7/10/2011

Yummy or not :Bruti Ma Buoni recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup egg whites
1 3/4 cups white sugar
5 1/3 cups chopped blanched almonds
2 cups hazelnuts, skinned and chopped

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
Let egg whites stand until at room temperature. Beat the whites until lightly foamy. Add the sugar gradually as you beat. Beat until soft peaks are formed. Fold in the nuts.
Transfer this all to a large saucepot. Cook over low heat, stirring all the time, until it thickens and turns a little brown, about 10 minutes.
Spoon the cookies onto greased baking sheets by the teaspoonful, about 1 to 1-1/2 inches apart. Bake about 22 minutes, or until dry. Remove and place on a wire rack to cool.

Yummy or not :Apple Butter the Easy Way recipe.

Ingredients
2 pounds chopped apples
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions
In a microwave safe bowl, combine apples, maple syrup and cinnamon. Microwave on high for 15 minutes. Transfer mixture to a blender and process until smooth. Return mixture to bowl and microwave 5 minutes more. Cool and transfer to a jar. Store in refrigerator.

Yummy or not :Baked Fennel with Gorgonzola recipe.

Ingredients
4 bulbs fennel, untrimmed
1 3/4 cups chicken broth
4 ounces Gorgonzola cheese
2 tablespoons dried bread crumbs
salt to taste

Directions
Rinse fennel. Trim off stems, and reserve about 1 cup of the tender green leaves. Trim any bruises or dry looking areas from fennel. Cut each bulb in half from stem through root end.
Lay fennel bulb pieces in a 10 inch frying pan, and add broth. Cover, and bring to a boil on high heat. Simmer until fennel is tender when pierced, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer fennel to a shallow casserole, 9 to 10 inched wide; lay cut side up.
Boil broth, uncovered, on high heat until reduced to about 1/2 cup. Stir in about half the fennel leaves. Spoon mixture evenly over fennel.
Mash cheese with bread crumbs. Dot mixture evenly over fennel. If making ahead, cover and chill up to 1 day. Also wrap remaining fennel leaves in a towel, seal in a plastic bag, and chill.
Bake casserole, uncovered, at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) until cheese begins to brown and fennel is hot, about 20 minutes. Tuck remaining leaves around fennel. Season to taste with salt.

Yummy or not :Barbecued Round Steak recipe.

Ingredients
2 pounds beef round steak, 1 inch thick, cut into strips
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup tomato juice
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 teaspoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
Hot cooked rice

Directions
In a large skillet, brown beef in oil over medium-high heat; drain. In a bowl, combine the tomato juice, ketchup, water, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar and seasonings; pour over the beef. bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until the meat is tender.
Combine cornstarch and cold water until smooth; stir into meat mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Serve over rice if desired.

Yummy or not :Bacon Cheddar Muffins recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups biscuit/baking mix
2/3 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup finely shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
8 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

Directions
In a bowl, combine biscuit mix, milk, oil and egg just until moistened. Fold in cheese and bacon. Fill greased muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake at 375 degrees F for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pan to a wire rack.

Yummy or not :Bread Machine Pumpernickel Bread recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/8 cups warm water
1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/3 cup molasses
3 tablespoons cocoa
1 tablespoon caraway seed (optional)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cups bread flour
1 cup rye flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 tablespoons vital wheat gluten (optional)
2 1/2 teaspoons bread machine yeast

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

Yummy or not :Beef 'N' Bean Starter recipe.

Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch cubes
2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with oil, garlic and onions, undrained
1 (16 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15.5 ounce) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions
In a slow cooker, combine all ingredients; mix well. Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or until beef is tender. Cool. Transfer to two freezer bags or containers, 4 cups in each. May be frozen for up to 3 months.

Yummy or not :Broiled Tilapia Parmesan recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup butter, softened
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon celery salt
2 pounds tilapia fillets

Directions
Preheat your oven's broiler. Grease a broiling pan or line pan with aluminum foil.
In a small bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, butter, mayonnaise and lemon juice. Season with dried basil, pepper, onion powder and celery salt. Mix well and set aside.
Arrange fillets in a single layer on the prepared pan. Broil a few inches from the heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the fillets over and broil for a couple more minutes. Remove the fillets from the oven and cover them with the Parmesan cheese mixture on the top side. Broil for 2 more minutes or until the topping is browned and fish flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to over cook the fish.

Yummy or not :Baked Doughnuts recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 cup butter, melted

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet, or donut baking pan.
In a medium bowl, mix sugar, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon and flour. Mix buttermilk, eggs, honey and butter in a separate medium bowl, and stir into the dry ingredients. Spoon the mixture onto the prepared pan in doughnut shapes.
Bake 12 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown.

Yummy or not :Al Capone Roast recipe.

Ingredients
3 pounds flank steak, pounded thin for easy rolling
1/4 cup olive oil
1 (4 ounce) can finely chopped black olives (optional)
1 cup minced fresh mushrooms (optional)
8 slices prosciutto
6 slices mortadella
10 slices mozzarella cheese
10 slices pepperoni sausage
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, divided
1 teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
1 teaspoon steak seasoning

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Rub the flank steak on both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle the mushrooms and olives over the steak, if using. Place a layer of prosciutto, then a layer of mortadella, mozzarella, and then pepperoni. Season with some of the Italian seasoning. Roll the steak up around the filling, and tie with butcher's string. Rub the outside of the roll with remaining Italian seasoning, garlic powder and steak seasoning.
Heat a large cast iron skillet over high heat. Sear the roast over the entire outside. Then leave the roast in the skillet, and place the skillet in the oven.
Roast for 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F (70 degrees C) when taken in the center of the roast. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Yummy or not :Basic Yummy Stuffing recipe.

Ingredients
1/4 cup butter
3 stalks celery, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 (8 ounce) can oysters
1 1/2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
1 (1 pound) loaf day-old bread, torn into small pieces
1/2 cup turkey drippings

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Slowly cook and stir celery and onions until onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. Stir in oysters, poultry seasoning, bread and enough turkey drippings to keep the mixture moist but not soggy.
When bread pieces are thoroughly coated, transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover and bake in the preheated oven 30 to 45 minutes, until lightly browned.

Yummy or not :All-Bran Big and Juicy 1/4-lb. Burgers recipe.

Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup Kellogg's* All-Bran* Original cereal
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon vegetable oil

Directions
In large bowl, combine all ingredients, except oil. Mix well and shape into 4 uniform patties.
In large non-stick skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add patties; cook 3 to 4 minutes per side. Alternatively, grill over medium-high heat on barbecue or under broiler.
Serve on toasted whole grain rolls with your favourite condiments.

Yummy or not :Bread Machine Garlic Bread recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup warm water (110 degrees F)
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon dry milk powder
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 tablespoons dried parsley
2 teaspoons garlic powder
3 cups bread flour
2 teaspoons active dry yeast

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

Yummy or not :Apricot Mini Loaves recipe.

Ingredients
1 egg, lightly beaten
6 tablespoons milk
5 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
4 1/2 teaspoons honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup pancake mix
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
1/4 cup finely chopped dried apricots
2 tablespoons raisins
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon honey
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
2 teaspoons milk

Directions
In a bowl, combine the egg, milk, butter, honey and vanilla; stir in the pancake mix just until moistened. Fold in the walnuts, apricots and raisins. Pour into two greased 4-1/2-in. x 2-1/2-in. x 1-1/2-in. loaf pans.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 22-28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. In a small bowl, combine the glaze ingredients. Drizzle over warm loaves. Cool.

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 :Barbecued Korean Ribs recipe.

Ingredients
4 pounds beef short ribs, 2-1/2 inches long
2/3 cup Kikkoman Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
2 large cloves garlic, pressed

Directions
Score meaty side of ribs, opposite bone, 1/2 inch apart, 1/2 inch deep, lengthwise and crosswise. Place ribs in large plastic food storage bag.
Combine teriyaki sauce, sesame seed, sugar, pepper sauce and garlic; pour over ribs. Press air out of bag; close top securely. Turn bag over several times to coat all pieces. Refrigerate 4 hours, turning bag over occasionally.
Remove ribs; discard marinade.
Grill or broil 4 inches from hot coals or heat source 15 to 18 minutes, or until ribs are brown and crisp. Turn ribs over occasionally.

Yummy or not :Baked French Fries I recipe.

Ingredients
1 large baking potato
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
Cut potato into wedges. Mix olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder and onion powder together. Coat potatoes with oil/spice mixture and place on a baking sheet.
Bake for 45 minutes in preheated oven.

Yummy or not :Braised Rabbit with Mushroom Sauce recipe.

Ingredients
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 (3 pound) dressed rabbit, cut up
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (8 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup water
1 1/2 cups baby carrots
6 potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4 inch chunks

Directions
Combine flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl, and set aside. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Coat each piece of rabbit with the seasoned flour mixture, and cook in the hot oil for 3 to 5 minutes per side, until the rabbit pieces are golden brown. Remove the rabbit from the skillet and set aside.
Preheat an oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
Mix together the mushroom soup, mushrooms, garlic, Italian seasoning, and water in a saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat.
Place the browned rabbit pieces in a large roasting pan or Dutch oven with a lid, and cover the rabbit with the carrots and potatoes. Pour the mushroom sauce over the rabbit, carrots, and potatoes, cover, and bake in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 hours, until the rabbit and vegetables are tender and the sauce is bubbling.

Yummy or not :Broccoli Soup II recipe.

Ingredients
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 head broccoli, chopped
1 (32 fluid ounce) container chicken broth
1/2 cup uncooked white rice
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat, and saute garlic 1 minute. Mix in broccoli, and cook 5 minutes. Pour in broth, and stir in rice. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 20 minutes.
Strain the broccoli and cooked rice from the soup, and place in a blender with 1 cup of the soup liquid. Blend until smooth. Return to pot. Serve with Cheddar cheese.

Yummy or not :Apricot Kuchen recipe.

Ingredients
8 ounces dried apricot halves
3 cups cold water
2 cups sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup butter
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
Ground cinnamon
Additional sugar

Directions
Place apricots and water in a bowl; soak overnight.
In a saucepan, combine apricots, soaking liquid, and sugar. Simmer until apricots are transparent. Cool; drain and set aside.
Place flour in a mixing bowl; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Dissolve yeast in water; add to crumb mixture along with sugar, salt, eggs and cardamom. Beat until smooth (dough will be soft and sticky). Place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 1/2 hours.
On a floured surface or pastry cloth, knead dough for 2 minutes. Divide into three portions; roll each in a 9-inch circle. Place each in a greased 9-inch round cake pan. Let rise until doubled, about 1 1/4 hours.
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place apricots on top of dough. Combine cinnamon and sugar; sprinkle over apricots. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Cool on wire racks.

Yummy or not :Always A Winner Grilled Chicken recipe.

Ingredients
1 lime, juiced
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup white wine
1/4 cup honey
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 pinch red pepper flakes
1 pinch cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
6 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness

Directions
Whisk together lime juice, vinegar, orange juice, wine, and honey in a bowl until the honey dissolves. Add salt, pepper, chipotle powder, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, cinnamon, oregano, cumin, ginger, red pepper flakes, cayenne, and olive oil; whisk to mix. Place chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag, pour in marinade, and coat well. Marinate in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 days.
Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat and lightly oil grate.
Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess; discard remaining marinade. Cook chicken on the preheated grill approximately 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the juices run clear and there are no signs of pink in the meat.

Yummy or not :Apple Pecan Cornbread Dressing recipe.

Ingredients
1 (9x9 inch) pan cornbread, cooled and crumbled
1 (8 ounce) package herb-seasoned dry bread stuffing mix
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped onion
2 cups chopped apples
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 cups apple juice
3 eggs, beaten

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 3 quart casserole dish.
Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan, and saute the celery and onion for 8 to 10 minutes, or until tender.
In a large bowl, combine the cornbread, stuffing mix, parsley, ginger, and salt. Mix in the celery and onion mixture, chopped apple, chopped pecans, apple juice, and beaten eggs. Spoon dressing into prepared casserole dish.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, or until heated through, and lightly browned on top.

Yummy or not :Butternut Squash Soup with a Kick recipe.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, diced
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
1 (2 pound) butternut squash - peeled, seeded, and cubed
1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
1/2 cup coconut milk
1 tablespoon white sugar
salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, or to taste

Directions
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in the onion, ginger, and jalapeno pepper; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 7 minutes. Add the butternut squash and chicken broth, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the squash is tender, about 30 minutes.
Stir in the evaporated milk, coconut milk, sugar, salt and pepper. Cook and stir 5 minutes more. Pour the soup into a blender, filling the pitcher no more than halfway full. Hold down the lid of the blender with a folded kitchen towel, and carefully start the blender, using a few quick pulses to get the soup moving before leaving it on to puree. Puree in batches until smooth, and pour into a clean pot. Alternately, you can use a stick blender and puree the soup right in the cooking pot. Ladle into bowls, and garnish with sour cream and thyme to serve.

Yummy or not :Argentine Corn Pie recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups frozen corn
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3/4 cup onion, chopped
2 cups milk
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust
1 egg, beaten

Directions
Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Place 1 egg into a saucepan cover with water by 1 inch. Cover the saucepan and bring the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, immediately remove from the heat and let the egg stand in the hot water for 15 minutes. Pour out the hot water and cool the egg under cold running water in the sink; peel and chop the egg. Meanwhile, bring a saucepan of water to a boil. Stir in the corn and return to a boil. Cook for 2 minutes; strain and set aside to cool.
Heat the vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the onion, and cook until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Pour the milk into the saucepan and whisk in the cornstarch. Add the butter, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer whisking constantly, then cook for 2 minutes until the butter has melted and the sauce has thickened. Stir in the hard boiled egg and corn; pour into the pie crust. Brush the crust with the beaten egg.
Bake in the preheated oven until the crust and the pie are golden brown, about 25 minutes.

Yummy or not :5-Minute Guacamole recipe.

Ingredients
1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and cubed
1 tablespoon salsa
1 clove garlic, peeled
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions
In a food processor, combine all ingredients; cover and process until smooth. Transfer to a small bowl; serve immediately.

Yummy or not :Breakfast Buns recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar, divided
1 tablespoon baking powder
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1 cup raisins
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions
In a mixing bowl, stir together flour, 1/2 cup sugar and baking powder; cut in butter. Combine eggs, vanilla and milk; add to dry ingredients and stir just until moistened. Add raisins. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto greased baking sheet. Combine the cinnamon and remaining sugar; sprinkle over buns. Bake at 325 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until light golden brown. Serve warm.

Yummy or not :BBQ Potatoes with Green Onions recipe.

Ingredients
6 large potatoes, peeled
4 green onions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons butter
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions
Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat.
Microwave potatoes on High 5 to 8 minutes, until tender but still firm. Cool slightly, and cube.
Place cubed potatoes on a large piece of foil. Top with green onions. Dot with butter, and season with salt and pepper. Tightly seal foil around the potatoes.
Cook on the prepared grill 20 to 30 minutes, until tender.

Yummy or not :Black Rice Pudding recipe.

Ingredients
1/3 cup uncooked glutinous black rice
1/2 cup uncooked glutinous white rice
1/3 cup palm sugar
3 cups water
1/3 cup coconut cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
Rinse and drain glutinous black rice and glutinous white rice, then combine with sugar and water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook until rice is tender and creamy, stirring occasionally, about 45 minutes. Stir in coconut cream and vanilla extract. Serve warm.

Yummy or not :Amazing Brown Rice Salad recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups water
1 cup brown rice
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup diced celery
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing
1 tablespoon sugar

Directions
In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Stir in rice, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 45 to 60 minutes, or until done.
Transfer rice to a serving bowl, and stir in onion, celery, cranberries, salad dressing and sugar. Cover, refrigerate, and serve cold.

Yummy or not :Black Bean Quesadillas recipe.

Ingredients
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 2/3 cups salsa, divided
10 (8 inch) flour tortillas
2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
1/3 cup sour cream

Directions
In a bowl, mash the beans; add 1 cup salsa. Place five tortillas on ungreased baking sheets; spread with bean mixture. Sprinkle with cheese; top with the remaining tortillas.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 15-18 minutes or until crisp and heated through. Cut into wedges. Serve with sour cream and remaining salsa.

Yummy or not :Apple Pork Chop Casserole recipe.

Ingredients
2 (3/4 inch thick) boneless pork loin chops
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
3/4 cup water
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1 small tart green apple, cored and chopped
2 tablespoons raisins
1 1/2 cups crushed chicken stuffing mix
2/3 cup condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted

Directions
In a skillet, brown meat in oil for about 5 minutes on each side. In a saucepan, combine the water, butter, apple and raisins; bring to a boil. Stir in stuffing mix. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Transfer to a greased shallow 1-qt. baking dish. Top with meat. Spoon soup over meat and stuffing. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into pork chops reads 160 degrees F.

Yummy or not :Almond French Toast recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup slivered almonds
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 thick slices French bread
3 tablespoons canola oil
3 tablespoons butter
confectioners' sugar for dusting

Directions
Place almonds in a small saucepan over low heat. Tossing frequently, toast until lightly browned, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, flour, salt, baking powder, almond extract and vanilla extract. Soak bread slices in the mixture until saturated. Place slices in a shallow pan. Refrigerate slices approximately 1 hour.
Heat canola oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. One at a time, press one side of soaked bread slices in the almonds to coat. Fry bread slices on both sides until golden brown. Dust with confectioner's sugar before serving,

Yummy or not :Autumn Beef Stew recipe.

Ingredients
12 small red potatoes, halved
1 pound carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large onion, cut into wedges
2 pounds lean beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/3 cup butter or stick margarine
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup water
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Directions
Place potatoes, carrots and onion in a 5-qt. slow cooker. In a large skillet, brown beef in butter. Transfer beef to slow cooker with a slotted spoon.
Stir flour into the pan drippings until blended; cook and stir until browned. Gradually add water. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add salt, parsley, celery seed, thyme and pepper; pour over beef. Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or until meat and vegetables are tender.

Yummy or not :Adam's Dirt Cookies recipe.

Ingredients
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs

Directions
Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a medium bowl, cream the white sugar, brown sugar, and the butter together until smooth. Stir in the eggs and vanilla. Add the flour mixture, and stir until just combined. Stir the crushed cookies into the dough. Cover, and chill the dough for 1/2 hour.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
Drop dough by rounded spoonfuls onto prepared cookie sheets. Bake for 10 to 11 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove to cool on wire racks.

Yummy or not :Aunt Irene's Frosting recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 (.25 ounce) package unflavored gelatin
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions
In a medium sized saucepan, stir the sugar, flour, cornstarch and gelatin together. Add the eggs and beat until smooth. Beat in the milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the butter and the vanilla. Let cool and chill until cold.
Once cold, beat until smooth and fluffy.
Whip the cream into soft peaks and fold it into the frosting. Makes enough to frost one 8 or 9 inch layer cake.

Yummy or not :Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups water
2 cups uncooked instant rice
2 (10 ounce) cans chunk chicken, drained
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1/4 cup butter
1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli
1 small white onion, chopped
1 pound processed cheese food

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Mix in the instant rice, cover, and remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes.
In a 9x13 inch baking dish, mix the prepared rice, chicken, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, butter, milk, broccoli, onion, and processed cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Stir halfway through cooking to help cheese melt evenly.

Yummy or not :Apple Glazed Pork recipe.

Ingredients
4 Granny Smith apples, cored and chopped
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, with juice
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons honey
4 cloves garlic, crushed
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
6 boneless pork chops

Directions
Place apples, pineapple and juice, vinegar, sugar, mustard, water, honey, garlic, cayenne pepper, and onion powder in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the apples are tender, about 15 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then puree in a blender until smooth. Place the pork chops into a resealable plastic bag, and pour the apple puree overtop. Marinate in the refrigerator overnight.
Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat, and lightly oil grate. Remove pork chops from marinade, and shake off excess. Discard remaining marinade.
Cook on preheated grill until the chops are no longer pink in the center, about 5 minutes per side depending on the thickness.

Yummy or not :Bobra's Banana Bread recipe.

Ingredients
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ripe bananas
1/4 cup plain yogurt

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan. In a bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, kosher salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Mash together the butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until creamy; beat in the egg and vanilla extract with an electric beater. In a third bowl, mash the bananas with the yogurt until smooth. Mix the flour mixture into the butter mixture in several additions, alternating with the banana mixture until the batter is smooth. Pour into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the banana bread comes out clean, 50 to 60 minutes. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then finish cooling on a cooling rack.

Yummy or not :Beefy Rice Salad Sandwiches recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups rice, cooked
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
3/4 pound lean ground beef
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
1/2 avocado - peeled, pitted and diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
salt and pepper to taste
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
3 pita bread rounds, cut in half
lettuce leaves
tomato slices

Directions
Rinse rice in a fine mesh strainer under cold running water until no longer cloudy. Transfer to a medium saucepan and cover with 2 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes, remove from heat and let stand for at least 10 minutes, or until all liquid has evaporated. Set aside to cool.
Cook onion and bell pepper in 1 tablespoon oil over medium high heat until tender. Add ground beef and thyme, and cook until well browned, stirring occasionally and reducing heat if necessary.
In a bowl, stir together cooked rice, meat mixture, avocado, and parsley. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, rice vinegar, and desired amount of salt and pepper. Pour over rice mixture, and toss lightly. Line each pita half with lettuce and tomato, and fill each with rice mixture. Serve warm or cold. Enjoy!