Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Christmas Recipe - Cherry Pound Cake

Cherry Delicious Pound Cake

Makes : 3 loaves, 10 slices per cake.

Filling:
1 (21-ounce) can or 2 cups cherry pie filling
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon almond extract
 
Cake:
2 12 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cup solid vegetable shortening
3/4 cup milk
4 large eggs

Directions :
1.     Puree cherry filling;
2.     Pour into a saucepan.
3.     Combine cornstarch and sugar. Add to puree; mix well.
4.     Cook, stirring constantly, over low heat until thick and bubbly.
5.     Stir in almond extract. Set aside to cool.
6.     Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt; mix will with electric mixer.
7.     Add shortening; mix on low speed for 2 minutes.
8.     Scrape down bowl; mix 2 minutes.
9.     Combine milk and eggs; add in thirds to shortening mixture, scraping bowl often.
10.   Mix on low speed 5 minutes.
11.   Portion 8-ounces of batter into each of 3 lightly greased 8 x 4 x 3-inch baking pans.
12.   Using a pastry bag, pipe 1/3 cup cherry puree over batter in each pan;
13.   Swirl cherry mixture through batter. Divide remaining batter evenly between pans.
14.   Pipe an equal portion of remaining cherry puree over batter in each pan; swirl through batter.
15.   Bake at 350*F 40 to 45 minutes, or until golden brown and wooden pick inserted near center comes out clean.
         These cakes freeze well.

Courtesy : The Cherry Marketing Institute.

Saturday, December 23, 2006

Christmas Cake Recipe - Cranberry Christmas Cake

Cranberry Christmas Cake
This unique holiday fruitcake features fresh cranberries and
dried dates, rather than the candied fruit of traditional fruitcake.

Makes : 12 to 14 servings

Ingredients :
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup fresh cranberries
1 cup chopped dates
2 1/2 tablespoons grated orange rind
2 large eggs, beaten
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup buttermilk
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup orange juice
1/4 cup brandy
Whipped cream for accompaniment

Directions :
1.     Preheat oven to 350*F (175*C).
2.     Generously grease a 12-inch Bundt pan or 10-inch tube pan and set aside.
3.     Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar in a large bowl;
4.     Stir in walnuts, cranberries, dates, and orange rind.
5.     Combine eggs, oil and buttermilk, mixing well;
6.     Stir egg mixture into flour mixture, mixing until well blended.
7.     Spoon batter into the prepared pan.
8.     Bake for 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
9.     Cool in pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes;
10.   Remove from pan and place on wire rack.
11.   Place rack in a large shallow pan.
12.   Combine 1 cup sugar, orange juice and brandy in a small bowl and mix well.
13.   Slowly drizzle the mixture over the cake.
14.   Retrieve any juice from the bottom of the pan and reapply as needed.
15.   Allow cake to cool completely on wire rack.
16.   Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in heavy-duty aluminum foil.
17.   Refrigerate for a minimum of 24 hours or up to 8 weeks.
18.   Serve cake with whipped cream, if desired.
 
 
Courtesy : Cooks Recipes

Friday, December 22, 2006

Christmas Cookie Recipe - Browned Buttercream Sandwitch Cookies

Browned Buttercream Sandwich Cookies
A browned butter filling gives a wonderful flavor to these slice and bake pecan cookies.

Makes : 3 1/2 dozen sandwich cookies

Cookie Ingredients :
1 cup Butter, softened
2/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 large egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup finely chopped pecans
1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling Ingredients :
1/4 cup Butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 to 3 tablespoons half & half*

Directions :
1.     Combine 1 cup butter and brown sugar in large mixer bowl.
2.     Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy.
3.     Add egg yolks and vanilla; continue beating until well mixed.
4.     Add flour, pecans and salt. Reduce speed to low;
5.     Beat until dough forms a ball.
6.     Divide dough in half; shape each half into 10-inch long roll
        (about 1 1/2 inches in diameter).
7.     Wrap each roll tightly in plastic food wrap.
8.     Refrigerate 3 hours or overnight.
9.     Heat oven to 350°F. Unwrap dough;
10.   Cut each roll with sharp knife into 1/8-inch slices;
11.   Place 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.
12.   Bake for 7 to 9 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
13.   Let stand 1 minute; remove from cookie sheets. Cool completely.
14.   Meanwhile, melt 1/4 cup butter in 2-quart saucepan over medium heat,
        stirring occasionally, until butter just starts to brown (5 to 6 minutes).
        (Butter will bubble and foam. WATCH CLOSELY.)
15.    Immediately remove from heat. Cool 5 minutes.
16.   Stir in powdered sugar, vanilla and enough half & half for
        desired spreading consistency.
17.   Spread 1 level teaspoonful filling on flat-side of 1 cookie;
18.   Top with second cookie, flat-side down. Squeeze together gently.
19.   Repeat with remaining cookies.

*Substitute whipping cream.

TIP : If dough is too crumbly to easily form a log, add 1 tablespoon of very soft butter. Continue beating until dough forms a ball (2 to 3 minutes).

TIP : Rather than making sandwich cookies simply frost each cookie with about 1/2 teaspoonful filling mixture.

Nutrition Facts (1 sandwich cookie):
Calories: 120
Fat: 7 g
Cholesterol: 25 mg
Sodium: 70 mg
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Dietary Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 1 g

Recipe Courtesy : Land O Lakes.

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Christmas Cookie Recipe - Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
Try these moist and chewy classics loaded with
'goober peas' and sweet chocolate chips.
Your cookie jar will empty in a flash!

Makes : 36 cookies

Ingredients :
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 cups quick-cooking oats
1 (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips
12 ounces peanuts

Directions :
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cream sugar, brown sugar and butter in a mixing bowl
3. Stir in eggs and vanilla, blending well.
4. Sir in flour.
5. Add oatmeal, chocolate chips and peanuts; mix well.
6. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
7. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Allow to cool on sheet for 1 minute; remove to a wire rack to cool completely.


Courtesy : Cooks Recipes

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Christmas Recipe - Chocolate Cream Cake

Chocolate Cream Cake

Makes : 12 servings

Ingredients :
2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter, softened
2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 large eggs
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
1 1/2 cups ice water
 
Butter Cream Filling
1.     Preheat oven to 350*F (175*C).
2.     Grease and lightly flour three 9 x 1 1/2, or
         8 x 1 1/2-inch round baking pans.
3.     Combine flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.
4.     In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer on
         medium to high speed for 30 seconds.
5.     Add sugar and vanilla; beat until combined.
6.     Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
7.     Beat in chocolate.
8.     Alternately add flour mixture and water, beating on low to
         medium speed after each addition just until combined.
9.     Pour batter into prepared pans.
10.   Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted
         near the centers comes out clean.
11.   Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes.
12.   Remove from pans.
13.   Cool completely on wire racks.
14.   Spread Butter Cream Filling on two of the layers;
          stack layers. Top remaining layer.
15.   Frost cake with Chocolate-Cream Cheese Frosting.
16.   Cover and store in the refrigerator.

Butter Cream Filling

Ingredients :
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 1/4 cups sifted powdered sugar
About 2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions :
1.     Beat butter, powdered sugar, milk and vanilla together,
        adding additional milk, if necessary, to make a filling of spreading consistency.

Chocolate-Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients :
4 ounces (1/2 of an 8-ounce package) cream cheese, softened
About 3 tablespoons milk
3 3/4 cups sifted powdered sugar
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions :
1.     Beat cream cheese and milk together until combined.
2.     Beat in powdered sugar. Beat in melted chocolate and vanilla.
3.     Beat in additional milk, if necessary, to make frosting of spreading consistency.

Courtesy : Cooks Recipe

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Christmas Cake Recipe - Almond Marble Pound Cake

Almond Marble Pound Cake
Almond, vanilla and chocolate join forces in this attractive, swirled pound cake.

Makes : 16 servings

Ingredients :
1 cup vanilla chips
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 (16-ounce) packages pound cake mix
1 1/3 cups water
4 large eggs
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/2 cup chopped toasted almonds

Directions :
1.     Preheat oven to 325°F.
2.     Grease and flour two 9 x 5 x 3-inch pans.
3.     Add vanilla chips to a small microwave-safe bowl.
4.     Microwave on HIGH until melted, about 1 minute.
5.     Add almond extract and stir until smooth.
6.     In another microwave-safe bowl, add chocolate chips and
        microwave on HIGH until melted.
7.     Add vanilla and stir until smooth.
8.     Combine pound cake mix, water, eggs and melted butter.
9.     Beat for 3 minutes, then divide in half.
10.   To one bowl, add melted vanilla chips.
11.   Beat 1 minute then set aside.
12.   To the other bowl, add melted chocolate chips.
13.   Beat for 1 minute then set aside.
14.   Alternately pour batters into prepared pans and using a knife,
        swirl to create a marbled effect.
15.   Sprinkle with almonds.
16.   Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until center is set.
17.   Cool in pans for 5 minutes then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Courtesy : Cooks Recipes

Monday, December 18, 2006

Christmas Recipe - Chocolate Fudge Waffles

Chocolate Fudge Waffles
Serve these waffles as a decadent brunch entrée or a delicious dessert.

Makes : 6 servings

Ingredients :
2 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate
4 tablespoons butter
3 large eggs
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 pinch salt
3 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped

Optional Toppings :
Sweetened whipped cream
Sliced strawberries
Fudge Sauce

Directions :
1. Prepare waffle maker according to manufacturer's directions.
2. Melt unsweetened chocolate and butter together in the microwave on HIGH
for 1 minute, stir until smooth; set aside to cool.
3. In a large bowl, beat eggs, sugar and vanilla together until well combined
4. Stir in buttermilk. Add reserved melted chocolate and mix well.
5. Stir in flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt until smooth.
6. Fold in semisweet chocolate and cook in prepared waffle maker.
7. Serve warm with desired toppings, sweetened whipped cream,
sliced strawberries and fudge sauce.


Courtesy : Cooks Recipes

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Christmas Beef Recipe - Fillet of Beef with Tarragon Sauce

Fillet of Beef with Tarragon Sauce

Makes : 8 servings.

Ingredients :
3 pounds sirloin steak
1 3/4 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt, divided use
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided use
1/3 cup butter
4 tablespoons prepared brown mustard
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 2/3 cups white wine
2 tablespoons tarragon
1 3/4 tablespoons heavy cream

Directions :
1.     Rub sirloin steak with olive oil and season with half of the salt and pepper.
2.     Bake in a large roasting pan at 350*F for 25 minutes,
        or until a meat thermometer registers 140*F.
3.     Transfer to a platter and let stand, loosely covered with aluminum foil,
        for 15 minutes.
4.     Meanwhile, in a bowl, cream butter and prepared brown mustard.
5.     In a large saucepan, combine chopped green onions,
        white wine, and tarragon.
6.     Cook over medium heat until the wine is reduced to about 1 cup.
7.     Add cream, reduce the heat to low, and whisk in the mustard/butter mixture,
        a little at a time, with any meat juices that have accumulated on the platter.
8.     Season with remaining salt and pepper.

Courtesy : Cooks Recipes

Friday, December 15, 2006

Christmas Bun Recipe - Caramel-Cherry Sticky Buns

Caramel-Cherry Sticky Buns

Makes : 10 buns

Ingredients :
12 bite-size caramel candies
3 tablespoons milk
1/2 (about 14) well-drained maraschino cherries, halved
1/4 cup pecans, chopped
1 (12-ounce) package refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (10 biscuits per package)

Directions :
1.     Melt caramels and cream or milk in small heavy saucepan over low heat,
        stirring constantly until smooth.
2.     Pour caramel mixture into a well-greased 9-inch glass pie plate.
3.     Place cherries, rounded sides down, over caramel mixture
4.     Sprinkle with pecans.
5.     Separate biscuits and place snugly in pan.
6.     Bake in a preheated 350*F oven 22 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
7.     Invert immediately onto serving plate, scraping any remaining caramel over biscuits.
8.     Serve warm.

Recipe Courtesy : Cherry Marketing Institute.

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Christmas Burger Recipe - Chili Burger with Sweet Potato Fries

Chili Burger with Sweet Potato Fries

Makes : 4 servings.

Fries Ingredients:
2 tablespoons Butter, melted
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch strips
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
 
Burgers Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons chili sauce
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 (3/4-ounce) slices Deli American Cheese
4 hamburger buns, if desired

Directions :
1.     Heat oven to 425°F.
2.     Place melted butter into large bowl;
3.     Add sweet potatoes. Toss to coat.
4.     Add all remaining fries ingredients; toss to coat sweet potatoes.
5.     Arrange sweet potatoes in single layer on greased 15x10x1-inch baking pan.
6.     Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning sweet potatoes once, until golden brown.
7.     Heat gas grill on medium or charcoal grill until coals are ash white.
8.     Meanwhile, combine ground beef, onion, chili sauce, pepper and salt in large bowl;
9.     Mix well. Form mixture into 4 (4-inch) patties.
10.   Place patties onto grill. Grill, turning once, to desired doneness (15 to 18 minutes).
11.   Top each burger with 1 slice cheese.
12.   Serve on hamburger buns, if desired.
 
TIP :  Chili sauce is the secret ingredient in these grilled burgers.
Sweet potato flesh can range from yellow to deep orange.
The orange-fleshed varieties are generally sweeter and include the Garnet, Jewel and Beauregard varieties.
Sweet potatoes are high in vitamins A and C and are a good source of potassium and fiber.

Nutrition Facts (1 serving) :
Calories: 420,
Fat: 26g,
Cholesterol: 95mg,
Sodium: 880mg,
Carbohydrates: 18g,
Dietary Fiber: 2g,
Protein: 28g

Recipe Courtesy : Land O Lakes, Inc.

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Christmas Casserole Recipe - Crab & Shrimp Casserole

Crab and Shrimp Casserole

Makes : 6 servings

Ingredients : 
1/2 pound crab meat
1/2 pound shelled, cooked salad shrimp
1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of shrimp soup
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup milk
1 (8-ounce) package very fine small noodles
2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 (6-ounce) container fried onion rings

Directions :
1.     Preheat oven to 350*F (175*C).
2.     In a large bowl, combine the soup, milk, and mayonnaise.
3.     Stir until smooth. Stir in the crab meat, shrimp and uncooked noodles.
4.     Spoon into an ungreased 9 x 12-inch baking dish.
5.     Sprinkle top with cheese.
6.     Bake, covered, for 35 minutes.
7.     Uncover and sprinkle onion rings over the top.
8.     Return to oven and bake for 10 minutes.

Recipe Courtesy : Helen J.

Christmas Pie Recipe - Raspberry Glaze Pie

Raspberry Glaze Pie
This simple, no-bake raspberry pie is an easy way to transform fresh summer berries into a cool,
sweet treat, ideal after a light warm-weather supper.

Makes : 8 servings.

Ingredients :
1 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup water
1 cup crushed rinsed raspberries
1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
5 cups raspberries, rinsed and drained well
1 (9-inch) baked pie crust

Directions :
1.     In a heavy medium saucepan, stir together sugar and cornstarch.
2.     Gradually stir in water and crushed raspberries.
3.     Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly as the mixture thickens.
4.     Let it come to a boil. Continue cooking and stirring for 1 minute.
5.     Remove from heat and let cool.
6.     In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
7.     Spread in bottom of a 9-inch baked pie crust.
8.     Fill with raspberries.
9.     Pour cooked raspberry mixture on top.
10.   Refrigerate for 3 hours or until set.

Courtesy : Cooks Recipes

Christmas Casserole Recipe - Crab and Shrimp Casserole

Crab and Shrimp Casserole

Makes : 6 servings

Ingredients :
1/2 pound crab meat
1/2 pound shelled, cooked salad shrimp
1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of shrimp soup
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup milk
1 (8-ounce) package very fine small noodles
2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 (6-ounce) container fried onion rings

Directions :
1. Preheat oven to 350*F (175*C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the soup, milk, and mayonnaise.
3. Stir until smooth. Stir in the crab meat, shrimp and uncooked noodles.
4. Spoon into an ungreased 9 x 12-inch baking dish.
5. Sprinkle top with cheese.
6. Bake, covered, for 35 minutes.
7. Uncover and sprinkle onion rings over the top.
8. Return to oven and bake for 10 minutes.

Recipe Courtesy : Helen J.

Monday, December 11, 2006

Christmas Stew Receip - Pork & Pepper Stew

Pork and Pepper Stew

Makes : 4 servings.

Ingredients :
3 boneless pork chops, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 1/2-ounce) diced tomatoes, undrained
8 small red new potatoes (1 pound), quartered
2 red or green bell peppers, cut into bite-size 1/2-inch wide strips
1 cup beef broth
2 teaspoons dried marjoram, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup chopped parsley

Directions :
1.     In a Dutch oven heat oil over medium-high heat.
2.     Cook and stir onion and garlic until tender but not brown.
3.     Add pork to Dutch oven; cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes or until browned.
4.     Stir in tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, 1 cup beef broth, marjoram, salt and pepper; 5.     Bring to boiling, reduce heat.
6.     Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes or until pork and potatoes are tender.
7.     Combine 1/4 cup beef broth and flour; add to Dutch oven.
8.     Cook over medium heat, stirring constnatly, until mixture thickens.
9.     Stir in parsley.
10.   Serve in bread bowls or with breadsticks.

Nutrition Facts :
Calories 265 calories
Protein 21 grams
Fat 7 grams
Sodium 967 milligrams
Cholesterol 44 milligrams

Recipe courtesy : Pork, The Other White Meat.

Saturday, December 09, 2006

Christmas Bar Recipe - Chewy Date Bars

Chewy Date Bars

Makes : 16 bars.

Ingredients :
1 cup chopped dates
2 tablespoons rum
2 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup chopped pecans
3 tablespoons powdered sugar

Directions :
1.     Preheat oven to 350*F.
2.     In a small bowl, combine chopped dates and rum.
3.     In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat eggs until frothy.
4.     Gradually beat in sugar until fluffy.
5.     With the mixer on low speed, beat in flour and baking powder until blended.
6.     Stir in chopped pecans and the date/rum mixture.
7.     Pour into a greased and floured 8-inch pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes,
        or until the center is just set.
8.     Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
9.     Turn out onto a cutting board and dust with powdered sugar before cutting
        into bars.

Courtesy : Cooks Recipes

Friday, December 08, 2006

X'mas Drink Recipe - Santa's Cocoa Mix

Santa's Cocoa Mix
A bit of peppermint turns this creamy chocolate drink into a Christmas treat.

Makes : 10 servings.

Ingredients :
8 cups powdered milk
1 (16-ounce) package instant cocoa
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
10-ounces powdered non-dairy creamer
8-ounces miniature marshmallows
6-ounces finely crushed peppermint candy

Directions :
1.   Combine powdered milk, cocoa, powdered sugar, creamer, marshmallows
      and peppermint candy.
2.   Mix well.
3.   Store in an airtight container.

Recipe To Attach :
For each serving, mix 1/3 to 1/2 cup of mix with 1 cup boiling water; mix well.

Tip :
1.   Garnish it with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for extra flair.
2.   This Recipe is excellent for gift giving.
3.   Simply make the recipe, package in jars and use a festive ribbon to attach
      a decorative label with preparation instructions.

Courtesy : Cook Recipes

Thursday, December 07, 2006

Christmas Salsa Recipe - Orange-Mint Salsa

Orange-Mint Salsa

Makes : About 1- 1/2 cups

Ingredients :
2 oranges, peeled, seeded and chopped
3 kiwi fruit, peeled and finely chopped
1/4 cup snipped fresh mint
1/4 cup minced red onion
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
Salt, to taste

Directions :
1.   Stir together all ingredients.
2.   Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
3.   Serve chilled or room temperature.

Tip :
Fruit salsa is a tasty side to your holiday ham or along side of Spicy Pork Quesadillas.
With any leftovers add more sliced orange, kiwi, and sliced banana and make into a fruit salad for the next day's lunch.

Nutrition Facts per serving (1 tablespoon) :
Calories 10 calories
Protein 0 grams
Fat 0 grams
Sodium 10 milligrams
Cholesterol 0 milligrams

Courtesy : The Cooks Recipes

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Christmas Casserole Recipe - Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Makes : 4 to 6 servings.

Ingredients :
1/3 cup butter or margarine
1 small onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 (6 to 8 ounce) package stuffing mix
1 2/3 cup water or chicken broth
4 to 5 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch chunks
1 (10 3/4-ounce)can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/3 cup sour cream or milk

Directions :
1.     Melt butter a medium saucepan and saute onion and
        celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
2.     Remove from heat and stir in stuffing mix (and seasoning packet, if included),
         coating well.
3.     Add the water or broth and stir to combine.
4.      Set aside to allow liquid to be absorbed.
5.      Prepare chicken and spread evenly in the bottom of a greased
         13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
6.      Combine soup with the sour cream or milk.
7.      Spoon evenly over chicken.
8.      Sprinkle stuffing mixture evenly over all.
9.      Bake, uncovered, in a 375*F (190*C) oven for 35 minutes or
         until chicken in cooked through.

Tip : Additional salt is unnecessary and not advised, as the stuffing mix and
         condensed soup provides enough for the recipe.

Courtesy : Cooks Recipes

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Christmas Fish Recipe - Barbecued Salmon in Pesto Sauce

Barbecued Salmon in Pesto Sauce

Makes : 6 servings

Ingredients :
3/4 cup chopped fresh mint
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided use
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
8 cloves garlic, peeled
2 green onions, trimmed and chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon chili sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup olive oil, divided use
6 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup white wine, divided use
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 pounds salmon
1/2 cup whipping cream

Directions :
1.     Heat grill.
2.     In a food processor, add mint, 1/2-cup Parmesan cheese, cilantro,
         garlic, green onions, basil, chili sauce and salt.
3.     Carefully pour 1/2-cup olive oil in while blending thoroughly; set aside.
4.     In a large dish, combine 1/4-cup olive oil, lemon juice,
         1/4-cup white wine and pepper.
5.     Add salmon and marinate 15 minutes.
6.     Grill the salmon until just flaking, about 12 minutes.
7.     Meanwhile, in a saucepan combine cream and 1/4-cup white wine and
         bring to a boil
8.     Add the garlic mixture and serve over the salmon;
9.     Remove the skin before serving, if desired.
10.   Sprinkle with 1/4-cup Parmesan cheese, and serve with the garlic sauce.

Courtesy : Cooks Recipes

Monday, December 04, 2006

Christmas Turkey Recipe - Beer Can Turkey

Beer Can Turkey

Makes : 12 servings.

Ingredients :
1 (9 to 10 pound) whole turkey, thawed or fresh
2 teaspoons dry mustard
2 teaspoons granulated onion
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup canola oil
12 to 24 ounces beer

Directions :
1.     Remove giblets, neck and any excess fat from turkey.
2.     Rinse with cold water; drain well.
3.     In a small bowl combine spices, herbs and seasonings.
4.     Meanwhile, preheat gas grill with all burners on high or build a charcoal fire.
5.     Reduce heat to Indirect Medium heat (about 350ºF) or
         position gray-ashed briquettes on either side of an aluminum drip pan.
6.     Pour beer inside turkey sitter and set aside.
7.     Blot turkey dry with paper towels.
8.     Rub interior of bird with 2-3 teaspoons of rub mixture.
9.     Brush turkey all over with oil and place drumstick-side down on sitter.
10.   Season turkey exterior with remaining rub.
11.   Place turkey directly on the grill rack cooking grate, carefully balancing the bird.
12.   Grill over Indirect Medium heat for about 2-3 hours until the juices run clear
        and a meat thermometer registers 185 degrees F in thigh and
        170 degrees F in breast.
13.   Wearing barbecue mitts, carefully remove turkey from the grill,
        being careful not to spill the hot beer. Discard the beer.
14.   Let turkey rest at least 20 minutes before carving. Serve warm.
 
 
NOTE  :   On some grills, lid may not close completely. In this case,
a small gap will still allow turkey to grill thoroughly. For added safety,
place foil over turkey to avoid contact with grill lid.

Recipe courtesy : The National Turkey Federation

Saturday, December 02, 2006

Christmas Salad Dressing Recipe

Fresh Lime Fruit Salad Dressing
A refreshing dressing, versatile enough to use as a dip.

Makes : 8 servings.
 
Dip Ingredients:
1 cup Sour Cream
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons grated lime peel

Dippers Ingredients:
Assorted fresh fruit (apple wedges, banana slices, grapes, strawberries, cherries, etc.)

Directions :
1.   Stir together all dip ingredients in small bowl.
2.   Cover; refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
3.   Serve dip with assorted fresh fruit.

Nutrition Facts (2 tablespoons without dippers):
Calories: 220
Fat: 16 g
Cholesterol: 15 mg
Sodium: 70 mg
Carbohydrates: 17 g
Dietary Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 2 g

Recipe courtesy : Land O Lakes, Inc.

Friday, December 01, 2006

Christmas CheeseCake Receipe

Chocolate-Almond No-Bake Cheesecake
A light and fluffy chocolate cheesecake that's not too sweet.

Makes : 10 servings.

Ingredients :
2 cups crushed vanilla wafers
1 cup finely chopped toasted almonds
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 packet unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup milk
1 (12-ounce) package or 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions :
1.     Combine cookie crumbs, almonds, sugar and butter in a medium bowl.
2.     Press into bottom and up sides of a 9-inch springform pan.
3.     For the filling, sprinkle gelatin over milk in a small saucepan.
4.     Let stand until gelatin is dissolved, about 1 minute.
5.     Warm over low heat until, stirring occasionally.
6.     Mixture will become slightly translucent.
7.     In a large saucepan, melt chocolate chips over low heat, stirring constantly.
8.     Remove from heat and beat in cream cheese and sour cream until fluffy.
9.     Stir in gelatin mixture and almond extract, beating until smooth.
10.   Whip cream in a medium bowl until soft peaks are formed.
11.   Fold into cream mixture and transfer to prepared crust.
12.   Chill until firm, at least 3 hours.

Courtesy : Cooks Recipes