Creole Green Beans

Green beans are low in calories and loaded with nutrients — an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin C, manganese, vitamin A, dietary fiber, potassium, foliate, and iron . . . they are a good source of magnesium, thiamin, riboflavin, copper, calcium, phosphorus, protein, omega-3 fatty acids and niacin. Substitute olive oil instead of butter and use fresh green beans to make this recipe healthier.  Bacon? Up to you . . . but bacon makes everything better.

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1 (14 ounce) package frozen green beans

6 thick slices bacon, chopped

1/2 onion, chopped

1/2 green bell pepper, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon Creole seasoning

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

salt to taste

Melt butter over medium heat in a large skillet. 

Stir in green beans, bacon, onion, green pepper, and garlic; cook and stir until onions are translucent, about 2 minutes. 

Stir in cayenne pepper, Creole seasoning, and black pepper. Cover; reduce heat to low. 

Simmer until vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes. 

Season to taste with salt. 

Source: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DoriesRecipeBox/

Ham and Swiss Cheese Potato Bake

There is nothing like an awesome meal that
is quick and easy . . . this is comfort food!

Serves: 6

Prep. time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 65 minutes




1 package Betty Crocker® julienne potatoes
2 1/2 cups boiling water
2/3 cup milk
1 1/2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese, (4 ounces)
1/2 cup plain dry bread crumbs





Heat oven to 400°F.

Stir together potatoes, sauce mix and boiling water in
ungreased 2-quart casserole. Stir in milk, ham and cheese.

Bake uncovered 50 minutes; sprinkle with bread crumbs.

Bake 10 to 14 minutes longer or until top is golden brown.







Source: Betty Crocker® Cookbook

Cooking and Cleaning Tips

This article from the Old Farmer's Almanac website was meant for the holidays, but they are great tips for any day of the year! I have added the website link on the sidebar for future reference . . . check out their cooking and recipe section, it is awesome!

• Before you cook even one holiday recipe, remove kitchen clutter, making as much room as you can for holiday preparations. Cast a cold, hard eye on those kitchen counters. Get out a large cardboard box and fill it with all the things you won't need, and stash the box in the attic or basement.
  
  
• Attack the refrigerator. Discard everything that's past its prime. Make space to chill bowls of cookie dough, batches of eggnog, and perishable food gifts you may receive.
  
  
• Read recipes carefully and think through every special meal you'll cook. Organize your work area. Pay special attention to pan sizes and the space you will need for such activities as rolling dough and combining several bowls of ingredients.
  
  
• Check to make sure you have plenty storage containers and materials, including of plastic wrap, waxed paper and aluminum foil. If you use glass or plastic containers with snap-on lids, organize them so they're easy to find—and that includes the lids that fit them.
  
  
• Clean as you go. Make a habit of washing, drying, and putting away equipment as soon as you can after using it.
  
  
• If you face a roasting pan with baked-on grease and gunk, fill the sink with hot water, add 2 tablespoons of dishwasher detergent, and soak the pan overnight. Then scrub it with steel wool.
  
  
• If you burn something and it sticks to the bottom of the pan, let the pan cool off. Scrape out as much of the burned food as you can. Then fill the pan with cold water and add 3 tablespoons of salt or baking soda. Let it sit overnight. In the morning, bring the water slowly to a boil and let it simmer for 20 minutes. The pan should just wipe clean.
  
  
• If your glassware looks cloudy, put 1 to 2 tablespoons of lemon juice in the offending vessel and fill it to the top with hot water. Let it sit for at least three hours. Then rinse it out and wash it in warm, soapy water.
  
  
• When cleaning heavily tarnished silver, rub it with a damp cloth sprinkled with salt; then wash off the salt and polish the silver. If you run out of silver polish, use toothpaste. It works just as well and smells a whole lot better.

Source: Old Farmer's Almanac website

Focaccia

Ingredients

1 teaspoon white sugar
1 package active dry yeast (.25 oz)
1/3 cup warm water (110 degrees)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt

In a small bowl, dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture with flour; stir well to combine. Stir in additional water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until all of the flour is absorbed. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly for about 1 minute.

Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 475 degrees.

Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface; knead briefly.

Pat or roll the dough into a sheet and place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Brush the dough with oil and sprinkle with salt.

Bake focaccia in preheated oven for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on desired crispness. If you like it moist and fluffy, wait about 10 minutes. If you like it crunchier and darker in the outside, you may have to wait 20 minutes. Keep close watch the first time you make this recipe so you will know how long to bake it the next time.

Salsa Cornbread

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup buttermilk, or equivalent buttermilk powder
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 cup drained canned corn kernels
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 cup chopped tomato
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
• 1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 425° F. Place a 9-inch cast-iron skillet (or similar ovenproof skillet, see Tip) in the oven to heat.
   
   
2. Whisk all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
   
   
3. Whisk eggs, buttermilk, butter and honey in a medium bowl. Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients; mix with a rubber spatula. Stir in corn, onion, tomato, garlic and jalapeno.
   
   
4. Remove the skillet from the oven and coat it with cooking spray. Pour in the batter, spreading evenly. Sprinkle cheese over the top. Bake the cornbread until golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Serve warm.

Source: LifeScript.com

Almond Party Spread Cream Cheese

1 package cream cheese -- (8 ounce) 1 1/2 cups grated Swiss cheese -- (6 ounces) 1/3 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing 2 tbl chopped green onion 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 1/8 tsp pepper 1/3 cup sliced -- toasted almonds Crackers

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Thoroughly mix all ingredients
except crackers and spread into a 9
inch pie plate.

Bake 15 minutes, stirring after 8 minutes.

Serve with crackers.

Makes approximately 2 1/2 cups

Super Bowl Sunday Snacks
Source: Home Cooking January 1996

Caramel Pecan Pie

1 9-inch pie crust -- pre-baked for 12 minutes at 350
degrees

1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup butter
1/2 cup honey
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups pecans (toasted and chopped)

Combine sugars, butter, and honey in a heavy-bottom sauce pan; cook over medium heat, and stir only until melted. Heat until mixture reaches 240 degrees on a candy thermometer.

Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream and pecans (mixture will bubble slightly).

Pour into pre-baked pie shell and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes.
Cool.

Serves 6-8


Source: The Florida Department of Agriculture
http://www.fl-ag.com

Cream cheese pound cake

Can't wait to try this one out!


1 1/2 C. butter softened
1 (8 oz) pkg. cream cheese softened
3 C. sugar
6 eggs
2 t. vanilla extract
1 t. lemon extract
3 C. all purpose flour
1/2 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt
Confectioners' sugar
sliced fresh strawberries and whipped cream optional


In a large bowl cream the butter, cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in extracts. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; beat into creamed mixture until blended.

Pour into a greased and flour 10" fluted tube pan. Bake at 325 for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Garnish with confectioners' sugar, strawberries.


http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DoriesRecipeBox/

7-Layer Meatless Tortilla Pie

from Campbell's Kitchen

Prep Time: 20 min.
Bake Time: 40 min.

Ingredients:

2 cans (about 15 ounces each) pinto beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup Pace® Picante Sauce

1/4 tsp. garlic powder or 1 clove garlic, minced

2 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro leaves

1 can (about 15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 small tomato, chopped (about 1/2 cup)

7 flour tortillas (8-inch)

8 oz. shredded Cheddar cheese (about 2 cups)

Directions:

Mash the pinto beans in a medium bowl with a fork. Stir in 3/4 cup picante sauce and the garlic powder. Stir the remaining picante sauce, cilantro, black beans and tomato in a medium bowl. Place 1 tortilla onto a baking sheet. Spread 3/4 cup pinto bean mixture over the tortilla to within 1/2-inch of the edge. Top with 1/4 cup cheese. Top with 1 tortilla and 2/3 cup black bean mixture. Top with 1/4 cup cheese. Repeat the layers twice more. Top with the remaining tortilla and spread with the remaining pinto bean mixture. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake at 400°F. for 40 minutes or until the filling is hot. Uncover the pie. Top with the remaining cheese. Cut the pie into 6 wedges. Serve with additional picante sauce and sprinkle with additional cilantro, if desired. Serves 6.

			If you like spicy food, stir some minced jalapeno into the Pace® Picante Sauce and garlic powder.

Turtle Praline Tart

1 refrigerated pie pastry
36 caramels
1 C. heavy whipping cream divided
3 1/2 C. pecan halves
1/2 C. semi sweet chocolate chips

On a lightly floured surface unroll pastry. Transfer to an 11" fluted tart pan with removeable bottom; trim edges. Line unpriced pastry with a double thickness of heavy duty foil. Bake at 450 for 8 minutes. Remove foil; bake 5-7 minutes longer or until light golden brown.
In a large saucepan, combine caramels and 1/2 C. cream. Cook and stir over medium low heat until caramels are melted. Stir in pecans. Spread filling evenly into crust.

In a small microwave safe bowl, melt chips, drizzle over filling. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until set. Whip remaining cream serve with tart.



Source:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DoriesRecipeBox/

Panera Bread's Baked Potato Soup

Panera Bread is one of my favorite places to hang out . . . rarely do I miss out on a cup of this awesome soup.


4 large baking potatoes
5 slices bacon
1/2 cup butter
1 large onion, diced
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
6 cups milk
2 teaspoons coarse salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups (6-ounces) grated cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup sour cream


Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Scrub potatoes well and prick several times with fork; bake approximately 1 1/2 hours to 2 hours. Remove from oven and let cool. When cool, cut in half lengthwise and scoop out potato pulp; set aside. Discard skins.

Cook bacon until crisp. Drain, reserving drippings, crumble, and set aside.

In a large soup pot over low heat, add reserved bacon dripping and butter. Add onion and saute approximately 4 to 5 minutes until soft. Stir in flour until well combined; cook for several minutes, but do not let brown. Gradually add milk and bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until thickened. Add potato, salt, pepper, crumbled bacon, and 1 cup cheese.

Stir while cooking until cheese is melted, add in sour cream. Additional milk may be added to adjust thickness.

Cherry Chocolate Cobbler

1-1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 c. butter
1 (6 oz.) pkg. Nestle's semi-sweet chocolate morsels
1/4 c. milk
1 egg
1 (21 oz.) can cherry pie filling
1/2 c. nuts, finely chopped


Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and butter; cut with pastry blender until crumbs are the size of large peas.

Melt Nestle's semi-sweet chocolate morsels over hot (not boiling) water. Remove from heat and cool slightly at room temperature (about 5 minutes).

Add milk and egg to melted chocolate and mix well.

Blend chocolate into flour mixture. Spread cherry pie filling in bottom of 2 quart casserole. Drop chocolate batter randomly over cherries. Sprinkle with chopped nuts.

Bake at 350 degrees for 40 - 45 minutes.

Serve warm with heavy cream.

Makes 6 servings.

Coconut Oatmeal Crispies

1 cup butter-flavored shortening
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup flaked coconut
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt

In a mixing bowl, cream the shortening and both sugars until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time. Beat well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla.

Combine the oats, flour, coconut, baking soda, and the salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture.

Shape into two 6 inch rolls. Wrap each roll in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm.

Unwrap the dough and cut into 1/4 inch slices. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 F for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove to the wire racks to cool. Makes 4 dozen

Caramel Cream Sandwich Cookies

Cookies:
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup butter, softened
1 egg yolk
2 cups flour

Frosting:
2 tbsp butter (do not use margarine)
1 1/4 cups powdered sygar
1/2 tsp vanilla
4 to 5 tsp milk

In a large bowl, beat the brown sugar and 1 cup butter with an electric mixer on medium speed. Scrape the bowl occasionally until light and fluffy.

Beat in the egg yolk.

On low speed, beat in the flour until well blended.

If necessary, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes for easier handling.

Heat the oven to 325 F.

Shape the dough into 1-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. With a fork dipped in flour, flatten each ball to 1 1/2 inches round.

Bake for 10 to 14 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool for 1 minute. Remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a 2-quart saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat, stirring constantly, until light golden brown. Remove from the heat. Stir in the remaining frosting ingredients. Add enough milk until smooth and spreadable. Spread 1 teaspoon of frosting between the bottoms of pairs of cooled cookies.

Makes 30 sandwich cookies



Recipe Source: Pillsbury Bake-Off - Helen Beckman

Colorful Caramel Bites

1 cup + 6 Tbs. flour, divided
1 cup quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats, uncooked
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) butter or margarine, melted
1-3/4 cups "M&M's" semi-sweet chocolate mini baking bits, divided
1-1/2 cups chopped pecans, divided
12 oz. jar caramel ice cream topping

Heat oven to 350.

Combine 1 cup flour, oats, sugar, baking soda and salt;
blend in melted butter to form crumbly mixture.

Press half the crumb mixture onto bottom of 9x9 inch baking pan;
bake 10 minutes.

Sprinkle with 1 cup "M&M's" baking bits and 1 cup nuts.

Blend remaining 6 Tbs. flour with caramel topping; pour over top.

Combine remaining crumb mixture, remaining 3/4 cup "M&M's" and remaining 1/2
cup nuts; sprinkle over caramel layer.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool completely.

Cut into squares. Makes 36 bars.


Source: Favorite Brand Name 100 Best Bake Sale Recipes

Crab Toast

I have not tried this recipe personally, but plan on trying it out soon. I would use real crab meat! Don't know what the originator of the recipe considers to be Italian cheese blend, but I would use mozzarella cheese . . .

1 loaf French bread
1/4 C. butter cubed
4 plum tomatoes peeled and finely chopped, divided
1 jalapeno pepper seeded and chopped
2 garlic cloves minced
2 t. minced fresh cilantro
2 (8 oz) pkg. imitation crab meat
3/4 C. ricotta cheese
1/2 C. sour cream
2 C. shredded Italian cheese blend divided

Cut bread in half horizontally, hollow out top and bottom leaving 1" shells. Crumble removed bread, set aside.

In a large skillet melt butter over medium heat; add half of the tomatoes. Add the jalapeno, garlic and cilantro; cook and stir for 4 minutes. Remove from the heat.

In a large bowl, combine the crab, ricotta and sour cream. Stir in the tomato mixture, reserved bread crumbs and 1 C. cheese blend. Spoon into bread shells. Place on an ungreased baking sheet.

Bake at 375 for 15 minutes.

Top with remaining cheese blend and tomatoes. Bake 5-7 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.


Source: Dorie @ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DoriesRecipeBox/

Apple Crisp Muffins

3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
2 cups flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp. salt
1 medium apple, pared and copped
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Crisp:
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup oats
1/3 cup margarine
3/4 tsp cinnamon

Heat oven to 400.

Grease muffin pan.

Beat milk, oil and egg. Add apples. Stir in
flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cinamon, all at once, until flour is
moistened.

Divide into muffin tray.

Mix the crisp ingredients together,
generously top each muffin with the crisp mixture.

Bake about 18-20 minutes.

(makes 1 dozen)

Double Coconut Cream Pie

1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 tsp. salt
2 cups milk
1 8 ounce can cream of coconut (3/4 cup)
3 beaten egg yolks
2 tbl. margarine
1 cup flaked coconut
2 tsp. vanilla
1-9" baked pastry shell
3 egg whites
½ tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
1/3 cup sugar
2 tbl. flaked coconut

For filling:
In a medium saucepan combine first 1/3 cup sugar, cornstarch and salt. Stir
in milk and cream of coconut. Cook and stir over medium heat till thickened
and bubbly. Cook and stir 2 minutes more. Gradually stir about 1 cup of the
hot milk mixture into the beaten egg yolks, stirring constantly. Return all
the mixture to saucepan. Cook and stir till bubbly. Cook and stir 2 minutes
more. Remove from heat. Stir in margarine till melted. Stir in 1 cup coconut
and 2 tsp. vanilla. Pour filling into baked pastry shell.

For meringue:
Let egg whites stand at room temp. for 30 minutes. In a mixing bowl beat egg
whites, ½ tsp. vanilla, and cream of tartar on medium speed of electric
mixer till soft peaks form (tips curl). Gradually add 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tbl.
at a time, till stiff peaks form. Evenly spread meringue over hot filling;
seal to pastry edge. Sprinkle with 2 tbl. coconut.

Bake in 350°F oven for 15 minutes. Cool for 1 hour on wire rack. Cover and chill 3-6 hours before serving.

Coconut Macadamia Nut Pie

1 refrigerated pie crust
1 can cream of coconut
2 boxes cook and serve vanilla pudding mix
1 3/4 cups milk
4z macadamia nuts, chopped
1 ½ cup heavy cream
2/3 cup shredded coconut, toasted

Heat oven to 450°F.

Place piecrust into 9" pie plate and crimp edges.

Bake at 450°F for 10 min.

Cool completely.

Reserve 3 tbl. of the cream of coconut.

In a medium saucepan, mix remaining cream of coconut, pudding mix and milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick, about 18 min.

Take off heat and stir in half of the nuts.

Pour filling into cooled piecrust and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Whip cream and reserved 3 tbl. cream of coconut to stiff peaks.

Spread over top of pie.

Top with remaining nuts and toasted coconut.

Refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight.

Bleu Cheese and Onion Dip

Ingredients:

3 ounce package of cream cheese
3 ounces of bleu cheese, crumbled
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon dried minced onion (or fresh chopped fine)
dash of garlic powder
dash of black pepper


In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese and bleu cheese together.
Stir in the remaining ingredients. Mix well.

Cover and let chill in the refrigerator for about an hour.

This dip is good with crackers, raw
vegetables, and potato chips.