Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Cooking : Baked Moist and Savory Stuffing

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups Swanson� Chicken Broth (Regular, Natural Goodness™ or Certified Organic)
2 stalks celery, coarsely chopped
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
1 (16 ounce) package Pepperidge Farm� Herb Seasoned Stuffing

Directions
Heat the broth, celery and onion in a 3-quart saucepan over medium-high heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Add the stuffing and mix lightly.
Spoon the stuffing mixture into a greased 3-quart casserole dish. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F. for 30 minutes or until hot.

Cooking : Almond and Coconut Crusted Tilapia

Ingredients
3 eggs, beaten
1 cup chopped toasted almonds
1 cup flaked coconut
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 pinch nutmeg
1 (15 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup chopped onion
6 (5 ounce) fillets tilapia

Directions
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a large baking dish.
Place the beaten eggs in a shallow dish. Mix the almonds, coconut, sesame seeds, brown sugar, and nutmeg together in a mixing bowl. Stir the pineapple and onion together in a separate bowl. Dip each tilapia fillet into the beaten egg and then press into the almond mixture. Place the coated tilapia into the prepared dish. Spread the pineapple mixture over the coated fillets.
Bake in the preheated oven until the fish flakes easily with a fork, about 40 minutes.

Cooking : Almond Coffee Creamer

Ingredients
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
3/4 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon almond extract

Directions
In a bowl, combine all the ingredients; mix well. Store in an airtight container. To use, add to coffee in place of nondairy creamer and sugar.

Cooking : Banana Nut Bread II

Ingredients
1/2 cup margarine, softened
2/3 cup milk
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup mashed bananas
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions
Spray bread machine pan with vegetable oil spray.
Premix ingredients in order listed. Place mixture in bread machine pan.
Select the Quick Bread/Cake cycle. Press Start. Check after 1 minute to see if mixture is well blended.
Cook until cake cycle stops. Remove pan, and cool completely before removing bread from pan.

Cooking : Anise Seed Rolls

Ingredients
2 cups milk
2 (.25 ounce) envelopes active dry yeast
1 quart water, divided
2/3 cup shortening
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons anise seeds
8 cups all-purpose flour, or as needed

Directions
Pour the milk into a pan, and heat just until bubbles form around the edge of the pan. Remove from heat and cool to lukewarm (110 degrees F/45 degrees C).
Dissolve yeast in 1 cup lukewarm (110 degrees F/45 degrees C) water. Allow to rest 5 minutes.
Beat the shortening with the sugar, eggs, salt, and anise seeds in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the milk and yeast mixture. Gradually mix in the flour, stirring to make a soft dough (dough should not be sticky). Add more flour if needed. Cover bowl with a clean cloth, and let dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.
Lightly grease 2 baking sheets. Punch down dough, divide into two pieces, and roll out each piece into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Cut dough into 8x1 inch strips. Twist each strip into a simple knot, and place on prepared baking sheet. Cover with a clean cloth, and allow to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Pour 1 quart water into a pan and bring to a boil over high heat. Dip each roll quickly into the boiling water, and return to baking sheet.
Bake rolls in preheated oven until tops are golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes.

Cooking : Almond-Crusted Tilapia

Ingredients
1 teaspoon lemon pepper
1 teaspoon garlic pepper
1 cup ground almonds
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
8 (6 ounce) tilapia fillets
1/4 cup all-purpose flour for dusting
6 tablespoons butter
salt to taste
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
8 sprigs parsley
8 lemon wedges

Directions
Beat the eggs with the lemon pepper and garlic pepper until blended; set aside. Stir together ground almonds with 1 cup of Parmesan cheese in a shallow dish until combined; set aside. Dust the tilapia fillets with flour, and shake off excess. Dip the tilapia in egg, then press into the almond mixture.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook tilapia in melted butter until golden brown on both sides, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Reduce heat to medium, and season fillets with salt if desired. Sprinkle the tilapia with the remaining Parmesan cheese, cover, and continue cooking until the Parmesan cheese has melted, about 5 minutes.
Transfer the tilapia to a serving dish, and garnish with parsley springs and lemon wedges to serve.

Cooking : Beefy Tomatoes

Ingredients
6 medium tomatoes
1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup cooked rice
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten

Directions
Cut a thin slice off the top of each tomato and discard; remove core. Carefully scoop out pulp, leaving a 1/2-in. shell. Reserve 1 cup pulp (discard remaining pulp or save for another use). Invert tomatoes onto paper towels to drain.
In a nonstick skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the basil, salt, pepper and reserved tomato pulp; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10-12 minutes or until the liquid has evaporated.
Stir in the rice, cheese and egg; heat through. Spoon into tomato shells. Place in a shallow 2-qt. baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

Cooking : Best Peanut Dressing

Ingredients
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup honey
1 1/2 cups half-and-half cream
1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup whipped cream

Directions
Using a wire whisk or electric mixer, whip together the peanut butter, mayonnaise, honey, half-and-half, cream cheese and whipped cream until thoroughly blended.

Cooking : Amazing Butternut Squash

Ingredients
1 butternut squash- peeled, seeded and cubed
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon brown sugar
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup crushed saltine crackers
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large pot, bring the squash to boil. Reduce to a simmer until squash is soft.
In a large bowl, mash the softened squash. Mix in the mayonnaise, onion, egg, brown sugar, salt and pepper. Pour the mixture into a 2 quart baking dish.
In a medium bowl, mix together crackers, Parmesan and butter. Sprinkle over the squash mixture.
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, until the topping is lightly brown.

Cooking : Bordeaux Martini

Ingredients
8 fluid ounces citron vodka
2 fluid ounces Lillet blanc
1 lemon

Directions
Fill mixing container with ice. Pour in vodka and Lillet blanc aperitif wine. Stir for 2 minutes, until very cold. Strain into 4 cooled martini glasses.
Cut a fresh twist of lemon peel OVER THE GLASS and drop into drink (the zest and spray of this action - falling into the glass - is crucial!)

Cooking : Amish Sugar Cookies

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups white sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup buttermilk
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Mix together vegetable oil (yes, 1 1/2 cups of vegetable oil), sugar and eggs. Mix in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, buttermilk, salt and vanilla.
Pour teaspoon-sized amounts of batter onto cookie sheets, leaving plenty of room in between. These cookies will puff up and get large.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.

Cooking : Baked Paprika-Parmesan Chicken

Ingredients
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons milk
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/4 cup butter, melted

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Coat a shallow baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Combine flour, parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Dip the chicken in the egg, then dredge in the flour mixture. Place in the baking dish, and pour the melted butter evenly over the chicken.
Bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes in the preheated oven, until the cheese has browned, and the chicken has cooked.

Cooking : Anna's Amazing Easy Pleasy Meatballs over Buttered Noodles

Ingredients
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of celery soup
2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed French onion soup
1 (16 ounce) container sour cream
6 pounds frozen Italian-style meatballs
2 (16 ounce) packages uncooked egg noodles
1/2 cup butter

Directions
In a large slow cooker, mix together the cream of celery soup, French onion soup, and sour cream. Stir in the meatballs. Cook on high heat for 3-4 hours.
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, toss the pasta with butter. Serve meatballs and sauce over the cooked pasta.

Cooking : Basic Beurre Blanc

Ingredients
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped shallot
6 black peppercorns
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons dry white wine
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups cold butter, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

Directions
Place shallot, bay leaf, peppercorns, vinegar, and wine in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and continue simmering until only 2 tablespoons of liquid remain.
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer; simmer until the cream has reduced by half. Increase heat to medium-high, and rapidly whisk in the butter, piece, by piece until it has melted into the cream and thickened it. Strain the sauce through a mesh strainer to remove the spices. Serve immediately.

Cooking : Banana Split Cream Puffs

Ingredients
1 cup water
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
12 scoops vanilla ice cream
1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
1 large banana, thinly sliced
1 (8 ounce) can pineapple tidbits, drained
1/2 cup hot fudge sauce

Directions
In a saucepan over medium heat, bring water and butter to a boil. Add flour and salt all at once; stir until a smooth ball forms. Remove from the heat; let stand 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat until mixture is smooth and shiny, about 3 minutes. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees F for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack. Immediately split puffs open; remove tops and set aside. Discard soft dough from inside. Cool puffs. Fill each with a scoop of ice cream and top with fruit. Drizzle with hot fudge sauce. Replace tops and serve immediately.

Cooking : Apricot Walnut Bread

Ingredients
4 egg whites
2/3 cup water
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup oat bran hot cereal, uncooked
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Directions
In a bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Stir in oat bran and apricots. Combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder and soda; stir into apricot mixture just until moistened. Fold in nuts. Pour into a greased 8-in. x 4-in. x 2-in. loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 50-55 minutes or until bread tests done. Cool in pan 10 minutes; remove to wire rack.

Cooking : Apple Sheet Cake

Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
APPLE FILLING:
3 pounds apples - peeled, cored and sliced
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter
2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1/3 cup butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). In a large bowl, combine 3 cups flour, baking powder and salt. Cut in shortening to the consistency of coarse crumbs. Stir in 1 cup cold milk slowly until completely blended. Separate dough into two balls. Roll out one ball of dough to fit a 15 x 10 inch pan with some dough extending over the edge of the pan.
In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon and 2 tablespoons flour. Place filling in an even layer over prepared crust. Thinly slice 1/2 cup butter and evenly distribute over the apples. Roll out the remaining dough and place over the apple filling. Seal edges and prick the top all over with a fork.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Cool 5 minutes before frosting.
To make the frosting: In a small bowl, combine confectioners' sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, 1/3 cup butter and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.

Cooking : Black Bean Chicken Salad

Ingredients
6 cups torn lettuce
1 1/2 cups cubed cooked chicken breast
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup chopped seeded tomatoes
1 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup sliced red onion
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
LIME VINAIGRETTE:
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro or parsley
1/4 cup chopped seeded tomato
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 tablespoon olive or canola oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon grated lime peel
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon chili powder

Directions
In a large serving bowl, combine the lettuce, chicken, beans, tomatoes, green pepper, onion and cheese. In a blender or food processor, combine the vinaigrette ingredients; cover and process until smooth. Pour over salad and toss to coat.

Cooking : Apple Cider Chicken 'n' Dumplings

Ingredients
8 chicken thighs, skin removed
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 medium red onion, chopped
1 celery rib, chopped
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
salt and pepper to taste
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup apple cider or apple juice
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cold butter
1 egg, lightly beaten
2/3 cup milk

Directions
In a Dutch oven, brown chicken in butter; remove and set aside. In the same pan, combine the onion, celery, parsley, salt and pepper; cook and stir until vegetables are tender. Sprinkle with flour and mix well. Add broth and cider. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add chicken. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 45-50 minutes.
Increase heat to 425 degrees F. For dumplings, combine the flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl; cut in butter until crumbly. Combine the egg and milk; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Drop batter into 12 mounds onto hot broth. Bake, uncovered, at 425 degrees F for 10 minutes. Cover and bake 10 minutes longer or until a toothpick inserted into a dumpling comes out clean.

Cooking : Baker's Secret Pie Crust

Ingredients
3/4 cup cake flour
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon baking powder
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 tablespoons shortening
2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar
3 cubes ice
1/2 cup cold water

Directions
Measure butter & shortening onto a plate, put into freezer for about 20 minutes.
Measure cake flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, salt and baking powder into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse for a few seconds to mix.
Take 1/2 of the cold butter and 1/2 of the cold shortening, put into processor with dry ingredients and pulse off and on for about 1 minute. Scrape down twice while doing this.
Take remainder of the cold butter & cold shortening and cut in very briefly with the processor, leaving visible pea-sized chunks. Do not over process at this stage!
In a measuring cup, mix egg yolk and vinegar together, add ice cubes and water. Let this get chilled, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Remove mixed flours and shortening from processor, put into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle approximately 4 to 5 tablespoons of this egg, water, vinegar mixture, a little at a time, mixing gently with a fork. The key to this is, you do not want a wet dough, and you do not want to overmix.
Place this dough into plastic wrap or plastic bag, chill in refrigerator for a few minutes. (May also be frozen for a few weeks at this stage for future use).
Remove from refrigerator and roll out. This makes absolutely the BEST pie crusts. I have won County Fair competitions with this pie crust. Double for making a 2-crust pie.

Cooking : Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Ingredients
2 (6 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 green onion, finely chopped
10 asparagus spears, trimmed
3 tablespoons crushed butter-flavored crackers
HOLLANDAISE SAUCE:
1/4 cup butter, cubed
2 egg yolks
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon water
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Directions
Flatten chicken to 1/4-in. thickness. Spread with mustard; sprinkle with onion. Place asparagus spears down the center of chicken; fold over and secure with toothpicks if necessary.
Place seam side down in an ungreased 8-in. square microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle with cracker crumbs. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 6-8 minutes or until chicken juices run clear. Keep warm.
For sauce, in a small microwave-safe bowl, melt butter. Gradually whisk in egg yolks, lemon juice, water and salt. Microwave, uncovered, at 30% power for 30 seconds or until mixture reaches 160 degrees F and is thickened, stirring once. Spoon over chicken. Sprinkle with almonds. Remove toothpicks.

Cooking : Bahama Mama II

Ingredients
1 fluid ounce dark rum
1/2 fluid ounce apricot brandy
3 1/2 fluid ounces fruit punch
1/2 fluid ounce pina colada mix

Directions
In a mixing glass combine the rum, apricot brandy, fruit punch and pina colada mix. Stir to blend and serve over ice.

Cooking : Broccoli Ham Bake

Ingredients
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli
1/4 cup chopped onion
4 tablespoons butter, divided
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 1/4 cups milk
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
1 1/2 cups seasoned stuffing cubes, divided

Directions
Cook broccoli according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, saute onion in 3 tablespoons butter until tender. Stir in flour until blended; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat; stir in cheese until melted.
Drain the broccoli. Add broccoli, ham and 1 cup stuffing mix to cheese sauce. Transfer to a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Melt remaining butter; toss with remaining stuffing mix. Sprinkle around edge of casserole. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Cooking : Best Italian Sausage Soup

Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds sweet Italian sausage
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 small onions, chopped
2 (16 ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
1 1/4 cups dry red wine
5 cups beef broth
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 zucchini, sliced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 (16 ounce) package spinach fettuccine pasta
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
In a large pot, cook sausage over medium heat until brown. Remove with a slotted spoon, and drain on paper towels. Drain fat from pan, reserving 3 tablespoons.
Cook garlic and onion in reserved fat for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, wine, broth, basil, and oregano. Transfer to a slow cooker, and stir in sausage, zucchini, bell pepper, and parsley.
Cover, and cook on Low for 4 to 6 hours.
Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain water, and add pasta to the slow cooker. Simmer for a few minutes, and season with salt and pepper before serving.

Cooking : Anise Seed Rolls

Ingredients
2 cups milk
2 (.25 ounce) envelopes active dry yeast
1 quart water, divided
2/3 cup shortening
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons anise seeds
8 cups all-purpose flour, or as needed

Directions
Pour the milk into a pan, and heat just until bubbles form around the edge of the pan. Remove from heat and cool to lukewarm (110 degrees F/45 degrees C).
Dissolve yeast in 1 cup lukewarm (110 degrees F/45 degrees C) water. Allow to rest 5 minutes.
Beat the shortening with the sugar, eggs, salt, and anise seeds in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the milk and yeast mixture. Gradually mix in the flour, stirring to make a soft dough (dough should not be sticky). Add more flour if needed. Cover bowl with a clean cloth, and let dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.
Lightly grease 2 baking sheets. Punch down dough, divide into two pieces, and roll out each piece into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Cut dough into 8x1 inch strips. Twist each strip into a simple knot, and place on prepared baking sheet. Cover with a clean cloth, and allow to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Pour 1 quart water into a pan and bring to a boil over high heat. Dip each roll quickly into the boiling water, and return to baking sheet.
Bake rolls in preheated oven until tops are golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes.

Cooking : Apple Coffee Cake With Brown Sugar Sauce

Ingredients
2 apples - peeled, cored and chopped
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Butter a 9 inch round cake pan or 9 1/2 inch springform pan.
Using a fork, work flour with brown sugar and butter in a large bowl until crumbly. Stir in nuts. Divide mixture in half. Evenly press half into pan bottom to form a crust.
Stir baking soda, cinnamon, and salt into remaining crumb mixture until blended, then make a well in the center. In a small bowl, lightly beat egg with sour cream and vanilla until smooth. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until combined. Fold in apples.
Evenly spread batter over crumb mixture. Bake until a cake tester inserted into center comes out fairly clean, about 1 hour and 20 minutes. If top gets too brown before cake is baked, lightly lay a piece of foil over top for last 10 to 20 minutes of baking. Cool in pan on a rack. Serve with Brown Sugar Sauce. Cake keeps well at room temperature for a day. Covered, it freezes well and is easily cut while still frozen.

Cooking : Apple-Rhubarb Dessert

Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
6 ounces brioche, torn into 1/2 inch pieces
3 cups diced rhubarb
1 Granny Smith apple -- peeled, cored and sliced into thin wedges
5/8 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch ground nutmeg
1/2 lemon, zested and juiced
1 tablespoon butter, diced
3/8 cup warm water

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Butter a shallow, 1-quart baking dish.
In a medium bowl, combine melted butter and brioche. Line the bottom of the baking dish with one-third of the mixture.
In another bowl, combine rhubarb, apple, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice and zest. Let rest until juices begin to run, 5 minutes. Then spread half of the mixture over the brioche in the dish. Top with half the remaining brioche. Spread the remaining rhubarb over that and top with the last of the brioche. Dot with 1 tablespoon butter. Spoon the warm water evenly over the top.
Cover and bake in preheated oven 25 to 35 minutes, until rhubarb is tender. Increase oven temperature to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C), uncover dish, and bake until top is crusty, rhubarb is soft, and bubbles form at the edges of the dish, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve warm.

Cooking : Banana Coffee Cake

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 cup mashed ripe bananas
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the bananas and vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder and baking soda; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Combine topping ingredients; add half to batter. Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Sprinkle with the remaining topping. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

Cooking : Asparagus, Feta and Couscous Salad

Ingredients
2 cups couscous
1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
8 ounces grape tomatoes, halved
6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Black pepper, to taste

Directions
Cook couscous according to package instructions. Put aside and allow to cool slightly.
Meanwhile, place asparagus in a steamer over 1 inch of boiling water, and cover. Cook until tender but still firm, about 2 to 6 minutes. Drain and cool.
Toss the asparagus, tomatoes, and feta with couscous. Add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and black pepper and toss to incorporate.

Cooking : Baked Blueberry French Toast

Ingredients
24 slices day-old French bread
1 (8 ounce) package reduced-fat cream cheese, cubed
2/3 cup fat-free milk
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1/2 cup fat-free plain yogurt
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups egg substitute
2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
confectioners' sugar

Directions
Place 12 slices of bread in a 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray. In a blender or food processor, combine cream cheese, milk, sour cream, yogurt, syrup, vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon. Add egg substitute; cover and process until smooth. Pour half of the egg mixture over bread; sprinkle with blueberries. Top with the remaining bread and egg mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 20-30 minutes longer or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Dust with confectioners' sugar.

Cooking : Asiago Hash Browns

Ingredients
1 (30 ounce) package frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 1/2 cups grated Asiago cheese
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
8 fluid ounces heavy cream
1/2 cup butter, melted
paprika to taste
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a medium casserole dish, mix the hash browns, Asiago cheese, onion, sour cream, heavy cream, and butter.
Bake 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until hash browns are fully cooked and the top is lightly browned. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.

Cooking : All-Around Spice Rub

Ingredients
3/4 cup paprika
1/4 cup fresh-ground pepper blend
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons onion powder
1 tablespoon sea salt
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

Directions
Stir the paprika, pepper, brown sugar, chili powder, onion powder, sea salt, and cayenne pepper together in a container with a lid. Store in a cool, dark place between uses.