Spinach-and-Cheese Puff

INGREDIENTS
Butter, for baking dish
3 packages (10 ounces each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups coarsely grated Gruyere cheese (about 6 ounces)
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a shallow 1-quart baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine spinach, half-and-half, eggs, 1 cup Gruyere, 2 teaspoons salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, and nutmeg; stir to combine. Spread evenly in prepared baking dish, and top with remaining 1/2 cup Gruyere. Bake until set and top is golden brown,
30 to 35 minutes.

: from Martha Stewart, Everyday Food :

Apple, Endive and Grape Salad

Corriander-Crumbled Lamb Cutlets

INGREDIENTS
125g plain/all-purpose flour
3 tbsp milk
2 eggs
160g panko breadcrumbs
1 + 1/2 tbsp finely chopped Italian/flat-leaf parsley
2 tbsp finely chopped coriander/cilantro
1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp cayenne powder
12 lamb cutlets (French-trimmed if you can)
Salt and pepper
Oil, for frying

DIRECTIONS
1. Put the flour in a wide, flattish bowl and set aside. Lightly beat the eggs and milk in another bowl and also set aside. Mix together the breadcrumbs, parsley, coriander, lemon zest, cumin and cayenne in a third bowl, then season with salt and pepper and mix through.
2. Dip lamb cutlets in flour, shake off the excess, then dip in the beaten egg then breadcrumbs.
3. Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat and then fry the cutlets in batches till they are golden brown on each side and just cooked through (don’t overcook unless you happen to enjoy the sensation of chewing on leather!), then set aside to rest for a minute or two before serving.
4. Serve with herbed yoghurt and a bitter green salad.

HERBED YOGURT
125mL thick Greek yoghurt
1 tbsp finely grated lemon zest
1 tbsp finely chopped Italian/flat-leaf parsley
2 tbsp finely chopped coriander/cilantro

Mix altogether and serve with lamb cutlets.

Pumpkin Pie a la Easy

Submitted by Wendi.

INGREDIENTS
1-1/4 c. all purpose flour
3/4 c. quick or old-fashioned oats
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 c. pecans, chopped
2/3 c. butter or margarine, melted
4 eggs
2 cans (15 oz. each) solid pack pumpkin
2 cans (14 oz. each) sweetened condensed milk (NOT evaporated milk)
2 t. ground cinnamon
1 t. ground ginger
1/2 t. ground nutmeg
OR use 3 _ t. of Pampered Chef Pantry Cinnamon Plus-YUM!
1 t. salt
Thawed frozen whipped topping (optional)
Pecan halves (optional)

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine flour, oats and brown sugar. Chop pecans and add to Batter Bowl.
3. Melt butter and add to dry ingredients; mix well. Press mixture onto bottom of pan. Bake 15 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, lightly beat eggs. Add pumpkin, sweetened condensed milk, spices and salt; whisk until smooth. Pour over crust.
5. Bake 30-35 minutes or until filling is set and knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool at room temperature. Cut into squares.
6. Garnish each serving with whipped topping using, pecan halves and additional ground cinnamon (or Cinnamon Plus), if desired. Refrigerate any leftover pie squares.

Spiced Pumpkin Tartlets

Submitted by Wendi.

INGREDIENTS
1 package (15 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
1 can (15 ounces) solid pack pumpkin
2 cups thawed, frozen whipped topping
1 teaspoon Cinnamon Plus Spice Blend
1 package (3.4 ounces) cheesecake instant pudding and pie filling
Powdered sugar (optional)
1/4 cup pecans, chopped
1 small orange (optional)

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400ºF. Allow pie crusts to stand at room temperature 15 minutes. Roll 1 crust into a 12-inch circle. Using a scalloped bread tube, cut out 12 pastry pieces (9 from outer edge and 3 from center of pastry circle); press 1 into each cup of a stoneware muffin pan. Prick bottom of pastry with pastry tool. Bake 14-18 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes. Remove tart shells from pan to cooling rack; cool completely. Repeat with remaining crust to make 24 tart shells.

2. Meanwhile, combine pumpkin, whipped topping and spice blend in a bowl; whisk until smooth. Add pudding mix; whisk until smooth and thickened. Refrigerate until ready to use.

3. Lightly sprinkle tart shells with powdered sugar, if desired. Attach open star tip to a decorator; fill with pumpkin mixture. Pipe into tart shells. Chop pecans; sprinkle over tartlets. Zest orange; sprinkle zest over tartlets, if desired

Cook's Tip: Pumpkin pie spice can be substituted for the Cinnamon Plus Spice Blend, if desired.
Tart shells and filling can be prepared up to 1 day in advance. Store shells in resealable plastic food storage bag at room temperature. Store filling, covered, in the refrigerator; fill tart shells just before serving.

Butterfinger Carmel Apples

Submitted by Wendi.

INGREDIENTS
6 wooden craft sticks (found in cake decorating or hobby shops)
6 tart apples-firm
1 package caramels (about 50)
2 tablespoons water
2 Nestle Butterfinger Candy Bars

DIRECTIONS
1. Line tray with wax paper. Insert 1 wooden stick into stem of each apple.

2. Microwave caramels and water in large, microwave safe bowl on HIGH power for 2 minutes. Microwave at additional 10-20 second intervals, stirring until smooth.

3. Dip each apple in melted caramel; scrape excess caramel from bottoms. Quickly roll bottom half of apples in chopped Butterfinger, and then place on prepared tray.

4. Refrigerate for 45 minutes or until set. Store apples in the refrigerator in airtight container. Apples are best if they are served the same day as they are prepared.

NOTE: If caramel becomes firm, return to microwave oven for 20-30 seconds or until dipping consistency. Cook’s Tip: Be sure apples are completely dry before dipping---otherwise the caramel will not stick to the apple.

Be creative - you can roll your caramel apples in all kinds of toppings: Chopped CRUNCH bars, pretzels, Oreos, Heath (toffee) bars…etc, etc.

Spooky Eyeball Tacos

Submitted by Wendi.

INGREDIENTS
1 pound ground beef
1 pkg. Taco Seasoning mix
12 taco shells
¾ cup chunky salsa
¾ cup sour cream
1 can sliced pitted ripe olives
Chopped lettuce

DIRECTIONS
Mix meat and seasoning mix. Shape into 36 (1 inch) balls. Place on stoneware bar pan. Bake at 350F for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through. Fill each taco shell with 1 meatball and chopped lettuce; drizzle with salsa. Top with two meatballs dipped in sour cream and garnished with olives to make “eyeballs,” Kids will LOVE this!

Jack-O-Lantern Casserole

A delicious, festive Halloween dinner!
Submitted by Wendi.

INGREDIENTS
1 medium pumpkin
1 chopped onion
1-2 pounds ground beef
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 (4oz) can mushrooms (optional)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 ½ - 2 cups cooked rice
1 (8oz) can sliced water chestnuts

DIRECTIONS
Clean out pumpkin and decorate outside with black permanent marker, if desired. Brown hamburger and onion. Mix in remaining ingredients. Put pumpkin on cookie sheet. Fill pumpkin with mixture. Place in oven and bake pumpkin with lid on for 1 hour at 350F or until pumpkin is tender. Ladle onto plates out of the pumpkin!

Curried Pumpkin Soup

This is a great fall and winter soup. Very yummy and savory! You can substitute a variety of squashes for the pumpkin and butternut squash. Since the soup is pureed you can cut the veggies large to save time, it just might take longer to cook. - From Liz :)

Makes 8-10 servings

INGREDIENTS

2 tbsp unsalted butter

2 onions sliced

2 carrots peeled and sliced

1 apple peeled, cored and sliced

1 tbsp curry powder or seasoning

¼ cinnamon stick & 3 cloves

1lb butternut squash peeled, seeded, sliced

1lb peeled pie pumpkin seeded, sliced

6 cups water or vegetable broth

1 cup whole milk or heavy cream

Snipped chives for garnish

DIRECTIONS

Melt butter in large saucepan over med heat. Add onions, carrots and apple and sauté over med-low heat until onions are translucent. Add curry, spices (you can make a sachet with cheese cloth for the cinnamon stick and cloves or you can just throw them in and fish them out one by one later, instead of the single sachet) and remaining vegetables. Pour in water and bring to gentle simmer until vegetables are very soft, about 45min.

Remove spices and puree vegetable mixture in food mill, food processor or glass blender. If you want really smooth soup, pass pureed soup through strainer (I don't do this... I like a few chunks in my soup plus I am always cutting corners for time). Add the milk or cream and taste to adjust seasoning. Heat gently until warmed through. Garnish with chives.

Spicy Beef Satay Sticks

INGREDIENTS
1 pound top round steak, cut into thin 1 1/2 inch-wide strips against the grain (about 20 slices)
1 1/4 cups teriyaki sauce, divided
4 garlic cloves, crushed
2 to 3 teaspoons hot chili oil, to taste
1/2 cup apple juice
1 inch piece ginger, peeled
1 cup peanut butter, chunky or smooth
Juice of 2 limes, zest of 1 reserved for sauce
1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat a grill pan or a grill to medium-high. Soak the bamboo skewers in water, particularly if you're using an outdoor grill, so they don't flame up.

2. Place the beef strips in a medium-large casserole dish and pour 1 cup of the teriyaki sauce, the crushed garlic and chili oil over them. Toss to combine and let the beef marinate in the refrigerator while you make the dipping sauce.

3. In a medium-size saucepot, add the remaining 1/4 cup of teriyaki sauce, apple juice, and the ginger. Once it reaches a boil, turn off the heat and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to incorporate the ginger flavor. Remove the ginger and reserve the liquid.

4. In a medium-size mixing bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, lime zest and the hot teriyaki/apple juice mixture until it resembles a dipping sauce consistency. Place the sauce in a serving bowl, and set it aside while you grill up the satays.

5. Remove the beef strips from the refrigerator and skewer the strips of meat by weaving the sticks in and out as if you where treading straight up the meat. Grill the satays for about 1-2 minutes on each side for medium-rare, then give them a quick squeeze of fresh lime juice for a finish. Garnish the dipping sauce and meat with the scallions and toasted sesame seeds.

{via Rachael Ray Show}

Chicken Salad for a Crowd

Prep Time: 30 min
(ready in 4 hours, 30 min)
yield: 25 (1/2 cup) servings
from my mom!

INGREDIENTS
12 oz (2 C) uncooked orzo (*rosamarina)
2 T lemon juice
2 C mayonnaise or salad dressing
4 C cubed cooked chicken
¼ C half-and-half
2 C seedless green grapes, halved
1 T salt
2 C (1 lg) chopped seeded cucumber
2 t white pepper
1 C chopped celery

DIRECTIONS
1. Cook 2 c uncooked orzo to desired doneness as directed on package (9-11 min, constant rolling boil). Drain; rinse with cold water.

2. Combine in large bowl:
2 c mayonnaise or salad dressing
¼ c half and half
1 T salt
2 t white pepper
2 T lemon juice

3. Stir in cooked orzo.

4. Add all remaining ingredients:
4 C cubed cooked chicken
2 C seedless green grapes, halved
2 C (1 large) chopped, seeded cucumber
1 C chopped celery

5. Mix well. Cover. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or
overnight.

*another name for orzo, means “rose of the sea”.
To make lo-cal, substitute low-fat for regular mayonnaise and skim milk for half-and-half to slash fat per serving from 16 gr to 3 gr.

Panzanella

INGREDIENTS
1 garlic clove, chopped
2 pounds ripe beefsteak tomatoes, cored and cut into small pieces
1/2 medium red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
5 Small, basic unseasoned croutons or "stuffing"
4 (about 12 ounces) Kirby cucumbers, peeled and sliced (optional)
1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup halved kalamata olives, if desired

DIRECTIONS
1. Place tomatoes, onion, and garlic in a large bowl. Drizzle oil and vinegar over the vegetable mixture; season with salt and pepper. Toss; let stand, covered, in a cool place, for 1 hour or more.

2. When ready to serve, add cucumbers, basil, and bread to tomatoes.

3. Toss to coat bread thoroughly with the marinating liquid. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 sticks (6 ounces) unsalted butter,
1 stick melted, 1/2 stick softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
1 cup canned pure pumpkin puree
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon plus 2 pinches salt
1 2/3 cups flour
4 ounces cream cheese, chilled
1 cup confectioners' sugar

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Whisk in the eggs, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, 1 teaspoon vanilla, the baking powder, the baking soda and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the flour.

3. Using an ice cream scoop or tablespoon, drop 12 generous mounds of batter, spaced evenly, onto each baking sheet. Bake until springy to the touch, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.

4. Meanwhile, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter with the cream cheese. Add the confectioners' sugar and the remaining 2 pinches salt and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla; mix on low speed until blended, then beat on medium-high speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes.

5. Spread the flat side of 12 cakes with the cream cheese frosting. Top each with another cake.

[from Rachel Ray Magazine]

Lamb Gyros

INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Salt and pepper
1 1/4 pounds ground lamb
1 slice bread, finely crumbled
2 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 poblano chiles or Cubanelle peppers, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
4 pitas or other flatbread
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Combine the yogurt, mayonnaise and 1/4 teaspoon ginger; season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the lamb, bread, 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon ginger; season with salt and pepper. Form into 4-inch patties. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Cook the patties until just firm, about 6 minutes on each side. Transfer to a plate.
3. In the same skillet, add the poblanos, onion, garlic and remaining 1 teaspoon cumin; season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium-low heat until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Wrap the pita in foil and keep warm in the oven.
4. Chop up the lamb patties and add to the pan, increasing the heat to medium-high. Cook the vegetables until golden, about 3 minutes. Stir in the parsley.
5. Top a warmed pita with the reserved yogurt sauce and lamb mixture and fold over.

Goat Cheese Truffles

INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons chopped chives
1 tablespoon paprika or sweet smoked paprika
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
One 4-ounce log goat cheese

Place the chives, paprika and poppy seeds in separate shallow bowls. Using your hands, roll the goat cheese into 36 small balls (about 1/2 teaspoon each). Roll 12 goat cheese balls in each bowl to coat.
[originally from Everyday, Rachel Ray Magazine]

Pasta with leeks, peas and pecorino

I found this recipe in Real Simple in their "easy dinners" section. Followed their recipe almost exactly except nixed the mint in favor of basil. And if I make it again I would add some white wine.














1 pound dry round or short pasta
2-3 basil leaves, chopped
1/2 cup white wine
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 leeks (white and light green parts only), thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 10-ounce package frozen peas, thawed
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup (4 ounces) grated Pecorino
2 teaspoons lemon zest

Cook the pasta according to the package directions.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the leeks, season with the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and peas and cook for 2 minutes more. Stir in the cream, white wine, basil, and 3/4 cup of the Pecorino. Simmer until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 4 minutes.

Drain the pasta and return it to pot. Add the sauce, lemon zest, and mint and toss. Divide the pasta among shallow bowls and sprinkle with the remaining Pecorino and pepper.

Bocconcini tomato skewers.

Cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, salt, pepper, olive oil, fresh mozzarella. Assemble.

Spinach and Mushroom Quiche

6 slices bacon
4 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups half and half
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups chopped fresh spinach
2 cups chopped fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped shallots
1 Tbsp chopped garlic
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 (9 inch) deep dish pie crust

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside.
3. Saute mushrooms, garlic, and shallots in 1 Tbsp olive oil.
4. In a large bowl, whip together eggs, half and half, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir in bacon, spinach, mushrooms, shallots, garlic, 3/4 cup Swiss cheese, and 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese. Transfer to the pie crust. Top with remaining cheese.
5. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven 50 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly browned.

Smith Chicken Casserole

Chicken Casserole

Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, cubed
1 cup uncooked quick rice
1 cup chopped celery
3 hardboiled eggs, diced
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 cup cream of chicken soup (10 oz can)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 small onion, chopped
salt to taste
Cornflakes, potato chips, or bread crumbs on the top
(usually I process 2 pieces of bread in the food processor)

Directions
Mix all ingredients and place in 9” x 13 “ baking dish, and cook at 375 for 35 - 40 minutes.

Apple Crunch

Apple Crunch

Ingredients
1 cup sugar
1 cup flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
4 or 5 apples sliced
3 tbsp of sugar
1 large egg
cinnamon

Directions
Fill Pyrex pie plate with 4 or 5 apples sliced and sprinkle 3 tbsp of sugar on top. In bowl mix: 1 cup sugar, 1 cup flour, 1 tsp. baking powder and 1/2 tsp salt. Add 1 large egg and mix with fingers until crumbly. Sprinkle over top of apple mixture. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake at 350 for 35 to 40 minutes until apples are done and top is golden brown. Note: You can also use peaches, plums, blueberries, etc. You can also substitute nutmeg for cinnamon.