Cooking With Kimberly

Cookie Bowls

2012-02-01T14:56:00.000-06:00

Ingredients:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon Almond Extract
Makes:

12 bowls.

Tools:

Ice Cream Cookie Bowl Pan Easy-Add Ice Cream Cookie Bowl Pan
Instructions:

1 Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray the outside of each bowl cavity of Ice Cream Cookie Bowl Pan with vegetable pan spray.

2 In medium bowl, combine flour and salt. In large bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and extracts. Add flour mixture to butter mixture, 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition.

3 Roll out dough on generously-floured surface to 1/8 in. thickness. Cut 4-1/2 in. circles from dough.. Drape one circle over each bowl cavity of pan, pressing to form smooth surface.

4 Bake 11-13 minutes or until cookie cups are firm and golden brown. Cool on pan on cooling rack 10 minutes. Loosen bottom edges of cookies from pan using small spatula. Carefully remove cups from pan and cool completely. Wash, dry and spray pan; repeat with remaining dough.

http://www.wilton.com/

Mint Chocolate Cup Cakes by Martha Stewart

2012-01-30T17:35:00.000-06:00

Sweet and creamy with that lttle bit of mint. Oh, yeah you know what I'm talking about. Thank you Martha Stewart. I just have to try these.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
3/4 cup buttermilk
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3/4 cup warm water
1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
Mint Buttercream ( see below)

Directions

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line standard muffin tins with paper liners. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, water, and peppermint extract, and beat with a mixer on low speed until smooth.

2.Divide batter among muffin cups, filling each 2/3 full. Bake, rotating tins halfway through, until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cupcakes cool in tins on wire racks for 10 minutes. Transfer cupcakes to racks, and let cool. Undecorated cupcakes will keep, covered, for 1 day, or frozen for up to 2 months.

3.Spoon buttercream into a pastry bag fitted with a large, plain tip. Pipe small mounds on tops of cupcakes. Flatten mounds with an offset spatula.

Mint Buttercream

6 large eggs, separated

1 1/2 cups sugar
2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
6 cups (12 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups chopped mint leaves

Directions

1.Follow instructions for Vanilla Buttercream, adding 2 cups chopped mint leaves with the milk and vanilla in step
2.Tint buttercream pale green.

7-layer dip

2012-01-29T11:03:00.000-06:00

Planning a Super Bowl party? Make dip. this is simple, but really good.

ingredients
3 avocados
12 oz (340 g) drained pitted black olives, halved
juice of 1 lime or lemon
8 tomatoes, chopped
1 lb (450 g) canned refried beans
1/2 red onion, chopped
17 fl oz (500 ml) soured cream.
1 lb 10 oz (750 g) Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, coarsely grated
1/4 tsp chilli powder
chopped fresh coriander and spring onions to garnish
2 green peppers, deseeded and finely chopped

directions
Prep: 20 min Total:
1
Peel and mash the avocados with the lime juice, using a fork.
2
To assemble, layer the refried beans over the base of a large glass dish. Add the mashed avocados and then the soured cream and sprinkle the chilli powder on top.
3
For the green pepper layer, sprinkle the chopped pepper around the perimeter of the dish first, to ensure that the layer is visible, and sprinkle the rest evenly over the center. Layer the halved olives carefully on top and spoon over the chopped tomatoes and red onion. Finally, add the cheese and the coriander and spring onion garnish. Chill until ready to serve.

Read More http://www.ivillage.com/seven-layer-dip/3-r-64802#ixzz1krnL1KFs
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Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Cheese Sauce

2012-01-23T17:59:00.000-06:00

Sometimes you, just want a taste of something different, or you want something that reminds you of a place.
This dish does it for me. Gnocchi in a gorgonzola cheese sauce is very popular in Northern Italy.

Ingredients

1 pound baking potatoes, washed
Oil
Salt
Freshly ground pepper
1 large egg
1/2 cup, plus 2 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
1 cup water
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
1 pound gorgonzola cheese

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Season the potatoes with the oil, salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet and bake until tender, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Remove from the oven and cool completely. Peel the potatoes, discarding the skin, and place in a bowl. With a hand potato masher, mash the potatoes until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Add the egg and 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of the flour. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup flour on a baking sheet, lined with parchment paper. Turn the dough onto the floured surface and roll into a log, about 1-inch thick. Cut the dough into 1-inch pieces. Roll each piece across the tines of a fork. In a large saucepan, combine the milk, water, 1 teaspoon olive oil, salt and pepper. Bring the liquid just to a boil. Add the gnocchi and poach for 5 minutes. Remove the gnocchi with a slotted spoon and drain. Place the cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer. Whisk in the cheese and season with salt and pepper. Toss the gnocchi with the cream sauce. Spoon onto a large serving platter. Garnish with black pepper.

Recipe from Emeril

Thai Chicken Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce

2012-01-22T17:44:00.000-06:00

Ingredients

Peanut Sauce (recipe follows)

3/4 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
Nonstick cooking spray
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons water
1 large red bell pepper, diced
1 package (10 ounces) fresh spinach leaves, washed and torn
2 cups hot cooked white rice
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, mint or cilantro leaves

1. Prepare Peanut Sauce. Slice chicken breasts crosswise into thin strips.
2. Spray large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; heat over high heat. Add chicken; stir-fry 4 minutes or until no longer pink in center. Remove chicken; set aside. Add onion and water to same skillet; stir-fry 4 to 5 minutes or until water cooks away and onion is crisp-tender and golden. Stir in Peanut Sauce. Add bell pepper and chicken; bring to a boil. Cook and stir until slightly thickened and heated through.
3. Meanwhile, place steaming rack in large Dutch oven. Add water just to base of rack. Bring water to a boil over high heat. Place spinach on steaming rack. Turn spinach with tongs until bright green and beginning to wilt. Divide rice among 4 plates. Place spinach on top of rice. Spoon chicken mixture over spinach. Sprinkle with basil.

Peanut Sauce
Makes about 1 cup

Ingredients

1/4 cup reduced-fat creamy peanut butter
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons dark sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon coconut extract (optional)
1/2 cup fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons lime juice

1. Stir peanut butter, sugar, sesame oil, paprika and coconut extract, if desired, in small bowl until blended. Add chicken broth, soy sauce and lime juice; stir until smooth.

© Publications International, Ltd.

Atkins Asian Beef Salad

2012-01-21T07:00:00.001-06:00

Ingredients:

Marinade and Dressing Base:

4 green onions, chopped
3 garlic cloves, pushed through a press
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons no-sugar-added rice-wine vinegar
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 teaspoon granular sugar substitute
½ teaspoon curry powder
¼ teaspoon dried ginger

Salad:

1½ pounds beef sirloin, cut against the grain in 1/8-inch strips
2 tablespoons canola oil
6 cups mixed salad greens
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 can (8-ounces) sliced water chestnuts, drained

Directions:

1. Mix green onions, garlic, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil and sugar substitute in a small bowl.

2. Pour half into a resealable plastic bag; add steak and marinate overnight in the refrigerator. To remaining soy sauce mixture, add curry powder and ginger.

3. Heat canola oil in a large skillet over high heat until very hot. Drain beef and discard marinade; quickly stir-fry beef 2 to 3 minutes in hot oil for medium doneness.

4. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add salad greens, bell pepper, water chestnuts and reserved soy dressing. Toss to coat.

Apple Cheddar Popovers

2012-01-17T13:11:00.001-06:00

I'm alway looking for new things, and twists on favorite things. This morning I found this:

Ingredients:

.cooking spray
1 tart apple, such as Granny Smith or Fuji, peeled, cored, and chopped
1/3 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 large eggs
1 cup flour
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup 1% milk
1 tablespoon margarine, melted

Directions

1.Preheat oven to 450°F. Lightly coat 8 popover cups with cooking spray. (If you don't have a popover pan, you can use a muffin tin.)

2.Place 1 tablespoon each of the apple and cheese at the bottom of each popover cup.

3.In a food processor or blender, combine eggs, flour, and salt. Process until well blended. (If you don't have a food processor or a blender, you can use a handmixer.)

4.With the machine running, add milk and margarine through the feed tube (if using a food processor—otherwise, add these a little bit at a time to the blender or bowl). Process until smooth.

5.Fill the cups two-thirds full with the batter.

6.Bake for 15 minutes, reduce oven temperature to 350°F, and continue to bake for another 20 minutes until popovers are puffed and golden brown.

7.Let cool at least 15 minutes, then remove from pan.

From Diabetic Lifesyles. Check out the reviews: http://www.diabeticlifestyle.com/recipes/bread/apple-cheddar-popovers

Oat Bran Muffins

2012-01-16T07:00:00.002-06:00

Oat Bran Muffins:

1 cup (130 grams) whole wheat flour
1 cup (150 grams) oat bran
1/3 cup (75 grams) light brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon grated orange zest (outer skin of orange)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup (60 ml) unsulphured molasses or mild flavored honey
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 1/4 cup (300 ml) milk
1/2 cup (70 grams) raisins or currants

Oat Bran Muffins: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) and place rack in the center of the oven. Line a 12 cup muffin pan with paper liners or else spray with a nonstick vegetable spray.

In a large bowl, stir together the flour, oat bran, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and orange zest.

In another bowl whisk together the lightly beaten egg, molasses (or honey), vanilla extract, oil, and milk.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and stir just until moistened. Gently stir in the raisins. (The batter will be quite thin.)

Pour or ladle the batter to fill the muffin cups, and bake about 16 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.

Makes about 12 standard-sized muffins.

References:

Daley, Regan. In the Sweet Kitchen. Random House Canada: 2000.

Lindsay, Anne. Lighthearted Everyday Cooking. MacMillan of Canada. Toronto: 1991.

Stern, Bonnie. More Heart Smart Cooking with Bonnie Stern. Random House of Canada. Toronto: 1997.

Read more: http://joyofbaking.com/muffins/OatBranMuffins.html#ixzz1jZZOSmaq

Cherry-Vanilla Cupcakes

2012-01-13T17:30:00.001-06:00

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter
4 egg whites
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup buttermilk or sour milk*
1/3 cup maraschino cherry juice
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
12 maraschino cherries, halved
1 recipe Cherry-Frosting
Maraschino cherries with stems (optional)

Cherry-Vanilla Butter Frosting

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice or milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Milk

Directions

1. Allow butter and egg whites to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, line twenty-four 2-1/2-inch muffin cups with paper bake cups (or coat with cooking spray). In a medium bowl stir together flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. In a 2-cup glass measuring cup combine buttermilk and cherry juice; set aside.

2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar, vanilla, beat until combined. Add egg whites, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk mixture to beaten mixture, beating on low speed after each addition just until combined.

3. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Use the back of a spoon to smooth out batter in cups. Press a cherry half into batter in each cup.

4. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until tops spring back when lightly touched. Cool cupcakes in muffin cups on wire racks for 5 minutes. Remove cupcakes from muffin cups. Cool completely on wire racks.

5. Using a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip, pipe Cherry- Frosting over tops of cupcakes. If desired, top with cherries. Makes 24 (2-1/2-inch) cupcakes.

Frosting Directions

In a large mixing bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Gradually add 1 cup of the powdered sugar, beating well. Beat in maraschino cherry juice and almond extract. Gradually beat in additional powdered sugar. If necessary, beat in additional juice or milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until frosting reaches a spreading consistency. Makes 2 cups frosting.

Creamy Pork Chops

2012-01-12T17:10:00.000-06:00

This is a quick week night dinner.

1 pound pork chops

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 can mixed veggies

2 cups cooked rice

salt

pepper

1 tbs. balsamic vinegar

2 tbs. seasoning salt

2 tbs. olive oil

salt pepper

Heat a skillet on medium heat. add olive oil, and pork chops salt and pepper to taste. Brown on both sides.

Add soup, veggies and broth

put on low to simmer

In a medium sauce pan bring two cups of water to a boil. Add one cup of rice, the seasoning salt and the vinegar. cook to package instructions.

Serve pork chops and veggies over the rice.

Zucchini Soup

2012-01-11T07:37:00.004-06:00

This is always a hit in my house. it,s simple all the ingredients go in one pot, then blend in small batches. if you love zucchini, then this is a green creamy dream in a bowl. sorry couln,t resist. just aside note, this version is not vegetarian.

5 large zucchinis sliced
2 cloves garlic
1 small onion chopped
4 cups beef stock
3 cups water
5 oz. Cooked beef or pork cubed
1cup other assorted veggies, (carrots, bell pepper, etc.)
Salt
Pepper
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tablespoon Balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon Teriyaki sauce
1/2 tablespoon Soy sauce
6oz Sour cream

In a large stock pot, pot add water, stock, meat and veggies, salt and pepper. Cook for 20 minutes, until veggies are tender.
Blend in small batches until completely smooth.
Return to the pot. and sauces, and sour cream . Bring back to a low simmer. Serve

This is great meal. just serve with some crusty bread.

Shrimp Scampi

2012-01-10T08:41:00.001-06:00

tablespoon olive or vegetable oil

3/4

lb uncooked deveined peeled medium shrimp, thawed if frozen, tail shells removed

medium green onion, thinly sliced (1 tablespoon)

clove garlic, finely chopped

teaspoons chopped fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves

teaspoons chopped fresh parsley or 3/4 teaspoon parsley flakes

tablespoon lemon juice

1/8

teaspoon salt

Grated Parmesan cheese, if desired

In 10-inch skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add shrimp and remaining ingredients except cheese. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until shrimp are pink. (Do not overcook shrimp or they will become tough.) Remove from heat. Sprinkle with cheese.

Makes 2 servings

Easy Lasagna

2012-01-08T14:52:00.000-06:00

Well, I did it. I bought myself a new pan. A 13 x 9 in baking dish-cast iron with a porcelain finish .it's heavy. So, tonight it's maiden voyage will be to bake a lasagna. I jazzed up the old recipe with mushrooms and pepperoni. it should be really good.

1 pound lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 (4.5 ounce) can mushrooms, drained
1 (28 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1 (16 ounce) package cottage cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs
1 (16 ounce) package lasagna noodles
8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 onion chopped
1/2 bell pepper chopped
4 oz pepperoni slices, cut in half

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large skillet, cook and stir ground beef until brown. Add mushrooms and onions, peppers, and pepperoni; saute until onions are transparent and peppers are soft. . Stir in pasta sauce, and heat through.
2. In a medium size bowl, combine cottage cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and eggs.
3. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 13x9 inch pan. Layer with uncooked lasagna noodles, cheese mixture, mozzarella cheese, and meat sauce. Continue layering until all ingredients are used, reserving 1/2 cup mozzarella. Cover pan with aluminum foil.
4. Bake in a preheated 350 degree F (175 degree C) oven for 45 minutes. Uncover, and top with remaining half cup of mozzarella cheese. Bake for an additional 15 minutes. Remove from oven, and let stand 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Atkins Burgers with Blue Cheese

2012-01-07T07:05:00.001-06:00

Another delish recipe from Atkins.

Ingredients:

Portobello Burgers with Blue Cheese Sauce:
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon sherry or red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon tamari
½ teaspoon granular sugar substitute (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons virgin olive oil
4 large portobello mushroom caps, wiped clean
¾ cup cup crumbled blue cheese
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup loosely packed arugula or watercress
4 ¼-inch-thick tomato slices
4 slices red onion (optional)

Atkins Hamburger Buns:

¼ cup heavy cream
½ cup warm water
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 large egg
1 ½ tablespoon canola oil
1 tablespoon granular sugar substitute
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup whole-wheat flour
1 ¼ cup Atkins Cuisine All Purpose Baking Mix

Directions:

1.Heat grill to medium-high.

2.Meanwhile, combine garlic, vinegar, tamari, sugar substitute (if using), salt and pepper in a bowl. Slowly whisk in the oil; brush over the mushrooms and let stand 20 minutes. Remove the mushrooms from the bowl and discard the marinade.

3.Set the mushrooms on the grill rack and grill until tender, 4 to 6 minutes per side.

4.Meanwhile, combine blue cheese, mayonnaise, cream and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl; mix well, mashing chunks of cheese with the back of a spoon or fork.

5.To assemble, place half a bun on each of 4 plates; top with ¼ cup arugula, a mushroom cap, a tomato slice and an optional onion slice. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the blue cheese sauce over each and top with the other half of the bun. Serve warm or at room temperature. (If serving without the bun, place the mushroom on the arugula, and top with the tomato slice and sauce.)

Atkins Hamburger Buns

1.Heat the cream and water in a small saucepan to 115°F. Add the yeast and allow to proof for 5 minutes or until it foams.

2.Add the yeast and milk mixture to the bowl of an electric mixer. Add the egg, oil, sugar substitute and salt. Mix thoroughly.

3.Add the whole-wheat flour and mix on the slowest setting for 10 seconds.

4.Add the baking mix and combine until the mixture comes together as a wet dough, about 10 seconds. Do not overbeat.

5.Form the dough into a ball and place into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to double in size, 30–40 minutes.

6.Punch down the dough and separate into 6 equal portions. Form each portion into a disk on a sheet pan, cover with plastic wrap and allow to double in size, 20–30 minutes.

7.Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 13–15 minutes until golden brown.

Serve immediately or keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Sautéed Chicken in Fresh Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe - CooksRecipes.com

2012-01-06T06:17:00.000-06:00

Check it out. Looks good.

Sautéed Chicken Breasts in Fresh Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe - CooksRecipes.com

Sugar free brownies

2012-01-05T05:10:00.005-06:00

Well, it's that time. New year, new diet. we can't just give up chocolate. So I found a sugar free goodie. So have your chocolate, and don't blow it.

Ingredients:
1/4 lb butter (1 stick)
2 cups erythritol (powdered, not granulated)
1 Tbsp vanilla
4 eggs (room temp is best)
1/2 cup cocoa
1 tsp salt
4 oz unsweetened chocolate, melted
2 cups flax seed meal
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/3 cup cream
2/3 cup water
1 cup artificial sweetener
1 cup walnuts (optional)

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 F and grease a 9X13 pan.

1) Cream the butter until fluffy.

2) Add the erythritol to the butter and cream them together until fully combined (aim for a fluffy texture).

3) Add the vanilla and beat the eggs into the mixture, one at a time.

4) Add salt and cocoa, beat well.

5) Add chocolate, beat until fluffy.

6) Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well to combine.

7) Pour into a pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until top springs back. (You can also test if they're ready by sticking a toothpick in the brownies. If it comes out clean, or almost-so, they're done.)

8) Cool, then cut into 32 squares. If you cheat and eat one warm, know that the texture will be different once completely cool. That's when they become like real brownies. (They are even better the next day.)

Speghetti Pie

2012-01-04T07:29:00.000-06:00

It's the best of both worlds, Pizza and Pasta.

INGREDIENTS

Crust
7oz uncooked vermicelli or spaghetti
1egg
1/3cup grated Parmesan cheese

Filling
1lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1/2cup chopped green bell pepper
1/4cup chopped onion
1jar (14 oz) tomato pasta sauce

Topping
1/4cup light cream cheese with roasted garlic (from 8-oz container)
1cup shredded mozzarella cheese (4 oz)

.DIRECTIONS
1 Cook and drain vermicelli as directed on package.
2 Meanwhile, heat oven to 350°F. Spray 9 1/2-inch glass deep-dish pie plate with cooking spray.
3 In large bowl, beat egg. Stir in Parmesan cheese. Add cooked vermicelli; toss to coat. Spoon mixture evenly into pie pan, pushing mixture up sides of pan to form crust.
4 In 12-inch skillet, cook ground beef, bell pepper and onion over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until beef is thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in pasta sauce. Spoon evenly into vermicelli-lined pie pan.
5 In small bowl, mix topping ingredients. Drop mixture by rounded teaspoons over filling.
6 Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until pie is thoroughly heated and crust is light golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes. To serve, cut into wedges. .

Thumbprint Cookies.

2012-01-03T08:27:00.000-06:00

When the weather is nippy, sometimes all you want to do is bake. These cookies are good, and so pretty with the jam in the middle. My favorite is raspberry.

Ingredients

1 cup of butter (2 sticks or 8 ounces), room temperature
1/2 cup of sugar
2 eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
2 cups of flour
1 cup of chopped nuts (optional)
3/4 cup of your favorite jam

Parchment paper

Method

1 Cream the butter and sugar on high speed for about 3 minutes.

2 Separate the eggs. Add the yolks and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. If using nuts place the egg whites in a shallow dish on the side and whisk them until bubbly and frothy (the egg whites will be used to keep the nuts on the cookies).

3 Add the flour and salt. Mix until just combined. Place the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes and preheat the oven to 350F.

4 Roll the dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter. If using nuts, dip the balls into the egg whites then roll them into the nuts until covered. Place the balls on parchment lined cookie sheets.

5 Press down with your thumb to make a small well in the center of the cookie. Do not press too hard or the cookie will fall apart. Fill with 1/2 teaspoon of jam.

6 Bake for 12-15 minutes or until slightly firm. Allow to cool for a few minutes on the cookie sheet to firm up before moving them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Makes 2 dozen cookies

Atkins Broccoli Parmigiano

2012-01-02T16:05:00.000-06:00

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons virgin olive oil
2 large cloves garlic, pushed through a press or finely minced
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 pounds broccoli rabe or broccoli florets
¼ cup water
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 teaspoons fresh grated lemon zest
⅛ salt
⅛ freshly ground black pepper
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Broccoli rabe has 6- to 9-inch stalks and scattered clusters of tiny broccoli-like buds. It has a more bitter taste than its more familiar cousin. It takes beautifully to sautéing or braising. Feel free to substitute broccoli in this recipe if you prefer. Cut a 2-pound head of broccoli into small florets, then peel the stems and cut in ½-inch pieces.

1. In a large, deep skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and pepper flakes; sauté 30 seconds.
2. Add broccoli rabe, water, lemon juice and lemon zest; mix well. Cover skillet and cook over medium heat 8 minutes or until broccoli rabe is crisp-tender.
3. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with Parmesan.

BLT Salad

2012-01-01T07:30:00.003-06:00

After all that party food, it's time to start eating healthier. Right? right. . .

So to that, let's start the year off with greens.

1/2 cup Pace® Picante Sauce

1/4 cup prepared Italian salad dressing

6 cups romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces

2 medium tomatoes, cut into thin wedges

2/3 cup sliced pitted ripe olives

2 cups corn chips

2 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese (about 1/2 cup)

3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Stir the picante sauce and dressing in a large bowl.

Add the lettuce, tomatoes, olives and chips and toss to coat. Top with the cheese and bacon.

Serve

Happy New Year's!

2011-12-31T10:38:00.000-06:00

As we say so long to 2011, some of of you will saying good bye to the old year in the usual way. it's party time.
So turn up the stereo, put on your party clothes and go play. first however, we need to make a little stop in the kitchen no party would be complete without snacks.
What seems to be popular this year is going retro, so pull out your dancing shoes, and have a fondue party.

Ingredients:

1 loaf (1 lb) French bread, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (8 oz)
2 cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (8 oz)*
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 clove garlic, cut in half
1 cup dry white wine or nonalcoholic white wine
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 tablespoons kirsch, dry sherry, brandy or nonalcoholic white wine
Apple and pear slices, if desired

Preparation:

1In resealable plastic food-storage bag, place cheeses and flour. Shake until cheese is coated with flour.
2 Rub garlic on bottom and side of fondue pot, heavy saucepan or skillet; discard garlic. Add wine. Heat over simmer setting on fondue pot or over low heat just until bubbles rise to surface (do not boil). Stir in lemon juice.
3 Gradually add cheese mixture, about 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly with wire whisk over low heat, until melted. Stir in kirsch.
4 Keep warm over simmer setting. If prepared in saucepan or skillet, pour into a fondue pot or heatproof serving bowl and keep warm over low heat. Fondue must be served over heat to maintain its smooth, creamy texture.
5 Spear bread and fruit with fondue forks; dip and swirl in fondue with stirring motion. If fondue becomes too thick, stir in 1/4 to 1/2 cup heated wine.

Black eyed Peas

2011-12-28T07:53:00.000-06:00

It is considered good luck to eat black eyed peas for New Year's. This one uses a crock pot, so they are nice and tender. Serve this with cured ham and rice.
It is considered good fortune my many to eat black eyed peas on

Enjoy!

Ingredients:

•1 pound dried black-eyed peas
•1 large onion
•1 large ham hock
•2 to 4 slices cooked bacon (can use heat 'n eat kind)
•1 large onion
•1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
•1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, or use 1 fresh clove garlic, minced
•1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparation:

In a large saucepan, cover peas with water to 3 inches over the peas. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, then simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Place ham hock, sliced onion, bacon, pepper, garlic and salt in the slow cooker/Crock Pot. Pour in 3 cups water. Cover and cook on HIGH until peas are tender and ready to go in. When peas are tender, transfer to the slow cooker/Crock Pot. Reduce heat to LOW; cover and cook for 7 to 9 hours. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve with hot cornbread. Black-eyed pea recipe serves 6 to 8.

Beef Stroganoff

2011-12-27T07:30:00.001-06:00

This is one of my favorite meals. It's great on rice, noodles or smashed potatoes. And as it is my birthday... Well, that and some red velvet cake. yum.

This recipe however comes from Atkins.com... so it is low carb. and still delicious.

Ingredients:

1 ¼ pounds skirt steak or beef tenderloin, cut into 2 x 1 strips
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 tablespoon butter
½ cup finely chopped Spanish onion
3 ounce small white mushrooms
¼ cup dry red wine
1 cup beef broth (not low sodium) or 3 tablespoons demi-glace mixed with 3/4 cup water
¼ cup sour cream
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Directions:

1.Heat oven to warm setting. Sprinkle meat with salt and pepper.
2.In a large nonstick skillet heat oil over medium-high heat. Brown meat in batches, about 1 minute per side. Transfer to a platter and place in oven.
3.Melt butter in skillet; add onion and cook 3 minutes, until softened. Add mushrooms. Cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushroom liquid evaporates.
4.Add wine; cook 5 minutes. Stir in beef broth and cook 10 minutes, until mushrooms are coated with a thick sauce. Stir in sour cream and mustard. Add meat and accumulated juices.
5.Reduce heat to low and cook 2-3 minutes, until meat is heated through. Season to taste with salt and pepper

Christmas Rice

2011-12-26T09:31:00.000-06:00

This is a fun way to dress up rice. Serve it any time you need some color, not just the holidays. At other times of the year, I just call it Festive Rice.

By the way, this really is a pinch of this and that... so bare with me...

2 cups of cooked rice. (white or brown)
1/3 cup dried cranberries.
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup peas
2 Tbs of onion sauteed
2 Tbs, of green pepper
1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
a pinch of nutmeg, (tiny tiny amount)
a pinch of poultry seasoning
salt and pepper to taste.

cook the rice to package directions. saute the onions, mushrooms, and peppers in a little butter for 5 minutes. toast the pecans, mix all ingredients together, and serve.

The heat of the rice and vegetables should plump the cranberries a little.

Pecan Pie

2011-12-24T10:34:00.000-06:00

My favorite holiday dessert has to be pecan pie. Gram always said it was a secret recipe, but lo and behold... it is on the back of bottle. ... Enjoy, and Merry Christmas.

1 cup Karo® Light OR Dark Corn Syrup
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Spice Islands® Pure Vanilla Extract
1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) pecans
1 (9-inch) unbaked or frozen** deep-dish pie crust

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Mix corn syrup, eggs, sugar, salt, butter and vanilla using a spoon. Stir in pecans. Pour filling into pie crust.
Bake on center rack of oven for 60 to 70 minutes (see tips for doneness, below). Cool for 2 hours on wire rack before serving.
**To use prepared frozen pie crust: Place cookie sheet in oven and preheat oven as directed. Pour filling into frozen crust and bake on preheated cookie sheet.
RECIPE TIPS: Pie is done when center reaches 200°F. Tap center surface of pie lightly - it should spring back when done. For easy clean up, spray pie pan with cooking spray before placing pie crust in pan. If pie crust is over-browning, cover edges with foil.