7/17/2011

Yummy or not :Asparagus Ham Salad recipe.

Ingredients
1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
1/2 cup olive or vegetable oil
1/4 cup cider or white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 cup diced fully cooked ham
2 green onions, thinly sliced

Directions
In a skillet, cook asparagus in a small amount of water until crisp-tender, about 6-8 minutes; drain well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Meanwhile, in a jar with tight-fitting lid, combine the oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper and sugar if desired; shake well. Cover ad refrigerate at least 1 hour. Place asparagus in a serving bowl. Top with ham, onions and dressing. Serve with a slotted spoon.

Yummy or not :Broccoli Cheese Casserole recipe.

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli
2 tablespoons water
1 (16 ounce) jar process cheese sauce
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
2 (8 ounce) cans sliced water chestnuts, drained
4 cups cooked white rice
1 (2.25 ounce) package blanched slivered almonds

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
Place broccoli in saucepan with 2 tablespoons water. Bring water to a boil; reduce heat to medium. Cover; cook 5 minutes. Uncover; cook 2 to 3 more minutes, separating broccoli occasionally. Drain well.
In a small pot, cook cheese and soup together until smooth.
Combine cheese and soup, broccoli, water chestnuts, and rice in the casserole dish. Cover with almonds.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly.

Yummy or not :Belly Burner Chili recipe.

Ingredients
3 pounds ground spicy pork sausage
2 cups chopped onion
3 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup chopped black olives
1/2 cup chopped green olives
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans

Directions
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook sausage until brown. Drain and crumble.
In a slow cooker, combine sausage, onion, tomato sauce, water, black and green olives, pepper, soy sauce, chili powder and beans. Cover and cook on low 8 hours.

Yummy or not :Apple Pastry Squares recipe.

Ingredients
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup water
5 cups thinly sliced peeled apples
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup cold shortening
2 egg yolks, beaten
1/4 cup cold water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
For filling, combine sugar, cornstarch and water in a saucepan. Mix until well blended. Add apples; heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat. Stir in spices and lemon juices; set aside. For pastry, combine flour and salt. Cut in shortening until mixture is crumbly. Combine egg yolks, water and lemon juice; blend into flour. Mixture will form a ball. Divided in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough between two pieces of waxed paper to fit the bottom and halfway up the sides of a 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Spread filling over pastry. Roll remaining pastry to fit pan exactly; place on top of filling. Fold bottom pastry over top and press to seal. Cut a few small slits in top crust. Bake at 400 degrees F for about 40 minutes or until lightly browned. For glaze, combine all ingredients and drizzle over the warm pastry.

Yummy or not :Baked Stuffed Onions recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup uncooked long-grain rice
6 large Spanish onions, peeled
1/2 pound spicy ground pork sausage
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup soft bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a shallow baking dish.
In a saucepan bring 1 cup water to a boil. Add rice and stir. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
Slice tops off of onions. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add onions and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain, cool and remove centers of onions, leaving shell intact. Chop centers and reserve 1/2 cup of the chopped flesh.
Place sausage in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, reserving drippings, crumble and set aside.
In the reserved drippings saute green pepper and reserved 1/2 cup chopped onion until tender. Combine with sausage, egg, cooked rice, bread crumbs, oregano and parsley. Spoon mixture into onion shells and place in prepared dish.
Combine melted butter and paprika; brush or spoon over onions.
Bake in preheated oven, covered, for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 5 minutes.

Yummy or not :Bow Tie Chicken: Tux Optional recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups bow tie pasta
1 cup pasta sauce
1/2 cup Hidden Valley� Original Ranch� Salad Dressing, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup frozen corn
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 10-inch round casserole dish.
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain. Stir sauce and 1/4 cup Ranch into pasta; set aside.
Heat olive oil in frying pan. Cook chicken over medium heat. Remove chicken; cut into small pieces. Return chicken to frying pan. Add peas, corn and Feta to frying pan; simmer for 5 minutes.
Scoop half the pasta mixture into casserole dish. Layer half the chicken mixture on top of the pasta. Repeat. Drizzle remaining Ranch and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top. Bake for 30 minutes.

Yummy or not :Bulgur Barbecue recipe.

Ingredients
2 3/4 cups water, divided
2/3 cup bulgur
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 1/2 cups chopped celery
1 large onion, chopped
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
12 hamburger buns, split

Directions
In a saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Stir in bulgur. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat. Drain and squeeze dry; set aside.
In a large nonstick skillet, cook the beef, celery and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the tomato sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper and remaining water. Stir in reserved bulgur.
Transfer to a 2-qt. baking dish. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 50-60 minutes or until heated through. Serve on buns.

Yummy or not :Beefy Potato Volcano recipe.

Ingredients
3 large baking potatoes, 10 to 12 ounces each, preferably Idaho, washed and dried
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 pound ground turkey or lean ground beef
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1 (8 ounce) can peas, drained
1 (8 ounce) can sliced carrots, drained
1 (8 ounce) can cut green beans, drained
1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
1 (15 ounce) can beef or turkey gravy

Directions
Preheat the conventional oven to 450 degrees F. Place the potatoes in a microwave-safe, oven-proof glass baking dish, such as a pie plate, that fits in the microwave oven. Microwave the potatoes at full power for 10 minutes (the amount of time it takes to preheat the oven). Transfer the potatoes to the conventional oven and bake until tender, about 20 minutes.
Ten to 15 minutes before the potatoes are done baking, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until lightly browned, chopping and turning as needed with a spatula so the turkey browns evenly, about 5 minutes. Add the seasoning to the skillet, followed by the peas, carrots, green beans, tomatoes and gravy to make the stew. Stir gently to combine and simmer for 5 minutes. Keep warm.
To serve: Cut each potato in half across its equator and set each half, cut-side down on a plate so that it looks like a small mountain. Cut a slit in the top of each potato half and squeeze the sides gently forcing some of the potato to 'erupt' from the top. Ladle 1 cup of the stew over each potato to resemble flowing lava; serve immediately.

Yummy or not :Blueberry Streusel Muffins recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups blueberries
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter, chilled

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease muffin cups or line with paper muffin liners.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the eggs one at a time, beating well with each addition, then stir in the vanilla. In a separate bowl, stir together 2 cups flour, baking powder, and salt.
Stir the flour mixture into egg mixture alternately with milk. Fold in blueberries. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons flour, brown sugar and cinnamon. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle topping over unbaked muffins.
Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Yummy or not :Bacon Ranch Pea Salad recipe.

Ingredients
4 slices bacon
1 quart water
1 (16 ounce) package frozen green peas
1/3 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup Ranch dressing
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions
Place bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat, and cook until evenly brown. Drain, crumble, and set aside.
Bring the water to a boil in a pot. Boil the peas 1 minute, until just tender, and drain. Cool peas under cold running water.
In a bowl, toss together bacon, peas, onion, Ranch dressing, and Cheddar cheese. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until chilled before serving.

Yummy or not :Almond Cherry Fudge recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup chopped almonds
1/2 cup red candied cherries, chopped
1 teaspoon almond extract

Directions
Line an 8-in. square pan with foil and grease the foil; set aside. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and milk. Cover and microwave on high for 1 to 1-1/2 minutes or until chips are melted; stir until smooth. Stir in the almonds, cherries and extract. Spread into prepared pan. Cover and chill for 2 hours or until set.
Using foil, lift fudge out of pan. Discard foil; cut fudge into 1-in. squares. Store in the refrigerator.

Yummy or not :Apple Coffee Cake Pizza recipe.

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup milk
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
CHEESE TOPPING:
2 (3 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
APPLE TOPPING:
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
5 medium apples, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup butter or margarine, cubed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1-1/2 cups flour, sugar, yeast and salt. In a saucepan, heat the water, milk and butter to 120 degrees F-130 degrees F. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Beat in egg until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down. Press into two greased 12-in. pizza pans; build up edges. In a small mixing bowl, combine the cheese topping ingredients. Spread over dough to within 1/2 in. of edges. In a saucepan, combine the apple topping ingredients; simmer, uncovered, until apples are tender. Spoon over cream cheese layer.
Combine streusel ingredients; sprinkle over apples. Let stand for 15 minutes. Bake at 375 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until crust is browned. Combine glaze ingredients; drizzle over warm pizzas. Cool on wire racks.

Yummy or not :Beef Tenderloin Asturias recipe.

Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil
4 (6 ounce) beef tenderloin steaks
salt and pepper to taste
1 small onion, minced
1 tablespoon paprika
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup beef broth
4 ounces Spanish blue cheese, such as Cabrales or Valdeon
2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Directions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until smoking. Season steaks to taste with salt and pepper, then sear on both sides in hot oil. Reduce heat to medium and continue cooking until steaks reach desired doneness, about 6 minutes for medium-rare. Remove steaks from skillet and keep warm.
Stir in minced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Season with paprika and cook for an additional minute. Increase heat to medium-high, then pour in wine. Simmer until the wine has reduced by half, then add the beef broth, return to a simmer, and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the crumbled blue cheese until just melted.
To serve, pour the sauce over the steaks and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Yummy or not :Apple Rosemary Pork Tenderloin recipe.

Ingredients
4 teaspoons dried rosemary
1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons dried marjoram
salt and pepper to taste
3 pounds pork tenderloin
1 (12 fluid ounce) bottle hard apple cider
3 Granny Smith apples, cored and cut into 1 inch pieces
1 large red onion, cut into 1 inch pieces
5 tablespoons brown sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup maple syrup

Directions
In a small bowl, mix together rosemary, thyme, marjoram, salt, and pepper. Rub herb mixture over tenderloin. Place in a container, and pour hard cider over roast. Add water until pork is completely submerged. Cover, and refrigerate 6 to 8 hours, or overnight.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
Place roast in a roasting pan, elevated from the bottom, and pour marinade around the meat. Bake for 1 hour in preheated oven.
In a large bowl, mix apples and onion. Put mixture around and on top of roast. Spoon brown sugar over entire pan evenly. Place roast back into oven, and continue to cook for 1 hour more, or until meat reaches 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). Transfer roast, apples, and onion to a serving platter.
For the gravy, brown flour in a skillet. Pour the marinade/drippings mixture into the skillet. Stir in syrup. Cook and stir over high heat until liquid has thickened to desired consistency.
Slice roast, and serve with gravy.

Yummy or not :Banana-Chip Oat Muffins recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup quick-cooking oats
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3 medium ripe bananas, mashed
2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Directions
In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients. In a small mixing bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until crumbly. Beat in the bananas, egg, applesauce and vanilla. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in chocolate chips.
Coat muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray or line with paper liners; fill three-fourths full. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack. Serve warm.

Yummy or not :Breakfast Pizza recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
1 cup egg substitute
2 tablespoons fat-free milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons diced sweet red pepper
1 tablespoon finely chopped jalapeno pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
1 (16 ounce) package pre-baked Italian bread shell crust
1/2 cup salsa
3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese

Directions
In a nonstick skillet, cook hash browns, cumin and chili powder in 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat until golden. Remove and keep warm. In a bowl, beat egg substitute, milk and salt; set aside. In the same skillet, saute the onions, peppers and garlic in remaining oil until tender. Add egg mixture. Cook and stir over medium heat until almost set. Remove from the heat.
Place crust on an ungreased 14-in. pizza pan. Spread salsa over crust. Top with egg mixture. Sprinkle with hash browns and cheese. Bake at 375 degrees F for 8-10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Yummy or not :Avocado Irish Cream Fudge recipe.

Ingredients
2 avocados, peeled and pitted
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup Irish cream liqueur
2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
6 cups confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Directions
Place the avocados and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Blend with an immersion blender until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Scrape the mixture into a saucepan and stir over low heat.
Pour in the Irish cream and stir. Add the cocoa powder and stir until completely incorporated. Stir in the confectioners' sugar 1 cup at a time, making sure the sugar is completely incorporated and the mixture is smooth before adding the next cup.
Melt the semi-sweet chocolate and white chocolate in a microwave-safe glass or ceramic bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each melting, for 1 to 3 minutes (depending on your microwave). Do not overheat or chocolate will scorch. Pour the melted chocolate into the sauce pan and mix thoroughly. Remove from the heat.
Line a 9X11-inch pan with wax paper or foil sprayed with cooking spray. Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Yummy or not :Aunt Jewel's Chicken Dressing Casserole recipe.

Ingredients
3 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast meat
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup
1 (10.75 ounce) can milk
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 (6 ounce) package seasoned cornbread stuffing mix

Directions
Place chicken in a large saucepan full of lightly salted water. Bring to a boil; boil for about 30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (juices run clear). Remove chicken from pan, reserving broth. Cut chicken into bite size pieces and place in bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a medium bowl mix together cream of chicken soup and cream of celery soup. Fill one empty soup can with milk, and mix milk with soups. Pour mixture over chicken. In a small bowl combine stuffing and broth; mix together and spoon mixture over casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.

Yummy or not :Autumn Muffins recipe.

Ingredients
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup white sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup butter, melted
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/4 cups milk
1 cup chopped cranberries
1 cup chopped, peeled apple
1/2 cup chopped dried figs
3/4 cup chopped toasted hazelnuts

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease muffin pans or line with paper muffin liners.
In a large bowl, stir together the brown sugar, white sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Make a well in the center, and add the melted butter, milk and eggs, mix until smooth. Stir in the cranberries, apple, figs, and hazelnuts. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin pans. Cups should be at least 3/4 full.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven or until a toothpick inserted into a muffin comes out clean.

Yummy or not :Bacon and Roquefort Stuffed Burgers recipe.

Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
4 ounces Roquefort or other blue cheese, crumbled
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
1 tomato, sliced
1 red onion, sliced
4 leaves lettuce

Directions
In a large bowl, lightly mix the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and pepper. Divide into 8 equal portions and flatten each one into 1/4 inch thick patty. In a separate bowl, combine the crumbled bacon, Roquefort cheese and thyme. Place an equal portion of the bacon mixture onto 4 of the patties. Top with the remaining 4 patties, pressing the edges together to enclose the filling.
Preheat a grill for medium heat. When hot, lightly oil the grate.
Grill the patties for 6 to 8 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Serve immediately on toasted buns, topped with tomato, onion and lettuce.

Yummy or not :Broccoli Bites recipe.

Ingredients
3 tablespoons prepared Dijon-style mustard
4 tablespoons honey
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sifted all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying

Directions
To make the sauce: In a small bowl, stir together the mustard and honey. Set aside.
Chop florets into small pieces or pulse lightly in food processor. Toss in a mixing bowl with shredded cheese. Set aside.
Beat egg and stir in the milk. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together and combine them with the egg and milk mixture, beating well. Beat in 1/2 teaspoon oil as well. Pour mixture over broccoli and cheese and toss to coat well.
In a large skillet or saucepan heat oil to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Drop broccoli mixture by spoonfuls into 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) oil and fry until golden brown. Serve with honey mustard sauce.

Yummy or not :Broccolified Cornbread recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup broccoli florets
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons milk
1 cup cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions
Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a 9 inch cake pan.
Bring an inch of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Place broccoli in pan and cover. Steam until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain, and rinse with cold water until cold; squeeze out excess water.
Combine melted butter, cottage cheese, egg, milk, and steamed broccoli in a large bowl. In a separate large bowl, stir together the cornmeal, baking soda, and salt. Make a depression in the middle of the dry ingredients; spoon in broccoli mixture. Stir until well combined. Spoon into prepared pan.
Bake until a knife inserted into the center of the pan comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Loosen edges of cooked cornbread with a knife. Cut into wedges to serve.

Yummy or not :Beefy Lentil Vegetable Soup recipe.

Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1 1/2 cups dry lentils, rinsed
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
3 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
ground black pepper to taste
2 cubes beef bouillon cube
6 cups tomato-vegetable juice cocktail
1 (4.5 ounce) can mushrooms, drained
1 dash Worcestershire sauce

Directions
Brown beef; break meat into small pieces while cooking. Drain.
Place meat in a big pot with lid. Add lentils, vegetables, water, salt, pepper, bouillon, vegetable juice, mushrooms, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook on high until it boils. Reduce heat to low, and cover. Simmer for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until lentils are tender. Stir occasionally.

Yummy or not :Best Big, Fat, Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper.
Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.
In a medium bowl, cream together the melted butter, brown sugar and white sugar until well blended. Beat in the vanilla, egg, and egg yolk until light and creamy. Mix in the sifted ingredients until just blended. Stir in the chocolate chips by hand using a wooden spoon. Drop cookie dough 1/4 cup at a time onto the prepared cookie sheets. Cookies should be about 3 inches apart.
Bake for 15 to 17 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges are lightly toasted. Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Yummy or not :Bacon and Date Appetizer recipe.

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package pitted dates
4 ounces almonds
1 pound sliced bacon

Directions
Preheat the broiler.
Slit dates. Place one almond inside each date. Wrap dates with bacon, using toothpicks to hold them together.
Broil 10 minutes, or until bacon is evenly brown and crisp.

Yummy or not :Aunt Carol's Apple Pie recipe.

Ingredients
2 pounds Granny Smith apples
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie

Directions
Peel and slice apples. Toss with sugars, cinnamon and flour. Set aside.
Roll crust to make slightly larger to fit 10-inch glass pie pan. Fit bottom crust in pie pan. Turn in apple mixture and dot with butter. Put crust on top and crimp edges of crust together.
Wet hands with water and dampen top of pie. Sprinkle with additional sugar. Puncture top of pie with fork so pie will vent.
Bake for 15 minutes at 450 degrees F (230 degrees C), reduce heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and continue baking for about 45 minutes more, until crust is golden brown. It's a good practice to place a piece of aluminum foil slightly larger than the pie under the pie plate to catch overflows. Serve warm.

Yummy or not :Banana Chocolate Chip Softies recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1 ripe banana, mashed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup milk chocolate chips

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets. Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt, set aside.
In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar. Beat in the banana and egg, then stir in the vanilla. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until well blended. Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts, if desired. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Yummy or not :Baked Chicken Thermidor recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups cooked, cubed chicken meat
1 cup diced celery
1 cup frozen green peas
1 (5 ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped
1/2 cup toasted and sliced almonds
2 cups chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons chopped pimento peppers (optional)
2 tablespoons white wine
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 cup milk
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
2 slices white bread, cut into cubes
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
In a large heat-resistant bowl combine the chicken, celery, peas, water chestnuts, 1/4 cup of the almonds, bell pepper, onion, pimiento, wine and lemon juice. Mix all together.
In a saucepan heat the milk and soup over low heat, stirring. Pour soup/milk mixture into bowl containing chicken mixture and mix well. Pour this mixture into a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with bread crumbs.
Bake casserole in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until bubbly. Sprinkle cheese on top and bake for 5 to 6 minutes more. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup almonds on top and serve.

Yummy or not :Angel Food Cake II recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup sifted cake flour
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 cups egg whites
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup white sugar
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
3 tablespoons cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Wash angel food tube pan in hot soapy water to ensure it is totally grease free. Let dry completely. Sift flour and 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar together three times; set aside.
In mixing bowl, beat egg whites and salt on high speed until foamy. Add cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and almond flavoring; beat until soft peaks form. Peaks should be soft enough so they bend over slightly at the tips. Gradually add 1 cup white sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Sift about 1/4 of the flour mixture over the egg whites, and using flat spatula, quickly but gently fold into egg whites. Repeat using 1/4 of the flour mixture each time. Pour batter into clean tube pan. Gently cut through batter with knife to remove air pockets.
Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, until an inserted wooden pick comes out clean. Invert pan onto a wire rack to cool for 1 hour.
Beat 2 cups confectioners' sugar, butter, cream, and 1 teaspoon vanilla together until smooth. Add more cream or confectioners' sugar as needed. Frost the cooled cake.

Yummy or not :Bridal Shower Cake recipe.

Ingredients
3/4 cup butter
2 cups white sugar
3 cups sifted cake flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 egg whites

Directions
Grease two eight inch round cake pans. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Sift flour with baking powder and salt, and add to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Beat well. Stir in vanilla.
In a large glass or metal mixing bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold 1/3 of the whites into the batter, then quickly fold in remaining whites until no streaks remain. Divide batter into prepared pans.
Bake for about 25 minutes. Cool. Cover with white butter icing, and decorate as desired. Makes 15 to 20 servings.

Yummy or not :Blackberry Buckle recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar, divided
1 egg, beaten
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup cold butter

Directions
In a large mixing bowl, cream the shortening and 1/2 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and mix well. Combine 2 cups flour, baking powder and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with the milk, beating well after each addition.
Spread into a greased 9-in. square baking dish. Toss the blackberries with lemon juice; sprinkle over batter. In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and remaining sugar and flour; cut in the butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over berries.
Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Refrigerate leftovers.

Yummy or not :Artichoke and Tomato Chicken recipe.

Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil
4 fresh tomatoes, diced
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
6 artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
2 red bell peppers, chopped
1 (8 ounce) package mozzarella cheese, cubed
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - pounded to 1/4 inch thickness
2 cups marinara sauce

Directions
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add tomatoes, basil, oregano, artichoke hearts and red peppers. Cook until just hot, then remove from heat. transfer to a large bowl and toss together with mozzarella cubes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lay out the pounded breasts and spoon filling onto the center, leaving an inch on each side. Adjust filling as you roll so as not to over stuff. Place them seam side down into a 2 quart baking dish. cover with marinara sauce. Place lid onto dish or cover with aluminum foil.
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes in the preheated oven, or until chicken is cooked through. You'll love it!

Yummy or not :Almond Apricot Bread recipe.

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 (4 ounce) jars apricot baby food, divided
3/4 cup milk
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon almond extract
2/3 cup sliced almonds, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup diced dried apricots
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon milk
1/8 teaspoon almond extract

Directions
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugars, baking powder and salt. Set aside 1 tablespoon baby food for glaze. In another bowl, beat the egg, milk, oil, extract and remaining baby food. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in almonds and apricots. Pour into a greased 9-in. x 5-in. x 3-in. loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan to a wire rack.
For glaze, combine the confectioners' sugar, milk, extract and reserved baby food until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bread.

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 :Almond Crescents I recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup butter
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon brandy
2 teaspoons water
1 1/2 cups almonds
2 cups all-purpose flour

Directions
Cream butter or margarine with powdered sugar until light.
Mix in brandy and water.
Chop almonds and set 1/2 cup aside. Add the rest of the almonds to mixture. Stir in flour and mix well.
Chill dough until stiff enough to mold.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
Shape dough into crescent shapes (Use about 1 tsp per cookie.)
Dip into additional chopped almonds
Bake on ungreased cookie sheet 12 - 15 minutes.
Cool on wire racks about 5 minutes. Option: Roll gently in additional powdered sugar after cooling.

Yummy or not :Brownie Caramel Cheesecake recipe.

Ingredients
1 (9 ounce) package brownie mix
1 tablespoon cold water
1 (14 ounce) package individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate fudge topping

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan.
In a small bowl, mix together brownie mix, 1 egg and water. Spread into the greased pan. Bake for 25 minutes.
Melt the caramels with the evaporated milk over low heat in a heavy saucepan. Stir often, and heat until mixture has a smooth consistency. Reserve 1/3 cup of this caramel mixture, and pour the remainder over the warm, baked brownie crust.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Pour cream cheese mixture over caramel mixture.
Bake cheesecake for 40 minutes. Chill in pan. When cake is thoroughly chilled, loosen by running a knife around the edge, and then remove the rim of the pan. Heat reserved caramel mixture, and spoon over cheesecake. Drizzle with the chocolate topping.