Saturday, May 14, 2011

Cooking : Baked Spaghetti

Ingredients
Reynolds Wrap� Release� Non-Stick Aluminum Foil
1 (8 ounce) package spaghetti, cooked
2 tablespoons butter OR margarine
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 (24 ounce) carton ricotta cheese OR cottage cheese
1 pound ground beef
1 (25.75 ounce) jar Prego� Chunky Garden Combination Italian Sauce
1 (8 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with Reynolds Wrap� Release� Non-Stick Aluminum Foil with non-stick side toward food.
Combine hot cooked spaghetti with butter; stir until butter melts and coats spaghetti. Add 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese; stir to coat. Arrange spaghetti in an even layer in foil-lined pan. Spread ricotta cheese over spaghetti. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Brown ground beef, drain; add pasta sauce and heat until bubbly. Spoon over cheeses. Top with mozzarella cheese and remaining Parmesan cheese.
Cover with non-stick foil. Bake 30 minutes. Remove foil cover and continue baking 15 minutes or until cheese is lightly browned. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Cooking : Banana Oat Muffins

Ingredients
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon rolled oats
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 cup mashed ripe banana
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
1/3 cup rolled oats
4 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter, chilled
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease 12 muffin cups or line with paper muffin liners.
Place 1 cup rolled oats in a food processor and process until ground. In a large bowl, combine ground oats with flour, 1 tablespoon rolled oats, chopped walnuts, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the banana and vanilla. Stir in sour cream. Mix oat/flour mixture into egg mixture. Spoon batter into prepared muffin pans.
To make Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs; stir in 1/4 cup chopped walnuts. Generously sprinkle muffins with topping.
Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into a muffin comes out clean.

Cooking : Beef Taco Skillet

Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 (10.75 ounce) can Campbell's� Condensed Tomato Soup (Regular or 25% Less Sodium)
1/2 cup salsa
1/2 cup water
6 (6 inch) flour tortillas, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions
Cook beef in 10-inch skillet until well browned, stirring to break up meat. Pour off fat.
Stir in soup, salsa, water, tortillas. Heat to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes Stir. Top with cheese.

Cooking : Blueberry Shortbread Cheesecake

Ingredients
3/4 cup unsalted butter
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 pint sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
zest from 1 lemon
1 quart blueberries
1 cup white sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Combine the butter, flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor. Process until mixture begins to form small lumps; press into the bottom of a 2-quart baking dish.
Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 20 minutes; remove from oven. Reduce oven's heat to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
Beat the cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar in a bowl until soft and creamy. Stir in the eggs one at a time, until smooth. Gradually stir in the sour cream, vanilla, and lemon zest. Pour the mixture over the crust.
Bake until firm to the touch, 45 to 55 minutes. Meanwhile, make the topping by combining the blueberries, sugar, and cornstarch in a large saucepan over medium heat; cook until thickened. Allow mixture to cool.
Pour the cooled blueberry mixture over top of the cream cheese layer. Chill assembled cheesecake in refrigerator overnight.

Cooking : Banana Brown Sugar Pancakes

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

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

Cooking : American Beauty Cake with Deanna's Frosting

Ingredients
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups white sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/3 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups beets, peeled and shredded
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
1/3 cup butter
1/2 cup shortening

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan.
In a large bowl, mix 1 3/4 cup flour, 1 1/2 sugar, cocoa, baking powder and soda.
Whisk in buttermilk, 1/2 cup butter, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in shredded beets and pour batter into cake pan.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of cake comes out clean.
For the frosting: Combine milk and 5 tablespoons flour in a small saucepan, heat to a boil. Stir constantly for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in 1 cup sugar, 1/3 cup butter and shortening. Cool resulting mixture to room temperature and beat for 10 to 12 minutes until light and fluffy. Spread on cooled cake. This frosting is also excellent on spice or applesauce cake.

Cooking : Avocado Feta Salsa

Ingredients
2 plum tomatoes, chopped
1 ripe avocado - peeled, pitted and chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon snipped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon red or white wine vinegar
4 ounces crumbled feta cheese

Directions
In a bowl, gently stir together tomatoes, avocados, onion, and garlic. Mix in parsley and oregano. Gently stir in olive oil and vinegar. Then stir in feta. Cover, and chill for 2 to 6 hours.

Cooking : Almond Currant Rice

Ingredients
2 cups uncooked instant rice
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chopped toasted almonds
1/4 cup dried currants

Directions
Prepare rice according to package directions, adding butter and salt. Just before serving, stir in almonds and currants.

Cooking : Brown Sugar Muffins

Ingredients
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions
In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and brown sugar. Add egg, milk and vanilla. Combine the dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture just until combined. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake at 400 degrees F for 16-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack.

Cooking : Antipasto Salad

Ingredients
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon salt
6 ounces macaroni
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups broccoli florets
4 ounces sliced pepperoni sausage
10 cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions
Cook pasta in a pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain.
In large bowl, stir together oil, vinegar, garlic, basil, and salt and pepper. Toss with warm macaroni to coat well. Toss with Parmesan. Cover, and refrigerate 2 to 3 hours.
Add broccoli, pepperoni, and tomatoes; toss well. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, and serve.

Cooking : Ambrosia Fruit Salad

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
2 1/2 cups shredded coconut
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 (8 ounce) can fruit cocktail, drained
1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
3 cups miniature marshmallows
1 (10 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained (optional)
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions
In a large bowl, combine the whipped topping, coconut, chopped nuts, fruit cocktail, pineapple, mandarin oranges, marshmallows, cherries, nutmeg and cinnamon. Mix together well and refrigerate for 30 to 45 minutes.

Cooking : Baked Cranberry Pudding

Ingredients
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs, separated
1/2 cup whipping cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons grated orange peel
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar, divided
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 cups coarsely chopped fresh cranberries
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup orange juice
2 1/2 cups whole cranberries

Directions
In a bowl, combine brown sugar and egg yolks. Add whipping cream, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg; set aside. In a large bowl, combine flour, orange peel, baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar and salt. Add chopped cranberries; stir to completely coat. Add brown sugar mixture and butter; mix well. (Batter will be stiff.) Beat egg whites until foamy. Add remaining cream of tartar; beat until soft peaks form. Fold into batter. Pour into a greased 9-in. springform pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.
Meanwhile, for topping, bring sugar and orange juice to a boil in a saucepan. Cook for 3 minutes or until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat; add cranberries and simmer 6 to 8 minutes or until berries begin to burst. Remove from heat and cover.
When pudding tests done, place springform pan on a jelly roll pan. Spoon warm cranberry sauce over top. Return to the oven for 10 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before removing sides of springform pan. Cool at least 1 hour or overnight. Before serving, reheat at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes.

Cooking : Best Ever Spinach Artichoke Dip

Ingredients
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup Alfredo sauce

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a small casserole dish, mix the spinach, artichoke hearts, cheese, mayonnaise, and Alfredo sauce.
Bake 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until lightly bubbly and lightly browned.

Cooking : Apple Almond Crunch Salad

Ingredients
1 (10 ounce) package mixed salad greens
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 cup tart apple, cored and chopped
1/4 cup sliced red onion
1/4 cup golden raisins
1 cup raspberry vinaigrette salad dressing

Directions
In a large salad bowl, combine the salad greens, almonds, feta cheese, apple, red onion and raisins. Toss to blend. Apply salad dressing to individual servings.

Cooking : Bacon-Mustard Salad Dressing

Ingredients
1 bacon, diced
6 tablespoons orange juice
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
3 tablespoons finely chopped green onions (white portion only)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Directions
In a nonstick skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon to drain on paper towels. Add orange juice to the drippings; stir to loosen browned bits from pan. Place the remaining ingredients in a blender or food processor; add orange juice mixture and bacon. Cover and process until smooth. Store in the refrigerator.

Cooking : Bayou's Mardi Gras Slaw

Ingredients
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon dry mustard
2 teaspoons celery seed
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
salt to taste
1 small head red cabbage, shredded
2 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1/4 inch strips
2 green zucchini, cut into 1/4 inch strips

Directions
Whisk together cider vinegar, dark brown sugar, dry mustard, celery seed, cayenne pepper, dill, sour cream, mayonnaise, horseradish and salt. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
When ready to serve, place the cabbage, bell pepper, and zucchini in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat (see notes).

Cooking : Blueberry Scones

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter, chilled
1 cup fresh blueberries
3/4 cup half-and-half cream
1 egg

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Cut butter into mixture of flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add blueberries and toss to mix.
In separate bowl beat together cream and egg, and slowly pour into dry ingredients, stirring with rubber scraper until dough forms. Knead just until it comes together, 3 or 4 times. Don't overhandle.
Divide dough in half. On lightly floured board, shape each half into a 6-inch round. Cut into 6 wedges.
Bake on ungreased sheet about 20 minutes at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Serve warm!!

Cooking : Aunt Teresa's Chicken

Ingredients
4 chicken thighs
1 green bell pepper, sliced
2 carrots, shredded
1 large onion, sliced
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a 9 x 13 inch baking dish, layer in the following order: onion, bell pepper, carrots and chicken. Pour soup over the top. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes.

Cooking : Apple-Topped Biscuits

Ingredients
3 cups sliced peeled tart apples
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon quick-cooking tapioca
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 (16 ounce) can large refrigerated buttermilk biscuit dough

Directions
In a large saucepan, combine the apples, sugar, tapioca, lemon juice, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg. Let stand for 15 minutes. Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes or until apples are tender.
Transfer apple mixture to a greased 9-in. pie plate. Place biscuits over apples. Bake at 375 degrees F for 18-20 minutes or until biscuits are browned. Immediately invert onto a serving plate.

Cooking : Baked Potato Salad I

Ingredients
8 medium potatoes, sliced
1/2 pound sliced bacon
1 pound processed American cheese, sliced
1/2 onion, chopped
1 cup mayonnaise
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup black olives, sliced

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Put sliced potatoes into a large pot, and fill with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook until tender but still firm, about 10 minutes. Drain, and set aside.
At the same time, place bacon in a large deep skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until evenly browned. Remove to paper towels to drain.
In a large bowl, stir together the potatoes, cheese, onion, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Spoon into prepared baking dish. Crumble bacon over the top, and sprinkle with olives.
Bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven, until golden brown.

Cooking : Biscuits for Two

Ingredients
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons shortening
3 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted, divided

Directions
In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt; cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add milk, tossing with a fork until a ball forms.
Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead 5-6 times. Roll or pat to 1/2-in. thickness; cut with a 2-1/2-in. biscuit cutter. Place on a greased baking sheet. Brush tops with 1 tablespoon butter. Bake at 450 degrees F for 9-11 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with remaining butter. Serve warm.

Cooking : Bacon Cheeseburgers

Ingredients
1 pound sliced bacon, diced
5 pounds ground beef chuck
1 large onion, chopped
1/4 cup steak sauce
salt and pepper to taste
1 pound American cheese slices

Directions
Preheat a grill for high heat.
Place bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry, stirring occasionally. When the bacon is almost done, add the onion. Cook until the bacon is crisp, and the onion is tender. Remove onion and bacon from the pan with a slotted spoon, and transfer to a food processor. Pulse a couple of times to chop finely. Do not puree. Pour into a large bowl, and mix with steak sauce and ground chuck using your hands. Form into 16 patties.
Place patties on the grill, and cook for 5 minutes per side, or until well done. Place a slice of cheese on top of each one during the last minute.

Cooking : Bella's Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Ingredients
1/2 pound bacon, diced
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons butter
1/4 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and cut in half
2 cups chicken stock

Directions
Place the bacon in a large, deep skillet, and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until evenly browned, but not crispy, about 10 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the grease in the skillet. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease and stir in the olive oil, butter, onion, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Cook and stir until the onion softens and the garlic lightly browns, 5 to 7 minutes.
Stir in the balsamic vinegar and bring to a simmer; cook until the liquid has reduced by 1/3. Add the reserved bacon, the halved Brussels sprouts, and the chicken stock. Stir, then bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until the Brussels sprouts are tender, yet still slightly firm, about 10 minutes.

Cooking : Beef and Cheddar Soft Tacos

Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 (10.75 ounce) can Campbell's� Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup
1/2 cup Pace� Chunky Salsa
8 (8 inch) flour tortillas, warmed
2 cups shredded lettuce

Directions
Cook the beef in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until well browned, stirring often to separate meat. Pour off any fat.
Stir the soup and salsa in the skillet and cook until the mixture is hot and bubbling.
Spoon about 1/3 cup beef mixture down the center of each tortilla. Top with the lettuce. Fold the tortillas around the filling. Serve with additional salsa.

Cooking : Amazing Apple Cake

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups white sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup chopped walnuts
5 1/2 cups chopped apples

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
In a medium bowl, stir together the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and baking soda. Add the eggs, oil and vanilla, mix well. Add the nuts and apple, mix until all of the apples are evenly coated. Pour into a 9x9 inch pan.
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes in the preheated oven. Serve warm or cool.

Cooking : Apple-Filled Cranberry Muffins

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups finely chopped peeled apple
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup cranberry juice
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cranberries
3 tablespoons vanilla extract

Directions
For filling, combine apples, sugar and cinnamon; set aside. For muffins, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Combine eggs, oil, cranberry juice, cranberries and vanilla; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups one-third full. Spoon 1 tablespoon filling on top. Fill muffins cups two-thirds full with remaining batter. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35-30 minutes or until muffins test done. Cool 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack.

Cooking : Basler Mehlsuppa

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.

Cooking : Black Bean Soup II

Ingredients
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
7 cups water
1 teaspoon olive oil
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin

Directions
In a Dutch Oven saute onion, garlic and green pepper in oil over medium heat till tender.
Add beans and water and season with salt, pepper and cumin to your desired taste. Mix well and simmer for 25 minutes.
Pour soup into blender and puree. Once soup is to your desired consistency return to Dutch Oven and return to medium-low heat.
Pour a few drops of olive oil in bowl for added flavor and dish up soup.

Cooking : Armenian Pizzas (Lahmahjoon)

Ingredients
1 pound lean ground lamb
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup chopped red onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon freshly ground cumin seed
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon paprika
1 pinch fenugreek seeds, finely crushed (optional)
1 lemon wedge
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
6 (6 inch) pita bread rounds
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
1 lime, cut into wedges
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint

Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Season lamb with salt and pepper, and set aside.
Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper and stir until just beginning to brown. Stir in the cumin, turmeric, paprika, and fenugreek.
Immediately add the ground lamb. Squeeze lemon wedge over lamb, and drop the peel into the mixture. Break up the meat and stir until it has browned. Remove lemon peel.
Stir in the tomatoes, ketchup, and parsley. Continue to simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated, 10 to 15 minutes. The mixture should be spreadable but not too wet or the pitas will become soggy.
Arrange pitas on a large baking sheet unless you are baking them directly on the oven rack. Spoon meat mixture onto pitas and smooth into an even layer to within 1/8 inch of the edge of the pita. Sprinkle feta cheese on the meat mixture.
Bake pitas until the edges are slightly crisp and meat is lightly browned but not dried out, about 10 to 20 minutes depending on whether pitas are on a baking sheet or on the oven rack. Squeeze lime lightly over the top, sprinkle with chopped mint and enjoy!

Cooking : Beef Barley Lentil Soup

Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cups cubed red potatoes (1/4 inch pieces)
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup dry lentils, rinsed
1/2 cup medium pearl barley
8 cups water
2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
2 (14.5 ounce) cans stewed tomatoes

Directions
In a nonstick skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker. Layer with the potatoes, celery, carrots, lentils and barley. Combine the water, bouillon, salt and lemon-pepper; pour over vegetables. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until vegetables and barley are tender. Add the tomatoes; cook 2 hours longer.

Cooking : Banana Layer Cake

Ingredients
3 tablespoons shortening
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs, separated
1/2 cup mashed ripe banana
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup 1% buttermilk
3 tablespoons shortening
3 tablespoons butter, softened
3 cups confectioners' sugar, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon lemon extract
1/3 cup mashed ripe banana
3 drops yellow food coloring

Directions
In a small mixing bowl, beat shortening and sugar until crumbly, about 2 minutes. Add egg yolks; beat well. Add banana; beat on low speed until blended. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda; add to banana mixture alternately with buttermilk. In a small mixing bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form; fold into batter.
Coat two 6-in. round baking pans with nonstick cooking spray and dust with flour. Add batter. Bake at 375 degrees F for 23-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
For frosting, in a small mixing bowl, combine shortening and butter. Add 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, salt and extract; mix well. Stir in banana. Beat in enough of the remaining confectioners' sugar to achieve desired spreading consistency. Tint with food coloring if desired. Spread between layers and over top and sides of cake. Store in the refrigerator.

Cooking : Bahamian Chicken Souse

Ingredients
24 chicken wings, separated
3 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 large onion, diced
1/2 green pepper, diced
6 large potatoes, peeled and diced
3 carrots, diced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon ground allspice
2 bay leaves
3/4 cup lime juice
3 cups water
salt and black pepper to taste

Directions
Toss the chicken wings with 3 tablespoons lime juice and the seasoned salt. Set aside to marinate at room temperature for 1 hour.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and green pepper; cook and stir until the onion has softened and begun to brown, about 10 minutes. Add the potatoes, carrots, red pepper flakes, allspice, bay leaves, marinated chicken, lime juice, and water. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and continue simmering until the chicken is no longer pink at the bone, and the vegetables are tender, about 40 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.

Cooking : Blenty of Blintzes

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup butter, softened
3 tablespoons white sugar
3/4 cup milk
1 (16 ounce) container cottage cheese, creamed
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 tablespoon sour cream
1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x9 inch baking dish.
In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, butter and sugar. Stir in eggs and milk. In a separate medium bowl, mix cottage cheese, butter, egg, sour cream and salt.
Place 1/2 the flour mixture in the baking dish. Cover with the cottage cheese mixture, and top with remaining flour mixture.
Bake 50 minutes in the preheated oven, until puffed and golden brown. Allow to cool slightly, and cut into squares to serve.

Cooking : Burnt Sugar Chiffon Cake

Ingredients
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup boiling water
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups white sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
7 egg yolks
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup egg whites
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

Directions
To Make Burnt Sugar Mixture: Melt 1 cup white sugar in a pan till medium brown. Slowly stir in 1/2 cup boiling water.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees (165 degrees C).
Sift together into mixing bowl the flour, 1 1/2 cups white sugar, baking powder, and salt. Form a well in the dry ingredients and add the vegetable oil, egg yolks, burnt sugar mixture, cold water and vanilla. Beat with wooden spoon until smooth.
Beat egg whites and cream of tartar in large bowl until they hold very stiff peaks. Pour egg yolk mixture in a thin stream over egg whites. Fold in gently. Pour batter into an ungreased tube pan.
Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 65 to 70 minutes.

Cooking : Baby Ruth™ Layer Cake

Ingredients
8 (1.2 ounce) bars Baby Ruth ™ candy bars, chopped
4 tablespoons crunchy peanut butter
6 tablespoons evaporated milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/4 cups white sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
6 (1.2 ounce) bars Baby Ruth ™ candy bars, chopped
2 egg yolks
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup chopped peanuts
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 egg white
2 1/2 tablespoons sifted confectioners' sugar
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 9 inch round pans.
In the top of a double boiler, Combine 8 chopped candy bars, peanut butter, and 6 tablespoons milk. Heat and stir until melted, stirring constantly. Let cool.
Sift together flour, baking soda and baking powder. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream 1/2 cup butter and 1 1/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and beat well. Blend in cooled candy mixture and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
On low speed, add flour mixture to creamed mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Do not overmix.
Pour into 2 greased and floured 9 inch round cake pans and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes. Cool in pans on racks for 10 minutes. Turn out and finish cooling on rack.
For filling and topping: Melt 6 candy bars in double boiler, then set aside. In a saucepan, combine egg yolks, 1 cup evaporated milk, 1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup butter. Cook and stir until thick over medium heat for approximately 10 minutes. Remove from heat and blend in melted candy mixture, coconut and peanuts. Cool, then beat vigorously with spoon.
For whipped topping, whip heavy cream until stiff. In a clean bowl, whip egg white until stiff. Fold egg white, confectioners sugar and 3/4 teaspoon vanilla into whipped cream.
To assemble, spread cooled filling between layers and on top of cake. Spread whipped topping on sides of cake.