Peanut Butter Cheese Fudge

Ingredients
1/2 pound sliced easy-melt cheese (recommended: Velveeta)
1 cup (2 sticks) butter
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped nuts
2 (16-ounce) boxes confectioners' sugar
Directions
Lightly spray the bottom of a 9 by 2-inch square pan with nonstick cooking spray. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt cheese and butter together, then add peanut butter and stir until smooth. Remove from heat and add vanilla and nuts.

Empty confectioners' sugar into a large bowl and pour cheese mixture over sugar. Stir until completely mixed. Candy will be very stiff.

Using your hands, remove candy from the bowl and press evenly and firmly into the pan. Because of the amount of butter in this recipe, pat top of candy with a paper towel to remove excess oil. Place the pan in refrigerator until candy is firm.

To serve, cut into squares.

Chocolate-Banana Filled Crepes

Ingredients
Crepe Batter:
1 cup all-purpose flour
Pinch salt
1 egg
1 egg yolk
1 1/2 to 2 cups milk
1 tablespoon melted butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
1 jar hazelnut chocolate spread
5 bananas, sliced
1 can whipping cream
Directions
Sift the flour with the salt into a bowl. Make a well in the center and add the egg and egg yolk. Pour in the milk, slowly, stirring constantly and, when half is added, stir in the melted butter and vanilla. Beat well until smooth. Add the remaining milk, cover and let stand at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before using. The batter should be the consistency of light cream. Heat a well greased 6-inch skillet,. Add 1/4 cup batter. Tip skillet from side to side until batter covers bottom. Cook until the bottom is golden brown, turn and remove to a plate. Repeat with remaining batter. Spread a thin layer of chocolate hazelnut spread onto crepe and place banana slices down the center. Roll or fold crepe. Just before serving top with whipped cream.

French Onion Soup

Ingredients
8 onions, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
8 cups beef stock
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper
1 loaf French bread
2 cups grated Gruyere
Directions
Saute onions and garlic in oil over low heat until tender and golden yellow. Sprinkle flour over onions, cook a few minutes more, browning the flour well. Add stock and wine and bring to a boil, add thyme and bay leaf. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently for 20 minutes or so. Add salt and pepper, to taste.

Meanwhile, slice French bread into 3/4-inch slices and butter both sides. Toast slices on griddle until golden brown. Ladle soup into an ovenproof bowl, add toasted bread and cover with cheese. Place ovenproof bowl on a baking sheet lined with tin foil. Bake at 350 degrees F or 5 minutes under a hot broiler.

Chicken Georgia

Ingredients
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
2 tablespoons minced shallots
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 ounces grated mozzarella cheese
Directions
Melt butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms and shallots and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook 10 minutes. Add chicken and cook 10 minutes on each side, or until tender. Transfer chicken to platter and sprinkle with grated cheese. Top with mushroom mixture. Cook and let stand 5 minutes or until cheese melts.

Bananas Foster

Ingredients
1 stick butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 bananas peeled and halved, cut lengthwise
1/4 cup dark rum
Directions
Melt butter in a large skillet. Add brown sugar and stir together. Add the bananas and cook until caramelized over medium-high heat. Pour in the rum and catch a flame off of the gas stove or a BBQ lighter. Stand back when ignited and flambe. Be careful; a flame will shoot up above the pan. Let flame die down. Serve over vanilla ice cream and/or a slice of pound cake.

Hurry Up Chicken Pot Pie

Ingredients
2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
1/2 cup thinly sliced carrots
1/2 cup frozen green peas or if you dont like peas use green beans
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper, optional
1 1/2 cups instant biscuit mix
1 cup milk
1 stick melted butter
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a greased 2-quart casserole, layer the chicken, eggs, carrots, and peas. Mix the soup, chicken broth, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Pour over the layers. Stir together the biscuit mix and milk, and pour this over the casserole. Drizzle butter over the topping. Bake until the topping is golden brown, 30 to 40 minutes

Blueberry Cream Cheese Tarts

Ingredients
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 eggs
12 vanilla wafers
1 (21-ounce) can blueberry filling, or other pie filling
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place a paper cupcake liner in each cup of a muffin pan.

Beat cream cheese with a handheld electric mixer until fluffy. Add sugar and vanilla, beating well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Place a vanilla wafer, flat side down, in each muffin cup. Spoon cream cheese mixture over wafers. Bake for 20 minutes. Allow tarts to cool completely. Serve with blueberry filling on top, or pie filling of your choice.

Apple Tart

Ingredients
Crust:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, room temperature
2 tablespoons sour cream
Filling:
About 6 medium apples, peeled, pitted, and sliced
3 large egg yolks
3/4 cup sour cream
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Glaze:
1/2 cup apricot preserves or jelly
1 tablespoon frozen orange juice concentrate
Mint, for garnish
Whipped topping, for garnish
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

To make the crust:
Place the flour, butter, and sour cream in a food processor and pulse to combine. When the dough has formed a ball, pat with lightly floured hands into the bottom and sides of an ungreased 10-inch tart pan with a removable bottom and 1/2-inch sides, or a round au gratin dish. Bake for about 18 minutes, until the crust is set but not browned. Let cool while preparing the filling.

Lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees F.

To make the filling:
Peel and thickly slice the apples. Arrange the apple slices in overlapping circles on top of the crust, until it's completely covered. Overfill the crust, as apples will shrink during cooking.

Combine the egg yolks, sour cream, sugar, and flour and beat until smooth. Pour the mixture over the apples. Place the tart pan on a baking sheet and bake for about 1 hour, until the custard sets and is pale golden in color. Cover with an aluminum foil tent if the crust gets too dark. Transfer the tart pan to a wire rack to cool. When cool, remove the side wall of the pan.

To make the glaze:
Combine the preserves or jelly and orange juice. Spread with a pastry brush over the top of the warm tart. Serve the tart warm, at room temperature or chilled. Garnish with fresh mint.

Crab Stuffed Flounder

Ingredients
2 (10-ounce) flounder fillets
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
Uncle Bubba's Crab Cake Mix, recipe follows
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Cooking spray
1 (1-inch) slice Crab Butter, recipe follows
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Sprinkle flounder with salt and pepper. Using a fillet knife, carefully open the flounder by cutting along the left and right sides of the seam down the middle of the fish to make pockets. Lay the cut sides back.

Stuff the flounder with the Crab Cake Mix, and press the sides down to cover the filling. Sprinkle with paprika.

Coat a glass baking dish with cooking spray. Place the fish in the dish and bake for 20 minutes. Without removing the dish from the oven, turn the oven to broil and broil for 5 additional minutes. When the fish is done, remove it from the oven. Slice a medallion of crab butter and place it on top of the grilled fish. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for added color.

Crab Cake Mix:
Recipe courtesy Uncle Bubba
1 1/2 tablespoons butter
3 green onions, green tops, thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley leaves
1 small green pepper, finely chopped
1 egg
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1 1/2 tablespoons spicy mustard
1/2 lemon, juiced
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
10 saltine crackers, crumbled medium to fine
1/2 pound lump crabmeat, picked clean of shells
1/2 pound claw crabmeat, picked clean of shells
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
In a medium skillet, melt the butter and saute the onions, garlic, parsley and peppers until soft. Let cool.

In a mixing bowl, combine the egg, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, heavy cream, mustard, lemon juice and mayonnaise together. Gently mix in the saltine crackers and crabmeat. Add salt and pepper, if needed. Set aside to stuff in flounder.

Yield: 24 ounces

Crab Butter:
2 ounces claw crabmeat, picked clean of shells
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoon seafood base
1 green onion, thinly sliced
Fold the crab, butter, seafood base, and onions together in a medium bowl and mix until smooth. Remove from the bowl and shape into a log on a piece of parchment paper. Roll up and place in the freezer. Reserve for flounder.

Frozen Banana Split

Ingredients
24 (3.5-ounce) ice-cream sandwiches, unwrapped
6 medium bananas, peeled and thinly sliced
1 (12.25-ounce) jar hot-fudge sauce
1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped
1 (8-ounce) package milk chocolate covered toffee bits, divided
1 (12.25-ounce) jar butterscotch ice-cream topping
1 (8-ounce) container frozen nondairy whipped topping, thawed
Directions
Line a 13 by 9-inch baking pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil.

Place half of ice-cream sandwiches evenly over bottom of pan, completely covering bottom, cutting sandwiches to fit, if necessary. Top evenly with banana slices. Pour hot fudge sauce over bananas. Top with cherries and 1/2 of the toffee bits and pour butterscotch evenly on top. Layer with remaining ice cream sandwiches and spread whipped topping over sandwiches; sprinkle with remaining toffee bits.

Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours. Remove from pan, using foil handles. Cut into squares and serve.

Cheesecake Cookies

Ingredients
Crust:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
1 stick butter, melted
Filling:
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla or almond extract
Fresh berries and mint leaves, for garnish
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine flour, brown sugar, pecans, and butter in bowl. Press dough into an ungreased 13 by 9 by 2-inch pan. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

For filling, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar together in a bowl until smooth, using a handheld electric mixer; add eggs and extract; beat well. Pour over crust. Bake for 20 minutes. Cool completely. Cut into squares before serving. Decorate tops with berries and mint leaves.

Phyllo Wrapped Asparagus

Ingredients
8 or 9 asparagus spears, depending on size
1/2 (16-ounce) package frozen phyllo dough sheets, thawed
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus. Unwrap the phyllo and cut the stack in half lengthwise. Reserve 1 stack for later use. Cover the phyllo with a damp towel to keep it from drying out. Take 1 sheet of phyllo and brush lightly with some melted butter. Sprinkle with some Parmesan. Place 2 to 3 asparagus spears on the short end of the sheet. Roll up, jelly-roll style. Place each piece, seam side down, on a baking sheet. Brush with more melted butter and sprinkle with more Parmesan. Repeat until all the asparagus spears are used up. Place baking sheet in oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Big Mike Burger

Ingredients
Patty #1:
Pecan Burger:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
6 slices bacon
1/2 cup chopped pecans
3 tablespoons chopped parsley leaves
2 tablespoons grated onion
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, softened
Patty #2:
Butter Burger:
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 pounds ground beef or ground chuck
4 tablespoons butter, cut into small cubes
4 ounces American cheese, cut into 6 portions
Special Sauce for the "Big Mike":
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup yellow mustard
1/4 cup ketchup
Hot sauce
2 tablespoons finely chopped pickled jalapenos
To serve:
12 hamburger buns
6 leaves lettuce
6 tomato slices
6 onion slices
Directions
Patty #1:

Pecan Burger:

Preheat broiler or grill. Divide ground beef into 12 flat patties. Partially saute bacon - the fat should start rendering, but it shouldn't be crispy. Drain bacon. Mix pecans, parsley, onion, and butter together. Spread mixture on 6 of the patties. Top with remaining 6 patties and seal the edges with the partially sauteed bacon and secure with a wooden toothpick. Broil or grill 10 to 15 minutes, or until cooked to desired doneness, turning once.

Patty #2:

Butter Burger:

Salt and pepper the beef, to taste. Mix beef and cubed butter together with your hands and form 6 balls. Push a piece of American cheese into the center of each ball. Mold ground beef around the cheese in the shape of a patty. Cook on hot grill or in skillet to desired doneness.

Special Sauce for the "Big Mike":

Stir all ingredients together until well blended.

To Serve:

Place 1 pecan burger on a bottom piece of 6 buns. Top with another bottom piece of bun and the butter burger. Top with sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion and a top piece of the bun. Discard or save for another use the remaining 6 top bun pieces.

Wild Rice Salad

Ingredients
2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup wild rice
1 (6-ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and halved, reserve marinade
1 (6-ounce) can green peas
1/3 cup coarsely chopped green bell pepper
3 green onions, chopped, white and green parts
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds, for garnish
Dressing:
1 1/3 cups canola oil
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon celery seed
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 clove garlic, minced
Directions
In a 1-quart pot with a lid, bring 2 cups water and the salt to a boil. Add the rice and stir well. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Drain excess liquid from the rice.

Meanwhile, combine all the dressing ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake well. Refrigerate until ready to use.

In a large bowl, combine the rice, artichoke hearts, peas, green pepper, green onions, tomatoes, reserved marinade, and half of the dressing. Toss well. Cover and chill or eat at room temperature. Just before serving, toss again and taste. Add some of the remaining dressing, if desired. Sprinkle with the almonds and serve.

Molten Lava Cakes

Ingredients
6 (1-ounce) squares bittersweet chocolate
2 (1-ounce) squares semisweet chocolate
10 tablespoons (1 1/4 stick) butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 large eggs
3 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons orange liqueur
Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Grease 6 (6-ounce) custard cups. Melt the chocolates and butter in the microwave, or in a double boiler. Add the flour and sugar to chocolate mixture. Stir in the eggs and yolks until smooth. Stir in the vanilla and orange liqueur. Divide the batter evenly among the custard cups. Place in the oven and bake for 14 minutes. The edges should be firm but the center will be runny. Run a knife around the edges to loosen and invert onto dessert plates.

Raspberry Fig Preserves

Ingredients
3 cups ripe figs, mashed
3 cups sugar
2 (3-ounce) packages raspberry gelatin
Directions
Mix all ingredients together in saucepan and cook 4 minutes at rolling boil. Stir frequently. Skim with a strainer. Pour into sterilized jars; seal.

Barbecue Pork Roast

Ingredients
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
3 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (4-pound) pork loin roast
1 cup barbeque sauce
Directions
In a small bowl, combine Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, salt, celery seed, pepper, and garlic. Place pork loin roast in a large plastic resealable bag and pour marinade over pork loin. Seal and marinate in refrigerator for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

Remove roast from bag, place in a roasting pan, and discard marinade. Roast pork loin at 325 degrees F for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or to an internal temperature registers 160 to 170 degrees F. on an instant-read thermometer. Serve with BBQ sauce.

Pecan Squares

Ingredients
Vegetable cooking spray
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
4 eggs
1 (1 pound) box light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13 by 9-inch pan with vegetable oil cooking spray and dust with flour.

In a medium bowl, beat the eggs with a whisk. Stir in the brown sugar until smooth. Pour into the top of a double boiler. Cook the mixture over simmering water for 20 minutes, stirring constantly, until it reaches 180 degrees F. Let cool for 5 minutes.

Sift the 1 1/2 cups of flour, baking powder, and salt together. Add pecans to flour mixture. Stir into the cooked mixture. Add vanilla and stir until combined. (The batter will be thin.) Pour the batter into the prepared pan and place the pan in the oven. Bake for 25 minutes.

Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into pieces. Store in an airtight tin in the refrigerator.

Individual Strawberry Shortcakes

1 quart strawberries, hulled and quartered
1/4 cup sugar plus 3 tablespoons sugar, plus 8 teaspoons
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 tablespoons butter, cold and cubed
2/3 cup half-and-half, plus 1/4 cup
Sweetened whipped cream
Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

In a medium mixing bowl, toss the strawberries and 1/4 cup sugar together. Set aside until time to serve.

In the bowl of a food processor, pulse together flour, baking powder, salt and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Then pulse in the cold butter cubes until a coarse meal is formed. Turn the flour mixture out into a large mixing bowl and make a well in the center. Pour in 2/3 cup half-and-half and gently mix it in with a rubber spatula or fork, be careful not to over mix the dough or the biscuits will be tough.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and fold it over itself a couple of times until it just holds together. Pat the dough out to 3/4-inch thickness and cut out 8 round 3-inch biscuits.

Transfer the biscuits to a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Brush the tops of each biscuit with the remaining half-and-half and sprinkle each with 1 teaspoon sugar. Bake in a preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the biscuits have risen and are a light golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Split each biscuit, spoon some strawberries on the bottom piece, then whipped cream and top with the other biscuit half. Garnish with fresh mint and more strawberries.

Canned Biscuit Dough Donuts and Holes

Ingredients
Peanut oil, for frying
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup sugar
Icings:
2 cups confectioners' sugar, divided
5 tablespoons milk, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup cocoa powder
2 cans large buttermilk biscuits
Colored sprinkles
Chocolate sprinkles
Directions
Heat 2 inches peanut oil in a large pot or Dutch oven to 350 degrees F.

In a shallow bowl, stir together the ground cinnamon and sugar and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of confectioners' sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, set aside. This is the vanilla icing. In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of confectioners' sugar, 1/4 cup of cocoa powder and 3 tablespoons of milk and set aside. This is the chocolate icing.

Lay out the biscuits on a cutting board and with a 1 1/2-inch round cookie or biscuit cutter, cut out a hole from the middle of each biscuit. Fry them in the oil until golden and then flip with tongs to fry the other side. You can even fry the donut holes. Drain on paper towels and then toss in the cinnamon-sugar or ice and decorate with sprinkles, as desired.

Corn Fritters

Ingredients
1 1/4 cus self-rising cornmeal mix
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
2 large eggs, slightly beaten
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
1 (15.25 ounce) can corn, drained
Vegetable oil, for frying
Directions
Heat oil to 325 degrees F.

In a medium bowl, combine cornmeal mix, flour, sugar, and salt. In a small bowl, combine milk and eggs. Add milk mixture to cornmeal mixture, stirring well. Stir in butter and corn.

Pour oil to a depth of 2 inches in a Dutch oven, or use a deep-fryer. Drop by tablespoons into hot oil. Cook 2 to 4 minutes, or until golden, turning once. Drain on paper towels.

BBQ Pork Sandwich

Ingredients
Dry rub:
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons black pepper
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons paprika
1/2 tablespoon cayenne
4 pound shoulder pork roast
2 cup apple juice
1 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire
1/2 tablespoon liquid smoke
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
6 soft hamburger buns with seeds
Bbq sauce
Cole slaw
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

Mix the dry rub ingredients in small bowl. Sprinkle dry rub all over the pork roast, pressing into the pork. Cover with plastic and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.


Combine liquid ingredients and the garlic powder in a medium bowl and pour into a large Dutch oven. Place pork in the oven and tightly cover with aluminum foil then lid. Roast for 4 hours or until fork tender and shreds easily. Brush the roast with cooking liquid every hour.


Remove from oven and let stand until cool enough to handle. Shred the pork with a fork or tongs into bite size pieces.


Serve on hamburger buns topped with BBQ sauce and cole slaw

Deviled Eggs

Ingredients
7 large eggs, hard boiled and peeled
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
Salt and pepper, for taste
Paprika, for garnishing
Sweet gherkin pickles sliced, for garnishing
Pimentos, for garnishing
Directions
Halve 7 eggs lengthwise. Remove yolks and place in a small bowl.

Mash yolks with a fork and stir in mayonnaise, pickle relish, and mustard. Add salt and pepper, to taste.

Fill egg whites evenly with yolk mixture. Garnish with paprika, pickles and pimentos. Store covered in refrigerator.

Quick Crab Stew

Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, chopped
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can condensed cream of potato soup
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup
1 soup can milk
1 soup can half-and-half
1 pound claw crabmeat, picked free of any broken shells
1/4 cup dry sherry
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
In a large saucepan, melt the butter and saute the onion until translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the soups, milk, and half-and-half. Add the crabmeat and bring just to a boil. Add the sherry and salt and pepper, to taste. Serve immediately. Or allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze immediately in plastic microwavable reusable containers with lids.

Country Cookies

Ingredients
Filling:
1 (16-ounce) box graham crackers
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup or 3 (1/2-ounce) cans shredded coconut
Topping:
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
3 tablespoons milk
Directions
For the filling: Line a 13 by 9-inch pan with whole graham crackers. Melt the butter in saucepan and add sugar. Beat the egg and milk together; add to butter mixture. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add the nuts, coconut, and 1 cup graham cracker crumbs. Pour over the crackers in the pan. Cover with another layer of whole graham crackers.

For the topping: Beat all the ingredients together and spread over top layer of crackers.

Chill. Cut into squares.

Shore Is Good Seafood Dip

Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium green bell pepper, diced
1 medium onion, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1/2 of a 10 3/4-ounce can cream of shrimp soup (discard top half and use bottom part of soup)
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 pound freshly grated Parmesan
1 (6-ounce) can crabmeat, picked free of any broken shells, drained
6 ounces shrimp, fresh or canned, drained
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the bell pepper, onion, and celery and saute for 2 minutes. In a bowl, combine the soup, mayonnaise, Parmesan, crabmeat, shrimp, and pepper. Stir the sauteed vegetables into the seafood mixture and spoon this mixture into a lightly greased 8 by 11-inch casserole dish. Bake for 30 minutes. Serve with toast points or crackers.

Smoky Portobello Soup

Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
1/2 cup chopped sweet onions
8 medium portobello mushrooms
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped garlic
1/4 cup white wine
8 cups chicken stock
1 1/4 cups white roux (1 stick of butter and 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; cook slowly over low heat)
1 quart heavy cream
Salt and pepper
Croutons, sour cream, and sliced chives, for garnish
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine 1/4 cup of olive oil and 3 drops of liquid smoke. Toss 4 of the Portobello mushrooms in oil mixture and roast them in the oven for approximately 45 minutes. Chop mushrooms into cubes. In a large pot, saute the onions in olive oil. Once onions are sauteed, add uncooked portobello mushrooms and garlic. After mushrooms and garlic are cooked add roasted mushrooms, white wine and chicken broth and allow to simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and place mixture in blender. Add roux to pot. Blend in heavy cream. Place mixture back in pot on stove and add roux. Let simmer for 20 minutes. Garnish with croutons, sour cream and sliced chives.

Pecan Toffee Tassies

Ingredients
1 (15-ounce) package refrigerated pie crusts
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1 (10-ounce) package almond brickle chips
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Unroll the piecrusts onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into 2 (15-inch) circles. Cut out 48 circles using a 1 3/4-inch fluted or round cookie cutter, re-rolling dough as needed. Place in 1 3/4-inch muffin pans, pressing on the bottoms and up the sides of each of the mini-muffin cups. Combine the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and eggs in a large bowl, mixing well. Add the vanilla. Stir in the pecans and brickle chips. Spoon the pecan filling evenly into the pie shells. Bake for 25 minutes, or until filling is set and crust is lightly browned. Cool in pans on wire racks.

Zesty Roasted Garlic Bread

Ingredients
1 head garlic, unpeeled
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup (2-sticks) butter, softened
3 tablespoons minced parsley leaves
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1loaf sourdough bread, split horizontally
Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Cut top off garlic head. Place garlic on a piece of aluminum foil; drizzle with olive oil. Fold edges together to seal. Bake 30 minutes; cool.

Squeeze cooked garlic into a medium bowl. Garlic will be soft and sticky. Add butter, parsley salt and pepper, stirring to combine.

Spread cut halves of bread evenly with garlic butter mixture. Broil 5 1/2 inches from heat, with oven door partially opened, for 2 to 3 minutes, or until butter melts and bread is toasted. Cut into slices to serve.

Cheesy Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients
6 boneless chicken breasts
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups bread crumbs
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying
Tomato Sauce, recipe follows
2 cups shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

On a cutting board, place the chicken breasts between a piece of plastic wrap and pound the chicken out until it is 1/2-inch thick.

In 3 separate shallow dishes, place the flour, eggs, and bread crumbs. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge the cutlets through the flour, then eggs, and then the bread crumbs.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the vegetable oil. Place the cutlets in the oil and fry until brown on each side, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Place the cooked cutlets in a baking dish. Spoon tomato sauce over each cutlet and sprinkle evenly with the cheeses. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tomato Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 (20-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and saute the onion and garlic. Add salt, pepper, red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant and tender; about 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, basil, and let simmer for 30 to 45 minutes. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

Baked Ziti

Salt
1 pound ziti
1 pound hot Italian turkey sausage, casing removed
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
6 ounces pesto
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 (9-ounce) package washed spinach
Butter, for baking dish
2 cups shredded mozzarella, plus more for topping
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan, plus more for topping
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add ziti and cook until al dente. Drain in a colander.

In a large skillet over medium heat, saute turkey sausage. Add onion and garlic and saute until the sausage is cooked through. Use your spoon to break up the sausage while it cooks. Add the can of diced tomatoes and pesto and let simmer for 10 minutes.

Add the ricotta cheese, spinach, Parmesan and mozzarella to a large bowl, and stir to combine.

Butter a 4-quart baking dish, add the cooked pasta, then sausage mixture and cheese mixture. Top with a sprinkling of mozzarella and Parmesan.

Bake until completely heated through and golden and crisp on top, about 20 minutes.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

1/2 pound elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon powdered mustard
3 cups milk
1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 large egg
12 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Fresh black pepper
Topping:
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup panko bread crumbs
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large pot of boiling, salted water cook the pasta to al dente.

While the pasta is cooking, in a separate pot, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and mustard and keep it moving for about five minutes. Make sure it's free of lumps. Stir in the milk, onion, bay leaf, and paprika. Simmer for ten minutes and remove the bay leaf.

Temper in the egg. Stir in 3/4 of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Fold the macaroni into the mix and pour into a 2-quart casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.

Melt the butter in a saute pan and toss the bread crumbs to coat. Top the macaroni with the bread crumbs. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and rest for five minutes before serving.

Tortilla Casserole

8 corn tortillas
1 1/4 cups chicken broth, divided
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup frozen chopped onions
1 cup frozen chopped green pepper
1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 (8-ounce) package fresh sliced mushrooms
1 pound ground turkey breast
2 cups plain yogurt
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
3 tablespoons fine flour (recommended: Wondra Flour)
2 tablespoons chili seasoning
1 (15-ounce) can artichoke hearts in water, drained and chopped
1 1/2 cups organic shredded jack cheese
1/2 cup crushed baked tortilla chips
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Place tortillas in a pie plate with 1 cup broth. Turn once in awhile to ensure all tortillas are soaked, set aside.

Place a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Saute onions, peppers, garlic and mushrooms for 5 minutes until slightly browned. Add turkey and cook until turkey is cooked through, about 7 to 9 minutes. Add remaining 1/4 cup chicken stock and remaining ingredients, except cheese and tortilla chips. Stir thoroughly and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

Place 4 soaked tortillas in the bottom of prepared baking dish, tearing to fit. Layer half of turkey mixture and half of cheese. Repeat layers. Top with crushed tortilla chips. Place in oven and bake for 30 minutes.

Strawberry Cake

Ingredients
1 (18.25-ounce) box white cake mix
1 (3-ounce) box strawberry-flavored instant gelatin
1 (15-ounce) package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed
4 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup water
Strawberry cream cheese frosting, recipe follows
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (10-ounce) package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed
1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract
7 cups confectioners' sugar
Freshly sliced strawberries, for garnish, optional
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease 2 (9-inch) round cake pans.

In a large bowl, combine cake mix and gelatin. Add pureed strawberries, eggs, oil, and water; beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Pour into prepared pans, and bake for 20 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks.

For the frosting:
In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Beat in 1/4 cup of the strawberry puree and the vanilla extract. (The rest of the puree is leftover but can be used in smoothies or on ice cream for a delicious treat.) Gradually add confectioners' sugar, beating until smooth.

Spread frosting in between layers and on top and sides of cake. Garnish with sliced fresh strawberries, if desired.

Cornbread Salad

1 batch cornbread, cut into 1-inch cubes, recipe follows
1 (14.5-ounce) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can niblet corn, drained
1 medium Vidalia onion, finely chopped
1 large green bell pepper, finely chopped
3 large tomatoes, chopped
2 cups grated sharp Cheddar
1 (8-ounce) bottle ranch dressing
Chopped fresh parsley leaves, for garnish
Directions
In the bottom of a large glass bowl, place cornbread cubes. Layer beans, corn, onion, bell pepper, tomatoes, and cheese on top of cornbread. Spread ranch dressing evenly over cheese. Cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Cornbread:
1/2 cup vegetable oil, plus 1/4 cup for greasing pan
1 cup self-rising cornmeal
3/4 cup self-rising flour
1 cup cream-style corn
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 cup grated sharp Cheddar, optional
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Generously season a cast iron skillet with up to 1/4 cup vegetable oil. Preheat the pan either in the oven or on the stove over medium-high heat.

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl, stirring with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until combined. Pour batter into the preheated cast iron skillet. Place skillet in the oven and bake until golden brown, approximately 30 minutes. If making individual size cornbreads in smaller pans, they will require a shorter cooking time.

Yield: 8 servings

Pineapple Blueberry Crunch Cake

Ingredients
3/4 cup butter, plus more for dish
1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, in juice
1 (20-ounce) can blueberry pie filling
1 (18.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
1 cup chopped pecans
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 13 by 9-inch casserole dish.

Melt 3/4 cup butter in saucepan over low heat.

Pour the pineapple with juice into the casserole dish and evenly spread blueberry pie filling on top. Cover with dry yellow cake mix and top with pecans. Drizzle with melted butter and bake for 35 to 45 minutes.

Grilled Peach Salad

Ingredients
Dressing:
3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/3 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
Salad:
3 peaches, pits removed and cut into wedges
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
5 cups mesclun greens mix
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
Directions
Preheat a grill pan to medium-high heat.

Dressing:
Combine the rice wine vinegar and Dijon in a small bowl. Slowly pour the olive into the bowl, whisking constantly to emulsify. Season with salt.

Salad:
Place the peaches in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and toss well. Place on the grill and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side.

Place the mesclun mix in a large bowl. Add chopped pecans, feta, and cooked peaches. Drizzle salad with dressing and toss to coat.

Fried Egg and Avocado Sandwich

Ingredients
4 slices bacon
2 tablespoons butter, room temperature
4 slices wheat bread, toasted
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1 teaspoon minced fresh parsley leaves
1 teaspoon minced green onion
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 large eggs
4 slices tomato
1/2 avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced
Directions
In a small skillet, cook bacon over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove from pan, and drain on paper towels. Drain grease from pan, reserving 1 tablespoon.

Spread butter over each side of bread. Place 4 slices of bread, butter side down, on skillet over medium heat. Flip bread and toast the other side. Remove to serving plates.

In a small bowl, add cream cheese, parsley and green onions together. Add salt and pepper. Spread onto 1 side of each toast slice.

In same small skillet, fry the eggs in reserved bacon grease over medium-low heat. Crack the yolks and flip. Place each egg on top of 2 pieces of toast. Cover each egg with 2 slices of bacon, 2 slices of tomato, and 2 slices of avocado. Top with another piece of toast and serve immediately.

Malted Marshmallow White Chocolate Royale

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup malted milk powder
1 (4-ounce) bar white chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup marshmallow creme
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Whipped cream, for topping
Directions
In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients, except vanilla extract and whipped cream, and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate has melted. Add vanilla extract. Reduce heat to low and keep warm. When ready to serve, top each serving with whipped cream.

Green Tomato Pie

Ingredients
Crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cup butter-flavored shortening (recommended: Crisco)
1/2 cup cold water
Filling:
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 tablespoons tapioca flour
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 cup raisins
5 green tomatoes, or enough to fill pie crust, thinly sliced
Glaze:
1 slightly beaten egg white
Sugar, for sprinkling
Directions
For the crust:

Sift together flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder into a bowl. Cut shortening into flour mixture with a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles cornmeal. Stir in 1/4 cup of the cold water, then add remaining 1/4 cup and mix until combined. Cover dough and allow it to rest in refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Divide dough in half. Place on lightly floured board and pat out. Using a rolling pin, roll out 1 piece of dough to the size of a 9-inch pie pan. Put crust in pan and trim off excess dough around the edge. Roll out second ball of dough for pie crust top.

For the filling:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Mix sugar, tapioca, zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and raisins in a large bowl. Lay tomato slices in pie crust. Sprinkle mixture over tomatoes. (Overlapping will occur but tomatoes will shrink in size when baked.) Gently lay top pie crust over filling, tucking in the extra crust around the edges. Pinch dough with fingers or butter knife to seal edges. Using a knife, make 4 to 6 slits in top of crust to allow steam to escape. Brush top with egg white and sprinkle with a little sugar to give your crust a shine.

Place pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350 degrees F. and continue to bake for 20 more minutes. Cool on wire rack.

*Cook's Note: If your pie looks ready to "spew out," open oven door for about 2 minutes.

Creamy Hash Brown Casserole

Ingredients
1/4 cup butter, plus more for dish
1 onion, chopped
1 (16-ounce) container sour cream
1 (10 1/2-ounce) can cream of celery soup
1 (8-ounce) package shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 (30-ounce) package frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups crushed potato chips
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter a casserole dish.

In a small skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Add onion, and cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until soft. Pour mixture into a large bowl. Add the sour cream, cream of celery soup, cheese, garlic powder, hash browns, and salt and pepper. Combine until well blended.

Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Top evenly with crushed potato chips and bake for 45 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Sweet Potato Home Fries

Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
Salt
Sugar
Directions
Preheat oil in large cast iron skillet or deep-fryer.

Place sweet potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cook until slightly tender, about 10 minutes. Drain the sweet potatoes well in a colander.

Add sweet potatoes to skillet or deep-fryer. Cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes until nice and crisp. Garnish with sugar or salt, to taste.

Smothered Pork Chops

Ingredients
4 center-cut pork chops, 1-inch thick
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Ground cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour, spread on a plate
2 medium green bell peppers, stemmed, cored, and membranes removed, cut into strips
2 yellow onions, trimmed, cut lengthwise
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
2 to 3 dashes Worcestershire sauce
Directions
Trim the excess fat from the chops and season well with salt, pepper, and cayenne. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Lightly roll the chops in flour, shake off the excess, and slip them into the pan. Brown well, about 3 minutes per side, and remove them to a plate.

Add the bell peppers and onions, to the skillet, and saute until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about half a minute longer. Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet. Add chops to pan and place vegetables on top of pork chops. Pour in the broth and sprinkle with Worcestershire sauce. Cover pan with foil and allow to simmer for 45 minutes or until chops are tender.

Carrot Cake

Butter, for pans
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
3 cups grated carrots
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, optional
Directions
Frosting:

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature
1 stick salted butter, room temperature
1 (16-ounce) box powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour 3 (9-inch) round pans; Line bottom of the pans with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Add eggs and vegetable oil. Using a hand mixer, blend until combined. Add carrots and pecans, if using.

Pour into pans. Bake for approximately 40 minutes. Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes. Remove from pans, place on waxed paper and allow to cool completely before frosting.

For the frosting:

Add all ingredients, except nuts, into a medium bowl and beat until fluffy using a hand mixer. Stir in the nuts. Spread frosting on top of each cake layer. Stack the cakes on a serving plate and serve.

Herbed Monkey Bread

1 stick butter melted, plus 1/4 cup melted butter, plus more for pan
1 cup grated Parmesan, plus more for sprinkling
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
2 packages biscuits
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter a 12-cup Bundt pan; set aside.

In a small bowl, combine cheese and Italian seasoning.

Roll each individual biscuit into a ball. Dip each piece in the 1 stick of melted butter, then coat with the cheese mixture. Place dough into prepared pan; overlapping will occur. Bake bread, 30 to 35 minutes. Cover with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent excess browning, if needed.

Let cool in pan, 10 minutes; invert bread onto a serving plate. Drizzle remaining 1/4 cup melted butter on top and sprinkle with grated Parmesan.

Sweet Sausages

Ingredients
1 (16-ounce) package smoked sausage
1 1/2 cups maple syrup
Directions
Cut sausage into 1-inch rounds. Place in large skillet over medium heat and add the maple syrup. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve piping hot.

Cook's Note: Sausages can be cooked in a crock-pot on low for 2 hours.

Orange Coffee Cake

Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter, melted, plus more for pan
1 (16.3-ounce) can refrigerated biscuits (recommended: Pillsbury Grands Flaky Layers)
1/4 cup minced walnuts
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons orange zest
Glaze:
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons orange juice, or more as necessary
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-inch round cake pan.

Separate the biscuit dough into 8 biscuits. Place 1 biscuit in the center of the pan. Cut the remaining biscuits in half, forming 14 half-circles. Arrange the pieces around the center biscuit with cut sides facing in the same direction. Brush melted butter over the tops of the biscuits.

In a small bowl, combine the walnuts, granulated sugar, and orange zest. Mix well and sprinkle over biscuits. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine confectioners' sugar, cream cheese, and orange juice. Blend until smooth adding more orange juice, if needed, to thin. Drizzle glaze over the warm coffee cake and serve.

Celery Root Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients
6 (about 3 pounds) medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
Salt
1 (about 1 1/4 pounds) large celery root, peeled and diced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, divided
1 cup heavy cream, divided
Freshly ground black pepper
Directions

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot add enough water to completely cover the potatoes. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add and the potatoes and a large pinch of salt. When the water returns to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until tender, about 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, put the diced celery root in a saucepan with enough water to cover, bring to a boil, loosely cover, and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until tender, about 30 minutes. It should be the same consistency as the cooked potatoes.

Drain the potatoes. Put them through a ricer and add 2 tablespoons of the butter and half the cream.

Drain the celery root and put it in a blender with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and remaining cream. *Puree until smooth, using care, as the puree will be very hot.

Add the celery root puree to the potatoes and mix well. Lightly season with salt and pepper. .

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.

A viewer, who may not be a professional cook, provided this recipe. The Food Network Kitchens chefs have not tested this recipe and therefore, we cannot make representation as to the results.

Black-Eyed Pea Dip

Ingredients
2 (15-ounce) cans black-eyed peas, drained
1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (10-ounce) can spicy canned tomatoes, chopped
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
2 to 3 tablespoons chopped fresh jalapeno pepper
1/4 cup chopped yellow onion
1 (4-ounce) jar chopped pimentos, drained
Corn chips, for serving
Dressing:
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon sugar
Pinch dried oregano
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup vegetable oil
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the black-eyed peas, corn, tomatoes, red, green, and jalapeno peppers, onion, and pimentos.

In a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the wine and balsamic vinegars, salt, pepper, mustard, sugar, oregano, and olive and vegetable oils. Shake until the ingredients are blended.

Add the dressing to the pea mixture and stir gently but thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate until serving time.

Mexican Cornbread

Ingredients
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1 cup whole milk or buttermilk
1/3 cup sour cream
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons chopped jalapenos, or to taste
Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Grease an 8-inch square pan, cast iron skillet, or cornbread mold. In a medium bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. To dry mixture, add egg, milk, sour cream, oil, and jalapenos and mix until smooth. Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden.

Hot Chicken Salad

Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken breast meat, cubed
1 cup diced celery
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup grated sharp Cheddar
2/3 cup crushed potato chips
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13 by 9-inch baking dish with vegetable oil cooking spray.

In a large mixing bowl combine the chicken, celery, almonds, salt, pepper, lemon juice, mayonnaise, and cheese. Place the mixture in the prepared baking dish. Spread the crushed potato chips on top. Bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbly.

Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients
Chicken:
1 (2 1/2-pound) chicken, cut into 8 pieces
3 ribs celery, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
2 bay leaves
2 chicken bouillon cubes
1 teaspoon House Seasoning, recipe follows
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can condensed cream of celery or cream of chicken soup
Dumplings:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
Ice water
Directions
To start the chicken: Place the chicken, celery, onion, bay leaves, bouillon, and House Seasoning in a large pot. Add 4 quarts of water and in water and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer the chicken until it is tender and the thigh juices run clear, about 40 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and, when it is cool enough to handle, remove the skin and separate the meat from the bones. Return the chicken meat to the pot. Keep warm over low heat.

To prepare the dumplings: Mix the flour with the salt and mound together in a mixing bowl. Beginning at the center of the mound, drizzle a small amount of ice water over the flour. Using your fingers, and moving from the center to the sides of the bowl, gradually incorporate about 3/4 cup of ice water. Knead the dough and form it into ball.

Dust a good amount of flour onto a clean work surface. Roll out the dough (it will be firm), working from center to 1/8-inch thick. Let the dough relax for several minutes.

Add the cream of celery soup to the pot with the chicken and simmer gently over medium-low heat.

Cut the dough into 1-inch pieces. Pull a piece in half and drop the halves into the simmering soup. Repeat. Do not stir the chicken once the dumplings have been added. Gently move the pot in a circular motion so the dumplings become submerged and cook evenly. Cook until the dumplings float and are no longer doughy, 3 to 4 minutes.

To serve, ladle chicken, gravy, and dumplings into warm bowls.

Cook's Note: If the chicken stew is too thin it can be thickened before the dumplings are added. Simply mix together 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 1/4 cup of water then whisk this mixture into the stew.

Mexican Chicken

Ingredients
Vegetable oil cooking spray
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can cheddar cheese soup
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
1 (10-ounce) can tomatoes
1 whole chicken, cooked, boned, and chopped or 4 cups leftover cooked chicken
Unsalted butter, for greasing pan
1 (11 1/2-ounce) package flour tortillas
2 cups shredded Cheddar
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13 by-9-inch pan with the cooking spray.

In a large bowl, stir together the 3 kinds of soup and the tomatoes. Stir in the chicken.

Layer the tortillas and the chicken mixture in the pan, beginning and ending with tortillas. Sprinkle the cheese over the casserole and bake for 30 minutes.

Conversion Tables

Conversion Tables


Baking Pan Substitutions
10” x 3 ½” Bundt = Two 8” x 2” Rounds
10” x 2” Round = 9” x 9” x 2” Square
Standard 12-Cup Muffin Tin = 8 ½” x 4 ½” x 2 ½” Loaf OR 9” x 1 ½” Round OR 8” x 8” x 1 ½” Square
10” x 2” Round = 9” x 9” x 2” Square
9” x 2” Round = Two 8” x 1 ½” Rounds OR 10” x 15” x 1” Jelly Roll OR 8” x 8” x 2” Square

NOTE: BAKING TIMES WILL VARY BASED ON PAN SIZE. FOR EXAMPLE, DEEPER PANS REQUIRE LONGER BAKING TIMES!


STAGE OF CANDY: TEMPERATURE:
Dark Caramel 350-360 degrees F
Medium Caramel 338-350
Light Caramel 320-338
Hard Crack 300-310
Soft Crack 270-290
Hard Ball 250-266
Firm Ball 244-248
Soft Ball 234-340
Thread 223-234

Weight & Measures

1 Tablespoon = 3 Teaspoons
1/8 Cup = 2 Tablespoons
¼ Cup = 4 Tablespoons
1/3 Cup = 5 Tablespoons + 1 Teaspoon
½ Cup = 8 Tablespoons
2/3 Cup = 10 Tablespoons + 2 Teaspoons
¾ Cup = 12 Tablespoons
1 Cup = 48 Teaspoons OR 16 Tablespoons OR ½ Pint
8 Fluid Ounces = 1 Cup
1 Tablespoon Liquid = ½ Ounce
1 Pint = 2 Cups OR 16 Fluid Ounces
1 Quart = 2 Pints
4 Cups = 1 Quart
1 Gallon = 4 Quarts
16 Ounces = 1 Pound
8 Quarts = 1 Peck
4 Pecks = 1 Bushel

Food Weights & Measure

2 Tablespoons Butter = 1 Ounce
2 Cups Butter = 1 Pound
1 Square Baking Chocolate = 1 Ounce
1 Cup Grated Cheese = 4 Ounces
4 Cups Coarsely Chopped Nuts = 1 Pound
2 1/3 Cups Uncooked Rice = 1 Pound
1 Cup Uncooked Rice = 3 ½ Cups Cooked Rice
2 Cups Granulated Sugar = 1 Pound
2 ¼ Cups Packed Brown Sugar = 1 Pound
3 ½ Cups Sifted Confectioners’ Sugar = 1 Pound
1 Pound Raw Ground Meat = 2 Cups

Liquid Metric Equivalencies

Customary Metric
¼ Teaspoon 1.25 Milliliters
½ Teaspoon 2.5 Milliliters
1 Teaspoon 5 Milliliters
1 Tablespoon 15 Milliliters
1 Fluid Ounce 30 Milliliters
¼ Cup 60 Milliliters
1/3 Cup 80 Milliliters
½ Cup 120 Milliliters
1 Cup 240 Milliliters
1 Pint (2 Cups) 480 Milliliters
1 Quart (4 Cups) 960 Milliliters (.96 Liter)
1 Gallon (4 Quarts) 3.84 Liters


Dry Measure Equivalencies

1 Ounce (by weight) 28 Grams
¼ Pound (4 ounces) 114 Grams
1 Pound (16 ounces) 454 Grams
2.2 Pounds 1 Kilogram (1,000 Grams)


Oven Temperature Equivalencies

Fahrenheit Celsius
200 90
250 120
300-325 150-160
325-350 160-180
350-375 180-190
375-400 190-200
400-450 200-230
450-500 230-260

Some Kitchen Tips for Cooking

Unless specifically instructed not to do so, always preheat your oven to the temperature required.
Always beat eggs before adding sugar.
Combine dry ingredients together when baking.
Add flour and milk to egg mixture alternately, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. This will make for a lighter cake, muffin or biscuit.
To eliminate the odor from Collard Greens being cooked, add one washed, unshelled pecan to the collards pot before turning the stove on.
To see if an egg is fresh, place the uncracked egg in a glass of water. If it sinks to the bottom, it is fresh. If it floats, throw it out!
To make fluffier scramble eggs, beat in a small amount of water, instead of milk.
When baking a double-crust pie, brush the top layer lightly with milk for a shiny crust; for a sweet crust, sprinkle with granulated sugar or a mixture of sugar and cinnamon; for a glazed crust brush lightly with a beaten egg. If you place the pie on a hot cookie sheet in the oven during preheating, it will ensure that the bottom crust will bake through.
You can always substitute 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour for 2 cups cake flour.
For muffin tins, if you don’t have enough batter to fill all the cups, pour a little water in to the empty cups. This will prevent the pan from scorching.
To sanitize cutting boards and countertops, use a mixture of 1 tablespoon bleach to 1 gallon of water.
Don’t throw away stale bread, cut it into cubes and bake for croutons, or throw it in the food processor and make breadcrumbs.
When picking crabmeat free of bits of shell, spread the crabmeat in a thin layer on a baking sheet and place in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to see the bits of shell.
When making meringue, always have the egg whites at room temperature, and be sure they’re free of any yolk. Make sure the bowl and beaters are spotless and free of grease.
If soup is too salty, drop a raw, whole, peeled potato into the soup. Serve from around it.
To get more juice from a lemon, pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds on high power.
When boiling crab, shrimp, or any other shellfish, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to the water. This helps to loosen the meat from the shell.
Store eggs tapered side down for a longer shelf life.
Soak chicken in 1 tablespoon of baking powder with enough water to cover the chicken. Soak for 10 to 15 minutes to discourage bacteria. Rinse chicken and cook thoroughly.
When sautéing, always heat your pan before putting in the fat. This will temper the pan and reduce sticking.
When deep-fat frying, try adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar to the fat before heating. This will keep the food from absorbing too much of the fat.
Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to beef stews to tenderize the meat.
When cooking green vegetables, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to the pot to help retain their color.
Don’t salt fresh corn during cooking; salt will toughen it. Salt the corn to taste after cooking.
Add a little oil to pasta water to keep the water from boiling over and the pasta from sticking together.
No buttermilk? Add 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar to 1 cup fresh milk, let sour for 5 minutes.
Out of sweetened condensed milk? Make your own: Mix 6 cups whole milk with 4 1/2 cups sugar, 1 stick of butter, and 1 vanilla bean ( or 1 tablespoon vanilla). Cook over medium heat, reducing liquid, for 1 hour. Stir occasionally. Cool. Yields 4 1/2 cups. This can be stored covered in the refrigerator for several weeks. Cut recipe in half for immediate use.
Don't have any eggs for a baking recipe? Use 2 tablespoons of corn oil plus 1 tablespoon of water as a substitute.

Peanut Butter Haystacks

INGREDIENTS
1 cup butterscotch chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup salted peanuts
2 cups chow mein noodles
DIRECTIONS
Melt butterscotch chips and peanut butter on top of a double boiler, or in a microwave. Blend together.
Stir peanuts and noodles gently into the melted peanut butter mixture.
Drop dough by forkfuls onto waxed paper. Cool until set.

Peanut Butter Bars

INGREDIENTS
1 cup butter or margarine, melted
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup peanut butter
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
4 tablespoons peanut butter
DIRECTIONS
In a medium bowl, mix together the butter or margarine, graham cracker crumbs, confectioners' sugar, and 1 cup peanut butter until well blended. Press evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9x13 inch pan.
In a metal bowl over simmering water, or in the microwave, melt the chocolate chips with the peanut butter, stirring occasionally until smooth. Spread over the prepared crust. Refrigerate for at least one hour before cutting into squares

The Whole Jar of Peanut Butter Cookiesp

"This cookie got its name because a whole 18-ounce jar of peanut butter is used to make it. It is the creamiest, moistest cookie I have ever had, and bound to be a favorite with anyone who makes them. Just don't over bake them!"

INGREDIENTS
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 egg
1 egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 (18 ounce) jar peanut butter
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped peanuts

DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, cream butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, yolks, and vanilla; mix until fluffy. Stir in peanut butter. Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the peanut butter mixture. Finally, stir in the peanuts. Refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a cookie sheet.
Roll dough into walnut sized balls. Place on the prepared cookie sheet and flatten slightly with a fork. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Cookies should look dry on top. Allow to cool for a few minutes on the cookie sheet before removing to cool completely on a rack. These cookies taste great when slightly undercooked.

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies

"These are so close to the Girl Scout oatmeal peanut butter cookies that you won't know the difference!"

INGREDIENTS
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup quick cooking oats
3 tablespoons butter, softened
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
2 1/2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup butter or margarine, 1/2 cup peanut butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla. Add egg and beat well.
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add these dry ingredients to the creamed mixture. Stir. Add oatmeal and stir.
Drop by teaspoons onto greased baking sheet, and press each mound down with a fork to form 1/4 inch thick cookies. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 10 minutes, or until cookies are a light brown.
To Make Filling: Cream 3 tablespoons butter or margarine with the confectioners' sugar, 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter, and the cream. Spread filling onto half of the cooled cookies, then top with the other half to form sandwiches.