Grilled Cheese and Tomato Sandwich

snacks No Responses »
Oct 262011

Here, grilled cheese with tomato are paired in a hearty sandwich combination.  It takes only minutes to prepare.

Ingredients:
2 slices whole wheat bread
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 slice (1 ounce) reduced-fat provolone cheese
1 teaspoon whole grain mustard (optional)
1/4 cup baby spinach
1 small tomato, thinly sliced

Directions:
Lay the bread on a work surface and brush 1 side of both slices with oil until all the oil is absorbed.  Flip 1 slice oiled side down and top with cheese, mustard (if using), spinach, and tomato.  Top with the second slice of bread, oiled side up.

Set a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the surface is very hot. With a spatula, transfer the sadwich to the skillet.  Cook for 1 minute, pressing with the spatula, until browned on the bottom.  Flip and cook for 1 minute, pressing lightly with the spatula, until browned on the second side.  If the cheese is not quite melted, remove the pan from the heat, cover, and let it sit for 30 seconds.  Halve on the diagonal.

Posted by Leila at 10:30 am Tagged with:

Buttered and Garlicky Prawns

recipes No Responses »
Oct 042011

This recipe is even better by adding mustard and serve with fresh crusty bread.

Prep Time: 15 Min.
Cook Time: 15 Min.
Ready In: 30 Min.

Ingredients:
250 g butter
2 tablespoons mustard
juice of half a lemon
2 cloves garlic, chopped
half a bunch fresh parsley, chopped
1 kg medium fresh prawns – shells removed with tails attached and deveined

Directions:
Preheat oven to 230 degrees Celsius. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, mustard, lemon juice, garlic and parsley. When the butter melt completely remove from heat. Arrange prawns in a shallow baking dish. Pour the butter mixture over the prawns. Bake in preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the prawns are pink and opaque.

Posted by Leila at 2:49 pm Tagged with:

Buffalo Chicken Wings

recipes No Responses »
Feb 062011

These are chicken wings baked with a mixture of hot sauce, tomato sauce, chili powder, and cayenne.  A nice spicy bite!  Vary the seasonings to your liking.

Prep Time: 20 Min.
Cook Time: 45 Min.
Ready In: 1 Hr. 5 Min.

Ingredients:
  • 20 chicken wings, split and tips discarded
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup red pepper sauce
  • 3/4 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).  Bake wings in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until cooked through and crispy.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine melted butter, red pepper sauce, tomato sauce, chili powder, and cayenne pepper.  Mix together.

When wings are baked, dip in sauce to coat well, then shake off excess and return coated wings to baking sheet.  Reduce oven temperature to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius) and bake for another 15 minutes to set sauce.

Posted by Leila at 11:47 pm Tagged with:

Christmas Cookie Stars

baking No Responses »
Dec 132010

This is a festive style cookie.  Excellent for Christmas or New Year’s Celebration.

Prep Time: 30 Min.
Cook Time: 15 Min.
Ready In: 4 Hrs. 45 Min.
Original Recipe Yield: 2 dozens

Ingredients:
  • 3/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 2 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons strawberry jam
  • 1/4 cup green decorator sugar (optional)
Directions:
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Gradually add eggs and vanilla.  Mix well.  Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.  Stir flour mixture into the butter mixture until well blended.  Refrigerate dough for three hours.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).  Grease several cookie sheets.

On a floured surface, roll out 1/2 the dough at a time to 1/8 inch thickness.  Cut dough into star shapes using a 3-4 star cookie cutter.  Using a 1-2 inch star cookie cutter, cut a star into the center of half of the big stars.  Sprinkle colored sugar on the cookies with the center cut out if desired.  Put onto prepared cookie sheets about 1 inch apart and bake for 6-8 minutes.

After cookies completely cool down, spread 1 teaspoon of preserves in the center of each cookie that does not have a star cut out in the middle.  Place a cookie with a cut-out on top of the layer of the preserves.  Pack cookies in a covered tin to preserve freshness.

Posted by Leila at 1:20 pm Tagged with:

30-minute meals

recipes No Responses »
Nov 242010

Shrimp and Mushroom Linguini with Creamy Cheese Herb Sauce

This recipe is a “gift from God”.  You can easily substitute the shrimp and mushrooms for something else.

Prep Time: 15 Min.
Cook Time: 15 Min.
Ready In: 30 Min.
Original Recipe Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

  • 1 (8 ounce) package linguini pasta
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
  • 2/3 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 pound cooked shrimp


Directions:

Bring to a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.  Add linguini, and cook until tender and drain.

Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add mushrooms then cook and stir until tender.  Transfer to a plate.

In the same pan, melt 1/2 cup butter with the minced garlic.  Stir in the cream cheese, breaking it up with a spoon as it melts.  Stir in the parsley and basil.  Simmer for 5 minutes.  Mix in boiling water until sauce is smooth.  Stir in cooked shrimp and mushrooms and heat through.  Toss linguini with shrimp sauce and serve.


Ham N Egg Skillet

This nicely seasoned skillet dish is hearty with ham, cheese, and potatoes.  It’s great for weekend brunch or as spur-of-the-moment supper served with toast and juice.

Prep Time: 15 Min.
Cook Time: 15 Min.
Ready In: 30 Min.
Original Recipe Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped green pepper
  • 1 cup cubed fully cooked ham
  • 3 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
  • salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
In a skillet, saute potatoes in butter until tender and golden brown.  Add the onion and green pepper and saute until crisp-tender.  Add ham, eggs, cheese, salt, and pepper.  Cook until eggs are completely set, stirring occasionally.


Baked Salmon Fillet Dijon

This is a delicious baked salmon coated with Dijon-style mustard and seasoned breaded crumbs, and topped with butter.

Prep Time: 15 Min.
 Cook Time: 15 Min.
 Ready In: 30 Min.
 Original Recipe Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:
  • 4 (4 ounce) fillets salmon
  • 3 tablespoons prepared Dijon-style mustard
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup Italian-style dry bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).  Line a shallow  baking pan with aluminum foil.

Place salmon skin-side down on foil.  Spread a thin layer of mustard on the top of each fillet, and season with salt and pepper.  Top with bread crumbs, then drizzle with melted butter.

Bake in a preheated oven for 15 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.


Chicken Marsala

This is a delicious, classic chicken dish lightly coated with Marsala wine and mushrooms.  Its recipe is easy and ideal for both a quick weeknight entree and serving to guests.

Prep Time: 10 Min.
Cook Time: 20 Min.
Ready In: 30 Min.
Original Recipe Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour for coating
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves – pounded 1/4 inch thick
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup Marsala wine
  • 1/4 cup cooking sherry
Directions:
In a shallow dish or bowl, mix together the flour, salt, oregano, and pepper.  Coat chicken pieces in flour mixture.

In a large skillet, melt butter in oil over medium heat.  Place chicken in the pan and cook it until lightly brown.  Turn over the chicken pieces and add the mushrooms.  Pour in wine and sherry.  Cover the skillet and simmer chicken for 10 minutes.  Turn it again until it’s no longer pink and the juices run clear.


Taco Pie

This is a quick, easy meal and is very filling.  Some people will top it with regular taco toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, black olives, etc.  It’s also great as leftovers for lunch.

Prep Time: 20 Min.
Cook Time: 10 Min.
Ready In: 30 Min.
Original Recipe Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:
  • 1 (8 ounce) package refrigerated crescent rolls
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
  • 1 (16 ounce) container sour cream
  • 8 ounces shredded Mexican-style cheese blend
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) package crushed tortilla chips
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).  Lay crescent dough flat on the bottom of a square cake pan and bake according to package directions.

Meanwhile, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add the taco seasoning and stir together well.  When dough is done, remove from oven and place meat mixture on top then layer with sour cream and cheese, and then top off with the crushed nacho chips.

Return it to oven and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.


Penne with Spicy Vodka Tomato Cream Sauce

This is a nice change for your typical tomato sauce.  Don’t worry about the alcohol as it cooks off and can not be tasted.  It simply helps to enhance the flavors.

Prep Time: 10 Min.
Cook Time: 20 Min.
Ready In: 30 Min.
Original Recipe Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients:
  • 1 pound uncooked penne pasta
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons vodka
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 (3.5 ounce) links sweet Italian sausage
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 and drain.

In a large skillet, heat oil over moderate heat.  Remove casing from sausage and place in the skillet.  Cook, breaking up the meat, until brown.  Add garlic and red pepper and cook.  Stir it until garlic is golden brown.

Add tomatoes and salt and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.  Add vodka and cream and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to low, add pasta and toss for a minute.  Stir in fresh parsley and serve.

Posted by Leila at 8:42 pm Tagged with:

Delicious Cookies for Calorie Counters

baking No Responses »
Nov 112010

If you’re a cookie lover spending more time looking for low-fat cookie recipes you’ve come to the right place.

I’ve got cookie recipes that lighten the fatty load that traditional cookie recipes generally offer.   Keep in mind though, that not every one of these recipes will likely be a good match for your low-fat requirements.  Take some time to look over each recipe and choose those that fit best in your dietary guidelines.

Low-Fat Alternative Brownies

This is my attempt to make a brownie recipe lower in fat.  Your family will love them.

Prep Time: 10 Min.
Cook Time: 30 Min.
Ready In: 40 Min.
Original Recipe Yield: 1 – 8×8 inch pan

Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 (4 ounce) jar pureed prunes baby food
  • 2 eggs

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).  Grease an 8×8 inch square pan.

In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa, sugar, and salt.  Pour in oil, vanilla, prunes and eggs.  Mix until everything is well blended.  Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.  Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven or until top is shiny and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Banana Oat and Bran Cookies

The combination of oats and bran make this chunky banana cookie a satisfying low-fat and high-fiber healthy snack.  Substituting fat free yogurt will also work as well.  Try using diced pitted prunes in place of raisins.

Prep Time: 5 Min.
Cook Time: 10 Min.
Ready In: 15 Min.
Original Recipe Yield: 2 dozen

Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/4 cup wheat bran
  • 1/4 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup low-fat plain yogurt
  • 1/8 cup real maple syrup
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup raisins

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit(175 degrees Celsius).  Beat mashed bananas, egg whites, brown sugar, maple syrup, yogurt, and cinnamon.

Combine the remaining dry ingredients: oats, wheat bran, flour, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl.  Use an electric mixer to combine the dry ingredients with wet mixture.  Add in raisins, chopped prunes and or nuts.

Roll cookies into balls, and place them on a cookie sheet coated with cooking spray.  bake them for 8-12 minutes until cookies are firm and dry.

Egg-Free Oatmeal Cookies

These are delicious, and moist applesauce oatmeal cookies.

Original Recipe Yield: 2 dozen

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 3/4 cup applesauce
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).  Grease a cookie sheet.

In a medium bowl, stir together the brown sugar, white sugar, and applesauce mixture.  Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon and stir into the applesauce mixture.  Add the rolled oats, raisins, and chopped nuts (if desired).  Stir them until they’re combined.

Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheet.  Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven.  Allow cookies to cool slightly before removing from the baking sheet.

De-Light-Ful Chocolate Brownies

These brownies are cake-like and rich with little fat and few calories.  It’s okay to indulge with these guilt-free.

Original Recipe Yield: 16 brownies

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cake flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 tablespoons chocolate syrup
  • 1/2 cup applesauce
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup white sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius).  Combine the applesauce, egg whites, chocolate syrup,  and sugar.  Blend in the flours, cocoa, and baking powder.  Mix until the batter is smooth.  Pour the batter into one 13×9 inch pan.  Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Posted by Leila at 11:04 pm Tagged with:

Healthy Snacks

snacks No Responses »
Nov 072010

Ranch Dressing

This Ranch Dressing is great because it doesn’t have all the chemicals and preservatives that many do.  You can also use buttermilk in place of the sour cream if you like.

Prep Time: 5 Min.
Ready In: 35 Min.
Original Recipe Yield:  1 1/2 cups


Ingredients:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried chives
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:

In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, chives, mayonnaise, parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.  Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

Granola Bars

These are fantastic bars that have a lot of flexibility.  You can adapt the recipe to your liking.  These are great for hikes, long road trips, and camping as they store well and keep fairly long – unless you eat them all.  Use any combination of chips, dried fruit,  coconuts, pecans, almond slices, or any other tidbits you’d like in a granola bar.

Prep Time: 5 Min.
Cook Time: 20 Min.
Ready In: 35 Min.
Original Recipe Yield: 1 – 9×13 inch pan

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups quick-cooking oats
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 cup flaked coconut
  • 1 cup sliced almonds
  • 1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).  Grease a 9×13 inch pan.  In a large bowl, mix together the oats, sweetened condensed milk, butter, coconut, almonds, chocolate chips, and cranberries with your hands until well blended.  Press flat into the prepared pan.

Bake for 20-25 minutes in the preheated oven, depending on how crunchy you want them.  Lightly browned  just around the edges will give you moist, chewy bars.  Let it cool for 5 minutes, cut into squares then let cool completely before serving them.

Snack Wraps

These bite size wraps are so easy to make.  They are filled with chicken, cream cheese, and veggies.  It’s a great way to fill up the appetizer tray – and hungry guests’ bellies.

Prep Time: 15 Min.
Ready In: 15 Min.
Original Recipe Yield: 60 servings

Ingredients:

  • 12 (10 inch) flour tortillas
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
  • 1 head lettuce
  • 1 (6 ounce) package sliced deli-style turkey
  • 2 cups shredded carrots
  • 2 cups minced tomato

Directions:

Spread cream cheese evenly over the tortillas.  Top the cream cheese with lettuce leaves.  Arrange the chicken slices in even layers on top of the lettuce.  Sprinkle the carrots and tomato over the chicken slices.  Roll the tortillas into wraps.  Cut the wraps diagonally into bite-sized pieces.  Secure with toothpicks.

Pizza Sandwiches

These are easy pizza sandwiches that are perfect for an appetizer tray, or as a meal for one.

Prep Time: 10 Min.
Cook Time: 10 Min.
Ready In: 20 Min.
Original Recipe Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

  • 1 (8 ounce) package refrigerated crescent rolls
  • 4 slices mozzarella cheese
  • 4 teaspoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).  Unwind the roll dough, and separate into 4 rectangles.  Pinch together perforations to seal.  Place 2 rectangles on a 9×13 inch baking sheet.  Moisten edges of rectangles with water.  Place 2 slices of mozzarella on each rectangle.  Top each with 2 teaspoons of tomato paste.

Sprinkle each with 1/4 teaspoon of oregano.  Cover each with remaining dough.  Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal.  Bake in the preheated oven about 10-12 minutes or until they’re golden brown.

Posted by Leila at 4:04 pm Tagged with:

Halloween Treats

baking No Responses »
Oct 292010

I’ve got recipes for a hair-raising Halloween: from graveyard cakes to spider cupcakes.

Creepy Crawly Cupcakes:

To make a cobweb design on chocolate-iced cupcakes, work quickly while the ganache is still wet.  Use a small pastry bag to pipe a swirl of melted chocolate onto the still-wet ganache.  Using a toothpick, craw straight lines like spokes from the center of the cupcake to the edge.

.  Pro Ganache

Ganache recipe is used in many bakeshops.  This can be stored in a refrigerator for up to two weeks, or about 3 days at room temperature.

Prep Time: 15 Min.
Ready in: 15 Min.
Original Recipe Yield: 4 Cups

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:

Place chocolate chips in a large bowl.  Pour the cream into a saucepan and bring to a boil.  As soon as the cream boils up to the top of the pan, quickly remove it from the heat and pour it over to the chips.  Let is stand for a minute or two.  Then stir with a whisk or use the paddle attachment for the mixer, to mix until smooth.  Be sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl occasionally.  Stir in vanilla until well blended.  Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface, and allow to cool at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

.  Spider Cupcakes

These cupcakes are a huge hit with kids!

Prep Time: 1 Hr.
Cook Time: 30 Mins.
Ready In: 1 Hr. and 30 Mins.
Original Recipe Yield: 24 Cupcakes

Ingredients:

  • 1 (18.25 ounce) package chocolate cake mix
  • 1 pound black shoestring licorice
  • 1 (16 ounce) can white frosting
  • 48 pieces candy corn
  • 48 cinnamon red hot candies
  • 1/4 cup orange decorator sugar

Directions:

Prepare cupcakes according to package directions.  Let it cool completely.  Cut licorice into 3 inch sections.  Work with one or two cupcakes at a time so the frosting doesn’t set before decorating.   Frost the cupcakes with the white frosting.  Insert licorice pieces into the outer edges of the cupcakes to make the legs of the spider (make 3 legs on each side as 4 takes up too much space).  Place two pieces of candy corn on the front of the cupcake for fangs and use two red hots as eyes.  Sprinkle with decorator sugar.  Repeat with the remaining cupcakes.

The Mummy

A carrot cupcake recipe is perfect to make mummy cupcakes.

.  Carrot Cupcakes with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Icing

This is a very moist and light carrot muffin.  It’s not too sweet and not greasy like other carrot muffins/cupcakes.  The white chocolate cream cheese icing adds just enough sweetness to round it off.

Prep Time: 30 Min.
Cook Time: 25 Min.
Ready in: 55 Min.
Original Recipe Yield: 12 Muffins

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces white chocolate
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
  • 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 1/8 cups white sugar
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup crushed pineapple
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).  Lightly grease 12 muffin cups.

In a small saucepan, melt white chocolate over low heat.  Stir until smooth and allow to cool to room temperature.  In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.  Mix in the white chocolate, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and orange extract.  Gradually beat in the confectioner’s sugar until the mixture is fluffy.  Mix in heavy cream.

Beat together the eggs, white sugar, and brown sugar in a bowl.  Mix in the oil and vanilla.  Fold in carrots and pineapple.  In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.  Mix flour mixture into the carrot mixture until evenly moist.  Fold in 1/2 cups of walnuts.  Transfer to the prepared muffin cups.

Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.  Let it cool completely on wire racks before topping with the icing and sprinkling with remaining walnuts.

Halloween Cheesecakes

These cheesecakes are elegant enough for grownups but also fun for the kid in all of us.

. Spiderweb Pumpkin Cheesecake

This spiced cheesecake will make a good addition to the appearance of your Halloween table.  Folks get a kick out of the candy web and chocolate spiders.

Prep Time: 35 Min.
Cook Time: 1 Hr.
Ready In: 1 Hr. 35 Min.

Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 cups chocolate wafer crumbs
  • 1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted

FILLING:

  • 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 (15 ounce) can solid pack pumpkin
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

TOPPING:

  • 2 cups sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

SPIDERWEB GARNISH:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 4 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate, melted

Directions:

Combine wafer crumbs and butter.  Press onto the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of a greased 10-inch springform pan.  Set aside.  In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugars until smooth.  Add eggs and beat on low speed just until combined.  Whisk in pumpkin, cornstarch, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice until blended.  Then pour it into the crust.  Place it in a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 minutes.  Let it cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.  Carefully run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen and let it cool for another hour.  Refrigerate it overnight.  Removes sides of the pan and set is aside.

For spiderwebs, draw six 3-inch x 2-inch half circles on two sheets of parchment paper on top.  Tape both securely to work on the surface.  In a saucepan, bring the sugar, cream of tartar, and water to a boil over medium heat.  Boil without stirring until mixture turns a light amber color and candy thermometer reads 350 degrees Fahrenheit.  Immediately remove from the heat and stir.  Let it cool and stir it occasionally for 10-15 minutes or until hot sugar mixture falls off a metal spoon in a fine thread.

Using a spoon or meat fork, carefully drizzle syrup over half-circle outlines and inside the outlines to form spiderwebs.  Reheat syrup if needed.  Cool completely.  Place melted chocolate in a resealable plastic bag.  Cut a small hole in a corner of bag.  Pipe 1-inch spiders onto parchment or foil.  Cool completely.  With the remaining melted chocolate, pipe two or three dots on each web.  Then attach the spiders.

Remove sides of springform pan.  Cut the cheesecake and place a web on top of each slice and remaining spiders on the side.  Refrigerate the leftovers.

Posted by Leila at 12:50 pm Tagged with:

15-minute meals

recipes No Responses »
Oct 242010

Sicilian Spaghetti

This recipe is especially for the anchovies and pasta lovers.  It’s quick and easy to prepare and still tasty.  This can be served with crusty Italian bread.
Prep Time: 10 Min.
Cook Time: 5 Min.
Ready In: 15 Min.

Ingredients:
  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 (2 ounce) can anchovy fillets, chopped
  • 1 cup fine bread crumbs
  • 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • ground black pepper to taste
  • 4 tablespoons freshly 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 then drain.  Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add garlic and anchovies to cook for about 2 minutes and stir constantly.

Stir in breadcrumbs and turn off heat.  Add parsley and black ground pepper and mix together.  Toss anchovy sauce with hot pasta and sprinkle with cheese.  Serve.


Fettuccine with Sweet Pepper-Cayenne Sauce

This is very flavorful and spicy pasta.  You’ll never know it’s a healthy dish.  For more wonderful taste, add some cut up grilled chicken.

Prep Time: 10 Min.
Cook Time: 5 Min.
Ready In: 15 Min.

Ingredients:
  • 12 ounces dry fettuccine pasta
  • 2 red bell peppers, julienned
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup reduced fat sour cream
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • salt and pepper to taste
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.  Meanwhile, spray cooking oil in a large skillet and saute red bell peppers, garlic and cayenne pepper over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes.  Stir in sour cream and broth and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.  Remove from heat and stir in cheese.   Toss hot pasta with sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.  Serve.


Broiled Tilapia Parmesan

This is a flavorful recipe and can be easily done in minutes!  The fish is broiled with a creamy cheese coating for an impressive flavor and texture.

Prep Time: 10 Min.
Cook Time: 5 Min.
Ready In: 15 Min.

Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon celery salt
  • 2 pounds tilapia fillets
Directions:
Preheat  your oven’s broiler.  Grease a boiling pan or line pan with aluminum foil.  In a small bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, butter, mayonnaise and lemon juice.  Season with dried basil, pepper, onion powder, and celery salt.  Mix well and set aside.

Arrange fillets in a single layer on the prepared pan.  Broil a few inches from the heat  for 2 to 3 minutes.  Flip the fillets over and broil for a couple of minutes.  Remove the fillets from the oven and cover them with the Parmesan cheese mixture on the top side.  Broil for 2 more minutes or until the topping is  browned and fish flakes easily with a fork.  Be careful not to overcook the fish.


Cajun Spiced Pork Chops

This is an incredibly flavorful recipe that is quick and easy to make.
Prep Time: 10 Min.
Cook Time: 5 Min.
Ready In: 15 Min.

Ingredients:
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon rubbed dried sage leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 center cut pork chops
Directions:
Mix paprika, cumin, black pepper, cayenne pepper, sage, and garlic salt on a plate.  Liberally coat each pork chop with spice mixture.

Heat olive oil and several pumps of non-stick, butter-flavored spray in a large skillet over high  heat.   Place pork chops in the skillet, reducing heat to medium.   Cook until the pork is no longer pink in the center, about 8 to 10 minutes.  An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 160 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees  Celsius).

Posted by Leila at 5:38 pm Tagged with:

Sandwich Collections

snacks No Responses »
Oct 242010

Grilled Salmon Sandwich

This is quick and easy dinner.  It tastes great hot or cold.  Once you make this sandwich, you’ll be hooked to it forever!

Ingredients:

  • 4 slices bacon
  • 1 (1 pound) fillet salmon, cut into 2 portions
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
  • 4 slices country-style bread, toasted
  • 4 slices tomato
  • 2 green leaf lettuce leaves

Directions:

Cook the bacon in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until evenly browned.  Drain the bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate.

Preheat a grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.  Evenly coat the salmon with olive oil.  Cook the salmon on the preheated grill with the skin side down for about 5 minutes.  Flip and cook the other side until the skin can easily be lifted off the flesh.  Flip the salmon once more and continue cooking until the salmon flakes easily with a fork (about 2-3 minutes more).

Whisk the mayonnaise, dill, and lemon zest together in a bowl.  Divide between two of the toasted bread slices.  Top each with 1 portion of cooked salmon, 2 tomato slices,  2 bacon slices, 1 lettuce leaf, and a remaining slice of toasted bread.

Sandwich Eccelente

The whole wheat bread is served in an open face with mozzarella and cream cheeses, tomatoes, alfalfa sprouts and then baked to perfection.  This sandwich melts in your mouth and is sure to impress the fussy eaters.

Ingredients:

  • 4 slices whole wheat bread, toasted
  • 1/2 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 medium tomato, sliced
  • 1 (5 ounce) package alfalfa sprouts
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees Celsius).
  2. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil.
  3. Spread cream cheese onto each slice of bread, and set cheese side up on the cookie sheet.
  4. Place the tomato slices over the cream cheese.
  5. Top with alfalfa sprouts, then a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
  6. Bake for about 10 minutes in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and sandwiches are warm.

Grilled Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich

This is perfect for peanut butter and banana lovers.

Ingredients:
  • cooking spray
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 2 slices whole wheat bread
  • 1 banana, sliced
Directions:
  1. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat, and coat with a cooking spray.
  2. Spread one tablespoon of peanut butter onto one side of each slice of bread.
  3. Place banana slices onto the peanut buttered side of  one slice, top with the other slice and press together firmly.
  4. Fry the sandwich until golden brown on each side.

Hot Ham and Cheese

This is an easy-to-prepare grilled ham and cheese sandwich on a cool night with a cup of tomato soup.

Ingredients:

  • 2 slices whole grain bread
  • 2 teaspoons butter
  • 2 slices Swiss cheese
  • 2 thin slices deli ham
  • 1 teaspoon mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard

Directions:

  1. Preheat a skillet over a medium-high heat.
  2. Spread one side of each slice of bread with 1 teaspoon butter.
  3. Place one slice, butter-side down in the hot skillet.
  4. Top with cheese and ham.
  5. Spread the unbuttered side of the second slice of bread with mayonnaise and mustard; place it butter-side up on top of the sandwich.
  6. Cook until the sandwich is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3 minutes per side.
Posted by Leila at 4:52 pm Tagged with: ,
Older Entries
© 2010 My Kitchen Haven Suffusion WordPress theme by Sayontan Sinha