Monday, June 6, 2011

Cooking : Beef Wellingtons

Ingredients
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 onion, thinly sliced
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
3 (4 ounce) beef tenderloin filets
salt to taste
3 fresh thyme leaves

Directions
Combine the garlic, onion and pepper in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in cream 1/2 cup at a time while stirring constantly. Cook and stir until cream has thickened slightly and vegetables are warm. Cover, and set aside. Keep warm.
Preheat a grill for high heat. It can be an indoor grill, or your oven's broiler. Make a 1 inch slit in the center of each beef fillet. Grill each fillet for 1 to 2 minutes per side just to sear.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Roll out the puff pastry sheet to 1/3 inch thickness, and cut into three 8 inch squares. You may have some scraps left over. Place a fillet onto the center of each square, and spoon some of the cream mixture over the top. Pull pastry up around the sides, and pinch together at the top. Place onto a baking sheet.
Bake for about 40 minutes in the preheated oven, until the pastry is nicely browned. The beef should be medium well by then, you may check with a meat thermometer to see that it is 145 to 150 degrees F (62 to 65 degrees C) for medium rare or medium doneness. Halfway through baking, drizzle the Worcestershire sauce over the pastries.
To serve, place each pastry on a serving plate. Cut a 1 inch slit through the top of each one, and insert a thyme leaf.

Cooking : Best-Ever Chocolate Cake

Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
6 tablespoons baking cocoa
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups water
2/3 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons white vinegar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
FLUFFY CHOCOLATE FROSTING:
1 cup cold milk
1 (3.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
1 (8 ounce) carton frozen whipped topping, thawed

Directions
In a mixing bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Add the water, oil, vinegar and vanilla. Beat on low speed for 1 minute. Beat on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
For frosting, in a mixing bowl, beat the milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Beat in whipped topping. Spread over cake. Refrigerate leftovers.

Cooking : Burgundy Chicken Pie

Ingredients
2 onions, chopped
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
6 ounces button mushrooms, chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups white or red Burgundy wine
1 cube chicken bouillon
3/4 cup water
salt and pepper to taste
1 (17.25 ounce) package frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
1 egg, beaten

Directions
In a large skillet, saute onions in oil over medium heat until softened. Add the chicken, and cook until browned on all sides. Add the mushrooms, and cook until soft . Stir in the thyme and flour, and then add the wine. Dissolve the chicken bouillon in water, and stir into the chicken and vegetables. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, then season to taste. Transfer mixture into a deep pie dish, or a 2 quart baking dish, and set aside. Keep any excess sauce separately for gravy.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
Roll out the puff pastry. Cut a 1/2 inch (1 cm) strip. Brush the rim of the pie plate with water, arrange the pastry strip around the top edge of the pie dish, and press the pastry in position. Brush the pastry edge with water. Roll out remaining pastry, and use to cover the filling. Seal the edges well; trim and crimp the edge. Brush pastry with beaten egg, and make a small hole in the center of the top. Use the pastry trimmings to make leaves; arrange on top of the pie. Brush pastry leaves with egg.
Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until crisp and golden.

Cooking : Brunch Casserole

Ingredients
4 tablespoons butter
1 onion, diced
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup half-and-half cream
salt and pepper to taste
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, drained
1 cup diced sharp Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced Monterey Jack cheese
1 pinch paprika, for garnish

Directions
Place eggs in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil; cover, remove from heat, and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel and slice.
In large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in onions and rice; cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are limp. Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, cover and cook until rice is done, about 20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
In another saucepan, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Whisk in flour. Slowly stir in cream and remaining 2 tablespoons chicken broth; stir constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Spread half of the cooked rice in bottom of the prepared pan. Top with half of the egg slices, half of the diced green chilies and half of each of the cheeses. Spoon half of the chicken gravy the eggs. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Bake uncovered in preheated oven until bubbly and golden. Sprinkle with paprika if desired.

Cooking : Bierox Casserole

Ingredients
1/2 medium head cabbage, cored and shredded
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 clove chopped fresh garlic
1 (10 ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
1 (1 pound) loaf processed cheese food, cubed
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place the cabbage and ground beef into a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring to crumble beef, until evenly browned and cabbage is tender. Drain off excess grease, and stir in the onion, garlic, and processes cheese. Scoop into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Unroll crescent roll dough, and place over the top of the dish. Pinch seams together to cover completely.
Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the top is puffed and browned.

Cooking : After-Thanksgiving Turkey Soup

Ingredients
1 leftover turkey carcass
3 medium onions, chopped
2 large carrots, diced
2 celery ribs, diced
1 cup butter, cubed
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups half-and-half cream
1 cup uncooked long grain rice
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
3/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions
Place turkey carcass in a soup kettle or Dutch oven and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour. Remove carcass; cool. Set aside 3 qt. broth. Remove turkey from bones and cut into bite-size pieces; set aside.
In a soup kettle or Dutch oven, saute the onions, carrots and celery in butter until tender. Reduce heat; stir in flour until blended. Gradually add 1 qt. of reserved broth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
Add cream, rice, salt, bouillon, pepper, remaining broth and reserved turkey. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes or until rice is tender.

Cooking : Barbeque Beef Casserole

Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
1 large onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 (10 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1/2 cup barbeque sauce
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
3 (8.5 ounce) packages corn bread mix

Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Crumble the ground beef into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until evenly browned. Add the onion, bell pepper, corn and tomatoes. Cook and stir until vegetables are tender. Drain excess grease, and stir in the barbeque sauce. Spread the beef mixture in an even layer in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Prepare the cornbread batter mixes according to package directions. Spread the batter over the top of the beef mixture.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until the top is golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center of the cornbread layer comes out clean.

Cooking : Beef Pinwheels II

Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup corn flakes cereal, coarsely crushed
1 onion, finely chopped
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/8 tablespoons white sugar
3/8 cup shortening
1 cup milk

Directions
Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease two baking sheets.
Beat the egg in a bowl until smooth. Add the ground beef, cayenne pepper, crushed cereal, onion, salt, black pepper, and parsley. Mix until evenly combined; set aside. Stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a separate bowl. Cut in the shortening with a pastry blender until no lumps of shortening remain and the mixture takes on a sandy appearance. Stir in the milk until a dough forms.
Roll the dough out to a 10x15-inch rectangle on a well-floured surface. Spread the meat mixture evenly over the entire surface of the dough. Roll the dough into a cylinder from one of the wide ends to form a 15-inch long log. Cut the log into 3/4-inch slices and place on to the prepared baking sheets.
Bake in the preheated oven until dark golden brown, 30 to 45 minutes. Serve hot.

Cooking : Becca's Bruschetta

Ingredients
1 loaf French bread, sliced
1/2 sweet onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 (2.25 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil
2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
2 large fresh tomatoes, diced
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. In a bowl, mix the onion, garlic, olives, 2 tablespoons olive oil, oregano, basil, and parsley. Gently toss in the tomatoes. Top bread slices with the tomato mixture. Sprinkle with feta cheese and Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with remaining olive oil.
Bake 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cheese is melted and bread is lightly toasted.

Cooking : Apple Puff Pancake

Ingredients
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon butter or margarine, melted
1 medium tart apple, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup apple jelly
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions
In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add eggs, milk and butter. Pour into a greased 8-in. square baking pan. bake at 400 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned. Meanwhile, combine the chopped apple, jelly and cinnamon in a saucepan. Cook and stir until jelly is melted. Cut pancake into fourths; place two pieces on each plate. Top with apple mixture.

Cooking : Bacon Water Chestnut Wraps

Ingredients
1 pound sliced bacon
2 (8 ounce) cans whole water chestnuts, drained
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup chili sauce

Directions
Cut bacon strips in half. In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until almost crisp; drain. Wrap each bacon piece around a water chestnut and secure with a toothpick. Place in an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish.
Combine the brown sugar, mayonnaise and chili sauce; pour over water chestnuts. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Cooking : Brown Sugar Chews

Ingredients
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sifted all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup flaked coconut
1 cup raisins

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan.
In a medium bowl, stir together the egg, brown sugar and vanilla until just blended. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt, quickly stir into the egg mixture. Fold in the coconut and raisins, then spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, until bars are golden brown. Cool and cut into squares.

Cooking : 2-Step Skillet Chicken Broccoli Divan

Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut up
3 cups fresh or frozen broccoli flowerets
1 (10.75 ounce) can Campbell's� Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions
Melt butter in skillet. Add chicken and cook until browned, stirring often.
Add broccoli, soup and milk. Cover and simmer 5 min. or until done. Sprinkle with cheese.

Cooking : Black-Eyed Pea Salad

Ingredients
1 (15.5 ounce) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 large tomato, seeded and chopped
2 cups shredded lettuce
2/3 cup fat-free ranch salad dressing

Directions
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients; toss lightly. Serve immediately.

Cooking : BBQ Cola Meatballs

Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 1/4 cups dry bread crumbs
3 tablespoons grated onion
1 (1 ounce) package dry Ranch-style dressing mix
1 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3/4 cup cola-flavored carbonated beverage
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 teaspoon seasoning salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, grated onion and Ranch dressing mix until well blended. Shape into 1 inch meatballs, and place on a 10x15 inch jellyroll pan, or any baking sheet with sides to catch the grease.
Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, turning them over half way through. While the meatballs are roasting, mix together the ketchup, cider vinegar, cola, chopped onion and green pepper in a slow cooker. Season with seasoning salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
Remove meatballs from the baking sheet, and place into the sauce in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low for 3 hours, then remove the lid and cook for an additional 15 minutes before serving.

Cooking : Banana Stuffed French Toast

Ingredients
1 (1 pound) loaf French bread, cut into 1 inch slices
2 bananas, peeled and sliced
3 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon water
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon orange liqueur
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/4 cup butter
confectioners' sugar for dusting

Directions
Create a pocket about 2/3 of the way into each slice of bread by cutting along an edge. Fill pockets with 2 or 3 banana slices each.
In a medium bowl, beat together eggs, water, milk, vanilla extract, orange liqueur and orange zest. Dip the bread slices in the mixture, allowing slices to become saturated.
Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Place a few slices at a time in the skillet, and cook, turning once, until both sides are golden brown. Dust with confectioners' sugar to serve.

Cooking : Baked Apricots

Ingredients
3 (15 ounce) cans apricot halves, drained
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
50 buttery round crackers, crumbled
1/2 cup butter, melted

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
In an 8x12 inch baking pan, layer half of apricots, brown sugar, cracker crumbs, and butter. Repeat.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes.

Cooking : Boyd's Pinto Beans

Ingredients
1 pound dry pinto beans
1/3 pound smoked pork neck bones
4 cups water
2 tablespoons shortening

Directions
Place the pinto beans into a large container and cover with several inches of cool water; let stand 8 hours to overnight. Or, bring the beans and water to a boil in a large pot over high heat. Once boiling, turn off the heat, cover, and let stand 1 hour. Drain and rinse before using.
Bring the neck bones to a boil with 4 cups of water in a large saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-high; simmer 20 to 30 minutes.
Pour the drained beans into the simmering water with the neck bones; add additional water to just cover the beans. Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 1 hour. Make sure that the water level continues to cover the beans as they cook; use more water as needed. After 1 hour, stir in the shortening; continue simmering until the beans are tender, about 30 minutes more.

Cooking : Almond-Topped Chicken

Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
5 tablespoons butter or margarine, divided
1/3 cup slivered almonds
3 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions
In a skillet, cook the chicken in 2 tablespoons of butter until juices run clear, about 20 minutes. Transfer to serving plate and keep warm. Add almonds and remaining butter to skillet; cook and stir just until almonds are lightly browned. Stir in lemon juice; heat through. Spoon over chicken.

Cooking : Authentic German Bread (Bauernbrot)

Ingredients
1 1/2 ounces compressed fresh yeast
1 quart warm water
2 tablespoons white sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
8 cups white rye flour
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons salt
1 teaspoon white sugar
2 cups warm water

Directions
First, make the sourdough starter. Crumble the yeast into a large bowl. Whisk in 1 quart of warm water and 2 tablespoons of sugar until dissolved. The water should be just slightly warmer than body temperature. Gradually whisk in 4 cups of flour, continuing to mix until all lumps are gone. Cover with a dish towel, and let sit for 24 hours at room temperature.
After 24 hours, stir well, cover, and let stand another 24 hours. It will be a thin, light-colored sourdough which is then ready to use.
In a large bowl, stir together the rye flour, 4 cups of all-purpose flour, salt and sugar. Mix in the sourdough starter using a wooden spoon, then stir in 2 cups of warm water. I transfer the dough to a heavy duty stand mixer to mix the first couple of minutes, then it can't handle the heavy dough and I start using my hands by turning the dough out onto a floured surface. A clean countertop works best. Knead the dough, adding a few tablespoons of water at a time if it is too stiff. Fold the dough over, pull it apart, whatever you can do to get it kneaded up good. Total kneading time should be 15 to 20 minutes to get a smooth dough. Place the dough in a large bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, 1 to 2 hours.
When the dough has risen, scrape it out of the bowl and back onto a floured surface. Knead for about 5 minutes. This is important to activate the gluten. Shape into 1 or 2 long loaves. Place on baking sheets, and let rise for about 1 hour, or until your finger leaves an impression when you poke the bread gently.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Bake the bread for about 45 minutes for 2 loaves, 1 1/2 hours if you made one big loaf. Don't worry if the crust is dark. The bread will be delicious and so will the crust. Cool completely before cutting. I always freeze half.

Cooking : Al Capone Roast

Ingredients
3 pounds flank steak, pounded thin for easy rolling
1/4 cup olive oil
1 (4 ounce) can finely chopped black olives (optional)
1 cup minced fresh mushrooms (optional)
8 slices prosciutto
6 slices mortadella
10 slices mozzarella cheese
10 slices pepperoni sausage
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, divided
1 teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
1 teaspoon steak seasoning

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Rub the flank steak on both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle the mushrooms and olives over the steak, if using. Place a layer of prosciutto, then a layer of mortadella, mozzarella, and then pepperoni. Season with some of the Italian seasoning. Roll the steak up around the filling, and tie with butcher's string. Rub the outside of the roll with remaining Italian seasoning, garlic powder and steak seasoning.
Heat a large cast iron skillet over high heat. Sear the roast over the entire outside. Then leave the roast in the skillet, and place the skillet in the oven.
Roast for 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F (70 degrees C) when taken in the center of the roast. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Cooking : Baking Powder Biscuits I

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup shortening
1 cup milk

Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
In a bowl mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the shortening until the mixture has only pea sized lumps. Add milk and mix until dry mixture is absorbed. Drop dough by heaping spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown.

Cooking : Black 'N' White Brownies

Ingredients
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup quick-cooking oats
1 cup flaked coconut
2/3 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons milk
CHOCOLATE LAYER:
1/3 cup butter
1 (1 ounce) square unsweetened chocolate
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Directions
In a bowl, combine the first four ingredients. Stir in oats and coconut. Add butter and milk; mix well. Press into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes. Remove from the oven. Reduce heat to 325 degrees F.
In a saucepan, melt the butter and chocolate; cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, brown sugar, milk and vanilla; mix well. Add chocolate mixture; mix well. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to chocolate mixture and mix well. Stir in walnuts. Spread evenly over crust. Bake at 325 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs (do not overbake). Cool on a wire rack.
In a mixing bowl, combine the first four frosting ingredients until smooth and creamy. Spread over bars. Sprinkle with walnuts. Store in the refrigerator.

Cooking : Beer 'n' Brat Biscuits

Ingredients
2 bratwurst, casings removed
4 cups biscuit/baking mix
2 teaspoons caraway seed
1 (12 ounce) can beer or nonalcoholic beer

Directions
Cut bratwurst into bite-size pieces. In a bowl, combine the biscuit mix, caraway seeds and bratwurst; stir in beer just until moistened. Fill greased muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 400 degrees F for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Serve warm. Refrigerate leftovers.

Cooking : Broccoli Potato Soup

Ingredients
2 cups broccoli florets
1 onion, sliced
1 tablespoon margarine
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of potato soup
1/2 cup water
3/4 teaspoon chopped fresh basil
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/3 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions
In a large saucepan over medium heat, saut E the broccoli and onion in the butter or margarine, about 5 minutes, or until tender. Stir in the soup, milk, water, basil and pepper. Mix well and heat through, about 15 minutes. Add cheese and stir until melted.

Cooking : Applesauce Pork Loin

Ingredients
1 (3 pound) boneless pork loin roast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup applesauce
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
3 sprigs fresh rosemary

Directions
Sprinkle roast with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, brown roast on all sides in oil. Place on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Combine the applesauce, mustard and honey; spread over roast. Top with rosemary. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 1-3/4 to 2-1/2 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 160 degrees F. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing.

Cooking : Aunt Betty's Blueberry Muffins

Ingredients
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries*
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions
In a large bowl, combine oats and orange juice; let stand for 5 minutes. Beat in the egg, oil and sugar until blended. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda; stir into oat mixture just until moistened. Fold in blueberries. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Combine topping ingredients; sprinkle over batter. Bake at 400 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack.

Cooking : Autumn Vegetables Au Gratin

Ingredients
3 cups diced rutabaga
3 cups diced peeled potatoes
2 cups sliced carrots
6 tablespoons butter or margarine, divided
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup soft bread crumbs

Directions
Place rutabagas in a large saucepan or Dutch oven; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 25 minutes. Add potatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Add carrots. bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 15 minutes longer or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Drain, reserving 1 cup liquid.
In a large saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons butter. Stir in flour, salt, pepper and nutmeg until smooth. Add milk and reserved cooking liquid. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat. Stir in 1/4 cup cheese until melted. Add vegetables; toss to coat.
Transfer to a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Melt the remaining butter in a small skillet. Add bread crumbs; cook and stir for 3-4 minutes or until lightly browned. Sprinkle over vegetables; top with the remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly around the edges.

Cooking : Brandied Fruit Topping

Ingredients
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup mandarin oranges
1 cup pitted prunes
3/4 cup white sugar
water to cover
1 (15 ounce) can sliced peaches, chopped
1 (15 ounce) can pineapple chunks
3/4 cup brandy

Directions
In a large saucepan combine raisins, mandarin oranges, prunes, sugar and water to cover. Simmer over medium heat until syrupy, about 10 minutes.
Stir in peaches, pineapple and brandy. Store in refrigerator.

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 : Broccoli and Artichoke Bake

Ingredients
2 heads broccoli, cut into florets
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped green onion
1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tomato, thinly sliced
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs

Directions
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets, and cook uncovered for a few minutes until the broccoli is just tender. Drain in a colander, then immediately immerse in ice water for several minutes until cold to stop the cooking process. Drain well, place into a large mixing bowl, and set aside.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the mushrooms and green onions, and cook until the mushrooms have softened and released their liquid, about 3 minutes. Scrape the mushrooms into the mixing bowl along with the broccoli, then add the artichoke hearts, sour cream, mayonnaise, and Parmesan cheese. Gently fold together until evenly mixed and spread into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange the sliced tomatoes over the broccoli, then sprinkle with the bread crumbs.
Bake in the preheated oven until the casserole is hot and the bread crumbs have turned golden brown, about 25 minutes.

Cooking : Berries and Cream

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1 tablespoon nonfat evaporated milk
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons Marsala wine
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped toasted hazelnuts

Directions
Layer the strawberries and blueberries in 6 individual serving dishes.
Using an electric beater, whip together the ricotta cheese, milk, sugar and wine. Spoon a portion of the cream over each fruit serving, top with toasted hazelnuts, and serve.