Sip and Bite

Valentine Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites

2012-02-13T08:17:00.000-08:00

Valentine Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites

2 1/2 - cups confectioner's sugar (powdered sugar)
1/2 - cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1/2 - cup + 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
1/2 - teaspoon vanilla extract
1 - (12 oz) pkg chocolate almond bark, I prefer plymouth pantry
pretzels
valentine sprinkles

In a large bowl combine the confectioners sugar, butter, peanut butter, and vanilla. Mix well to form a dough (you may need to add a bit more confectioners sugar).

Using a small cookie scoop to make the little balls. Scoop out one scoopful of peanut butter mixture and then break in half. Roll each half into one ball. (I found this to be the perfect size).

Sandwich each one between two whole pretzels. When all the balls are rolled and successfully sandwiched, stick the whole tray in the freezer for about 45 minutes.

Melt the chocolate almond bark in the microwave for 3 minutes on the defrost setting. Continue in 3 minute intervals until the chocolate is melted and smooth.

Remove the pretzel sandwiches from the freezer and quickly dip each half-way into the melted chocolate. Add festive sprinkles.

When you have finished dipping all the pretzels, return the tray to the freezer to set up completely. Store the peanut butter bites in the refrigerator until serving time.

PEPPERONI PIZZA PULL-APART BREAD

2012-01-30T09:30:00.000-08:00

PEPPERONI PIZZA PULL-APART BREAD
Ingredients
1 round bread loaf
16 ounces mozzarella or Provolone cheese slices, cut into 1-inch squares
1 (3.5 ounce) package pepperoni, halved
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
2 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese
Marinara sauce for dipping

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Being careful not to go through the bottom crust, horizontal then vertical cuts in the bread, about one inch apart. Place the cut loaf on a foil-lined baking sheet and insert cheese slices and pepperoni between the cuts. Combine butter, salt, and oregano. Drizzle or brush over bread with a pastry brush. Sprinkle bread with Parmesan cheese. Wrap bread completely in foil and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Unwrap the bread and bake 10 more minutes, or until cheese is melted and bread is golden and crusty. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Let's Dish
The Super Bowl is right around the corner, and this pizza bread is sure to be a hit with everyone at your party, kids and grown-ups alike. It's so easy to put together, and the possibilities for other pizza "stuffings" are endless. Sausage is fabulous, and plain old cheese is pretty good too. Don't be shy about shoving the toppings down into the cut bread--you can fit a lot more in there than you think! If you have a fairly sturdy loaf of bread, it shouldn't be a problem. If you can find the mini pepperonis, they work great in this recipe!

Who Dished It Up First
Adapted from The Girl Who Ate Everything.

Crockpot Cheddar Beer Chicken Tacos

2012-01-17T08:53:00.000-08:00

Crockpot Cheddar Beer Chicken Tacos

[taco seasoning adapted from allrecipes]

serves 4+

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

3/4 cup beer (I used an amber ale)

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 1/2 teaspoons cumin

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

pinch of cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoons pepper

3/4 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese + more for topping

taco shells

your favorite toppings: greek yogurt, avocado, cilantro, salsa, chopped onion, black beans, shredded lettuce, etc.

In a bowl, mix together chili powder, cumin, garlic, onion, paprika, cayenne, salt and pepper. Measure out 3/4 cup of your favorite beer, and whisk 1 1/2 tablespoons of the taco seasoning into the beer.

Place chicken in the crockpot and dump in beer with seasoning. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4 hours.

When you first remove the lid, it will seem as though there is a lot of liquid and the chicken is just sitting in it, but take two forks or kitchen tongs and shred, shred, shred until it all comes together. Taste and season with additional taco seasoning if desired, then let sit in the crockpot for another 15 minutes or so. Turn the crockpot completely off, and right before serving toss in cheddar cheese. Once combined, immediately transfer the chicken to a large bowl so the cheese does not stick to the crockpot. Make your tacos!

Salted Chocolate Pretzel Toffee (aka Crack Bark)

2012-01-13T08:20:00.001-08:00

Salted Chocolate Pretzel Toffee (aka Crack Bark)

Adapted from Legume Loyalist and Flower Patch Farmgirl

Mini pretzels, broken into smaller pieces (as many as it takes to cover your pan)
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 cup light brown sugar
2 cups (one 12-ounce bag) chocolate chips
Sea salt

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line an 11″ x 17″ jelly roll pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Set aside.
Cover the pan in a layer of broken mini pretzels.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and brown sugar. When the mixture starts to gently simmer and bubble, let it cook that way for 3 minutes. (Don’t stir.)
Pour the butter and sugar mixture over the pretzels.
Bake for 5 minutes.
Place the pan on a cooling rack, and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the top. Wait for about 2 minutes, until the chocolate melts. Grab a spatula, and spread the chocolate over the toffee. Sprinkle with sea salt.
Let the toffee cool completely, and break it into pieces. (To speed up the cooling process, you can place the pan of toffee in the refrigerator or freezer.)

Hot Fudge Sauce

2012-01-13T08:08:00.001-08:00

Hot Fudge Sauce
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 12-oz can evaporated milk
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

In a medium saucepan, melt chocolate chips and butter over low heat. Gradually add evaporated milk and powdered sugar. Blend well and bring to a boil. Boil for 8 minutes, stirring constantly. Serve warm. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole

2012-01-09T06:34:00.000-08:00

Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole

Recipe type: Side Dish

Author: Reeni

Prep time: 20 mins

Cook time: 30 mins

Total time: 50 mins

Serves: 8

Rice and broccoli florets swimming in a cheesy sauce and baked to a bubbly, golden brown. Made with good-for-you broccoli, brown rice, real cheese and milk.

Ingredients

Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole

Recipe type: Side Dish

Author: Reeni

Prep time: 20 mins

Cook time: 30 mins

Total time: 50 mins

Serves: 8

Rice and broccoli florets swimming in a cheesy sauce and baked to a bubbly, golden brown. Made with good-for-you broccoli, brown rice, real cheese and milk.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons butter, plus more for greasing pan
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup flour
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon sea salt and a few cracks fresh black pepper
2 + 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1/3 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, shredded
3 cups cooked rice ( I used brown)
2 -3 cups cooked broccoli florets

Instructions

Grease a 9×13-inch casserole pan. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
In a large saucepan melt the butter over low heat; add garlic and saute until fragrant. Whisk in flour and cook 3-4 minutes, whisking constantly. Slowly whisk in milk, mustard and season with salt and pepper, bring to a simmer 4 minutes, whisking occasionally. Add 2 cups of cheddar cheese and parmesan; stir until mostly melted; remove from heat.
Stir in rice and broccoli florets, pour into casserole pan, sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheese over top. Bake 30 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden on top. Allow to set 5 minutes before serving.

Peanut Butter-Pretzel Truffles (a.k.a. Chubby Hubby Truffles)

2012-01-09T06:31:00.000-08:00

Peanut Butter-Pretzel Truffles (a.k.a. Chubby Hubby Truffles)
Yield: About 18 truffles
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Chill Time: 1 hour, total
1½ cups pretzel pieces
½ cup creamy peanut butter
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
Pinch of salt
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 cup milk or semisweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
1. Put the pretzel pieces into a resealable plastic bag and crush into very small bits (a rolling pin works great for this).
2. In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, butter, brown sugar and salt. Stir until all of the ingredients are completely blended and smooth. Add the pretzel bits to the peanut butter mixture and mix thoroughly. Add the powdered sugar and mix until completely combined.
3. Line a small baking sheet with wax paper. Using a small cookie scoop, or about 2 teaspoons worth of peanut butter mixture, gently shape into a ball with your fingertips. Place the ball on the wax paper-lined cookie sheet and repeat with the remaining peanut butter mixture. Place the baking sheet into the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes.
4. When ready to dip the truffles, microwave the chocolate chips and vegetable shortening together in a small bowl at 50% power in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until completely melted and smooth.
5. Working one at a time, dip one peanut butter-pretzel ball into the melted chocolate and use a fork to roll it around, ensuring that it is completely coated with chocolate. Let any extra chocolate drip off and place back on the wax paper-lined sheet. Repeat with all of the peanut butter-pretzel balls.
6. Return the baking sheet to the refrigerator and again chill for at least 30 minutes. Garnish with a drizzle of melted peanut butter and crushed pretzels, if desired. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
(Recipe adapted from make happy)

Homemade Restaurant Style Salsa

2012-01-09T06:28:00.000-08:00

Homemade Restaurant Style Salsa
Yield: About 6 cups
Prep Time: 15 minutes
28-ounce can whole tomatoes (peeled) with juice
2 10-ounce cans Rotel
¼ cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 jalepeño, quartered and sliced thin
½ cup cilantro
Juice from ½ a fresh lime
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
Add all ingredients to a food processor. Pulse until you get desired consistency (was about 10 pulses for me). Refrigerate for at least one hour, and then serve with your favorite tortilla chips.

If you prefer a milder salsa, remove the seeds and membrane from the jalapeno before adding it to the food processor.
(Recipe adapted from The Pioneer Woman)

Comfort Food - Beef Brisket

2012-01-09T06:23:00.000-08:00

Comfort Food - Beef Brisket

INGREDIENTS:
2-3 pounds brisket roast, fat trimmed to 1/4-inch
Salt and pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil
8 ounces baby bella or crimini mushrooms, quartered
1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup low-sodium beef broth
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Pat the brisket dry with paper twoels and prick the roast all over with a fork. Cut the brisket in half crosswise into two roasts (just like you’d cut a sandwich or apple in half). Season each roast with salt and pepper.
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium or medium-high heat until rippling and hot. Brown the brisket on both sides (working with one roast at a time), about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer fat-side up to a 9X13-inch baking dish. Repeat with the remaining roast.
Pour off all but 1 tablespoon fat from the skillet. Add the mushrooms and 1/8 teaspoon salt and cook over medium heat until the liquid evaporates and the mushrooms are golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Add the onions and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Add the flour, garlic, and thyme and cook, stirring constantly, until golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the broths and bay leaves, scraping up any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until thickened, about 6-7 minutes.
Pour the sauce over the roasts in the 9X13-inch pan and cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake the roasts in the preheated oven until very tender, 4 1/2 to 5 hours. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool, covered, for 30 minutes to 1 hour, flipping the roasts and recovering the dish halfway through cooling.
Transfer the roasts to a cutting board and trim any extra fat off, if the roasts are excessively fatty. Strain the sauce from the pan through a fine mesh strainer into a fat separator; reserving the mushrooms. Let the liquid settle and then pour into a microwave-safe bowl, leaving the fat behind. Stir in the vinegar and microwave the sauce for about a minute. If the sauce is too thick, thin with chicken or beef broth. Slice or shred the brisket roasts and place on a serving platter with the reserved mushrooms. Pour the warmed sauce over the meat. Serve immediately.
Recipe Source: adapted from Cook’s Country, Dec/Jan 2012

Brownie Mosaic Cheesecake

2012-01-06T08:42:00.000-08:00

Brownie Mosaic Cheesecake

INGREDIENTS:
Brownies:
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
Crumb Crust:
1 1/2 cups or 5 ounces (3 cups or 10 ounces to double) finely ground cookies such as chocolate wafers or chocolate Teddy Grahams
5 tablespoons (10 tablespoons to double) butter, melted
1/3 cup (2/3 cup to double) granulated sugar
1/8 (1/4 teaspoon to double) teaspoon salt
Cheesecake:
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup sugar
2 cups chilled brownie cubes (from recipe above)
Ganache:
3 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped (can use 1/2 cup chocolate chips)
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon confectioners sugar
DIRECTIONS:
For the brownies, preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with foil, with the ends of foil extending over the two short sides of the pan. Lightly grease foil. In a large microwaveable bowl, microwave the chocolate and butter on high for one minute. Stir. Repeat the process at 50% power until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir in the sugar. Blend in the eggs and vanilla. Add the flour and salt, stirring to mix well. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Bake the brownies for 28-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. Do not overbake! Cool the brownies in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, use the foil handles to remove the brownies. Refrigerate the brownies until chilled (1-2 hours) and cut into 3/4- to 1-inch cubes. Refrigerate the cubes until ready to fold into the cheesecake. You’ll have more brownie cubes than needed in the cheesecake recipe so use your best judgment about what to do with those leftover brownie babies.
For the crust, stir together the crust ingredients and press onto bottom and 1 inch up side of a buttered 10-inch springform pan. Fill right away with cheesecake or chill up to 2 hours.
For the cheesecake filling, preheat the oven to 350°F.
With an electric mixer or in the bowl of an electric stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, then vanilla and sugar, beating on low speed until each ingredient is incorporated and scraping down the bowl between additions.
Fold brownie cubes in very gently and pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Place the filled springform pan on a larger baking sheet and bake in the middle of the oven for 45 minutes, or until the cake is set 3 inches from the edge but still slightly jiggly in the center (watch the time carefully, you may need more or less baking time based on your exact oven temperature).
Cool the cheesecake completely in the springform pan on a wire rack. When completely cool, top with the ganache glaze.
For the ganache glaze, scald (heat just below boiling) the butter and cream in a saucepan (or in a Pyrex cup in the microwave). Place the finely chopped chocolate in a medium bowl. Pour the hot cream/butter mixture over the chocolate and let it sit for 1-2 minutes. Stir the mixture together until completely smooth and silky (it might look grainy at first but it will come together if the cream is sufficiently warm and the chocolate is chopped finely). Add the vanilla and sugar and whisk until smooth. Spread over the cheesecake. Chill until ready to serve.
To serve, unmold the cheesecake from the springform pan, cut the cheesecake into slices and serve.
Recipe Source: adapted slightly from Smitten Kitchen

Chicken Milano

2012-01-05T12:36:00.000-08:00

Chicken Milano
olive oil
2 Tbsp. butter
2 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied and cut into halves (4 pieces total)
Cajun seasoning, to taste
1 clove garlic, minced
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup white cooking wine
1 cup (about half a can) full-fat coconut milk (or you can use heavy cream)
5 oz. cremini mushrooms, sliced
2 Tbsp.chopped fresh basil
1/4 cups Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2 lb. (8 oz.) Fettucine pasta

Fill a large stock pot with water and bring to a boil.

Season the chicken with salt, pepper and a bit of Cajun seasoning on both sides. In a large, deep skillet or grill pan, heat olive oil over medium and saute chicken until cooked through. (Alternately, you could grill the chicken on an outdoor grill.) Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board and cover to keep warm. Drain the fat from the juices left in the pan.

Once water in stock pot is boiling, drop pasta and cook to al dente, according to package directions.

In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over low heat; add a drizzle of olive oil with it. Add sliced mushrooms and saute until dark in color and tender. Remove to a plate and set aside.

Add remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet (or more olive oil if you prefer), as well as the garlic; cook for 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes, chicken broth and white wine; increase to medium heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for about 5 minutes or until tomatoes are tender. Add the coconut milk/heavy cream and mushrooms and bring to a boil, stirring often. Simmer over medium heat just another minute or so; sauce will be thin. Stir in basil, Parmesan cheese and more salt, pepper and/or Cajun seasoning, if desired.

Drain pasta and pour into large casserole dish. Pour sauce over pasta and let sit about 5 minutes.

Slice chicken and serve on top of the pasta and sauce. Garnish with fresh grated parmesan cheese and more basil, if desired

Taco Pasta

2012-01-04T10:57:00.000-08:00

Taco PastaSource: adapted slightly from Fake Ginger

1 pound ground beef or turkey
8-12 ounces medium pasta shells or other small dry pasta shapes
1 small onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 (14 oz.) can diced tomatoes with mild green chilies, drained (if making this for kids you might want to use just plain diced tomatoes)
1 packet (4 tablespoons) taco seasoning
3 ounces cream cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Salt and pepper

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook pasta according to the package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set aside.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet or sauté pan, cook the ground meat over medium-high heat until no longer pink. A few minutes before the meat is cooked through, add the chopped onion to the skillet. Once the meat is cooked through, mix in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add in the diced tomatoes and taco seasoning and let simmer over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes.

Stir in the cooked pasta, cream cheese, sour cream and reserved pasta water, and continue stirring until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer over medium-low heat 3-5 minutes to reduce the sauce a bit if it is still too thin.

Toss in the cilantro right before serving for some fresh color and flavor. Serve with a green salad.

Roy’s Chocolate Soufflé

2012-01-04T10:55:00.000-08:00

Roy’s Chocolate SouffléSource: Roy Yamaguchi of Roy's

4 squares of parchment paper (3x3 inches)
4 strips of parchment paper (2x12 inches)
4 metal soufflé ring molds (3 inches in diameter x 2 inches tall) or parchment lined ramekins (see Note)

Soufflé Batter:
8 oz. good quality semi-sweet dark chocolate (i.e. Guittard, Vahlrona, Callebeaut - I used a Ghirardelli
baking bar)
12 Tablespoons butter
1 cup granulated sugar
3 Tablespoons cornstarch
4 whole eggs plus 4 egg yolks

To make the soufflé batter, combine sugar and cornstarch in a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and yolks. Bring butter to a simmer in a saucepan. Add chocolate and mix until smooth. Continue to mix until chocolate begins to simmer along the edges. Transfer the chocolate mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until combined. Add eggs and mix at low speed until mixture is smooth and sugar dissolved. Pour into a bowl and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat the oven to 400°. Line each soufflé ring with a strip of parchment paper and spray with pan release such as Pam. Place parchment paper squares on a baking sheet and set molds on top. Note: If you don't have a souffle ring you can use ramekins. Line the bottom of each ramekin with a circle of parchment paper and line the sides with parchment paper as shown above. Spray with cooking spray. You can also just eat them straight out of the ramekins or use cupcake liners with reduced cooking time because they will be smaller.

Fill each ring mold or ramekin with soufflé batter ¾ of the way full. Bake on top oven rack for 26-28 minutes. My ramekins were a little smaller so I baked them for 21-23 minutes. You just want to make sure the tops are set but the middle is still gooey. Remove baking sheet from oven. Slide a metal spatula under each mold, and carefully transfer to individual serving plates using a pair of tongs. Gently lift off the mold and remove the parchment paper. If using ramekins, use a knife to and run it around the edge then carefully invert and place on a serving dish. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired. Serve immediately. Left over batter can be refrigerated for up to 10 days.

•Kahlua Balls

2011-12-20T12:13:00.000-08:00

Kahlua Balls

3 cups crushed graham crackers

3/4 cup powdered sugar

1/4 cup dark cocoa powder

1 1/2 cups finely chopped semisweet chocolate

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

3 Tbsp agave or corn syrup

1/3 cup Kahlua

3 Tbsp brewed coffee

1/2 cup granulated sugar, for rolling

In a large bowl, whisk together the crushed graham crackers, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and chocolate.

Stir in the vanilla, agave, and Kahlua until the dough comes together.

Shape the dough into 1″ balls. Roll them each in the granulated sugar.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days to develop the flavor. Makes 15-20 balls.

Cowboy Cookies

2011-12-20T10:41:00.001-08:00

Cowboy Cookies

1 cup butter, at room temperature
1 cup light brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 Tsp. vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all purpose flour
1 Tsp. baking soda
½ Tsp. salt
2 ½ cups old fashioned oats
½ cup chocolate covered raisins
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup crumbled pretzels
½ cup shredded coconut
½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Preheat oven to 350
In a large bowl cream the butter and sugars.
Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until fully combined.
Stir in the baking soda, salt, and flour and mix until just combined being careful not to over mix.
Briefly mix in the oats.
Add the chocolate covered raisins, chocolate chips, pretzels, coconut and pecans; stir until just combined.
Scoop 1 tablespoon of cookie dough onto un-greased cookie sheets about half an inch apart.
Bake for 10 – 12 minutes until the cookies are golden brown along the edges.
Makes about two dozen cookies

Three Cheese and Beer Quick Bread

2011-12-20T10:40:00.000-08:00

Three Cheese and Beer Quick Bread

Ingredients

6 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon dry mustard
1 tablespoon Italian dried herbs
1 1/2 cups sour cream
2 cups room temp beer
1/2 cup tomato juice

1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
2 beaten eggs
2 cup or 6 oz gruyere cheese
1 cup or 3 oz parmesan cheese
2 cups or 6 oz white cheddar cheese

Method

Grate all your cheese and get all the ingredients together to be sure you have everything you need. In a large bowl combine the flour, baking powder, slat, dried mustard and the Italian herbs. Using a whist mix them all together. Remove a 1/ 2 cup of the white cheddar and 1/2 cup of the Gruyere cheese and a 1/4 cup of the Parmesan and set aside for the topping of the bread. Add the rest of the cheeses to the flour mixture. Using your fingers mix in the cheese so all the cheese is coated in flour. In a separate bowl combine the beer, sour cream, tomato juice, eggs and worcestershire sauce and whip till mixed. Add the liquid to the dry ingredients and mix with a spatula just till mixed. Do not over mix. Pour the mixture into 2 greased 9x5 loaf pans and press down with a spatula. Sprinkle the cheese that you set aside earlier. Place the loaves into a preheated 350 degree oven and bake for 50 -55 minutes or till done. Allow to cool in the pans for 15 minutes before removing them from the pans. Place on a wire rack to cool.

Pistachio Cranberry Bark

2011-12-20T10:38:00.000-08:00

Pistachio Cranberry Bark

1 cup white chocolate candy melts
1 cup dark chocolate candy melts
½ cup pistachios
½ cup dried cranberries
wax paper
Line a cookie sheet with wax paper. Set aside.
Place dark chocolate melts in a medium microwavable bowl. Microwave on medium power for 30 seconds. Stir mixture and continue to microwave for 30 second intervals until chocolate is completely melted.
Reserving about two tablespoons, pour dark chocolate onto prepared cookie sheet and spread over surface with a spatula. Place cookie sheet in the refrigerator to harden.
In the meantime melt white chocolate melts using the same 30 second interval method. Once completely melted stir in pistachios and cranberries.
Pour the white chocolate mixture over the hardened dark chocolate on the cookie sheet. Dip a spatula into the reserved dark chocolate and drizzle over the top of the bark to decorate.
Return cookie sheet to the refrigerator until the bark has hardened.
Once completely cooled and hardened remove from the fridge and break apart into pieces.
Store in a sealed container in a cool dark place so it does not melt.

Shredded Tex-Mex Crock-Pot Chicken

2011-12-19T08:31:00.000-08:00

Shredded Tex-Mex Crock-Pot Chicken

a goodLife{eats} creation

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 1/4 teaspoon cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon coriander
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/3 cup chicken broth
1/3 cup (packed) cilantro leaves, chopped
2 limes
1 large onion, chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions:

Heat the oil in a medium sized sauté pan. Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the cumin, chili powder, coriander, paprika and garlic and sauté two more minutes. Deglaze the pan with the chicken broth making sure to scrape up any browned bits. Turn off and set aside.
Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. Add to crock pot. Squeeze the lime on top, add the cilantro, jalapeno, and pour the onion and garlic mixture over top.
Cook on low for 3-5 hours, or until cooked through (different crock-pots cook at varying heats) and tender. Remove chicken breasts from the crock pot, shred and place in a bowl. Scoop out the onions and add to the chicken. Depending on the amount of juices produced, you may want to add some or all of the juice back to the shredded chicken.
For fast and easy soft tacos, add this chicken to taco sized flour tortillas with shredded lettuce, avocado, tomato, cilantro, red onion, and cheese (I like cheddar, pepper jack, or feta best). Add a dollop of sour cream and salsa, too, if you like.
Kitchen Tip: To easily juice the lime, roll it on the counter top a few times like you are kneading it. Then slice in half and squeeze. Or use a hand juicer. My favorite is the Pampered Chef Citrus Press.

Mini Ham and Cheese Rolls

2011-12-19T08:11:00.001-08:00

Mini Ham and Cheese Rolls
2 T. dried minced onions
1 T. prepared mustard (I used Honey Dijon)
1 tsp. poppy seeds
1 stick melted butter
1 dozen dinner rolls or 2 dozen party rolls (I used 1 pkg of King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls for half a recipe)
1/2 pound ham
1/2 pound thinly sliced Swiss cheese
Preheat oven to 325°. In a small mixing bowl mix onion, mustard, poppy seeds, and melted butter. Leaving the dinner rolls intact, slice them open so that you have one solid top and bottom. Place the bottom half on a baking sheet or in a 9×13 inch baking pan, the pan size will depend on choice of rolls. Line the bottom half of the rolls with cheese slices and ham. Return the top part of the rolls and drizzle the butter mixture evenly over top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Now use a sharp knife and separate the little sandwiches. Place on a pretty platter and serve immediately.
Notes from Big Red Kitchen- These can be made ahead of time and refrigerated, may require 5 more minutes of baking. Also can be prepared ahead and frozen. Defrost in refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. I love keeping a pan of these in the freezer for emergencies. Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.

Bow Tie Skillet Lasgna

2011-12-19T07:55:00.001-08:00

Bow Tie Skillet Lasgna

1 lb. ground beef
1 lb. box or pkg of mini farfalle or mini bow tie pasta
24 oz jar or spaghetti sauce
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
Parmesan cheese, if desired

In a skillet, brown the ground beef until fully cooked; drain.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions. I use the mini because they cook in about 7 minutes.
After pasta is cooked, drain. Return to pot and toss with the olive oil.
Add the spaghetti sauce to the pasta and stir to coat.
Next, add the cooked ground beef, seasonings, mozzarella cheese and sour cream to the pasta. Fold together and cook over low heat until cheese is melted.
Serve and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired. Serves 6.

Texas Pecan Roca

2011-12-19T06:03:00.001-08:00

Texas Pecan Roca

Yield: 36 pieces

Ingredients:

2 sticks (1/2 pound) butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon molasses
1 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans, divided
36 Hershey Kisses, unwrapped

Directions:

Grease metal mini muffin baking tins with a non-stick spray. Set aside.
In a non-stick medium saucepan, mix together butter, sugar, water, and molasses and bring mixture to a slow boil using a wooden or silicone spoon. Do not use a whisk, over stirring will ruin the toffee and make it seperate. Attach candy thermometer and continue cooking until the thermometer reaches 295 degrees, stirring occasionally to prevent burning/sticking. Slow and steady will win this race. I kept my stove at medium-low heat, with a steady slow boil, and it took me 20 minutes. If you try turning up the heat, to speed it up, it will burn before it reaches the correct temperature. So be patient, it's worth the wait.
As soon as you reach 295 degrees, remove pan from heat and set on a hot pad. Stir in 1 cup of the pecans. Using a metal spoon, work quickly and carefully to fill each mini muffin tin 1/2 way full.
Once all tins are full, place one kiss on top of each candy. Wait a few minutes to let the heat melt the chocolate, and then using a mini spatula, or your finger, swirl melted chocolate to edges of candy. Sprinkle the remaining pecans along the tops of each and gently press into melted chocolate.
Let candies cool/harden overnight, or speed up the cooling time by popping them in the fridge. Use a toothpick to help pop the candies out of the tins. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Bite-sized Baked Brie

2011-12-19T05:52:00.000-08:00

Bite-sized Baked Brie

makes 24 squares

Print this Recipe!

2 sheets puff pastry, thawed but still cold

1/2 wedge of brie, cold

1/3 cup cherry jam (or any flavor you fancy!)

1 large egg, beaten

splash of milk

All-butter, store bought puff pastry usually comes frozen and folded into thirds. We’re going to use these folded thirds to our advantage. Cut the puff pastry into thirds along the creases. Cut each panel into four pieces. They’ll be 2 1/4-inch tall and 3-inches wide. One sheet of puff pastry will yield 12 rectangles. Cut each rectangle in half. You’ll have 24 little rectangles that will create 12 little rectangle pockets.

Combine beaten egg and splash of milk. Brush 12 of the small rectangles with egg wash. If you’d like to make brie bites on sticks, now is the time! Place a popsicle stick halfway up the puff pastry and press in gently. Place a small sliver of brie (rind and all) on top of the egg wash (and stick). Top with about 1/2 teaspoon of cherry jam. Take another square of puff pastry and press between your fingers to make the rectangle slightly bigger. Place puff pastry on top of the cheese and jam. Use a fork to press the edges together. The egg wash will act as a glue. Make sure to seal the edges well by crimping with the fork.

Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place prepared brie bites on a parchment lined baking sheet. Brush with egg wash. Sprinkle with a touch of coarsely ground sea salt. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Spinach Cheese Puff

2011-12-19T05:50:00.000-08:00

Spinach Cheese Puff

Recipe type: side dish

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 35 mins

Total time: 45 mins

Serves: 8

Martha Stewart’s Spinach Cheese Puff; a casserole made with spinach, Gruyere cheese, half & half and eggs. Baked to a bubbly golden brown, this spinach side dish will go great alongside just about anything.

Ingredients

butter, for greasing dish
1 + 1/4 cups half-and-half
2 eggs, lightly beaten
sea or kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups mozzarella or Gruyere cheese, coarsely grated
20 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a shallow 1-quart baking dish.
In a large bowl whisk half-and-half, eggs, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, and nutmeg together; stir in 1 +1/2 cups of the cheese then the spinach. Spread evenly in prepared baking dish, and top with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
Bake until set in the middle and top is golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes.

Crockpot Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Spinach, Roasted Red Pepper, Parmesan + Goat Cheese

2011-12-19T05:43:00.000-08:00

Crockpot Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Spinach, Roasted Red Pepper, Parmesan + Goat Cheese
serves 4
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (do not use thin sliced chicken breasts)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 jar of roasted red peppers in water, with 1 of the peppers cut into 8-12 long slices
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 of one 6-ounce bag of fresh spinach
2 ounces parmesan cheese, sliced
2 ounces goat cheese
1/2 cup dry white wine
3/4 cup low-sodium chicken stock
If desired, quickly tenderize chicken, making sure to not pound it too thin. Using a sharp knife, make a deep cut in the center of one side of each chicken breast, being very careful not to cut through to the top or the bottom – this will cause the cheese to go everywhere, and if it happens, you may want to consider not stuffing it with cheese (you can always add some on top). Season the chicken on both sides with the salt and pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1/2 tablespoon olive oil. Add spinach and garlic, cooking until spinach is wilted, about 5 minutes.
Add 1/2 ounce of parmesan and goat cheese inside each piece of chicken, pressing it as far back as it will go (you can do this while spinach is cooking). Add 1-2 slices (or more) of roasted red pepper, then add equal amounts of spinach into each piece of chicken.
Turn the heat on the skillet to medium-high and add olive oil. When it’s hot, gently place each chicken breast (top side down first is easiest) in the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side. You can skip this part and just add the chicken to the crockpot without searing, but this will make it very flavorful and tender.
Add chicken to the crockpot with the stuffed side facing up. Add wine and chicken stock, then cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Peanut Butter Fudge

2011-12-16T08:47:00.000-08:00

Peanut Butter Fudge

Yield: 64 1-inch pieces

Ingredients

8 oz. unsalted butter, plus more for greasing pan
1 cup creamy peanut butter

1 tsp. vanilla extract
16 oz. confectioners' sugar

Directions

Line an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Lightly grease with butter. Combine the butter and peanut butter in a microwave safe bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Microwave on full power for 2 minutes. Remove from the microwave, stir, and microwave on full power for 2 minutes more.
Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave. Add the vanilla and confectioners’ sugar to the bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until evenly combined. The mixture will become difficult to stir and lose its sheen.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and spread into an even layer. Place an additional piece of parchment directly on the surface of the fudge. Refrigerate until cool, at least 2 hours. Use a large knife to cut into 1-inch pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.