Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Cooking : Bread Dumplings

Ingredients
10 white dinner rolls
2 cups lukewarm milk
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup diced cooked ham
1 small onion, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
3 eggs, lightly beaten
salt and pepper to taste
1 pinch ground nutmeg

Directions
Slice rolls finely and soak in milk, until moist but not soggy.
Melt butter in a small skillet and saute ham with onion and parsley.
Fill a large saucepan with salted water and bring to a boil. Meanwhile, add eggs, salt, pepper and nutmeg to bread/milk mixture and combine with ham/onion saute. Mix well and shape into dumplings.
Cook in salted water for 20 minutes and serve immediately.

Cooking : Avocado, Beet and Arugula Salad with Chevre Tartine

Ingredients
4 ounces goat cheese, softened
1 teaspoon dried basil
4 (1/2 inch thick) slices crusty bread
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup olive oil
1 (15 ounce) can sliced beets, drained and diced
1 (10 ounce) package mixed salad greens with arugula
2 avocados - peeled, pitted and diced
1/3 cup chopped toasted hazelnuts

Directions
Preheat broiler for high heat. Line a baking sheet with foil.
Mix the goat cheese with the basil in a bowl. Spread cheese mixture evenly on four slices of bread. Place on prepared baking sheet.
Cook under preheated broiler until cheese has begun to turn golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
To make the vinaigrette, whisk together the mustard and vinegar in a small bowl until blended; season with salt and pepper to taste. Slowly pour in olive oil while continually whisking until dressing is smooth.
Place diced beets and mixed greens into a large bowl. Drizzle vinaigrette over top; toss to coat. Divide salad onto four chilled plates. Top with avocado and hazelnuts. Serve with goat-cheese tartines.

Cooking : Balsamic Cream Sauce

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 onion, minced
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
Heat olive oil and butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in the onion, and cook until it has caramelized to a dark, golden brown, about 15 minutes. Stir in the balsamic vinegar, and cook for 1 minute before stirring in the chicken bouillon and cream. Bring to a simmer, then remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted.

Cooking : Baked Spaghetti

Ingredients
Reynolds Wrap� Release� Non-Stick Aluminum Foil
1 (8 ounce) package spaghetti, cooked
2 tablespoons butter OR margarine
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 (24 ounce) carton ricotta cheese OR cottage cheese
1 pound ground beef
1 (25.75 ounce) jar Prego� Chunky Garden Combination Italian Sauce
1 (8 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with Reynolds Wrap� Release� Non-Stick Aluminum Foil with non-stick side toward food.
Combine hot cooked spaghetti with butter; stir until butter melts and coats spaghetti. Add 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese; stir to coat. Arrange spaghetti in an even layer in foil-lined pan. Spread ricotta cheese over spaghetti. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Brown ground beef, drain; add pasta sauce and heat until bubbly. Spoon over cheeses. Top with mozzarella cheese and remaining Parmesan cheese.
Cover with non-stick foil. Bake 30 minutes. Remove foil cover and continue baking 15 minutes or until cheese is lightly browned. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Cooking : Bok Choy, Carrots and Green Beans

Ingredients
1 teaspoon peanut oil
3 tablespoons minced shallots
2 carrots, sliced diagonally
1 cup fresh green beans, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 cup chopped bok choy
1/3 cup low sodium, low fat vegetable broth
1 tablespoon light soy sauce

Directions
Heat the oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Add the shallots and saute for 3 minutes. Add the carrots and stir fry for 3 minutes. Add the green beans and stir fry for 2 minutes. Add the bok choy and stir fry for 2 minutes. Add the broth and simmer for 2 minutes. Add the soy sauce and serve.

Cooking : Barbecued Chicken

Ingredients
1 (12 fluid ounce) can cola-flavored carbonated beverage
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 (3 pound) broiler-fryer chickens, cut in half

Directions
In a saucepan, combine the cola, tomato paste, onion, wine or vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Set aside 1/2 cup for basting; cover and refrigerate.
Carefully loosen the skin of the chicken; brush remaining sauce under skin. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Coat grill rack with nonstick cooking spray before starting the grill. Place chicken on grill rack. Grill, uncovered, over indirect medium heat for 20 minutes. Turn; grill 20-30 minutes longer or until chicken juices run clear, basting occasionally with reserved sauce.

Cooking : Beetroot Relish

Ingredients
10 medium beets, scrubbed and chopped
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 tablespoons salt
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup chopped cauliflower
3 tablespoons mustard seed
1 tablespoon celery seed
1 cup white vinegar

Directions
In a large pot, combine the beets, onion, red bell pepper, celery, sugar, and cauliflower. Season with salt, mustard seed, and celery seed, then stir in vinegar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.

Cooking : Beef Teriyaki

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups uncooked glutinous white rice
1 2/3 cups water
1 pound boneless beef sirloin steak (3/4 inch thick)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 (14 ounce) can beef broth
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
4 cups fresh broccoli florets

Directions
In a saucepan bring water to a boil. Add rice and stir. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, slice beef into very thin strips.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, broth, soy sauce, sugar and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly.
In a large skillet, over medium/high heat, saute the beef strips until browned and juices evaporate.
Stir broccoli and cornstarch mixture into meat. Cook until mixture boils and thickens, stirring frequently. Serve over the cooked rice.

Cooking : Broccoli-Onion Deluxe

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package frozen pearl onions
1 pound fresh broccoli, cut into spears
6 tablespoons butter or margarine, divided
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 pinch pepper
1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup soft bread crumbs

Directions
In a covered saucepan, cook onions in a small amount of water for 5 minutes. Add broccoli; cook 5 more minutes. Drain. Place in a 2-qt. baking dish. In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter; stir in flour, salt and pepper. Gradually add milk; cook and stir until thickened. Add cream cheese; stir until melted. Pour sauce over vegetables; sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes. Melt remaining butter; combine with crumbs. Sprinkle over casserole. Return to the oven, uncovered, for 15 minutes.

Cooking : Banana Bread I

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup butter, melted
3 bananas, mashed

Directions
Grease and flour two 7x3 inch loaf pans. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In one bowl, whisk together flour, soda, salt, and sugar. Mix in slightly beaten eggs, melted butter, and mashed bananas. Stir in nuts if desired. Pour into prepared pans.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 1 hour, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cooking : Bob's Thai Beef Salad

Ingredients
1 pound beef rib eye steak
2 large cucumbers - peeled, halved lengthwise and sliced
2 red onions, halved and thinly sliced
15 Thai chiles, sliced into thin rings
3 limes, juiced
1 pinch white sugar
1 cup fish sauce

Directions
Preheat oven to broiler setting. Broil rib eye to desired doneness. When cool enough to handle, slice into 1/4 inch by 1 inch strips.
In a large bowl, combine the steak, cucumbers, onions, chiles, lime juice, sugar, and fish sauce. Stir gently for 5 minutes, or until flavors are well blended.

Cooking : Broken Window Glass

Ingredients
1 (3 ounce) package lime flavored gelatin mix
1 (3 ounce) package orange flavored gelatin mix
1 (3 ounce) package cherry flavored gelatin mix
4 cups boiling water
1 1/2 cups cold water
1 (3 ounce) package lemon flavored gelatin mix
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1 (1.3 ounce) envelope whipped topping mix

Directions
Prepare lime, orange and cherry flavored gelatins separately, according to package directions, using 1 cup boiling water and 1/2 cup cold water for each. Pour each into a separate 8x8-inch pan. Refrigerate until firm.
In medium bowl, combine lemon gelatin, sugar and remaining 1 cup boiling water. Stir until gelatin and sugar are dissolved. Stir in pineapple juice and chill in refrigerator until slightly thickened.
Cut firm gelatin into 1/2-inch cubes. Prepare whipped topping according to package directions. In a large bowl, combine whipped topping with lemon, pineapple juice mixture. Fold in cubed gelatin and pour into mold. Chill 5 hours or overnight before serving.

Cooking : Alice Chicken

Ingredients
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
5 fluid ounces Worcestershire sauce
8 slices bacon
2 tablespoons butter
8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 (8 ounce) package Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1 (16 ounce) container honey mustard salad dressing

Directions
Place chicken in a glass dish or bowl; poke with a fork several times, then pour Worcestershire sauce in and turn to coat. Cover dish or bowl and refrigerate for about 1 hour.
Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, and set aside.
Heat butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms, and saute for about 10 minutes, or until soft; set aside.
Preheat oven to Broil.
Remove chicken from marinade (discard any remaining liquid), and broil for about 5 minutes each side. When chicken is almost finished, top each breast with 2 slices bacon, then cheese. Continue to broil until cheese has melted, then remove from oven. Serve with mushrooms and salad dressing for topping.

Cooking : Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp and Basil

Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil, divided
1 (8 ounce) package angel hair pasta
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
1 pound large shrimp - peeled and deveined
2 (28 ounce) cans Italian-style diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup chopped parsley
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and add 1 tablespoon oil. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Place pasta in a colander, and give it a quick rinse with cold water.
Heat remaining olive oil in a 10 inch skillet over medium heat. Cook garlic, stirring constantly, until the garlic is tender, about 1 minute. Do not let the garlic burn. Add shrimp, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove shrimp from the skillet, and set aside.
Stir tomatoes, wine, parsley, and basil into the skillet. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced by half, 8 to 12 minutes. Add shrimp, and continue cooking until the shrimp are heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes. Serve the shrimp mixture over the pasta. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Cooking : Baked Omelet Squares

Ingredients
1/4 cup butter
1 small onion, chopped
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 (12 ounce) can sliced mushrooms
1 (6 ounce) can sliced black olives
chopped cooked ham (optional)
sliced jalapeno peppers (optional)
12 eggs, scrambled
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper, to taste

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, and cook the onion until tender.
Spread Cheddar cheese in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer with mushrooms, olives, sauteed onion, ham, and jalapeno peppers. In a bowl, scramble eggs together with milk, and season with salt and pepper. Pour egg mixture over ingredients, but do not stir.
Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until no longer runny in the center and slightly brown on top. Allow to cool slightly, then cut into squares and serve.

Cooking : Apple-Raisin Breakfast Bread Pudding

Ingredients
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 (16 ounce) loaf cinnamon bread with raisins, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored, and sliced
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup melted butter
1 Granny Smith apple - peeled, cored, and diced

Directions
Beat the eggs in a mixing bowl. Whisk in the milk, cream, vanilla extract, and nutmeg until evenly blended. Fold in the bread cubes and set aside until the bread soaks up the egg mixture, about 5 minutes. Place the sliced apples into a mixing bowl and sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter; toss to evenly coat. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and arrange the apple slices evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish; spoon the bread mixture over top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Sprinkle the diced apple over the bread pudding and cover again with the aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven until the bread is no longer soggy, about 40 minutes. Remove the foil and set the oven to Broil; broil until golden brown on top, about 5 minutes. Remove and let stand 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Cooking : Bacon and Date Appetizer

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package pitted dates
4 ounces almonds
1 pound sliced bacon

Directions
Preheat the broiler.
Slit dates. Place one almond inside each date. Wrap dates with bacon, using toothpicks to hold them together.
Broil 10 minutes, or until bacon is evenly brown and crisp.

Cooking : Basil Pesto Pomodoro Sauce

Ingredients
1 serving Nonstick cooking spray
1 cup chopped white onion
2 (14.5 ounce) cans Hunt’s� Diced Tomatoes, undrained
1/4 cup prepared basil pesto
Hot cooked pasta, chicken or fish (optional)

Directions
Spray large skillet with cooking spray. Heat over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir 5 minutes, or until tender.
Add tomatoes and simmer 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Stir in pesto just before serving.
Serve with 1 pound dry pasta (such as fusilli, spaghetti or penne), cooked according to package directions. May also be served over cooked chicken breasts or fish.

Cooking : Best Ever Sugar Cookies

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup sour cream

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Combine flour, salt, baking soda and nutmeg.
Cream together the butter and sugar. Blend in the sour cream; add dry ingredients.
Chill dough for 1 hour. Roll to 1/2 inch thickness on a sugar and floured surface.
Cut with cookie cutter; bake on ungreased cookie sheet for 8-10 minutes.

Cooking : Asian Coleslaw

Ingredients
6 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
6 tablespoons vegetable oil
5 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger root
1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
5 cups thinly sliced green cabbage
2 cups thinly sliced red cabbage
2 cups shredded napa cabbage
2 red bell peppers, thinly sliced
2 carrots, julienned
6 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions
In a medium bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, oil, peanut butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic.
In a large bowl, mix the green cabbage, red cabbage, napa cabbage, red bell peppers, carrots, green onions, and cilantro. Toss with the peanut butter mixture just before serving.

Cooking : Apricot Bonbons

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter (no substitutes), cubed
1 cup sugar
1 egg, beaten
7 ounces dried apricots, finely chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups crisp rice cereal
1 cup finely chopped pecans
confectioners' sugar

Directions
In a heavy saucepan, combine butter, sugar, egg, apricots, vanilla and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 8 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in cereal and pecans. Let stand until cool enough to handle.
Shape into 1-in. balls; roll in confectioners' sugar. Place on baking sheets; let stand until completely cool. Reroll in sugar if desired. Refrigerate in an airtight containers.

Cooking : Big Daddy's Barbeque Sauce

Ingredients
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon liquid smoke flavoring
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Bring the ketchup, water, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, butter, and celery salt to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat. Season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.

Cooking : Beef and Brew

Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
3/4 cup water, divided
3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pound round steak - cut into 1 inch strips
2 onions, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Directions
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and saute for 5 minutes, or until they are dark brown and tender. Add the beer, 1/2 cup water, bay leaf, thyme, ground black pepper and salt.
Add the meat, onions, green bell pepper and red bell pepper. Simmer for another 20 minutes, or until beef is tender. Remove bay leaf.
In a separate small bowl, combine the flour and remaining 1/4 cup water. Mix well, making sure the flour is completely dissolved. Stir this mixture into the meat mixture. Cook until thickened and bubbly, then cook for 3 minutes more.

Cooking : Beer Batter Fish Fillets

Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
3/4 cup beer
1/2 cup milk
2 pounds cod fillets
2 quarts vegetable oil for frying

Directions
In a large bowl, mix together flour, salt, baking powder, and dill. Add beer, milk, and eggs; mix well.
Place fish fillets in batter mixture, coat well, and let stand for 15 minutes.
Heat deep fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Place fish in hot oil, and fry until golden brown. Cook fish in batches to maintain oil temperature. Serve.

Cooking : Bob Evans� Au Gratin Potatoes

Ingredients
1 (20 ounce) package Bob Evans� Hash Brown Potatoes
1 tablespoon flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 9x9 inch baking pan. Blend together flour, salt, pepper and onion powder. Set aside.
In a large bowl combine Bob Evans hash brown potatoes and dry seasoning mixture, mix together. Place half of potato mixture into baking pan. Top with 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Place other half of potato mixture on top and top with 1 cup of cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese. Pour milk and melted butter or margarine over mixture.
Bake for 45-50 minutes or until top is golden brown.

Cooking : Breaded Rib Roast

Ingredients
4 pounds beef rib roast
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup plain bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
Wash and pat dry the roast. Sprinkle salt and pepper over meat.
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped garlic, butter, and olive oil. Stir to blend well. Place the seasoned rib roast in garlic mixture and turn to coat, rubbing it into the meat. Add a little more oil if it doesn't completely coat the meat.
In another mixing bowl, combine the bread crumbs, cheese and parsley. Mix thoroughly. Press the bread crumb mixture into the meat; completely covering the roast.
Place roast on a roasting rack inside of a shallow baking pan. Roast in a preheated oven until desired doneness; about 2 hours. Rare beef is 120 to 125 degrees F (49 to 52 degrees C). Well done beef is 160 degrees F (71 degrees C) Always use a clean meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Cooking : Beef and Vegetable Ragout

Ingredients
3/4 pound beef tenderloin, cut into 1/2 inch strips
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (14.5 ounce) can beef broth
1/4 cup port wine
2 cups sugar snap peas
1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half

Directions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown meat 2 to 3 minutes. Remove meat to paper towels. Stir in mushrooms, onion, and garlic; cook until onion is soft.
Sprinkle in flour, and stir well to mix. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in broth and wine; cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thickened. Stir in peas; cook 2 to 3 minutes more. Return meat to skillet. Stir in tomatoes, and heat through.

Cooking : Buttermilk Pancakes I

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
1/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Directions
Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Combine all ingredients in a blender. Puree until smooth.
Pour batter onto the griddle, to form 5 pancakes. Flip pancakes when edges appear to harden. Cook pancakes on other side for same amount of time until golden brown.

Cooking : Beer Chops II

Ingredients
1 onion, chopped
2 pork chops butterfly cut
1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle beer
2 cubes chicken bouillon

Directions
Arrange chopped onions in bottom of slow cooker. Lay butterfly chops on top, separating if you wish. Pour in beer and drop in chicken bouillon cubes. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.

Cooking : Apple Style Omelets

Ingredients
1/4 cup butter
3 large apples - peeled, cored and diced
6 eggs, lightly beaten
1 pinch salt
1 pinch black pepper
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon white sugar

Directions
In a large skillet or frying pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add apples and saute until tender but not completely cooked.
Heat a lightly oiled omelet pan or medium sized skillet. Whisk together eggs, cream, salt, pepper and sugar. Pour egg mixture into omelet pan. When bottom of omelet has begun to set, place half of the apple mixture on top of the eggs.
When bottom of omelet is completely cooked, fold over omelet, cover and cook through. Serve warm with remaining apples on top or on the side.

Cooking : Artichoke Crab Dip

Ingredients
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts in water, drained
1/2 teaspoon Old Bay ™ Seasoning
1/2 pound fresh crabmeat, picked over for cartilage and shell fragments

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Place cream cheese in a medium baking dish with 3/4 of the artichoke hearts and Old Bay Seasoning TM. Blend until smooth. Gently fold in crabmeat, taking care not to break up lumps.
Bake in the preheated oven 30 minutes, or until surface is golden brown. Remove from heat and garnish with remaining artichoke hearts.

Cooking : Bunny Cookies

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups white sugar
2/3 cup shortening
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 1/2 teaspoons orange zest
1 tablespoon orange juice
1/4 cup cinnamon red hot candies

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and shortening. Add eggs and beat until smooth. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until well blended. Mix in the orange juice and orange zest.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out rabbit shapes with a cookie cutter. Place rabbits onto an unprepared cookie sheet and place the cinnamon candies onto them for eyes. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Frost if desired.

Cooking : Almond Mandarin Salad

Ingredients
1/2 pound bacon
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
3 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon dry hot mustard
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
1/4 cup olive oil
1 head red leaf lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
1 (15 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
1 bunch green onion, diced
3/4 cup slivered almonds

Directions
In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon until evenly brown. Drain, cool, and crumble.
To make the dressing, thoroughly blend the vinegar, honey, dry mustard, celery salt, paprika, and olive oil.
Place lettuce, oranges, green onion, bacon, and almonds in a serving bowl. Toss with dressing and serve.

Cooking : BBQ Ranch Bacon Cheeseburgers

Ingredients
2 pounds ground sirloin beef
1 (1 ounce) package ranch salad and seasoning mix
1/2 cup Hunt's� Original Barbecue Sauce
1/2 cup ranch dressing
Nonstick cooking spray
1 (2.1 ounce) package fully cooked bacon, heated
6 slices Monterey Jack cheese, each slice cut diagonally into 2 triangles
1 (16 ounce) package French bread rolls, sliced in half lengthwise, toasted
6 leaves green leaf lettuce
French-fried onions (optional)

Directions
Mix ground beef with seasoning mix in large bowl until well blended. Shape beef into 6 oblong patties, about 6 x 3-inches each. Whisk together barbecue sauce and dressing in small bowl; set aside.
Spray grate of outdoor grill and utensils with grilling spray. Preheat grill to medium heat. Grill patties 5 minutes on one side or until juices begin to appear on surface. Turn patties over; top each with 3 slices bacon. Cook about 4 minutes longer; top each patty with 2 triangle pieces of cheese, overlapping to cover patty. Remove patties when cheese begins to melt.
Spread barbecue-dressing mixture on bottom of each roll. Add a lettuce leaf. Place cooked patty with bacon and cheese on lettuce. Spoon additional barbecue-dressing mixture over cheese. Sprinkle with fried onions, if desired. Serve immediately.

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 : Banana Cake V

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups white sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup sour cream
1 cup mashed bananas
1 1/2 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x9 inch pan.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light. Add eggs and beat well. Dissolve soda in the sour cream and add it to the butter mixture. Beat well. Add the mashed bananas and mix in. Add cake flour and mix well. Stir in vanilla extract.
Pour batter into a 9x9 inch pan and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 minutes or until done.

Cooking : Aunt Irene's Frosting

Ingredients
1 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 (.25 ounce) package unflavored gelatin
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions
In a medium sized saucepan, stir the sugar, flour, cornstarch and gelatin together. Add the eggs and beat until smooth. Beat in the milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the butter and the vanilla. Let cool and chill until cold.
Once cold, beat until smooth and fluffy.
Whip the cream into soft peaks and fold it into the frosting. Makes enough to frost one 8 or 9 inch layer cake.

Cooking : Banana Cream Pie I

Ingredients
3/4 cup white sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk
3 egg yolks, beaten
2 tablespoons butter
1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 (9 inch) pie crust, baked
4 bananas, sliced

Directions
In a saucepan, combine the sugar, flour, and salt. Add milk in gradually while stirring gently. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is bubbly. Keep stirring and cook for about 2 more minutes, and then remove from the burner.
Stir a small quantity of the hot mixture into the beaten egg yolks, and immediately add egg yolk mixture to the rest of the hot mixture. Cook for 2 more minutes; remember to keep stirring. Remove the mixture from the stove, and add butter and vanilla. Stir until the whole thing has a smooth consistency.
Slice bananas into the cooled baked pastry shell. Top with pudding mixture.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 12 to 15 minutes. Chill for an hour.

Cooking : Amaretto Chicken

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, divided
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
3 green onions, diced
1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh tarragon
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
1/2 cup amaretto liqueur
1/4 cup capers

Directions
Melt 1/4 cup of the butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Brown chicken in butter quickly, and remove to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Add remaining 1/4 cup butter to skillet and brown the green onion and mushrooms with the garlic and tarragon. Pour this saute mixture over chicken breasts.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Heat the cream, cheese and amaretto in the skillet, whisking rapidly. Stir in capers, then pour sauce over chicken, green onions and mushrooms.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.

Cooking : Breakfast Pizza

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) can refrigerated crescent rolls
1 pound bulk pork sausage
1 cup frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
Unroll crescent dough and place on a greased 12-in. pizza pan; press seams together and press up sides of pan to form a crust. In a skillet, brown sausage over medium heat; drain and cool slightly.
Sprinkle sausage, hash browns and cheddar cheese over crust. In a bowl, beat eggs, milk and pepper; pour over pizza. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Bake at 375 degrees for 28-30 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.

Cooking : Basil Pesto Bread Rounds

Ingredients
1 (1 pound) loaf French baguette
2/3 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup basil pesto
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
salt to taste

Directions
Preheat oven on broiler setting. Arrange bread slices in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Place under broiler for 5 to 8 minutes, or until lightly toasted on one side. Watch carefully to ensure they don't burn. Remove from oven, and flip bread slices so that the toasted side is on the bottom.
Set the oven temperature for 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, pesto, garlic, Parmesan and salt. Spread evenly over untoasted sides of bread slices.
Bake in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes. Set the oven to broil, and place the rounds under the broiler just until they begin to bubble and turn golden. Let cool slightly before serving.

Cooking : Ambrosia Pecan Pie

Ingredients
3/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup sugar
3 tablespoons brown sugar
3 tablespoons orange juice
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1 teaspoon grated orange peel
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
2/3 cup flaked coconut
1 (9 inch) unbaked pastry shell

Directions
In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs, corn syrup, sugars, orange juice, butter, orange peel and salt until well blended. Stir in pecans and coconut. Pour into pastry shell. Bake at 350 degrees F for 50-60 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. If edges become too brown, cover with foil. Cool on a wire rack.

Cooking : Bocconcini Salad

Ingredients
1 pound bocconcini (bite-size mozzarella balls)
8 cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup Belgian endive leaves
1/2 cup coarsely chopped arugula, stems included
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves

Directions
In a large salad bowl, combine the mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, celery, endive and arugula.
Whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil; pour over the salad and season to taste with salt and pepper. Toss until all the ingredients are thoroughly coated with the dressing. Sprinkle the basil over the salad and serve immediately.

Cooking : Bagel and Cheese Bake

Ingredients
1/2 pound bacon, diced
1/2 cup chopped onion
3 plain bagels
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
12 eggs, beaten
2 cups milk
2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
Place the bacon and onion in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until evenly brown. Drain, and set aside. Slice each bagel into 4 thin slices.
Arrange 6 bagel slices in the bottom of a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover with the bacon and onion mixture, followed by the Cheddar cheese. Top with remaining bagel slices.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, parsley, and pepper. Pour the egg mixture over the bagel layers. Cover, and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Uncover the chilled bagel dish, and bake in the preheated oven 25 to 30 minutes, or until eggs are firm. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and serve warm.

Cooking : Anadama Bread

Ingredients
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup cornmeal
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup molasses
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110 degrees F)
3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1 teaspoon salt

Directions
Place 1/2 cup water and cornmeal in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook until mixture thickens; about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the butter or margarine and molasses. Let cool to lukewarm.
In a small mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water. Let sit until creamy; about 10 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled cornmeal mixture with the yeast mixture; stir until well blended. Add 2 cups of the flour and the salt; mix well. Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
Lightly oil a large mixing bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and put in a warm place to rise until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and form into a loaf. Place the loaf in a lightly greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes.
Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for about 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the bottom of the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

Cooking : Beer Spice Cake

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup beer

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Sift together flour, baking powder, cloves, cinnamon, allspice baking soda and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and beat well. Add flour mixture alternately with beer and mix well to combine. Fold in the chopped walnuts.
Pour into a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Bake at 375 degrees F for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.

Cooking : Apple-Glazed Pork Chops

Ingredients
1/2 cup SMUCKER'S� Apple Jelly
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
4 (1-inch-thick) pork chops
2 small baking apples, cored and sliced

Directions
Combine first four ingredients in saucepan; cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until jelly melts. Keep warm.
Place pork chops on rack in broiler pan. Broil five inches from heat, seven minutes on each side.
Remove from oven; brush one side with jelly glaze, and broil three minutes. Flip and brush other side with glaze; top with apple slices, and drizzle with remaining glaze. Broil three minutes.