Gail's Favorite Tried and True Recipes!

Gail Hurt's Favorite

Tried & True Recipes

 

Below are just a few of my favorite TNT recipes.  If you try one of the recipes below and would like to tell me what you think (or if you have a TNT recipe you'd like to share with me), you can reach me by email, gskrems (@) artsci.wustl.edu.  

 

BTW, at the very bottom of this page you'll find some links to recipe sites that I've found helpful, if not inspiring!

 


Creamy Ham & Vegetable Stew
1 1/2 cups water
1 tsp chicken boullion
2 medium carrots, sliced into 1" chunks
1 medium potato, cut into chunks
1 medium onion, cut into chunks
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup cubed ham
1 can cream of celery soup
1/2 cup Velvetta cheese

Chop carrots, potato, and onion into pieces (big for stew or small for soup). Bring to boil and reduce heat, cover and simmer till potatoes are tender (10 min.). Add peas and ham, return to boil; reduce heat and cook covered for about 5 minutes. Stir in soup and cheese. cook until heated through.

Gail's Notes:  This was quick, easy and the perfect comfort food!  Next time I think I'll add a bit more carrot, just because they are so tasty in this recipe. 

 

Slow-Cooker Chicken Chili

For a thicker chili, mash and stir the beans before serving. Add creaminess by stirring in sour cream and Monterey Jack cheese.  Makes 9 cups

1 c. dried Great Northern beans
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 clove garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
2 t. dried oregano
1/2 t. salt
10 3/4 oz. can cream of chicken soup
5 c. water or chicken broth
1 t. ground cumin
4.5 oz. can diced green chiles
2 t. hot pepper sauce

Sort and wash beans.

Combine beans, chicken, garlic, onion, oregano, salt, soup, water/broth, cumin and green chiles in a 5-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on high setting one hour; reduce heat to low setting and cook 6 hours. Stir in hot sauce.
Gail's Notes:  This is more like a soup than chili, but it tastes good.  I'm not sure I'll make it again, but if you're looking for something that tastes good, is not overly fattening, and will fill plenty of tummies, this is it!

 

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Salad
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
8 ounces uncooked small shell pasta
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Parisien Bonnes Herbes* (from Penzeys)
2 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder (from Penzeys)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
1 (10-ounce) package frozen cooked shrimp, thawed and drained

Cook the pasta according to package directions; drain, rinse, drain again and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Bonnes Herbs, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper; blend until smooth.

Add the pasta and shrimp to the mayonnaise mixture and toss to blend. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

 

Gail's Notes:  This is a wonderful way to serve shrimp to your guests without breaking your bank account.  I made a few changes from the original recipe (as I always do).  Instead of fresh parsley, I used Penzeys Parisien Bonnes Herbs (*this awesome herb mix contains chives, dill weed, French basil, French tarragon, chervil and white pepper), which lent a very exotic yet not overwhelming taste to this pasta salad.  I will definitely be making this again!

 

Creamy Pork Marsala with Fettuccine


Prep Time: 20 mins; Total Time: 45 mins; Servings: 4


1 tbsp. olive oil
4 boneless pork chops, 3/4-inch thick (about 1 pound)
1 cup sliced baby portabella mushrooms (about 3 ounces)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)
1/2 cup half and half
3 tbsp. dry Marsala wine
1/2 pkg. (8 ounces) spinach fettuccine, cooked and drained

Heat the oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook until well browned on both sides.

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the mushrooms and garlic to the skillet and cook until the mushrooms are tender.

Stir the soup, milk and wine in the skillet and heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 5 minutes or until the pork is cooked through. Serve the pork and sauce with the fettuccine.

Gail's Notes:  This turned out good--the sauce was really good considering it started with a can of soup.  Not sure if I'll make it again, but I can vouch for it being a fairly quick and easy meal to toss together on a weeknight. 

 

 

Gail's Favorite Hamburger Pie (an oldie but a goodie!)

Makes: 6 servings;  Prep: 30 mins Bake: 350°F 30 mins

Mashed Potatoes (or one 24-ounce package refrigerated mashed potatoes)
1 1/4 pounds lean ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion (1 medium)

1/2 cup sliced baby portabella mushrooms, sauteed in olive oil

1 garlic clove, minced
¼ teaspoon salt
Dash black pepper
1 14.50 oz. kitchen sliced greenbeans
1 10 3/4 ounce can condensed tomato soup

1 TBS dry sherry
3/4 cup shredded process American cheese (2 ounces)

1.  Prepare Mashed Potatoes; set aside. In a large skillet cook meat, garlic, and onion until meat is brown and onion is tender. Drain off fat. Add the salt and pepper. Stir in greenbeans, mushrooms, dry sherry, and soup; pour into a greased 2-quart rectangular baking dish or casserole.
2.  Spoon Mashed Potatoes in mounds over bean mixture (or, if desired, pipe potatoes using a pastry bag and a large star tip). Sprinkle cheese over the potatoes. Bake, uncovered, in a 350 degree F oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until mixture is bubbly and cheese begins to brown. Makes 6 servings. 

 

Gail's notes:  I've been making this recipe for years.  I recently discovered that adding in dry sherry takes it to an even tastier level!  And most of the time I use Idahoan brand instant potatoes.  Perfect comfort food (trust me!).   
 

 

Cream of Vegetable Soup (Basic Recipe)

Desired vegetable (see variations below)
1 1/2 cups chicken broth or vegetable stock
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Seasoning (see variations below)
1/4 teaspoon salt
Dash black pepper
1 cup milk, half-and-half, or light cream

1. In a large saucepan cook desired vegetable, covered, in a large amount of boiling water according to directions in each variation. Drain well. Set aside 1 cup cooked vegetables.

2. In a food processor combine the remaining cooked vegetables and 3/4 cup of the chicken broth. Cover and process about 1 minute or until smooth. Set aside.

3. In the same saucepan melt butter. Stir in flour, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add milk all at once. Cook and stir until slightly thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir 1 minute more.

4. Stir in the reserved 1 cup cooked vegetables, blended vegetable mixture, and remaining 3/4 cup broth. Cook and stir until heated through. If necessary, stir in additional milk to reach desired consistency. If desired, season to taste with additional salt and pepper. Makes 4 servings (4-1/2 cups).


From the Test Kitchen
Variation Cream of Broccoli-Cheese Soup:Cook 4 cups fresh or loose-pack frozen chopped broccoli as directed in Step 1 for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender. Drain. Reserve 1 cup of broccoli. Process remaining broccoli as directed in Step 2. Use 1/4 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning in Step 3. Stir in 1/2 cup shredded American cheese with the blended vegetable mixture in Step 4. If desired, top each serving with additional shredded American cheese.


Variation Cream of Potato Soup:Cook 5 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed, and 1/2 cup chopped onion as directed in Step 1 about 15 minutes or until tender. Drain. Reserve 1 cup of potato-onion mixture. Process remaining mixture as directed in Step 2, except use all of the broth. Use 1/4 teaspoon dried dill or basil, crushed, in Step 3.


Variation Cream of Cauliflower-Cheese Soup:Cook 4 cups fresh or loose-pack frozen cauliflower florets as directed in Step 1 for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender. Drain. Reserve 1 cup cauliflower florets. Process remaining cauliflower florets as directed in Step 2. Use 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds in Step 3. Stir in 1/2 cup shredded American cheese along with the blended vegetable mixture in Step 4. If desired, top each serving with additional shredded American cheese.


Gail's Notes:  I can't believe I finally found this very old, very basic cream soup recipe!!  I have been searching for this for so long over the years (as I had lost or misplaced my original Better Homes and Garden cookbook many years ago but never forgot how much I enjoyed using this basic recipe for cream of potato soup and cream of broccoli soup, etc.)!  This is the recipe I used when I was first learning to cook.  So simple and easy to follow.  I am so happy I found this--which is why I am posting it here, so I'll always have access to it! 

 

Swiss Tuna Bake Recipe

4 Servings   Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

Ingredients

4 cups cooked medium egg noodles
1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese
1 cup mayonnaise
1 can (6 ounces) tuna, drained and flaked
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs, divided (see Gail's Note below)

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the noodles, cheese, mayonnaise and tuna.  Sprinkle 1/2 cup bread crumbs into a greased 9-in. square baking dish. Spread noodle mixture over crumbs. Sprinkle with the remaining crumbs. Bake, uncovered, at 350°. 

Gail's Notes:  This was very good and easy to put together (not to mention inexpensive).  When I made this, I added melted butter and parmesean cheese to the bread crumbs before putting them into the casserole--definitely a good idea!  Next time I will add sweet peas or maybe finely shredded carrots if I have them on hand, just to get it a little more "yumm!". 

 

Chicken with Mushroom Sauce

YIELD: 4 servings (serving size: 1 breast half and 1/3 cup sauce)
TIME: 35 Minutes

Ingredients

4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 teaspoons canola oil
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup chopped shallots
1 (8-ounce) package pre-sliced mushrooms
2 minced garlic cloves
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
3/4 cup fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme

Preparation

1. Place each chicken breast half between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap, and pound to 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet or small heavy skillet.

2. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add canola oil to pan; swirl to coat. Sprinkle chicken with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. Add chicken to pan; cook 3 minutes on each side or until done. Transfer chicken to a serving platter; keep warm.

3. Add shallots and mushrooms to pan; sauté for 4 minutes or until browned, stirring occasionally. Add garlic; sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in wine, scraping pan to loosen browned bits; bring to a boil. Cook until liquid almost evaporates. Sprinkle mushroom mixture with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and flour; cook 30 seconds, stirring frequently. Add broth to pan; bring to a boil. Cook 2 minutes or until slightly thick. Remove pan from heat; add butter and thyme, stirring until butter melts. Serve with chicken.

 

Gail's Notes:  This was very good.  I used baby portabella mushrooms (of course!) and EVOL instead of canola oil (again, of course!), but other than that, I followed the recipe without any other changes.  I used a Chardonnay for the white wine.  When I make this again, I think I'll try Marsala.  I do recommend trying this recipe.  It's a bit of work, but nothing difficult and the results are worth it!
 

Hash brown Quiche
 

3 cups, shredded frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed and drained
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, melted
4 large eggs, beaten (original recipe called for 3 large eggs, but I used 4)
1 cup half-and-half (I used 1/4 cup heavy cream with 3/4 cup half and half)
3/4 cup diced cooked ham (I also added about 1/4 cup of chopped, pre-cooked thick smoked bacon)
1/2 cup diced green onions
1 cup shredded Cheddar (I also added a few very small chunks of Bellavitano Raspberry Wisconsin cheese)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 450F. Gently press the drained hash browns between paper towels to dry them as best as possible. In a 9-inch pie plate, toss the hash browns with the melted butter into the plate. Press them into the bottom and up the sides to form a crust. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and starting to crisp.

Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining ingredients.  When the hash brown crust is ready pour the egg mixture over it and return to the oven.

Lower the oven temperature to 350F and bake for about 30 minutes until the quiche is light golden brown on top and puffed.
 

Gail's Notes:  This was really, really good--definitely falls under the category of "comfort food"!  I did a few things different (nothing new there!) by using a combination of cheddar and Bellavitano cheeses, and I also added about 1/4 to 1/2 cup baby portabella mushrooms (sliced and sauteed in olive oil first).  I highly recommend trying this!  You won't be sorry!

 

THE BEST Chocolate Cake
(No so much in agreement with the title.  -Gail) 
1 box devil’s food cake mix
1 small pkg Jello instant chocolate pudding mix
1 cup sour cream
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups mini chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a very large bowl, mix together everything except chocolate chips. Batter will be thick. Stir in the chocolate chips. Pour batter into cake pan of choice (I normally use two 9-inch pie pans). For cooking time, I use the cooking times on the back of the devil’s food cake box as a guide and usually add 10 mins to whatever it says. Then I do the toothpick check, and if it’s not done, I check on it every 5 mins after that. It usually takes around 45 mins for two, 9-inch pie pans.

Buttercream Frosting
1 cup shortening (Crisco)
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

In a mixing bowl, cream shortening until fluffy. Add sugar and continue creaming until well blended. Add salt, vanilla, and whipping cream. Blend on low speed until moistened. Beat at high speed until frosting is fluffy.

 

Gail's note:  I made this cake for Paul for his birthday and he really liked it and so did our buddy, Joel.  I didn't care much for the icing (it was just too heavy and tasted too sweet).  I probably won't make it again or if I do, only the cake part as the cake itself was wonderful!  Oh, and I used a combination of Nestle tiny semi-chocolate morsels and Ghirardelli dark chocolate chips, both in the cake and mixed in with the icing. 
 

My Mom's Potato Salad

6 medium red potatoes or roughly 2 lbs (sometimes I use Yukon Gold)*
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
1 tablespoon white vinegar (this is important if you want it to taste like Billie's!)
2 tablespoons yellow mustard or to taste
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 medium Vidalia onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
2 medium celery stalks, chopped (1 cup)
6 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
6 sweet radishes, sliced paper thin

Sweet Paprika

Heat 1 inch water (salted if desired) to boiling in 3-quart saucepan. Add potatoes. Cover and heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cook 30 to 35 minutes or until tender; drain. Cool slightly; peel gently and cut into cubes.


Mix mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper in large glass or plastic bowl. Add potatoes, celery, onion, and radishes; toss. Stir in eggs.  Sprinkle paprika lightly over the top.  Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours until chilled. 

 

Gail's note:  This is as close to a written version of my mom's potato salad as I've been able to put together.  It's quite simple and may not sound fancy, but it is extremely good!  Anytime I'm invited to a party or picnic, this is what people ask me to bring.  Mom was right about one thing for sure:  Sometimes keeping things simple is the best! 

(*Always use fresh potatoes.)

 

Spring Sweet Pea Pasta Salad

Prep Time: 35 Minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes
Ready In: 50 Minutes
Servings: 6

"This quick and easy salad can be served as a side dish or a main course. I suggest serving it with sliced apple, sweet gherkins, or cornichons. Nice bread and a glass of white wine wouldn't hurt either!"

Ingredients:
1 (12 ounce) package bow tie (farfalle) pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
3/4 cup sour cream
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon dried dill weed
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
kosher salt to taste
1/2 cup diced red onion
8 ounces frozen green peas, thawed
8 ounces diced fully cooked lean ham
8 ounces cubed sharp Cheddar cheese
2 sprigs fresh dill, for garnish

Directions:

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the bow tie pasta, and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse well with cold water, then toss with the olive oil, and set aside.
Stir the sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried dill, cayenne pepper, and salt until smooth. Fold in the onion, peas, ham, Cheddar cheese, and bow tie pasta. Garnish with the dill sprigs to serve.

Gail’s Comments:  This is pretty good, but I think I'll leave out the lemon zest if I make it again (a little lemony for my taste).  Also, this tastes best if you eat it the same night it's made (the noodles absorb almost all of the dressing if it sits too long in the fridge). 
 

Cook's Country Shepherd's Pie (AKA, Gail's Favorite Shepherd's Pie!)
Filling:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large onion, chopped fine
2 medium carrots , peeled and chopped fine
2 pounds 85 percent lean ground beef
Table salt and ground black pepper
5 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup beer
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme leaves
1 cup frozen peas
Topping:
2 1/2 pounds russet potatoes. peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
Salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup heavy cream, warmed
Ground black pepper
1 large egg, beaten

1. For the filling: Heat butter in large skillet over medium-high heat until foaming. Add onion and carrots and cook until soft, about 8 minutes. Add meat, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and cook, breaking up meat into small pieces with wooden spoon, until browned, about 12 minutes. Add flour and tomato paste and cook until paste begins to darken, about 1 minute.

2. Add cream and cook until it spatters, about 1 minute. Add broth, beer, soy sauce, and thyme and simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until mixture is thick but still saucy, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in peas, adjust seasonings, and transfer to broilersafe 2-quart casserole dish.

3. For the topping: Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat oven to 375 degrees. Bring potatoes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and water to cover to boil in large saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain potatoes, return to saucepan, and mash potatoes with butter and cream until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Spread potatoes over filling, using spatula to smooth top (see photo at left). Brush with egg and drag fork across top to make ridges. Bake until filling is bubbling, about 15 minutes. Turn on broiler and cook until top is golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from oven and cool 10 minutes. Serve.

Make Ahead:
Make the filling through step 2, but do not add the peas. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to proceed, reheat the filling in a large saucepan, stir in the peas, and transfer to a broilersafe 2-quart casserole. Proceed with the recipe from step 3.

Gail’s Comments:  This is by far the best Shepherd's Pie recipe I've tried.  Complete comfort food at it's best! 
 

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Everything's better with bacon, and this pork tenderloin recipe is no exception! Go ahead and season the other tenderloin in the package with your favorite spice blend. Wrap and freeze to jump-start another meal.  Preparation Time: 10 minutes minutes; Cooking Time: 25 minutes minutes; Other Time: 15 minutes minutes; Yield: Makes 4 servings

1 (1-lb.) pork tenderloin
1 teaspoon steak seasoning (I used Penzey's 4S Special Seasoned Sea Salt)
4 bacon slices, cut in half crosswise (I used thick-sliced bacon)


1. Preheat oven to 425°. Remove silver skin from pork tenderloin, leaving a thin layer of fat covering the pork. Sprinkle seasoning over pork. Wrap pork with bacon slices, and secure with wooden picks. (Note:  Because I used the NuWave oven, I slathered the wrapped tenderloin with a bit of extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) before placing it in the oven--this method always seems to work best when roasting meat in the NuWave.)  Place pork on a lightly greased wire rack in an aluminum foil-lined roasting pan.

2. Bake at 425° for 25 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into thickest portion registers 155°. Increase oven temperature to broil. Broil 5 inches from heat 3 to 5 minutes or until bacon is crisp. Remove from oven; cover pork with foil, and let stand 10 minutes or until thermometer registers 160°.
 

Gail’s Comments (4/6/2011):  This was the best tenderloin recipe I've made so far!  Absolutely delicious and so simple to fix.  I used Penzey's 4S Special Seasoned Sea Salt instead of steak seasoning and I added a little of Penzey's granulated garlic as well.  Plus I baked it in my NuWave oven and it came out perfect (an added plus!):  I place the wrapped tenderloin in a foil-lined baking pan on top of the 2" cooking rack, and baked it at full power on one side for about 12 minutes, flipped the tenderloin (gently), then baked it another 15 minutes at full power.  No need to broil as the NuWave browned the bacon perfectly!  I served this with roasted potatoes, carrots, and onions (also seasoned with 4S and EVOO)

 

Pea-Prosciutto Sauce
Recipe courtesy Food Network Magazine
Prep Time: 10 min    Cook Time: 10 min    Level: Easy    Serves: 4 servings

1 pound cooked ravioli
4 ounces chopped prosciutto
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 sliced garlic cloves
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup pasta-cooking water (from ravioli)
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup blanched frozen peas
Fresh chopped parsley (optional)
parmesan cheese for topping (grated; to taste)

Directions

Cook 4 ounces chopped prosciutto in a skillet with 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat until crisp, 4 minutes. Stir in 3 sliced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon tomato paste; cook 1 minute. Ladle in 1 cup pasta-cooking water and simmer until reduced by half, 4 minutes. Add 1/4 cup heavy cream and simmer until thickened, 3 minutes. Toss with 1 pound cooked ravioli, 1 cup blanched frozen peas and some chopped parsley. Top with grated parmesan.


Gail’s Comments (2/13/2011): This was just plain wonderful!  Unfortunately (or fortunately?) I didn't have proscuitto so I substituted 8 slices of really good, thick bacon--which was excellent!  I used 1/3 cup of heavy cream instead of 1/4 cup, and I added about a tablespoon of dry sherry (Taylor) towards the end. Next time I’m going to try this with penne pasta!

 

Beef Stroganoff Casserole

Classic beef stroganoff is transformed in this simple and delicious casserole recipe. The creamy pasta and beef combination is a family favorite that is perfect for potlucks and weeknight dinners.

Cooking Time: 30 min
Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon oil
8 ounces sliced mushrooms
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
1/4 cup dry white wine (I used dry Sherry instead)
1 can cream of mushroom soup undiluted
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (I used 1/2 TBS)
4 cups cooked noodles

Instructions

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 9x13 pan with non stick cooking spray.

Brown beef in skillet. Drain. Heat oil in same skillet and brown onion, mushroom and garlic till onion is tender.

In large bowl mix soup, white wine, salt, pepper and sour cream. Add drained beef and cooked noodles. Mix with onion garlic mixture. Pour into greased pan.

Bake at 350 degrees F, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until heated through.
 

Gail’s Comments: This is really easy to throw together and quite tasty.  I used dry sherry instead of white wine and it was terrific!  I also think this would be good with meatballs--gonna have to give that a try, too!  :-)

 

Onion-Dijon Pork Chops

Coated in a flavorful sauce, these chops are cooked to tender perfection. Serve with rice and carrots for a full meal.
4 Servings Prep/Total Time: 25 min.


Ingredients

4 boneless pork loin chops (5 ounces each)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup cider vinegar
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey Dijon mustard

Directions

Sprinkle pork chops with salt and pepper. In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, cook pork over medium heat for 4-6 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Remove and keep warm.
Add the remaining ingredients to the skillet; stir to loosen browned bits. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until
thickened. Return chops to the pan. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 4-5 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 160°. Yield: 4 servings.


Gail’s Comments: This is really good!  A definite change-up from plain old fried pork chops.  Will make again!

 

Carmela's Chicken Rigatoni (Romano's Macaroni Grill)


4 tbs butter (2 tbs for sautéing mushrooms and 2 tbs for carmelizing the onion)
8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced
1/2 sweet onion, sliced in strips then caramelized in 2 tbs butter (*be sure to do this prior to adding to pan)
8 oz grilled chicken breasts, cut into chunks (you can also use sautéed or roasted chicken breast)
salt and pepper to taste
2 tsp dried basil
4 oz of Marsala wine (Taylor's is good)
10 oz heavy cream
12 oz rigatoni (cooked)
2 oz shredded parmesan cheese

Melt butter in pan. Saute mushrooms until tender.  Add chicken, basil, carmelized onions*, salt and pepper. Saute for 2-3 minutes.  Add Marsala wine and cook for 1 minute.  Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer (about 2 minutes). 
Add cooked rigatoni in pan (if you do not have room in the pan, pour mixture over bowl of cooked rigatoni and mix well.  Sprinkle with shredded parmesan cheese
 

Gail’s Comments: My daughter made this without the mushrooms and it was just incredible!  I can't wait to make it for Paul and I (and soon!).  Of course I'll include the mushrooms when I make it!  :-)

Update:  Whatever you do, do not prepare the sauce until you have everything ready (noodles cooked, chicken, carmelized onions, sauteed mushrooms, etc.).  If the sauce cooks too long, it loses it's flavor (and adding more Marsala wine doesn't help).

 

Ham Fettuccine Bake


From Taste of Home magazine
5 ServingsPrep: 15 min. Bake: 25 min.

Ingredients:
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
3 tablespoons butter, divided
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (*see comments below)
1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
1-1/2 cups cooked fettuccine
1 cup frozen peas

Directions:

In a small skillet, cook bread crumbs and parsley in 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan; set aside.

In a large skillet, melt the remaining butter. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually add the milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in cheese; cook 2-3 minutes longer or until melted. Stir in the ham, fettuccine and peas.

Transfer to a greased 11-in. x 7-in. baking dish; sprinkle with bread crumb mixture. Cover and bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Uncover; bake 5-10 minutes longer or until bubbly. Yield: 5 servings.

Gail’s Comments: I added about 8 ounces of baby portabella mushrooms (sliced thin) and about 1/4 cup of onion (chopped fine) sautéed in butter along with the ham, fettuccine and peas. This was good (Paul loved it!), but I think next time I’ll use *1 cup milk and 1 cup half and half, just to give the sauce a little bit more oompff!

 

Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef
2 quarts water
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (28 ounces) tomato sauce
2 cups cooked long grain white rice
2 cups chopped green pepper
2 beef bouillon cubes
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, brown beef; drain.
Add remaining ingredients; bring to a boil.
Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until peppers are tender.

 

Gail's Comments:  This is similar is not the same recipe given to me by a co-worker.  It's really good and super easy!!  Just be careful you don't overcook it to the point where the peppers turn to mush (trust me, that is not a good thing!).  This makes a LOT of soup--could probably cut this in half with no problem and still feed 4 to 6 people. 
 

Easy New England Clam Chowder
Ingredients

1 (10 3/4-oz.) can condensed cream of potato soup
1 (10 3/4-oz.) can condensed cream of celery soup
1 green onion, sliced
1/2 teaspoon basil leaves
1 (10-oz.) can whole baby clams
1 1/4 cups milk
Directions

In medium saucepan combine soup(s), milk, onions, basil and reserved clam liquid. Cook over medium heat 10 to 15 minutes or until hot, stirring often. Stir in Chicken of the Sea® Clams and cook one minute longer. Makes 6 servings.
Preparation Time:  15 minutes
Serving Suggestions:  Serve this soup in individual hollowed out sourdough bread bowls.

Gail's Notes:  I recently made this for Paul and I.  I have to admit it's not as good as I recall, but then again, it's been years since I made this quick, easy soup.  Tastes too much like canned soup (duh?).  :-) 

 

Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Cream Sauce

The secret to a good cream sauce is always the same: not too much cream or it can be overpowering, masking the more delicate flavors. Here it contains a bountiful amount of mushrooms and is served over chicken breasts.
2 servings | Active Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes


Ingredients
2 5-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and tenders removed (see Tip)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 medium shallot, minced
1 cup thinly sliced shiitake mushroom caps
2 tablespoons dry vermouth, or dry white wine
1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons minced fresh chives, or scallion greens

NOTE:  I added about 1/4 tsp of dried tarragon to the sauce along with the wine

Preparation

Season chicken with pepper and salt on both sides.
Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook, turning once or twice and adjusting the heat to prevent burning, until brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F, 12 to 16 minutes. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
Add shallot to the pan and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add mushrooms; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 2 minutes. Pour in vermouth (or wine); simmer until almost evaporated, scraping up any browned bits, about 1 minute. Pour in broth and cook until reduced by half, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in cream and chives (or scallions); return to a simmer. Return the chicken to the pan, turn to coat with sauce and cook until heated through, about 1 minute.

 

Gail's Comments:  This was quite good but be careful not to overcook the chicken!  I used white wine instead of vermouth.  I do think I'll use a dry sherry next time--the white wine was fine, but I prefer the flavor of dry sherry.  Will definitely make this again!

 

Grilled Chicken with Apricot-Balsamic Glaze

by Maryellen Driscoll
Serves 6-8


2 Tbs. unsalted butter
1/2 cup apricot preserves
3 Tbs. balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary
Kosher salt
Vegetable oil for the grill
Two 4-lb. chickens, each cut into 8 pieces, or 5 to 6 lb. good-quality bone-in skin-on chicken thighs, drumsticks, and breasts, each breast half cut into two pieces
Freshly ground black pepper


In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the preserves, vinegar, red pepper flakes, rosemary, and a large pinch of salt; stir to combine. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature. (If making ahead*, store covered in the
refrigerator. Before using, warm over low heat to loosen the consistency.)


Prepare a medium gas or charcoal grill fire. Using a stiff wire brush, scrub the cooking grate thoroughly. Dip a folded paper towel into vegetable oil and, using tongs, rub it over the grill grate.  Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper. Set the parts skin side down on the grill.

 

Cook, covered, until the skin is golden brown, about 10 minutes. Stay near the grill, especially during the first 10 minutes, to manage any flare-ups, by moving pieces out of the way. If the chicken is browning too quickly, turn the heat down slightly or close the vents partially. Flip the chicken and cook until an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part of each piece, 5 to 10 minutes more. The thighs, legs, and thinner breast pieces are apt to cook a little faster than the thicker breast pieces. Transfer each piece to a platter when done and tent with foil.


When all the chicken is done, brush it with the glaze on all sides. Return the chicken to the grill and cook for another minute or so on each side to caramelize the glaze. Brush the chicken with any remaining glaze and serve.


*Make ahead tips
The apricot glaze can be made up to a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator. Before using, warm over low heat to loosen the consistency.

 

Gail's Notes:  This glaze is very, very tasty--tart, sweet, the scent alone is just plain yummy!  I think I might have to try this with pork tenderloin the next time.  I highly recommend this!

 

 

Gail's Parma Rosa
Serves 4

2 packets of Knorr's Parma Rosa pasta sauce
1 3/4 cups whole milk, plus 3/4 cup heavy cream
4 tbs butter, separated
1/4 cup shredded Asiago cheese
1/4 cup roasted sweet red peppers, finely chopped
sliced sweet onion (about 1/2 cup)
2 tbs dry sherry wine (or to taste)
6 ounces baby portabella mushrooms, sliced thin
1 cup grilled chicken breast, sliced into strips
8 oz penne noodles, cooked

Add onions to 2 tbs butter in sauté pan and cook until onion pieces are tender and sweet (carmelized!). Remove from skillet and set aside in bowl. Add 2 tbs butter to same pan along with the sliced mushrooms; cook until tender. Return caramelized onion to skillet with mushrooms and toss in the roasted red peppers bits.  Set aside.

In a large bowl, blend milk, heavy cream and Knorr's Parma Rosa pasta sauce mix. Once blended, add in the sherry. Pour sauce mix into skillet along with the shredded Asiago cheese and cooked chicken. Simmer until sauce thickens (be extra careful to not boil the sauce!). Meanwhile cook pasta according to directions on box. Drain pasta. Mix pasta with sauce and serve.

This is especially good with an Italian salad consisting of mixed greens, Italian dressing (I used Pasta House's Sweet Italian bottle dressing--to which I always add 1 TBS of Balsalmic vinegar just after opening to add more flavor), butter-garlic croutons, shredded Asiago cheese, sliced sweet onion, bacon bits, and (believe it or not) dried cranberries. Yummy!!!

Pork Chops with Red Current Sauce

Can be prepared in 25 minutes or less.
Ingredients
4 pork chops
Kosher Salt
Pepper
1/2 cup of red currant jelly (or any red berry jelly, not jam)
2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
1/4 cup white vinegar or cider vinegar

Pat chops dry with a paper towel (they'll brown better). Sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper.
Heat a large, stick-free skillet on medium high heat. Lightly brown the pork chops on both sides, for a minute or two each.
While the chops are browning, mix the jelly with the mustard. Once the chops are browned, reduce the heat of the pan to low. Dollop the sauce over the chops. Cover the pan. Cook for 5-10 minutes or until the pork is just cooked through (thick cuts may take longer).

Remove the pork chops from the pan. Add vinegar to the pan. Increase the heat to high and boil down the sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add any juices that have come out of the chops while they've been sitting back to the pan.

Serve the pork chops with the sauce spooned over them.

Serves 4.

 

This was really good!  I served it along with cheesy-ranch-mashed potatoes (someday I'll have to write up a recipe for that) and baked beans!  However, I do think the next time I make this, I'll use white vinegar instead of cider.  Definitely worth making again and is a quick and easy recipe, to boot! 
 

Creamy Shrimp Rolls

Anna Williams

Serves 4

Hands-on Time: 10m

Total Time: 10m

 

Ingredients

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

½ teaspoon kosher salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

1 1/2 pounds cooked medium shrimp, cut in half crosswise along the vein

2 stalks celery, chopped

1/4 cup sliced chives (optional)

4 hot dog buns

1 small head butter lettuce, torn into pieces

1 5-ounce bag potato chips

 

Directions

In a medium bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Fold in the shrimp, celery, and chives, if desired.

Line the buns with the lettuce and fill with the shrimp mixture. Serve with the potato chips.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES: This was wonderful and so quick and easy! Perfect summer sandwich! Might have to try it with a little crabmeat thrown in next time, just for fun! Yummy!!!!

 

Smothered Chicken Breasts

4 Servings

Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

 

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 ounces each)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning

1 tablespoon canola oil

8 bacon strips

1 medium onion, sliced

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese

 

Directions

Sprinkle chicken with salt and lemon-pepper. In a large skillet, cook chicken in oil for 6-7 minutes on each side or until a meat thermometer reads 170°; remove and keep warm.

In the same skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels; drain, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings.

In the drippings, saute onion and brown sugar until onion is tender and golden brown. Place two bacon strips on each chicken breast half; top with caramelized onions and cheese. Yield: 4 servings.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES: This is very, very good! Even my daughter and son-in-law enjoyed it! Will definitely make this again!

 

Beef Stroganoff

 

1 pound boneless sirloin steak, trimmed

Cooking spray

3 cups sliced cremini mushrooms (about 8 ounces)

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 tablespoon butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup fat-free, less-sodium beef broth

1/4 cup dry sherry

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream

4 cups hot cooked egg noodles (8 ounces uncooked)

3 tablespoons minced fresh flat-leaf parsley

Fresh parsley sprigs (optional)

 

Cut beef diagonally across the grain into 1/4-inch-wide strips; cut the strips into 2-inch pieces.

 

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray.

Add beef to pan; sauté 2 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove beef from pan; place in a medium bowl, and keep warm. Add cremini mushrooms and onion to pan; sauté 4 minutes. Add cremini mushroom mixture to beef.

Melt butter in pan over medium heat. Add flour. Cook 1 minute, stirring with a whisk. Gradually add broth, stirring constantly. Cook 1 minute or until thickened and bubbly, stirring constantly.

Add beef mixture, sherry, salt, and pepper to pan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 4 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand 30 seconds. Stir in sour cream.

Combine noodles and minced parsley. Serve beef mixture over noodles. Garnish with parsley sprigs, if desired.

 

Yield: 6 servings (serving size: about 2/3 cup beef mixture and 2/3 cup noodles)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES: This is really good! Of course, I made a few changes (I always do!). I used regular sour cream and beef broth. I also cooked the sirloin in about 2 tbs of butter instead of using cooking spray. Man, this was really, really tasty!

 

Gail's Favorite Meatloaf

 

Prep Time: 20 Minutes

Cook Time: 1 Hour

Servings: 8

 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup ketchup

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef

1/2 cup milk (or half and half)

2 eggs

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 or 2 medium carrots, shredded

1 small stalk celery, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 small onion, chopped

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

3/4 cup finely crushed saltine cracker crumbs

 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 5x9 inch loaf pan.

Press the brown sugar in the bottom of the prepared loaf pan and spread the ketchup over the sugar.

In a mixing bowl, mix thoroughly all remaining ingredients and shape into a loaf. Place on top of the ketchup.

Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour or until juices are clear.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES: This was very good and a nice change of pace from my usual onion soup meatloaf. I decided to add the carrot and celery to this recipe--which helped kick it up a notch and I used half and half instead of regular milk! Next time I think I'll also add a few slices of Swiss cheese to the center of the meatloaf.  PS:  Always keep in mind to not "overhandle" the ground beef while combining with other ingredients--when beef is overhandled, the texture is almost unedible!!

 

Avocado Shrimp Salsa

Maria Simmons - Rio Rancho, New Mexico

24 ServingsPrep/Total Time: 25 min.

Ingredients

 

1 pound cooked small shrimp, peeled, deveined and chopped

2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped

2 medium ripe avocados, peeled and chopped

1 cup minced fresh cilantro

1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped

3/4 cup thinly sliced green onions

1/2 cup chopped seeded peeled cucumber

3 tablespoons lime juice

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Tortilla chips

 

Directions

 

In a large bowl, combine the first 11 ingredients. Serve immediately with tortilla chips. Yield: 6 cups.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES: This is extremely good. I think next time I will try this with grilled chicken instead of shrimp. It was good with the shrimp, but I think it'd be spectacular with grilled chicken! -Gail

 

Avocado Green Goddess Dressing

Yields: 6 servings

"This creamy variation on Green Goddess dressing replaces pungent parsley with buttery avocado, but includes the usual spices and anchovies."

 

1 large avocado (or 2 small), peeled and pitted

1 cup mayonnaise

5 anchovy filets, rinsed and chopped

2 tablespoons chopped green onion

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 clove garlic, chopped

salt and pepper to taste

 

In a blender (or food processor), combine the avocado, mayonnaise, anchovies, green onion, lemon juice, garlic, and salt and pepper. Process until smooth, then chill for 24 hours before serving.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES: Instead of 1 cup mayo, I used 2/3 cup mayo and 1/3 cup sour cream. This is so good—everyone in my family loved it! - Gail

 

Simple Shrimp Salad

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

 

1 pound large peeled and deveined cooked shrimp

1 cup chopped celery

1 large carrot, shredded

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped

3/4 cup mayonnaise

salt and pepper to taste

 

Directions:

 

In a large bowl, gently toss the shrimp, celery, carrot, onion, eggs, and mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper. Chill until ready to serve.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES: You can also add a sprinkle of Old Bay Seasoning – kinda kicks it up a notch! This is so good and yet so incredibly simple! Yumm!

 

Beefy Hash Brown Bake

Submitted by: Rochelle Boucher

Rated: 4 out of 5 by 8 members Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 25 Minutes Ready In: 40 Minutes

Yields: 4 servings

"A topping of french-fried onions provides a little crunch to this meaty main dish from Rochelle Boucher of Brooklyn, Wisconsin. 'Since this casserole is practically a meal in itself, I simply accompany it with a fruit salad and dessert,' she relates."

 

INGREDIENTS:

4 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1 pound ground beef

1 cup water

1 (.75 ounce) packet dry brown gravy mix

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt (note: I prefer fresh garlic so I used 1 garlic clove minced and 1/2 tsp salt)

2 cups frozen mixed vegetables

1 (2.8 ounce) can French-fried onions, divided

1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided

 

DIRECTIONS:

In a bowl, combine the potatoes, oil and pepper. Press into a greased 8-in. square baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are thawed and set.

 

Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium heat, cook the beef until no longer pink; drain. Stir in water, gravy mix and garlic salt. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Add vegetables; cook and stir for 5 minutes. Stir in half of the onions and cheese.

 

Pour over potatoes. Bake for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining onions and cheese; bake 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

 

Gail’s Favorite Apple Crisp

Recipe By : Gail Kremser

Serving Size : 1 Preparation Time :0:00

Categories : Desserts Tried And True

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

-------- ------------ --------------------------------

1/2 cup sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 stick butter -- softened

1/2 cup brown sugar -- packed

1 cup flour

apples

1) Using a 9x13" glass pan, butter sides and bottom. Set aside.

2) Fill large bowl (2 qts) with peeled apples which have been cut and pared.

3) Mix 1/2 c sugar and cinnamon together and put mixture with apples. Mix to coat all apple slices. Put apples in buttered pan.

4) Mix butter, 1/2 c brown sugar and flour together with hands. Do not over-mix. Sprinkle this mixture over top of apples.

5) Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 50 min.

 

Apple Muffins

Recipe By : Gail Kremser

Serving Size : 12 Preparation Time :0:00

Categories : Breads Breakfast

Comfort Food Desserts

 

8 Tbsp Butter

1 Cup Sugar

2 Ea Eggs

2 Cups Flour

Pinch Salt

1/2 Tsp Baking Soda

2 Tsp Baking Powder

1 1/2 Tsp Milk

1 Tsp Vanilla

1 Cup Apples, Peeled -- Finely Chopped

1/2 Cup Pecans -- Coarsely Chopped

Preheat oven to 425. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and slowly add sugar. Beat until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. In a small bowl, sift together flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Then on low speed, add to butter mixture the milk, vanilla, and dry ingredients. Stir in apples and nuts. Fill greased 2 1/2 inch muffin tins two-third's full. Sprinkle tops with additional sugar. Bake for 25 minutes. Turn out of muffin tin and let cool.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES : These are great! Moist with a great apple flavor.

 

Apricot Chicken

Recipe By : Melanie Ganson

Serving Size : 1 Preparation Time :0:00

Categories : Casseroles Poultry

Tried And True

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

-------- ------------ --------------------------------

4 chicken breast

flour

salt and pepper

1 onion

1 pkg french onion soup mix

1 can apricot nectar

2 tbs Russian salad dressing

 

Coat chicken in flour, salt and pepper to taste and place in a casserole.

Chop onion and cover the chicken with it. Pour the packet of french onion

soup mix over that. Mix the apricot nectar with the Russian dressing and

pour over the chicken. Bake at 350F for 1 1/2 hours.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES : The chicken comes out so tender you can cut it with a fork.

 

Charlie's Tuna Crunch Sunwich

Recipe By : Alfalfa's Restaurant in Clayton, MO

Serving Size : 1 Preparation Time :0:00

Categories : American Luncheon

Sandwiches Tried And True

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

-------- ------------ --------------------------------

3 Slices Avocado

3 Slices Whole Wheat Bread

3 Tbsp Alfalfa Sprouts

8 Slices Cucumber -- Paper Thin

4 Slices Tomato -- Paper Thin

1 Can Tuna In Oil -- Albacore

1/2 Rib Celery -- Chopped

2 Tbsp Sweet Pickle Relish

Mayonnaise

Salt And Pepper -- To Taste

 

Combine tuna, celery, pickle relish with enough mayonnaise to moisten. Add salt to taste.

For sandwich: Place avocado slices on one slice of bread, top with half the sprouts, half the tomatoes, and half the cucumbers; top with generous scoop of tuna mixture. Top with second slice of bread, then repeat layers. Top with third slice of bread, cut sandwich in half and serve.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES : I used to order this at Alfalfa's when I worked in Clayton (many, many years ago!)--it's really quite good!

 

Cheese Garlic Bread

Recipe By : Schnucks

Serving Size : 6 Preparation Time :0:00

Categories : Appetizers Breads

Cheese Italian

Tried And True

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

-------- ------------ --------------------------------

1/4 Lb Butter -- Softened

2 Large Garlic Clove -- Minced

1/4 Tsp Worcestershire Sauce

1 Lb Vienna Bread Loaf

1/2 Lb Provel And/Or Mozzarella Cheese

 

Preheat oven to 350. Mix butter with garlic and Worcestershire; set aside. Have bread horizontally. Slice each half of bread crosswise into service size pieces, cutting only 3/4 of the way to the bottom (do not cut into individual pieces). Place each half on a baking sheet covered with foil, crust side down. Spread all cut surfaces with the garlic-butter mixture. Distribute cheese evenly over top of each half piece of bread. Bake for about 20 minutes or until cheese melts and turns lightly brown (do not over bake or bread will dry out).

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES : This is the best cheese garlic bread I've ever tasted--it is really cheesy with loads of garlic flavor (not for the faint-hearted). Use the freshest garlic you can get--it does make a difference!

 

Chevy's Salsa

Recipe By : Top Secret Recipes

Serving Size : 1 Preparation Time :0:00

Categories : Appetizers Mexican

Sauces Tried And True

Vegetarian

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

-------- ------------ --------------------------------

5 Or 6 Ripe Tomatoes

1 Med Onion

4 Jalapeno

1/3 Cup Cilantro -- Chopped

1 Tsp Salt

2 Tsp Pepper

Take the stem out of the tomatoes, and off the peppers. Take a skillet or frying pan (cast iron works best) and heat on full

flame until very hot using no oil so the surface is dry. Throw in tomatoes, peppers, and onion and stir occasionally until the tomatoes are charred on at least three sides. They will actually be burned. At this point you may refrigerate your veggies until you are ready to make the salsa and this is really better cold.

When you are ready to make the salsa, pour all items into food processor or blender and process until you have a chunky salsa. You may want to

adjust the amount of peppers according to the season of the year. (summer peppers are hotter than winter peppers). You may also substitute a different pepper. The Cilantro is the key!!! I grow it in my own garden so I always have fresh. You may want to adjust the salt and pepper to taste, but don't leave it out!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES : I tried this and it is really, really good. While I agree that the cilantro is important, I think the real "key" to this is the roasting of the vegetables, along with the cilantro.

 

Chewy Chocolate and Cinnamon Cookies

Recipe By : Gail Kremser

Serving Size : 40 Preparation Time :0:00

Categories : Cookies Low-Cal, Low-Fat

Tried & True

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

-------- ------------ --------------------------------

1/4 cup butter/oil replacement

2/3 cup packed brown sugar

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup egg substitute

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 cup light corn syrup

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 cups flour

1/3 cup cocoa powder

1/4 tsp cinnamon -- (up to 1/2 tsp)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Combine butter replacement with brown sugar and 3 tablespoons sugar. Beat until blended. Add egg substitute, baking soda, corn syrup, and vanilla. Beat well.

Stir together flour and cocoa. Beat into margarine mixture. If batter becomes stiff, use wooden spoon to stir in remaining flour. Cover. Refrigerate a short time, if necessary, until batter is firm enough to shape.

Shape dough into 1 inch balls. Roll balls in combined 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon. Place 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheet.

Bake in preheated oven 9 to 10 minutes until cookies are set and tops are cracked.

Cool slightly. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack, cool completely.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES : Original recipe (originally in ST Post Dispatch(?)) called for 6 tablespoons of margarine, softened and 1 egg. It also said it makes 40 cookies (it did), 64 calories and 2 g fat each. I imagine it's much less than that with the changes that we made, substituting margarine with the butter/oil replacement (ours was a fruit base from Sunsweet), and the egg with egg substitute.

 

Grilled Portobello Stacks

Yield: 8 servings.

 

8 large (5 inches in diameter) Portobello mushrooms

1 tablespoon canola oil

Salt

Ground black pepper

1 (28-ounce) can vegetarian baked beans

1 tomato, diced

1/2 cup sour cream

1 jalapeno pepper, diced

8 basil leaves

 

Preheat grill. Brush any dirt off of mushrooms. Brush portobello mushrooms with oil; season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook on a hot grill for 3 minutes on each side. Mix baked beans and tomatoes. Spoon evenly on each mushroom; grill for an additional 5 minutes or until warmed throughout. Top with a dollop of sour cream. Garnish with jalapeno and basil leaves.

PER SERVING (with 1 tablespoon sour cream per mushroom): 171 calories; 5g fat (26 percent calories from fat); 2g saturated fat; 6mg cholesterol; 7g protein; 26g carbohydrate; 8g sugar; 6g fiber; 408mg sodium; 76.5mg calcium; 772mg potassium.

 

Note: This is really tasty, low in fat and calories. Makes a nice change of pace for dinner!

 

Chicken Noodle Casserole

Recipe By : Gail Kremser

Serving Size : 4 Preparation Time :0:00

Categories : Casseroles Comfort Food

Main Dishes Pasta

Tried And True

 

12 oz Egg Noodles

1/4 Cup Butter

1/4 Cup Flour

1 Cup Chicken Broth

1 Cup Milk

1/4 Tsp Pepper

4 Ea Chicken Breasts -- Boned And Skinned

1 Tsp Salt

3 Tbsp Oil

Preheat oven to 350. Cook noodles according to directions; set aside. Chop chicken into bite-size pieces; sauté in oil 8 to 10 minutes; set aside. Melt butter in saucepan and blend in flour; slowly stir in broth and milk, adding salt and pepper . Stir constantly until sauce thickens. Add chicken and cooked noodles to sauce. Spoon into a buttered 2 qt casserole dish and bake covered 30 minutes.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES : This is really good. Falls into the category of "comfort food". (2 tbs of garlic can be cooked with the sauce for a slight variation.)

 

Cook's Illustrated Stove-Top Rice Pudding

Recipe By : Cooks Illustrated Magazine

Serving Size : 12 Preparation Time :0:00

Categories : Desserts Rice

Tried And True Comfort Food

 

1/4 Tsp Salt

1 Cup Rice -- Med Or Long Grain

2 1/2 Cups Whole Milk

2 1/2 Cups Half And Half

2/3 Cup Sugar

1 1/4 Tsp Vanilla

Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a large heavy bottomed pan (at least 3 qt capacity). Stir in salt and rice; cover and simmer over low heat, stirring once or twice until water is almost absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes.

Add milk, half n half and sugar. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to maintain simmer. Cook, uncovered, stirring frequently, until mixture starts to thicken, about 30 minutes. Reduce heat even lower and continue to cook, stirring every couple of minutes to prevent sticking and scorching, about 15 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Cool and serve at room temperature or chilled. (Can be covered with plastic wrap on surface of pudding and then refrigerated up to 2 days.)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES : This is so wonderful!!! Perfect comfort food. It truly is the best rice pudding I've ever tasted.

 

Cream Of Mushroom Soup

Recipe By : Gail Kremser

Serving Size : 4 Preparation Time :0:00

Categories : Soups & Stews Tried And True

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

-------- ------------ --------------------------------

1/2 Qt Half And Half

1 Egg Yolk

2 Tbsp Butter

2 Tbsp Flour

1/2 Lb Mushrooms -- Sliced Thin

2 Tbsp Celery

2 Tbsp Sherry

Salt & Pepper -- To Taste

Cook vegetables in butter until tender. Add sherry. Combine flour with 1/2 cup of cream and pour into vegetables while skillet is still warm. Slowly pour in remaining cream; stir until soup thickens, about 10 minutes or so. Slightly beat egg yolk, add to mixture -- do not allow to boil -- heat through. Add salt and pepper to taste.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES : This is tried and true and really, really good!

 

Creamy Italian Dressing

Recipe By : Good Seasons Italian Dressing Mix packet

Serving Size : 1 Preparation Time :0:00

Categories : Salad Dressings Tried And True

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

-------- ------------ --------------------------------

1 Env Good Seasons Italian Dressing Mix

Tsp Vinegar

1/3 Cup Water

1 1/4 Cups Mayonnaise

Combine mix, vinegar and water in bowl; mix sell. Add mayonnaise and mix with wire whisk until smooth. Cover; store in refrigerator. Makes 1-1/2 cups.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES : This is far better than the bottled creamy Italian dressing you buy in the store.

 

Gail's Favorite Honey Mustard Dressing

Recipe By : Kathy Pettet

Serving Size : 1 Preparation Time :0:00

Categories : Salad Dressings Tried And True

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

-------- ------------ --------------------------------

3 tablespoons cider vinegar

3 tablespoons honey

6 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon finely minced onion

1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

pinch salt

3/4 cup vegetable oil

Heat vinegar and honey, cool. whisk in remaining ingredients. May be keep in refrigerator for up to 3 days.

 

Garden Burritos

Recipe By :

Serving Size : 4 Preparation Time :0:00

Categories : Mexican Tried And True

Vegetarian

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

-------- ------------ --------------------------------

1 can (16 oz.) black beans -- rinsed and drained

1 can (16 oz.) whole kernel corn -- drained

1 can (14 1/2 oz.) chili-style stewed tomatoes -- drained

1 cup (4 oz.) shredded low-fat Cheddar cheese

8 burrito-style flour tortillas

1/4 cup onion -- finely chopped

1/4 cup sweet red pepper -- finely chopped (optional)

1-2 tbs(to taste) jalapeno pepper -- finely chopped (optional)

Heat oven to 400. Mix beans, corn, tomatoes and cheese. Spoon on flour tortillas and sprinkle with onion and peppers. Fold tortillas on three sides or as an enchilada. Bake in a shallow 3-quart baking dish for 8

minutes to heat tortillas and melt cheese until edges are lightly browned. Serve with lettuce, sour cream and salsa on the side. (Note: This is really good.)

 

Hershey's Cocoa Syrup

Recipe By : Hershey's Cookbook

Serving Size : 1 Preparation Time :0:00

Categories : Beverages Tried And True

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

-------- ------------ --------------------------------

1 1/2 cups sugar

3/4 cup Hersheys® cocoa

dash salt

1 cup hot water

2 tsp vanilla extract

1. In medium saucepan, stir together sugar, cocoa and salt. Gradually add water, stirring to keep mixture smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils; boil and stir 3 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.

2. Pour into heatproof container. Cool to room temperature. Cover; refrigerate. Use as topping for ice cream and desserts or for chocolate-flavored drinks. About 2 cups syrup.

HOT COCOA: Add 1 to 2 tablespoons COCOA SYRUP to mug of hot milk; stir until blended.

COCOA SYRUP DRINK: Add 1 to 2 tablespoons COCOA SYRUP to tall glass of cold milk; stir until blended.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES : This is the BEST syrup. My grandma used to make this for me as a child. (For some reason, when I make this it still doesn't taste nearly as good as it did when she did!)

 

72 Market St. Meatloaf
Ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter
3/4 cup minced green onion
3/4 cup minced white onion
1/2 cup minced carrot
1/2 cup minced celery
1/4 cup minced red bell pepper
1/4 cup minced green bell pepper
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cumin
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup catsup
1/2 cup half-and-half
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1/2 pound lean ground pork sausage, with no herbs or seasonings added
3/4 cup prepared bread crumbs

Meatloaf Gravy Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter
4 shallots, mixed
1 sprig thyme
1 bay leaf
Dash of crushed peppercorns
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
1 cup dry white wine
1 cup veal or beef stock
1 cup chicken stock
2 Roma tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced
Salt and pepper

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Heat the butter in a heavy skillet and add green onion, white onion, carrots, celery, red bell pepper, green bell pepper and garlic.

Cook, stirring often, for 10 minutes or until moisture has evaporated. Cool.

In a large mixing bowl, combine salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, nutmeg, cumin and eggs and mix well. Add catsup and half-and-half.

Blend thoroughly.

Add ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs and vegetable mixture. It might be easier to mix this with your hands. Grease a loaf pan and add meat mixture, pressing it into corners. Put loaf pan in a larger pan filled 1 inch high with boiling water. Bake in oven for 45 to 60 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with meatloaf gravy.

Gravy: In a heavy pan, melt 1 tablespoon butter and sauté shallots, thyme, bay leaf, peppercorns and red and yellow bell peppers over medium heat for 3 minutes.

Add wine and simmer over high heat until reduced by three-fourths, to make a glaze. Add veal stock and chicken stock and simmer, uncovered, over high heat until reduced by one-fourth. Add tomatoes and bring to slow simmer. Cook, covered, for 20 minutes.

Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon butter and season with salt and pepper to taste. Strain, discarding bay leaf and thyme before serving.

Servings: 6

NOTES : Gail's Note: This is a LOT of work, but well worth it!  Yumm!

 

Billie's Onion Soup Chicken

Recipe By : Billie DuBuque (Gail's Mom)

Serving Size : 4 Preparation Time :0:00

Categories : Comfort Food Poultry

Tried And True

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

-------- ------------ --------------------------------

1 2 lb chicken -- cut into pieces

1 pkg Lipton Onion Soup mix

1 stick margarine or butter -- cut into pieces

8 ounces scroodle noodles (aka rotini)

1 tablespoon parlsey, minced

Preheat oven to 350.

Prepare noodles per directions on package; drain and set aside.

In shallow roasting pan (9x13), place chicken pieces. Sprinkle onion soup mix evenly over chicken pieces. Dot with margarine pieces.

Bake in oven 45 minutes or until chicken is done.

Remove chicken from pan onto a warm plate and keep warm. Meanwhile, toss noodles with the chickeny-onion soup-sauce that is left in pan until noodles are well-coated. Place noodles on a serving dish, arrange chicken on top. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES : My mom used to make this for us on a cold winter evening--it was one of our favorites. It's one of those kind of dishes that are definitely NOT good for you, and you wouldn't want to eat this often because it is strongly flavored and you could get tired of it pretty quick!

 

Parillo's Vodka Rigatoni

Recipe By : Parillo's (modified slightly by Gail Kremser)

Serving Size : 4 Preparation Time :0:00

Categories : Italian Pasta

Tried And True

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

-------- ------------ --------------------------------

1 lb rigatoni pasta

8 oz pepper vodka -- (see below)

3 tbsp olive oil

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup parmesan cheese

1 cup marinara sauce

Cook rigatoni until al dente, then drain. Return the pasta to the same large pot in which it was cooked, place over medium heat and continually stir for two minutes or until very dry and hot. Add the vodka, after shaking the bottle sufficiently so that some pepper flakes are included.

Cook and stir one minute, then carefully place a lighted match to the pasta. A flame will develop. After the flame subsides, add the olive oil and cream. Cook and stir until cream gets hot. Add the Parmesan cheese and marinara sauce. Continue to cook just until the cheese melts. Serve hot.

PEPPER VODKA: Add six teaspoons red pepper flakes to one quart of vodka. Let the mixture sit at least two weeks before making the dish. Leftover vodka keeps indefinitely. (Note: I didn't bother steeping the vodka very long--it sat maybe 10 minutes or so with the crushed pepper flakes while my pasta cooked. I don't know if it would've made a difference letting it sit for two weeks or not-- it still had plenty of firey flavor and was truly wonderful and different.)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES : This is so good! Even my fussy teenager liked it. Can't say it's good for you (has cream!), but it has a unique flavor. I got this off the internet months ago and swore one day I would try it. It so happened that I had exactly one cup of homemade marinara sauce and some cream and well, it just seemed like the time to give it a whirl! The only thing I think I would change next time would be to add roasted red peppers and mushrooms (perhaps in the marinara sauce) and freshly minced garlic when adding the cream.

 

Pasta Con Broccoli, Talayna's Style (my version)

Recipe By : Gail Kremser

Serving Size : 4 Preparation Time :0:00

Categories : Casseroles Italian

Pasta Vegetables

Tried And True

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

-------- ------------ --------------------------------

8 oz rigatoni (ribbed mostaccoli) pasta

1 cup fresh mushrooms -- thick sliced

2 cloves garlic (large) -- minced

4 tbsp butter

1 cup half and half

3 cups broccoli flowerets -- steamed until tender

2 oz tomato sauce -- up to 4 oz

1/2 cup parmesan cheese -- Reggiano, if avail

1 cup provel (ropes)

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

Set oven to 375.

Cook and drain pasta as directed on package, set aside. Sauté mushrooms and garlic in butter until soft. Lower heat, add cream, tomato sauce, cheeses, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheeses have melted and blended into cream (do not boil!), add cooked pasta and broccoli. Serve with a nice Caesar salad and rustic Italian bread!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES : Note: Add more or less garlic, according to your taste, but be sure you use the freshest ingredients, especially the garlic as that is the key to making this dish extra good! This is my version of the Pasta Con Broccoli served at Talayna's restaurant in St. Louis. This is as close as I've been able to get to their recipe--the trick is to get the proportion of cheese and tomato just right. From my experience, this dish does not freeze well (the pasta absorbs too much sauce and becomes mushy).

 

Scotch Shortbread Cookies

Recipe By : Joy of Cooking

Serving Size : 32 Preparation Time :0:00

Categories : Comfort Food Cookies

Desserts Tried And True

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

-------- ------------ --------------------------------

1 Cup Butter

2 Cups All-Purpose Flour -- sifted

1/2 Cup confectioner's sugar -- sifted

1/4 Tsp Salt

Preheat oven to 325.

Blend the dry ingredients into the butter. Pat the stiff dough into an ungreased 9 x 9 inch pan and press edges down. Pierce with a fork through the dough every half-inch. Bake 25 to 30 minutes. Cut into squares while warm.

Makes about 24 squares. Don't use margarine--it won't be nearly as good!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES : Gail's Note: I used a heavy duty mixer to mix this dough and it worked just fine (be careful not to over-mix). These are really, really good and taste terrific with a nice cup of tea or coffee. These are my favorite cookies!

 

Ranch Taco Chicken Salad (a Low-fat version)

Recipe By : Gail Kremser

Serving Size : 2 Preparation Time :0:00

Categories : Low-Cal, Low-Fat Salads

Tried & True

Amount Measure Ingredient-Preparation Method

-------- ------------ --------------------------------

1 whole chicken breast-cut into strips

1 teaspoon chili powder

6 ounces salad greens

3 tablespoons salsa

3 tablespoons Low-fat ranch salad dressing

1/2 cup low-fat cheddar cheese-shredded

1/4 Whole non-fat tortilla chips-WOW brand, crushed

Cooking spray

Coat chicken with chili powder and cook in pan sprayed with cooking spray until chicken is cooked through (about ten minutes). Toss chicken with greens, salsa, dressing and cheese in large bowl. Top with crushed tortilla chips before serving, if desired.

 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES : This recipe was originally from Kraft. I modified it by changing it

to 2 servings, removed the oil (for cooking the chicken), used low-fat

dressing and cheese, and substituted WOW brand tortilla chips (which have

are fat-free, more or less).

This was really great! Kelly liked it too! And even though it was made

with low-fat ingredients, it was satisfying! :)

 

Shake 'em Up Chick N Taters

Recipe By : Tyson Chicken

Serving Size : 4 Preparation Time :0:00

Categories : Potatoes Poultry

Tried & True

Amount Measure Ingredient-Preparation Method

-------- ------------ --------------------------------

4 boned and skinned chicken breast halves

2 medium potatoes-cut into 8 wedges ea

1/4 cup margarine

1/2 cup flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon paprika

dash black pepper

Preheat oven to 400 F. Rinse chicken with cold water and pat dry with paper

towels. Place margarine in 15 x 10 inch baking pan. Place pan in over for

1 to 3 minutes just until margarine is melted. Set aside. In large plastic

food storage bag, combine flour, salt, paprika, and pepper, mix well. Shake

potatoes and chicken in flour mixture (be sure to remove excess flour).

Place in baking pan. Turn to coat with margarine.

Bake at 400 for 30 to 40 minutes or until chicken in done and potatoes are

tender, turning once. Serve with cooked green beans and/or carrots.

Refrigerate leftovers.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES : I made this for Kelly and I on a night that Dan had to work

(3/2/99). It was quick, easy, and tasted just terrific! Kelly said she

really liked it a lot.

 

BullsEye BBQ Sauce


1/2 Cup chopped onions
1 can tomato sauce - 8 oz.
1 Cup water
1 1/4 Cup ketchup
2 Teaspoon brown sugar
2 Teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
1 Teaspoon olive oil
1 Teaspoon worcestershire sauce
1 dash tobasco sauce
Combine ingredients, cover and simmer for 30 mins.
 

St. Louis Salad

Recipe By : Schnucks

Serving Size : 1 Preparation Time :0:00

Categories : Salads Tried And True

Vegetables

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

-------- ------------ --------------------------------

2 1/2 Cups Broccoli Flowerets

2 1/2 Cups Cauliflower Flowerets

1 Small Sweet Red Onion -- Peeled And Sliced

1 Cup Mayonnaise

1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese -- Reggiano, If Avail

1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar

8 Slices Bacon, Cooked/Cooled -- Crumbled

Salt And Pepper -- To Taste

Make ahead at least 3 hours ahead or better yet, the day before serving.

Put broccoli, cauliflower and red onion in a large salad bowl. Combine mayonnaise, cheese, bacon and sugar in another bowl; stir well. Pour mixture over vegetables and toss until all ingredients are well combined.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES : Gail's Note: Every time I bring this to a party, it gets rave reviews. This is wonderful--it is the same recipe served at Schnucks in their deli dept.

 

Summer Time Sandwich

Recipe By : Gail Kremser

Serving Size : 1 Preparation Time :0:00

Categories : Tried And True Sandwiches

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

-------- ------------ --------------------------------

2 Slices Whole Wheat Bread

Cream Cheese

Cucumber -- Sliced, Skin Removed

2 Slices Swiss Cheese

Alfalfa Sprouts

4 Slices Bacon, Fried Crisp

4 Slices Avocado

Spread cream cheese on one slice of whole wheat bread. Then arrange in the following order: cucumber slices, Swiss cheese, alfalfa sprouts, bacon, avocado. Top with remaining slice of bread.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES : This goes perfect with a simple salad or light soup!

 

Wolfgang Puck's Shrimp With Mustard

Recipe By : Wolfgang Puck

Serving Size : 1 Preparation Time :0:00

Categories : Restaurant Recipe Seafood

Tried And True

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

-------- ------------ --------------------------------

6-8 medium shrimp per person

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

4 tablespoons mild-flavored oil, such as safflower

2 medium shallots minced

1 bunch fresh tarragon

1/2 cup dry sherry

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 pound unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon minced chives

 

Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Using 2 large sauté pans, heat the oil until it begins to smoke. Over high heat, sauté shrimp for 6-7 minutes. Transfer to warm plate and keep warm. To each pan add 1 minced shallot and 1 tablespoon minced tarragon. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. Deglaze each pan with sherry then combine the sauce in one pan. Add cream and reduce the sauce until it coats the back of a spoon. Whisk in butter, one piece at a time. Whisk in mustard at the last minute. Do not let sauce boil, or it will become grainy. Correct seasoning to taste. Arrange shrimp decoratively on serving plates, nap with sauce, and sprinkle with chives. Note: this is the most requested appetizer at Ma Maison In L.A. The shrimp will be crisp and succulent when sautéed over very high heat. Enjoy!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES:  This is an outstanding dish--the sauce (which is just incredible) will probably go very well with grilled chicken, too!!

 

 

Crab Rangoon


Ingredients

1 can (6½ oz.) crabmeat, drained and flaked
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 package wonton skins
2 green onions, chopped
1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
½ tsp soy sauce
¼ tsp garlic powder
Vegetable oil for frying

Directions

In a medium bowl, combine together crabmeat, cream cheese, chopped onions, garlic powder, soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce and mix it well. Place about 1 teaspoon of the mixture at the center of wonton skin wrapper. Fold it to form a triangle. Moisten its edges with water and press it to seal. Heat vegetable oil to 375 degree F and deep-fry the filled wontons, until golden brown. Serve with hot mustard sauce or sweet and sour sauce.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES:  Yummm!!!!!!

 

 

Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Ice Cream (Jerry's)

Recipe By :

Serving Size : 4 Preparation Time :0:00

Categories :

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

-------- ------------ --------------------------------

2 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 1/2 cups milk

2 large eggs

1 cup sugar

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla

 

The combination of cocoa powder and unsweetened chocolate creates an ice cream with a more complex texture. Jerry refers to this as "mouth feel". Melt the unsweetened chocolate in the top of a double boiler over hot, not boiling water. Gradually whisk in the cocoa and heat, stirring constantly, until smooth. ( the chocolate may "seize" or clump together. Don't worry, the milk will dissolve it). Whisk in the milk, a little at a time, and heat until completely blended. remove from the heat and let cool. Whisk the eggs in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, 1-2 minutes. Whisk in the sugar, a little at a time, then continue whisking until completely blended, about 1 minute more. Pour in the cream and vanilla and whisk to blend. Pour the chocolate mixture into the cream mixture and blend. Cover and refrigerate until cold, about 1-3 hours, depending on your refrigerator. Transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer's instructions.

VARIATION: Chocolate Chocolate chip: Add 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips after the ice cream stiffens, about 2 minutes before it is done, then continue freezing until the ice cream is ready. The rich fully textured ice cream is a chocoholic's delight. Some of Ben and Jerry's friends take it a step further and serve it with hot fudge sauce!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES: This is really rich and wonderful! I've made this with chocolate chips and it was excellent. If you like chocolate ice cream, you'll love this!

 


Recipes I plan to try in the near future.

 

And last (but not least!):  Below are links to websites that I visit often (in no particular order):

 

The Food Network

Simply Recipes

CopyKat Recipes

Recipe Lion

Martha Stewart

Land o' Lakes

Better Homes and Gardens

The Brown Eyed Baker

The Culinary Cafe

Daisy Brand (BTW, Daisy makes the best sour cream and cottage cheese--absolutely yummy!)

Dierbergs

The Gutsy Gourmet

Epicurious

Recipe Goldmine

Revised 12/08/2011 03:34:13 PM