CHEESY BACON STUFFED MUSHROOMS

12 large (about 1 lb) fresh mushrooms, cleaned

1/2 pkg (8-oz size) cream cheese, softened
4 slices bacon, cooked, drained on paper towels & crumbled
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tbsp chopped parsley

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Set out a shallow baking dish large enough to hold mushrooms in a single layer.

Remove and discard mushroom stems (or save for another use if desired).

In a small bowl combine the cream cheese, bacon, garlic, cheese, and parsley; spoon into the mushroom caps.  Place mushrooms with the filled sides up into the shallow baking dish.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese is melting.

The file photo

EASY HALLOWEEN PIE

Please note this is a quick fix recipe but it does require a couple hours to chill before being cut to serve!

1 prepared chocolate crumb crust
1 pkg (4-serving size) orange gelatin
1 cup boiling water
1 pint vanilla ice cream, softened
whipped cream for garnish
candy corn for garnish
fresh mint for garnish, if desired

Completely dissolve the gelatin in the hot water.  Spoon the ice cream into the gelatin and stir until melted and smooth.  Chill until slightly thickened (about 10 minutes).

Pour the thickened gelatin into the prepared pie crust.  Chill until firm (at least 2 hours).  Garnish with whipped cream and candy corn.  Add fresh mint, if using.

Note: The pie shown is decorated as a whole.  You can also cut the pie then add decorations to each piece.

FRIED CHICKEN COATING

1. This recipe is from a handwritten page I belong to. It is from Connie Taylor in Pennsylvania. She said this will make several batches and she sometimes adds garlic and/or onion powder. She also uses it on pork chops.
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10 MINUTE CHICKEN WALDORF SALAD

1 pkg (9-oz) fully cooked grilled chicken

1 large apple, cored, diced
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/3 cup mayo-type salad dressing
2 tbsp milk
2 tbsp lemon juice

Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces into a large bowl.  Add the apple, raisins, and walnuts; stir together.

Combine the salad dressing, milk, and lemon juice.  Add the dressing to the chicken mixture and toss to coat well.

This eatingwell photo is used for reference only.

JOY FRESH VEGGIE PLATTER

I saw this on a Christmas page I belong to. I love it but don't see myself having the patience to do this. Saving this here to show my granddaughter. Maybe she will do it for me! I have the dish!

CHEESY MASHED YUKON GOLD POTATOES

2 lb Yukon gold potatoes, cubed

1 tbsp butter
1/4 cup evaporated milk
2 oz pasteurized prepared cheese product, cubed
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 green onion, sliced thin

In a large saucepan with the potatoes cover in water, potatoes to a boil; boil until tender, approximately 15 minutes.  Drain well and return to saucepan or a large mixing bowl.

Mash the potatoes with the butter until light and fluffy, gradually adding the milk alternately with the cheese.  Stir in the garlic powder, transfer to serving bowl and top with the green onion.

Yield: 6 to 8 servings.

This is the file photo.

STUFFED YELLOW PEPPERS

1/2 lb lean ground beef or chicken

3/4 cup uncooked whole-wheat couscous
1 tbsp olive or canola oil
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
3 cups fresh spinach*, chopped
1 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp salt
2 1/4 cups water, divided use
4 large yellow** bell peppers
1/2 cup roasted bell peppers
1/2 cup tomato sauce
dash of ground red pepper

In a small nonstick skillet that has been sprayed lightly with nonstick cooking spray, brown the ground beef or chicken until no longer pink; drain and set aside.

In a large nonstick skillet, over medium-high heat, lightly toast the couscous.  This will take about 5 minutes, stirring often during this time.  Remove from skillet and set aside.

In the large skillet, heat the oil and add the onion; cook a couple of minutes until translucent.  Add the spinach, oregano and salt; cook until the spinach is wilted.  Add 2 cups of the water and bring to a boil.  Stir in the couscous and bring back to a boil.  Reduce the heat to simmer and cook, covered, for about 8 minutes or until the light is absorbed.

Cut a half-inch off the tops of the bell peppers; remove the seeds and membranes.

Combine the browned meat with the couscous mixture; use to fill the bell peppers then replace the tops.  Place the peppers in a deep skillet or pan that will allow peppers to stand upright with the lid on.  Pour the remaining 1/4 cup of water into the bottom of the pan or skillet.  Bring the water to a boil; place a tight-fitting lid on pan and cook on medium to medium low for 8 to 10 minutes or until the peppers are slightly soft.  Remove peppers to a serving plate with sides or a shallow dish.

While peppers cook, make the sauce by combining the roasted bell pepper, tomato sauce, and red pepper in a blender or food processor.  Process until the mixture is smooth.  Transfer mixture to a small microwave-safe bowl and cook in microwave for 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute.

To serve, pour the sauce over the peppers or divide the sauce onto 4 serving plates and set a pepper in the center of each.

*Or 4-oz chopped frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
**red or green bell peppers may be substituted

Note: File Photo

GELATIN GLAZED POPCORN

8 cups popped popcorn

1/4 cup butter
3 tbsp light corn syrup
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 box (4 serving size) orange* gelatin

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
Line a 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking pan with foil; set aside.

Place the popcorn in a large bowl that is heat resistant.

In a small saucepan heat the butter and corn syrup over low heat.  When butter melts, stir in the brown sugar and gelatin; increase heat to medium and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat back to low and simmer gently for 5 minutes.  Immediately pour the syrup over the popcorn and toss to coat well.

Spread the popcorn out on the prepared pan, using two forks to spread evenly.  Bake for 10 minutes at 300 degrees.  Cool.  Remove from pan and break up into small pieces.

*The one pictured I use for Halloween.  Use any flavor gelatin you like or the color you wish.

Yield: 2 quarts popcorn

DIABETIC NOTE:Use sugar-free gelatin, 1/3 cup Splenda brown sugar blend instead of the brown sugar called for.  For the corn syrup, substitute sugar-free maple flavored syrup.

HOMEMADE BARBECUE SAUCE

1 1/2 cups ketchup

1/4 cup molasses
1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp dry mustard
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground cumin
dash hot pepper sauce
1/4 tsp ground allspice

Combine all the above ingredients in a medium sauce.  Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar completely.  Cover pan and reduce the heat to medium-low.  Simmer mixture, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes until thickened.

Yield: About 2 cups

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BLUEBERRY KETCHUP

This homemade fruit ketchup is amazing on meats, especially grilled meats.  And blueberries are so good for you, they are loaded with antioxidants.

2 cups fresh blueberries (or frozen unsweetened, thawed)
1 garlic clove, minced
1 small shallot, minced
3 tbsp brown sugar
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 tsp ground coriander
1/8 tsp ground ginger

Bring all the ingredients to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat.  Lower heat to simmer and cook, uncovered,  about 30 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

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VEGGIE CHILI FOR 12

2 large carrots, diced

1 med onion, diced
1 tbsp canola oil
1 pkg (3-4 oz) chili seasoning kit
1 can (8-oz) tomato sauce
3 cups tomato juice
2 cans (14.5-oz each) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cans (15-oz each) black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cans (15-oz each) great northern beans, rinsed and drained
1 large zucchini, chopped
1 yellow squash, chopped
1 cup whole kernel corn, frozen or canned, drained

Heat the canola oil over medium heat in a Dutch oven or stew pot.  Add the carrots and onion and saute about 7 minutes until onions are translucent.  Stir in half of the red pepper packet from seasoning kit and stir in all of the remaining packets.  Saute for 2 minutes.  Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato juice, diced tomatoes, black beans, great northern beans, zucchini, squash, and corn.

Bring the chili to a boil; cover and reduce heat to medium-low.  Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.  Serve with toppings if desired.

file photo

Topping suggestions:
chopped fresh cilantro
sour cream
chopped green onions
shredded cheese
diced tomatoes

Yield: 12 servings

SAUCY STEAKS WITH ONION

3 tsp canola oil, divided

1 lb thick cut boneless sirloin
1 cup thin sliced onions
1 cup picante sauce

Cut the steak into 4 serving pieces.

Heat half the canola oil in a large nonstick skillet; add steak and brown well on both sides.  Remove steak from the skillet and drain off any fat.

Add the remaining canola oil to the skillet and add the onions.  Cook until the onions are tender, stirring occasionally.  Stir in the picante sauce.

Return the steak to the skillet and lower heat to medium.  Cook an additional 2 minutes for medium steak or longer for well done.

To serve, place steak pieces on serving plates and top with onions and sauce.

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BAKED TEX-MEX PIMIENTO CHEESE DIP

1 1/2 cups mayonnaise

1/2 jar (12-oz) roasted red bell peppers, drained and chopped
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
1 block (8-oz) extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
1 block (8-oz) pepper Jack cheese, shredded
fresh cilantro leaves for garnish, optional
french bread cubes for serving

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Lightly spray or grease a 2-quart baking dish; set aside.

Stir the mayonnaise, bell peppers, onions, and jalapeno pepper together in a large bowl; stir in the cheeses.  Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Bake dip at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.  Garnish with the cilantro leaves, if desired.

file photo

CHILI-CORN STEW

1 tsp canola oil

1 green bell pepper, diced into bite-size pieces
1/2 tsp oregano
2 cans (14-oz each) Healthy Choice Chili Beef Soup
1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise, cut into slices
1 cup whole-grain uncooked elbow macaroni
1/2 cup frozen corn

Heat oil in a stockpot or Dutch oven and saute bell pepper with the oregano until crisp tender.

Stir the soup, zucchini, macaroni, and corn into the pot; bring mixture to a boil.  Reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 10 minutes or until the macaroni is tender.

Perfect for times when you need something quick.

freestockphotos.biz

THE GREAT AMERICAN POTATO SALAD

4 cups cubes potatoes cooked just until tender

1 cup mayo-type salad dressing

1 tsp prepared mustard

1/2 tsp celery seed

1/2 tsp salt

dash of freshly ground black pepper

2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup sliced celery

1/2 cup chopped sweet pickle

Drain potatoes well.

Combine the salad dressing, mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper mixing well.  Add the eggs, onion, celery, and pickle; toss lightly to mix.  Cover dish and chill until serving time.

I have had this recipe and photo for many years.

I have no idea where I got it.

PIMENTO CHEESE SAUSAGE BALLS

1 lb bulk sausage
12 oz. pimento cheese

2 1/4 cup baking mix (such as Bisquick)

Dash of paprika and/or red pepper, optional

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage and pimento cheese until thoroughly well combined.

When sausage and cheese are combined add the baking mix and the paprika or red pepper, if using.

Using your hands, mix all together well, kneading if necessary, until mixture forms a large ball.

Make balls, about 1-inch in size and place on a parchment paper lined (or lightly greased) baking sheet with sides.

Bake at 350 degrees 15 to 18 minutes or until browned.

If not serving immediately, cool then place in an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Reheat before serving.

photo credit to  A thought and a half

OLIVE GARDEN ALFREDO SAUCE

I have never had Olive Garden's Alfredo Sauce  so I cannot vouch for this recipe. It was given to me by a friend.

VEGGIE SKILLET

This is a quick healthy side dish that everyone should eat once a week.  This recipe fits easily into healthy diets and the bonus; quick and easy!  What a winning combo.

1 1/2 cups small zucchini, sliced (lenghtwise if zucchini are small enough)
1 1/2 cups small yellow squash, sliced (slice based on type of squash you use)
1 cup thinly sliced carrots
1 cup quartered mushrooms
1 to 2 tbsp canola oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Heat the oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.  When oil is hot, add the zucchini, yellow squash, carrots, and mushrooms.  Cook 6 to 10 minutes until the veggies are tender.  (Time will depend on veggies and the size of your slices.)

Sprinkle the cheese over the veggies and allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Note: This is a Kraft Cheese Recipe and Picture.

 

Yield: approximately 4 cups to serve 6 to 8.

WHITE QUESO

• 8-oz white American cheese
• 8-oz pepperjack cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 block (8-oz) cream cheese (low-fat not recommended)
• 1 can (10-oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• up to 3/4 cup milk, if needed
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp chili powder, optional

Combine white American cheese, pepperjack cheese, sour cream, crean cheese, and Rotel in a medium saucepan over low heat.  Cook over low heat, stirring often, until cheeses melt and mixture is smooth. Add milk, a little at a time, if needed. Stir in the spices.

file photo for reference only

CINNAMON-GINGER SPICED COFFEE

3/4 cup ground coffee

zest from half an orange (careful not to get the bitter white)
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp chopped candied ginger
6 cups cold water

Place the coffee in coffee filter in basket of coffee maker.  Add the orange zest, cinnamon, and ginger.  Pour the water into the maker as directed by manufacturer and brew as always.

file photo

SPICY PEANUT-PRETZEL SNACK MIX

2 cups pretzel nuggets

1 1/2 cups dry roasted peanuts
1/2 cup natural almonds
1/2 cup sesame sticks
2 tbsp butter, melted
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp crushed red pepper
1 tsp Splenda Granulated*
1/2 tsp ground cumin

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Combine all the ingredients together in a large bowl and toss to mix well.  Spread the mixture out on a 10 x 15 baking pan with sides.

Bake at 18 to 20 minutes or until lightly toasted.  Stir to mix well after the first 10 minutes.

Allow to cool and place in a bowl to serve or into a container with a tight-fitting lid for storage.

Yield: Approximately 4 cups of mix.

This is the file photo.

MINI MEAT PIE APPETIZERS

1/2 lb lean ground beef, browned and drained

2 hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tsp instant beef-flavored bouillon
1 pkg (11-oz) pie crust mix

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients except the pie crust mix; mix well.

Prepare the pie crust mix as directed on package (or buy refrigerated ready-made pie crust).  Divide dough in half and roll out half on a floured surface to form a 10 x 13-inch rectangle approximately 1/8-inch thick.  Cut the rectangle into 20, 2 1/2-inch squares.

Spoon 1 heaping teaspoon of the meat mixture onto each square.  Fold as desired; I like triangles.  Repeat with the remaining dough and meat mixture.  Place pies 1-inch apart on ungreased baking sheets.

Bake at 400 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

Serve hot as appetizers.

This is the file photo.

Leftovers should be refrigerated.

HOT MULLED CIDER WITH LEMON SLICES

1 quart apple cider

2/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 small cinnamon sticks
8 whole cloves
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger
lemon slices for garnish
additional cinnamon sticks to place in cups as stirrers, if desired

Combine the cider, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger in a 2-quart saucepan.  Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly.  Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.  Remove and discard the cinnamon sticks and cloves.  Pour the cider into cups and garnish each with a lemon slice.  Place a standing cinnamon stick in cups, if desired.

Yield: 6 to 8 servings

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CHOCOLATE ORANGE CHEESECAKE

This cheesecake takes over an hour but most of that time is spent in the oven baking. It goes together quickly.

Crust:
1 cup chocolate wafer crumbs
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
3 tbsp butter, melted

Combine above ingredients and press onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 10 minutes.

Filling:
4 (8-oz each) Philadelphia Brand Cream Cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
4 eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
2 tbsp orange flavored liqueur
1/2 tsp grated orange peel

Combine the cream cheese and sugar, mixing at medium speed on electric mixer until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in the sour cream and vanilla.

Blend the chocolate chips into 3 cups of the batter. Blend the orange liqueur and orange peel into the remaining batter. Pour the chocolate batter over the crust and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees. Spoon the orange batter over the chocolate layer and continue baking 30 minutes.

Loosen cake from the rim of the pan; cool before removing the rim. Chill before serving.

Garnish cake with chocolate curls, if desired.

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NOTE: This is a Philadelphia Cream Cheese Recipe that I have had since the 1980s.

ZESTY GAZPACHO

1 small red onion

1 small green bell pepper
1 cucumber
2 celery stalks
3 large ripe tomatoes
1 garlic clove, crushed
18-oz tomato juice
18-oz vegetable juice cocktail
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
seasoned croutons for garnish, optional
sliced green onions for garnish, optional

Chop the onion, bell pepper, unpeeled cucumber, celery, and tomatoes; combine in a large bowl tossing gently to mix.

Stir the garlic into the vegetables. Add both juices and the vinegar; mix well.

Add the olive oil, salt, and pepper to the bowl; stir to blend.  Cover and chill until serving time.

To serve, ladle gazpacho into soup bowls and garnish with the croutons and/or green onions, if desired.

Yield: 6 servings

This is  an Easy Everyday Cooking Recipe and photo From COOK'S.

CLEANING WOODEN CUTTING BOARDS

This is a post from my health blog. I am sharing on my food blogs as this is important information.

Bacteria can grow in the deep knife cuts on wooden cutting boards because wood is porous and nearly impossible to clean.  A quick wipe is not enough to kill the germs on such a board.  To be sure you are getting rid of all the germs, soak wooden cutting boards in 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water for at least 2 minutes.  Wash the board with hot soapy water following the soaking.

file photo

RUSSIAN-STYLE BEEF STROGANOFF

This recipe is one I got from Sarah at Curious Cuisine. I love beef stroganoff and this is a good recipe that does not use canned soup. Give it a try. Yum!

• 2 Tbsp salted butter, divided
• 8 oz button mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 lb sirloin steak, sliced thinly, against the grain
• 2 Tbsp unbleached all-purpose flour*
• 1 c beef broth (we prefer low sodium)
• ½ tsp ground mustard seed or 1 Tbsp whole grain mustard
• 1 Tbsp tomato paste
• ½ lb egg noodles, dry
• ½ c sour cream
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper

*I always use white whole-wheat flour for my health purposes.

In a large skillet, heat 1 Tbsp of butter. Saute the mushrooms in the butter over medium high heat for 2 minutes. Remove the mushrooms from the pan and set aside.

 
Add the remaining 1 Tbsp butter to the pan and heat until melted. Add the onions to the butter and saute for 1-2 minutes. 

Toss the beef chunks with the flour and add them to the saute pan. Cook until browned, 2-3 minutes.

Add the beef broth, mustard powder, and tomato paste to the saute pan along with the cooked mushrooms, scraping the bottom of the pan to pick up any stuck bits.

Simmer the mixture over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, until the beef is cooked to your liking.

Place the sour cream into a small bowl and mix a little of the broth from the 

skillet with the sour cream to warm it. Pour the warmed sour cream mixture into the saucepan and mix to combine.

Taste and add the salt and pepper, to taste.

Serve the stroganoff along side of potatoes, rice, or noodles, of your choosing.

Creative Cuisine Photo

GUACAMOLE 2-EGG OMELET

1 ripe avocado, cut in half & remove pit

1/4 cup taco sauce, mild, medium, or hot = your choice
1 tbsp lime juice
1 small garlic clove, minced
1/4 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 tbsp milk (or water)
dash of salt
dash of freshly ground black pepper

Scoop out the avocado with a spoon and place in a small bowl; mash with a fork until chunky.  Add the taco sauce, lime juice, garlic and salt; mix well and set aside.

Combine the eggs, water, pepper and salt in a small bowl and beat together briskly.

Spray an omelet pan (or a nonstick skillet) with nonstick cooking spray and heat over medium heat until hot. Pour the egg mixture into the pan. Stir in a circular motion by shaking pan briskly until the eggs begin to set.  Let stand a couple minutes then shake the pan.  Omelet should loosen easily but remove carefully with a spatula if necessary.

Spoon the avocado mixture over half of the omelet; slip a broad spatula under the omelet and carefully fold in half.  Slide onto serving plate and serve while hot.

Yield: 1 omelet

free clipart

LUCKY LEAF'S BAKED CARAMEL APPLE CHEESECAKE DIP

• 28-ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2cup granulated sugar
• 1/2cup sour cream
• 1teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1can LUCKY LEAF® Premium Caramel Apple Fruit Filling & Topping
• TOPPING:
• • 1/2cup flour
  • 3Tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1/4cup brown sugar
  • 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, granulated sugar, sour cream and vanilla extract. Beat at medium speed until smooth and creamy.
    3. Spread mixture evenly into bottom of a 10-inch pie plate.
    4. Top with caramel apple filling.
    5. In separate small bowl, combine flour, melted butter, and brown sugar to create streusel topping. Sprinkle over fruit filling.
    6. Bake for 25 minutes.
    7. Serve warm with graham crackers, vanilla wafers or any of your favorite dippers!
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    9. Lucky Leaf Photo
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NO-BAKE PINA COLADA CHEESECAKE

Spray sides of a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray or lightly grease with margarine.

1 cup vanilla wafer crumbs
1/2 cup finely chopped nuts
2 tbsp granulated sugar
3 tbsp butter, melted

Combine above ingredients and press onto the bottom of the prepared pan. Set aside.

1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup cold water
1 pkg (8-oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 can (8-oz) crushed pineapple, drained - reserve juice
Rum*
1 cup whipping cream, whipped
1/4 cup toasted coconut

Soften gelatin in the water; stir over low heat until dissolved.

Combine the cream cheese and sugar, mixing at medium speed with electric mixer until well blended. Pour pineapple juice into a 1 cup measure and add rum to make 3/4 cup.

Gradually add the gelatin and rum/juice mixture to the cream cheese mixture until well blended. Chill mixture until thickened but not set. Fold in the whipped cream and pineapple. Pour over the crust and chill until firm. Sprinkle with the toasted coconut.

*If you do not want to use rum, add water. You can add a dash of rum extract, if desired.

This is my version of a very old Kraft Foods recipe.

The picture is theirs.

LEMON-BROCCOLI CHICKEN

1 lemon

1 tbsp canola oil
4 (approx 1 lb total) boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 can (10 3/4)-oz) cream of broccoli soup
1/4 cup milk
dash of freshly ground black pepper

Cut 4 thin slices from the lemon; set aside.  Squeeze 2 teaspoons of juice from the remaining lemon; set aside.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil to hot.  Add chicken and cook 10 minutes or until browned on both sides.  Skim off any fat.

In a bowl, combine the broccoli soup and the milk; stir in the lemon juice and the black pepper.  Pour soup mixture over the chicken.  Top chicken with the lemon slices.

Reduce the heat to low and cover; cook 5 minutes or until the chicken is completely cooked through; stir occasionally.

Note: This is a Campbell's recipe and photo.

To serve, garnish with some carrots curls, fresh herbs, etc as desired.

SHRIMP AND CHEDDAR NACHOS

3/4 lb frozen cooked cleaned medium shrimp, thawed

2 tbsp zesty Italian salad dressing
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 tbsp blackened seasoning
8-oz (6 cups) tortilla chips
8-oz Shredded Triple Cheddar cheese
1 green onion, chopped
2 tbsp chopped cilantro
1 jalapeno pepper, sliced thin

Heat a large cast iron skillet over high heat until it is hot enough to smoke.  Add 1 tablespoon of the Italian dressing, shrimp, bell pepper, and the blackened seasoning.  Cook, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes or until the shrimp is heated through and evenly coated.  Stir in the remaining salad dressing.

Cover a large microwave-safe plate (be sure it will fit into your microwave!) with layers of half each of chips, shrimp mixture, and the cheese; repeat layers.

Microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted.  Rotate place after a minute if your microwave does not have a turntable.

Before serving, top with the onion, cilantro, and jalapeno pepper.

Yield: 6 to 8 servings



This is my version of a recipe from The Neely's many years ago.

IRRESISTIBLE HOT CHEESE DIP

2 cups (8-oz) shredded extra sharp Cheddar cheese

1 cup mayonnaise
1 small onion, grated

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine all three ingredients in a medium bowl, stirring to blend well.

Place the cheese mixture in an ungreased 1-quart baking dish.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Serve with an assortment of whole-grain crackers.

Yield: 2 1/2 cups dip.

file photo