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Oatmeal Chocolate Caramel Bars

• Nonstick Cooking Spray • 32 soft caramel candies, unwrapped • 1/4 cup heavy cream or evaporated milk • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats • 1 cup all-purpose flour • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) butter, melted • 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional) 1. Preheat oven to 350F degrees. [ ... ]

Valentine Chocolate Chip Cookie

Makes One Large Cookie 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup butter or margerine softened 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1 egg 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips. combine flour baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter sugars and vanilla in [ ... ]

Potato Soup with Warm Clam Salad

from one of my favorite chef’s Michael Chiarello I changed the clams to scallops, shrimps would be fabulous too. Ingredients Serves: Serves 4 For the soup 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1/2 cup diced onion (1/4-inch dice) 1/2 cup diced leek (1/4-inch dice) 1/4 cup diced celery (1/4-inch dice) 1 teaspoon minced garlic salt and [ ... ]
Category: Soups  Leave a Comment

Minestrone Soup

Mike loves Minestrone I have several good recipes in my collection but Mike thinks this is one of the best. Ingredients 1 can cannellini beans rinsed and drained about 1 1/2 cups 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 2 medium celery ribs, cut into 1/4-inch pieces 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut [ ... ]
Category: Soups  Leave a Comment

Mushroom Bolognese

If you don’t want to use the porcini mushrooms, you can leave them out. They just add another nice layer of flavor. 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large carrot, peeled and diced 2 medium sized celery ribs, diced 1/2 medium onion, diced sea salt or kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 3 [ ... ]

Red Chili and Cheddar Crackers

These little babies are OMG good. The spicy kick in these little bites is perfectly balanced with a deep rich Cheddar flavor. The key is to use the very best aged Cheddar possible Ingredients 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for the work surface 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon crushed red [ ... ]
Category: Appetizers  5 Comments

Gigante Beans

These large white beans (gigantes means “giant” in Greek) are a classic ingredient in Greek cooking. Timing note: The beans need to soak overnight, so plan accordingly. Recipe by Michael Symon one of my favorite Iron Chefs servings at least 20, lol, next time I will 1/2 the recipe. Ingredients 1 [ ... ]

Guasacaca Sauce (Venezuela)

2 ripe avocados 3 tomatoes 3 green onions 1/2 red chili peppers 1/2 green chili peppers ( jalapeno) 3 tablespoon chopped parsley 1/4 cup vinegar 1/2 cup oil 1 teaspoons salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper Directions 1. Dice tomatoes along with the chili peppers and the onions. I did this all in the food processor. 2. Mix the tomatoes, onions, chiles, the [ ... ]

Happy Holidays

Here we are on the last few days of 2011 and I’m looking back on what a great year it was. It was my first full year with Jackson and 6 months with Brie, what a year it was! we went on many wonderful walks ,gave [ ... ]

You Had Me At Arrf…. Sweet Potato Chews

Healthy, homemade sweet potato chews for dogs! It’s that time of year…time for sweet potatoes! If you are out shopping for dinner, be sure and pick up some extra sweet potatoes to make a homemade, yummy, healthy treat for your dog! I love sweet potatoes and they are [ ... ]

Apple Cranberry & Walnut Cake

3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup butter 1 1/2 cups sugar 1/2 cup apple sauce 3 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 cups peeled, cored, apples cut into chunks ( I used Granny Smith) 1 cup chopped walnuts chopped 1 cup dried [ ... ]
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Cranberry-Pepper Jelly

3 red bell peppers, finely chopped 2 jalapeño chiles, seeded and finely chopped 1 cup sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 cup liquid pectin 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 3 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen and thawed Combine peppers, chiles, sugar, red pepper flakes and salt in a [ ... ]

Cocoa Brownies

No Picture, they didn’t last long enough Cocoa brownies have the softest center and chewiest candylike top “crust” of all because all of the fat in the recipe (except for a small amount of cocoa butter in the cocoa) is butter, and all of the sugar is [ ... ]

Gin and Fruit Juice Punch

Fruit Punch is good. Fruit Punch with Alcohol is better! Here is my Moms recipe to spice up any party. enjoy! 10 oz pineapple juice 16 oz lemon juice (use fresh lemons) 20 oz orange juice 30 oz, 1 1/2 bottles, ginger-ale 1 cup fruit sugar, 20 oz Gin 20 oz Ice cubes slice oranges and [ ... ]
Category: Drinks  Leave a Comment

Roasted Vegetable Pasta

The puree was really thick and delicious- …each bite was a huge flavor burst in my mouth. There was plenty left over even after I coated the pasta with quite a bit. While waiting for the pasta to boil I spread the vegetable mixture on toasted pita, and…. [ ... ]
Category: Main Courses  2 Comments

Vegetable & Mushroom Barley Soup

Where I live Fall is in the air, and I had the urge to make soup today, soup sooths the soul and nourishes the body and boosting one’s resolve to face the chill of the day. Ingredients 1 can (1-pound) tomatoes, chopped, with the juice 8 cups water 1 onion, thinly [ ... ]
Category: Soups  2 Comments

Lemon-Brine for Chicken

Lemon-Brine for Chicken “To make juicy and delectably chicken soak it in a lemony brine 8 cups cold water 1/2 cup kosher salt 1/8 cup honey 1/2 head of garlic, smashed but not peeled 1 tablespoon black peppercorns 3 large rosemary sprigs 1 small bunch of oregano 1 small bunch of parsley Finely grated zest and juice of [ ... ]

Pecan Toffee Coffee Cake

“Rich with the flavours of pecans, sweet butter and creamy toffee, this simple coffee cake is fabulous! Filling 1/2 tightly packed light brown sugar 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder 1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted 2 teaspoons cinnamon 3/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted 3/4 cup English toffee pieces for baking, such as Skor Bits Cake [ ... ]
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Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco

“An inexpensive alternative to veal. The longer it cooks the richer the sauce gets. Ingredients 8 chicken thighs 1 medium onions 1 medium carrots 1 celery 2 garlic cloves 1/2 green pepper 3/4 cup red wine 1 (16 ounce) cans diced tomatoes 1 (16 ounce) cans tomato sauce 1 teaspoon [ ... ]
Category: Main Courses  4 Comments

Braised Short Ribs with Horseradish Gremolata, Mario Batali

This braised short rib recipe was very easy to follow and yielded great results. We loved it. I made it the day before, because we wanted to give the flavors time to meld, and get rid of the fat, there is a lot. The short ribs were beautiful. [ ... ]
Category: Main Courses  2 Comments

CakeBoss Sponge Cake

By popular demand, it’s the official CakeBoss Sponge Cake recipe! It is a scratch recipe, and the secret to its light and fluffy texture is the beating of the eggs! This recipe is best made in a stand mixer. 4 eggs 2 cups sugar 1 tsp vanilla 1 cup whole milk 1/4 [ ... ]
Category: Cakes  3 Comments

Ancho Chile-Honey Glazed Salmon

Bobby Flay strikes again with this amazing spicy sweet salmon recipe from his Mesa Grill restaurant. This was so easy and so good. next time I will do this on the BBQ. Ingredients Salmon glaze ingredients 1/3 cup honey 1 Tbs ancho chili powder 1 Tbs Dijon mustard Salt & pepper 4 salmon fillets, 8 oz. [ ... ]

Challah Bread

1 tsp. sugar 1/2 cup warm water 1 pkg. yeast 1/3 cup oil 1/2 cup warm water 2 – 3 Tablespoons sugar or honey 1 tsp. salt 2 eggs 3 1/2 to 4 cups flour poppy or sesame seeds 1 egg yolk beaten with 1 tsp. water Dissolve sugar in 1/2 cup warm water in a large mixing bowl [ ... ]
Category: Breads  3 Comments

Eggplant Caponata

My friend Linda tried this recipe and loved it, she said its a keeper, thank you Linda. from The Test Kitchen @ Canadian Living Caponata makes an excellent side dish for grilled chicken or fish, a tasty hors d’oeuvre on toasted or grilled bread, or a wonderful main dish tossed [ ... ]

Perfect Summer Peach Cake

A fresh cake recipe for you to take advantage of the abundance of sweet, ripe and juicy peaches that are available right now. One of the highlights of summer. Peaches are a winning attraction in this recipe From Cook’s Illustrated. WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS: To achieve the right texture [ ... ]
Category: Cakes  4 Comments

Roasted Beet Salad with Oranges and Beet Greens

6 medium beets with beet greens attached 2 large oranges peeled and pitch removed then diced 3 Tablespoons green onion, about 2 1 1/2 cups diced peeled celery root 1 1/2 cups diced peeled carrots 1/2 cup toasted walnuts For vinaigrette: 3 tablespoons minced shallots 2 tablespoons white vinegar 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons [ ... ]
Category: Salads  One Comment

GRILLED PEPPER SALAD

This salad of grilled peppers and ripe red tomatoes with green onion, lemon and parsley is fabulous. The peppers can be roasted up to 48 hours ahead of time. 4 red bell peppers, plus 4 Cubanelle mild or hot peppers to make 4 cups 3 large ripe tomatoes, seeded and [ ... ]
Category: Salads  2 Comments

How To Soften Hard Brown Sugar

It happens to the best of us: rock hard brown sugar. How to soften it? Place the brown sugar in an airtight container with a slice of fresh bread placed on top. Seal and leave overnight. It should be soft and fresh again in the morning, if not just [ ... ]

Fresh Peach Cake with Almonds

I love making use of the current season’s fruits especially in cakes or desserts. This is the perfect summer cake with sweet fresh peaches and is a very light and fluffy cake. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 1/4 cups sugar 2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature 1 [ ... ]
Category: Cakes  2 Comments

Carrot, Mango Ginger & Soy, Coulis/Sauce for Fish

Friday night we went to a fabulous restaurant for our anniversary with Linda & Lenny, I order salmon with this sauce, I asked for the recipe but they wouldnt give it to me, they said…come anytime and enjoy it here, well..that didnt work for me, it was very [ ... ]

Sweet and Spicy Coleslaw

1 jalapeno pepper, seeds removed 1/2 bell pepper, chopped 1 green onion, chopped 1 large carrot, chopped 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves 1/2 small cabbage head 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper 2 tablespoons sugar 1/2 lemon [ ... ]

Linda’s Favorite Banana Cake

My Phone rings at 8 p.m and my BFF Linda is on the phone telling me about this cake, she was very happy with the results. This Banana Cake is another great recipe adapted from Rose Levy Beranbaum’s The Cake Bible. Instead of the more common ‘creaming’ [ ... ]
Category: Cakes  4 Comments

Add Smoky Flavor To Food Without A Smoker

Here are a few tips and tricks for adding a smoky flavor to grilled foods No Smoker? No Problem! Try These Tips To Add A Smoky Flavor To Your Grilled Food #1.Soak wood chips in water for 30 to 60 minutes then drain (suggested woods to try: apple, cherry, [ ... ]

Raspberry Buttermilk Bundt Cake

3/4 cup oil 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened 2 cups granulated sugar 6 eggs 1 tablespoons pure vanilla 4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 4 1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 cup buttermilk 3-4 tablespoons raspberry jam and fresh raspberries, I used 1 cup. Preheat oven to 350 F. Generously spray a 12 cup Bundt [ ... ]
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Fresh Raspberry Bars

1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) cut into 1-inch chunks 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 3/4 cup seedless raspberry jam 1 pint (2 cups) fresh raspberries 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 Tbsp. unbleached all-purpose flour 1 large egg 1 large egg yolk 1 [ ... ]

PITA AND BEAN SALAD

Toast the pita ahead but mix up the salad at the last minute or you’ll end up with a soggy disappointment This salad was inspired by the Middle Eastern salad fattoush. 1 whole wheat pita breads, in bite-size pieces 2 cloves garlic, peeled 1/8 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons lemon juice 3 tablespoons [ ... ]
Category: Salads  2 Comments

Chicken Shrimp and broccoli rabe with Penne Pasta

Serves 4-6. Salt and pepper 1 box of Penne pasta ( or your favorite) (I used about 3/4 cooked) 1 bunch broccoli rabe, de-stemmed 1 / 2 cup of flour 3 boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces 6 large shrimp 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 3 cloves of garlic, [ ... ]

Slow-Baked Tomatoes with Garlic

1 1/2 lb. cherry or grape tomatoes 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 7 cloves garlic, peeled, split lengthwise and green shoot removed 1 1/2 tsp. coarse kosher salt 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1 tsp. sugar a pinch of chili flakes chopped fresh parsley toasted slices of rustic bread Goat cheese (optional) directions 1. [ ... ]
Category: vegetables  One Comment

Blueberry Ice Cream Pie

Almond-Brown Sugar Crust 1 1/2 cups slivered almonds 2 Tbsp. packed light brown sugar 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted • Blueberry Sauce 3 cups blueberries, rinsed, well drained, and carefully picked over for damaged berries 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1 tsp. cornstarch 1/4 tsp. kosher salt 1 tsp. grated lemon zest 2 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon [ ... ]
Category: Pies  One Comment

Chipotle Maple BBQ Sauce

Makes about 4 cups This sauce has the sweetness of maple syrup and the spice of chipotle peppers. Jeff Approved. One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes 1/2 cup maple syrup 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar 3 chipotle peppers in adobo, diced 1 cup white vinegar 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce 1/2 cup unfiltered apple [ ... ]

Marble Milano Cake

One package of Pepperidge Farm milano cookies (or the flavor of your choice) 9 oz. unsalted butter, very soft (divided use: 6 Tbsp., and 12 Tbsp.) 2 oz. unsweetened baking chocolate, coarsely chopped 1 and 3/4 cups All-Purpose flour (I used unbleached) 1 and 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 [ ... ]
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Pecan Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Most coffeecakes aren’t much more than yellow cake swirled with a sugary streusel . The flavor is bland and the texture–due to the heavy streusel–is dense and wet.This is a light coffeecake deeply flavored with pecans and spices. Here’s what you do… Make the cake with a [ ... ]
Category: Cakes  One Comment

Abundance of Strawberries

This method is simple: Toss the berries with some sugar or Maple Syrup and roast at 350 deg, until much of the juices have been released and thickened, about 40 minutes. The berries will shrink down considerably — 2 pounds of berries (about 4 pints) will [ ... ]

Barbecue Rub for Baby Back Ribs

1 cup (packed) light brown sugar 2 tablespoons chili powder 2 tablespoons dry mustard 2 tablespoons onion powder 2 tablespoons garlic powder 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper ( very spicy, good for Jeff, cut to 1 tablespoon if you dont love HOT ) 2 tablespoons kosher salt 2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper I used 1/2 the [ ... ]

Chicken Rub

Just Chicken and Rub, no sauce needed. 1/3 cup chili powder 1/4 cup sugar 2 tablespoons kosher salt 2 tablespoons onion powder 2 tablespoons garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper This barbecue chicken is dry-rubbed, without sauce. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients thoroughly. You can store this rub in an [ ... ]

Chewy Cherry Almond Bars

Ingredients • 1 cup butter, softened • 2 cups packed brown sugar • 2 teaspoons baking powder • 1 egg • 1 teaspoon almond extract • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 2 cups regular rolled oats • 1/2 cup sliced almonds • 1 cup sour cherry preserves Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 13x9x2-inch [ ... ]

Raspberry Oat Squares

Raspberry oat squares are a must-have—simple oat bars smothered with fresh raspberries and preserves. Sometimes I cut these squares bigger. Then I can still say, “I was good, I only ate two.” This recipe can be made in a standing mixer or a food processor. 2½ cups all-purpose flour 2/3 cup [ ... ]

Chocolate Pecan Caramel Squares

Special people deserve special treats. Chocolate Pecan Caramel Squares 2 cups all purpose flour 1 cup golden brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup plus 6 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 2/3 cup sugar 6 tablespoons heavy whipping cream 1/4 cup honey 6 ounces pecans, coarsely chopped 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate Preheat oven to [ ... ]

OMD = Oh My Dog

I know the dog is a part of the family, but do they really need a chair? Jackson eats on the floor! should I feel guilty? Dogs eat together with their pack in the wild, so it is only logical that a dog would love a chair… Or, [ ... ]

coconut torte

This recipe was the favorite of the seder last night. 6 eggs, separated 1 cup sugar 1 cup walnuts, chopped coarsely, untoasted 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut ½ cup orange juice ¼ cup orange liqueur 1 cup whipping cream 1 square bittersweet chocolate for garnish Preheat the oven to 325-degrees. In the bowl of an electric mixer, [ ... ]