Lynchburg Virginia: Pantry Corner Page

Summer California Salad

2006-06-30T22:55:00.000-05:00

Ingredients
1 Container (8 oz) nonfat plain yogurt
2 tablespoons orange juice concentrate
2 tablespoons Chopped fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
1 tablespoon Honey
1 Small head iceburg lettuce cut into 8 wedges
8 Fresh apricots, halved and pits removed
1 pint fresh strawberries
1 Cantaloupe, seeded, sliced and rind removed
1/4 cup Shelled and chopped natural pistachios

Preparation
To make dressing, in a bowl whisk yogurt, orange juice concentrate, basil and honey. To assemble salad, on individual serving plates arrange remaining ingredients, dividing equally. Serve dressing on the side.

Chewy Chocolate-Cinnamon Cookies

2006-05-22T20:17:00.000-05:00

Chewy Chocolate-Cinnamon Cookies

6 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
3 tablespoons plus 1/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
1 egg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour ( You can use whole wheat and get 2 grams of fiber per cookie)
1/3 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Beat butter until creamy. Add brown sugar and 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; beat until blended. Add egg, baking soda, corn syrup and vanilla; beat well. Stir together flour and cocoa; beat into butter mixture. If batter becomes too stiff, use wooden spoon to stir in remaining flour. Cover; refrigerate about 30 minutes, if necessary, until batter is firm enough to shape. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar and cinnamon; roll balls in mixture. Place balls 2-inches apart on prepared cookie sheet. Bake 9 to 10 minutes or until cookies are set and tops are cracked. Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely. 40 cookies.

On the weight watchers plan, these are just 1 point each.

Awesome Strawberry Bread

2006-04-27T08:07:00.000-05:00

This bread really is good, my kids LOVE it!

Awesome Strawberry Bread

1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 10oz pkg frozen strawberries, thawed w/ juice (reserve 1/4 cup of the juice for spread if desired)- I used fresh strawberries that I pureed but left some chunks and added a few packets of splenda
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans(optional)
1 8oz pkg cream cheese (for spread)

Lightly grease two 9x5x3-inch loaf pans or three 8x4x2-inch loaf pans. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Then add eggs one at a time, and vanilla until well combined. In another bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Add to egg mixture alternately with milk, beating until combined after each addition. With a spoon, stir in strawberries and nuts. Turn into prepared pans. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 45 to 50 minutes for larger loaves, 30 to 35 minutes for smaller loaves, or until a toothpick inserted near the center of the bread comes out clean. Cool bread in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Remove from pans. Cool thoroughly on wire racks. To make strawberry cream cheese spread just combine with a mixer the softened cream cheese and reserved strawberry juice. I sometimes add a little bit of grated orange zest.

Fluffy Gingerbread

2006-04-21T20:19:00.000-05:00

Fluffy Gingerbread
From Southern Sideboards

Gingerbread:
½ cup butter or shortening, softened
½ cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs, well beaten
2 cups sifted flour
1 ½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ginger
¾ cup molasses
1 cup boiling water

Topping:
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup flour
2 tsp cinnamon
½ to 1 cup chopped nuts
¼ cup butter, softened

Gingerbread:
Cream together the butter and brown sugar. Beat in the eggs; then blend in remaining ingredients. Bake in an 8 x 11-inch pan at 350 F for about 40 minutes. During the last 10 minutes of baking, spread TOPPING over the gingerbread. Make TOPPING by combining ingredients. Serve with whipped cream, if desired. Serves 8.

Notes: Test for doneness after 20 minutes – mine was completely done after 30 minutes. Keep an eye on the topping - it may not take 10 minutes to bake.

Baked Oatmeal

2006-04-21T20:15:00.000-05:00

Baked Oatmeal

A wonderful filling and good breakfast that you can enjoy any day of the week.

1/2 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup white sugar (I used 1/4 brown and a tiny bit less than 1/2 cup white)
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1 tsp vanila
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
3 cups quick cooking oats (I used old fashioned oats and worked fine)
1/2 cup raisins
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Beat together oil and sugar. Mix in eggs, milk, salt, vanilla, baking powder,
oatmeal. Beat well then stir in raisins. Pour into a lightly greased shallow baking dish. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Refrigerate overnight.
The next morning, preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Bake in preheated oven until firm, about 35 minutes. Serve hot.

Some great toppings:
vanilla yogurt
warm maple syrup
cinnamon apple sauce

Other add ins:
walnuts or slivered almonds
dried cranberries
canned pumpkin(omit the raisins)

More birthday cake fun!

2006-04-03T14:10:00.000-05:00

For my doll loving daughter I decided to make her a mini doll cake, otherwise known as a barbie doll cake to most. I cannot find a really good moist white/yellow cake recipe so I resorted to a good 'ol duncan hines boxed cake mix. For the skirt of the cake I used a Pampered Chef 1 quart batter bowl but you can also use an ovensafe glass bowl. I greased and floured the pampered chef bowl really good and then filled it alomst up to the top so that she would have a nice long skirt. I then took the leftover batter and baked that in a square pan for her platform.

I baked the bowl about 1 hr 15 minutes until it was done when I put in a pick in the middle. The square one didnt take that long, 25 minutes maybe??

Let them both cool and then flip to rack to finish cooling. I made this frosting and blew up 2 hand mixers LOL I used half butter and half crisco.

Best White Icing Ever
cakecentral.com
Serves/Yields: 4 to 5 cups. (20 servings)

This icing recipe is #1! It's quick and easy to make, bright white for cake decorating, and you can easily change it's consistency! This is the most important icing recipe you'll ever have. It's so basic, it makes the hassle of cake decorating so much easier! If you wish, use half shortening and half unsalted butter.

4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup shortening
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon clear imitation vanilla extract

In a large bowl, combine sugar, shortening, water and vanilla. Beat on low speed to combine, then beat on medium speed for a full five minutes. It won't look like Icing at first, but keep the mixer going for a full five minutes, and then you're done!
Note: If you're not using this for decorating, but just for icing the cake, thin the icing by adding 3 tbs. of corn syrup, or water to the icing.

-I had to add about 2T more water b/c this was so very thick and hard to work this.

I tinted some the lavendar color and a tiny bit the green. I tried to decorate the cake to look like her dress.

I put the platform on the foil covered board and coated it with the white and then added the upside down bowl in the middle of that and started with the stars on the top,lavendar. I should have put on a thin layer of white before doing the stars but I was afraid of running out of icing. It was ok but a few spots of cake did show through but it still tasted great and Gwen loved "my cake" as she kept saying and pointing! After you finish the skirt take the legs off of a mini barbie type doll( we found ours at dollar general) and then put wooded picks in her leg holes to hold her on top of the cake and then using a small star tip "ice" on the top of her dress all the way around.

Birthday cake fun!

2006-04-03T13:58:00.000-05:00

My son just turned five and requested that I made him a spiderman cake. I looked the net over to find the perfect one and I succeeded! He was so excited and in total shock when I brought it out. It took about 3 hours to decorate it from start to finish and by the time it hit the table he was ripping into it. I followed this tutorial to make him: http://frostingfun.blogspot.com/

This is the cake that I used and just love it. I always have to add chocolate chips to it because that is the way little man likes it.

WONDER CHOCOLATE CAKE

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8x8 pan or 8-inch round pan with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, mix: 1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 cup sugar
3 Tbs. cocoa
1/2 tsp. salt
Add:
1 Tbs. vinegar
6 Tbs. oil
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup cold water
Stir well. Pour into prepared pan and bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean

This is the icing recipe that I used. I used half butter and half crisco:

Best White Icing Ever
recipe from: cakecentral.com
Serves/Yields: 4 to 5 cups. (20 servings)

This icing recipe is #1! It's quick and easy to make, bright white for cake decorating, and you can easily change it's consistency! This is the most important icing recipe you'll ever have. It's so basic, it makes the hassle of cake decorating so much easier! If you wish, use half shortening and half unsalted butter.

4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup shortening
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon clear imitation vanilla extract
Directions
In a large bowl, combine sugar, shortening, water and vanilla. Beat on low speed to combine, then beat on medium speed for a full five minutes. It won't look like Icing at first, but keep the mixer going for a full five minutes, and then you're done!

Note: If you're not using this for decorating, but just for icing the cake, thin the icing by adding 3 tbs. of corn syrup, or water to the icing.

-I had to add about 2T more water b/c this was so very thick and hard to work with.

Billy Bob's Stuffed Cabbage

2006-03-27T18:11:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:
8 large cabbage leaves
1 can tomato soup
1 pound ground beef
1 cup cooked rice
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Method:

Cook cabbage leaves in boiling water for about 10 minutes to soften. Drain. Mix 2 tablespoons of the soup and rest of ingredients. Divide the mixture among cabbage leaves. Fold the sides in, roll up, and secure with toothpicks.

In large skillet, place rolls, seam side down. Add rest of soup to pan, cover, and simmer for 40 minutes, stirring often to avoid sticking. Spoon soup over cabbage rolls often while stirring.

Chicken Tikka Masala

2006-03-21T22:48:00.000-05:00

An Indian Dish sure to perk your taste buds.

Ingredients:

1 cup yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
salt to taste
boneless skinless chicken breasts: cut into bite-size pieces
skewers for the chicken
1 tablespoon butter
1 clove garlic minced
1 jalapeno pepper: finely chopped
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons paprika
1 can tomato sauce
1 cup heavy cream

Method:

In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons cumin, cinnamon, cayenne,black pepper, ginger, and 4 teaspoons salt.

Stir in chicken, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Prepare Barbeque grill for a hot fire.

Thread chicken onto skewers, and discard marinade. Grill until juices run clear, about 5 minutes on each side.

Melt butter in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Saute garlic and jalapeno for 60 seconds. Season with 2 teaspoons cumin, paprika, salt to taste.

Stir in tomato sauce and cream. Simmer on low heat until sauce thickens, about 20 minutes. Add grilled chicken, and simmer for 10 minutes.

Crusted honey mustard chicken

2006-03-20T10:01:00.000-05:00

Crusted honey mustard chicken

2/3 cup lite honey mustard dressing
1/8 tsp table salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
2 tsp dill, freshly chopped
1 medium scallion(s), finely sliced
1 cup corn flakes crumbs
1 pound uncooked chicken breast, boneless and skinless, four 4 oz pieces

Preheat oven to 425°F. In a small bowl, combine honey mustard dressing, salt, pepper, dill and scallions; remove 1/3 cup and set aside. Place corn flake crumbs in a shallow bowl. Dip chicken breasts into dressing mixture, then corn flake crumbs. Place into shallow baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake until chicken is golden and no longer pink, about 25 minutes. Drizzle remaining dressing mixture (the 1/3 cup that was set aside) over chicken breasts and serve. Serves 4

Viva Madrid Spanish Chicken

2006-03-20T09:48:00.000-05:00

This dish has a very unique yet delicious flavor. My kids even ate it!

Viva Madrid Spanish Chicken

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - pounded thin
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
6 slices bacon, chopped
2 onions, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
6 dates, pitted and chopped
3 T flour
2 cups chicken stock
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
dried thyme to taste

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Dredge chicken in flour to evenly coat. Brown chicken in the skillet about two minutes on each side. Set aside chicken, and heat remaining olive oil in the skillet. Mix in bacon, onions, and garlic, and cook until onions are tender and bacon is evenly brown. Sprinkle with flour and cook for two more minutes. Mix in dates. Pour in the chicken stock, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, and simmer ten minutes. Return chicken to skillet. Season with chili powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and thyme. Cover, and continue cooking fifteen minutes over low heat, or until chicken juices run clear.

Serve over egg noodles,couscous, or rice.

Beef and Guinness Pie

2006-03-16T09:26:00.000-05:00

Beef and Guinness Pie
Serves 6

1 lb lean stew meat, cut into cubes
flour, salt and pepper for dredging meat (also used Cavender’s Greek Seasoning)
2 T vegetable oil
1 can Guinness Stout (the alcohol cooks out, leaving just the flavor-yum!)
3-4 large carrots, cut up
1 medium onion, cut up
1 T corn starch for thickening stew, pre-mixed into 2 Tbsp. cold water
1 pkg Pepperidge Farm frozen pastry dough (2 sheets)

Dredge stew meat in flour and sauté in hot skillet until meat turns brown on all sides. Place browned meat in crock pot or Dutch oven and cover with Guinness. Let cook, the time depending on setting of crock pot or oven...usually at least 4 hours or so (if using an oven, set at 250). An hour before serving, thaw dough and add vegetables to crock pot. Thicken stew with cornstarch mixture. Place 1 layer of dough into a sprayed 9x13 casserole dish and bake at 350 for 10 minutes or until golden, puffy and flaky. Pour (ladle) stew mixture onto baked pastry and cover with second layer of dough. Place in a 350 oven until top layer of dough becomes a puffy flaky pastry.

Sandy’s recipe and Notes: Doubled the meat and carrots, cooked in slow cooker on Low for 6 hours. Didn’t need the cornstarch.

Irish Stirabout (Oatmeal)

2006-03-16T09:23:00.000-05:00

You can do without the whiskey soaked raisins here, it's just has yummy with plain raisins or any other dried fruit.

Irish Stirabout (Oatmeal)

Steel cut Irish oats have an unparalleled texture and flavor, but do take more time to cook. Start this luxurious version the night before for quick bowl of the best oats you ever tasted!

4 cups water
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup Irish steel cut oats
1/3 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup Irish whiskey or brandy
1 cup raisins
8 T cream
4 T brown sugar
4 T butter
2 cups fresh berries

The night before, boil four cups of water and salt, add oatmeal, stir and turn off the heat. Cover the pot and leave overnight. In a second pan, bring corn syrup and brandy to a simmer over medium heat. Add raisins and simmer 3 to 5 minutes. Cover and set-aside until morning.

The next morning, bring oats to a brisk boil and cook until they are just tender. Meanwhile, place 2 TBS of cream, 1 TBS brown sugar, 1 TBS butter, and 1 TBS drained raisins in each bowl. Add hot cooked oats and top with fresh berries. Serve, allowing each person to unveil the tasty surprise awaiting below. Sandy's recipe

Irish Soda Bread

2006-03-16T09:19:00.000-05:00

A Taste of Ireland...Soda Bread
by Bridget Haggerty
Taken from www.irishcultureandcustoms.com

There's an ancient Irish proverb that says one should serve only "the newest of food and the oldest of drink." This illustrates exceedingly well the Irish attitude toward baking and distilling or brewing.

In old Ireland, the woman of the house made a variety of breads and cakes which she baked every day in a bastible or pot oven beside the open fire. Whatever she created - from griddle cakes to barm brack, it was seen as a sign of great respect to offer her guests bread that was still warm and uncut.

Soda bread first appeared in the 19th century, when baking soda was introduced as a leavening agent. Combined with flour and buttermilk, as well as salt, it's very easy to make. Served, still warm from the oven with, as the Irish say, "lashings of butter", the aroma and taste are unique to Ireland and it's become the established favorite with tourists and locals alike. As for the cross that usually appears on the top, you may be surprised to learn that it isn't a religious symbol at all. In the old days, it was simply a practical method of dividing the baked bread into four quarters; for large appetites, one quarter might be served as a single portion.

I've seen and tasted dozens of variations for soda bread, including one in which raisins are added to a white flour mixture. The end result is sometimes called "spotted dog" (not the same as the suet pudding I remember as a child). By far and away, my favorite is the following, which my friend, Jane FitzGerald, graciously allowed me to share with you. It's so good that it has won first place and other awards in several of the baking contests held during Cincinnati Irish Dancing competitions.

Irish Soda Bread

3 cups sifted all purpose flour
3 tablespoons sugar (for dough)
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup raisins (can sub currants or you can omit them all together)
1 1/3 cups buttermilk

2 tablespoons sugar for glaze
2 tablespoons very hot water

Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, soda, and salt into a bowl. Add raisins, then buttermilk and mix until blended. The dough will be very sticky. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead 10 times. Shape into an 8 inch round loaf. Place on a greased cookie sheet. Cut a cross on top with a sharp knife. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 45 minutes. Remove from oven. Dissolve the 2 tablespoons of sugar in the 2 tablespoons of very hot water to make a glaze. Brush the glaze over the loaf and return it to the oven for 15 more minutes. Remove from the oven and immediately cover with a towel while the loaf cools. This will ensure a chewy crust.

Irish Apple Cake

2006-03-16T09:17:00.000-05:00

Food historian and cookbook author Theodora Fitzgibbon once said, "All Irish people have a very sweet tooth," and if you grew up in an Irish household you know this to be true. In the earliest times, the sweet was a simple concoction of fruit and honey: later cooks found that fruit and berries were equally delicious baked in pies, puddings, and cakes. Legendary Irish cook Myrtle Allen of Ballymaloe House, County Cork, says, "Homemade apple cakes are the most popular sweet in Ireland," and apples in general are the basis of many traditional and contemporary Irish desserts.

4 tablespoons butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg, beaten
4 Granny Smith apples, cored, peeled, and diced
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup all-purpose flour
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously grease an 8-inch square cake pan. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, apples, nuts, and vanilla and stir well. Sift in the dry ingredients and mix well. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until the cake is lightly browned and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then unmold and serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Serves 10 to 12.
From a friend Sandy

Kim’s Pumpkin Muffins

2006-03-06T21:50:00.000-05:00

So very good! I like to make them in the mini muffin pan and bake about 12-15 minutes, you'll notice when they are done.

Kim’s Pumpkin Muffins

1½ cups flour
½ tsp salt
1 cup sugar
1 tsp baking soda
½ cup oil
2 eggs
1 cup pumpkin
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp allspice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift together dry ingredients. In separate bowl, beat eggs, then add oil, pumpkin and spices. Mix together with dry ingredients. Spoon into greased muffin tins. If you fill them halfway, bake for 20 minutes and you’ll get 16 muffins. If you fill each muffin tin full, you’ll get only 12 muffins and will need to bake them for 25 minutes. If you want to make this as a bread, lightly grease a loaf pan and bake for 55 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.

ZESTY GRILLED TUNA

2006-03-03T08:45:00.000-05:00

ZESTY GRILLED TUNA (can be charcoal grilled, gas grilled or broiled)

1/4 cup lime juice
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp. prepared white horseradish
1 tsp. prepared Dijon-style mustard
1/4 tsp. salt (optional)
1/4 tsp. black pepper
6 (5-ounce) tuna steaks

Heat charcoal grill until coals form white ash OR preheat gas grill to medium OR preheat broiler.

In small bowl, whisk together lime juice, oil, soy sauce, garlic, horseradish, mustard, salt & pepper. Transfer 1/2 cup of mixture to a small bowl and reserve. Marinate tuna steaks in remaining mixture for 10 minutes. Place tuna steaks on grill or in a broiler pan; grill or broil until steaks are browned & cooked to taste, 4 -5 minutes per side. Drizzle steaks with reserved dressing mixture. Serve immediately.

Ten-minute Crusted Fish

2006-03-03T08:43:00.000-05:00

Ten-minute Crusted Fish

4 fish filets (about 6 oz. each)
1/3 cup light Mayo
1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp. dried dill weed
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. coarse black pepper

Preheat broiler. Coat broiler pan or rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Place fish on pan. In small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients; mix well. Spread evenly over the top of fish, then broil for 10 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork and topping is golden.

Bowties with Sausage Cream Sauce

2006-03-03T08:41:00.000-05:00

Very easy dish to make and it tastes fantastic!

Bowties with Sausage Cream Sauce

1 package Bowtie pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound sweet or hot (your choice) Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup diced onion
1 (28 ounce) can Italian-style plum tomatoes,
drained and coarsely chopped
1 1/2 cups heavy cream (I've also used half & half)
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons minced fresh basil

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente; drain and set aside. Heat oil in a large, skillet over medium heat. Cook sausage and pepper flakes until sausage is evenly brown. Stir in onion and garlic, cook until onion is tender. Add tomatoes, half & half, and salt. Simmer until sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Stir cooked pasta into sauce, and heat through. Sprinkle with basil and serve.

White Garlic Pizza

2006-02-21T13:55:00.000-05:00

Homemade cheese sticks!

White Garlic Pizza
1 (12 inch) pizza dough of your liking
8-10 ounces shredded Mozzarella Cheese
3 Cloves garlic, put through garlic press (more if you like)
Romano or parmesan cheese to taste
1 T Olive oil

Cook pizza dough in a 425 degree oven for 5 minutes. Spread olive oil mixed with garlic over dough with a brush. Sprinkle with Romano or Parmesan cheese to your taste. Top with Mozzarella. Bake at 425 degrees for apporximatley 15 min or until lightly brown.

Master Pizza Dough

2006-02-21T13:51:00.000-05:00

Master Pizza Dough
Makes 1 (14-inch) thick-crust pizza or 2 (12-inch) thin-crust pizzas.

3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour(of half white and half whole wheat)
1 package FLEISCHMANN'S RapidRise Yeast
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup very warm water (120 to 130*F)
2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
Cornmeal

In large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, undissolved yeast, and salt. Stir very warm water and olive oil into dry ingredients. Stir in enough remaining flour to make soft dough. Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 4 to 6 minutes. Cover; let rest on floured surface 10 minutes. Lightly oil 1 (14-inch) or 2 (12-inch) round pizza pan(s). Sprinkle with cornmeal. Shape dough into smooth ball. Divide and roll dough to fit desired pan(s). Top pizza as desired. Bake at 400*F for 15-20 minutes or until done. Baking time depends on size and thickness of crust and selected toppings.

The Grand Salsa Experiment: Black Bean Variety

2006-02-18T15:09:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:

3 (15 ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (11 ounce) can of white shoe peg corn, drained
2 (10 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, partially drained
2 tomatoes, diced
2 bunches green onions, chopped
cilantro leaves, for garnish

Method:

Just mix it up in a bowl and stick in the fridge. Sometimes I add some balsamic vinegar, or sometimes chile powder, I like those small cans of green chile too, and in some stores you might find a bottle of cactus sliced which is also good to add.

Salsa can be a grand experiment just start adding things. Basil is good, garlic powder, a dash of olive oil, and I might just try throwing in some chopped mint leaves sometime. If you try the mint leaves let me know, you might just save me from a bad experiment.

Red Velvet Cake

2006-02-13T10:33:00.000-05:00

This is a wonderful cake from a dear friend Brenda. Would be super cute baked in heart shaped pans for Valentine's Day.

Red Velvet Cake
Cake:
2 1/2 cups SELF-RISING flour
1 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 cup (two 1-ounce bottles) red food coloring
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. white vinegar
2 large eggs

Frosting:

1 1/3 sticks butter, softened
10 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 (1 lb.) box confectioners' sugar
2 cups chopped pecans(optional)

Preheat oven to 350 F. In large mixing bowl, combine all cake ingredients with an electric mixer until well blended. Spray three 9" round cake pans with non-stick cooking spray. Pour batter equally into the 3 pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Test for doneness with a toothpick. Cool layers in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Carefully remove layers from pans to the wire racks to cool completely.
Meanwhile, make the frosting. Combine butter, cream cheese & confectioners' sugar in a medium bowl. Beat until fluffy, then fold in 1 1/2 cups pecans. Once cake layers are completely cooled, frost between layers of cake, top and sides. Decorate top of cake by sprinkling the remaining 1/2 cup of chopped pecans. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Makes 10-15 servings.

Jeff's Southwest Dip

2006-02-12T03:34:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:

16 oz package of mild sausage (I like the kind with sage in it, but that is optional)
1 package of Philly cream cheese (you can use the Neufchatel fat free kind)
1 can of RoTel Original chilies (Use the hotter varities if you are into pain)

Method:

Brown & drain sausage

Melt cream cheese into sausage

Stir in the chilies.

Put in a bowl

Dip with Tostitos chips.

Get fat :)

For bigger parties, or for those wishing to get really fat, just double or triple all ingredients.

Gingerbread hotcakes with applesauce

2006-02-10T12:27:00.000-05:00

These are soo good on a cold morning to really wake you up!

Gingerbread hotcakes with applesauce
from Family Fun magazine

1 cup plus 2T flour
1/3 cup fine yellow cornmeal
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp each: nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves
1/4 tsp salt
2 large eggs
3/4 cup sour cream
3/4 cup milk (can use soy)
1/4 c oil, plus oil for the pan
1 1/2 T molasses
1/2 tsp. vanilla
applesauce

Sift together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, soda, spices, and salt in large bowl. Set aside. In a separate bowl whisk eggs until frothy. Then whisk in sour cream, milk, oil, molasses, and vanilla. Make a well in the dry ingredients and add the liquid, whisking the batter until smooth. Set aside for 5 minutes. Heat pan or griddle with a thin layer of oil. Ladle on 1/3 cup batter and cook 2 minutes or until golden on each side. Serve with soft butter, warm maple syrup, and applesauce

Savory Tomato Soup

2006-02-10T12:20:00.000-05:00

Tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich anyone?

Savory Tomato Soup

2-4 cups fresh or canned tomatoes, chopped/diced
1/2 cup celery
1/4 onion
1 stick butter
4 cups milk
7 T flour
Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste

Cook tomatoes, celery, onion, and spices for 20 minutes over medium/low heat in a large skillet until tender and well incorporated. In the meantime in a large saucepan, melt 1 stick of butter, whisk in 7 tablespoons of flour, cook for a minute or so and then slowly add 4 cups milk, simmer until thick. This happened pretty quickly with all of the flour. Add tomato mixture and you have soup!

Condensed Soup Mix

2006-02-10T12:17:00.000-05:00

It is great to make your own condensed soup mix since it makes your soups
taste better and is much cheaper than buying the canned. It also contains 1/3 less calories and sodium than store bought condensed soup. You can make this any flavor you desire. Just add a different flavor of bouillon granules. Makes 9 servings.

Condensed Soup Mix

2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
3/4 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons dried minced onion
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup chicken bouillon powder
1 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

Using an air tight container combine dry milk, cornstarch, onion flakes,
pepper and chicken bouillon. If desired also add basil and thyme. Mix well
and store in the refrigerator or freezer. When using the mix combine 1/3 cup of the mix with 1 1/4 cups of water in saucepan. Cook and stir until thickened.

Baked Potato Soup

2006-02-10T12:15:00.000-05:00

Perfect for a cold winters day!

Baked Potato Soup
4 large baking potatoes
3/4 tsp. salt
2/3 cup flour
4 green onions, chopped(optional)
1 1/4 cup shredded cheese
1/4 C of sour cream
2/3 cup margarine
6 cups of milk(or hald milk and half chicken broth)
1/2 tsp. of pepper
12 slices of bacon chopped

Wash and prick potatoes. Bake at 400 for one hour or until done. Use a food processor to mash potatoes. Melt margarine in a large saucepan over low heat. Add flour and stir until smooth. Cool one minute, stirring constantly. Add 6 cups of milk/broth gradually. Cook over medium heat until thick and bubbly. Add potato pulp, salt, pepper and 2 tablespoons of green onions, 1/2 cup of bacon and 1 cup cheese. Cook until throughly heated and then add sour cream. If needed you can add milk for desired thickness. Serve with rest of bacon, chives and cheese.

Chicken Caserole

2006-02-10T09:16:00.000-05:00

Chicken Caserole

Ingredients:
4 to 6 pieces of chicken
1 can of chicken cream soup
1/2 can of water
1 package of frozen vegetable
1 to 2 cups of cheddar cheese

Directions:
1. Cut up your chikcen
2. Pour the soup over it
3. Add the veggies
4. Pour the cheese over it.
5. Cook at 350 for an hour
5. Serve with noodles, rice, or stuffing.

Southwest Chicken CrockPot

2006-02-10T09:02:00.000-05:00

This is from memory!
Easy & Yummy

Ingredients:
2-3 cups of salsa
1 can of black beans (drained & rinse)
1 can of corn
2 big pieces of split chicken breast
or 4 to 6 pieces of chicken

Directions:
1. Dump everything in the crock pot, set the temp to Medium.
2. Let it cook 4 to 5 hours.
3. Chicken will fall right off the bone
4. Serve with burrito shells or chips. Get out toppings like cheese. Dinner is ready!

Pumpkin Spice Bread

2006-02-10T08:46:00.000-05:00

Pumpkin spice bread - (otherwise known as thrasher bread LOL)

Ingredients:
3 c. sugar (crazy I know but what d'ya do)
1 c. vegetable oil
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1 can (16 oz.) solid pack pumpkin (and make sure you don't slice your fingers open on the lid )
3-1/2 c. flour
2 t baking soda
1 t baking powder
1 t salt
1 t ground cinnamon
1 t ground nutmeg
1/2 t ground cloves
1/2 t ground allspice
1/2 c water

Directions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sugar, oil, and eggs. add pumpkin and mix well (I just hand mix this whole recipe and wisk if I get lumps).
2. Combine dry ingredients; add to the pumpkin mixture alternately with water. pour into 2 greased 9x5x3 loaf pans.
3. Bake at 350 for 50-70 min (just keep an eye on it) or until bread tests done. cool in pans for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack. ** I prefer to use mini loaf pans because when I use the reg. sized ones, the edges get done long before the "guts". with the mini loafs, I can give some away and they just turn out much nicer. 2 mini loaf pans should do it. I have one and use it twice. I cook it at the same heat for about 20 min or so.

Healthier Twist
I have played around with this recipe a lot & it still test great! But for a healthier way add 1 cup of applesaouce & cut the oil & the sugar in half. And I usually add choc.chips on it, but that probably doesn't help if you are trying to cut out the sugar.

Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake

2006-02-10T08:40:00.000-05:00

Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake
A tasty sour cream coffee cake with a streak of chocolate chips in the middle.
Servings: 24

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder and soda. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and 1 cup of sugar. Add eggs, sour cream and vanilla. Mix well.
4. Add the flour mixture and combine. Batter will be thick.
5. In a separate bowl, combine chocolate chips, 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
6. Spread half of the cake batter in prepared 9x13 inch pan. Sprinkle half of the chocolate chip mixture over the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter, and then the remaining chocolate chip mixture.
7. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

Pork Chops with Mustard & Sour Cream Sauce

2006-02-09T09:48:00.000-05:00

Tasty and fast dinner in 30 minutes or so.

Pork Chops with Mustard & Sour Cream Sauce

4 pork loin chops
1/4 C chicken broth
1/4 C sour cream
4 tsp dijon mustard
1/2 tsp cornstarch
1/4 C flour
salt
pepper
garlic powder
2 Tbs butter
2 Tbs Olive oil

In a blender process the broth, sour cream, mustard and cornstarch until smooth. Transfer sauce to sauce pan and simmer over moderate heat till thick, about 4 minutes, reduce heat to low.

In a large skillet heat butter and oil over medium heat. Mix flour, salt, pepper and garlic powder in a bowl and dredge each chop in mixture shaking off excess before adding chop to pan. Cook chops till well browned on each side, and just cooked through. Transfer chops to dinner plates and spoon mustard & sour cream sauce on top. Serve at once.

Glazed pork tenderloin

2006-02-09T09:46:00.000-05:00

Great fast dinner that the family will love! Serve with a steamed vegetable and a starch and you have dinner!

Glazed pork tenderloin
1 lb pork tenderloin,cut into 1/2 inch slices
2 garlic cloves,finely chopped
2 T packed brown sugar
1 T orange juice
1 Tmolasses
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Spray a 10 inch nonstick skillet with cooking spray,heat over med-high heat. Cook pork and garlic in skillet 6-8 minutes, turning occasional, until pork is light brown and no longer pink in center. Drain if necessary. Stir in remaining ingredients; cook until mixture thickens and coats pork.

The Best Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

2006-02-07T21:45:00.000-05:00

This is the best oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe that I have ever made. You can make it with any combination of chips, I like all semi sweet but milk and or white would also be good. You also could omit the chocolate and add 1 cup raisins and a 1/2 tsp of cinnamon for a great oatmeal raisin as well.

The Best Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
3 cups quick-cooking oats
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup chocolate chips( a combo of your favorite flavors-milk, semi sweet, white)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix everything except oats, flour, and chocolate chips. Stir in oats, flour, and chocolate chips (probably by hand unless you have a great mixer). Drop by tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until lightly brown and still looking a little gooey on top. This dough freezes very well.

Whoopie Pies

2006-02-07T21:42:00.000-05:00

Umm the whoopie! They are an ultimate sweet treat and you cannot eat just one or two for that matter. Enjoy!

Whoopie Pies
1 (18.25 ounce) package devil's food cake mix( Betty Crocker is best)
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 cup shortening
1 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

To make the filling: In a saucepan, combine milk and flour and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it forms a thick paste. Let cool.
To make the cakes: Prepare mix as directed on package except using only 3/4 cup of water. Drop batter onto greased cookie sheet (or use parchment paper to line pan) in 2 1/2 to 3 inch circles. Bake until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 6-8 minutes.. Let cool.
In a medium bowl, beat sugar and shortening until fluffy. Add vanilla. Add cooled flour mixture and beat until double in volume. Turn the little cakes over on their backs. Spoon a dollop of filling onto half of the little cakes. Place the other half of the cakes on top of the filling to form sandwiches.

Coq au vin

2006-02-07T15:40:00.000-05:00

A simple one pot dinner.

Coq au vin Chicken with wine

4 slices bacon
4-6 chicken breasts
¾ tsp. thyme
1 lg. Onion chopped
4 cloves of garlic, minced
½ lb. Red potatoes cubed small
10 mushrooms, quartered
1 can Italian recipe stewed tomatoes
1 ½ c. red wine

In heavy sauce pan brown bacon. Sprinkle chicken with thyme, salt, and pepper. Add chicken to pan, brown over medium high heat, add onion and garlic. Cook 2 minutes, drain. Add potatoes, mushrooms, tomatoes,cooked bacon, and wine. Cook uncovered (medium high heat) about 25 minutes until potatoes are tender and sauce thickens.

Swedish Meatballs

2006-02-07T09:24:00.000-05:00

This is a great comfort food on a cool day. This makes a lot so make sure you have a big appetite!

Swedish Meatballs

1 egg, beaten
3/4 cup milk
4 slices of bread, crumbled
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. minced onion
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
3 medium onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup oil
2 Tbs. flour
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 cup beef bouillon and 1 cup milk (OR 2 cups milk)
Hot, cooked egg noodles

In a large skillet or electric skillet, heat the oil. Add the sliced onions and brown them in the oil. Meanwhile in a medium bowl, beat together the egg, 3/4 cup milk and crumbled bread. Let stand 5 minutes. In a large bowl, mix the 1 tsp. salt, 1/8 tsp. pepper, nutmeg, 1 tsp. minced onion, and the ground beef. Add the egg/bread mixture and mix well. (The resulting mixture will be very wet, but this is correct.) After the onions are cooked, remove them from the pan.

Drop meat in rounded "globs" into the leftover oil in the skillet. Brown well and remove. To the oil left in the skillet, add the flour, 1 tsp. salt, and 1/8 tsp. pepper. Using a wire whisk, stir well to coat the flour with the oil. Cook for a minute or two.
Slowly add the beef bouillon and milk. Stir constantly with a wire whisk until thickened. Arrange meatballs in the gravy, place cooked onions on top. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes. (I usually cannot wait that long, and only simmer for about 15 minutes--just enough time to get the noodles ready!)

Serve over hot, cooked egg noodles.

Chicken Marbella

2006-02-06T15:11:00.000-05:00

This is one of my all time favorite recipes given to me by a friend in Canada! I know that you more than likely will not have all the ingredients on hand but it really is worth adding them to your weekly list. This is a great dish to make when you have company coming over, you just basically all the ingredients to the chicken, marinade it, and then bake. Serve with plain white or brown rice and a green vegetable or salad. Leftovers are great heated up or cold! Use the sauce that it makes to pour over the rice for added flavor!

CHICKEN MARBELLA

4 large chicken breasts
1 garlic head, peeled & pureed/pressed
1-2 T. dried oregano
coarse salt, to taste
ground black pepper ,to taste
1/2 cup red wine vinegar (or balsamic or raspberry vinegar)
1/2 cup olive oil
1 cup pitted prunes
1/2 cup pitted green olives
1/2 cup capers with a bit of juice(I omit these b/c capers are not my favorite)
6 bay leaves
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white wine
1/4 cup italian parsley, finely chop

In a large bowl/ziplock bag combine chicken, garlic, oregano, pepper and coarse salt to taste, vinegar, olive oil, prunes, olives, capers and juice, and bay leaves. Cover and let marinate, refrigerated, overnight.

Preheat oven to 350F. Arrange chicken in a single layer in a shallow baking pan and spoon marinade over it evenly. Sprinkle chicken pieces with brown sugar and pour white wine around them. Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, basting frequently with pan juices. Chicken is done when the thickest part of the breast is no longer pink or about 170*.
With a slotted spoon transfer chicken, prunes, olives and capers to a serving platter. Moisten with a few spoonfuls of pan juices and sprinkle generously with parsley. Pass remaining pan juices in a sauceboat.

Crockpot Shredded BBQ Chicken

2006-02-05T15:06:00.000-05:00

A family favorite any time of the year.

Crockpot Shredded BBQ Chicken

3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (can be frozen) (also works well with pork)
1 C ketchup
4 T brown sugar
1 T Worcestershire sauce
1 T soy sauce
1 T vinegar
1/2 tsp each garlic and onion powder
1 tsp liquid smoke

Mix all ingredients except chicken in crock-pot. Add the chicken, coating each piece with the sauce. Cook on high 3-4 hours until no longer pink. Shred/pull apart the chicken with two forks and nicely coated with the sauce. Turn heat down to low and cook until ready to serve. Serve on buns. This can easily be doubled or even tripled for a large group.

Emeril's spiced nuts

2006-02-05T15:02:00.000-05:00

EMERIL'S SPICED NUTS

2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons water
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups mixed nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts and almonds

Mix spices and reserve. Heat nuts in a dry skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until begin to toast, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside. Add the butter, sugar, water and spices to the hot skillet and cook, stirring, until a glaze forms, about 1 minute. Return the nuts to the skillet and toss to combine with the glaze. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until the nuts are glazed and golden brown. Makes 2 cups.

Healthy mozzarella sticks

2006-02-05T14:58:00.000-05:00

Another game day snack or a "treat".

Healthy mozzarella sticks

4-6 pieces string cheese, cut in half
1/4 C flour
1 egg, beaten
1 C seasoned bread crumbs

Freeze cheese sticks for about an hour to firm them up. Dip them lightly in egg, then roll in flour. Dip again in egg and dredge in crumbs until completely coated. Lay on a sprayed cookie sheet and bake at 400* for about 10 minutes until golden brown. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

Cream cheese bites

2006-02-05T14:52:00.000-05:00

A quick and easy treat for the game or a small get together!

Cream cheese bites

1 8 ounce package Cream cheese, onion and herb flavor works well, softened
¼ C crumbled bacon or bacon bits
¼ C cheddar cheese
1 can refrigerated crescent rolls

Spread the crescent rolls out into 2 seperate rectangles and press seams together. Mix first three ingredients. Spread cream cheese mixture on the dough evenly. Roll up jelly roll style. Refrigerate for 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 350*. Slice each into 16 slices. Place on lightly greased baking sheet cut side down and bake for 15 minutes. Makes about 32 snacks.

Sesame Noodles with Chicken

2006-02-04T20:25:00.000-05:00

This is one of my famlies favorite meals. My kids call is Chinese spaghetti and love it. It makes alot and reheats well.

Sesame Noodles with Chicken
Serves 4-6

For the noodles:
8 ounces angel hair pasta
1/4 cup lite/low sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup sesame oil(can sub other oil if you do not have the sesame)
3 T. sugar
1 scallion, thinly sliced
2 cups broccoli florets(optional)
1/4 cup or more sesame seeds

Prepare spaghetti and broccoli in same pan according to pasta package directions. You can decrease the cooking time for the broccoli if you like crisper broccoli by adding it in a few mintues after the pasta begins to boil. Drain well. Mix together the soy sauce, oil, and sugar. Pour over pasta that has the cooked chicken added to it and toss with remaining ingredients.

For the chicken marinade:
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp fresh ginger, chopped(1/4 tsp ground if you do not have fresh)
3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
sesame oil for pan

Mix marinade ingredients and toss with chicken. Cover and refrigerate for a couple of hours. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium/high heat. Add chicken and marinade to the pan and saute 10 minutes or so until done and no longer pink.

Cooking/baking necessities

2006-02-04T13:36:00.000-05:00

Here is a list of the things that make cooking much easier if you have the right tools to complete the job.

Cooking/baking necessities

Bread/loaf pan
Cake pans (8-9 in. round and/or square)
Can opener
Casserole dishes (4-6 quarts) with lid
Cookie sheet
Cutting board
Fruit/vegetable peeler
Garlic press
Grater (small and large)
Knives (sharp and sturdy)
Mallet (for pounding thin meats)
Measuring spoons and cups (wet and dry ingredients)
Meat thermometer
Mixer (hand held will do)
Mixing bowls (small to very large)
Muffin pan
Pizza cutter
Pot holders
Roasting panwitht rack
Set of good pots and pans, from 1 quart up to many quarts for making soups, boiling pasta, etc
Skillet (large with lid)
Spatulas
Stock pot
Storage bowls with lids
Strainer/colander
Timer
Tongs
Whisks (big and small)
Wooden/plastic spoons

Kitchen Staples

2006-02-03T14:56:00.000-05:00

This is just a guide of basic staples to have on hand to make just about any recipe or if you need a quick dinner without going to the store. Some things may not suit all families because of allergies and persoanl tastes, you can leave those out and add in things that you do use.

Kitchen staples

All purpose flour
Aluminum foil
Baking powder
Baking soda
Boneless skinless chicken breasts

Bread(also to make your own breadcrumbs crumbs)
Butter and/or healthy margarine(like promise spread or smart balance) also butter spray
Canned Beans (black, red kidney, white)
Canned and frozen fruit (including applesauce)
Canned tomatoes (crushed, diced, paste, sauce, etc)
Canned and frozen vegetables (corn, green beans, peas, carrots, etc)
Cheese (block or shredded, sliced, cream cheese)
Chocolate (semi-sweet chips, cocoa powder)
Cornstarch
Cornmeal
Crackers
Cream of tartar
Eggs
Egg noodles
Fresh fruits and vegetables of your choice
Garlic (fresh and powder)
Ground beef/turkey

Honey

Hot sauce
Jam/jelly
Ketchup
Maple syrup
Mayonnaise
Milk
Molasses
Mustard ( Dijon and regular yellow)
Non stick Cooking Spray
Nuts (walnuts, pecans, and almonds) Onions
Oatmeal (quick cooking and old fashioned)
Oil (olive and vegetable/canola)
Paper towels /napkins
Peanut butter
Pasta (spaghetti and small shaped pasta)
Plastic wrap ( I love the Glad press n seal)
Potatoes
Raisins and other dried fruit
Rice (white and brown)
Salt/pepper
Salsa
Shortening
Sour cream
Soy sauce (reduced sodium or lite)
Spaghetti/marinara/pizza sauce
Spices (cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, red pepper flakes, paprika, bay leaves, onion powder, sage, basil, cumin)
Stock (instant granules and/or canned in both chicken and beef)
Sugar (brown, granulated, and confectioners')
Tortillas
Tuna (canned in water and/or oil)
Vanilla and lemon extract
Vinegar (cider, red wine, balsamic)
Wooden toothpicks
Yeast (active dry and instant)
Ziplock type bags for storage and for the freezer(small and large)

Tequila Marinade For Steaks and Chicken

2006-01-26T22:41:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:

1/4 cup lime juice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons tequila or more hehehe
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

Method:

Mix all ingredients. Pierce steak or chicken and let soak in a sealed plastic bag for at least one hour.

Spinach Artichoke Dip

2005-12-18T19:10:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:

2 cloves garlic - minced
2 Tbls. minced onion
1/4 cup real butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup chicken broth
2/3 cup fresh-grated Romano cheese
2 tsp. fresh-squeezed lemon juice
1/2 tsp. hot sauce
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup sour cream
2 10 oz. boxes frozen chopped spinach - thawed, squeezed dry through a fine sieve
12 oz. jar artichoke hearts - drained, coarsely chopped1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese

Method:

In a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, sauté garlic and onion in butter until golden, about 3 - 5 minutes.
Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in cream and broth and continue cooking until boiling.
Once boiling, stir in Romano, lemon juice, hot sauce, and salt; stir until cheese has melted; remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
Stir sour cream into pan, then fold in dry spinach and artichoke hearts.
Fold the mixture into a microwave-safe serving dish, or into several serving-size dishes.
Sprinkle cheddar evenly over tops.
At this point, the dip can be refrigerated until ready to serve, if desired.
Microwave dip on 50% power just until cheese has melted.

Serves: 12

Spiced Mocha Mix

2005-12-18T07:17:00.000-05:00

Great to put together and put in small jars for friends as a gift!

1 cup sugar
1 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1/2 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
1/2 cup Hershey's cocoa
3 tablespoons powdered instant coffee
1/2 teaspoon ground allspices
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
dash salt

In large bowl combine all ingredients. Store in airtight container. 2 1/2 cups mix.

3 tablespoons of mix in cup.

Champagne Punch

2005-12-18T07:16:00.000-05:00

4 8 oz cans lemonade
4 cans water
2 quart bottles very dry champagne
2 quart bottles Sparkling Water (or Club Soda)
1 quart strawberries (frozen)

Mix all together - Makes a really great drink for a brunch, luncheon or dinner party.

Ambrosia Pie

2005-12-17T06:21:00.000-05:00

9 inch pie crust
1 can (11 oz) mandarin orange segments, drained
1 cup flaked coconut
1 can vanilla or lemon pudding
Toasted coconut
Bake crsut. Gently fold orange segments and flaked coconut into 1 1/2 cups of pudding, pour into crust. Chill at least 4 hours. Garnish with remaining pudding and the toasted coconut. Remove pie from refrigerator 10 minutes before serving.

Eggnog Coconut Pie

2005-12-17T06:19:00.000-05:00

4 cups Baker's Angel Flake Coconut
1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
2 packages (4-serving size) Jell-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding and Pie Filling
1 1/4 cups milk
1/2 cup Bacardi Premium Black Rum
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
3 1/2 cups (8 oz) thawed cool whip

Combine 2 2/3 cups of the coconut with butter. Press evenly into ungreased 9-inch pie pan. Bake at 300 degrees for 10-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool.

Combine pudding mix, milk, rum, and nutmeg in bowl. Beat at lowest speed of electric beater for 1 minute. Fold in whipped topping and 2/3 cup of the coconut. Spoon into crust. Sprinkle with remaining coconut. Chill 2 hours.

Cherries'n Chocolate Fudge

2005-12-16T07:59:00.000-05:00

1 can (14 oz) condensed milk
2 cups (12 oz) Hershey's semi-sweet choc chips
1/2 cup coarsely chopped almonds
1/2 cup chopped candied cherries
1 tspn almond extract

Line square pan, 8x8x2 inches, with foil. In medium micro-wave proof bowl combine sweetened condensed milk and choc chips. Microwave on high 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until chips are melted and mixture is smooth when stirred. Stir in chopped almonds, cherries and almond extract. Spread evenly in prepared pan. Cover, chill until firm. Store covered in fridge.

Holiday Delights

2005-12-16T07:56:00.000-05:00

3 cups sugar
1 cup white corn syrup
1 1/2 cups half and half
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 pound Brazil nuts, sliced
1/2 pound pecan halves
1/2 pound broken walnuts
1/2 pound candied cherries, cut in half
1/2 pound candied pineapple, cut in small pieces

Combine sugar, corn syrup, half and half and salt in a heavy saucepan and boil to a soft ball stage. 234 degrees to 238 degrees. Remove from heat and start beating immediately. Add vanilla. When mixture thickens, add nuts and fruits, mixing well. Spread evenly in a well-greased 9x13 inch pan. When cooked, cut into bite size squares. Stores very well in tightly covered container.

Coconut Squares

2005-12-16T07:54:00.000-05:00

1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup well drained pineapple
1 tab softened margarine
1/2 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 cups flaked coconut

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine flour and sugar in bowl. Cut in shortening with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture is fine like cornmeal. Pat into bottom of 8 inch square pan. Bake 15 minutes. Top with pineapple. Combine next 3 things. Beat well. Add coconut. Blend. Spread over pineapple. Return to oven 25-30 minutes or until done. Cut in squares.

Holiday Wreaths and Trees

2005-12-16T07:53:00.000-05:00

1/2 cup margarine
30 large marshmallows
1 tsp vanilla
15-20 drops green food coloring
3 1/2 cups corn flakes
1/3 cup red hot cinnamon candies

Melt margarine and marshmallows together. Blend in vanilla and food coloring. Fold in corn flakes. Form into wreaths and Christmas trees on wax paper. Decorate with red hots. Makes 3 dozen.

Mincemeat Stuffed Apples

2005-12-16T07:51:00.000-05:00

6 baking apples, cored
6 tab mincemeat
6 tab brown sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Peel upper 1/4 of apples. Fill each with 1 tab mincemeat. Sprinkle each with 1 tab brown sugar. Pour 1/2 cup water into baking pan. Place apples in pan. Bake 45 minutes, baste frequently.

Serve with whipped cream.

Favorite Gingerbread

2005-12-16T07:49:00.000-05:00

1/2 cup soft shortening
2 tbsp sugar
1 egg
1 cup dark molasses
1 cup boiling water
2 1/4 cups flour
1 tsp soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp cinnamon

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour square pan. Mix ingredients. Beat until smooth. Pour into pan. Bake 45-50 minutes. Serve hot cut in wedges with ice cream or whipped cream. Makes 9 servings.

Lil's Welsh Cakes

2005-12-16T07:44:00.000-05:00

Lil was a friend of my parents' when I was growing up. She was from England and eventually her husband, John, and she became American citizens and my parents were their witnesses/sponsors (not sure exactly what it was called). Anyway...she made this wonderful dessert and now you can too!

2 tab margarine
Blend in 3/4 cup sugar
2 well beaten eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
Add 1 cup currents

Chill. Roll dough out to 1/4 inch thick. Cook over low heat in frying pan for 5 minutes each side (300 degrees in electric frying pan). Cut out with biscuit cutter or medium size drinking glass. YUMMY!

Santa's Surprises

2005-12-15T05:55:00.000-05:00

2 sticks butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tspn vanilla
3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tspn baking soda
1/2 tspn salt
1 bag Snickers miniatures (or Reeses cups or Milky Ways or Hershey's kisses)
1 bag Dove milk or Dark Chocolate gifts

Combine the butter, peanut butter, and sugars using a mixer on medium to low speed until light and fluffy.
Slowly add eggs and vanilla until thoroughly combined. Then mix in flour, baking soda and salt.
Cover and chill dough 2-3 hours
Unwrap all candy
Remove dough from refrigerator. Divide into 1 tbspn pieces and flatten.
Place candy in center of each piece of dough
Form the dough into a ball around each candy
Place on greased cookie sheet and bake at 325 degrees for 10-12 minutes
Let cookies cool. Spruce up by drizzling melted Dove Chocolate over the top of each cookie.

Grandma's Ginger Cookies

2005-12-15T05:47:00.000-05:00

2 pint bottles of Brer Rabbit Molasses (green label if they have it)
1 pint melted lard
1 pint buttermilk
2 eggs
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp ginger
2 tbsp soda
1 cup sugar (white)5
5 pounds flour (won't need all of this, but have on hand)

Cream sugar and eggs, add salt, ginger and soda, mixing well after each addition, then add lard, molasses and buttermilk, beating after each. Then add flour a couple of cups at a time until you have a soft sticky dough. DO NOT get the dough stiff or cookies will be dry. Flour board and roll out and cut with juice glass or small cutter. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

Chocolate Orange Balls

2005-12-14T08:06:00.000-05:00

1 bag (6 oz) semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup sugar
3 tblspns light corn syrup
1/2 cup o.j.
2 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Melt chocolate chips in medium saucepan over low heat. Stir in 1/2 cup sugar. Stir in corn syrup and juice. Combine cookies and nuts in bowl. Stir in choclate mixture. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour, until firm. Shape into 1 inch balls and roll in sugar. Store in container at room temperature 1 week before serving. Makes 5 1/2 dozen.

Nancy's Chocolate Rum Ball's

2005-12-14T08:04:00.000-05:00

1 (8 1/2 oz) chocolate wafer cookies, crushed or chocolate pie crust
1 cup pecans, chopped fine
1 cup sifted powdered sugar
1/4 cup ligh corn syrup
1/4 cup dark rum
Additional powdered sugar for rolling rum balls in

Combine 1st 5 ingredients in a large bowl; stir well. Shape into 1" balls, and let stand 10 minutes. Roll in additional powdered sugar.

Apple Dapple Cake

2005-12-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

3 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups oil
Cream above ingredients together

3 cups sifted plain flour
1 tsp soda
1 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup coconut
1 cup raisins
1 cup black walnuts
3 cups apples, peeled and chopped

Mix and bake in greased and floured tube pan for 1 and 1/2 hours at 350 degrees.

Topping:

1 cup brown sugar (light)
1 stick margarine
1/4 cup milk

Combine in saucepan and cook 2 and 1/2 minutes or until thick. Pour over cake just out of oven while mixture is bubbling hot. Cool before removing cake. Can be frozen if desired.

Angel Crunch

2005-12-13T08:56:00.000-05:00

1 Angel Food Cake
1 large and 1 small carton of Cool Whip
6 heath bars crushed

Divide cake in two layers, by pulling a thread through the cake. Combine cool whip and heath bars. Frost cake. Keep refrigerated until ready to eat.

French Breakfast Puffs

2005-12-12T07:07:00.000-05:00

1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter or margarine
1 egg
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 cup milk
6 tab margarine
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Turn on oven to 350 degrees.

In large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 cup butter or margarine and egg. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg. Add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition. Spoon into a greased muffin pan about 2/3 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes. In small sauce pan, melt butter or margarine. Combine 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon in saucer. Remove muffins from oven; immediately dip tops in melted margarine, then in cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat the tops. Serve warm.

Praline Biscuits

2005-12-12T07:04:00.000-05:00

Heat oven to 400 degrees

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
36 pecan or walnut halves
Ground cinnamon
2 cups Bisquick
1/3 cup applesauce
1/3 cup milk

Place 2 tsp butter, 2 tsp brown sugar and 3 pecan halves in each of 12 muffin cups, 2 1/2 x 1 1/4. Sprinkle cinnamon in each cup; heat in oven until melted.

Mix baking mix, applesauce and milk until dough forms; beat 20 strokes. Spoon onto mixture in cups.

Bake 10 minutes. Invert on heat proof serving plate.

12 biscuits.

Kay's Hot Mushroom Turnovers

2005-12-11T07:08:00.000-05:00

1 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 lb fresh mushroooms, minced
1 medium onion, minced
1 1/2 tblspn butter or margarine, melted
2 tblspn sour cream
1 tblspn all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp dried thyme
1 egg beaten

Combine cream cheese and 1/2 cup butter in a medium bowl, stirring well. Add 1 1/2 cup flour, stirring until smooth. Shape dough into a ball and cover with plastic wrap. Chill 1 hour.

Saute mushrooms and onion in 1 1/2 tblspn butter in a heavy skillet over low heat until tender, stirring frequently. Remove from heat, and stire in sour cream and next 3 ingredients. Set aside.

Roll pastry to 1/8 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut with a 3-inch cookie cutter. Place 1/2 tsp of mushroom mixture in center of each circle. Brush edges of circle with egg, and fold dough in half, pressing to seal edges. Crimp edges and prick tops with a fork. Brush tops with remaining egg.

Place turnovers 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 450 degrees for 12 minutes or until golde brown. Serve immediately. Yield: 3 dozen turnovers.

Note: Turnovers may be frozen baked or unbaked. Allow baked turnovers to cool completely before freezing. To reheat, bake frozen turnovers at 450 for 6-8 minutes. To freeze unbaked turnovers, place in freezer on baking sheets until firm; remove from sheets, and place in freezer containers. To reheat, bake frozen turnovers at 450 degrees at 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Stuffed Tomatoes

2005-12-11T07:05:00.000-05:00

6 med-large tomatoes
1/4 cup crumbled crisp bacon (6 slices)
1/4 cup chopped celery
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup soft bread crumbs
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup grated cheese

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cut slices from top of 6 unpeeled tomatoes. Scoop out centers and mix pulp with listed ingredients. Fill centers of tomatoes. Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated cheese; dot with margarine. Bake 30 minutes in greased muffin cups or baking dish.

Hot Sausages

2005-12-10T20:00:00.000-05:00

3 lb polish sausage (sliced into pieces)
32 oz tomato sauce
1 small can tomato paste (6 oz)
1 1/2 tsp oregano
1/8 tsp thyme
1 1/2 tsp red pepper seeds(hot)

Mix all above ingredients except red pepper, sprinkle this on top. Add enough water to make misture thin. Simmer 2 hours, then taste to see if hot enough. Simmer 1 hour more, then it is done. Spoon off grease that comes to top and serve.

Good with mashed potatoes or rice.

Be sure to have Rolaids on hand! But it is really good!

Linda May's Kraut Barak

2005-12-10T19:58:00.000-05:00

Use either a roll or regular bread dough, raised. Shread 1 small head of cabbage, 1 onion, cut into a skillet which has a small amount of shortening in it. Then add 1/2 lb hamburger, salt and pepper. Simmer till done and juice has cooked down. Roll raised dough in flat sheet and cut in large squares. In each square put about 5 tsp of the cabbage mixture. Bring up corners of bread and pinch together. Set in greased pan. Let raise till light and bake till brown. 425 degrees.

Baked Ham

2005-12-09T09:54:00.000-05:00

Bake 20 minutes per pound 350 degrees

2 tablespoons brown mustard
2 tablespoons regular mustard
whole cloves
can of pineapple juice
1 cup brown sugar

Poke holes in fat side of ham, stick cloves in holes, mix mustards and brown sugar till it makes a galze, then spoon and rub over hamm and cloves. Place in roaster, pour pineapple juice around ham in roaster. Cover with roaster lid and bake.

Country-Fried Venison

2005-12-09T09:48:00.000-05:00

1 1/2 pounds venison (3/4 inch thick)
1 cup all purpose flour
salt and pepper
Seasoning Salt to taste
4 tablespoon bacon drippings
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 quart water
1/3 cup all purpose flour
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
Hot cooked rice

Prepare venison by trimming all fat and removing connective tissue. Cut meat into serving-size pieces, and pound each pied to 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness. Combine 1 cup flour, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp pepper, and seasoned salt; dredge the venison in the flour mixture. Heat 1 tablespoon bacon drippings in a large heavy skillet, add garlic, and saute until golden.

Remove garlic, and set aside. Add remaining bacon drippings to skillet, and set aside. Gradually stir about 1/2 cup water into 1/3 cup flour; mix until smooth, and add the remaining water. Stir flour mixture into pan drippings; cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened. Stir in 1/2 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper. Return venison and garlic to skillet; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 30 minutes. Add onion; cover and simmer 15 minutes. Add mushrooms, cover and simmer 15 minutes. Serve over rice.

Eleanor's Pineapple casserole

2005-12-08T07:23:00.000-05:00

1 20 oz can pineapple chunks
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 tbsp flour
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup margarine melted
1/2 cup Ritz cracker crumbs

Drain pineapple, reserving 3 tbsp juice. Combine sugar and flour and stir in reserved juice. Add cheese and pineapple chunks. Mix well. Spoon mixture into greased 1 qt casserole. Combine melted margarine and cracker crumbs, stirring well. Sprinkle over pineapple mixture.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes or until crumbs are lightly browned.

Broccoli Souffle

2005-12-08T07:21:00.000-05:00

2 boxes frozen chopped broccoli
1 can mushroom soup
1 cup miracle whip
2 eggs beaten
1 1/2 tsp onion flakes
1 cup grated cheese

Cook broccoli and drain. Then mix remaining ingredients. Place in buttered baking dish, place buttered bread crumbs on top.

Bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

White House Christmas Menu 2005: BillyBob Still Waiting for his Invite

2005-12-08T00:17:00.000-05:00

2005 Christmas Reception Menu

Christmas Buffet Reception
Artisanal Domestic and French Cheeses served with Rustic Breads and Seasoned Fruits
Brown Sugar Baked Ham served with Horseradish-Mustard Sauce (served with Hot Sweet Potato Biscuits)
Spinach Gnocchi with Winter Greens, Pancetta Bacon, Baby Vegetables and Brown Butter
Farfalle Pasta with Maine Lobster, Asparagus and Lemon-Vanilla Sauce
Smoked Salmon Display with Yukon Potato Crepes, Chive Créme Fraiche, and Red Onion Marmalade
Maryland Crab Cakes with Lime-Ancho Remoulade
Thai Peanut Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Dipping Sauce

Christmas Buffet Suppers
Hot Tomato Bouillon
Holiday Waldorf Salad with Kiwi, Pineapple, and Lemon Yogurt
Hickory Smoked Bourbon Turkey with Cranberry-Orange Relish
Crown Roast of Lamb with Spiced Pecan Apples
Honeyed Sweet Potato Soufflé
Glazed Beans with Bacon, Sugar and Shallots
Christmas Reception Desserts
Cookies:
Peppermint-Chocolate Meringue Kisses
Chocolate Cracklin'
Barney Bush
Miss Beazley
Snowflakes
Ginger-Orange-Cherry Molasses
Other Specialities:
Warm Apple Oatmeal Crisp with Vanilla Sauce
Warm Grand Marnier Savarin with Cherry Sauce and Whipped Cream
Spicy Pumpkin Custard
Buche Noel Cake
Trifle
Truffle Tree
Dark Chocolate and Milk Chocolate Roasted Whole Almonds
Glace Fruits
Fondant Gift Petit Fours
# # #

Waldorf Salad

2005-12-06T20:38:00.000-05:00

4 or 5 apples washed, cored and diced up
1 cup or more of nuts
raisins if desired

Mix these together with 2 or 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise. Store in refrigerator.

Cranberry Salad

2005-12-06T20:37:00.000-05:00

1 can cranberries
1 can 15 1/4 oz pineapple (crushed)
1/2 cup pecans
8 oz cream cheese
2 tbsp mayo
2 tbsp sugar
1 envelope dream whip

Mix cream cheese, mayo and sugar. Set aside - mix up dream whip. Add pineapple, cranberries, and pecans to dream whip and stir. Then add in cream cheese, mayo and sugar. Freeze.

Emerald Frost Punch

2005-12-05T11:10:00.000-05:00

Makes 1 1/2 quarts

42 oz of lemon-lime soda
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup mint jelly
3 tab lime juice
8 slices lime

Freeze 28 oz of lemon-lime soda in ice cube trays.

Combine water and jelly in a saucepan. Heat for 5 minutes or until jelly dissolves, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add remaining ingredients. Mix well.

Serve with lemon-lime ice cubes.

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

2005-12-05T11:08:00.000-05:00

Great to have on hand or to give as a gift!
2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup Hershey's cocoa
1/2 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
dash salt

In large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients, blend well. Store in tightly covered container.

1/4 cup mix plus 3/4 boiling water.

BillyBob's Steak Grill

2005-12-04T09:30:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:

A steak, from cheap to expensive, usually bought at the out of date discount price.
garlic
salt coarse ground
pepper from the pepper mill.

Method:

Let steak reach room temperature.
Next break some cloves out of the garlic and slice into slivers.
Cover with salt and pepper both sides.
Then use a knife to slice slits into the steak. Slide the slivers into the slits the more the better.
Have a hot charcoal grill with a lid. Maybe add some soaked hickory chips to the coals.
Place the steak on the grill and wait about five minutes. Then turn the steak.
BillyBob likes his steak rare so check back in about four minutes.

After cooking wait five minutes to let the juices redistribute in the meat.
Have at it. When you chomp into that garlic be ready for a nice surprise.

Walnut Pumpkin Pie

2005-12-04T05:59:00.000-05:00

1 6 oz Graham Cracker Pie Crust
1 15 oz can pumpkin
1 14 oz can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 egg
1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup chopped walnuts

Heat oven to 425 degrees. In mixing bowl, combine pumpkin, sweetened condensed milkk, egg, 3/4 tsp cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt, mix well. Turn into pie crust. Bake 15 minutes. Remove pie. Reduce oven tem to 350 degrees. In small bowl combine sugar, flour and remaining 1/2 tsp of cinnamon, cut in margarine until crumbly. Stir in walnuts. Sprinkle evenly over pie. Bake 40 minutes or until knive inserted 1 inch from edge comes out clean. Cool. Garnish as desired. Refrigerate.

Chocolate Chess Pie

2005-12-04T05:58:00.000-05:00

2 eggs
3 tbsp cocoa
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp white corn syrup (Karo)
1 and 1/2 cups sugar or little less
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup margarine melted

Beat eggs, milk, margarine and sugar. Add syrup, cocoa, and vanilla. Mix well. Bake 350 degrees in unbaked pie shell until firm (about 45 minutes).

Fast Chocolate Pecan Fudge

2005-12-03T07:37:00.000-05:00

1/2 cup butter or margarine
3/4 cup Hershey's cocoa
4 cups confectioners sugar
1 tspn vanilla extract
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 cup pecan pieces

Line square pan, 8x8x2 inches, with foil; set aside. In medium micro-proof bowl microwave butter on high until melted. Add cocoa; stir until smooth. Stir in confectioner's sugar and vanilla; blend well (mixture will be dry and crumbly). Stir in evaporated milk. Microwave on high 1 minute; stir. Microwave an additional minute or until mixture is hot. Beat with wooden spoon until smooth, add pecans. Pour into prepared pan. Cover; chill until firm. Cut into squares. Store covered in refrigerator.

Terry's Cinnamon-Raisin Bars

2005-12-03T07:30:00.000-05:00

1/2 cup margarine
1 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cup quick cooking rolled oats

Raising filling: Combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch in saucepan. Stir in 1 cup water and 2 cups raisins. Cook over medium heat till thickened and bubbly. Cool.

Cinnamon filling: Mix 1 cup sifted confectioner's sugar with 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon. Stir in enough milk (about 1 tablespoon) for drizzling consistency.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cream margarine, and sugar. Mix dry ingredients together, stir into creamed mixture. Add oats and 1 tablespoon water. Mix till crumbly. Firmly pat half the mixture in greased 13x9x2 pan. Spread with raisin filling. Mix remaining crumbs and 1 tablespoon water, spoon over filling. Pat smooth. Bake at 350 degrees about 35 minutes. Cool. Drizzle with cinnamon icing.

Fig or Date Filled Cookies

2005-12-01T05:54:00.000-05:00

1 cup shortening
2 cups brown sugar
3 eggs
4 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla

Mix above and chill.
Then cook until thick:

1 1/2 cups chopped figs or dates
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup chopped nuts

After dough is chilled. Pinch off some and roll out. Spread some of the filling on dough, then roll up as a jelly roll and wrap in wax paper, being sure to close well, so it won't dry out. Repeat this process until all the dough and filling has been used. Makes 4-6 rolls. Place in refrigerator over night, next day slice off and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Candy Cane Cookies

2005-12-01T05:50:00.000-05:00

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Blend together thoroughly:

1 cup soft shortening (2 sticks margarine)
1 cup powdered sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp peppermint extract (or almond extract if you don't want the minty flavor)
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp salt

After this is blended, divide the dough in half, in one half, add a few drops of red food coloring until mixture is bright red. Then take some plain dough and make into a round strip, then take some red dough and do the same, then plat the dough together and form into a cane. Bake at 375 degrees until brown.

BillyBob Cheater Quick Yeast Rolls

2005-11-30T18:06:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons shortening
3 tablespoons white sugar
1 cup hot water
1 package active dry yeast
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

Method:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F . Grease 8 muffin cup pan. In a large bowl, mix the shortening, sugar, and hot water. Allow to cool until lukewarm, and mix in the yeast until dissolved. Mix in the egg, salt, and flour. Allow the dough to rise until doubled in size. Divide the dough into the prepared muffin cups, and allow to rise again until doubled in size. Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Mrs. Barringer's Fruit and Nut Log

2005-11-30T06:56:00.000-05:00

1 (12 oz) package vanilla wafers crushed
1 cup chopped candied pineapple
1 cup chopped candied cherries
2 cups chopped pecans or walnuts
1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
sifted powdered sugar

Combine 1st five ingredients. Mix well. Divide into 3 equal parts. Roll into an 11 inch log. Roll each log in powdered sugar. Refrigerate for several hours or until firm. Cut into 1/2 inch slices.

Cappucino Fudge

2005-11-30T06:53:00.000-05:00

Makes 3 doz squares

1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow Cream
1/2 cup sugar
2/3 cup whipping or heavy cream
1/4 cup margarine
1 tsp instant coffee powder
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1 12 oz bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup toasted chopped hazelnuts or walnuts

Line 8" square baking pan with aluminum foil; set aside. In 2 qt saucepan, combine marshmallow cream, sugar, cream, margarine, coffee powder, cinnamon and slat. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue to boil 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in chocolate chips until smooth. Stir in nuts. Pour into prepared into prepared pan. Cover and refrigerate at least four hours or overnight. Using foil, lift fudge onto cutting board. To serve, cut into squares.

Lynn's Cheese Ball

2005-11-29T07:50:00.000-05:00

1 jar old english Kraft cheese spread
1 8 oz bar cream cheese
1/2 tsp garlic salt
parsley flakes for color
Few drops worchestire sauce
Crushed pecans

Mix together by hand and roll in crushed nuts. Refrigerate. Makes 1 small ball. Double recipe if two balls are desired or 1 large ball.

Sausage Balls

2005-11-29T07:48:00.000-05:00

1 lb hot sausage
3 cups sharp cheese (grated)
3 cups bisquick

Blend all ingredients thoroughly. Shape into 1/2 " to 3/4" balls. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Check after 30 minutes.

Orange Slice Cake

2005-11-28T07:47:00.000-05:00

1/2 lb margarine
2 cup granulated sugar
4 eggs
1 tablespoon soda
1/2 cup buttermilk
3 1/2 cup regular flour
1 tablespoon rum flavoring
1 box pitted dates, chopped
1 lb candy slices, chopped
1 small can grated cocount
2 cup chopped nuts
1 can frozen o.j. (6 oz) undiluted
1 cup powdered sugar

Cream butter and sugar. Add beaten eggs one at a time. Dissolve soda in buttermilk. Add to creamed mixture alternately with flour (keep 1 cup set to the side). Stir mixture after addition. Add flavoring. Sift reserved flour over chopped fruit, candy and nuts. Fold into cake mixture. Place in greased and floured tube pan. Bake at 300 degrees for 3 hours. Mix o.j. and powdered sugar. When cake comes out of oven, pour over cake. Let sit in pan until cooled.

Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

2005-11-28T07:30:00.000-05:00

1 1/4 cups sugar, divided
1 cup all purpose flour
7 tablespoons Hershey's Cocoa, divided (3 and 4)
2 tsps baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup butter or margarine melted
1 1/2 tsps vanilla extract
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 1/4 cups hot water
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Heat over to 350 degree. In medium mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup sugar, flour, 3 tablespoons cocoa, baking powder and salt. Blend in milk, melted butter and vanilla; beat until smooth. Add nuts if desired. Pour batter into square 8x8x2 or 9x9x2 inches. In small bowl combine remaining 1/2 cup sugar, brown sugar and remaining 4 tablespoons cocoa. Sprinkle mixture evenly over batter. Pour hot water over top; do not stir. Bake 40 minutes or until center is almost set. Let stand 15 minutes; spoon into dessert dishes, add a scoop of ice cream, then spoon sauce from bottom of pan over top.

Refrigerator Biscuits

2005-11-23T08:21:00.000-05:00

2 cups buttermilk ( I keep powdered buttermilk on hand for recipes calling for it)
1 package active dry yeast
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cream of tartar
2 tbspn sugar
4 cups flour
1 cup margarine or butter

Heat buttermilk to lukewarm and add yeast; stir until dissolved. Cool. Mix and sift dry ingredients into bowl. Cut in margarine until size of small peas. When buttermilk is cool, mix with dry ingredients. Put in covered container and refrigerate until ready to use. Roll dough and cut into biscuits. Let rise 20-30 minutes before baking in a preheated ove for 10 minutes. Dough keeps covered in the refrigerator for at least 5 days. Makes about 24 small biscuits.

Cranberry Nut Bread

2005-11-23T08:16:00.000-05:00

Makes 1 loaf

2 cup sifted flour
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp soda
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup shortening
1 egg, beaten
1 T grated orange rind
3/4 cup orange juice
1 cup fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Sift dry ingredients into mixing bowl. Cut in shortening. Combine egg, orange rind and juice. Pour into dry ingredients. Mix just to dampen. Carefully fold in cranberries and nuts. Spoon into grease 9x5 loaf pan. Bake at 350 about 1 hour until bread tests done. Remove from pan; cool before slicing.

Grandma's Candied Sweet Potatoes

2005-11-22T07:42:00.000-05:00

My grandmother passed away 12 years ago this week. She was a terrific cook. This is one of our favorite recipes that she used to make every year for Thanksgiving.

8 large sweet potatoes
1/2 box brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 stick margarine or butter
1 heaping spoon crisco shortening

In electric skillet place shortening and margarine, let melt. Peel and slice potatoes, slice them thick. Place in skillet, salt and pepper then add both kinds of sugar. Next cover with water, then place lid on top and put on medium heat (320 degrees). Leave there till starts cooking good, then turn down to low heat. Just high enough so they continue to cook. Let cook like this for about an hour or until all water has cooked off and ther eis a nice syrup around the potatoes. Do not stir. If necessary while they are cooking move them around gently in the pan with a pointed fork. If you stir them, they will get mushy.

Grilled Vegetable Salad

2005-11-22T07:38:00.000-05:00

1 large onion
1/3 cup white balsamic vinegar
2 tblspns olive oil
2 shallots, finely chopped
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 1/2 tsps molasses
1/2 lb carrots, scraped
1 sweet red pepper, seeded
1 sweet yellow pepper, seeded
2 zucchini
2 yellow squash

Combine first 7 ingredients in a large bowl. Set aside. Cut carrots and remaining vegetables into large pieces. Add veggies to vinegar mixture, tossing to coat. Let stand 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain veggies, reserving vinegar mixture. Arrange veggies in a grill basket. Cook, covered with grill lid, over med-hot coals (350-400) 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally. Return veggies to reserved vinegar mixture, tossing gently. Cover and refrigerate.

Goulash Paprikash

2005-11-21T08:49:00.000-05:00

2 pounds ground beef
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 1/2 tablespoon flour
1 tablespoon paprika
1/4 tsp pepper
2 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup sliced onion
1 pound canned tomatoes
2 tablespoon cold water

Sprinkle beef with 1 tsp salt. Shape in 6 - 1" thick patties. Combine 1 tablespoon of flour with paprika, and 1/2 tsp salt and peper. Mix well. Coat patties lightly with this. In large saucepan high, heat oil and brown onion. Remove onion with slotted spoon, in same pot, brown patties both sides, adding more oil if necessary. Remove from heat. Drain off excess fat. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in tomatoes. Bring ot boil. Blend remaining 1 1/2 tablespoon flour with cold water and stir into simmering mixture, loosening and browned bits in the bottom of the pot. Add onions and patties, cover and simmer 1/2 hour. Serve with buttered poppy seed noodles.

Nancy's Classic Jambalaya

2005-11-21T08:46:00.000-05:00

1 lb crabmeat - drained
1/2 lb cooked shrimp
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 med onion, chopped
1 med green pepper, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
2 clove garlic, minced
2 cups can whole tomatoes juice and all
1 cup uncooked regular rice
1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp thyme
1 bay leaf, crumbled
dash tabasco
1/2 cup water

Fry bacon until lightly browned. Add onion, celery, and green pepper and garlic; cook until tender. Add tomatoes, rice, seasonings and water. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Then add crabmeat and shrimp and simmer 10 more minutes. Serve immediately.