Sunday, August 7, 2011

Cooking : Anzac Biscuits I

Ingredients
1 cup quick cooking oats
3/4 cup flaked coconut
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 tablespoon golden syrup
2 tablespoons boiling water

Directions
Mix oats, flour, sugar and coconut together.
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the syrup and butter together. Mix the soda and the boiling water and add to the melted butter and syrup.
Add butter mixture to the dry ingredients. Drop by teaspoons on greased cookie sheets (or baking paper).
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 18 to 20 minutes.

Cooking : Arrabbiata Sauce

Ingredients
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
4 cloves garlic, minced
3/8 cup red wine
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 (14.5 ounce) cans peeled and diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions
Heat oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Saute onion and garlic in oil for 5 minutes.
Stir in wine, sugar, basil, red pepper, tomato paste, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, black pepper and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, and simmer uncovered about 15 minutes.
Stir in parsley. Ladle over the hot cooked pasta of your choice.

Cooking : Beef and Spaghetti Pie

Ingredients
1 pound spaghetti
1 pound lean ground beef
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
garlic powder to taste
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
26 ounces Classico� Tomato and Basil Sauce
3/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions
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.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain and crumble. Put crumbled beef in skillet. Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, bell pepper and pasta sauce. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
In a small bowl combine sour cream, green onions and cream cheese and set aside. Coat a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray and add the cooked spaghetti. Spread the cream cheese mixture over it, add the meat mixture and sprinkle with Cheddar Cheese.
Cover and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for 5 more minutes until the cheese is bubbly.

Cooking : Breakfast Crisp

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup margarine, softened
1 egg

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease 9x9 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, stir together oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together brown sugar and margarine. Beat in egg. Stir mixtures together just until blended. Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of pan comes out clean.

Cooking : Bull Riders All Beef Chili

Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 pounds cubed beef stew meat
1 large eggplant, diced
5 tablespoons mild chili powder
1/4 cup dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups water
3 cubes beef bouillon
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon sea salt

Directions
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it begins to smoke slightly. Pour in the olive oil, and tip the pan to coat. Add beef cubes; cook and stir to brown on all sides. When the meat is pretty much browned, season with chili powder, oregano, paprika and pepper. Stir the beef to coat with all of the spices, and continue browning until spices become fragrant. Scrape all of the beef out of the pan, and into a 3 1/2 quart slow cooker.
Pour the water into the skillet, and watch out! It will sizzle. Stir in the beef bouillon, and scrape all of the bits of beef and spice off of the bottom of the pan. When the bouillon is dissolved, and the bottom of the pan is clear, pour the liquid into the slow cooker. Mix the eggplant and tomato paste into the chili. Adjust the amount of liquid in the slow cooker if necessary by adding water until it is within 1/2 inch of the top.
Cover, and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours, or on High for 3 to 4 hours. Low heat is preferred if you have the time. Twenty minutes before serving, sift in the flour, and stir in along with the salt. Allow to cook until thickened. Serve with your favorite chili toppings.

Cooking : Awesome Ham Pasta Salad

Ingredients
8 ounces ziti pasta
1 pound cooked ham, cubed
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 large red onion, coarsely chopped
15 small sweet pickles, chopped, juice reserved
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
2 1/2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced

Directions
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.
In a large bowl, mix together the drained pasta, ham, peppers, onion, pickles and tomatoes.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, beef bouillon granules, vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic and 1/2 cup of reserved pickle juice. Fold into the salad and toss gently until evenly coated. Chill overnight to allow the flavors to blend. Serve near room temperature.

Cooking : Blue Cheese and Asparagus Pizza

Ingredients
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and snapped into pieces
1 teaspoon olive oil, or as needed
salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1 (14 ounce) prebaked pizza crust (such as Boboli�)
3/4 cup crumbled blue cheese

Directions
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place asparagus on a baking sheet; drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Bake the asparagus in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
While asparagus is baking, spread the pizza sauce over the pizza crust. Distribute asparagus pieces and crumbles of blue cheese evenly over the pizza.
Return pizza to center rack of preheated oven; bake until the cheese is melted and bubbling, 8 to 10 more minutes.

Cooking : Bramboracky (Czech Savory Potato Pancakes)

Ingredients
4 large potatoes
3 cloves garlic, crushed
salt and black pepper to taste
1 pinch dried marjoram (optional)
2 teaspoons caraway seeds (optional)
1 tablespoon milk
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
oil for frying

Directions
Peel and coarsely grate the potatoes, squeezing out as much liquid as you can. Transfer the shredded potatoes to a mixing bowl. Stir in the crushed garlic, salt, pepper, marjoram, and caraway seeds.
Beat the eggs with the milk. Add the egg mixture to the potatoes and stir well to combine. Gradually mix in the flour to form a thick but still pourable batter.
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; the oil should be about 1/4-inch deep. Spoon about 1/4 cup of batter into the hot oil, flattening it slightly. Fry the pancake until golden brown, about 3 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels. Taste the first pancake and adjust the seasoning if necessary; repeat with remaining batter.

Cooking : Brazilian Whole Banana Pie

Ingredients
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 cup water
10 bananas, peeled and sliced lengthwise
2 cups whole wheat flour
2 cups toasted wheat germ
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup light margarine
1 tablespoon cinnamon

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of brown sugar over the bottom of a small saucepan or skillet. Cook over medium heat until melted. Stir in water until sugar is completely dissolved. Heat to between 234 and 240 degrees F (112 to 116 degrees C), or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms a soft ball that flattens when removed from the water and placed on a flat surface. Pour the syrup into a round baking dish or deep dish pie plate and spread to coat the bottom.
Make a layer of bananas on top of the melted sugar. In a medium bowl, stir together the whole wheat flour, wheat germ, oats and 1 cup of brown sugar. Mix in the margarine using your hands, pinching it into small pieces to make a crumbly dough. Sprinkle half of this over the bananas in the dish and pat down. Top with the remaining bananas and sprinkle with about half of the cinnamon. Spread the rest of the dough over the bananas and pat the pie smooth. Sprinkle remaining cinnamon over the top.
Bake for 45 minutes in the preheated oven, until the pie topping is toasted and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cooking : Baked Apple-Pecan Maple Pancakes

Ingredients
1 cup pancake/waffle mix
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup apple - peeled, cored and sliced
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup pecans, chopped
3 tablespoons maple syrup

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Mix together pancake mix, milk and egg until blended. Set aside.
Pour melted butter in 9-inch pie plate. Place apple slices in bottom of pie plate. Sprinkle cinnamon and pecans over apples and drizzle syrup over top. Pour batter over apples.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes or until top springs back when touched. Loosen edges and invert onto serving platter. Cut into wedges before serving.

Cooking : Antipasto Platter

Ingredients
2 heads iceberg lettuce
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 (8 ounce) bottle Italian-style salad dressing
1 pound thinly sliced cooked ham
2 1/2 pounds sliced provolone cheese
1/2 pound Genoa salami, thinly sliced
1/4 pound Capacola sausage, sliced
1/4 pound pepperoni sausage, sliced
1/4 pound prosciutto, thinly sliced
1/4 pound thinly sliced roast beef
1 cup fresh mushrooms
1 (6 ounce) can marinated artichoke hearts
1 (7 ounce) jar roasted red peppers
1 (6 ounce) can sliced black olives
3/4 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
1 (5 ounce) jar sliced pimento-stuffed green olives
1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
1/2 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
Remove large outer leaves from the heads of lettuce. Arrange approximately 1/3 in a layer on a large serving platter. Sprinkle with 1/3 garlic powder, 1/3 crushed oregano and desired amount of Italian-style salad dressing. Layer with cooked ham and Provolone cheese.
Layer Provolone cheese with another 1/3 of the lettuce leaves, 1/3 garlic powder, 1/3 crushed oregano, desired amount of Italian-style salad dressing, Genoa salami and Capacola sausage.
Repeat layering with remaining lettuce, garlic powder, crushed oregano, Italian-style salad dressing, pepperoni sausage, prosciutto and roast beef.
Layer with mushrooms, marinated artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, black olives, pepperoncini and pimento-stuffed green olives. Sprinkle with more Italian-style salad dressing, as desired.
Top with Gorgonzola cheese, mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Cover and chill in the refrigerator until serving.

Cooking : Apple Oatmeal Crisp

Ingredients
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter, melted
3 cups apples - peeled, cored and chopped
1/2 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C.) Lightly grease an 8 inch square pan.
In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, oats, flour and butter. Mix until crumbly. Place half of crumb mixture in pan. Spread the apples evenly over crumb mixture. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon and top with remaining crumb mixture.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cooking : Baked Basil Fries

Ingredients
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil
1 tablespoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
4 medium red potatoes

Directions
In a bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, oil, basil and garlic powder.
Cut potatoes into 1/4-in. sticks. Add to cheese mixture; toss to coat. Place in a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan coated with nonstick cooking spray.
Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes; turn potatoes. Bake 15-20 minutes longer or until crisp and tender.

Cooking : Broiled Halibut with Goat Cheese Crust

Ingredients
6 ounces soft goat cheese
1 tablespoon lemon pepper
salt to taste
2 (6 ounce) halibut steaks
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon butter
5 tablespoons whipped cream cheese
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

Directions
Preheat the oven's broiler and set the oven rack at about 6 inches from the heat source.
In a small bowl, stir together the goat cheese, lemon pepper and salt. Pat this evenly over the tops of the halibut steaks. Place the steaks on a baking sheet. Pinch off tiny pieces of butter and place them on top of the cheese coating, using about 1 tablespoon per steak.
Broil for 8 to 10 minutes per inch of thickness of your steaks. You will know they are done when the cheese is browned and the fish can be flaked with a fork.
While the fish is cooking, combine the remaining butter, lemon juice, cream cheese, milk and chives in a small saucepan. Cook while stirring over low heat until everything is melted and smooth. Spoon sauce onto dinner plates and place the halibut steaks on top to serve.

Cooking : Broccoli Rice Casserole

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
1 large onion, chopped
1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli
1/3 cup milk
1 (10.75 ounce) can Campbell's� Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)
1 (8 fl oz) jar pasteurized process cheese sauce (like Cheez Whiz�)
1 1/2 cups cooked regular long-grain white rice

Directions
Heat the butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.
Stir the broccoli in the skillet and cook until it's tender-crisp, stirring occasionally. Stir in the milk, soup, cheese sauce and rice. Cook and stir until the cheese is melted. Pour the broccoli mixture into a 2-quart shallow baking dish.
Bake at 350 degrees F. for 30 minutes or until the mixture is hot and bubbling.

Cooking : Beefs Portuguese Style

Ingredients
3/4 cup red wine
1/4 cup water
10 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon chile paste
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 (4 ounce) beef tenderloin steaks
1/3 cup vegetable oil

Directions
In a medium bowl, combine red wine, water, garlic, chile paste, white pepper and salt. Add beef, and turn to coat evenly.
In a large heavy skillet over medium heat, fry 3 steaks for 2 minutes on each side; Set steaks aside, and drain liquids into the red wine mixture. Repeat with remaining beef.
Pour oil into skillet, and reduce heat to medium-low. Fry steaks for a second time, 2 minutes on each side. Drain oil, and return all steaks and marinade to the pan. Allow to boil for 2 minutes.

Cooking : Almond-Raspberry Meringue Bars

Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
7 ounces almond paste
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup seedless red raspberry jam
3 egg whites
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup flaked coconut

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with greased aluminum foil.
To make the Crust: In a large bowl, mix together the butter, almond paste, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in one egg and the almond extract. Mix in the flour and stir until well blended.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden. Cool slightly, and spread the raspberry preserves over the crust.
In a large glass or metal bowl, whip egg whites until they form soft peaks. Gradually beat in 1/2 cup sugar until peaks become stiff. Spread the meringue over the jam and sprinkle with coconut.
Bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until firm. Let cool on wire racks. Lift foil from pan and cut bars with a sharp knife.

Cooking : Apple Braised Pork

Ingredients
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon rubbed sage
1 teaspoon pepper
1 (3 pound) boneless pork loin roast
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 cup chopped onion
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 large apple - peeled, cored and chopped
1/2 cup frozen unsweetened apple juice concentrate, thawed
1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions
Combine the thyme, sage and pepper; rub over pork. In a Dutch oven, brown meat on all sides in oil; remove and keep warm. In the same pan, saute onion and garlic until tender. Add the apple, apple juice concentrate and salt; bring to a boil. Return meat to the pan. Cover and bake at 325 degrees F for 55-75 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 160 degrees F, basting occasionally with juices.Remove to a serving platter and keep warm.
Pour cooking liquid into a measuring cup; skim off fat. Cool cooking liquid slightly; place in a blender or food processor. Cover and process until smooth. Serve with the roast.

Cooking : Baked Quince with Cinnamon

Ingredients
3 quince, unpeeled, washed, halved and cored
18 whole cloves
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup port wine
3 cinnamon sticks
1/3 cup white sugar
1/3 cup heavy cream, whipped (optional)

Directions
Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Press three cloves into each quince half. Place the fruit in a roasting pan cut-side down. Add the water, wine, and cinnamon sticks to the pan; sprinkle the sugar over the quince.
Bake the fruit in the preheated oven until lightly browned, about 35 to 40 minutes. Turn the quince right-side up and bake until tender, about 10 more minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven and let the quince cool slightly. Transfer each quince half to a plate and drizzle with a tablespoon of juices from the roasting pan and a dollop of whipped cream.

Cooking : Bulgur with Pine Nuts

Ingredients
1 cup bulgur
2 cups chicken broth
3 tablespoons chopped green onions
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted

Directions
In a large saucepan, combine the bulgur, broth and onions; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes or until broth is absorbed. Add pine nuts; stir to combine.

Cooking : Breakfast Pizza

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) can refrigerated crescent rolls
1 pound bulk pork sausage
1 cup frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
Unroll crescent dough and place on a greased 12-in. pizza pan; press seams together and press up sides of pan to form a crust. In a skillet, brown sausage over medium heat; drain and cool slightly.
Sprinkle sausage, hash browns and cheddar cheese over crust. In a bowl, beat eggs, milk and pepper; pour over pizza. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Bake at 375 degrees for 28-30 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.

Cooking : Apricot-Nut Drop Cookies

Ingredients
3/4 cup butter flavored shortening
1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped dried apricots
1 cup chopped pecans

Directions
In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and brown sugar. Beat in egg, milk and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients; gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in apricots and pecans.
Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 3 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375 degrees F for 10-13 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks.

Cooking : Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients
1/3 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup applesauce
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups rolled oats

Directions
In bowl beat butter till creamy. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and baking soda. Stir until combined. Mix in applesauce and egg. Add flour, a little at a time. Stir in oats.
Drop dough onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Enjoy!

Cooking : Banana Trifle

Ingredients
2 (3.5 ounce) packages instant banana pudding mix
1 quart cold milk
2 bananas, chopped
4 cups heavy cream
4 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 (12 ounce) package prepared pound cake, cubed
1/2 (12 ounce) box vanilla wafers (such as Nilla�), crushed

Directions
Whisk pudding mix with milk until smooth. Stir in chopped bananas; set aside.
In a large bowl, whip cream until stiff peaks are just about to form. Beat in vanilla and sugar until peaks form. Make sure not to over-beat, or cream will become lumpy and butter-like.
Layer half the pound cake cubes, half the pudding, half the whipped cream, and half the crushed vanilla wafers in a trifle bowl. Repeat with the remaining cake, pudding, and whipped cream, and top with the remaining crushed wafers. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Cooking : Basil and Sun-dried Tomato Bread

Ingredients
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
3 cups bread flour
3 tablespoons wheat bran
1/3 cup quinoa
3 tablespoons instant powdered milk
1 tablespoon dried basil
1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups water
1 cup boiling water to cover

Directions
In a small bowl, pour boiling water over sun-dried tomato halves to cover. Soak for 10 minutes, drain, and cool to room temperature. With scissors, snip into 1/4 inch pieces.
Place all ingredients into the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select the Basic or White Bread cycle, and Start.

Cooking : Basler Mehlsuppa

Ingredients
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup sliced onion
1/2 cup red wine
4 cups beef stock
2 tablespoons butter
4 thick slices whole wheat bread
1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
In a heave saucepan over medium heat, heat the flour gently until it begins to turn pale golden brown, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
In another pan, saute onions in butter. When transparent, blend them into the flour. Gradually add the beef stock, the wine and the salt and pepper to taste. Cook gently, stirring frequently, for about 30 minutes.
Put a slice of bread in each person's bowl with a good sprinkling of cheese on top. Pour soup into each bowl and serve at once.

Cooking : Asian Burger Soup

Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
2 (10.5 ounce) cans beef consomme
2 cups water
2 cups fresh bean sprouts
1/4 cup diced red bell pepper (optional)
1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms (optional)
4 green onions, diced

Directions
In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium high heat, stirring frequently. Add sesame seeds, consomme, and water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes.
Add bean sprouts and green onions (and red pepper and mushrooms, if using). Cook another 3 minutes. Serve hot.

Cooking : Amish Sourdough Pancakes

Ingredients
2 cups buttermilk pancake mix
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup Amish Friendship Bread Starter

Directions
Place the pancake mix in a large bowl. Add the water and Amish Friendship Bread Starter and stir until well combined.
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

Cooking : Bean and Tomato Stew with Sage

Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, quartered
1/4 cup white wine
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes in juice
2 tablespoons water
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons ground sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 (16 ounce) can cannellini beans
salt and pepper (optional)

Directions
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic, and saute until lightly browned. Pour in the white wine, and simmer for a minute. Pour in the tomatoes with juice and water, and season with pepper, sage, thyme, and the bay leaf. Bring to a boil, and let simmer for about 20 minutes.
Pour in the beans, and simmer for another 20 minutes or so, until the stew is thickened and flavors have blended. Remove the bay leaf, taste, and season with salt and pepper before serving.

Cooking : BBQ Fried Chicken

Ingredients
3 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1 inch strips
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons garlic pepper seasoning
2 cups buttermilk
3/4 cup honey barbecue sauce
2 eggs

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees F). Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
In a shallow dish, stir together the flour and garlic pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, barbeque sauce, and eggs. Coat chicken with the flour mixture, then dip into the buttermilk mixture. Dip into the flour mixture again. Place chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown on one side. Turn over, and continue to cook until golden on the other side, 20 to 30 minutes.

Cooking : Best Spaghetti Sauce in the World

Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon minced garlic
16 roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup chicken stock
1/3 cup dry vermouth
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Directions
In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Toss in garlic and saute 1 to 2 minutes, until slightly golden. Mix chopped tomatoes into pan. Stir in chicken stock, thinning with 1 to 2 tablespoons water if necessary. Cook over medium heat until bubbly. Stir in Vermouth and cook 5 minutes more. Mix in basil just before serving.

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 : Anna's Custard Pie

Ingredients
2 cups milk
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 eggs, beaten
1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust
1 pinch ground nutmeg

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
In a mixing bowl, blend together the milk, flour, sugar, vanilla and eggs.
Pour into pie shell, sprinkle with nutmeg and bake at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 15 minutes or until set.

Cooking : Awesome Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Ingredients
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix
1 1/4 cups water
5 1/2 pounds pot roast

Directions
In a slow cooker, mix cream of mushroom soup, dry onion soup mix and water. Place pot roast in slow cooker and coat with soup mixture.
Cook on High setting for 3 to 4 hours, or on Low setting for 8 to 9 hours.

Cooking : Bee Sting Cake (Bienenstich) I

Ingredients
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup white sugar
2 eggs, room temperature
3 egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup warm milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
3/8 cup heavy whipping cream
3/8 cup honey
1/4 cup lemon juice
5/8 cup sliced almonds
2 cups pastry cream

Directions
Combine the yeast, and the warm water; set aside to proof for 5 minutes.
Cream 3/4 cup butter and sugar until light. Beat in the eggs and yolks one at a time. Add the vanilla, milk, sour cream, and yeast. Beat until smooth. Add the flour a little at a time to form a soft dough. Add all of the flour, and continue to beat until elastic, about 8 minutes. Place dough into an oiled bowl, cover and place in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 50 minutes. Can be placed in the refrigerator overnight instead.
Beat down the dough, and divide into two pieces. Place each in a buttered 9 inch square pan. Brush the top of each with 1 tablespoon of the melted butter. Cover and let rise until doubled.
For the glaze, place the brown sugar, 6 tablespoons butter, cream, and honey in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, and stir until the sugar dissolves. Boil for 30 seconds. Remove from heat; add the lemon juice and almonds. Let cool slightly. Drizzle the warm glaze, not hot, over each of the cakes.
Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 30 minutes, or until the nuts are golden. Cool on a rack.
Split the cakes lengthwise using a serrated knife, and fill with the pastry cream. Sandwich cakes back together and serve.

Cooking : Butternut Squash Casserole

Ingredients
3 cups mashed, cooked butternut squash
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup margarine, melted
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/3 cup chopped walnuts

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease one 2 quart casserole dish and set aside.
Combine the butternut squash, white sugar, brown sugar, margarine, pineapple, cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg. Mix well and pour into casserole dish.
Sprinkle with chopped nuts and bake for 40 to 45 minutes.

Cooking : Apple Oatmeal Crisp

Ingredients
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter, melted
3 cups apples - peeled, cored and chopped
1/2 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C.) Lightly grease an 8 inch square pan.
In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, oats, flour and butter. Mix until crumbly. Place half of crumb mixture in pan. Spread the apples evenly over crumb mixture. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon and top with remaining crumb mixture.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cooking : Banana Split Shakes

Ingredients
1/2 cup milk
1 small ripe banana, cut into chunks
10 maraschino cherries
1 tablespoon baking cocoa
1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
3 cups vanilla ice cream, softened

Directions
Place the first five ingredients in a blender; cover and process until smooth. Add ice cream; cover and process until blended. Pour into chilled glasses. Serve immediately.

Cooking : Butternut Kisses

Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup ground walnuts
60 milk chocolate candy kisses, unwrapped

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Cream together the butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla.
Add the flour, baking soda and salt; mix well. Shape into 1 inch balls and roll in ground nuts.
Place on ungreased baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until set. Press kiss in center of each cookie. Cool on wire rack.

Cooking : Blueberry Chill

Ingredients
24 vanilla wafers, crushed
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 (21 ounce) can blueberry pie filling

Directions
Spread the crushed vanilla wafers evenly into the bottom of a square baking dish. Beat the cream cheese, heavy cream, and confectioners' sugar in a bowl until smooth; spread in a layer over the vanilla wafers. Spread the blueberry pie filling over the cream cheese layer. Freeze at least 2 hours before serving.

Cooking : Burger Francois

Ingredients
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fat-free sour cream
1 Morningstar Farms� Grillers� Original
1 hamburger bun, split and toasted
1/3 cup baby arugula
1 tablespoon crumbled Roquefort cheese or blue cheese

Directions
In small bowl, stir together mustard and sour cream. Cover and refrigerate until serving time.
Cook veggie burger according to package directions.
Serve burger in bun along with arugula, mustard mixture and cheese.

Cooking : Baked Pepperoni Pasta Casserole

Ingredients
8 ounces rotini pasta
1 pound lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
28 ounces Classico� Tomato and Basil Sauce
4 ounces sliced pepperoni sausage
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
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.
In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, cook beef with onion until beef is brown. Drain. Combine beef mixture with sauce, pepperoni and cooked pasta and pour into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella.
Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden.

Cooking : Barbecued Lima Beans

Ingredients
1 pound dried lima beans
6 cups water
1 1/2 cups chopped onions
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup ketchup
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup pancake syrup
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

Directions
Place beans in a large saucepan; add water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 1 hour. Drain and rinse beans, discarding water. Return beans to the saucepan. Add 6 cups water, onions and salt; mix well. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 hours or until beans are tender.
Drain and discard liquid. Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, syrup, hot pepper sauce and bacon. Transfer to an ungreased 2-qt. baking dish or bean pot. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 30 minutes longer or until bubbly.

Cooking : Banana Split Ice Cream Pie

Ingredients
1 (9 inch) prepared chocolate cookie crumb crust
2 bananas, sliced
1 quart strawberry ice cream, softened
1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup maraschino cherries (optional)

Directions
Mix cookie crumbs with 1/4 cup melted butter or margarine. Press into a 9-inch pie plate.
Arrange bananas over bottom of crust. Spread ice cream in an even layer over bananas. Top with drained pineapple. Whip the cream and spread over top. Sprinkle with nuts.
Place pie in freezer for 4 hours or until firm. Garnish with cherries, if desired. Makes 8 servings.