Table of Contents Soups, Salads, & Side Dishes 7- Cheesy Chicken Vegetable Soup 7- Clam Chowder 7- Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes 8- Ham and White Bean Soup 8- Homemade Stuffing 9- Mexican Rice 10- Provencal Vegetable Soup 13- Taco Soup 13- Tomato Soup 14- Tony Roma’s Baked Potato Soup
Main Dishes 14- Café Rio style Pulled Pork 16- Breaded Fish "English Style" 16- Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff 17-Easy Baked Chicken Kiev 19- Oven-Fried Chicken with Almonds 20- Perfect Pasta Primavera 22- Shrimp Sauce and Pasta 22- Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Pork Loin 24- Spaghetti and Meatballs 24- Sweet & Sour Meatballs 26- Sweet & Sour Chicken
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Desserts 27- Blueberry or Blackberry Cobbler 27- Brownies 27- Buttercream Frosting 28- Carrot Cake 28- Chocolate Chip Cookie Sticks 31- Chocolate-Almond Biscotti 32- No Bake Cocoa-Oatmeal Cookies 32- Colossal Cookies 32- Cream Cheese Frosting 34- Dried Cranberry Biscotti 34- Fudge Frosting 36- Gingerbread Cookies 36- Gingerbread Biscotti 39- Gingersnaps 39- "Perfectly Chocolate" Chocolate Cake 39- "Perfectly Chocolate" Chocolate Frosting 40- Lemon Bars 40- Peanut Butter Cookies 40- Peanut Butter Popcorn 43- Poppycock 44- Pumpkin Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling 44- Pumpkin Pie 47- Quaker's Best Oatmeal Cookies 47- Royal Icing 48- See’s Fudge 48- Snicker Doodle Cookies 48- Sugar Cookies 50- Zucchini Fudge Cake
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Breads 50- Baking Powder Biscuits 50- Banana Bread 53- Cinnamon Rolls 54- Croissants 57- Muffins 57- Pancakes 58- Pizza Crust 58- Pumpkin Bread 59- Pumpkin Pancakes 59- Quick Coffee Cake 60- Soft Bread Sticks 60- Soft Pretzels 61- Sticky Buns 61- Turtle Bread 63- Waffles 63- Wholesome Oat Muffins 64- Zucchini Bread
Sauces and Dips 67- Anthony Plastino’s Spaghetti Sauce 67- Basic Cheese Fondue 68- Black Bean Salsa 68- Cheese Ball 68- Cream Cheese Dip 70- Enchilada Sauce 70- Fresh Basil Pesto 72- Poppy Seed Vinaigrette Dressing 72- Tomatillo Dressing
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Cheesy Chicken Vegetable Soup Cook till tender: 3 c chicken broth 1 c diced celery 2 c diced potatoes 1 c diced carrots 1 c diced onion
Follow directions for making a white sauce: ¼ c butter 1/3 c flour 2 c milk Add cheese and stir to melt: 2 c shredded cheddar cheese Then add to the vegetable mixture.
Add 2 cups cooked diced chicken, and season with 1½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper.
Clam Chowder 1 cup onions, chopped 1 cup celery, finely diced 2 cup diced potatoes 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup flour 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
2 (6 1/2 ounce) cans clams and juice or 1 lb. minced clams and juice 1 pt. half & half (I use milk) 1 pt. milk 1 1/2 tsp. salt Pepper to taste
Drain juice from clams and pour over vegetables in small saucepan. Add enough water to barely cover. Simmer, covered, over medium heat until barely tender. Melt butter, add flour and blend, stirring constantly. Add cream and milk. Cook, stirring with wire whip, until smooth and thick (this is important). Add undrained vegetables, clams and vinegar and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes 4 russet potatoes, sliced into ¼ inch slices 1 onion, sliced into rings Salt and pepper to taste 3 Tbsp. butter
3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ½ tsp salt 2 c milk 1 ½ c shredded Cheddar cheese
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Butter a 1 qt casserole dish. Layer ½ of the potatoes into bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Top with onion slices, and add the remaining potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. In a medium-size saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Mix in the flour and salt, and stir constantly with a whisk for one minute. Stir in milk. Cook until mixture has thickened. Stir in cheese all at once, and continue stirring until melted, about 30 to 60 seconds. Pour cheese over the potatoes, and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake 1 ½ hours in the preheated oven.
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Ham and White Bean Soup Note: needs to be started first thing in the morning 1 ham hock 3 cup sorted, cleaned white beans (Navy, Great Northern, or Lima) 1 chopped small onion 2 bouillon cubes Pepper to taste 1 Tbsp. dried parsley, or ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley Place everything in a crock pot and fill with water (about 8 - 10 cups). Turn on high and let cook all day. One hour before serving, carefully remove the ham (make sure to remove all bones and fat pieces). Clean the ham hock, reserving only the meat. Place about 2 - 3 cups of the beans and soup in a blender and blend until smooth. Return to the crock pot and add the reserved meat. Stir to combine well.
Homemade Stuffing Melt ½ c. butter in very large saucepan with 1/3 c. minced onion and 1/3 c. diced celery. (I usually add lots more onion and celery.) Toast 20 slices of bread (any kind you like), let cool, cut into cubes. Put bread into bread, pour milk over it and let it soak up enough to soak in but not make soggy. Squeeze (gently) milk out and put bread in butter mixture. Stir well. Add ¾ tsp. salt, ¾ tsp. poultry seasoning, 1 Tbsp. parsley, and 1/8 tsp. pepper. Stir and cook for 5 min. You can add other spices if you like. Stuff in turkey. That’s the best way. Heat up rest 350° till hot throughout.
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Mexican Rice 1 small onion, finely chopped 3 Tbsp. butter 1 cup long-grain white rice 1 clove garlic, minced or pressed 2 medium-size tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped 1½ cups regular-strength chicken broth 1 or 2 canned green chilies, chopped (I've never added these to this recipe) Salt and pepper 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro ½ cup pimento-stuffed green olives, sliced (I've never added these to this recipe) In a 2-quart pan over medium heat, cook onion in butter until soft. Add rice and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until rice is golden (about 5 minutes). Add tomatoes, broth, chilies, and salt and pepper to taste. Cover and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until rice is al dente and all liquid is absorbed (about 20 minutes). Turn off heat and stir in cilantro and olives (if used). Let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
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Provencal Vegetable Soup 1½ c. fresh fava beans or ž c. dried navy beans, soaked overnight ½ tsp. dried herbs de Provence 1 Tbsp. olive oil 2 small leeks, finely sliced 2 carrots, finely diced 4 oz. green beans 2 small zucchini, finely chopped 1 c. fresh or frozen peas Salt and freshly ground black pepper Fresh basil (for garnish)
2 garlic cloves 1 onion, finely chopped 1 celery stalk, finely sliced 2 small potatoes, finely diced 5 c. water 3 med. tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped Handful of spinach leaves, cut into thin ribbons
Place fresh or parboiled beans in saucepan with the herbs de Provence and one of the garlic cloves. Add water to cover by one inch. Bring to boil, reduce the heat, and simmer over a medium-low heat until tender, about 10 minutes for fresh beans. Set aside. In a large saucepan heat oil and add onion and leeks and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add the celery, carrots, and other garlic clove and cook for 10 minutes, covered, stirring occasionally. Add the potatoes, green beans, and water, then season lightly with salt and pepper. Bring to boil, skimming any foam that rises to the surface, then reduce heat, cover and simmer gently for 10 min. Add zucchini, tomatoes, and peas together with the reserved beans and their cooking liquid and simmer 25-30 min. until all the vegetables are tender. Add the spinach and simmer for 5 min. Season the soup. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
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Taco Soup 1 lb. cooked ground beef or chicken 1 medium onion, diced 2-3 cloves garlic 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce 1 can stewed tomatoes 1 can pinto beans
1 can black beans 1 can corn 1 can kidney beans 1 pkg. taco seasoning (Or cumin, oregano, chili powder) Diced chilies- optional
Stir together and simmer for 30 minutes. Serve over tortilla chips and top with cheddar cheese.
Tomato Soup Âź cup butter 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 lb. tomatoes, coarsely chopped 1 bay leaf
1 Tbsp. flour 2½ cups milk Salt and pepper Sprigs of fresh basil, to garnish
Melt half the butter in a saucepan. Add the onion and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 56 minutes until softened. Add the tomatoes and bay leaf and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes, or until pulpy. Meanwhile, melt the remaining butter in another saucepan. Add the flour and cook, stirring continuously, for 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat and gradually stir in the milk. Return to the heat, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil, stirring continuously. Continue to cook, stirring, until smooth and thickened. When tomatoes are pulpy, remove the pan from the heat. Discard the bay leaf and pour the tomato mixture into a food processor or blender. Process until smooth, then push through a fine strainer into a clean saucepan. Bring the tomato puree to a boil, then gradually stir it into the milk mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into warmed bowls, garnish with basil, and serve immediately. (Note: I bypass the step of pushing the puree through a strainer.)
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Tony Roma Style Baked Potato Soup 2 med. potatoes (about 2 c. chopped) 3 Tbsp. butter 1 c. diced white onion 2 Tbsp. flour 4 c. chicken stock 2 c. water ¼ c. cornstarch
1 ½ c. instant mashed potatoes 1 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper ½ tsp. basil 1/8 tsp. thyme 1 c. half & half
Garnish: ½ c. shredded cheddar cheese ¼ c. crumbled cooked bacon 2 green onions, chopped Preheat oven to 400° and bake the potatoes for 1 hr. or until done. When potatoes have cooked, remove them from oven to cool. As potatoes cool prepare soup by melting butter in a large saucepan, and sauté onion until light brown. Add the flour to the onions and stir to make a roux. Add stock, water, cornstarch, mashed potatoes, and spices to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out contents with a large spoon. Discard skin. Chop baked potato with a large knife to make chunks that are ½” in size. Add chopped baked potato and half & half to the saucepan, bring soup back to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for another 15 min. or until thick. Spoon into bowl and top with garnishes.
Café Rio Style Pork Night Before: 3 to 4 lb. pork roast 2 tsp cumin 2 Tbsp. brown sugar 1 tsp salt 1-1 ½ tsp cayenne pepper Mix together and rub on pork roast. Place in crock pot on low, overnight. Next Morning: Shred pork, remove any bones or fat. Place back in crock pot. Add: 1 can coke 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 c chicken broth 1 small onion, chopped Keep on low until ready to serve. An hour before serving, add 1 c brown sugar. Great for burritos, salads, tacos, and with Tomatillo dressing.
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Breaded Fish "English Style" 1 Lb. fish 8 slices trimmed white bread 1 Tbsp. parsley ½ tsp thyme
1 lemon (juiced) ¼ lb. melted butter Salt and pepper
Using fresh bread, trim crust off bread. Shred bread. Mix parsley, thyme, salt and pepper into shredded bread. Dip fish into melted butter, then pat into bread crumbs. Place in baking dish or pan and bake at 450° for 5 minutes. Baste with lemon juice, reduce heat to 375° and bake 10-15 minute more. (Note: I've cooked this in an electric skillet with a little butter and didn't use lemon.)
Crock pot Beef Stroganoff 3 lb. beef round steak, ½" thick ½ cup flour 2 tsp salt ⅛ tsp pepper ½ tsp dry mustard
2 medium onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings 2 cans (4 oz. each) sliced mushrooms, drained or ½ lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced 1 can (10½ oz.) condensed beef broth ¼ cup dry white wine (optional)- can substitute water 1½ cup sour cream ¼ cup flour
Trim all excess fat from steak and cut meat into 3 inch strips about ½" wide. Combine flour, salt, pepper and mustard; toss with steak strips to coat thoroughly. Place coated steak strips in crock pot; stir in onion rings and mushrooms. Add beef broth and wine; stir well. Cover and cook on a low setting for 8-10 hours. Before serving, combine sour cream and ¼ cup flour, stir into crock pot. Serve stroganoff over rice or noodles.
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Easy Baked Chicken Kiev 4 whole chicken breasts (about 4 lbs. total), boned, split, and skinned 1/2 cup each fine dry bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese 1 & 1/2 teaspoons oregano leaves 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 4 tablespoons butter, softened 1 tablespoon chopped parsley 4 oz. jack cheese, cut into 8 strips (each 1/2-inch-thick and 1&1/2 inches long) 5 tablespoons butter, melted Place chicken breasts, one at a time, between 2 sheets of wax paper or plastic wrap. With flat side of mallet, gently pound breasts until each is about 1/4 inch thick; set aside. In a rimmed plate or pie pan, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp. of the oregano, garlic salt, and pepper; set aside. In a small bowl, stir together the 4 tbsp. of softened butter, parsley, and remaining 1/2 tsp. Oregano. Spread about 1/2 tbsp. of the herb-butter mixture across each breast about an inch from lower edge; lay a strip of jack cheese over butter mixture. Fold lower edge of breast over filling, then fold in sides and roll up to enclose filling. Dip each bundle in the melted butter and drain briefly; then roll in bread crumb mixture until evenly coated. Place bundles, seam side down, without touching, in a 9 by 13inch baking pan. Drizzle with any remaining butter. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until next day. Bake, uncovered, in a preheated 425-degree oven for 20 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink when lightly slashed (cut just a small slash so filling doesn't ooze out). Makes 4 to 8 servings.
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Oven-Fried Chicken with Almonds 1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs 1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated parmesan cheese 1/4 cup finely chopped almonds 2 tbsp. chopped parsley 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. dried thyme Pinch of ground black pepper 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2" thickness and cut into 12 pieces Sprig Italian parsley, for garnish Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a medium bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, cheese, almonds, parsley, garlic, salt, thyme, and pepper. Mix thoroughly. Place the oil in a shallow dish. Dip the chicken first in the oil, then dredge in the crumb mixture. Place the chicken in a shallow baking pan. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted in the center of a piece registers 170°F and the juices run clear. (Do not turn the chicken during cooking.) Garnish with the parsley.
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Perfect Pasta Primavera The specific vegetable ingredients can be varied, per what you have available. The vegetables listed should be used as a guide, not a rule. Whatever you use, keep in mind that the vegetables should be crunchy. If you have vegetables cut and sauce ingredients ready, you can prepare them while the pasta cooks. Main Ingredients: 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed for 5 minutes 1 cup 1-inch asparagus pieces, steamed for 5 minutes 1 cup sugar snap or snow peas, blanched for 1 minute 1 small zucchini or yellow summer squash, unpeeled, sliced in half lengthwise, then cut into chunks and blanched for 1 minute 1 cup corn kernels (canned or, if fresh or frozen, blanched) 1 tbsp. finely minced garlic (3 large cloves) 1 tbsp. olive oil 1 large or 2 small tomatoes, diced 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced 1/2 cup shredded carrot 1/4 cup finely minced parsley 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper 12 ounces high-protein spaghetti or linguine (my favorite is linguine)
1-inch
Sauce: 2 tsp butter 1 tbsp. flour 1 cup skim milk 1/2 cup chicken stock 1/2 cup grated Parmesan 1/4 cup finely minced fresh basil or 1 tsp dried basil Steam or blanch the various vegetables as indicated, combine them, and keep them warm. In a skillet, sautĂŠ the garlic in the oil for 1 minute, but do not brown. Add the tomatoes, mushrooms, carrot, parsley, and pepper, and cook the mixture for 4 minutes. Add this to the reserved vegetables, tossing the ingredients gently to combine them well. To prepare the sauce, in a small, heavy saucepan, melt the butter, and add the flour, whisking the roux over medium-low heat for 1 minute. Gradually add the milk and stock, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the Parmesan and basil, and heat the sauce over medium-low flame, stirring it until the cheese is melted. Pour the sauce over the vegetable mixture, and toss the two gently to coat. Cook the pasta al dente, drain it, and keep it warm. Place the cooked pasta in a large heated serving bowl or platter. Spread the vegetable and sauce mixture over the pasta, toss the pasta gently once or twice, and serve.
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Shrimp Sauce and Pasta 1/2 pound raw medium-sized shrimp (if frozen, defrost) 1 Tbsp. olive or salad oil 1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup) 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 16-ounce can tomatoes, with juice, or 3 medium-sized fresh tomatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped (I never peel them) 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper few dashes cayenne 1 tsp. dried basil 1/4 tsp. salt, if desired 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley 1/2 cup pitted black olives, halved lengthwise, for garnish Grated Parmesan Cut the shrimp in half lengthwise. Heat the oil in a medium skillet, add the onion, garlic, and shrimp, and sautĂŠ the ingredients, stirring, until the shrimp turn pink, about 5 minutes. remove the shrimp, and set them aside. Add the tomatoes and juice, black pepper, cayenne, basil, and salt to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer it, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Add the shrimp and parsley to the tomato mixture, and serve the sauce over spaghetti or other pasta garnished with olives and sprinkled with Parmesan, if desired.
Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Pork Loin 1 boneless pork loin roast, 4 to 6 lb. 1 clove garlic, halved Salt and pepper 1 1/3 c brown sugar, divided
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar Âź tsp cinnamon
Wash pork roast, trim excess fat, pat dry, and rub with garlic halves. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then prick the roast. In a cup or bowl, combine 1 c brown sugar, the mustard, and vinegar. Rub all over the roast. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours. Pour off excess juices. Combine the remaining 1/3 c brown sugar with cinnamon; Spread the mixture over the top of the roast. Cover and cook an hour longer. Serves 6 to 8.
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Spaghetti and Meatballs Meatballs: 2 eggs ½ cup milk 3 slices bread, crumbled 2 pounds lean ground beef ½ cup finely chopped onion 2 Tbsp. chopped parsley 1 clove garlic, smashed, minced 1 tsp salt ½ tsp pepper 16 oz. thin spaghetti Parmesan cheese
Sauce: 3 Tbsp. olive oil ½ cup chopped onion 2 cloves garlic, smashed and minced 1 Tbsp. sugar 2 tsp salt 1 tsp dried leaf oregano ½ tsp dried leaf basil ¼ tsp black pepper 1 large can (28-36 oz. total) crushed Italian tomatoes 2 cans (6 oz.) tomato paste
Meatballs: In a medium bowl, beat eggs lightly; add milk and bread and let stand for about 5 minutes. Add ground beef, onion, parsley, garlic, salt and pepper; mix gently until well blended. Shape into about 24 meatballs, about 1½-inches in diameter. Place meatballs in a generously greased large shallow baking pan. Bake meatballs at 450° for 25 minutes. Sauce: In a Dutch oven, in hot oil over medium heat, sauté onion until tender and just begins to turn golden. Add remaining sauce to ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt if necessary. Add meatballs; cover and simmer 50-60 minutes longer, stirring from time to time. Cook spaghetti per package directions; drain. Serve spaghetti topped with meatballs in sauce; sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Sweet & Sour Meatballs 1 pound lean ground beef 2 Tbsp. grated onion ½ cup fine dry bread crumbs 1 Tbsp. parsley flakes 1 tsp garlic salt ⅛ tsp pepper 1 egg ⅔ cup milk 1 can pineapple tidbits
Sauce: ½ cup syrup drained from pineapple ⅓ cup vinegar ¼ cup brown sugar 1 Tbsp. cornstarch ⅛ tsp salt 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
Combine all ingredients except pineapple and let stand at least 1 hour. Shape into balls. Heat 1 Tbsp. butter and ⅛ tsp curry powder in fry pan. Brown slowly and drain fat. Add sauce to meat in pan. Cook over low heat; add pineapple tidbits and heat 5 minutes.
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Sweet and Sour Chicken 2 chicken breasts, boned and cut into ½-inch thick slices 1 tsp salt Batter: ½ c flour ¼ c cornstarch 1 tsp baking powder ½ tsp baking soda ¾ c cold water
Sweet and sour sauce: ¾ c water 2 Tbsp. cornstarch 2 Tbsp. rice vinegar 3 Tbsp. ketchup 2/3 c sugar
Garnish: 1 tomato, wedged 1 small green pepper, wedged ½ c pineapple chunks 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds 3 c oil for deep frying (375°) Heat oil in wok to 375°. Rub salt into chicken pieces. Dip into batter and deep fry in oil until golden brown. Bring sauce to a full boil stirring constantly. Arrange tomato, pepper and pineapple chunks on top of chicken, pour sauce over and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
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Blueberry or Blackberry Cobbler ⅔ cup all-purpose flour ½ cup sugar 1½ tsp baking powder ¼ tsp salt, if desired ⅔ cup skim milk 2 Tbsp. butter, melted 2 cups blueberries or blackberries, cleaned and washed In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk, and mix the batter until it is smooth. Pour the melted butter into a 1- or 1½-quart casserole-type baking dish. pour in the batter, and sprinkle the blueberries on top. Bake the cobbler in a preheated 350° oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until it is lightly browned.
Brownies Sift the first five ingredients into a mixing bowl: 1½ cups flour 2 cups sugar ¾ cup cocoa 1 tsp baking powder 1½ tsp salt
Add the next four ingredients and mix thoroughly, then stir in nuts: 1⅓ cup butter 4 eggs, unbeaten 2 tsp vanilla 2 Tbsp. corn syrup 1½ cup chopped walnuts
Spread batter in a well-greased and floured 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes. Cool and frost with fudge frosting.
Buttercream Frosting Cream and beat until fluffy: 1 cup butter Add: 2 tsp vanilla, and 4 c powdered sugar (one cup at a time beating well after each addition) Add: milk 1 tbsp. at a time until desired consistency
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Carrot Cake 2 c flour 2 c sugar 2 tsp baking powder 2 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp salt Sift together above ingredients, then add: 1 c. oil 8 ½ oz. can crushed pineapple plus syrup 4 eggs ½ c nuts, optional 2 c grated carrots Mix together. Grease two 9” pans or one 9x13” pan. Fill and bake at 350º for 35- 40 minutes or until done.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Sticks ½ c butter ½ c butter, softened 1 c packed brown sugar ½ c granulated sugar ½ tsp baking soda
2 eggs 2 tsp vanilla 2 ½ c all-purpose flour 2 c coarsely chopped semi-sweet chocolate 1 c chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts, optional
Preheat oven to 375º. In a large mixing bowl beat the shortening and butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar and baking soda. Beat mixture until combined, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much as the flour as you can with the mixer. With a wooden spoon stir in remaining flour. Stir in chocolate and, if desired, nuts. Press dough evenly into a foil lined 9x13” baking pan. Bake for 22-25 minutes or until golden brown and center is set. Cool in pan for one hour on wire rack. Preheat oven to 325º. Holding securely to foil lining, gently remove cookies from pan and place on a cutting board, leaving cookies on a foil lining. Cut crosswise into 9x ½” slices. Place slices cut side down about 1” apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 6-8 minutes or until cut edges are crispy. Carefully transfer cookies to wire rack. Cool. Makes 18 cookies.
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Chocolate-Almond Biscotti 1 ½ c sliced almonds, toasted, divided 1 c butter, softened 2 c sugar 2/3 c cocoa 1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda ½ tsp salt 3 eggs 1 tsp almond extract 3 ½ c all-purpose flour
Heat oven to 350º. Grease a large cookie sheet. Process ¾ c of the almond in a food processor until ground. Beat butter using mixer for 3 minutes. Add sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt; beat until combined. Beat in eggs and almond extract. Beat in as much of the flour as you can. Stir in remaining flour, ground almonds and ¾ c sliced almonds. On wax paper shape dough into two 14” long rolls. Place rolls on prepared cookie sheet at least 5” apart; flatten slightly. Bake 25-30 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on cookie sheet for 1 hour. Cut each roll diagonally into ½” thick slices. Place slices, cut sides down, on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 8 minutes. Turn slices; bake 7-9 more minutes or until cookies are dry and begin to crisp (do not over bake). Remove cookies to wire rack; cool completely.
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No Bake Cocoa-Oatmeal Cookies 2 cups sugar 3 Tbsp. cocoa 1 cube butter (½ cup) ½ cup water
½ cup peanut butter 3 cups oats
Combine sugar, cocoa, butter and water and bring to a boil for 1 minute. Add peanut butter and oats. Mix well and drop by the teaspoonful on waxed paper.
Colossal Cookies ½ cup butter 1½ cup granulated sugar 1½ cup brown sugar 4 eggs 1 tsp vanilla
2 cups crunchy peanut butter 1½ tsp baking soda 3 cups quick cooking oatmeal 3 cups regular oatmeal 12 oz. pkg. chocolate chips
Beat together butter, both sugars and eggs. Add vanilla, peanut butter and soda. Mix in oatmeal. Stir in chips. Drop 2 Tbsp. per cookie on cookie sheet. Bake 7 minutes at 350°. Do not overbake. Let cool on cookie sheet for 5 minutes before removing.
Cream Cheese Frosting 3 oz. cream cheese, room temperature ½ c butter, room temperature a few tbsp. milk
1 tsp vanilla 1 lb. powdered sugar
Blend cream cheese and margarine together. Add vanilla and powdered sugar and blend again. If too thick to spread, add milk 1 tbsp. at a time.
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Dried Cranberry Biscotti 2 ½ c flour 1 tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt 1 ½ c sugar ½ c butter at room temperature 2 large eggs ½ tsp almond extract 1 ½ c dried cranberries 1 egg white Preheat oven to 350°. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl; whisk to blend. Using an electric mixer, beat sugar, eggs, butter, and extract together. Mix in flour and then dried cranberries. Divide dough in half. Using floured hands, shape each piece into a log directly on the baking sheet. Whisk egg white and brush top and sides of each log. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until golden. Cool completely. Slice logs with serrated knife and bake 10 minutes on baking sheet without parchment. Turn biscotti over and bake an additional 5 minutes. (A double batch makes 3 logs the same size as the chocolate-almond biscotti recipe. Cook for 30 minutes.)
Fudge Frosting 2 cups sugar ¼ cup light corn syrup ½ cup milk ½ cup butter
2 squares unsweetened chocolate, cut up ¼ tsp salt 1 tsp vanilla
Mix all ingredients except vanilla in saucepan. Stir over low heat until chocolate and butter melt. Bring to a full boil, stirring constantly. Boil one minute. Remove from heat and beat until lukewarm. Stir in vanilla and beat until a smooth, spreading consistency.
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Gingerbread Cookies ¾ c brown sugar ¾. butter ¾ c molasses 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla
3 ¼ c flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 2 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp ginger ½ tsp salt
Cream brown sugar and shortening. Beat in molasses, egg, and vanilla. Sift together dry ingredients, and add to creamed mixture, beat well. Roll out on lightly floured surface- ¼” thickness. Cook on greased baking sheet. Bake at 350º for 10 minutes.
Gingerbread Biscotti ¼ c butter ¾ c packed dark brown sugar 2 large eggs ¼ c molasses 2 ½ c all-purpose flour 1 ½ tsp baking powder ½ tsp baking soda 1/8 tsp salt
1 ½ tsp ground ginger 1 tsp ground cinnamon ¼ tsp ground cloves ½ tsp ground nutmeg 1 c slivered almonds ½ c finely minced candied ginger (optional) White chocolate coating (optional) for decoration
Preheat oven to 350°. In a large mixing bowl beat together butter and sugar until there are no lumps of sugar. Beat in the eggs, then blend in molasses. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Blend until smooth. Fold in the almonds (and candied ginger, if using). Divide the dough in half onto a lightly greased baking sheet. Spray your hands generously with nonstick spray (dough will be sticky) and form each half into a log about three or four inches wide and one inch high. Place them two inches apart. Bake dough for 35 to 40 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Lower oven temperature to 300°. Cool logs for 10 minutes on the sheet, then transfer to a cutting board. With a serrated knife, cut each log into onehalf-inch slices. Place the slices cut-side down on baking sheet and return to oven to toast. Remove after 10 minutes and flip all the cookies over. Toast an additional 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool. Optional white chocolate coating: melt coating or white chocolate chips per the package directions. Dip cookies halfway into coating, or use a spoon to drizzle quickly back and forth. Let set completely before storing. Makes 2 to 2 ½ dozen.
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Gingersnaps 1 cup sugar ¾ cup butter 2 eggs ½ cup molasses
3 cups flour 2 tsp soda 1 tsp ginger 1 tsp cinnamon ½ tsp cloves
Cream sugar and butter. Add eggs and molasses and mix well. Sift dry ingredients, then add to wet ingredients and mix well. Place in refrigerator to chill. Roll in balls, then in sugar. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes.
"Perfectly Chocolate" Chocolate Cake 2 c sugar 1 ¾ c all-purpose flour ¾ c Hershey’s cocoa 1 ½ tsp baking powder 1 ½ tsp baking soda 1 tsp salt
2 eggs 1 c milk ½ c vegetable oil 2 tsp vanilla extract 1 c boiling water "Perfectly Chocolate" Chocolate Frosting (recipe follows)
Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost with "Perfectly Chocolate" Chocolate Frosting. 10 to 12 servings.
"Perfectly Chocolate" Chocolate Frosting ½ c butter 2/3 c Hershey's cocoa 3 c powdered sugar
1/3 c milk 1 tsp vanilla extract
Melt butter. Stir in cocoa. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating to spreading consistency. Add small amount additional milk, if needed. Stir in vanilla. About 2 cups frosting.
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Lemon Bars 2 c flour ¾ c butter ½ c powdered sugar 4 eggs
2 c sugar ½ c lemon juice ¼ c flour ½ tsp baking powder
Preheat oven to 350º. Mix first three ingredients and press into a 9x13” pan. Bake 20 minutes. Beat together next five ingredients and over top of crust. Bake 20 more minutes. When cool cut into squares.
Peanut Butter Cookies 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup white sugar 1 cup butter 1 cup peanut butter 2 eggs 1 tsp vanilla
3 cups flour 1 tsp baking soda ½ tsp salt
Bake on greased cookie sheet for about 10 minutes at 350°.
Peanut Butter Popcorn 1 c Karo syrup 1 c sugar 3/4 c popcorn, popped
1 c peanut butter 1 tsp vanilla
Pop the popcorn and put in a large bowl that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Stir together Karo syrup, sugar and peanut butter in a pan, and cook, while stirring, over medium heat until it comes to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour over the popcorn and mix well. Spread out on a cookie sheet to dry, or form into popcorn balls.
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Poppycock 10-12 cups popped corn 1 1/3 cups walnuts 2/3 cups almonds ½ cup clear Karo syrup
1 1/3 cups sugar 1 cup butter 1 teaspoon vanilla
Mix popcorn and nuts in a large bowl. (You can use chopped nuts or whole nuts.) Combine sugar, butter, and Karo syrup in ½ quart saucepan. Bring to a boil over a medium high heat. Stir constantly, about 10 minutes, or until mixture turns a light caramel color. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Pour over popcorn and nut mixture. Coat well. Spread on cookie sheet. Let the caramel harden. Break apart. Store in a tightly covered container.
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Pumpkin Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling Cake: powdered sugar ¾ c all-purpose flour ½ tsp baking powder ½ tsp baking soda ½ tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp salt 3 large eggs 1 c granulated sugar 2/3 c pure pumpkin 1 c chopped walnuts, optional
Filling: 1 pkg. (8oz) cream cheese, softened 1 c sifted powdered sugar 6 tbsp. butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 375°. Grease 15x10” jellyroll pan; line with wax paper. Grease and flour paper. Sprinkle towel with powdered sugar. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in small bowl. Beat eggs and sugar in large mixer bowl until thick. Beat in pumpkin. Stir in flour mixture. Spread evenly into pan. Sprinkle with nuts. Bake for 13-15 minutes or until top of cake springs back when touched. Immediately loosen and turn cake onto prepared towel. Carefully peel off paper. Roll up cake and towel together, starting with narrow end. Cool on wire rack. Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter and vanilla until smooth. Carefully unroll cake; remove towel. Spread cream cheese mixture over cake. Re-roll cake. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
Pumpkin Pie ¾ Cup granulated sugar ½ tsp salt 1 tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp ground ginger ¼ tsp ground cloves 2 large eggs 1 can (15 oz.) pure pumpkin puree 1 can (12 fl. oz.) evaporated milk 1 unbaked 9-inch (4 cup volume) deep-dish pie shell Mix sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger and cloves in a small bowl. Beat eggs in a large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk. Pour into pie crust. Bake in preheated oven at 425 degrees for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350 degrees and bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 2 hours.
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Quaker's Best Oatmeal Cookies 1 cup butter ¾ cup brown sugar ½ cup sugar 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla
1½ cups flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp salt 1 tsp cinnamon (optional) ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional) 3 cups oats
Heat oven to 375°. Beat butter and sugars until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda, salt and spices. Add to egg mixture. Mix well. Stir in oats. Drop onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8-9 minutes for chewy and 10-11 minutes for crisp cookie. makes 4½ dozen. Note: May add raisins, chopped nuts, cinnamon chips or any type of chocolate chips. Omit cinnamon and nutmeg if you add chocolate chips.
Royal Icing 3 egg whites 1 ½ tsp cream of tartar 3-3 ½ c confectioners' sugar In a large bowl, beat the egg whites until they begin to foam. Add the cream of tartar and beat until the whites are stiff but not dry. Gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar, beating for about 5 minutes until it reaches spreading consistency. Keep it covered and refrigerated until needed.
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See’s Fudge Put in a large bowl: ½ lb. butter 2 c chopped nuts 2 ½ tsp vanilla
18 oz. chocolate chips 1 pt. marshmallow cream
Put in a large pan: 4 ½ c granulated sugar 1 large can evaporated milk Bring milk and sugar to a rolling boil and boil exactly 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add to the dry ingredients. Stir until thoroughly dissolved. Pour into 3-8x8” cake pans.
Snicker Doodle Cookies Mix together: 1 cup butter 1½ cup sugar 2 eggs
Sift together and stir in: 2¾ cup flour 2 tsp cream of tartar 1 tsp baking soda ½ tsp salt
Chill dough. Roll into balls the size of walnuts. Roll in mixture of 2 Tbsp. sugar and 2 tsp cinnamon. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes.
Sugar Cookies ¾. butter ¼ c butter 1 c sugar 2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs 3 c flour ½ tsp salt 1 tsp baking powder
Cream shortening, butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix together flour, salt, and baking powder and add to wet mixture. Roll out and cut out favorite shapes (chilling dough may help). Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 350º for 7-9 minutes.
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Zucchini Fudge Cake 1 cup butter, softened 2 ½ c sugar 4 eggs 2 tsp vanilla 3 c all-purpose flour 1 c cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda ¾ tsp salt 1¼ c buttermilk 3 c shredded zucchini (generous 3 cups) 3 ½ c prepared chocolate frosting
In a mixing bowl cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, beating eggs after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternating with buttermilk. Stir in zucchini. Pour into three greased and floured 9” round baking pans. Bake at 350º for 25-30 minutes or until cakes test done. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Frost between layers and top and sides of cake. Or to make muffins, sprinkle tops with chocolate chips and bake for 15 minutes.
Baking Powder Biscuits 2 Cups flour 1 Tbsp. Baking powder ½ tsp. salt ¼ Cup butter or shortening ¾ Cup milk Stir together and cut in butter or shortening with a pastry blender. Stir in milk just until all flour is moistened. Roll out or press to 1/2" thick. Cut circles with an upside-down glass or a biscuit cutter. Bake at 450 degrees for 12-15 minutes.
Banana Bread 1 ½ c. sugar ½ c. oil 1 ½ c. bananas (approximately 3 large bananas) 3 eggs 1 ½ tsp. vanilla
3 c. flour 1 ½ tsp. baking powder 1 ½ tsp. baking soda ¼ tsp. salt
Mix sugar and shortening until smooth. Add eggs, bananas, and vanilla. Mix separately the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Fold in dry ingredients. Bale ion two greased loaf pans. Bake at 375° for 40-45 min.
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Cinnamon Rolls 1 c milk 1 cube butter or margarine ¾ c sugar Scald milk- add butter, sugar, and ½ c cold water- pour into mixer- add 2 c flour and 5 tsp yeast. Mix (very lightly). Add 2 eggs, 1 tsp salt, 4 c flour- mix for ten minutes, let rise one hour. Roll out dough into large rectangle, ½ inch thick. Spread melted margarine over top. Mix cinnamon and brown sugar and sprinkle over melted margarine. Roll the long way. Cut into 1 ½ inch thick slices. Lay down on a greased baking dish, space out to rise. Let raise one hour. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes. Glaze with 4 oz cream cheese mixed with 2 cups powdered sugar and 1-2 tsp vanilla. If too thick, add milk a little at a time.
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Croissants 1 c warm water 1 pkg. dry yeast 1 can (5.33oz) evaporated milk 1/3 c sugar 1 egg 1 ½ tsp salt 5 ½ c flour ¼ c margarine, melted 1 c cold margarine, cut into ¼ inch slices 1 Tbsp. cold water 1 egg 1- Combine warm water and yeast in 1 qt. bowl. Stir to dissolve yeast. Add evaporated milk, sugar, 1 egg, salt and 1 c flour. Beat to make a smooth batter. Blend in melted margarine. 2- Measure 3 cups flour and add cold butter slices in large bowl. Cut in with pastry blender till butter is in pieces no larger than kidney beans (if using a steel blade in processor, process on/off 15-20 times). Stir in remaining 1 ½ c flour. 3- Pour yeast mixture over flour mixture and stir with wooden spoon or rubber spatula just until flour is moistened. Cover tightly and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled or at least 4 hours or up to 3 days ( I do overnight) 4- Turn dough onto a lightly floured board and knead about six times. Divide dough into four equal parts. Shape one part at a time keeping the others in the refrigerator. 5- Roll each part on well-floured surface into a circle about 17 inches’ diameter. Cut into eight equal part. Roll up each wedge staring at wide end and rolling towards the point. Place on ungreased cookie sheets about 1 ½ inch apart. Curve ends of each roll to form crescent shapes. 6- Cover loosely and let stand in warm place to double, about 1 ½ to 2 hours. Mix cold water and egg and brush over top when ready to bake. 7- Bake in oven at 325° until golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. Makes 32 rolls.
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Muffins 2 cups all-purpose flour 3 Tbsp. sugar 3 tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt
1 cup milk 1 egg 4 Tbsp. butter, melted and cooled
Preheat oven to 425°. Grease a muffin pan, or line with paper baking cup liners. In a bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt; make a well in center. pour milk into a 2-cup glass measure and add egg and butter; blend well. Pour liquid all at once into flour well. (This method allows you to mix the batter with fewer strokes, avoiding over stirring.) Stir just until dry ingredients are moistened. Batter should be lumpy. Fill each muffin cup ⅔ full. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until tops are lightly browned. Makes 12 muffins. Jam Muffins: Prepare muffins, but just before baking, place ½ tsp of your favorite jam in center of batter in each muffin cup. Blueberry Muffins: Prepare muffins, but increase sugar to ½ cup and stir ¾ cup fresh or frozen (thawed) blueberries into flour mixture before making the well. Cornmeal Muffins: Prepare muffin, but substitute 1 cup yellow cornmeal for 1 cup of the flour.
Pancakes 1 1/2 cups flour (this can be a mix of whole wheat, white flour) 1 Tbsp. sugar 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/4 tsp. salt 1 cup milk or 1 1/4 cup buttermilk or 3/4 cup plain or flavored yogurt mixed with 3/4 cup water 1 egg 1 Tbsp. oil Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl and make a well in the center. Mix all wet ingredients and pour into the well. Stir with a fork just until all the flour is moist (batter should be lumpy). If necessary, add a little more milk until the right consistency. Bake on a hot, greased griddle.
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Pizza Crust 1 c hot water 1 Tbsp. yeast 1 tsp sugar 2 1/2 c flour 1 Tbsp. oil ½ tsp salt In a large bowl, pour the water then sprinkle the yeast over it. sprinkle the sugar over the mixture and stir. Cover and put in a warm place for 15 minutes. Then add the oil, salt and flour. Stir until all the flour is moistened. Flour a breadboard and put the dough in the flour. Sprinkle more flour on top of the dough, as needed and knead until the dough is no longer sticky. Roll out dough and place on a greased pizza pan. Cover the crust with pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, then add any desired toppings. Then bake the pizza for about 8 minutes at 475°.
Pumpkin Bread 3 c. pumpkin ¾ c. oil ¾ tsp. cinnamon ½ tsp. salt 1 ½ c. nuts or raisins
3 c. sugar 3 ¾ c. flour ¾ tsp. cloves 3 tsp. baking soda
Mix above ingredients and bake at 350° for 1 hour.
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Pumpkin Pancakes 1 1/2 cups milk 1 cup pumpkin puree 1 egg 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil 2 Tbsp. vinegar
2 cups all-purpose flour 3 Tbsp. brown sugar 2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. ground allspice 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp. ground ginger 1/2 tsp salt
In a bowl, mix together the milk, pumpkin, egg, oil and vinegar. Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, allspice, cinnamon, ginger and salt in a separate bowl. Stir into the pumpkin mixture just enough to combine. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. brown on both sides and serve hot.
Quick Coffee Cake 1¼ cups flour ½ cup sugar 2 tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt ½ cup milk 1 egg 3 Tbsp. butter, melted and cooled
Cinnamon-nut topping: ¼ cup each firmly packed brown sugar and chopped nuts 1 Tbsp. flour 1 Tbsp. softened butter 2 tsp cinnamon
Preheat oven to 375°. Prepare topping; set aside. Lightly grease an 8-inch square or round baking pan; set aside. In a bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Pour milk into a 1-cup glass measure; stir in egg and butter. Pour all at once into dry ingredients and stir just until flour is moistened. Pour batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle cinnamon-nut topping evenly over batter. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
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Soft Bread Sticks 1 Tbsp. dry yeast 1 ½ c warm water (put a pinch of sugar into the warm water and yeast.) 1 Tbsp. honey 1 tsp salt 4 to 4 ½ c flour Dissolve yeast into warm water (with a pinch of sugar). Stir in honey and salt. Add flour and mix until dough forms into a ball. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and lightly knead. Divide into 12-18 pieces and shape each into a long thin rope. Arrange onto a well-greased cookie sheet. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic salt, parmesan cheese, or leave plain. Let rise for 15- 20 minutes until light. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes.
Soft Pretzels 1 1/3 cup warm water 1 package (about 1 scant tablespoon) active dry yeast 1 tbsp. sugar ½ tsp. salt 3 ¼ cups flour 1 egg 1 tbsp. water 2 tbsp. coarse salt Pour the warm water into the mixing bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and then sprinkle the sugar over the yeast. Cover and let stand until the yeast is bubbly, about 5 – 10 minutes. Add the salt and 1 cup flour, stir until blended. Add 2 more cups of flour, ½ cup at a time, stirring to blend after each addition. Sprinkle a little of the remaining flour over a clean kitchen surface. Turn the dough out of the bowl onto the floured surface. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, sprinkling more flour if the dough is sticky. Cut the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 15 inches long, then shape the rope into a pretzel. Place the pretzel on a greased baking sheet. In a small bowl, beat the egg and the water. Brush the egg over each pretzel with a pastry brush. Sprinkle the coarse salt over the pretzels. Bake until golden brown, about 12 – 15 minutes at 425 degrees.
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Sticky Buns 24 frozen buns ½ c butter ½ c nuts ½ pkg. butterscotch pudding mix, regular (NOT instant) ½ c brown sugar 1 tsp cinnamon Grease a Bundt pan. Place nuts around the bottom of the pan. Place frozen rolls in the pan and sprinkle with dry pudding mix. Heat together butter, brown sugar and cinnamon in a saucepan until hot and pour over rolls. Cover and let sit overnight (or 8 hours). In the morning, bake at 50° for 20 minutes or until done.
Turtle Bread 2½ to 3 cups flour 1 package of quick-acting active dry yeast 1 Tbsp. sugar 1 tsp salt
½ cup water ⅓ cup milk 1 Tbsp. butter 1 egg 2 raisins
Mix 1½ cups of the flour, the yeast, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Heat water, milk and butter to 125° to 130°; stir into yeast mixture. Stir in egg. Stir in enough of remaining flour to make the dough easy to handle. Sprinkle a surface lightly with flour. Turn the dough onto the surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Cover and let rest 10 minutes. Lightly grease a cookie sheet. Shape a 2-inch piece of dough into a ball for the head. Shape 4 walnut-size pieces of dough into balls for the feet. Shape 1 walnut-size piece of dough into a tail. Shape remaining dough into a ball for the body; place on cookie sheet and flatten slightly. Attach head, feet and tail by placing 1 end of each under edge of body to secure. Press raisins into head for eyes. Cover and let rise 20 minutes. Heat the oven to 400°. Make crisscross cuts in body, ¼" deep, to look like a turtle's shell. Bake until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Makes 1 turtle bread.
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Waffles 1 1/3 c. flour ½ tsp. salt 2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. sugar
2 eggs ¼ c. melted butter 1 c. milk
Mix the flour, salt, and baking powder together in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Make a well in the center of the flour. Measure milk into a glass measuring cup. Add egg yolks, sugar and butter and mix well. Pour into the center of the dry ingredients, stirring just until all flour is moistened. Batter should be lumpy. Beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter, folding just until the egg whites are evenly mixed in. Bake in a waffle iron.
Wholesome Oat Muffins ¾ cup + 2 tbsp. oats 1 cup buttermilk 1 ¼ cups white whole wheat flour or whole grain flour 1 ½ tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. baking soda ¼ tsp. cinnamon ¼ tsp. salt 2/3 cup chopped walnuts 1/3 cup canola oil 1 egg, beaten 1/3 cup brown sugar 1 tsp. vanilla Preheat the oven to 425°. Coat a 12-cup nonstick muffin pan with cooking spray or line with paper baking cups. In a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup of the oats and the buttermilk. Let soak for 30 minutes. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and walnuts. In a large bowl, stir together the oil, egg, brown sugar, and vanilla until well blended. Stir in the flour mixture until just combined. Do not overmix. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling them about two-thirds full. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons oats over the muffins. Bake for 11 to 15 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean. Cool on a rack for 5 minutes. Remove to the rack to cool completely.
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Zucchini Bread 3 eggs- beaten 1 c. oil 1c. brown sugar 1c. white sugar 2c. grated zucchini 3 tsp. vanilla 1c. nuts- optional
3c. flour 1 tsp. salt Âź tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. nutmeg 2 tsp. cinnamon
Mix together eggs, oil, sugars, zucchini and vanilla. Mix together flour and spices and add to wet ingredients. Cook at 325° for 1 hour.
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Anthony Plastino’s Spaghetti Sauce 8 cans (15 oz.) tomato sauce 3 cans tomato paste 4 to 5 cloves garlic 5 to 6 chopped onions 2 Tbsp. basil 2 Tbsp. oregano 1 tsp. curry 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire Short ribs Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil. Brown short ribs and drain grease. Add all other ingredients and simmer 8 hours. Add 1 Tbsp. sugar an hour before serving.
Basic Cheese Fondue 3 Tbsp. butter 1 clove garlic, peeled and crushed 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 2 tsp ground dry mustard
2 c milk 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 6 c shredded cheddar cheese
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add flour and mustard and stir the roux until smooth and bubbly. Gradually stir in the milk and Worcestershire sauce, stirring until thick and almost boiling. Remove from heat and gradually stir in Cheddar cheese. Continue heating until all the cheese has melted. Keep the mixture warm and melted in a fondue dish.
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Black Bean Salsa Combine: 2 cans black beans 1 bag (16 oz.) frozen or canned corn (drained) 2 large tomatoes, chopped 1 avocado, diced ½ red onion ¼ c cilantro leaves
2 Tbsp. olive oil 3-4 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice 1 Tbsp. white wine vinegar ½ tsp pepper 1 tsp salt
Cheese Ball 2 - 8oz. cream cheese 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 tbsp. pimento, minced (optional) 1 tbsp. green pepper, minced (optional) 1 tbsp. grated onion 1 tsp Worcestershire 1 tsp lemon juice Chopped walnuts Mix together and chill. Shape in 2 balls and roll each in chopped walnuts.
Cream Cheese Dip 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese 1 regular (1 pt.) jar marshmallow cream
1/8 tsp ginger Fresh fruit
Bring cream cheese to room temperature; cream and mix with marshmallow cream and ginger. Serve with fresh fruit as dip.
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Enchilada Sauce 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil 2 Tbsp. flour 2 Tbsp. chili powder 1/2 tsp. cumin 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper, or to taste
2 cups water 1 8-ounce can tomato paste 1 tsp. garlic powder 1/2 tsp. onion powder 1/2 tsp. salt
Heat the oil, flour and chili powder together in a large pot. Allow to cook for a minute or two, stirring constantly. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to slow simmer. Stir well to combine and dissolve tomato paste in water. Allow to simmer for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Fresh Basil Pesto 2 c fresh basil leaves, packed ½ c freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese ½ c extra virgin olive oil 1/3 c pine nuts or walnuts 2 medium sized garlic cloves, minced Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Combine the basil in with the pine nuts, pulse a few times in a food processor. (If you use walnuts instead of pine nuts and they are not already chopped, pulse them a few times first before adding the basil.) Add the garlic, pulse a few times mores. Slowly add the olive oil in a constant stream while the food processor is on. Stop to scrape down the sides of the food processor with a rubber spatula. Add the grated cheese and pulse again until blended. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
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Poppy Seed Vinaigrette Dressing Ÿ c. sugar 1- ½ Tbsp. onion juice 1 c. vegetable oil 1 tsp. dry mustard
1 tsp. salt 1-1/2 Tbsp. poppy seeds 1/3 c. cider vinegar
Mix all ingredients except the oil and the poppy seeds in an electric blender until they are well mixed. Add the oil gradually while continuing to blend. Stir in the poppy seeds and refrigerate.
Tomatillo Dressing 1 c buttermilk ranch dressing packet 1 c buttermilk 1 c mayo 2 tomatillos, husks removed and diced
½ bunch cilantro 1 clove garlic Juice of 1 lime 1 jalapeno (w/o seeds makes it milder)
Blend all ingredients well in a food processor or blender. Refrigerate 1-2 hours before serving.
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