Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

This bread is super tasty, quick and easy!

INGREDIENTS
1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
1 tsp vanilla
3 eggs
1/4 cup sour cream
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 2/3 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 cup + 1/4 cup chocolate chips, divided

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 F degrees. Grease & flour loaf pan. (I also lined mine with parchment paper.)
2. In large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt TWICE.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin, eggs, oil, vanilla and sour cream until smooth.
4. Make a well in the flour mixture and pour in the wet ingredients. Whisk together until smooth.
5. Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips.
6. Pour into prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle 1/4 cup chocolate chips on top.
7. Bake 60-75 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool in pan on a wire rack 20 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool completely.

Slow Cooker Navy Bean Soup

INGREDIENTS
2 Tbsp olive oil
6 cloves garlic
1 medium yellow onion
½ lb. carrots
4 stalks celery
2 lb. dry navy beans
1 ham hock or ham (optional)
3 whole bay leaves
1 Tbsp dried rosemary
2 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp smoked paprika
Freshly cracked pepper to taste
Salt to taste
8 cups water or chicken stock or combo of both


DIRECTIONS

1. Mince the garlic, dice the onion, slice the celery, and slice the carrots into thin rounds. Add the olive oil, garlic, onion, celery, and carrots to a large (5qt or larger) slow cooker.
2. Sort through the beans and remove any debris or stones. Give them a quick rinse and then add them and the ham to the slow cooker, along with the bay leaf, rosemary, thyme, paprika, and some freshly cracked pepper.
3. Add 8 cups of water (or half chicken stock half water) to the slow cooker and stir to combine the ingredients. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.
4. After 8 hours, stir the soup and mash the beans slightly. Starting with just a ½ tsp, add salt to your liking. I used about 2 tsp total, but keep tasting and adding more, ½ tsp at a time, until it reaches the level that you prefer.

You could add more veggies to up the nutrient value. Could omit ham and use more smoked paprika.
Makes 6+ servings.

Vegetable Lasagna

Ingredients:
3 cups pasta sauce (like Classico Spicy Tomato and Pesto)
16 ounces 2% cottage cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan
9 whole wheat lasagna noodles
8 ounces mozzarella cheese
Approximately 4 cups mixed vegetables (I used spinach, carrots, sundried tomatoes, and zucchini)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400*.  Spray 11 X 8 glass casserole dish.
Combine cottage and parmesan cheeses.
Place 3 uncooked noodles in pan.
Cover with 1 cup pasta sauce, 1/3 cheese mixture, 1/3 vegetables, and 1/3 mozzarella.
Repeat 2 more times.
Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake one hour.

Chinese Noodle Salad

This is a fantastic light salad that would go great to any potluck! Makes about 6 servings.

Ingredients
• 1 head Napa or bok choy cabbage OR pre-shredded bag cabbage
• 5 large green onions
• 2 (3-ounce) package ramen noodles (save one seasoning pack for dressing)
• 1 (6-ounce) package slivered almonds
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons white vinegar or rice wine vinegar (preferred)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• (optional) a few thin slices of red onion for color

Directions
Preheat the broiler.
Tear the cabbage and slice the onions, and place in a large salad bowl. Crumble the noodles into a broiler pan or cookie sheet, add the almonds, sesame seeds, and broil for 2 minutes, being careful not to scorch the sesame seeds. In a jar with a tight lid, combine the oil, sugar, vinegar, and salt with the contents of the seasoning pack. Cover the jar and shake well to blend the dressing. Pour the dressing over the salad, add the toasted sesame and almond, and toss to combine.

Variations: This is good with chicken added to make a more hearty salad. Could also add mandarin oranges.

Breakfast Casserole

Serves 6
1 pkg “Little Smokies” or other mini pre-packaged mini sausage*

1 8ou can refrigerated crescent rolls 

2C grated cheese of choice (mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey jack, etc.)

4 beaten eggs - maybe more depending on how many servings you want

3/4C milk

¼ t salt

1/8t pepper

• Preheat oven to 425degrees.
• Unroll refrigerated crescent rolls (if not cool, they will get sticky and not unroll well) and line bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish, pressing perforations together to seal into one sheet.  This forms a bottom crust.
• Grate cheese.  
• Crumble meat (or use food processor).
• Sprinkle crust with meat and cheese, distributing evenly.
• Combine eggs, milk, salt and pepper - beat well (until slightly frothy).  
• Pour over meat and cheese mixture, distributing evenly throughout pan.
• Bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes or until set and top is slightly brown.  
• Take out and sprinkle with fresh or canned parmesan cheese (optional: do this the last 5 minutes of cooking if you’d like parmesan to melt into casserole a bit)
• Let stand approximately 5 minutes to allow it to set up enough to cut.
• Cut into squares and serve immediately.  

*Note:  Cooked crumbled bacon, ham, bulk sausage (crumbled, cooked and well-drained) or other meat/protein of choice may be substituted for the sausage.

Chinese Shrimp Noodle Salad

Chinese Shrimp Noodle Salad

8 oz Chinese egg noodles

½ c diced celery

½  c chopped green onion

1 can sliced water chestnuts

1 can shrimp, drained (or about 1 C fresh)

1 sm pkg Uncle Dan’s Southern Style Dressing (now Hidden Valley Ranch)

1 c mayo

Boil egg noodles (broken) for 9 minutes (see note below)

Rinse in cold water.

Add celery, onion, and water chestnuts. 

Just before serving, mix Uncle Dan’s and mayo and pour over all.   Mix.

Add shrimp just before serving

Can be refrigerated overnight. 

*Notes:

1.  fresh shrimp is better

2.  the somen brand egg noodles only need to cook 3 minutes.

3.  Can actually mix all the night before (including shrimp).  Won’t make a lot of difference.

Easy Jambalaya

INGREDIENTS:
two chicken breasts, chopped
andouille sausage links, chopped
3 red, green, yellow or orange bell peppers, chopped
1 red onion, chopped
2 - 14 oz cans stewed tomatoes
3 chopped garlic cloves or garlic powder
cajun seasoning
oregano
rice

DIRECTIONS:
Coat chopped chicken in Cajun seasoning. Brown in the bottom of a cast iron stew pot. Add peppers & onions and saute until soft. Add stewed tomatoes, let simmer. Add Cajun seasoning oregano and garlic to taste. Serve over rice.

*Can add shrimp, pork, or other meats/veggies if desired.

Holiday Egg Nog

INGREDIENTS:
6 Eggs (separate yolks, reserve whites)
2 Cups Sugar
1 Pint Bourbon
1 Cup Dark Jamaican Rum
1 Cup Brandy
3 Pints Heavy Cream
1 Pint Milk

DIRECTIONS:
Beat 6 egg yolks until very thick and lemon colored. Mix in 2 cups sugar. Slowly stir in 1 pint bourbon, 1 cup dark Jamaican rum and 1 cup Brandy. Stir gently until sugar is dissolved. Blend in 3 pints heavy cream and 1 pint milk.

In a separate bowl, beat 6 egg whites until peaks form (stiff but not dry). Fold egg whites into cream mixture.

Pour into punch bowl and sprinkle with nutmeg.

Chicken in Beer

Adapted from Lidia's Italy "Chicken in Beer" Recipe.

INGREDIENTS
4 pound roasting chicken

2 teaspoons kosher salt

2 medium onions, peeled and quartered

2 large carrots, peeled, halved crosswise and quartered

5 small red potatoes, halved crosswise and quartered

10 button or cremini mushrooms, halved
2 tablespoons fresh sage leaves

4 whole cloves

1 cinnamon stick

2 cups chicken stock
1 bottle beer

1.5 cup apple cider, preferably unfiltered

DIRECTIONS
1. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 400 degrees. Trim excess fat from chicken, and season it inside and out with salt.

2. Scatter the onions, carrot, potatoes, mushrooms, sage, cloves, and cinnamon in the pot, sprinkle over this salt, and set the chicken on top of the vegetables.

3. Put the pot on the stove, pour in the stock, beer, and apple cider, and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook, uncovered, for about 15 minutes on top of the stove.

4. Put the pot in the oven, and roast the chicken for about 30 minutes, basting with the pan juices two or three times. Cover the chicken with a sheet of aluminum foil to prevent overbrowning, and roast another 30 minutes. 

Remove the foil, and roast another 20 to 30 minutes, basting frequently, until the chicken and vegetables are cooked through and tender.

5. (Optional) Remove the chicken to a warm platter, and surround with the vegetables. Bring the pan juices to a boil on top of the stove, and cook until reduced by half. 

Carve the chicken at the table, and spoon some of the pan juices on top.

Grilled Corn & Peach Salad

via Arugula Files.
Serves 6-8

INGREDIENTS

3 peaches, cut in 1 inch piece
5 ears of grilled corn
1 jalapeno
1/2 a purple onion, diced
1 handful of cilantro, chopped
juice of two limes
salt to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Boil corn (about 8-10 minutes in boiling water); cook on grill for 1 minute each side. Cut kernels off the cobb. Let cool.
2. Mix remaining ingredients and serve.

Quick Eggplant Parm

Eggplant Slices
Spag Sauce
Parmesan

Broil slices 3 minutes a side.

Bake for 15 minutes in oven with toppings.

Similar to this recipe via KathEats.com.

Sun-dried Tomato Pesto

2 jars of sun-dried tomatoes in oil, undrained
4 big cloves garlic, 2 big handfuls basil
~1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 cup walnuts –

Blend in a food processor. 

via KathEats.

Blue Cheese + Honey + Bread

Dooce's Gin & Tonic Recipe

Perfect Gin & Tonic recipe from Dooce:

"Rob Gunnison's Gin and Tonic for Two"

Squeeze two limes.
Slice rinds and place in pitcher.
Pour four jiggers of gin into pitcher and mash.
Pour juice into pitcher. Mash more.
Divide between two glasses of ice.
Top with tonic.

Asparagus & Greens Salad with Gorgonzola Vinaigrette

INGREDIENTS:

1  pound  green and white asparagus, trimmed and cut into (2-inch) pieces
2 1/4  teaspoons  salt, divided
2  tablespoons minced shallots
2  tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
2  tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2  teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 lemon, juiced
1/4  teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2  cup (2 ounces) crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, divided
1 (5-ounce) package mixed salad greens

DIRECTIONS:
1. Cook asparagus and 2 teaspoons salt in boiling water 2 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and rinse asparagus under cold water; drain.
2. Combine remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, shallots, and next 4 ingredients (through pepper) in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Stir in 1/4 cup cheese.
3. Combine asparagus and greens in a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing; toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese.

{originally from Cooking Light}

My Mom's Chex Mix

INGREDIENTS (makes one batch)
6 tbsp Butter
4 tsp Worcestershire (Lea & Perrins is best)
1 tsp seasoning salt (I use garlic salt)
2 cup corn, rice, wheat Chex
2 cup Cheerios
1/4 cup Redskin Planter Peanuts (or regular if you want)
Pretzels (straight)

DIRECTIONS
Melt butter, Worcestershire and garlic salt and stir well.
Drizzle over cereals and mix in well.
Add Cheerios, drizzle a little more sauce, stir.
Add peanuts and pretzels, drizzle remainder of sauce, stir.
Bake uncovered at 250 degrees for 60 min, stirring a couple of times.

Kim's Escarole, Sausage & White Bean Soup

INGREDIENTS
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 lb sweet Italian sausage
3 cups chicken broth
1 head escarole, chopped
1 parmesan rind
1-2 cans white beans
1/2 cup grated parmesan
salt to taste

DIRECTIONS
Cook 3 chopped garlic cloves, red pepper flakes and the Italian sausage in olive oil. Add 3 cups chicken broth, 1 head chopped escarole and a parmesan rind; simmer 15 minutes. Add 1 can white beans and salt to taste. Simmer 2 minutes more. Add parmesan to garnish and serve.

Adapted from Food Network's 50 Easy Soups.

Chicken Broccoli Stir-fry

________________________________
INGREDIENTS
1 teaspoon grated orange zest, plus 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1 tbsp grated ginger
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons vegetable oil, such as safflower
2 large chicken breasts, sliced into pieces
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 scallions, white and green parts separated and thinly sliced
1 head broccoli (about 1 pound), cut into bite-size florets, stalks peeled and thinly sliced

DIRECTIONS
1. In a medium bowl, combine orange zest and juice, ginger, soy sauce, vinegar, and cornstarch; set stir-fry sauce aside.

2. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 teaspoon oil over medium. Cook chicken until browned on one side, 1 to 2 minutes (chicken will cook more in step 4). Transfer to a plate and set aside; reserve skillet.

3. Add remaining teaspoon oil, garlic, and scallion whites to skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until scallions wilt, 1 to 2 minutes. Add broccoli and 1/2 cup water; cover and cook until broccoli is crisp-tender and water has evaporated, 2 to 4 minutes.

4. Add chicken (with any juices) and stir-fry sauce to skillet. Cook, stirring, until pork is cooked through and sauce has thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Top with scallion greens.

*you can substitute just about any kind of protein for the chicken

Fresh Pesto

..................................................................................

INGREDIENTS

3 cloves garlic, cut into pieces

(I found swapping garlic powder was also good and made the garlic less potent)

2 cups solidly packed fresh basil leaves

3/4 teaspoon coarse salt

freshly ground pepper

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/3 cup pine nuts

3/4 cup Parmigiano Regiano

1 tbsp softened unsalted butter

..................................................................................

DIRECTIONS

In a food processor, place all the ingredients and blend to a smooth puree (don't overblend). Cover and set aside. At this point you can refrigerate the pesto and it will keep, refrigerated for at least a week.

While your pasta is cooking, reserve two tablespoons of the cooking water to stir in with the pesto. When the pasta is cooked, drain very briefly (don't allow to dry) and add to the bowl with the pesto, toss to coat evenly.

PT Loin

INGREDIENTS:
Pork Tenderloin
Teriyaki marinade
Green onions, diced
Brown rice

DIRECTIONS:
Place pork t-loin in a shallow baking dish and brush with marinade. Follow package instructions for baking the pt-loin. Meanwhile, cook brown rice. Let the tenderloin rest 5 minutes before slicing. Serve over brown rice, sprinkle with green onions.

Sour-Cherry Gin Slings

INGREDIENTS

1 pound sour cherries, stemmed

3/4 cup sugar

1 cup water

Strips of zest from 1/2 lemon

Strips of zest from 1/2 orange

Gin Sling

2 cups gin

2/3 cup Cointreau

2/3 cup fresh lime juice

2 1/4 cups sour-cherry syrup

Angostura bitters

Ice

Sparkling water

Lime wheels and fresh cherries, for garnish

DIRECTIONS
1. Make the sour-cherry syrup: In a large saucepan, combine the cherries with the sugar, water and citrus zests and bring to a boil.
2. Cover and simmer over low heat for 40 minutes.
3. Pass the mixture through a fine strainer, pressing on the solids; you should have 2 1/2 cups. Let cool.
4. Make the gin slings: In a pitcher, combine the gin with the Cointreau, lime juice, sour-cherry syrup and a few dashes of bitters and stir well.
5. Pour into ice-filled glasses and top each drink with sparkling water. Garnish with the lime wheels and fresh cherries and serve.

from Food & Wine via YumSugar.

Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread

____________________________________
INGREDIENTS (Yields: about 18 muffins)
3 cups all purpose flour
1 cup yellow corn meal
1/4 cup sugar
2 tbsp. baking powder
2 tsp. salt
2 cups milk
3 large eggs, slightly beaten
1/2 lb. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded plus extra for garnish
3 jalapenos, seeded and minced
1/3 cup of scallions, chopped plus extra for garnish

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan, set aside. Combine the first five ingredients into a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, milk and cooled butter. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry and mix, be careful not to over mix. Fold in the two cups of the cheddar, 1/3 cup of the scallions, and the jalapenos. Let the mix sit at room temperature for roughly about 20 minutes. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and top with the remaining cheddar and scallions. Then pop into the oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown or until a toothpick comes out clean. Slice into squares and serve.

You can also bake these as muffins using a muffin pan, cook time change: 15-20 minutes.

from Ina Garden via Une-deux Senses

Chocolate & Peanut Butter Cake

__________________________________
For Ganache Filling: (Make the night before)
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
6 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/4 cup old-fashioned (natural) chunky peanut butter

For Cake:
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup old-fashioned (natural) chunky peanut butter
1 pound golden brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk

For Cream Cheese Frosting:
2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature
2 2/3 cups powdered sugar, divided
1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup chilled heavy whipping cream

Prepare the ganache filling:
Bring cream and sugar to simmer in saucepan, whisking to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat. Add chocolate; let stand 1 minute. Whisk until smooth. Whisk in peanut butter. Chill uncovered overnight or for several hours. If left overnight, you may need to microwave the ganache briefly in order to make it spreadable.

Prepare the cake:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray three 9-inch-diameter cake pans with 1 1/2-inch-high sides. with baking spray. Line the bottoms with parchment paper. Spray again. Sift first 4 ingredients into medium bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and peanut butter in a large bowl until blended. Beat in sugar. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, then vanilla. At low speed, beat in flour mixture in 4 additions alternately with buttermilk in 3 additions.

2. Divide the batter among the pans, spreading evenly. Bake cakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 20-25 minutes. Cool cakes 5 minutes. Turn out onto racks; peel off parchment. Cool completely.
Prepare the frosting:

3. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese, 1 2/3 cups powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla in a large bowl to blend. Whisk or beat the heavy cream and 1 cup powdered sugar in bowl until mixture holds medium-firm peaks. Fold into the cream cheese mixture in 3 additions; chill until firm but spreadable, about 1 hour.

Assemble the cake:
Level each cake layer. Place 1 cake layer on a cardboard cake round or cake plate protected by strips of wax paper or parchment paper. Spread with half of the ganache, leaving a slight border at the outside edge. Place another layer on top of the first layer. Spread with remaining filling. Top with remaining cake layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the cream cheese frosting. Decorate with chocolate shavings.

Serving:
You can serve the cake immediately, but it's best to let it sit (in the refrigerator) for a few hours or overnight. Serve at room temperature. Freeze leftovers (or the entire cake!) for up to two months. Defrost (still wrapped) overnight; or microwave directly from the freezer for a messier, more gooey slice of cake.

from Zucchero Dolce

Strawberry Freezer Jam

INGREDIENTS
4 cups of hulled and crushed fruit
1 1/2 cups sugar
Freezer Jam Pectin put out by Ball.
Containers (Ball makes some specifically for their freezer jam recipes - 5 eight-ounce freezer jars)

DIRECTIONS
1. Hull & crush fruit.

2. Put sugar and the pectin in a bowl and whisk together well. Then stir in the crushed fruit.

3. Ladle the jam into your washed and rinsed freezer containers, let them sit out for half an hour to get the pectin activated, and then label them and pop them in the freezer.

from Barefoot Kitchen Witch

Grilled Apple & Cheese

INGREDIENTS
crusty bread
sharp cheddar (or swiss)
apple
(fuji, braeburn or granny smith)

Slice the apples thinly. Butter one side of two pieces of bread. Build your sandwich — butter on the outside — of cheese, apples, cheese.

Cinnamon Apple Muffins

____________________________________
INGREDIENTS (makes 12)
1 ½ Cups of Flour
½ Cup of Sugar
1 Cup of peeled, diced Granny Smith apples
1/8 tsp. Salt
1 Egg
1 ½ tsp. Baking Powder
½ Cup of Milk
1/3 Cup of Butter, Melted
¼ Cup of Sugar
½ tsp. Ground Cinnamon
¼ Cup of Butter, Melted

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350ºF.

2. Mix flour, ½ cup of sugar, baking powder, and salt together. In another bowl, mix egg, milk, and 1/3 cup of melted butter. Add egg mixture to dry ingredients. Stir.
Spoon batter into cupcake mold.

3. Mix in 1 cup of diced Granny Smith peeled apples (I soaked mine in a little sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon for a few minutes first).

4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

5. Combine ¼ cup of sugar and cinnamon. Cool muffins and remove from pan. Dip muffins into ¼ cup melted butter, then into sugar-cinnamon mix.

4th of July Cocktail

..................................................................
:INGREDIENTS:
1 ounce watermelon schnapps
1 big splash cranberry juice
1 slice lemon
1 slice lime
1 1/2 ounces tequila
1/4 ounce blue curacao
1/2 ounce simple syrup
Watermelon wedge, for garnish (optional)

:DIRECTIONS:
Mix the schnapps and cranberry juice in a shaker; pour into an ice-filled glass.

Muddle the lemon and lime slices, tequila, blue curacao and simple syrup (to make a batch, dissolve sugar in equal parts hot water and chill) in the shaker. Slowly strain into the glass over the red layer. Garnish with watermelon, if desired.

from Guy Fieri

Oatmeal Stout & Heath Bar Ice Cream

____________________________
INGREDIENTS
16 oz oatmeal stout
3 egg yolks
1/2 c sugar
1 c cream
1 c half & half
2 Heath bars, chopped

DIRECTIONS
In a saucepan bring the stout to a boil. Allow to reduce to about 1 cup.

In a large bowl whisk the egg yolks & sugar together until light yellow & thick. Set aside.

Reduce the heat under the stout to low & add the cream & milk. Bring to a simmer. Slowly stir into the egg mixture. Its important to add the milk slowly & stir so you don't end up with scrambled eggs. Return to the saucepan & cook while stirring until the mixture is slightly thickened. Strain into a clean storage container. Refrigerate until completely cold.

Process according to your ice cream maker's directions. Add the chopped Heath bar pieces during the last 5 minutes of mixing. Let freeze for a few hours before serving.

from A Good Appetite

Mushroom Bourguignon

___________________________
INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter, softened
2 pounds portobello mushrooms, in 1/4-inch slices (save the stems for another use) (you can use cremini instead, as well)
1/2 carrot, finely diced
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup full-bodied red wine
2 cups beef or vegetable broth (beef broth is traditional but vegetable to make it vegetarian; it works with either)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (1/2 teaspoon dried)
1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup pearl onions, peeled (thawed if frozen)
Egg noodles, for serving
Sour cream and chopped chives or parsley, for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat the one tablespoon of the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a medium Dutch oven or heavy sauce pan over high heat. Sear the mushrooms until they begin to darken, but not yet release any liquid — about three or four minutes. Remove them from pan.

2. Lower the flame to medium and add the second tablespoon of olive oil. Toss the carrots, onions, thyme, a few good pinches of salt and a several grinds of black pepper into the pan and cook for 10, stirring occasionally, until the onions are lightly browned. Add the garlic and cook for just one more minute.

3. Add the wine to the pot, scraping any stuck bits off the bottom, then turn the heat all the way up and reduce it by half. Stir in the tomato paste and the broth. Add back the mushrooms with any juices that have collected and once the liquid has boiled, reduce the temperature so it simmers for 20 minutes, or until mushrooms are very tender. Add the pearl onions and simmer for five minutes more.

4. Combine remaining butter and the flour with a fork until combined; stir it into the stew. Lower the heat and simmer for 10 more minutes. If the sauce is too thin, boil it down to reduce to the right consistency. Season to taste.

5. To serve, spoon the stew over a bowl of egg noodles, dollop with sour cream (optional) and sprinkle with chives or parsley.

from Smitten Kitchen

Slow Cooker Herbed Chicken

___________________________________________
INGREDIENTS
8 ounces mushrooms, halved
1 cup frozen pearl onions
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup dry red wine
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 bay leaf
4 small chicken legs (drumstick-thigh portion; skinned) (2 to 2-1/2 pounds total)
Chicken broth (optional)
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Hot cooked mashed potatoes (optional)
Fresh parsley sprigs (optional)

DIRECTIONS
1. In a 5-1/2- or 6-quart slow cooker, combine mushrooms and pearl onions. Stir in the 1/2 cup broth, the wine, tomato paste, garlic salt, rosemary, thyme, pepper, and bay leaf. Add chicken legs to cooker.

2. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 7 to 8 hours or on high-heat setting for 3-1/2 to 4 hours.

3. Using a slotted spoon, transfer chicken and vegetables to a serving platter. Discard bay leaf. Cover chicken and vegetables and keep warm.

4. For sauce: Skim fat from cooking liquid. Measure 2 cups of the cooking liquid, adding additional chicken broth, if necessary, to equal 2 cups total liquid. Transfer liquid to a medium saucepan. In a small bowl, stir the 1/4 cup broth into the flour; stir into liquid in saucepan. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly; cook and stir for 1 minute more. Spoon some of the sauce over chicken. Pass remaining sauce. If desired, serve with mashed potatoes and garnish with parsley.

from BHG via YumSugar

Sloppy Joes

___________________________
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
Coarse salt and ground pepper
3/4 pound ground beef sirloin
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) tomato puree
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1 1/2 teaspoons dark-brown sugar
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
16 party-size potato rolls

DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oil over medium in a large saucepan. Add onion and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook until softened, stirring occasionally, 6 to 8 minutes.

2. Add beef, and cook, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, 4 to 5 minutes. Add tomato puree, mustard powder, sugar, and vinegar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 8 to 10 minutes. (To store, refrigerate, up to 2 days.) Serve warm on rolls.

from Martha Stewart

Irish Lamb Stew

_____________________________________
INGREDIENTS
2 pounds boneless leg of lamb, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 3/4 pounds white potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
3 large leeks, white part only, halved, washed (see Tip) and thinly sliced
3 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
3 stalks celery, thinly sliced
1 14-ounce can reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup packed fresh parsley leaves, chopped

DIRECTIONS
Combine lamb, potatoes, leeks, carrots, celery, broth, thyme, salt and pepper in a 6-quart slow cooker; stir to combine. Put the lid on and cook on low until the lamb is fork-tender, about 8 hours. Stir in parsley before serving.

from Eating Well via YumSugar

Kielbasa Stew

________________________________
INGREDIENTS
4 cups coarsely chopped cabbage
3 cups peeled, cubed potato
1-1/2 cups sliced carrots
1 pound cooked kielbasa, sliced
1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 14-ounce cans reduced-sodium chicken broth

DIRECTIONS
1. In a 4- to 5-quart slow cooker combine cabbage, potato, and carrots. Top with kielbasa. Sprinkle basil, thyme, and pepper over kielbasa. Pour chicken broth over all.

2. Cover; cook on low-heat setting for 7 to 9 hours or on high-heat setting for 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 hours.

from BHG via YumSugar

Beef & Asparagus Stir-Fry

____________________________________
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 lb. sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
2 Tbs. dry sherry
1 tsp. chili oil
1/4 cup peanut oil
1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
3/4 lb. slender asparagus, trimmed and cut on the diagonal into 1-inch pieces
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
Steamed rice for serving

DIRECTIONS
1. Lightly season the beef with salt and black pepper.

2. In a small bowl, stir together the hoisin sauce, sherry, chili oil and 1/2 cup water. Set aside.

3. In a wok or large fry pan over high heat, warm the peanut oil. Working in batches if needed to avoid crowding, add the beef and cook, turning once or twice, until lightly seared, 2 to 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a plate.

4. Add the onion and asparagus to the pan and cook until tender-crisp, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and stir-fry for 15 seconds.

5. Return the meat and any juices from the plate to the pan, add the hoisin mixture and stir well. Simmer briefly until heated through.

from Williams-Sonoma via YumSugar

Peach Muffins with Brown Sugar Struesel

__________________________________
Makes large 12 muffins

Muffin Batter:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups sour cream
1 tablespoon dark rum or pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups peeled, pitted, chopped peaches

1. For the topping: In a small bowl, combine the walnuts, flour, brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir in the butter, and mix until well blended.

2. For the muffins: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line 12 large muffin cups with paper liners, and spray the top of the pan lightly with nonstick spray.

3. In a medium bowl, sift together the dry ingredients, from flour to salt, and set aside.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, butter, sour cream and rum or vanilla. Fold in the peaches.

5. Add the egg mixture to the dry mixture. Stir until just moist and blended. Do not overmix.

6. Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin pan with a large ice cream scoop (1/3-cup scoop). The batter should come to the top of the paper liner or pan. Sprinkle with the Brown Sugar-Walnut Streusel Topping, and lightly press the topping into the muffin batter.

7. Bake 30 to 35 minutes, until the tops of the muffins spring back when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes clean. Remove from the oven, and cool for 5 minutes. Turn the muffins out of the pan, and serve immediately.

................................................................
Brown Sugar-Walnut Streusel Topping:
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped walnuts
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Variations: Almost any fresh or frozen fruit (except for very soft fruits like bananas or mango) can be substituted for the peaches.

from Ezra Lb Cake, adapted from Sara Foster’s “The Foster’s Market Cookbook”

Fresh Tomato Tart

___________________________
Basil-Garlic Tart Dough:
1/3 cup fresh basil leaves
1 medium garlic clove
1 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into 8 to 10 pieces
4-5 tablespoons ice water

1. Place the basil and garlic in the work bowl of a food processor. Process, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until finely chopped. Add flour and salt; pulse to combine.

2. Add butter. Pulse about 10 times, or until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs.

3. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, pulsing several times after each addition. After 4 tablespoons water have been added, process the dough for several seconds to see if the mixture forms a ball. If not, add remaining water. Process until dough forms into a ball. Remove dough from processor.

4. Flatten the dough into a 5-inch disk. Wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. (The dough can be placed in a zipper-lock plastic bag and refrigerated for several days or frozen for 1 month. If frozen, defrost the dough in the refrigerator.)

5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Lay the dough over the tart pan, and press it into the pan. Trim the dough, and proceed with the recipe as directed.

.............................................................
Fresh Tomato Tart with Basil-Garlic Crust:
1 recipe Basil-Garlic Tart Dough (recipe follows)
8 ounces sliced mozzarella
2 large, ripe tomatoes (about 1 pound), cored and cut crosswise into thin slices
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1. Prepare the dough, and press it into a 10-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.

2. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line the bottom of the tart shell with mozzarella. Arrange the tomatoes over the cheese in a ring around the edge of the tart and a second ring in the center. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil.

3. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese has started to brown in spots, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool on a rack for at least 5 minutes before slicing. (The tart may be covered and kept at room temperature for 6 hours.)

from Ezra Lb Cake

Zuccini & Summer Squash Fettuccini

..........................................................................
INGREDIENTS for 2 servings
3-4 medium sized zucchini/summer squash
salt (lots)
2 roasted red bell peppers, packed in EVOO
1 tomato, desseded
2 cloves garlic
salt/pepper
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/2 tsp. lemon zest
..........................................................................

DIRECTIONS
1. Use a vegetable peeler (a mandoline would make this even easier) to peel off the outside skin, and chop off the ends of your squash. Continue peeling your squash into long strips – these will become your “noodles”.

2. Using a knife, cut each strip vertically into the desired width – for fettuccine width, I cut each strip into about 3 noodles.

3. Chop your roasted red peppers, garlic, and tomato, and add to a medium pot on med-high. Roasting red peppers is easy, and Ina has an easy set of directions to follow. I like to do this in large batches when they come into season. You can use canning techniques to preserve them too. Alternatively, you could go buy a jar of some at the store. But if you are able to make your own, they will be a lot more flavorful!

If you don’t have time to wait a few weeks and pack them in EVOO and just want to make this recipe, go ahead and roast them, peel the skins off, and then just add some EVOO into your sauce. It will work just fine that way.

4. Get a large pot of water on the stove for cooking your “noodles”, and start it going so that it will come to a boil. While that is heating up, check on your sauce. Once it is boiling, give it a stir and puree it in the food processor. Then return to the pot to keep warm while you are doing the “noodles”. If it is too watery in consistency, bring it back up to a simmer to let some of the water come off.

5. Once your big pot is boiling, add your squash noodles. Have a bowl of cold water ready, and after about 30 seconds to 1 minute (just when they are tender), transfer them to the water bowl. Usually blanching required putting them in ice water, but I didn’t want to eat completely cold noodles. After they have cooled a little bit, they are ready to serve.

6. Plate sauce first, and then add the noodles, and top with lemon zest and parsley.

{from Jenn Cuisine}

Zuccini & Spinach Curry

.......................................................................................
INGREDIENTS
2 tbs olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 slice (about 1 1/2 inch thick) fresh ginger, peeled and grated
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsps ground cumin
2 tsps ground turmeric
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or more if you want the curry to be spicy)
1 cup uncooked red lentils
3/4 lb zucchini, cut into 1/2 inch rounds
3 cups baby spinach
1 quart chicken stock
1 can chopped tomatoes, including the liquid from the can
salt and pepper to taste
fresh coriander (cilantro) chopped, to serve

.......................................................................................

DIRECTIONS
Heat the oil in a large soup pot. Add the onions and ginger and cook for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for a further minute. Add the cumin, turmeric, coriander and pepper flakes. Cook these together until the onion is soft. It will be dry and paste-like.

Add the lentils, zucchini and tomatoes to the pan and stir to combine with the spices. Cook for 3-4 minutes. Add the stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and allow to simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. About 10 minutes before you’re ready to serve, add the spinach and allow to wilt down into the curry. Before serving check the seasoning and add salt and pepper as needed (I added plenty of both at this stage.)

Serve in bowls, topped with chopped coriander and with flat breads for scooping.

{from Abercrombie & Feast}

Pesto Chicken

___________________________
INGREDIENTS:
4 chicken breasts
Pesto sauce
Cherry tomatoes
Parmesan Cheese

In a baking dish, cover the chicken with pesto. Add the cherry tomatoes to the dish. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until done.