Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Mexican Chocolate Trifle Recipe

Mexican Chocolate Trifle Recipe



Ingredients needed:

* 1 1/3 cups of milk
* 2 packages of chocolate mousse mix
* 4 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
* 4 teaspoons of almond extract
* 2 containers of frozen chocolate whipped topping, thawed
* 2 packages of chocolate-coated chocolate snack cakes, cut into 1/2 inch wide slices
* 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chunks
* 1/4 cup of silvered almonds

Preparation steps:

* In a large bowl, combine milk, mousse mix, and cinnamon; beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 1 minute.
* Using a rubber spatula, scrap down sides of the bowl and beat on high speed for about 2 minutes more or until thickened. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour.
* Stir 2 teaspoons of the almond extract into each container of chocolate whipped topping and refrigerate until ready to use.
* Arrange half of the chocolate cake slices in a trifle dish. Spoon half of the mousse mixture on top of the cake slices. Spoon half of the whipped topping mixture on top of the mousse mixture. Sprinkle all of the chocolate chunks on top. Repeat layers with the remaining cake slices, mousse mixture, and whipped topping mixture. Sprinkle almonds on top.
* Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Enjoy

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Butternut & Parsley Penne Oven Recipe

Butternut & Parsley Penne Oven Recipe



Ingredients needed:

* 1 1/2 lbs. pre-cut butternut squash cubes or 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1/4 cup EVOO, plus more for drizzling
* Salt and pepper
* Freshly grated or ground nutmeg
* 1 lb. whole-wheat or whole-grain penne rigate
* 1 bunch flat-leaf parsley, stems and leaves separated, each finely chopped
* 4 large cloves garlic, minced
* 1 piece fresh ginger, peeled, then grated or finely chopped
* 1 chile pepper, such as Fresno or jalapeno, finely chopped, or 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper
* 1 bunch of scallions, whites and greens separated, each finely chopped
* 1 cup of chicken or vegetable stock
* A handful of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus more for garnish

Preparation steps:

* Preheat oven to 475 degrees.
* On a baking sheet, drizzle the squash with some of the EVOO; season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Roast until just tender and brown at the edges (approximately 20 minutes).
* Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it, add the penne and cook until al dente. Drain the pasta; reserve 1 cup of starchy cooking water.
* While the pasta is cooking, heat 1/4 cup EVOO in large skillet, four turns of the pan, over medium-high. Add the parsley stems, garlic, ginger, chile and scallion whites; swirl for about 3 minutes. Add the stock and reduce heat to simmer. Add half a ladeful of the pasta cooking water to the sauce. Add the pasta, parsley leaves, scallion greens, squash and cheese to the skillet. Stir to combine and adjust the seasonings.

Enjoy

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie Oven Recipe

Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie Oven Recipe



Ingredients needed:

* 2 lbs. sweet potatoes, cut into thirds
* 2 tablespoons of butter
* Salt and pepper
* 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika
* 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
* 1 lb. of ground pork
* 1/4 cup of white wine
* 1 cup of chopped yellow onion
* 2 cups of frozen corn kernels, thawed

Preparation steps:

* In a pot of cold, salted water, bring the sweet potatoes to a boil over medium heat. Cook until tender, about 20 minutes; drain. When cool enough to handle, remove and discard the skin, transfer the potatoes to a bowl. Mash with the butter; season with salt and pepper.
* Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
* In a medium oven-proof skillet, toast the paprika and cumin over medium-high heat, stirring, 1 minute. Add the pork and cook, breaking apart with a spoon, until just cooked through, 6 to 7 minutes. Stir in the wine and cook, scraping up any browned bits, for 2 minutes.
* Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pork mixture to a medium bowl and season. Discard all but 2 tablespoons of the liquid.
* In the same skillet, cook the onion over medium heat, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the corn and cook, stirring, until crisp-tender, 1 to 2 minutes. Return the pork mixture to the skillet, mix well and season.
* Spoon and spread the sweet potatoes over the pork mixture. Bake for 15 minutes, then broil on high until the top is browned (approximately 3 to 5 minutes).

Enjoy
(serves 4)

Mashed Potato-Topped Meatloaf Oven Recipe

Mashed Potato-Topped Meatloaf Oven Recipe



Ingredients needed:

* 1 1/2 lbs. large baking potatoes, cut into thirds
* 1/3 cup of milk, warmed
* 3 tablespoons of butter, softened
* Salt and pepper
* 1 lb. ground beef
* 2 eggs
* 1 1/2 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
* 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
* 1 bunch of scallions, finely chopped
* 1 bunch of flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
* 1/3 cup of sour cream

Preparation steps:

* Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
* In a large pot of cold, salted water, bring the potatoes to a boil over high heat.
* Lower the heat to medium and cook until tender, about 20 minutes; drain. When cool enough to handle, remove and discard the skins and transfer the potatoes to a bowl.
* Mash with the warm milk and 2 tablespoons of butter until almost smooth.
* Season with salt and pepper; let cool to room temperature.
* Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the beef, eggs, Worcestershire sauce and onion powder with 2/3 of the scallions, 2/3 of the parsley, 4 tablespoons of the sour cream and 1/2 cup of the mashed potatoes; season.
* Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Transfer the beef mixture to the pan and shape into an 8-inch by 4-inch loaf.
* Bake for 30 minutes.
* Stir the remaining scallions, parsley and sour cream into the remaining mashed potatoes.
* Pat potatoes onto the meatloaf and dot with the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.
* Bake 15 minutes longer.
* Let meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy
(serves 4)

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Bistro Baked Potato Recipe

Bistro Baked Potato Recipe



Ingredients needed:

* 4 large baking potatoes
* 1 beef top sirloin steak (approximately 1 lb.)
* 1 teaspoon of coarsely ground pepper
* 2 cups of cherry tomatoes
* 2 jars of marinated quartered artichoke hearts, drained
* 2 garlic cloves, minced
* 1 cup of reduced-fat mayonnaise
* 3/4 cup shredded Asiago cheese, divided
* 3 cups of fresh baby spinach, coarsely chopped

Preparation steps:

* Scrub and pierce potatoes; place on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 15 minutes or until tender, turning once.
* Sprinkle steak with pepper. Grill, uncovered, over medium heat or broil 4 inches from the heat for 8 to 10 minutes on each side or until meat reaches desired doneness. Let stand for 5 minutes.
* Place tomatoes in a grill wok or basket. Grill, uncovered, over medium heat for 2 to 4 minutes or until tomatoes begin to soften. Keep warm.
* In a large saucepan, heat artichokes and garlic over medium heat for 2 minutes. Add mayonnaise and 1/2 cup of cheese; stir until cheese is melted. Stir in spinach and heat through.
* With a sharp knife, cut an "X" in each potato; fluff pulp with a fork. Slice steak into thin strips. Top potatoes with steak, artichoke sauce and tomatoes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Enjoy

Sweet Mustard Salmon Oven Recipe

Sweet Mustard Salmon Oven Recipe



Ingredients needed:

* 4 salmon fillets (6 oz. each)
* 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
* 3 tablespoons of yellow mustard
* 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar

Preparation steps:

* Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
* Place salmon on a 15-inch by 10-inch by 1-inch baking pan coated with cooking spray.
* Drizzle with lemon juice; brush with mustard. Sprinkle with brown sugar.
* Bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Enjoy

Spinach and Ham Casserole Oven Recipe

Spinach and Ham Casserole Oven Recipe



Ingredients needed:

* 3 cups of cubed fully cooked ham
* 1 package of frozen sliced carrots, thawed
* 1 can of condensed cream of potato soup, undiluted
* 1 package of frozen creamed spinach, thawed
* 1/4 cup of water
* 1/4 teaspoon of pepper
* 1/8 teaspoon of salt
* 1 tube of refrigerated crescent rolls

Preparation steps:

* Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
* In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, cook ham over medium heat until lightly browned.
* Stir in the carrots, soup, spinach, water, pepper and salt; heat through.
* Pour into a greased 8 inch square baking dish.
* Unroll crescent dough; separate into two rectangles. Seal perforations. Cut each rectangle lengthwise into four strips; make a lattice crust.
* Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly and the crust is golden brown.

Enjoy

Orange Topped Pork Chops Recipe

Orange Topped Pork Chops Recipe



Ingredients needed:

* 6 bone-in pork loin chops (approximate 8 oz. each)
* 1 tablespoon of canola oil
* 1 can of mandarin oranges, drained
* 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
* Pepper to taste

Preparation steps:

* In a large skillet, brown pork chops in oil on both sides. Top with oranges; sprinkle with cloves and pepper.
* Cover and simmer over medium-high heat for 20 to 25 minutes.

Enjoy

Picante Omelet Pie Oven Recipe

Picante Omelet Pie Oven Recipe



Ingredients needed:

* 1/2 cup picante sauce
* 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
* 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
* 6 eggs
* 1 cup of sour cream
* Tomato slices and minced fresh cilantro, optional

Preparation steps:

* Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
* Pour the picante sauce into a lightly greased 9 inch pie plate. Sprinkle with cheeses; set aside. In a blender, combine the eggs and sour cream; cover and process until smooth. Pour over cheese.
* Bake for 25 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting. Garnish with tomato and cilantro if desired.

Enjoy

White Chocolate Cranberry Toffee Oven Recipe

White Chocolate Cranberry Toffee Oven Recipe



Ingredients needed:

* 54 saltine crackers
* 1 cup of butter
* 1 cup of firmly packed light brown sugar
* 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
* 6 squares of white chocolate, finely chopped
* 1 cup of chopped pecans
* 1/2 cup of chopped sweetened dried cranberries

Preparation steps:

* Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a 15x10 inch jelly-roll pan with heavy duty aluminum foil. Spray foil with nonstick cooking spray.
* Arrange saltines in an even layer on a prepared pan.
* In a medium saucepan, bring butter and brown sugar to a boil over medium heat. Cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in condensed milk. Pour mixture over crackers.
* Bake for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped white chocolate. let stand for 2 minutes to soften. Using a small offset spatula, spread softened chocolate evenly over baked toffee. Sprinkle with pecans and cranberries. Let cool completely.
* Break toffee into cracker-size pieces. Store in an airtight container up to 5 days.

Enjoy

Ginger Cashew Brittle Recipe

Ginger Cashew Brittle Recipe



Ingredients needed:

* 2 cups of sugar
* 1 cup of light corn syrup
* 1 cup of water
* 1/2 teaspoon of salt
* 1 cup of chopped salted cashews
* 1/4 cup of chopped crystallized ginger
* 2 tablespoons of butter
* 2 teaspoons of baking soda

Preparation steps:

* Spray 2 large rimmed baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
* In a large saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and 1 cup of water. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until sugar dissolves. Add salt. Cook until a candy thermometer reads 250 degrees; add cashews and ginger. Continue cooking until mixture reaches 290 degrees; remove pan from heat.
* Stir in butter and baking soda. Beat until frothy. Divide between prepared pans. Let cool until hardened, 1 to 2 hours.
* Break brittle into pieces. Store in an airtight container up to 5 days.

Enjoy

Cinnamon Raisin Biscuits Oven Recipe

Cinnamon Raisin Biscuits Oven Recipe



Ingredients needed:

* 2 cups of all-purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons of baking powder
* 2 teaspoons of sugar
* 1 teaspoon of salt
* 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
* 1 cup whole buttermilk, chilled
* 4 tablespoons of melted butter
* 1/2 cup of raisins
* 1 cup of confectioner's sugar
* 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream

Preparation steps:

* Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, set aside.
* In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda. Add buttermilk and melted butter to flour mixture, stirring to remove any large lumps. Add raisins, stirring to combine. Drop dough onto prepared baking sheet in 1/4 cupfuls.
* Bake until lightly golden, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool completely on pan.
* In a large bowl, whisk together confectioner's sugar and cream. Drizzle over cooled biscuits.

Enjoy