Microwave Pralines

1-1/2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
2/3 cup half and half
1/8 tsp. salt
2 Tbs. butter, melted
1-1/2 cup pecan halves


Combine sugar, half and half and salt in a deep 3 quart casserole; mix well. Stir in butter. Microwave on High for 7 to 9 1/2 minutes or until mixture reaches soft ball stage (235 degrees), stirring once. Stir in pecans; cool about 1 minute. Beat by hand until mixture is creamy and begins to thicken, about 3 minutes. Drop by tablespoon on wax paper. Let stand until firm.

Corn Chowder

Ingredients:


6 ounces bacon
4 cups potatoes -- diced
2 cups onion -- chopped
2 cups fat-free sour cream
1 1/2 cup 2% low-fat milk
1 cup fat free half-and-half
2 cans (10 3/4 oz size) fat-free cream of chicken
soup
2 cans (15 1/4 oz size) canned corn, undrained
Turn this recipe into a puzzle! [click]




Directions:


Cut bacon into 1-inch pieces. Cook for 5 minutes in large skillet.


Add potatoes and onions and a bit of water. Cook 15-20 minutes, until tender, stirring occasionally. Drain. Transfer to slow cooker.


Combine sour cream, milk, half-and-half, chicken soup, and corn. Place in slow cooker.


Cover. Cook on low for 2 hours.




Source: CDKitchen

Easy Barbecued Beef Recipe

Ingredients:


3 pounds lean beef chuck roast or similar pot roast
1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1 can beer (12 ounce size)
1 bottle ketchup (14 ounce size)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Turn this recipe into a puzzle! [click]




Directions:


Place roast in crockpot. Combine sugar, beer, ketchup and Worcestershire sauce; pour over the pot roast.


Cover and cook on LOW for 10 to 12 hours, or on HIGH for 5 to 6 hours, until it is very tender and easy to shred or chop.


Serve shredded or chopped barbecue beef on fresh split buns, warmed or toasted.


Serve with coleslaw and barbecue sauce on the side, along with salads of your choice and vegetables or baked beans.




Source: CDKitchen

Roasted Garlic Soup

Ingredients


2 large garlic heads, whole, unpeeled
1 clove(s) garlic, minced
3 tablespoon(s) olive oil
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter
2 cup(s) onion, minced
1 cup(s) carrots, minced
1 large (1 1/4 cups) potato, peeled and cubed
4 cup(s) chicken stock
1/2 cup(s) dry white wine
1 teaspoon(s) salt
1/2 teaspoon(s) fresh-ground pepper
1/4 cup(s) heavy cream

Directions

Roast the garlic: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Using a serrated knife, cut the top off each garlic head so that the tip of each clove is exposed. Place the garlic heads on a large piece of aluminum foil and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the bay leaves and fold the foil to form a packet. Place the packet in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. Cool slightly. In a small bowl, squeeze the garlic head until all of the roasted flesh is released. Discard outer husks and bay leaves.

Make the soup: In a large heavy-duty saucepan, heat the remaining olive oil and butter, add onions, and cook over medium heat until translucent--about 4 minutes. Add the carrots and continue to cook for 5 more minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the potato, chicken stock, white wine, roasted garlic, salt, and pepper. Cover and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and continue to cook for 35 minutes.
Finish the soup: Using a blender, purée the soup in small batches until smooth. Return the soup to the saucepan over medium heat and whisk in the heavy cream. Heat until warmed. Do not boil. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients


1 (3 1/2-pound) whole chicken
3 quart(s) low-sodium chicken broth
6 carrots, peeled
4 stalk(s) celery, ends trimmed
3 medium onions, peeled
5 black peppercorns
1 clove(s) garlic, crushed
10 sprig(s) parsley
2 sprig(s) thyme
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter
4 leeks, tops and root ends removed
1 teaspoon(s) salt
1 teaspoon(s) fresh-ground pepper
3 cup(s) (5 ounces) medium egg noodles

Directions

Make the stock: Place the chicken and chicken broth in a large stockpot and set it over medium heat. Roughly chop 2 carrots, 2 celery ribs, and 1 onion and add to the broth. Add the peppercorns, garlic, 2 sprigs of parsley, thyme, bay leaf, and enough water to just cover the chicken. Bring the broth to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until the chicken is very tender -- about 1 1/4 hours -- skimming the surface periodically. Remove the chicken and place in a large bowl. Strain the broth through a very fine sieve into a large, clean bowl or stockpot. Discard the vegetables.

Make the soup: Skim any fat off the top of the strained broth and discard. Slice the remaining carrots, celery, onions, and leeks into 1/4-inch-thick pieces and set aside. Remove and discard the skin and bones from the chicken, cut meat into 1/2-inch pieces, and set aside. Chop the remaining parsley leaves and set aside. Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the vegetables and cook until the onions are translucent -- about 7 minutes. Add the chicken, the reserved broth, salt, and pepper. Simmer the soup until the vegetables are tender -- about 1 hour. Stir in the egg noodles and parsley and cook until the noodles are tender -- about 10 more minutes. Serve hot.

Pork Chops and Apples

* 6 pork loin chops, about 1-inch thick, trimmed of visible fat
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* Salt, to taste
* 6 tart apples, such as Granny Smith, cored and thickly sliced
* 1/4 cup currants or raisins, optional
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1/4 cup brown sugar


Instructions


1. Over medium heat on stove, brown chops in oil.
2. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
3. Place pork chops in the crockpot; combine remaining ingredients and pour over the pork chops.
4. Cover and cook on low heat for 8 to 9 hours, or on high heat 3 to 4 hours.






Source: LoveToKnow Recipes

Cheese Soup

Ingredients


2 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 ounces small diced onion (approximately 1 cup)
5 ounces small diced carrot (approximately 1 cup)
5 ounces small diced celery (approximately 1 cup)
1/2 teaspoon salt for sweating vegetables, plus more if needed at end of cooking
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 quart chicken broth, heated to a simmer
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 bay leaf
1 cup heavy cream
10 ounces Fontina, shredded
1 teaspoon Marsala wine
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
1/2 teaspoon white pepper


Directions


Melt butter in large heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery, and salt. Sweat for 5 to 10 minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften, stirring occasionally. Sift the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes.


Gradually add the chicken stock and bring to boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and add the garlic and bay leaf. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until vegetables are soft.


Remove bay leaf. Turn off the heat, add the heavy cream, and then puree with an immersion blender or in a conventional blender*. Gradually add the cheese, 1 small handful at a time, and stir until melted before adding next handful. Stir in the Marsala, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and white pepper. Taste and add additional salt if desired. If soup is not hot enough, return to a low heat until warmed through.


*When blending hot liquids: Remove liquid from the heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes. Transfer liquid to a blender or food processor and fill it no more than halfway. If using a blender, release one corner of the lid. This prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions. Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times then process on high speed until smooth.

Clam and Corn Chowder

2 medium or one large onion, chopped

2 tbsp butter or margarine

1 1/4 cups chicken broth

2 cups diced potatoes

1 bay leaf

1/4 tsp celery salt

2 can (aprox 7 oz) minced clams (I use baby clams)

1 can (16oz) creamed corn

2 cups milk

salt and pepper to taste

In a pot large enough to hold 3 quarts, cook onions in butter until soft (but not brown). Add broth, potatoes, seasonings, and clams. Cook covered 15 minutes, or until potatoes are cooked. Add corn, milk and heat. It can be made richer by using a mixture of cream and milk. Serves aprox 8.

Old Bay Beer Braised Shrimp

Pairing Beer With Food Series

This recipe was inspired from the Great Food, Great Beer cookbook.  Their recipe can be found on page 194 and has shrimp paired with an American lager.  This recipe I found on Gracebeforemeals.com and it uses a light beer recipe which can be found here.

• can of light beer
• 4 teaspoons of Old Bay
• 4 tablepoons of Butter
• Shrimp - peeled, devined, about 1/2 pound (apx 10 medium sized shrimp) Parsley (Fresh flat leaf if possible)
• 1 small baguette, or 1 or 2 small crusty dinner rolls
• Fresh parsley, mineced
• Saute Bitter, garlic and olive oil in a pan, Season shrimp with salt, pepper and Old Bay and add to hot pan. Add beer to pan, enough so that foam covers the shrimp and add more old bay. Braze for 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pinkish white. Slice bread and put in a bowl. Add shrimp and sauce over the bread. Top with fresh parsley as garnish and extra flavor.

Roasted Pepper Tomato Bisque

5 Ways to Eat More Veggies

• Buy fresh vegetables that are in season -- they'll be at their peak flavor, and often less expensive.
• Keep plenty of frozen vegetables on hand for quick and easy microwave meals and sides.
• Look for conveniently packed vegetables, such as washed and peeled carrots, pre-washed bags of salads, and cut vegetables.
• Save time by making a baked potato in the microwave instead of the oven.
• Alternate your veggie choices and how you cook them. Try them raw and crunchy, then try them steamed.

Easy Guacamole

Photo by: Nathan Borror


This recipe serves: 4

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

2 ripe Haas avocados

1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, leaves chopped

1/4 medium red onion, diced

2 jalapeño peppers, stemmed, seeded and finely diced (optional)

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime

freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the avocados into halves and remove the seeds. Peel the fruit and place in a mixing bowl.

2. Mash avocados with a potato masher or fork until chunky. Add the remaining ingredients and mix with a fork.

Blueberry Gummies

Ingredients:


* 1/3 cup cold water
* 1 .25-oz package unflavored gelatin
* 1 3-oz package blue flavored gelatin
* fresh blueberries
* 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk


Preparation:


1. Prepare your candy mold by spraying it lightly with nonstick spray, then wiping it gently with a paper towel to leave just a very thin layer of oil in the molds.


2. Pour the water in a small saucepan. Sprinkle the gelatin packets on top, and allow it to sit for 10 minutes to let the water hydrate the gelatin.


3. Put the pan over medium-low heat to melt the gelatin and stir until it is completely dissolved and smooth.


4. Pour the melted gelatin into a measuring cup with a spout, and then carefully pour the gelatin halfway into the prepared mold cavities. Gently place a blueberry in the middle of each cavity.


5. Place the tray in the freezer for about 5 minutes to firm up the gelatin. While that is setting, stir the condensed milk into the remaining gelatin in the mixing cup to turn it an opaque blue color.


6. After the first layer has set, pour the opaque gelatin on top of the first layer, and refrigerate the candies to set them completely.


7. Once set, pull the gummies out of the molds and serve. Blueberry Gummies can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or for several weeks if you omit the blueberry inside.

Source: Blueberry Gummies Recipe - How to Make Blueberry Gummies - Gummy Candies

Black Bean Soup

3 tblsp olive oil

1 small yellow onion, chopped (1/2 cp)

2 small garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp ground cumin

1 large stalk celery, chopped (3/4 cp)

1 large carrot, chopped (3/4 cp)

4 cps chicken broth

3 15 1/2 oz cans black beans, rinsed and drained

juice from 1 lime

1 tblsp tomato paste

salt

In large pot, heat the oil, onion, and garlic and cook until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the cumin and cook 1 minute. Add celery, carrot, stock and beans. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in the lime juice and tomato paste. To thicken soup, puree the beans in a blender.

Pulled Pork

Photo by: Stevendepolo

* 3 pounds boneless pork roast
* 2 chopped onions
* 12 ounces barbecue sauce, preferred style
* 1/4 cup honey
* 6 rolls


Instructions


1. Place pork in Crock Pot.
2. In a separate bowl, stir together the barbecue sauce and honey.
3. Pour the sauce over the pork.
4. Add onions to the Crock Pot and cover.
5. Cook on low for 6 hours.
6. Remove and pull apart with forks.
7. Serve on sandwich rolls with extra sauce or cole slaw.






Source:  LoveToKnow Recipes

Sweet And Spicy Pork Chili

Ingredients


1 teaspoon(s) vegetable oil
2 pound(s) boneless pork chops or tenderloin, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 shallots, coarsely chopped (about 1/3 cup)
2 clove(s) garlic, minced
2 teaspoon(s) crushed red-pepper flakes
2 tablespoon(s) chili powder
1 can(s) (14 1/2-ounce) low-sodium beef broth
1 can(s) (14-ounce) low-fat coconut milk
1 teaspoon(s) grated fresh ginger
3 medium carrots, peeled and cut on the diagonal (about 1 cup)
3 tablespoon(s) frozen orange-juice concentrate
1 tablespoon(s) low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup(s) light brown sugar
6 cup(s) hot cooked rice
Chopped scallions (optional)

Directions

In a large Dutch oven, add oil and heat over medium-high heat. Once oil is hot but not smoking, add pork; cook until lightly browned -- 6 to 8 minutes. Remove pork, set aside, and reduce heat to medium.

Add shallots and sauté until translucent -- about 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Add red-pepper flakes, chili powder, beef broth, coconut milk, and ginger. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. Add carrots and simmer for 10 more minutes.
Add orange-juice concentrate, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes. Serve warm over cooked rice and sprinkle with chopped scallions, if desired.

Chipotle Vegetable Chili

Ingredients


Vegetable-oil cooking spray
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 small eggplant, cubed
1 medium onion, peeled and cut into eighths
2 medium zucchini, cubed
1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
1 tablespoon(s) olive oil
2 clove(s) garlic, minced
1 pound(s) button mushrooms, cleaned and quartered
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon(s) chili powder dried chipotle pepper, stemmed and diced
1 can(s) (19-ounce) white cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 can(s) (14 1/2-ounce ) low-sodium vegetable broth
1 can(s) (14 1/2-ounce ) low-sodium diced tomatoes
2 tablespoon(s) chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions

Roast the vegetables: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, combine bell pepper, eggplant, onion, zucchini, and salt with olive oil. Arrange the vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast the vegetables, turning occasionally, until just softened -- 25 to 30 minutes.

Make the chili: In a large Dutch oven, add oil and heat over medium-high heat. Once oil is hot but not smoking, add garlic and mushrooms. Sauté until mushrooms soften -- about 5 minutes. Add bay leaf, chili powder, chipotle pepper, beans, broth, tomatoes, and roasted vegetables. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
To serve: Stir in parsley and serve hot.

Butterscotch Haystacks

Ingredients:


* 2 cups (4 oz) shredded unsweetened coconut
* 1 cup plus 2 tbsp butterscotch chips
* 1/4 tsp salt
* 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips


Preparation:


1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and set aside for now. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.


2. Place the coconut in a pie tin or small baking pan, and toast it in the oven until golden brown. The secret to good toasted coconut is consistent browning, so be sure to stir it every 2 minutes until it is an even, light golden color. It will probably take 8-10 minutes, but monitor your coconut carefully.


3. While the coconut is toasting, place the butterscotch chips in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave them until melted, stirring after every 30 seconds to prevent overheating.


4. Once the coconut is toasted and the butterscotch chips are melted, stir the salt into the butterscotch chips, and then stir in the coconut, mixing until coconut is entirely coated with butterscotch.


5. Using a small teaspoon or candy scoop, drop small, compact spoonfuls of the candy onto the prepared baking sheet.


6. After all of the haystacks have been formed, place the chocolate chips in a small bowl and microwave until melted. Stir until the chocolate is smooth, then spoon the melted chocolate into a small Ziploc bag. Snip off a tiny corner of the bag, and drizzle the haystacks with melted chocolate.


7. Refrigerate to set the butterscotch and chocolate, at least 30 minutes. Store Butterscotch Haystacks in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.






Source: About.com

Greek Chicken

Ingredients:

4 pounds chicken, cut up
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper


Directions:


Cut up chicken and remove skin. Arrange in crockpot. In separate container, combine olive oil with all remaining ingredients. Shake or stir well, then pour over chicken pieces. Cover with lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.

Source: CDKitchen

Microwave Caramels

1 cup butter
2 1/2 cups light brown sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Line a 12 x 7 x 2-inch baking pan with lightly buttered aluminum foil. Set aside.


Place butter in a large microwave-proof mixing bowl. Microwave on MEDIUM-HIGH (70 percent) power 1 to 2 minutes, or until melted.


Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk and salt. Cover with plastic wrap, venting one corner. Microwave on HIGH (100 percent) power 10 to 12 minutes, or until bubbly and thick in consistency.


Uncover and stir well. Microwave, uncovered, on MEDIUM-HIGH for 16 to 20 minutes, or until candy forms a soft ball when small amount is dropped in cold water and flattens when removed.


Mix in vanilla. Pour into prepared pan. Let cool at room temperature. Invert pan; peel off foil and cut into 1-inch pieces. Wrap pieces individually in waxed paper or plastic wrap. Store in covered container at room temperature.


Makes about 72 pieces.