8/04/2011

Yummy or not :Beef with Ramen Noodles recipe.

Ingredients
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup beef broth, divided
1 (3 ounce) package beef ramen noodles
1/2 pound boneless beef sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 (15 ounce) can baby corn, drained and rinsed
1 cup fresh broccoli florets
1/2 cup diced sweet red pepper
1/2 cup grated carrot
2 green onions cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup peanuts

Directions
In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and 2 tablespoons broth until smooth; set aside. Set aside seasoning packet from noodles. Cook noodles according to package directions.
In a skillet, stir-fry beef in oil. Add soy sauce; cook for 3-4 minutes or until liquid has evaporated. Drain noodles; add to beef.
Stir in the corn, broccoli, red pepper, carrot, onions and remaining broth. Sprinkle contents of seasoning packet over all.
Cook for 4-6 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Stir reserved cornstarch mixture and add to skillet. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Sprinkle with peanuts.

Yummy or not :Basil Chicken Strips recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into strips
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon dried basil

Directions
In a large resealable plastic bag, shake chicken strips and flour until coated. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add the chicken; saute for 5 minutes. Stir in the vinegar and basil; cook until chicken juices run clear.

Yummy or not :Amish Friendship Bread III recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup Amish Friendship Bread Starter
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped walnuts
2 apples - peeled, cored and finely chopped

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease two 9x5 inch loaf pans. Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda and salt, set aside
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the Amish Friendship Starter, eggs, oil and vanilla. Gradually stir in the sifted ingredients until just blended. Finally stir in the chopped nuts and apples. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a loaf comes out clean.

Yummy or not :Apricot Meringue Pie recipe.

Ingredients
12 ounces dried apricots, chopped
1 1/2 cups water
2 1/2 cups sugar, divided
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 eggs, separated
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 (9 inch) pastry shell, baked

Directions
In a saucepan, bring apricots and water to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until apricots are softened. In a bowl, combine 2 cups sugar, cornstarch and salt; stir into apricot mixture. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook and stir for 1 minute or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir a small amount of hot filling into yolks. Return all to pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 1 minute longer or until glossy and clear. Remove from the heat; stir in butter. Keep warm.
In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Pour hot filling into crust. Spread meringue evenly over filling, sealing edges to crust.
Bake at 325 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Chill for at least 3 hours before serving. Refrigerate leftovers.

Yummy or not :Blueberry Snow recipe.

Ingredients
1 (10 inch) angel food cake
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 (16 ounce) package frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (21 ounce) can blueberry pie filling
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
Break angel food cake into small pieces, and spread into the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
Mix together confectioners' sugar, cream cheese, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Pour over cake pieces. Pour blueberries over all. Chill for 4 hours or overnight.

Yummy or not :Asparagus and Goat Cheese Quesadillas recipe.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
1/2 pound fresh asparagus, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
salt and pepper to taste
2 (10 inch) flour tortillas
4 ounces herbed goat cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
fresh cilantro sprigs, for garnish

Directions
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat, and cook the asparagus, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly browned. Season with salt and pepper, and remove from heat.
Spread one side of each tortilla with 1/2 the goat cheese. Place 1/2 the asparagus and 1/2 the cilantro on each tortilla, and fold tortillas in half over contents to form quesadillas. Brush the outsides of the quesadillas with remaining oil.
Place the quesadillas in a skillet over medium-low heat, and cook 3 minutes on each side, or until lightly browned. Cut in half and garnish with cilantro to serve.

Yummy or not :Autumn Pot Roast recipe.

Ingredients
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 (5 pound) boneless beef rump roast
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
1/2 cup tomato juice
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
8 medium carrots, cut into thirds
1/2 pound small whole onions
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cold water
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
In a Dutch oven over medium heat, saute garlic in oil for 1 minute. Add the roast; brown on all sides.
In a large bowl, combine vinegar, tomato juice, ketchup, sugar, salt and pepper; pour over roast. Cover and simmer for 2 hours. Add carrots and onions; cover and cook for 1 hour longer or until meat and vegetables are tender. Remove to a serving platter and keep warm.
Skim fat from pan juices. Add water to juices to measure 3 cups. Mix flour and cold water until smooth; stir into pan juices. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Slice roast; serve with vegetables and gravy.

Yummy or not :Blissful Rosemary Chicken recipe.

Ingredients
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - pounded to 1/4 inch thickness
4 slices smoked fontina cheese
4 slices prosciutto
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
4 cloves garlic, halved
salt to taste

Directions
Use a knife or grater to sharpen the thick ends of the rosemary sprigs. Soak sprigs in water for at least 10 minutes.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
Layer each chicken breast with 1 slice fontina and 1 slice prosciutto. Roll tightly, and skewer each with a rosemary sprig to secure.
In a bowl, whisk together the wine, broth, oil and pepper. Pour into a medium baking dish. Place rolled chicken breasts in the dish. Place 2 garlic halves under each breast.
Bake 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until chicken juices run clear. Remove from baking dish, reserving sauce, and allow to stand 5 minutes.
Transfer remaining sauce to a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Drizzle over chicken to serve. Season chicken with salt to taste.

Yummy or not :Applesauce Bread III recipe.

Ingredients
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
2 1/4 cups bread flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch ground nutmeg
2/3 cup warm applesauce
1 tablespoon butter, softened
1/2 cup apple juice
1/2 cup shredded fresh apple, room temperature

Directions
Place ingredients in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select White Bread cycle; press Start.

Yummy or not :Baked Sweet Potatoes with Ginger and Honey recipe.

Ingredients
3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup honey
3 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
2 tablespoons walnut oil
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
In a large bowl, toss together the sweet potatoes, honey, ginger, walnut oil, cardamom, and pepper. Transfer to a large cast iron frying pan.
Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven. Stir the potatoes to expose the pieces from the bottom of the pan. Bake for another 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized on the outside.

Yummy or not :Abby's Chicken Rollatini recipe.

Ingredients
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
4 teaspoons butter
4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
10 ounces sliced whole milk mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup white wine
1/4 cup olive oil
1 pinch black pepper

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
Pound chicken breasts flat, and lay them on work surface. Sprinkle liberally with Parmesan cheese on both sides. Place a pinch of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon butter in the center of each breast. Cover each breast with a layer of prosciutto and mozzarella cheese. Reserve some of the prosciutto to place on top of the chicken. Roll up each chicken breast, and secure with toothpicks.
In a 9x13 inch baking dish, combine white wine and olive oil. Arrange chicken rolls in dish. Place a small piece of prosciutto on top of each roll, and sprinkle with pepper.
Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink, an juices run clear.

Yummy or not :Army SOS Creamed Ground Beef recipe.

Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cube beef bouillon
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 pinch ground black pepper
2 1/4 cups milk
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions
Brown beef in a large skillet over medium high heat. Stir in flour, bouillon, salt and pepper. Saute all together for about 5 minutes or until flour is absorbed. Gradually stir in milk and Worcestershire sauce. Bring all to a simmer, stirring constantly. Cook until thickened, about 5 to 10 minutes. Serve hot!

Yummy or not :Best Ever Shrimp Dip recipe.

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/2 pound cooked and peeled shrimp

Directions
In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese and mayonnaise. Mix in onion, celery and shrimp meat. Cover bowl, and refrigerate before serving.

Yummy or not :Almond Squares II recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup butter
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup almond paste
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 ounces sliced almonds

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Cream butter in a large mixing bowl; gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add egg yolk (reserve egg white), almond paste, and flavoring; beat until well blended. Stir in flour.
Spread mixture in a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan. Beat egg white (at room temperature) until foamy; brush over entire surface of dough, and sprinkle with almonds. Bake for 35 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool thoroughly, and cut into 2 inch squares. Store in airtight containers.

Yummy or not :Banana Nut Cupcakes recipe.

Ingredients
1/3 cup butter flavored shortening
2/3 cup sugar
1 cup mashed ripe bananas
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chopped nuts

Directions
In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Beat in the bananas, eggs, milk and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture until combined. Stir in nuts.
Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350 degrees F for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.

Yummy or not :Black Bean Rice Burgers recipe.

Ingredients
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup cooked brown rice
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 egg, lightly beaten
6 tablespoons salsa, divided
1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
4 lettuce leaves
4 slices reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
4 hamburger buns, split

Directions
In a large bowl, mash beans with a fork. Add the rice, onion, egg and 2 tablespoons salsa; mix well. Drop by 1/2 cupfuls into a large nonstick skillet coated with nonstick cooking spray. Flatten to 1/2-in. thickness. Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes on each side or until firm and browned.
In a small bowl, combine sour cream and remaining salsa. Place a lettuce leaf, burger, sour cream mixture and slice of cheese on bun.

Yummy or not :Apple Tossed Salad recipe.

Ingredients
1/3 cup red wine vinegar or cider vinegar
1/4 cup olive or vegetable oil
3 tablespoons water
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
8 cups torn romaine
1 medium red apple, thinly sliced
1 small sweet onion, sliced and separated into rings
1/4 cup sunflower kernels or walnuts

Directions
In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the first nine ingredients; shake well. In a salad bowl, combine the romaine, apple, onion and sunflower kernel. Add dressing and toss to coat. Let stand for 30 minutes.

Yummy or not :Beef Stew with Dumplings recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds cubed beef stew meat
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup butter
1 cup sliced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups water
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 cups cubed potatoes
1 1/2 cups diced carrots
1 cup sliced celery
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 1/2 cups biscuit baking mix
1/2 cup milk
3 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions
In a bowl, toss cubed beef with flour to coat.
Heat 4 tablespoons butter in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Place flour in a bag or bowl, and add beef cubes. Toss to coat with flour. Place coated cubes in the skillet and fry until well-browned on all sides; remove from pan and set aside.
Cook onion and garlic in same pan until tender. Return meat to pan with water, parsley, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally and adding more water if needed. Stir in potatoes, carrots, celery, and green pepper, and continue cooking another 15 minutes. Remove the bay leaf, and stir in mushrooms.
In a small bowl, mix together baking mix, 3 tablespoons melted butter, and milk until just blended. Drop dough by the tablespoonful into stew. Simmer, uncovered, approximately 10 minutes. Cover, and simmer 10 minutes more, or until dumplings are cooked through, but not dry.

Yummy or not :Breaded Pheasant Nuggets recipe.

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups Italian-style panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon dried parsley
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
3/4 cup butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 skinless, boneless pheasant breast halves, cut into chunks

Directions
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Combine the panko, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, black pepper, and mustard powder in a bowl until evenly combined.
Melt the butter with the garlic in a skillet over low heat. Once melted, cook and stir the garlic for 5 minutes to flavor the butter. Pour into a mixing bowl once melted. Dip the pheasant pieces into the melted butter, then press into the panko crumbs. Place onto an ungreased baking sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle the remaining panko crumbs over the pheasant nuggets.
Bake in the preheated oven until the pheasant pieces are no longer pink in the center, about 45 minutes.

Yummy or not :Apple Pinwheels recipe.

Ingredients
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup butter
1 1/3 cups sugar, divided
2 (8 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent rolls
3 cups finely chopped peeled tart apples
1 teaspoon apple pie spice

Directions
In a saucepan, combine water, butter and 1 cup sugar; cook over medium heat until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
Unroll crescent dough into one long rectangle; seal seams and perforations. Combine the apples, apple pie spice and remaining sugar; sprinkle over dough to within 1 in. of edges. Roll up, jelly-roll style, starting with a long side. Cut into 1-in. rolls; place in a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan.
Pour reserved syrup over rolls. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Yummy or not :Bitter Melon Stir-Fry recipe.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 pound pork loin, cut into small cubes
1/2 pound tiger prawns, peeled and deveined
1 tomato, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
1 bitter melon, seeded and sliced

Directions
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the onion and garlic in the hot oil until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Mix the pork into the onion and garlic; cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Stir the prawns into the mixture and cook until no longer translucent, about 5 minutes more. Add the tomatoes; season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking until the tomatoes soften, about 5 minutes. Stir the bitter melon through the mixture and cook until the melon is tender, about 5 minutes. Serve hot.

Yummy or not :Ally's Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe.

Ingredients
3 cups rolled oats
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup margarine
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Soak the rolled oats in the milk for at least ten minutes.
Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt, set aside. In a medium bowl, cream together the margarine, brown sugar and white sugar. Stir in the eggs and vanilla. Add the sifted ingredients, and mix well. Then stir in the oat mixture and chocolate chips.
Drop dough by heaping spoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, until cookies are golden brown. Cool on baking sheets or remove to cool on wire racks.

Yummy or not :Baked Spaghetti I recipe.

Ingredients
12 ounces spaghetti
1 cup chopped onions
1 cup chopped green bell peppers
1 pound lean ground beef
1 (16 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (4.5 ounce) can mushrooms, drained
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 cups shredded mild Cheddar cheese
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain, and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, saute the onions, green peppers and ground beef. Once beef is brown and onions and peppers softened, add the tomatoes, mushrooms and oregano. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Place half of the cooked spaghetti into the prepared dish. Top with half of the meat mixture. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the mild Cheddar cheese. Repeat. In a medium bowl, mix together cream of mushroom soup and water until smooth; pour over casserole. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Yummy or not :A Number One Egg Bread recipe.

Ingredients
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
2/3 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
6 egg yolks
3 eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 pinch salt

Directions
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Stir in the yolks, 3 eggs, oil, sugar, and salt. Add about 3-1/2 cups of flour to make a sticky dough.
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead with remaining flour until smooth and elastic, about 7 minutes. Place in a well oiled bowl, and turn to oil the entire surface of the dough. Cover with a damp cloth. Place in a warm place until double in size, about 1-1/2 hours.
Punch down the dough, and divide into 3 pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 12 inches long. Braid the three strands together, and seal the ends. Place the bread on a greased cookie sheet. Beat the remaining 1 egg with a pinch of salt; brush onto bread. Let the bread rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Brush the bread with eggwash again.
Bake for 40 minutes, or until golden. Cool on a wire rack.

Yummy or not :Buffalochef's Strawberry Rhubarb Pie recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup chilled butter
1 recipe pastry for a 9-inch double crust pie
1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
3/4 pound rhubarb, chopped
1 1/3 cups white sugar
3 tablespoons minced crystallized ginger
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 eggs

Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Roll out half the pie crust pastry to a circle about 11 inches in diameter, and fit the crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Place the pie dish onto a rimmed baking sheet.
Whisk together 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of flour, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a bowl. With a pastry cutter, chop in the butter until the topping resembles crumbs; set the topping aside.
In another bowl, stir together the strawberries, rhubarb, 1 1/3 cup of sugar, crystallized ginger, 1/4 cup of flour, nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, and salt until thoroughly combined; beat in the eggs.
Roll the rest of the pastry out into an 11-inch circle, and cut the crust into 1/2-inch wide strips. Spoon the strawberry-rhubarb filling into the bottom crust, and sprinkle the crumb topping evenly all over the filling. Moisten the rim of the filled bottom crust with a bit of water, and lay the two longest strips in a cross in the middle of the pie. Working from the next longest down to the shortest strips, alternate horizontal and vertical strips, weaving the strips as you go. Press the lattice strips down onto the bottom crust edge to seal, and trim the top crust strips neatly. Press the crust edges with a fork dipped in a little flour to make a crimped edge.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 degrees C (175 degrees C) until the pie is bubbling, and the crust and crumb topping are lightly browned, 45 to 50 more minutes. Cool pie at least 1 hour before serving.

Yummy or not :Blue Cheese Ball recipe.

Ingredients
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup crumbled blue cheese
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup minced onion
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions
In a medium bowl, stir together the cream cheese, blue cheese, Cheddar cheese, onion and Worcestershire sauce. Transfer to a separate bowl that has been lined with plastic wrap. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
The next day, gather the cream cheese mixture into a ball. Spread the walnuts out on a dinner plate. Roll the cheese ball in nuts until coated. Refrigerate or serve immediately.

Yummy or not :Bacon Wrapped Pineapple and Water Chestnuts recipe.

Ingredients
2 (8 ounce) cans whole water chestnuts, drained
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/4 cups soy sauce
24 slices thick sliced bacon, cut in half
1 (15 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
1 cup brown sugar

Directions
Stir the water chestnuts together with the garlic powder and soy sauce in a small bowl. Set aside to marinate for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Drain the water chestnuts, discarding the soy sauce. Place a pineapple chunk in the center of each piece of bacon, then place a water chestnut on top of that. Fold the ends of the bacon over the water chestnut, and secure with a toothpick. Repeat with the remaining bacon, pineapple, and water chestnuts. Gently toss the bacon-wrapped chestnuts with brown sugar in a bowl, then place onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, then turn the pieces over, and continue baking 15 to 35 minutes longer until the bacon has cooked to your desired degree of doneness. Briefly drain on a paper towel-lined plate, and serve hot.

Yummy or not :Baked Apple-Pecan Maple Pancakes recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup pancake/waffle mix
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup apple - peeled, cored and sliced
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup pecans, chopped
3 tablespoons maple syrup

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Mix together pancake mix, milk and egg until blended. Set aside.
Pour melted butter in 9-inch pie plate. Place apple slices in bottom of pie plate. Sprinkle cinnamon and pecans over apples and drizzle syrup over top. Pour batter over apples.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes or until top springs back when touched. Loosen edges and invert onto serving platter. Cut into wedges before serving.

Yummy or not :Ajiaco (Beef and Pepper Stew) recipe.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 cup thickly sliced shallots
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 red bell peppers, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 1/2 teaspoons chipotle chile powder, or to taste
2 teaspoons ground cumin
3 cups cubed cooked roast beef
1 pound baby red potatoes, cut in half
2 cups water
1 quart beef broth
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped parsley
2 hard-cooked eggs, sliced 1/4 inch thick

Directions
Heat the canola oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Stir in shallots, garlic, and red pepper; cook until the shallot has softened and turned translucent, about 4 minutes. Sprinkle in the chipotle powder and cumin; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the roast beef and red potatoes, pour in the water and beef broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes. Stir in the oregano, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Stir in chopped parsley before serving. Garnish each bowl with a few slices of hard-cooked egg.

Yummy or not :Basic Fondue recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups milk
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons ground dry mustard
1 clove garlic, peeled and crushed
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
6 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions
In a medium saucepan over low heat, mix together milk, Worcestershire sauce, ground dry mustard, garlic and flour. Heat until almost boiling. Gradually stir in Cheddar cheese. Continue heating until all the cheese has melted. Keep the mixture warm and melted in a fondue dish.

Yummy or not :Aussie Omelet recipe.

Ingredients
1 onion, diced
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
12 medium shrimp - peeled and deveined
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon curry powder
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese
1 tomato, sliced

Directions
In a medium nonstick saucepan over medium heat, cook and stir the onion, garlic, mushrooms and pepper until tender, about 5 minutes Mix in shrimp, and cook until opaque. Remove from heat, and set aside.
In a medium bowl, beat together eggs and milk. Mix in curry powder, salt and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pour in egg mixture, and cook 5 minutes, or until firm. Top with Cheddar cheese, tomato and the onion and shrimp mixture. Fold eggs over filling, and serve warm.

Yummy or not :Better Than Sex Cake III recipe.

Ingredients
1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
1 (15 ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice
3 bananas, sliced
1 (3.5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 (16 ounce) package frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 1/4 cups flaked coconut
16 ounces chopped walnuts
1/2 cup white sugar

Directions
Bake yellow cake mix according to package directions for one 9x13 inch cake.
Combine the crushed pineapple (undrained) with the white sugar and cook for 5 minutes over medium heat. Set aside to cool.
Mix instant vanilla pudding according to package directions.
Once cake is cool spread the cooled pineapple mixture over the top followed by the vanilla pudding, sliced bananas, and whipped topping. Sprinkle the flaked coconut and chopped nuts over the top of the cake. Let cake chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Yummy or not :Apricot Dessert recipe.

Ingredients
1 quart apricot nectar
2 (3 ounce) packages apricot flavored gelatin mix
1 pint sour cream
1 (8.75 ounce) can apricot halves, drained and chopped
1 (8 ounce) tub frozen whipped topping, thawed

Directions
Pour the apricot nectar into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in gelatin mix until completely dissolved. Whisk in sour cream until smooth or process in a blender. Pour into a serving bowl, and stir in the apricots. Chill until set, about 3 hours. Top with whipped topping just before serving.

Yummy or not :Braided Egg Bread recipe.

Ingredients
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
2 cups hot milk
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup water
11 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Directions
Proof yeast and 1/2 cup warm water in a large mixing bowl.
Combine hot milk, sugar, butter, salt, and 1/2 cup water in a medium bowl. Cool to 110 degrees.
In small bowl, slightly beat 5 eggs, then add to cooled milk mixture. Add milk mixture to yeast mixture. Add 2 cups flour and beat until smooth. Slowly add remaining flour until it forms a stiff dough. Knead on a floured board for 10 minutes (5 minutes with a bread hook). Place in a large glass or plastic bowl lightly greased. Turn dough over to grease both sides. Cover and let rise in a warm, dark place until doubled in volume, approximately 60 minutes.
Punch down, cover, and let rise again until double, approximately 30 minutes.
Punch again, and form into three parts. Form each part into a 20-inch roll. Braid rolls on a large, greased cookie sheet. Cover and let rise until doubled.
Lightly beat remaining egg and brush loaf. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake in preheated 350 degree F (175 degrees C) oven for about 55 minutes until nicely browned. May be made into two regular sized loaves. Reduce baking time slightly.

Yummy or not :April's Chicken Fried Rice recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups uncooked white rice
1 tablespoon butter
2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed
salt to taste
2 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup sliced mushrooms
2 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon soy sauce, or to taste

Directions
In a saucepan bring 4 cups water to a boil. Add rice and stir. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken in butter and season with salt to taste. Set chicken aside.
Transfer cooked rice to the skillet in which the chicken was cooked, stirring to brown.
In a separate skillet, scramble eggs.
To the rice add chicken, mushrooms, green onions, eggs and soy sauce to taste.