Chocolate Cherry Upside-Down Cake

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon cold water
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
1 can (21 oz.) cherry pie filling
1-2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract


Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Stir together cornstarch, 1 tablespoon water and almond extract, if desired, until cornstarch is dissolved. Gently stir in pie filling; spread mixture evenly on bottom of ungreased 9-inch square baking pan.

2. Stir together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add 1 cup water, oil, vinegar and vanilla; beat with spoon until batter is smooth and well blended. Pour batter evenly over cherries.

3. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; invert onto serving plate.

Serve warm with whipped cream . . . wait . . .
vanilla ice cream sounds better :-)

UPDATE:

The concept is awesome, however, the cake in this recipe was dry
 and there were not enough cherries to make a significant topping.

When I make this again, I will use a cake mix and
 double the cherry mixture.


From my personal recipe collection, origin not known

Shrimp and Pasta

The combination of shrimp and pasta is among my favorites. You won't be surprised to know I have many variations. This is one that is quick, easy and delicious. Serve with lots of parmesean cheese and italian bread!

Ingredients:

2 lbs. raw shrimp, cleaned
2 Tbs. butter
2 Tbs. olive oil
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tsp. red pepper flakes
1 tsp. Old Bay season
1 lb. angel hair pasta



Directions:

Cook pasta according to package directions. In a large skillet melt butter into olive oil and lightly saute the garlic. Add shrimp and sprinkle with pepper flakes and Old Bay. Saute just until shrimp begin to turn pink.

Add your cooked pasta to the pan and finish cooking the shrimp.

Do not overcook!

Mexican Shrimp Dip

Ingredients:

8 oz cream cheese
2 T milk
dash of salt and pepper
1/2 c Heinz chili sauce
1 c fresh or frozen tiny shrimp-drain, rinse, pat dry
4 chopped green onions
3/4 c red bell peppers
4 oz sliced black olives-drain and pat dry
4 oz mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese-grated
Party crackers or party bread slices



Directions:

Mix cream cheese, milk, salt, and pepper in small bowl smooth.

Spread on a serving plate.

Top with remaining ingredients in the order listed in even layers.

Cover and chill 1-4 hours.

Serve with crackers or bread slices.



From my personal recipe collection ~ origin not known

Fried Dough

The smell of the Florida State Fair is what came to mind when I found this recipe. My grandmother used to make a pastry similar to the fried dough at the fair, although it was more like bite sized pieces.

Ingredients:

8 eggs
1 cup sugar1 tsp. salt1 pint milk, warm1 stick butter soft4 cups flour
2 packages yeast

Directions:

Pour yeast in 1 cup warm milk
and 1 tablespoon of sugar, stir.

Sift together flour, salt, and
sugar and make a well in mixture.

Add eggs and milk a little at a time.

Add butter.

Stir well.

Mix thorough and place dough in large greased bowl.

Cover and let rise for about 11/2 to 2 hours.

When dough rises and appears light in texture,
cut off some of the dough and stretch it with your hands.

Drop into hot fat and fry until golden brown.

Add anything you would like to the fried dough,
such as powdered sugar, cinnamon and sugar.

This recipe was given to me by a friend - origin unknown