Friday, August 19, 2011

Cooking : Asparagus, Chicken, and Pecan Pasta

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 bunches asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
1 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
salt to taste
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons butter
1 pound grilled chicken breast strips
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup pecan halves (optional)

Directions
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes; drain.
Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Stir in the garlic, red pepper, and asparagus; cook and stir 5 minutes until the garlic softens and mellows. Pour in the chicken broth, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Simmer until the vegetables have softened, then add the basil, salt, pepper, butter, and chicken. Cook and stir a few minutes until the chicken is hot. Stir in the cooked pasta, then fold in the Parmesan cheese and pecan halves to serve.

Cooking : Apple Dumplings II

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 1/2 cups water
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
6 drops red food coloring
3 tablespoons butter
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup shortening
1/2 cup milk
6 apples, peeled and cored
6 teaspoons white sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
6 tablespoons butter

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 1/2 cups sugar, water, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg and food coloring. Bring to a boil, remove from heat and stir in 3 tablespoons butter. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Cut in shortening, using knives or pastry blender, until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pour in milk, all at once, and stir to form a dough. On a floured surface, roll dough into a 1/4 inch thick, 12x18 rectangle. Cut into 6 - 6 inch squares.
Place a whole, peeled and cored apple in the center of each pastry square. Dust each apple with a mixture of the of sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Dot with a tablespoon of butter. Moisten the edges of the pastry square, bring the corners together at the top of the apple, and press edges together to seal. Place dumplings 1 inch apart on a baking sheet.
Pour the syrup over the dumplings and sprinkle with additional sugar, if desired.
Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes, until apples are tender.

Cooking : Basic Spicy Tomato Sauce

Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup diced onion
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
salt to taste

Directions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the onion in the oil until translucent. Add the garlic and cook and stir another 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt. Cook until completely heated, another 2 to 3 minutes.

Cooking : Alison's Gluten Free Bread

Ingredients
1/3 cup egg whites
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup honey
1 1/2 cups warm skim milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon xanthan gum
1/2 cup tapioca flour
1/4 cup garbanzo bean flour
1/4 cup millet flour
1 cup white rice flour
1 cup brown rice flour
1 tablespoon active dry yeast

Directions
Place ingredients in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select cycle; press Start. Five minutes into the cycle, check the consistency of the dough. Add additional rice flour or liquid if necessary.
When bread is finished, let cool for 10 to 15 minutes before removing from pan.

Cooking : Best Cheesecake on Earth

Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds ricotta cheese
16 ounces cream cheese
1 cup white sugar
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C.) Wrap the outside bottom of a 10 inch springform pan with foil to prevent water seeping in while baking.
Cream together ricotta cheese, cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Mix in the eggs one at a time. Add flour one tablespoon at a time, mixing well. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla. Pour mixture into a 10 inch springform pan.
Place cheesecake in a large rectangular pan filled with 2 inches of hot water. Carefully put into preheated oven without spilling water. Bake for 90 minutes.
After 90 minutes turn oven off, but leave the cake in the oven for another 60 minutes (do not open door).
Cool on counter for 60 minutes and then refrigerate. Serve when thoroughly chilled.

Cooking : Butternut Squash Soup II

Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 medium carrot, chopped
2 medium potatoes, cubed
1 medium butternut squash - peeled, seeded, and cubed
1 (32 fluid ounce) container chicken stock
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions
Melt the butter in a large pot, and cook the onion, celery, carrot, potatoes, and squash 5 minutes, or until lightly browned. Pour in enough of the chicken stock to cover vegetables. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and simmer 40 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.
Transfer the soup to a blender, and blend until smooth. Return to pot, and mix in any remaining stock to attain desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.

Cooking : Blue Ribbon Apple Cake

Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 cups sugar, divided
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup orange juice
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 medium baking apples, peeled and thinly sliced
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
confectioners' sugar

Directions
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, 2 cups sugar, baking powder and salt. Combine eggs, oil, orange juice and vanilla; add to flour mixture and mix well. In a bowl, toss apples with cinnamon and remaining sugar. Spread a third of the batter into a greased 10-in. tube pan. Top with half the apples. Repeat layers. Carefully spread remaining batter over apples. Bake at 350 degrees F for 55-65 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool in pan 15 minutes before removing to a wire rack; cool. Dust with confectioners' sugar.

Cooking : A Plus Fair Corn Dogs

Ingredients
1 quart oil for deep frying
1 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup yellow cornmeal
1/4 cup white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons bacon drippings
1 egg, beaten
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 pounds hot dogs
wooden sticks

Directions
Heat oil in a deep fryer to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C).
In a large bowl, stir together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder and salt. Stir in melted bacon drippings. Make a well in the center, and pour in the egg, buttermilk, and baking soda. Mix until everything is smooth and well blended.
Pat the hot dogs dry with paper towels so that the batter will stick. Insert wooden sticks into the ends. Dip the hot dogs in the batter one at a time, shaking off the excess. Deep fry a few at a time in the hot oil until they are as brown as you like them. Drain on paper towels or serve on paper plates.

Cooking : Appetizing Bread

Ingredients
1 (1 pound) loaf unsliced white bread
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup grated Romano cheese
6 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons dried red chile peppers

Directions
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
Place the unsliced white bread loaf in a large oven safe serving dish. Cutting only about half way down the loaf, make 8 slices. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, garlic, parsley, and 1/2 the extra virgin olive oil over loaf. Spread dried red chile peppers around base of bread.
Bake in the preheated oven approximately 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted but not browned. Remove from oven and cover with remaining olive oil. Serve at once!

Cooking : Alaskan Spicy Spinach Dip

Ingredients
2 pounds pepperjack cheese
2 cups half-and-half cream
1 large tomato, diced
1 onion, diced
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
3 cups spinach, rinsed and chopped

Directions
Over a double boiler slowly melt the pepperjack cheese. When the cheese is melted whisk in half and half until smooth and creamy. Stir in tomato, onion, red bell pepper and chopped spinach. Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve warm with tortilla chips or bread.

Cooking : Black Forest Parfaits

Ingredients
2 cups cold milk
1 (3.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling, divided
2 cups whipped topping, divided
6 maraschino cherries, with stems (optional)

Directions
In a bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes or until soft-set. Stir in 1 cup pie filling; gently fold in 1 cup whipped topping. Spoon half of the pudding mixture into six tall glasses or cups. Top with remaining pie filling, pudding mixture and whipped topping. Garnish with cherries if desired.

Cooking : Bruschetta with Hummus

Ingredients
1 (14 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon chopped fresh garlic
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/4 cup butter, softened
12 slices ciabatta bread
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon paprika
24 slices roma (plum) tomatoes
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions
For the hummus, place the drained garbanzos, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and olive oil in a food processor. Process until blended, about 1 minute. Refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature before making the bruschetta.
Spread a teaspoon of butter on each slice of ciabatta; sprinkle with a teaspoon of Parmesan cheese. Place under broiler until slices are golden, about 3 minutes. Remove from oven and spread with a generous tablespoon of hummus. Sprinkle with a dusting of paprika.
To serve, top with tomato slices, feta cheese, and a sprinkle of the oregano and garlic powder.

Cooking : Babe Ruth Bars II

Ingredients
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup corn syrup
1 cup peanut butter
6 cups cornflakes cereal
1 cup roasted Spanish peanuts
4 (1.5 ounce) bars milk chocolate candy bars

Directions
In a medium saucepan over medium high heat, combine the white sugar, brown sugar and corn syrup. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil, then remove from heat. Stir in the peanut butter until well blended. In a large bowl, stir together the cornflakes and peanuts. Stir the peanut butter mixture into the cornflake mixture and mix until evenly distributed. Press the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch pan.
In the microwave or in a metal bowl over a pan of simmering water, melt chocolate candy, stirring frequently until smooth. Remove from heat and spread over the tops of the bars. Let cool before cutting into bars.

Cooking : Blueberry Drop Cookies

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
1/4 cup milk
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest
1 cup fresh blueberries

Directions
In a large mixing bowl, cream the shortening, sugar, egg, milk, almond extract and lemon zest. Mix well after the addition of each ingredient. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; blend into the sugar mixture. Fold in the blueberries. Cover and chill for 4 hours.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets, about 1 1/2 inches apart.
Bake 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Cooking : Brown Bread Ice Cream

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups wheat and barley nugget cereal (e.g. Grape-Nuts™)
3 cups milk
5 eggs, beaten
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 pint half-and-half cream
1 tablespoon maple flavored extract
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Directions
Place cereal in a bowl and pour in enough milk to cover (1/2 to 1 cup); set aside. In a large bowl, combine eggs, brown sugar, white sugar, condensed milk, half-and-half, maple flavor and vanilla. Stir until smooth. Place in freezer canister of ice cream maker. Stir in enough milk to reach fill line.
Freeze according to manufacturers' directions. When ice cream begins to solidify, add cereal mixture before freezing completely.

Cooking : Bacon-Wrapped Chicken

Ingredients
4 bacon strips
2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies, drained
2 garlic cloves, minced

Directions
In a skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until cooked but not crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain; keep warm. Flatten chicken to 1/4-in. thickness. Sprinkle chicken breasts with seasoned salt. In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, chilies and garlic. Spread half of the mixture on each chicken breast. Roll up chicken and wrap with two bacon strips; secure with toothpicks.
Place chicken in a greased shallow 4-1/2 cup baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees F for 45 minutes. Cover and bake 10-15 minutes longer or until chicken juices run clear. Discard toothpicks before serving.

Cooking : Apple Coffee Cake Pizza

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup milk
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
CHEESE TOPPING:
2 (3 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
APPLE TOPPING:
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
5 medium apples, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup butter or margarine, cubed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1-1/2 cups flour, sugar, yeast and salt. In a saucepan, heat the water, milk and butter to 120 degrees F-130 degrees F. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Beat in egg until smooth. Stir in enough remaining 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 hour.
Punch dough down. Press into two greased 12-in. pizza pans; build up edges. In a small mixing bowl, combine the cheese topping ingredients. Spread over dough to within 1/2 in. of edges. In a saucepan, combine the apple topping ingredients; simmer, uncovered, until apples are tender. Spoon over cream cheese layer.
Combine streusel ingredients; sprinkle over apples. Let stand for 15 minutes. Bake at 375 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until crust is browned. Combine glaze ingredients; drizzle over warm pizzas. Cool on wire racks.

Cooking : Beer Batter Waffles

Ingredients
2 cups self-rising flour
1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle beer
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup milk
2 eggs, separated
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
Preheat a waffle iron according to manufacturer's instructions. Combine flour, beer, butter, milk, egg yolks, honey, and vanilla in a large bowl; stir until the mixture is smooth. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold egg whites into batter.
Spray preheated waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray. Ladle the batter into waffle iron. Cook the waffles until golden and crisp. Serve immediately.

Cooking : Blue Cheese Herb Spread

Ingredients
2 tablespoons walnuts
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped chives
1 (8 ounce) package cold cream cheese
1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled

Directions
Place the walnuts, parsley, and chives in the bowl of a food processor, and process until finely chopped. Place herb mixture into a small bowl, and stir in blue cheese. Set aside.
Place the cream cheese in the bowl of a food processor, and process until smooth. Add the herb mixture to the cream cheese, and process until thoroughly blended. Serve at room temperature.

Cooking : Apple Spice Cake

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups white sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon warm water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 apples - peeled, cored and chopped
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar for dusting

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 10 inch tube pan. Cover raisins with warm water, let soak for 10 minutes and then drain. Whisk together flour, spices, and salt. Set aside.
Cream together butter or margarine and sugar. Mix in eggs and vanilla. Stir together soda and 1 tablespoon warm water, and mix into the sugar mixture. Stir in flour mixture, apples, and strained raisins until well blended. Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake for approximately 1 hour, or until a tester comes out clean. Cool in pan. Once cool, shake pan to loosen cake. Turn onto plate, and dust with confectioners' sugar.

Cooking : Breaded SPAM� Steaks

Ingredients
1 quart vegetable oil for frying
1 (12 ounce) can fully cooked luncheon meat (such as SPAM�), cut into 1/4 inch slices
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs

Directions
Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Gently press the luncheon meat slices into the flour to coat and shake off the excess flour. Dip into the beaten egg, then press into bread crumbs. Gently toss between your hands so any bread crumbs that haven't stuck can fall away. Place the breaded luncheon meat slices onto a plate while breading the rest; do not stack.
Deep fry the luncheon meat a few slices at a time until hot and golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain on a paper towel lined plate before serving.

Cooking : Aunt Anne's Coffee Cake

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup milk, or as needed
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup butter

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan. Make the streusel topping: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup flour, 2/3 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, 3/4 cup sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Crack an egg into a measuring cup and then fill add milk to make 1 cup. Stir in vanilla. Pour into crumb mixture and mix just until moistened. Spread into prepared pan. Sprinkle top with streusel.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool.

Cooking : Blue Cheese Dressing

Ingredients
6 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
2 cups mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon onion salt
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions
Place all ingredients in a blender; cover and process on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Cover and refrigerate.

Cooking : Basic Flaky Pie Crust

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening, chilled
3 tablespoons ice water

Directions
Whisk the flour and salt together in a medium size bowl. With a pastry blender, cut in the cold shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Drizzle 2 to 3 tablespoons ice water over flour. Toss mixture with a fork to moisten, adding more water a few drops at a time until the dough comes together.
Gently gather dough particles together into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes before rolling.
Roll out dough, and put in a pie plate. Fill with desired filling and bake.

Cooking : Balsamic Grape and Walnut Salad

Ingredients
2 cups red seedless grapes, halved
2 cups coarsely chopped walnuts
1/2 red onion, chopped
3 green onions, chopped
3 radishes, diced
1 cup raisins
1 cup balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing

Directions
In a medium serving bowl, combine the grapes, walnuts, onion, green onion, radishes and raisins. Toss with balsamic vinaigrette dressing just before serving.

Cooking : Almond Streusel-Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients
Cookie Base and Topping:
1 (1 pound 1.5 ounce) pouch Betty Crocker� sugar cookie mix
1/4 cup cold butter or margarine
4 ounces cream cheese
1/2 cup sliced almonds
2 1/2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons Gold Medal� all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling

Directions
Place cookie mix in bowl. Cut in butter and 4 ounces cream cheese, until mixture is crumbly. Reserve 1 1/2 cups mixture for topping. Press remaining mixture in bottom of greased 13x9-inch pan.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 12 minutes.
Blend 20 ounces cream cheese, sugar, flour, almond extract and eggs in bowl until smooth.
Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over partially baked cookie base. Spoon pie filling evenly over cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle with reserved topping and almonds.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 40 to 45 minutes. Cool 30 minutes. Refrigerate about 2 hours or until chilled. Store covered in refrigerator.

Cooking : Applesauce Muffin Mix

Ingredients
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
2 tablespoons quick cooking oats
ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS:
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon sugar

Directions
In a bowl, combine the first five ingredients. In a 1-pint glass jar, layer 3/4 cup flour, oats, sugar mixture and remaining flour. Cover and store in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.
To prepare muffins: In a bowl, combine the egg, applesauce, butter and vanilla. Stir in muffin mix just until moistened. Fill greased muffin cups three-fourths full. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 375 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes our clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack.

Cooking : Beef and Garden Vegetable Soup

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-size pieces
1 large onion, chopped
2 bay leaves
3 carrots, diced
4 small red potatoes, diced
2 quarts beef stock
1/2 pound fresh green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 ears fresh corn, kernels cut from cob
1/2 cup frozen petite peas
1 zucchini, diced
1/2 head cabbage, chopped
2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1/3 cup uncooked orzo pasta

Directions
Heat the olive oil in a stock pot over medium-high heat; cook the beef in the hot oil until completely browned, 7 to 10 minutes. Add the onion and bay leaves, reduce heat to medium, cook until the onion is softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Stir the carrots, potatoes, and beef stock into the mixture; bring to a simmer and cook until the vegetables are just barely tender, about 5 minutes.
Stir the green beans, corn, peas, zucchini, cabbage, tomatoes, Italian seasoning blend, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Cover the stock pot, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer the soup until the beef is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, 45 to 50 minutes.
Stir the orzo pasta into the soup; replace the cover to the stock pot and continue cooking until the pasta is tender, about 5 minutes more.

Cooking : Best Ever Saucy Beef Kabobs

Ingredients
2 cups tomato juice
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/3 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 dash hot sauce
2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 1 inch cubes
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, stems removed
1 pint cherry tomatoes
1 large onion, quartered
1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
skewers

Directions
In a saucepan over low heat, mix the tomato juice, butter, onion, ketchup, mustard, salt, paprika, pepper, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Simmer for 30 minutes, remove from heat, and allow to cool.
Preheat grill for medium heat.
Thread the sirloin cubes, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, onion quarters, and green pepper pieces onto skewers, alternating as desired. Drizzle some of the sauce over the kabobs.
Oil the grill grate. Arrange kabobs on the grill. Grill 10 minutes, or until meat is cooked through, occasionally turning kabobs. Baste with sauce during the last 5 minutes.

Cooking : Baking Powder Biscuits

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
2/3 cup milk

Directions
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cream of tartar and salt. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Beat egg and milk; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; roll to 1/2-in. thickness. Cut with a 2-1/2-in. biscuit cutter; place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 450 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Cooking : Blender Sauce Noisette (Hollandaise with Hazelnut Butter)

Ingredients
1/2 cup hazelnuts
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 cup butter
3 egg yolks
1 pinch salt
1 pinch white pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Place the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 8 minutes, or until fragrant. Remove from the oven and cool. When cool enough to handle, place the nuts on a kitchen towel, fold the towel over to cover them and rub to remove the skins.
Place the cooled hazelnuts into a food processor or blender and grind to a fine powder. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the nuts and blend thoroughly. Set the hazelnut butter aside.
Melt 1 cup of butter in a small saucepan, and keep hot. In the container of a blender, combine the egg yolks, salt, pepper and lemon juice. Cover, leaving the hole in the lid open, and blend for about 5 seconds. Continue to blend at high speed while pouring butter in through the lid in a thin stream. Stir in the hazelnut butter while still warm. Keep warm until serving or serve immediately.

Cooking : Bahama Breeze

Ingredients
1 fluid ounce dark rum
1/2 fluid ounce banana liqueur
1/2 fluid ounce apricot liqueur
1/2 fluid ounce coconut rum
1/4 fluid ounce grenadine syrup
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 fluid ounce lemon juice
1 fluid ounce orange juice
1 fluid ounce pineapple juice
1 tray ice cubes

Directions
In a blender, combine dark rum, banana liqueur, apricot liqueur, coconut rum, grenadine, honey, lemon juice, orange juice, pineapple juice and 3 or 4 ice cubes. Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses with ice and serve.

Cooking : Bar Cookies from Cake Mix

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons water
1 (18.25 ounce) package white cake mix
1 cup chopped walnuts
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in water and egg, then stir in cake mix. Finally, mix in nuts and chocolate chips. Spread mixture into pan.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Cooking : Berry Banana Smoothies

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups vanilla or plain yogurt
2/3 cup orange juice
2 ripe bananas, cut into chunks
1 cup halved fresh strawberries
2 teaspoons honey

Directions
In a blender, combine all ingredients; cover and process until smooth. Pour into chilled glasses; serve immediately.

Cooking : Berry-Filled Lemon Cake

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups water
3/4 cup liquid egg substitute
1/4 cup plain nonfat yogurt
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
1 (18.25 ounce) package light yellow cake mix
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
3 teaspoons lemon juice
2 cups sliced strawberries

Directions
In a mixing bowl, combine water, egg substitute, yogurt and lemon peel; add cake mix. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour into a greased and floured 10-in. fluted tube pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
Combine sugar and lemon juice; drizzle over cake. Fill center of cake with strawberries.

Cooking : Breaded Dijon Pork Chops

Ingredients
3/4 cup crushed saltine crackers
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon rubbed sage
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
4 pork rib chops, approximately 1/2-inch thick
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Directions
In a small bowl, combine the cracker crumbs, thyme, pepper and sage. Spread mustard on both sides of pork chops; coat with crumb mixture. In a large skillet, cook pork chops in oil over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and juices run clear.

Cooking : Apple Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 medium tart apples, peeled and quartered
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 bacon strips, diced
1 small onion, quartered and thinly sliced
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 dash ground nutmeg

Directions
Place the potatoes, apples and salt in a large saucepan; add enough water to cover. Bring to a boil; cover and cook for 12 minutes or until tender.
Meanwhile, in a small skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels; drain, reserving 1 teaspoon drippings. In the drippings, saute onion until tender.
Drain the potatoes and apples. Add the butter, vinegar and sugar; mash until smooth. Top with bacon, onion and nutmeg.

Cooking : Bean 'N' Beef Quesadillas

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups chunky salsa
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons lime juice
1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup frozen corn, thawed
2 cups chopped cooked roast beef
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
8 (10 inch) flour tortillas
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions
In a small bowl, combine the salsa, cilantro and lime juice. In another bowl, combine the beans, corn and 1/2 cup salsa mixture. Set remaining salsa mixture aside.
Place beef, cheese and bean mixture on half of each tortilla; fold over. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook quesadillas in 1 tablespoon oil for 1-2 minutes on each side or until cheese is melted, using additional oil as needed. Cut into wedges. Serve with reserved salsa mixture.

Cooking : Buttermilk Coffee Cake

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugars, oil and salt; mix well. Remove 1/2 cup and set aside. To remaining flour mixture, add egg, buttermilk and baking soda; mix well. Pour into a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. To reserved flour mixture add all topping ingredients; mix well. Sprinkle over batter. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until cake tests done.

Cooking : Angie's Special

Ingredients
2 fluid ounces deluxe Canadian whiskey
1 fluid ounce melon liqueur
1/2 fluid ounce pineapple juice

Directions
In a cocktail mixer full of ice, combine whiskey, melon liqueur and pineapple juice. Shake vigorously and strain into shot glasses.

Cooking : Blueberry Dump Cake

Ingredients
1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
4 cups fresh blueberries
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Mix berries, sugar, and cinnamon in the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch pan. Cover berries with dry cake mix. Pour butter over cake mix, do not stir.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until light brown. Serve warm or cold. top with ice cream.

Cooking : Authentic Thousand Island Dressing

Ingredients
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon white sugar
1/4 cup white vinegar
1 pinch ground cloves
1 quart mayonnaise
3/4 cup sweet pickle relish
1/2 cup chopped black olives
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper

Directions
Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil and immediately remove from heat. Cover and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel and chop.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the chopped eggs, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, vinegar, cloves, mayonnaise, relish, olives and red pepper until evenly blended. Chill and serve spooned over fresh greens. Store in the refrigerator.

Cooking : Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons Dutch process cocoa powder
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup mashed bananas
2/3 cup canola oil
1 egg, beaten
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions
In a large bowl combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder and baking powder.
In another bowl, blend the bananas, oil and egg together. Add to dry ingredients, mixing just until blended. Fold in the chocolate chips. Spoon the batter into a greased muffin pan, filling three-fourths full.
Bake in a preheated 425 degree F(220 degrees C) for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cooking : Black 'n' White Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup butter
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
In a double boiler or microwave, melt chocolate chips and butter, stirring occasionally. Stir in the graham cracker crumbs. Set aside 1/4 cup for topping. Press the remaining crumbs into an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan.
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in milk, egg and vanilla. Pour over crust. Sprinkle with reserved crumbs. Bake at 325 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Refrigerate 3 hours or until completely chilled. Cut into bars. Store in the refrigerator.