What's Cookin' ??

[moreluck]

Hamburger Noodle Bake

5 cups uncooked egg noodles
2 lbs ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
2 cans condensed tomato soup, undiluted
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup chili sauce
1 1/2 cups soft bread crumbs
3 tbsp butter, melted

Cook noodles according to package directions until almost tender; drain.
In a large skillet, cook the beef, onion and green pepper over
medium-high heat until meat is no longer pink, drain. Stir in the
noodles, soup, cheese, water and chili sauce. Transfer to two greased
8-in. square baking dishes.
Toss bread crumbs and butter; sprinkle over casseroles. Bake one
casserole, uncovered, at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until bubbly and
golden. Cover and freeze remaining casserole for up to 3 months.

 

[moreluck]

Apple Bran Muffins


This SERVES 24 , 2 dozen muffins

• 2 large golden delicious apples, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup butter, cubed
• 3 cups all-bran cereal
• 1 cup boiling water
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 cup raisins
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

1. In a skillet, saute apples in butter until tender, about 10 minutes. Combine cereal and water in a large bowl; stir in buttermilk, eggs, sugar, raisins and apples with butter. Combine dry ingredients; stir into apple mixture just until moistened. Refrigerate in a tightly covered container for at least 24 hours (batter will be very thick). Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake at 400° for 20-25 minutes or until muffins test done. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Yield: about 24 standard-size muffins. Editor's Note: Batter can be stored in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

 

[moreluck]

(Sloppy Joes)

SERVES 4 -6

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup catsup
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 6 sandwich buns

1. Brown beef in skillet.
2. Drain grease.
3. Combine remaining ingredients and pour over beef.
4. Mix well.
5. Simmer slowly for 10 to 15 minutes.
6. Serve on your choice of rolls. (I like onion or potato rolls with this).

 

[moreluck]

Cuban Crushed Potatoes

Ingredients

• 4 new potatoes
• 1 TBS olive oil
• 1 garlic clove crushed
• 1 TBS chives chopped
• 1 salt; to taste
• 1 pepper; to taste
• 2 TBS grated cheese I used Pepper Jack
• 1 TBS Parmesan
• 1 Herbs of choice; optional

Preparation


Wash potatoes well and place in salted water.Bring to boil and cook till fork tender (15-20 minutes).
Mix oil with crushed garlic clove....and any herbs you like. Set aside.Line a baking sheet with parchment. Place the potatoes on the parchment. Using a potato crusher, crush the potatoes carefully. You may also use a paper towel and press the potatoes with your palm. Just be gentle.Sprinkle some salt and pepper. Add some Parmesan/Pepper Jack cheese and chives.Broil for 7-10 minutes or until nice and crispy.Sprinkle with additional chives. Sometimes, I bake the potatoes

 

[klein]

Moreluck, sorry to invade here, too .
But, thought, I should pass this on. :

Five reasons why olive oil is the ultimate healthy fat

Posted Fri, Oct 26, 2007

Whether in Rome or at home, do as the Romans do: Make olive oil a staple. If you already eat the Mediterranean way, you know that the oil not only tastes good but that it is good for you. It's an amazing source of antioxidants, capable of dousing inflammation, defending cells from menacing molecules, and more. Here's the latest on this superhero food.
IT CUTS YOUR CANCER RISK
Olive oil's cancer-preventing powers are lab legends. Which substances get the credit? Polyphenols, for one -- these potent plant antioxidants protect against cancer-causing cell damage. But it also looks like the oil's monounsaturated fat has anti-cancer effects, which means olive oil packs quite a one-two punch! Some people-proof: Check the lower rates of breast, ovarian and prostate cancer among Southern Europeans -- whose diets flow with olive oil -- compared to their northern neighbors.
IT HELPS YOUR HEART
There's virtually nothing better than the big "double O" when it comes to your heart. Olive oil ups good HDL cholesterol, lowers bad LDL, and reduces other harmful blood fats (triglycerides). And that's not all. It also reduces inflammation, another contributor to cardiovascular disease.
IT KEEPS YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE DOWN
Speaking of your heart, how's your blood pressure? If it's not below 120/80, you need to get it there. And yes, olive oil plays a role. It can help enough to reduce the need for daily meds. Those potent polyphenols appear to dilate arteries, which brings blood pressure down. (Always choose extra-virgin olive oil, by the way -- its minimal processing preserves the maximum number of antioxidants and heat-sensitive vitamins.)
IT HELPS YOU LOSE WEIGHT
"Great taste, less filling" -- that light beer slogan rings true for olive oil. While ounce for ounce, all oils have the same calories, olive oil has a fuller flavor so less is needed for tantalizing taste. Plus research shows that overweight people who eat a diet with some fat -- including olive oil -- are more likely to shed pounds than those who slash fat. Why? Oil's rich flavor makes it easier to stick with the program.
IT EASES YOUR ACHING HEAD
If you're prone to headaches and wary of overdoing ibuprofen, try routinely dressing your salad or crisp-tender veggies in extra-virgin olive oil. It contains oleocanthal, a natural compound that, like ibuprofen, blocks pain-producing and inflammatory substances -- but without the risk of stomach upset. While daily oleocanthal doses aren't the painkiller's complete equal, they could lower your risk for heart disease, cancer, arthritis and possibly Alzheimer's. Quite a trade-off.

 

[moreluck]

Good info. I always use E.V.O.O. (extra virgin olive oil)

 

[klein]

Good info. I always use E.V.O.O. (extra virgin olive oil)

Same here, over $10 a bottle most times, but well worth it !
Just looked at my bottle, Safeway O organic brand (imported from Italy).

In Italy, they actually use it as breadspread, instead of butter or magarine.
I don't go that far, though. LOL

 

[moreluck]

Pour some olive oil in a plate, then pour a bit less of balsamic vinegar....dip crusty Italian bread in the mixture.....delish !!

 

[moreluck]

Beef Chili with Beans

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable or corn oil
• 2 cups chopped onions - cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1 cup chopped bell pepper (red, yellow or green) - cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic (or pressed through garlic press)
• 4 tablespoons chili powder (Spice Islands brand adds great flavor)
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 pounds ground beef (preferably coarse ground & 85 percent lean)
• 2 cans (15 oz each) red kidney beans - drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes - with juice
• 1 can (28 oz) tomato puree
• Tablespoon salt

Preparation


Heat oil in a large heavy-bottomed nonreactive saucepot or Dutch oven mediun heat. When oil is shimmering, add the onions, bell pepper, garlic, chili powder, cumin, coriander, pepper flakes, oregano, and cayenne. (Dry seasonings are added at the beginning with the onions so the spices release their oils and the vegetables have enough time to absorb all the flavors.) Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and lightly colored, about 10 minutes.
Increase heat to medium-high, add half the beef and lightly season with about 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink and just beginning to brown, roughly 4 to 5 minutes. Add remaining beef and lightly season again with about 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, another 4 to 5 minutes.
Add beans, tomatoes and their juices, tomato puree, and about 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Remove lid and continue to simmer for another hour, stirring occasionally, until meat is tender and chili is slightly thickened (if chili begins to stick to bottom of pot, stir in 1/2 cup water and continue to simmer). Taste and, if necessary, adjust seasoning with salt. Remove from heat and serve, or refrigerate, and serve the next day. To serve, ladle into bowls, and top with your favorite condiments.
Makes about 8 to 10 servings.

 

[moreluck]

Pistachio Crusted Salmon

You can use different nuts such as walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds etc. You may also use a different fish such as Chilean Sea Bass, Trout etc. Seafood Magic is a seasoning by Chef Paul Prudhomme. Get his seasonings if you can find them - You may sub Old Bay instead but it won't have the same flavor, though still fantastic!
by Suzy_Q
20 min | 10 min prep


SERVES 2

• 2 (6-8 ounce) salmon steaks
• 2-3 teaspoons seafood, magic seasoning blend
• 1/2 cup pistachios, shelled
• 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 lemon, juice of

1. Generously sprinkle both sides of salmon with Seafood Magic (about 2-3 teaspoons total).
2. Put pistachios and olive oil in a food processor and grind.
3. Evenly distribute the crushed nuts on both sides of the salmon, pressing in with your fingers.
4. Melt the butter in a large skillet and add the juice of 1/2 a lemon.
5. Add salmon steaks to the skillet over medium heat, cooking each side for 3-5 minutes.
6. Turn off heat and keep covered in the skillet until ready to serve.
7. Season the salmon steaks with the juice of the other 1/2 of lemon.

 

[moreluck]

Pasta Fagioli

8 bacon strips. Chopped
2 onions fine chopped
6 cups chicken broth
2 oz. White wine
¼ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon parsley
½ teaspoon basil
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup grated cheese (Romano or Parmesan)
3 cloves garlic fine chopped
1 29oz. Can crushed tomatoes
1 15 ½ oz. Can great northern beans
8 oz. Ditalini pasta

Saute bacon and onion in olive oil in large pot.
When brown add garlic.
Add wine, seasonings, chicken broth, and tomatoes.
Bring to boil, then simmer 5 minutes.
Add beans and cheese, simmer 3 minutes more.
Add cooked pasta and serve.
You should follow the recipe exactly at least the first time, after you got it down you can change it to your taste.

 

[klein]

Which one should you pick?

 

[OldUPSDriver]

Whether you eat meat or not, you can appreciate this great recipe.


Gracie Allen's Classic Roast Beef Recipe



I'm sending this to people who know who Gracie Allen was and who can appreciate a good recipe.


Gracie Allen's Classic Recipe for Roast Beef

1 large Roast of beef
1 small Roast of beef

Take the two roasts and put them in the oven.
When the little one burns, the big one is done.

 

[moreluck]

Easy Creamy Chicken Bake


SERVES 4

• 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• salt and pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 cup onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup mushroom, sliced
• 1-2 tablespoon butter
• 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can mushroom soup
• 1 pint whipping cream
• 1/8 teaspoon paprika
• fresh parsley

1. Saute onion, mushrooms and garlic in a pan with the butter til soft.
2. Remove from heat.
3. Place chicken in a greased 13" x 9" pan; sprinkle with salt, pepper and poultry seasoning. Set aside.
4. Mix soup and cream together. Add the sauted onion, mushrooms and garlic. Pour over chicken.
5. Sprinkle top with paprika and parsley.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 1-1/4 hours.

 

[moreluck]

Spinach Stuffed Manicotti


SERVES 6 -8

• 1 (8 ounce) package manicotti
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 0 pz jar pasta sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 (16 ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1. Cook manicotti as package directs and drain.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
3. In a large saucepan, over medium heat, brown meat and pour off the fat.
4. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until tender.
5. Stir in pasta sauce and oregano, salt and pepper.
6. Simmer 15 minutes.
7. In a bowl, combine 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, Ricotta cheese, spinach, eggs and Parmesan cheese.
8. Mix well.
9. Stuff into the Manicotti.
10. Line them up in a greased 9 x 13 baking dish.
11. Evenly spoon the sauce over the top.
12. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
13. Remove the cover and top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
14. Bake 15 minutes longer.
15. Let stand 15 minutes.
16. Serve and enjoy.

 

[moreluck]

Sicilian Beef Short Ribs

Recipe is from the 2009 National Beef Cook Off.
by SweetJezebel

SERVES 6

• 3 lbs beef short ribs, cut into 4x2x2-inch pieces
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup diced onion
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (14-14 1/2 ounce) can reduced-sodium beef broth
• 1 cup grape juice
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley (optional)

Pasta

• 1 (12 ounce) package extra-wide egg noodles
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can Italian-style stewed tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

1. Heat stockpot over medium heat until hot. Brown beef short ribs, in batches if necessary, on all sides. Pour off drippings. Season beef with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper.
2. Return beef to stockpot. Add onion and garlic. Combine broth, juice, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce in medium bowl. Pour over beef; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover tightly and simmer 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 hours or until beef is fork-tender.
3. Meanwhile, prepare Pasta. Cook noodles in boiling water with 1 teaspoon salt according to package directions; drain. Return noodles to pan; stir in tomatoes and thyme. Cover; keep warm over low heat.
4. Remove beef; discard any loose bones. Skim fat from cooking liquid; stir in thyme. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-high. Cook 15 to 20 minutes or until sauce is reduced and thickened.
5. Place noodle mixture on serving platter; top with beef. Spoon sauce over beef and noodles. Garnish with parsley, if desired.

 

[moreluck]

Mashed Potatoes with Brown Butter, Goat Cheese, and Sage Recipe

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs. yukon gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 3 tablespoons of butter
• 3 tablespoons of milk
• 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh sage
• 4 ounces of goat cheese chevre

Method

1 Place the potatoes and salt in a pot and fill the pot with cold water until the potatoes are covered. Bring to a boil over high heat, then bring the heat down to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until a fork easily pierces the potatoes. Drain the water from the potatoes.
2 Place the butter in a small saucepan over low heat and brown the butter. The butter will foam for a bit before calming down. When the butter turns to a light amber color watch for it to turn to a nutty brown (this can happen very quickly). Immediately take off heat. Add the chopped sage to the butter (it may cause some foaming). Pour over the potatoes.
3 Add the goat cheese chevre, and milk and mash the potatoes with a potato masher until smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated. Salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Serves 4.

 

[moreluck]

Heloise's Mom's Spaghetti Sauce

1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup butter
1 cup finely chopped onion
1 lb. ground beef
4 strips bacon finely chopped
4 cloves garlic chopped fine
3 Tbls. finely chopped parsley
1 bay leaf chopped fine
1 Tbls. salt
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
2 oz. red wine
2-15oz. cans whole tomatoes
1 small can tomato paste
1 cup water
1 finely chopped carrot

Heat olive oil over low heat in a pot large enough to hold all ingredients. Add butter and simmer 'til melted. Add onions and saute 'til lightly browned. Add ground beef and bacon; saute 'til browned, stirring occasionally.

Add garlic, parsley, bay leaf, salt, black pepper and red pepper. Cook over low heat for 10 mins. Add wine, cover and steam for a few mins. more.

Add tomatoes, tomato paste and water. Bring the mixture to boiling and add chopped carrot. Cover and cook over low heat for an hour, stirring occasionally. Serve over your favorite cooked pasta.

 

[moreluck]

Miss Erin's Deeply Southern Mac ’n' Cheese


SERVES 6

• 8 ounces macaroni
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups sharp shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups small curd cottage cheese
• 1 egg, slightly beaten
• 1/2 lb bacon, diced and cooked
• 1 dash pepper, Tabasco Sauce and paprika to your taste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, for the topping

1. Preheat oven to 350. Combine everything into a big bowl—even the grease from the bacon (gasp!)—and mix well. Spread the mixture out evenly in a greased 9×13 casserole dish, and sprinkle as much cheese as you want on top. Bake it for 45 minutes or so. You’ll know it’s done when it’s bubbly and the cheese is starting to brown on top.

 

[moreluck]

Southwestern Chicken Saute

Ingredients

1 package PERDUE® SHORT CUTS® Carved Chicken Breast, Southwestern Style, 6 oz.
2 cups tomato salsa
1 can (11 ounces) yellow whole kernel corn, drained
1 can (16 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 teaspoon ground cumin
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 cups hot cooked rice
Preparation Steps

1. In a large skillet, bring salsa, corn, beans, cumin and cilantro to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 3 minutes
3. Stir in chicken and rice and heat through.