MAI TAI

Mom and Dad went to Hawaii for 2 weeks - so we decided to have a Hawaiian Night Feast.

There are a lot of variations on this basic recipe for a Hawaiian favorite. A word to the wise, don’t have one mai tai after another, with almost 4oz. of liquor and that fruity flavor you might be dancing a hula to the pounding in your head!
2 oz. light rum
1 oz. Triple sec orange liquor
1 tbsp. Orgest almond liquor or almond flavored syrup (we used Amaretto)
1 tbsp. Grenadine
1 tbsp. lime juice
1 dash 151prf. rum or dark rum (optional)

Shake ingredients (except the dark rum) and strain into a large glass about 1/3 full with crushed ice. Decorate with a maraschino cherry speared to a wedge of fresh pineapple. Top with a dash of dark rum for that reddish color, or for sure inebriation 151 proof rum. Put an orchid in each drink for the full Hawaiian effect.

OUR Rating: Groceries expense reasonable
Easy to make
5 out of 5

Would we make again? Yup

MACADAMIA NUT CRUSTED COCONUT SHRIMP and ORANGE LIME SAUCE

Mom and Dad went to Hawaii for 2 weeks - so we decided to have a Hawaiian Night Feast.




MACADAMIA NUT CRUSTED COCONUT SHRIMP
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 pound cleaned and deveined shrimp
1/2 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup crushed macadamia nuts
Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly coat a baking dish with olive oil. Place flour in a small bowl. Dredge shrimp in flour, then dip into coconut milk and roll in crushed macadamia nuts. Place in baking dish and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until shrimp is cooked through. Serve 3 shrimp on a bed of rice topped with orange lime sauce. Makes 4 servings

ORANGE LIME SAUCE
10 oz jar orange marmalade
3 tablespoons tangy mustard
1 tablespoon lime juice
To create orange lime sauce combine all sauce ingredients in a sauce pan and warm.

OUR Rating: Groceries expense reasonable
Easy to make
3 out of 5

Would we make again? Sauce was good (tart) and shrimp was okay but we like a more crispy coating (like deep fried shrimp)

MANGO & CRAB STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS

Mom and Dad went to Hawaii for 2 weeks - so we decided to have a Hawaiian Night Feast.




3/4 cup shredded crab meat
1/2 cup finely chopped mango
1 tbsp. soy sauce
1 tbsp. mayonnaise
1/4 cup diced green onion
1/2 tsp. dried rosemary
1/3 tsp. white pepper
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
4 boneless chicken breasts, flattened

Combine crab with all ingredients except egg bread crumbs and chicken for filling. Spread on chicken and roll up jellyroll style. Dip each in egg and then gently roll in bread crumbs to coat. Brown carefully in fry pan, place in shallow baking dish and bake until cooked through. 350 Deg. about 45 min.
Serve warm or cold.

Original Recipe from: http://www.angelfire.com/bc/incredible/xMM20mangocrabstufdchickbr.htm
OUR Rating: Groceries expense reasonable
Easy to make
4.5 out of 5

Would we make again? Yes.

Hawaii - Wonderful Overnight Slaw

Mom and Dad went to Hawaii for 2 weeks - so we decided to have a Hawaiian Night Feast.



1 med. head cabbage -- shredded
1 med. red onion -- thinly sliced
1/2 c. chopped red pepper
1/2 c. chopped gr. pepper

1/2 c. sliced stuffed olives

1/2 c. white vinegar

1/2 c. vegetable oil

1/2 c. sugar

2 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 tsp. ea. -- salt,celery seed and mustard seed


In a 4 qt. bowl, combine the veggies and olives. In a saucepan, combine remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 1 min. Pour over veggies and stir gentlly. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Mix well before serving. 12 - 16 servings.

NOTES : Make this the night before, an the flavors keep getting better!

Original Recipe from: http://members.tripod.com/~lotsofinfo/S10wonderfulovernightslaw.htm
OUR Rating: Groceries expense reasonable
Very Easy to make
3.5 out of 5

Would we make again? Yes. But would cut down the sugar (or even omit)

Fried Pickles

Heard someone say "Fried Pickles" on a TV Commercial for a Cooking Show and I was intrigued - surprisingly very good.




1 egg, beaten
1 c. milk
1 tbsp. flour
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
6 drops hot sauce
3/4 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. pepper
3 1/2 c. flour
1 qt. sliced dill pickles
Wesson oil for deep frying

Combine first 5 ingredients, stirring well. Set aside. Combine 3 1/2 cups flour, salt and pepper, stirring well. Dip pickles in milk mixture and dredge in flour mixture, repeat process. Deep fry in hot oil, 350 degrees until pickles float to surface and are golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Original Recipe from: http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,181,147183-253195,00.html


OUR Rating: Groceries expense easy
Very Easy to make
5 out of 5

Would we make again? Yes.

Brazil Night - Creme de abacate (Avocado Cream)


From original website: Most Americans are surprised when they see avocado cream in the dessert menu in Brazil. In this country, avocados are used in salads only. In Brazil, they become delicious ice creams and creamy desserts like this one. The fruit are also amazingly huge down there, so when I say large in the recipe I mean LARGE.





1 large avocado, peeled and pitted (We were lucky to find XL Avocados almost the size of papayas)
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice (I like mine on the tart side)
2-3 Tbsp sugar





Place all ingredients in a blender and puree. Serve in a stemmed glass; it looks beautiful and will impress your guests no end. You can also use a fork and mash the fruit with the lime juice, then add sugar to taste and serve it in little bowls. Decorate with a little sprig of mint.





Original Recipe from: http://www.maria-brazil.org/creme_de_abacate.htm
OUR Rating: Groceries expense very reasonable
Very Very Easy to make
4 out of 5
Would we make again? Yes. WE ended up using 2 XL avocados and filled 3 large martini glasses, it was a bit much and we would say the dessert should probably be a half of the martini glass we used. We also made fresh whip cream and added lime zest on the top.

Brazil Night - Brazilian Feijoada (Beans, Pork & Spices)


From original website: “Feijoada” means “bean” in Portuguese and is considered the traditional national dish of Brazil. It is a delightfully tasty blend of black beans, pork and spices in proportion to taste. This “bean potpourri” was originally created by early slaves from “discarded pig parts” such as snouts, ears, feet and tails. Today, Feijoada combines more palatable pork delicacies of sausages, ribs, bacon and pork sirloin. It is more visually appealing than its original creation. Feijoada is a similar cuisine to America’s “soul food”.



Ingredients:


16 oz. Canned black beans

1 lb. bacon (cut into squares)

1 lb. smoked pork sausage (sliced thick)

1 lb. pork sirloin (cubed)

2 onions (diced)

4 garlic cloves (crushed or finely diced)

4 bay leaves

1/2 tsp. Salt

1 tbsp. black pepper

hot pepper sauce (optional)

4 tsp. light oil


Preparation:



Heat the beans in a pot along with the salt, 2 cloves of garlic, 2 tsp. oil and the bay leaves.



In a separate pan add 2 tsp. Oil sautéing the onions with 2 cloves of garlic. Once the onions are clear drain the pan and reserve the onions.



Cook the bacon, sausage and sirloin in the same pan adding back the onions once meats are near completion.



Add meats and onions to the beans and cook an additional 10 minutes.



Add pepper sauce if desired, remove bay leaves and serve with rice.


Original Recipe from: http://www.braziltravelvacation.com/food-recipes.html
OUR Rating: Groceries expense a bit high due to 3 types of pork
Easy to make
4 out of 5
Would we make again? Yes. But we think we should try frying the bacon a bit first before adding the rest of the meat.

Brazil Night - Aztec South American Chocolate and Chilli Glazed Pork Strips


SERVES 4

Ingredients
700 g pork belly, cut into 3cm strips
salt & freshly ground black pepper
4 fresh red chilies, deseeded
2 tablespoons clear honey, warmed
50 g 75% cocoa solids chocolate, melted
stir-fried vegetables, to serve

Directions

Set the oven to 200°C/gas 6.

Season the pork, lay it on a rack in a roasting pan, and then roast it in the hot oven for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.

Meanwhile, blend the chillies and honey together in a food processor.

Add the melted chocolate and process again to mix.

Remove the pork from the oven and drain off the fat. Brush the meat generously all over with the chocolate glaze and return to the oven for 10 minutes. Serve on a bed of crisp stir-fried vegetables.

Original Recipe from: http://www.recipezaar.com/294853

OUR Rating: Groceries expense very reasonable
Very Easy to make
5+ out of 5
Would we make again? Yes. Most definately.

NUTRITION INFORMATION
Serving Size 1 (244g)
Recipe makes 4 servings
Calories 1029
Calories from Fat 904 (87%)
Amount Per Serving %DV
Total Fat 100.5g 154%
Saturated Fat 38.5g 192%
Monounsaturated Fat 45.6g
Polyunsaturated Fat 10.2g
Trans Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 126mg 42%
Sodium 63mg 2%
Potassium 594mg 16%
Total Carbohydrate 16.9g 5%
Dietary Fiber 3.1g 12%
Sugars 11.1g
Protein 19.1g 38%

Hollywood Night - Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream and Bourbon Caramel Sauce





Ingredients
4 lg. Granny Smith apples
2 T. lemon juice, fresh squeezed
1/2 c. dark brown sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/3 c. all purpose flour
1/3 c. sugar
1/3 c. rolled oats
4 T cold butter
1/2 c. chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.



  1. Core and chop apples, and toss in a bowl with lemon juice. (We like the peels left on.)

  2. In separate bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg; stir into apples.

  3. In another bowl, combine flour, sugar and oats. Cut butter into 8 small pieces, and "cut" with a pastry cutter or your fingers into the flour mixture until it resembles crumbs. Stir in the nuts.

  4. Spray a 10x10 baking dish with vegetable spray and spread apples in the bottom of the dish.

  5. Sprinkle flour mixture on top.

  6. Bake for 30-45 minutes until apples are tender and topping light brown.

  7. Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and Bourbon Caramel Sauce.

Original Recipe from:http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://sassandveracity.typepad.com/sass_veracity/images/2007/06/11/img_2024.jpg&imgrefurl=http://sassandveracity.typepad.com/sass_veracity/2007/06/index.html&h=300&w=400&sz=78&hl=en&start=94&um=1&usg=__Vje7rO1Tnn-2O8K38-Q8lyrk8E4=&tbnid=5eZ7KZl8LSsrmM:&tbnh=93&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dhollywood%2Btheme%2Bnight%2Brecipes%26start%3D80%26ndsp%3D20%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN
OUR Rating: Groceries expense very reasonable
Very Easy to make

4 out of 5 (we would omit the sugar)
Would we make again? Yes.


NUTRITION INFORMATION
Unknown

Hollywood Night - Hollywood Drink


Ingredients

1 1/2 oz Vodka
1 oz Triple Sec
1 1/2 oz Raspberry Liqueur
1 splash Lime Juice

Mix all ingredients in a shaker and strain.

Serve Hollywood in a Highball Glass.


Original Recipe from:
http://www.drinkswap.com/drinks/detail.asp?recipe_id=3939
4.5 out of 5 (a powerful drink)
Would we make again? Yes.

Hollywood Night - Dates Stuffed with Fresh Mozzarella


From the Los Angeles Restaurant Cicada, this hors d'oeuvre combines sweetness from the dates, creaminess from the fresh cheese, saltiness from the anchovy fillet and a nice kick from the ginger powder.






























Serves:10Vegetarian:No
Preparation Time:00:00
Cuisine:Mediterranean
Difficulty:EasyMeal Type:Snack
Main Ingredient:dates Dish Type:Appetizer
Main Cooking Method:BlendSeason/Occasion:Any Occasion

Ingredients


  • 1/2 C. fresh mozzarella

  • 1 small anchovy fillet, mashed

  • 1.5 tsp. fresh chives, chopped

  • 1 pinch ginger powder

  • 5 dried dates, de-pitted and halved

  • 1 Tbsp. Mascarpone or sour cream

  • 1 Tbsp. lime or lemon zest

Combine the mozzarella, anchovy fillet, chives and ginger in a bowl until the mix becomes a doughy paste.Stuff the mixture into the dates and top with a small drop of the Mascarpone or sour cream. Sprinkle with lime or lemon zest.


Original Recipe from: http://www.losangelesrestaurants.com/recipe.cfm/restaurant/222/datesstuffedwithfreshmozzarella
OUR Rating: Groceries expense very reasonable
Very Easy to make
3 out of 5 We thought the dates made it very sweet, we think maybe next time to try on a vegetable cracker, or maybe have a fresh grape.
Would we make again? Yes.


NUTRITION INFORMATION
Unknown

Hollywood Night - Shrimp Ajillo Appetizer


Although Spanish in origin, the recipe is from Executive Chef Nora Ramos from Cafe Sevilla Long Beach Restaurant.



























Serves:1Vegetarian:No
Preparation Time:00:10
Cuisine:Spanish
Difficulty:EasyMeal Type:Dinner
Main Ingredient:shrimp Dish Type:Appetizer
Main Cooking Method:SautéSeason/Occasion:Any Occasion

Ingredients


  • 1 fl. oz. olive oil

  • 1 tsp. fresh garlic slices

  • 1 chile de arbol

  • 5 shrimp, 31-40 count, peeled and deveined

  • 1 Tbsp. chopped roma tomatoes

  • 2 fl. oz. white wine

  • 1 tsp. garlic butter

  • 1/2 tsp. diced pimentos

  • 1 pinch kosher salt and ground black pepper

  • 1 pinch chopped fresh chives
Heat a saute pan over medium high heat. Carefully add olive oil, garlic, and chile to pan. Cook until garlic turns golden brown. Add shrimp and cook 1 minute on each side. Add tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes. Add white wine and cook until liquid reduces to half. Add butter and pimentos. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Plate dish on small tapitas plate, garnish with chopped chives and toothpicks and serve warm.


Suggestions from original site:
Executive Chef Nora Ramos prepares this classic Spanish tapa nightly at Cafe Sevilla Long Beach. She marinates the raw shrimp prior to cooking them, but un-marinated shrimp will work at home.

Cook Tip: This recipe is for one tapas-sized portion, but can easily be increased to accommodate any number of guests. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of guests for a quick and easy appetizer.


Chile de arbol is a bright red, slender pepper that can be purchased dried or fresh. Added whole to this dish, it imparts a mild spice level. Powered cayenne pepper may be substituted if chiles de arbol cannot be found, or the chile may be omitted for a less spicy version.

Original Recipe from: http://www.losangelesrestaurants.com/recipe.cfm/restaurant/1384/shrimpajillo
OUR Rating: Groceries expense very reasonable
Very Easy to make, we would add a bit more spice.
3.5 out of 5
Would we make again? Yes.


NUTRITION INFORMATION
Unknown

Hollywood Night - Shrimp Oscar



Ingredients:

1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and cleaned
1 6-ounce can crab meat, drained
1 package frozen or 10 fresh as- paragus spears - canned aspara- gus may be substituted
1 package hollandaise sauce mix
1 cup milk
1/4 cup butter or margarine


Parboil asparagus for 2 to 3 minutes until crisp tender. Meanwhile, prepare hollandaise sauce mix with milk (we used 2 percent) and butter according to package directions. Drain asparagus on paper towels and cut into 1-inch pieces. Mix together with shrimp, crab and hollandaise sauce.

Place in a microwavable casserole dish. Cover and microwave for 5 minutes. Remove and stir. Makes 2 generous or 4 regular-size portions.


Suggestions from original site:

Miller suggests serving it as is, or over rice - we used boil-in-bag rice with 1 teaspoon of chicken bouillon granules in the water - with a prepared, bagged salad and Italian bread.

A glass of chilled white wine is the perfect sipper for a dish of this caliber.

Original Recipe from: http://www.post-gazette.com/food/19990318count.asp
OUR Rating: Groceries expense very reasonable
Super Easy to make
3.5 out of 5
Would we make again? Yes.


NUTRITION INFORMATION
Unknown

Butterbeer

Tried this a long time ago (when the HP movies first came out - I think). Anyway, just found my printed copy - posting it so I won't loose it.

If I remember correctly - this is really really good - however very very sweet as well.

Ingredients:
1 cup (8oz) club soda or cream soda
1/2 cup (4oz) butterscotch syrup (ice-cream topping)
1/2 tablespoon butter

Directions:
Measure butterscotch and butter into a 2 cup glass. Microwave on high for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, or until syrup is bubbly and butter is completely incorporated.

Stir and cool for 30 seconds, then slowly mix in soda. Mixture will fizz quite a bit.

Serve in two coffee mugs or small glasses; a perfectly warm Hogwarts treat for two!

http://www.mugglenet.com/misc/rosmertas/butterbeer/shtml

TANDOORI CHICKEN



Number of Servings: 6


10 pieces of chicken (drumsticks and/or breast with skin removed)
1 cup plain yoghurt

Spices:
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon red chilli powder (adjust according to preference)
1 tablespoon coriander powder
1 tablespoon garlic paste
1 tablespoon ginger paste
1 tablespoon cumin powder
½ tablespoon mustard
½ tablespoon Garam Masala powder

Optional Spices:
few pods of cardamom
pinch of saffron

Salt to taste

Mix all spices with yogurt and butter to make marinating sauce.

Prick the chicken and apply the sauce. Cover chicken and marinate overnight inside a refrigerator (at least 4 hrs).

Grill the chicken in regular way. (For better result, apply melted butter to the chicken just before you grill.)

Cook chicken until brownish (or way you prefer)

Serve sliced onion (ring) and lemon wedges with the tandoori chicken. Also, serve. Lemon juice can be sprinkled on the cooked chicken to add zesty flavor.

Tandoori Chicken is also spelled as Tanduri chicken or Tandori Chicken.

Original Recipe from: http://www.food-india.com/recipe/R051_R75/R059.htm

OUR Rating: Groceries expense very reasonable.

Easy to make
4 out of 5


Kung Pao Chicken


Makes 4 servings - ready in 20 minutes
1lb chicken breast
1 tbsp soybean or cooking oil
1/2 cup chopped green onion
2 tsp minced garlic
2 tsp crushed hot red pepper
1 tbsp chopped fresh ginger
1/2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp rice wine
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sugar
2 tsp sesame oil
1/4 cup peanuts, raw
4 cups cooked brown rice
Instructions:
1. Cut chicken into bite-sized cubes. Heat oil in a work or saucepan, add chicken and cook until no longer pink.
2. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Add the onion, garlic, pepper and ginger to the pan and stir-fry 20 seconds.
4. In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the rice wine; stir in the soy sauce, vinegar, sugar and sesame oil and add to the pan. Cook, stirring until sauce thickens.
5. Stir in the peanuts and serve with the rice.
Original Recipe from: Page 93 of the January 2008 Oxygen Magazine
My Rating: Groceries expense very reasonable (had most everything at home)
Easy to make
3.5 out of 5
Would I make again? Yes.

West African Meat Loaf


With West African Meat Loaf, Crunchy Cabbage Salad, Rice and for dessert Banfora (a dessert from Burkina Faso)

Origin: West Africa Period: Traditional

Ingredients
80g carrots, finely chopped
80g onions, finely chopped
80g celery, finely chopped
80g spring onions, finely chopped
80g parsley, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
120g breadcrumbs
2 eggs
900g hamburger, broken-up
3 scotch bonnet chillies, finely chopped and pounded
120ml ketchup
60ml water
2 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp butter
salt and black pepper to taste.

Finely chop the vegetables (preferrably in a food processor), add the nutmeg, cinnamon, chillies and season. Fry this mixture in the butter and oil until tender, but not coloured. Cool and add to the broken hamburger. Add to this mixture the bread crumbs, eggs, ketchup and water. Mix well then form into a loaf shape on a baking tray.

Bake in an oven pre-heated to 180°C for 1 hour. Let it cool for 20 minutes when you take it out (cover with foil at this stage so it remains intact when you serve).

Original Recipe from: http://www.celtnet.org.uk/recipes/west-africa.php

OUR Rating: Groceries expense very reasonable
Very Easy to make
5 out of 5
Would we make again? Yes.

Crunchy Cabbage Salad



Origin: West Africa Period: Traditional



Ingredients
500g finely-shredded cabbage


150g diced apples


150g diced cucumber


40g raisins


160ml mayonnaise


1 tbsp lemon juice


1/2 tbsp vingegr


1/2 tsp salt


1/4 tsp sugar


50g chopped, unsalted, peanuts




Combine the cabbage, apples, cucumber and raisins together in a bowl. Toss to mix. Meanwhile combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, vinegar, salt and sugar together in a small bowl. Pour this over the vegetable mix and toss to mix. Sprinkle with the peanuts and serve.







Original Recipe from: http://www.celtnet.org.uk/recipes/west-africa.php



OUR Rating: Groceries expense really reasonable


Very Easy to make


5 out of 5 Would we make again? Yes.

Banfora - Burkina Faso

Origin: Burkina Faso Period: Traditional


'Banbfora' is a Burkinabe equivalent of Welshcakes made with dried pineapple rather than sultanas.

Ingredients
500g self-raising flour (we used all-purpose and 1 tsp of baking powder)

250g butter

200g sugar


100g diced pineapple

2 eggs, beaten


a few tbsp milk

pinch of salt


Sift the flour and salt into a mixing bowl cut the butter into the mixture then rub with your fingers until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the sugar and pineapple and then stir-in the beaten eggs. Mix to a stiff dough and add a little mikl if the mixture is too stiff. Tip onto a floured surface and knead lightly before rolling out to 5mm thick. Cut the dough into 6cm rounds then fry on a lightly-greased griddle pan over low heat until the cakes are lightly browned on both sides. Cool on a wire rack and serve sprinkled with cinnamon and icing sugar.

Original Recipe from: http://www.celtnet.org.uk/recipes/west-africa.php

OUR Rating: Groceries expense very reasonable


Very Easy to make (we halved the recipe and served it with strawberry jam too)

5 out of 5


Would we make again? Yes.

Easy Jam-Filled Cookies

Prep Time: 30 min
Total Time: 57 min
Makes: 4 doz. or 48 servings, one cookie each

1 pkg. (250g) PHILADELPHIA Brick Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2-1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. Baking Powder
1/3 cup Walnut Pieces, finely chopped
3/4 cup strawberry Jam
1 tsp. powdered sugar

PREHEAT oven to 350ºF. Beat cream cheese, butter and granulated sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Separate 1 of the eggs; set egg white aside for later use. Add yolk, second (whole) egg and vanilla to cream cheese mixture; mix well. Gradually add combined flour and baking powder, beating until well blended after each addition.





DIVIDE dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into 12x1-inch log; place, 2 inches apart, on large ungreased baking sheet. Use handle of wooden spoon or fingers to make depression down length of each log, about 1/2 inch wide and 1/2 inch deep. Beat reserved egg white with fork; brush over dough. Sprinkle with walnuts. Fill depressions with preserves, using about 3 Tbsp. preserves in each log.





BAKE 25 to 27 min. or until edges are lightly browned. Transfer to wire racks; cool slightly. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Cut each log into 12 diagonal slices.



Original Recipe from: Kraft What's cooking Festive 2007 Magazine (below picture from Kraft website)

OUR Rating: Groceries expense very reasonable
Very Easy to make
6 out of 5
Would we make again? Yes. Crowd pleaser

Herb and Nut Cream Cheese Log

Prep Time: 10 min
Total Time: 10 min
Makes: 12 servings, 2 Tbsp. cheese spread and 5 crackers each



1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1/3 cup KRAFT 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/3 cup chopped toasted Pecans
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped toasted Pecans
RITZ Hearty Wheat Crackers

MIX cream cheese, Parmesan cheese and 1/3 cup pecans until well blended.

SHAPE into 8-inch log. Roll in mixture of parsley and 1/4 cup pecans; press gently into log to secure.

Serve with crackers.

Original Recipe from: Kraft What's cooking Festive 2007 Magazine (below picture from Kraft website)

OUR Rating: Groceries expense very reasonable
Super Easy to make
5 out of 5
Would we make again? Yes.

Amsterdam Night - Food from The Netherlands


With Croquettes, Mashed Potatoes, Red Cabbage Twente-Style, and Summer salad with goat cheese.

Croquettes
3 tbsp butter

600 grams (1lb 5 oz) veal, beef, chicken, or turkey (we used beef stewing meat)

salt and pepper

1 dl (1/2 cup) white wine

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 clove

2 bay leaves

piece of mace (we used 1/4 tsp powdered mace)

2 sprigs parsley, finely chopped

lemon juice (we used juice from 1 lemon)

3/4 tsp thyme

lemon peel (we used from 1 lemon)

50 grams (2 oz) butter or margarine

40 grams (1.5 oz) flour

corn starch or gelatin (we didn't need to use - see recipe)

3 eggs

4 cups fine breadcrumbsor Dutch rusks (beschuit) (we only used about 2 cups)

oil to deep-fry



When opting for chicken or turkey meat, use ‘leftovers,’ in other words cook the turkey or chicken a day ahead. When using veal or beef, start with fresh meat.


Season the veal or beef with salt and pepper. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large frying pan.



Put in the meat, add the wine, the onion, parsley, clove, thyme, mace, bay leaves, and lemon peel and 5 decilitre (2 cups) of water.



Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat and let it simmer for 45 minutes to an hour. The meat should be tender.


Remove the meat and finely chop or cut into small pieces. Strain and keep the stock.


Melt 50 grams of butter in the frying pan, stir in the flour and keep stirring for a few minutes on low heat. Slowly and gradually add the stock and cook over moderate heat, stirring until the sauce is smooth and thick. Add more flour, or corn starch (maizena) or dissolved gelatin if necessary. Add 3 egg yolks (set the whites aside to use later).


Add the veal, beef, chicken or turkey, season more, if needed. Stir well. The mix should be thick and stiff by this time.


Set the mix aside to cool thoroughly. When ready, cut or separate the stiff, thick mix into rolls of about 5cm (2”) thick and about 8cm (3”) long.


On a chopping board spread out the crumbs or crumbed rusks. In a deep plate slightly beat the egg whites.


Roll the croquettes through the breadcrumbs, then through the egg whites and again through the crumbs. Make sure that the second crumbs coating is even and thick and no meat mix sticks out (this could make the croquettes burst when deep fried).


Deep fry the croquettes four or so at a time for about 4 minutes, until they are golden brown. Drain them on absorbent paper.


Serve hot, with French fries or multigrain bread or rice. Put them halved on bread. A good way to season is to slather on mustard.


Original Recipe from: http://www.godutch.com/windmill/recipeItem.asp?id=89


OUR Rating: Groceries expense very reasonable
Time Consuming
4 out of 5
Would we make again? Yes. However, we chopped the meat into very small pieces and feel that it would be better to grind the meat.

Red cabbage Twente-style

1 kilogram red cabbage

100 grams bacon

1 onion

salt and pepper

2 cloves

1 glass red wine

1 tbsp currants (didn't use - couldn't find)

250 grams red currant jam (we used blackcurrant jam)


Dice the bacon and slowly brown. Peel and dice the onion, add it to the bacon and sautee.

Grate or chop the cabbage and add it to the pan, mixing well.

Add salt and pepper to taste, put in the cloves, currants and jam.

Pour in the wine.

Turn down the heat and let the cabbage simmer until ‘al dente’.

Serve with your choice of meat, mashed potatoes and garnish with fried slices of apple (we garnished with some more grilled pear).



Original Recipe from: http://www.godutch.com/windmill/recipeItem.asp?id=22


OUR Rating: Groceries expense very reasonable
Easy
5 out of 5
Would we make again? Yes.

Summer Salad with Goat Cheese


200 grams / 7 oz. goat cheese
7 grams / ¼ oz. fresh mint
3 nectarines (nectarines out of season for us - used bartlett 1 pear)
4 tbls walnut oil
½ lemon
1 tbsp honey
75 grams / 3 oz. mixed salad
75 grams / 3 oz. fresh rucola (arugula)
55 grams / 2 oz. walnuts
black pepper

Prepare the goat cheese by cutting it into long slivers of about 1/3” wide.
Strip the mint leaves from the sprigs.
Peel the nectarines and divide them in segments.
Heat a heavy skillet or stovetop grill pan. Thinly brush the nectarine segments with about 1 tbsp walnut oil. Grill them for a minute each side and take from the pan.
Squeeze the half lemon over a salad bowl, add honey, walnut oil, fresh ground black pepper and salt to taste and whish into a smooth dressing.
Gently fold in the cheese, salad, rucola, mint and walnuts.
Put the salad into four bowls and garnish with the grilled nectarine segments. Serve with a wholewheat baguette and a fruity wine such as Sangria.
Variation: add parts of other fruits, such as slice strawberries, pieces of apple and/or blueberries.

Original Recipe from: http://www.godutch.com/windmill/recipeItem.asp?id=1042

OUR Rating: Groceries expense very reasonable
Very Easy!
5 out of 5 (if you like goat cheese)
Would we make again? Yes.

Brown Sugar Lightning Cake and Whipped Cream Frosting

Made for Mom's Birthday Cake.

Picture to be inserted

Brown Sugar Lightning Cake

1 stick unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups all -purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
2 eggs
1 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon bourbon (or other booze)

I made 2 cakes (I didn’t double, I made it twice), I also used brandy instead of the bourbon. Top came out rounded, I ended up cutting off the top portion when I put the cakes together.

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Brush the inside of a 9 inch cake pan with butter, and dust with a bit of flour.

Sift flour, baking soda, and salt together in a medium sized bowl. Mix to combine, and set aside.

Blend the eggs and the sugar, and mix until incorporated, about 1 minute. Whisk the flour mixture into the egg mixture using as few strokes as possible. Then whisk in the buttermilk, the melted butter, and the rest of the flavorings.

Pourthe batter into the cake pan, and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cake on a rack for 5 minutes, then invert and remove from pan. Cool completely before topping with whatever you choose.


WHIPPED CREAM FROSTING
4 cups chilled heavy whipping cream
1 ¼ cups powdered sugar

I halved the recipe for frosting as I didn’t need it to cover the top, just as a coating under the fondant and then between the two cakes.

To make the frosting:
Using a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip the cream in a large bowl on high speed until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and ship until thoroughly combined.
Place 1 cake layer on a platter and spread som of the frosting over the top. Top with the remaining layer or layers, thickly coating the top and sides of each with frosting.
Refrigerate the cake until the whipped cream frosting has stabilized, at least 1 hour.

French Night 2



French Night was such a hit, we decided to do it again with new recipes. With French Onion Soup, Grilled Filet Mignon Steaks with Bearnaise Sauce and Baked Potatoes.

French Onion Soup



4 large onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
¼ teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons flour
6 cups bouillon or beef stock
¼ cup dry white wine or vermouth
Salt and pepper to taste
4 slices French bread, cut ½ inch thick
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 clove garlic, peeled, cut
2 tablespoons cognac
1 cup grated swiss cheese

In covered 4 quart saucepan or dutch oven cook onions slowly with butter and 1 tablespoon oil 15 minutes; stire occasionally. Uncover; increase heat to moderate. Add sugar; sauté onions, stripping frequently, about 30 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle with flour; stir over heat 2 to 3 minutes. Blend in hot broth and wine; adjust seasionings. Simmer, partially covered, 1 hour.

Meanwhile, place bread slices in 350 deg f oven 30 minutes or until lightly toasted. Halfway through baking, baste each slice with ½ teaspoon oil; rub with garlic.

Before serving, add cognac. Divide soup into ovenproof bowls or casseroles. Sprinkle ½ cup cheese in soup. Float slices of satle or toasted cheese. Bake in preheatged 325 deg f oven 15 to 20 minutes, until hot; set under broiler 2 to 3 minutes, until cheese is golden brown. Serve immediately. Yield 4 servings.


Original Recipe from: One of Sue's cookbooks

OUR Rating: Groceries expense extremely reasonable
Very Easy to make
5 out of 5
Would we make again? Most Definately (this one is an old recipe - which has been made time and time again).

Grilled Filet Mignon Steaks with Bearnaise Sauce



Serves 4

RECIPE INGREDIENTS
For Sauce:
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons dry white wine
2 tablespoons minced shallots
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon or 1 teaspoon dried
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 egg yolks
8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, melted
Pinch of cayenne, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh tarragon or chervil, for garnish
For Steaks:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dry mustard
Salt and pepper
4 filet mignon steaks, about 8 ounces each
4 sprigs fresh tarragon, for garnish

RECIPE METHOD
TO PREPARE SAUCE: Combine the vinegar, wine, shallots, tarragon, and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and reduce the liquid by half. Let cool until lukewarm. Transfer to the top of a double boiler and add the egg yolks, whisking in briskly. Add the butter in a slow, steady stream and whisk until the sauce thickens. Season with the cayenne and keep warm. Add a little water if the sauce becomes too thick. Strain into a clean saucepan just before serving, garnish with the minced tarragon.
TO PREPARE STEAKS: Mix together the oil, mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and rub the mixture on the filets. Grill over a hot flame for about 6 minutes per side for medium-rare or about 7 minutes per side for medium.
TO SERVE: Place each steak in the center of a warm serving plate. Spoon the sauce over and around the filets or, alternatively, place in small ramekins or eggcups to the side of the steaks. Garnish the steaks with the tarragon sprigs.
OUR Rating: Groceries expense really reasonable
Very Easy to make
5 out of 5
Would we make again?
Most Definately!!

Baked Potatoes



recipe coming

Original Recipe from:

OUR Rating: Groceries expense very reasonable
Very Very Easy to make
4 out of 5
Would we make again? Yes.

French Night

Can't seem to find the photos from this night.

With Gratinée de Coquille St. Jacques - Scallops gratinéed, Chicken Breasts with Sauce Supreme on linguine, and steamed asparagus. And for dessert we had crepes.

Crepe recipe (I liked the Ukraine crepe batter recipe better for cooking):
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/3 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt

In large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, melted butter, flour, sugar and salt until smooth.

Heat a medium-sized skillet or crepe pan over medium heat. Grease pan with a small amount of butter or oil applied with a brush or paper towel. Ladle batter (about 3 tablespoons worth) into hot pan, tilting the pan so that the surface is evenly coated. Cook over medium heat, 1 to 2 minutes on a side, or until golden brown. Serve Immediately.

Filling (made up our own):
Sauted apples in wine with cinnamon until tender.

Topped the crepes with a bit of chocolate sauce, amaretto and whipped cream.