Double Cheese Delight

Valerie's Kitchen

*very simple dish
** Note-A couple of things to keep in mind with ALL of my recipes:
-I usually eyeball my ingredients so feel free to give a little/take a little according to your likes/dislikes

Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1/3 cup chopped onions
2 stalks celery; chopped
1 tsp salt
1-8oz can tomato sauce
3 ounces cream cheese; softened
1/2 c. cottage cheese
1/4 c. sour cream
4 ounces wide noodles (I use the "no yolks" noodles)

Directions:
-Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
-Follow package directions to cook the noodles, drain and set aside.

-Brown ground beef, onions, & celery in large skillet over med high heat
-Once browned drain off fat.
-Transfer meat mixture to casserole dish.
-Stir cream cheese into meat mixture.
-Add cottage cheese & sour cream. Fold into cooked noodles and cover.
-Bake 30-40 minutes at 350 degrees or until bubbly.
-Remove from oven and let set for 5 minutes.

-Serve and ENJOY!!!

Yummy Tucson Tour de Restaurants

Here are a few suggestions to Tucson readers or anyone who may visit at any time (hint, hint)-
Andrea

Casa Vicente - Tapas and fabulous Sangria

Cafe Poca Cosa - Delish mexican food

Pico De Gallo - The BEST fish tacos and horchata in town

Zemam's - Ethopian food. No air and water here folks, pure tastiness!

Lovin' Spoonfuls - Vegan loaded with garlic, my poor afternoon students today!

Zach's Pizza - Great college pizza joint

Bison Witches - Best sandwiches and soups/bread bowls with an INCREDIBLE beer selection

Wildflower - I have only been there once, but Noel could shine some light on the tasty food. I had a great spinach salad with goat cheese, walnuts and a raspberry vinaigrette.

I will write more when I can gather my thoughts. The links are to a variety of actual restaurant links and some to reviews if they do not have their own page. Cheers!

MOLTEN CHOCOLATE CAKES

From Tracy's kitchen

MOLTEN CHOCOLATE CAKES

(from Southern Living Ultimate Quick and Easy Cookbook)

Prep:19 minutes Cook:11 minutes Other: 1 to 24 hours

(you could change it slightly by putting each one in a custard dish to bake, I have the Pyrex ones. That way they are in their own special dish and you don't have to move them so much. )

2 tablespoons butter, melted

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa

3/4 cup butter, cut into pieces

3(4 oz) bars premium semi-sweet chocolate, broken into chunks (the booked called for Ghirardelli, I was unable to find chocolate bars, but used the same brand chocolate chips in the baking aisle)

1/2 cup whipping cream

1 1/4 cups egg substitute (like egg beaters, because it doesn't stay in the oven long enough to cook all the way)

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2/3 cup all-purpose flour

Powdered sugar

~Brush 16 muffin pans with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle evenly with cocoa, shaking out excess. Place in refrigerator to firm butter.

~Place 3/4 cup butter and chocolate in a large heavy saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring often, until butter and chocolate melt. Slowly whisk in cream; set mixture aside.~Combine egg substitute and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer 5 to 7 minutes or until slightly thickened; add chocolate cream and flour, beating until blended. Pour batter in to muffin cups, filing to within 1/4-inch from tops. Cover and chill at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours , or cover an freeze up to 1 month. If frozen, thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking.

~Bake at 450 for 10 to 11 minutes or just until edges of cakes spring back when lightly touched, but centers are still soft. Let stand 3 minutes before loosening edges with a knife. Quickly invert cakes onto a baking sheet. Transfer to dessert plates using a spatula. Sprinkle wit powdered sugar. Serve immediately. Yield:16 servings.

Better than any restaurants Cashew Chicken

From Andrea's Kitchen:

I got a great Chinese cookbook from a friend a few years back and have loved the recipes I have tried. It is Chopstick, Cleaver and Wok by Jennie Low. This is one of my favorites from the book and one I have made several times (adapted slightly for laziness).

Cashew Chicken (Yiu Gwoh Gai)

*1/2 c roasted, unsalted cashews
*1 whole chicken breast (I have bought 2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, but even better I started buying the breast stir fry cuts for ease) - if buying breast or breast halves, cut into 1/2" cubes - if buying stir fry meat I just leave as is.
*1 stalk celery
*1/2 yellow onion
*1 carrot
*1/4 lb fresh mushrooms
*3 tbs oil
*1/4 tsp salt
*1/4 tsp sugar
*1 c chicken stock
*3/4 c sliced winter bamboo shoots (I just buy a can of whatever I can find)

Seasoning:
*1/2 tsp salt
*1/2 tsp sugar
*1 tsp thin soy sauce (I just use what I have)
*1 tsp oyster sauce
*1 tbs corn starch

Thickener:
*1 tbs cornstarch - mixed well with 2 tbs cold water
*2 tsp dark soy sauce (again, I just use whatever I have)
*1 tbs sesame oil

1. Add seasoning ingredients to the chicken. Mix well and set aside.
2. Peel celery. Cut into 1 1/2" long pieces, then cut each piece into strips, julienne style.
3. Cut onion into 1/4" wedges
4. Peel carrot. Slice carrot and mushrooms into thin slices (I usually buy the sliced mushrooms for this)
5. Combine thickener ingredients and mix well.
6. Heat wok or large non-stick skillet and add 1 tbs oil. Add celery, onion, carrot and mushrooms and stir fry over high heat for 2 minutes. Add salt and sugar. Remove from the pan and set aside.
7. Add 2 tbs oil to the pan and heat on high. Add chicken and stir fry for 2 minutes.
8. Add chicken stock and bamboo shoots. Cover and cook on high for 3 minutes.
9. Add celery mixture. Cook thoroughly.
10. When chicken is cooked through stir in the thickener. Cook for 30 seconds.
11. Remove from the heat and mix in the cashews. Toss well and serve!!

Nutty Enchiladas with Spicy Chile Sauce

From Andrea's kitchen:

I like this recipe, but will be honest that it wasn't Ben's favorite. I personally like it a lot and ate leftovers for 2 days after making it.

For the filling:
1 tbs olive oil
2 carrots - chopped fine
1 1/2 c minced onions
1 garlic clove - minced
1 tsp chopped fresh oregano (or 1/2 tsp dried)
1 16oz package firm tofu
10 oz fresh spinach - large stems removed
1 1/2 c (1 15 oz can) black beans - rinsed and drained
1 c low-fat or non-fat cottage cheese
1/2 tsp salt
Fresh ground black pepper to taste

For the sauce:
1 tbs olive oil
1 large garlic clove - minced
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin seeds
3 c finely chopped plum tomatoes (about 8)
1/4 c sherry (vege stock if you need non-A version)
1 tbs red or white wine vinegar
1 1/3 c water
1 pinch ground cloves
1 chipotle pepper (canned in adobo sauce)
1/4 c chopped almonds - lightly toasted
1/2 tsp salt
Black pepper to taste

4 10in or 8 6-8 in flour tortillas

1. Preheat the oven to 350*.
Make the filling: In a large non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the carrots, onions, garlic and oregano. Saute for about 8 minutes, stirring frequently. While it cooks, take the tofu out of its water and pit it into a bowl. With your hands, break up the tofu by squeezing it through your fingers. Stir in the spinach into the onions and carrots and cook until the spinach wilts. Stir in black beans, then tofu, cottage cheese, salt and pepper. Take the pan off the heat.

2. Make the sauce: In a medium sized saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Ad the garlic, chili powder,and cumin seeds. Stir constantly for 30 seconds, making sure the garlic does not brown. Add the tomatoes and sherry (or broth), vinegar and water, and let the mixture simmer for 4 minutes. Add the cloves and chipotle pepper and simmer 6-8 minutes stirring, once or twice. Remove from the heat.

3. Grind the almonds fine in a food processor or blender. Add half the sauce to the blender and puree. If you want a spicy sauce, leave the chipotle in and blend. If you want a milder sauce take out part or the whole pepper. Transfer to a bowl. Puree the second half and add to the first half.

4. Assemble the dish: On your work surface, lay out 1 large or 2 small tortillas. Fill the tortillas with 1/4 filling. So 1/3 for one large, or 1/4 for 2 small. Roll them tight and place in casserole. Fill remaining tortillas. Pour sauce over the enchiladas, then cover with foil. Bake for 20 minutes and serve hot.

Thai Tofu with Red Curry Sauce over Coconut Scallion Rice

From Andrea's Kitchen:

This is my ALL time favorite recipe:

1 1/2 tsp grated lime zest
1 1/4 c coconut milk (10 oz)
2 3/4 c water
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 c rice (I prefer jasmine, but basmati or regular long grain would work)
1 bunch cilnatro - coarsley chopped (2/3 c for the sauce and 2 tbs for garnish)
2 large garlic cloves - cut in half
1/4 c dry-roasted, unsalted peanuts
1 tbs fish sauce
1/4 c canola or corn oil (I never have either on hand and have always used olive oil)
3 tbs hot chile sauce or 2 tbs chile paste
1 16oz package firm tofu - patted dry and cut into 1/2 in cubes
1/2 bunch broccoli - cut into small pieces
1 c minced scallions - both green and white parts

1. Bring the coconut milk, 2 1/4 c water and 1 tsp salt to a boil, then add rice. Cover and reduce heat to lowest setting. Cook for about 25 minutes.

2. In a food processor or blender combine lime zest, cilantro, garlic cloves, and peanuts. Run the machine until the nuts and rind are pulverized. While the machine is running, add the fish sauce and 3 tbs oil, then add chile sauce or paste. transfer to a bowl.

3. In a hot non-stick skillet or wok, heat remaining oil (1 tbs). Add the tofu and cook until the pieces form a golden crust on the bottom. Flip and cook until a crust is formed on the other side. (To be honest, I never have enough patience for that and usually just make sure it is hot). Transfer the tofu to a plate.

4. Put the broccoli and remaining 1/2 cup water into the skillet. Cover and steam the broccoli for 2 minutes. Stir in lime/peanut paste and cook, stirring for 1 minute more. Add tofu and toss.

5. Stir scallions into the rice. Mound rice on plates and spoon tofu/sauce around it or over it. Sprinkle with cilantro for garnish and enjoy!!

Watermelon Daiquiri

From Andrea's Kitchen.....soon to be a better kitchen!

I had a watermelon in desperate need of being used, and after making a granita I still had half a melon left. What is a girl to do when a melon starts to get grainy and won't be good for much longer? Why, we drink it of course!

2 cups coursely chopped watermelon
3 tbsp sugar
1/4 to 1/2 c rum (some like it strong.....Valerie!!) I imagine vodka would work too, but you would want to add some other flavor, maybe orange liquor.
juice of 1/2 lemon

Puree the mixture then add ice to fill blender to 3/4 full. Blend until it is the consistency you want. I have to say, even though I am not supposed to be drinking during the week, I will try this with my cantelope this weekend!

Next time I will add mint to the mix, I just didn't have any on hand.

Linguine with Spicy Sausage and Scallion Sauce

From Andrea's Kitchen:

1/4 pound linguine (I used spinach flavored noodles)
4 scallions
1/2 c cilantro (it called for parsley, but cilantro packs so much more punch)
2 tbs pine nuts
1/4 c plus 1 tbs olive oil
1/2 c grated parm/reggiano cheese
salt and pepper to taste
3/4 lb hot italian sausage (I used spicy italian style chicken sausage from our local deli) about 4 links with casings removed

1. In a large pot of generously boiling water cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 c of the cooking liquid.
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2. Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine scallions, cilantro, pine nuts, and 1/4 c olive oil. Add the 1/2 c cheese, season with salt and pepper and process until the pesto is just blended.
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3. In a large skillet heat the remaining 1 tbs oil. Add the sausage and cook over high heat, breaking up the sausage with a wooden spoon until it is light brown and no trace of pink remains. Drain off the fat.
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4. Return the sausage to the skillet. Add the pesto, pasta and 3/4 c of the reserved liquid, simmer over moderate heat, tossing, until a creamy sauce forms. Add more liquid if the sauce is dry. Transfer to bowls and serve grating extra parm to taste over the dishes.

Double Chocolate Brownies

Posted by Kelly

I'm watching Discovery Health late one night and a new show comes on, Healthy Decadence with Devin Alexander, and she is baking Double Chocolate Brownies. They looked so good, I could hardly wait till morning to go out and get the ingredients (don't worry, I might be pregnant, but I wasn't crazy enough to start baking in the middle of the night).

Anyways, the good news is these are the 'not so bad' brownies made without oil...so go ahead and have seconds!

Ingredients

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 egg whites
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (semi-sweet)
Butter-flavored cooking spray

**Don't use Splenda! I tried the second time and they were terrible**

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8x8 inch non-stick cake pan with spray.

In a medium mixing bowl, using a sturdy whisk or spatula, mix the applesauce, vanilla, egg whites and sugar until they are well combined.

Add the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir the mixture until it is just combined and no lumps remain. Pour it into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the chips evenly over the top. Bake the brownies for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out dry (a few crumbs are okay).

Transfer the pan to a cooling rack and allow them to cool 5 minutes. Cut into 12 equal brownies. Makes 12 (1 brownie) servings.

Nutrition

Each brownie has: 88 calories, 2 g protein, 19 g carbohydrates, 1 g fat, less than 1 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 1 g fiber, 133 mg sodium

Traditional Double Chocolate Brownies have: 260 calories, 3 g protein, 37 g carbohydrates, 12 g fat, 3 g saturated fat, 15 mg cholesterol, 1 g fiber, 165 mg sodium

Spicy Cuban Mojo Chicken

From Andrea's Kitchen

For the Marinade:

1 teaspoon cumin seed
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 fresh red chile pepper, chopped (I used a Serano since my in-laws aren't big on spice)
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
5 teaspoons orange juice
5 teaspoons lemon juice
2 (8 ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon lime zest
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon sweet soy sauce
1/4 cup cold, unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup diced mango
1/2 avocado
chopped fresh cilantro to taste
chopped fresh parsley to taste

DIRECTIONS
1. Toast the cumin seeds in a dry skillet over medium-high heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Place the cumin seeds, garlic, chile pepper, salt, olive oil, orange juice, and lemon juice into the bowl of a blender; grind to a coarse paste. Toss the chicken with the marinade, then place into the refrigerator, and allow to marinate for about 2 1/2 hours.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until browned. Place into the oven, and cook until the juices run clear, about 8 minutes. When the chicken is done, remove, cover with foil, and allow to rest for 3 to 5 minutes.
4. While the chicken is in the oven, whisk together the olive oil, orange juice, lime zest, honey, and soy sauce in a skillet over medium-high heat. Simmer until the orange juice has reduced to 1/3 of original volume and is beginning to get thick and syrupy. Once thick, remove from heat, and whisk in the butter pieces one at a time until melted; set aside. (I would consider making more sauce next time I prepare this and I will prepare it again!)
5. To serve, place chicken on the plate and sprinkle with mango and avocado. Drizzle with the sauce, and garnish with cilantro and parsley.

Side dish:

I served this with Jasmin rice that was cooked in chicken broth. When the rice was done I stirred in some chopped cilantro, olive oil and rice vinegar. It was tasty seconds with some of the mango, avocado and sauce over the top!

Roast Beef

From Andrea's Kitchen:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
ground black pepper to taste
3 1/2 pounds rump roast
1/4 cup butter
1/2 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup dry vermouth or dry white wine

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and black pepper to taste. Dredge the rump roast in the flour and cover evenly. Shake off excess.
3. In a large pot over medium/high heat, melt the butter and brown the roast on all sides. Place in a 4 quart casserole dish with lid.
4. In a small bowl, combine the soup mix, mushroom soup, and vermouth or white wine; pour over roast.
5. Cover and bake in preheated oven for 3 hours or until desired doneness. You could so this in a slow cooker too, just cook for 6 hours in the slow cooker instead.

Garlic and Citrus Chicken

I'd post a photo, but ... we ate it all before I could do so. Sorry.

From Jen's kitchen:

Whole fryer chicken
olive oil
salt & pepper
whole bunch of garlic
whole orange
whole lemon (lime or grapefruit work in a pinch)
orange juice
chicken broth

Preheat oven to 400*, put rack in middle. Remove innards from chicken and salt and pepper the inside of the bird. Cut up an orange and lemon and cut the whole garlic bunch in half across the top. Put the citrus fruit and garlic into the cavity of the bird. Rub the bird with a little olive oil and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. Put it in the oven. Roast the chicken for about 1 to 1.5 hours until thermometer inserted in thigh reaches 170*, and baste the bird every 20 minutes or so, alternating between broth and orange juice for the basting liquid.

If you have extra time to make the gravy (it's really good), about half-way through take some of the pan juices from the bird and put them in a pan. Add about 2T of butter (to about 1/2 to 1c of pan juices), and add about 1-2T of flour. For extra zing, add about 2t of OJ to the pan. Stir until mixed, adding extra chicken broth to thin. Salt and pepper to taste. Pour over your chicken.

i am lame

so it is me Amy, who posted the salmon and garlic appetizer dish-I forgot to put my name....aren't you proud???

Roasted Garlic Appetizer

Oh my God! You will have an orgasm upon first bite! BEWARE! You may have to add a little more of these ingredients-just watch while you cook-you cannot go wrong!

4 whole garlic heads
2 TBS. Olive Oil
2 TBS. fresh thyme
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup finely chopped sundried tomatoes
4 oz. goat cheese
loaf of french, sourdough, or italian bread
fresh thyme

Peel outer paper off garlic heads-as much as you can. Slice the top off so some of the heads are showing. Arrange in an 8x8 baking dish. Drizzle olive oil on garlic. Sprinkle with thyme and pepper. Pour broth into pan. Sprinkle dried tomatoes around garlic. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 15 min or until garlic is tender...KEEP BASTING with chicken broth and add more if it gets too dry. Uncover. Add goat cheese...bake uncovered about 10 min or unril cheese softens...Serve with sliced bread and either spread onto bread as you go or just tear and dip!!!!!

Barbeque Roasted Salmon

This has been an easy favorite in our house ever sincewe got married-great as leftovers too!!!

Serves:4

1/4 cup pineapple juice
2 TBS. fresh lemon juice
4 (6 oz) wild salmon fillets
2 TBS. brown sugar
4 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp. grated lemon rind
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
cooking spray

1.) Combine first three ingredients in a cip-lock bag, seal, and marinade in refrigerator at least an hour.
2.) Preheat oven to 400 degrees
3.) Remove fish from bag, discard marinade. Combine next five ingredients (sugar-cinnamon) in a bowl. Rub over fish; place in a 11 x17 inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 min or until fish flakes...
4.) Serve with lemon slices

Spinach and Strawberry Salad

From Andrea's Kitchen
One tip, anything I make generally does not have measurements...ask anyone that has tried to make my scrumptious hummus. I am going on what I think I put in last night. The sugar and honey are the only things I am sure of because I did not want to use too much. Adjust to taste!
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10 oz baby spinach
6 strawberries
1/4 c balsamic vinegar
2 tbs olive oil
1 tsp sugar (I use sugar in the raw)
1 tsp honey
(you could probably use one or the other, but I like the combination of flavors)
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Slice strawberries and toss in with spinach. In a separate dish, mix liquid ingredients and sugar. Whisk vigorously then toss in with spinach and strawberries and serve! Tasty!!
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The Breakfast Detective's Super-Easy Quiche

From Sgt. Jill Friday's Kitchen.......The Breakfast Detective
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Frozen deep dish pie crust (or make your own)
2 cups grated cheese - swiss, cheddar, your choice
5 eggs - beaten
1 cup plain lowfat yogurt
1 can sm. mushrooms, or chicken, ham, sausage or veggies!
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Place meat or veggies in bottom of crust. Cover with grated cheese. Beat eggs together -- Add one cup of yogurt & mix well. Pour over cheese and filling. Bake for 45 min to 1 hour at 350-degrees.
I love to load it up with mushrooms, but I also love broccoli & cheddar, sausage and green peppers, or ham and red peppers. I try to only use veggies if I know it will get eaten right away because they don't taste as good in the leftovers. If I'm feeling ambitious, sometimes I put foil over the crust so it doesn't burn or get too brown, but the crust is not my favorite part, so usually I don't bother.

Blog Links

Ok all,
I have been doing some exploring and I am definitely going to start trying for more pictures. Check out some of our new links I found. I am making most of the recipes you guys have put up while Ben's folks are here, so we will photo them. I am inspired!!

Italian Market Meat Loaf

From Andrea's Kitchen thanks to the Pampered Chef "It's good for you" cookbook:
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1 package (3oz) Sun Dried Tomatoes (dry pack)
2 1/2 lbs 99% lean ground turkey breast
1 c chopped onion
1 c fine bread crumbs (Italian)
1/2 cup )2oz) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1/4 c snipped fresh Italian parsley (coarsely chopped)
1 can (8oz) tomato sauce
1 egg
2 garlic cloves, pressed
2 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 c red currant jelly
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1. Preheat oven to 375*. Cover sun dried tomatoes with boiling water and let stand 10 minutes. Drain and coarsely chop.
2. Combine all ingredients using only 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce in a large bowl and mix lightly. Form into loaf pan and bake 1 hour.
3. While baking, melt jelly in a microwave safe dish for 15 seconds at a time until it is smooth (stirring between each interval). Add the tomato sauce. Spoon over the loaf and bake 10 minutes more or until the loaf reaches and internal temperature of 160*. let stand 10 minutes before slicing.

Cilantro Pesto Chichen Tenders

Posted by Kelly

2 pounds of chicken breast tenders (chicken cutlets work good)
1 lime, cut into wedges

Marinade

2 tablespoons coarsely chopped walnuts
2 medium garlic cloves
1 1/2 cups loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems
1/2 cup looselyl packed fresh Italian parsley leaves and tender stems
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

To make the marinade: In a food processor, finely chop the walnuts and garlic. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the cilantro, parsley, salt, and pepper and process until finely chopped. With the motor running, slowly add the oil to create a smooth puree.

Place the chicken in a large zip lock bag and add the marinade. Press the air out of the bag and seal tightly. Turn/shake the bag to distribute the marinade and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Remove the chicken from the bag and thread onto skewers. Grill (bbq is best) over Direct High heat until the meat is firm and the juices run clear, 6-8 minutes, turning once.

Serve warm with the lime wedges.


Last time I made this I only use 1 pound of chicken and saved half the pesto in the fridge, and used it a few days later to marinade shrimp.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

from Jen's kitchen

2 1/2 c. flour
1 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
1/4 t. salt
1 c. butter
1 c. peanut butter
1 c. sugar
1 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
1 t. vanilla
1 c. oats
chocolate chips

Mix butter, sugars, eggs, peanut butter and vanilla until smooth. Add dry ingredients. Add chocolate chips. Drop rounded balls on parchment-lined cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes. Mmmm.

Rao's Famous Lemon Chicken

Posted by Andrea but from Lorraine's kitchen:
I halved the recipe since it serves 6 and Ben and I are only 2 people! I will definitely serve this one to guests!
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Ingredients for the chicken:
2 - 2 1/2 to 3 lb broiling chickens, halved
1/4 cup chopped italian parsley (I used cilantro because I like the zing)
Lemon sauce (recipe to follow)
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1. Preheat Broiler for 15 minutes.
2. Broil chicken halves, turning once for 30 minutes or until skin is golden brown and juices run clear when bird is pierced with a fork.
3. Remove chicken from broiler, leaving broiler on. using a very sharp knife, cute each half into 6 pieces (leg, wing, thigh and 3 breast pieces)......I bought a broiler cut already but looked assembled. Did I mention I do not follow directions well?
4. I didn't really understand this direction, so I compromised. I tossed the chicken in a metal bowl with half of the sauce (recipe to follow) and saved the other half.
5. Return chicken to the broiler and broil for 3 minutes. Turn each piece and broil for one more minute.
6. Remove from broiler and portion the chicken onto however many plates you choose :0)
7. Pour remaining sauce into a heavy sauce pan. Stir in parsley (or cilantro) and place over high heat for 1 minute. Pour equal amounts of sauce over each piece and serve with crusty bread to absorb the sauce.
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Lemon sauce:
2 cups fresh lemon juice
1 cup olive oil
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 & 1/2 tsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp dried oregano
salt and pepper to taste
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Whisk all ingredients together. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Whisk vigorously again before using.

Mussels in Chunky Tomato Broth

From Cindy Fallin's Kitchen:
3 tbs butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 (14.5 oz) cans of diced tomatoes with garlic, oregano and basil
1 c white wine (pinot grigio works well)
3 lbs mussels
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Rinse mussels in cold water and let soak for a few minutes. Drain and repeat 2 more times. This will remove grit. If mussels have not been de-bearded, you will need to remove the hairy fibers.
Saute garlic in butter until soft in a pan large enough to hold the mussels. Add tomatoes and wine and cook for a few minutes over medium-high heat. Add muscles and cover, stir occassionally.
When Mussels open they are done (about 10 minutes). Discard those that don't open. Serve in bowls with broth. As an entree this will serve 3.
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Notes: To serve more, figure 1 lb mussels per person. If you want a heartier dish, add pealed raw shrimp to the broth a few minutes before adding the mussels.

Beef and Guinness Stew

3/4 cup all purpose flour
2 1/2 pounds beef, cut in cubes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 to 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
2 to 3 carrots, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
2 large yellow onions, quartered
1 to 2 sprigs thyme
2 cups Guinness stout or other very dark, hearty beer
1 teaspoon salt chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste
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(I also added fresh rosemary and garlic powder)
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Place the flour in a resealable plastic bag. Add the beef to the bag several pieced at a time, and shake to coat completely. Heat a large saute pan over meduim-high heat and add the oil. In batches if necessary, add the beef and cook, turning until browned on all sides. Place the beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and thyme in the slow cooker and pour the beer over the top. Cover and cook and low for 8 hours, or until the meat is very tender. Season with salt and pepper. Remove and discard the thyme.

Crab, Tomato & Avocado Crostini with Fresh Basil

Valerie's Kitchen

* Note-A couple of things to keep in mind with ALL of my recipes:
-I usually eyeball my ingredients so feel free to give a little/take a little according to your likes/dislikes
- I like to use locally farmed fruits/veggies so feel free to use a different type of tomato (keep this in mind for all of my recipes).

Makes 24 crostinis

Ingredients:

1 loaf of ciabatta bread
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 firm but ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Cherry tomatoes (about 1½ pounds), roughly chopped
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons raspberry vinegar
8 ounces fresh crab meat (some markets will sell fresh crab meat packaged...I would not recommend imitation crab meat. If you can't get it...just leave it out.)
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
Fresh small basil leaves, for garnish

Directions:

-To toast the crostini:
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Thinly slice the ciabatta crosswise into ¼-inch thick slices and arrange the slices in a single layer on large baking sheets.

Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toast in the oven for 5 minutes or until they are slightly golden. Remove from the oven and cool.

-To assemble the crostini:
Toss the avocados and lime juice in a medium bowl and season with salt and pepper.

Toss the tomatoes, chopped basil, vinegar and remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil together in another medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

Toss the crab meat and chives in a third bowl.

Spoon the tomato and avocado mixtures over the crostini, dividing equally. Top with the crab mixture. Arrange the crostini on a platter. Garnish with basil leaves and serve & ENJOY!!!

Joe and I had this for an appetizer and were almost too full for the split pea soup I made for dinner. If you're making this for 2 as an appetizer I would definitely cut the recipe in half. Joe asked if the next time I make this if we can have it as the main course...it is DELICIOUS!!!!

Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Chicken Pasta Toss

For the Pesto:
1 (7 oz) jar oil-packed dun-dried tomatoes
1 1/2 c. loosely packed basil
1 tbs water
1/4 tsp salt
2 garlic cloves
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Drain sun-dried tomatoes, reserving oil. Place 2 tbs reserved oil into a food processor. Place remaining oil back into the jar reserving it for another use. Coarsely chop 1/4 c drained tomatoes and set aside. place remaining tomatoes into the food processor. Add basil, water, salt and 2 garlic cloves to food processor; process until finely minced.
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For the Pasta:
2 tsp olive oil
1 lb skinless/boneless chicken breast cut into 1 in. pieces
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper
2 garlic cloves
2 tbs balsamic vinegar
1 (6 oz) bag pre-washed baby spinach
1 (12 oz) can evaporated fat free milk
1 (3 oz) package goat cheese, crumbled
6 cups hot cooked pasta.....the recipe called for cavatappi, but I don't know what it is and couldn't find it, so I used thin spaghetti. Any pasta would work, Penne would probably be great!
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To prepare, make sure to have everything prepared as it goes very fast once the chicken is done. Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over med-high heat. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Add chicken to pan and saute until done (5 min or so). Remove chicken from pan. Add miced garlic and saute for 30 sec. Add balsamic vinegar and baby spinach and cook for 2 minutes or until spinach is wilted. Stir in pesto and evap. mil. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 miutes. Add crumbled goat cheese and cook until cheese is melted, stirring constantly. Return chicken to the pan and cook until thoroughly heated. Remove from heat and add pasta, tossing well. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup reserved chopped tomatoes. Serve and enjoy!
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Ben ate this as leftovers for lunch which he never does unless I pack it for him. I know it was good when he does it on his own! I wish I would have taken a picture, it was really rich in color and texture. Surely a crowd pleaser!

Quaff (eat) and Nosh (drink)

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To all who have decided to participate, I thank you! I am a bonified food lover and hope to find food lovers like myself to share recipes. I will pass on the pertinent information for you to start posting on this blog. I love great....healthy....food but can appreciate the occassional splurge if necessary. I can too, however, survive on cereal and lowfat oreos dipped in milk.....reference Ben's deployment!I also love great restaurants and would love to hear recommendations, not only on where to eat when we visit cities, or even in our own city, but what is tasty too. Basically, I want to know what everyone else is eating and if I can have some too :0)Please, join me today!!