7 Layer Bars

From Shirley Evans

1 stick butter, melted
1 c. graham cracker crumbs
1 c. coconut
1 c. butterscotch chips
1 c. chocolate chips
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 c. chopped nuts

Layer in a 9 by 13 pan in the order listed. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Stuffed Baby Bellas

From Andie Evans

Makes 4 servings

16 baby portabella mushrooms (creminis)

1 lb. ground chicken or turkey breast

1 tsp. fennel seed

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 lemon, zested

1 c. shredded asiago cheese

1/2 c. breadcrumbs

1 10-oz. box frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and wrung dry in a clean kitchen towel

Salt and pepper

2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 c. pine nuts or chopped almonds

Wipe the mushrooms clean with a damp cloth. Remove the stems and finely chop them. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, fennel seed, onion, garlic, lemon zest, half of the cheese, the chopped mushroom stems, breadcrumbs and spinach and season with salt and pepper. Brush lightly with olive oil and stuff the mixture into the caps.

Arrange the caps on a rimmed baking sheet or in a baking dish. Leave some room around each mushroom to prevent the caps from getting steamy. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and the nuts on the caps and transfer to the oven. Bake until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is cooked through--about 25 minutes. Serve warm.

Scandinavian Kringler

From Shirley Evans
Makes 16 to 20 servings

Crust
1 c. AP flour
1/2 c. butter, chilled
2 to 3 Tbsp. ice water

Topping
1 c. water
1/2 c. butter
1 c. AP flour
3 eggs
1/2 tsp. almond extract

Frosting
1 c. powdered sugar
1 Tbsp. butter, softened
1/2 tsp. almond extract
2 to 3 Tbsp. milk or cream
1/4 c. sliced almonds or chopped nuts

Make crust: Place flour in small bowl. Using pastry blender or fork, cut into chilled butter until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle with ice water 1 tablespoon at a time. Stir with fork just until soft dough forms. Form dough into ball. Divide dough in half. Form each half into 12-inch rope. On ungreased cookie sheet, flatten each rope into 12x3-inch strip.

Make topping: Heat oven to 350 degrees. In medium saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil. Remove from heat. Immediately stir in flour until smooth. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating until smooth after each addition. Stir in almond extract. Spoon half of batter over each crust, spreading to within 1/4 inch of edges. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes or until golden brown and puffy. Immediately remove from cookie sheet; cool. (Topping will shrink and fall.)

Make frosting: In small bowl, blend all frosting ingredients except almonds, adding enough milk for desired spreading consistency. Spread over cooled kringler. Sprinkle with almonds. Cut into slices and serve.

Cauliflower-Onion Linguine

From Andie Evans

Makes 4 servings

Kosher salt

12 oz. linguine

4 Tbsp. EV olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 c. panko breadcrumbs

1/2 c. French fried onions, chopped

4 c. cauliflower florets, roughly chopped

1/2 to 1 tsp. red pepper flakes

1/4 c. grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping

2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil

1/4 c. pine nuts

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Reserve 1 c. cooking water, then drain the pasta. Return to the pot and toss with 1 Tbsp. olive oil.

Meanwhile, heat 2 Tbsp. olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook about 30 seconds. Add the panko and fried onions and cook, stirring, until lightly toasted, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate; wipe out the skillet.

Heat the remaining 1 Tbsp. olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower and cook until the edges brown, about 4 minutes. Add the red pepper flakes and toast 30 seconds. Add the reserved pasta water and cook until the liquid is reduced by half and the cauliflower is crisp-tender, about 1 more minute.

Add the pasta, onion mixture and parmesan to the skillet and toss. Season with salt. Top with the basil, pine nuts and more parmesan.

Next Best Thing to Tom Selleck Cookies

From Shirley Evans

1 1/2 c. brown sugar
3/4 c. butter
2 Tbsp. water
2 eggs
2 1/2 c. flour
1 1/4 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. salt
12 oz. chocolate chips
2 boxes Andes mints

Melt chocolate chips. Mix in sugar, butter and water. Beat in eggs. Add dry ingredients and mix well. Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Roll into balls. Bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove to rack. Top with Andes mint. Let mint melt on each cookie and spread with a knife.

If you're making 2 Tablespoon size cookies, use a full Andes mint on each cookie. If you're making 1 Tablespoon size cookies, use a half a mint on each cookie.

Dungeness Crab Appetizer

From Kincaids
Posted by Shirley Evans

1/2 lb. Dungeness crab meat
1 small onion, sliced paper thin into quarters
fresh parsley, minced
2 c. mayonnaise
14 oz. artichoke hearts, canned
1/4 c. parmesan cheese

Chop artichoke hearts into 1/4-inch pieces; drain well. Drain crab well. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Place in an oven-safe shallow baking dish and heat in a 350 degree oven for six to eight minutes, or until internal temperature is 140 degrees. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with assorted breads.

Note: When making this dish ahead, do not cover with foil or the crab meat will turn an off color.

Russian Cream

From Paul Harter
Posted by Andie Evans
Makes 6 servings

1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1 c. cold water
2 c. whipping cream
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
16 oz. sour cream
1 c. raspberries, strawberries or other fruit

Sprinkle gelatin evenly over water; do not stir. Combine whipping cream and sugar in heavy saucepan or double boiler over hot water. Heat over low heat to lukewarm. Stir in gelatin mixture. Heat gently until sugar and gelatin are thoroughly dissolved. Remove from heat; cool. When mixture begins to thicken, fold in vanilla and sour cream. Pour into pretty serving bowl or individual dessert dishes. Refrigerate until set, about 4 hours. Before serving, top with well-drained berries.

Double Fudge Saucepan Brownies

From Shirley Evans

1/2 c. sugar
2 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. water
2 c. chocolate chips
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2/3 c. flour
1/4 tsp. soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. walnuts (optional)

Cook sugar, butter and water until the mixture comes to a boil. Remove from heat and immediately stir in half the chocolate chips. Stir until melted. Stir in the eggs and vanilla.

In a small bowl, combine the flour, soda, and salt. Mix and add to chocolate mixture. Stir in the rest of the chocolate chips and the walnuts.

Pour into a 9-inch square pan and bake at 325 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely and cut into bars.

Macaroni and Cheese Carbonara

From Andie Evans

Makes 9 to 12 servings

Unsalted butter, for the baking dish

1 Tbsp. olive oil

1 1-inch-thick slice pancetta, cut into small dice

4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

3 Tbsp. AP flour

5 c. whole milk, or more if needed, hot

4 large egg yolks, lightly whisked

2 tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme leaves

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

2 c. (8 oz.) grated asiago cheese, plus more for the top

1 1/2 c. (6 oz.) grated Irish white cheddar cheese, plus more for the top

1 1/2 c. (6 oz.) grated American Cheddar cheese, plus more for the top

1 c. (4 oz.) grated parmesan cheese, plus more for the top

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 lb. elbow macaroni, cooked just under al dente

1/2 c. coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Butter the bottom and sides of a 10-by-10-by-2-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Heat the oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels.

Add the garlic to the fat in the pan and cook until lightly golden brown, 1 minute. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk in the hot milk, raise the heat to high and cook, whisking constantly, until thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. Whisk in the eggs until incorporated and let cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the thyme, cayenne and all the different cheeses until completely melted. Season with salt and pepper. If the mixture appears too thick, add additional warm milk, 1/4 cup at a time.

Put the cooked macaroni in a large bowl, add the cheese sauce, reserved pancetta, and the parsley, and stir until combined. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.

Combine an additional 1/4 cup each asiago, cheddars, fontina and parmesan in a bowl and sprinkle evenly over the top. Bake until the dish is heated through and the top is a light golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Mahnomin Porridge

From Hell's Kitchen
Posted by Andie Evans
Makes 4 servings

4 c. cooked wild rice
1/2 c. roasted hazelnuts, cracked
1/2 c. dried blueberries
1/4 c. Craisins
1/4 c. pure maple syrup
1 c. heavy whipping cream

Add cooked wild rice, hazelnuts, blueberries, Craisins and maple syrup to a heavy, nonstick or enameled cast iron saucepan, and cook over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes. Add heavy cream and, stirring continually, heat through, about 2 minutes. Ladle into bowls and serve immediately.

Aunt Sally Cookies

From Marvyl Hanson

1 c. shortening
1 c. white sugar
1 c. molasses
4 tsp. soda
2 tsp. ginger
1 c. sour milk
2 Tbsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. salt
5 c. flour

Cream shortening and sugar. Add molasses, soda, ginger, sour milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and flour and mix. Chill, roll out and cut with a can. Bake at 350 degrees 10-12 minutes.

Frosting
1 pkg gelatin
3/4 c. water
3/4 c. sugar
1 1/4 c. powdered sugar
3/4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla

Soak gelatin in water. Add sugar and boil 10 minutes. Add 3/4 c. powdered sugar and beat. Add the rest of the powdered sugar plus baking powder. Add and beat in vanilla.

No-Fail Caramels

From Diane Evans

2 c. white sugar
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. corn syrup
1 c. margarine
1 c. milk
1 c. half and half
4 tsp. vanilla

Boil sugars, corn syrup, margarine, and milks on medium high heat until it reaches 242 degrees. Remove and add vanilla. Pour into a well-buttered 9 by 13 pan. Cut and wrap in wax paper.

No Crust Pumpkin Pie

From Shirley Evans

4 eggs
3/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1 16 oz. can pumpkin
1 c. milk

Beat eggs with sugar, ginger, cinnamon and salt. Blend in the pumpkin and milk. Pour into a greased 9-inch pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 50 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Marinated Chicken Breasts

From Shirley Evans
Makes 4 servings

4 cloves garlic, divided
2 Tbsp. cooking-quality olive oil
2 lemons, halved
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 Tbsp. honey
2 whole (4 halves) chicken breasts, with bones and skin
High-quality olive oil, for drizzling

Crush 2 of the garlic cloves and combine them in a dish with the 2 Tbsp. oil, the juice of the lemons (retain the juiced lemon halves), pepper flakes and honey. Mix well. Put the chicken breasts in plastic bag, pour in the marinade and coat the pieces well. Let rest in the refrigerator 2 hours or more, turning the bag several times to coat the chicken.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it well to keep the marinade from burning onto the pan.

Put the chicken breasts on the baking sheet skin side up and top each with a lemon half (cut side down). Roast about 45 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, moving the lemon halves around on the pieces two or three times to allow all the skin to brown.

Serve with high-quality oil, for drizzling.

Frickin' Chicken

From Shirley Evans

Makes 6 servings

1/4 c. butter

3- to 4-lbs. cut-up broiler-fryer chicken

2 c. water

2 medium carrots, sliced

1 medium onion, chopped

1 tsp. salt

2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp. dried)

2 whole cloves

1 bay leaf

3 Tbsp. AP flour

1/2 c. milk

1/8 tsp. pepper

Parsley Dumplings (below)

Heat butter in Dutch oven or 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until melted. Cook chicken in margarine until brown on all sides, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain butter from Dutch oven. Stir in water, carrots, onion, salt, thyme, cloves and bay leaf. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer until chicken is done; 40 to 50 minutes.

Remove chicken; keep warm. Remove bay leaf. Mix flour, milk and pepper until smooth; pour into Dutch oven. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute; reduce heat. Return chicken to Dutch oven.

Prepare Parsley Dumplings.

1 1/4 c. AP flour

2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

3 Tbsp. butter

2/3 c. milk

Mix flour, parsley, baking powder and salt in 2-qt. bowl. Cut in butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in milk.

Drop dumplings by rounded spoonfuls onto hot chicken--Do not drop directly on liquid. Cover tightly; cook until dumplings are fluffy and dry on top, 10 to 14 minutes.

Goulash

From Shirley Evans
Makes 4-6 servings

1 lb. hamburger
big can tomato sauce
box of ready-cut spaghetti
dried onion
salt
pepper

Brown hamburger and drain fat. Add dried onion, salt and pepper. Add tomato sauce and simmer. Cook spaghetti noodles until tender and add to meat sauce. Stir until completely covered in sauce. Serve

Home Town Cafe Pancakes

From Marvyl Hanson

3 c. buttermilk
3 tsp. soda
1 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
3 eggs, beaten
1-1/2 to 2 c. flour

Blend the buttermilk, soda, sugar, salt and eggs thoroughly. Stir the flour in just until it disappears. Let batter sit at least 5 minutes. Brown on a hot griddle.

Turkey Tetrazzini

From Shirley Evans

5 Tbsp. butter, divided
1/4 c. flour
1 (10-3/4 oz.) can chicken broth
1-1/4 c. whole milk
1/4 c. white wine
1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms, thickly sliced
1/2 lb. spaghetti
2 to 3 c. diced cooked turkey
salt and pepper to taste
3 Tbsp. freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Bring a pot of water to boil for the spaghetti.

Melt 3 Tbsp. of the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and heat, stirring, about 1 minutes. Stir in the chicken broth, a bit at a time at first, stirring each time until the liquid is fully incorporated, but adding larger amounts at each addition. Cook and stir until thickened. Over low heat, stir in the milk and wine. Cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 2-1/2 quart casserole or a 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Stir the spaghetti into the boiling water and cook and drain according to package directions.

Meanwhile, saute the mushrooms in 1 Tbsp. butter and stir them with the cubed turkey in the sauce. Add the spaghetti to the sauce, season with salt and pepper, stir well and pour into the prepared dish. Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter, stir in the bread crumbs and Parmesan to moisten evenly, and sprinkle over the turkey. Bake for about 30 minutes, until bubbly and crumbs are lightly browned.

Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic

From Shirley Evans
Makes 6 servings

1 Tbsp. olive oil
4 lbs. bone-in chicken pieces, skinned, visible fat removed
salt and freshly ground black pepper
40 large cloves garlic, peeled (about 4 heads)
1-3/4 c. dry white wine
4 sprigs thyme (or 1/4 tsp. dried thyme leaves)
1 sprig rosemary (or 1/4 tsp. dried)
2 Tbsp. Cognac (optional)
chopped fresh parsley
12 slices country-style bread, 1/2-inch thick, toasted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heat oil over medium heat in a Dutch oven. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Place half of the chicken in the pan. Cook, turning, until browned, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from the pot and brown the remaining chicken.

Add garlic cloves (reserving 1 clove) and cook, stirring, until beginning to brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Spread cloves in a single layer and return the chicken pieces to the pot. Add wine, thyme and rosemary, and cover tightly.

Transfer the pot to the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until chicken is tender and no longer pink inside.

Remove the chicken from the oven. If using Cognac, heat it in a small saucepan and then light with a match. Pour over the chicken and shake the pot until the flames die down. Taste the sauce in the pot, adjust the seasonings and sprinkle with parsley.

To serve, rub both sides of the toasted bred with the cut side of the reserved garlic clove. Have your guests spread a clove or two of cooked garlic on the toasted bread and top with chicken and sauce.

Taco Soup

From Paul Harter
Posted by Andie Evans


1 lb. ground beef
1 medium white onion, diced
1 (15-1/2 oz.) can black beans
1 (15-1/4 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained
2 (14-1/2 oz.) cans crushed tomatoes
1 (14-1/2 oz.) can diced tomatoes with chiles
1 (1-1/4 oz) package taco seasoning mix
1 (1 oz.) package ranch salad dressing mix
Fritos corn chips
sour cream
grated cheese
chopped green onions


Brown the ground beef and onions in a large skillet; drain the excess fat, then transfer the browned beef and onions to a large slow cooker or a stockpot. Add the beans, corn, tomatoes, taco seasoning, and ranch dressing mix and cook in a slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours or simmer over low heat for about an hour. To serve, place a few corn chips in each bowl and ladle soup over them. Top with sour cream, cheese and green onions.

Over-the-Top Chicken

From Shirley Evans

6 chicken breast halves, boned and skinned

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1 c. grated cheese

10-3/4 oz. can cream of mushroom soup

2 c. dry StoveTop stuffing mix

1/4 c. butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Put chicken in greased 9x13 pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top with grated cheese and soup. Sprinkle with dry stuffing mix and drizzle with butter. Bake covered 40 minutes and uncovered 30 minutes or until tender. Serve with wild rice or seasoned brown rice.

Creamy Caramel Flan

From Andie Evans
Makes 8 to 10 servings

A caramel flan is a custard baked over caramelized sugar. When the cooked and cooled flan is inverted onto a platter, the delicious caramel sauce runs over the flan. This dessert needs to be prepared the day before serving.

3/4 c. sugar
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
5 eggs
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
1 can (12 oz.) evaporated milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract

In a heavy saucepan over medium-low, heat sugar until melted, about 10 minutes. Do not stir. When sugar is melted, reduce heat to low and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until syrup is golden, about 5 minutes. Quickly pour into an ungreased 2-qt. round baking or souffle dish, tilting to coat the bottom; let stand for 10 minutes. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add milk and vanilla; mix well. Pour over caramelized sugar. Place the dish in a larger baking pan. Pour boiling water into larger pan to a depth of 1 in. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes or until center is just set (mixture will jiggle). Remove dish from larger pan to a wire rack; cool for 1 hour. Refrigerate overnight. To unmold, run a knife around edge and invert onto a large rimmed serving platter. Cut into wedges or spoon onto dessert plates; spoon sauce over each serving.

Salted Nut Rolls

From Shirley Evans

2 Tbsp. butter
5 oz. marshmallows
1 c. powdered sugar
1/4 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. chopped salted peanuts
7 oz. caramels
1 Tbsp. water

Melt 1 tablespoon butter; add marshmallows, stirring until melted. Beat in enough powdered sugar to make mixture workable to knead; knead until smooth. Add vanilla and 1/2 cup peanuts. Knead, using remaining sugar, until smooth. Shape into a 12-inch roll.

On a piece of plastic wrap place remaining nuts in a 12x4 inch rectangle. Melt caramels with 1 tablespoon butter and water. Pour over peanuts, spreading with knife dipped in hot water. When cool, place marshmallow roll in center. Using the plastic wrap, lift caramel around marshmallow center and seal edges. Press peanuts carefully into caramel. Refrigerate and slice when ready to serve.

Meringue Cookies

From Andie Evans
Makes 36-40

2 egg whites
1/8 tsp. cream of tartar
1/8 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 c. sugar
optional ingredients

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Beat eggs on high speed until peaks form. Slowly add cream of tartar, salt, vanilla and sugar. Mix until the whites hold stiff peaks.

Fold in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of any combination of the yummy ingredients: small chocolate bits, finely chopped hazelnuts, peppermint candy or anything else that sounds good.

Drop by small spoonfuls onto a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake at 300 degrees about 20-25 minutes. Do not let the cookies take on color.

Chunky Beef Stew

From Shirley Evans
Makes 16 cups

3 lbs. stew meat or boneless beef chuck
vegetable oil
1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 large onions, cut into 1-inch dice
2 (14.5-oz.) cans beef broth
1 (28-oz.) can tomatoes, coarsely torn, including all juices
1/2 tsp. thyme
5-6 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
1 lb. carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks

Trim away any obvious fat and gristle on meat. Make sure all pieces are roughly 1-1/2 inch cubes. As you trim the beef, lay the pieces on paper towels. The meat will not brown if it is damp.

Preheat oven to 475 degrees.

In a large sauté pan, over fairly high heat, brown beef in just enough oil to keep the meat from sticking. This should be done in several batches to avoid crowding the meat. Regulate heat so that it browns evenly without burning meat. Do not cook until hard and crusty--just nicely browned. Add more oil, if necessary. As each piece is browned, remove to a 4-qt. oven-proof casserole.

When all the meat has been added to the casserole, toss it with flour, salt and black pepper. Set casserole, uncovered in 475 degree oven for 5 minutes. Toss meat again and return to oven for 5 more minutes. This will result in a nice brown crust on the meat.

While meat is cooking, sauté onions in the same skillet in which you browned the meat. Add a small amount of oil, if necessary.

After meat has cooked in the oven, remove casserole. Reduce over heat to 325 degrees. Add the browned onions to the meat. Then pour one of the cans of beef broth into the sauté pan and scrape up any bits of beef and onion that remain. Pour it all into meat mixture. Add second can of beef broth along with tomatoes and their liquid, and thyme. Place casserole back into oven and cook at 325 degrees for 2 hours. Regulate heat so that the liquid simmers slowly during the cooking time.

After 2 hours, add potatoes and carrots. Continue cooking 30 minutes. Test for doneness. The veggies should be tender, not mushy.

Slim Alfredo Sauce

From Shirley Evans
Makes 2 cups, enough for 5 or 6 servings

1 c. heavy cream
3/4 c. chicken stock
3 Tbsp. butter
3 grinds black pepper
pinch of nutmeg
3/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Place cream, stock, butter, black pepper and nutmeg in a heavy 12-inch sauté pan (a pan with a nonstick finish is most desirable). Bring mixture to a simmer. Let simmer 8 minutes. Remove pan from heat and whisk in Parmesan cheese

Frozen Hot Chocolate

Posted by Shirley Evans
From Serendipity 3, New York
Makes 2 servings

1/3 c. granulated sugar
1/3 c. nonfat dry milk powder
3 Tbsp. Ghirardelli (or other Dutch process) cocoa powder
1 Tbsp. Hershey's cocoa powder
pinch of salt
1 c. milk
3 c. ice

Combine the sugar, dry milk powder, cocoas and salt in a small bowl. Pour the milk into a blender. Add the dry mix and ice. Blend until all the ice is crushed and the drink is smooth. Pour into a large goblet or 2 16-oz. glasses. Optional topping: whipped cream and semi-sweet chocolate shavings.

Baked Potato Soup

From Shirley Evans

4 large baking potatoes
5 slices bacon, plus more for garnish
1/2 c. butter
1 large onion, diced
1/2 c. AP flour
6 c. milk
2 tsp. coarse salt
1 tsp. pepper
1 1/2 c. (6 oz.) grated cheddar cheese, divided
1 c. sour cream
sliced green onions for garnish

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Scrub potatoes, prick several times with a fork and bake 1 1/2 hours until soft. Remove from oven and let cool. When cool, cut in half lengthwise and scoop out potato pulp, set aside. Discard skins.

Cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon, crumble and set aside. Add butter to pan with bacon drippings, melt. Add onions and saute approximately 4 to 5 minutes until soft. Stir in flour until well combined, cook for several minutes but do not let it brown. Gradually add milk and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.

Pour into crock pot and add potato pulp, salt, pepper, crumbled bacon and 1 c. grated cheese. Stir in sour cream. Warm in crock pot a couple hours or more at low heat until ready to serve. Add extra milk if necessary for desired thickness.

Serve in individual soup bowls garnished with the remaining 1/2 c. cheese, additional crumbled bacon and sliced green onions.

Amaretti Cookies

From Andie Evans

2 egg whites
1 8-oz. can almond paste (1 c.)
1 c. sugar

Place egg whites in a small bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper, set aside.

In a free-standing electric mixer, break up and crumble almond paste. Add the sugar. Beat or process until combined. Add egg whites, about half at a time, beating or processing until mixture is stiff (but will not form peaks) and sugar is dissolved.

Spoon egg-white mixture into a pastry bag fitted with an 1/2-inch round tip. Pipe into 1-inch rounds 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets. Sprinkle each cookie with additional sugar, if you like.

Bake a cookie sheet at a time in a 375 degree oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until set and lightly browned. Remove from oven. Cool on cookie sheet. Carefully peel cookies from paper or foil. (To store, layer cookies between waxed paper in an airtight container.)

Beef Stroganoff

From Shirley Evans

1/4 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 1/2 lbs. beef stew meat, cubed
2 Tbsp. butter
1 c. mushroom soup
2 c. sliced mushrooms
1 c. shallots
1/2 c. water
1 tsp. Worchestershire sauce
2 Tbsp. ketchup
3/4 c. buttermilk
egg noodles

Mix flour, salt and pepper in large, covered skillet and coat meat. Brown meat. Stir the butter, mushroom soup, mushrooms, shallots, water, Worchestershire sauce, and ketchup into meat, cover and simmer for at least 2 hours or until tender. When meat is tender, stir in buttermilk. Heat through and serve on egg noodles.

Chocolate Peppermint Pinwheel Cookies

From Andie Evans

1 batch sugar cookies (recipe below)
3 oz. unsweetened chocolate, melted
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 egg yolk
1 tsp. peppermint extract
1/2 c. crushed candy canes or peppermint candies

Divide the dough in half and add chocolate and vanilla to one half and incorporate with hands. Add egg yolk, peppermint extract and crushed candy to other half of dough and incorporate with hands. Cover both with plastic and chill for approximately 5 minutes. Roll out doughs separately to approximately 1/4-inch thickness. Place peppermint dough on top of chocolate and press together around the edges. Using waxed paper or flexible cutting board underneath, roll dough into log. Wrap in waxed paper and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Remove dough from the refrigerator and cut into 1/2-inch slices. Place cookies 1 inch apart on greased baking sheet, parchment or silicone baking mat and bake for 12 to 13 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking time. Remove from oven and let sit on baking sheet for 2 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Sugar Cookie
3 c. AP flour
3/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. unsalted butter, softened
1 c. sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 Tbsp. milk
Powdered sugar, for rolling out dough

Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. Place butter and sugar in large bowl of electric stand mixer and beat until light in color. Add egg and milk and beat to combine. Put mixer on low speed, gradually add flour, and beat until mixture pulls away from the side of the bowl.

To make this Joe-safe, use dairy-free butter, almond milk and vegan chocolate chips.

Chicken Stew with Lemon and Rosemary

From Dana Schrader

8 chicken thighs, about 2-1/2 lbs.
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
4 carrots, sliced into 1-inch bias cut (about 1-1/2 c.)
4 celery ribs, cut into 1-inch bias cut (about 1-1/2 c.)
2 sprigs rosemary
1 lemon, juiced
2-1/2 c. chicken broth, low-sodium
3/4 c. frozen pearl onions, thawed
2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
Buttered noodles, accompaniment

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Heat the oil and 1 Tbsp. butter in a Dutch oven (12-inch diameter) over medium-high heat. Lay half of the chicken pieces skin-side down in the skillet. Cook the chicken, until golden-brown on both sides, turning once, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining chicken.

Reduce the heat to medium, add the carrots and celery, and cook until just tender, about 10 minutes. Add the rosemary, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Add the lemon juice, and scrape up any browned bits that cling to the pan with a wooden spoon. Add the broth, onions, lemon zest, and 1 tsp. salt and bring just to a boil.

Return the chicken skin-side up to the pot, taking care that the skin is just over the surface of the liquid, and then put the stew in the oven. Cook, uncovered, until the chicken is cooked through, tender and lightly glazed and brown, about 40 minutes. Baste the chicken occasionally in the last 20 minutes of cooking. Meanwhile, use a fork to work the remaining 2 Tbsp. butter into the 2 Tbsp. flour to make a paste.

Remove the stew from the oven. Remove and discard the rosemary and arrange the vegetables and chicken (reserving the juices in the pan) in the servings dish. Place the Dutch oven over medium heat and whisk the butter/flour mixture into the juices until dissolved. Bring to a boil and simmer until thickened. Pour sauce over the chicken and serve immediately over buttered noodles.


To make this Joe-safe, use dairy-free butter.

Electric Lemonade (Blue Drink)

From Karl Schrader

Use Caution - Adults Only!

I'll try to avoid the quantity issues and just use generic quantities. This is an excellent drink in large quantities, but can be mixed individually.

1 part Bacardi Rum
1 part Bacardi Razz (Raspberry Flavored Rum)
1/3 part Blue Curacao
1/3 part Malibu Rum
1/2 part Lemon Juice
4 part Lemonade
2 part Lemon/Lime Soda (7 up, Sprite, Sierra Mist, etc...)
Lots of ice

For reference, the first time this was made, we made this using Liters as a means of measuring. I have made this using much smaller values as well.

Steak Soup

From Shirley Evans
Makes 4 servings

Note from Mom:
This steak soup is very easy once you get the hang of it. The secret is cutting the steak in thinner pieces than the recipe says and browning it VERY WELL. Put the basil in BEFORE you add the liquids.

1 lb. boneless beef sirloin steak, cut into very small, thin pieces
1 large clove garlic, crushed
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 medium onions, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 tsp. dried basil leaves
1/8 tsp. ground red pepper
1 can (14-1/2 oz.) tomatoes, undrained
2 c. ready-to-serve beef broth
carrots, chopped (to taste)
potatoes, diced (to taste)
Cut beef steak into 1/4-inch thick strips; cut each strip into 1-inch pieces. Combine garlic with 1 Tbs. oil; stir into beef and reserve. Saute onion in remaining oil in large sacepan for 3 minutes. Sprinkle with basil and pepper; cook and stir 1 minute. Add tomatoes, beef broth and veggies. Bring to a boil; cover and reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes. Meanwhile heat large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir beef 1 to 2 minutes; add to sauce. Sprinkle with grated cheese, if desired.

Broccoli Salad

From Shirley Evans
Makes 8 servings

1 bunch (1-1/2 lb.) broccoli, in small pieces                             
1 c. raisins

1 c. red onion, finely chopped                                                    
1 c. sunflower seeds

7 strips bacon, crisply broiled and crumbled                                  
1 c. mayonnaise

1/2 c. sugar                                                                                   
2 Tbs. vinegar

In large bowl, combine broccoli, raisins, onion, sunflower seeds and bacon. Refrigerate. In small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar. Refrigerate. Just before serving, stir dressing into salad mixture.

Monster Cookies

From Shirley Evans

Makes 300 cookies

12 eggs                                                        

2 lb. (5 c.) packed brown sugar

4 c. granulated sugar                              

2 c. butter, softened

3 lb. (4-1/2 c.) peanut butter                 

18 c. rolled oats

8 tsp. baking soda                                   

2 Tbs. corn syrup

2 Tbs. vanilla                                            

12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips

16 ox. M&Ms

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a very large bowl, cream eggs, sugars, butter and peanut butter; stir in oats, soda, corn syrup and vanilla. (Use hands when mixing becomes too stiff.) Mix in chocolate chips and M&Ms. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto lightly greased cookie sheets. Bake 8 to 10 minutes.

Toad in a Hole

From Shirley Evans

Makes 1 serving

1 slice of bread                       

1 egg                                  

1 Tbs. butter

Cut out the center of the bread with a biscuit cutter or the top of a glass. Spread both sides of bread with softened butter. Crack the egg into the hole in the bread and cook over medium heat until firm enough to be flipped. Flip egg and bread and cook until done.

Modifications: Top with a slice of jack cheese and it's called a One-Eyed Jack. I do the same thing with a slice of American cheese and call it a One-Eyed American. Gruesome, but tasty.

To make Joe-safe, use dairy-free butter and bread.

The Italian Scramble

From Shirley Evans

Makes 4 to 6 servings

1 Tbs. olive oil                                          

1 medium potato, cubed

1/2 lb. sweet Italian sausage                 

1 small onion, chopped

1 small green pepper, chopped                 

1 small red pepper, chopped

8 eggs                                                          

2 Tbs. milk

1/8 tsp. oregano                                        

1 firm, ripe tomato, seeded and chopped

1/4 c. shredded mozzarella 

1/4 c. grated cheese

chopped fresh parsley for garnish
hot Italian bread

Heat olive oil in a large frying pan and add the potato; cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Remove sausage casings and crumble meat into the frying pan, cooking and stirring until lightly browned. Add onion and peppers and cook until onion is limp and the potato cubes are done.

Beat the eggs together with the milk and oregano. All at once, add the tomatoes, egg mixture and mozzarella to the frying pan. Lower the heat and cook, stirring lightly until eggs are soft and fluffy, and I do mean soft and fluffy … not hard and stiff. The mozzarella should stretch and bring you great happiness. Top with grated cheese and parsley and serve with hot Italian bread.

Eggs Benedict

Posted by Shirley Evans 

From Canterbury Inn, Rochester, MN

Makes 6 servings

6 English muffins                  

1 dozen eggs                               

12 very thin slices ham

3 egg yolks                              

2 Tbs. lemon juice           

1/2 tsp. salt

dash hot pepper sauce          

1/2 c. melted butter         

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

Blend egg yolks, lemon juice, salt and hot sauce in blender briefly. Add hot butter while blender is still running, with Dijon mustard. The Hollandaise can be made ahead and frozen or refrigerated. It never fails. To reheat, heat only to lukewarm or it will stiffen and seize up.

Toast English muffins, top with a slice of ham, a poached egg and Hollandaise sauce.

To make Joe-safe, use dairy-free butter.

Spinach and Mushroom Strata (Overnight Casserole)

From Shirley Evans

Makes 6 to 8 servings

6 to 8 slices bacon                                  

2 to 3 Tbs. butter                    

1/4 c. finely chopped shallots                 

10 slices white bread

2-1/2 c. shredded Swiss cheese                 

9 large eggs, lightly beaten

3 c. milk                                                      

2 Tbs. Dijon mustard

1 tsp. dried thyme                                   

salt

freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 13x9x2-inch baking dish or two shallow 1-1/2-quart casseroles.

In a skillet or microwave, cook the bacon until crisp. Drain it and let cool. Break the bacon into 1-inch pieces and put into a large zip-type plastic bag.

In a small skillet, melt the butter, add the shallots, and sauté. Set aside to cool slightly.

Trim the crusts from the bread slices and cut the slices into 1-inch pieces. Add to the plastic bag.

Add to cooled shallots and the cheese to the plastic bag and shake to combine.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, mustard, thyme and salt and pepper to taste. Pour the egg mixture into the plastic bag and seal, carefully squeezing out the excess air. For safety, slide this bag, zipper end first, into a second zip-type plastic bag and seal. If possible, refrigerate overnight.

An hour before serving, pour the mixture into the baking dish or casseroles and spread evenly. Bake, covered with a lid or foil for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake another 30 minutes. May be refrigerated several days or frozen up to 3 months.

To make Joe-safe, use dairy-free butter and cheese, or skip the cheese.

Lemon-Ricotta Hotcakes

Posted by Shirley Evans
From Hell’s Kitchen, Minneapolis

Makes 16

6 egg whites                            
9 egg yolks                        
1/3 c. melted butter

1/2 c. granulated sugar        
1 c. whole milk ricotta                
4 Tbs. lemon zest

1 Tbs.  fresh lemon juice    
1 tsp. kosher salt                               
1/3 c. AP flour 

melted butter (for skillet)

Pour egg whites into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a wire whisk attachment and whisk on high speed until firm peaks form. Reduce the speed to low. Slowly add egg yolks, and then gradually add melted butter. Continue whisking on low speed until well incorporated. Stop the mixer, and add sugar, ricotta, lemon zest, lemon  juice, and salt. Whisk on medium speed for 1 minute. Stop the mixer and scrape the sides of the mixing bowl with a rubber spatula. Return the mixer to medium speed, and mix for about 1 minute. Makes about 4 cups.

Refrigerate the batter for a few hours prior to making the hotcakes. This allows the melted butter to firm up slightly in the mix and keeps the batter from spreading out too thin on a hot griddle. Refrigerated in a covered container, this batter will keep safely for up to 3 days.

To cook hotcakes, heat a large skillet over medium high. Brush skillet with melted butter, and drop batter into the hot skillet in 1/4-cup portions. Leave about 2 inches between hotcakes to allow them to spread. Cook until bubbles appear and bottoms are golden brown, about 5 minutes. Flip hotcakes and cook another 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the skillet.

Garnish the cooked hotcakes with a handful of fresh blackberries, blueberries and quartered strawberries, dust with vanilla powdered sugar and serve with a side of butter and warm maple syrup.

Creamy Basil Parmesan Chicken & Pasta

From Shirley Evans

chicken pieces                         

buttermilk                         

flour

1 c. milk                                    

basil                                                    

paprika

garlic powder                          

onion powder                    

Alfredo sauce

sun-dried tomatoes                 

Romano cheese                      

linguine

parmesan cheese

Coat chicken pieces in buttermilk and dredge in flour. Brown chicken in skillet.

Remove from pan. Put in oven-safe dish and bake at 350 degrees until done.

In chicken pan add milk  and seasonings. Add Alfredo sauce, sun-dried tomatoes and Romano cheese. Simmer. Serve over linguine pasta. Grate on parmesan cheese.

Au Gratin Potatoes

From Shirley Evans 

Makes 8 servings

1-1/2 lbs. potatoes, sliced 1/8” thick        

1-3/4 c. chicken broth                 

1-3/4 c. whole milk                                                 

3 Tbs. melted butter

2 Tbs. flour                                                                

2 c. grated Gruyere cheese

3/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese                                  

1 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley

1 Tbs. chopped fresh chives

Heat oven to 325 degrees. In saucepan, bring potatoes, chicken broth and milk to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 5 minutes more. Drain, reserving liquid. Layer potatoes in greased 2 qt. baking dish.

In same saucepan over medium heat, cook butter and flour 1 minute, stirring often. Slowly whisk in reserved liquid. Bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute more, whisking constantly.

Stir in remaining ingredients; pour over potatoes. Bake 45 minutes or until bubbly. Let sit 15 minutes before serving.

Ooey-Gooey Monkey Bread

From Shirley Evans

Makes 15 servings

1/2 c. sugar            

1 tsp. cinnamon                 

3 7.5-ounce refrigerated buttermilk biscuits

1/2 c. butter           

1 c. brown sugar

Generously grease a 10-inch tube pan. Cover outside bottom of pan tightly with aluminum foil; set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon. With kitchen shears, cut biscuits into quarters. Toss several biscuit pieces at a time in sugar mixture to coat. Layer biscuits in prepared pan. Sprinkle with remaining sugar mixture; set aside.

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar. Bring to boiling and boil for 1 minute. Pour over biscuits.

Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 30 minutes or until golden. Let stand in pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a large serving platter. Serve warm.

Chocolate Bread

From Club Med
Posted by Shirley Evans

Makes 4 loaves (20 servings)

4-1/3 c. flour         

1 tsp. yeast                 

1 tsp. sugar            

2 tsp. salt               

2-1/2 c. water                 

2-1/3 c. chocolate chips (milk or white)

Mix flour, yeast, sugar and salt together with an electric mixer. Add water and mix on medium speed for 12 minutes. Add chocolate chips and mix another two to three minutes.

Take dough out of bowl and knead lightly into a ball. Let rest 15 to 20 minutes.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Put a small dish of water in the oven to create steam.

Cut dough into four portions and knead into French bread shapes.

Bake on baking pan lined with parchment paper approximately 20 minutes or until nicely brown.

To make Joe-safe, use vegan chocolate chips.

Light Crisp Waffles

From Shirley Evans

3/4 c. AP flour                        

1/4 c. cornstarch                                

1/2 tsp. salt           

1/2 tsp. baking powder        

1/4 tsp. soda                         

3/4 c. buttermilk        

1/4 c. milk                               

3 Tbs. vegetable oil          

4 eggs

1 Tbs. sugar                             

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Heat the oven to 200 degrees and heat the waffle iron. Mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a medium bowl. Measure the buttermilk, milk, and vegetable oil in a Pyrex measuring cup; mix in the egg yolk and set aside.

In another bowl, beat the egg white almost to soft peaks. Sprinkle in the sugar and continue to beat until the peaks are firm and glossy. Beat in the vanilla.

Pour the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk until just mixed. Drop the whipped egg white onto the batter in dollops and fold in with a spatula until just incorporated.

Pour the batter onto the hot waffle iron and cook until the waffle is crisp and nutty brown. Set the waffle directly on the oven rack to keep it warm and crisp. Repeat with the remaining batter, holding the waffles in the oven (don’t stack them). When all the waffles are cooked, serve immediately.

English Breakfast Scones

From Dana Schrader

Makes 16

2-3/4 c. flour                           

1-1/2 Tbs. baking powder

6 Tbs. sugar                             

1/2 c. chilled unsalted butter, diced

1 tsp. salt                                 

1 c. cold whipping cream or half and half

2 eggs                                        

coarse sugar for tops

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment.

Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl. Using pastry cutter, cut butter into flour mixture until like coarse meal.

Whisk cream and eggs together in a small bowl. Pour over crumb mixture and stir just until combined.

Transfer dough to lightly floured work surface. Form into 2 circles 1 inch thick. Cut into triangles. Transfer to baking sheet. Brush tops with cream. Sprinkle coarse sugar.

Bake at 400 degrees until light brown for 12-18 minutes depending on size.

Perfect Raisin Drop Cookies

From Arlene Evans

2 c. raisins             

1 c. water                 

1 tsp. soda              

1 c. butter

2 c. sugar               

3 eggs                       

1 tsp. vanilla          

4 c. flour

1/2 tsp. salt            

1 tsp. cinnamon                 

1/4 tsp. nutmeg     

1 tsp. baking powder

1 c. chopped walnuts

Boil raisins and water briskly for 5 minutes. Cool and stir in baking soda.

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and cream together.

Sift flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg together and add to butter mixture.

Stir in raisins and water. Add chopped walnuts. Drop by spoon and bake in 375 degree oven.

To make Joe-safe, use dairy-free butter instead of regular butter.