allow to melt for about 1 minute before serving on buns.

Basil Vinaigrette recipe.

Ingredients
1/4 cup olive or vegetable oil
4 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar or cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
In a jar with tight-fitting lid, combine all ingredients; shake well. Serve over salad greens.

Broccoli-Onion Deluxe recipe.

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package frozen pearl onions
1 pound fresh broccoli, cut into spears
6 tablespoons butter or margarine, divided
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 pinch pepper
1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup soft bread crumbs

Directions
In a covered saucepan, cook onions in a small amount of water for 5 minutes. Add broccoli; cook 5 more minutes. Drain. Place in a 2-qt. baking dish. In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter; stir in flour, salt and pepper. Gradually add milk; cook and stir until thickened. Add cream cheese; stir until melted. Pour sauce over vegetables; sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes. Melt remaining butter; combine with crumbs. Sprinkle over casserole. Return to the oven, uncovered, for 15 minutes.

Apple Crumble Tart recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 (17.5 ounce) package frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 tablespoon butter, melted
3 apple - peeled, cored, and chopped
3/8 cup all-purpose flour
3/8 cup chopped blanched almonds
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons butter, chilled
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 egg yolks
3 tablespoons white sugar
1/3 cup dry Marsala wine

Directions
In a small bowl, mix flour, almonds, 1/2 cup sugar, and cinnamon together. Add chilled butter and vanilla extract. Cut together with a pastry blender until small crumbs form.
Unfold pastry and cut into a 10 inch circle. Place on a large, ungreased baking sheet. Brush with melted butter or margarine. Arrange apples in the center of the pastry, leaving a 1/2 inch wide border of pastry. Spoon almond topping gently over the apples, being careful it doesn't spill over the edges of the pastry.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Place egg yolks and 3 tablespoons sugar in the top of a double boiler over simmering water. Beat mixture constantly with a portable electric mixer. When foamy, add the marsala; continue to beat until the mixture begins to thicken. Do not overcook, or the mixture will curdle. Remove from heat. Serve warm over the apple crumble.

All Pumpkins' Night Stew recipe.

Ingredients
3 tablespoons canola oil, divided
1 clove garlic, minced
2 onions, chopped
2 1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons pepper
2 tablespoons caraway seed
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
7 cups beef broth
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 teaspoon nutmeg
3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions
Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Stir in garlic and onion, and cook until softened and translucent; remove from pan. Pour 2 tablespoons canola oil into Dutch oven. While this heats, mix the beef with salt and pepper. Sear the beef in batches until browned all over, about 5 minutes.
Stir in caraway seeds and flour, cook until flour is incorporated and the caraway seed is fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in beef broth; add bay leaves, sugar, nutmeg, and onion mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the meat is tender, about 2 hours.
Stir in the potatoes and carrots; continue cooking until the vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes. Stir together the cornstarch and water; stir into the stew along with the parsley. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.

Basil Bean Salad recipe.

Ingredients
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14.5 ounce) can wax beans, drained
1 (14.5 ounce) can cut green beans, drained
1 medium green pepper, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
6 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
3/4 teaspoon salt

Directions
In a large bowl, combine beans, green pepper and onion. In a small bowl, combine vinegar, oil, sugar, basil, mustard and salt. Pour over bean mixture; toss to coat. Chill for several hours or overnight.

Bryan's Sweet and Hot Tomato Pasta Sauce recipe.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 tablespoon crumbled dried red chile pepper
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
3/4 cup brown sugar, divided

Directions
In a saucepan, combine olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper and red peppers and lightly saute over high heat.
Reduce heat to low and mix in tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir in celery salt, salt and pepper. Start with 1/2 cup of the brown sugar and mix into the sauce. Gradually add brown sugar, depending on acidity of tomatoes. First taste of sauce should be sweet.

Authentic Hungarian Goulash recipe.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
2 large onions, diced
2 pounds flank steak
1/8 teaspoon caraway seed
1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 clove garlic, minced
5 tablespoons paprika
2 cups water
4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium high heat. Saute onions until soft, then add beef and brown. Stir in caraway seed, marjoram, garlic and paprika. Pour water over all, lower heat to low and simmer for 2 1/2 hours.
Add potatoes and cook until tender, another 45 minutes to 1 hour. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

Apricot Glazed Chicken recipe.

Ingredients
6 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 (10.75 ounce) can low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup apricot preserves
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water

Directions
Spray a large skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Brown chicken in heated skillet.
Add chicken broth, jam and soy sauce. Simmer for 20 minutes or until chicken is done (no longer pink in the center).
Remove chicken from skillet. Add 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water to sauce to thicken (equal amounts more of each if you like it thicker). Return chicken to skillet and turn to coat thoroughly with sauce.

Bacon Cheese Stromboli recipe.

Ingredients
1 (10 ounce) can refrigerated pizza dough
3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
5 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1 (12 ounce) jar salsa
Sour cream

Directions
On an ungreased baking sheet, roll the dough into a 12-in. circle. One one half of dough, sprinkle cheeses and bacon to within 1/2 in. of edges. Fold dough over filling; pinch edges to seal. Bake at 425 degrees F for 9-11 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with salsa and sour cream if desired.

Asian Asparagus Salad with Pecans recipe.

Ingredients
2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 teaspoons sugar
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 tablespoon chopped green onions

Directions
Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil, and cook the asparagus until tender but crisp. Drain, and briefly immerse in cold water.
In a large, resealable plastic bag, mix the rice vinegar, soy sauce, vegetable oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Seal the asparagus in the bag. Marinate 24 hours in the refrigerator. Sprinkle the marinated asparagus with pecans and green onion to serve.

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.

Buttermilk Pancakes II recipe.

Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons white sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup butter, melted

Directions
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat together buttermilk, milk, eggs and melted butter. Keep the two mixtures separate until you are ready to cook.
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. You can flick water across the surface and if it beads up and sizzles, it's ready!
Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture, using a wooden spoon or fork to blend. Stir until it's just blended together. Do not over stir! Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/2 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

Apple Cranberry Crisp recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup butter flavored shortening, melted
1 tablespoon water
1 (16 ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce
2 tablespoons cornstarch
5 Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored and thinly sliced

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
In a medium bowl, mix together the oats, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted shortening and water to form a crumbly mixture.
In a large saucepan, mix together the cranberry sauce and cornstarch. Bring to a boil, and then remove from heat. Stir in the apples. Spread into an 8x8 inch glass baking dish. Crumble the oat mixture over the apples.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the apples are tender. Serve warm.

Bangers and Mash recipe.

Ingredients
8 large baking potatoes, peeled and quartered
2 teaspoons butter, divided
1/2 cup milk, or as needed
salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 pounds beef sausage
1/2 cup diced onion
1 (.75 ounce) packet dry brown gravy mix
1 cup water, or as needed

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place potatoes in a saucepan with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain, and mash with 1 teaspoon of butter, and enough milk to reach your desired creaminess. Continue mashing, or beat with an electric mixer, until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until heated through. Remove from pan, and set aside. Add remaining teaspoon of butter to the skillet, and fry the onions over medium heat until tender. Mix gravy mix and water as directed on the package, and add to the skillet with the onions. Simmer, stirring constantly, to form a thick gravy.
Pour half of the gravy into a square casserole dish so that is coats the bottom. Place sausages in a layer over the gravy (you can butterfly the sausages if you wish). Pour remaining gravy over them, then top with mashed potatoes.
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until potatoes are evenly brown.

Apple Shortbread Pie recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup chilled butter, diced
2 egg yolks, beaten
1 1/4 pounds Golden Delicious apple - peeled, cored and cut into 1/4 inch slices
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C.)
Sift four, 1/2 cup sugar and salt into a large bowl. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Fold in egg yolks (mixture will be crumbly). Remove 1/4 of mixture, and set aside. Press remainder onto bottom and sides an 8 inch tart shell or pie pan.
In a large bowl, combine apples, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, cinnamon and nutmeg. Place apples into crust, and sprinkle reserved crumb mixture evenly over top.
Place pie on a baking sheet, and bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and continue baking 20 minutes, or until top is golden brown and filling is bubbling.

Anise Cookies IV recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup shortening
1 cup white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons anise extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a medium bowl, cream together the shortening, sugar and eggs until smooth. Stir in the anise extract. Combine the flour and baking powder; stir into the wet ingredients. Scoop out spoonfuls and roll into balls. Place balls 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until light brown. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. Frost when cool if desired.

Avocado and Sun-Dried Tomato Spring Rolls recipe.

Ingredients
1 quart oil for frying
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/3 cup shredded cabbage
1/4 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup shredded cucumber
2 tablespoons diced onion
1/4 cup diced green onion
2 tablespoons finely chopped shiitake mushrooms
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
2 ounces boneless chicken breast halves, cooked and diced
1 ounce cooked crabmeat, diced
1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
1 avocado - peeled, pitted and diced
1 teaspoon lemon juice
8 spring roll wrappers

Directions
Heat 1 quart oil in a wok over medium high heat.
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in cabbage, carrots, cucumber, onion, green onion, shiitake mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, salt and pepper. Slowly cook and stir until all vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
Stir chicken, crabmeat and Chinese five-spice powder into the cabbage mixture. Sprinkle avocado with lemon juice, then stir it into the mixture. Remove from heat.
Place approximately 1 teaspoon of the cabbage and chicken mixture in the center of spring roll wrappers. Fold wrappers, and seal the edges with moistened fingers.
Carefully lower spring rolls into the heated quart of oil. Deep fry approximately 3 minutes, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Cut in half to serve.

Asian Mushroom Soup recipe.

Ingredients
4 cups fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
3 garlic cloves, crushed
3 cups assorted mushrooms, sliced (I like white buttons, oyster, shiitake, portobello and crimini; if using shiitake, discard stems)
3 cups white cabbage, cut in wedges
1 cup thinly sliced carrots
2 cups chicken breast, shredded
2 cups fresh udon noodles (or substitute cooked linguine)
1 cup thinly sliced green onions, with some of the green tops
2 cups shredded raw spinach or whole baby spinach leaves
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon mirin (sweetened rice wine) (optional)

Directions
In a large pot, combine broth, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, mushrooms, cabbage, carrots and chicken. Cover. Bring to a boil; simmer until mushrooms are soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in noodles, green onions and spinach; simmer until greens are wilted, about 2 minutes. Season.

Banana Crumb Muffins recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 bananas, mashed
3/4 cup white sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease 10 muffin cups, or line with muffin papers.
In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, beat together bananas, sugar, egg and melted butter. Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.
In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour and cinnamon. Cut in 1 tablespoon butter until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Sprinkle topping over muffins.
Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean.

Braised Celery recipe.

Ingredients
1 bunch celery, cleaned and cut into 4 inch pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 cube chicken bouillon
1 cup boiling water
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley

Directions
Arrange the celery in a single layer on the bottom of a large skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Dot with butter. Dissolve the bouillon cube in boiling water, and pour over the celery.
Cover pan, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.

Basler Mehlsuppa recipe.

Ingredients
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup sliced onion
1/2 cup red wine
4 cups beef stock
2 tablespoons butter
4 thick slices whole wheat bread
1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
In a heave saucepan over medium heat, heat the flour gently until it begins to turn pale golden brown, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
In another pan, saute onions in butter. When transparent, blend them into the flour. Gradually add the beef stock, the wine and the salt and pepper to taste. Cook gently, stirring frequently, for about 30 minutes.
Put a slice of bread in each person's bowl with a good sprinkling of cheese on top. Pour soup into each bowl and serve at once.

Brown Rice Bread recipe.

Ingredients
1/3 cup brown rice
2/3 cup water
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups bread flour
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast

Directions
In a saucepan bring water to a boil. Add rice and stir. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
Place 1/2 cup of cooked rice in a two cup measuring cup. Add oil and enough warm water to equal 1 1/2 cups. Add this mixture to pan of bread machine. Add flour, sugar, salt and yeast. Select cycle; press Start.

Banana and Strawberry Smoothie recipe.

Ingredients
5 strawberries, hulled
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup cold milk
1 drop red food coloring (optional)

Directions
Combine the banana, strawberries, cinnamon, milk, and food coloring in a blender; blend until smooth; serve immediately.

Baby Carrots 'n' Broccoli recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups fresh baby carrots
4 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Nature's Seasoning Blend*
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions
In a saucepan, bring 4 cups water to a boil; add carrots. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes; drain and pat dry.
In an ungreased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan, combine the carrots with remaining ingredients. Bake, uncovered, at 425 degrees F for 7-9 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender, stirring once.