NY Times Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:
2 cups minus 2 tablespoons cake flour
1 2/3 cups bread flour
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 light brown sugar
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons natural vanilla extract
1 1/4 pounds bittersweet chocolate chips (I threw in some milk chocolate chips too)
Sea salt

Directions:
Sift flours, baking soda, baking powder and salt into a bowl. Set aside.Using a mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter and sugars together until very light, about 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla. Reduce speed to low, add dry ingredients and mix until just combined, 5 to 10 seconds. Drop chocolate pieces in and incorporate them without breaking them. Press plastic wrap against dough and refrigerate for 24 to 36 hours. Dough may be used in batches, and can be refrigerated for up to 72 hours.
When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat. Set aside.Scoop 6 3 1/2-ounce mounds of dough (the size of generous golf balls) onto baking sheet, making sure to turn horizontally any chocolate pieces that are poking up; it will make for a more attractive cookie. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt and bake until golden brown but still soft, 18 to 20 minutes. Transfer sheet to a wire rack for 10 minutes, then slip cookies onto another rack to cool a bit more. Repeat with remaining dough, or reserve dough, refrigerated, for baking remaining batches the next day. Eat warm, with a big napkin.Yield: 1 1/2 dozen 5-inch cookies.
*I didn’t make huge cookies – I used a small cookie scoop and got somewhere around 40. I baked them for about 9 minutes and they were perfectly crisp on the edges and gooey and chewy in the center.

Thai Chicken Coconut Soup

Ingredients:
Coconut milk
Chicken broth
Fresh ginger
Fresh lemongrass
Chicken breast meat
Mushrooms
Fresh lime juice
Fish sauce
Chili paste
Cilantro

In a medium saucepan combine 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk, 1 can (14 oz) chicken broth, and 6 quarter sized slices of ginger. Cut 1 stalk lemongrass into 1 in pieces and add to pan. Bring to boil over high heat. Add 1 lb. boned, skinned chicken breast cut into 1 inch pieces, 1 cup sliced mushrooms, 1 T. each fresh lime juice and Thai fish sauce; And 1 tsp. each sugar and Thai chili paste. Reduce heat and simmer until chicken is firm and opaque about 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

English Toffee Bars

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 cup pecan halves

Toffee Topping*

1 cup Hershey's Milk Chocolate Chips

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350°F.2. Combine flour and brown sugar in large bowl. With pastry blender or fork, cut in butter until fine crumbs form (a few large crumbs may remain). Press mixture onto bottom of ungreased 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Sprinkle pecans over crust. Prepare toffee topping; drizzle evenly over pecans and crust. (I lined my pan with foil and sprayed the foil with non-stick cooking spray before assembling these bars)3. Bake 20 to 22 minutes or until topping is bubbly and golden; remove from oven. Immediately sprinkle milk chocolate chips evenly over top; press gently onto surface. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars. About 36 bars.

*TOFFEE TOPPING: Combine 2/3 cup butter and 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar in small saucepan; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Continue boiling, stirring constantly, 30 seconds. Use immediately.

Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites

Ingredients:
Soft Pretzels
1 1/2 cups warm water
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 package active dry yeast
3 ounces unsalted butter, melted
2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
4 1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
Vegetable oil
3 quarts water
3/4 cup baking soda
1 whole egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon cold water
Coarse sea salt

Cheddar Cheese Sauce
½ Tablespoon unsalted butter
½ Tablespoon all-purpose flour
½ cup milk
8 ounces Cheddar cheese, grated

Directions:
For the Pretzels:
Combine the water, sugar, yeast, and butter in the bowl of a stand mixer and mix with the dough hook until combined. Let sit for 5 minutes.
Add the salt and flour and mix on low speed until combined. Increase the speed to medium and continue kneading until the dough is smooth and begins to pull away from the side of the bowl, about 3 to 4 minutes. If the dough appears too wet, add additional flour, 1 tablespoon at a time. Remove the dough from the bowl, place on a flat surface and knead into a ball with your hands.
Oil a bowl with vegetable oil, add the dough and turn to coat with the oil. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and place in a warm spot until the dough doubles in size, about 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Bring the water to a boil in a small roasting pan over high heat and add the baking soda.
Remove the dough from the bowl and place on a flat surface. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces, about 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 ounces each. Roll each piece into a long rope measuring 22 inches and shape. Cut the dough into one inch pieces to make the pretzel bites. Boil the pretzel bites in the water solution in batches. We did about 15 bites at a time. Boil for about 30 seconds. Remove with a large slotted spoon. Place pretzel bites on a baking sheet that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Make sure they are not touching. Brush the tops with the egg wash and season liberally with the salt. Place into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown.
Remove to a baking rack and let rest 5 minutes before eating. Serve with cheese sauce, recipe below.

For the cheese sauce:
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and cook 1 minute. Whisk in the milk and cook until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the Cheddar cheese until smooth and all of the cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

*If you want to make cinnamon and sugar pretzel bites-instead of adding salt, sprinkle the bites with cinnamon and sugar. For the frosting mix-soft cream cheese-about 3 T, powdered sugar, a teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a little bit of milk. Whisk together. Add more milk if it is too thick, if it is too thin, add more powdered sugar. I don’t measure. I just guess until the consistency is right.* Recipe makes a lot of bites-perfect for sharing!

Lemon Cream Chicken

Ingredients:
1/2 cup plus 1 T. flour divided
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1/4 c. butter
1 c. chicken broth
1 cup whipping cream, divided
3 T. lemon juice
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced

Directions:
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine 1/2 c. flour, salt and pepper. Add chicken and shake to coat. In a large skillet, cook chicken in butter for 8-9 minutes on each side or until juices run clear. Remove chicken and keep warm.Add broth to the drippings. Bring to a boil over medium heat; stir to loosen browned bits from the pan. Simmer, uncovered for 10 minutes or until broth is reduced approximately 1/3 cup. Sir in 3/4 c. cream, lemon juice and mushrooms. Cook over medium-low heat for 5 minutes.Combine remaining flour and cream until smooth; stir into skillet. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Return chicken to skillet and heat through.

Salmon Pecan-Crusted Tarts

Ingredients:

1 can (6 oz) premium skinless boneless pink salmon, drained
1/4 cup finely chopped dill pickle
1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
1/3 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
1/2 cup shredded mild Cheddar cheese (2 oz)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
1 box Pillsbury® refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box
1/3 cup Fisher® Chef’s Naturals® Pecan Cookie Pieces or Fisher® Chef’s Naturals® Chopped Pecans, finely chopped
1 package (3 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 dill weed sprig
2 lemon wedges

Directions:
1. In large bowl, mix salmon, pickle, onion, mayonnaise, cheese, lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon dill weed. Refrigerate.
2. Heat oven to 400°F. On work surface, unroll 1 pie crust. Sprinkle half of the pecans over crust; gently press into crust. Cut with 3-inch round cookie cutter into 10 rounds. In ungreased nonstick mini muffin pan, gently press each round, pecan side down, on bottom and up side of muffin cup, folding edge under and rounding to shape. Repeat with remaining crust.
3. Spoon 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese into bottom of each cup. Spoon 1 rounded tablespoon salmon mixture on cream cheese in each cup.
4. Bake 12 to 18 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Cool in pan on cooling rack 5 minutes. Remove from pan to serving platter; cool 5 minutes. Garnish with dill weed sprig and lemon wedges. Serve warm.

Zesty Lime Fish Tacos

Ingredients:
1 pound tilapia fillets (about 4)
1/2 cup fresh lime juice (from 2 to 3 limes)
3 cloves garlic , finely chopped
1/4 cup Pillsbury BEST all-purpose flour
1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
1 can (16.3 ounces) Pillsbury Grands! Homestyle refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (8 biscuits)
6 Tbsp. Crisco Pure Canola oil
1 1/2 Tbsp. finely chopped chipotle chilis in adobo sauce (from 7-ounce can)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 cup salsa
1/2 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups shredded cabbage

Directions:
Heat oven to 200°. Cut each fish fillet lengthwise into 4 strips. In shallow glass dish, mix 7 tablespoons of the lime juice and garlic. Add fish; turn to coat. Let stand while preparing biscuits.
On work surface, mix flour and cornmeal. Separate dough into 8 biscuits. Press both sides of each biscuit into flour mixture, then press or roll into 6- to 7-inch round.

In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of the oil over medium heat. Add 2 biscuit rounds; cook about 1 minute on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Place on cookie sheet; keep warm in oven. Cook remaining rounds, adding 1 1/2 tablespoons oil to skillet for each batch. Wipe skillet clean.

Heat same skillet over medium-high heat. Add fish and lime juice mixture, chilis, salt and pepper; cook about 5 minutes, turning fish once, until fish flakes easily with fork.

In small bowl, mix salsa, sour cream and remaining 1 tablespoon lime juice.

Using slotted spoon, remove fish and divide evenly among biscuit rounds. Top each with cabbage and 1 to 2 tablespoons salsa mixture. Fold biscuit rounds in half over filling. Serve with any remaining salsa mixture. Garnish with lime wedges, if desired.

Tomato Basil Eggs Alfredo In Bread Basket

Ingredients:
1 medium tomato
1 can (11 ounces) Pillsbury® refrigerated original breadsticks (12 breadsticks)
1/4 cup basil pesto
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. freshly ground pepper
6 Eggland's Best eggs
2 Tbsp. half-and-half or milk
1/8 tsp. salt
1 1/2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil leaves
2 Tbsp. Land O' Lakes® unsalted or salted butter
1/3 cup Alfredo pasta sauce
Crisco Original No-Stick Cooking Spray

Directions:
Heat oven to 375°. Spray large cookie sheet with Crisco® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray. Cut 6 thin slices from tomato; finely dice remaining tomato for garnish. Set aside.

Unroll dough; separate into 12 breadsticks. Shape each of 6 breadsticks into a coil; place 2 inches apart on cookie sheet. Starting at center, press out each coil into 3 1/2-inch round. Twist remaining breadsticks; wrap 1 twisted breadstick around edge of each round to make 1/2-inch rim; press edges to seal.

Spread 1 rounded teaspoon of the pesto in bottom of each round; top with tomato slice. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. Bake 10 to 15 minutes or until edges are golden brown.

Meanwhile, in medium bowl, beat eggs and half-and-half with wire whisk until well blended. Add 1/8 teaspoon salt. Stir in 1 tablespoon of the basil. Heat 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Melt butter in skillet; add egg mixture. Cook 4 minutes, gently lifting cooked portions with spatula so that thin, uncooked portion can flow to bottom, until eggs are thickened but still slightly moist. Stir in pasta sauce.

Divide egg mixture evenly among bread baskets. Garnish with diced tomato and remaining 1/2 tablespoon basil.

Mini Ice Cream Cookie Cups

Ingredients:
1 package (16 ounces) Pillsbury® Ready to Bake! refrigerated sugar cookies (24 cookies)
4 tsp. sugar
1/3 cup finely chopped Fisher® Chef's Naturals® chopped walnuts
1/2 cup Hershey's® semisweet chocolate baking chips
1/4 cup Smucker's® Seedless red raspberry jam
1 1/2 cups vanilla bean ice cream , softened
24 fresh raspberries


Directions:

Heat oven to 350°. Spray 24 mini muffin cups with Crisco® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray. Place 1 cookie dough round in each muffin cup. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Place 2 teaspoons of the sugar in small bowl. Dip end of wooden spoon handle in sugar; carefully press into center of each cookie to make 1-inch-wide indentation. Cool completely in pan, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix walnuts and remaining 2 teaspoons sugar; set aside. In small microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips uncovered on High 30 to 60 seconds, stirring after 30 seconds, until smooth.

Run knife around edges of cups to loosen; gently remove from pan. Dip rim of each cup into melted chocolate, then into walnut mixture. Place walnut side up on cookie sheet with sides.

In another small microwavable bowl, microwave jam uncovered on high about 15 seconds until melted. Spoon 1/2 teaspoon jam into each cup. Freeze cups about 5 minutes or until chocolate is set.

Spoon ice cream into cups, using small cookie scoop or measuring tablespoon. Top each cup with fresh raspberry. Store in freezer; let stand at room temperature 5 minutes before serving.

Old Gringo Salsa

Ingredients:
2 quart cans Hunt’s whole tomatoes
½ to 1 cup cilantro
1 cup chopped white onion
1 cup chopped green onion
1 tablespoon black pepper
2 tablespoons salt
1/8 cup diced green chili
1 clove diced garlic
1 tablespoon chili flakes
1 to 2 tablespoons oregano

Directions:
Pour tomatoes into blender and hit pulse once or twice or to preferred consistency. Throw in other ingredients and mix. Put Salsa in fridge for 30 minutes. Flavors will meld over time. Depending on freshness of ingredients, you may need to add salt and heat to taste.

Crunchy Fruity Chicken Salad

Ingredients:
1 small rotisserie chicken, deboned and shredded
2 celery stalks, chopped
handful red grapes, sliced in half
1/2 cup lightly salted cashews
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/4-1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
pinch cayenne pepper

Ingredients:
Mix all ingredients in a medium bowl and taste for seasoning; chill until ready to serve.

Brown Sugar Apple Pie

This recipe can be used with a pre-made frozen crust or homemade crust
Ingredients:
Filling:
3 lbs Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, sliced 1/4” thick
1/3 C sugar
1/4 C brown sugar
2 T flour
1 T cornstarch
2 t cinnamon
1 t nutmeg
1/2 t ground ginger
1/2 t allspice
2 T unsalted butter, melted
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl to coat fruit.

Topping:
1/2 C flour
1/2 C rolled oats
1/2 C sugar
1/4 C brown sugar
1 ½ t cinnamon
1 t nutmeg
1/2 t salt
6 T chilled unsalted butter, cut into ½” cubes
Blend first 7 ingredients in a food processor. Add chilled butter cubes, pulse to resemble sand.

Directions:
Toss filling to redistribute juices, transfer to crust and mounding in center. Distribute topping over and around apples. Loosely cover pie with aluminum foil then place on a baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes at 400 degrees, then reduce to 350 and bake for another 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20 mins at 325. Remove from the over and cool on a rack for at least 2 hours.

Coconut Syrup

Ingredients:

7-8 T. butter
¾ c. buttermilk

1 c. sugar

½ tsp baking soda

1 tsp coconut extract

Directions:

Place butter, buttermilk and sugar in a pot. Then turn stove on medium and stir until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil and boil one minute. Remove from heat and add soda and flavoring. It will bubble up; just continue to stir and give it a few minutes for the 'fizz' to reduce before serving.

Use on waffles, french toast, pancakes, or crepes.

Crepes

Ingredients:
1 ½ c. flour
1 Tbsp sugar
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 c. warm milk
2 eggs
½ tsp vanilla
2 Tbsp melted butter

Directions:
Mix all ingredients together. Pour a small amount on a hot skillet and swirl it around to thin it out. Cook until nearly golden and then flip.

I like these with whipped cream, cinnamon & sugar, and warm fruit.

Bagel Sandwich

First spread your bagel with Dijon Mustard.
Then choose a thin slice or two of either:
smoked turkey or chicken
lean ham
crisp bacon
a cheese of your choice. I used a spicy jalapeno havarti.
Top with a few slices of veggie . . or just thin tomato. Keep the tomato thin so it broils up nicely.
If you want a veggie sandwich just use some peppers and cheese.

Stuffed Celery

Ingredients:
1 package cream cheese, softened
3 Tbsp. mayonnaise
1 tsp. dill weed
2 tbsp. finely chopped red pepper
1 tbsp. finely chopped chives
1 head celery, root end cut off and leaves removed.
salt and pepper or a dash of Tabasco if desired
1 can of crabmeat, drained or 1 cups small shrimp

Directions:
Beat cream cheese, mayonnaise, chives and seasonings together.
Stir in Shrimp or crabmeat and peppers.
Separate celery stalks, wash each and dry with paper towel.
Fill each stalk with cream cheese filling. If it looks a bit messy use a small silicone spatula or damp paper towel to clean up the edges.
Cut each filled stalk into 2 or 3 inch lengths and place on serving dish.
Sprinkle with dill weed, or chopped fresh parsley and serve.

Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Ingredients:

Cookies:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 lemon, zested

Glaze:
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 lemon, zestedInstructions:

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Cookies:
In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In the large bowl combine the butter and the sugar. Using an electric mixer beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating until incorporated.
Add the ricotta cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Beat to combine.
Stir in the dry ingredients.
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Spoon the dough (about 2 tablespoons for each cookie) onto the baking sheets.
Bake for 15 minutes, until slightly golden at the edges.
Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 20 minutes.
Glaze:
Combine the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl and stir until smooth.
Spoon about 1/2-teaspoon onto each cookie and use the back of the spoon to gently spread.
Let the glaze harden for about 2 hours.

BBQ Chicken Braid

*Note: the amounts of chicken, onions, barbecue sauce, and cheese in the recipe can be altered based on your preference - simply add more or less to your liking.

Makes 2 large braids

Ingredients:
1 recipe French Bread Rolls (see below at the end of the recipe)
2 cups shredded, cooked chicken
1 red onion, sliced into thin half moons
1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.After the french bread roll recipe has gone through the first rise, split the dough into two parts. Lightly cover one portion and set aside. Roll the other portion into about an 11X17-inch rectangle (I roll mine out directly on a silpat liner to make for easy transfer to the baking sheet and oven).

Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut 1-inch wide strips in towards the center, starting on the long sides. There should be a solid strip about 3 inches wide down the center, with the cut strips forming a fringe down each side.

Spread half of the barbecue sauce down the center strip. Top with the chicken, onions and cheese. Fold the side strips over filling, alternating strips from each side and pressing them into the dough on the opposite side, forming a braid.

Pinch or twist to seal.

Place the braid on a lined baking sheet (or simply transfer the silpat liner to a baking sheet) and let rest for 15 minutes. While it is resting, follow the same steps above for the second portion of dough. Bake the first braid for 15-20 minutes (while the second braid is resting), until golden brown and bread is baked through. Remove from oven and bake the second braid.Let the braids rest for 5 minutes. Using a serrated knife, cut braid into sections and serve warm.

French Bread Rolls Recipe:
1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups all-purpose flour or cake flour

In a large bowl, stir together warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes. To the yeast mixture, add the oil, salt, and 2 cups flour. Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough has pulled away from the sides of the bowl. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl, and turn to coat. Cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour. Deflate the dough, and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.

Hazelnut Cupcakes

Ingredients:
Cupcakes
1 1/3 cup flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
3/4 cup cocoa
1/8 tsp salt
3 Tbl butter
1 1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
3/4 tsp vanilla
1 cup hazelnut coffee creamer

Nutella Buttercream
1 cup butter, softened
3-4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 Tbl hazelnut coffee creamer
1 cup nutella

Directions:
Cupcakes
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift together the first 5 ingredients. In separate bowl cream together sugar and butter. Add eggs one at a time and stir in vanilla. Alternately add flour mixture and creamer. Pour batter into lined cupcake pan and bake for 7-10 minutes. Let cool completely before frosting.

Nutella Buttercream
Cream butter and sugar until smooth. Mix in nutella and creamer until combined. Add powdered sugar until desired consistency is acquired.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Ingredients:
Meatballs:
¾ pounds Ground Beef
¾ pounds Ground Pork
3 cloves Garlic, Minced
¾ cups Fine Bread Crumbs
2 whole Eggs
¾ cups Freshly Grated Parmesan
¼ cups Flat-leaf Parsley, Minced
¼ teaspoons Salt
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Splash Of Milk
½ cups Olive Oil
Sauce:
1 whole Yellow Onion, Diced
3 cloves Garlic, Minced
1 whole (28-ounce) Can Whole Tomatoes
1 whole 28 Ounce Can Crushed Tomatoes
½ cups White Or Red Wine (optional)
¼ teaspoons Salt
1 teaspoon Sugar
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
¼ cups Flat-leaf Parsley, Minced
8 whole Fresh Basil Leaves, Chiffonade (optional)
2 pounds Spaghetti, Cooked To Al Dente

Directions:
To make the meatballs, combine meat, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, salt, pepper, parsley, and a splash of milk in a mixing bowl. Mix together well with hands. Roll into 25 1 1/2-inch balls and place on a cookie sheet. Place cookie sheet into the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes to firm up.
To brown the meatballs, heat olive oil in a heavy pot or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs 8 at a time, turning to brown. Remove and drain on a paper towel after each batch. Set meatballs aside.
In the same pot, add the onions and garlic and cook for a few minutes, or until translucent. Pour in whole tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and wine, if using. Add salt, pepper, sugar, and parsley. Stir to combine and cook over medium heat for 20 minutes.
Add meatballs to pot and stir in gently. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, stirring very gently a couple of times during the simmer.
Just before serving, stir in basil if using.
Serve over cooked spaghetti. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan.

Pasta With Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Ingredients:
3 whole Red Bell Peppers
2 Tablespoons Pine Nuts (optional)
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
½ whole Medium Onion, Finely Diced
2 cloves Garlic, Minced
½ cups Heavy Cream
Flat Leaf Parsley, Finely Minced
Fresh Parmesan, Shaved Or Grated
½ pounds (to 1 Pound) Pasta: Orecchiette, Penne, Fusilli, Etc.

Directions:
Roast red peppers, and then place in a Ziploc bag to allow to sweat. Peel the charred skins from the peppers, then removed seeds. Set aside.
Lightly toast pine nuts in a skillet. Set aside.
Puree peppers with pine nuts. Set aside.
Cook pasta according to package directions.
In a skillet or pot over medium heat, drizzle in olive oil. Add diced onions and garlic and cook until soft. Pour in pepper puree and stir together. Add plenty of salt.
Pour in cream and stir to combine. Taste and add more salt, if necessary. Add cooked pasta, and then stir together.
Place pasta into a bowl, top with chopped parsley and plenty of shaved Parmesan.

Biscuits & Gravy

Ingredients:
1 pound Breakfast Sausage
1 can (16 Oz.) Canned Biscuits (or make your own)
2 Tablespoons Flour
1 cup Milk
Salt
Pepper

Directions:
Slice the breakfast sausage and place in a warm pan. Cook the sausage according to the instruction (thoroughly cooked inside). Remove them to a paper towel to drain.
Place your biscuits into the oven to cook according to the instructions on the can.
Pour grease out of the skillet/pan you used for the sausage, adding back in only what you want to use to make the gravy. For one to two people, use about 2 to 3 tbsp. of grease. Over low to medium-low heat, add about 2 tbsp of flour to the grease and whisk immediately. If you add in a little more grease so it’s smooth and stirrable. You want to find a good balance between the flour and the grease.
Once you find it, just keep stirring with the whisk and allow the mixture to brown for a few minutes. As you whisk, scrape in the anything from the bottom of the pan as you go.
After 2-3 minutes, whisking constantly, pour in about a cup of milk. IF the mixture is dry, lumpy or pasty, add in more milk – again, drawing a balanced mixture. Add salt to taste. Let the gravy warm up over low heat, stirring occasionally. Cut prepared biscuits in half pour gravy atop them.

Yogurt-Marmalade Cake

Ingredients:
1-½ cup All-purpose Flour
½ teaspoons Salt
2 teaspoons Baking Powder
1 cup (heaping) Plain, Lowfat Yogurt
1 cup Sugar
3 whole Eggs
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1 whole Zest Of Lemon
½ cups Canola Oil
_____
ORANGE GLAZE:
½ cups Prepared Orange Marmelade
¼ cups Yogurt

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Spray a loaf pan with non-stick baking spray (or grease and flour it if it makes your skirt fly up). Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of yogurt, sugar, eggs, vanilla, lemon zest, and canola oil until just combined. Pour over dry ingredients and mix until just combined; do not over beat.
Pour into a loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly. Remove from pan. While cake is cooling, pour marmalade into a sauce pan. Heat it on low until melted, stirring occasionally. Add 1/4 cup of yogurt to the pan and turn off heat. Stir to combine, then pour slowly over the top of the cake, allowing icing to pool around the sides.

Monkey Muffins

Ingredients:
Leftover Bread Dough (or Refrigerated Biscuit Dough, Cut Into Thirds)
Butter
Sugar
Ground Cinnamon
Sweetened, Condensed Milk

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Add 1/2 teaspoon butter to muffin tins. Sprinkle in sugar and cinnamon.
Roll dough into walnut sized balls (or cut refrigerated biscuit dough into thirds). Place three into each muffin tin.
Top with 1/2 teaspoon butter. Sprinkle on more sugar and cinnamon.
Allow dough to rise, if applicable, or just go ahead and bake for 15 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
Remove from oven and immediately drizzle plenty of sweetened condensed milk over the top of each one. Be generous! Allow rolls to sit for a little while to absorb sweet, sticky milk.

PW's Steak Bites

Ingredients:
1 pound Sirloin Steak (without much gristle) OR Pre-cut Beef Tips
Kosher Salt To Taste
Fresh Ground Black Pepper To Taste
2 Tablespoons Butter

Directions:
Trim off the large obvious piece of fat that runs along the side of the meat. Next, cut strips less than 1-inch wide. Rotate the meat and cut into small bite-sized pieces. If you see any more large chunks of fat, gristle or long silvery membrane cut them off.
Sprinkle generously with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Toss the meat around a bit to thoroughly coat with the seasonings.
Next, turn on your ventilation fan overhead. Heat the skillet over medium high to high heat. As the pan heats, add about 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Allow the butter to melt, then brown, before you add the meat.
Place some of the meat in the pan in a single layer. It should sizzle loudly when it hits the pan – if it doesn’t, the pan isn’t hot enough. Don’t stir or disrupt the meat for 30-45 seconds. You want it to sizzle and brown on one side. Scoop as many steak bites as you can with your spatula and flip them over. Repeat until all the meat is turned. Cook for an additional 30 to 45 seconds—just long enough to sear the outside of the meat but NOT cook the inside.
Remove the meat to a clean plate. Add a little more butter to the pan and repeat the cooking process with the next batch just as before. Lastly, when all the meat is nicely browned and removed to the plate, pour all that browned/blackened butter all over the meat.

Quesadillas de Camarones

Ingredients:
Flour Tortillas
12 whole Large Shrimp, Peeled And Deveined
8 ounces, fluid Mexican Red Sauce
1 whole Large Onion
1 whole Red Bell Pepper
1 whole Green Bell Pepper
2 cups Cheese, Grated (Monterey Jack Is Best)
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
Salt To Taste

Directions:
Pour red sauce over shrimp. Set aside.Chop vegetables into large pieces. Heat skillet over high heat and add olive oil. Cook vegetables over high heat until they start to get brown/black. Remove from skillet and set aside.Return skillet to high heat, then dump in the shrimp with the sauce. Cook, stirring only occasionally, until shrimp is opaque. Add in a little water if the sauce gets dry. Remove from skillet and chop into bite-size pieces.In a separate skillet, heat butter. Place a tortilla in the skillet, then layer on ingredients: cheese, vegetables, and shrimp. Top with a little more cheese and a second tortilla. Cook on both sides, adding butter before flipping to the other side so the tortilla isn’t overly dry.Remove from skillet and slice into wedges. Serve with rice, beans, salsa, sour cream, guacamole—whatever you’d like!

Mushrooms Stuffed with Brie

Ingredients:
1 package White Button Mushrooms, Washed And Stems Removed
4 cloves Garlic, Minced
¼ cups Flat-leaf Parsley, Chopped
4 whole (to 5) Green Onions, Sliced (up To Middle Of Dark Green Part)
Splash Of White Wine (optional)
1 slice (wedge) Of Brie Cheese

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Melt butter in large saucepan. Add mushroom caps and toss to coat in butter. Sprinkle lightly with salt and cook for 1 minute. Remove mushrooms from pan and place upside down in a baking dish.
In the same saucepan (without cleaning it) throw in garlic, parsley, and green onions. Sprinkle very lightly with salt and splash in wine, if using. Stir around until wine evaporates, about 1 minute. Remove from heat.
Cut rind off of brie wedge, then cut pieces of brie to fit each mushroom cap. Place inside, lightly pressing to anchor each piece of brie.
Top mushrooms with parsley/garlic mixture.
Place into the oven for 15 minutes, or until brie is melted.
Note: mushrooms are best when they’ve been allowed to cool slightly. Delicious

Cheddar Puffs

Ingredients:
1 loaf Crusty French Bread, Cut Into 1-inch Cubes*
½ sticks Butter
3 cloves Garlic, Minced
1 whole Shallot, Minced
1-½ teaspoon Dijon Mustard
8 ounces, Cream Cheese, Sliced
1-½ cup Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Salt And Freshly Ground Black Pepper, To Taste
2 whole Egg Whites, Beaten

Directions:

Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and shallots and saute for 1 minute. Add Dijon and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low.
Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Add grated cheddar and stir until melted. Turn off heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Fold in egg whites.
Dunk bread cubes in cheese, coating thoroughly. Place on a nonstick baking mat or sheet of waxed paper and freeze for 20 minutes, uncovered. Remove frozen chunks from tray and place into a Ziploc bag. Store in the freezer.
When ready to bake, preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place frozen cheese puffs on a baking sheet with a nonstick baking mat or parchment paper, and bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately or at room temperature.

*When I made these I had more bread than sauce. Next time, I'll use the cubes that have crust on them. They hold up much better with the sauce and are crunchier. Also, I cubed the bread and let it sit for a few hours so it got a tiny bit crusty.

Buttered Rosemary Rolls

Ingredients:
Frozen, Unbaked Dinner Rolls
Melted Butter, Regular, Salted
Fresh Rosemary, Coarsely Chopped
Coarse Sea Salt

Directions:
Spray a small iron skillet with cooking spray (or coat with olive oil). Place frozen rolls in the skillet, leaving plenty of room for rising. Cover and allow to rise for several hours.
After rising, brush rolls with melted butter.
Sprinkle on chopped rosemary. Brush with additional butter. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
Bake according to roll package directions (usually 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes), until rolls are a deep golden brown on top.
Serve skillet on the table.

Chicken Stuffed with Golden Onions and Fontina

Ingredients:
4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 1/2 cups thinly sliced red onion
2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary, divided
1/8 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
2/3 cup shredded fontina cheese, preferably aged
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), trimmed of fat
1/2 cup white wine
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
4 teaspoons all-purpose flour

Directions:
Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and 1 teaspoon rosemary; cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is golden brown, 6 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Let cool*; stir in fontina.
Meanwhile, cut a horizontal slit along the thin, long edge of each chicken breast half, nearly through to the opposite side. Stuff each breast with 1/4 cup of the onion-cheese mixture.
Heat the remaining 2 teaspoons oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
Add wine and the remaining 1 teaspoon rosemary to the pan. Cook over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Whisk broth and flour in a bowl until smooth; add to the pan, reduce heat to low and whisk until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Return the chicken to the pan and coat with the sauce. Cook, covered, until the chicken is just cooked through, 2 to 4 minutes. Serve the chicken topped with the sauce.
*Make sure you don't combine the onion and the cheese until the onions have chilled, otherwise the cheese may melt too soon, making stuffing impossible.

Crab Fondue

Ingredients:
18 ounces (3 6-oz packages) cream cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
2 Tbsp powdered sugar (or 1 Tbsp corn starch if you want to skip the sugar)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1-2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning (or paprika with a little ground ginger and cayenne)
1/4 - 1/2 cup dry white wine or dry sherry (optional)
1-2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
3/4 lb to 1 lb of lump crab meat, fresh or canned
1/4 cup chopped green onion greens, chives, or parsley
Day old French or Italian loaf bread (best not fresh or will fall apart when dipped), cubed into 1-inch cubes

Directions:
1 Slowly heat the cream cheese, mayo, powdered sugar, garlic powder, Old Bay, lemon zest, and mustard in a double boiler until the cheese is completely melted. (If you don't have a double boiler, fill a saucepan a third of the way with water and bring to a boil, place a metal bowl over the saucepan. This will work as a double boiler.)
2 Slowly stir in the wine and lemon juice (adjust quantities to taste and desired consistency). Slowly stir in the crab meat and onion greens.
To serve, transfer to a heated chafing dish or fondue pot to keep warm. Present with bread cubes and forks for dipping.
Serves 8.

Lemon Rosemary Potatoes

Ingredients:
4 Potatoes, cut in 1 and 1/2 inch slices
1/3 cup Lemon Juice, fresh squeezed
1/4 cup Olive Oil
4 Garlic cloves, smashed
1 teaspoon fresh Rosemary, chopped
Sea or Kosher salt and fresh Black Pepper
2 tablespoons Parmesan, shredded

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Toss the potatoes, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and rosemary together in an oven-proof skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
Fill with water halfway up the sides of the potatoes. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Roast for 30-35 minutes until potatoes are tender. Remove from oven and sprinkle Parmesan over top.

Caramel Apple Sticky Buns

Ingredients:
FOR ROLLS:
2 cups Whole Milk
1-¼ cup Sugar
½ cups Canola Oil
1 package (2 1/4 Teaspoons) Active Dry Yeast
4-½ cups Flour, Divided
2 teaspoons Salt
½ teaspoons (scant) Baking Soda
½ teaspoons (heaping) Baking Powder
¾ cups Melted Butter
4 Tablespoons Ground Cinnamon
_____
FOR THE CARAMEL TOPPING:
1 stick Salted Butter
1-½ cup Packed Brown Sugar
1 Tablespoon Dark Brown Corn Syrup
2 Tablespoons Cream
2 Tablespoons Apply Brandy Or Apple Juice (optional)
1 whole Granny Smith Apple, Peeled And Finely Diced

Directions:
To make the dough:Heat milk, oil, and 1/2 cup sugar until warm (do not boil.) Allow to cool to lukewarm. Sprinkle in yeast and 4 cups flour. Stir gently and cover with a tea towel, allowing it to rise for 1 hour. After 1 hour, add remaining flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
To make the caramel topping:Add 1 stick butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, cream, and optional apple brandy or apple juice. Allow to melt over low heat until totally combined. Allow to boil for a few seconds, then remove from heat. Set aside.
To make the rolls:Roll out half the dough into a large rectangle. Pour on half the melted butter, half the remaining 3/4 cup sugar, and half the cinnamon. Roll into a long roll, then slice into rolls.
To assemble:Spray 9-inch cake pan with cooking spray. Pour in half the caramel topping. Sprinkle diced apple over the top, then arrange sliced rolls all over the pan. Allow to rise for 20 to 30 minutes.
Bake at 375 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes, covered in foil for the first 25 minutes.
(Repeat with the other half of dough if desired, or save the dough in the fridge for another use.)
Invert on a cake pedestal or serving plate. Rolls will be very hot at first; allow to cool slightly before serving.

The Hungry Caterpillar

Bring the book to life through food!

Chicken Fajitas

Ingredients:
Marinade:
¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 3-4 limes)
1/3 cup water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 large cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons apple cider or red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons soy sauce
½ teaspoons chili powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon liquid smoke
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon onion powder

Fajitas:
1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts (about 3 large chicken breasts)
1 yellow onion, cut into thin strips
1 green pepper, cut into thin strips
1 red (or orange) pepper, cut into thin strips
8 ounces fresh mushrooms, quartered
1 teaspoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons water
½ teaspoon fresh lime juice (a quick squeeze of a cut lime)
dash of salt and pepper

Directions:
Combine all marinade ingredients in a small bowl. Place chicken in a ziploc bag and pour the marinade ingredients over the top. Seal the bag and place in the refrigerator and let marinate for 2-3 hours.After marinading, take chicken out of the bag and discard the marinade. Grill or broil the chicken 4-5 minutes per side (I use my indoor grill pan usually). Remove from pan and tent with foil to keep warm.In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat and add the onion, mushrooms and peppers. Stir fry until softened but still crisp tender. Add soy sauce, water, lime juice and salt and pepper. Cook another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Slice chicken thinly on the diagonal and toss with the vegetables in the skillet. Serve immediately with flour tortillas and top with tomatoes, lettuce, guacamole, cheese, sour cream...the options are endless!

Candy Cane Sugar Scrub

Ingredients:
2-1/2 c sugar
2 c vegetable oil
Oil from 2 Vitamin E capsules
10-12 drops essential peppermint oil
2 (16 oz) glass containers with lid

Directions:
Combine all of the ingredients in a medium bowl until well blended. Using a spatula, transfer mix into the container and secure lid. Contents will settle, mix before using. Scoop a teaspoon or two of the scrub on your hands and gently massage in circular motions onto your skin. Leave on for 3 to 4 minutes before thoroughly rinsing. The scrub will tighten on your skin.

Meditteranean Layer Dip

Ingredients:
hummus
plain fat-free greek yogurt
sliced fresh spinach
chopped roasted red peppers
chopped cucumbers
chopped tomatoes
black olives
chopped green onions
feta
chopped parsley
fresh lemon juice

Directions:
On a platter or plate, spread a thick layer of hummus.Top this with thin layer of greek yogurt, spreading almost to the edge, but leaving a 1/4-1/2 inch of the hummus uncovered.Next add a few handfuls of sliced fresh spinach.Top the spinach with the chopped peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, green onions, and parsley.Sprinkle the desired amount of feta cheese over top and squeeze the juice from 1/2 or 1 lemon over the entire dip.Serve with pita chips.Refrigerate leftovers.

Zucchini Pancakes

Ingredients: 2 medium zucchini, grated 2 large eggs 2 T red onion, grated 6-8 T flour 1 t salt 1/2 t pepper unsalted butter and olive oil Directions: Combine ingredients and add the extra flour if batter is runny. Heat 1/2 T butter and some oil in a saute pan. When butter is hot but not smoking, lower the heat to medium low and drop a spoonful of batter ino the pan. Cook each side for about 2 minutes each, until browned.

Rosemary Potato Gratin

Ingredients:
4 Yukon Gold potatoes
2 C heavy cream
1 C grated Fontina cheese
2 oz fresh rosemary, chopped fine

Directions:
Thinly slice the potatoes into a bowl with the cream. Grease the sides of a bread pan with butter or oil. Alternate layers of potato and cheese in the bread pan, seasoning each layer with salt, pepper and rosemary. Add enough cream to the bread pan to cover half the height of potatoes. Bake at 450 degrees for 45 minutes until potatoes are cooked.

Shrimp Tartlets

Ingredients:
18 slices white bread (picture used Peppridge Farm bread)
Refrigerated butter-flavored spray

Filling:
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup canned chopped green chilies
1/4 cup diced cooked shrimp
1 green onion, thinly sliced
18 whole small cooked shrimp
Paprika

Directions:
With a rolling pin, flatten bread to 1/8-in. thickness. Using a 2-1/2-in. biscuit cutter, cut out a circle from each slice. (Save scraps for another use.) Spritz both sides of circles with butter-flavored spray. Press into ungreased miniature muffin cups. Bake at 400° for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned.
In a large bowl, combine the cheese, chilies, diced shrimp and onion; spoon into cups. Top with whole shrimp and paprika. Broil 5-6 in. from the heat for 2-4 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately.

Lemon Chicken

Ingredients:
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (1 1/4 pounds)
3 T flour
2 T butter
2 T olive oil
1 3/4 C chicken broth
1/4 C fresh lemon juice
salt & pepper

Directions:
Pound chicken breasts with a meat mallet to a uniform 1/2" thickness. Dredge lightly in flour, reserving excess. In a large saute pan, over medium-high heat, melt butter with oil until it sizzles. Add chicken breasts and cook 4-5 minutes, turning over once, until juices run clear. Remove chicken to plate. Stir reserved flour into saute pan. Which in broth and lemon juice; heat to boiling. Boil 1 minute to thicken slightly. Return chicken to pan to heat through. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Taco Soup

Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 onion
1 can Rotel
2 cans fire roasted cubed tomatoes
1 can black beans
1 can whole kernal corn
2 T taco seasoning
1 pkg Hidden Valley Ranch

Directions:
Brown ground beef and onion, drain. Add to pot with other items (do not drain the canned ingredients). Bring to a boil. Add beef broth for desired soup thickness. Serve with sour cream, tortilla chips, and shredded cheese.

Southwestern Cornbread

Ingredients:
1 8.5 oz pkg Jiffy cornbread/muffin mix
1 egg
2 T melted butter
1 4-oz can green chilies, drained
6 oz shredded pepper jack cheese (1 1/2 cups)
1 11-oz can Mexicorn, drained

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 8x12 inch or 11x7 glass baking dish. Mix first three ingredients together in a bowl using a fork to incorporate the ingredients, then add the chilies, corn and cheese. Pour into the dish (batter will be thick) and spread even. Bake for 22-25 minutes until edges are golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes before cutting to let melted cheese harden a bit. Serve with butter.

7-Up Cake

Ingredients:
3 sticks Butter
3 cups Sugar
5 whole Eggs
1 teaspoon Butter Flavoring
2 teaspoons Lemon Flavoring
3 cups All-purpose Flour
1 cup Sprite, 7-UP, Or Sierra Mist

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Cream butter. Add sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing after each addition. Add butter and lemon extracts and mix well. Add flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add soft drink, then mix together until combined. Scrape sides of bowl, then mix briefly.
Pour into a greased Bundt pan and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, until the cake is no longer jiggly.
Remove cake from oven and invert pan until cake drops out. Slice and chow down!

Nedra's Reception Brie

Buy the baby brie from Costco and the Pesto from Costco. Lay the brie on a sheet of filo or puff pastry dough. Puff pastry is easier to work with. Then pour about 1/3 of the jar of pesto on the brie. You can roast some pine nuts and sprinkle those (generously) on top as well. Then wrap it up in the dough and bake until dough is golden. (Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes. Pastry should be golden brown.)

Swedish Meatballs

Ingredients:
4 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, minced
1 pound each ground beef and pork (or all beef if you prefer)
2 egg yolks
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons salt
Few grinds black pepper
2 teaspoons ground allspice
4 pieces white bread, crust removed, torn and soaked in whole milk

Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken stock
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 to 2 tablespoons black currant jam
1/4 cup chopped parsley leaves 1 (12 oz.) package of egg noodles

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent. Remove the onion to a plate and cool. Wipe out the pan with a paper towel.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meats, egg yolks, heavy cream and onion. Add salt, pepper and allspice. Squeeze excess milk from the bread and add it to the bowl. Mix gently with your hands or wooden spoon.

The meatballs were very wet, so the bowl of cold water is very important. I was worried if the meatballs were going to hold up and they did! With a bowl of cold water standing by, form meatballs about 1-inch across. Dip your fingers in cold water, from time to time, to keep the meat from sticking to your hands.

Melt the remaining butter in the saute pan and once the foam has subsided add a layer of meatballs. Do not overcrowd the pan. Shake the pan once in awhile, to keep the meatballs round.
Brown all of the meatballs, in batches, removing them to a large oven safe dish when cooked.

Put the dish in the oven for about 20 minutes, being careful not to overcook them.

To make the sauce: Pour off most of the fat from the skillet and return it to the heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and swirl it around to coat the pan. Sprinkle in the flour, and stir with a wooden spoon or whisk to dissolve the flour into the fat. Pour in the chicken stock, and stir to loosen the bits from the bottom of the pan.

Simmer, stirring, until the liquid is reduced and the mixture starts to thicken to a sauce. While the sauce is simering and thickening, book one 12 oz. package of egg noodles per package directions.

Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Lower the heat and stir in the cream and the black currant jam.

Add the meatballs to the sauce. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly and the meatballs are heated through, 15 to 20 minutes.

To serve, spoon a portion of egg noodles onto a plate then add couple of meatballs onto each plate and spinkle with chopped parsley.

Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Ingredients:
1 pound Brussels sprouts, rinsed, ends trimmed
1 Tbsp minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 Tbsp olive oil
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions:
1 Preheat oven to 350°F. Place Brussels sprouts in a cast iron frying pan (or a roasting pan, but a cast iron frying pan will work great for this recipe). Toss in the garlic. Sprinkle Brussels sprouts with lemon juice. Toss with oil so that the sprouts are well coated. Sprinkle generously with salt (at least a half teaspoon) and a few turns of black pepper.
2 Put Brussels sprouts in oven on top rack, cook for 20 minutes, then stir so that the sprouts get coated with the oil in the pan. Cook for another 10 minutes. Then sprinkle with Parmesan (if using) and cook for another 5 minutes.
The sprouts should be nicely browned, some of the outside leaves crunchy, the interior should be cooked through.
Add more salt to taste. (Salting sufficiently is the key to success with this recipe.)

Braised BBQ Beef Sandwich

Ingredients:
One 3-pound chuck roast, rinsed and dried
2 medium onions, chopped
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 28-ounce can whole tomatoes (preferably plum tomatoes)
1 18-ounce bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
12 sandwich or hamburger buns

Directions:
1 In a large, heavy pot, heat olive oil on medium heat. Add the onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, roughly chopping them in the pot. Add the barbecue sauce, increase heat to medium high and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the chuck roast. Bring to a low simmer, cover and slow cook until meat is very tender, stirring occasionally, about 3 hours.

Boeuf Bourguignon

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon good olive oil
8 ounces bacon, diced
2 1/2 pounds chuck beef cut into 1-inch cubes
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 pound carrots, sliced diagonally into 1-inch chunks
2 yellow onions, sliced
2 teaspoons chopped garlic (2 cloves)
1/2 cup Cognac
1 (750 ml.) bottle good dry red wine such as Cote du Rhone or Pinot Noir
1 can (2 cups) beef broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (1/2 teaspoon dried)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature, divided
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 pound frozen pearl onions
1/2 to 1 pound fresh mushrooms, stems discarded, caps thickly sliced
For Serving:
Country bread or Sour Dough, toasted or grilled and rubbed with garlic clove
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, optional

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven. Add the diced bacon, and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is lightly browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a large plate.
3. Dry the beef cubes with paper towels, and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. In batches in single layers, sear the beef in the hot oil for 3 to 5 minutes, turning to brown on all sides. Transfer the seared cubes to the plate with the bacon, and continue searing until all the beef is browned. Set aside.
4. Toss the carrots, onions, 1 tablespoon of salt and 2 teaspoons of pepper in the fat in the pan. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are lightly browned. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the Cognac, stand back, and ignite with a match to burn off the alcohol. Return the beef and bacon to the pot with the juices. Add the wine and enough beef broth to almost cover the meat. Add the tomato paste and thyme. Bring to a simmer, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and place it in the oven for about 1 1/4 hours or until the meat and vegetables are very tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Combine 2 tablespoons of butter and the flour with a fork, and stir into the stew. Add the frozen onions.
6. In a separate skillet, saute the mushrooms in 2 tablespoons of butter for 10 minutes until lightly browned, and then add to the stew.
7. Bring the stew to a boil on top of the stove, then lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Season to taste.
8. To serve, toast the bread in the toaster or oven. Rub each slice on 1 side with a cut clove of garlic. For each serving, spoon the stew over a slice of bread, and sprinkle with parsley.

Baked Penne with Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Ingredients:
6 tablespoons butter, plus more for baking dishes
coarse salt and ground pepper
1 pound penne rigate
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (8 ounces each), halved horizontally
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
4 garlic cloves, minced
6 cups whole milk
10 ounces white mushrooms, trimmed and thinly sliced
1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups shredded provolone (6 ounces)
1 cup finely grated Parmesan (4 ounces)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Butter two shallow 2-quart baking dishes. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta 3 minutes short of al dente; drain pasta, and return to pot.
2. In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook until opaque throughout, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Halve each piece lengthwise, then thinly slice crosswise.
3. In a 5-quart Dutch oven or heavy pot, melt butter over medium. Add flour and garlic; cook, whisking, 1 minute. While whisking, gradually add milk; bring to a simmer, whisking frequently. Add mushrooms and tomatoes; cook 1 minute. Off heat, gradually stir in provolone and 1/2 cup Parmesan.
4. Add chicken and pasta to pot; season with salt and pepper. Divide pasta mixture between baking dishes; sprinkle each with cup Parmesan.
5. Bake, uncovered, until top is golden and bubbling, about 25 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
If you’re freezing the second dish: Prepare through step 4; let cool. Cover tightly with foil, and freeze, up to 3 months. To bake, preheat oven to 400 degrees F, and bake (still covered in foil) on a rimmed baking sheet until center is hot, about 1 1/2 hours. Remove foil; bake until golden, about 15 minutes more.

Rocky Road S'more Bars

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1/2 cup firmly-packed brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 cups miniature marshmallows
2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly butter a 9-inch square baking dish.
In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour and graham cracker crumbs; stir until well blended. Press mixture onto bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle over the top with generous amounts of marshmallows, chocolate chips, and walnuts.
Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. remove from oven and cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars and remove from the baking dish.
Yields 3 dozen bars.