Chicken and Stuffing Skillet

Ingredients:

1 tbsp. butter

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts halves

1 box (6 ounces) Pepperidge Farm® One Step Stuffing Chicken Mix

1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (Regular, 98% Fat Free or 25% Less Sodium)

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions:
Heat the butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 15 minutes or until it's well browned on both sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet.

Prepare the stuffing in the skillet according to the package directions except let stand for 2 minutes.

Return the chicken to the skillet. Stir the soup and milk in a small bowl. Pour the soup mixture over the chicken. Sprinkle with the cheese. Cover and cook over medium heat until the mixture is hot and the cheese is melted.

Serves 4.

Source: Campbell's Kitchen

Country Scalloped Potatoes

Prep Time: 15 min.
Bake Time: 1 hr. 10 min.
Stand Time: 10 min.

INGREDIENTS

1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Celery Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)

1 can (10 1/2 ounces) Campbell's® Chicken Gravy

1 cup milk

5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 5 cups)

1 small onion, thinly sliced (about 1/4 cup)

2 1/2 cups diced cooked ham

1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces)

DIRECTIONS

Stir the soup, gravy and milk in a small bowl. Layer half the potatoes, onion, ham and soup mixture in 3-quart shallow baking dish. Repeat the layers. Cover the baking dish.

Bake at 375°F. for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for 25 minutes. Top with the cheese. Bake for 5 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted. Let stand for 10 minutes.



Source: Campbell Soup

Pork Roast With Garlic And Rosemary

3 lb. pork roast
2 cloves garlic, slivered
1 tsp. rosemary
Salt and pepper

Score fat with a sharp knife.

Make small slashes in several places and insert slivers of garlic.

Rub surface with rosemary.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Place roast in a shallow pan.

Bake at 375 for about 45 minutes per pound.

Source:
Easy Does It Cook Book - A Five (Or Less) Ingredient Cookbook

World's Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

This recipe is said to have come from a famous cookie maker


3/4 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup butter
1 Tbs. vanilla extract
2 eggs, slightly beaten
3 cups flour
3/4 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. salt
3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

In a large bowl, combine the white and brown sugars.

Add butter and cream together with the sugar.

Add vanilla and eggs, mixing well.

In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking soda and salt together.

Add dry mixture to the creamed mixture.

Mix well; the dough will be stiff.

Add the chocolate chips. Add nuts, if desired.

Line cookie sheets with baking parchment or wax paper.

Using a small ice cream scoop, drop dough onto the cookie sheets.

Bake 10-12 minutes.

Remove from oven and cool on wire racks.

Yield: 2-3 dozen



Variations on World's Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

Start with the basic World's Best Chocolate Chip recipe above, and
making substitutions or additions as called for. All variations
should be baked in a preheated 350F oven for 10-12 minutes, unless
otherwise stated.

Creme de Menthe Chocolate Chip Cookies
Substitute 2 tablespoons Creme de Menthe liqueur for 1 tablespoon
vanilla, and substitute 3 cups mint chocolate chips for the 3 cups
semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Butterscotch Beauties
Substitute 3 cups butterscotch chips for 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Chunky Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
Substitute 3 cups peanut butter chips and 1 cup chopped peanuts for 3
cups semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Kiss Your Cookies
Prepare dough as directed for basic recipe. Form a ball of chocolate
chip dough around a Hershey's Chocolate Kiss. Roll dough in your hand
to form a ball and bake on cookie sheet for 9-11 minutes at 350.

Amaretto Almond
Substitute 1/2 tablespoon almond extract and 2 tablespoons Amaretto
for the 1 tablespoon vanilla. Add 1 cup sliced almonds plus chocolate
chips to cookie dough. (If you do not want to use liqueur, substitute
1 tablespoon almond extract for the 1 tablespoon vanilla.)

Kahlua Chocolate Chip
Substitute 3 cups milk chocolate chips for the semi-sweet chocolate
chips and substitute 3 tablespoons Kahlua liqueur for 1 tablespoon
vanilla.

Caramel Kings with Nuts
Reduce flour to 2-1/2 cups. Substitute 20 Kraft caramel candy pieces
for the 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips. Chop each caramel into 8
small pieces. Mix chopped caramels with 1 cup chopped nuts and stir
into prepared cookie dough.

Triple Chocolate Delight
Substitute 1 cup milk chocolate chips, 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate
chips and 1 cup white chocolate chips for the 3 cups of semi-sweet
chocolate chips.

Raisinette Dreams
Substitute 2 cups Raisinettes for 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Reese's Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Substitute 1-1/2 cups Reese's Peanut Butter Chips and 1-1/2 cups
semi-sweet chocolate chips for 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips. Add
1 cup chopped peanuts, if desired.

Heath Bar Cookies
Substitute 6 Heath Bars (original or soft and chewy style) for 3 cups
semi-sweet chocolate chips. (Heath Bars come 2 small bars per pack.
Use 3 packs, or 6 small bars.) Cut each bar into 12 pieces before
adding to prepared cookie dough.

Chewy Gooeys
Substitute 10 Kraft caramels and 2 cups large semi-sweet chocolate
chips for the 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips. Cut each caramel
into 4 thin slices before adding to prepared cookie dough.


SOURCE:
Cookies! The Collector's Series/Volume 26
The American Cooking Guild

Colonial Corn Chowder

6 slices bacon
1-1/2 cups diced raw potato
1 medium onion
1/2 green pepper
1 quart milk
1 can cream-style corn
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 tsp. curry powder, or to taste
Salt and pepper to taste

Pare and dice potatoes. Simmer in boiling salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.

In soup pot, cook cut-up bacon until crisp.

Remove to paper towel with slotted spoon.

Remove excess bacon drippings, leaving enough to coat bottom of pot.

Saute chopped onion and green pepper in bacon fat for 5 minutes.

Stir in all other ingredients, including potatoes and the water in which they were
cooked.

Season to taste.

Garnish servings with crumbled crisp bacon.

Serves 6 to 8.

-Women's Circle Home Cooking, December 1982

Spicy Crab Cakes

Crab cakes are one of my favorite foods . . . and I have posted a bunch of crab cake recipes in the past. This is another recipe that I have not tested yet from my personal recipe collection . . . I will comment on it when I do.

The mayonnaise sauce in particular caught my eye and I plan on making some very soon . . . just for sandwiches and a different twist for egg and tuna salad sandwiches.



2 eggs
1/2 lb. fresh lump crabmeat
1 c. ricotta cheese
1 c. (4 oz.) shredded Monterey Jack cheese with jalapenos
3 tbsp. cut chives
3/4 c. fine seasoned dry bread crumbs
1/4 c. oil
1 (7 oz.) jar roasted red peppers, drained
1/3 c. mayonnaise


Whisk eggs until blended.

Stir in crab, cheeses, chives and 1/4 cup bread crumbs.

Form crab mixture into 1/4 inch thick cakes;on sheet of waxed paper, coat cakes with remaining bread crumbs.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

In large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.

In hot oil, fry crab cakes, a few at a time, until golden on both sides, about 3 minutes in all.

As cakes cook, remove from pan, drain on prepared baking sheet with paper towels and keep warm in oven.


RED PEPPER MAYONNAISE SAUCE

Process red peppers with mayonnaise in blender  until smooth.

Serve with crab cakes.

12 servings.

Morrison's / Piccadilly Macaroni and Cheese

2 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all purpose flour
2 1/4 cups milk, warmed
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 eggs
2 cups grated extra sharp cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Cook macaroni according to package directions and drain.

Heat butter in a small saucepan over medium low heat.

Stir in flour and cook 1 minute.

Use a whisk and add milk, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens.

Add salt and pepper.

Beat eggs slightly and add small amount of sauce to eggs and then add remaining egg mixture to sauce.

Set aside 1/3 cup grated cheese for top.

Add one third macaroni to a buttered 2 quart casserole, alternating layers of macaroni and cheese.

Pour sauce all over and add reserved cheese.

Bake 25 to 30 minutes and serve.

3-Cheese Pasta Bake

from Campbell's Kitchen

Prep/Cook Time: 25 min.


Ingredients:

1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (Regular, 98% Fat Free or 25% Less Sodium)

1 pkg. (8 oz.) shredded two-cheese blend

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup milk

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

4 cups cooked corkscrew-shaped pasta

Directions:

MIX soup, cheeses, milk and black pepper in 1 1/2-qt. casserole. Stir in pasta.

BAKE at 400°F. for 20 min. or until hot.

Serves 4.

TIP: Use 2 cups of your favorite shredded cheese for the 8-oz. package.


I love this recipe since you can make your own variations . . . different type of pasta, soup and cheese

Hot and Spicy Hush Puppies

Recipe courtesy The Neelys . . . The Food Network

Show: Down Home with the Neelys

Episode: Loungin' and Lunchin'

Ingredients

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 3/4 cup self-rising flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/2 small sweet onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 jalapeno, finely chopped
• 4 green onions, sliced thin
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup grated Cheddar
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Orange dipping sauce, recipe follows

Directions

Preheat deep fryer to 375 degrees F.

Mix all the ingredients together into a large mixing bowl to form a thick batter.

Dip 2 tablespoon spoons into water. Using the spoons scoop up some of the batter and drop into the hot oil. Work in batches. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden and brown. Remove and drain on a paper towel lined sheet tray. Serve with dipping sauce.

Gina's Orange Dipping Sauce:

• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup orange marmalade

Mix the above ingredients together.

Ore-Ida Loaded Potato Soup

Winner: Ore-Ida Employee Recipe Contest
Ore-Ida Loaded Potato Soup

Cooking time: 15 minutes
No. of Servings: 4-6



Ingredients:

1 24 oz. bag Ore-Ida® Steam n' Mash Garlic Seasoned Potatoes
2 cups broccoli florets, frozen
1 jar Classico Creamy Alfredo sauce
2 cups milk
1/4lb bacon
1 cup cheddar cheese
¼ cup green onions, chopped


Directions:

Prepare Ore-Ida Steam n' Mash Garlic Seasoned Potatoes in the microwave, as directed on package.

While the potatoes are cooking, cut bacon into mall strips, chop green onions and shred cheddar cheese. Fry bacon in a sauce pan over med-high heat, set aside.

Turn heat down to medium-low and Pour Classico® Creamy Alfredo into sauce pan.

Add milk and broccoli florets, and stir soup occasionally.

Pour one cup of cooked potatoes into small bowl, mash.

Blend mashed potatoes into soup.

Pour 1 cup of cooked potatoes into individual serving bowls. Ladle soup over
the potatoes.

Top with cheese, bacon and green onions.

Cheesy Potato Casserole

Cooking time: 14 minutes
No. of Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1 bag Steam n Mash Cut Russet Potatoes
1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Salt and pepper to taste


Directions:

Stir 1 cup of the cheddar cheese and cream of chicken soup together,
adding salt and pepper to taste.

Mix cheese mixture with frozen potatoes
and onion in a microwave safe casserole dish.

Microwave for 12 minutes;
stirring half-way through.

Top with shredded cheese and heat an
additional 30 seconds.

Salsa

Quick and Easy Salsa
Makes 3 cups

3 red tomatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds), seeded, chopped and drained of some
juice
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, minced (add to taste)
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

Combine all ingredients in medium bowl and mix gently.

Cover and refrigerate up to 8 hours before serving.

Perfectly Melted Chocolate

Melting chocolate for baking is an exacting task, if not done
perfectly you can end up with a burned or grainy mess and ruin
whatever you are baking. Below are 3 methods for melting chocolate,
each can be successful in it's own way and you need only pick a method
that works for you and get cooking!

In The Oven

Chocolate can be melted in the oven quite easily but you will need to
be very diligent about watching it. It's easy to get caught up in your
other baking chores and not realize that you have overheated it until
it is too late. To melt chocolate in the oven, heat the oven to 110
degrees. Chop the chocolate and place in a dish inside the oven. Keep
the door open and check regularly. It will take about an hour to melt
thoroughly.

Double Boiler Method

This tried and true method uses two pots or a special double boiler
pot. The bottom pot has about an inch of water in it and the top pot
is a bit smaller and rests on the bottom pot. The water should be
heated to just below a simmer. Chop the chocolate and put it in the
top pot. The chocolate should be stirred until melted and you must be
very careful not to get any water mixed in with the chocolate as this
will make it grainy.

Microwave

Using the microwave to melt chocolate can be the fastest but also the
most disastrous method as a couple of seconds of overheating can ruin
the chocolate. Chop the chocolate and put it in a microwave safe bowl.
Heat on 50% for 1 to 4 minutes - the amount of time needed will depend
on the amount of chocolate you are melting so you will have to watch
the chocolate the whole time. When you see that it is turning shiny
and before it is fully melted, remove it from the oven and stir until
it melts fully.


About the author:
Lee Dobbins is editor of www.online-gourmet-foods.com where you can
learn more about gourmet food and find out more about gourmet chocolate.

S'mores Brownies

Ingredients

Crust:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups crushed graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Pinch fine salt

Brownie:

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 4 large cold eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

Topping:

• 4 cups large marshmallows

Directions

Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and heat oven to 325 degrees F. Line an 8 by-8-inch square baking pan with foil so it hangs over the edges by about 1 inch.

For the crust: Lightly butter the foil with some of the melted butter. Stir the rest of the butter together with the crumbs, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Press the crumb mixture evenly over the bottom of the pan. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the brownie. Put the butter and chocolate in a medium microwave safe bowl. Melt in the microwave on 75 percent power for 2 minutes. Stir, and microwave again until completely melted, about 2 minutes more. Alternatively, put the butter and chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Bring a saucepan filled with 1 inch or so of water to a very slow simmer; set the bowl on the pan without touching the water. Stir occasionally until melted. Stir the light brown and white sugars, vanilla and salt into the melted chocolate. Add the eggs and beat vigorously to make a thick and glossy batter. Add the flour and stir until just incorporated.

Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake until the top is crispy and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out mostly clean, with a few crumbs, about 40 to 45 minutes.

Remove from the oven and carefully position a rack about 6 inches from the broiler and preheat on low. Layer marshmallows across the top and toast under the broiler until golden, (keep an eye on it, it can go quick), about 2 minutes. Cool on a rack, gently removing the brownies from the pan using the aluminum flaps. Carefully separate any marshmallow from the foil and fold away. Cut into 12 (2-inch) squares.

Copyright 2007 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved

Roasted Pepper Sauce

Drain a 12 oz jar roasted peppers. Pulse peppers and a small clove of
garlic in a food processor until smooth. Add 1 Tbsp each balsamic
vinegar and olive oil. Process to blend. Makes 3/4 cup sauce

Spoon over grilled chicken breast or london broil

Toss with cold pasta and basil for a quick salad

Top baked, sauteed or grilled fish with it

Spice it up with hot pepper sauce and serve with shrimp

Almond Danish Swirls

2 3 oz. pkgs cream cheese, softened
1 tsp almond extract
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 cup slivered almonds, chopped fine
2 8 oz. cans refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1 egg white

Glaze:
2/3 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 tsp almond extract
4 tsp milk

In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, almond extract, and sugar until
fluffy. Fold half of the almonds into the mixture.

Separate 1 can of dough into 4 rectangles. Firmly press the perforations to
seal. Press or roll each piece of dough to form a 7 by 4 inch rectangle, and
spread each with about 2 tbsp of the cream cheese filling to within 1/4 inch
of the edges. Starting at the short end, roll each rectangle tightly into a
cylinder. Repeat with the other can of dough and remaining filling. Place on
a plate, cover with plastic wrap, and chill until firm, about 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350 F whiles the rolls are chilling. Remove from the
refrigerator and cut each roll into 4 slices. Place 1/2 inch apart on
ungreased baking sheets.

In a small bowl, combine the egg white with 1 tsp water. Brush over the
swirls. Sprinkle with the remaining almonds.

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until light brown.

While the swirls are baking, combine the glaze ingredients in a small bowl.
Cool the swirls for 3 minutes on wire racks placed over a sheet of waxed
paper. Drizzle the icing over the warm swirls.

Makes 32 swirls

Stove Top Easy Chicken Bake

6 oz. pkg. Stove Top stuffing mix for chicken
1-1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/3 cup sour cream
16 oz. pkg. frozen mixed vegetables, thawed, drained

1. Heat oven to 400. Prepare stuffing mix as directed on package.
Mix chicken, soup, sour cream and vegetables in 13x9 inch baking dish;
top with stuffing.

2. Bake 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Enjoy now or
cover and refrigerate. To reheat, microwave each serving on high 2 to
3 minutes.

Tip:
If using a deeper, narrower baking dish, increase baking time by 15
minutes or until cooked through.

Source: Kraft Food & Family Magazine, Fall 2008

Chicken and Biscuits

1 can cream of chicken soup
3/4 cup sour cream, divided
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
16 oz. pkg. frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
1 cup baking mix
3 Tbs. milk

1. Heat oven to 375. Mix soup and 1/2 cup sour cream in 8-inch square
baking dish. Add chicken, vegetables and cheese; mix.

2. Place baking mix in medium bowl. Add remaining 1/4 cup sour cream
and milk; sitr until stiff dough forms.

3. Drop by heaping tablespoonfuls into 6 mounds over chicken mixture.
Bake 35 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown and chicken mixture
is hot and bubbly.

Source: Kraft Food & Family Magazine, Fall 2008

Cheesy Chicken & Salsa Skillet

2 cups multigrain penne pasta, uncooked
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1-1/4 cups Taco Bell Home Originals thick 'n chunky salsa
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
1 large green pepper, cut into short thin strips
1 cup Kraft 2% milk shredded reduced fat four cheese Mexican style cheese

1. Cook pasta as directed on package.

2. Meanwhile, heat large nonstick skillet sprayed with cooking spray
on medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook and stir 2 minutes. Stir in
salsa, corn and peppers. Bring to boil. Simmer on medium-low heat 10
minutes or until chicken is cooked through, stirring occasionally.

3. Drain pasta. Add to chicken mixture; mix lightly. Sprinkle with
cheese. Remove from heat; cover. Let stand 1 minute or until cheese
is melted.

Source: Kraft Food & Family Magazine, Fall 2008

Scalloped Chicken and Potatoes

Prep Time: 15 min
Start to Finish: 55 min
Makes: 5 servings

1 box (4.8 oz) Betty Crocker® sour cream 'n chives sliced potato mix
2 1/4 cups boiling water
3/4 cup half-and-half or whole milk
3 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 cup Green Giant® frozen sweet peas
1 can (8 oz) Green Giant® mushroom pieces and stems, drained
1/2 cup Progresso® plain bread crumbs
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley


Heat oven to 450°F.

In ungreased 2-quart casserole, mix uncooked potatoes, sauce mix, boiling water, half-and-half, chicken, peas and mushrooms.

Bake uncovered 30 to 35 minutes, stirring once, until potatoes are tender.

In small bowl, mix remaining ingredients; sprinkle over potato mixture.

Bake uncovered about 5 minutes longer or until light golden brown.

Tex-Mex Burgers

These burgers can be prepared ahead and kept in the cooler until
you're ready to barbecue. Serve them with corn chips and guacamole.

1-1/2 lbs. ground beef
4 oz. can chopped green chiles, draied
3 oz. Monterey Jack cheese, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
6 sandwich buns
6 Tbs. sour cream
6 Tbs. salsa
6 lettuce leaves, if desired.

1. Heat grill. shape ground beef into twelve 3-1/2-inch patties.
Place 6 patties on waxed paper. Top each with one-sixth of the chiles
and one-sixth of the cheese. Place remaining patties over stuffing;
press edges to seal.

2. When ready to barbecue, place prepared patties on gas grill over
medium-high heat or on charcoal grill 4 to 6 inches from medium-high
coals. Cook 10 to 15 minutes until meat is no longer pink, turning
once. Serve on buns with sour cream, salsa and lettuce. 6 servings.

Broiler Directions:
Prepare recipes as directed. Place patties on broiler pan; broil 4 to
6 inches from heat for 10 to 15 minutes until meat is no longer pink,
turning once. Serve on buns with sour cream, salsa and lettuce.

-Pillsbury Classic Cookbooks, June 1992 (#136)
Picnics & Potlucks

Refried Beans Supreme

1 can (16 oz.) TACO BELL® HOME ORIGINALS® Refried Beans
1 cup KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided
1/2 cup chopped tomato
1/4 cup chopped green onions

MIX beans and 1/2 cup of the cheese in 1-quart microwavable dish;
cover.

MICROWAVE on HIGH 3 to 4 minutes or until heated through; stir.

Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.

Microwave, uncovered, 1 to 2 minutes or until cheese is melted.

SPRINKLE with tomato and onions

4 servings

Olive Garden Fettucine Alfredo

8 ounces Cream cheese −− cut in bits

3/4 cup Parmesan cheese −− grated

1/2 cup Butter or margarine

1/2 cup Milk

8 ounces Fettuccine; cook −− drain

In large saucepan combine cream cheese, Parmesan, butter and

Milk, stirring constantly until smooth. Toss pasta lightly with

sauce, coating well.

Coconut Fried Shrimp with Dipping Sauce

Dipping Sauce:
1/2 cup orange marmalade
4 teaspoons rice wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Peanut oil, for frying
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2/3 cup water
2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 pound medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Add all dipping sauce ingredients to a pot on a low temperature. Heat for 10 minutes, making sure you stir ingredients every few minutes.
In a large, heavy pot, heat 2-inches of the peanut oil to 325 degrees F.



Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Add the water and whisk until smooth. Let the batter stand for 15 minutes.

In a wide, shallow bowl, toss the coconut and bread crumbs together.

Put the shrimp into the batter. Remove the shrimp, 1 at a time, and dredge in the coconut mixture, pressing to help the coconut adhere. Fry the shrimp in batches in the hot oil for 1 to 2 minutes or until brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Serve the shrimp with the dipping sauce.



Source: Paula Dean . . . Food Network

Corn and Crab Chowder

INGREDIENTS: 4 slices bacon 1 large sweet onion, coarsely chopped (about 2 cups) 2 cloves garlic, minced 6 cups Swanson® Chicken Broth OR Natural Goodness™ or Certified Organic Chicken Broth 2 tsp. seafood seasoning 6 to 8 red potato OR fingerling potato, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups) 2 cups frozen whole kernel corn 1 container (8 ounces) refrigerated pasteurized lump crabmeat 1/2 cup heavy cream

DIRECTIONS: Cook the bacon in a 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat for 5 minutes or until the bacon is crisp. Remove the bacon with a fork or kitchen tongs and drain on paper towels. Crumble and set aside. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of drippings. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the onions and garlic and cook in the hot bacon drippings until tender. Stir in the broth, seafood seasoning, potatoes and corn. Heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Add the crabmeat and cream. Cook for 5 minutes. Divide the chowder among 6 serving bowls. Top each with about 1 tablespoon of bacon. www.Swansonbroth.com.

Cherry Vanilla Protein Shake

1 tablespoon vanilla powder (1 scoop)
1/2 cup sugar-free cherry yogurt
4 ice cubes
1 dash water
vanilla extract (to taste)
cherry extract (to taste)

Liquify in blender!



The flavor varieties are endless . . . experiment with what you love :)

Speedy Chicken Enchiladas

Ingredients:

1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breast, cubed

1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)

1 cup Pace® Thick & Chunky Salsa

8 flour tortillas (6-inch)

1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Campbell's® Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup

Directions:
COOK chicken in nonstick skillet until browned and done, stirring often. Add chicken soup and 1/2 cup salsa. Heat through.

SPOON about 1/3 cup chicken mixture down center of each tortilla. Roll up tortilla around filling and place seam-side down in 2-qt. microwave-safe baking dish.

MIX cheese soup and remaining salsa and pour over enchiladas. Cover.

MICROWAVE on HIGH 5 min. or until hot.

Serves 4.

Banana Split Pie (low fat)

I have not tried this recipe yet, but I've been on a very strict diet and have been craving something that tastes rich but isn't . . . you can make your own adjustments to suit your needs . . . I use no fat half and half as a substitute for milk.


1 graham cracker crust
1 (4 oz.) pkg. sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix
2 c. low-fat milk
2 bananas, sliced
1 (15 oz.) can crushed pineapple
1 c. diet Cool Whip
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. pecans, chopped


Mix pudding with milk and beat until thick, pour into crust. Put
bananas over pudding. Squeeze pineapple to remove all juice.
Sprinkle on top of bananas. Cover with Cool Whip, sprinkle pecans on
top. Chill well.

Fruit Smoothies

Ingredients
1 C. vanilla-flavored fat-free soy milk or 1/2 C. vanilla yogurt plus 1/2 C. skim milk
1/2 frozen banana
1 C. frozen fruit: strawberries, blueberries, peaches, melon etc.
1 tsp. vanilla extract (optional)


Directions
Place the soy milk (or yogurt/skim milk) and banana in a blender and mix until smooth. Add the frozen fruit and blend until smooth.


***********************************

When I'm seriously dieting, smoothies made with the powder form of Slim Fast are my primary meals. My smoothies are loosely based on this recipe with the following variations:

I use fat free half and half . . . makes a very creamy, rich tasting smoothie . . . add a handful of ice to the blender to make it thick like a milk shake.

For flavored smoothies, I use vanilla Slim Fast with fat free yogurt in my preferred flavor, add a handful of ice and fat free half and half.  The yogurt makes it much creamier and provides a greater variety of flavors.


***********************************

Tropical Smoothie

Ingredients
6 oz. cold water
6 oz. frozen orange juice concentrate
6 oz. vanilla or strawberry yogurt (for a creamy or more fruity taste)
1 banana, sliced
1/2 C. frozen mixed berries

Directions
Put all ingredients in blender. Blend until smooth and purple.

Guide to Seafood

Seafood Source Recipes, videos and tips for preparing your favorite fish and shellfish Seafood is quick and easy to prepare at home, but navigating the fish market can be a challenge. There are many decisions to make – the best species or type, farm-raised or wild, whole or filleted, fresh or frozen – plus the all-important question of how to determine freshness. Here, we guide you through the process of selecting and preparing the finest seafood possible. Finfish Tuna Tuna Steaks with Tomato and Basil Raw Sauce Grilled Tuna with White Bean Puree, Olive Tapenade and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes Tuna and Artichoke Panini Buying guide and recipes for tuna Salmon Grilled Salmon Fillet with Honey-Mustard Sauce Whole-Wheat Spaghetti with Lemon, Basil, and Salmon Salmon with Lemon, Capers, and Rosemary Buying guide and recipes for salmon Striped Bass Easy Baked Striped Bass with Tomatoes, Rosemary and Olives Roasted Striped Bass with Chive and Sour Cream Sauce Whole Striped Bass Buying guide and recipes for striped bass Swordfish Swordfish and Spaghetti with Citrus Pesto Grilled Swordfish Skewers with Coconut, Key Lime and Green Chile Sauce Curry-rubbed Swordfish Steaks with Fresh Green Chutney Buying guide and recipes for swordfish Red Snapper Roasted Red Snapper with Rosemary Whole Grilled Red Snapper with Jicama Slaw Oven Roasted Red Snapper Fillets with Tomatoes and Onions Buying guide and recipes for red snapper Trout Trout-In-A-Pouch with Fresh Herbs and Garlic Plank Grilled Whole Trout Pan-Roasted Trout Bruschetta with Chili Vinaigrette Buying guide and recipes for trout Other Finfish Flounder Baked Stuffed Flounder Flounder Francese with Toasted Almonds, Lemon and Capers Flounder Fish Salad Buying guide and recipes for flounder Tilapia Blackened Tilapia Sandwich with Cilantro Lime Mayonnaise Tilapia with Purple Potato Crust and Chive Rosemary Oil Grilled Tilapia with Lemon Butter, Capers and Orzo Buying guide and recipes for tilapia Sea Bass Sea Bass with Lemon and Caper Sauce Ginger Sea Bass over Wilted Greens Sea Bass with Mustard Crust with Garlic-Parmesan Broccoli Buying guide and recipes for sea bass Mahi Mahi Mahi Mahi Lettuce Wraps Grilled Mahi Mahi with Jerk Spice The Ultimate Fish Tacos Buying guide and recipes for mahi mahi Monkfish Monkfish Chowder Bacon-Wrapped Monkfish with Beurre Rouge Rosemary Skewered Monkfish with Pancetta and Bread Buying guide and recipes for monkfish Cod Beer and Chipotle-Battered Fish Tacos Pecan Crusted Cod Fish Cod and Potato Cakes with Lemony Tartar Sauce Buying guide and recipes for cod Halibut Halibut with Balsamic Glaze Roasted Halibut with Grapefruit Fennel Salsa Halibut and Chickpea Salad Buying guide and recipes for halibut

Source: http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/ck_cg_seafood_guide/0,3100,FOOD_27337,00.html

Shrimp Fried Rice

The few secrets for good fried rice are to use high heat, minimal oil, and add the rice little by little so that the pan's temperature stays hot. Using leftover rice is best—the dryness facilitates frying—but if you need to cook the rice first, dinner can still be on the table in minutes. Feel free to swap the shrimp with other proteins such as chicken or tofu.
About the author: Blake Royer lives in Brooklyn and spends most of his free time cooking and writing about it at Serious Eats and on The Paupered Chef. From 9 to 5 weekdays, he works as an assistant book editor in Manhattan.

Shrimp Fried Rice

- serves 2 -

Ingredients

1 egg
2 cups cooked rice
4 scallions, sliced
1 carrot, grated
1 clove garlic, peeled and chopped
1 thumb-sized piece ginger, peeled and grated
10-12 cooked (or uncooked) shrimp, deveined and chopped
2-3 tablespoons soy sauce
Juice from half a lime

Procedure

1. If cooking rice, do so first, then rinse well to cool.
2. In a wok or large nonstick skillet, heat the oil until just before it's about to smoke, then add the ginger, carrot, garlic, and three of the scallions. Stir constantly until just fragrant, only about 15-30 seconds at most.
3. Add the shrimp. If raw, stir until cooked through; if pre-cooked, move on to the next step immediately.
4. Add the rice, handful by handful, stirring constantly to fry.
5. Make a hole in the middle of the rice and crack the egg into it. Stir quickly but gently, incorporating more and more rice until the egg is well-distributed.
6. Add the soy sauce and lime juice, then season with salt and pepper (or more soy sauce). Top with the last scallion.

Strawberry Milk Shakes

July is National Ice Cream month and strawberry ice cream is my favorite ice cream flavor . . . here is one of my favorite things in the world, Strawberry Milk Shakes . . .

I substitute no fat half and half for the milk and strawberry frozen yogurt and omit the sugar when I'm seriously dieting.

1 1/2 pints strawberry ice cream
1 cup whole milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup fresh strawberries (or frozen)


Directions

Pulse all of the ingredients in a blender until the ice cream begins to break down, about 5 pulses, then blend on high until completely smooth.

Serves 4


A fabulous variation to this recipe to make an Orange Freeze . . .

use Orange Sherbet instead of ice cream, omit the strawberries

Make it richer by adding some vanilla ice cream . . .

Cottage Cheese Fruit Salad

This is one of those recipes that is so versatile and adaptable to your taste and dietary needs. It is what I make to take care of my sweet tooth when I'm seriously dieting . . . it is excellent even when made with no fat cottage cheese and sugar free jello.


Here is the basic recipe . . .

24 ounces cottage cheese
1 (12 ounce)container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (6 ounce) package orange flavored gelatin mix
2 (11 ounce)cans mandarin oranges, drained
1 (20 ounce)can pineapple chunks, drained


Blend together the cottage cheese, whipped topping
and gelatin. Add the oranges and pineapple; mix well
and refrigerate until chilled.


Variations . . .

Strawberries with strawberry flavored gelatin

I love adding walnuts and coconut to any combination
(sorry, I don't measure - I go by how it looks in the bowl)

Fruit cocktail is excellent with any flavored gelatin

Experiment with different flavors and fruits

Chicken Parmigiana and Garlic Bread

Tyler's Ultimate is one of my favorite cooking shows . . . his meals are always practical, relatively easy and his presentation is awesome.

Recipe courtesy Tyler Florence See this recipe on air Friday Jul. 18 at 3:30 PM ET/PT. Show: Tyler's Ultimate Episode: Ultimate Chicken Parmigiana

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus 3 tablespoons 1 medium onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 bay leaves 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted 1/2 bunch fresh basil leaves 2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes, drained and hand-crushed Pinch sugar Pinch red pepper flakes Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 4 skinless, boneless, chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds) 1/2 cup all-purpose flour Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 1 tablespoon water 1 cup dried plain bread crumbs 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus extra for sprinkling 1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves 2 teaspoons garlic powder 1 (8-ounce) ball fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced 1 pound spaghetti pasta, cooked al dente Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a saute pan with olive oil and place over medium heat. When the oil gets hazy, add the onions, garlic, and bay leaves; cook and stir for 5 minutes until fragrant and soft. Add the olives and some hand-torn basil, reserve the rest of the basil for finishing the chicken. Carefully add the tomatoes (nothing splashes like tomatoes), cook and stir until the liquid is cooked down and the sauce is thick, about 15 minutes; season with sugar, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Lower the heat, cover, and keep warm. Get the ingredients together for the chicken so you have a little assembly line. Put the flour in a shallow platter and season with a fair amount of salt and pepper; mix with a fork to distribute evenly. In a wide bowl, combine the eggs and water, beat until frothy. Put the bread crumbs on a plate, add the 1 cup parmesan, chopped parsley, and garlic powder Season with salt and pepper and stir with a fork until thoroughly combined. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high flame in a large oven-proof skillet. Lightly dredge both sides of the chicken cutlets in the seasoned flour, and then dip them in the egg wash to coat completely, letting the excess drip off, then dredge in the bread crumbs. When the oil is nice and hot, add the cutlets and fry for 4 minutes on each side until golden and crusty, turning once. Ladle the tomato-olive sauce over the chicken and arrange the mozzarella on top. Sprinkle with Parmesan, and remaining basil. Bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly. Serve hot with spaghetti. Herbed Garlic Bread 1 stick butter (1/2 cup), at room temperature 2 garlic cloves, mashed to a paste with a pinch of salt and extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons chopped parsley leaves 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 loaf crusty baguette Extra-virgin olive oil Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. For the bread, stir together the butter, mashed garlic, and herbs in a small bowl and season with salt and pepper. Tear open the loaf of bread lengthwise, spread the herb-garlic mixture over both halves and sprinkle with a little olive oil. Bake for 15 minutes.

Pocket Pies and Toaster Pastries

Alton Brown, "Good Eats" on the Food Network . . . his was about pocket pies and toaster pastries tonight. As a single woman who loves to cook, this is a perfect recipe for me.

Usually I don't like to freeze foods, other than meat and seafood, but this is the type of food that is perfect to freeze. He demonstrated sweet and savory recipes . . . an excellent idea for leftovers (he put leftover beef stew in pocket pies as an example).

An excellent episode . . . sorry, but I usually don't like his shows, his personality is way too corny for me, but if you have Food Network on demand and this idea of pocket pies sounds good to you, look it up and watch it.

In the meantime, here are the recipes from this episode . . .

Pocket Pies Recipe courtesy Alton Brown, 2005 Show: Good Eats Episode: A Pie in Every Pocket

Pastry: 9 1/2 ounces all-purpose flour, approximately 2 cups 2 teaspoons baking powder 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt 2 1/2 ounces shortening, approximately 6 tablespoons 3/4 cup milk 1 egg mixed with 1 to 2 teaspoons water Vegetable, canola oil or butter, for frying Curried Mango Filling, recipe follows Chocolate Filling, recipe follows In the bowl of a food processor, combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Pulse for a few seconds and then pour into a large mixing bowl. Add the shortening and knead it into the flour with your hands until it is crumbly. Add the milk all at once and mix in with a spatula until it begins to come together. Lightly flour your hands and the countertop and turn the dough out onto the countertop. Knead the dough ball, folding over 10 to 20 times. Using a rolling pin roll the dough to 1/3 to 1/2-inch thickness, then cut into rounds using a 2 1/4-inch ring. Roll each round as thinly as possible or to 5 to 6 inches in diameter. Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of filling onto the dough, brush the edges of half of the dough lightly with the egg wash, fold over and seal the edges together with the tines of a fork, dipping it into flour as needed. Gently press down to flatten and evenly distribute the filling and snip or cut 3 slits in the top of the pie. Dock pies that are going to be deep-fried, instead of snipping or cutting slits. To pan-fry pies, place a medium saute pan over medium low heat along with 1 to 2 tablespoons vegetable, canola oil or butter. Once heated, place 2 to 3 pies at a time into pan and saute until golden on both sides, approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side. Allow to cool 4 to 5 minutes before serving. To deep-fry pies, heat vegetable oil in a deep-fryer or a large heavy pot to 375 degrees F. Once hot, add 1 to 2 pies at a time and fry until golden brown, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. To bake pies, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place finished pies onto an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. To make toaster pastries: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Divide dough in half and roll out to less than 1/8-inch thick. Cut into 4 inch by 5 inch rectangles. Place 1 to 2 tablespoons of filling onto center of one piece of dough. Brush the edges with egg wash and top with second piece of dough. Seal edges by pressing together with tine of fork. Gently press down to flatten and evenly distribute the filling and dock the top of the pie. Repeat with second half of dough. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven, allow to cool completely and place into zip-top bags until ready to toast. The pies will not be brown until toasted. Curried Mango Filling: 4 mangos, peeled and diced, approximately 2 cups or 12 ounces 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup cider vinegar 2 teaspoons curry powder 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice Place all of the ingredients into a small saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a bowl and place in refrigerator to cool completely before using as filling. For each pie place 1 to 2 tablespoons onto the center of the dough. Follow directions above. Yield: enough for 10 to 15 pies Chocolate Filling: 2 1/2 cups sugar 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon cocoa powder Pinch kosher salt 10 ounces unsalted butter, room temperature Place the sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and butter into a large zip-top bag and squish to combine. Cut a whole in 1 corner of the bag. For each pie, pipe 1 to 2 tablespoons of mixture onto the center of the dough. Follow directions above. Yield: enough for 10 to 15 pies

Spicy Corn Frittata

What a wonderful meal to celebrate the summer veggies that we grow in our gardens . . . hmmm . . . a frittata that has no rice in it? I'll be adding some colby cheese to mine :)



1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 large ripe tomatoes, cored, seeded, and chopped (about 2 cups)

2 large (or 3 medium) ears sweet corn, kernels scraped off the cob (about 2 cups)

1 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 bunch (6 to 8) scallions, trimmed and sliced

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped

Coarse sea salt or kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

8 large eggs

1 tablespoon cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces



Set a rack on the top shelf of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees F.

In a large ovenproof skillet over high heat, warm 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add the tomatoes and saute for 2 minutes. Add the corn, cilantro, scallions, garlic, and jalapeno and saute for 2 more minutes or until the garlic is fragrant and the mixture thickens. Transfer the vegetables to a plate and let cool for several minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

In a large bowl, season the eggs with salt and pepper. Beat them lightly with a fork, only enough to mix the whites and the yolks. Add the cooled vegetables and cold butter and stir to combine.

Wipe out the skillet with a paper towel and put it over medium heat. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil, swirling it all around and up the sides of the pan. Add the egg and vegetable mixture and stir gently with the back of a fork without touching the bottoms and sides of the pan. Cover the pan, lower the heat, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the bottom of the frittata begins to set. Remove the cover and transfer the pan to the top shelf of the oven and bake until golden brown and puffed, about 15 minutes.

Slide the frittata onto a serving platter, cut it into wedges, and serve immediately or cool and serve at room temperature.


Nutritional analysis per serving:

Calories 385; Total Fat 28g; (Sat Fat 7g, Mono Fat 15g, Poly Fat 3.5g) ; Protein 16.5g; Carb 22g; Fiber 4 g; Cholesterol 430 mg; Sodium 165 mg


Source: The Food Network

Seafood Pot Pie

1 box frozen puff pastry sheets
1 egg, beaten
1 to 2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons diced onion
1 tablespoon diced fennel
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons diced celery
2 tablespoons finely cubed carrots
2 tablespoons green peas
3 large scallops
2 tablespoons diced ham
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
Pinch freshly ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon seafood seasoning
1/2 fish-flavored bouillon cube
1/4 cup lump crab meat, picked over
3 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 large oysters, shucked
White pepper

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Thaw 1 sheet of puff pastry, unwrap it, and brush with beaten egg. Slice pastry into 1-inch wide strips. Weave strips into lattice design, sized to fit the top of a 1 1/2 quart oven-safe medium-sized serving bowl or casserole. Place pastry on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet and bake until light golden brown. Remove from oven and let stand until needed.

Adjust oven temperature to 350 degrees F.

Filling:

Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add onions, fennel, garlic, celery, carrots, and green peas and saute until tender.

Add scallops and ham and continue to saute until scallops are barely halfway done. Sprinkle in flour and stir until coated.

Add cream, nutmeg, seasoning, and bouillon. Increase the heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. When mixture reaches a boil, remove from heat.

Add crab meat, shrimp, and oysters and season, to taste, with white pepper. Pour into the oven-safe serving bowl. Top with the pre-baked lattice puff pastry and gently press down into filling. Bake about 10 minutes or until bubbly.

Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving

"UNCLE BUBBA'S SEAFOOD POT PIE"
Source: Paula Dean, The Food Network

No Roll Pie Crust

Ingredients

1 cup flour
1 stick of butter or margarine
Powdered sugar


Directions

Melt the stick of butter or margarine in pie pan in oven.

Put in 1 cup of flour and a couple of teaspoon of sifted powdered sugar.

Mix in pan and as it cools a little pat it out mixing it at the same time.

Bake



NOTE: I have not used this recipe . . . not sure how long it should bake and what the oven temp should be . . . I'm gonna start with 350 degrees and keep a constant eye on it as far as time. This recipe comes from my personal collection.

Hot Dogs and Sausages

July is National Hot Dog Month . . .

According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council an estimated seven billion hot dogs will be eaten by Americans between Memorial Day and Labor Day and during the 4th of July weekend alone 155 million will be enjoyed.

Did you know that every year Americans eat an average of 60 hot dogs each?

Council research shows that mustard is the condiment of choice for adults, while children prefer ketchup.

Preferences change from region to region . . . hot dogs in New York are generally served with a lighter mustard and steamed onions . . . Chicago hot dogs can come with mustard, relish, onions, tomato slices, or pretty much anything at all . . . I prefer mine topped with cole slaw.

For more information, visit the Council's website at www.hot-dog.org.

Hot Dog and Sausage recipes

National Food Holidays for July

When I saw all the national holidays for food in one of my emails this morning, I couldn't stop laughing. Who comes up with this stuff? Is there an official "national holiday naming entity"? How much does it pay? I want that job . . . what would the title be? Director of National Holidays? :) Where do I apply?

After I stopped laughing, I thought it would be an awesome idea to take each "national food holiday" and honor that particular food holiday with recipes. Everyday is a food holiday for foodies like me :)

UPCOMING FOOD HOLIDAYS:


July is:

National Ice Cream Month
National Picnic Month
National Baked Bean Month
National Hot Dog Month
National Pickle Month


July 1: National Gingersnap Day
July 2: Celebrate National Hot Dog Month
July 3: Eat Beans Day
July 4: National Cesar Salad Day
July 5: National Apple Turnover Day
July 6: National Fried Chicken Day
July 7: National Strawberry Sundae Day
July 8: National Chocolate with Almonds Day
July 9: National Sugar Cookie Day
July 10:National Pina Colada Day
July 11: National Blueberry Muffin Day
July 12: National Pecan Pie Day
July 13: National French Fries Day
July 14: National Macaroni Day
July 15: National Tapioca Pudding Day
July 16: National Corn Fritters Day
July 17: National Peach Ice Cream Day
July 18: National Caviar Day
July 19: Celebrate Ice Cream Month
July 20: National Lollipop Day
July 21: National Junk Food Day
July 22: National Penuche Fudge Day
July 23: National Vanilla Ice Cream Day
July 24: Celebrate National Baked Bean Month
July 25: National Hot Fudge Sundae Day
July 26: Celebrate National Hotdog Month
July 27: National Creme Brule Day
July 28: National Milk Chocolate Day
July 29: Cheese Sacrifice Purchase Day
July 30: National Cheese Cake Day
July 31: Jump For Jelly Beans Day

Spanish Rice

Serves 6

2 Tbs vegetable oil
1 cup uncooked regular long grain rice
1 medium onion, chopped (1 cup)
2 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp chili powder
1/8-tsp garlic powder
1 small green pepper, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 8-ounce can tomato sauce (not pasta sauce)

Heat oil in 10-inch skillet over medium heat.

Cook rice and onion in oil about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until rice is golden brown and onion is tender.

Stir in remaining ingredients. Heat to boiling; reduce heat to low.

Cover and simmer about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender.

Chicken Enchiladas

Serves 6

1 (16 oz) can tomatoes
1 (4 oz) can green chile peppers, rinsed and drained
1/2 tsp coriander seed
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup dairy sour cream
2 cups finely chopped cooked chicken or turkey


1 (3 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
3/4 tsp salt
2 Tbs cooking oil
12 6-inch corn tortillas
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (4 oz)

Place undrained tomatoes, chile peppers, coriander seed, and the 1/2 tsp salt in blender container. Cover; blend till mixture is smooth. Add sour cream; cover and blend just till combined. Set aside.

Combine chicken or turkey, cream cheese, onion and 3/4 tsp salt.

In skillet heat cooking oil. Dip tortillas, one at a time, into hot oil for 10 seconds or just till limp. Drain on paper towels.

Spoon chicken mixture on tortillas; roll up. Place seam side down in 12 by 7 1/2 by 2 inch baking dish. Pour tomato mixture atop. Cover with foil; bake in 350°F oven about 30 minutes or until heated through. Remove foil; sprinkle with shredded cheese. Return to oven till cheese melts.

Gingersnap Cookies

Today is National Gingersnap Day . . .



3 c. flour
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. cloves
2 tsp. ginger
1 1/2 cup butter
2 c. white sugar
2 eggs
1/2 c. molasses

Cream butter until fluffy. Gradually add sugar. Add eggs and molasses, add flour mixed with spices and soda.

Drop by teaspoon onto an ungreased baking sheet. Allow for spreading.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool a minute or two before removing from baking sheet.

Crab Cocktail Dip

by Tracey Seaman

From Every Day with Rachael Ray
August 2008


Spread 1 pound of softened cream cheese in a 5-by-9-inch baking dish.

Layer with 1 cup of cocktail sauce and 1 pound of lump crab meat.

Sprinkle chopped chives on top and serve with crackers.