CHOCOLATE CHEESEPIE

My son orders cheesecake, whenever the opportunity for dessert arises in a restaurant. So I thought I would surprise him with this tasty treat after dinner one night.

CHOCOLATE CHEESEPIE

2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/3 cups mini, semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
1 chocolate graham cracker crust
2 tablespoons cream

Heat oven to 450F.
Beat cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl with a mixer, until well blended. Add gas and vanilla, beat well. Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips, pour into crust.
Bake for 10 minutes. Without opening oven door, reduce temperature to 250F. Continue baking for 30 minutes or just until set. Remove from oven to a wire rack. Cool completely.
Place remaining 1/3 cup chocolate chips and cream in a small microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 30 to 40 seconds or just until chips are melted and mixture is smooth when stirred.
Cool slightly, spread over top of cheese pie.
Refrigerate for 15 minutes or until topping is set.
Enjoy!

SPICY PORK PO'BOYS and CURRY TURKEY PATTIES and GRILLED CHEESE AND BACON SANDWICHES WITH CHEESE CURDS and SWISS AND CHEDDAR GRILLED SANDWICH

The number one food consumed in America, at home and away from the home, is the sandwich (USA WEEKEND, December 2013).
At our house, we enjoy them for lunch or dinner, and usually with an interesting twist on a classic.

SPICY PORK PO'BOYS

1 pound ground pork
1 1/2 teaspons paprika
1 1/4 teaspoons dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 dill pickles, finely chopped
baguettes, split
shredded lettuce
tomatoes, thinly sliced
Hot sauce, for serving

In a large bowl, mix the ground pork with the paprika, thyme, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Form the mixture into 1/2 inch thick patties. Heat a frying pan over medium high heat and swirl in a tablespoon of olive oil, or spray with cooking spray. Cook the patties, turning once, until they are cooked through, about 10 to 12 minutes.
Meanwhile, mix the mayonnaise with the Dijon mustard and pickles and season with salt and pepper. Spread the mayonnaise on both sides of the baguette.
Place pork patties on the bottom each baguette and top with the lettuce, tomato and a few splashes of hot sauce. Close the sandwich and serve.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Food and Wine Magazine
www.foodandwine.com/‎

CURRY TURKEY PATTIES

1 1/2 pounds ground turkey breast
salt and pepper
1/4 cup mango chutney
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
3 green onions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon grated ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons chopped nuts,
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
handful of cilantro, finely chopped
4 pieces of grilled naan bread
Toppings: hot giardiniera, cucumber slices, lettuce leaves, tomato slices

In a large bowl, crumble the ground turkey and season with salt and pepper. Add the chutney, yogurt, egg, green onions, ginger, garlic, nuts, curry powder, cumin and cilantro. Mix and form into patties.
Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium high heat. Drizzle in olive oil, add the patties and fry, turning once, until cooked through, about 12 minutes.
Fill the naan breads with a patty and toppings of your choice.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Rachael Ray Magazine, January/February 2013
www.rachaelraymag.com/recipes/‎

GRILLED CHEESE AND BACON SANDWICHES WITH CHEESE CURDS

1 teaspoon beef bouillon
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons siracha
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons cider vinegar
12 slices of bacon
2 tablespoons butter, softened
8 slices of white sandwich bread
4 slices of sharp cheddar cheese
3 ounces cheddar cheese curds

In a small bowl, mix the beef bouillon into 2 teaspoons of hot water until dissolved.
Whisk in the mayonnaise and siracha and season with salt and pepper.
In a medium skillet, heat the oil. Add the onion, cover and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and softened, about 10 minutes. Stir in the vinegar and season with salt and pepper.
Meanwhile, cook the bacon until crisp, drain on paper towels.
Set a skillet on moderate heat, butter the bread slices on 1 side. Spread the other side of 4 bread slices with the spicy mayonnaise and top with the onion cheddar cheese curds and bacon.
Close the sandwiches buttered side out and placce in the skillet, cook until crisp, about 4 minutes per side. Cut the sandwiches in half and serve.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Food and Wine, October 2011
www.foodandwine.com/recipes‎

SWISS AND CHEDDAR GRILLED SANDWICH

2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
pinch salt
3 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
2 ounces swiss cheese
2 ounces cheddar cheese
4 slices of sandwich bread, crusts removed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter

Whisk eggs in a bowl for 1 minute. Add milk, salt and herbs and whisk to combine. Set aside.
Cut cheese into slices, then each slice in half to make 8 pieces.
Cut each slice of bread in half to make 8 pieces.
Lay 4 slices of the bread on a flat surface and distribute the cheese evenly over bread. Cover remaining bread. Using your fingers, pinch edges of bread together to seal.
Heat oil and butter in a medium skillet over medium heat.
Dip sandwiches in egg mixure and coat on both sides as well as the edges. Place egg coated sandwiches in skillet and cook on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook remaining side until golden brown.
Serve hot.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Arkansas Democrat Gazette, April 2010
www.arkansasonline.com/news/features/food/‎

BACON WRAPPED BOURBON FIGS and BACON BOURBON APPLE PIE

Bacon and Bourbon is always a winning combination, sweet or savory!

BACON WRAPPED BOURBON FIGS

16 fresh figs
1/4 cup bourbon
1/2 cup water
1 wedge of Gorgonzola cheese, cut into pieces
24 pecan halves, toasted
8 bacon slices, cooked and cut in half

Combine figs, bourbon and water in a medium saucepan. Cook, covered, over low heat about 8 minutes, or until figs are softened. Remove from heat, cool slightly. Drain figs, gently pat dry with paper towels.
Heat oven to 350F.
Cut figs in half lengthwise. Place 1 cheese piece and 1 pecan half on cut side of each fig half. Wrap one bacon piece around each fig and secure with a wooden pick. Place on a cookie sheet and bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until bacon is crisp and browned.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Southern Living, December 2012
www.southernliving.com/food/‎

BACON BOURBON APPLE PIE

1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 cup flour
6 tablespoons butter, divided
5 slices cooked bacon, chopped
1 pie crust
6 cups sliced, peeled apples
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons bourbon
1 teaspoon vanilla

Heat oven to 400F.
Mix brown sugar, cinnamon and 1/2 cup flour in medium bowl. Cut in 4 tablespoons of butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in bacon.
Place crust in a 9-inch pie plate. Place apples in large bowl. Add sugar, remaining flour, bourbon and vanilla, mix lightly. Spoon into crust. Cut remaining butter into small pieces, place evenly over apples. Cover with crumb topping. Place on a baking sheet.
Bake for 30 minutes or until apples are tender.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Food and Family, Fall 2013
www.kraftrecipes.com/foodfamilyarchive/foodandfamilyarchivelanding....‎

CHERRY SCONES and SWEET CINNAMON BISCUITS and CHEESE BLINTZ HOT CAKES

All of this icy, snowy, freezing weather, resulting in the kids being home from school, makes me want to cook a warm, delicious, breakfast for them. Not having to rush out the door to school enables us all to have an easy, relaxing, nurturing morning, and to eat well.

CHERRY SCONES

1 1/2 cup self-rising flour
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 stick butter, cut into pieces
10 candied cherries, cut into halves
3/4 cup almond milk
Double Cream (recipe follows)

Heat oven to 400F.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together flour, cream of tartar and sugars. Cut in butter. Stir in cherries. Add milk and stir to form a sticky dough. Fold dough over a few times on a floured surface until just combined. Flatten to about 1/2 inch thick. Cut with a round biscuit cutter and place on cookie sheet.
Bake for about 12 minutes. Serve with Double Cream.

DOUBLE CREAM

4 ounces cream cheese
1 tablespoon sugar
1 pinch salt
1 cup cream

In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar and salt. Beat in cream until stiff peaks form. Chill until serving.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Arkansas Democrat Gazette, February 2007
www.arkansasonline.com/news/.../food/‎

SWEET CINNAMON BISCUITS

2 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup buttermilk
8 tablespoons butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Combine flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda in a medium bowl and mix well. Stir in vegetable oil. Add buttermilk and stir just until blended.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Roll dough into a 15 by 8 inch rectangle.
Heat the oven to 400F.
Grease a 9-inch round baking pan.
Spread butter over the dough. Combine sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and mix well.
Sprinkle over butter. Roll up rectangle, jelly roll fashion, starting from one long side. Gently pinch the seam to seal.
Cut the roll into 1 1/2 inch slices. Arrange the slices, cut side up, in prepared baking pan. Bake until lightly browned, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the oven.
Enjoy!

CHEESE BLINTZ HOT CAKES

2 eggs
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup milk
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup Cottage cheese
2 tablespoons butter
jam and confectioners sugar to serve

In a blender, mix eggs, flour, milk, sugar and baking powder for 10 seconds. Add cottage cheese, blend until just incorporated. Heat butter in a skillet, over medium heat. Spoon batter by 1/4 cupfuls into the skillet. Cook, flipping once, until golden, 5 minutes. Repeat with remaining batter. Top with jam, dust with sugar.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Rachael Ray, January/February 2014
www.rachaelray.com/‎

TRAVEL TUESDAY - FAIRFIELD BAY, ARKANSAS - HOT CHICKEN DIP and CRAB MORNAY

We have a wonderful Thanksgiving Tradition, a beautiful legacy inherited from my husbands parents. They had time share properties, and would book multiple condos for the Thanksgiving week - one per family. It is perfect, as every one has their own space, and being somewhere neutral, means no individual has all the stress of hosting.
Although our group doesn't always go to Fairfield Bay, we have spent the last few years there. It is a retirement community that contains, among other things, a bowling alley, ice cream store, a golf course - and offers a schedule of the upcoming weeks activities on arrival - such as Open Pickleball Play and Ukranian Egg Decorating. The Ozark Folk Center and Blanchard Springs Caverns are close by, and we have found some gorgeous hiking areas. But part of the appeal of Fairfield Bay is the limited amount of activities  - we do a lot of relaxing, and the cousins love to play and make their own fun where ever they are.
I love our mealtime schedule, we fend for ourselves and any one who happens to be in reach, at breakfast and lunch, and each family takes an evening to cook. I am always so excited to see what everyone is going to prepare - and was especially curious to see what spread WE were going to lay out this year, as we accidentally left our ice chest, full of the dinner we had planned to serve, languishing in the garage at home. Thankfully our house sitters rescued it - and told us it was the best pork they had ever eaten. I did manage to find the ingredients for the appetizers - so we at least had Hot Chicken Dip and Crab Mornay.
We all cook and contribute to the Thanksgiving Day feast, and I love that, apart from a couple of dishes that have become staples over the years, our family is always open and willing to try new recipes. Each year brings a new method of cooking the turkey, different ways to prepare the stuffing and side dishes, and a changing array of desserts.
I must admit, I used to look at the beautifully set Thanksgiving tables in glossy magazines with longing and envy, but now I wouldn't have our Holiday any other way. Plain white condo crockery, paper napkins, the enormous amount of excitement and chaos with 18 people all trying to get a plate of food in a tiny kitchen, comfortable clothing and wonderful conversation - all adds to our particular, unique, wonderfully special day.

HOT CHICKEN DIP

Heat oven to 350F. Place 2 (8 ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened, and 1 (10 ounce) can of cream of chicken soup in a large bowl. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy. Stir in 1 (12.5 ounce) can of chicken breast in water, drained and flaked, 1/3 cup coarsely chopped jarred pickled sliced jalapeño peppers, and 1 tablespoon of pickled jalapeno pepper juice from a jar. Spoon into a lightly greased 8 inch baking dish. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is browned and bubbly.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Southern Living, March 2013
www.southernliving.com/food/‎

CRAB MORNAY

1/2 cup butter
1 bunch green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups cream
1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
2 tablespoons sherry
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 pound crabmeat
1/2 cup chopped parsley

Melt butter in a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat, add onions, and saute 3 minutes or until tender. Whisk in flour, and cook, whisking constantly, 2 minutes. Add cream and cook, whisking constantly, until smooth and sauce begins to bubble. Remove from heat, and stir in cheese until smooth. Stir in sherry, salt and pepper. Gently fold in crabmeat and parsley.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Southern Living, December 2013
www.southernliving.com/food/‎

OLIVE BALLS

Our family gathered for the final, post Thanksgiving Football game between Arkansas and LSU. I have learned over the years that it inevitably turns into an emotionally charged, quietly passionate few hours, with different family members supporting opposite teams. I'm not personally vested in what is on the screen, but tend to focus on the food while attempting to ignore the mounting hostilities in the room - the guacamole, queso, corn chips and bloody mary's we had this year were delicious, and I brought these Olive Balls as my quick contribution to the appetizers

OLIVE BALLS

1/4 pound sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
stuffed green olives

Heat oven to 400F.
Blend cheese and butter together. Mix in flour, salt and cayenne pepper. Shape 2 teaspoons of dough around each olive. Place on a baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.
Enjoy!

WHOLE WHEAT BUTTERMILK BISCUITS

We arrived home early evening, after a lovely, long, rambling drive in the country side.
My husband had put beef shanks in the crock pot, that morning before we left, and it was absolutely wonderful to come home to a warm, delicious smelling home.
I promptly made these dense, scrumptious biscuits to go with the stew, which we ate snuggled up in the T.V room - savoring family time with none other than Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Truly Scrumptious.

WHOLE WHEAT BUTTERMILK BISCUITS

2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon raw sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 stick cold unsalted butter, cubed
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk

Heat oven to 450F.
In a large bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
Whisk in the cheddar cheese. Using your fingers or a pastry blender, rub or cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal with some pea-size pieces remaining.
Mix in the buttermilk, stirring, just until the dough holds together.
On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough to a 7 1/2 inch square that is 3/4 inch thick.
Cut the dough into 9 squares and transfer the squares to a baking sheet. Bake the biscuits for 10 to 12 minutes, until golden brown on the top.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Food and Wine, October 2013
www.foodandwine.com/recipes‎

TRAVEL TUESDAY - BACON CHEESEBURGERS WITH CHIPOTLE KETCHUP - OZONE, ARKANSAS

A couple of weekends ago, when the leaves were at their peak, we took a lovely family drive through the stunning, colorful countryside - destination - Ozone, Arkansas.
A friend told me about a little burger place, that served the most amazing food. It was so fabulous that she planned to take out of town guests there, therefore, I made it my goal to experience the Burger Barn for myself. When someone tells me about a great place for food, I am always intrigued and always try to check it out - I'm the same way with a good book.
I talked about it so much for so long, that my husband finally agreed to visit the Burger Barn, so we made it our Sunday drive destination. Although we were the only customers when we arrived there, there was soon a long line behind us, and the restaurant eventually turned people away. They had quite an extensive menu, there was outside seating, and fun activities set up around the property for the kids to do, and although the man taking the orders was a little grumpy, it added to the atmosphere and his burgers were quite gratifying.

The Burger Barn cheeseburger

The adorable Burger Barn

BACON CHEESEBURGERS WITH CHIPOTLE KETCHUP

16 slices of bacon
1 onion, chopped
6 cloves of garlic, minced
1 1/2 to 2 pounds of ground beef
1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons of ground coriander
1 tablespoon of dried oregano
salt and pepper
4 slices of sharp cheddar
4 slices of pepper jack
4 burger rolls, split and toasted
lettuce leaves and jalapenos for serving
chipotle ketchup (recipe below)

Heat the oven to 400F. Place the bacon on a broiler pan, bake until crisp, about 15 minutes.
Chop 8 slices of bacon, set aside.
Drizzle a pan with olive oil, add the onion and garlic to the pan and cook until softened, 7 to 8 minutes. Let cool. In a bowl, combine the beef, chopped bacon, onion mixture, paprika, cumin, coriander and oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Form into 4 patties (I actually made 6).
Add to the skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning once, for 8 to 10 minutes. Add one slice of each cheese on top during the last minute of two of cooking (or place on the rolls while they are toasting).
Layer each roll bottom with a burger, 2 bacon slices, lettuce, jalapenos, chipotle ketchup and a roll top.

CHIPOTLE KETCHUP
1 cup tomato sauce
1 teaspoon of chipotle pepper powder
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 tablespoons vinegar (I used balsamic)
1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce

In a saucepan, combine all of the ingredients. Simmer over low heat until thickened, about 20 minutes.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Everyday with Rachael Ray
www.rachaelraymag.com/recipes/‎

BEEF AND BACON CASSEROLE

I remember the first time I made this Beef and Bacon Casserole - a friend and I had young children and we decided to unite and cook a meal for our families. It seemed like a brilliant idea - we would get to socialize, our kids would have a play date, and it would all result in dinner.
However,  I'm not sure it was all that successful, we never did prepare a meal together again. We are both proficient, individual cooks, and I always find it challenging and laborious to cook in a kitchen that's not my own.

BEEF AND BACON CASSEROLE

1 pound of ground beef
1/2 onion, chopped
6 ounces of fresh mushrooms, sliced
6 ounces of pasta, cooked and drained
1 can cream of mushroom soup
8 ounces of frozen peas
1/4 cup milk
salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped
1 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded, divided use

Heat oven to 325F.
In a large skillet, cook ground beef until no longer pink. Drain the fat. Add onions and mushrooms and cook until onions are wilted.
Add noodles, soup, peas and 1/4 cup of milk. Mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Cover and cook on medium low 5 to 10 minutes, stirring often. Add bacon and 1 cup cheese, stir to combine.
Pour mixture into a casserole dish. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix bread crumbs with butter, add remaining 1 cup of cheese and blend gently. Sprinkle on top of mixture in casserole dish. Return to oven and bake 10 minutes more or until breadcrumbs are golden brown and cheese is melted.
Enjoy!

CHEESY CHICKEN BAKE and SLOW COOKER THAI CHICKEN and GARAM MASALA AND SOUR CREAM CHICKEN BAKE

Tuesday is our super busy, crazy, running from one activity to another night. My daughter has horse riding lessons right after school and we make it home in time with barely 30 minutes until my oldest son and husband walk out the door for Scouts.
I have been tempted to stop and pick dinner up on the way back into town from the stable, but so far  I have managed to make meals in advance. The slow cooker has been the quickest and easiest and my cooking method of choice for these hectic evenings, as it doesn't require any hurried re-heating, a big deal with so little time to enjoy our dinner and time together.

CHEESY CHICKEN BAKE

1 1/2 pounds of tomatoes, cut into large cubes
1 onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup chopped parsley or basil
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 to 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup grated fontina

Heat oven to 350F.
In a 9 by 13 inch baking dish, toss tomatoes, onion, 1/4 cup parsley or basil, garlic and olive oil, season with salt and pepper.
Place chicken on top of tomatoes, season. Bake 30 minutes, turn chicken and bake again until sauce bubbles and chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes more.
Sprinkle with cheese, bake another 2 minutes, garnish with remaining parsley or basil
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Rachael Ray Magazine, September 2013
www.rachaelraymag.com/recipes/‎

SLOW COOKER THAI CHICKEN

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 red and 1 green bell pepper coarsely chopped
1 1/2 cups chicken broth, divided
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon ground cumin
3 tablespoons minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/4 cup lime juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
3 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup roasted peanuts chopped
rice, to serve

Place chicken, bell pepper, and onion in slow cooker. Pour soy sauce, chicken broth, cumin, garic, chili pepper flakes, salt and pepper over chicken. Stir well to combine. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours. After this time, whisk togeher cornstarch, peanut butter, 1 tablespoon soy sauce and lime juice together with 1 cup of chicken broth. Mix together until smooth, and then stir back into slow cooker to blend well. Cook an additional 20 to 30 minutes, until sauce is well thickened.
Garnish with cilantro - serve over rice if desired.

Enjoy! Please pass onto your friends!

Recipe adapted from The Holiday Cookbook, November 2008
www.arkansasonline.com/news/features/food

GARAM MASALA AND SOUR CREAM CHICKEN BAKE

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
8 pieces of chicken (I used chicken tenders)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon garam masala
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
salt to taste

In a large skillet, heat oil on medium. Add onion and cook 10 minutes, or until golden.
Meanwhile, cut shallow slits in chicken to help infuse spices.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked onions, sour cream, yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric and salt. Mix until smooth. Pour into a resealable plastic bag, add chicken and turn to coat, place bag in shallow pan and let marinate in refrigerator for 4 to 6 hours.
When ready to bake, heat oven to 350F. Transfer chicken and marinade into an 8 by 12 inch baking dish. Bake 45 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Serve chicken with sauce.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Arkansas Democrat Gazette, August 2013
www.arkansasonline.com/news/features/food/‎

BUTTERMILK BISCUITS and FRENCH BREAKFAST PUFFS and BREAKFAST BABY CAKES and POPOVERS and OATMEAL TEA CAKE and BASIC BUTTERMILK PANCAKES and BANANA SPLIT BREAD and CHOCOLATE CHIP MUFFINS AND PLUM OAT DROP BISCUITS and BITSY BACON AND CHEESE ROLLS and NUTELLA CREPES

It seemed like my kids were having friends to sleep over every weekend before school was out. Now, with school almost back in session, the overnight parties have increased in frequency, and it seems there is one almost every night.
I usually present a breakfast of convenience, but when there are additional kids expecting sustenance, it is a good excuse to look through the recipe books for something a little more interesting than cold cereal or Nutella toast.

BUTTERMILK BISCUITS

2 cups half wheat-white flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
1 cup buttermilk
melted butter

Heat oven to 450F.
Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda in a large bowl. Cut butter into flour mixture until mixture resembles small peas.
Stir in buttermilk with a fork until the dough forms a ball.
Turn the dough out onto a well-floured sheet of parchment paper. Sprinkle dough with flour, and flatten into a disk. Cover and chill for 15 minutes.
Remove paper (I left it on the paper) and turn dough out onto a well-floured surface. Sprinkle with flour. Pat dough to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut with a 2 1/2 inch cookie cutter.
Place biscuits 1 inch apart on a baking sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush immediately with melted butter.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Southern Living, February 2013
www.southernliving.com/food/‎

FRENCH BREAKFAST PUFFS

1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup shortening
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 tablespoons butter, melted

Heat oven to 350F.
Grease 12 muffin cups or line the cups with paper muffin liners.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, cream together 1/2 cup sugar and shortening. Beat in egg. Stir flour mixture into shortening mixture alternately with milk. Beat well. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. While muffins are baking, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
Remove muffins from oven and muffin pan. Immediately, dip the tops of the muffins into melted butter, then into the sugar/cinnamon mixture.
Repeat with each muffin, until all muffin tops are covered. Serve warm.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from All Recipes
allrecipes.com/recipe/french-breakfast-puffs/‎

BREAKFAST BABY CAKES

1 1/3 cups milk
6 eggs
1 1/3 cups flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons melted butter

In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine milk, eggs, flour, sugar and salt and mix until smooth. Let batter stand for 30 minutes before baking.
Heat oven to 450F. Place bottom oven rack in lowest position.
Brush 6 pie tins with 1 tablespoon of butter each. Divide batter equally among pans, about 1/2 cup each. Place baking sheet with tins in oven and bake 10 to 15 minutes or until puffy and golden.
Serve 1 pancake per person, topped with desired toppings.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Arkansas Democrat Gazette, May 2007
www.arkansasonline.com/news/features/food/‎

POPOVERS

In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 teaspoons of melted butter and 1 large egg. Whisk to blend.
Generously brush a popover pan with melted butter. Pour batter, dividing evenly among the 6 cups. Place pan in a cold oven on the middle shelf.
Heat oven to 450F, bake popovers for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350F, and bake 17 minutes more. Do not open the door while baking. Remove pan from oven, pierce popovers to let out steam.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Parents, May 2003
www.parents.com/recipes/‎

OATMEAL TEA CAKE

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup raisins
1 1/4 cups boiling water
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
CARAMEL TOPPING
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons half and half
1 cup finely chopped walnuts

Heat oven to 350F.
Place oats and raisins in a medium bowl, pour boiling water over the mixture and let stand until warm.
In bowl of electric mixer, cream butter with sugars until light and fluffy . Blend in vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in oatmeal mixture.
Stir together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg. Add flour mixture, blending lightly. Spread batter in a well greased, 9 inch square baking pan.
Bake until top of cake springs back when touched, 45 to 50 minutes.
CARAMEL TOPPING
In a small pan, melt butter. Remove from heat and mix in brown sugar, half and half and walnuts.
Spread topping on warm cake and place under broiler, about 4 inches from heat, until topping browns and bubbles, about 2 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Arkansas Democrat Gazette, March 2003
www.arkansasonline.com/news/features/food/‎

BASIC BUTTERMILK PANCAKES

1 1/2 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
3 tablespoons butter, melted

In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs and melted butter, add to flour mixture. Whisk until evenly blended.
Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat.
Grease griddle or skillet. Spoon batter for each pancake onto griddle, cook about 3 minutes or until air bubbles form on top and underside is golden brown. Flip pancakes, cook about 2 minutes more, until golden brown on bottom. Cook remaining batter. Serve with butter and maple syrup.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Red Book Magazine
www.redbookmag.com/recipefinder/‎

BANANA SPLIT BREAD

1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup bananas, mashed
3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350F.
Cream sugar, eggs and butter with an electric mixer until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Stir in other ingredients. Spoon into well greased and floured large loaf pan. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Holiday Cookbook, November 2007


CHOCOLATE CHIP MUFFINS

1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup milk chocolate chips
2/3 cup sour cream
1 egg
4 tablespoons of vegetable oil

Heat the oven to 375F.
Line muffin pans with paper liners.
Sift the flour and baking powder into a bowl and add the sugar and chocolate chips and stir to combine.
Put the sour cream, egg and vegetable oil into a separate bowl and mix together with a whisk until smooth.
Stir the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined.
Spoon the mixture into the paper liners, so that each liner is half to three-quarters full, and bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until the muffins are well risen, pale golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from 100 Magnificent Muffins & Scones, Felicity Barnum-Bobb 2006

PLUM OAT DROP BISCUITS

2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/3 cups flour
1 1/3 cups rolled oats
1 tablespoon baking powder
3 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup snipped pitted dried plums
1 cup milk

Heat oven to 450F.
Stir together sugar and cinnamon, set aside.
In a large bowl stir together the flour, oats, 1 tablespoon of the cinnamon-sugar, the baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Cut in the butter, using a pastry blender or your fingers, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in dried plums.
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Add milk. Stir until moistened. Drop dough onto a greased cookie sheet. Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Better Homes and Gardens, June 2004
www.bhg.com/recipes/‎

BITSY BACON AND CHEESE ROLLS

1 can refrigerated crescent rolls
6 slices bacon, chopped, cooked and drained
1 cup grated cheese

Heat oven to 375F.
Line a cookie sheet with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Remove crescent rolls from container and lay on a flat surface that has been lightly dusted with flour.
Cut each crescent roll in half lengthwise to make two long, thin triangles.
Place approximately 1 teaspoon bacon bits and 1 teaspoon grated cheese along the triangles. Roll up each crescent roll jelly roll style, starting at the widest end.
Place rolls seam side down on prepared cookie sheet about 1 inch apart.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown.
Remove from oven, cool 5 minutes on pan and serve.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Pink Princess Tea Parties cookbook, 2008
www.amazon.com › ... › Where We Live › House & Home‎

NUTELLA CREPES

4 eggs
2 cups milk
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
10 tablespoons nutella
sliced strawberries and bananas

Beat the eggs with a whisk until they are smooth. Add the milk, and whisk to combine. In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, salt and nutmeg.
Slowly whisk in the milk mixture. Set aside for at least 15 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
Before using, whisk the mixture to dissolve any remaining lumps.
Heat an 8 inch nonstick skillet over medium heat, brush with butter. Add 1/4 cup butter and tilt the pan to swirl it around. Cook until lightly golden on the bottom, about 1 1/2 minutes. Use a large spatula to flip the crepe, cook until lightly golden on the bottom, about 1 1/2 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Brush the pan with butter again. Repeat, using up all the batter.
Working one at a time, spread the surface of a crepe with 2 teaspoons of nutella. Place the strawberries and bananas in a single layer on one quarter of the crepe.
Fold the crepe in half, then in half again, forming a wedge shape.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Parenting, December/January 2011
www.parenting.com/recipes‎

OVEN BAKED FRENCH FRIES and CHEESY BROCCOLI and MASHED POTATO VEGETABLE STRATA and SWEET TART THREE BEAN SALAD and BAKED STUFFED SQUASH and GLAZED CIPOLLINI ONIONS and BAKED POTATO FRIES

My goal is to make one new recipe a day - although there are times I will undertake five new recipes for a dinner party, or make a complicated family dinner, there are definitely days where life is exceedingly busy, and I barely have time to make a cup of tea, let alone put elaborate fare on the table. However, whether it has been a bustling day, or I'm going out for the evening, or I'm not in the mood to cook, I usually find it attainable to put together something quickly, or to make the dish in advance, so it just has to be warmed up, or taken out of the refrigerator.

OVEN BAKED FRENCH FRIES

cooking spray
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 to 1 pound of potatoes, cut into strips
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Heat oven to 325F.
Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, mustard and lemon juice. Add potatoes and toss to coat.
Spread potatoes out on the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes, or until light brown and tender. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Shape Magazine, April 2004
www.shape.com/healthy-eating/healthy-recipes‎

CHEESY BROCCOLI

1 bunch of broccolini
2 tablespoons of olive oil
6 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried chile flakes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
juice of half a lemon
salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steam the broccolini until tender, about 6 minutes.
Heat the broiler. Drain the broccolini and place it in a baking dish. Drizzle it with olive oil and sprinkle with cheese, chile flakes and oregano. Broil the broccolini until the cheese is golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Squeeze the lemon juice onto the broccolini, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from USA Weekend, April 2013
www.usaweekend.com/section/FOOD04/Recipe-Archive‎

MASHED POTATO VEGETABLE STRATA

1 pound of potatoes, peeled and cut up
1/2 cup roasted red peppers
1/2 8 ounce container of sour cream
1 tablespoon of basil pesto
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced
1 yellow summer squash, halved lengthwise and sliced
1 red pepper, chopped
1 yellow pepper, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 tablespoon of olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese

Heat oven to 350F.
Coat a baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. In a large saucepan cook potatoes in enough lightly salted water to cover, for 20 to 25 minutes, until tender. Drain potatoes. Return to saucepan, mash, then spread evenly in baking dish.
In a blender, mix roasted peppers until smooth. Transfer to a bowl, whisk in sour cream, pesto and 1/4 teaspoon salt, until smooth. Spread sweet pepper mixture on mashed potatoes.
In a skillet, cook zucchini, summer squash, peppers and onions in hot oil over medium high heat until crisp tender. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Spoon vegetables on roasted pepper layer. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake, uncovered, about 30 minutes, until heated through. Let stand 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Better Homes and Gardens, May 2012
www.bhg.com/recipes/‎

SWEET TART THREE BEAN SALAD

1 pound of fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
1 10 ounce bag of frozen, shelled edamame
3 tablespoons canola or olive oil
3 tablespoons of rice vinegar
1/4 cup apricot preserves
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon peeled and grated fresh ginger
1 15 ounce can of black beans, drained and rinsed
2 green onions, thinly sliced
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Put the green beans and edamame in a pot of boiling water, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
Drain well, then transfer the beans to a large bowl and put them in the refrigerator to cool for 15 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, apricot preserves, sugar and ginger.
Add the black beans and green onions to the green beans and edamame. Drizzle with the dressing  and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper and serve at room temperature or chilled.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from USA Weekend, June 2012
www.usaweekend.com/section/FOOD04/Recipe-Archive‎

BAKED STUFFED SQUASH

2 yellow summer squash
1 cup cubed velveeta cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 onion, finely diced
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 tomato, diced
1/2 cup butter
fresh herbs, chopped

Heat oven to 425F.
Halve the squash lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds, making a well for the stuffing.
Combine velveeta and cheddar cheeses with onion, garlic and tomato. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Place the squash on a baking tray, and fill the center of each half with the mixture, then dot each one with butter. Sprinkle herbs, along with salt and pepper over the top of the squash.
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Dining Guide, August 2012
www.nwaonline.com/news/2012/.../beat-heat-fresh-summertime-recipes/‎

GLAZED CIPOLLINI ONIONS

20 to 24 cipollini onions
2 cups chicken stock
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
pinch of salt
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons chopped chives

To peel the onions, bring a saucepan of water to a boil. Cut an 'X' in the root end of each onion. Drop the onions into the water for a few seconds, just long enough to loosen the skin. Remove the onions from the water and peel off the skin.
Place the onions in a 3 or 4 quart saute pan. They should fit in a single layer with room around the onions. Pour in enough stock to reach halfway up the sides of the onions. Add enough water to just come to the top of the onions.
Add the butter, salt and sugar to the pan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Adjust the heat as necessary to cook the onions at a gentle simmer for about 50 minutes.
When the cipollini onions are tender, the liquid should be reduced to a glaze that coats the onions. If there is excess liquid, continue to simmer the liquid to a glaze. Sprinkle the chives on top just before serving.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Chef Thomas Keller
www.all-clad.com › Home › Elevate talent

BAKED POTATO FRIES

FOR THE SPICE MIX
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
pinch of sugar
FOR THE POTATOES
about 1 potato per person
olive oil

Heat oven to 375F.
Combine all the spice rub ingredients in a small bowl.
Cut the potatoes lengthwise into three-sided wedges. In a medium bowl, toss them with the olive oil, then toss with the spice rub.
Put the potatoes on a cookie sheet, and place in the oven. Cook the potatoes until golden brown, about 30 to 35 minutes.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Arkansas Democrat Gazette, June 2011
www.arkansasonline.com/news/features/food/‎

HORSERADISH CHEDDAR AND CARAMELIZED ONION STUFFED BURGERS and CHICKPEA CHEESE AND ONION BURGERS

We invited friends out to the lake cabin, and with the intention of keeping it simple, decided to serve burgers and hot dogs. I thought it would be fun to try something a little different and found these wonderful burger recipes.
I made the patties in advance at home, then following an afternoon of boating and swimming, we grilled the burgers and enjoyed them out on the deck.

HORSERADISH CHEDDAR AND CARAMELIZED ONION STUFFED BURGERS

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, sliced into half moons
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
hamburger buns
lettuce, tomatoes and ketchup to serve

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, reduce the heat to medium low and cook, stirring, until it is softened, 5 to 10 minutes. Cover and cook, until onion is golden brown, about 20 minutes more.
Shape the beef into 12 small patties, each about 4 inches in diameter. Spread 1 teaspoon of the horseradish onto one of the patties, top that with 2 tablespoons of cheddar cheese and 1 tablespoon of the caramelized onions. Top with another meat patty and pinch the edges of the patties to seal the burger. Repeat with the remaining patties. Season on both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat grill to medium high. Cook the burgers until the cheese is melted inside, about 4 minutes for medium doneness.
Serve on buns with lettuce, tomato and ketchup as desired.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from USA Weekend, May 2012
www.usaweekend.com/article/.../Cookout-2-0-Refresh-summer-favorites‎


CHICKPEA CHEESE AND ONION BURGERS

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon tahini
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
1 egg, beaten
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste
flour for dusting

Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add onion and cook over medium heat until tender but not colored. Add garlic, cumin and cayenne and cook 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
Put pinto beans and chickpeas into the bowl of a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. Add onion mixture, tahini and parsley, and pulse again until combine and nearly smooth. Spoon into a large bowl and add egg and cheeses.
Mix with your hands and add salt and pepper. Shape into patties and lightly dust with flour.
Heat remaining oil in a large skillet. Place burgers in pan and cook until golden on both sides.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Relish Magazine, January 2013
relish.com/

RADISH CHIVE TEA SANDWICHES WITH SESAME AND GINGER and CHERRY TOMATOES FILLED WITH GOAT CHEESE AND TARRAGON

A dear friend had a yoga themed birthday party - a great yoga class out on the back deck with wonderful people, followed by lovely libations and fabulous food. A truly beautiful, heart opening day, for a beautiful lady.
I wanted to make something that was fun, elegant, flavorful and mostly healthy - to fit the theme of the day.

RADISH CHIVE TEA SANDWICHES WITH SESAME AND GINGER

1/4 cup butter, at room temperature
3 tablespoons minced chives, divided
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
3/4 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger
1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
16 1/4 inch thick baguette slices, lightly toasted
10 radishes, thinly sliced
sea salt to finish

Mix butter, 2 tablespoons chives, sesame seeds, ginger, and oil in a small bowl, season with salt and pepper. Spread butter mixture over each bread slice. Top with radishes, overlapping slightly. Sprinkle with remaining chives and sea salt, if desired.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit, April 2008
www.bonappetit.com/recipes‎

CHERRY TOMATOES FILLED WITH GOAT CHEESE AND TARRAGON

20 cherry tomatoes
4 ounces cream cheese, slightly softened
5 ounces of goat cheese, room temperature
1 teaspoon of lemon juice
1 teaspoon of chopped tarragon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cut off a very thin slice from the base of each tomato, so they will stay upright. Cut a thin slice off the top of each tomato and scoop out the pulp, leaving interior walls intact.
Place tomatoes on a tray lined with paper towels, hollow side down to drain residual liquid.
Place cream cheese, goat cheese, lemon juice and tarragon with salt and pepper into a bowl and mix together.
Spoon cream cheese mixture into a piping bag fitted with a small nozzle. Place tomatoes on their bases and pipe mixture into each tomato case. Refrigerate for at least one hour, or overnight.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from YW, March 2013

ZESTY PIMIENTO CHEESE SANDWICHES

My husband grew up dining on pimiento cheese - it is his comfort food and something he fondly associates with his Grandmother.
Although it's not something I would ever venture to buy, he will often pick up a container for outdoor occasions - camping or a day on the Lake.
I've never been all that impressed when I've sampled the store bought kind, but I made up a batch of this zesty pimiento cheese for a family RV trip, and it was a favorite snack. It was delicious and full of flavor, unlike the ones I have tried before.

ZESTY PIMIENTO CHEESE SANDWICHES

Stir together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 3 drained (4 ounce) jars diced pimiento, 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions, 1 tablespoon dry mustard, 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 1/2 teaspoons hot sauce, 3/4 teaspoon celery seeds, 3/4 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Stir in 5 cups freshly grated white cheddar cheese until well blended. Cover and chill 8 to 24 hours, spread between two slices of bread.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Southern Living, February 2012
www.southernliving.com › Food › Recipes

LOBSTER MACARONI AND CHEESE

Yummy! 

LOBSTER MACARONI AND CHEESE

8 ounces of dried elbow macaroni pasta
1 pound of cooked lobster meat
1 tablespoon butter
4 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
2 shallots, peeled and finely chopped
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
1 1/2 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 cup Gruyere cheese, freshly grated
6 ounces of cream cheese
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup cream
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Heat oven to 400F.
Lightly coat a shallow 3 quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat. Add macaroni and cook according to package directions. Drain.
Coarsely chop the lobster meat, set aside.
Melt the butter in a saucepan, add the garlic and shallots and cook until softened.
Combine the cheddar cheese, 1 cup of the parmesan, the Gruyere and the cream cheese. Add to the saucepan and stir over low heat. Once cheeses start to melt, add the milk and cream and stir gently. When cheeses have melted, add the lobster meat and the macaroni. Stir to incorporate and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until mixture is heated through.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer mixture to prepared casserole dish, sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese and the breadcrumbs.
Bake uncovered for 10 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Best Casserole Cookbook Ever, Beatrice Ojakangas, 2008
beatrice-ojakangas.com/2008/11/the-best-casserole-cookbook-ever/

CREAMY DILL CUCUMBER SALAD and CHEESE POTATOES and PORK SHOULDER WITH ITALIAN DRESSING and STRAWBERRY LIMEADE MUFFINS

Often after a weekend of cooking and entertaining, there are ingredients left over from the recipes I prepared. I recently spent almost a week finding creative ways to use up the excess found in the refrigerator and pantry - always a fun challenge, and as interesting as coming up with a menu for a dinner party, lunch with friends or after school gathering.

CREAMY DILL CUCUMBER SALAD

2 cucumbers
1 cup thinly sliced sweet onion
1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1 1/3 cups dill pickles, quartered and sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh dill
2 tablespoons pickling brine
1/3 cup sour cream
black pepper

Using a vegetable peeler, peel cucumbers lengthwise so they look striped. Quarter cucumbers lengthwise and slice into 1/2 inch pieces.
Mix cucumbers with onions and salt. Transfer to a colander set over a bowl, to drain. Set aside for 30 minutes. Pat dry.
In a bowl, combine cucumbers and onions with pickles and dill. Mix in brine and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Wall Street Journal, July 2012
online.wsj.com/public/page/magazine-food.html

CHEESE POTATOES

2 1/2 to 3 pounds of potatoes
1/2 cup butter
1 cup flour
1 cup parmesan cheese
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Peel and cut potatoes into 1 inch chunks. Place in a large bowl and cover with water, refrigerate until cold.
Melt butter in a 9 by 13 baking dish. Place flour, cheese, salt and pepper in a plastic bag and shake to mix.
Once potatoes are coated in cheese mixture, place them in the buttered dish. Cook 45 minutes to 1 hour in a 375F oven, or until potatoes are tender, stirring once during cooking.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, July 2003
www.arkansasonline.com/news/features/food/

PORK SHOULDER WITH ITALIAN DRESSING

4 to 5 pound pork shoulder
16 ounce bottle of Italian dressing

Put pork and Italian dressing in the crock-pot. Cook on high for 8 hours.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Jewels in the Kitchen, December 2008
http://jewelsinthekitchen.blogspot.com/2008/12/pork-roast-with-italian-dressing.html

STRAWBERRY LIMEADE MUFFINS

 
2 1/2 cups self-rising flour
1 1/4 cups sugar, divided
1 cup greek yogurt
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon lime zest
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 to 2 cups diced fresh strawberries

Heat oven to 400F.
Combine flour and 1 cup sugar in a large bowl, make a well in center of mixture.
Stir together yogurt, butter, lime zest, juice and eggs. Gently fold strawberries into batter. Spoon batter into lightly greased 12 cup muffin pans, filling 3/4 full. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup sugar.
Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown and a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on a wire rack 1 minute, remove from pans to wire rack and cool 10 minutes.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Southern Living, April 2012
www.southernliving.com › Food › Recipes