Thursday, July 7, 2011

Cooking : Beetroot Hummus

Ingredients
8 ounces chickpeas
1 large onion, chopped
1 pound beets
1/2 cup tahini
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1/4 cup olive oil

Directions
In a large bowl, cover chickpeas with cold water and soak overnight.
Drain chickpeas and place in a large heavy saucepan; add onion, cover with water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook for 1 hour, or until chickpeas are very soft. Drain, reserving 1 cup of cooking liquid. Allow to cool.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan cover beets with water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook until tender; drain and allow beets to cool before removing the skins and chopping.
Puree beets in a food processor; add the chickpeas and onions, tahini, garlic, lemon juice and cumin. Process until smooth. Slowly, while the machine is running, pour in the reserved cooking liquid and olive oil. Continue to process until mixture is thoroughly combined. Drizzle with a little olive oil.

Cooking : Basil Garlic Crescents

Ingredients
1/2 cup small curd cottage cheese
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions
In a food processor, combine cottage cheese, butter and cream cheese; cover and process until smooth. Add flour; cover and process until mixture forms a ball.
Divide dough into two portions. On a floured surface, roll each portion into a 10-in. circle. Brush with oil. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, basil and garlic powder. Cut each circle into 12 wedges.
Roll up wedges from the wide end and place pointed side down 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Curve ends of each to form a crescent shape. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks; serve warm.

Cooking : Broccoli Crawfish Cheese Soup

Ingredients
6 cups chicken broth
4 cups fresh chopped broccoli
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup margarine
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 pound crawfish
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
Creole seasoning to taste
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup
2 cups milk
4 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup water
8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions
In a large pot over high heat, combine the chicken broth and the broccoli. Cook about 3 to 5 minutes, or until tender. Set aside. In a large skillet, saut E the onions in the butter or margarine for about 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Add the garlic, crawfish or shrimp, hot pepper sauce and Creole seasoning. Saute another 5 minutes and add to the broccoli and broth.
In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, the cream of celery soup, and the milk. Mix the cornstarch and cold water and stir into the soup mixture. Mix well. Add mixture to the broccoli and broth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thick and bubbly. Stir in cheese. Reduce heat to low and stir until cheese is blended. DO NOT BOIL.

Cooking : Applesauce Barbeque Sauce

Ingredients
1 cup applesauce
1/2 cup ketchup
2 cups unpacked brown sugar
6 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions
In a saucepan over medium heat, mix applesauce, ketchup, brown sugar, lemon juice, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cinnamon. Bring mixture to a boil. Remove from heat, and cool completely. Use to baste the meat of your choice.

Cooking : Avocado and Edamame Dip

Ingredients
6 ounces shelled edamame (green soybeans)
1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 cup tightly packed cilantro
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large avocado, peeled, pitted and cubed
1 lemon, juiced
1 tablespoon chile-garlic sauce (such as Sriracha�)
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Place the edamame, onion, cilantro, and olive oil into a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Add the avocado, lemon juice, and chile-garlic sauce; season to taste with salt and pepper. Puree until smooth. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.

Cooking : Applesauce Noodle Kugel

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package wide egg noodles
1 cup reduced fat margarine
1/2 cup fat free sour cream
1 1/2 cups egg substitute
2 cups white sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 (16 ounce) jar applesauce
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (optional)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, or to taste

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Coat a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook noodles in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain.
In a large bowl, mix together margarine, sour cream, egg substitute, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and applesauce. Stir in noodles and raisins.
Spread graham cracker crumbs on the bottom of the prepared dish. Pour the noodle mixture over the crumbs. Sprinkle top with cinnamon.
Bake 45 to 60 minutes in the preheated oven, or until set. Cover with foil if it browns too quickly.

Cooking : Belgian Molasses Bread

Ingredients
1 1/2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons molasses
3/4 cup warm milk
4 1/2 tablespoons warm water
1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Directions
Place ingredients in the bread machine pan in the order suggested by the manufacturer. Select Basic or White Bread and 1 1/2 pound loaf settings. Press Start.

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 : Beefy Cheese Dip

Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 pound sausage
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1 (16 ounce) jar salsa
2 pounds processed cheese, shredded

Directions
In a large skillet, brown beef and sausage. Drain excess fat.
In another large skillet, mix green onions, salsa and processed cheese over a low heat. Continue stirring until cheese melts.
Add meat to the cheese mixture and simmer uncovered until ready to serve.

Cooking : Ambrosia Cookies

Ingredients
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup flaked coconut

Directions
Sift flour, baking powder, soda and salt. In a separate bowl cream butter until fluffy; add sugars, eggs and vanilla. Beat well.
Add flour mixture to butter mixture. Mix well. Stir in oats, nuts, and coconut. Mix until well blended.
Bake on ungreased cookie sheets for 10-12 minutes at 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).

Cooking : Arugula, Fennel, and Orange Salad

Ingredients
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
1 bunch arugula
2 orange, peeled and segmented
1 bulb fennel bulb, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons sliced black olives

Directions
Whisk together the honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper; slowly add the olive oil while continuing to whisk.
Place the arugula in the bottom of a salad bowl; scatter the orange segments, fennel slices, and olives over the arugula; drizzle the dressing over the salad to serve.

Cooking : Animal Crackers

Ingredients
1/2 cup rolled oats
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter
2 teaspoons honey
1/4 cup buttermilk

Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grind oats until fine using a blender or food processor.
In a medium bowl, stir together the blended oats, flour, baking soda and salt. Cut in the butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the butter lumps are smaller than peas. Stir in the buttermilk and honey to form a stiff dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/8 inch in thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place cookies 1 inch apart onto cookie sheets.
Bake for 5 to 7 minutes in the preheated oven, until edges are lightly browned. Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks.

Cooking : Apple Stuffed Chicken

Ingredients
1 (6 ounce) package chicken-flavor stuffing mix
1 (3 1/2) pound broiler-fryer
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup chopped, peeled apple
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup raisins
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1/2 cup apple jelly
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions
Prepare stuffing according to package directions. Meanwhile, sprinkle inside of chicken with salt and pepper; rub outside with oil.
In a large bowl, mix stuffing with the apple, celery, nuts, raisins and lemon peel. Lightly stuff chicken. Place chicken breast side up on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 1 hour.
In a saucepan, combine the glaze ingredients. Bring to a simmer; heat, uncovered, for 3 minutes. Brush over chicken. Bake 20-30 minutes longer or until chicken juices run clear, brushing occasionally with glaze. Cover with foil and let stand for 10-15 minutes. Remove stuffing, then carve chicken.

Cooking : Barbecued Steak Strips

Ingredients
1 pound boneless beef sirloin steak, cut 1/2 inch strips
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon sugar

Directions
In a large skillet, brown steak in oil over medium-high heat; drain. Combine the barbecue sauce, honey and sugar; pour over meat. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce is slightly thickened and meat is tender.

Cooking : All-Around Spice Rub

Ingredients
3/4 cup paprika
1/4 cup fresh-ground pepper blend
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons onion powder
1 tablespoon sea salt
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

Directions
Stir the paprika, pepper, brown sugar, chili powder, onion powder, sea salt, and cayenne pepper together in a container with a lid. Store in a cool, dark place between uses.

Cooking : Badam (Almond) Sherbet

Ingredients
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 cup finely ground almonds
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons rose water

Directions
Combine the milk, cream, ground almonds, confectioners' sugar, and rosewater in a blender, and blend until thoroughly mixed and smooth, about 1 minute. Serve over ice.

Cooking : Basic Cookie Dough

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups butter (no substitutes), softened
2 cups sugar
1/4 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
8 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

Directions
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add the eggs, milk and vanilla; mix well. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture, beating just until combined. Divide dough into four 2-cup portions. Cover and refrigerate.

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.

Cooking : Best Korean Bulgogi

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups soy sauce
1 bunch green onions, chopped
4 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle beer
2 pounds thinly sliced beef chuck roast
1 cup uncooked long grain rice
2 cups water
1 tablespoon Vegetable oil
1 head lettuce leaves - rinsed and dried

Directions
In a medium bowl, mix together the soy sauce, green onion, sesame seeds, beer and sesame oil. Place meat in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate overnight for best results.
Combine rice and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, until rice is tender.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry beef strips for about 5 minutes on each side, or to your desired doneness.
Serve beef with rice and lettuce leaves. Spoon some rice and beef into a lettuce leaf, fold in the sides and roll up to the top to make a bag of bulgogi. No silverware needed.

Cooking : Barbados Punch

Ingredients
1 ounce Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
1/4 ounce triple sec
1 ounce lime juice
2 ounces pineapple juice
1 slice lime
1 slice pineapple

Directions
Add Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, triple sec, lime juice, and pineapple juice in a blender with crushed ice.
Blend until smooth and pour into glass.
Garnish with lime slice and pineapple slice.

Cooking : Amish Friendship Bread III

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup Amish Friendship Bread Starter
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped walnuts
2 apples - peeled, cored and finely chopped

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease two 9x5 inch loaf pans. Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda and salt, set aside
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the Amish Friendship Starter, eggs, oil and vanilla. Gradually stir in the sifted ingredients until just blended. Finally stir in the chopped nuts and apples. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a loaf comes out clean.

Cooking : Balsamic Salad dressing

Ingredients
3/4 cup tomato juice
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
1 envelope Italian salad dressing mix
2 teaspoons sugar

Directions
In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine all ingredients; shake well. Store in the refrigerator.

Cooking : Apricot Cheese Bread

Ingredients
2 (3 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon grated orange peel
1 cup dried apricots
1 1/2 cups warm water
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg, flour and orange peel until smooth; set aside. Soak apricots in warm water for 15 minutes; drain well. Cut apricots into small pieces; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients. In another bowl, beat the egg, orange juice, oil and water. Stir into the dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in pecans and apricots. Spoon two-thirds of the batter into a greased and floured 10-in. fluted tube pan. Top with cream cheese filling and remaining batter. Bake at 350 degrees F for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate before slicing.

Cooking : Alice's Sour Cream Chicken Breasts

Ingredients
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
12 ounces sour cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup white wine
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 pinch salt
1 dash lemon pepper

Directions
Simmer chicken breasts in water to cover until almost tender. Drain, and reserve broth.
In a microwave-safe dish, mix together sour cream, parmesan cheese, white wine, chicken broth, salt and lemon pepper.
Cut chicken into bite size pieces, and put in sauce mixture. Cover. Microwave on High for about 10 to 15 minutes, then on Low for another 5 minutes. Make sure it doesn't burn. When sauce starts to thicken and chicken is tender, it is done!

Cooking : Baked Zucchini Squares

Ingredients
1 cup biscuit/baking mix
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 small onion, chopped
3 medium zucchini, thinly sliced

Directions
In a bowl, combine the biscuit mix, Parmesan cheese, parsley, oregano, basil and salt. Combine eggs, oil and onion; stir into dry ingredients just until combined. Stir in zucchini. Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and set. Cut into squares.

Cooking : Bacon-Wrapped Venison

Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds venison tenderloin
2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil, divided
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
4 bacon strips
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 1/4 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Directions
Rub tenderloin with 1-2 teaspoons of oil and the garlic. Combine the flour, salt and pepper; sprinkle over tenderloin and shake off excess. In a skillet, brown tenderloin on all sides in remaining oil. Remove and keep warm. In the same skillet, saute mushrooms until tender; remove and set aside. Wrap bacon around tenderloin, securing the ends with toothpicks. Return to skillet. Cook over medium heat until bacon is crisp and a thermometer inserted into tenderloin reads 160 degrees F, turning frequently. Remove and keep warm. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and broth until smooth; add to skillet. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add parsley and reserved mushrooms; cook and stir until heated through. Discard toothpicks from tenderloin; serve with mushroom sauce.

Cooking : Banana Orange Swirly Goodness

Ingredients
2 frozen bananas, peeled and cut into chunks
1 orange - peeled, segmented, and seeded
1 (8 ounce) container raspberry yogurt
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions
In a blender, blend the bananas, orange, raspberry yogurt, honey, and nutmeg until smooth.

Cooking : Another Pork Chop Casserole

Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
6 boneless pork chops
1 (16 ounce) package tater tots
1 (15.5 ounce) can French-style green beans, drained
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup
3/4 cup sour cream
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat, and brown pork chops on both sides. Remove chops, reserving pan dripping.
Arrange tater tots in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Layer green beans over the tater tots. Place browned chops over the beans. In a bowl, mix reserved pan drippings, cream of celery soup, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Pour evenly over chops.
Cover dish with foil, and bake casserole 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until pork chops are done.

Cooking : Blue Cheese Bread Pudding

Ingredients
4 tablespoons butter, softened
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
20 ounces cubed French bread
1 pound blue cheese, crumbled
5 eggs, lightly beaten
5 egg yolks
3 cups heavy cream
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon ground black pepper

Directions
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-low heat, and cook the onion and garlic 20 minutes, until soft and golden brown.
Arrange 1/2 the bread cubes in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan. Layer with 1/2 the blue cheese and the onion mixture. Top with remaining bread cubes and cheese.
In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, heavy cream, salt and pepper. Pour over top layer of bread cubes in pan. Set aside for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Bake pudding 40 minutes in the preheated oven. Cover pan and continue baking 15 minutes, or until set and golden brown. Allow to sit 15 minutes before serving.

Cooking : Apricot Cashew Clusters

Ingredients
1 (11.5 ounce) package milk chocolate chips
1 cup chopped dried apricots
1 cup chopped salted cashews

Directions
In a microwave or double boiler, melt the chocolate chips; stir until smooth. Stir in apricots and cashews. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Chill until set, about 15 minutes. Store in an airtight container.

Cooking : Broccoli Casserole

Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter
1 onion, chopped
2 (10 ounce) packages chopped frozen broccoli, thawed
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 cup mayonnaise
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
12 buttery round crackers, crushed fine
2 tablespoons butter

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Saute onion until golden.
In a 2 quart casserole dish, mix together onion, broccoli, soup, cheese, mayonnaise, eggs, garlic salt, pepper, seasoned salt, and lemon juice. Sprinkle crushed crackers over top and dot with remaining 2 tablespoons butter.
Bake uncovered in preheated oven for 45 minutes, until heated through and browned on top.

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.