Thursday, June 30, 2011

Cooking : Bruti Ma Buoni

Ingredients
1 cup egg whites
1 3/4 cups white sugar
5 1/3 cups chopped blanched almonds
2 cups hazelnuts, skinned and chopped

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
Let egg whites stand until at room temperature. Beat the whites until lightly foamy. Add the sugar gradually as you beat. Beat until soft peaks are formed. Fold in the nuts.
Transfer this all to a large saucepot. Cook over low heat, stirring all the time, until it thickens and turns a little brown, about 10 minutes.
Spoon the cookies onto greased baking sheets by the teaspoonful, about 1 to 1-1/2 inches apart. Bake about 22 minutes, or until dry. Remove and place on a wire rack to cool.

Cooking : Black Bean Dip

Ingredients
1 (15 ounce) can black beans
1/2 cup fat-free creamy salad dressing (ie: Fat Free Miracle Whip TM)
1/2 cup reduced fat sour cream
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 dash hot pepper sauce, or to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon salt
1/4 cup picante sauce

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a mixing bowl, mash the beans with a fork. Combine the salad dressing, sour cream, green chilies, cilantro, chili powder, garlic powder and hot pepper sauce. Blend well. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Serve with the baked tortilla chips.
Spray the tortillas lightly with olive oil, and sprinkle lightly with salt. Bake until crisp and lightly browned.

Cooking : Baked Parmesan Perch

Ingredients
2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 pound perch or fish fillets of your choice
1 tablespoon butter or margarine, melted

Directions
In a shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, paprika and basil. Brush fish fillets with butter, then dip into the crumb mixture. Place in a greased baking pan. bake, uncovered, at 500 degrees F for 10 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Cooking : Best One Pot Cheese and Macaroni

Ingredients
3 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 ounces seashell pasta
1 cup whole milk
4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

Directions
Pour water and salt into a medium pot and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the shell pasta, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the water has cooked down a bit, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the milk, and continue boiling for another 5 minutes. Add the Cheddar, Parmesan, pepper, and mustard; stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is thick and creamy. The starch from the pasta thickens the sauce as the pasta cooks.

Cooking : Bacon Biscuit Wreath

Ingredients
1 (5 ounce) jar sharp American cheese spread
3 tablespoons butter flavored shortening
1 (12 ounce) package refrigerated flaky biscuits
4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Directions
In a small saucepan, melt the cheese spread and shortening; stir until blended. Pour into a well-greased 6-cup oven-proof ring mold or 9-in. fluted tube pan. Cut each biscuits into quarters and place over cheese mixture. Bake at 400 degrees F for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately invert pan onto a serving platter and remove. Sprinkle with bacon and parsley. Serve warm.

Cooking : Barbecued Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
8 Kaiser rolls, split
8 tomato slices
8 lettuce leaves

Directions
Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag; add barbecue sauce. Seal the bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate overnight.
Grill chicken, covered, over medium-hot heat for 6-8 minutes on each side or until juices run clear. Cool; cover and refrigerate chicken until chilled.
Chop chicken; place in a bowl. Stir in the mayonnaise, onion, celery, salt and pepper flakes. Serve on rolls with tomato and lettuce.

Cooking : Baked Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Style

Ingredients
1 spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise and seeded
1 onion, chopped
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 (14 ounce) cans stewed tomatoes
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 cube vegetable bouillon
black pepper to taste
1 (15 ounce) can black olives, chopped
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Spray a baking sheet with a thin layer of cooking spray. Place squash halves cut side down on the baking sheet.
Bake squash 35 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife can be easily inserted. Remove from oven, and cool.
Meanwhile, spray a non-stick saucepan with cooking spray. Over medium heat, saute the onion and garlic until golden brown. Stir in tomatoes, basil, bouillon cube, and black pepper. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until you have a medium thick sauce.
Remove squash strands with a fork, reserving the shells. Layer each half with a spoonful of the sauce, a layer of spaghetti squash strands, olives, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers until shells are full, or until all of the ingredients are used. Top with Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until Parmesan cheese melts.

Cooking : Almost Beau Monde Seasoning

Ingredients
1 tablespoon ground cloves
1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon ground bay leaf
1 tablespoon ground allspice
2 tablespoons ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground mace
1 teaspoon celery seed
2 tablespoons ground white pepper

Directions
In a small mixing bowl. Sift together the clove, cinnamon, salt, bay leaf, allspice, pepper, nutmeg, mace, celery seed and white pepper; mix well and store in a tightly closed jar.

Cooking : Almond Chocolate Torte

Ingredients
2/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
8 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 (.25 ounce) envelope unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup cold water
2 cups whipping cream, whipped

Directions
Set aside 1 tablespoon almonds for garnish. Chop remaining almonds; sprinkle into a greased 9-in. springform pan. In a microwave or heavy saucepan, melt chocolate; stir until smooth. Cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar.
In a small saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over cold water; let stand for 1 minute. Cook and stir over low heat until gelatin is completely dissolved. Beat into cream cheese mixture. Add melted chocolate; beat until blended. Fold in the whipped cream. Pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle with reserved almonds. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

Cooking : Amaretto Divine

Ingredients
1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
1 cup non dairy amaretto flavored creamer
1 cup amaretto liqueur
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 (3.5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup non dairy amaretto flavored creamer
1/4 cup amaretto liqueur
2 cups heavy cream, whipped
4 (1.4 ounce) bars chocolate covered toffee bars, chopped
1 (1.5 ounce) bar chocolate candy bar, melted
1/2 cup sliced almonds

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease and flour three 8- inch pans.
Mix together the cake mix, 1 cup amaretto flavored creamer, 1 cup amaretto liqueur, eggs and oil until blended. Distribute cake batter evenly between the cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, making certain the cake layers do not overbake. Allow to cool completely before filling.
To make the amaretto whipped cream filling: Combine pudding mix, 1/4 cup amaretto liqueur and 1 cup amaretto flavored creamer. Set aside for 5 minutes until thickened. Fold the whipped cream into the amaretto mixture, then stir in the crushed chocolate covered toffee bars. Use to fill and frost top of the cake (do not frost sides). Drizzle cake with melted chocolate candy bar and sprinkle with sliced almonds. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Cooking : Beef, Mushroom and Guinness� Pie

Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pound cubed beef stew meat
2 slices bacon, chopped
1 white onion, chopped
1 carrot, sliced
1/3 pound crimini mushrooms, sliced
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup Irish stout beer (such as Guinness�)
1 1/4 cups beef stock
1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch, or as needed
1 teaspoon water
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 egg, beaten

Directions
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, and brown the beef stew meat on all sides, about 10 minutes; set aside. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and cook the bacon just until it begins to brown; stir in the onion, carrot, mushrooms, garlic, and sugar. Cook the vegetables until soft and browned, 10 to 15 more minutes.
Stir in the flour until smoothly incorporated, and gradually mix in the Irish stout beer and beef stock. Mix in the thyme, bay leaves, and the reserved cooked beef. Cover, and bring the mixture to a boil; reduce heat to a simmer until the meat is tender, about 1 hour and 15 minutes; stir occasionally. Remove the cover, turn the heat up to medium, and let the stew boil until slightly thickened, about 15 more minutes. Mix cornstarch with water, and stir into the stew; let simmer for 30 more minutes to blend flavors. Remove from heat; discard bay leaves.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Spread the filling into a 9-inch pie dish; trim the puff pastry into a 10-inch circle, and place on top of the filling. Pinch and crimp the edges of the pastry with a fork, sealing it to the dish; cut 2 steam vents into the pastry with a sharp knife. Brush the top of the pie with beaten egg.
Bake in the preheated oven until the crust is browned, 30 to 40 minutes.

Cooking : Bottom Round Roast with Onion Gravy

Ingredients
6 onions, sliced
1 (4 pound) bottom round roast
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup water

Directions
Place sliced onions in the bottom of a Dutch oven or stock pot. Season the roast with salt and pepper, and place on top of the onions. Add the vinegar and bay leaf to the pan, and heat over high heat to get it simmering. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 3 to 4 hours. Try not to take the lid off while cooking.
When the roast is done, remove it from the pan to a serving platter. Mix the flour into the water, and pour into the drippings from the roast. Simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently until thickened. Carve roast, and serve with the pan gravy.

Cooking : Apple Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (1 1/4 pound) pork tenderloin
kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 sweet onion, diced
1 Gala apple, cut into chunks
1/2 cup Riesling wine
1 cup apple jelly
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Directions
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a baking dish large enough to hold the tenderloin without folding it.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and brown the pork tenderloin on all sides. Remove the browned tenderloin to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle all sides of the meat with salt, pepper, and parsley.
Cook and stir the onion and apple in the same skillet over medium heat until the onion becomes soft, about 5 minutes, and pour in the Riesling wine. Scrape all the browned flavor bits off the bottom of the skillet and stir to help dissolve them into the wine. Bring to a boil, and pour the onion, apple, and wine mixture over the tenderloin.
Mix together the apple jelly and balsamic vinegar in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and without lumps. Spread the jelly mixture all over the pork.
Bake the loin in the preheated oven until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 160 degrees F (70 degrees C), 30 to 45 minutes. Allow the tenderloin to rest for 10 minutes before slicing, and serve each slice with a spoonful of the apple-onion mixture.

Cooking : Alma's Sweet Corn

Ingredients
12 ears corn, husks and silk removed
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons salt

Directions
Slice corn from the cob into a large skillet, leaving about a third of the kernel still on the cob. Using the back of the knife, scrape all of the juice and remaining kernels into the skillet. Stir in water, sugar, and salt and cook over medium high heat until sugar has dissolved, about 10 minutes. Allow to cool to room temperature before serving.

Cooking : Almond Spice Sandwich

Ingredients
1/2 cup almond butter
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 tablespoons sliced almonds
4 tablespoons raisins
8 slices whole-grain bread

Directions
In a small bowl, mix together almond butter, honey and cinnamon.
Spread about 2 tablespoons of almond butter mixture evenly over one slice of bread. Sprinkle one tablespoon each sliced almonds and raisins over the almond butter, and top with another slice of bread. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Cooking : Baked Spaghetti with Chicken

Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 bay leaves
1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
salt and pepper to taste
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
1 head broccoli, cut into florets
8 fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 pound uncooked spaghetti
5 ounces shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
1 (16 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce

Directions
In shallow non-aluminum dish or resealable plastic bag, combine olive oil, bay leaves, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper. Poke holes in chicken breasts and add to olive oil mixture. Marinate in refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Remove chicken from refrigerator and cut into half-inch pieces. Cook in large skillet, with marinade, until chicken is light brown and sauce is bubbly. Remove bay leaves. Stir pepper, onion, broccoli, and mushrooms into skillet and allow to simmer until tender, about 5 minutes.
While vegetables are cooking, 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. Return pasta to pot and add chicken mixture and spaghetti sauce. Stir. Pour mixture into 9x13 inch pan. Top with shredded cheese.
Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Serve.

Cooking : Apricot Breakfast Muffins

Ingredients
Crisco� Original No-Stick Cooking Spray
1 cup Pillsbury BEST� All Purpose Flour
1/4 cup SPLENDA� No Calorie Sweetener, granulated
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
2 tablespoons Crisco� Pure Canola Oil
2 tablespoons skim milk
1/2 cup Smucker's� Apricot Sugar Free Preserves, plus additional for spreading on tops of muffins
1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Directions
Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat 6 muffin cups with no-stick spray.
Combine flour, SPLENDA� Granulated Sweetener, baking powder and salt in medium mixing bowl.
Beat together egg, oil and milk. Blend in preserves and almond extract. Add to flour mixture and stir just until moistened. Fill muffin cups evenly with batter.
Bake 20 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool. Spread tops with a thin layer of preserves before serving.

Cooking : Brandy Vanilla for Baking

Ingredients
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
1 cup brandy

Directions
Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean with a sharp knife. Place the seeds and bean in a clean glass jar with a tight fitting lid. Pour the brandy over the vanilla bean, close the lid, and let sit for 2 weeks.
After 2 weeks, remove the bean.

Cooking : Baked Potato with Mushrooms

Ingredients
1 large baking potato
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/4 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
salt to taste
2 tablespoons nonfat plain yogurt

Directions
Preheat an oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
Pierce potato a few times with a fork. Place on a microwave safe plate, and cook 10 minutes in the microwave on high, until tender but not mushy. Transfer potato to a baking dish, and bake 15 minutes in the preheated oven.
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Mix in onion. Cook and stir until tender. Mix in mushrooms. Season with salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let sit 5 minutes, or until mushrooms are tender. Serve potato topped with the mushrooms and yogurt.

Cooking : Blueberry Crumb Muffins

Ingredients
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup white sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups blueberries
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup brown sugar

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease or line muffin pan.
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, white and brown sugars, salt, and baking powder. Stir in oil, eggs, and milk until well blended and very few lumps remain. Gently fold in blueberries being careful not to mash them. Fill muffin tins 2/3 full, or slightly more for a larger muffin top.
For the crumb topping, mix together the flour, softened butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Place a small amount on top of each muffin.
Bake muffins in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer pierced in the center comes out clean and dry.

Cooking : Beet Surprise Cake

Ingredients
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 cup beets, boiled and grated
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/4 cups melted butter
4 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 tablespoons cream
3 ounces cream cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
1 pound confectioners' sugar

Directions
Grease one 9x13 inch pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Sprinkle lemon juice over beets, set aside.
Combine flour, 1 teaspoon salt, soda, white sugar, cocoa, melted butter, eggs, honey, milk, and 2 teaspoons vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Stir in beets. Beat 2 minutes at medium speed of mixer. Pour into prepared pan.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) about 40 minutes. Cool and frost.
To make frosting: combine cream and cream cheese, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and pinch of salt. Add confectioners' sugar, beat until fluffy. Spread on cake. Add nuts if desired.

Cooking : Brussels Sprouts with Mushrooms

Ingredients
4 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
1/2 pound whole mushrooms
5 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
salt and pepper to taste
fresh lemon juice

Directions
Cook Brussels sprouts in a pot of lightly salted boiling water for 15 minutes, or until fork-tender; strain through a colander, removing as much water as possible. Set aside.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Cook and stir mushrooms until lightly browned. Toss Brussels sprouts with mushrooms, and sprinkle with parsley and lemon juice. Serve immediately.

Cooking : Beef and Cheese Baked Pasta

Ingredients
1 pound uncooked pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
6 1/2 cups Classico� Tomato and Basil Sauce
6 ounces provolone cheese, thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups sour cream
6 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Drain.
Meanwhile, cook ground meat and onion in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until meat is browned. Stir in pasta sauce, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer the ingredients in the prepared baking dish as follows: half of the cooked pasta, all the provolone cheese, all the sour cream, half of the sauce mixture, remaining pasta, mozzarella cheese, and remaining sauce mixture. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until bubbly.

Cooking : Basil, Tomato and Mozzarella Sandwich

Ingredients
1 (1 pound) loaf Italian bread
6 fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 tomatoes, sliced
4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

Directions
Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise. Layer the basil, tomato slices, and mozzarella cheese between the two halves of bread. Cut into four sandwiches.
In a small dish, stir together the balsamic vinegar and red pepper flakes. Use as a dipping sauce.

Cooking : Broccoli Stuffing

Ingredients
2 (16 ounce) packages frozen chopped broccoli
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
2 eggs, beaten
1 onion, minced
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup mayonnaise
10 ounces dry bread stuffing mix
1/2 cup butter, melted

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Cook broccoli according to package instructions. Lightly grease a large baking dish.
In a bowl, mix the cheese, eggs, onion, cream of mushroom soup, and mayonnaise.
Arrange the cooked broccoli in the prepared baking dish. Pour cheese sauce over broccoli. Spread stuffing mix over the sauce. Drizzle butter over all.
Bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until bubbly and lightly browned.

Cooking : Banana Split Bread

Ingredients
2/3 cup shortening
1 1/4 cups sugar
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas
2 (8 ounce) cans crushed pineapple, drained
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 (10 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions
In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with banana and pineapple. Fold in the chocolate chips, cherries and walnuts. Pour into two greased 9-in. x 5-in. x 3-in. loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees F for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.

Cooking : Baked Potato Soup V

Ingredients
9 baking potatoes
2/3 cup butter
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
6 cups whole milk
1/2 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup bacon bits, divided
4 green onions, chopped
10 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese
1 (8 ounce) container sour cream

Directions
Prick potatoes with a fork and cook in the microwave, 3 or 4 at a time, and scoop out the flesh (while the others are cooking).
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook about a minute. Whisk in milk, a little at a time, stirring constantly until thickened. Stir in potatoes, salt, pepper, 1/3 cup bacon bits, 2 tablespoons green onions and most of the cheese. Cook until thoroughly heated. Stir in sour cream and heat through. Serve topped with remaining bacon, onions and cheese.

Cooking : Blonde Brownies I

Ingredients
1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/3 cup butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
Measure 1 cup sifted flour. Add baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sift again. Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts. Mix well and set aside.
Melt 1/3 cup butter. Add 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar and mix well. If shortening is used, add 1 tablespoon hot water. Cool slightly.
Add egg (beaten) and vanilla. Blend well. Add flour mixture, a little at a time, mixing well.
Spread in 9 x 9 x 2 inch pan. Sprinkle 1/2 to 1 cup chocolate chips on top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

Cooking : Avocado and Cilantro Soup

Ingredients
4 avocados - peeled, pitted and diced
1 shallot, finely chopped
3 1/2 cups cold chicken broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (e.g. Tabasco™)
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, or to taste
1 tablespoon tequila (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons sour cream

Directions
In a large food processor, combine the avocado, shallot, chicken broth, tomato paste, hot pepper sauce, lime juice and tequila. Reserve a little bit of cilantro for garnish, then put the rest into the processor. Process until smooth. If you have an immersion blender, you may do this in a pot or large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a large bowl, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
To serve, divide the soup between four chilled bowls. Top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprig of cilantro.

Cooking : Apple Cake VII

Ingredients
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup butter
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
7 apples - peeled, cored and shredded

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 10 inch Bundt pan. Sift together the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar and white sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Beat in the flour mixture. Fold in the shredded apples.
Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow cake to cool in the pan for 60 minutes, then turn out and sprinkle with confectioners' sugar, if desired.

Cooking : Apricot Pecan Bars

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package refrigerated crescent rolls
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, divided
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 (12 ounce) jar apricot preserves
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup cold butter or margarine
1 cup flaked coconut

Directions
Unroll crescent dough into a rectangle; press into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Sprinkle with 1 cup pecans, confectioners' sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Drop preserves over the top.
In a bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar; cut in butter. Add the coconut and remaining pecans. Sprinkle over preserves. Bake at 375 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack before cutting.

Cooking : BLT Macaroni Salad

Ingredients
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
5 green onions, finely chopped
1 large tomato, diced
1 1/4 cups diced celery
1 1/4 cups mayonnaise
5 teaspoons white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 pound sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled

Directions
Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large bowl, combine the macaroni, green onions, tomato and celery. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, salt and pepper. Pour over macaroni mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Just before serving, add bacon.

Cooking : Authentic Middle Eastern Hummus (Chummus)

Ingredients
3 cups dry garbanzo beans, soaked overnight
1 pinch baking soda (optional)
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 cup tahini paste
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, or more to taste
1 large clove garlic, minced, or more to taste
1 teaspoon ground cumin
salt to taste
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Directions
Rinse the garbanzo beans and and place in a pot. Fill with enough water to cover by at least 1 inch. Add baking soda, if using. Bring to a boil and then simmer over medium heat until the beans are very soft, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Drain the beans, reserving some of the water to use later. Reserve a small handful of the whole beans for a garnish. Transfer the rest to a blender or if you have a hand blender, a large bowl. Blend the beans until smooth, adding 1/2 cup of olive oil gradually. Add some of the reserved water if needed to help it blend. Add the tahini and blend in along with the lemon juice. Blend in the garlic, cumin and salt.
Spread the hummus into a flat serving dish and garnish with the reserved beans and a drizzle of olive oil.

Cooking : Apple Cake with Buttermilk Sauce

Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups sugar
1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup orange juice
2 cups chopped unpeeled apples
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup flaked coconut
BUTTERMILK SAUCE:
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup buttermilk
Whipped cream

Directions
Combine flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs. Add sugar, oil, vanilla and orange juice. On low speed, blend in flour mixture. Fold in apple, walnuts and coconut. Pour into a greased and floured 10-in. tube pan. Bake at 325 degrees F for 1-1/4 hours or until the cake tests done. Invert cake onto a large plate or platter. Deeply puncture the top of the warm cake with a skewer or pick.
In a small saucepan, bring all sauce ingredients to a boil, stirring frequently. Immediately spoon 1-1/4 cups of sauce slowly over the top of the cake, then pour the remainder down the sides. Cool. Serve with whipped cream if desired.

Cooking : Asian Spicy Tuna Salad

Ingredients
1 (6 ounce) can solid white tuna packed in water, drained
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger root
1/2 teaspoon diced green chile pepper
3 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1/4 teaspoon curry powder (optional)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Directions
With a fork, flake tuna into a small bowl. Mix in ginger, pepper, chopped onion, curry powder, mayonnaise, and lemon juice.

Cooking : Baked Chicken and Cheese Risotto

Ingredients
1 (10.75 ounce) can Campbell's� Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup or Campbell's� Condensed 98% Fat Free Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 1/4 cups water
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
1/2 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into cubes
3/4 cup uncooked Arborio or regular long-grain white rice

Directions
Mix soup, water, milk, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, vegetables, chicken and rice in 3-qt. shallow baking dish. Cover.
Bake at 400 degrees F. for 35 min. Stir.
Bake for 10 min. or until hot and rice is done. Let stand 5 min.

Cooking : A Pad Thai Worth Making

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package dried flat rice noodles
3 tablespoons fish sauce
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon white sugar
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons Asian chile pepper sauce, divided
1/4 cup chicken stock
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
8 ounces medium shrimp - peeled and deveined
8 ounces skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1 inch cubes
2 eggs, beaten
3 cups bean sprouts
6 green onions, chopped into 1 inch pieces
2 tablespoons chopped unsalted dry-roasted peanuts
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 lime, cut into 8 wedges
2 cups bean sprouts

Directions
Fill a large bowl with hot tap water and place the noodles in it to soak for 20 minutes.
In a small bowl, stir together the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, oyster sauce, 2 teaspoons of the chile sauce and chicken stock. Set aside.
Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat and add vegetable oil. When the oil is hot, stir in garlic and cook for about 10 seconds. Add shrimp and chicken; cook, stirring constantly until shrimp is opaque and chicken is cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes.
Move everything in the wok out to the sides and pour the eggs in the center. Cook and stir the eggs until firm. Add the noodles to the wok and pour in the sauce. Cook, stirring constantly, until the noodles are tender. Add a bit more water if needed to finish cooking the noodles. Stir in 3 cups of bean sprouts and green onions. Remove from the heat and garnish with chopped peanuts. Taste for seasoning, adjusting the spice or lime juice if needed.
Serve garnished with fresh cilantro and remaining bean sprouts and lime wedges on the side.