Cranberry Swiss Dip

Recipe

I used a 2 1/2 -3 quart crock for this.  A 1 1/2-2 quart crock would work as well.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2/3-3/4 cups Jarlsberg cheese, grated (Swiss works, too)
• 2 Tbls orange juice
• zest of 1/2 a tangerine (orange or cutie would work, too)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 2 tsps sugar

Spread the cream cheese on the bottom of the crock.  Spread the grated Jarlsberg evenly over the top.  Sprinkle with orange juice and zest.  Sprinkle the cranberries on top and dust the cranberries with the sugar.  Cover and cook on high for about an hour, until the cheese is melted.  Stir and serve straight from the crock on the warm setting.  We served them with wheat thins.

Cinnamon ice cream

Ingredients:

1 cup white sugar 1 1/2 cups half-and-half cream 2 eggs, beaten

1 cup heavy cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions:

1.

In a saucepan over medium-low heat, stir together the sugar and half-and-half. When the mixture begins to simmer, remove from heat, and whisk half of the mixture into the eggs. Whisk quickly so that the eggs do not scramble. Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan, and stir in the heavy cream. Continue cooking over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a metal spoon. Remove from heat, and whisk in vanilla and cinnamon. Set aside to cool.

2.

Pour cooled mixture into an ice cream maker, and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Crock Pot Chili

1 lb lean ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/4 cup dry red wine or 1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 garlic clove, minced
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, undrained
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes, undrained
6 tablespoons shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese

Directions:

1
Cook ground round in large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until borwn, stirring to crumble.
2
Add next 7 ingredients (onion through garlic), and cook for 7 minutes or until onion is tender.
3
Place mixture in an electric slow cooker and stir in beans and tomatoes.
4
Cover with lid and cook on low heat setting for 4* hours.
5
Spoon into bowls and sprinkle with cheese.
6
This can also be done on the stove top: After adding beans and tomatoes, bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, partialy covered, 1 1/2 hours.
7
*I leave mine in the crockpot about 8 hours while I'm at work and it comes out fine.

Read more at: http://www.food.com/recipe/cooking-light-crock-pot-chili-137337?oc=linkback

Florentine Casserole

• 4 x 3 oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pre-cooked, cut into cubes (rotisserie chicken works too)
• 1/2 box frozen spinach, thawed & squeezed to remove access liquid
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp flour (I used Bob's Red Mill all-purpose gluten free flour
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1 1/2 cups no-salt added chicken broth
• pinch nutmeg
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup low fat cottage cheese, blended to make smooth consistency
• 2/3 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated (use small holes on grater)
• 1/2 pound whole grain pasta (I used brown rice spirals)
• 
  

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Mist a 9 x 11 baking dish with oil. Cook pasta according to package directions. In a large pot, heat olive oil to medium-low and saute garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add flour and whisk for 30 seconds. Add chicken broth and stir until thickened. Add lemon juice, nutmeg, oregano & pepper. Bring to simmer. Remove from heat and add blended cottage cheese, spinach, chicken, Parmesan cheese & pasta. Stir to combine. Place in casserole dish. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden & bubbly.

Quick Udon Noodle Miso Soup

Ingredients
1 cup water
3 cups chicken or vegetable stock
1/2 cup mushrooms, thinly sliced
2 cups baby spinach leaves or baby bok choy
12 ounces fresh udon noodles, cooked according to package directions and drained
5 scallions, diced
2 tablespoons white miso paste

Directions
Bring broth and water to a simmer over medium-high heat. Add in mushrooms and spinach or bok choy. Simmer for 5 minutes or just until leaves start to wilt and mushrooms are transparent. Place cooked noodle and diced scallions in the pot. Turn the heat off and whisk in the miso paste until combined. Serve immediately.
Makes 4 servings.

Lasagna Soup

Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

for the soup:
• 2 tsp. olive oil
• 1-1/2 lbs. Italian sausage
• 3 c. chopped onions
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 T. tomato paste
• 1 28-oz. can fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 2 bay leaves
• 6 c. chicken stock
• 8 oz. mafalda or fusilli pasta
• 1/2 c. finely chopped fresh basil leaves
• salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
for the cheesy yum:
• 8 oz. ricotta
• 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• pinch of freshly ground pepper
additional cheesy yum:
• 2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese

Preparation

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking up into bite sized pieces, and brown for about 5 minutes. Add onions and cook until softened, about 6 minutes. Add garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute. Add tomato paste and stir well to incorporate. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the tomato paste turns a rusty brown color.

Add diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and chicken stock. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Add uncooked pasta and cook until al dente. Do not over cook or let soup simmer for a long period of time at this point, as the pasta will get mushy and absorb all the soup broth. You may even want to consider cooking the noodles separately, and then adding some to individual bowls before ladling the soup over them. This would be an especially smart move if you are anticipating any leftovers. Right before serving, stir in the basil and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cheesy yum. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.

To serve, place a dollop of the cheesy yum in each soup bowl, sprinkle some of the mozzarella on top and ladle the hot soup over the cheese.

Healthy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip

Ingredients

1/2	(8 oz) Package fat free cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup	Plain Greek yogurt (or low fat sour cream)
1 1/2 tbs	Spicy ranch dry salad dressing & seasoning mix (or the regular ranch dry mix will work)
1/2 cup	Shredded mozzarella cheese (or blue cheese)
1/2 cup	Franks Red Hot™ Buffalo Wing Sauce (more or less depending on desired heat)
1 1/2 cup	Chicken, cooked and shredded (or pulled)

Directions

The estimated time to make this recipe is 30 Minutes.

1 Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a small baking dish with non-stick spray.

2 In a bowl, mix together the first 5 ingredients. Add the pulled chicken, and stir until well combined.

3 Spoon mixture into baking dish, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until dip is warmed through and cheese is melted. Serve warm with baked chips, celery sticks, or other veggies!

Crock Pot Honey Sesame Chicken

Serves 4

Ingredients
6-8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or 4 chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup diced onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup honey
1/4 cup ketchup

 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
4 teaspoons cornstarch

 1/3 cup water
2 packets minute rice, optional
1/2 tablespoon (or more) sesame seeds

3 scallions, chopped

Directions
Place chicken in Crock Pot and lightly season both sides with salt and pepper.

In a medium bowl, combine onion, garlic, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, oil and red pepper flakes. Pour over chicken. Cook on low for 3-4 hours, or high for 2 hours.

Remove chicken to a cutting board, leaving sauce. Shred chicken into bite-sized pieces; set aside. Prepare rice according to package instructions.

In a small bowl, dissolve 4 teaspoons cornstarch in 1/3 cup water; add to crock pot. Stir to combine with sauce. Cover and cook sauce on high for ten more minutes, or until slightly thickened.

Add cooked rice to 4 plates, top with chicken and spoon sauce over top. Sprinkle evenly with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.

S'more Bars

1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/3 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 king-sized milk chocolate bars (e.g. Hershey’s)
1 1/2 cups marshmallow creme/fluff (not melted marshmallows)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light. Beat in egg and vanilla. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder and salt. Add to butter mixture and mix at a low speed until combined.
Divide dough in half and press half of dough into an even layer on the bottom of the prepared pan. Place chocolate bars over dough. 2 king-sized Hershey’s bars should fit perfectly side by side, but break the chocolate (if necessary) to get it to fit in a single layer no more than 1/4 inch thick. Spread chocolate with marshmallow creme or fluff. Place remaining dough in a single layer on top of the fluff (most easily achieved by flattening the dough into small shingles and laying them together).
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until lightly browned. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp

Yield: 2 – 4 as appetizer

Ingredients

• 1 lb. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• For the sauce:
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 4-5 teaspoons chili garlic sauce, such as Sriracha sauce
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• For the egg mixture:
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup milk
• For the breading mixture:
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• For frying:
• 8 to 12 cups vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients for the sauce in a small bowl; cover and set aside.
2. Combine beaten egg with milk in shallow bowl; set aside.
3. Combine flour, panko, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and basil in another shallow bowl; set aside.
4. Bread the shrimp by first coating each with the breading mixture. Dip breaded shrimp into the egg and milk mixture, and then back into the breading. Arrange the coated shrimp on a plate and pop them into the fridge for at least 20 minutes. This step will help the breading to stick on the shrimp when they are frying.
5. Heat oil in deep fryer to 350 degrees F. Use amount of oil required by your fryer.
6. When oil is hot, fry shrimp 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on rack or paper towels.
7. When all shrimp has been fried, drop the shrimp into a large bowl. Spoon about 1/4 cup of sauce over shrimp and stir gently to coat.

The New York Times Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

2 cups minus 2 tablespoons (8 1/2 ounces) cake
flour

1 2/3 cups (8 1/2 ounces) bread flour

*I only used all purpose flour for my recipe.

1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt

2 1/2 sticks (1 1/4 cups) unsalted butter

1 1/4 cups (10 ounces) light brown sugar

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (8 ounces) granulated
sugar

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 1/4 pounds chocolate chips

*I used milk and semi sweet chocolate, then also went back and added Reece’s peanut butter chips.

Directions

Sift flours, baking soda, baking powder and salt
into a bowl and set aside.

Using a mixer with a paddle attachment, cream
butter and sugars until light and fluffy – about 5 minutes. Add eggs. Stir in vanilla. Reduce to low speed and add dry ingredients slowly,
mixing until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips. Refrigerate dough for
24-36 hours.

When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350.

Drop spoonfuls of dough
onto baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Chicken in Basil Cream

Ingredients	1/4 cupMilk
	1/4 cupDry bread crumbs
	1 poundBoneless skinless chicken breast; 4 halves
	3 tablespoonButter
	1/2 cupChicken broth
	1 cupHeavy cream
	1 can (4 oz)Pimento; sliced
	1/4 cupBasil; fresh, minced
	1/2 cupParmesan; grated
	1/8 teaspoonPepper

Chicken in Basil Cream (9) Preparation

- Heat skillet over medium high heat
- Place milk and bread crumbs in separate shallow bowls
- Dip chicken in milk, and then coat with crumbs
- Add chicken to skillet with 1/2 of the butter about 5 min
- Add remaining butter flip chicken and cook another 5 min till chicken is cooked.
- Remove and keep warm
- Add broth to skillet bring to boil over medium heat to remove fond
- Stir in cream, and pimientos; boil and stir for 1 min
- Reduce heat, add parmesan cheese, basil and pepper; cook and stir until heated through.
- Serve chicken with sauce poured over.

Chocolate Banana Melts

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons chocolate-hazelnut spread, such as Nutella
• 4 slice  soft sandwich bread
• 1 banana, sliced
• room temperature butter
• 4 teaspoons dark brown sugar

Directions

• Divide spread between 2 bread slices. Top with banana slices and remaining bread. Butter sandwich tops. Sprinkle each with 1 tsp. sugar and press to adhere. Cook sammies sugar side down in large nonstick skillet over medium-low for 2 minutes. Lightly spread butter on untoasted sides of bread; sprinkle each with another 1 tsp. sugar. Flip and cook, 2 more minutes. Quarter sandwiches; serve warm.

Chicken Tortilla Bake

Ingredients

2 10 3/4oz cans of cream of chicken

1 10oz can of dice tomatoes and green chilies 

12 6in corn tortillas

3 cups of cooked chicken

1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Combine the 3 cans and mix them up, then set aside

Chop up the tortillas into bite sized pieces.

Layer 1/3 of the tortillas onto the bottom of a 3 quart pan

Place half of the chicken on top of the tortillas

Then spoon 1/2 the soup mixture on top of the chicken

Repeat layers and top with the rest of the tortilla strips.

Cover and bake for 40 minutes

Top with cheese and bake an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts

No Bake Nutella Cheese Cake

Ingredients

Crust:

-5 Oreo cookies

-10 Belgian Butters Almond Thins

-3 tbsps melted Unsalted Butter

Filling:

-1 package (room temp) Cream Cheese

-2/3 cup Nutella

-1/2 tspn Pure Vanilla Extract

-Fresh Whipped Cream

What to do:

-I'm so tempted to just say, PUT THEM ALL TOGETHER AND DEVOUR but I should show a little more effort, after all it is Nutella.

-Mix together cookie crumbs and melted butter. 

-Divide evenly in small containers, I used small jars.

-Beat Cream Cheese and Nutella until smooth, then add in the vanilla extract

-With a spatula, fold in the whipped cream.

-Spoon in the mix on top of the crust and refrigerate before serving.

-DONE!

Chicken Pillows

Ingredients

• 1 (8 oz) can Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2-3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
• 1 egg
• 1 sleeve Saltine Crackers crushed
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 spoonfuls sour cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 F
2. Soften 1/4 cup butter and 8oz. block of cream cheese. Then stir to a smooth consistency. Add cooked shredded chicken to the bowl.
3. Lay out the 8 crescents on a cookie sheet. Stretch the crescent out.
4. Place a couple spoon fulls of the creamy chicken mixture into the center of the crescent to fill it. Then fold the crescent around the mixture so that none of it is showing. I'll call this the "pillow".
5. In a separate smaller bowl, put the egg and a little bit of water, maybe a couple Tablespoons worth and beat together.Dip the "pillow" into the blended egg. After dipping into the blended egg, proceed to dip it into the crushed saltine crackers and place on cookie sheet. Repeat for the remaining 7 crescents.
6. Cook the pillows at 400 F for 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them your oven might cook them quicker.
7. For the sauce topping: Put can of cream of chicken and milk into a sauce pan. Add as much milk as you want to get it to the consistency you want i.e. thicker or runnier. When hot enough add 2 spoon fulls of sour cream and cheese to your liking.

Crab Salad Sandwich

Ingredients:
2 (8 ounce) package imitation crab
3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/4 cup green bell pepper (finely chopped)
1/4 cup onion (finely chopped)
salt and pepper (to taste)
paprika (to taste)
spinach leaves
4 wheat crescents  

Step 1: Break up the crab into small chunks. You can do this with your hands or use two forks to shred the imitation crab meat. Place crab into a medium bowl. Add mayonnaise, lemon juice, green bell pepper, and onion. Season with salt and pepper and paprika. Mix until well combined.
Step 2: Place lettuce onto the bottom half of a bun (I prefer mine toasted), top with crab mixture and the top half of the bun.

Balsamic Glazed Salmon

Ingredients
2/3 C Balsamic vinegar
3 Tbs brown sugar
2 Tbs whole grain Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp sea salt
2 green onions, chopped
6- 6oz  salmon fillets, skinned

Directions
In a large zip top bag, add the Balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon, salt and green onions. Mush to combine. Add the salmon to the zip top bag, seal tightly and turn to coat. Place in a shallow dish and refrigerate for 2 hrs, turning after 1 hr.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Remove salmon fillets from the zip top bag. Place on a rimmed baking sheet and bake in the oven for 15-25 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork. While fish bakes, pour remaining marinade in a small sauce pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until reduced by half and thick.
Once fish is cooked through, brush with glaze and garnish with more green onion (green tops only).

Australian Meat Pie!!!!

• 500 g minced beef (a little over 1 lb)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup water, divided
• 2 beef bouillon cubes
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1 pinch nutmeg
• 3 tablespoons plain flour
• 2 puff pastry sheets

Directions:

1. 1
   Pre-heat oven at 425 degrees.
2. 2
   Brown meat and onion.
3. 3
   Add 3/4 cup of the water, bouillon cubes, ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, pepper, oregano, and nutmeg.
4. 4
   Boil and cover for 15 minutes.
5. 5
   Blend flour with the remaining 1/4 cup water until it becomes a smooth paste; add to the meat mix.
6. 6
   Let cool.
7. 7
   Grease a pie dish and line with puff pastry.
8. 8
   Add the cooled filling mixture; brush edges of pastry with milk or beaten egg; put the pastry top on; press edges down with a fork.
9. 9
   Trim edges and glaze top with milk or beaten egg.
10. 10
    Bake in a very hot oven, 425 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes.
11. 11
    Reduce heat to 350 degrees Celsius and bake for 25 more minutes, or until golden brown.
12. 12
    Serve with veggies, fries, or salad.

Basil Caper Salmon

Ingredients (serves 2)
- 2 salmon filets (skin-on is fine)
- about 8 basil leaves – chopped
- 1 Tbsp capers – chopped
- 1 shalot – chopped
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (1 for the pan, 1 for the topping)
- 1 Tbsp white wine vinegar
- fresh ground pepper
Directions:

1. In a non-stick skillet, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil.  Add the salmon and let it cook skin-side down first for about 3 min.  Then flip and cook for 3 more min or until desired well-ness is achieved.
2. While the salmon is cooking, combine the other ingredients in a small bowl and mix together.
3. Serve the fish with the topping on top.
4. Enjoy!

Basil-Buttered Salmon

Ingredients

• 4 fresh or frozen skinless salmon, halibut, or sea bass fillets (about 1 1/4 pounds)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt-free lemon-pepper seasoning
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon snipped fresh lemon basil, regular basil, or dill or 1/4 teaspoon dried basil or dill, crushed
• 1 teaspoon snipped fresh parsley or cilantro
• 1/4 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel or lime peel

Directions

1. Thaw fish, if frozen. Rinse fish; pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle with lemon-pepper seasoning.

2. Place fish on the greased unheated rack of a broiler pan. Turn any thin portions under to make uniform thickness. Broil 4 inches from the heat for 5 minutes. Carefully turn fish over. Broil for 3 to 7 minutes more or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.

3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together butter, basil, parsley, and lemon peel. To serve, spoon 1 teaspoon of the butter mixture on top of each fish piece. Cover and refrigerate remaining butter mixture for another use. Makes 4 servings.

• Variation Grilling Directions:Place fish on the greased rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium coals. Grill for 8 to 12 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork, carefully turning once halfway through grilling.

Crock Pot Lasagna

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef (or ground turkey/ or chicken)

29 oz can tomato sauce

8 oz pkg. lasagna noodles, uncooked

4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 1/2 cups cottage cheese

Directions

1. Brown the ground beef in a pan with a little oil.

2. Add chopped onion and garlic to the ground beef

3. Stir the tomato sauce in with the ground beef

4. Spread 1/4 of the meat sauce on the bottom of the crock-pot

5. Arrange 1/3 of the uncooked noodles over the sauce (I usually break them up so they fit better)

6. Combine the cheeses in a bowl. Spoon 1/3 of the cheeses over the noodles.

7. Repeat these layers twice

8. Top with remaining sauce

9. Cover and cook on low for 4hrs (I've started the crock-pot on high in the morning before I leave for work and then put it on warm when I leave and it's perfect when I get home)

10. Let the lasagna stand in the crock-pot with the lid off for at least 10 minutes 

* Variations *

1. Use Italian sausage in place of ground beef or with ground beef

2. Add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the cheese mixture. Replace cottage cheese with Ricotta.

3. Add 1/2 cup additional shredded mozzarella cheese to the top of lasagna 5 minutes before serving

Eggplant Parmesan

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (about 2 large) eggplants
• Kosher salt
• 1 28-oz can whole peeled tomatoes
• 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
• Olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup fine dry breadcrumbs
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 lbs of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
• 1 cup grated high quality Parmesan cheese
• 1 packed cup fresh basil leaves

Method

1 Cut eggplants lengthwise into 1/4 inch slices. Arrange one layer in the bottom of a large colander and sprinkle evenly with salt. Repeat with remaining eggplant, salting, until all eggplant is in the colander. Weigh down the slices with a couple of plates and let drain for 2 hours. The purpose of this step is to have the eggplant release some of its moisture before cooking.
2 While the eggplant is draining, prepare tomato sauce. Combine tomatoes, garlic and 1/3 cup olive oil in a food processor. Season with salt and pepper to tasted and set aside.
3 When eggplant has drained, press down on it to remove excess water, wipe off the excess salt, and lay the slices out on paper towels to remove all the moisture. In a wide, shallow bowl, combine flour and breadcrumbs. Mix well. Pour beaten eggs into another wide shallow bowl. Place a large, deep skillet over medium heat, and pour in a a half inch of olive oil. When oil is shimmering, dredge the eggplant slices first in the flour mixture, then in the beaten egg. Working in batches, slide coated eggplant into hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides, turning once. Drain on paper towels.
4 Preheat the oven to 350°F. In the bottom of a 10x15 inch glass baking dish, spread 1 cup of tomato sauce. Top with one third of the eggplant slices. Top eggplant with half of the mozzarella slices. Sprinkle with one third of the Parmesan and half of the basil leaves.
5 Make a second layer of eggplant slices, topped by 1 cup of sauce, remaining mozzarella, half the remaining Parmesan, and all of the remaining basil. Add remaining eggplant, and top with the remaining tomato sauce and Parmesan.
6 Bake until cheese has melted and the top is slightly brown, about 30 minutes. Allow to rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.
Serves 8.

Zucchini Cakes (plain)

Ingredients

• 2 cups grated zucchini
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the zucchini, eggs, onion, flour, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and salt. Stir well enough to distribute ingredients evenly.
2. Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drop zucchini mixture by heaping tablespoonfuls, and cook for a few minutes on each side until golden.

Spicy Zucchini Cakes

These cakes are lighter and more tender when made with fresh breadcrumbs. Place a day-old baguette in a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs are formed. For a quick sauce, mix some chopped fresh herbs (such as chives and dill) and lemon juice into mayonnaise.


Ingredients

3 c coarsely grated zucchini
1/2 tsp salt
1 c fresh breadcrumbs (from a baguette)
1 egg
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 c diced red bell pepper
1 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1 tsp dijon mustard
1 tbs mayonnaise or plain yogurt
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
2 tbs vegatable oil, for frying
1 tsp butter

Directions

1. Place grated zucchini in a colander; sprinkle lightly with salt and let stand 30 minutes. Press with paper towels to remove as much liquid as possible. Zucchini should be fairly dry, and you should have about 2 cups. Place zucchini and remaining ingredients (except oil and butter) in a bowl. Mix well. Form into 8 patties the size of crab cakes. Chill.
2. Heat oil and butter in a skillet.
3. Add patties to skillet and cook on both sides until browned. Drain on paper towels.

note: to make mini-zucchini cakes, form the mixture into small (1 inch) patties and place on a baking sheet. Brush with oil and butter and bake at 450 degrees until lightly browned.

Cheese and Green Chile Enchiladas

recipe from Rachael Ray Show

Ingredients

    3/4 pound Monterey jack, shredded (3 1/2 cups)
    2 4-ounce cans diced green chilies, drained
    1 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
    1 small yellow onion, grated
    2 cloves garlic, grated or finely chopped
    A small handful cilantro leaves, chopped, plus whole leaves for topping
    1 teaspoon ground cumin (about 1/3 palmful)
    Kosher Salt
    Pepper
    Vegetable oil or EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil, for warming tortillas
    12 corn tortillas
    Thinly sliced jalapeño peppers and red onions, for topping
    1 lime

Direction

Preheat the oven to 425°F.


In a medium bowl, combine the cheese, canned chilies, sour cream or crema, yellow onion, garlic, chopped cilantro, cumin, salt and pepper.
Heat 1/4 inch oil in a skillet over medium heat until hot. Using tongs, add 1 tortilla at a time, turning in the oil to soften for a few seconds. Drain on paper towels.


Dollop a few tablespoons of the cheese mixture onto each tortilla and roll up like a cigar (you will use about half to two-thirds of your filling). Arrange the enchiladas in a single layer in a casserole dish. Cover with the remaining cheese mixture and bake until golden, about 15 minutes. Top with the jalapeños, red onions, whole cilantro leaves and lime juice.
Yields: 4

Key West Chicken

I was looking for something different, and I had some limes... so BAM Key West Chicken! It was juicy and had a great flavor!

Ingredients
6 tablespoons soy sauce
4 Tbs. honey
2 tablespoon olive oil
Juice of 1 Lime
2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon parsley (or cilantro)
2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

Directions
In a small bowl combine soy sauce, honey, vegetable oil, lime juice, garlic and parsley.

If you want to have grilled breasts, Place chicken breast halves into the mixture, and turn to coat. Cover, and marinate in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes.

Roasted asparagus with lemon breadcrumbs

We love asparagus. My husband LOVES asparagus! And we've decided we like it best a little crunchy, and al dente if you will :)

When you cook asparagus at a high temperature, it concentrates its flavor and guarantees a tender (and not mushy) texture. Sprinkle crunchy breadcrumbs on the asparagus  just before serving for extra texture.
Ingredients
2 lbs asparagus, trimmed
1 tbs olive oil
Course salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tbs unsalted butter
1/2 C panko bread crumbs
1/2 lemon juice and zest
Directions
Preheat oven to 425. Arrange asparagus on baking sheet, and drizzle with oil. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Roast until tender, 18 - 20 min, then transfer to platter.
Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium a skillet over medium heat. Add panko, and cook stirring frequently until deep golden brown, 8 - 10 min. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and zest. Season with salt.
Top asparagus with bread crumbs

Chicken and Asparagus Calzones

bevcooks.com
For the Dough:
* 1 cup warm water
* 1 tsp honey
* 1 package dry active yeast
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
* 1 tsp salt

For the Sauce:
* 1 pound tomatoes (whatever you got in the garden) roughly chopped and pulsed until smooth in a food processor
* 1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
* 1 Tbs. tomato paste
* 1/2 red onion, finely diced
* 3 garlic cloves, minced
* 1/4 cup red wine
* 2 Tbs herbs (basil, thyme, oregano) plus more for garnish
* 1 tsp coarse salt
* 1 tsp freshly ground pepper

The Rest:
* 2 chicken breasts, seasoned with salt and pepper, grilled until cooked through and finely chopped
* 1/2 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed, grilled until crisp-tender and finely chopped
* 1 cup shredded cheese (your pick!)
* 1 egg, lightly beaten in a small cup

Directions for the dough:
In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup water with the honey and dry yeast. Let sit about 3 minutes until the yeast starts to bubble.
In a bigger bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the oil, the yeast mixture and the remaining 3/4 cup water. Mix to combine and knead the dough until it’s soft and elastic, about 5 minutes.
Place the dough ball in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise for an hour.
After an hour, divide the dough into 4 balls. Place them into 4 smaller, oiled bowls and let rise another 15 minutes.
Roll out each dough ball until it’s about 12 inches in diameter, like a pizza. You’re ready for the filling!
Directions for the sauce:
Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high. Add the onion and garlic and saute 5 minutes.
Add the tomato paste and bloom 30 seconds.
Stir in the tomatoes, herbs, wine, salt and pepper. Simmer on low for 30 minutes.
Keep the lid off as you’ll want it to reduce and thicken a tad.
Putting it all Together:
On one half of each crust, layer some marinara, diced chicken, asparagus, shredded cheese and a little more sauce. Fold the other side over, sealing with your fingers, like a little pocket.
Repeat with remaining calzones.
Brush each calzone with the egg wash, sprinkle with herbs, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes in a 375 degree preheated oven.
Serve calzones with remaining marinara.

Cinnamon chips

1/4 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
4 flour tortillas
3 tbsp. butter, melted

In a small bowl combine sugar and cinnamon. Brush tortillas with melted butter. Then sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of sugar mixture. Cut each tortilla in 8 triangles. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place tortillas sugar side up on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes or until crisp.

 

3 Types of Deviled Eggs

• Yield Makes 1 dozen eggs (2 dozen halves)

Ingredients

• 12 hard-boiled eggs
• Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

For Curried Deviled Eggs:

• 3 tablespoons mayo
• 1 teaspoon curry powder

For Basil Deviled Eggs:

• 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh basil leaves
• 3 tablespoons mayo

For Creme Fraiche Deviled Eggs

• 3 tablespoons mayo
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon pickled relish
• papkira finished eggs to taste

Directions

1. Peel hard-boiled eggs and cut them lengthwise. Carefully remove yolks; place 4 yolks in each of three bowls. Set whites aside. Mash yolks with a fork.
2. Add mayonnaise and curry powder to one bowl; mix. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Place basil and mayonnaise in bowl of a food processor; blend about 2 minutes. Add basil mixture to second bowl of yolks; mix. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Add mayo, mustard, and relish to last bowl of yolks; mix. Season with salt and pepper. finish with paprika.
5. Fill eight reserved egg-white halves with each filling; serve.

Easy Lemon Bars

EASY LEMON BARS

Reynolds® Parchment Paper Crust: 1 1/2 cups flour 1/2 cup powdered sugar 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened Filling: 4 eggs 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons flour 2 to 3 teaspoons grated lemon peel Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with Reynolds Parchment Paper, extending paper up sides of pan; set aside.Combine crust ingredients in a large bowl on low speed of an electric mixer until mixture is crumbly. Press mixture evenly into parchment-lined pan. Bake 20 minutes or until light brown; remove from oven. Beat together filling ingredients in a medium bowl until well blended; pour mixture evenly over warm baked crust. Return to oven and continue baking for 15 to 20 minutes longer or until filling is set and bars are brown around the edges. Cool completely on a wire rack. Use edges of parchment lining to lift bars from pan. Place on a cutting board. Pull back edges of parchment for easy cutting; sprinkle with additional powdered sugar. Cut into bars. Note: Cut out a decorative stencil using Reynolds Parchment Paper or purchase a decorative stencil. Just before serving, arrange stencil over surface of lemon bars. Sprinkle powdered sugar over stencil. Remove stencil carefully. Makes 36-40 servings.

Basil Pesto

Fresh Basil Pesto Recipe

• Prep time: 10 minutes

 

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano or Romano cheese
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
• 3 medium sized garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• Special equipment needed: A food processor

Method

1 Combine the basil in with the pine nuts, pulse a few times in a food processor. (If you are using walnuts instead of pine nuts and they are not already chopped, pulse them a few times first, before adding the basil.) Add the garlic, pulse a few times more.
2 Slowly add the olive oil in a constant stream while the food processor is on. Stop to scrape down the sides of the food processor with a rubber spatula. Add the grated cheese and pulse again until blended. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Serve with pasta, or over baked potatoes, or spread over toasted baguette slices.
Yield: Makes 1 cup.

Ethiopian Restaurant

We tried some Ethiopian Food today at a restaurant called Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant
http://www.abyssiniarestaurant.net/5.html

Center: Abyssinia Special Yebeg Tibs. Top ( then clockwise): Lentils, Cheese, Chicken Doro Wat, Collards, Yebeg Alicha, Beef Doro Wat. All served on Injera bread.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! From my family to yours!

Bentley and I in our Easter Best!

Out to Brunch at a Tex-Mex Brunch buffet called:

Peep photo bombing!

I like to eat the tail first, what about you?

Salad Bar

My husband really enjoys salad bars and I think they are a fun way to build your own meal! So I thought, why not bring the fun into a home "cooked" version!

Ingredients
I made some hard boiled eggs
Chopped some ham into pieces
Sliced onion
Mozerella shredded cheese
Spinach leaves
Diced green peppers
Slices of avocado
Assorted dressings
Feel free to add any of your favorite salad toppings!


Directions?
I think you got the idea! Just prep your food, and set the table! Make sure to have extra spoons for serving! Enjoy

Our Salad Bar Spread!