Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Cooking : Best Burritos

Ingredients
1 (10 inch) flour tortilla
1/4 cup vegetarian refried beans
1 slice American cheese
1 pinch ground black pepper
1 teaspoon low-fat sour cream
1 dash hot pepper sauce

Directions
In a small pot heat the refried beans until they are heated through, approximately 5 minutes.
Warm the tortilla in a dry frying pan over medium-high heat.
Lay the burrito on a flat surface. Place the refried bean in the center of the burrito, layer the cheese, pepper, sour cream and hot sauce over the beans. Roll the tortilla so that the mixture is wrapped in the center. Serve warm.

Cooking : Apricot Dessert

Ingredients
1 quart apricot nectar
2 (3 ounce) packages apricot flavored gelatin mix
1 pint sour cream
1 (8.75 ounce) can apricot halves, drained and chopped
1 (8 ounce) tub frozen whipped topping, thawed

Directions
Pour the apricot nectar into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in gelatin mix until completely dissolved. Whisk in sour cream until smooth or process in a blender. Pour into a serving bowl, and stir in the apricots. Chill until set, about 3 hours. Top with whipped topping just before serving.

Cooking : Barley Casserole

Ingredients
2 celery ribs, chopped
2 medium carrots, finely chopped
7 green onions, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon butter or stick margarine
1 1/2 cups uncooked medium pearl barley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
4 1/2 cups chicken broth, divided
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1/2 cup slivered almonds

Directions
In a large ovenproof skillet, saute the celery, carrots, onions and garlic in butter until tender. Stir in the barley, salt and pepper. Stir in 2-1/2 cups broth. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes.
Stir in parsley and remaining broth; sprinkle with almonds. Bake, uncovered, 30-40 minutes longer or until liquid is absorbed and barley is tender.

Cooking : Breakfast Treat

Ingredients
6 slices bread
1 (8 ounce) package processed cheese slices
1 1/2 cups diced cooked ham
1/4 cup butter, melted
4 eggs, beaten
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground dry mustard
2 cups milk

Directions
Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. Line pan with slices of bread.
Place slices of cheese over bread. Sprinkle diced ham over cheese. Pour melted butter over ham, cheese and bread. Beat together eggs, salt, mustard and milk; pour over bread slices.
Cover pan and refrigerate overnight. Bake in preheat oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for one hour or until set. Serve warm.

Cooking : Backyard Burgers

Ingredients
1 (1 pound) package Bob Evans� Original Recipe Sausage Roll
1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 teaspoon ground pepper
8 hamburger buns
Lettuce, sliced tomato, sliced onion (suggested toppings)

Directions
In a large bowl, combine first five ingredients. Form into 8 patties. Over medium heat on grill, cook burgers on each side until done (no longer pink), about 10 to 15 minutes. Serve with buns and favorite toppings.

Cooking : Apple Coconut Bread

Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
3/4 cup soy milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
3 apples, cored and chopped
1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries (optional)
1 cup flaked coconut

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg and cinnamon. Make a well in the center, and pour in the soy milk, vanilla and melted butter. Stir just until dry ingredients are moistened. Mix in the apples, dried cranberries and most of the coconut. Reserve a small handful for sprinkling over the top of the loaf. Pour into the prepared loaf pan, and sprinkle reserved coconut on top.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes in the preheated oven, until a knife inserted into the loaf comes out clean. Cool for at least 5 minutes before removing from the pan.

Cooking : Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies II

Ingredients
1 cup butter, melted
2 cups brown sugar
2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Combine the flour, baking powder and baking soda, gradually stir into the sugar mixture. Fold in the chocolate chips. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cooking : Apricot Chicken Provencal

Ingredients
8 chicken drumsticks, with skin
1 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
3 tablespoons herbes de Provence
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon herbes de Provence
6 fresh apricots, pitted and chopped
1/2 cup apricot preserves

Directions
Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a baking dish.
Season the chicken drumsticks with the salt and liberally rub with 3 tablespoons herbes de Provence.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the garlic in the hot oil until fragrant, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook, turning to brown on all sides, 5 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon herbes de Provence, assuring all sides of chicken are covered with herbs. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish, reserving the liquid in the skillet.
Bake in the preheated oven until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, about 20 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
While the chicken bakes, add the apricots and the apricot preserves to the skillet, scraping the bottom of the skillet with the back of a wooden spoon. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the chicken is cooked through. Add the chicken to the skillet and simmer with the sauce another 5 minutes. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to serve.

Cooking : Apricot Beef Stir-Fry

Ingredients
1 (15 ounce) can apricot halves
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3/4 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 1/2 pounds boneless beef round or sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
1 tablespoon canola oil
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup cherry tomatoes
Hot cooked rice

Directions
Drain apricots, reserving 1/4 cup juice. Cut apricots in quarters and set aside. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, broth, soy sauce and reserved apricot juice until smooth; set aside.
In a large skillet or wok, stir-fry beef in oil for 3 minutes. Add broccoli and onion; stir-fry 2-3 minutes longer or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Stir sauce and add to the pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add tomatoes and reserved apricots; heat through. Serve over rice.

Cooking : Apricot Oat Muffins

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups fat-free milk
1/3 cup canola oil
1/4 cup egg substitute
3/4 cup chopped dried apricots
1/3 cup chopped walnuts

Directions
In a bowl, combine the flour, oats, sugars, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice and salt. In another bowl, combine milk, oil and egg substitute until blended; stir into dry ingredients just until blended (batter will be thin). Fold in the apricots and walnuts.
Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.

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 : Breakfast Muffins

Ingredients
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup white sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 cup fresh blueberries

Directions
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add milk, egg, and butter; mix until ingredients are moistened, do not overbeat. Stir in fresh fruit. Spoon batter into twelve greased muffin cups.
Bake at 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until tops spring back when lightly touched. Serve warm.

Cooking : Barbecued Spareribs

Ingredients
1 (4 pound) package pork spareribs, rinsed and patted dry
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 cup water
1 cup sweet chili sauce

Directions
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Season the spareribs with the salt and pepper. Pour the water into the bottom of a large baking dish and lay the spareribs in the dish; cover with aluminum foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes; pour about half the chili sauce over the meat, cover, and return to oven. Brush the ribs with more chili sauce every 5 minutes, and continue cooking until the meat pulls away easily from the bone, about 30 minutes more. Serve hot or cold.

Cooking : 25-Minute Chicken and Noodles

Ingredients
1 (14 ounce) can Swanson� Chicken Broth or Swanson� Natural Goodness™ Chicken Broth
1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves, crushed
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups frozen vegetable combination (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots)
2 cups uncooked medium egg noodles
2 cups cubed cooked chicken

Directions
Mix broth, basil, pepper and vegetables in skillet. Heat to a boil. Cover and cook over low heat 5 minutes.
Stir in noodles. Cover and cook 5 minutes. Add chicken and heat through.

Cooking : Ally's Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients
3 cups rolled oats
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup margarine
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Soak the rolled oats in the milk for at least ten minutes.
Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt, set aside. In a medium bowl, cream together the margarine, brown sugar and white sugar. Stir in the eggs and vanilla. Add the sifted ingredients, and mix well. Then stir in the oat mixture and chocolate chips.
Drop dough by heaping spoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, until cookies are golden brown. Cool on baking sheets or remove to cool on wire racks.

Cooking : Alfredo Potatoes

Ingredients
2 large baking potatoes
1 cup prepared Alfredo sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions
Pierce potatoes several times with a fork and place on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 6 minutes or until tender. Allow potatoes to cool slightly.
Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine the Alfredo sauce, garlic powder, pepper and thyme. Stir in 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop out the pulp and add to the sauce mixture; mix well. Spoon into potato shells. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese. Microwave on high for 1 minute or until cheese is melted.

Cooking : Blueberry Banana Pie

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1/3 cup white sugar
2 bananas, peeled and sliced
1 cup blueberry pie filling
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup white sugar
1 (9 inch) pie shell, baked

Directions
In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese and 1/3 cup sugar. Beat until fluffy. Spoon mixture into baked pie shell and spread evenly. Arrange banana slices on cream cheese layer. Spread pie filling on top of banana slices
In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup cream and 1/2 cup sugar. Beat until stiff. Spread whipped cream on top of pie. Chill in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Cooking : Barbecue Lasagna

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package lasagna noodles
2 (18 ounce) containers pulled pork in barbeque sauce
1 (16 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese
1 (16 ounce) package Cheddar cheese, shredded
1 (16 ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 egg, beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook the lasagna noodles in the boiling water until cooked through but still firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain.
Bring the pork in barbeque sauce to a simmer in a large pot over medium heat; keep warm at a slow simmer.
Toss the mozzarella cheese and Cheddar cheese together in a bowl. Beat the ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper together in a separate bowl until smooth.
Spread a layer of the barbeque sauce into the bottom of a large, deep baking dish. Lay enough lasagna noodles over the sauce to cover the bottom of the dish. Spread an even layer of the pulled pork in barbeque sauce over the noodles; top with a layer of the ricotta mixture and the mozzarella and Cheddar cheese mixture. Repeat layering. Finish the assembly by topping with a layer of the ricotta mixture, a thin layer of the pork, and a light sprinkling of the cheese mixture. Reserve a small portion of the cheese mixture for later.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Top the lasagna with the reserved cheese mixture and return to over until the cheese is bubbly, about 5 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Cooking : Asparagus Avocado Medley

Ingredients
1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
8 fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 large ripe avocado, peeled and cubed
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 large tomato, seeded and chopped
1 medium red onion, sliced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive or canola oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions
Place asparagus and 2 tablespoons water in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on high for 3-6 minutes or until crisp-tender, stirring once; drain and cool.
In a large bowl, combine the asparagus, mushrooms, avocado, zucchini, tomato and onion; toss gently. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the remaining ingredients; shake well. Pour over salad and toss gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate until serving.

Cooking : Baked Macaroni

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package macaroni
1/4 cup milk
ground black pepper to taste
1 (16 ounce) package sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons butter, sliced

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 10 to 13 minutes or until al dente; drain.
In a bowl mix together the eggs, milk, and pepper. In a casserole dish, place about a third of the cooked macaroni in one layer, sprinkle with 1/2 of the cheese, then layer the rest of the macaroni and cover with the remaining cheese. Coat evenly with the egg-milk mixture. Lastly, cut slices of butter and place them on top of the cheese.
Bake in a preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted.

Cooking : Apple Honey Bundt Cake

Ingredients
1 cup white sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
3 apples - peeled, cored and shredded
3/4 cup chopped walnuts

Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9 inch Bundt pan.
In a large bowl, stir together the sugar and oil. Beat in the eggs until light, then stir in the honey and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and allspice; stir into the batter just until moistened. Fold in the apples and nuts.
Bake for 50 to 65 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the crown comes out clean. Let cool for 10 to 15 minutes before inverting onto a plate and tapping out of the pan.

Cooking : Best Cocktail Meatballs

Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
2/3 cup evaporated milk
2 (1 ounce) packages dry onion soup mix
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup packed brown sugar

Directions
Preheat oven to broil.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine hamburger, milk, onion soup mix, and Worcestershire sauce. Roll the mixture into small balls. Arrange meatballs on a cookie sheet. Broil for 10 minutes, or until cooked through.
In a small bowl, mix ketchup and brown sugar. Transfer mixture to a slow cooker. Add the meatballs to the slow cooker.
Cook meatballs on high for approximately 30 minutes.

Cooking : Always Delicious Cherry Pie

Ingredients
1 deep dish pastry for double crust
2 (16.5 ounce) cans pitted dark sweet cherries, drained with syrup reserved
1 (16 ounce) can pitted sour cherries, drained
3/4 cup white sugar
3 tablespoons arrowroot powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/8 teaspoon red food coloring

Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one crust, and place in a 9 inch deep dish pie plate. Roll out top crust, and set aside.
Measure 1 1/2 cups reserved cherry syrup into a small saucepan over low heat. Mix together sugar, arrowroot powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir into syrup until dissolved. Increase heat to high, and bring syrup to a boil. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until thickened. Remove from heat, and stir in butter, lemon juice, vanilla, almond extract, and red food coloring.
In a large bowl, combine cherries and thickened syrup. Gently toss until evenly coated. Pour filling into pie crust. Cover with top crust, and crimp edges with fork. Make a few fork vents in top pie crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Continue to bake for 30 minutes. Allow to cool for 3 hours before serving.

Cooking : Apple Pan Betty

Ingredients
1 medium apple, peeled and cubed
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 cup bread cubes
3 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions
In a skillet over medium heat, saute apple in butter until tender, about 2-3 minutes. Add bread cubes. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon; mix well. Saute until bread is warmed. Serve immediately.

Cooking : Annie's Strawberry Dessert

Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped pecans
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 1/2 quarts fresh strawberries, halved
1 (8 ounce) jar ready-to-use strawberry glaze

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Mix the butter, flour, and pecans in a bowl, and press into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Bake 10 to 15 minutes; do not allow to brown. Set aside until completely cool.
In a bowl, mix the cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Blend in the whipped topping. Spread over the cooled crust. Refrigerate 8 hours, or overnight.
Top with strawberries and drizzle with glaze to serve.

Cooking : Apple Cider Sauce and Pork Loin Chops

Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 pork loin chops
seasoning salt to taste
black pepper to taste
garlic powder to taste
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 (8 ounce) container frozen apple cider concentrate, undiluted
1/4 cup dry sherry

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe frying pan over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chops with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and poultry seasoning. Place in hot oil, and brown on both sides. Drizzle Worcestershire sauce over chops, and pour in apple cider.
Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove chops to a plate, and return frying pan to stove over medium-high heat. Stir sherry into pan, and boil until sauce thickens, stirring frequently. Serve sauce over chops.

Cooking : Brown-Eyed Susans I

Ingredients
1 cup butter
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon hot water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Cream butter or margarine and 1/4 cup white sugar until light and fluffy. Blend in almond extract. Add flour and salt; mix well.
Shape rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten middle of dough ball with thumb print. Bake 8 - 10 minutes or until golden brown around edges. Let cool.
To make Frosting: combine confectioner's sugar and cocoa. Add water and vanilla and mix well. Place chocolate frosting into thumb print indention of cooled cookies.

Cooking : Bread Machine Pumpernickel Bread

Ingredients
1 1/8 cups warm water
1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/3 cup molasses
3 tablespoons cocoa
1 tablespoon caraway seed (optional)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cups bread flour
1 cup rye flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 tablespoons vital wheat gluten (optional)
2 1/2 teaspoons bread machine yeast

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

Cooking : Antipasto Salad

Ingredients
6 cups torn lettuce leaves
8 ounces hard salami, julienned
6 ounces provolone cheese, julienned
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 (6 ounce) can pitted ripe olives , drained, halved
1 tablespoon minced chives
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar or cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions
Place the lettuce on a large serving platter. Arrange the salami, cheeses, tomatoes and olives over top. Sprinkle with chives. In a blender, combine the remaining ingredients; cover and process until smooth. Drizzle over salad.

Cooking : Awesome Bow Tie Pasta

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package bow tie pasta
2 green onions, chopped
1 (6 ounce) package feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 cups chopped fresh tomato

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 and place in ice water until cool.
Toss pasta with onion, feta, balsamic, olive oil and tomato. Serve immediately or chill 1 to 2 hours in refrigerator.

Cooking : Broccoli with Poppy Seed Sauce

Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons minced onion
20 ounces broccoli florets
1 1/2 cups sour cream
2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar
2 teaspoons white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Directions
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in onion, and cook until the onion has begun to turn golden brown, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, place broccoli in a steamer over 1 inch of boiling water, and cover. Cook until tender but still firm, about 6 minutes. Drain.
When the onions have turned golden brown, remove the saucepan from the heat, and whisk in the sour cream, vinegar, sugar, poppy seeds, paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper. Place the cooked broccoli into a serving dish, and pour the sauce overtop. Sprinkle with chopped pecans to serve.

Cooking : Breezy Key Lime Pie with Strawberry Rhubarb Glaze

Ingredients
3 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
3 tablespoons butter, softened
2 (14 ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk
1 cup fresh Key lime juice
6 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon Key lime zest
2 stalks fresh rhubarb, diced
2 cups chopped fresh strawberries
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup water
2 teaspoons powdered fruit pectin

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Mix together the vanilla wafer crumbs and butter in a bowl until thoroughly combined, and press the crust into the bottom and up the sides of a 10-inch pie dish.
Beat the sweetened condensed milk, Key lime juice, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and Key lime zest in a bowl with an electric mixer until smooth; pour the filling into the prepared cookie crust.
Bake the pie in the preheated oven until center of pie is slightly jiggly, about 15 minutes. Allow to cool for 10 minutes, then refrigerate.
Mix the rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, water, and pectin in a saucepan over medium heat, and bring to a boil. Stirring often, boil until the rhubarb and berries break down and the glaze begins to thicken and resemble jam, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat; cool to lukewarm. Glaze will thicken as it cools. Spread the glaze over the pie, and refrigerate until chilled. For best texture, allow pie to chill at least 8 hours before serving.

Cooking : Blueberry Egg and Cheese Bagel

Ingredients
1 blueberry bagel, split
1 teaspoon butter
salt and pepper to taste
1 slice American cheese

Directions
Toast bagel to desired doneness. Spread with butter.
Meanwhile, cook egg to desired doneness on a hotplate or in a microwave; salt and pepper to taste.
To assemble, place the slice of American cheese onto the cut side of the bottom half of the bagel. Place the cooked egg on top of the cheese, and top with the remaining half of bagel.

Cooking : Banana Spice Cookies

Ingredients
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup mashed ripe bananas
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup raisins

Directions
In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and brown sugar. Add eggs and bananas; mix well. Combine dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in nuts and raisins. Chill (dough will be very soft).
Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto greased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees F for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned.

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 : Apricot-Coconut Squares

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup white sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup dried apricots
1 cup water
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 cup chopped walnuts
3/4 cup flaked coconut (optional)
1/3 cup confectioners' sugar for decoration

Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). In a medium bowl, mix together butter, sugar, and 1 cup flour. Press into the bottom of an ungreased 9x13 inch pan.
Bake for 25 minutes in preheated oven. In small saucepan, bring apricots and water to a boil, and cook for 10 minutes. Drain, chop, and set aside to cool.
In a medium bowl, beat eggs and brown sugar. Stir in 1/3 cup flour, baking powder, salt, vanilla, and lemon juice. Fold in nuts and chopped apricots. Stir in coconut, if desired. Pour over the prepared crust.
Bake for an additional 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until firm. Cool, and dust with confectioners' sugar before cutting into squares.