Saturday, July 23, 2011

Cooking : Broiled and Slow-Roasted Butterflied Leg of Lamb With Cumin and Garlic

Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil
8 cloves garlic, minced
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 (8 pound) leg of lamb, boned and butterflied to a more or less even thickness, 4 3/4 to 5 1/2 pounds trimmed weight, fell and most fat removed
1 lemon, juiced
Minced fresh parsley, cilantro or mint (optional)

Directions
Mix oil, garlic, salt, pepper, cumin and oregano; spread paste on both sides of the lamb and let stand for an hour until meat comes to room temperature.
Adjust oven rack to upper or upper-middle position (depending on lamb's thickness) and preheat broiler on high for at least 10 minutes.
Place lamb, cut side up, on a large wire rack set over a foil-lined roasting pan. Broil, moving pan so entire surface browns evenly, about 8 minutes. Turn lamb over; continue to broil until well browned on the other side, about 8 minutes longer. Turn off broiler, remove lamb from oven and let rest for 10 minutes.
Heat oven to 325 degrees. Stick a meat thermometer into the thickest portion of the lamb; return it to the oven. Roast for a total of 50 minutes to 1 hour, until thermometer registers a rosy-pink 140 degrees. Check lamb several times after 30 minutes. If lamb gets done sooner, simply turn down oven to 170 degrees until ready to serve.
As soon as lamb comes out of the oven, squeeze on lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Carve, slicing across the grain when possible. Arrange on a platter, drizzle with accumulated juices, and serve.

Cooking : Best-Ever Meat Loaf

Ingredients
2/3 cup milk
3 slices bread, torn
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup grated carrot
1 cup shredded Cheddar or mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon dried basil, thyme or sage (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon prepared mustard

Directions
In a large bowl, beat eggs. Add milk and bread; let stand until liquid is absorbed. Stir in the onion, carrot, cheese and seasonings. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well.
Shape into a 7-1/2-in. x 3-1/2-in. x 2-1/2-in. loaf in a shallow baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes.
Combine the topping ingredients; spoon half of the mixture over meat loaf. Bake 30 minutes longer or until meat is no longer pink and a meat thermometer reads 160 degrees F, occasionally spooning remaining topping over loaf. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Cooking : Belgian Squirrel

Ingredients
3 large squirrels, skinned and gutted
1/2 cup butter
2 onions, sliced
3 tablespoons white vinegar
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
salt and pepper to taste
18 pitted prunes
1 1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1 cup cold water

Directions
Clean squirrels, making sure that all shot is removed. Burn away with a candle any fur that clings. Rinse the meat though several changes of water and pat dry. Cut squirrels into serving pieces.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add squirrel pieces and fry until browned on all sides, but do not cook through. Remove the squirrel pieces to a large Dutch oven or oven safe crock. Add onions to the butter in the skillet; cook and stir until tender and browned. Pour the onions and butter into the pot with the squirrel. Fill with enough water to almost cover the meat. Mix in the vinegar and season with thyme, salt and pepper. Cover and place in the oven.
Bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven. Remove the pot from the oven and add the prunes. Return to the oven and reduce the heat to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Continue baking for another 45 minutes.
Remove the pot from the oven. Mix the flour and cold water together in a cup. Use a slotted spoon to remove the meat and prunes to a serving dish. Set the pot on the stove and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in the flour and water and simmer, stirring constantly, until the gravy is thick enough to coat a metal spoon. Serve meat with a lot of gravy.

Cooking : Bread Pudding II

Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter, softened
2 1/2 cups cubed day old French bread
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups milk, scalded
1 pinch ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
1 cup pecans, chopped (optional)

Directions
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Generously butter an 8x8 inch baking dish. Prepare a water bath for the baking dish by placing a larger dish in the oven, and partially filling it with hot water.
Place bread cubes in the baking dish. In a medium bowl, beat together eggs, sugar, and vanilla. Slowly whisk in the scalded milk. Pour over the bread. Sprinkle with nutmeg, brown sugar, and pecans.
Place the baking dish in the water bath. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. Serve either hot or chilled.

Cooking : Beef Mushroom Spaghetti

Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1/4 cup water
1 (7 ounce) package thin spaghetti, cooked and drained

Directions
In a skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in tomato sauce, soup and water. Add spaghetti; mix well. Place in a greased 8-in. square baking dish. Cover and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake: Thaw in the refrigerator. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 35-40 minutes or until heated through.

Cooking : Authentic Thai Coconut Soup

Ingredients
1 pound medium shrimp - peeled and deveined
2 (13.5 ounce) cans canned coconut milk
2 cups water
1 (1 inch) piece galangal, thinly sliced
4 stalks lemon grass, bruised and chopped
10 kaffir lime leaves, torn in half
1 pound shiitake mushrooms, sliced
1/4 cup lime juice
3 tablespoons fish sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 tablespoon green onion, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes

Directions
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Boil the shrimp until cooked, about one minute. Drain shrimp, and set aside.
Pour the coconut milk and 2 cups of water in a large saucepan; bring to a simmer. Add the galangal, lemon grass, and lime leaves; simmer for 10 minutes, or until the flavors are infused. Strain the coconut milk into a new pan and discard the spices. Simmer the shiitake mushrooms in the coconut milk for five minutes. Stir in the lime juice, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Season to taste with curry powder.
To serve, reheat shrimp in the soup, and ladle into serving bowls. Garnish with green onion and red pepper flakes.

Cooking : Boyfriend Bait Beef Stroganoff

Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds beef tenderloin, well trimmed, meat cut bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch square)
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup finely chopped shallots
2 1/2 cups sliced mushrooms
2 cups canned beef broth
3 teaspoons cornstarch
1 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Directions
Over medium high heat, gently cook beef tenderloin in 2 tablespoons of butter for about 2 minutes, until just seared on all sides. You will still be able to see red. Remove from pan and set aside in a rimmed dish or baking sheet so that you collect the juices.
Return the pan to medium-high heat and cook the shallots and mushrooms in remaining butter until soft and wilted, about 5 minutes. Mix cornstarch into cold beef broth, whisk to blend. Pour into pan, and stir together with shallots and mushrooms until thickened, two or three minutes.
Add sour cream and mustard, stir to blend. Add beef and juices from dish; stir over medium just till warmed through. Salt to taste.

Cooking : Bacon Onion Breadsticks

Ingredients
2 tablespoons active dry yeast
2 cups warm milk (110 to 115 degrees F), divided
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided
5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 pound sliced bacon, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 egg, beaten
coarse salt

Directions
In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in 1 cup warm milk. Add sugar; let stand for 5 minutes. Add butter, 1 teaspoon salt and remaining milk; mix well. Stir in enough flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1-1/2 hours.
Meanwhile, in a skillet, saute bacon and onion until bacon is crisp; drain. Add pepper and remaining salt. Cool completely. Punch dough down. Turn onto a floured surface; knead bacon mixture into dough. Roll dough into a 14-in. square. Brush with egg; sprinkle with coarse salt. Cut dough in half lengthwise and in thirds crosswise. But each section into six strips. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes. Bake at 375 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Cooking : Baked Potato Chips Chicken

Ingredients
1 teaspoon butter
1 cup self-rising flour
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons meat tenderizer
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
3 cups crushed potato chips (such as Lay's�)
1/2 cup olive oil
8 chicken tenders

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish with butter.
In a bowl, stir together the self-rising flour, garlic powder, meat tenderizer, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, place the crushed potato chips. Pour the olive oil into a third bowl.
Rinse the chicken tenders under cold water. Working one at a time, dip a chicken tender into olive oil, then into the seasoned flour mixture, then back into the olive oil, then into the crushed potato chips. Lay the coated chicken tender into the prepared baking dish. Repeat with all the other pieces of chicken. Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of the seasoned flour onto the chicken pieces, then sprinkle the chicken with remaining potato chips.
Place the baking dish onto the middle rack of preheated oven, and bake until the chicken is no longer pink inside, the juices run clear, and the coating is golden brown, about 30 minutes.

Cooking : Breaded Chicken Wings

Ingredients
2/3 cup dry bread crumbs
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon water
10 chicken wings

Directions
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the bread crumbs, onion powder, basil, garlic salt and paprika. In a small bowl, whisk egg and water. Cut chicken wings into three sections; discard wing tips. Dip wings in egg, then place in bag and shake to coat. Place in a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Bake at 425 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until juices run clear, turning once.

Cooking : Baked Chicken and Stuffing

Ingredients
2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - boiled and cut into strips
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup chicken broth, divided
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 (6 ounce) package instant stuffing mix

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Layer chicken strips in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. In a medium bowl, mix together cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup and 1/2 cup chicken broth; pour mixture over chicken.
Sprinkle chicken with cheese, then combine stuffing mix and seasoning packet with remaining 1/2 cup chicken broth, mix together and place mixture on top of chicken.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 minutes.

Cooking : Apple Bavarian Torte

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
1/3 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 apple - peeled, cored and sliced
1/3 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup sliced almonds

Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F(230 degrees C).
Cream together butter, sugar, vanilla, and flour. Press crust mixture into the flat bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, blend cream cheese and sugar. Beat in egg and vanilla. Pour cheese mixture over crust. Toss apples with sugar and cinnamon. Spread apple mixture over all.
Bake for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 400 degrees F(200 degrees C) and continue baking for 25 minutes. Sprinkle almonds over top of torte. Continue baking until lightly browned. Cool before removing from pan.

Cooking : Achiote Paste

Ingredients
5 tablespoons achiote (annatto) seeds
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
8 whole allspice berries
1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
3 habanero peppers, seeded
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup white vinegar
8 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons salt
5 lemons, juiced
1 teaspoon premium tequila

Directions
With a spice grinder, grind the annatto seeds, cumin seeds, peppercorns, allspice berries, and cloves to a fine powder.
In a blender or food processor, mix the ground spices, habanero peppers, orange juice, vinegar, garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth. Mix in the lemon juice and tequila.

Cooking : Blue Moon Salad

Ingredients
2 cups coarsely chopped cabbage
1/2 cup thinly sliced radishes
1 cup Red Delicious apples - peeled, cored and chopped
4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup white wine vinegar

Directions
In a large serving bowl, combine the cabbage, radishes, and apple. Pour in the olive oil, and toss to coat. Add blue cheese, then mix in the vinegar. Chill until serving.

Cooking : Bev's Orange Chicken

Ingredients
1 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
8 chicken thighs

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a small bowl, stir together the orange juice, soy sauce, onion soup mix and garlic powder; set aside. Rinse chicken, and pat dry. Place chicken thighs into a 9x13 inch glass baking dish. Pour the orange juice mixture over.
Bake, uncovered, for 1 hour and 30 minutes in the preheated oven, basting every half hour. If using boneless chicken, reduce cooking time to 1 hour.

Cooking : Amelia's Slow Cooker Brunswick Stew

Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 pound country style pork ribs
1 onion, chopped
1 roasted chicken, deboned and shredded
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
3/4 cup ketchup
1/2 (10 fluid ounce) bottle steak sauce
1/2 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon hot sauce
1 lemon, juiced
2 cubes chicken bouillon
1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, undrained
1 cup frozen lima beans, thawed

Directions
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat, and brown the ribs on all sides. Transfer to a slow cooker. Place onion in the skillet, cook until tender, and transfer to the slow cooker.
Place the chicken in the slow cooker, and mix in tomatoes, ketchup, steak sauce, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon, chicken bouillon, and pepper.
Cover, and cook 6 hours on High. Remove ribs, discard bones, and shred. Return meat to slow cooker. Mix in corn and lima beans, cover, and continue cooking 2 hours on High.

Cooking : Applesauce Custard Pie

Ingredients
1 (9 inch) pie shell
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
2 cups applesauce
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
In a medium mixing bowl combine butter or margarine, sugar, and eggs. Beat until smooth. Add applesauce and vanilla. Mix thoroughly.
Pour custard mixture into pie shell. Sprinkle top lightly with cinnamon.
Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until set in center.

Cooking : Aimee's Quick Chicken

Ingredients
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
4 ounces Dijon mustard
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
1/4 cup bacon bits
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Place chicken in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Slather mustard evenly over chicken, then pour teriyaki sauce evenly over all. Sprinkle with bacon bits, then cover with cheese.
Bake at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 30 minutes.

Cooking : Black Bean Cakes

Ingredients
3 cups dry black beans
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon milk
1 pinch cayenne pepper

Directions
Place black beans in a large pot with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 1 hour, or until tender.
In an electric blender or food processor, process black beans until smooth. Stir in cumin, chili powder, salt, and cilantro; blend. Roll the mixture into balls, allowing 3 tablespoons of mixture per ball.
Place balls between sheets of wax paper and press down on the wax paper to form 1/8 inch thick rounds.
Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet. Fry the cakes 2 or 3 minutes per side.
In a bowl, combine yogurt, milk, and cayenne pepper (to taste). Serve the sauce over the hot black bean cakes.

Cooking : Bacon Cheddar Round

Ingredients
3 1/2 cups biscuit/baking mix
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1 1/3 cups milk

Directions
In a large bowl, combine the biscuit mix and sugar. Stir in cheese and bacon. Beat egg and milk; add to cheese mixture just until moistened. Pour into a greased and floured 9-in. springform pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove sides of pan and serve warm.

Cooking : Applesauce Bread III

Ingredients
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
2 1/4 cups bread flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch ground nutmeg
2/3 cup warm applesauce
1 tablespoon butter, softened
1/2 cup apple juice
1/2 cup shredded fresh apple, room temperature

Directions
Place ingredients in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select White Bread cycle; press Start.

Cooking : Blue Cheese and Dried Cranberry Tossed Salad

Ingredients
4 hearts of romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 English cucumber, sliced
3/4 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
3/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Directions
Layer the romaine lettuce with the cucumber, grape tomatoes, pecans, cranberries, and blue cheese in a large salad bowl. Dress the salad with the balsamic vinaigrette before serving.

Cooking : Bayou's Mardi Gras Slaw

Ingredients
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon dry mustard
2 teaspoons celery seed
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
salt to taste
1 small head red cabbage, shredded
2 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1/4 inch strips
2 green zucchini, cut into 1/4 inch strips

Directions
Whisk together cider vinegar, dark brown sugar, dry mustard, celery seed, cayenne pepper, dill, sour cream, mayonnaise, horseradish and salt. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
When ready to serve, place the cabbage, bell pepper, and zucchini in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat (see notes).

Cooking : Banana Cream Pie with Caramel Drizzle

Ingredients
1 medium banana, sliced
1 (6 ounce) HONEY MAID Graham Pie Crust
2 cups cold milk
2 pkg. (4 serving size) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling
2 cups thawed COOL WHIP French Vanilla Whipped Topping, divided
1/4 cup KRAFT Caramel Topping

Directions
Arrange banana slices on bottom of crust.
Pour milk into large bowl. Add dry pudding mixes. Beat with wire whisk 2 min. or until well blended. Gently stir in 1 cup of the whipped topping; spoon into crust.
Refrigerate 4 hours or until set. Top with remaining 1 cup whipped topping just before serving. Drizzle with caramel topping. Store leftover pie in refrigerator.

Cooking : Banana Flavored Jam

Ingredients
4 cups mashed ripe bananas
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions
Combine all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Heat to a boiling in a saucepan and simmer slowly, till mixture is thickened. Serve warm over pancakes or cool and serve as a jam.

Cooking : Applesauce Rum-Raisin Cake

Ingredients
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup raisins
1/3 cup dark rum
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 1/2 cups applesauce

Directions
Place all the raisins in a small bowl with the rum and let sit overnight, if possible
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease and flour one 9x13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, cream the butter or margarine with the sugar. Beat in the eggs, then the applesauce.
In another bowl, stir together the flours, cornstarch, baking soda, spices, salt, and cocoa. Beat into the creamed ingredients. Stir in the raisins, along with any rum that was not absorbed, and the walnuts. Turn batter into the prepared pan.
Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 25 minutes or until cake tests done. Let cool on a rack. Makes about 12 servings.

Cooking : Amber's Sesame Chicken

Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup toasted sesame seeds, divided
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
5 (6 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into chunks
5 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 yellow onion, cut into wedges
1/2 cup green bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
2 tablespoons honey

Directions
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine flour, 1/4 cup sesame seeds, black pepper, five-spice powder, and red pepper flakes. Place a few pieces of chicken at a time into the bag, and shake to coat. Remove to a platter.
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Place chicken into skillet, and brown on both sides, about 5 minutes. Remove chicken, and set aside. Stir onion wedges and bell pepper slices into skillet; cook until slightly browned, about 2 minutes. Remove, and set aside.
Return chicken to skillet, and reduce heat to low. Mix in teriyaki marinade, 1/4 cup sesame seeds, and honey; stir until sauce thickens. Return onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Warm through, and serve.

Cooking : Almond Wild Rice

Ingredients
5 1/2 cups chicken broth, divided
1 cup golden raisins
6 tablespoons butter or margarine, divided
1 cup uncooked wild rice
1 cup uncooked brown rice
1 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions
In a small saucepan, bring 1/2 cup broth to a boil. Remove from the heat; add raisins and set aside (do not drain). In a large saucepan, bring 3 cups of broth and 2 tablespoons of butter to a boil. Add wild rice; cover and simmer for 55-60 minutes or until the rice is tender (drain if necessary).
Meanwhile, in another saucepan, combine the brown rice, 2 tablespoons butter and remaining broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 35-40 minutes or until rice is tender (drain if necessary).
In a skillet, saute the almonds in remaining butter until lightly browned. In a serving bowl, combine the wild rice, brown rice, raisin mixture, almonds, parsley, salt and pepper.

Cooking : Appetizer Mussels

Ingredients
3/4 cup white wine
3/4 cup tomato and clam juice cocktail
3 cloves garlic - peeled and sliced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 pound mussels, cleaned and debearded
3 tablespoons butter

Directions
In a stock pot, combine the wine, juice cocktail, garlic and pepper flakes. Bring to a boil and add mussels.
Cover and continue to boil for about 4 to 6 minutes or until all the mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that haven't opened.
Remove mussels from liquid and keep warm. Pour off liquid to leave about 1 cup. Try not to discard the garlic. Boil the 1 cup of liquid until it's reduced to about 3/4 of a cup.
Add butter and stir until butter has melted and sauce has thickened slightly. Serve mussels with sauce.

Cooking : Absolutely the Best Nacho Dip Ever

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup cocktail sauce
1 cup mild salsa
3/4 cup diced green onion
3/4 cup diced red bell pepper
3/4 cup diced green bell pepper
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded lettuce
1 cucumber, thinly sliced

Directions
In a blender or food processor, thoroughly mix cream cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise. Spread the mixture evenly in the bottom of a medium serving dish.
In individual layers, top the mixture with cocktail sauce, mild salsa, diced green onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, shredded Cheddar cheese and shredded lettuce.
Arrange cucumber slices around the edge of the serving dish. Chill in the refrigerator at least 2 hours before serving.

Cooking : Aunt Jules' Balsalmic Chicken with Peppers

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil, or to taste
4 cloves garlic, crushed
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 green bell pepper, cut into strips
1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
1 large red onion, cut into strips
1 bunch fresh asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 (6 ounce) bag baby spinach leaves
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar, or to taste
1 tablespoon brown sugar

Directions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and drizzle the olive oil into the hot skillet. Cook and stir 4 garlic cloves just until fragrant, about 1 minute, smashing them into the oil with a spoon as you stir. Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and brown them in the hot oil until the surface is golden and the meat is no longer pink inside, 5 to 8 minutes per side. Remove the chicken breasts to a platter and keep warm.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet over medium heat, and scrape up any browned bits of flavor from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in 2 more cloves of garlic, the green, red, and yellow bell peppers, red onion, and asparagus, and cook and stir until the vegetables are brightly colored and softened, about 10 minutes. Toss the spinach leaves with the hot vegetables to just wilt the spinach. Divide the cooked vegetables between 4 serving plates, and top each plate with a chicken breast.
Stir the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar into the skillet over medium-low heat, stirring until the vinegar comes to a full boil and the sugar has dissolved. Cook the mixture until reduced and thickened, 3 to 5 minutes; spoon the balsamic sauce over each chicken breast to serve.

Cooking : Brussels Sprouts with Apple

Ingredients
1/2 pound fresh brussels sprouts, halved
2 bacon strips, diced
1 medium red apple, cut into 1 inch pieces
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh thyme

Directions
Place brussels sprouts in a steamer basket; place in a small saucepan over 1 in. of water. Bring to a boil; cover and steam for 4-5 minutes or until crisp-tender.
Meanwhile, in a nonstick skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp; drain. Remove bacon to paper towels. Add the apple, thyme and brussels sprouts to skillet. Cook, uncovered, over medium heat for 5-10 minutes or until heated through. Stir in bacon.

Cooking : Almond Puff Cake

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
1/4 cup blanched slivered almonds
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine butter, salt, water and almonds. Bring to a boil and stir in flour, all at once, stirring vigorously until mixture forms a ball. Remove from heat and beat in eggs, one at a time, until thoroughly incorporated. Transfer dough to a pastry bag with a number 8 star tip, and pipe pastry in an 8-inch ring, one inch wide, on a baking sheet.
Bake 50 minutes, or until puffed, set and golden brown. Cool on wire rack.
While pastry is baking, combine cream, sugar, vanilla and almond extracts in a medium bowl and chill in refrigerator for 1 hour. Remove from refrigerator and whip with electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
Split cooled ring in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. Scoop out any soft dough. Place bottom half on serving plate, and fill with whipped cream. Place other half of ring on top, sprinkle with confectioners' sugar and serve.

Cooking : Brandi's Best Burgers

Ingredients
2 pounds lean ground beef
1 packet dry onion soup mix
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
3/4 cup dried bread crumbs

Directions
Preheat an outdoor grill for medium high heat and lightly oil grate.
In a large bowl, combine the beef, onion soup mix, water, hot sauce and bread crumbs. Mix together well and form into patties.
Grill patties over medium high heat for 10 to 20 minutes, or to desired doneness.

Cooking : Adrienne's Tom Ka Gai

Ingredients
2 teaspoons peanut oil
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger root
1/4 cup chopped lemon grass
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into thin strips
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 cups bok choy, shredded
4 cups water
1 (10 ounce) can coconut milk
1/4 cup fish sauce
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions
In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat peanut oil. Stir in garlic, ginger, lemon grass, red pepper, coriander and cumin and cook until fragrant, 2 minutes. Stir in chicken and onion and cook, stirring, until chicken is white and onion is translucent, 5 minutes. Stir in bok choy and cook until it begins to wilt, 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in water, coconut milk, fish sauce and cilantro. Simmer until chicken is thoroughly cooked and flavors are well blended, 30 minutes.

Cooking : Awesome Egg Salad with a Kick

Ingredients
12 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup light mayonnaise
1/2 cup low-fat sour cream
1/4 teaspoon paprika
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
2 tablespoons chopped red onion
1/4 cup real bacon bits
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
In a medium bowl, stir together the eggs, mayonnaise, sour cream, paprika, mustard, horseradish, red onion and bacon bits. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until serving.

Cooking : Angela's Potatoes

Ingredients
2 pounds potatoes, peeled and sliced
3 tablespoons water
1 pound processed cheese food
1/2 cup butter
1 (1 ounce) package dry Ranch-style dressing mix
1/4 cup milk

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with aluminum foil.
Place potatoes and water in baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven 1 hour.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt together processed cheese food and butter. Stir in dry ranch-style dressing mix and milk.
Pour the processed cheese food mixture over potatoes. Return to oven, reseal and continue cooking 30 minutes, until potatoes are tender and processed cheese food mixture is bubbly.

Cooking : Beef and Pita Casserole

Ingredients
5 pita bread, cut into squares
1/4 cup butter, divided
1 1/4 pounds beef sirloin, cut into thin 2 inch strips
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
Cut the pita bread into squares and saute them with 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, for 5 minutes. Spread into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and saute the beef strips for 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in the tomato sauce, cover and let simmer until the beef is cooked; about 5 minutes.
Pour the beef mixture over the pita bread cubes. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes or until bubbly.

Cooking : Beefy Cornbread Casserole

Ingredients
1 pound ground beef *
1 (15 ounce) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (10.25 ounce) can Campbell's� Beef Gravy
1/2 cup barbeque sauce
1 (8.5 ounce) package corn muffin mix

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cook beef in skillet until browned. Add beans, gravy and barbecue sauce. Pour into 2-quart shallow baking dish.
Prepare corn muffin mix according to package directions. Drop by spoonfuls on top of beef mixture. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until top is golden brown and mixture is bubbling.