Candy Bar Ice Cream

INGREDIENTS

2 quarts half-and-half cream
1 cup milk
2-1/4 cups sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 eggs, beaten
4-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
5 Butterfinger candy bars (2.1 ounces each), chopped

DIRECTIONS
In a large heavy saucepan, heat the cream and milk to 175°; stir in sugar and salt until dissolved. Whisk a small amount of hot mixture into eggs.
Return all to the pan, whisking constantly. Cook and stir over low heat until mixture reaches at least 160° and coats the back of a metal spoon.
Remove from the heat. Cool quickly by placing pan in a bowl of ice water; stir for 2 minutes. Stir in vanilla. Press plastic wrap onto surface of custard. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
Stir in candy bars. Fill cylinder of ice cream freezer two-thirds full; freeze according to manufacturer's instructions. Refrigerate remaining mixture until ready to freeze. Allow to ripen in ice cream freezer or firm up in the refrigerator freezer for 2-4 hours before serving. Yield: 3 quarts.

From Country Woman

PEANUT BUTTER JELLY CAKE

INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup butter, softened

1/4 cup peanut butter

1-1/2 cups sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup milk

FROSTING:

1/4 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon peanut butter

1-3/4 tablespoons vanilla extract

3 cups confectioners' sugar

4 to 6 tablespoons milk

3/4 cup grape jelly


DIRECTIONS
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and peanut butter until smooth. Add sugar; mix well. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to peanut butter mixture alternately with milk.
Pour into two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
For frosting, in a mixing bowl, beat the butter and peanut butter. Add the vanilla, confectioners' sugar and enough milk to achieve spreading consistency. Place one cake layer on a serving plate; spread with jelly. Top with the remaining cake layer; frost top and sides of cake with frosting. Yield: 12 servings.


From Country Woman

Rum Sweet Rolls

INGREDIENTS
1 package (16 ounces) hot roll mix

3 tablespoons butter, softened

2 cups confectioners' sugar

4-1/2 teaspoons water

3-1/2 teaspoons rum extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon


DIRECTIONS
Prepare hot roll mix according to package directions. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface; gently knead for 5 minutes. Cover with a bowl and let rest for 5 minutes. Roll into a 12-in. x 10-in. rectangle. Spread with butter to within 1/2 in. of edges.
In a bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, water and extract until smooth. Spread half of the mixture over butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seam to seal. Cut into 12 rolls. Place cut side up in a greased 11-in. x 7-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Cover and let rest until nearly doubled, about 25 minutes.
Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack. Cool for 15 minutes. Drizzle with remaining confectioners' sugar mixture. Serve warm. Yield: 1 dozen.


Printed from tasteofhome.com

Strawberry Peach Jam

From Country Woman
This jam freezes well for up to a year, and it makes a great housewarming or hostess gift idea."

INGREDIENTS
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries

1-1/4 cups finely chopped peeled peaches

1 package (1-3/4 ounces) powdered fruit pectin

5 cups sugar


DIRECTIONS
In a large saucepan, combine the strawberries, peaches and pectin. Cook and stir until mixture comes to a full rolling boil. Stir in sugar; return to a full rolling boil. Boil and stir for 1 minute. Remove from the heat; skim off foam if necessary.
Pour into jars or freezer containers. Cool to room temperature, about 1 hour. Cover and let stand overnight or until set, but not longer than 24 hours. Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 1 year. Yield: about 3-1/2 pints.
From Country Woman

Blueberry Coffee Cake

INGREDIENTS

1/3 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup egg substitute
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (8 ounces) reduced-fat sour cream
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

TOPPING:

3 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons confectioners' sugar

DIRECTIONS
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until crumbly, about 2 minutes. Beat in the egg, egg substitute and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to the egg mixture alternately with the sour cream. Fold in the blueberries.
Coat a 10-in. fluted tube pan with cooking spray and dust with flour. Spoon half of the batter into prepared pan. Combine sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle half over batter. Repeat layers.
Bake at 350° for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with confectioners' sugar. Yield: 14 servings.

From Country Woman

Lemon Custard-Filled Cake Roll



:

CREAM FILLING
1/3 cup corn starch
1/2 cup water
2 large egg yolks
1 can (12 fl. oz.) NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
Peel of 1/2 fresh lemon
1 cinnamon stick
2 tablespoons sweet sherry
CAKE
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, divided (to sprinkle on towel and for topping)
1 cup sifted flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Zest of 1/2 fresh lemon
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted, cooled
1/4 cup pine nuts
Ground cinnamon powder for dusting


Directions:
FOR FILLING:
DISSOLVE cornstarch in water in medium, heavy-duty saucepan. Add egg yolks; mix well. Add evaporated milk, granulated sugar, salt, lemon peel and cinnamon stick. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with wooden spoon, until mixture just comes to a boil. Remove from heat. Strain into small bowl. Discard lemon peel and cinnamon. Stir in sherry. Cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.

FOR CAKE:
PREHEAT oven to 375º F. Grease 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan; line with wax paper. Grease and flour paper. Sprinkle a thin, cotton kitchen towel with 1/2 cup powdered sugar.

COMBINE flour and salt in small bowl. Beat eggs in medium mixer bowl until foamy. Gradually add granulated sugar and the lemon rind. Beat for 4 minutes or until very light and fluffy. Stir in flour and salt. Lightly fold in butter. Quickly pour batter into prepared pan; spread evenly.

BAKE for 8 to 9 minutes or until top of cake springs back when touched. Immediately loosen and turn cake onto prepared towel. Carefully peel off paper. Roll up cake and towel together, starting with narrow end. Cool completely on wire rack. (Otherwise, the cake will be difficult to roll.)

TO FILL CAKE:
UNROLL cake, remove towel. Spread filling over cake. Top with pine nuts. Reroll cake. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and cinnamon before serving.

LIBBY'S Pumpkin Roll

CAKE
1/4 cup powdered sugar (to sprinkle on towel)
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin
1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
FILLING
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
6 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered sugar (optional for decoration)

Directions:
FOR CAKE:
PREHEAT oven to 375° F. Grease 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan; line with wax paper. Grease and flour paper. Sprinkle a thin, cotton kitchen towel with powdered sugar.

COMBINE flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt in small bowl. Beat eggs and granulated sugar in large mixer bowl until thick. Beat in pumpkin. Stir in flour mixture. Spread evenly into prepared pan. Sprinkle with nuts.

BAKE for 13 to 15 minutes or until top of cake springs back when touched. (If using a dark-colored pan, begin checking for doneness at 11 minutes. Immediately loosen and turn cake onto prepared towel. Carefully peel off paper. Roll up cake and towel together, starting with narrow end. Cool on wire rack.

FOR FILLING:
BEAT cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, butter and vanilla extract in small mixer bowl until smooth. Carefully unroll cake. Spread cream cheese mixture over cake. Reroll cake. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

COOKING TIP:
Be sure to put enough powdered sugar on the towel when rolling up the cake so it will not stick.

Hash Brown Casserole

2 cups (8 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese
3 cartons (4 oz. each) cholesterol-free egg product or 6 large eggs, well beaten
1 can (12 fl. oz.) * NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Fat Free Milk
1 teaspoon salt (optional)
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pkg. (30 oz.) frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
1 medium onion, chopped
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
10 slices turkey bacon, cooked and chopped, or 1 cup diced ham


Directions:
PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking dish.

COMBINE cheese, egg product, evaporated milk, salt and black pepper in large bowl. Add potatoes, onion, bell pepper and bacon, mix well. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish.

BAKE for 60 to 65 minutes or until set.

Eggplant Casserole

1 lb ground beef
1 medium eggplant
1/2 cup oil
1/3 cup flour
2 8 oz cans tomato sauce
1/2 tsp oregano
1 tbsp parmesan cheese
1 cup grated cheddar
salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation
Slice eggplant into 1 inch thick slices. Do not peel.
Combine flour, salt and pepper.
Coat eggplant slices in flour and saute in heated oil until lightly browned on both sides.
Place cooked eggplant slices in shallow baking dish.
Shape hamburger into 1 inch thick patties and cook until brown on both sides.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Top eggplant with patty.
Cover with tomato sauce.
Sprinkle with cheese and oregano.
Top with cheddar and bake at 325 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes.

Comments
Kids like it because they don't realize they are eating eggplant.

Peach and Raspberry Almond Swirls

Recipe by: Ina Garten

4 cups plain yogurt
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/4 cup good honey
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 teaspoons grated orange zest
1/2 to 1 cup peach nectar
1/4 cup raisins
1 peach, peeled and diced
1/2 pint fresh raspberries

Line a sieve with cheesecloth or paper towels and suspend it over a bowl. Pour the yogurt into the sieve and allow it to drain, refrigerated, for 3 hours or overnight.
Place the thickened yogurt into a medium bowl and add the almonds (reserving 1 tablespoon for the garnish), honey, vanilla, and orange zest. Thin with peach nectar until it is a desirable consistency.

Add the raisins, peach (reserving 1 tablespoon for garnish) and raspberries (reserving 2 tablespoons for garnish). Garnish with the reserved almonds, peach and raspberries.

Apple Chutney

About 30 windfall apples, 2 OZ. of salt, 3/4 Ib. of brown sugar, 4 oz. of onions, 1 clove of garlic, 3 oz. of powdered ginger, 1/2 oz. of dried chillies, 1 OZ. of mustard seeds, 4 oz. of raisins, 1 quart of vinegar.

Peel, core and slice the apples, put them into a pan with the sugar and vinegar and simmer until the apples are soft. Wash the mustard seed with vinegar and dry in a cool oven. Stone and chop the raisins. Peel and slice the garlic and onions, slice the chillies and pound them all in a mortar with the ginger and mustard seeds. When the apples are soft add the rest of the ingredients and let the mixture become cold. Mix well and put into bottles. Cork and cover like jam.

Lime Pudding Cake

Cake Ingredients:

3 eggs, separated
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup LAND O LAKES® Butter, softened*
1/4 cup lime juice
1 tablespoon freshly grated lime peel
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup fat free skim milk

Topping Ingredients:

Powdered sugar, if desired
Whipped cream, if desired
Grated lime peel, if desired

Heat oven to 350°F. Beat egg whites in small bowl at high speed until foamy (1 to 2 minutes). Continue beating, gradually adding 1/4 cup sugar, until glossy and stiff peaks form (2 to 3 minutes). Set aside.

Combine remaining 3/4 cup sugar and butter in large bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy. Add egg yolks, lime juice and 1 tablespoon lime peel. Continue beating until well mixed. Add flour and salt. Continue beating until well mixed. Stir in milk by hand. Gently stir in beaten egg whites.

Pour mixture into ungreased 1 1/2-quart casserole. Place casserole dish into 13x9-inch baking pan. Place baking pan on oven rack; pour boiling water into baking pan to 1/2-inch depth.

Bake for 42 to 52 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from water; cool at least 30 minutes.

To serve, sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired. Garnish with whipped cream and grated lime peel, if desired.

Butter-Rum Pound Cake

1 package Betty Crocker SuperMoist butter recipe yellow cake mix
1 package (4-serving size) vanilla instant pudding and pie filling mix
1 cup water
1/2 cup butter, margarine or spread,* softened
4 eggs
2 teaspoons rum extract
1/2 cup Betty Crocker Rich & Creamy vanilla ready-to-spread frosting
1/2 teaspoon rum extract
1/4 cup chopped pecans


Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease and flour 12-cup bundt cake pan or 10x4-inch angel food cake pan (tube pan). Beat dry cake mix, dry pudding mix, water, butter, eggs and 2 teaspoons rum extract in large bowl on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes. Pour into pan.

Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 30 minutes; remove from pan. Cool completely, about 2 hours.

Place frosting in small microwavable bowl. Microwave uncovered on Medium (50%) 15 seconds. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon rum extract. Spread over top of cake, allowing some to drizzle down side. Sprinkle pecans over top of cake. Store loosely covered.

*If using spread, use only stick that has more than 50% vegetable oil.

Makes 16 servings

This recipe displayed with permission from General Mills, Inc

Ambrosia Cake

1 package Betty Crocker SuperMoist white cake mix
1 1/4 cups water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 egg whites
Orange-Coconut Filling (below)
1 tub Betty Crocker Soft Whipped fluffy white ready-to-spread frosting
1/2 cup flaked coconut


Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease (or lightly spray with cooking spray) bottoms
only of two 8- or 9-inch round pans.

Beat cake mix, water, oil and egg whites in large bowl on low speed 30
seconds; beat on medium speed 2 minutes (or stir 3 minutes with wire
whisk). Pour into pans.

Bake 8-inch pans 27 to 32 minutes, 9-inch pans 23 to 28 minutes or until
toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. (Decrease bake time by 2 to 3
minutes if using dark or nonstick pans.) Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans.
Cool completely, about 1 hour.

Fill layers with Orange-Coconut Filling. Frost side and top of cake with
frosting. Sprinkle coconut over top. Store loosely covered.

Orange-Coconut Filling
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/3 cup water
1 teaspoon grated orange peel
2 teaspoons orange juice
2 tablespoons flaked coconut

Mix sugar and cornstarch in small microwavable bowl. Gradually stir in
water. Stir in orange peel and orange juice. Microwave uncovered on High
about 1 minute or until mixture thickens and boils; stir. Microwave 30
seconds longer, stirring every 15 seconds. Stir in coconut; cool.

High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Do not use 8� rounds. Bake 9� rounds 25-30
min. For filling, increase first microwave time to 1 min 30 sec, second
microwave time to 1 min.

Zucchini Tomato Fritata

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
3 medium zucchini, (1 1/2 pounds), cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, (or 1 teaspoon dried)
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
8 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
3/4 cup shredded shredded white cheddar
3 medium (1 pound) vine ripe tomatoes, cored and thinly sliced crosswise

Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat, warm oil. Add onion, zucchini, and thyme; cook, covered, stirring often, until tender but not browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Uncover, and cook until all the liquid in the pan evaporates. Season with salt and pepper; remove skillet from heat.
In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and cheese, salt, and pepper. Pour egg mixture over zucchini, gently lifting zucchini to allow eggs to coat bottom of pan. Arrange tomatoes in an overlapping pattern on top.
Return skillet to medium-low heat, and cook until sides are set yet still slightly runny on top, 15 to 20 minutes. Place in oven, and cook until the center is cooked through when tested with a wooden skewer, and the tomatoes are browned, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven; gently slide a heatproof spatula around the edges and underneath to loosen from skillet. Serve immediately

Bacon and Zucchini Quiche

Ingredients
Makes one 10-inch quiche
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface
1/2 recipe Flaky Tart Dough
10 large eggs
2 cups creme fraiche
2 cups whole milk
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh thyme
5 slices center-cut bacon, sliced crosswise into 1/4-inch pieces
1 medium or 2 small zucchini, peeled lengthwise into 1/8-inch-thick ribbons
1/2 cup gruyere

Directions
On a lightly floured work surface, roll dough into a 16-inch round. With a dry pastry brush, sweep off any excess flour; fit dough into a 2-inch deep-dish tart pan with a removable bottom, gently pressing it into the sides. Using a sharp knife, trim the dough evenly with the edge of the pan. Cover with plastic wrap; chill tart shell until firm, about 20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Line the tart dough with a sheet of parchment paper and fill with pie weights. Transfer to oven and bake until light brown, about 25 minutes. Remove weights and parchment paper and continue baking until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack; let cool completely.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, mix together 1 egg and flour on high speed until smooth. Add the remaining 9 eggs and continue mixing until well blended.
Place creme fraiche in a medium bowl and whisk until smooth; add milk and continue whisking until well combined. Add to mixer along with salt, pepper, and thyme; mix until well combined. Strain mixture into a large bowl through a fine mesh sieve.
Place bacon, zucchini ribbons, and cheese in prepared tart shell. Pour over egg mixture until tart shell is full (you may not need to use all of the egg mixture). Bake 20 minutes; reduce temperature to 325 degrees, and continue baking until filling is slightly firm, rather than liquid, and crust is a deep golden brown, 40 to 50 minutes more. Transfer quiche to a wire rack to cool until set, about 20 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature. To reheat, cover quiche with aluminum foil and bake in an oven heated to 325 degrees for about 15 minutes.

Potato and Onion Frittata

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced
1 (8 ounces) baking potato, peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crumbled
Coarse salt and ground pepper
5 large eggs
5 large egg whites
1/2 cup whole flat-leaf parsley leaves

Directions
In a medium (10-inch) nonstick broilerproof skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add onion, potato, and rosemary; season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine.
Cover skillet, and cook 10 minutes; uncover. Cook, tossing mixture occasionally, until onion and potato are tender, about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, egg whites, parsley leaves, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
Heat broiler with rack set 4 inches from heat. Add remaining tablespoon oil to vegetables in skillet. Pour egg mixture into skillet.
Cook on stove, over low heat, lifting mixture a few times around the edges with a spatula to let egg flow underneath. Continue cooking until frittata is almost set in center, about 10 minutes.
Place skillet under broiler; broil until frittata is set and top is lightly golden, about 3 minutes. Run a clean spatula around edges to loosen, then slide frittata out onto a serving plate, and cut into wedges.

Chinese Broccoli Beef Recipe

Serve this easy broccoli beef recipe with hot cooked rice.
1 bunch fresh broccoli, washed, trimmed, and sliced lengthwise
1 pound top round steak or other lean steak, thinly sliced
1/4 cup oil
1 bunch (6 to 8) green onions, sliced
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup sherry
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon powdered ginger
2 teaspoons cornstarch
hot cooked rice

Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a wok or skillet (electric skillet or wok 350° ). Add beef and sauté; remove beef and set aside. Add remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet. Sauté the broccoli and onions for 5 minutes. In a small bowl ormeasuring cup, stir together the 1/4 cup water, soy sauce, wine, and cornstarch; add sugar and ginger. Pour mixture over vegetables; add meat and cover the pan. Reduce heat to a simmer; cook until broccoli is tender, about 5 to 10 minutes. Serve broccoli beef over hot cooked rice.
Chinese broccoli beef recipe serves 4.

Sweet Potato Cheesecake

1 medium sweet potato (cooked & mashed)
1 8-oz package of cream cheese
½ can of condensed milk
¾ cup brown sugar
¾ cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 medium eggs
9" graham cracker crust

Mix together and pour into crust. Place into a preheated oven at 375 degrees
and cook for 55 minutes or until light brown

Chocolate Cake

When a chocolate cake is this delectable, it makes parting such sweet sorrow.
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
3/4 cup milk
6 tablespoons canola oil
2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3/4 cup very hot water

4 large egg yolks
3/4 cup sugar
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
1 teaspoon very hot water

12 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened and diced
1 cup heavy or whipping cream
1 tablespoon sugar

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 15 1/2" x 10 1/2" jelly-roll pan with parchment paper; spray paper with nonstick cooking spray.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt at medium speed until blended. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Gradually beat egg mixture into flour mixture, about 5 minutes. Shift mixer to low speed; add hot water until blended. Pour batter into pan. Bake until toothpick comes out of the center clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool cake completely.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat egg yolks at medium speed until they become lemon colored and ribbonlike when beaters are lifted, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine sugar and 1/4 cup water. Cook over medium-low heat, swirling pan occasionally, until sugar completely dissolves and syrup just comes to a boil. Increase heat to high; boil syrup until it registers 238°F on a candy thermometer. With the mixer on medium speed, immediately add syrup to beaten egg yolks in a thin, steady stream. Beat mixture until it cools to room temperature and is light and fluffy, about 10 minutes. Gradually add butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, until completely incorporated. In a cup, dissolve espresso powder in hot water; beat into buttercream.

In a large bowl, combine chocolate and butter. In a small saucepan, heat cream and sugar over medium-high flame, stirring occasionally, until small bubbles appear around edge of pan. Pour hot cream over chocolate; stir until chocolate and butter melt and mixture is completely smooth. Cool, stirring occasionally, until thickened but not pasty, about 15 minutes.

Invert cake onto a large wire rack; peel off parchment paper. Invert cake again onto a large cutting board. With a serrated knife, cut cake into equal thirds.

Set a large wire rack over a sheet of waxed paper. Arrange one cake layer on rack; spread half of buttercream evenly over top. Add another cake layer; spread top with remaining buttercream. Place remaining cake layer on top.

Pour ganache over top of cake, spreading with a spatula so it coats the sides. If ganache does not cover sides completely, pour any excess that has collected on the waxed paper back into bowl and spread again. Refrigerate cake until ganache sets, about 1 hour. Use two large spatulas to transfer cake onto a serving platter.

Recipe from: The Oprah Magazine

Pineapple Crush Cake

1 (18.25 ounce) box pineapple or lemon cake mix
8 ounces cream cheese
1 small box instant vanilla pudding
2 cups chilled milk
1 (4 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained

Make cake according to directions on package. Bake in a 13 x 9-inch
pan which has been greased and lined with wax paper. Let cake cool
and place in refrigerator for several hours. Split the cake, making 2
layers. Cooling makes it easier to split.

For the filling, beat cream cheese until fluffy; add to this the
package of instant vanilla pudding and 2 cups cold milk. Mix or beat
mixture in a small bowl for 2 minutes on medium speed. Spread on
cooled half of cake. Spoon over filling mixture the can of drained
crushed pineapple. Top with the other half of the cake. Spread
whipped topping over sides and top of cake. Store in refrigerator
overnight. This is better made the day before you serve it

Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

2 cups heavy cream
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
Salt and pepper
6 chicken legs
6 chicken thighs
10 cups chicken stock
6 large carrots, diced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons mashed roasted garlic cloves
1 large onion, diced
3 tablespoons baking powder
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons kosher salt

Directions:

1. Heat the stock in a large, heavy pot and cook the chicken thighs and legs over medium-low heat for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until very tender. Remove from heat and allow to cool, reserving the stock in its pot. Remove the chicken and discard the skin. Pick the chicken from the bones and set meat aside.

2. To make the dumplings, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl and mix well. Add the heavy cream to mixture, stirring just utnil dough is thick and sticky. Turn onto a floured work surface and knead the dough until you can roll it out to a thickness of 1/16 inch.

3. Add the garlic, onion, and carrots to the stock and reheat over medium heat just until boiling. Cut the dough into dumplings that measure 1 by 1-inch. Add the dumplings to boiling stock, cover, and simmer, cooking for about 20 minutes. Add the chicken meat and salt and pepper. Garnish with cilantro. Serve hot.

Recipe courtesy of The Texas Cowboy Kitchen

Beef Stroganoff

Copied from an old Better Homes and Gardens Cook Book

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided 1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon salt 1 can (10 1/2 oz) condensed beef consomme or broth (I like the added richness of consomme)
1 pound beef sirloin steak, cut across the grain, diagonally in 1/4-inch-wide strips 1 cup sour cream or creme fraiche
5 tablespoons butter, divided 2 tablespoons sherry or cognac
1 cup mushrooms, thinly sliced 3 cups hot cooked egg noodles
1/2 cup onion, chopped paprika and parsley, for garnish
1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions for Beef Stroganoff
Combine 1 tablespoon flour and the salt. Dredge the meat in the flour mixture. Heat a large skillet, then add 2 tablespoons butter. When melted, add the sirloin strips and brown quickly on all sides. Add the mushrooms, onion and garlic, and cook for 3-4 minutes or until the onion is barely tender.

Remove the meat and mushrooms from the skillet. Add 3 tablespoons butter to the pan drippings. When melted, blend in 3 tablespoons flour and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.

Slowly pour in the consomme. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Return the meat and mushrooms to the skillet and simmer until meat is heated through, about 2 minutes. Combine sour cream with a little of the hot broth (this tempers the sour cream and helps to prevent curdling), then stir in the sour cream mixture and sherry. Stir briefly. Heat through but do not let boil, just simmer for a few minutes before serving.

Serve over hot buttered noodles. Garnish with paprika and parsley, if desired.

Strawberry Dump Cake

This is so quick and Easy. For anyones busy schedule ! If unexpected company arrives, this is a great dessert.

2 cans of Crushed Pineapple
1 Pie Filling Strawberry Comstock
1 box of Yellow Cake Mix Duncan
2 cups of Walnuts/Pecans

Instructions
Pre-heat Oven at 350 Spray 10 X 13 Pan with PAM Pour Pineapple Pour Pie Filling Cover evenly with Cake Mix and Pat down a bit Pour Nuts Put in Oven for 45 Minutes Let cool for 15 minutes

Http://www.bigoven.com

Cream of Potato Soup

Ingredients:
1 medium potato, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup water
1 celery rib, diced
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup evaporated milk
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/4 teaspoon salt
Dash pepper
Directions:
In a small saucepan, bring the potato and water to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 10-15 minutes or until tender.
In a small skillet, saute celery and onion in butter until tender. Add to potato mixture. Stir in the milk, parsley, salt and pepper; heat through. Yield: 2 servings.