Spring Blossoms

Monday, January 21, 2008

Southern Biscuits


Ingredients:

2 cups of all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
A pinch baking soda
1/3 cup of butter
1 cup of buttermilk
Extra flour for working the dough

Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Grease a 8" round layer cake pan. Sift dry ingredients together (except for the extra flour). Put in mixing bowl. place shortening on top, it should be quite cool. Cut in with a pastry blender or two knives. Pour in the cup of buttermilk and stir lightly with a fork. The batter must be very moist! If it is not then
add up to another 1/4 cup of buttermilk. The combination of a very hot oven, a small baking
pan and very wet batter creates much steam within the biscuit which makes them rise to great height
and wonderful lightness. Empty the wet batter into the shallow bowl over the cup and a half of flour. You will be preparing your biscuits right out of this bowl. Flour your hands real good and scoop out a very large heaping table-spoon of batter into your hands( you should end up with about 10 biscuits). Roll the piece of batter around in your hands just till it takes on a round shape. Keep your hands very floury so it (the batter) doesn't even get a chance to stick) Kind of shake off the excess flour and put the biscuit in the pre-pared pan. The biscuits should be nestled quite snugly together.
Put the pan on a rack that has been placed in the lower center of the oven. Close quickly and bake for about 12 minutes till they are high and golden brown

Source: Carolina Country Cookbook

Tasty Tuna Casserole



45 min Makes:
6 servings1 pkg. (7-1/4 oz.) KRAFT Macaroni & Cheese Dinner
1 can (10-3/4 oz.) condensed cream of celery soup
1/2 cup milk
1 can (6 oz.) tuna, drained
1/2 of a red pepper, chopped
1 green onion, sliced
1 cup crushed potato chips

PREHEAT oven to 350°F.
Prepare Dinner as directed on package. Stir in soup, milk, tuna, red pepper and onion.

SPOON into 2-qt. casserole dish; top with crushed chips.

BAKE 30 min. or until heated through.
Kraft Kitchens TipsGreat SubstituteSubstitute 1 cup frozen vegetables, such as peas, for the red pepper.

Cheese Swirl Chocolate Cake


1 package cream cheese - 8 oz.
4 eggs
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 package devil's food cake mix
1-1/4 cups water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 package frozen sweetened sliced strawberries - thawed

In a small mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, 1 egg, sugar and vanilla; mix well. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine dry cake mix, water, oil and remaining eggs. Beat on low speed until moistened; beat on high for 2 minutes. Pour half of the batter into a greased 13x9 inch pan. Drop half of the cream cheese mixture by tablespoonfuls over the batter. Repeat layers. Cut through batter with a knife to swirl the cream cheese mixture.

Bake at 350* for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean (cake may crack). Cool on a wire rack. Meanwhile, process strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth.

Serve over cake.

Homemade Biscuits

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling biscuits
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup shortening, plus 2 tablespoons for dipping biscuits
2/3 to 3/4 cup milk


Turn oven on to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Melt shortening in small flat saucepan and set aside.

Mix dry ingredients together; then add milk and 1/4 cup melted shortening all at once (save remainder of shortening for dipping biscuit dough prior to putting in oven. Stir quickly just until mixed. Dough will be soft.

Cover counter with a piece of wax paper and sprinkle with flour. Turn dough onto wax paper and knead gently 10 to 12 times. Pat to about 1/2 inch think. Cut straight with a jar or biscuit cutter.



Remove baking sheet from oven. Take each biscuit from wax paper, tap to remove excess flour. Dip both sides in melted shortening and place on cookie sheet. Repeat until done. Put in oven and bake at 450 F degrees for 12 to 15 minutes, until nicely browned.

CRANBERRY RELISH OVER CREAM CHEESE


2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
2 cups fresh cranberries
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon grated orange rind
1/3 cup orange juice
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
Garnishes: lemon rind strips, orange rind strips

Beat cream cheese at medium speed of an electric mixer until creamy; spread into bottom of a 2-cup mold lined with plastic wrap. Cover and chill at least 8 hours.
Combine cranberries and next 5 ingredients in a saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook 3 to 5 minutes or until cranberry skins pop; cool. Cover and chill at least 8 hours.

To serve, unmold cream cheese onto a serving plate. Stir cranberry relish mixture, and spoon over cream cheese. Garnish, if desired. Serve with Orange Shortbread or other assorted shortbread cookies. Yield: 20 to 25 appetizer servings.

Blueberry-Pineapple Buckle


1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple in juice
1 1/4 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/4 cup shortening
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel, if desired
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 cup fresh blueberries
Cinnamon Crumb Topping (below)
Pineapple Sauce (below)

1.Heat oven to 350ºF. Drain pineapple, reserving juice for Pineapple Sauce.

2.Mix flour, sugar, butter, shortening, milk, baking powder, lemon peel,
vanilla, salt and egg in large bowl with spoon. Fold in blueberries and
pineapple. Spread in ungreased square pan, 8x8x2 inches. Make Cinnamon
Crumb Topping. Sprinkle over blueberry mixture.

3.Bake 45 to 50 minutes or until golden brown and toothpick inserted in
center comes out clean. Serve warm with Pineapple Sauce.

Cinnamon Crumb Topping
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened

Mix sugar, flour and cinnamon in small bowl. Cut in butter, using pastry
blender or crisscrossing 2 knives, until mixture looks like fine crumbs.

Pineapple Sauce
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
Juice reserved from crushed pineapple
1/4 teaspoon lemon juice

Mix brown sugar and cornstarch in 1-quart saucepan. Add enough water to
reserved pineapple juice to measure 2/3 cup; stir into brown sugar mixture.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils.

Boil and stir 1 minute; remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice. Serve warm.


Recipe Courtesy Kraft.com

Wintery Frost Coconut Cake


• 1 pkg Duncan Hines® Moist Deluxe® Classic White Cake Mix
• 1.5 cups unsweetened coconut milk*
• 4 large egg whites
• 2 cans Duncan Hines® Creamy Home-Style Coconut Supreme Frosting
• 1.5 cups sweetened coconut flakes

Directions:
1.Preheat oven 350 º F. Grease and flour three 8-inch-round baking pans.

2.In a large mixing bowl, blend the cake mix, coconut milk* and egg whites.
Beat at low speed until moistened (about 30 seconds). Beat at medium speed
for two minutes. Pour batter evenly among the prepared pans.

3.Bake for 18 - 21 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center
comes out clean. Cool layers in pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes.
Turn out of pan to cool completely before frosting.

4.Place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of coconut
frosting on top and sprinkle with 1/4 cup of coconut. Repeat with second
layer. Top with the third layer and frost top and sides of cake with
remaining frosting. Sprinkle remaining coconut on top and sides of cake.

Makes 12 servings.

Recipe Courtesy...Duncan Hines

Peanut Butter Marshmallow Treats


3 Tbsp. butter
1/3 cup peanut butter
1 10-oz. bag large marshmallows
6 cups crisp rice cereal
24 one-inch chocolate covered peanut butter cups, unwrapped

Grease 13x9" pan. Combine butter, peanut butter and marshmallows in large microwave safe bowl. Microwave uncovered on high for 1-1/2 to 3 minutes, stirring after 1 minute, until mixture is melted and smooth. Stir in cereal. Press mixture into prepared pan, using buttered back of spoon. Immediately make 24 indentations in rows in the cereal mixture using handle of wooden spoon. Press peanut butter cups into indentations. Let cool. Cut into squares with a candy in the center of each square. or you can make in the shape of a cookie. makes 24 bars

Source: Betty Crocker's Summer Get-Togethers

Almond Pie Bars


2 cups flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup butter, chilled

Topping:
2 cups sugar
1 cup chopped almonds
4 eggs, slightly beaten
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup corn syrup
2 Tbsp. flour
1/2 tsp. almond extract

Heat oven to 350°. In medium mixing bowl, combine 2 cups flour and the powdered sugar. Using pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Press flour mixture evenly into ungreased 13x9" baking pan to form base. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until edges are light golden brown.

In second medium mixing bowl, combine topping ingredients. Spread topping evenly over base. Bake for additional 25 to 28 minutes, or until deep golden brown. (Filling will set as it cools.)

Cool completely before cutting. Store in refrigerator

DAIQUIRI PIE


1 9" baked pastry shell
1 (8oz) pkg cream cheese, softened
1 (14oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (6oz) can frozen limeade concentrate, thawed
1/3 c rum
few drops green food coloring
1 c (1/2 pint) whipping cream, whipped
lime twists to decorate, if you ant

Beat cheese until fluffy. Beat milk and juice concentrate until smooth.
Add rum and food coloring. Fold in whipped cream; pour into crust.
Freeze or chill until firm. Decorate with lime twists. Refrigerate the
leftovers or you can freeze them.

Recipe from:CHYRELS RECIPES FROM FRIENDS

Fuzzy Navel Cake


Peach Base:
1 16-ounce can sliced cling peaches (drain and chop)
1/2 Cup Peach Schnapps
1 Cup sugar

Cake:
1 package deluxe yellow cake mix
1 package instant vanilla pudding
4 eggs
2/3 Cup oil
1 Cup chopped peaches from peach base (above)
1/2 cup liquid from peach base (above)
1 Cup chopped pecans

INSTRUCTIONS:

Combine the ingredients for the peach base. Place in covered glass container and refrigerate for 24 hours. Shake or mix occasionally.

Mix all cake ingredients (except nuts) with hand mixer on high for 3 to 5 minutes. Fold in pecans. Turn into greased and well floured Bundt pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes.

Cool cake well before turning out onto plate.

Glaze topping: Add about 1/4 cup liquid from peaches to 1 cup powdered sugar and drizzle over completely cooled cake.

Banana Marshmallow Cake


2 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup shortening
4 egg whites
3 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
2 cups mashed bananas
6 Tbs. buttermilk or sour milk
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 cup nuts (optional)
3/4 cup raisins (optional)
16 marshmallows

Cream sugar & shortening together in a large bowl. Add rest of ingredients except marshmallows, and mix thoroughly.

Place marshmallows in a greased and floured 9x13 inch pan in rows 2 inches apart. Pour batter over the marshmallows. Smack pan smartly on counter until tops of marshmallows show through batter.

Bake at 350 degrees for one hour.
Recipe from: Chyrels recipes from friends

Warm Winter Lemon Cake


1 pkg. (2-layer size) yellow cake mix
2 cups cold milk
1-1/4 cups water
2 pkg. (4-serving size each) JELL-O Lemon Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 Tbsp. powdered sugar

PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Prepare cake batter as directed on package. Pour into greased 13x9-inch baking dish; set aside.

POUR milk and water into large bowl. Add dry pudding mixes and granulated sugar. Beat with wire whisk 2 min. or until well blended. Pour over batter. Place baking dish on baking sheet to catch any sauce that might bubble over sides of dish as dessert bakes.

BAKE 55 min. to 1 hour or until wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 20 min. (Sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.) Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Spoon into serving dishes to serve warm. Store leftovers in refrigerator.

Jazz It Up
For added lemon flavor, stir the grated peel (1 Tbsp.) and juice (2 Tbsp.) from 1 lemon in with the pudding mixes.

Jazz It Up
Serve topped with fresh raspberries.

Substitute
Prepare as directed, using JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Easy Baked Manicotti


2 cups spaghetti sauce, divided
1 egg, lightly beaten
1-3/4 cups POLLY-O Original Ricotta Cheese
1-1/2 cups KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1/2 cup KRAFT 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup pesto
12 manicotti shells, cooked, rinsed in cold water

PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Spread 3/4 cup of the spaghetti sauce on bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish. Mix egg, cheeses and pesto until well blended. Spoon cheese mixture into large resealable plastic bag. Using scissors, cut off small hole from one of the bottom corners of bag.

FILL manicotti shells, one at a time, squeezing cheese mixture into both sides of each shell. Place manicotti over sauce in baking dish; pour remaining 1-1/4 cups spaghetti sauce over manicotti. Cover with foil.

BAKE 40 min. Or until heated through.

Blue Ribbon Pecan Pie

1 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs, slightly beaten
2 tablespoon melted butter
2 tablespoon flour
1 tablespoon molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups coarsely chopped pecans

In a large bowl, combine corn syrup, brown sugar, salt, butter, and vanilla; mix well. Add slightly beaten eggs and blend well; stir in pecans. Pour into the unbaked pie shell. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 45 minutes, or until set. Cool and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Chicken Casserole

1 pkg (12 oz) herbed stuffing mix
4 Tbsp margarine, melted
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
4 cups diced cooked chicken
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3/4 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1 can (10 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

In medium bowl, combine stuffing mix, melted margarine and chicken broth; toss until thoroughly mixed. Place one half of the mixture in bottom of lightly greased 9x12-inch baking dish. In medium bowl, mix chicken, onion, mayonnaise and salt;sprinkle over stuffing mixture.

Beat eggs and milk together and pour evenly over chicken. Refrigerate several hours.

One hour before serving time, spread mushroom soup evenly over top of mixture. Bake at 325*F 40 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with cheese. Return to oven and continue baking until cheese is melted.

Chunky Blonde Brownies


1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup vanilla chips
1 cup semisweet chocolate chunks
1 jar (3 1/2 oz) macadamia nuts or 3/4 cup blanched almonds, chopped, divided

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars. Add the eggs and vanilla; mix well. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in vanilla chips, chocolate chunks and 1/2 cup nuts. Spoon into a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan; spread to evenly cover bottom of pan. Sprinkle with remaining nuts. Bake at 350*F for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire rack.
Yield: 2 dozen

www.kraftfoods.com

Lemon Supreme Pie


1 unbaked deep-dish pastry shell (9 inches)

Lemon Filling:

1 1/2 cups sugar
6 TBSP cornstarch
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 cups water
2 TBSP butter
2 tsp grated lemon peel
4 to 5 drops yellow food coloring, optional
2/3 cup lemon juice

Cream cheese filling:

2 pkgs (one 8 oz, one 3 oz) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 cups whipped topping
1 TBSP lemon juice

Line unpricked pastry shell with a double thickness of heavy-duty foil. Bake at 450*F for 8 minutes. Remove foil; bake 5 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack. In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch and salt. Stir in water; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Remove from the heat; stir in butter, lemon peel and food coloring if desired. Gently stir in lemon juice (do not overmix). Cool to room temperature, about 1 hour. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping and lemon juice. Refrigerate 1/2 cup for garnish. Spread remaining cream cheese mixture into shell; top with lemon filling. Chill overnight. Place reserved cream cheese mixture in a pastry bag with a #21 star tip; pipe stars onto pie. Store in the refrigerator.
Yield: 6-8 servings

1falcoursweyr@angelfire.com

Apple Cream Pie


4 cups thinly sliced peeled tart apples
2 TBSP sugar
2 TBSP lemon juice
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups cold milk, divided
1 pkg (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 tsp grated lemon peel
1 pastry shell (9 inches), baked
1/4 cup apricot preserves or strawberry jelly, melted

In a large skillet, saute apples, sugar and lemon juice in butter until apples are tender. Cool. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth; gradually beat in 1 cup milk, dry pudding mix and lemon peel. Add remaining milk; beat until thickened. Spread into pastry shell. Arrange apples over filling. Brush with preserves. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving. Brush with additional preserves if desired.
Yield: 6-8 servings.

Recipe and Image from Brenda's Recipe Page

Pineapple Zucchini Bread


3 eggs
1 cup oil
2 cups sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
2 cups zucchini, shredded
1 8 1/4 oz. can crushed pineapple, drained
3 cups flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 cup currants or raisins
1 cup chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 350*F.
Beat eggs, oil, sugar and vanilla until thick.
Stir in zucchini, pineapple, flour, soda, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, raisins and nuts.
Blend well.
Pour into two greased 9x5-inch loaf pans.
Bake 1 hour or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

YIELD: 2 loaves

Corned Beef & Cabbage


3 to 4 lb. corned beef brisket with spice packet
(If corned beef did not come with a spice packet, use 1/2 tsp. dill weed plus salt & pepper to taste.)
4 medium potatoes - cut into chunks
3 large carrots, sliced or 1 cup baby carrots
l large white sweet onion - cut in half crosswise, then into thick slices
1 head cabbage - cut into wedges
2 cups water
1/4 cup honey
2 T. brown sugar
2 T. Dijon-style mustard

Preparation -
Place the corned beef in a dutch oven or a stock pot; cover with water. Add the spices. Cover, bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer for about 2 to 3 hours or until tender. Add the potatoes, carrots and onion. Cook for about 30 to 40 minutes longer or until the vegetables are barely tender. Meanwhile - combine the honey, mustard and brown sugar. Add to the corned beef along with the cabbage wedges, and cook 20 minutes longer. Remove the corned beef. Slice it across the grain. Place on a large serving platter with the cabbage and other vegetables.
Crockpot Directions -
Place the corned beef in a crockpot; Add the spice packet, potatoes, carrots, onion, and 1 cup water. Cover and cook on low for about 5 hours. Add the cabbage and 1 cup water; push down into the liquid as much as possible. Cook on low for an additional 2-1/2 to 3 hours.

CARROT CAKE WITH LEMON CHEESE


1 c. raisins
Boiling water
2 1/3 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. sugar
3/4 c. Crisco
3 eggs
3/4 c. milk
2 c. shredded carrots
1/2 c. chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cover raisins with boiling water; let stand 5 minutes; drain. In small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda and salt; set aside. In large bowl, beat sugar, shortening and eggs until fluffy. Add flour mixture and milk. Beat 2 minutes. Stir in carrots, raisins and nuts. Spread into greased and floured pan (13 x 9 inch). Bake 35 minutes. Cool completely. Frost with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting.

FROSTING:

1 (14 oz.) can Eagle Brand condensed milk
2 egg yolks
3 tbsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. vanilla
Yellow food coloring
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese

In heavy saucepan, combine milk, egg yolks, lemon juice and cook over medium heat stirring rapidly until thickened for 5-7 minutes. Stir in vanilla and food coloring. Chill at least 2 hours. In small bowl beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in lemon mixture until smooth.

CRANBERRY FREEZE


1 can whole cranberry sauce
1 can crushed pineapple, drained
1 can Eagle Brand milk
1/4 c. lemon juice
Nuts
1 (8 oz.) Cool Whip

Freeze.

APRICOT CHEESECAKE

1 can (30 oz.) apricot halves, drained, reserve syrup
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
2 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese
1 can Eagle Brand milk
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1 (4 1/2 oz.) whipped topping

Combine 1/2 cup syrup and gelatin. Stir over low heat until dissolved. Blend apricots in blender. Combine apricots and gelatin mixture. Beat cheese, milk and lemon juice. Stir in apricot mixture. Fold in whipped topping. Pour into graham cracker crust

Homemade Apple Sauce


8 McIntosh or Rome Beauty apples (about 8 cups), peeled and chopped
3 cups water
2 Tbsp sugar
1/2 Tbsp ground cinnamon

Place chopped apples in a deep pot. Add water, sugar, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil for 10 minutes, or until the apples begin to break down. Lower to a simmer and cook 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are completely soft. Stir well with a spoon until a thick sauce forms.

Leave a few lumps and bumps in it or puree it in a blender for a smooth finish. Make sure to let it cool first before pouring it the blender! Otherwise it will blow the cover off. Not that it has happened to me.

Let the sauce cool before serving.

Posted on Serious Eats.
Posted by Susan from Food Blogg

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