cookingcarlsruhs

Oh My! Better Than Grandma's Shredded Beef. It is possible.

2010-02-07T14:54:00.001-08:00

1 3-4 lb roast
1/4 c. butter
1 onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic
1/2 c soy sauce
1 c cooking wine/sherry
4 c water

Heat butter in a heavy pot (ceramic dutch oven is best), add onions and cook until caramelized. Put roast on top of cooked onions. Add all the remaining ingredients. Put in oven at 350 degrees for 4-5 hours (or until the meat shreds). Shred the meat and let sit in the delicious juices.

Serve on French buns with melted mozzarella or provolone cheese. Use some of the juice for a awesome French dip.

(I made this for Ken, and he likes it better than any other sandwich he's had - including Grandmas. It's beyond amazing. And it would do great in the crock pot too. Made it before church and it was done when we got home. It was hard not to eat it right away since it was Fast Sunday. Super yummy and super easy.)

Braised Short Ribs

2010-01-31T20:18:00.000-08:00

Because Valentine's Day is around the corner, I thought you'd like to try making this for your sweetheart on that special day. I'll be making it at the Johnson house.

Ingredients

8 whole Beef Short Ribs
Kosher Salt & Pepper To Taste
¼ cups All-purpose Flour
6 pieces Pancetta, Diced (bacon works instead, if needed)
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 whole Medium Onion, Diced
3 whole Carrots, Diced
2 whole Shallots, Peeled And Finely Minced
2 cups Red Or White Wine
2 cups Beef Or Chicken Broth (enough To Almost Cover Ribs)
2 sprigs Thyme
2 sprigs Rosemary

Preparation Instructions

Salt and pepper ribs, then dredge in flour. Set aside.

In a large dutch oven, cook pancetta over medium heat until complete crispy and all fat is rendered. Remove pancetta and set aside. Do not discard grease.

Add olive oil to pan with the pancetta grease, and raise heat to high. Brown ribs on all sides, about 45 seconds per side. Remove ribs and set aside. Turn heat to medium.

Add onions, carrots, and shallots to pan and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in wine and scrape bottom of pan to release all the flavorful bits of glory. Bring to a boil and cook 2 minutes.

Add broth, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Taste and add more salt if needed. Add ribs to the liquid; they should be almost completely submerged. Add thyme and rosemary sprigs (whole) to the liquid.

Put on the lid and place into the oven. Cook at 350 for 2 hours, then reduce heat to 325 and cook for an additional 30 to 45 minutes. Ribs should be fork-tender and falling off the bone. Remove pan from oven and allow to sit for at least 20 minutes, lid on, before serving. At the last minute, skim fat off the top of the liquid. (Can also refrigerate mixture, then remove solid fat from the top.)

Quiche

2010-01-31T20:12:00.001-08:00

When I went vegetarian for a month, I found that eggs were my life-saver. So a quiche became a favorite quick meal.

1 pie crust. Put pie crust in a pie pan.

Then add, Vegetables: choose from your favorites, and dice them up. I put in green peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, broccoli. Whatever you have in your fridge works.

For extra flavor, include meat: ham or bacon bits work wonderful. For a vegetarian option, don't add the meat.

Throw the vegetables, meat, and 1 cup cheese on pie crust. Then...

In a bowl, mix:
4 eggs
2 cups milk

Pour over vegetables. Cook in an oven at 350 degrees for 40 minutes, or until eggs are set. Enjoy!

Lentil Bean Soup

2010-01-31T20:07:00.000-08:00

An Italian New Year's dish. From Jacque's mission

Ingredients:

equal amounts of carrots, celery, and onion chopped fine (I chop about the same amount equaling two large onions each)
1/4 c. - 1/2 c. olive oil
minced garlic (about 3-5 cloves)
Italian sausage (one per person minimum)
1 large can of tomatoes
Lentils (1-2 bags)
Broth cube (or two)
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Sautee carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in the olive oil in a pan.
Add sausage to mixture (removing skin and cut to small pieces) and cook through
Add the tomatoes to the mixture and simmer on medium-low for about 10 minutes.
Add lentils, broth cube, salt and pepper. I usually also add water near to the top (but that depends how soupish you want the soup).
Let it simmer for 45 minutes on low (I'm guessing here!).

Tomato Soup

2010-01-31T20:03:00.000-08:00

3 T melted butter
1 medium onion, diced
1 46-oz can diced tomatoes
1 T chicken base
3 T sugar
pinch of salt
black pepper to taste
1 1/2 c heavy cream
chopped fresh parsley
chopped fresh basil

Saute diced onions in butter until translucent. Add canned tomatoes, tomato juice, chicken base, sugar, pinch of salt, pepper, and stir. Bring to near boil, then turn off heat. Add in cream, parsley, basil and stir.

Amazing if you combine with grilled cheese. We enjoy sourdough with Havarti cheese, all melted and gooey and buttery crunchy to dip in our soup. Sure to warm you up on the coldest days even Wisconsin has to offer!

Eggplant Meatless Balls

2010-01-31T19:56:00.000-08:00

3 T olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 eggplant, peeled and diced
1/4 c mushrooms, diced
1-2 T water
1 1/4 c fresh bread crumbs
1/2 c minced parsley
1/2 t salt
2 eggs
1/2 c grated cheese
1/4 c olive oil

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet and slowly cook the garlic over medium heat until golden. Add eggplant, mushrooms, and 1 T of water, cover, and steam the eggplant/mushrooms over low heat until very soft (about 10 minutes). Add remaining water only if the eggplant begins to stick to the skillet. Stir the eggplant occasionally while it cooks. Set eggplant aside and let it cool.

Combine the bread crumbs, parsley, salt, eggs, and cheese in a large bowl. Stir in the eggplant, mix well, and let stand for 20 minutes. Scoop small amounts of the mixture into your hands and form meatballs the size of a small egg. Heat oil in a large saute pan over medium heat, then fry the meatballs, turning occasionally so they brown evenly. Transfer meatballs to tomato sauce and keep hot.

Makes 18 meatballs.

Grandma Brooke's Roast

2009-10-05T20:06:00.000-07:00

1 Chuck Roast
1 package Lipton onion soup mix
1 C water (I don't really measure)

Sear both sides of meat. Put in 9 x 13 pan. Add seasoning and water. Cover with two layers of foil. Bake at 350 for about 3 hours or at 300 for 4-5 hours. It is done with it can be easily pulled apart with a fork. Serve with Rhodes Rolls.

Chicken, Craisin, Cashew Bow-Tie Pasta Salad

2009-10-01T07:19:00.000-07:00

4 cups cooked chicken, diced
6 cups (12 oz) bow tie pasta, cooked al-dente
1 1/2 cups green grapes, sliced in half
1 1/2 cups red grapes, sliced in half
2 (5 oz) can water chestnuts, drained and quartered
1 (10 oz) can pineapple tidbits, drained
2 cups celery, thinly sliced
1/2 cup green onion, thinly sliced
2 cups cashews
2 cups craisins

Dressing:
1 (16 oz) bottle of coleslaw dressing
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup salad dressing

In a large bowl mix all salad ingredients together, except cashews and craisins. Whip together dressing ingredients. Toss dressing with the mixture in bowl. Let this mixture marinate in the fridge for 12-24 hours. Mix in cashews and craisins just before serving. Serve cold. Serves 20.

Dad's Apple Kuchen

2009-10-01T07:13:00.000-07:00

1 cup Bisquick
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
1 1/2 t. vanilla
2 T. vegetable oil
5 peeled and cut up apples (Cortland, Macintosh, etc)
Sugar
Cinnamon

Mix the first 6 ingredients together until just blended. Spread in the bottom of a 9 inch square pan which has been greased with shortening. (Dad doubles the recipe). Press apples slightly into batter into close rows covering the entire pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Bake at 350 for 40 - 45 minutes.

Sweet Potato Pie

2009-09-27T22:48:00.000-07:00

1 (1 pound) sweet potato
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup milk (or evaporated milk)
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust

Boil sweet potato whole in skin for 40 to 50 minutes, or until done. Run cold water over the sweet potato, and remove the skin.
Break apart sweet potato in a bowl. Add butter, and mix well with mixer. Stir in sugar, milk, eggs, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla. Beat on medium speed until mixture is smooth. Pour filling into an unbaked pie crust.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 55 to 60 minutes, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Pie will puff up like a souffle, and then will sink down as it cools.

Chicken Penne Pasta by April Mattson

2009-08-17T08:28:00.001-07:00

This is great for a large gathering- the bigger the group, just add more!

Ingredients:
four chicken breasts
1 box penne pasta
pine nuts
fresh basil
shredded parmesan
craisins
garlic
white cooking wine
olive oil

Directions:
Soak the chicken breasts in olive oil with pepper and rosemary; grill
Blend or chop basil
In a sauce pan, melt 2 tbs. butter and 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup white wine
Stir garlic on medium heat; add pine nuts and basil
(add oil and wine as needed)
cut up chicken into bite-sized pieces
Throw all together with cooked pasta and add craisins, fresh pepper, and generous cheese
Enjoy!

Too Much Chocolate Cake (from allrecipes.com)

2009-08-14T08:02:00.000-07:00

I have made many cakes in my life (as you all know) but this one is my very favorite)

INGREDIENTS

1 package devil's food cake mix
1 (5.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup milk
4 eggs
1/2 cup warm water
1-2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (mini chips work & taste best)

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl, mix together the cake and pudding mixes, sour cream, oil, beaten eggs and water. Stir in the chocolate chips and pour batter into a well greased 12 cup bundt pan.
Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until top is springy to the touch and a wooden toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool cake thoroughly in pan at least an hour and a half before inverting onto a plate If desired, dust the cake with powdered sugar.

Ignore that last line, this cake is best topped with a raspberry sauce. I've found that topping it with fresh raspberries tastes great, but if it's not consumed that day the moisture from the cake will make the raspberries mold rather quickly.
It's best to cook some fresh or frozen raspberries over a stove until bubbly, whisk in some sugar and cornstarch to sweeten/thicken it if you want. It will thicken as it cools. Don't poor it over the cake until it is cool or it will seep into the cake.

If you'd rather do a glaze, or both (recommended) here is a top recipe:

3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a double boiler over hot, but not boiling water, combine chocolate chips, butter and corn syrup. Stir until chips are melted and mixture is smooth, then add vanilla.
Spread warm glaze over top of cake, letting it drizzle down the sides.

Raspberry Lemonade Pie

2009-08-09T16:46:00.000-07:00

(from KraftFoods.com)

1-1/2 cups boiling water

1 pkg. (3 oz.) JELL-O Lemon Flavor Gelatin

4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) Cream Cheese, softened

6 oz. (1/2 of 12-oz. can) frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed

1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed

1 cup fresh raspberries

2 Graham Pie Crusts (6 oz. each)

ADD boiling water to gelatin mix in small bowl. Stir 2 min. until completely dissolved; set aside. Beat cream cheese in large bowl with mixer until creamy. Gradually beat in concentrate, then gelatin until blended.

STIR in COOL WHIP and berries. Pour into crusts.

REFRIGERATE 1 pie 4 hours or until firm. Freeze remaining pie up to 1 week before thawing to serve.

Banana Bread

2009-08-09T16:28:00.000-07:00

This recipe is adapted from "Deceptively Delicious". You may add 1 T of ground flax seed, or instead of whole-wheat flour I like to use a 7 or 11 grain cereal mix from Bob's Red Mill.

3/4 cup whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup applesauce, or oil
2 eggs
2 cups banana puree
l tsp vanilla
1/2 cup walnuts (optional)

1. preheat oven to 350, coat two mini pans, or one 9x5 loaf pan
2. mix flour through cinnamon together in a bowl
3. in another bowl mix sugar wiht applesauce, and then add eggs, banana, and vanilla. Add flour mixture and stir until just combined.
4. Pour into loaf pans and bake until toothpick comes out clean, 55-60 minutes, or 25-30 minutes for mini loaves.

Apple Butter

2009-07-09T16:27:00.000-07:00

First, make a basic apple sauce. Core and cut (but don't peel) apples. Boil down the apples for about 10 minutes until soft. Blend the apples in a food processor or blender.

To make apple butter, put in a crock pot:
6 quarts apple sauce
2 T ground cinnamon
1 t ground cloves
1/2 t all-spice
2 cups sugar

Stir the ingredients together and cook overnight (6-12 hours) on medium/low.

Then, the next day, add 4-5 more quarts apple sauce and 2 cups sugar. Cook down for 2 more hours. Put into canning jars while hot, and seal the lids.

That makes the tastiest apple butter EVER.

Luscious Four-Layer Pumpkin Cake

2009-06-28T17:29:00.000-07:00

1 pkg. (2-layer size) yellow cake mix

1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin, divided

1/2 cup milk

1/3 cup oil

4 eggs

1-1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice, divided

1 pkg. (8 oz.) Cream Cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed

1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping
1/4 cup Chopped Pecans

HEAT oven to 350°F. Grease and flour 2 (9-inch) round baking pans. Beat cake mix, 1 cup pumpkin, milk, oil, eggs and 1 tsp. spice in large bowl with mixer until well blended. Pour into prepared pans.

BAKE 28 to 30 min. or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 min. Remove from pans to wire racks; cool completely. Beat cream cheese in small bowl with mixer until creamy. Add sugar, remaining pumpkin and spice; mix well. Gently stir in COOL WHIP.

CUT each cake layer horizontally in half with serrated knife; stack on serving plate, spreading cream cheese filling between layers. (Do not frost top layer.) Drizzle with caramel topping just before serving; sprinkle with nuts. Refrigerate leftovers.

Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Salad

2009-06-28T17:25:00.000-07:00

Line the plate a flour tortilla. Top the tortilla with pork, rice, black beans and cheese. Cover with romaine lettuce and a few tortilla strips for crunch and garnish. Top with creamy cilantro salad dressing.

(This salad is such a crowd pleaser and PERFECT if you are having people over and giving out food assignments. You can also use uncooked tortillas from Costco. Throw them on the griddle and cook just before serving.)

Sweet Pork
4 lb. pork roast
2 to 3 cans tomato sauce (8 oz.)
1 tsp. pressed garlic cloves
1 1/2 to 2 cups brown sugar (packed)
2 tsp. cumin
2 cups Dr. Pepper (optional)
2 Tbsp molasses
1/2 tsp. salt Pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients except pork until sugar is dissolved. Place pork roast in a crock pot sprayed with Pam. Pour mixture over roast and let simmer until meat is tender and pulls away with fork. (Cook on low over-night if desired.) Shredding pork and return to liquid. This pork/liquid mixture freezes well for later use. Serving size is about 1/2 cup cooked pork.

Lime Rice
2 Tbsp. butter
1 1/4 cup rice
2 1/4 cup chicken broth (or chicken bullion crystals)
3/4 tsp. salt
Pepper to taste
Juice and zest (peel) of 1 large or 2 small fresh limes
3 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro leaves 1/4 tsp. cumin
Melt butter with rice in skillet.

Add the rest of ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and cook for 20 minutes. Makes about 4 cups of cooked rice. Serving size is 1/2 cup per person.

Creamy Cilantro Dressing
16 oz. bottle of La Victoria green salsa (or any other tomatillo green salsa)
1 package dry buttermilk ranch dressing (about 4 Tbsp)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup fresh cilantro (just use leaves and really pack cup)
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar (Taste and decide)

Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Refrigerate. Makes about 1 quart dressing.

fruit salsa

2009-04-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

chop into small pieces:
4 granny smith apples
4 peaches or apricots
1 box of strawberries

mix chopped fruit with one can of crushed pineapple (juice included).

for the sugar/cinnamon chips:
preheat oven to 350 degrees. cut 10 tortillas into 16 triangles. Spread each triangle tortilla into a cookie sheet. cover each triangle with melted butter. sprinkle a sugar/cinnamon combination graciously over the tortilla triangles. bake for 10 minutes.

eat the salsa with the chips for a yummy, healthy snack!

Sarah's Double Chocolate Cheesecake with Raspberry Sauce

2009-01-01T12:40:00.000-08:00

Sarah made this for our New Year's Eve party and it was so temptingly delicious we fought over it the next day. (She used a prepared graham cracker crust which cut the preparation time in half. Note: this filling will fill two prepared crusts). She also said she would have put more of the fudge in to make it more chocolaty. :)

Crust:
1 1/3 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons sugar

Filling:
1 cup sugar
4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
4 large eggs
1 (10 oz) white chocolate chips, melted
1 cup chocolate fudge ice cream topping, warmed

Sauce:
2 (10 oz) packages frozen raspberries in syrup, thawed
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Heat oven to 325, stir together all crust ingredients and press on bottom of springform pan. Bake 10 minutes, cool.
Combine 1 cup sugar and cream cheese in mixer bowl. Beat at medium speed until creamy (3-4 min). Add eggs one at a time and beat, stir in melted white chocolate chips.
Pour half of cream cheese mixture into prepared crust, spoon 1/2 cup of fudge over cream cheese, swirl with knife. Top with remaining cream cheese. Spoon remaining fudge over cream cheese mixture and swirl with knife. Bake for 65 to 75 minutes. (Let cheesecake remain in oven for 30 minutes until center is set). Cool, remove from pan, refrigerate 8 hours.
Press raspberries through strainer , discard seeds. Stir with cornstarch in saucepan and cook until comes to a full boil until slightly thickened. Refrigerate until serving time.

Potato Soup, Spicy and Broccoli

2008-12-17T18:54:00.000-08:00

4 lbs. Potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 cans of Chicken Broth, low sodium

Boil the Potatoes in the broth until tender, DO NOT DRAIN!!!

8 oz of Pepper Jack Cheese, grated
(for not as spicy: 4 oz of Pepper Jack and 4 oz Monterey Jack)

Add to the potatoes and let melt.

1 can Cream of Celery
1 can Cream of Onion
1 c. sour cream
1 pint 1/2 and 1/2 (can use fat free)

Stir in until hot, Serve immediately. If you have leftovers and used just pepper jack, it will be very spicy the next day but is still good.

or...add the following after the potatoes are cooked and not drained...

8 oz of Monterey Jack cheese

1 can Cream of Celery
1 can Cream of Mushroom
1 c. sour cream
1 pint 1/2 and 1/2 (can use fat free)

then...chop up a bunch of broccoli and add to the soup. Cook for about 5 more minutes until the broccoli is about half cooked and still slightly crunchy.

super yummy with sourdough bread!
Stir in until hot, Serve immediately. If you have leftovers and used just pepper jack, it will be very spicy the next day but is still good.

Penne with Salsa Verde, Mozzarella, and Cherry Tomatoes

2008-12-17T18:48:00.000-08:00

¼ cup lightly packed flat-leaf parsley w-thick stems removed

2 cloves of garlic, smashed

1 ½ tablespoons drained capers

½ teaspoon anchovy paste (which I never use)

6 tablespoons olive oil

¾ teaspoon red-wine vinegar

¾ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper

¾ pound penne rigate (or any other kind you like)

¾ pound fresh mozzarella, cut into ¼-inch cubes

2 cups cherry (or grape) tomatoes, cut into quarters

In a blender or food processor, puree the parsley, the smashed garlic, the capers, and the anchovy paste with the olive oil, the wine vinegar, and the salt and pepper.
In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the penne rigate until just done, about 13 minutes. Drain.
In a large bowl, toss the pasta with the parsley mixture, mozzarella, and tomatoes.

Mom's Chocolate Christmas Cookies

2008-12-17T18:36:00.000-08:00

1 (10 oz.) jar maraschino cherries (about 48)
1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. butter
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 (6 oz.) pkg. semi sweet chocolate pieces
1/2 c. sweetened condensed milk

Drain cherries and reserve juice. Stir together flour, cocoa, soda, powder and salt. In a large mixer bowl beat butter until soft. Add sugar and beat until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; beat well. Add flour mixture and blend well.

Shape dough into 1" balls. Place about 2" apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Press down center of each with your thumb. Place a cherry in each cookie.

In small saucepan combine chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Cook over low heat until chocolate is melted. Stir in 4 teaspoons of the reserved cherry juice. Spoon 1 teaspoon frosting over each cherry, swirling to completely cover cherry.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. Remove to racks and cool. Makes about 48.

basic wheat bread (for the kitchen-aid)

2008-10-07T15:45:00.000-07:00

1/2 c milk
3 T milk
2 t salt
2 t butter
2 packages active dry yeast
1 1/2 c warm water
5-6 c flour

Place milk, sugar, salt, and butter in a small saucepan. Heat over low until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Cool to lukewarm.

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Add lukewarm milk mixture and 4 1/2 c flour. Mix for one minute on speed 2.

Add remaining flour, 1/2 c at a time until dough sticks to dough hook and cleans the side of the bowl (about 2 minutes at speed 2).

Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let frise for about 1 hour, or until dough has doubled.

Punch bowl down and either divide in half and shape into two loves or roll out into rolls.

Make for about 30 minutes at 400 degrees.

freshly ground whole wheat oatmeal chocolate chip cookies

2008-10-07T15:33:00.000-07:00

2 c butter
3 1/2 c sugar
2 T molasses
4 eggs
2 T hot water
2 t vanilla
1 t salt
2 t baking soda
2 t kitchen specialties dough enhancer
5 c whole wheat flour
6-9 c oats

Add any and or all of the following: semi sweet chocolate chips, walnuts, dates, coconut, raisins, craisins, butterscotch chips, peanut butter chips, etc.

Combine and blend butter, sugar, molasses, eggs, hot water, and vanilla in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix all of the dry ingredients (minus the oats) together. Combine the two mixtures. Mix in the oats and optional chips/nuts.

Spread the dough evenly onto two or three cookie sheets. Preheat oven, bake at 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes. Cut into bars when cooled.

2008-10-01T16:54:00.001-07:00

BYU Mint Brownies

Sugar-n-Spice, Cougareat Food Court

MAKES ONE 9-BY-13 PAN OF BROWNIES.
PREP AND COOK: 90 min. COOL: 1 hr.

1 c. margarine
1/2 c. cocoa
2 Tbsp. honey
4 eggs
2 c. sugar
1 3/4 c. flour
1/2 Tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. chopped walnuts
12 oz. chocolate icing (Use your own icing recipe or purchase some chocolate frosting. You can also search the Internet for chocolate icing recipes.)

MINT ICING

5 Tbsp. margarine
dash of salt
3 Tbsp. milk
1 Tbsp. light corn syrup
2 1/3 c. powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. mint extract
1-2 drops green food coloring

1. Melt margarine and mix in cocoa. Allow to cool. Add honey, eggs, sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well. Add nuts. Pour batter into a greased 9-by-13 baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Cool.

2. Prepare mint icing: Soften margarine. Add salt, corn syrup, and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Add mint extract and food coloring. Mix. Add milk gradually until the consistency is a little thinner than cake frosting.

3. Spread mint icing over brownies. Place brownies in the freezer for a short time to stiffen the icing. Remove from the freezer and carefully add a layer of chocolate icing.

2008-09-13T08:58:00.000-07:00

Apricot Stuffing

1 C hot water
1 C cooked wild rice
1/2 C chopped pecans
1/2 C Dried Apricots cut up
1/4 C butter melted
1 chopped onion ( I omit of course)
1 Pkg stove top stuffing
1 C or so chicken broth

Mix all together and bake at 350 for 1/2 hour or 45min. I really like this I think it's worth a try!

2008-09-13T08:48:00.000-07:00

Butternut Squash Soup (from Lacey)

2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion chopped (yuck, I use powder)
1 celery stalk (or however much you want)
1 medium carrot (I do more)
2 potatoes ( i do more)
1 medium butternut quash peeled, seeded, and cubed
32 oz of chicken broth

In large pot melt butter, add veggies cook until lightly browned. Pour in chicken broth (enough to cover veggies). Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and simmer until all veggies are tender (40 minutes or so). Transfer soup to blender and blend until smooth.

This is yummy. I always have to split it to get it all blended.

2008-09-13T08:39:00.000-07:00

Corned Beef and Cabbage (from Lacey for St. Patrick's Day)

4 1/2 lbs corned beef (with seasoning packet)
1 onion peeled and left whole
1 small head cabbage
6 potatoes quartered
4 large carrots sliced
2 TBLS butter (optional)
1/4 cup fresh parsley (optional)

1. In a 6 quart Dutch over, place the beef and seasonings, onion. Fill pan with water to cover everything plus 1 inch. Bring to boil and cook for 20 minutes. Skim off any residue that floats to the top. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 hours, until meat can be pulled with fork.

2. Once meat is done, add cabbage, potatoes and carrots, pressing them down into the liquid. Simmer until potatoes are tender. Skim off any oil that comes to surface. Stir in butter and parsley. Remove from heat.

I just use this as guide I don't follow it directly. I also don't use the butter and parsley.

2008-09-13T08:32:00.000-07:00

Spinach Artichoke Dip (from Lacey from Kraft)

1 pkg (8oz) cream cheese softened
1 pkg (10oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, well drained
1 jar (7.5 oz) marinated artichoke hearts drained chopped
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Spread cream cheese onto bottom of microwaveable 9 inch pie plate. Mix spinach, artichokes, mozzarella cheese and garlic powder until will blended; spread over cream cheese. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Microwave for 2 min or until heated through.

This is super easy and SOOO yummy. I think everyone should try it! I always microwave it longer and I serve with tortilla chips.

2008-09-13T08:28:00.000-07:00

Ravioli Soup (from Lacey)

2 Cups sliced carrots
2 Cans Italian diced tomatoes (I puree them)
1 Can great northern beans
2 tsp Basil (optional)
9 oz of Ravioli (cooked separately and added once soup is ready)

Super easy and yummy I think. Adjust the amount of Ravioli to personal tastes.

2008-09-13T08:20:00.000-07:00

Chicken Tortilla Soup (from Lacey)

1 Green Pepper or can diced chilies
3 Cans chicken broth
3 Cans cream of chicken
3 chicken breast cooked and shredded
1/2 cup medium salsa
1 tsp chili powder

I just use whatever I have and cook it all on the stove. Can serve with cheese, sour cream and tortilla chips (of course).

2008-09-13T08:13:00.000-07:00

Homemade Noodles (from Lacey)

1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 baking powder
2 1/2 Tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon oil

mix well

Gradually add 1 Cup Flour to the egg mixture. Roll out (thin) on floured surface and cut (I use a pizza cutter). Let dry (I usually don't). To cook bring water (or broth or soup) to a boil and add noodles by the handful keeping water boiling. When all noodles are added boil for a minute or so then turn down heat and simmer until tender.

2008-09-12T10:42:00.000-07:00

Easy Toffee (from Amber)

I love this recipe! It's going to be a Christmas-time staple for me because it's easy and delicious. I made a pan and had to give more than half away because it made so much.

ingredients:
1 stack of saltines
1 cup butter
1 cup light brown sugar
1 bag (12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
chopped nuts (optional) I prefer chopped almonds

Line a large cookie sheet with foil. Lay crackers on foil in solid cover, crackers touching. Boil butter and brown sugar for 3 minutes (start timer after it starts boiling), stirring constantly. Pour over crackers, spreading to cover them all. Bake at 400 for 5-7 minutes; do not allow sugar to burn. Remove from oven and allow to sit about 3 minutes. Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over candy and spread with a spatula as chocolate begins to melt. Sprinkle on chopped nuts while chocolate is still wet. Refrigerate. Chocolate will harden in about 30 minutes to an hour and candy can be broken into pieces.

quinoa salad

2008-08-26T10:26:00.000-07:00

1 c quinoa (cooked)
dash of balsamic vinegar
dash of olive oil
dash of lemon juice
italian seasoning
feta cheese
tomatoes
1 can garbanzo beans
green onions, chopped
green peppers, chopped

granola

2008-08-26T10:23:00.000-07:00

6 cups rolled oats
1 c raw wheat germ
1/2 c flaked coconut
3 T cinnamon
1 c walnuts
1 c pecans
1/2 t salt
1 c raw sunflower seeds
1/4 c sesame seeds
1/4 c flax seeds
1/2 c pumpkin seeds

mix dry ingredients in a large bowl. then add:

1 1/4 c coconut oil (warmed until liquefied)
1 1/4 c real maple syrup

mix well and spread on cookie sheet (lined with parchment paper). cook for 45 minutes at 300 degrees.

magic peach cobbler

2008-08-15T09:06:00.001-07:00

1 stick butter
1 c. sugar
1 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 c. milk
1 3/4 c. sliced peaches, can use lg. can of peaches, juice and all

This is fast, easy and very good. Melt butter in a 9x15 pan. Mix sugar, flour, baking powder and milk and pour this mixture over the butter - don't stir.

Add peaches on top of this.

Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or brown on top. Sprinkle with cinnamon/sugar

This is Dan and Lacey's recipe (if Dan can make this, anyone can)

2008-08-12T14:57:00.000-07:00

Greek Chicken Pasta (from Amber)

Serves 6

Ingredients
1 lb uncooked pasta
1 T olive oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1 lb chicken, in bite sized pieces
1 14oz can marinated artichoke heart, drained and chopped
1 large tomato
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
3 T fresh chopped parsley
2 T lemon juice
2 tsp. dried oregono
salt and pepper to taste

1. boil pasta for 8-10 minutes
2. heat olive oil in large skillet, add garlic and onion to saute for 2 minutes. stir in chicken. cook, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked (about 5-6 minutes)
3. reduce heat to medium-low and add artichoke, tomato, feta, parsley, lemon juice, oregano and cooked pasta. stir until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.

this is a tasty recipe, promise. i usually add what I have of the ingredients though, but feta and artichoke is a must, also good with a little zucchini.

texas sheet cake

2008-08-06T14:52:00.000-07:00

bring to boil:
1 c water
1/4 c shortening
1/2 c butter
1/4 c cocoa

combine:
2 c sugar
2 c flour
1 t cinnamon
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt

add cocoa mixture to dry ingredients and blend.

beat into mixture:
1/2 c buttermilk
1 t vanilla
2 eggs

pour into a 9x15 in greased pan and bake at 300 degrees for 20 minutes.

frosting:
1/2 c butter
6 T buttermilk
1/3 c cocoa
1 pound powdered sugar
1 t vanilla

bring first three ingredients to a boil, stirring constantly. gradually beat in powdered sugar and vanilla. pour over hot cake.

turtle cake

2008-08-06T14:44:00.000-07:00

1 box german chocolate cake mix
1/2 c butter
14 oz bag caramels
1/4 c evaporated milk
1 c chocolate chips
1 c pecans

follow directions for cake mix. pour half in pan and bake for about 15 minutes. melt butter and caramels. add milk until smooth. sprinkle chocolate chips and pecans over cooked cake bottom, and then pour the caramel mixture on top. cover with the remaining cake batter. bake for 30 minutes.

dutch meat loaf

2008-08-06T13:21:00.000-07:00

1 lb lean ground beef
1/2 c dry bread crumbs
1 egg
1/2 c evaporated milk
3 T chopped onion
1 t salt
dash of pepper

mix ingredients together and place in a loaf pan. spread topping and bake for one hour in a 350 degree onion

topping:
3 T brown sugar
1/4 c ketchup
1/2 t nutmeg
1 t mustard
1 t worcestershire sauce

combine and mix.

orange rolls

2008-08-06T13:13:00.000-07:00

dissolve:
4 t yeast
1/2 c warm water

add to yeast:
2 eggs
1/2 t salt
1/2 c sour cream
2 c flour

knead in:
1 1/2 c flour
let rise until double. kneed dough 15 times. roll into 2 12-inch circles.

mix:
1/2 c sugar
2 T orange rind
sprinkle on dough circles

combine:
1/2 c butter
1/2 c sour cream
3/4 c sugar
2 T orange juice
combine in a saucepan and boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. spread onto dough circles. roll and cut.

let rise until doubled. bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes

southwestern white chili

2008-07-31T22:42:00.000-07:00

2 T italian dressing
1 lb chopped chicken breast
1 small onion, chopped
2 cans (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
1 can chicken broth
1 can (4 0z) green chilies, drained
1 t ground cumin
1 1/2 c mexican style cheese, shredded
2 T fresh cilantro, chopped

HEAT dressing in a saucepan. add chicken and onions. cook for about 7 minutes until chicken is cooked through, stirring occasionally. STIR in beans, broth, chilies, and cumin. bring to boil, then reduce to medium heat; stirring occasionally. SERVE topped with cheese and cilantro.

Honey Wheat Bread (from MOM)

2008-07-30T13:53:00.000-07:00

1.25 cup of water
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons butter, softened
2 cups whole wheat flour
1.5 cup bread machine flour
1.5 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon regular active dry yeast or 1.75 teaspoons
quick-acting active dry yeast

Mix in order listed, bake on whole wheat cycle.

2008-07-28T19:42:00.000-07:00

easy toblerone mousse (from Amber)

8 triangles (about 2-1/2 oz.) toblerone

1-1/2 cups cool whip

microwave chocolate for 1 minute or until melted, then cool for one minute. add cool whip and stir with whisk until blended. refrigerate at least 5 minutes.

serves 2. I like to garnish with a little toblerone triangle (you should always buy extra because you will inevitably eat a square before melting it anyway.)

2008-07-28T19:33:00.000-07:00

oatmeal waffles (from Amber)

1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1 T baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 T brown sugar
1 cup oats
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup non-fat vanilla yogurt
1 1/2 cups skim milk
3 egg whites (or 2 eggs)

mix dry ingredients together. add milk, eggs and yogurt all at once. stir till blended. bake in waffle iron. top with fruit and yogurt.

(Amber's notes: whole wheat pastry flour is a great alternative to whole wheat in baked goods because it has the consistency of white flour but the nutrition of whole wheat. you can use your flour of choice in this recipe though. also, cut what you would normally consider a serving of waffles in half with this recipe because it is very filling.)

fool proof banana bread

2008-07-28T16:54:00.000-07:00

1 c sugar
1/2 c butter, melted
2 eggs
3 T milk
3 rotten bananas
1 t baking soda
pinch of salt
2 c flour
1 c nuts (optional)

add butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and bananas. add dry ingredients and nuts. bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees in a buttered loaf pan.

mom's sweet corn cake/corn bread

2008-07-25T09:24:00.000-07:00

1 box Jiffy Corn Bread Mix

1 can creamed corn

1 can kernel corn

1 stick butter, softened

2 eggs

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup mayonnaise

Mix everything together and pour in a 9 X 13 pan. Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown on top at 350 degrees.

chicken pot pie

2008-07-23T19:35:00.000-07:00

first, i make a white sauce:
-melt 1/3 c butter in a large pan with 1 chopped onion.
-add 1/3 c flour to butter and stir for about 1 minute, until thickened
-mix 2/3 c milk and 1 3/4 c chicken broth to sauce
-stir until sauce boils and thickens. add salt and pepper

then add vegetables:
-i use whatever veggies i find in my fridge...such as carrots, corn, bell peppers, spinach, broccoli, celery, squash, sometimes potatoes, and so on. about 4-6 cups of veggies cut up.

-add veggies to white sauce and let simmer until veggies are about half-way cooked

then add chicken:
-add some cooked chicken (about 2 breasts). shred or chop the chicken and add to the sauce and veggies.

then add to pie crust:
i use the pre-made pie crust, and add the pot pie mixture. bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes. this is a definite crowd pleaser in the johnson household. this meal also freezes really well, and you can make a whole bunch at one time.

tips for perfect cookies

2008-07-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

so these are my tips for making the perfect cookie:

0 always use buttered flavored shortening instead of regular shortening

0 whip the sugar, butter and eggs until smooth before adding any flour-type ingredients

0 bake the cookies until they are slightly under-done. then, let the cookies set on the pan for about
5 minutes after baking. this makes for a perfect, soft cookie

0 if you overbake your cookies, you don't have to throw that batch away (which i always used to
do because i hate hard cookies). put them in a jar with a piece of bread for about a day. the
bread will soften the cookies. then, feed those cookies to your kids while you enjoy the perfect
batches!

do you have any tips for perfect cookies? let us know!!!

snickerdoodles

2008-07-23T19:28:00.000-07:00

1 1/2 c sugar
1/2 c butter
1/2 shortening
2 eggs
3 c flour
2 t cream of tartar
1 t baking soda
1/4 t salt
1/4 c sugar*
2 t ground cinnamon*

*to be mixed and used for rolling dough

heat oven to 350 degrees. mix ingredients but the end sugar and cinnamon. shape dough into 1 inch balls and roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture. place 2 inches apart on ungreased cooking sheet. bake for 8-10 minutes.

oatmeal chocolate chip cookies

2008-07-23T19:26:00.001-07:00

2/3 c white sugar
2/3 c brown sugar
1/2 c butter, softened
1/2 c shortening
1 t baking soda
1 t cinnamon
1 t vanilla
1/2 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
2 eggs
3 cups oats
1 c flour
1 c chocolate chips (or raisins)

mix all the ingredients. drop dough by round teaspoons onto cookie sheet 2 inches apart. bake at 375 for 9 minutes.

myra's chocolate chip cookies

2008-07-23T19:22:00.000-07:00

1 3/4 c butter flavored shortening
1 c white sugar
2 c brown sugar
4 eggs
2 t salt
2 t vanilla
2 t baking soda
2 t baking powder
4 1/2 c flour
1 bag chocolate chips

mix all the ingredients. roll dough into 1 inch balls. bake for 9 minutes at 350 degrees.

pasta alla carbonara

2008-07-23T19:09:00.003-07:00

spaghetti
salt
olive oil
garlic cloves, minced
onions, minced
uncooked bacon, cut into squares
eggs (one per person)
fresh parmesan cheese

in a frying pan...put in olive oil until 1/2 inch tall in the pan. heat on a medium heat. add minced garlic and onions and cook until golden brown. add uncooked bacon and cook thoroughly.

as the bacon is cooking, add salt to boiling pot of water for spaghetti. cook spaghetti "al dente" (refers to the desired texture of cooked pasta in italian cooking. it literally means "to the tooth". when the pasta is cooked al dente, there should be a slight resistance in the center when the pasta is chewed).

scramble eggs in a separate bowl and add salt and pepper.

add cooked spaghetti to the oil, garlic, onion and bacon mixture and toss.

stir in scrambled eggs into the spaghetti mixtures (the eggs will be cooked by the pasta).

add fresh parmesan cheese and serve.

salmon pasta

2008-07-23T19:09:00.001-07:00

cook .5-1 pound salmon in a pan with some butter until the salmon is flaky and falls apart. add about 1 cup heavy whipping cream, fresh basil (cut up), and a little salt and pepper. cook and stir on medium heat until thickened. toss with cooked pasta...and enjoy.

la pasta gialla (yellow pasta)

2008-07-23T19:07:00.000-07:00

3 sticks of celery
3 sticks of carrots
3 sticks of fresh rosemary
3 large cloves of garlic, peeled
3 small onions, peeled
1 c. butter
1 c. water (or white wine)
1 bullion cube
1 large turkey thigh

in a large pot, put all of the ingredients together, including the whole sticks of rosemary (you don't really have to cut the ingredients unless they don't fit). bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer and leave until meat is cooked (about 45 minutes). pull out the meat and the sticks of rosemary. you can use the meat as a side dish if you want. put the rest of the ingredients into a blender/food processor and mince until the sauce is chunky, yet mixed. toss with your favorite short pasta and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.