Thanksgiving Goodies

Tangy Vegetable Salad

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 03:19:00 +0000

Here is a nice salad recipe that will put a little tang into your Thanksgiving meal.

Ingredients:

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in 1-inch pieces
1/2 pound small zucchini, cut in 1/2-inch slices
1 green bell pepper, cut in chunks
4 fresh firm tomatoes, peeled and cut in chunks
1 1/2 to 2 cups cauliflower flowerets, blanched
2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
chopped parsley or Parmesan cheese

Preparation:

Cook all zucchini and green beans, separately, until tender-crisp. Drain and combine in a large saucepan with green pepper, tomato chunks, and blanched cauliflower. Mix flour, oil, lemon juice, sugar and salt; pour over mixed vegetables in the saucepan. Bring vegetables and sauce to a simmer and simmer for a few minutes, just until the dressing thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve topped with a little chopped parsley or Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Serves 8.

Pepper-Vodka Soaked Cherry Tomatoes with Seasoned Sea Salt

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Wed, 14 May 2008 21:06:00 +0000

A very good appetizer that will get your guests' tastebuds popping!

1 pint vine-ripened cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup pepper-flavored vodka
3 tbsp. coarse or fine sea salt
1 tbsp. lemon pepper

Poke 5 or 6 holes with a wooden pick or skewer in each tomato and put in a shallow bowl. Pour vodka over tomatoes and let stand, covered, tossing occasionally, 1 to 2 hours, or until soaked to desired taste. In a small bowl stir together salt and pepper. Serve tomatoes with seasoned salt for dipping. Makes 2 cups.
From Gourmet Magazine

Cherry Mash Candy

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 23:26:00 +0000

If you like cherries you will love this recipe:

2 cups sugar
2/3 cup evaporated milk
Dash of salt
12 large marshmallows
1/2 cup margarine
6 oz. cherry chips
2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine sugar, milk, salt, marshmallows and margarine in saucepan. Bring to boil and cook for 5 minutes.

Remove from heat. Add cherry chips and vanilla.

Pour into a buttered 9x13 inch pan. Refrigerate.

Topping
2 tablespoons margarine
12 oz. package semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup peanut butter
1 cup crushed peanuts

Melt chocolate chips and margarine in double boiler. Simmer until melted. Remove from heat and add peanut butter and peanuts. Spread over cherry layer.

Refrigerate. Cut into bars when firm.
(thatsmyhome.com)

Asparagus Cake

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 02:23:00 +0000

This is one to try, I guarantee no one at your get-together has ever tried it. It is actually quite tasty.

1 lb asparagus; trimmed cut up
1 c water; boiling
3/4 c butter or margarine
1 1/2 c brown sugar; packed
2 eggs
3 c all purpose flour
2 ts baking powder
1 ts baking soda
1 ts ground cinnamon
1/2 ts ground nutmeg
1/4 ts salt
1/2 c nuts; chopped
1/2 c dates; pitted snipped
1/2 c light raisins

Cook the asparagus(covered)in boiling water until tender (about 10 min). Cool slightly.Transfer asparagus and cooking liquid to a blender container or food processor bowl. Cover and blend or process until pureed.(You should have 2 cups, add water if necessary.) Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter or margarine with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds or till softened. Add brown sugar and beat till well combined. Beat in eggs.In another bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Add to creamed mixture alternately with asparagus puree, beating till just combined after each addition. With a wooden spoon, stir in nuts, dates and raisins. Pour mix into 2 greased and floured 8x11/2-inch or 9x11/2-inch round baking pans or one 13x9x2 inch baking pan. Bake at 350 for 40 to 45 minutes for the 8-inch pans,35 to 40 minutes for the 9-inch pans, and 30 minutes for the 13x9x2-inch pan until toothpick inserted near the centers comes out clean. Cool on wire racks for 10 minutes. Remove round layers from pans. Cool thoroughly on racks. Frost top of one layer with Cream Cheese Frosting. Place second layer on top; frost top and sides.

Carrot Fennel Soup

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 01:46:00 +0000

Here is a soup that will bring excitement (and color) to your feast!

INGREDIENTS

1/2 teaspoon fennel seed
1 tablespoon butter or stick margarine
1 1/2 pounds carrots, sliced
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
1 medium apple, peeled and cubed
3 (14.5 ounce) cans vegetable broth
2 tablespoons uncooked long grain rice
1/4 teaspoon curry powder
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

DIRECTIONS

In a large saucepan, saute fennel seed in butter for 2-3 minutes or until lightly toasted. Add the carrots, sweet potato and apple; saute for 5 minutes. Stir in the broth, rice, curry powder and bay leaf; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until rice and vegetables are very tender.
Remove from the heat and cool slightly. Discard bay leaf. In a blender or food processor, process soup in batches until pureed. Return to saucepan. Stir in the lemon juice, salt and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with parsley.

Banana Pudding

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 00:16:00 +0000

An old classic I think you'll love!

3/4 cup sugar, divided
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
Dash salt
3 eggs, separated
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
45 NILLA Wafers, divided
5 ripe bananas, sliced (about 3 1/2 cups), divided
Additional NILLA Wafers and banana slices, for garnish

1. Mix 1/2 cup sugar, flour and salt in top of double boiler. Blend in 3 egg yolks and milk. Cook, uncovered, over boiling water, stirring constantly for 10 to 12 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.

2. Save 10 wafers for garnish. Spread small amount of custard on bottom of 1 1/2-quart casserole; cover with a layer of wafers and a layer of sliced bananas. Pour about 1/3 of custard over bananas. Continue to layer wafers, bananas and custard to make a total of 3 layers of each, ending with custard.

3. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form; slowly add remaining 1/4 cup sugar and beat until stiff but not dry. Spoon on top of pudding, spreading evenly to cover entire surface and sealing well to edges.

4. Bake at 350°F in top half of oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until browned. Cool slightly or refrigerate. Garnish with additional wafers and banana slices just before serving.

Makes 8 servings

Orange-Coconut Ambrosia

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 19:49:00 +0000

A very tasty dish for the festivities.

INGREDIENTS:

4 large navel oranges
6 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1 1/3 cups grated fresh coconut, or 1 can (3 1/2 oz) flaked coconut
3 tablespoons orange juice

PREPARATION:

Peel oranges, being careful to remove all outer white membrane. Cut oranges crosswise into thin slices, about 1/8 inch thick. Layer a third of slices in a serving bowl. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of the confectioners' sugar, then with 1/3 cup coconut and 1 tablespoon orange juice.

Repeat layers two more times. Refrigerate 1 hour.
Makes 6 servings of Ambrosia

No-Bake Cookies

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 23:02:00 +0000

Great no-bake cookies made with oatmeal, peanut butter and cocoa. Start timing when mixture reaches a rolling boil; this is the trick to successful cookies. If you boil too long the cookies will be dry and crumbly. If you don't boil long enough the cookies won't form properly."

INGREDIENTS

1 3/4 cups white sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup butter
4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
3 cups quick-cooking oats
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa. Bring to a boil, and cook for 1 1/2 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in peanut butter, oats, and vanilla. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper. Let cool until hardened.

Upside Down Carmel Apple Pie

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

This is a wonderful alternative to traditional apple pie.

Glaze and pastry

1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 Tbl butter, melted
1Tbl corn syrup
1/3 cups pecan halves, coarsely chopped
1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)

Filling

1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3Tbl all purpose flour
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Dash of ground nutmeg
4 large Granny Smith apples
1 Tbl lemon juice

Preheat oven to 425°F. For glaze, combine brown sugar, butter and corn syrup in Stoneware 9" Pie Plate; spread evenly onto bottom. Chop pecans using Food Chopper; sprinkle over sugar mixture. Top with 1 pastry crust; set aside. For filling, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg in 1-Qt Batter Bowl; mix well. Peel, core and slice apples using Apple/Peeler/Corer/Slicer; cut slices crosswise in half. Place apple slices in Classic 2-Qt Batter Bowl; sprinkle with lemon juice. Layer half of the apples in pastry-lined Pie Plate; sprinkle with half the brown sugar mixture. Repeat layers. Place remaining crust over filling. Fold edge of top crust under edge of bottom crust; flute edge. Cut several slits in top crust. Bake 50-60 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes. Loosen edge of pie from Pie Plate; carefully invert pie onto heat resistant serving plate. Scrape any remaining caramel topping from pie plate onto pie. Cool at least 1 hour before serving.

Pampered Chef

Chex Party Mix

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 02:11:00 +0000

A perennial party favorite. Great snack for the games!

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup butter
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. seasoned salt
1 tsp. garlic salt
1/2 tsp. onion powder
3 cups corn chex cereal
2 cups wheat chex cereal
1-1/2 cups mixed nuts
1 cup small pretzels
1 cup garlic flavored bagel chips
1 cup pretzel rods

PREPARATION:

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Melt butter in large roasting pan in oven (5 minutes). Stir in seasonings. Add remaining ingredients and mix until coated. Bake at 250 degrees for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Spread on paper towels to cool, and store in airtight container.

Microwave Method: Melt butter in large microwave-safe bowl on HIGH. Stir in seasonings, then remaining ingredients until coated. Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH 5-6 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes. Spread on paper towels to cool, and store in airtight container.

Wild Rice Soup

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 18:48:00 +0000

An excellent soup to start the meal.

1 medium onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 C. diced turkey
1/2 C. uncooked Uncle Ben's wild rice and long-grain rice
1 seasoning packet from the wild rice mix
1/4 t. pepper
3 (14 1/2-oz.) cans chicken broth
1 (12-oz.) can evaporated milk
1/3 C. all-purpose flour
1 C. frozen green peas, thawed

Put onion, celery, carrots, turkey, 1/2 cup wild rice and long grain rice mix, rice mix seasoning packet and pepper in slow cooker. Pour broth over all. Cover and cook on Low for 6-8 hours or until wild rice and vegetables are tender.

Mix together milk and flour; stir into soup. Cover and cook about 20 minutes or until thickened. Stir in peas during last 15 minutes of cooking.

Serves 6.

Good Ol' Gravy

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 20:50:00 +0000

What's Thanksgiving without gravy? Boring, here's a good gravy recipe:

TURKEY GRAVY

2 pounds turkey wings
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, halved
4 carrots, chopped
1 head garlic, smashed
1/2 bunch fresh sage
1/2 bunch fresh thyme
8 black peppercorns
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepperHeat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Put the turkey wings into a small roasting pan and roast them until they are golden brown, about 30 minutes. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, garlic, herbs, and peppercorns and cook for 5 minutes. Add the turkey wings. Pour some water into the roasting pan and scrape up all the browned bits on the bottom; add this to the pot. Cover everything in the pot with cold water by 1-inch and bring to the boil, skimming any foam that rises to the surface. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Strain out the solids and discard. Wipe out the pot and put it over medium heat. Melt the butter with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and add the flour. Cook this roux, stirring frequently, until it is golden brown. Slowly whisk in the strained stock being careful to work out any lumps. Cook until the gravy has thickened, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Roast Goose with Brandy

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 16:01:00 +0000

You have never had goose this good. Surprise everyone with this dish!

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.
(recipe courtesy of Emeril Lagasse)

Peas And Pearls

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 15:56:00 +0000

Peas And Pearls

1 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
3 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
1 (10-ounce) package frozen pearl onions, thawed
1 (10-ounce) package frozen peas, thawed
1 small bunch watercress, washed and trimmed
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

In a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat, combine the chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of the butter, and 2 teaspoons of the dill. Once the liquid gets hot, add the pearl onions and peas. Cook and stir for 5 minutes until well coated and thickened slightly. Add the watercress, remaining butter, and dill; season with salt and pepper.

Thanksgiving Stuffed Onions

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 15:53:00 +0000

Here is a recipe courtesy of Gourmet Magazine. If you love onions, you'll love this!

Stuffed Onions

4 large onions (about 3/4 pound each)
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper
1 cup cooked turkey stuffing
6 tablespoons cranberry sauce
2 cups chopped cooked turkey
1/2 cup turkey gravy or chicken broth
1 1/3 cups mashed potatoesPreheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Cut the top 1/2-inch from each onion, peel the onions, and with a melon-ball cutter scoop out the centers, reserving the onion pieces, leaving 2 layers of onion or 1/3-inch-thick shells, leave the bottoms slightly thicker. Transfer the reserved onion pieces to a 13 by 9-inch glass baking dish. Drizzle the broth over them, and arrange the onion shells, inverted on top. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake the onions in the middle of the oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the shells are just tender. Remove and reserve the shells. Into the onion pieces, stir the cream, the sugar, and salt and pepper, to taste, and bake the mixture, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 25 minutes.
While the onions are baking, in each reserved onion shell layer 1/4 cup of the stuffing, 1 1/2 tablespoons cranberry sauce, and another 1/4 cup of the turkey. Holding each shell in one hand pack the layers lightly. Arrange the stuffed onions on top of the baked creamed onions and pour 2 tablespoons of the gravy into each stuffed onion. Top each stuffed onion with 1/3 cup of mashed potatoes, mound them, and score with a fork. Bake the onions, stirring the creamed onions occasionally, for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden.

Mashed Potatoes

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 15:44:00 +0000

Everybody needs a plain old fashioned mashed potatoes recipe, right?

Old Fashioned Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients
	2 pounds small red potatoes, quartered 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup milk 1/4 cup sour cream salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add potatoes, and cook until tender but still firm, about 10 minutes. Drain, and place in a large bowl.
Combine potatoes with butter, milk, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Mash together until smooth and creamy.

Honey Brined Smoked Turkey

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:38:00 +0000

Excellent recipe from Alton Brown of The Food Network.

Honey Brined Smoked Turkey

1 gallon hot water
1 pound kosher salt
2 quarts vegetable broth
1 pound honey
1 (7-pound) bag of ice
1 (15 to 20-pound) turkey, with giblets removed
Vegetable oil, for rubbing turkeyCombine the hot water and the salt in a 54-quart cooler. Stir until the salt dissolves. Stir in the vegetable broth and the honey. Add the ice and stir. Place the turkey in the brine, breast side up, and cover with cooler lid.. Brine overnight, up to 12 hours.

Remove the turkey from the brine and dry thoroughly. Rub the bird thoroughly with the vegetable oil.

Heat the grill to 400 degrees F.

Using a double thickness of heavy-duty aluminum foil, build a smoke bomb. Place a cup of hickory wood chips in the center of the foil and gather up the edges, making a small pouch. Leave the pouch open at the top. Set this directly on the charcoal or on the metal bar over the gas flame. Set the turkey over indirect heat, insert a probe thermometer into the thickest part of the breast meat, and set the alarm for 160 degrees F. Close the lid and cook for 1 hour.

After 1 hour check the bird; if the skin is golden brown, cover with aluminum foil and continue cooking. Also, after 1 hour, replace wood chips with second cup.

Once the bird reaches 160 degrees F, remove from grill, cover with aluminum foil, and allow to rest for 1 hour. Carve and serve.

Black Russian Pie

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:23:00 +0000

This is from a fantasy football website, it is very delicious.

Black Russian Pie:

Crust:
1 C chocolate wafer crumbs (or chocolate graham crackers)
2 tbs unsalted butter, melted
2 tbs kahlua

combine well. press onto bottom and sides of 9-inch pie plate. chill for 10-15 min.

Filling:
1/2 C milk
2 envelops unflavored gelatin
1/2 C kahlua
2 eggs
1/2 C sugar
1/3 C vodka
1 1/2 C heay cream, whipped
shaved chocolate

Heat milk to boiling. add gelatin and kahlua.... stir until dissolved. in a blender, mix eggs, sugar, vodka. with machine running pour in milk mixture and blend well. transfer to a bowl. chill for 15-30 min. fold gelatin mixture into whipped cream. pour into crust. chill until set (about 3 hours). sprinkle shaved chocolate on top right before serving.

Broccoli Soffriti

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:09:00 +0000

Here is a little different way to prepare Broccoli for your holiday meal courtesy of Molto Mario.

Broccoli Soffriti

3 pounds fresh broccoli, with leaves, or broccoli rabe
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
8 cloves garlic, sliced in half
10 salted anchovies, cleaned, filleted and roughly chopped

Trim the broccoli into long stalks, removing the bottom 2 inches and leaving the leaves attached. Bring 6 quarts of water to a boil.

Meanwhile, place a 12 to 14-inch saute pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the garlic and anchovies and cook 5 minutes, until just golden brown and very fragrant.

While the garlic and anchovies cook, plunge broccoli into boiling water and cook for 1 minute. Remove broccoli from water, drain well, and add it to the pan with the garlic and anchovies. Cook 10 to12 minutes, until tender and yet still holding its shape. Remove from heat and season aggressively with pepper and timidly with salt. This dish may be served hot or at room temperature.

Turducken

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 01:40:00 +0000

Turducken! Made famous by John Madden and his multi-legged Turducken. He hands out Turducken to the outstanding football player/players on Thanksgiving day.

Turducken

Brine:
1 cup kosher salt
1 cup brown sugar
1 gallon water

18 to 21-pound turkey, skin intact and boned except for drumsticks
House seasoning, recipe follows
Cornbread Dressing, recipe follows
3 to 4-pound duck, boned
3 to 4-pound chicken, boned
Paprika

To make the brine: Mix salt and sugar with the water. Brine is ready when the mixture is completely dissolved. If the water is heated to quicken the process, make sure it is cooled to room temperature before placing meat in. Let the 3 birds sit in brine in the refrigerator overnight.

Preheat roaster to 500 degrees F.

Lay turkey skin side down on a flat surface. Dust turkey with House Seasoning and add 1/4-inch layer of cornbread dressing. Lay duck skin side down on top of dressing. Dust duck with House Seasoning and add 1/4-inch layer of dressing. Repeat with the chicken.

Begin trussing up the turkey at the neck. Insert metal skewer about 1/2-inch from the edge and up through the other side. Run butcher's twine between skin and skewer and tighten to draw both sides together. Continue down to legs. With every other skewer, draw together the duck and chicken skin. Tie together turkey legs to resemble standard turkey. Dust turkey skin with paprika.

Roast turducken for 15 minutes. Then turn the roaster down to 225 degrees F to finish, approximately 3 hours. Remove turducken from roaster once the internal temperature in the chicken reaches 155 degrees F. Let rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.

Cut across the middle of the breast completely through. Plate thin slices containing turkey, duck and chicken.

*Notes: If using a smoker to cook, smoke at 225 degrees F for 5 hours, rotating every 20 to 30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 155 degrees F and external temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Try to keep the flare-ups from the fire to a minimum.

House Seasoning:
1 cup salt
1/4 cup black pepper
1/4 cup garlic powderMix ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

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

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. Follow instructions above to stuff birds.

Yield: 8 to 10 servings

Deep Fried Turkey

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:20:00 +0000

Delicious turkey recipe from Paula Deen

Deep-Fried Turkey

5 gallons peanut oil*
10 to 15-pound unstuffed turkey
1 stick butter
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons House Seasoning, recipe follows

*Note: To measure the amount of oil needed to fry the turkey, place turkey in fryer, add water to top of turkey, remove the turkey and the water line will indicate how much oil will be needed to fry your turkey. Having too much oil can cause a fire. The pot should not be more than 3/4 full or the oil could overflow when the turkey is added.

Put peanut oil in a 10-gallon pot. Put pot on propane cooker and heat oil to 400 degrees F.

Have turkey completely thawed and dry turkey thoroughly. Tie 2 cotton strings around carcass so bird can be easily lifted out of oil. Carefully submerge turkey in oil.

Deep-fry for 3 to 4 minutes per pound and cook until turkey floats to the top. Remove bird from oil and place on a platter or cutting board.

In a small pan, melt the butter. Add the garlic powder, cayenne and seasoning. Brush turkey with butter mixture. Pour any remaining butter mixture inside the turkey. Allow to cool 20 to 30 minutes before carving.

Please be extremely careful when deep-frying the turkey. Do it outdoors on a level and non-flammable surface.

House Seasoning:
1 cup salt
1/4 cup black pepper
1/4 cup garlic powderMix ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Sweet Potato Casserole

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 21:23:00 +0000

Another excellent sweet potato recipe for all to enjoy on Thanksgiving or anytime!

Sweet Potato Casserole

INGREDIENTS:

2 eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups cooked mashed sweet potatoes
Topping
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup flour
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

Beat eggs, granulated sugar, and 3/4 cup butter. Add milk and vanilla. Combine with the mashed sweet potatoes; spoon into a greased 2-quart casserole. Combine brown sugar, flour, 2 tablespoons softened butter, and pecans, mixing until crumbly; sprinkle over sweet potatoes.

Traditional Pumpkin Pie

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 21:08:00 +0000

This is a delicious pumpkin pie recipe. It is a very simple recipe, just mix it and bake. It has been used by Libby's for over 50 years.

Traditional Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients:

3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 large eggs
1 can (15 oz.) 100% pure pumpkin
1 can (12 fl. oz.) evaporated milk
1 unbaked 9-inch (4-cup volume) deep-dish pie shell
Whipped cream (optional)

Directions:

MIX sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger and cloves in small bowl. Beat eggs in large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk.

POUR into pie shell.

BAKE in preheated 425° F oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350° F; bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate. Top with whipped cream before serving.
(LIBBY'S)

NOTES:
1 3/4 teaspoons pumpkin spice may be substituted for the cinnamon, ginger and cloves; however, the taste will be slightly different. Do not freeze, as this will cause the crust to separate from the filling.

FOR 2 SHALLOW PIES: substitute two 9-inch (2-cup volume) pie shells. Bake in preheated 425° F. oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350° F.; bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until pies test done.

Tips For Your Thanksgiving Meal

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 18:38:00 +0000

Below are some tips to make your Thanksgiving Meal come of with out a hitch!

Plan your meal in advance.
Collect your recipes well in advance and keep them together.
Ask for help. If you are expecting a big crowd ask some of your guests to bring an item. Ask others to lend a hand with other details.
Shop for everything you can early to get them out of the way. Last minute shopping will put a kink in your master plan.
Things like cranberry sauce and slaw can be made a day in advance, freeing up valuable time for the big day. Clean out the refrigerator.
Turkey Day! Make a plan. No what needs to be cooked separate from the bird.
Don't Panic-This is fun, relax and enjoy it!

Walnut Apple Slaw

noreply@blogger.com (The Monarch) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 18:31:00 +0000

Here is a great way to liven up your slaw!

Walnut Apple Slaw

Ingredients:

6 cups shredded cabbage
1-1/2 cups shredded carrots
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts, toasted
3/4 cup raisins
1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
3/4 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup buttermilk
4 to 5 tablespoons sugar
4-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 medium apples, chopped

Directions

(To decrease the preparation time of Walnut Apple Slaw, use a 16-ounce bag of coleslaw mix for the shredded cabbage and carrots.)

1. In a large salad bowl, toss the cabbage, carrots, walnuts, raisins and onion.

2. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, buttermilk, sugar, lemon juice, salt and pepper.

3. Pour over cabbage mixture and toss to coat.

4. Gently fold in apples.

5. Cover and refrigerate until serving.

Serves 12