Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Cooking : Basil Pan-Seared Scallops over Pasta

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package farfalle (bow tie) pasta
24 scallops, rinsed and drained
3/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons dried minced garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons dried basil
9 tablespoons whipped butter

Directions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain, rinse, and transfer to a large serving bowl.
Meanwhile, place scallops in a large bowl. In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the black pepper. Pour mixture over scallops. Arrange scallops in a single layer in a large baking dish or plate. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon dried basil over scallops so that only one side is sparsely coated with basil.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high, and melt one tablespoon of butter in the pan. Place 12 scallops basil-side down, and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until dark golden brown. Turn scallops, and cook the other side. Cook the remaining 12 scallops the same way.
In a small saucepan, melt remaining butter with 1/2 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon basil, 1/2 teaspoon garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Toss pasta with butter and olive oil mixture. Divide pasta onto plates, and top with scallops.

Cooking : Autumn Apple Tart

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup cold butter
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons milk
6 medium tart apples, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch slices
1/3 cup sugar
4 1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons cold butter

Directions
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Combine egg and milk; gradually add to flour mixture, tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball.
With lightly floured hands, press dough onto the bottom and up the sides of a 12-in. fluted tart pan with removable bottom. Arrange apple slices in a circular pattern over dough, starting at the outer edge and overlapping slices.
For topping, combine the sugar, flour and spices in a small bowl. Cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over apples. Bake at 350 degrees F for 50-60 minutes or until apples are tender. Serve warm or cold.

Cooking : Black Bean Medley

Ingredients
1 cup uncooked brown rice
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 cups frozen corn
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14.5 ounce) can Mexican stewed tomatoes
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions
Cook rice according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a nonstick skillet, saute the onion, sweet peppers and garlic in oil until tender. Add the corn. Reduce heat to medium; cook and stir for 5 minutes or until corn is tender. Add the black beans, tomatoes, vinegar, salt and pepper. Cook and stir for 5 minutes or until heated through. Serve over the brown rice.

Cooking : Banana Split Pudding

Ingredients
3 cups cold milk
1 (5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 medium firm banana, sliced
1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1/4 cup chocolate syrup
1/4 cup chopped pecans
additional sliced strawberries and bananas (optional)

Directions
In a bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Add banana, strawberries and pineapple; transfer to a serving bowl. Dollop with whipped topping. Drizzle with chocolate syrup; sprinkle with pecans. Top with strawberries and bananas if desired.

Cooking : Banana Bread French Toast

Ingredients
3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons butter
1 loaf banana bread
confectioners' sugar for dusting (optional)

Directions
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, sweetened condensed milk and vanilla with a fork. Set aside.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Slice banana bread into 4 thick slices. Dip each slice into the egg mixture, then place in the hot pan. Cook on each side until golden brown. Dust with confectioners' sugar just before serving, if desired.

Cooking : Broccoli Rice Casserole

Ingredients
2 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped broccoli
3 cups instant rice
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 1/4 cups water
1 (16 ounce) package processed American cheese, cubed
1 tablespoon butter
1 bunch celery, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Cook broccoli and rice according to package directions. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a medium saucepan over low heat, mix cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and 1 1/4 cups water. Gradually stir in cheese until melted. Be careful that the cheese doesn't burn.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and saute celery and onion until soft.
In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, rice, soup and cheese mixture, celery and onion. Season with salt and pepper. Pour mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, until bubbly and lightly brown.

Cooking : Artichoke Bites III

Ingredients
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
3 ounces goat cheese, at room temperature
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon dried tarragon
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
2 (6.5 ounce) jars artichoke hearts, drained and cut into uniform bite size pieces

Directions
In a bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese and parsley. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, stir together the cream cheese, goat cheese, lemon zest, tarragon, and pepper until well blended and smooth. Gently fold in the artichoke hearts, being careful not to break pieces apart. Toss artichoke pieces into Parmesan and parsley until thoroughly coated.
Transfer artichoke pieces to a wax paper-lined baking sheet. Cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour, or until firm. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving. Serve slightly chilled.

Cooking : Beef Barley Lentil Soup

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

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

Cooking : Apricot Curry Chicken

Ingredients
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 cup white sugar
3 1/2 cups fresh apricots, pitted and halved
1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper hot sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon red curry paste (such as Thai Kitchen�)
1/2 (10 ounce) jar mild curry paste (such as Patak's�)
1/2 cup flaked coconut
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

Directions
Combine the white wine vinegar, sugar, apricots, coconut milk, onion, garlic, hot pepper sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cinnamon, red curry paste, mild curry paste, and coconut into a saucepan over medium heat; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the onion is translucent and the apricots are soft, about 10 minutes.
Pour the mixture into a blender, filling the pitcher no more than halfway full. Hold down the lid of the blender with a folded kitchen towel, and carefully start the blender, using a few quick pulses to get the sauce moving before leaving it on to puree. Puree in batches until smooth. Pour the blended sauce back into the saucepan, and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. (You can also use a stick blender and puree the sauce right in the cooking pot.)
Stir the chicken meat into the simmering sauce and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, 20 to 30 minutes.

Cooking : Blueberry Streusel Coffee Cake

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 3/4 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups milk
3 cups fresh or frozen blueberries*
STREUSEL TOPPING:
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup cold butter or margarine

Directions
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Fold in blueberries. Pour into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan.
For topping, combine sugar and cinnamon. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over batter. Bake at 375 degrees F for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack.

Cooking : Alfredo Potatoes

Ingredients
2 large baking potatoes
1 cup prepared Alfredo sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions
Pierce potatoes several times with a fork and place on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 6 minutes or until tender. Allow potatoes to cool slightly.
Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine the Alfredo sauce, garlic powder, pepper and thyme. Stir in 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop out the pulp and add to the sauce mixture; mix well. Spoon into potato shells. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese. Microwave on high for 1 minute or until cheese is melted.

Cooking : Baked Shrimp and Asparagus

Ingredients
1 (12 ounce) package frozen cut asparagus
1 pound medium shrimp - peeled and deveined
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of shrimp soup, undiluted
1 tablespoon butter or margarine, melted
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/2 cup salad croutons (optional)

Directions
Combine the first five ingredients. Spoon into a greased 8-in. square baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 425 degrees for 20 minutes or until shrimp turn pink. Top with croutons if desired; bake 5 minutes longer. Serve over rice.

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 : African-Style Oxtail Stew

Ingredients
1 cup chopped celery
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
2 cubes beef bouillon
10 cups water
6 whole black peppercorns
2 bay leaves
1/4 cup canola oil
3 pounds beef oxtail, cut into pieces
1 large onion, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
1 (12 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1/4 cup cornstarch dissolved in
1/2 cup water

Directions
Place celery, garlic, tomato paste, bouillon cubes, and water into a large Dutch oven; stir until the tomato paste has dissolved. Add peppercorns and bay leaves, place over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oxtail and cook until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Remove oxtail from hot oil and place into Dutch oven. Pour out all but 1 tablespoon of oil from the skillet, reduce heat to medium, and cook the onion until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes; add to oxtail.
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 2 1/2 hours. Season with salt and pepper, recover, and continue to cook until the oxtail is tender, but not falling off of the bone, about 30 minutes.
Remove oxtail pieces and place into a serving dish. Add kidney beans to Dutch oven and return to a simmer. Thicken with cornstarch dissolved in water, simmer for 1 minute until thickened and clear. Pour sauce over the oxtail.

Cooking : Brown Sugar Cut-Out Cookies and Icing

Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups brown sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
5 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup milk
1 cup butter, very soft
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
confectioners' sugar
splash of milk

Directions
In a large bowl, stir together 1 cup butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking soda; stir into creamed mixture. Mix in milk, stirring until a soft dough forms. Cover, and chill for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C). On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters. Place cookies 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake in a preheated oven for 6 minutes. Cool on wire racks.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together 1 cup butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla until it becomes smooth and creamy. Gradually stir in sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in a splash of milk, and continue mixing until light and fluffy. Keep icing covered until ready to decorate. Spread icing on top of cookies.

Cooking : Broccoli Ham Roll-Ups

Ingredients
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon chopped onion
1 1/2 teaspoons diced pimientos, drained
1/8 teaspoon rubbed sage
1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
Dash pepper
12 slices fully cooked ham (1/8 inch thick)

Directions
Cook broccoli according to package directions; drain. In a bowl, combine the soup, bread crumbs, cheese, onion, pimientos and seasonings. Add broccoli; mix well. Spoon 1/4 cup onto each ham slice and roll up.
Arrange in an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes or until heated through.

Cooking : Brownie Mix in a Jar III

Ingredients
1/2 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup white sugar
2 cups packed brown sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions
Mix together flour, salt and baking powder. Set aside.
Layer ingredients in order given in a 1 quart sized wide mouth canning jar. Add flour mixture last. Press each layer firmly in place.
Attach this message to jar: Butterscotch Brownies 1. Empty jar of brownie mix into large mixing bowl. Use your hands to thoroughly blend mix. 2. Add: 3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened at room temperature. DO NOT USE DIET MARGARINE. Mix in 2 eggs, slightly beaten and 2 teaspoons vanilla. 3. Mix until completely blended. 4. Spread batter into a sprayed 9 x 13 inch metal pan. 5. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 25 minutes. Cool 15 minutes in baking pan. Cut brownies into 1 1/2 inch squares. Cool completely in pan. Makes 2 dozen brownies.

Cooking : Baked Fennel with Parmesan

Ingredients
2 fennel bulbs
1 tablespoon butter
3/4 cup half-and-half cream
3/4 cup creme fraiche
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Cut the base off of the fennel bulbs, and cut a cone shape into the base to remove the core. You can see the core because it is whiter than the surrounding green. This is optional, but helps the fennel cook faster. Slice the fennel vertically (upright) into 1/4 inch thick slices.
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fennel, and fry for about 5 minutes. Stir in the half-and-half and creme fraiche until well blended. Transfer to a shallow baking dish. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.
Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the top is golden brown and the fennel is tender enough to pierce with a fork.

Cooking : Authentic Korean Bulgogi

Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds beef top sirloin, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons white cooking wine
1 cup pear juice
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon white sugar
2 tablespoons Asian (toasted) sesame oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons chopped green onion
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, halved (optional)
1/2 onion, chopped (optional)

Directions
Place the beef in a bowl, and pour in the cooking wine, pear juice, and black pepper. Stir to combine, and allow to marinate for 30 minutes. Stir in the soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, green onion, and sesame seeds, and marinate in refrigerator at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat.
Remove the beef from the marinade, and discard the marinade. Place a sheet of aluminum foil on the heated grill, and lay the beef slices separately on the foil. Place the mushrooms and onion on another part of the foil. Cook the beef slices until they are evenly brown, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Serve with cooked mushrooms and onion.

Cooking : Baked Swiss Steak

Ingredients
1/2 pound boneless round steak
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped carrot
1/4 cup chopped celery
1 tablespoon chopped onion
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons sharp Cheddar cheese

Directions
Cut meat into two portions; pound to 1/4-in. thickness. Combine 1 tablespoon flour and salt; coat meat on both sides. In a skillet, brown meat in oil. Transfer meat to a greased shallow 2-qt. baking dish; set aside.
To pan drippings, add tomatoes, carrot, celery, onion, Worcestershire sauce and remaining flour. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Pour over meat. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 1-1/2 hours or until the meat is tender. Sprinkle with cheese; return to the oven until cheese is melted.

Cooking : Beer Nut Cookies

Ingredients
1 cup shortening
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups beer nut mix

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Cream the shortening and the sugar until light. Add the eggs (room temperature) and the vanilla and mix well. Combine the flour, salt, and baking soda. Add this to the creamed mixture. Stir in the nuts.
Drop about 2 teaspoons per each cookies onto greased cookie sheets. Bake for about 11 minutes, or until firm. Cool for about 3 minutes on the sheet and then remove to cool.

Cooking : Brie Cheese Appetizer

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) wheel Brie cheese
3 tablespoons apricot preserves
1/2 (17.5 ounce) package frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 egg white

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a cookie sheet.
Slice one wheel of Brie cheese in half so you have 2 circles of cheese. Spread apricot or peach preserves on (the cut side) half of one circle of brie. Make sandwich out of the two halves of Brie, so that the preserves are in the center of both halves. Wrap the entire wheel of Brie with one sheet of puffed pastry and flip the entire concoction onto the prepared cooking sheet so the seam is on bottom. Brush the puffed pastry with the egg white.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the pastry in golden brown. Serve immediately.

Cooking : Budget Jungle Juice for a Crowd

Ingredients
2 gallons orange-flavored drink
2 (46 fluid ounce) cans fruit punch
4 quarts pink lemonade
4 quarts pineapple and orange juice blend
4 (750 milliliter) bottles vodka
2 (750 milliliter) bottles white rum

Directions
Stir together orange drink, fruit punch, lemonade, pineapple-orange juice blend, vodka, and rum in a large container.

Cooking : Beef Wellington

Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds beef tenderloin
2 tablespoons butter, softened
2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
2 ounces liver pate
2 tablespoons butter, softened
salt and pepper to taste
1 (17.5 ounce) package frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 egg yolk, beaten
1 (10.5 ounce) can beef broth
2 tablespoons red wine

Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Place beef in a small baking dish, and spread with 2 tablespoons softened butter. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until browned. Remove from pan, and allow to cool completely. Reserve pan juices.
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Saute onion and mushrooms in butter for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, and let cool.
Mix together pate and 2 tablespoons softened butter, and season with salt and pepper. Spread pate over beef. Top with onion and mushroom mixture.
Roll out the puff pastry dough, and place beef in the center. Fold up, and seal all the edges, making sure the seams are not too thick. Place beef in a 9x13 inch baking dish, cut a few slits in the top of the dough, and brush with egg yolk.
Bake at 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) for 10 to 15 more minutes, or until pastry is a rich, golden brown. Set aside, and keep warm.
Place all reserved juices in a small saucepan over high heat. Stir in beef stock and red wine; boil for 10 to 15 minutes, or until slightly reduced. Strain, and serve with beef.

Cooking : Best Ever New Zealand Pavlova

Ingredients
3 egg whites
1 1/4 cups white sugar
2 tablespoons water
3 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
1/8 teaspoon salt

Directions
Preheat oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C). Grease a cookie sheet, line it with parchment paper and sprinkle a little water over paper.
In a large glass or metal mixing bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Beat in water, then mix in cornstarch, vanilla, vinegar and salt.
Pour entire meringue mixture onto the center of the pan. Pavlova will spread as it bakes.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Turn oven off and leave Pavlova in the oven until cold. Turn upside-down onto plate and top with fresh fruit and whipped cream.

Cooking : Butternut Squash Casserole

Ingredients
1 butternut squash
1 cup white sugar
1 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup margarine, melted
1/2 (16 ounce) package vanilla wafers, crushed
1/2 cup margarine, melted
1 cup brown sugar

Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
Put butternut squash in the microwave and cook on high, until soft, 2 to 3 minutes. Cut in half, scoop out seeds and cube. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add squash and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash.
In a 9x13 inch casserole dish combine 3 cups mashed butternut squash, white sugar, milk, vanilla extract, salt, flour, eggs and 1/4 cup melted margarine.
Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until set.
In a medium bowl combine crushed vanilla wafers, 1/2 cup melted margarine and brown sugar. Crumble over top of cooked casserole and return to oven to brown.

Cooking : Beef Potato House Pie Casserole

Ingredients
6 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
2 pounds ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
1 (8 ounce) package processed American cheese, sliced

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain, then mash with milk and butter until smooth.
In a large, deep skillet over medium high heat, combine ground beef, onion and green pepper. Cook until beef is evenly brown. Drain excess fat. Season with salt and pepper.
In a deep casserole dish, spoon a layer of beef mixture. Spread a layer of mashed potato over the beef. Continue alternating layers until the dish is full. Top with cheese.
Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Cooking : Avocado Dip I

Ingredients
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
1/2 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
2 (16 ounce) cans refried beans
3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded lettuce
1 large chopped fresh tomato
2 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup green bell pepper
1/4 cup sliced black olives

Directions
Spread refried beans evenly on a medium sized serving platter. If the beans are watery, chill for 20 to 30 minutes.
Peel the avocados and remove the pits. In a food processor, blend the avocados with the mayonnaise, sour cream and taco seasoning until smooth. Pour over the refried beans. Top with cheddar cheese. Add lettuce, tomatoes, green onions, green pepper and black olives if desired. Refrigerate until serving. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips.

Cooking : Almond and Baby Bok Choy Asian Salad

Ingredients
1/2 cup canola oil
1/4 cup rice vinegar
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
1/2 head romaine lettuce, chopped
2 heads baby bok choy, cleaned and sliced
1 carrot, cut into matchsticks
1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
1/2 cup croutons

Directions
Whisk together the oil, vinegar, soy sauce, mirin, and sesame seeds in a small bowl, then set aside. Toss together the romaine, bok choy, carrot, almonds, and croutons in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad, toss to coat, and serve immediately.

Cooking : Baked Carrots

Ingredients
1 pound carrots, cut into sticks
1 bunch green onions with tops, chopped
1 cup chicken broth

Directions
Place the carrots and onions in an ungreased 1-qt. casserole; pour chicken broth over all. Cover and bake at 325 degrees F for 1 hour.

Cooking : Brunch Potato Casserole

Ingredients
4 pounds new potatoes, skinned, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 pound processed cheese food, cubed
2 cups mayonnaise
1 onion, finely chopped
1 pound bacon, cooked crisp and chopped

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place potatoes in a large pan, fill with water to cover potatoes, and bring to a boil. Cook until potatoes are just soft. Drain, place in a large bowl. While the potatoes are still hot, gently stir in cheese without mashing potatoes. Continue to stir, every minute or so, until cheese is melted.
In a separate bowl, stir together mayonnaise, onion, and bacon. Gently stir into potatoes and cheese. Spread into a 13x9-inch baking dish.
Bake in a preheated oven for 50 minutes.

Cooking : Broiled Red Potatoes

Ingredients
2 medium unpeeled red potatoes
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Directions
Cut potatoes into 1/4-in. slices; place in a microwave-safe bowl. Combine remaining ingredients; pour over potatoes. Cover and cook on high for 1-2 minutes or until butter melts. Place potatoes in a single layer on a greased baking sheet. Broil for 5-6 minutes on each side or until browned.

Cooking : Baked Omelet Pie

Ingredients
1 large baking potato
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped ham
1 tomato, sliced
1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add potato and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain, cool, peel and slice.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Beat together eggs, salt, pepper and parsley.
In a cast iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Saute onion and red pepper until soft, then stir in mushrooms. When mushrooms start to shrink, add the chopped ham, potato and tomato slices. Pour in the egg mixture; gently stir to combine.
Sprinkle cheese on top of eggs and place skillet in preheated oven. Bake until eggs are firm, about 10 to 15 minutes. Allow to cool briefly before serving.

Cooking : Busy Day Chicken Rice Casserole

Ingredients
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup
1 cup water
1 cup uncooked white rice
1 (4.5 ounce) can mushrooms, drained
1 pinch garlic powder
ground black pepper to taste
1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix
8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
In a large bowl combine the mushroom soup, celery soup, water, rice, mushrooms, garlic powder and black pepper. Mix all together. Pour mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread on bottom.
Lay chicken pieces over soup mixture and sprinkle dry onion soup mix over all. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.

Cooking : Betty's Broccoli Casserole

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) bag frozen broccoli florets
1/2 (16 ounce) bag frozen chopped broccoli
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened and cut into pieces
1 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup melted butter
1 (2.25 ounce) package slivered almonds

Directions
Preheat an oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.
Pour 1 or 2 tablespoons of water into a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Place the broccoli florets and chopped broccoli into the saucepan with the water, cover, and cook over medium heat until thawed, about 5 minutes. Drain off the water, and stir the cream cheese into the hot broccoli. Spread the broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Mix the bread crumbs with butter in a bowl, and spread over the broccoli in an even layer. Sprinkle the top with almonds, and bake in the preheated oven until the top is browned and the dish is bubbling, 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Cooking : Apricot Squares

Ingredients
2/3 cup dried apricots
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup white sugar
1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup sifted all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/3 cup confectioners' sugar for decoration

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8x8-inch square pan.
Place apricots and enough water to cover in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, and boil for 10 minutes. Drain and cool, then chop coarsely.
Cream together the butter, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 cup flour until crumbly. Sprinkle the mixture into the prepared pan, and pack down. Bake in the preheated oven until firm and slightly golden, 20 to 25 minutes.
In a large bowl, mix together the eggs and brown sugar until well blended. Combine 1/3 cup flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir into the egg mixture. Mix in vanilla, walnuts and apricots. Spread mixture over baked layer.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until firm. Let cool on wire racks. Cut into bars and dip in confectioners' sugar.

Cooking : BBQ Bill's Citrus Smoked Chicken

Ingredients
1 (6 pound) whole chicken
4 cups lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 cups wood chips, soaked

Directions
Place the whole chicken into a large resealable plastic bag. Sprinkle in garlic powder, then pour in enough lemon-lime soda to cover the bird. Seal the bag, and place in the refrigerator overnight to marinate.
Light charcoal in an outdoor smoker, and wait until the temperature is at 225 degrees F (110 degrees C).
Remove chicken from the bag, and place on the grill grate. Discard marinade. Cover, and cook for 10 hours. Occasionally toss a handful of soaked wood chips on the coals.

Cooking : Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil Dressing

Ingredients
1 sprig fresh oregano
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
In a medium glass mixing bowl combine the oregano, thyme, oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Mix together and pour mixture into a bottle, using a funnel to keep yourself from losing oil. Cover tightly and store at room temperature.

Cooking : Baked Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup solid pack pumpkin puree
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons butter, softened

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Sift the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg into a large bowl. Mix in the pumpkin, brown sugar, buttermilk, egg and butter until well blended. Pour into a 9x5 inch loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cooking : Burgundy Pork Tenderloin

Ingredients
2 pounds pork tenderloin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 onion, thinly sliced
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 cups red wine
1 (.75 ounce) packet dry brown gravy mix

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place pork in a 9x13 inch baking dish, and sprinkle meat with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Top with onion and celery, and pour wine over all.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
When done baking, remove meat from baking dish, and place on a serving platter. Pour gravy mix into baking dish with wine and cooking juices, and stir until thickened. Slice meat, and cover with the gravy.

Cooking : Amber's Zucchini Bread

Ingredients
2 cups grated zucchini
3/4 cup egg substitute
2 cups white sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons baking soda
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking powder

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease 2 - 8x4 inch loaf pans.
In a large mixing bowl, combine zucchini, egg substitute, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
In a medium size mixing bowl, mix together flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking powder. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the zucchini mixture. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pans.
Bake for 40 to 60 minutes.