Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Cooking : Baked Tilapia with Arugula and Pecan Pesto

Ingredients
3 cups young arugula leaves, rinsed and dried
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 dash fresh lemon juice
sea salt to taste
1/2 cup young arugula leaves, rinsed and dried
4 (8 ounce) fillets tilapia
1 tablespoon grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
Combine 3 cups arugula, garlic, pecans, olive oil, 1/4 CUP Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, black pepper, and lemon juice in a blender and blend until it reaches the consistency of a pesto sauce.
Spread 1/2 cup arugula on the prepared baking pan. Place the tilapia fillets on the arugula. Spread the remaining pesto generously on top of fillets. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese on the pesto.
Bake in preheated oven until fish flakes easily, about 20 minutes.

Cooking : Almond Toffee Bark

Ingredients
4 cups sliced California Almonds, roasted*
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/3 cup water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 pound fine-quality bittersweet chocolate
1/2 pound fine-quality semi-sweet chocolate
3 ounces milk chocolate or white chocolate (optional)

Directions
Oil a large baking sheet. Set aside.
In a large heavy saucepan bring butter, sugar, water, vanilla and salt to a boil over moderate heat, stirring with a wooden spoon. Boil mixture, without stirring, until deep golden, about 12 minutes.
Remove pan from heat and stir in 2 cups roasted almonds. Immediately pour onto reserved baking sheet. Spread evenly and then place into the refrigerator to set.
Chop chocolate. In a hot double boiler, melt chocolate until smooth. Pour chocolate over cooled almond toffee and spread evenly with an offset spatula. Sprinkle top with remaining almonds. If desired, drizzle top with melted milk chocolate, or white chocolate for contrast. Chill uncovered until firm, at least 1 hour. Break toffee into pieces.

Cooking : Apple Pie Sauce

Ingredients
2/3 cup white sugar
1/3 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup butter
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Directions
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine sugar, corn syrup, butter, cinnamon and cloves. Microwave on HIGH in increments of 2 minutes, stirring between each 2 minute period, until the sauce comes to a boil. Cool slightly and serve warm.

Cooking : Banana Bonkers

Ingredients
3 cups fresh grapefruit juice
2 cups lemon sherbet
1 cup crushed ice

Directions
Puree bananas in a blender or food processor. In a gallon pitcher combine pureed bananas, grapefruit juice, lemon sherbet and crushed ice. Stir and serve.

Cooking : Blackberry Pie IV

Ingredients
4 cups blackberries
1/2 cup white sugar
3 tablespoons tapioca
2 tablespoons butter
1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C.)
In a large mixing bowl, combine blackberries, sugar and tapioca. Be careful not to damage the berries. Pour into pie crust. Cover with top crust, seal and crimp edges, then cut slits in the top for steam vents. Top with pats of butter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cooking : Apple Tuna Sandwiches

Ingredients
1 (6 ounce) can tuna in water, drained
1/2 cup chopped red apple
1/3 cup fat-free mayonnaise
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 slices reduced-calorie bread, toasted
6 leaves lettuce

Directions
In a bowl, combine the first nine ingredients.
Spread 1/2 cup on three slices of bread. Top with lettuce and remaining bread.

Cooking : Black Bean Lasagna

Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 onions, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1 (14.5 ounce) can chopped tomatoes
1 cup salsa
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
salt and black pepper to taste
2 avocados - peeled, pitted, and mashed
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
12 (6 inch) corn tortillas, quartered
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Warm oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in onions, 3 cloves of chopped garlic, and green and red bell peppers. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent. Stir in tomatoes with juice, salsa, and black beans. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, and cook about 3 minutes.
In a bowl, mash the avocados with 1 clove chopped garlic and lemon juice.
Place a layer of tortillas on the bottom of the baking dish. Spread 1/3 of the tomato and bean mixture on top. Spread 1/2 of guacamole on top, then sprinkle with 1/3 of cheese. Lay out another layer of tortillas. Top with half of the remaining tomato and bean mixture. Then spread remaining guacamole on top. Sprinkle with half the cheese. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until sauce is bubbly.

Cooking : Baked French Fries II

Ingredients
3 russet potatoes, sliced into 1/4 inch strips
cooking spray
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a medium baking sheet.
Arrange potato strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, skin sides down. Spray lightly with cooking spray, and sprinkle with basil, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.
Bake 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown.

Cooking : Bob's Bean Salad

Ingredients
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
1/3 medium onion, chopped
1 (6 ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 (12 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (12 ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 (12 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
2 ounces crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup olive oil
1/8 cup white vinegar or white wine vinegar
1/8 cup balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar

Directions
In a large bowl, toss red bell pepper, onion, and artichokes together with kidney, pinto, and garbanzo beans. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, whisk salt and sugar with white and balsamic vinegars until completely dissolved. Slowly whisk in olive oil. Adjust seasoning as desired.
Pour dressing over bean mixture, and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least one hour before serving. Serve chilled.

Cooking : Baked Oatmeal I

Ingredients
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
3 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup raisins
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions
Beat together oil and sugar. Mix in eggs, milk, salt, baking powder, oatmeal. Beat well then stir in raisins. Pour into a lightly grease pie pan. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Refrigerate overnight.
The next morning, preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Bake in preheated oven until firm, about 35 minutes. Serve hot.

Cooking : Brandy Almond Cake

Ingredients
1 cup butter
1 1/2 cups white sugar
4 eggs, separated
3 cups self-rising flour
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups water
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brandy
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
Preheat an oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Grease and flour an 8 inch round baking pan.
Beat the butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl until light and fluffy. The mixture should be noticeably lighter in color. Add the room-temperature egg yolks one at a time, allowing each egg yolk to blend into the butter mixture before adding the next. Pour in the flour alternately with the milk, mixing until just incorporated. Stir in the almond extract. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form in a large glass or metal mixing bowl. Lift your beater or whisk straight up: the egg whites should form a sharp peak that holds its shape. Fold the egg whites into the batter; mixing just enough to evenly combine. Pour the batter into prepared pan.
Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 90 minutes. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack. Cut any excess cake so that it is flush with the sides of the pan.
Bring the water and 1 cup of sugar to a boil for 8 to 10 minutes. Reduce heat to a simmer, then add brandy and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes and remove from heat. Allow syrup to cool to room temperature. Prick holes in the cooled cake with a toothpick, then slowly saturate the cake with the brandy syrup.

Cooking : Baked Salmon I

Ingredients
1 cup brown rice
2 1/2 cups water
1 pound salmon fillet
1/4 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon dried dill weed
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon lemon pepper

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a saucepan bring 2 1/2 cups of water to a boil. Add rice and stir. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
In a large pan, add enough water to just cover the bottom of the pan. Lay the salmon fillet in the pan, pink side up. Place cooked rice around the outside of the fish. Sprinkle the orange juice over the fish and rice.
In a small bowl, combine the dill weed, rosemary, basil, mustard, lemon pepper and sprinkle over the fish and rice. Cover with aluminum foil.
Bake in a preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until the salmon is tender and flaky.

Cooking : Barbeque Beef Casserole

Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
1 large onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 (10 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1/2 cup barbeque sauce
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
3 (8.5 ounce) packages corn bread mix

Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Crumble the ground beef into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until evenly browned. Add the onion, bell pepper, corn and tomatoes. Cook and stir until vegetables are tender. Drain excess grease, and stir in the barbeque sauce. Spread the beef mixture in an even layer in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Prepare the cornbread batter mixes according to package directions. Spread the batter over the top of the beef mixture.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until the top is golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center of the cornbread layer comes out clean.

Cooking : Best Ever Kabob Marinade

Ingredients
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup tomato-based chili sauce
1 tablespoon ground cumin, or more to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions
Whisk honey, soy sauce, chili sauce, cumin, and vegetable oil together in a bowl.

Cooking : Bratwurst, Sauerkraut and Bean Casserole

Ingredients
1 pound fresh bratwurst sausages
1 (32 ounce) package sauerkraut
1 pinch celery salt
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 (15 ounce) can baked beans

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Cook bratwurst in a skillet over medium-high heat just until nicely browned on the outside.
Spread sauerkraut in the bottom of a 9x11 casserole dish, leaving a 2 inch margin at the edges. Sprinkle celery salt and brown sugar over the sauerkraut. Place the sausages on top. Pour the beans around the outer edge of the sauerkraut. Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil.
Bake for about 45 minutes in the preheated oven, until bratwurst links are cooked through.

Cooking : Broccoli and Cheese Brunch Casserole

Ingredients
8 ounces pork sausage
1 (10 ounce) package chopped frozen broccoli, thawed and drained
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup ricotta cheese
8 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 roma (plum) tomato, thinly sliced

Directions
Place sausage in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble, and set aside.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 7x11 inch baking dish.
In a bowl, mix cooked sausage, broccoli, and 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese. In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese, ricotta cheese, eggs, milk, pepper, and salt. Spoon the sausage mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread the Cheddar and ricotta mixture over the sausage mixture. Sprinkle with remaining Cheddar. Arrange tomato slices on top.
Cover with aluminum foil, and bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven. Uncover, and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Cooking : Banny's Southern Cream Cookies

Ingredients
1 cup shortening
2 cups white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
5 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups chopped black walnuts
3 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease baking sheets.
Cream the shortening with 2 cups of the white sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, vanilla and sour cream; mixing well.
Stir in the flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda into the shortening mixture to make a stiff dough. Add the chopped black walnuts.
Drop teaspoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Mix the 3 tablespoons with the ground cinnamon. Grease the bottom of a small glass. Dip it into the cinnamon-sugar mixture and gently press the cookies to flatten the balls of dough slightly.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 10 to 15 minutes or until centers are done.

Cooking : Artichoke Salad I

Ingredients
1 (10.75 ounce) package chicken flavored rice mix (e.g. Rice A Roni)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 dash hot pepper sauce
2 (6.5 ounce) jars marinated artichoke hearts, diced
6 green onions, chopped
12 pimento-stuffed green olives, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped

Directions
Prepare rice as package directs, omitting butter, instead spray pan with non-stick vegetable oil. Cool mixture in refrigerator.
In a mixing bowl, combine artichokes, green onions, green olives and bell pepper.
Prepare the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, curry powder and hot pepper sauce. Pour dressing over combined rice and vegetable mix, stir well and chill.

Cooking : BREAKSTONE'S Fruit-Filled Coffee Cake

Ingredients
1 package (2-layer size) white cake mix
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup BREAKSTONE'S Reduced Fat Sour Cream
1/4 cup water
1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
1/2 cup PLANTERS Sliced Almonds, toasted
1 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons milk

Directions
Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Beat first 5 ingredients with mixer until well blended. Pour into greased and floured 13x9-inch pan; top with spoonfuls of pie filling.
Bake 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean; sprinkle with nuts. Cool 10 minutes.
Mix sugar and milk; drizzle over cake. Cool completely.

Cooking : Biscuits With Deer Maple Gravy

Ingredients
1 cup self-rising flour
1/2 tablespoon white sugar
2 tablespoons butter, melted
3/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
1 pound boneless venison steak, cubed
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.
To make biscuits, mix the self-rising flour and sugar together in a bowl, and stir in the melted butter and 3/4 cup of milk. Knead the dough very lightly for 5 to 7 times, until it barely hangs together, and roll out to 1/2 inch thick on a floured surface. Cut biscuits with a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass dipped in flour.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, until the biscuits are golden brown.
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat, and place the deer meat into the hot butter. Sprinkle the meat with salt and pepper, and pan-fry until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove the meat to a platter.
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, and bring to a boil while scraping the browned bits off of the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. Stir in 1 cup of milk and the maple syrup, and whisk in all-purpose flour until smooth. Bring the gravy back to a simmer, add salt and pepper to taste, and allow to thicken, whisking to avoid lumps. Return the deer meat to the gravy, and simmer until the gravy is thick, 5-10 minutes. Serve over biscuits.

Cooking : Bacon Cabbage Stir-Fry

Ingredients
6 bacon strips, diced
1 small head cabbage, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard

Directions
In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels; drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings. Stir-fry cabbage in drippings for 5 minutes. Add garlic powder, salt, mustard and bacon; cook and stir until heated through.

Cooking : Bourbon-Glazed Ham

Ingredients
1 (5 pound) boneless ham
1/3 cup bourbon whiskey
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice
1/2 cup honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups water
1 (8 ounce) can pineapple rings

Directions
Score the surface of the ham, making diamond shapes about 1/2-inch deep. Place the ham in a large, resealable bag. Add the bourbon, brown sugar, crushed pineapple, honey, and garlic to the bag; refrigerate at least 8 hours, turning the bag over several times while marinating.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Transfer the ham and marinade to a large baking dish; pour the water into the dish. Attach the pineapple rings around the surface of the ham with toothpicks.
Bake in preheated oven until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (95 degrees C), basting occasionally with the sauce in the pan, 90 to 105 minutes.

Cooking : Barbecued Pork Chops

Ingredients
6 (1/2 inch thick) boneless pork chops
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup chopped celery
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon cold water

Directions
Place pork chops in an ungreased 11-in. x 7-in. x 2-in. microwave-safe dish. In a bowl, combine the next nine ingredients. Pour over the chops. Cover with plastic wrap; peel back one corner to vent. Microwave on high for 18-20 minutes or until juices run clear. Remove chops; set aside and keep warm. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Stir into barbecue sauce. Microwave for 1 minute or until thickened. Serve sauce over chops.

Cooking : Beth's Orange Cookies

Ingredients
2 cups white sugar
1 cup shortening
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
2 tablespoons grated orange zest
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
2 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

Directions
Cream white sugar and shortening; add eggs and stir. Add sour cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla; stir and set aside. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add little by little to the creamed mixture and stir well. Add 3/4 cup orange juice concentrate, and 2 tablespoons orange zest. Drop onto greased cookie sheets by teaspoonfuls.
Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for about 10 minutes. Frost cookies when they are cool.
To Make Frosting: Mix together 1/2 teaspoon orange zest, 2 Tablespoons of the thawed orange juice concentrate, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 4 Tablespoons of melted butter, 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar or enough to make frosting of spreading consistency.

Cooking : Beans, Greens and Garlic Soup

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
1 onion, chopped
6 cups chicken broth
1 (15.5 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup ditalini or other small pasta
1 (10 ounce) bag baby spinach, rinsed and dried
salt and black pepper to taste

Directions
Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Stir in the garlic and onions; cook and stir until the onions are transparent, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the chicken broth, increase the heat to high, and bring the mixture to a boil.
Stir in the beans and pasta; lower heat to medium, and simmer, uncovered, until the pasta is al dente, or 8 to 10 minutes. Add the spinach and stir just until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking : Barquillos (Wafer Rolls)

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 egg whites
2/3 cup all-purpose flour

Directions
Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease 2 baking sheets.
Beat the butter, sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer in a large bowl until smooth. Add the egg whites one at a time, allowing each to blend into the butter mixture before adding the next. Mix in the flour until just incorporated.
Drop teaspoonfuls of the dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Spread thinly with a spatula or the back of the spoon into a 3 inch circle.
Bake in the preheated oven until browned along the edges, about 5 minutes.
Remove the baked wafers from the baking sheet one at a time using a spatula or kitchen turner. Roll each wafer around the handle of a wooden spoon until the edges overlap. Cool seam-side down on a wire rack until completely crisp.

Cooking : Banana Pudding Sugar Cookies

Ingredients
2/3 cup shortening
2/3 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 (3.5 ounce) package instant banana pudding mix
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Directions
In a medium bowl, cream together shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla extract, baking powder, salt, and instant banana pudding mix. Mix in 2 cups flour. Gradually mix in remaining 1/2 cup flour as needed to form a workable dough. Cover, and chill in the refrigerator at least 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease baking sheets. Shape dough into walnut sized balls, and place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten balls to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until lightly browned.

Cooking : Apple Crisp II

Ingredients
10 cups all-purpose apples, peeled, cored and sliced
1 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup water
1 cup quick-cooking oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup butter, melted

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degree C).
Place the sliced apples in a 9x13 inch pan. Mix the white sugar, 1 tablespoon flour and ground cinnamon together, and sprinkle over apples. Pour water evenly over all.
Combine the oats, 1 cup flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and melted butter together. Crumble evenly over the apple mixture.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 45 minutes.

Cooking : Big Joe's Venison Steak in Chestnut Sauce

Ingredients
6 ounces chestnuts
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup chopped carrots
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups beef broth
1/2 bay leaf, crumbled
1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons Madeira wine
2 (6 ounce) venison steaks (about 1 1/4 inches thick)

Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (200 degrees C). Slice the skin to allow steam to escape. Place the chestnuts in a baking pan, and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove from oven, and cool. Peel off the shell, and chop. You should have about 1 cup chopped chestnuts.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, the onions and carrots in the butter until soft. Stir in the flour, and cook until the flour browns. Mix in the broth, and season with bay leaf, and salt and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Preheat broiler, and position a rack 5 inches below the broiler element. Place the venison steaks in a broiling pan. Cook 5 minutes on each side. Transfer to a hot platter.
Strain the solids from the broth, and return the broth to the pan. Stir in Madeira and chestnuts. Pour hot chestnut sauce over venison steaks, and serve.

Cooking : Blueberry Waffles with Fast Blueberry Sauce

Ingredients
3 egg yolks, beaten
1 2/3 cups milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup melted butter
3 egg whites, stiffly beaten
2/3 cup blueberries
1 1/2 cups blueberries
3 tablespoons honey
1/2 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Directions
In a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks and milk. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt. Stir in butter, and set mixture aside for about 30 minutes.
Preheat a lightly greased waffle iron.
Fold egg whites and 2/3 cup blueberries into the mixture. Scoop portions of the mixture into the prepared waffle iron, and cook until golden brown.
To prepare the sauce, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix 1 1/2 cups blueberries, honey and 1/4 cup orange juice. Bring to a boil. Mix remaining orange juice and cornstarch in a small bowl, and stir into the blueberry mixture. Stir constantly until thickened. Serve warm over waffles.

Cooking : Baked Broccoli

Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
1 pinch salt
1 pinch fresh ground black pepper
1 pound broccoli florets

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, brown sugar, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper until thoroughly combined. Add the broccoli florets, and toss until evenly coated with the seasoning. Spread the broccoli florets out onto an baking sheet with a rim.
Bake in the preheated oven until the broccoli is just browned on the top, 10 to 15 minutes.