Sunday, May 8, 2011

Cooking : Almond Chocolate Torte

Ingredients
2/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
8 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 (.25 ounce) envelope unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup cold water
2 cups whipping cream, whipped

Directions
Set aside 1 tablespoon almonds for garnish. Chop remaining almonds; sprinkle into a greased 9-in. springform pan. In a microwave or heavy saucepan, melt chocolate; stir until smooth. Cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar.
In a small saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over cold water; let stand for 1 minute. Cook and stir over low heat until gelatin is completely dissolved. Beat into cream cheese mixture. Add melted chocolate; beat until blended. Fold in the whipped cream. Pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle with reserved almonds. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

Cooking : Asian Stir Fry Sauce

Ingredients
2 tablespoons Argo� Corn Starch
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon Spice Islands� Crushed Red OR Cayenne Pepper
1/2 cup Karo� Light Corn Syrup
1/2 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons dry sherry
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
2 teaspoons minced garlic

Directions
Stir corn starch, brown sugar and crushed red pepper together in a small saucepan OR 1-quart microwaveable dish. Add remaining ingredients; stir well.
Cook over medium heat (OR microwave on HIGH (100%) for 2 minutes) stirring occasionally. Heat until mixture boils for 1 full minute. Cook and stir an additional 1 to 2 minutes, or until thickened to a syrup-like consistency.
Drizzle over your favorite stir-fry just before serving. Also delicious as a glaze for grilled meats. Store covered in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Cooking : Barbecued Turkey Sandwiches

Ingredients
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon butter or stick margarine
3 cups shredded cooked turkey
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup red wine vinegar or cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
1 teaspoon paprika
6 Kaiser rolls, split

Directions
In a large nonstick skillet, saute onion in butter until tender. Add the turkey, water, ketchup, vinegar, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and paprika. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes or until sauce is thickened. Serve on rolls.

Cooking : Apricot/Cranberry Chutney

Ingredients
1/4 cup diced dried apricots
1 (12 ounce) package fresh cranberries
1/2 cup raisins
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1 pinch ground cloves
1 cup water
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup cider vinegar

Directions
In a medium bowl, mix together the apricots, cranberries, raisins, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves.
In a medium saucepan, boil water and sugar, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved. Add the dried fruit mixture and vinegar. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Serve immediately, or refrigerate in a covered container.

Cooking : Baked Bean Sandwiches

Ingredients
4 English muffins, split
1 (16 ounce) can maple cured baked beans
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 medium tomatoes, cut into 1/4 inch slices
4 slices Cheddar cheese
4 slices bacon

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Arrange the English muffin halves on a baking sheet. Place an equal amount of baked beans on each muffin half. Layer beans with onion, tomato, cheese, and bacon.
Bake 20 minutes in the preheated oven. Set oven to broil, and continue cooking 1 to 2 minutes, until bacon is crisp. Watch constantly during broiling to make sure bacon does not burn. Serve immediately.