Archive for January, 2007
Sunday, January 28th, 2007
Easy Bruschetta
Ingredients:
-1 loaf (1 lb.) French bread or baguette, cut into 24 slices
-1 package brie spread
-2 large tomatoes, thinly sliced
-2 avocados, thinly sliced
-fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1. Preheat broiler
2. Place bread slices on rack of broiler pan
3. Broil, 4 to 6 inches from heat, 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown on both sides
4. [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Appetizers by Svetlana
Sunday, January 28th, 2007
Fresh Fruit Tartlets
Ingredients:
-Pâte Sucrée (Sweet Shortcrust Pastry):
-1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more if needed
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
-1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
-2 egg yolks beaten with 2 tablespoons iced water and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit for Tartlets:
-1 pound ripe small fruits (e.g. strawberries, raspberries, red currants, figs, grapes, etc.)
Glaze:
-4 tablespoons raspberry jam
-2 tablespoons [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Cookies, Desserts by Svetlana
Sunday, January 28th, 2007
Prosciutto-Wrapped Dates
Ingredients:
-1 package (12 ounces) pitted dates
-1 can (15 ounces) pineapple chunks, drained
-1 package (12 ounces) prosciutto
1. Preheat the broiler and set a rack 6 inches from the heat source
2. Place a pineapple chunk in each date
3. Wrap a slice of bacon around each stuffed date and secure with toothpick
4. Broil 6 inches from heat source, [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Appetizers by Svetlana
Sunday, January 28th, 2007
Cucumber-Dill Sandwiches
Ingredients:
-1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and grated
-1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
-1 tablespoon mayonnaise
-1 teaspoon dried chives
-1/4 teaspoon dill weed
-1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
-1 (16-ounce) loaf sandwich bread
1. Stir together cucumber and next 5 ingredients
2. Spread mixture evenly over half of the bread slices, top with the remaining slices of bread
3. Trim the crusts from sandwiches
4. [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Appetizers by Svetlana
Friday, January 26th, 2007
Easy Tiramisu
Ingredients:
-2 packages (3 oz. each) ladyfingers, divided
-2 tablespoons Instant Coffee
-1 tablespoon sugar
-1 cup boiling water
-2 packages (8 oz. each) Cream Cheese, softened
-1/2 cup sugar
-2 tablespoons almond-flavored liqueur or brandy
-2 cups Mascarpone
-1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1. Arrange one package of the ladyfingers on bottom of 13×9-inch baking dish
2. Dissolve instant coffee and 1 tablespoon sugar in [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Cakes, Desserts by Svetlana
Tuesday, January 16th, 2007
BBQ Salmon
Ingredients:
-1/2 cup Barbecue Sauce
-2 tablespoons brown sugar
-1 green onion, sliced
-4 salmon fillets or steaks (1 lb.)
1. Preheat greased grill to medium-high heat
2. Mix barbecue sauce, brown sugar and onions until well blended
3. Grill salmon 4 minutes on each side
4. Brush generously with the barbecue sauce mixture
5. Continue grilling 2 to 4 minutesor until salmon [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Main Dishes, Seafood by Svetlana
Tuesday, January 16th, 2007
Chocolate Indulgence Cake
Ingredients:
-1 package (6 squares) Baker’s Bittersweet Baking Chocolates
-3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) unsalted butter
-4 eggs
-1 cup sugar
-1/2 cup flour
-fresh berries for garnish
1. Preheat oven to 350°F
2. Microwave chocolate and butter in large microwaveable bowl for 2 minutes or until butter is melted
3. Stir until chocolate is completely melted and cool to room temperature
4. [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Cakes, Desserts by Svetlana
Thursday, January 11th, 2007
Chocolate Walnut Cookies
Ingredients:
-1/2 cup softened butter
-1 cup sugar
-2 eggs
-1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-1/8 teaspoon salt
-2 squares (2 ounces) unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
-1 cup all-purpose flour
-1/3 cup chopped walnuts
-confectioners’ sugar
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar; beat in eggs, vanilla and salt, beating until light and fluffy
2. Beat in chocolate until well blended
3. Stir in [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Cookies, Desserts by Svetlana
Tuesday, January 9th, 2007
Coconut Macaroons
Ingredients:
-1 package (14 oz.) or 5 1/3 cups flaked coconut
-1 can (14 oz.) Sweetened Condensed Milk
-2 teaspoons vanilla extract
-1 teaspoon almond extract
1. Preheat oven to 350° F
2. Foil-line and grease baking sheets
3. Combine coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract and almond extract in large bowl
4. Drop by rounded teaspoonful on prepared baking sheets; press each [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Cookies, Desserts by Svetlana
Tuesday, January 9th, 2007
Peanut Butter Squares
Ingredients:
-2 sticks margarine
-2-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
-1 cup smooth peanut butter
-1 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
-1 package 12 oz. chocolate chips
1. Melt margarine and remove from heat
2. Add peanut butter, sugar and graham cracker crumbs; mix well
3. Spread in ungreased 9×13 inch pan
4. Press down evenly
5. Melt chocolate chips
6. Spread over top of peanut butter mixture
7. [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Desserts by Svetlana
Sunday, January 7th, 2007
Asian Style Noodle Soup
Ingredients:
-1 pound package thin cut Asian Style Noodles
-1 (32 oz) container chicken broth
-1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
-1 teaspoon sesame oil
-1 tablespoon water
-1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
-1 egg, lightly beaten
-1/3 cup sliced green onion tops
-1/3 cup slivered carrots
-1/3 cup slivered bamboo shoots
1. Cook noodles in boiling salted water for 3 minutes, drain and rinse well
2. Meanwhile, heat broth, [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Soups by Svetlana
Sunday, January 7th, 2007
Raspberry Lillies
Ingredients:
-1/4 cup sugar
-1 cup butter, softened
-1 (3 oz) cream cheese, softened
-1 teaspoon vanilla
-2 cups flour
-1/4 teaspoon salt
-1/2 cup raspberry jam
-powdered sugar (optional)
1. In a large bowl, combine sugar, buter, cream cheese and vanilla
2. Beat at meadium speed, about one minute and continue mixing until well mixed
3. Divide dough into fourths and wrap in plastic wrap
4. [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Cookies, Desserts by Svetlana
Saturday, January 6th, 2007
Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp and Peppers
Ingredients:
-1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
-1/2 cup chopped onion
-1 pound large peeled and deveined shrimp, tails removed
-1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
-2 cloves garlic, minced
-1 teaspoon oregano leaves
-1/4 teaspoon salt
-2 medium tomatoes, cored and chopped
-1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
-1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
-4 oz angel hair pasta, cooked
1. Heal oil in a medium skillet
2. Add [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Main Dishes by Svetlana
Saturday, January 6th, 2007
Chocolate Cakes with Irish Cream
Ingredients:
-1/2 cup butter
-4 oz bittersweet chocolate
-2 large eggs
-1/4 cup sugar
-1 tablespoon Irish cream liqueur
-1 tablespoon flour
-8 tablespoons Irish cream liqueur (for garnish)
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F
2. Lightly butter four ramekins
3. Place butter and chocolate in a medium glass bowl, and microwave on high for about 2 minutes, stirring twice, until butter and chocolate [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Cakes, Desserts by Svetlana
Saturday, January 6th, 2007
Classic Strawberry Shortcake
Ingredients:
-1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
-1 teaspoon sugar
-4 slices frozen Sara Lee Pound Cake
-1/2 cup whipped topping, thawed
-chocolate curls, for garnish
1. Sprinkle sugar over strawberries
2. Cut each pound cake slice in half to form 2 thin slices
3. Place 4 pound cake slices on individual plates
4. Top each slice with 2 tablespoons strawberries; then second cake slice [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Cakes, Desserts by Svetlana
Thursday, January 4th, 2007
Grilled Salmon
Ingredients:
-1 side fresh salmon, boned but skin on (about 3 pounds)
-2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
-3 tablespoons soy sauce
-6 tablespoons olive oil
-1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1. Light charcoal briquettes in a grill and brush the grilling rack with oil to keep the salmon from sticking
2. While the grill is heating, lay the salmon skin side down on a [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Main Dishes, Seafood by Svetlana
Thursday, January 4th, 2007
Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Ingredients:
-1 can (14-1/2 oz.) Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained
-1-1/4 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided
-1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
-1 package (6 oz.) Stuffing Mix for Chicken
-8 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves (2 lb.)
-1/3 cup Roasted Red Pepper Italian with Parmesan Dressing
1. Preheat oven to 350°F
2. Combine tomatoes with their liquid, 1/2 cup of the cheese, [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Main Dishes, Poultry by Svetlana
Thursday, January 4th, 2007
Balsamic Glazed Salmon
Ingredients:
-8 salmon fillets, 3/4-inch thick, about 1 1/2 pounds total
-Salt and pepper
-3 tablespoons olive oil
-3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
-1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
-1 tablespoon orange juice
-1 tablespoon brown sugar
-1 (14-ounce) can seasoned chicken broth
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
2. Rub salmon with salt and pepper
3. Place salmon in 2-quart shallow baking dish
4. Drizzle with olive oil
5. [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Main Dishes, Seafood by Svetlana
Thursday, January 4th, 2007
Bruschetta with Tomato Topping
Ingredients:
-20 (1/2-inch) slices French bread
-6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1/4 teaspoon pepper
-3 medium tomatoes, seeded and small diced
-2 tablespoons basil chiffonade, plus more for garnishing
-1 lemon, zested
-1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
-1 teaspoon minced garlic
-2 anchovy fillets, minced
-Grated Parmesan
1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F
2. Place the slices of French bread on a baking [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Appetizers by Svetlana
Thursday, January 4th, 2007
Herb-Stuffed Mushrooms
Ingredients:
-24 medium mushrooms
-6 tablespoons margarine
-1 small onion, chopped
-2 cloves garlic, minced
-1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
-3 tablespoons grated Parmesan
-2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
-1 cup packaged herb-seasoned stuffing croutons
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F
2. Remove stems from mushrooms
3. Chop enough stems to make 1 cup
4. Melt 2 tablespoons margarine in saucepan
5. Brush mushroom cap [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Appetizers by Svetlana
Tuesday, January 2nd, 2007
Berries With Champagne Cream
Ingredients:
-1 cup Cool Whip whipped topping
-1/4 teaspoon Champagne flavoring
-1 (16-ounce) bag frozen mixed berries, thawed in refrigerator
1. In a small bowl, stir together the whipped topping and Champagne flavor
2. Layer the berries and champagne cream in champagne flutes
3. Serve immediately
No Comments » - Posted in Desserts by Svetlana
Tuesday, January 2nd, 2007
Roasted Strawberries
Ingredients:
-12 extra-large strawberries
-1 to 2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
-Spray whipping cream
-Cocoa powder, for garnishing
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F
2. Slice the tops of the berries off just below the stem
3. Cut the tips off (about 1/4-inch), so that the berries will sit upright
4. Use a small spoon or a melon ball scoop to [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Desserts by Svetlana
Tuesday, January 2nd, 2007
Crabmeat & Lobster Lasagna
Ingredients:
-6 tablespoons butter
-6 tablespoons flour
-4 cups milk
-Salt
-Pepper
-1/2 pound fresh spinach, cleaned, stemmed and cut into thin strips
-8 ounces grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
-2 cups ricotta cheese
-1 egg
-2 teaspoons chopped garlic
-8 ounces grated mozzarella cheese
-3/4 pound lump crabmeat, picked over for cartilage
-1 1/2 pound lobster, cooked, meat removed and diced
-1/2 pound fresh pasta sheets
1. Preheat the oven to 350 [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Main Dishes, Seafood by Svetlana
Tuesday, January 2nd, 2007
Berry Fruit Salad
Ingredients:
-1 pint strawberries, hulled and cut in half
-1 pint blueberries
-1 pint raspberries
-1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
-1/4 cup sugar
1. Place 6 glasses in the refrigerator
2. In a large bowl, combine the berries, vinegar and sugar and stir gently
3. Cover securely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour
4. Spoon the berries into the chilled [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Desserts by Svetlana
Tuesday, January 2nd, 2007
Fresh Crab Salad
Ingredients:
-1 pound fresh lump crabmeat
-2 limes, zest grated
-6 tablespoons mayonnaise
-salt
-ground black pepper
-thinly sliced cucumbers, for garnish
1. In a bowl, combine the crabmeat, lime zest, and mayonnaise to evenly coat the crab
2. Arrange thinly sliced cucumbers on 4 salad plates
3. Place the crabmeat in a mound atop the cucumbers and serve
No Comments » - Posted in Salads by Svetlana
Tuesday, January 2nd, 2007
Yogurt Sorbet
Ingredients:
-3 extra-large egg whites
-2/3 cup sugar
-3 cups plain non-fat yogurt
1. With a mixer, beat the egg whites in a medium bowl, until frothy
2. While still beating, slowly add the sugar and beat on high speed until the egg whites are stiff and shiny, about 4 minutes
3. In another bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth
4. Fold [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Desserts by Svetlana
Tuesday, January 2nd, 2007
Mascarpone & Raspberry Tartlets
Ingredients:
-3 sheets phyllo dough (or 12 store bought phyllo cups)
-1/4 cup mascarpone cheese
-1/4 cup finely chopped pineapple, canned or fresh
-1/4 cup raspberry yogurt
-Small block chocolate, for garnish
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F
2. Layer the phyllo sheets on top of each other
3. Using the cookie cutter, cut out 12 rounds and press them into [...]