10/02/2011

Yummy or not :BBQ Meatballs recipe.

Ingredients
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup vodka
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons dried minced onion flakes
1 teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
3 pounds ground beef
2 pounds ground turkey
1 (15 ounce) package Italian seasoned bread crumbs
2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
2 (14.25 ounce) cans tomato puree
1 (18 ounce) bottle hickory smoke flavored barbeque sauce
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple
1 cup brown sugar
1 (14 ounce) bottle ketchup
1/2 cup vodka
2 tablespoons dried minced onion flakes
1 teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste

Directions
In a large bowl, combine eggs, 1/2 cup vodka and Worcestershire sauce. Season with 2 tablespoons onion flakes, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix in ground beef, ground turkey and bread crumbs. Shape into meatballs, and set aside.
In a very large pot over medium heat, Combine crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, barbeque sauce, pineapple, brown sugar, ketchup, and 1/2 cup vodka. Season to taste with onion flakes, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer.
Heat a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs until evenly brown on all sides. Carefully place into sauce, and simmer for at least an hour.

Yummy or not :Amazing Banana Sorbet recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup white sugar
1 cup water
1 cup mashed banana

Directions
In a small saucepan, stir together sugar and water. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and allow to cool.
When the sugar syrup is cool, stir in bananas. Pour into a freezer - safe baking dish. Freeze for 3 to 4 hours, until set at the edges.
Remove from the freezer and transfer to a mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat until smooth. Return to the freezer until gently set, at least 2 hours.

Yummy or not :Berries and Cream recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1 tablespoon nonfat evaporated milk
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons Marsala wine
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped toasted hazelnuts

Directions
Layer the strawberries and blueberries in 6 individual serving dishes.
Using an electric beater, whip together the ricotta cheese, milk, sugar and wine. Spoon a portion of the cream over each fruit serving, top with toasted hazelnuts, and serve.

Yummy or not :Brie and Mandarin Salad recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup champagne
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon hot English mustard
6 cups mixed salad greens
2 mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented
1 (8 ounce) wheel Brie cheese, cubed
1 1/2 ounces macadamia nuts, chopped

Directions
In a small saucepan, whisk together the champagne, orange juice and mustards. Bring to a boil for approximately 5 minutes, or until the mixture is reduced. Taste and add more mustard to suit your taste. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
In a large bowl, toss together the salad greens, mandarin oranges, Brie and macadamias. Drizzle dressing on top and serve.

Yummy or not :Authentic Mexican Torta - Tortas Ahogadas recipe.

Ingredients
16 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons minced fresh oregano
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
9 pounds boneless pork butt
4 dried chipotle chili peppers
6 tablespoons vegetable oil
8 cloves garlic, minced
4 onions, chopped
20 Roma tomatoes, chopped
1 cup water
5 teaspoons minced fresh oregano
1/4 teaspoon white sugar
salt, to taste
12 Mexican bolillo rolls, lightly toasted, cut in half lengthwise
2 pickled jalapeno peppers, sliced

Directions
Preheat an oven to 475 degrees F (245 degrees C).
Mix the 16 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of minced oregano, 2 teaspoons of salt, and pepper in a bowl. Rub garlic mixture over the pork butt, and place pork in a shallow roasting pan.
Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Continue roasting until pork is tender and no longer pink in the center, about 2 hours and 15 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). Cover the meat with two layers of aluminum foil, and allow to rest in a warm area for 20 minutes before rough chopping or shredding it. Reserve pan drippings.
Place the chipotle peppers in a bowl, and cover with hot water. Allow peppers to soak until softened, about 3 minutes; drain. Set aside. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in 8 cloves of minced garlic and the chopped onions; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the Roma tomatoes, 1 cup of water, chipotle chili peppers, 5 teaspoons of oregano, sugar, and salt to taste. Add the reserved pan drippings. Simmer, uncovered, over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring frequently.
Pour the chipotle sauce 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 sauce 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 sauce right in the skillet. Strain the sauce through a sieve.
To serve: Hollow out the bottom half of each bolillo to make a shallow bowl for the chopped pork. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the chipotle sauce over the bottom of each roll, then arrange the chopped pork over the sauce. Top each sandwich with a couple slices of pickled jalapeno, followed by the top half of the roll. Pour about 1/4 cup of additional chipotle sauce over the entire sandwich.

Yummy or not :Baked Cider Doughnuts recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup powdered milk
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 eggs, beaten
1 tablespoon honey
1 cup unsweetened apple juice concentrate, thawed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Lightly grease the doughnut pan with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, powdered milk, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make a well in the center and pour in the eggs, honey, apple juice concentrate and vanilla. Mix until well blended. Fill each depression in the prepared doughnut pan 2/3 full with batter.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the tops spring back when lightly touched. Allow doughnuts to cool before removing from pan.

Yummy or not :Beef 'n' Eggplant Pie recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups cubed eggplant
1/4 cup butter
3/4 pound ground beef
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 celery rib with leaves, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 (9 inch) unbaked pastry shell
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions
In a small skillet, saute eggplant in butter until tender, about 5 minutes. In a large skillet, cook the beef, onion, celery and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the eggplant, tomato sauce, parsley, oregano, salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Remove from the heat.
Prick pastry shell with a fork. Add beef mixture. Bake at 375 degrees F for 20-25 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.

Yummy or not :Baked Mushroom Rice recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups uncooked white rice
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup vegetable broth
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup fresh chopped mushrooms
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 cup butter, melted
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
In a large bowl, stir together the white rice, cream of mushroom soup, and vegetable broth. Blend in the onion, mushrooms, parsley, oregano, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Transfer to a 2 quart baking dish, and cover with a lid or aluminum foil.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven. If the rice is looking dry before it is tender, then pour in a little water and continue cooking until rice is tender.

Yummy or not :Bananas Foster Chimichangas recipe.

Ingredients
1/4 cup butter
3 firm bananas. sliced
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons spiced rum
2 (10 inch) flour tortillas
1 cup vegetable oil for frying

Directions
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter . Stir in bananas and sugar, and stir until sugar is dissolved. Pour in rum and cook 1 to 2 minutes more. Spoon half the banana mixture onto each flour tortilla, and roll up, tucking in the ends, like a burrito.
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry chimichangas until golden. Drain on paper towels. Serve warm.

Yummy or not :Apple Butter Cookies recipe.

Ingredients
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup apple butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1/2 cup raisins

Directions
In a small mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in egg, oats and apple butter. Combine dry ingredients; gradually add to creamed mixture along with the milk; beat until blended. Stir in nuts and raisins. Cover and refrigerate until easy to handle.
Drop by teaspoonfuls onto lightly greased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes or until set. Remove to wire racks.

Yummy or not :Bow Tie Medley recipe.

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package farfalle (bow tie) pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 red onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 zucchini, chopped
1 yellow squash, chopped
1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into strips
5 roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute onion, garlic, zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms, bell pepper, and 1/2 the chopped tomatoes until tender. Season with basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Add pasta and 1/4 cup olive oil. Mix well, and heat through. Sprinkle top with Parmesan and remaining chopped tomatoes.

Yummy or not :Bean Quesadillas recipe.

Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
1/2 (10 ounce) package frozen corn
12 (12 inch) flour tortillas
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Directions
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium heat, and saute the onion and garlic until soft. Mix in beans, bell pepper, tomatoes, and corn; cook until heated through.
Spread 6 tortillas with equal amounts of the bean and vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with equal amounts of the Cheddar cheese, and top with the remaining tortillas to form quesadillas.
Heat 1/4 cup oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place quesadillas in the skillet and cook, turning once, until cheese is melted and both sides are lightly browned.

Yummy or not :Black-Eyed Pea Salad II recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup dehydrated sun-dried tomatoes
2 (15 ounce) cans black-eyed peas, drained
1/2 small red onion, chopped
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
1 (6 ounce) package crumbled feta cheese
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey

Directions
Place sun-dried tomatoes in a small bowl with enough boiling water to cover. Allow to sit 3 minutes, or until softened. Drain, and cut into strips.
In a medium bowl, mix the sun-dried tomatoes, black-eyed peas, onion, bell pepper, and feta.
In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. Drizzle over the salad, and gently toss to coat. Refrigerate 1 hour before serving.

Yummy or not :Aussie Chicken recipe.

Ingredients
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - pounded to 1/2 inch thickness
2 teaspoons seasoning salt
6 slices bacon, cut in half
1/2 cup prepared yellow mustard
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions
Rub the chicken breasts with the seasoning salt, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until crisp. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine the mustard, honey, corn syrup, mayonnaise and dried onion flakes. Remove half of sauce, cover and refrigerate to serve later.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the breasts in the skillet and saute for 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until browned. Remove from skillet and place the breasts into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Apply the honey mustard sauce to each breast, then layer each breast with mushrooms and bacon. Sprinkle top with shredded cheese.
Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and chicken juices run clear. Garnish with parsley and serve with the reserved honey mustard sauce.

Yummy or not :BBQ Chicken Wings recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
1 cup oyster sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1/4 cup gin
2 dashes liquid smoke flavoring
1/2 cup white sugar
1 1/2 pounds chicken wings, separated at joints, tips discarded
1/4 cup honey

Directions
In a large bowl, mix the teriyaki sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic powder, gin, liquid smoke, and sugar. Place the chicken wings in the bowl, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator 8 hours or overnight.
Preheat the grill for low heat.
Lightly oil the grill grate. Arrange chicken on the grill, and discard the marinade. Grill the chicken wings on one side for 20 minutes, then turn and brush with honey. Continue grilling 25 minutes, or until juices run clear.

Yummy or not :Beacon Hill Cookies recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 egg whites
1 pinch salt
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
3/4 cup chopped pecans

Directions
Melt chocolate over hot, not boiling water. (Or 30 seconds on High in microwave, stir then another 30 seconds.)
Beat egg whites with a dash of salt until foamy. Gradually add sugar, beating well, then beat until stiff peaks form.
Beat in vanilla and vinegar. Fold in melted chocolate and nuts.
Drop by teaspoonfuls on well greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) for 10+ minutes. Remove from pan *immediately*. Decorate with nuts if desired.

Yummy or not :Argentine Meat Empanadas recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup shortening
2 onions, chopped
1 pound lean ground beef
2 teaspoons Hungarian sweet paprika
3/4 teaspoon hot paprika
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
1/4 cup raisins
1/2 cup pitted green olives, chopped
2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
salt to taste
1 (17.5 ounce) package frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed

Directions
In a saute; pan melt the shortening and add the chopped onions. Cook the onions until just before they begin to turn golden. Remove from the heat and stir in the sweet paprika, hot paprika, crushed red pepper flakes and salt to taste.
Spread the meat on a sieve and pour boiling water on it for partial cooking. Allow meat to cool. Place meat in a dish add salt to taste, cumin and vinegar. Mix and add the meat to the onion mixture. Mix well and place on a flat to dish to cool and harden.
Cut puff pastry dough into 10 round shells. Place a spoonful of the meat mixture on each round; add some of the raisins, olives and hard boiled egg. Avoid reaching the edges of the pastry with the filling because its oiliness will prevent good sealing. Slightly wet the edge of the pastry, fold in two and stick edges together. The shape should resemble that of a half-moon. You should have a 2/3 to 1/2 inch flat edge of pastry to work with. Seal by twisting edge, step by step, between thumb and index finger, making sure to add pressure before releasing the pinch and moving on to the next curl. Other sealing procedures like pinching without curling or using a fork to seal will not prevent juice leaks during baking, and empanadas must be juicy.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Place empanadas on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Be sure to prick each empanada with a fork near the curl to allow steam to escape during baking. Glaze with egg for shine and bake until golden, about 20 to 30 minutes.

Yummy or not :Apple and Prosciutto Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 cup finely chopped apple
1/8 teaspoon apple pie spice
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
4 thin slices prosciutto
1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2/3 cup milk
1 dash ground black pepper

Directions
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an ovenproof baking dish; set aside.
Combine chopped apple and the 1/8 teaspoon apple pie spice in a small bowl; set aside.
Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of heavy plastic (resealable freezer bags work well) on a solid, level surface. Firmly pound the chicken with the smooth side of a meat mallet to a thickness of 1/4 inch. Place one slice of prosciutto on each chicken breast. Place 1/4 of the apple mixture on each chicken breast. Roll up each breast and secure with a toothpick. Sprinkle the 1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice all over outside of chicken breasts and place into the prepared baking dish.
Bake the chicken breasts, uncovered, in the preheated oven until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about for 25-30 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
When chicken is almost done, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a smooth paste. Whisk in milk and pepper; bring to a boil. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly, about 5 minutes. Serve sauce over chicken.

Yummy or not :Black Forest Dump Cake I recipe.

Ingredients
1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, with juice
1 cup flaked coconut
1 (3.5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
1 (18.25 ounce) package chocolate cake mix
1/2 cup butter

Directions
Spread pineapple in a 9 x 13 inch pan. Sprinkle a layer of angel flake coconut on top of the pineapple, and then a layer of dry pudding mix. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over pudding mix, and sprinkle dry cake mix over pie filling. Cut butter into thin slices, and arrange on top of cake mix
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for one hour. Cool.

Yummy or not :Beth's Chess Pie recipe.

Ingredients
1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust
6 tablespoons butter, softened
2 cups white sugar
1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons cornmeal

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Blend in milk until mixture is smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well with each addition, then stir in the vanilla. Mix in cornmeal, then pour mixture into pastry shell.
Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour, until set in center.

Yummy or not :Beef Burgundy I recipe.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 pounds round steak, cut into small pieces
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 1/2 cups dry red wine
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram, crushed
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
3 onions, sliced

Directions
In a large stock pot over medium/high heat, heat the oil and add the beef pieces. Sprinkle the flour over the beef. Brown the meat on all sides.
Pour in broth and red wine. Sprinkle in salt, marjoram, thyme and black pepper.
Bring to a boil. Cover, and reduce heat. Simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until beef is tender, stirring occasionally.
Add mushrooms and onions to the pot. Liquid should just cover everything. If necessary, add some more wine to cover. Cook until onions are limp.

Yummy or not :Brie and Cranberry Pizza recipe.

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) can refrigerated crescent rolls
8 ounces cubed Brie cheese
3/4 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Lightly grease a 12 inch pizza pan or 9x13 inch baking dish.
Unroll the crescent rolls and separate into triangles. Arrange in the pan with tips towards the center and lightly press together.
Bake 5 minutes, or until lightly brown.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with pieces of Brie cheese. Spoon the cranberry sauce over the cheese. Top with pecans.
Bake an additional 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown. Cool 5 minutes and cut into wedges or squares.

Yummy or not :Authentic Mexican Hot Sauce recipe.

Ingredients
1 dried guajillo chile
1 dried chile negro (pasilla) pepper
2 dried New Mexico chile pods
1 1/2 cups warm water
2 cloves garlic, pressed
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon white vinegar

Directions
Remove stems and seeds from the guajillo chile, pasilla chile, and the New Mexico chile pods.
Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Toast the chile pods in the skillet until lightly brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the chile pods to a small bowl and pour the warm water over them. Allow chiles to soak about 40 minutes.
Remove the guajillo and New Mexico chiles from the water. Use a spoon to scrape the pulp from the skin. Discard the skin. Place the pulp of the guajillo chile and the New Mexico chiles in a food processor with the pasilla chile and the water in which the peppers soaked. Puree in the food processor until all ingredients are combined. Add the garlic, cumin, salt, brown sugar, salt, and vinegar. Puree the mixture until smooth.

Yummy or not :Bela's Stuffed Red Bell Peppers recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup uncooked brown rice
2 1/4 cups water
4 red bell peppers, tops and seeds removed
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/4 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 (15 ounce) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
2 large Swiss chard leaves, chopped
salt and black pepper to taste

Directions
Bring the brown rice and water to a boil in a saucepan over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, 45 to 50 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
Place the red peppers on the prepared baking sheet, and bake until tender, about 15 minutes.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and cook and stir the onion and garlic until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the black-eyed peas and chard. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook until the chard is wilted, 5 to 8 minutes. Mix in the cooked brown rice, sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, and lightly stuff the mixture into the red peppers. Serve hot.

Yummy or not :B.L.A.T. Wraps recipe.

Ingredients
8 slices bacon
4 (10 inch) flour tortillas
4 tablespoons Ranch-style salad dressing
1 avocado - peeled, pitted and diced
1 tomato, chopped
1 cup shredded lettuce

Directions
Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, or until crisp. Drain, crumble, and set aside.
Warm tortillas in microwave oven for 30 to 45 seconds, or until soft. Spread 1 tablespoon Ranch dressing down the center of each tortilla. Layer crumbled bacon, avocado, tomato and lettuce over the dressing. Roll the tortilla around the other ingredients.

Yummy or not :Black Bean and Corn Salad recipe.

Ingredients
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1 (8.75 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1/4 cup sliced green onions with tops
3/4 cup thinly sliced celery
1 small sweet red pepper, diced
3/4 cup picante sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 garlic clove, minced

Directions
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl; mix well. Cover and chill several hours or overnight.

Yummy or not :Blue Cheese Dip I recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 pound bacon
1 teaspoon minced garlic
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
4 ounces blue cheese
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to taste

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large skillet, fry chopped bacon until it is almost done. Stir garlic into the skillet. Remove from skillet and drain excess fat.
In a medium mixing bowl, mix bacon with cream cheese and blue cheese. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish. Sprinkle nuts over the dip.
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes.

Yummy or not :Banana Cheesecake with Caramel Sauce recipe.

Ingredients
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup margarine, melted
1/4 cup white sugar
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup mashed banana
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
1 (14 ounce) package individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
1 banana, sliced

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted margarine. Press into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
In another bowl, mix together the cream cheese and 3/4 cup sugar until smooth. Blend in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and mashed banana. Pour into the prepared crust.
Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the center is set. Cool, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
Combine evaporated milk and caramels in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook stirring frequently until caramels are melted and the mixture is smooth. Garnish the cheesecake with banana slices, and drizzle caramel sauce over.

Yummy or not :Baked Spaghetti Corn recipe.

Ingredients
1 cup broken dry spaghetti
1 (15.25 ounce) can whole kernel corn
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 (15 ounce) can cream-style corn
1/4 cup margarine, melted

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a 1 1/2 quart casserole combine broken spaghetti, whole kernel corn, cheese, cream-style corn and margarine.
Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until spaghetti is cooked.

Yummy or not :Buttermilk Pancakes II recipe.

Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons white sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup butter, melted

Directions
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat together buttermilk, milk, eggs and melted butter. Keep the two mixtures separate until you are ready to cook.
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. You can flick water across the surface and if it beads up and sizzles, it's ready!
Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture, using a wooden spoon or fork to blend. Stir until it's just blended together. Do not over stir! Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/2 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

Yummy or not :Buttermilk Raisin Pie recipe.

Ingredients
1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie
1 egg, beaten
1 cup raisins
1 cup white sugar
1 cup buttermilk
1 pinch salt

Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (225 degrees C).
In a medium bowl, combine egg, raisins, sugar, buttermilk, and salt. Mix thoroughly. Pour mixture into pastry-lined 8 inch pie pan. Cover with second pastry circle. Seal edges and cut steam vents in top.
Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and bake an additional 35 to 40 minutes. Serve warm or cold.

Yummy or not :Alaskan Halibut Lasagna recipe.

Ingredients
6 tablespoons butter or margarine, divided
1 1/2 pounds halibut steaks, bones removed and cut into 1 inch cubes
2 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy whipping cream
8 ounces lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
Minced fresh parsley

Directions
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add halibut, garlic and thyme. Cook until fish flakes easily with a fork, about 10 minutes. Remove and set aside. Add the remaining butter to the skillet. Stir in flour and salt until smooth; cook and stir until golden brown. Gradually add broth and cream. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. In a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish, layer half of the noodles, halibut, white sauce and cheese. Repeat layers. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes. Uncover; bake 20 minutes longer or until bubbly. Let stand 15 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with parsley if desired.

Yummy or not :Banana-Date Muffins recipe.

Ingredients
2 1/8 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup reduced-calorie margarine
3 medium ripe bananas, mashed
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup bran flakes cereal
12 dates, pitted and chopped

Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a muffin pan with non-stick spray or line with paper muffin liners. Sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt; set aside.
In a medium bowl, cream together the sugar, margarine and egg with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Mix in bananas, vanilla, cereal and dates. Blend in dry ingredients until just incorporated. Spoon into prepared muffin cups to about 2/3 full.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pan over a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before removing muffins from the pan.

Yummy or not :Apricot and Peach Fried Pies recipe.

Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1 cup shortening
8 ounces dried apricots
1 (6 ounce) package dried peaches
3/4 cup white sugar
2 cups vegetable oil for frying

Directions
To Make Crust: In a large bowl, mix together flour and salt. Cut in shortening until mixture is crumbly. Mix in milk and stir until dough forms a ball. Roll out dough and cut into 18 6-inch circles. Set aside.
To Make Filling: In a large saucepan, combine apricots, peaches, and sugar. Add enough water to cover fruit. Cover pan and cook over low heat until fruit is falling apart. Remove lid and continue to cook until water is evaporated.
Place oil or shortening in small high-sided skillet. Place over medium heat. Spoon equal amounts of filling into each pastry circle and fold in half. Seal pastry with a fork dipped in cold water.
Fry a few pies at a time in hot oil, browning on both sides. Drain pies on paper towels.

Yummy or not :Apricot Round Steak recipe.

Ingredients
1 3/4 pounds boneless top round steak (3/4 inch thick)
3/4 cup apricot preserves
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

Directions
Place steak on broiler pan rack; broil for 6-8 minutes on each side. Meanwhile, in a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Cook until preserves are melted. set aside 1/2 cup; brush remaining sauce over steak. Broil 2-3 minutes longer or until meat reaches desired doneness (for medium-rare, a meat thermometer should read 145 degrees F; medium, 160 degrees F; well-done, 170 degrees F). Slice meat on the diagonal; serve with reserved apricot sauce.

Yummy or not :Broccoli Salad II recipe.

Ingredients
5 cups fresh chopped broccoli
1 pound bacon - cooked and crumbled
1 cup raisins
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

Directions
Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Crumble and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, bacon and raisins.
Whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar. Pour dressing over broccoli mixture, toss and refrigerate.

Yummy or not :Almond Brownie Bread Pudding recipe.

Ingredients
4 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 cups prepared brownies, cubed
1 1/2 cups milk
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup chopped almonds, divided

Directions
Preheat an oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Lightly butter one 2 quart baking dish.
Melt the 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. Set aside.
Place brownie chunks into prepared baking dish. Beat the eggs in a large bowl. Whisk in melted chocolate, milk, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and half of the almonds. Pour milk mixture over brownie cubes and sprinkle with the remaining almonds. Bake until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes.

Yummy or not :Broccoli Hash Brown Quiche recipe.

Ingredients
3 cups frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 1/2 cups frozen broccoli cuts, thawed
1 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese

Directions
Press the hash browns onto the bottom and up the sides of a greased 9-in. pie plate, forming a shell. Sprinkle with broccoli. In a bowl, beat the eggs, sour cream and salt; stir in cheese. Pour over broccoli. Bake at 350 degrees F for 55-65 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting.

Yummy or not :Apple Yam Casserole recipe.

Ingredients
3 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored and sliced
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup water
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup raisins
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 slices lemon, thinly sliced

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 2 quart casserole dish.
In the casserole dish, alternately layer the sweet potatoes and apples.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix together brown sugar, 1/3 cup water, cinnamon, raisins, butter and salt. Cook 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, stir together remaining water and flour. Combine with the brown sugar mixture. Pour over the sweet potatoes and apples. Place the lemon slices on top.
Bake covered in the preheated oven 20 minutes. Uncover and continue baking 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes and apples are tender.

Yummy or not :Apricot Pecan Bars recipe.

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package refrigerated crescent rolls
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, divided
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 (12 ounce) jar apricot preserves
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup cold butter or margarine
1 cup flaked coconut

Directions
Unroll crescent dough into a rectangle; press into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Sprinkle with 1 cup pecans, confectioners' sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Drop preserves over the top.
In a bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar; cut in butter. Add the coconut and remaining pecans. Sprinkle over preserves. Bake at 375 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack before cutting.

Yummy or not :Beef and Parmesan Pasta recipe.

Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 (14 ounce) can beef broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian-style diced tomatoes
2 cups uncooked farfalle (bow tie) pasta
2 cups sliced zucchini, (1/4 inch thick)
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Directions
In a large skillet over medium/high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking up into 3/4 inch pieces. Remove beef with a slotted spoon to a bowl. Pour off the drippings.
Return the skillet to the heat and add the beef broth, tomatoes, and pasta. Stir to coat all of the pasta. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium.
Cook, uncovered, for 15 minutes stirring frequently. Add zucchini and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes or until pasta is tender.
Return beef to the skillet and stir in 1/2 cup of the cheese; heat through. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over each serving.

Yummy or not :30-Minute Minestrone recipe.

Ingredients
2 medium carrots, chopped
1 cup chopped cabbage
1 celery rib, thinly sliced
1 small onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
3 cups water
1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian stewed or diced tomatoes, undrained
3 cubes beef bouillon
1 cup torn fresh spinach
2/3 cup cooked elbow macaroni
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions
In a 3-qt. saucepan, saute carrots, cabbage, celery, onion and garlic in oil for 5 minutes. Add water, tomatoes and bouillon; bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Stir in spinach, macaroni and pepper; heat through.

Yummy or not :Best-Ever Meat Loaf recipe.

Ingredients
2/3 cup milk
3 slices bread, torn
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup grated carrot
1 cup shredded Cheddar or mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon dried basil, thyme or sage (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon prepared mustard

Directions
In a large bowl, beat eggs. Add milk and bread; let stand until liquid is absorbed. Stir in the onion, carrot, cheese and seasonings. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well.
Shape into a 7-1/2-in. x 3-1/2-in. x 2-1/2-in. loaf in a shallow baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes.
Combine the topping ingredients; spoon half of the mixture over meat loaf. Bake 30 minutes longer or until meat is no longer pink and a meat thermometer reads 160 degrees F, occasionally spooning remaining topping over loaf. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Yummy or not :Butternut Squash, Apple, Onion Au Gratin recipe.

Ingredients
Cooking spray
1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 pinch cinnamon
1 butternut squash - peeled, seeded and sliced
4 apples - peeled, cored and sliced
1/2 sweet onion, thinly sliced
1 cup chicken stock
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Directions
Preheat oven to 350. Spray 9- x 11-inch glass baking pan with cooking spray.
Place flour, salt, and cinnamon into a large plastic bag. Add squash, apples, and onions; shake until lightly dusted.
In glass dish, layer 1/2 of squash, apples, and sweet onion. Pour 1/2 cup chicken stock over the top, then sprinkle 1/2 of cheese. Layer with remaining squash, apple, and onions. Pour remaining chicken stock over the top, and cover with foil.
Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes.
Take out and sprinkle with bacon crumbles and remaining cheese. Return, uncovered, to oven; bake for another 5 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Yummy or not :Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts II recipe.

Ingredients
1 pound bacon
2 (8 ounce) cans water chestnuts
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup chili sauce

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Cut each strip of bacon in half. Wrap one strip around one water chestnut. Secure with a wooden toothpick. Place in shallow baking dish.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 20 minutes.
While the wraps are baking, in a small mixing bowl combine brown sugar, mayonnaise, and chili sauce to make barbecue sauce. After the wraps have finished baking, transfer them (removing them from the grease) to a second shallow baking dish. Pour the sauce over the wraps.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 10 to 15 additional minutes, or until bacon is crispy. Serve hot out of dish with toothpicks.

Yummy or not :Beef Jerky in a Smoker recipe.

Ingredients
4 tablespoons ground black pepper
1 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 dash hot pepper sauce
1 dash Worcestershire sauce
2 pounds sirloin, cut into 1/2 inch thick slices

Directions
In a large, nonporous bowl, combine the ground black pepper, soy sauce, vinegar, hot pepper sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well and add the meat slices. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Prepare an outdoor smoker for low heat and lightly oil grate.
Lay meat strips out on grill so that they do not overlap. Smoke over low heat. Jerky will be done when the edges appear dry with just a slight hint of moisture in the center of the slices, about 6 to 8 hours.