Home Made English Muffins

Ingredients:

1 cup milk
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1/4 cup melted shortening
6 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Warm the milk in a small saucepan until it bubbles, then remove from heat. Mix in the sugar, stirring until dissolved. Let cool until lukewarm. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine the milk, yeast mixture, shortening and 3 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Add salt and rest of flour, or enough to make a soft dough. Knead. Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise.

Punch down. Roll out to about 1/2 inch thick. Cut rounds with biscuit cutter, drinking glass, or empty tuna can. Sprinkle waxed paper with cornmeal and set the rounds on this to rise. Dust tops of muffins with cornmeal also. Cover and let rise 1/2 hour.

Heat greased griddle. Cook muffins on griddle about 10 minutes on each side on medium heat. Keep baked muffins in a warm oven until all have been cooked. Allow to cool and place in plastic bags for storage. To use, split and toast. Great with orange butter, or cream cheese and jam

Maple Walnut Muffins

   Ingredients:

                                                                                                                                              

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup real maple syrup

2 eggs

3/4 cup milk

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line muffin pan with paper baking cups.

2. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together and set aside.

3. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Stir in the maple syrup and the eggs and beat until well blended. Add the flour mixture alternately with the milk and beat until well blended. Stir in the walnuts. Spoon the batter into the muffin tins filling each about 3/4 full.

4. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove to wire rack to cool completely

Raspberry Clafoutis

Recipe from: FoodandWine.com

A classic French desert, perfect for the upcoming spring weather!

http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/raspberry-clafoutis

Ingredients

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar

Salt

3 large eggs

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Finely grated zest of 1 lemon

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk

1 1/2 pints raspberries (3 cups)

Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°. Butter a 9-inch gratin dish. In a bowl, whisk the flour, sugar and a pinch of salt. Whisk in the eggs, butter and lemon zest until smooth. Add the milk and whisk until light and very smooth, about 3 minutes. Pour the batter into the gratin dish and top with the raspberries.

Bake for about 30 minutes, until the clafoutis is set and golden. Let cool slightly. Dust with confectioners' sugar, cut into wedges and serve.

Healthier Lasagna

Recipe from:

Eat Clean Live Green.com
http://www.eatcleanlivegreen.com/2010/03/healthy-lasagna/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Ingredients


9 whole wheat lasagna noodles
1 pound ground beef (preferably organic or grass-fed)
5 cups tomato sauce
2 cups low-fat ricotta cheese
1 egg (preferably organic)
2 cups part-skim mozzarella, shredded

Directions

Cover 9 whole wheat lasagna noodles with water.

Brown ground beef in a large skillet.

Once browned, add tomato sauce. Combine and bring to a simmer.

Meanwhile, combine ricotta cheese and egg.

Drain noodles.

Spray a 9×13″ pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Cover the pan with approximately 1 cup of tomato/meat sauce, and cover with 3 noodles.

Layer noodles with 1/2 of the cheese mixture.

Cover again with 1 -2 cups of tomato/meat sauce, noodles and remaining cheese mixture.

Cover again with tomato sauce and add remaining noodles, and cover again with remaining pasta sauce.

Top with 2 cups part-skim mozzarella.

Place lasagna on a baking sheet. Cover with foil and bake at 350* for 45 minutes.

Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit another 15 minutes.



Serves 9. Per serving: approximately 350 calories, 14 g fat, 27 g carbs, 26 g protein

Strawberry Banana Muffins

Ingredients:

1 Cup mashed bananas

1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped

1 ½ Cup flour

½ Cup softened butter

1 Cup sugar, plus 1 TBS for topping

1/4 Cup. sour cream

¼ tsp salt

2 eggs

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp vanilla

2 TBS Vegetable oil

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl, and sprinkle a little sugar over each muffin.

Bake in a greased muffin pan for about 45 minutes or until toothpick clean.

Salmon Noodle Casserole

Ingedients:

1 (10.75 ounce) can Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 can Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Asparagus (or celery) Soup
1 cup milk
1 cup frozen peas
3 Celery stalks, sliced thin
3-4 6oz Salmon filets

1 Bag extra wide egg noodles, cooked

4 tablespoons dry bread crumbs, plus1separate

2 tablespoon butter or margarine
½ TBS fresh Thyme
Salt and Pepper
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Directions:

Preheat the oven to broil. Slice the Salmon into large chunks (you can also broil whole and flake it if you wish). Put the salmon onto a bake pan drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika, or what ever seasonings you prefer. Toss together and broil for about 5-7 minutes, set aside. Turn the oven to 400 degrees.

In a sauce pan, sauté’ the sliced celery for a minute or two in a ½ tbs of EVOO, add the soups, milk and peas, and whisk until blended and heated.

Melt the 2 TBS of butter and in a bowl mix in the breadcrumbs.

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Pudding

Prep Time: 20 Minutes

Cook Time: 1 Hour

Ready In: 1 Hour 20 Minutes

Servings: 8

"Bread, bananas and chocolate chips are featured in this bread pudding."

Ingredients:

4 eggs

2 cups milk

1 cup white sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

4 cups cubed French bread

2 bananas, sliced

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

2. In a large mixing bowl, mix eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in bread, bananas, and chocolate chips, and let rest 5 minutes for bread to soak. Pour into prepared pan.

3. Line a roasting pan with a damp kitchen towel. Place loaf pan on towel inside roasting pan, and place roasting pan on oven rack. Fill roasting pan with water to reach halfway up the sides of the loaf pan. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Dijon-Tarragon Cream Chicken

AllRecipes.com
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe-Tools/Print/Recipe.aspx?RecipeID=77156&origin=detail&servings=4

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 skinless, boneless chicken
breast halves
salt and pepper to taste 1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons chopped fresh
tarragon

Directions:

1. Melt the butter and heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, and place in the skillet. Brown on both sides. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and continue cooking 15 minutes, or until chicken juices run clear. Set aside and keep warm.

2. Stir cream into the pan, scraping up brown bits. Mix in mustard and tarragon. Cook and stir 5 minutes, or until thickened. Return chicken to skillet to coat with sauce. Drizzle chicken with remaining sauce to serve.

Peach and Blueberry Crumbles

2006, Barefoot Contessa at Home, All Rights Reserved

Prep Time:20 min

Inactive Prep Time:5 min

Cook Time:45 min

Level:Easy

Serves: 5 to 6 servings

Ingredients:

For the fruit:

2 pounds firm, ripe peaches (6 to 8 peaches)

2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup fresh blueberries (1/2 pint)

For the crumble:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 pound (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, diced

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Immerse the peaches in boiling water for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until their skins peel off easily. Place them immediately in cold water. Peel the peaches, slice them into thick wedges, and place them in a large bowl. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, granulated sugar, and flour. Toss well. Gently mix in the blueberries. Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes. Spoon the mixture into ramekins or custard cups.

For the topping, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and the butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Mix on low speed until the butter is the size of peas. Rub the mixture with your fingertips until it's in big crumbles, then sprinkle evenly over the fruit. Place the ramekins on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the tops are browned and crisp and the juices are bubbly. Serve warm or at room temperature.

If you want to make these early, store the unbaked crumbles in the refrigerator and bake before dinner

Allana's Excellent Potato Soup

Ingredients

8 ounces cubed cooked ham
1 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon butter
2 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth
1 tablespoon prepared Dijon-style mustard
1 1/2 cups milk
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon seasoning salt
1/2 teaspoon salt-free seasoning blend

Directions

In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, sautee ham and onions in the butter, until the onions are translucent. Stir in the mustard, then pour in the chicken broth. Add potatoes, bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender.

Combine the milk and cream of celery soup; stir in to the saucepan. Season with garlic powder, seasoned salt and salt-free seasoning blend. Heat through, but do not boil. Serve hot.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Allanas-Excellent-Potato-Soup/Detail.aspx?ms=1&prop25=32928292&prop26=DailyDish&prop27=2010-03-02&prop28=DailyRecipe&prop29=FullRecipe&me=1

Raspberry Pecan Muffins

Makes 12 medium size or 6 large muffins

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup white sugar

3 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup milk

¼ cup half and half

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 egg

1 Jar Raspberry Preserves or Jam

1/4 cup chopped Pecans

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease bottoms only of muffin cups or line with baking cups.

2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt; mix well. In a small bowl, combine milk, oil and egg; blend well. Add in the chopped pecans to all the dry ingredients all at once; stir just until dry ingredients are moistened (batter will be lumpy.)

3. Fill cups 2/3 full. Place 1 TBS of preserves or jam on each muffin before baking; press into batter and swirl around  a little to blend. Sprinkle with a few more chopped nuts and a little sugar.

4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pan.

Fresh Strawberry Muffins

    Makes 12 Large or 24 small muffins

Ingredients:

1/4 cup canola oil

1/2 cup milk

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 cup white sugar

(plus more for sprinkling)

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup chopped strawberries

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F, butter the muffin tin (s).

2. In a small bowl, combine oil, milk, and egg. Beat lightly. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, baking powder and sugar. Sprinkle some sugar over the chopped strawberries, mix to coat and then add to the flour mix and stir to coat with flour. Pour in milk mixture and stir together until just moist, don’t over mix!

3. Fill muffin cups. Sprinkle the tops with a little sugar (optional), and bake at 375 degrees F for 25 minutes, or until the tops bounce back from the touch. Cool 10 minutes and remove from pans.

Enjoy!

Oatmeal Raisin Muffins

Ingredients:

This makes 12 LARGE muffins (filling batter to 3/4 full) or 24 small muffins (filling batter to 1/2).

You can cut the ingredients by half also.

2 ½ cups quick cooking oats

2 ½ cups milk

2 eggs

1 cup vegetable oil

1 ½ cups packed brown sugar 1 tsp Cinnamon

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

8 teaspoons baking powder

1 ½ teaspoon salt

2 cups raisins

Directions:

1. Combine oats and milk and allow to stand for 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease bottoms only of muffin tins.

2. Stir eggs, oil, 1 ¼ cup of the brown sugar and the raisins into the oat and milk mixture.

3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt and whisk together. Add oat mixture to the

   flour mixture, stirring until just moist. Fill each cup 2/3 full. Sprinkle tops with the remaining brown sugar.

4. Bake at 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) for 20 to 25 minutes

Banana Nut Muffins (or Bread)

Ingredients:

1 Cup mashed bananas

1 ½ Cup flour

½ Cup softened butter

1 Cup sugar

1/4 Cup. sour cream

¼ tsp salt

2 eggs

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp vanilla

½ Cup chopped walnuts

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl, and bake in a greased muffin pan for about 45 minutes or until toothpick clean at 350.

Teacup Chocolate Souffle

Ingredients:

3 oz chocolate, melted

1 Tbsp double cream

2 eggs, separated

Cocoa powder, for dusting

Directions

Heat the oven to 400F/200C.

Butter and sugar two small ovenproof tea cups.

Stir the cream and egg yolks into the warm chocolate.

Whisk the egg whites until stiff.

Stir in half and fold in the rest.

Pour into the cups and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until risen and cooked.

Dust with cocoa.

Apple Pound Cake

Recipe courtesy Sunny Anderson, 2009

Prep Time:15 min
Inactive Prep Time:30 min
Cook Time:1 hr 30 min

Ingredients:

5 jumbo-sized eggs, separated
1 cup buttermilk
4 sticks butter, plus 1 tablespoon, for pan
3 cups cake flour, plus 2 tablespoons, for pan
1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and diced into 1/8-inch pieces
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 1/2 cups sugar, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon extract
3 teaspoons baking powder

Special equipment: 10-inch Bundt cake pan

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Let the eggs, milk and butter come to room temperature on the counter before beginning. (Butter goes on the counter last.)

Butter the Bundt pan with 1 tablespoon of butter, then add 2 tablespoons of flour and shake and tap to coat the interior of the pan; set aside. Put the diced apples in a bowl with the cinnamon and lemon juice. In a large bowl or stand mixer add the butter and 2 cups of sugar and beat until smooth. Add the egg yolks, 1 at a time, and blend to completely incorporate before adding the next. The mixture will become very light in color. Add the buttermilk and the extracts and mix to combine. Stir in 3 cups of flour along with the baking powder and stir until incorporated.

In a separate clean dry bowl, whisk egg whites until foamy, then add the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar and whisk until shiny and soft peaks form when removing the whisk from the whites. Gently fold this into the cake batter. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Arrange the apples in the center of the ring all the way around, being sure they don't touch the outer or inner edge of the pan. Pour in the remaining batter and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Remove the cake from the oven and cool completely. Put a large plate or cake plate on top of the pan, then holding both together, flip them so that the curved bottom of the Bundt pan is on the top and the plate is resting on a flat surface. Slowly remove the pan from the cake by lifting it straight up. Slice and serve.

Chocolate Banana Cake

AllRecipes.com
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chocolate-Banana-Cake/Detail.aspx

Ingredients:

1 (18.25 ounce) package devil's food cake mix
1 cup mashed bananas
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour one 13x9 inch pan.

Beat cake mix, mashed bananas, oil and eggs with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds. Increase speed to medium and beat for 2 more minutes. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 33 to 36 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Let cake cool then frost with your choice of frosting, if desired.

Breakstone’s Fruit Filled Coffee Cake

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 35 Minutes Ready In: 1 Hour

Servings: 24

"An easy, glazed cherry-filled coffee cake is ready in just one hour."

Ingredients:

1 package (2-layer size) white cake mix

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup BREAKSTONE'S Reduced Fat Sour

Cream

3 eggs

1/4 cup water 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling

1/2 cup PLANTERS Sliced Almonds,

toasted

1 cup powdered sugar

1 1/2 tablespoons milk

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Beat first 5 ingredients with mixer until well blended. Pour into greased and floured 13x9-inch pan; top with spoonfuls of pie filling.

2. Bake 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean; sprinkle with nuts. Cool 10 minutes.

3. Mix sugar and milk; drizzle over cake. Cool completely.

Todd's Orange and Raspberry Cake

below are two pics of my cake:

Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis
Prep Time:15 min
Inactive Prep Time:1 hr 15 min
Cook Time:32 min

Ingredients:

Cake:
Butter, for greasing the pans
Flour, for dusting
1 (18.25-ounce) box white cake mix (recommended: Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe)
1 large orange, zested, about 1/4 cup
1 1/3 cups no pulp orange juice
3 egg whites
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Frosting:
1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/3 cup creme fraiche
1 pound powdered sugar
1/4 cup raspberry jam
Water, as needed
1/4 cup raspberry jam
1 (6-ounce) container fresh raspberries

Directions:

For the cake: Arrange an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour the bottom and sides of 2 nonstick, 8-inch round, baking pans. Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with a whisk attachment, combine the cake mix and orange zest. Mix for 20 seconds at low speed until the zest is incorporated. Add the orange juice, egg whites, and vegetable oil. Blend at low speed for 30 seconds. Increase the speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl with a spatula, as needed. Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake until golden and a cake tester inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean, about 30 to 32 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool the pans on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Turn the cakes out onto a wire rack and allow to cool completely, about 1 hour.

For the frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the butter and creme fraiche at high speed until smooth, about 10 seconds. With the machine running at medium-low speed, gradually add the powdered sugar until incorporated. Add the raspberry jam and increase the speed to high. Beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable, adding water, 1 teaspoon at a time, if needed.

To assemble the cake: Arrange 1 cake layer, flat side up, on a cake stand. Using a spatula, spread a thin layer of frosting on top leaving a 1/2-inch border. Spread 1/4 cup of raspberry jam on top of the frosting. Arrange the other cake layer on top. Using a spatula, frost the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with fresh raspberries.

Spinach and Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Ingredients:

1 cup vegetable broth
12 dehydrated sun-dried tomatoes
1 (8 ounce) package uncooked
penne pasta
2 tablespoons pine nuts
1 tablespoon olive oil 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
flakes
1 clove garlic, minced
1 bunch fresh spinach, rinsed and
torn into bite-size pieces
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, bring the broth to a boil. Remove from heat. Place the sun-dried tomatoes in the broth 15 minutes, or until softened. Drain, reserving broth, and coarsely chop.
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Place penne pasta in the pot, cook 9 to 12 minutes, until al dente, and drain.
3. Place the pine nuts in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir until lightly toasted.
4. Heat the olive oil and red pepper flakes in a skillet over medium heat, and saute the garlic 1 minute, until tender. Mix in the spinach, and cook until almost wilted. Pour in the reserved broth, and stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Continue cooking 2 minutes, or until heated through.
5. In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the spinach and tomato mixture and pine nuts. Serve with Parmesan cheese

Chicken, Spinach and Cheddar Souffle

courtesy Giada De Laurentiis
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:1 hr 0 min
Serves:4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

Unsalted butter for greasing the souffle dish, plus 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons), at room temperature
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded mild Cheddar
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
2 packed cups baby spinach leaves
1 store-bought, rotisserie chicken, breast meat only, skinned and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 2 cups)
6 egg yolks, at room temperature, lightly beaten
2 (1/2-inch thick) slices country-style white bread, crusts removed, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
6 egg whites, at room temperature

Directions
Special equipment: a 2-quart (8-cups) souffle dish

Arrange an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Butter the bottom and sides of a 2-quart souffle dish. Set aside.

In a medium saucepan, heat 1/2 stick of butter over medium-low heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture coats the back of a spoon, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the nutmeg and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Remove the pan from the heat and add the cheeses, the spinach, chicken, egg yolks, and bread cubes. Stir until combined (mixture will be thick).

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites at high speed until they hold stiff peaks, about 2 minutes. Stir 1/4 of the egg whites into the chicken mixture. Using a spatula, fold in the remaining egg whites. Spoon the batter into the prepared dish and bake until the souffle is puffed and the top is firm and golden, about 55 to 60 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe-Tools/Print/Recipe.aspx?RecipeID=70828&origin=detail&servings=12

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened
2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 5/8 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar for
dusting

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9 inch Bundt pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the sour cream and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; stir into the batter just until blended. Fold in blueberries.
3. Spoon half of the batter into the prepared pan. In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon and pecans. Sprinkle half of this mixture over the batter in the pan. Spoon remaining batter over the top, and then sprinkle the remaining pecan mixture over. Use a knife or thin spatula to swirl the sugar layer into the cake.
4. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted into the crown of the cake comes out clean. Cool in the pan over a wire rack. Invert onto a serving plate, and tap firmly to remove from the pan. Dust with confectioners' sugar just before

Bake for 55 to 60 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted into the crown of the cake comes out clean. Cool in the pan over a wire rack. Invert onto a serving plate, and tap firmly to remove from the pan. Dust with confectioners' sugar just before serving

Blondies with Chocolate Chips and Walnuts

From: MarthaStewart.com
http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/blondies-with-chocolate-chips-and-walnuts?xsc=eml_cod_2010_02_21
Makes16

Ingredients:

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for pan
1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush an 8-inch square baking pan with butter; line pan with a piece of parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two sides. Butter paper.

In a large bowl, whisk butter and sugars until smooth. Whisk in egg and vanilla. Add flour and salt; mix just until moistened (do not overmix). Fold in 1/2 cup each chocolate chips and walnuts. Transfer batter to prepared pan; smooth top. Sprinkle with remaining chocolate chips and walnuts.

Bake until top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Set pan on a wire rack, and let cool completely. Using parchment overhang, lift cake from pan and transfer to a cutting board; cut into 16 squares. Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature, up to 2 days

Marinated Ranch Broiled Chicken

Ingredients:

2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 (1 ounce) package dry Ranch-style dressing mix
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Directions:

Combine the dressing mix, oil and vinegar in a large, resealable plastic bag and mix together. Add chicken to bag, seal and shake to coat; work mixture into the meat.

Refrigerate to marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible.

Preheat oven to Broil/Grill.

Remove chicken from bag, discarding any remaining marinade, and broil for 10 to 15 minutes or until cooked through and no longer pink inside.

Warm Almond Cherry Cake

Ingredients:

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pie plate
1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for pie plate
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
1 bag (12 ounces) frozen cherries, thawed and dried
1/2 cup sliced almonds

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate (4-cup capacity); set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in almond extract. With mixer on low, blend in flour mixture (do not overmix).

Transfer batter to prepared pie plate; scatter cherries and almonds on top. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.


Recipe from: MarthaStewart.com
http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/warm-almond-cherry-cake?backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/cakes-with-fruit#slide_25

Blueberry Cheesecake

Ingredients:

Vegetable-oil cooking spray

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

3 tablespoons sugar

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pinch of salt

16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

16 ounces sour cream

1 cup sugar

3 large eggs

1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Boiling water, for roasting pan

Blueberry Topping (see below)

Directions:

Make the crust: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Coat a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Wrap exterior of pan (including base) with foil. Stir together butter, graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Press mixture firmly into bottom and 3 inches up sides of pan. Refrigerate 15 minutes. Make the filling: Beat cream cheese with a mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Reduce speed to low, and add sour cream, sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla. Beat until well combined (do not overmix). Pour into chilled crust. Set springform pan in a large, shallow roasting pan. Place in oven. Carefully ladle enough boiling water into roasting pan to come halfway up sides of springform pan. Bake until cheesecake is set but still slightly wobbly in center, about 1 hour, 15 minutes. Transfer roasting pan to a wire rack. Let cake cool in roasting pan 30 minutes. Remove cheesecake from roasting pan, and refrigerate, uncovered, at least 8 hours (or overnight). Run a knife around edge of cake, and unmold. Spoon topping over cake.

Blueberry Topping:

Ingredients:

Makes enough for 1 cheesecake

1 1/2 pints (3 cups) blueberries

3/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon cornstarch

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer, and cook until berries break down, about 4 minutes. Let cool, then refrigerate, covered, until cold (or up to 3 days).

Banana Cake

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Banana-Cake-VI/Detail.aspx


Ingredients:

3/4 cup butter
2 1/8 cups white sugar
3 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 1/2 cups mashed bananas
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Directions:

Preheat oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan. In a small bowl, mix mashed bananas with lemon juice, set aside. In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream 3/4 cup butter and 2 1/8 cups sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla. Beat in the flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk. Stir in banana mixture. Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Remove from oven and place directly into freezer for 45 minutes. This will make the cake very moist.
For the frosting: In a large bowl, cream 1/2 cup butter and cream cheese until smooth. Beat in 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add confectioners sugar and beat on low speed until combined, then on high until frosting is smooth. Spread on cooled cake.

MAPLE PECAN SHORTBREAD

http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/maple-pecan-shortbread?xsc=eml_cod_2010_02_23


Makes about 2 dozen

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface
1/2 cup cake flour (not self-rising)
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup pecan halves (about 2 1/4 ounces), finely chopped
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 large egg yolk
1/4 teaspoon pure maple extract
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling

Directions:

Into a medium bowl, sift flours and salt. Whisk in 1/2 cup chopped pecans, set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until smooth and light, about one minute. Add the maple syrup, egg yolk, and extract; beat on medium speed until well combined. On low speed, gradually add flour mixture, beating until just combined. Dough should be smooth and pliable. Flatten into a disk. Wrap in plastic; chill until firm, 1 1/2 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured work surface, roll out dough to 1/4 inch thick. Cut out rounds using a two-inch cookie cutter; place one inch apart on prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with beaten egg; sprinkle centers with remaining 1/4 cup pecans. Sprinkle the entire surface with turbinado sugar.
Bake cookies, rotating baking sheet halfway through, until golden around the edges, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Store in airtight containers at room temperature up to four days

Ricotta Cake

MarthaStewart.com

http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.fc77a0dbc44dd1611e3bf410b5900aa0/?vgnextoid=7fcbb1c6c90d3110VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default

Servings: 4

Ingredients:
1 quart whole milk
3/4 cup arborio rice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
Unsalted butter, for pan
All-purpose flour, for pan
3 pounds fresh ricotta cheese, drained 3 hours or preferably overnight
3 large whole eggs plus 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Strawberry Sauce

Directions:

Bring milk to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in rice, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla bean. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until rice is very tender and has absorbed all liquid, about 30 minutes.

Remove pan from heat. Stir in 3/4 cup granulated sugar. Cover; let cool, stirring occasionally. Discard vanilla bean.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour an 8-inch springform pan. In a large bowl, combine the rice mixture, ricotta, whole eggs and egg yolks, and remaining 1/2 cup sugar. Pour into prepared pan. Bake until golden on top and almost set in the center, 65 to 70 minutes; cover with foil if starting to brown too much. Transfer pan to a cooling rack.

When cake has completely cooled, run a knife around edge to loosen. Gently remove ring; transfer cake to a serving platter. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar, and serve with sauce.

Strawberry Sauce:

1 pint strawberries, hulled and halved
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a medium non reactive saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until strawberries

Maria's Pepper Steak

AllRecipes.com
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe-Tools/Print/Recipe.aspx?RecipeID=54611&origin=detail&servings=4

"This recipe - flank steak and vegetables cooked in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and red wine vinegar - makes a great meal served over rice."
Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 large bell peppers, sliced into
thin strips
2 cloves garlic, minced 1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 1/2 pounds flank steak, cut
into thin strips

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook onion, bell peppers, and garlic in oil until tender-crisp, stirring frequently. Set aside.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour soy sauce, honey, and red wine vinegar in pan, then add beef. Cook beef, stirring frequently, until done, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in cooked vegetables, and cook another 10 to 15 minutes

Ravioli Caprese

Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis
Prep Time:40 min
Cook Time:6 min
Serves: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients:

Dough:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 cup very hot water

Filling:
3/4 cup whole milk ricotta
1 egg
1/2 cup finely shredded store-bought rotisserie chicken
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Sauce:
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions:
For the dough:

In a large bowl combine the flour and the water. Using a wooden spoon, stir to combine into a large ball. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit for 10 minutes.

For the filling:

Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl and stir to combine.

To form the ravioli, cut the dough into 4 evenly sized pieces. The dough should be slightly sticky. Add extra flour as necessary for rolling, but use only a little as necessary. Form each piece into a 2 by 6-inch rectangle. Recover the dough with the plastic wrap.

Lightly dust the work surface and a rolling pin. Working with 1 piece of dough at a time, roll the dough into a 4 by 19-inch rectangle. Place 9 rounded teaspoons of filling about 1-inch apart down the center of the dough. Fold the dough over the filling. Press down around the edges of each of the ravioli with your fingertips. Cut the ravioli into small squares and press down around the edges again with your fingertips to seal. Place the finished ravioli on a baking tray and continue forming the remaining ravioli.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add half the ravioli and cook until the ravioli float stirring occasionally, about 3 to 4 minutes. Drain into a large bowl and cook the remaining ravioli.

Pour the olive oil over the cooked ravioli. Add the basil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Gently toss to coat and serve immediately.