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Showing posts from 2012

Balsamic-roasted cauliflower

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Roasting vegetables is my favorite method to savor the flavor of fresh vegetables.  I go against the school of cooking thought that veggies should be crisp, al dente,  pasta yes, my veggies no. Roasted, grilled, or sauteed are my standard cooking methods for vegetables. I love this dish because the syrupy vinegar adds a wonderful flavor to the cauliflower.  I make this dish with either cauliflower or Brussels sprouts.  The toasted pecans add added texture and flavor to the dish.  I could go on and on about how yummy this tastes! 1 head cauliflower, break florets into bite size pieces or 1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and cut in half through the center 1/4 cup olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper black pepper 1 tablespoon syrupy balsamic vinegar, I like to use fig balsamic vinegar* Preheat oven to 400 degrees In a large bowl toss cauliflower with oil and pecans. Place cauliflower

Aunt Anna Marie's Baked Stuffed Potatoes

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I remember the first time I helped my Aunt Anna Marie makes these richly flavorful potatoes when I was a young girl. Aunt Anna Marie was a wonderful cook: you know no recipes just cook by experience and instinct. She was having a large family party with one of my jobs being to make about 100 baked stuffed potatoes.  Oh did I mention that Aunt Anna Marie was an Italian war bride so following  Italian tradition we were cooking in the basement kitchen since the main kitchen is for show. As she busied herself with the more important entrees she would stop by to check on how I was progressing with the potatoes instructing me to add a little of this, a pinch of that.  I loved every minute of cooking with my aunt. After I started cooking for my family I added Aunt Anna Marie's baked stuffed potatoes to my repertoire making them my own.  I don't remember why but I always make these potatoes for Christmas eve dinner bring back memories of helping my Aunt Anna Marie so many years

Mandi & Elaine's Lattice Candied Apple Pie

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Pies as I say over and over are so wonderfully fun to make and delicious to eat!  I made this apple pie with my daughter Mandi along with a classic pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving dinner.  I changed the recipe up for a change by adding dried cranberries, pecans and brandy. Mandi & Elaine"s Lattice Candied Apple Pie Pastry : 2 cups flour 1 teaspoon salt 2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons shortening 4 to 5 tablespoons cold water Measure flour and salt into a bowl. Cut into shortening thoroughly with a pastry blender.  Sprinkle in the water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until flour is moistened and dough almost cleans the side of the bowl(1 to2 teaspoons water can be added if needed). Gather the dough into a ball, then shape, divide the dough in half and shape into 2 flattened rounds.) Roll the dough 2 inches larger all around than the inverted pie pan.  Filling: 7  Gala Apples, peeled and sliced 1/2 cup sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Christmas Morning Baked French Toast

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I love do ahead recipes when you are having a large group and want to spend time with friends and family: not doing last minute cooking!  My Christmas Morning French Toast Casserole is do ahead, easy and delicious.  Did I mention that it smells heavenly baking!  Christmas Morning French Toast 1 loaf Italian bread ( 16 ounces) 8 large eggs 2 cups half and halfa 1 cup milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg crumb topping 1/2 cup fresh cranberries Maple Syrup ( if desired, I don't think it is needed as the topping takes the place of maple syrup) Slice Italian bread into 20 1-inch slices.  Arrange slices on a 9 x13 baking dish( spray with cooking spray)  in two rows, overlapping the slices.  In a large bowl combine eggs, half and half, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and beat with a mixer or whisk until blended. Pour egg mixture over the bread, slowly, making sure to evenly cover all the bread.   Cover with foil and refrigerate o

Candied Apple and Cranberry Pie

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As I've said over and over I love to bake! For some unknown reason I am pulled to making pies. Everything from making the pie crust, rolling it out to preparing the filling and topping is just so much fun. I once thought that I'd like to get all my collection of pie recipes together into a cookbook. I can visualize turning the pages and finding picture after picture of mouth watering pies! How would I choice which one of my pies to feature on the cover, like a mother I love them all.  I do have to say that fruit pies are my favorite to make and eat. Apple pies are the harbinger of fall with the fresh harvest apples ripe and juicy just shouting put me in a pie!  With so many apple choices I find it hard to decide which delectable apple variety to use in my pies.  Which apple you use in your pie set the flavor of the whole pie, from sweet, to tart, to crisp to softer, it does make a difference.  For my Candied Apple and Cranberry Pie I chose Gala apples which are sweet but c

Tiramisu Cake

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A picture is worth a thousand words or so the saying goes.  Looking at the picture of my Tiramisu cake I think that is so true.  A light angel food cake soaked in coffee and liqueur with a mascarpone filling frosted with whipped cream, need I say more! Enjoy! Tiramisu Cake 1 Angel Food Cake 8-10 inch, homemade or store bought 1 8-ounce container mascarpone cheese or 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened (I used mascarpone cheese) 1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar 3 tablespoon coffee liqueur or Godiva chocolate liqueur which I really like 2 cups whipping cream 1/4 cup sifted powdered sugar 2 tablespoon coffee liqueur 3/4 cup strong black coffee 1/4 cup coffee liqueur chocolate fudge sauce Chill a medium mixing bowl and the beaters of an electric mixer For filling, combine mascarpone or cream cheese,  1/2 cup powdered sugar and 3 tablespoon liqueur in a large mixing bowl. Beat with a electric mixer on medium speed until blended and smooth. Combine whipping cream, 1/4 cup powdered

Golden Baked Brie and Figs in Puff Pastry

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I have to admit that I so enjoy entertaining friends and family with a spectacular assortment of appetizers. I aim for a variety of textures and taste that appeal to a variety of pallets and tastes.  One of my family and friends favorites is my combination of Brie, figs, pecans and candied cranberries wrapped in flaky puff pastry.  Puff pastry baked to golden perfection with warm Brie bubbling out as you cut through the delectable pastry.  One of my guilty pleasures to indulge in occasionally! Golden Backed Brie with Figs in Puff Pastry 1/2 package of frozen puff pastry (one sheet) 1  egg 1 teaspoon water 1/2 cup fig spread 1/3 cup dried cranberries, softened (microwave in small bowl with 1 teaspoon water on low for 30 seconds) 1/4 cup toasted chopped pecans 1 (8 ounce) Brie Round Thaw the pastry sheet at room temperature for 20 minutes.  Preheat oven to 400 F. Mix egg and water. Unfold pastry sheet on lightly floured surface.  Roll into 12" square. Cut pastry to m

Red Wine Mussels Marinara

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In the summer I love mussels in a garlicky white wine sauce served with just a salad and fresh baked bread. So delicious with the freshest herbs simmered in the white wine sauce. Now that I am enjoying the cooler fall weather with crisp morning and sunny days I turn to heartier dishes with more robust and richer flavors.  Instead of white wine mussels I changed my recipe to reflect the change in the season using a rich red wine, chopped tomatoes, and hot crushed peppers to mimic the strong flavors and scents of fall.  Red Wine Mussels Marinara 2 tablespoons o live oil 2 shallots , minced 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 can(14.5 oz) peti te cut diced tomatoes ( I prefer no salt) 1/2 cup dry red wine 1 teaspoon crushed red peppers 2 tea spoons Murals of Flavor (Penzeys Spices) pinch of saffron 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper 1 tablespoon fresh ch op p ed Ital ian pars ley     2 pounds mussels, scrubbed and beard s removed 1 pound thin spaghetti  Heat oil in a large

Healthy Quick and Delicious Tuna Salad

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I love to cook but many times my friends complain that they just don't have time to cook a tasty and healthy meal.  Here is my answer especially with all the local farm fresh veggies coming to market. Healthy Tuna Salad. Place fresh greens on plate.  Add one can of water packed tuna to the center of the plate.  I used sliced cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, celery, red beets, one slice hard boiled egg sliced, and sliced yellow pepper.  You can use any assortment of fresh veggies.  I just splashed balsamic vinegar and I had delicious, totally healthy and visually beautiful salad for dinner. Enjoy!

Savory Bread Pudding with Heirloom Tomatoes, Herbs and Mozzarella

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First let me just say that this is a very rich dish not meant to be eaten in large portions. A wonderful lunch or dinner with a salad eating only a small serving size.  Eating rich dishes and staying thin is all about portion control and exercise.  It's important to me that I don't encourage anyone to over eat.  With that said let's get on to this wonderful bread pudding.  Until recently I only thought of bread pudding as a rich dessert that I occasionally indulged. One summer in New Hampshire I ordered a savory bread pudding and I was hooked.  I made my bread pudding with heirloom tomatoes that I picked fresh from my garden along with my fresh herbs. You can add different veggies to recipe. Experiment, have fun and enjoy a wonderfully richly flavorful dish. Savory Bread Pudding with Heirloom Tomatoes, Herbs and Mozzarella 1(1pound) loaf crusty white bread 1/4 cup olive oil 1 tablespoon fresh thyme 2 tablespoon fresh basil 1 tablespoon fresh oregano 1

Farro Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms with Goat Cheese

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I am really loving farro! A wonderfully nutty grain that you can prepare in so many interesting ways.  I decided to combine farro with another of my favorites portabella mushrooms. Combining cooked farro with garlic, shallots, tomatoes, pine nuts, fresh herbs, and goat cheese then stuffing the mushroom turned into a tasty main meal that was easy to make as well as delicious.  The mushrooms can be made vegan by replacing  the goat cheese  with creamy tofu.  Either way this is a very good meatless meal. 2 large portabella mushroom caps, remove stems and scoop out the mushroom, reserve olive oil for brushing 1/2 cup farro 2 tablespoon olive oil 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 shallot, minced 2 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped 1 cup chopped tomatoes 1 tablespoon capers, minced 2 tablespoon pine nuts, toasted 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper 2 tablespoons goat cheese, crumbled Wash and dry mushrooms removing stem

Farro Salad with chickpeas, tomatoes and figs

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I love salads and am always looking for different salads to spice up our dinner table.  Salads are so easy to make, can be done ahead and go with all different types of dishes.  I'm particularly fond of Farro which has a nice nutty taste and should be cooked al dente to retain some crunchiness.  I combined Farro with some of my favorite ingredients to make this sensational salad of Farro, chickpeas, tomatoes and figs. Farro Salad with chickpeas, tomatoes and figs Salad: 4 cups water 11/2 cup Farro 1 can chickpeas drained(reserve liquid) 1 bunch scallions 1 cup chopped tomatoes salt and pepper 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil Dressing: 1/4 cup olive oil juice of one lemon 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon Tahini 1 tablespoon reserve liquid from chickpeas 3 fresh figs slice and grilled Salad:   Combine water and Farro in sauce pan bringing to boil. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Drain and place in serving bowl.  Add the remaining salad ingred

Garden Fresh Salad

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This beautiful salad is fresh from the garden. I was given these picture perfect tomatoes and cucumbers from an avid home gardener. Just picked I knew that I wanted to serve these veggies right away very simply to savor all the wonderful fresh flavor.  I just lined a dish with Romaine lettuce. So easy and so good! I chopped up two cucumbers and two tomatoes. Layered first the cucumbers then the tomatoes. Topped with half cup crumbed feta then sprinkle two tablespoon fresh chopped basil. Serve lightly dressed with half cup olive oil mixed with fourth cup white wine vinegar. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Just perfect! Enjoy!

Brocolini, Mushroom, Garlic Scapes and Goat Cheese Pie

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How this dish came about is really funny.  I bought some Garlic Scapes (the new food darlings) this week at my farm market not really knowing how I was going to cook this new to me root.  Looking through my refrigerator pulling out a little of this, a little of that before I knew it I had the making for a tasty veggie pie! 1 pre-made refrigerator pie crust All purpose flour for pie crust 1/4 cup olive oil 1/3 cup garlic scaps, about 6, chopped 1 bunch of scallions, thinly sliced, whites only 2 bunches broccolini or broccoli rabe 2 cups sliced mushrooms 1/4 ground pepper 8 ounces solf fresh goat cheese 8 ounces marscapone 1/2 cup heavy cream 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil 2 teaspoon minced fresh thyme 3 large eggs Preeheat oven to 375F.  Dust bottom of pie crust with flour and fit into pie plate. Crimp edges to form decorative rim. Heat olive oil in medium skillet add garlic scaps and scallions saute for 5 minutes. Add brocollini and mushrooms; cook for another 5

Sweet and Sour Oriental Cole Slaw

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An easy and delicious summer salad that is just a little different take on a classic Coleslaw.  I just keep adding and adding more tasty ingredients to make this dish even better. Sweet and Sour Oriental Coleslaw 1 package(14 oz) Dole Classic Coleslaw 8 oz bean sprouts 1 bunch scallions, sliced thin 1 cup slivered almonds, toasted 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted 1 can pineapple chunks in pineapple juice, drained reserve juice 1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 cup rice vinegar 1 package of Ramen Noodles Oriental Flavor Combine Coleslaw, sprouts, scallions, almonds, sesame seeds, and pineapple in a large bowl. Mix oil, vinegar, reserved pineapple juice and Ramen Noodle flavoring package in a small bowl. Pour over Coleslaw, tossing until coated.  Crush ramen noodles until in small pieces; add to salad and toss again. Enjoy! Gooddinnermrsmellen@blogspot.com

Easy Roasted Turkey Breast

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Very quick, easy and delicious.  I get a quarter turkey breast sold by Shady Brook Farms which feeds 3-4 people.  I always soak my poultry for at least 6 hours in the refrigerator.  I add to the water sea salt, one sliced lemon, bay leaf and whole peppercorns. Rinse and dry turkey breast.  I then seperate the skin form the meat making a pocket. I slide  three slices of lemon in the pocket, three fresh sage leaves, three fresh basil leaves and two cloves of chopped garlic.  I rub just a little olive oil on the out side of the skin seasoning with pepper.  Grill on low for about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours until juices run clear.  Start with bone side down and turn over a few time during grilling. Enjoy!

Strawberry Cream Cake

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A wonderful light white cake that is filled with whipped cream and strawberries! Need I say more. This cake is my sister's favorite and when  I lived near her I made this cake for her birthday.  I don't know why I haven't made this cake for such a long time but this year I brought it back for my twins birthday. Everyone just loved my version of strawberry short cake! Cake: 6 eggs, separated 1 13/4 cup shifted all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel 2 pints strawberries, washed and hulled Cream Frosting: 2 cups heavy cream, chilled 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 cup currant jelly,  melted In a large electric mixer bowl let egg whites warm at room temperature for 1 hour.  Sift four with salt. With mixer at high speed beat egg whites until foamy. Beat in 3/4 cup of the granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time, beating after each addition. Beat

Three Cheese Mac and Cheese Salad

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Warning Warning, this is not a low calorie salad. With that being said every once in a while you have to eat something sinfully rich, high in calories and just plain yummy! Those of you who know me know that I do hot yoga three times a week, run 15-20 miles per week, weight train, boot camp and I love to work in my garden, hard. So it's not like I am a couch potato, stuffing my face with chocolates!  Every so often I love to each something that's totally fattening without any guilt or fear. I just plain savory the dish and move on.  Oh, don't forget it is about portion control too, I just eat a little.  This Three Cheese Mac and Cheese Salad I serve in the summer with other salads that are more healthy, lower in fat and calories giving my guest the option.  I must again warn that this salad is additive.  When I mentioned to my daughter another yogi and runner that I was going to blog this salad she said oh I remember that salad very well! 1 box of elbow macaroni

Simply Fabulous All American Blueberry Pie

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Sorry I have not been posting lately having an absolutely perfect reason - planning my daughter Mandi's wedding.  Now that she said "yes" to the dress I can get back to blogging! More about her dress and the wedding later. You all know that I love to cook and through parties. This past weekend I had a wonderful birthday barbecue for my twins. I couldn't stop cooking especially baking.  I made this Simply Fabulous All American Blueberry Pie especially for my son Chad.  So good plain or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. I just love to make pies, all kinds! Fabulous All American Blueberry Pie Crust: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup shortening 1/3 cup sweet butter (love my Cabot!) 7 tablespoons cold water Filling: 6 cups blueberries, rinsed and picked over 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar 1/2 sugar 4 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch 3/4 teaspoon ground allspice 1 tablespoon sweet butter, cut into small pieces

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Chickpeas, Goat Cheese and Olivess

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Warm weather and refreshingly different salads two of my favorite things.  I find salads not only fun to make trying different combinations of ingredients but easy to make.  Almost any salad you can think of is do ahead and easy to transport to family and friends homes or on a picnic. Being of Italian heritage I love the flavors of the Mediterranean areas with the wonderfully flavorful seasonings.  What I like most about this salad is the interesting combination of orzo, a rice shaped pasta, with chick peas, goat cheese and olives. Just add some lemon, garlic, oil and fresh oregano to bring out the other ingredients.  I almost forgot, I have been adding Sesame Tahini to many of my salads for a more intense taste.  I think you'll really enjoy this salad! Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Chickpeas, Goat Cheese and Olives 1 1/2 cups orzo, cooked according to package instructions 1/4 cup olive oil juice of one lemon 1 clove of garlic, minced 1 teaspoon Sesame Tahini 15-oz ca

Moroccan Couscous and Orange Salad

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I just love fresh delicious summer salads, that sing with taste.  So wonderful to use fresh fruits and vegetables to add interest and color to a summer salad.  I enjoy all different types of food and I especially like to use seasoning from all over the world to punch up the flavor of a salad.  I started experimenting with Couscous and Moroccan spices and simply loved this salad. Moroccan Couscous and Orange Salad 1 cup couscous 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1 cup boiling water 1 large orange or yellow bell pepper cut into bite size slices 1 bunch of scallions, thinly sliced, just the white part 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 16 ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1/4 cup chopped cilantro 3 tablespoon olive oi 3 tablespoon white vinegar juice of one navel orange one navel orange, peeled and sliced into bite size pieces Place couscous and cranberries in medium bowl. Add boiling water, cover with plastic wrap

Refreshing Spring Greens Strawberry Salad

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I love making salads and I am always looking for new and different ways of combining all my favorite flavors into a wonderfully delicious salad. My Strawberry salad makes me feel as if I am savoring all the best that Springs offers!  Refreshing, crisp, sweet and tangy all in a wonderful salad. Refreshing Spring Greens Strawberry Salad 1 1/2 (5 ounces) cup sugar snap peas, trimmed 1 (4 ounce) package of mixed spring greens 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced 1 cup English cucumber, seeded and chopped 3/4 cup frozen baby peas, thawed 1/2 cup sliced red onion 1/2 cup chopped pecans 4 ounces Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled Place snap peas in steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 1-2 minutes until tender. Plunge peas into water to stop cooking; drain. Slice peas diagonally in half.  Toss together greens and next five ingredients and snap peas arranging on a large plate. Top with Gorgonzola cheese. Serve with Balsamic Vinaigrette. Balsamic Vinaigrette 1/

Baked Polenta with Vegetables and Fresh Mozzarella

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Polenta is a wonderful alternative to pasta. Wonderfully versatile from creamy to baked to grilled, I love polenta any way I make it.  This dish is very easy to make and can be prepared in advance, just baking before you are ready to serve.  I chose vegetables that I like but you can use any combination for a different taste. I you like you can cook some sausage and add to the vegetables or leave it as a meatless meal. Either way this dish is favorable and satisfying! Polenta 2 cup quick polenta 4 cups vegetable broth Bring broth to boil.  Lower heat and slowly add polenta stirring until combined. Remove from heat and continue to stir until no lumps remain. Grease a 2 quart baking dish. Put polenta in baking dish. Set aside. Vegetables 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 shallot, chopped 8 ounces sliced mushrooms 2 large red peppers, sliced 1 can(14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, I like not salt added 1 tablespoon Italian seasonings 1/2 teaspoon salt(opt

Baked Goat Cheese Dip with Apricots, Cranberries and Nuts

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Ah, goat cheese what can I say! I love to cook with this creamy cheese. What is so good about this baked goat cheese dip is the wonderful combination of goat cheese, herbs, with a dried fruit and nut topping. Spread this dip over crackers and enjoy the rich taste of all the wonderful  flavors. Baked Goat Cheese Dip with Apricots, Cranberries and Nuts 4 shallots, peeled and finely chopped 3 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons flour 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, minced 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup whole milk 6 ounces goat cheese 2 eggs 1 egg yolk 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper salt and pepper to taste 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg Topping 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted and ground coarse 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped 1/4 cup candied cranberries 2 tablespoon olive oil Preheat oven to 350 F.  Butter or spray a 1 1/2 quart round baking dish. In a medium sauce pan on medium, heat the butter and then add shallots. Cook for 2 minutes. Add the chopped thyme and

Greek Butter Cookies - Koulourakia

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Greek Butter Cookies just melt in your mouth. Koulourakia are usually served at  Greek Easter along with other delicious baked delicacies. I like these butter cookies for their flaky buttery taste along with a hint of orange and brandy. 1 cup butter, at room temperature 1 cup vegetable oil 2 tablespoon vegetable shortening 1 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 cup orange juice 3 eggs 2 tablespoons brandy 7 1/2 cups all purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water Sesame seeds Beat butter, oil and shortening in a large bowl of  electric blender until well blended. Add sugar, 1/2 cup at a time blending well.  Stir baking soda into orange juice, stir. Add to butter mixture. Add eggs and brandy, mixing well.  Combine flour and baking powder. Add flour 1 cup at a time to creamed mixture. Remove from mixture when dough is heavy. Knead by hand until dough is smooth.  Tear off a piece of dough a little larger than a walnut. Roll between

Mexican Tuna Salad

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I was thinking  today that I wanted to make a spicy Mexican tuna salad for a change. Also I wanted not only a tasty tuna salad but a healthy tuna salad and I just started adding all these wonderful ingredients.  To add to the Mexican flair served the tuna on a bed of lettuce on toasted corn tortillas! Mexican Tuna Salad 1 5 ounce can white Tuna in water, drained and flaked 1/4 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 avocado chopped 1/4 cup scallions, chopped, just the white part 1/4 cup celery, chopped 1 tablespoon sweet chili powder 1 cup chopped lettuce 1/4 cup chopped cherry tomatoes 4 toasted small corn  tortillas Combine tuna, yogurt, and olive oil in a medium bowl. Add next four ingredients combining gently. Chill to let the flavors blend for 1 hour.  Lightly toast the corn tortillas. Place tortillas on plate, top with lettuce, tomatoes and then tuna in center.  Serves two.

California Avocado and Mozzarella Frittata

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A frittata is just an open faced omelet with many different ingredients that make it a delicious meal. I love the Calphalon Frittata pan, but a regular omelet pan is just fine. Depending on the size pan you can make your frittata for one or more.  One day I was feeling like I wanted an California style frittata so I just started layering different ingredients and the result was delicious. California Avocado and Mozzarella Frittata 2 eggs, beaten 1/2 avocado 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/4 cup fresh mozzarella chopped 1/4 cup sliced cherry tomatoes 2 scallions, sliced 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro black pepper alpha sprouts, optional Slice and chop avocado.  Sprinkle lemon juice over to prevent avocado from browning. Spray pan with cooking spray. Heat on medium heat.  Pour beaten eggs into pan.  Cook eggs just until set.  Now layer your ingredients starting with the avocado, then mozzarella, tomatoes, scallions, cilantro and black pepper.  If using Frittata pan cover and co

Red Quinoa Chick Pea Salad with Tomato and Avocado

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Delicious and healthy salads that are crunchy are my favorites. I think that I like to make theses salad extra crunchy to satisfy my craving for crunchy foods. Crunchy salads keep me away from nachos and chips! I used red quinoa which not only so healthy but it takes wonderful. I added chick peas (another favorite of mine), scallions and radishes to the quinoa then toasted with a lemony dressing. To serve I place the salad on greens surrounding with tomato and avocado.  So good so easy. You can also add to this salad to make it more filling by topping with drained canned tuna or grilled ahi tuna or shrimp. Just use your imagination and taste buds! 1/4 cup olive oil juice of one lemon 2 clove garlic, crushed 1 tablespoon Sesame Tahini 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 cup Red Quinoa, cooked according to package instructions 1/4 cup red pepper, chopped 1 can chick peas, rinsed and drained 4 scallions, slice, just the white ends 1/4 cup radishes 3 cups Romain lettuce lea

Luscious Lemoncello Squares

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Spring is here when I start to make lemon squares. I don't know why but lemon squares, lemon cookies, asparagus with lemon, all remind me of spring.  My Lemon Squares are for adults since they are made with Lemoncello not lemon extract. I've given the ingredients for either the adult version or you can make them with out the alcohol. Either way my Lemon Squares are light and delicious. Lemoncello Squares Crust: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 cup flour, I like King Arther's 1/4 cup powdered sugar 1 teaspoon Lemoncello or 1/4 teaspoon lemon extract pinch salt Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Butter an eight inch square pan. With an electric mixer cream butter until smooth, slowly combine the remaining ingredients until soft and smooth. Press dough evenly into prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes. Topping: 2 eggs 1 cup sugar 1 tablespoon Lemoncello or 1/4 teaspoon lemon extract. juice and zest of 1 lemon 1/4 cup flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder p

Potato Gnocchi

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This is my mother's recipe for Potato Gnocchi.  We love her light Gnocchi that are so delicate to the taste.  Instead of baking the potatoes she uses Idaho potato bits.  Her Gnocchi is light and melt in your mouth. 2 cups Idaho potato bits 1 1/2 cup boiling water 1 cup flour 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/4 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg 1 egg beaten Place potato bits in large mixing bowl. Add boiling water mixing until all the bits become a dense mashed potato. Add rest of the ingredients except egg. Make a well in center of bowl and add egg.  Mix with wooden spoon then finish kneading  gently with hands to form dough.  Keeping your work surface and the dough lightly floured, cut the dough into 4 pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 1/2-inch in diameter. Cut into 1/2-inch-long pieces. Lightly flour the gnocchi as you cut them. You can cook these as is or I like to form them into the an indented pillow. I take the kn

Open Faced Asparagus and Egg Sandwich

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I grew up eating my grandmother and mother's wonderful scrambled asparagus and egg sandwiches. So delicious the combination of fresh asparagus, eggs and Parmesan cheese you have to try to enjoy the favors together! I make this sandwich open faced with a little fresh mozzarella cheese broiled on top. Open Faced Asparagus and Egg Sandwich 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 cup chopped asparagus, use tender part 4 eggs, beaten 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 loaf Ciabatta bread 1/4 cup sliced fresh mozzarella Place oil in medium saute pan,  heat on medium heat. Add asparagus, cooking for 5 minutes, do not brown. Combine eggs, Parmesan cheese and pepper.  Add to asparagus, scrambling until eggs are thoroughly cooked about 4-5 minutes.  Slice ciabatta bread, open the slices, place asparagus and eggs on bread.  Top with sliced mozzarella, broil for 3-4 minutes. Serve open or closed. Serves 2. Enjoy!

Fantastic Italian Mac and Cheese

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Everyone loves Mac and Cheese. And everyone love Italian food! Combining the two make a wonderfully rich main dish or a small side. I personally like to serve this as a main dish adding some nice steamed asparagus with fresh lemon juice and garlic.  Add a vegetable filled salad creating a meal nice enough for company or Sunday dinner.  Eating well and in moderation allows you to eat rich foods.  Italian Mac and Cheese Preheat oven 350 degrees. Topping 1 small clove garlic, pressed 3 tablespoons butter, melted 2 cups fresh breadcrumbs, lightly toasted 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese Bechamel Sauce  8 ounces slice mushrooms 5 tablespoons butter 1/3 cup flour 4 cups milk 2 cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 1cup finely grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 teaspoon dried sage 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1 pound pipette or elbow pasta 1 cup prosciutto, diced Stir garlic into melted butter. Put breadcrumbs