Christmas Goodies

Homemade Candy Canes

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:28:00 +0000

I have never tried this recipe but it sure looks like a fun activity to do during the Christmas season and the kids will love you. Who doesn't like candy canes? Try this recipe for a very tasty Christmas candy treat!

Ingredients:

1 cup of corn syrup
1 cup of sugar
1 cup of water
½ teaspoon peppermint oil
¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
Red food coloring
Powdered sugar
A metal cookie sheet
A metal saucepan

Prepare your cookie sheet

Sprinkle your cookie sheet with a single layer of powdered sugar. This will sweeten your candy and keep it from sticking to the sheet.

Combine your ingredients.

Add your cup of corn syrup, cup of sugar, and ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar to your one cup of water in your metal saucepan. Stir to combine them thoroughly.

Heat your ingredients.

Heat the saucepan containing your sugar, corn syrup, cream of tartar and water over medium heat until it reaches the soft crack stage which is between 270 degrees and 290 degrees Farenheit. At this stage, your mixture should form hard threads which are pliable when removed from the water.

Add your peppermint flavoring and coloring.

Once your mixture has reached the soft crack stage, add a half teaspoon of peppermint oil. Divide into two parts and add 2 drops of red food coloring to half of the mixture.

Pour your mixtures.

Pour your red and white mixtures in strips onto your powdered cookie sheet. Allow your strips to cool until you just cool enough to handle.

Form your candy canes.

Roll your strips into rolls and twist one red roll with one white roll. Form a "u" shape at the top and lay them out on the powdered cookie sheet to dry. Your candy canes will harden as they cool.

Christmas Eve Oyster Stew

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 23:26:00 +0000

Here is a recipe that we like to make on Christmas Eve. It is very delicious and a good change of pace for most people. If you like seafood you will love this stew from Alton Brown.

Ingredients

4 cups heavy cream
1 pint oysters and liquor, separated
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon celery seed
1 1/2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley leaves, chervil, or chives
Salt and pepper

Directions

In a heavy 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, bring the heavy cream and oyster liquor from the oysters to a simmer. Remove from the heat.

Meanwhile, in a large saute pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the celery and a pinch of the salt and sweat for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the onion and continue cooking until translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add celery seed, hot pepper sauce, and oysters and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the edges of the oysters start to curl.

Transfer the oysters to the carafe of a blender and add enough of the cream just to cover.*

Puree until the mixture is smooth. Return the remaining cream to medium heat, add the pureed mixture, and cook until heated through.

Just before serving, add the lemon juice, chopped herbs, and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

*When blending hot liquids: Remove liquid from the heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes. Transfer liquid to a blender or food processor and fill it no more than halfway. If using a blender, release one corner of the lid. This prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions. Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times then process on high speed until smooth.

Christmas Soup

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:09:00 +0000

Here is a very tasty Christmas Soup from the Food Network:

Ingredients

1 pound kielbasa, sliced 1/4-inch thick on bias
Vegetable oil, as needed
8 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound red kidney beans, soaked at least 4 hours and up to overnight
2 quarts chicken broth
1 pound red bliss potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
6 ounces fresh kale, approximately 4 handfuls
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Place the kielbasa into a 7-quart Dutch oven and set over medium-low heat. Cook until the kielbasa has browned well and rendered its fat, approximately 15 minutes. If you do not have at least 2 teaspoons of fat, add enough vegetable oil to make 2 teaspoons. Remove the kielbasa from the pan and set aside.

Add the garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning. Add the beans and the chicken broth and cook, covered, for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, add the potatoes, cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Wash, rinse and trim the kale and tear into bite size pieces. Add the kale to the pot, cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes or just until it is tender, but not mushy.

Add the red wine vinegar and black pepper and stir to combine. Evenly distribute the kielbasa between 8 soup bowls. Laddle the soup into bowls and serve.

Peppermint Bark

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:02:00 +0000

Everyone will love this christmas candy treat. Who can resist chocolate and peppermint? I know I can't.

Ingredients:

8 ounces (about 1-1/3 cup) dark chocolate, chopped
8 ounces (about 1-1/3 cup) white chocolate, chopped
6 peppermint candy canes

Preparation:

1. Unwrap the candy canes and place them in a food processor. Pulse several times until the candy canes have been chopped into small pieces. You could also place the candy canes in a large Ziploc bag and seal tightly. Use a rolling pin to smash the candy canes until they are the size you want.

2. Prepare a cookie sheet by covering it with smooth aluminum foil.

3. Melt and temper the dark chocolate. Pour the chocolate onto the prepared cookie sheet, use an offset spatula to spread it to a unform 1/8” thickness. The chocolate does not have to reach all sides of the sheet, as it will be broken up later. Place the tray in the refrigerator to firm up for 15 minutes.

4. While the dark chocolate hardens, temper the white chocolate.

5. Remove the tray from the refrigerator and spread the white chocolate in an even layer over the dark chocolate.

6. While the white chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the chopped candy cane pieces over the entire surface evenly. Press down very slightly to ensure they stick. Place the tray back in the refrigerator to firm up for 30 minutes.

7. Once bark is completely set, break into small, uneven pieces by hand.

Cook Time: Approx. 25 minutes

Annie's Fruit Salsa

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 02:19:00 +0000

I don't know Ann Page but I do know her recipe for fruit salsa and cinnamon chips and it is delicious. A perfect snack during this holiday season.

INGREDIENTS

2 kiwis, peeled and diced
2 Golden Delicious apples - peeled, cored and diced
8 ounces raspberries
1 pound strawberries
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
3 tablespoons fruit preserves, any flavor
10 (10 inch) flour tortillas
butter flavored cooking spray
2 cups cinnamon sugar

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, thoroughly mix kiwis, Golden Delicious apples, raspberries, strawberries, white sugar, brown sugar and fruit preserves. Cover and chill in the refrigerator at least 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Coat one side of each flour tortilla with butter flavored cooking spray. Cut into wedges and arrange in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Sprinkle wedges with desired amount of cinnamon sugar. Spray again with cooking spray.
Bake in the preheated oven 8 to 10 minutes. Repeat with any remaining tortilla wedges. Allow to cool approximately 15 minutes. Serve with chilled fruit mixture

Garlic Meatballs!

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Wed, 14 May 2008 20:58:00 +0000

Here is an excellent christmas party appetizer to keep all your guests happy!

2 pounds lean ground beef
1 cup dry bread crumbs
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 eggs
2 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. butter
3 cloves garlic
3/4 cup ketchup
1/2 cup liquid honey
1/4 cup soya sauce

Preheat oven to 500. Put meat in a bowl and break with fork. Add and mix together: bread crumbs, milk, onion, eggs, and salt. Shape meatballs into 1 inch balls. The smaller the better they taste. Place in single layer on a jelly roll pan and bake 12 to 15 minutes.Drain well. Melt butter in a saucepan and saute garlic until tender. Ad ketchup, honey, and soya sauce. Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer five minutes. Add meatballs to sauce. Return to boil and simmer uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally or until sauce glazes meatballs. The meatballs freeze very well.

Peppermint Candy

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 23:21:00 +0000

Here is a very tasty peppermint candy recipe, enjoy:

4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon margarine
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract or a few drops of peppermint oil
4 cups powdered sugar
Green and red food coloring
Sifted powdered sugar
Green, red and white decorating icing (optional)

Beat cream cheese, margarine, corn syrup and extract.

In large mixing bowl at medium speed with electric mixer until well blended. Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar; mix well. Divide mixture into 1/3's.

Knead few drops green food coloring into one third. Repeat with red food coloring and second third. Wrap each third in plastic wrap.

Working with one color mixture at a time, shape into 3/4-inch balls. Place on waxed paper-lined cookie sheet.

Flatten each ball with bottom of glass that has been lightly dipped in sugar. Repeat with remaining mixtures.

Decorate with icing. Chill.

Makes 5 dozen (thatsmyhome.com)

Peppermint Chocolate Cake

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 02:41:00 +0000

Chocolate Ganache (recipe follows)
1 tablespoon peppermint schnapps
Solid vegetable shortening for greasing the pans
Flour for dusting the pans
1 package (18.25 ounces) plain devils food cake mix

3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1-1/3 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil, such as canola, corn, safflower, soybean or sunflower
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 recipe Peppermint Buttercream Frosting (recipe follows)

1. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache, adding the peppermint schnapps after all the chocolate has melted. Let the ganache cool.

2. Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the over to 350°F. Generously grease two 9" round cake pans with solid vegetable shortening, then dust with flour. Shake out the excess flour. Set the pans aside.

3. Place the cake mix, cocoa powder, buttermilk, oil, eggs and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on low speed for one minute. Stop the machine and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat two minutes more, scraping the sides down again if needed. The batter should look thick and combined. Divide the batter between the prepared pans, smoothing it out with the rubber spatula. Place the pans in the oven side by side.

4. Bake the cakes until they spring back when lightly pressed with your finger and just start to pull away from the sides of the pan, 28 to 30 minutes. Remove the pans from the oven and place them on wire racks to cool for 10 minutes. Run a dinner knife around the edge of each layer and invert each onto a rack, then invert them again onto another rack so that the cakes are right side up. Cool completely, 30 minutes more.

5. In the meantime prepare half a recipe of Peppermint Buttercream Frosting.

6. Place one cake layer, right side up, on a serving platter. Spread the top with Peppermint Buttercream Frosting. Place the second layer, right side up, on top of the first layer and frost the top and sides of the cake with Chocolate Ganache that has cooled and is spreadable. Work with clean, smooth strokes. Chill the cake until ready to serve.

Place this cake, uncovered, in the refrigerator until the frosting sets, 20 minutes. Cover the cake with waxed paper and store in the refrigerator for up to one week. Or freeze it, unwrapped in aluminum foil, for up to six months. Thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Chocolate Ganache

This recipe makes two cups, enough to thinly frost a two- or three-layer cake.

3/4 cup heavy (whipping) cream
8 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 tablespoon liqueur such as Grand Marnier, framboise or peppermint schnapps (optional)

1. Place the cream in a small heavy saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring. Meanwhile, place the chopped chocolate in a large mixing bowl. Remove the pan from the heat and pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Stir until the chocolate is melted. Stir in the liqueur, if desired.

2. To use this ganache as a glaze, let it stand at room temperature for 10 minutes before spooning over a cooled cake. To use the ganache as a frosting or filling, let it stand at room temperature for four hours, or chill it until it thickens and is spreadable.

Peppermint Buttercream Frosting

To neatly crush peppermint candy place it on a cutting board and cover with towel. Pound candy with meat cleaver or heavy rolling pin until candy is crushed.

8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter at room temperature
1/2 cup finely crushed peppermint candy (about 7 peppermint sticks)
3 cups confectioners sugar, sifted
2 to 3 tablespoons milk
1 to 2 tablespoons peppermint schnapps or 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

1. Place butter in a large mixing bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on low speed until fluffy(30 seconds). Stop machine and add peppermint candy, confectioners sugar, 2 tablespoons milk and 1 tablespoon peppermint schnapps. Blend with the mixer on low speed until the sugar is well incorporated, 1 minute. Increase the speed to medium and beat until the frosting lightens and is fluffy, 1 minute more. Blend in up to 1 tablespoon milk or peppermint schnapps if the frosting seems too stiff.

serves 16
Source: The Cake Doctor, October 1999 (pages 30, 428 & 418)

Roasted Beets with Feta

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 01:40:00 +0000

Here is a colorful dish that will get you in the holiday spirit!

INGREDIENTS

4 beets, trimmed, leaving 1 inch of stems attached
1/4 cup minced shallot
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil, and place onto a baking sheet.
Bake beets in preheated oven until easily pierced with a fork, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Once done, remove from oven, and allow to cool until you can handle them. Peel beets, and cut into 1/4 inch slices.
While the beets are roasting, whisk together shallot, parsley, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and red wine vinegar in a bowl until blended; season to taste with salt and pepper, and set aside.
To assemble the dish, place the warm, sliced beets onto a serving dish, pour vinaigrette over the beets, and sprinkle with feta cheese before serving.

Creamy Rice Pudding

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 00:21:00 +0000

A very easy and tasty treat for your holiday party!

INGREDIENTS

3/4 cup uncooked white rice
2 cups milk, divided
1/3 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
2/3 cup golden raisins
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

In a medium saucepan, bring 1 1/2 cups water to a boil. Add rice and stir. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
In another saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups cooked rice, 1 1/2 cups milk, sugar and salt. Cook over medium heat until thick and creamy, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in remaining 1/2 cup milk, beaten egg and raisins. Cook 2 minutes more, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, and stir in butter and vanilla. Serve warm.

Snowball Cookies

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 19:42:00 +0000

A wonderful holiday treat.

Ingredients

1 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla
2-1/2 cups flour, sifted
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup pecans, chopped

Cooking Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Cream butter in large bowl. Add sugar, cream until light. Stir in vanilla. Mix in flour and salt. Stir in nuts.
Shape into balls.
Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes.
Roll in additional powdered sugar straight out of oven. Roll again when cool.

Servings: 36 cookies

Cranberry Almond Apple Pie

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 01:09:00 +0000

Very tasty apple pie recipe.

1 cup sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp salt
6 med. baking apples, peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1 pastry shell (9")

TOPPING:

1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
3 Tbsp. butter or margarine
1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted

In a bowl, combine sugar, flour, butter, nutmeg and salt; mix well. Add apples and cranberries; stir gently. Pour into pie shell. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour and cinnamon; cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in almonds; sprinkle over filling. Bake at 350°F for 1 hour or until apples are tender.

House Rolls

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 07:13:00 +0000

These are a must for the roll lovers in your family.

House Rolls:

This recipe works best if you have a large stand mixer. If you don't, go ahead and make it anyway. Just beat and beat the dough really well as you add the flour.

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup whole milk
2 pkg. dry yeast
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
4-1/2 to 5 cups flour
more melted butter

PREPARATION:

Warm milk in a small saucepan over low heat. Mix 1/3 of milk with dry yeast in a small bowl and let sit until bubbly. In a large bowl, combine remaining milk, melted butter, salt and sugar and beat until the sugar is dissolved. Then add the beaten eggs and bubbly yeast.

Add flour, 1/4 cup at a time, beating on high speed of stand mixer. This step should take at least 5 minutes. When the dough gets too stiff to beat, stir in rest of flour by hand, if necessary, to make a soft dough. Turn out onto floured surface and knead for 5 minutes, until smooth and satiny. Place dough in greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover and let rise in warm place until light and doubled in size. (I have also covered the dough well and placed it in the refrigerator overnight. This works really well.)

Punch down the dough and roll out on floured surface to 1/2" thickness. Cut with 3" round cookie cutter. Brush each roll with melted butter and fold in half to make half circles. Pinch edge lightly to hold, so the rolls don't unfold as they rise. Place in 2 greased 13x9" pans, cover, and let rise again until double. (If you refrigerated the dough, this will take a little longer.)

Bake rolls at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan immediately and brush with more melted butter. Don't use the same butter you used when forming the rolls - melt some fresh. Makes 24 rolls

Cranberry Nut Sweet Rolls

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 18:54:00 +0000

Very tasty rolls:

Cranberry Nut Sweet Rolls

1/3 c. sweetened dried cranberries
1/4 c. orange juice
1/4 c. butter
1 c. buttermilk
2 eggs
1/4 c. sugar
1 t. salt
1 T. active dry yeast
4 C. bread flour
1/3 c. chopped pecans or walnuts
6 T. butter (softened)
zest of one orange finely diced
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. heavy cream

Bring orange juice to boil and pour over cranberries. Let stand for 10 minutes. Strain and save liquid. Heat butter with buttermilk until warm (not more than 115° F.). Place in mixing bowl; add eggs, sugar, salt, and yeast. Mix. Add flour and knead until smooth and elastic. Add nuts and cranberries; and distribute evenly throughout the dough. Shape into a ball and place in a greased bowl. Turn dough over to coat. Cover with damp cloth and let rise until double - about 1 hour. Divide in half.

Roll one half into a 12" x 8" rectangle. Smooth 3 tablespoons softened butter on dough. Sprinkle with one-half of the orange zest and 1/4 cup sugar. Roll up from long side. Seal seam. Cut 12 even slices. Place rolls cut side down into greased 9" x 1 1/2" round baking pan. Repeat with remaining dough. Cover. (Each pan of rolls can be refrigerated at this point for up to four days.) Let rise till double - about 30 minutes. For a creamier roll drizzle 1/4 cup heavy cream over each pan of rolls. Bake at 375° F. for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly. Drizzle with icing. Makes 24 rolls.

Icing:
Combine 2 cups sifted powdered sugar, 1/4 teaspoon orange extract and enough strained orange juice for drizzling.

Sticky Buns

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 20:47:00 +0000

Who doesn't like a good sticky bun? Here is a very easy and tasty recipe:

Sticky Buns

2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
2 teaspoons light fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans
1 (8 ounce) Bread Dough
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter 9 by 3-inch pan. Melt 2 1/2 tablespoons butter in small saucepan over low heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup sugar, corn syrup and lemon juice. Increase heat to medium and whisk until sugar melts and syrup boils. Pour syrup evenly over bottom of prepared pan. Sprinkle with pecans. Unroll dough on floured surface; press perforations together. Roll out dough to 8 by 12-inch rectangle. Sprinkle with 1/4 sugar and cinnamon. Starting at I short side, roll up dough jelly roll style. Cut crosswise into eight 1-inch-thick rounds. Arrange rounds in syrup in pan. Arrange dough slices cut side down in prepare dish, spacing evenly. Cover with plastic. Let rise in warm draft-free area until doubled, about 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake rolls until golden brown, about 45 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes. Turn out onto platter. Cool slightly. Serve warm.

Sugarcane Baked Ham w/Spiced Apples And Pears

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 20:43:00 +0000

Another doosy from Emeril:

Sugarcane Baked Ham

12 sugarcane swizzle sticks, each cut into about 3 inch pieces
1 hickory smoked ham, spiral sliced, 8 to 10 pounds (no bone, water added, cooked)
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 cup pure cane syrup (recommended: Steen's)
1/2 cup dark molasses
1/2 cup dark corn syrup
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 cup water
1 1/2 pounds (about 4) Granny Smith apples
1 1/2 pounds (about 4) Bartlett pears
2 dozen medium buttermilk biscuitsPreheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Line a shallow baking pan with parchment or waxed paper. Insert the sugarcane sticks into the ham at 3 to 4-inch intervals. Tie the ham, using kitchen twine, horizontally and vertically to keep it together, like wrapping a gift. Place on a wire rack in the baking pan.

In a mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients together except for the mustard and water. Mix well. In a small bowl, dissolve the mustard in the water, then add to the spice mixture. Blend well. Brush the entire ham with the glaze, coating it evenly.

Wash, core, and halve the fruit. Place all around the ham. Baste the ham a second time and baste the fruit with the glaze. Bake for 45 minutes. Baste the ham and fruit again. Bake another 45 minutes.

Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Remove and discard the string and swizzle sticks.

Serve the apples and pears on a platter with the ham. Serve everything warm or at room temperature. Serve the biscuits on the side.

Maple Walnut Fudge

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 03:49:00 +0000

Who doesn't like Fudge. Everybody likes a great fudge. This is one!

Maple Walnut Fudge

Ingredients

2 cups packed brown sugar
half of a 10 oz can evaporated milk - not condensed!
1/2 pound butter
2 cups powdered (confectioners') sugar
1 cup walnuts
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon maple flavoring (if desired)

Butter a 9x13-inch pan and set aside. Lining the pan with foil or paper and buttering makes cutting and removing much easier. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, butter and milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat very slightly and boil 10 minutes while stirring constantly. No longer!

Remove from heat and add icing sugar, vanilla, and maple flavoring. Mix thoroughly with hand mixer on medium until thick and glossy - just a couple of minutes. Fold in walnuts and pour in prepared pan.
Refrigerate until set.

Note: This recipe also doubles easily. For really succulent double fudge still use the one pan. It is thick and decadent, just like it should be. This fudge freezes very well, just make sure it is wrapped up good and tight.

Old Fashion Peanut Brittle

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 03:37:00 +0000

This is one of my very favorite christmas treats. Your guests will love it and it's easy!

Old Fashion Peanut Brittle

INGREDIENTS

1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup water
1 cup peanuts
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 teaspoon baking soda

DIRECTIONS

Grease a large cookie sheet. Set aside.
In a heavy 2 quart saucepan, over medium heat, bring to a boil sugar, corn syrup, salt, and water. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Stir in peanuts. Set candy thermometer in place, and continue cooking. Stir frequently until temperature reaches 300 degrees F (150 degrees C), or until a small amount of mixture dropped into very cold water separates into hard and brittle threads.
Remove from heat; immediately stir in butter or margarine and baking soda; pour at once onto cookie sheet. With 2 forks, lift and pull peanut mixture into rectangle about 14x12 inches; cool. Snap candy into pieces.

The Best Sugar Cookie

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 20:54:00 +0000

This is my favorite:

The Best Sugar Cookie

3/4 cup Golden Crisco or Butter-flavored Crisco (shortening)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
Coloured decorations or icing

Cream Crisco, sugar, eggs and vanilla in large mixer bowl at medium speed of electric mixer until light and creamy. Cmbine flour, baking powder and salt. Add to creamed mixture, mixing on low speed until well blended. Cover dough and chill 1 hour, if desired, for easy rolling. Preheat oven to 375°F. Roll half of dough at a time. Roll out dough on lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Using a cookie cutter, cut in desired shapes. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Roll leftover pieces. Sprinkle with coloured decorations or leave plain to decorate when cool. Bake at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges are light brown. (Time will vary with cookie size.) Cool slightly, then remove to cooling rack.

Sugar Cookies

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 20:49:00 +0000

Here is a very simple sugar cookie recipe I believe came from an old Betty Crocker cook book.

Sugar Cookies

1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
granulated sugar

Mix together sugar and butter. Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract; mix well. Blend in flour, baking soda and cream of tartar. Cover and chill for 2 to 3 hours. Heat oven to 375 F. Divide dough in half. Roll each half 3/16 inch thick on lightly floured cloth-covered board. Cut into desired shapes; sprinkle with granulated sugar. Place on lightly greased baking sheet. Bake 7 to 8 minutes or until light brown on edges.

Baked Onion with Rice Apple and Nut Stuffing

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 16:17:00 +0000

A recipe for the onion lovers among us (I'm one).

Baked Onion with Rice, Apple, and Nut Stuffing

6 large red onions, about 8 to 10 ounces each
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 cup diced apples
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (6-ounce) package wild rice, cooked according to package directions
1/2 cup lightly toasted walnuts
2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage
2 tablepoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup grated Dry Jack, or white cheddar
1/2 to 1 cup chicken stock, or vegetable stockPreheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set aside.

Peel the onions. Trim the stem ends so they will stand upright and remove the top 1/2-inch. Rub oil on each onion and season lightly with salt and pepper. Place in a baking dish, and bake, root ends down, until golden brown and just tender, about 45 minutes to 1 hour (depending upon the size). Remove from the oven and let rest until cool enough to handle. When cool enough to handle, push out the centers, leaving a shell. Return one piece of the removed onion to each to form a bottom and chop the remaining onion centers to measure 1 cup.

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the 1 cup of chopped onion and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the garlic, apples, salt, and pepper, and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the cooked rice, walnuts, sage, and parsley, and stir well. Add 1/4 cup of the cheese and stir well. Stuff the onions with the rice mixture and place in a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup cheese over the tops of the onions, and add stock to come 1/2-inch up the sides of the onions. Bake until tender and bubbly, about 20 to 30 minutes, basting occasionally. Serve immediately.

Glazed Goose

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 16:13:00 +0000

Another excellent Goose recipe.

Roast Glazed Goose with Tawny Port Gravy

1/2 cup chopped yellow onion, plus 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
1 teaspoon salt, plus 1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne, plus 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, plus 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1 domestic goose, about 10 pounds, well rinsed and patted dry, neck and giblets reserved
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup chopped carrots
2 bay leaves
3 cups Ruby port
Tawny Port Gravy, recipe follows
Goose Fat-Roasted Potatoes, recipe follows

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Combine 1/2 cup of the onions, celery, bell peppers, 1 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of the cayenne in a mixing bowl. Remove any excess fat around the opening of the cavity of the goose. Prick other fatty areas with a fork at intervals. Do not prick the breast. Stuff cavity of goose with vegetable mixture. Season the outside of the goose with the remaining 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, and the black pepper. Place the goose in a large roasting pan and roast for about 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until the drumsticks and thighs are easy to remove.
Combine the remaining 1/2 cup onion, carrots, bay leaves, and port wine in a medium-sized sauce pan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and reduces to about 1/2 cup, about 30 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh strainer and let cool.
Using a pastry brush, glaze the goose with the port wine reduction, and return to the oven for 5 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize and set. Remove from the oven and let rest for 20 minutes before carving. Serve with the Port Gravy, and Goose Fat-Roasted Potatoes.

Port Gravy:
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
Giblets and neck from the goose
1/2 cup chopped onions
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
5 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups Tawny port
2 cups water

In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the giblets and neck, and brown, stirring, 3 to 4 minutes.
Add the onions, celery, carrots, salt, pepper, bay leaves, and thyme and cook, stirring often, for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the flour and stir to combine. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes.
Add the wine, bring to a boil, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Add the water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 1 hour. Remove from the heat and strain into a clean container and keep warm until ready to serve. Yield: About 2 cups

Goose Fat Roasted Potatoes
2 pounds fingerling potatoes
1 teaspoon salt, plus 1 teaspoon
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup goose fat, or duck fat
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary
5 sprigs rosemary, as garnish

Scrub potatoes and place in a large pot. Cover with cold water and add 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until just fork tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain and cool under cold running water. When completely cooled, slice them in half lengthwise, and place in a bowl.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Season the potatoes with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Place a 12-inch, non-stick, ovenproof saute pan or skillet over medium-high heat and add the goose fat.
Once the fat is hot, add the seasoned potatoes to the saute pan, cut side down. Sear on the stovetop for 1 minute, then place the pan in the oven. Roast for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the stove, and add the garlic and chopped rosemary. Toss the potatoes in the pan to coat them and serve immediately garnished with the rosemary sprigs. Yield: 4 servings
(courtesy of Emeril Lagasse)

Roast Goose with Brandy

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 16:06:00 +0000

This recipe is so good I have included it at Thanksgiving-Goodies. It takes a little work but the results are fantastic.

Roast Goose with Brandy Cranberry Reduction

1 (10 to 12-pound) farm-raised goose
3 tablespoons kosher salt
1 1/2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
3 cups chopped onions
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped carrots
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped celery
3 bay leaves
5 sprigs thyme, plus 2 teaspoons chopped thyme leaves
6 garlic cloves, smashed
4 cups dark chicken stock, chicken stock, or water
1/4 cup thinly sliced shallots, plus 2 tablespoons minced
1 cup brandy
3/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries
Apple Cider Glazed Pearl Onions, recipe follows Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F.

Remove the neck, giblets and liver from the goose. Rinse the goose thoroughly inside and out under cold running water. Reserve the neck and giblets separately. Pat the goose dry with paper towels and season with the kosher salt and black pepper. Place the onions, carrots and celery in a medium bowl and toss to combine. Remove 1/2 cup of the vegetable mixture and set aside. Stuff the cavity of the goose with the remaining vegetable mixture, 2 bay leaves, 4 sprigs of thyme and 4 cloves of garlic. Truss the goose.

Using a fork, prick the skin of the goose on the thighs, back, and lower breast. Place the goose on a rack in a large roasting pan. Place the goose in the oven and roast for 20 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F, pour 1/3 cup of hot water over the breast and legs of the goose and continue to roast the goose for another 30 minutes. Open the oven door and pour another 1/3 cup of hot water over the breast and legs of the goose. Close the oven and cook the goose another 30 minutes. Pour a final 1/3 cup of hot water over the goose to help the fat render from the bird and cook the goose for a final 30 minutes. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thigh of the goose without touching the bone and be sure that it registers at least 165 degrees F. If it does, remove the goose from the oven and allow to rest. If not, continue to roast the goose for another 30 minutes.

While the goose roasts, prepare the goose stock. Use a heavy, sharp knife to chop the goose neck into 2 or 3 pieces. Place the chopped neck and giblets in a 2-quart saucepan and sear over medium heat. Cook the necks and giblets, turning occasionally, until well caramelized, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the reserved 1/2 cup of vegetables, the remaining bay leaf, sprig of thyme, 2 cloves of garlic, and 1/4 cup sliced shallots and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are wilted and lightly caramelized, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the stock, increase the heat to high, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook the stock for 1 hour. After 1 hour, remove from the heat, strain through a fine-mesh sieve and reserve stock on the side. Discard solids. Pour the brandy over the cranberries and reserve separately.

When the goose is cooked, place it on a warmed platter, and pour off the fat that has collected in the roasting pan, being sure not to pour off the browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Once most of the fat has been removed from the roasting pan, place it on the stovetop over medium heat on 2 burners. Add the minced shallots to the pan and cook for 1 minute, stirring with a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits. Add the brandy, cranberries, and thyme leaves and continue to cook until the brandy is nearly evaporated, about 1 minute. Add the reserved goose stock to the pan and reduce the heat to medium low. Continue to cook until the stock is reduced by about half and the sauce is thickened, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer the sauce to a sauce boat and serve alongside the goose. Serve the pearl onions on the side.

Apple Cider Glazed Pearl Onions:
1 tablespoon goose fat, reserved from cooking the goose
2 pounds pearl onions, peeled
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 cups apple cider
1 teaspoon fresh finely chopped thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Set a 12-inch saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the goose fat to the pan and, once hot, add the pearl onions. Cook the onions until caramelized, 4 to 5 minutes, swirling the pan to ensure even browning. Deglaze the pan with the apple cider vinegar and, when nearly evaporated, about 30 seconds, add the apple cider, thyme leaves and salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook the onions until tender, and the cider has reduced to a syrup-like consistency, 7 to 8 minutes. Serve alongside the goose as a side dish. (courtesy of Emeril Lagasse)

Savannah Chop House Creamed Corn

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:33:00 +0000

Found this recipe at footballguys, it looks pretty good!

Savannah Creamed Corn

2 (10-oz.) packages frozen
kernel corn
1 C. whipping cream
1 C. milk
1 t. salt
6 t. sugar
2 T. melted butter
2 T. all-purpose flour

Combine corn, whipping cream, milk, salt and sugar; bring to boil. Simmer 5 minutes.

In separate bowl, blend butter and flour. Add to corn and mix well.

Yield: 8 servings

Oyster Dressing

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 21:19:00 +0000

Another excellent southern recipe from Paula Deen. If you like oysters, you will love this dressing.

Oyster Dressing

Cornbread:
1 cup self rising cornmeal
1/2 cup self-rising flour
3/4 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Dressing:
7 slices white bread, dried in warm oven
Cornbread
1 sleeve saltine crackers
2 cups chopped celery
1 large onion, chopped
8 tablespoons butter
7 cups chicken stock
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
5 eggs, beaten
2 pints or 1 quart oysters, drained

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

To make the cornbread, combine all ingredients and pour into a greased shallow baking dish. Bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.

To make the dressing, crumble dried white bread slices, cornbread and crackers. Mix together and set aside. Saute chopped celery and onion in butter until transparent, approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Pour over corn bread mixture. Add stock, mix well and add salt, pepper, sage, and poultry seasoning. Add beaten eggs and mix well. Add oysters and mix. Pour into a greased pan. Bake for about 45 minutes.