Thursday, June 2, 2011

Cooking : Apple Cinnamon Party Shots

Ingredients
1 (3 ounce) package green apple flavored gelatin mix
1 cup boiling water
1/4 cup cold water
3/4 cup cinnamon schnapps

Directions
Dissolve the gelatin mix in boiling water, stirring for about 2 minutes. Stir in the cold water and schnapps and pour into shot sized disposable cups. Refrigerate until firm, about 3 hours.

Cooking : Blizzard Cake

Ingredients
1 gallon vanilla ice cream
1 (20 ounce) package chocolate sandwich cookies with creme filling
1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

Directions
Soften ice cream. Crush cookies by placing them in a large zip lock bag and rolling over them with a rolling pin. Mix softened ice cream and crushed cookies together. Fold in the whipped topping and pour into one 9x13 inch glass pan. Freeze for 2 hours then serve.

Cooking : Broccoli and Tomato Bake

Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small carrot, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
salt and ground black pepper
3/4 pound broccoli - cut into florets, stems peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon chopped green olives
2 teaspoons maple syrup
1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Directions
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook and stir until aromatic, about 3 minutes. Stir in the carrots and celery, season with salt and pepper, and continue cooking until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, place a steamer insert into a saucepan, and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Cover, and bring the water to a boil over high heat. Add the broccoli, recover, and steam until bright green, 4 minutes. Remove the broccoli from the steamer and place in a 8x8 inch baking dish; set aside.
Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Pour the can of diced tomatoes and green olives into the skillet with the onion and carrot mixture. Stir and cook over medium-high heat until most of the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Mix in the maple syrup, season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook and stir for 3 minutes.
Pour the sauce over the broccoli in the 8x8 inch baking dish. Evenly distribute the goat cheese and Parmesan cheese over the broccoli and sauce.
Bake in preheated oven until the cheese begins to brown, about 20 minutes.

Cooking : Bavarian Sausage Supper

Ingredients
2 cups coleslaw mix
1 cup thinly sliced carrots
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 1/4 cups water
3/4 pound fully cooked kielbasa or Polish sausage, sliced
1 (4.5 ounce) package quick-cooking noodles and sour cream chive sauce mix
1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)

Directions
In a skillet, saute coleslaw mix and carrots in butter until crisp-tender. Add water; bring to a boil. Stir in remaining ingredients. Return to a boil; cook for 8 minutes or until noodles are tender, stirring occasionally.

Cooking : Black Chocolate Cake

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups white sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 pinch salt
2/3 cup shortening
2 cups boiling water
2 eggs, beaten
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan. Sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa and salt. Set aside.
Melt the shortening in the boiling water, then stir into the flour mixture until blended. Beat in the eggs, then stir in the vanilla.
Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool.

Cooking : Aloo Gobi ki Subzi (Potatoes and Cauliflower)

Ingredients
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon mustard seed
1 pinch asafoetida powder
1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 pinch ground turmeric
1 hot green pepper, split down its length (optional)
3 roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger root
1 potato, cubed
1 head cauliflower, broken into small florets
1/2 teaspoon white sugar
salt to taste

Directions
Heat oil over a medium-high heat. Toss in the mustard seeds; when they start spluttering, add the asafoetida, followed by the cumin seeds, turmeric powder and the green pepper. Add the chopped tomatoes and ginger; stir and saute for a few minutes.
Add the potato, cauliflower florets, sugar and salt; stir well and cook until the potatoes are cooked and the cauliflower tender yet crunchy. (For a crunchier cauliflower, add it when the potatoes are just getting done but not quite finished cooking).

Cooking : Banana Cream Cheesecake

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
1/2 cup ground walnuts
5 tablespoons butter, melted
4 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature
1 1/8 cups white sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup sour cream
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup banana liqueur
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
3 tablespoons cold water
1/3 cup white sugar
4 egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups heavy cream, chilled
12 vanilla wafer cookies

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease the sides of a 9 inch springform pan. In a medium bowl, mix together the vanilla wafer crumbs, ground walnuts, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
In a large bowl, stir cream cheese to soften. Mix together 1 1/8 cup sugar and flour; stir into the cream cheese until smooth. Stir in eggs, one at a time, mixing until well blended after each one. Stir in sour cream, mashed banana, banana liqueur, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla. Pour over the crust in the springform pan.
Cover the bottom of the outside of the cheesecake pan with aluminum foil to prevent water from the water bath from seeping in. Place springform pan inside a larger pan. Place the whole thing into the preheated oven, and fill the outer pan with hot water.
Bake for 45 minutes in the preheated oven. After the time is up, turn the oven off, but leave door closed. Leave cheesecake in the unopened oven for 1 hour. Before removing from the water bath. Run a knife around the outer edge of the cake to keep it from shrinking away from the center and cracking. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled, at least 3 hours, or overnight.
In a small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the cold water, and set aside to soften. Heat milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until hot but not boiling. Meanwhile, whisk together 1/3 cup sugar and egg yolks until smooth and frothy. Whisk about 1/3 of the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture, then pour the yolk mixture into the pan with the remaining milk. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a spatula, making sure that the mixture does not burn on the bottom, until it is thick enough to coat the back of a metal spoon. Remove from the heat. Stir the softened gelatin into the hot pastry cream until dissolved, then stir in vanilla. Pour into a bowl, place a sheet of plastic wrap directly on the surface, and refrigerate until cooled, about 1 hour.
When the pastry cream is cooled, whip heavy cream just past soft peaks. Stir pastry cream to soften, then fold in the whipped cream. Place vanilla wafers on top of the cooled cheesecake, then spread the vanilla cream over the entire top. Chill until serving. Run a wet knife around the outer edge of the cake before removing the sides for a cleaner look.

Cooking : Apricot Glazed Ham

Ingredients
1 (8 pound) fully-cooked, bone-in ham
1/4 cup whole cloves (optional)
1/2 cup apricot preserves
3 tablespoons honey mustard

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Score the fatty side of the ham with a sharp knife in a diamond pattern, spacing the lines about 1 inch apart. Insert whole cloves at the intersections, if desired. Place the ham in a shallow roasting pan and cover with aluminum foil.
Bake the ham in the preheated oven for about 90 minutes. About 10 minutes before the ham is finished, measure the apricot preserves into a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat until liquid, then remove from the heat and stir in the honey mustard.
Brush the glaze onto the ham, and return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the glaze is nicely browned. Let the ham stand for about 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Cooking : Balsamic Marinated Chicken Breasts

Ingredients
3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon dried minced onion
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon dried minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon crushed dried rosemary
1/4 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
4 (6 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

Directions
Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, water, onion, red pepper flakes, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, rosemary, parsley, chili powder, and oregano in a bowl, and pour into a resealable plastic bag. Add the chicken breasts, coat with the marinade, squeeze out excess air, and seal the bag. Marinate in the refrigerator 30 minutes to overnight.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, or lightly grease a broiler pan. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, and shake off excess. Discard the remaining marinade, and place the chicken breasts onto the baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven until the chicken breasts are golden brown, and no longer pink in the center, about 40 minutes.

Cooking : Avocado Shrimp Ceviche-Estillo Sarita

Ingredients
2 pounds large shrimp - peeled, deveined and chopped
3/4 cup fresh lime juice
5 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced
1 white onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
salt and pepper to taste
1 avocado - peeled, pitted and diced
16 saltine crackers

Directions
Place the shrimp and lime juice into a large bowl, and stir to coat. Let stand for about 5 minutes, or until shrimp are opaque. The lime juice will cook them. Mix in the tomatoes, onion, and cilantro until coated with lime juice; cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Remove from the refrigerator, and mix in the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, hot sauce, salt and pepper. We have our own hot sauce recipe, but you can use whatever hot sauce you like, or leave it out and let people add their own when serving.
Serve in glass tumblers and top with avocado pieces. Set out extra Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, lime wedges and hot sauce for people to individualize their dish. Serve with saltine crackers.

Cooking : Asian-German Fusion Potato Salad

Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds red potatoes, scrubbed
1/2 cup frozen mixed vegetables
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 tablespoon dried minced garlic
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
1/2 tablespoon hot sauce
1 teaspoon wasabi powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 cup cooked, cubed ham
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions
Place the potatoes in a large pot of boiling salted water, and cook about 10 minutes. Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, and continue cooking 10 to 12 minutes, until potatoes and vegetables are tender. Transfer to a large bowl. Cut potatoes while still hot, into 1 inch pieces. Set aside to cool.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet. Place the onion in the skillet, and season with garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir until tender.
In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, sesame oil, hot sauce, wasabi powder, ginger, and turmeric. Season with salt and pepper.
Toss the cooled potato and vegetable mixture with the onions, mayonnaise mixture, ham, and cilantro until evenly coated. Chill until serving.

Cooking : Blueberry Breakfast Cake

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons cold butter or margarine

Directions
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar and baking powder. Add egg, milk, butter and lemon peel; mix just until dry ingredients are moistened. Fold in the blueberries. Spread in a greased 9-in. square baking pan. For topping, combine sugar, flour, walnuts and cinnamon. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle over batter. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40-45 minutes or until cake tests done.

Cooking : Barbecued Olive Bread

Ingredients
1 (4.5 ounce) can chopped ripe olives, drained
1/2 cup chopped stuffed olives
3/4 cup shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 drops hot pepper sauce
2 cups biscuit/baking mix
2/3 cup milk
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
Paprika

Directions
In a bowl, combine the olives, Colby/Monterey Jack cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, butter, oil, garlic and hot pepper sauce; set aside. In another bowl, combine biscuit mix, milk, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese and parsley just until moistened. press into two greased 9-in. disposable aluminum pie pans. Top with olive mixture; sprinkle with paprika and remaining Parmesan.
Grill bread, covered, over indirect heat for 8-10 minutes or until bottom crust is golden brown when edge of bread is lifted with a spatula.

Cooking : Barbecued Chicken

Ingredients
1 (12 fluid ounce) can cola-flavored carbonated beverage
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 (3 pound) broiler-fryer chickens, cut in half

Directions
In a saucepan, combine the cola, tomato paste, onion, wine or vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Set aside 1/2 cup for basting; cover and refrigerate.
Carefully loosen the skin of the chicken; brush remaining sauce under skin. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Coat grill rack with nonstick cooking spray before starting the grill. Place chicken on grill rack. Grill, uncovered, over indirect medium heat for 20 minutes. Turn; grill 20-30 minutes longer or until chicken juices run clear, basting occasionally with reserved sauce.

Cooking : Awesome Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Ingredients
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix
1 1/4 cups water
5 1/2 pounds pot roast

Directions
In a slow cooker, mix cream of mushroom soup, dry onion soup mix and water. Place pot roast in slow cooker and coat with soup mixture.
Cook on High setting for 3 to 4 hours, or on Low setting for 8 to 9 hours.

Cooking : Brazilian Black Bean Soup

Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cups onion, chopped
8 cloves garlic, chopped, divided
1 carrot, diced
3 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons salt
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup water
1 cup orange juice
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste

Directions
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, half of the garlic, and carrot. Season with cumin and salt. Cook, stirring, until onion and carrot are tender. Stir in remaining garlic, and red pepper; continue cooking until tender.
Add beans, water, and orange juice to the pan, and season with cayenne pepper. Transfer a portion of the mixture to a blender or food processor, and puree until smooth. Puree part or all of the soup, depending on how you like the texture. Return puree to the pan, and simmer for 10 more minutes to blend flavors before serving.

Cooking : Baked Ham with Maple Glaze

Ingredients
1 (5 pound) fully-cooked, bone-in ham
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon dry mustard

Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Trim excess fat off the ham and score in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife, making shallow cuts about 1 inch apart. Place in a roasting pan.
Roast for 30 minutes in the preheated oven. In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard and mustard powder.
When the 30 minutes are up, brush 1/3 of the glaze over the ham. Bake 20 minutes, and repeat twice with remaining glaze. Let the ham stand for 10 to 15 minutes before carving.

Cooking : Banana Split Cake VI

Ingredients
2 cups cornflakes cereal crumbs
1/2 cup margarine, softened
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup margarine
2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 (15 ounce) cans crushed pineapple, drained
1 (16 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
chopped walnuts

Directions
Combine 1/2 cup margarine with cornflake crumbs, then press into the bottom of a 13x9 inch pan. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Mix together eggs, vanilla extract, 1 cup margarine and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Pour mixture over the chilled cornflake crust. Slice bananas lengthwise and place over the egg mixture. Spoon pineapple over the bananas, then spread whipped topping over the top to cover. Sprinkle with chopped nuts. Refrigerate overnight before serving.

Cooking : Budget-Wise Chicken Pie

Ingredients
1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie
1 large carrot, shredded
1 large potato, shredded
1 teaspoon dried minced onion
2 tablespoons margarine
2 cups cubed, cooked chicken
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C.) Divide dough into 2 pieces and shape into balls. Roll out one ball of dough to fit a 9 inch pie plate. Place bottom crust in pie plate. Roll out top crust and set aside.
In a large saucepan, saute the shredded carrot, potato and minced onion until soft. Remove from heat and alow to cool.
Mix in the chopped chicken, chicken broth, salt and pepper. Pour into bottom crust. Cover with top crust, seal and crimp edges.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cooking : Banana and Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients
Banana Cupcakes:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup white sugar
3 eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk
2 large bananas, chopped
Buttercream Frosting:
2/3 cup butter, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
4 drops yellow food coloring, or as desired

Directions
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease 12 muffin cups or line with paper muffin liners.
Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl; set aside. Beat 1/2 cup butter and the white sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, allowing each to blend into the butter mixture before adding the next. Beat in the vanilla with the last egg. Pour in the flour mixture alternately with the milk, mixing until just incorporated. Fold in the chopped bananas, mixing just enough to evenly combine. Pour the batter into prepared cups.
Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.
While the cupcakes are cooling, make the buttercream by beating 2/3 cup of butter in a bowl until smooth and glossy. Beat in the vanilla, followed by the confectioners' sugar. Once no dry lumps of sugar remain, add the cream and food coloring. Whip on high speed until light and fluffy. Frost the cooled cupcakes with the buttercream frosting.

Cooking : Bagel and Cheese Dip

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese with chives
1 (5 ounce) container sharp processed cheese food

Directions
In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese and sharp processed cheese food until well blended.

Cooking : Aunt Caroline's Christmas Pudding

Ingredients
1 cup ground beef suet
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup grated carrots
1 cup grated raw potatoes
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons buttermilk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup black raisins
1/2 cup dried currants
1/2 cup candied cherries
1/2 cup candied mixed fruit peel
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 pinch salt
1 cup water

Directions
In a large bowl, mix together the suet and 1 cup brown sugar until smooth. Stir in the carrot, potato, egg, salt and vanilla. Mix in enough buttermilk to make a loose batter. Sift 1/2 cup of flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg into a separate bowl. Stir into the carrot mixture just until blended. Fold in the raisins, currants, cherries and mixed fruit.
Grease the inside of two wide mouth pint jars. Divide the mixture evenly between the two jars filling about 3/4 full. Cover with lids, but only screw the rings on enough so they don't fall off. The cake will need to expand while cooking. Place a rack or trivet in the bottom of a large pot to keep the jars off of the bottom. Fill the pot with enough water to come halfway up the sides of the jars. Cover the pot with a lid and bring the water to a boil.
Steam the pudding for 3 hours. Carefully remove the jars and adjust the lids and screw on the rings. Allow to cool to room temperature. The lids should snap down to seal as they cool. Allow the pudding to age for a few weeks before serving.
Before serving, make the sauce: In a small saucepan, stir together 1/2 cup brown sugar, salt and 1 tablespoon of flour until there are no lumps. Stir in the water and bring to a boil. Simmer over medium heat until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Serve the pudding warm, or slice and fry in butter before spooning the sauce over the top.

Cooking : Beets With Orange and Ginger

Ingredients
6 medium beets
1 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons candied ginger
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 cup walnuts
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Directions
Scrub beets, leaving on root and 1 inch of stem. Place beets in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer 45 to 60 minutes or until tender. Drain.
Remove skins and cut beets into wedges. In a saucepan, combine remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil; simmer until thickened. Add beets and toss.

Cooking : Black Bean and Corn Salsa

Ingredients
4 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 orange bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1/4 red onion, finely chopped
1 (16 ounce) package frozen corn, thawed
2/3 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce, or to taste

Directions
Stir the black beans, yellow bell pepper, orange bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, corn, olive oil, red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, salt, cumin, cilantro, garlic, and hot sauce together in a non-reactive container. Chill in refrigerator overnight.

Cooking : Applesauce Cookies II

Ingredients
1 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup shortening
1 cup applesauce
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup raisins

Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
In a medium bowl, cream together the brown sugar and shortening until smooth. Stir in the egg, and then the applesauce until well blended. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves; stir into the applesauce mixture. Mix in walnuts and raisins. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, until the edges start to brown. Cool on cookie sheets for a few minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.

Cooking : Bean & Pasta Soup

Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 pound ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 envelope dry vegetable soup mix
1 cup water
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (14.5 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained
1/4 cup uncooked star-shaped pasta

Directions
Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Crumble ground beef into pot and cook, stirring frequently, until well browned. Remove meat, leaving excess oil in pot.
Cook onion and garlic in oil over medium-high heat until translucent. Stir in tomatoes, kidney beans, vegetable soup mix, and water. Reduce heat, and simmer 40 minutes.
Add pasta stars, cover, and simmer 20 minutes more, or until pasta is tender. You may add more water at any time to adjust consistency.

Cooking : Anthony's Chicken

Ingredients
1 pound dry penne pasta
1/2 cup milk
salt and pepper to taste
6 (4 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup olive oil for frying
2 tablespoons butter
1 pound sliced bacon
2 tomatoes, diced
1 onion, diced
1 (18 ounce) bottle honey mustard barbecue sauce
3 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
1 (8 ounce) package shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain. Transfer to a deep 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper. Dip the chicken breasts in the egg mixture, then roll in bread crumbs to coat. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken breasts until the juices run clear, and they are well browned on both sides. Remove to paper towels to drain. Drain excess oil from the chicken pan, leaving it coated.
While the chicken is cooking, place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pan, crumble and set aside.
Place the skillet that used to have chicken in it over medium heat. Add tomato, onion and bacon, and cook for about 5 minutes, or until onion is soft. Pour in the barbeque sauce and spicy mustard. Simmer for 5 minutes. Pour the sauce over the pasta in the dish, then place the chicken on the top, and cover with shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, until cheese is melted and dish is heated through.

Cooking : Blueberry Streusel Cobbler

Ingredients
1 pint fresh or frozen blueberries
1 (14 ounce) can EAGLE BRAND� Sweetened Condensed Milk
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
3/4 cup cold butter or margarine
2 cups biscuit baking mix, divided
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons cold butter or margarine
1/2 cup chopped nuts
Blueberry Sauce:
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup water
1 pint blueberries

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. In bowl, combine blueberries, sweetened condensed milk and lemon peel.
In large bowl, cut 3/4 cup butter into 1 1/2 cups biscuit mix until crumbly; stir in blueberry mixture. Spread in greased 9-inch square baking pan.
In small bowl, combine remaining 1/2 cup biscuit mix and brown sugar; cut in remaining 2 tablespoons butter until crumbly. Add nuts. Sprinkle over cobbler.
Bake 65 to 70 minutes. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and Blueberry Sauce. Store leftovers covered in refrigerator.
Blueberry Sauce: In saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add water. Cook and stir until thickened. Stir in blueberries; cook and stir until hot.

Cooking : Beer Beef Stew II

Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large potatoes, chopped
1 cup chopped carrots
3/4 cup chopped celery
3/4 cup chopped onion
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 cup chili sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar

Directions
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the beef stew meat and flour in a large resealable plastic bag, and shake to coat. Transfer coated meat to the skillet, and cook about 1 minute, until browned.
Mix the potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in a slow cooker. Place browned beef over the vegetables, and season with basil and thyme.
In a bowl, mix the chili sauce, beer, and brown sugar, and pour over meat in the slow cooker.
Cover slow cooker, and cook 8 hours on Low or 2 hours on High.

Cooking : Apple Refrigerator Pickles

Ingredients
1 cup water
1 cup cider vinegar
1 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon whole allspice berries
1 tablespoon whole cloves
1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon ground ginger
6 apples - peeled, cored and sliced
1/2 cup lemon juice

Directions
Place the water, cider vinegar, sugar, allspice, clove, nutmeg, and ginger into a small saucepan, and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Meanwhile, toss the sliced apples with the lemon juice, and pack into two sterilized 1 quart canning jars with lids and rings. Pour the boiling syrup over the apples, and affix the lids and rings.
Allow the jars to stand at room temperature until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Place in the refrigerator, and wait 1 week before opening.

Cooking : Awesome Fried Chicken

Ingredients
1 (4 pound) whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
1 quart buttermilk
1 tablespoon salt
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 (.7 ounce) package dry Italian-style salad dressing mix
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
oil for frying

Directions
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine chicken, buttermilk and salt. Refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
Heat oil in deep-fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine flour, Italian dressing mix, poultry seasoning, salt and pepper. Remove chicken from buttermilk, and coat well with flour mixture. Let set on a plate for about 10 minutes.
Fry in hot oil until meat is no longer pink, and breading is golden brown, about 20 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

Cooking : Beef Noodle Bake

Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 cup sour cream
1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, cubed and softened
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
7 cups uncooked wide egg noodles, cooked and drained
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions
In a skillet, cook beef and onion until meat is no longer pink; drain. remove from the heat; stir in tomato sauce, sour cream, cream cheese, sugar and garlic salt; mix until blended. Place half of the noodles in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish; top with half of the beef mixture. Repeat layers. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with cheese; bake 3-5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

Cooking : Bean Casserole

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
1 medium carrot, sliced
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
6 fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 (14.5 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained
1/2 teaspoon salt
ground black pepper to taste
1/2 (1 pound) loaf French bread, cut into 1/2 inch thick slices
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and carrot; cook and stir until onion is tender and transparent. Stir in the sugar, red pepper and mushrooms and continue to cook until onion is browned.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to blend. Cook for 1 minute then mix in the water and tomato paste. Season with basil and thyme. Mix in the beans and season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a greased casserole dish.
Pour the remaining oil into a shallow dish. Dip one side of each slice of bread in the oil, then arrange on top of the casserole with the oiled side up. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.
Bake for 10 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, until the bread and cheese are toasted.

Cooking : Asian Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients
4 cups water
2 cups uncooked white rice
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 pound ground pork
1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 (14 ounce) package firm tofu, drained and cubed
2 carrots, shredded
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon hot chile paste
1 head iceberg lettuce leaves, separated

Directions
In a saucepan combine the water and rice. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 20 minutes, until water is absorbed. Set aside and keep warm.
Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Cook the pork, green onions, and garlic for 5 to 7 minutes, or until lightly brown. Add the tofu, carrot, Hoisin, and soy sauce, stirring frequently until heated through. Remove from heat, and stir in the sesame oil and chile paste.
To serve: spoon a small amount of rice into each lettuce leaf, top with the stir-fry mixture, and drizzle with additional soy sauce or hoisin, if desired. Wrap the lettuce leaf to enclose the filling.

Cooking : Asian Roll Lettuce Wrap

Ingredients
1 pound ground turkey
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger root
1 cup brown rice
1 cup water
16 large lettuce leaves
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup green onions, thinly sliced
1 cup sliced red bell pepper
1 cup sliced radishes
1/3 cup light soy sauce
1/3 cup water
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root
1 teaspoon sugar

Directions
In a medium bowl, mix together ground turkey, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon minced garlic and 2 teaspoons ginger. Form into 16 meatballs and roll into ovals. Cover and refrigerate.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine rice with 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until rice is tender.
Preheat the grill or broiler. Arrange rice, lettuce leaves, carrots, scallions, radishes and red peppers onto a serving platter or place each into a small bowl. In a medium bowl, mix together 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup water, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons garlic, 1 tablespoon ginger, and sugar. Divide into 4 small dipping bowls.
Thread two meatballs onto each 10 inch skewer. Grill or broil for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides. If broiling, line the broiler pan with aluminum foil and drain fat after 6 minutes.
To eat, place a leaf of lettuce onto the palm of your hand, spoon on a little rice, then a meat roll, and a few of the vegetables. Roll up and dip in dipping sauce or spoon sauce over.

Cooking : Apricot Tea Rings

Ingredients
4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup butter, cubed
12 ounces dried apricots, diced
2 cups water
6 tablespoons brown sugar
4 teaspoons orange juice
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons milk

Directions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, salt and nutmeg. In a saucepan, heat the milk, water and butter to 120 degrees F-130 degrees F. Add to dry ingredients; beat until moistened. Beat in eggs until smooth. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
In a saucepan, combine the apricots and water. Cook over medium heat for 30 minutes or until the water is absorbed and apricots are tender. Remove from the heat; stir in the brown sugar, juice and nuts. Cool.
Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Roll each into an 18-in. x 12-in. rectangle. Spread half of the filling over each rectangle to within 1/2 in. of edges. Roll up each jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seam to seal.
Place seam side down on greased baking sheets; pinch ends of each together to form a ring. With scissors, cut each from outside edge two-thirds toward center of ring at 1 in. intervals. Separate strips slightly: twist so filling shows, slightly overlapping with previous piece. Cover; let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Bake at 375 degrees F for 25-28 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. Combine glaze ingredients; drizzle over warm tea rings.