World Best Appetizer Recipes: February 2015

Saturday, February 28, 2015

Cheese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms With A Balsamic Glaze

Total Time: 25 mins Preparation Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

Servings: 2
2 portabella mushrooms (large)
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese (grated)
1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
sea salt
black pepper (fresh ground)
1 teaspoon italian seasoning
glaze
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
3 -4 garlic cloves (crushed)
black pepper (fresh ground)

Recipe

1 wipe mushroooms ( do not wash) and coat with olive oil (using your hands or brush ).
2 place mushrooms in a baking dish that has been wiped with olive oil.
3 sprinkle mushrooms with sea salt and fresh ground black pepper and italian seasoning.
4 pile mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese on top of each mushroom.
5 combine olive oil, vinegar, soy, garlic and black pepper in a small skillet, cook on medium about 2 minute.
6 brush glaze on stuffed mushrooms, bake at 350 for about 20-25 minutes. continue to baste through out cooking time, if any glaze is left, offer at serving time.

Cilantro Vinaigrette Dressing

Total Time: 10 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins

Ingredients

3 bunches cilantro
1 cup oil
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
6 garlic cloves, crushed
1 egg yolk
1/4 onion, chopped
salt and pepper, to taste

Recipe

1 wash and shake excess water from cilantro. cut bunches including stems into 2 inch lengths to keep blender from getting overworked or clogged with stems.
2 combine all ingredients in blender until well processed (add water 1 tablespoon at a time if more liquid is needed).

Bacon Popcorn

Total Time: 22 mins Preparation Time: 2 mins Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

Servings: 4
6 slices bacon
1/2-3/4 cup popcorn
salt
pepper (optional)
1 tablespoon cajun seasoning or 1 tablespoon southwest seasoning

Recipe

1 fry the bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving the grease.
2 heat your pan on high for 4 minutes.
3 add 3 tablespoons of bacon grease to the pan.
4 turn the heat to medium high.
5 wait half a minute then add the popcorn, shaking the pan so the kernels are coated.
6 put the lid on.
7 when the popcorn starts popping, gently shake the pan till the popping slows to one pop every 5 seconds.
8 immediately pour into a bowl.
9 sprinkle with crushed up bacon (some or all).
10 sprinkle with salt, cajun or southwestern seasoning, and pepper.
11 shake well to distribute bacon and spices.
12 i bet you can't eat just a little!

Confetti Appetizers

Total Time: 17 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 2 mins

Ingredients

Servings: 12
1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
1/4 cup salad dressing (like miracle whip) or 1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons chopped carrots
1 tablespoon chopped green onion
1 tablespoon chopped red pepper
6 miniature bagels, split and toasted

Recipe

1 combine all ingredients, except mini-bagels.
2 mix well.
3 spread on mini-bagel halves.
4 broil until cheese is melted.
5 option: use 24 party bread slices toasted instead of the mini bagels.

Butterfield Wieners

Total Time: 18 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 8 mins

Ingredients

Servings: 10
1 lb hot dog
1/4 cup honey
1 (18 ounce) bottle barbecue sauce

Recipe

1 cut wieners in 3 pieces (---).
2 cut each piece in 1/2 lengthwise (===) to make a total of 6 pieces.
3 slit each piece through the ends, leaving a 1/4" join in the center; set aside.
4 in a medium saucepan, mix honey and barbeque sauce.
5 heat the mixture until it bubbles, stirring frequently.
6 add the wieners.
7 cook till the ends of the wieners curl.
8 serve warm with cocktail toothpicks.
9 (servings size approx 10 assuming 10 hotdogs per package and each individual consuming 6 pieces).

Cheese Wafers

Total Time: 35 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup rice krispies, crushed
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, powdered (or more)
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon salt

Recipe

1 mix margarine and rice krispies (i use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment).
2 then mix in cheese.
3 combine flour and seasonings in another bowl.
4 add to the cheese mixture gradually.
5 roll mixture into marble-size balls. (i used a 1 inch cookie scoop.).
6 flatten with fork onto parchment paper covered cookie sheet.
7 bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. don't overbake them!
8 store in airtight container when cooled. freezes well.

Bacon Ranch Layered Spread

Total Time: 15 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

1 cup sour cream
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons land o lakes ranch dressing mix
6 ounces land o lakes cheddar cheese, shredded
12 slices bacon, cooked, chopped
1/3 cup sliced green onion

Recipe

1 combine all spread ingredients in medium bowl. beat at medium speed until smooth. spread onto large serving plate to 1 inch of edge.
2 top with cheese, bacon and onion. cover; refrigerate to blend flavors (1 hour).
3 serve with crackers.
4 variations:
5 bruscetta-style layered dip: prepare spread as directed. top with 1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes, 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese. cover; refrigerate to blend flavors (1 hour). serve with crackers.
6 greek-style layered spread: prepare spread as directed. top with 1 cup chopped fresh spinach leaves, 1/2 cup sliced ripe or kalamata olives and 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese. cover; refrigerate to blend flavors (1 hour). sprinkle with 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts right before serving. serve with crackers.

Cheese Stuffed Pull-apart Appetizers

Total Time: 30 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning
1 (7 1/2 ounce) can pillsbury refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
10 pieces cheddar cheese (3/4 inch cubes)
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup pizza sauce, heated, if desired

Recipe

1 heat oven to 375°f spray 8-inch round pan with cooking spray. in small bowl, stir together parmesan cheese and italian seasoning.
2 separate dough into 10 biscuits; flatten each to a 2-inch round. place 1 cheese cube in center of each biscuit round. bring dough up around cheese cube; press edge to seal and shape into a ball. roll in butter, then in parmesan cheese mixture. place 1/4 inch apart in pan.
3 bake 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. cool slightly; serve warm with pizza sauce.

Artichoke, Jalapeno And Parmesan Dip

Total Time: 5 mins Preparation Time: 5 mins

Ingredients

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup finely grated fresh parmesan cheese
3 -4 pickled jalapeno peppers, finely chopped
1 (6 ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drain,reserve marinade
1 -2 teaspoon jalapeno sauce
salt
freshly ground black pepper

Recipe

1 use a food processor with metal blade to finely grate parmesan cheese.
2 add the cream cheese, mixing well.
3 transfer cheese mixture to a mixing bowl.
4 chop jalapeno peppers in processor, add drained artichoke hearts and process just until coarsely chopped.
5 add artichoke/jalapeno mixture and the jalapeno sauce to cheese mixture.
6 mix well.
7 if needed, add small amount of additional marinade to obtain desired consistency.
8 salt and pepper to taste.
9 refrigerate until ready to serve.
10 serve with a variety of crackers or chips.

Chicken Biscuit Cups

Total Time: 30 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

Servings: 5
1 (7 1/2 ounce) can of refrigerated homestyle biscuits or 1 (7 1/2 ounce) can refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
1 cup diced chicken breast (cooked)
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can healthy request cream of chicken soup
2/3 cup shredded low-fat cheddar cheese (2 1/2 oz)
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Recipe

1 preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2 separate biscuits and place each biscuit in a cup of an ungreased 12-hole muffin pan, pressing dough up sides to edge of cup.
3 in a medium bowl, combine chicken, chicken soup, cheddar cheese, parsley flakes, and black pepper.
4 mix well to combine.
5 evenly spoon chicken mixture into prepared biscuit cups.
6 bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
7 remove from oven.
8 place muffin pan on a wire rack and let set for 2-3 minutes.
9 serve at once.

Artichoke Squares

Total Time: 50 mins

Ingredients

2 (6 ) jars marinated artichokes
1 small onion, mincec
4 large eggs
1 (8 ) package mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup dried breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
fresh edible flower (for garnish)

Recipe

1 drain liquid from 1 jar of artichokes into 1-quart saucepan.
2 drain liquid from second jar of artichokes and discard.
3 finely chop all artichokes; set aside.
4 grease 12 inch ty 8 inch baking dish.
5 in liquid in saucepan, over medium heat, cook minced onion until tender.
6 in medium bowl, with fork, beat eggs until blended.
7 stir in cooked onion and chopped artichokes, mozzarella cheese, bread crumbs, parsley, salt and pepper.
8 spread mixture evenly in baking dish.
9 if not baking right away, cover and refrigerate.
10 about 1 hour before serving; preheat oven to 325 degrees.
11 bake artichoke mixture 30 to 35 minutes until set and lightly browned.
12 cool 15 minutes in dish on wire rack.
13 with knife, cut lengthwise into 4 strips then cut each strip crosswise into 6 pieces.
14 arrange appetizer on platter; garnish and serve.

Artichoke, Mushroom And Parma Ham Tart

Total Time: 2 hrs 50 mins Preparation Time: 2 hrs Cook Time: 50 mins

Ingredients

Servings: 6
1 3/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
2 ounces grated parmesan cheese
2/3 cup butter, diced
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
3 ounces parma ham
7 ounces cans artichoke hearts, drained
7/8 cup creme fraiche
4 eggs
1 teaspoon chopped flat leaf parsley
1/3 cup milk
salt
ground black pepper

Recipe

1 place flour, parmesan cheese, butter, and a pinch of salt in food processor.
2 process briefly.
3 add the egg and 1 tablespoon oil through feeder tube, adding extra oil if necessary; you should be able to bring the dough together in your hands.
4 wrap in plastic, and chill for 1 hour.
5 2 roll out to fit a 9 inch quiche pan with a loose bottom.
6 prick all over.
7 chill for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
8 3 line pastry with foil, and cover bottom with uncooked beans.
9 bake at 375 degrees f (190 degrees c) for 15 minutes.
10 remove foil and beans, and cook for 5 more minutes.
11 remove and cool.
12 4 saute; mushrooms in 1 tablespoon olive oil for 10 minutes.
13 drain and cool.
14 5 lay ham over the pastry base, and top with mushrooms and artichokes.
15 beat together creme fraiche, eggs, parsley, and milk.
16 season well with black pepper and salt; pour mixture over the ham and vegetables.
17 bake for 40 minutes, until golden.
18 serve warm or cold.

Caramelised Leek Tarts

Total Time: 40 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients

Servings: 6
18 baby leeks, cleaned and cut in half
50 g butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 egg, lightly beaten
sea salt and black pepper

Recipe

1 preheat oven to 220 degrees celsius.
2 cut leeks into 6cm slices.
3 heat butter, brown sugar and vinegar, stirring over low heat until sugar dissolves.
4 add leeks and cook 3 minutes only.
5 remove leeks and allow to cool slightly.
6 cut pastry in half then in 3 equal pieces to create 6 rectangles.
7 lay leeks side by side on pastry leaving 1 cm border.
8 brush egg around edges.
9 bake for 25 minutes.

Cheese Stuffed Pecans

Total Time: 50 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

Servings: 10
1 cup gouda cheese, finely shredded
3 tablespoons sour cream
40 large pecan halves

Recipe

1 in a mixing bowl combine the cheese and sour cream.
2 beat with an electric mixture until mixture is creamy.
3 using a scant teaspoon for each, pipe or mound cheese mixture onto the flat side of half of the pecans.
4 top with remaining pecans, flat side down.
5 cover and chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Cheese Twists

Total Time: 25 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

1 cup plain flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried chili pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons butter, cold
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated
1/3 cup water, ice-cold

Recipe

1 preheat oven to gas mark 7/425°f/220°c.
2 sift flour, baking powder and salt into a mixing bowl along with dried chili flakes and dried oregano.
3 rub in the butter and grated cheese till the mixture is crumbly.
4 add in cold water and mix lightly until mixture holds together and leaves side of the bowl clean.
5 on a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough to a 10x10 inches square.
6 now cut the square in half lengthwise, then cut crosswise into strips about 1/2 inch wide.
7 carefully lift each strip and twist gently and place them on a baking sheet.
8 bake on the middle shelf of the oven for about 15 minutes, or until lightly golden browned.
9 remove from oven and carefully transfer cheese twists onto a wire rack to cool.
10 store in an air-tight container - if you have any left!

Artichoke Swiss Fondue

Total Time: 10 mins Preparation Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 5 mins

Ingredients

12 ounces kraft hickory pasteurized process smoked swiss-cheddar cheese, shredded
1 (7 ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts, chopped, reserve liquid
1/2 cup milk

Recipe

1 mix all ingredients in a nonstick saucepan or skillet.
2 cook on medium-low heat until process cheese is melted and dip is heated through, stirring frequently.
3 pour into serving bowl or fondue pot.
4 serve warm as dip with wheat thins snack crackers.

Cheese Triangles

Total Time: 35 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

Servings: 18
1 cup feta or 1 cup blue cheese, crumbled
1/3 cup ricotta cheese or 1/3 cup 2% fat cottage cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 green onion, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon pepper, fresh ground
1 (397 g) package puff pastry, frozen, thawed
1 egg, beaten, for glazing pastry

Recipe

1 preheat oven to 425°f degrees.
2 lightly grease a baking sheet.
3 in a medium bowl, combine cheeses, egg, green onion and pepper; set aside.
4 on a lightly floured surface, roll out half the puff pastry to a 10 inch square. with a sharp knife, cut pastry into 9 even squares, repeat with other half of puff pastry.
5 working with one square at a time, place a spoonful of the cheese mixture in the middle of each pastry square; brush edges very lightly with water, then fold one corner over to meet the opposite corner, forming a triangle.
6 press edges together to seal, then crimp firmly shut with the tines of a fork.
7 place triangles on baking sheet; brush the tops with the second beaten egg.
8 bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until the tops are golden and the bottoms are nicely browned.

Cheese Tostados

Total Time: 15 mins Preparation Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients

1 tortilla
2 tablespoons onion tomato and basil pasta sauce
1 cup grated mature cheese
chili (fresh or pickled & to your taste)
salt

Recipe

1 place tortilla in large non-stick pan on medium heat.
2 spread pasta sauce (like for pizza) on tortilla, add cheese, chili & a little salt to taste. fold in half & press down.
3 let cook so you see cheese melting, press down further to make nice & flat. turn over a few times until a bit golden on both sides & all cheese is melted.
4 place on a plate; use pizza cutter to halve then halve each half so they look like four pizza slices.
5 arrange around plate & serve with guacamole & sour cream in centre of plate.
6 note: corriander wouldn't go a miss either in tostado for flavour or as edible garnish!

2-4-6-8 Ranch Dip

Total Time: 20 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

Servings: 6
2 green peppers, chopped into small pieces
4 tomatoes, chopped into small chunks
6 green onions, chopped
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated
ranch dressing (preferably a thick version)

Recipe

1 toss all of the veggies and the cheese together in a medium bowl.
2 start with about a 1/4 cup of ranch dressing and stir.
3 continue to add ranch until it is all well covered.
4 serve with your favorite cracker.

Caramel-apple Dip

Total Time: 15 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup caramel ice cream topping
1/4-1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 -4 green apples, cored and sliced

Recipe

1 in a medium bowl, mix together the first 4 ingredients; beat until smooth.
2 cover and chill in the refrigerator for a few hours or until well chilled.
3 serve with apple slices.

Brazilian Cheese Puffs

Total Time: 35 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

4 cups tapioca flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup butter
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups grated tasty cheese
2 eggs

Recipe

1 preheat oven to 200 degrees c/400 degrees f.
2 bring the milk, salt and butter to a boil.
3 remove from heat.
4 pour onto the tapioca flour, stirring constantly until thoroughly mixed.
5 add the cheese and eggs.
6 knead until smooth.
7 roll into balls approximately 2-inches in diameter and place on a greased baking sheet.
8 bake until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
9 do not over bake.
10 serve warm.
11 should there be any left overs, they freeze very well.

Cheese Triangles

Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients

Servings: 8
100 g feta cheese
100 g kasseri cheese or 100 g mature cheddar cheese
4 medium eggs
4 tablespoons mint leaves, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated
500 g phyllo pastry
100 g butter, melted
250 ml whole milk
100 g cold butter
black pepper, to taste

Recipe

1 preheat the oven to 180 c or 350°f.
2 grate the cheeses into a mixing bowl.
3 add 2 of the eggs and then blitz to a purée using a hand blender.
4 add the mint, nutmeg and black pepper (to taste).
5 mix well.
6 take two sheets of filo.
7 brush one with melted butter and then lay the other directly on top.
8 cut into strips about 5 x 20 cm.
9 put 1 tablespoon of the filling in the centre of the strip, about 2 cm from the end.
10 fold over one corner to form a triangle.
11 turn in the edges by about 5mm and then continue folding over the triangle until you reach the end of the filo strip, buttering well with each turn.
12 continue making pastries until you have used up all the mixture.
13 arrange them on a baking tray.
14 beat the milk with the remaining eggs and pour this liquid over the triangles.
15 let the tray stand at room temperature until the liquid is absorbed.
16 place a bit of cold butter on each triangle and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden.

Artichokes Parisienne

Total Time: 50 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

Servings: 2
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons capers, drained,minced
2 teaspoons onions, minced
2 teaspoons cornichons, minced (gherkins)
2 teaspoons fresh parsley, minced
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
2 large artichokes (if using fresh, prepare in usual manner, you can also use frozen)
1 lemon, halved
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 freshly-poached eggs

Recipe

1 mix first 7 ingredients in small bowl.
2 season to taste.
3 clean artichokes using lemon to prevent discolouration.
4 place artichoke hearts in heavy saucepan.
5 fill with cold water.
6 cover and boil until tender, approximately 30 minutes, drain and blot dry.
7 arrange 1 artichoke bottom on each plate.
8 top each with poached egg.
9 spoon mayonnaise over and serve with crusty bread.

Black-eyed Pea Spread

Total Time: 7 mins Preparation Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 2 mins

Ingredients

1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and pressed dry
1 (16 ounce) can black-eyed peas, drained
1 (8 ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained and chopped
1 (8 ounce) carton sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup dry vegetable soup mix
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
40 slices pumpernickel cocktail bread or 40 slices rye cocktail bread

Recipe

1 combine all ingredients except brea; mix well. (you could mix this in a food processor if you want a creamier texture.).
2 spread mixture on bread slices.

Blackberry And Almond Bruchetta

Total Time: 18 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 8 mins

Ingredients

1 (11 ounce) can french rolls, dough
2 tablespoons sugar
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
2 tablespoons almond extract
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 (10 ounce) bag frozen blackberries
1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds
1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Recipe

1 heat oven to 350 and bake bread as directed on can and cool 5 minutes.
2 cut ends off loaf and cut crosswise into 24 slices.
3 arrange slices on an ungreased cookie sheet.
4 spray each slice lightly with cooking spray.
5 sprinkle with granulated sugar.
6 return to oven and bake 8 minutes.
7 meanwhile in a small bowl beat cream cheese, almond extractand 1/4 cup powdered sugar until well combined.
8 spread cheese mixture on bread top each with 4 blackberries. sprinkle with almonds.

Bacon Roll-ups

Total Time: 30 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon onion salt
1/2 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 (8 ounce) package crescent rolls

Recipe

1 separate rolls.
2 mix the rest of the ingredients and spread on rolls.
3 cut each into thirds and roll up.
4 bake for 12 to 15 minutes at 375 degrees.

Bacon Potato Wraps

Total Time: 35 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

4 small new potatoes, 1 1/2 inch diameter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed bay leaf
8 slices bacon, cut in half crosswise

Recipe

1 preheat oven to 400.
2 wash potatoes and cut in quarters.
3 sprinkle each with the salt, pepper and bay leaves.
4 wrap 1 piece bacon around each potato piece.
5 if you like, sprinkle extra salt and pepper to taste.
6 repeat for each piece of potato and bacon.
7 place in baking dish and bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until bacon is crispy.
8 drain on papertowels.
9 serve with sour cream garnished with chives.

Amazing Shrimp Cocktail

Total Time: 20 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

Servings: 4
2 -3 tomatoes
1 onion
1 fresh jalapeno
1 bushel cilantro
2 -3 limes
1 avocado
50 frozen cooked shrimp
1 (12 ounce) bottle seafood cocktail sauce

Recipe

1 dice the tomatoes, onion, fresh jalapeno, cilantro, and avocado, and dump it in a big bowl.
2 pour in the cocktail sauce.
3 squeeze lime juice in to taste (i personally like a lot!).
4 thaw out your shrimp and put them in the mix!
5 cover the bowl with a tight lid and shake it up!
6 pick up some tortilla chips, head out to your event and get ready for some compliments!

Confetti Dip

Total Time: 8 hrs 5 mins Preparation Time: 8 hrs Cook Time: 5 mins

Ingredients

Servings: 12
1/2 lb shredded monterey jack cheese
4 1/2 ounces diced green chilies
4 1/2 ounces chopped black olives
4 green onions, chopped
1 tomato, chopped
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
1/2 cup italian dressing

Recipe

1 mix all ingredients together and refrigerate for at least 8 to 12 hours.

Cheese Twists

Total Time: 45 mins Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

2 cups biscuit mix
2/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon toasted onion powder or 1/2 teaspoon onion salt
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

Recipe

1 make a soft dough of mix and milk.
2 put on lightly floured surface; knead gently (about 30 seconds). roll into 12-inch square. cut in half.
3 3. add onions or onion salt to butter. brush dough with half of onion butter.
4 top one piece of dough with cheese. place other half of dough (buttered side down) on cheese half. press lightly.
5 cut into 24 1 1/2" x 2" strips. twist strips in opposite directions. place on greased baking sheet. brush with rest of onion butter.
6 bake at 400 for 15-20 minutes.

Artichoke Spread

Total Time: 55 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients

Servings: 6
1 can artichoke heart
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Recipe

1 drain artichoke hearts well.
2 chop.
3 mix with mayo and cheese.
4 bake in an 8x8 inch baking dish for 30-45 minutes at 350.
5 will be golden and bubbly when finished.
6 serve on cocktail rye.

Cheese Tarts

Total Time: 30 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

Servings: 12
1 3/4 cups sifted flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup shortening
3/4 cup shredded american cheese
3 tablespoons cold water
1 cup diced ham
1/2 cup cooked bacon (chopped)
3 ounces cream cheese
2 tablespoons condensed milk

Recipe

1 sift together flour and salt.
2 cut in shortening and american cheese.
3 add water and mix.
4 turn out onto lightly floured board and roll thin and cut into 3 and 1/2 inch circles.
5 place the circles into muffin tins (though the magazine does not mention greased or ungreased pan i usually spray lightly).
6 combine ham and bacon and put a spoonful of mixture in each shell.
7 mix evaporated milk and cream cheese and spread a dollop on each "tart".
8 bake at 450 for 15 minutes.
9 serve warm.

Bacon Ryes

Total Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients

Servings: 24
1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup mayonnaise
2 cups swiss cheese, shredded
48 slices rye cocktail bread

Recipe

1 preheat oven to 350°.
2 combine the bacon, mayonnaise and cheese thoroughly.
3 spread filling onto each slice of rye bread.
4 bake for 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Caramel Coated Walnuts

Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 1 hr

Ingredients

4 cups walnuts
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup margarine
1/4 cup corn syrup
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Recipe

1 mix together brown sugar, margarine, corn syrup, cream of tartar, and salt.
2 bring to a boil for 3 minutes stirring often. remove from heat.
3 add baking soda and stir well until settles.
4 pour over walnuts and stir until well coated.
5 pour into a large pan. bake at 200 degrees for 1 1/2 hours, stirring every 15 minutes.

Bacon N' Ranch Dip

Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 2 hrs

Ingredients

2 cups ranch dressing (any you prefer)
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup sliced green onion
1 (3 ounce) package bacon, pieces

Recipe

1 mix all ingredients in bowl & cover.
2 refrigerate at least 1 hour. (it tastes better the longer it sets.).

Brazilian Court Orange Butter

Total Time: 15 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 5 mins

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
2 teaspoons sugar
2 ounces orange juice (juice from one medium sized orange)
1 orange, zest of
1 lemon, zest of
2 tablespoons grand marnier, orange liquor (optional)

Recipe

1 blanch the zest of the orange and lemon, then chop finely.
2 mix all ingredients together until well-combined.
3 chill, if desired.

Cheese Whoopsies

Total Time: 25 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients

1/2 lb sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups flour
1 jar apple butter

Recipe

1 combine butter and cheese.
2 add flour and mix thoroughly.
3 shape into rolls 18" long and 1-1/2 inches in diameter.
4 wrap rolls in foil or waxed paper.
5 chill at least 3 hours.
6 preheat oven to 350º.
7 slice dough about 1/4 inch thick.
8 place slices about 1/2 inch apart on non-stick foil-covered baking sheet.
9 bake 8-10 minutes, or till light brown.
10 carefully remove from sheet and allow to cool.
11 sandwich apple butter between two rounds.

Cheese Wellington - A

Total Time: 40 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients

1 (17 ounce) package frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 (8 ounce) round edam cheese, red rind removed
1 tablespoon honey dijon mustard
1 egg, separated

Recipe

1 preheat oven to 400ºf.
2 cut two circles from the puff pastry dough, one 7-1/2" round, and one 7" round.
3 place cheese, with the rind removed, on the smaller circle.
4 spread with mustard.
5 brush edge of the pastry with slightly beaten egg .
6 cover completely with larger circle of dough.
7 seal edges well and crimp with fork.
8 brush top of dough with egg yolk.
9 you can refrigerate the wellington at this point, well covered, for several hours.
10 place the wellington in a pie pan and bake for 20-25 minutes.
11 break through the top crust to serve.

Bacon-wrapped Sweet Potatoes

Total Time: 1 hr Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients

Servings: 4
1 large sweet potato, peeled
4 -6 slices sugar-free bacon
olive oil
chili powder

Recipe

1 preheat oven to 400°f.
2 cut sweet potato into 1" cubes.
3 cut bacon in half crosswise, then in half length-wise. wrap each piece of sweet potato with a piece of bacon, securing with a toothpick.
4 place sweet potatoes on foil lined baking sheet. drizzle with olive oil. sprinkle with chili powder.
5 bake for 20 minutes. remove from oven and flip potato pieces over. return to oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until bacon is crispy and potatoes are browned. drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
6 serve warm with sour cream, ranch dressing, or guacamole.

Amy's Pizza Dip

Total Time: 30 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

1 teaspoon oregano
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup pepperoni slice, chopped
1/4 cup green onion, chopped
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
1/4-1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
pita chips or melba toast or cracker, of your choice

Recipe

1 mix all ingredients together in a mixing bowl, except for mozzarella.
2 spread mixture in 11x8 inch baking dish.
3 bake at 350f for 10-15 minutes,.
4 remove from oven, do not turn oven off, sprinkle top with mozzarella, return to oven, bake an additional 5-7 minutesm or until cheese is melted.
5 we prefer pita chips, but you can use melba toast, any type of cracker, or whatever suits your taste.

Cheese Wafers

Total Time: 45 mins Preparation Time: 25 mins Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

1/2 lb butter or 1/2 lb margarine, melted
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese or 2 cups extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated not shredded cheese
2 cups rice krispies
cayenne pepper or 1 -2 dash hot sauce, for a little zip (tabasco, texas pete) (optional)

Recipe

1 mix all ingredients, drop by teaspoon on ungreased cookie sheet, flatten with fork.
2 bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes.

Buttermilk Dressing Dry Mix

Total Time: 20 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

Servings: 48
20 saltine crackers
1 cup dried parsley flakes
1/2 cup instant minced onion
2 tablespoons dry dill weed
1/2 cup onion salt
1/2 cup garlic salt
1/4 cup onion powder
1/4 cup garlic powder

Recipe

1 put crackers in blender or food processor and mix until powdered.
2 add parsley flakes, minced onion and dill weed, blend finely powdered.
3 pour into 2-qt bowl, add rest of ingredients.
4 your done!
5 package in to tight containers. store at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, away from heat and moisture.
6 use within one year, or give it to friends & family !
7 to make dressing: 1 tablespoon mix and 1 cup of buttermilk and 1 cup mayonnaise, mix and refrigerate 6-8 hours.
8 to make dip: mix 1 1/2 tablespoons mix and 16 oz sour cream, mix and refrigerate 6-8 hours.

Chicken Barbecue Quesadillas

Total Time: 10 mins Preparation Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 5 mins

Ingredients

Servings: 8
2 cups cooked chicken, finely chopped
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon onion, minced (optional)
8 large flour tortillas
6 -8 ounces monterey jack cheese, grated

Recipe

1 heat the chicken, barbecue sauce, and onion together in a small saucepan until warmed through.
2 meanwhile, have your kids use 2 1/2- or 3-inch cookie cutters to cut the tortillas into pairs of matching shapes (ideally, you'll end up with 12 to 16 pairs).
3 place one of each pair of shapes on your work surface and sprinkle cheese on them.
4 add a tablespoon of the chicken mixture and a little more cheese, then top with the matching tortilla shapes.
5 right before serving, place the assembled tortillas, a few at a time, on a warmed griddle and cook over moderate heat for 2 minutes on each side.
6 as you cook them, transfer the tortillas to a baking sheet kept in a warm oven until the whole batch is done. serve at once.

Cheese, Onion & Bacon Pies

Total Time: 55 mins Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
3 large onions, thinly sliced or 4 medium onions, finely sliced
4 garlic cloves, chopped
150 g sliced bacon (i use middle rashers and remove rinds and all fat)
2 sheets puff pastry, each cut into 4 squares
150 g cheese, something well-flavoured such as cheddar or 150 g gruyere, cut into cubes, plus
50 g cheese, grated for sprinkling over the pies
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 beaten eggs or 1 milk, for glazing

Recipe

1 preheat the oven to 200ºc.
2 sauté the onions and garlic in oil in a non-stick pan over a low-medium heat, stirring frequently, until onions and garlic are softened, about 25-30 minutes. remove the onions and garlic from the heat and season to taste.
3 meanwhile, grill the bacon until it is crisp, drain it on paper towels, allow it to cool and then break it into small pieces.
4 in a mixing bowl, combine the onion-garlic mixture with the sage and sour cream until it is well-combined.
5 lay the 8 pastry squares on a flat surface; divide the onion-garlic mixture among the top half of each square, reserving a little of the onion; top with cheese and bacon pieces.
6 brush the edges of the pastry with water; then fold the bottom half of each pastry square over the top half and close the edges securely with a fork.
7 with a sharp knife, make a small slit in the top of each pie.
8 place the pies on a baking tray and brush with beaten egg or milk; sprinkle with the extra grated cheese and the reserved onion.
9 bake the pies for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden.
10 cool for 5 minutes, then serve with salad greens.

Chicken Bbq Sauce

Total Time: 20 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 5 mins

Ingredients

Servings: 4
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup distilled vinegar
1/4 cup apple juice
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 splenda sugar substitute

Recipe

1 mix all together and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.

Cheese Wedges (made With Frozen Biscuits)

Total Time: 55 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 35 mins

Ingredients

Servings: 48
1 (25 ounce) package frozen biscuits, slightly thawed
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Recipe

1 preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2 arrange biscuits on a cookie sheet, pressing each one to slightly flatten. cut into quarters.
3 brush the tops with melted butter, then sprinkle with grated cheese.
4 bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden.

Coney Island Saucers (pampered Chef)

Total Time: 27 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 12 mins

Ingredients

1/2 cup chili, try our family favourite crock pot chili (oamc)
1 hot dog, chopped
1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
16 slices fresh soft bread or 16 slices whole wheat
1 tablespoon butter or 1 tablespoon margarine, melted

Recipe

1 preheat oven to 375°f in small batter bowl, combine chili, frankfurter, onion and cheddar cheese.
2 using small scoop, place 1 scoop (1 tablespoon) chili mixture in center of 8 slices of bread, spreading slightly. top with remaining slices of bread. center cut-n-sealâ„¢ over bread; cut and seal.
3 brush top of saucers with melted butter. place on flat baking stone. bake 10-12 minutes or until light golden brown.

Artichoke And Parmesan Bagel Bites

Total Time: 15 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

Servings: 24
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup real parmesan cheese
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can artichoke bottoms
2 -3 green onions
miniature bagels or english muffin

Recipe

1 drain artichoke bottoms and chop and also chop up the green onions. mix all ingedients until well combined. spread on mini bagels and broil until brown and bubbly. 5-7 minutes.
2 *i guessed on the size can of artichokes, i think they only come in one size though.

Cheese Torte

Total Time: 30 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

2 tablespoons oil
3 flour tortillas
8 ounces refried beans
1/2 small onion, chopped
1/2 red pepper, chopped
1 cup monterey jack pepper cheese, shredded
1 cup colby-monterey jack cheese, shredded

Recipe

1 preheat oven to 350 deg.
2 in a large skillet, heat the oil. lightly crisp the flour tortillas on both sides.
3 place one on a baking sheet and spread the refried beans on the tortilla.
4 place another tortilla on top and spread out the onion and red pepper.
5 then top with monterey jack cheese.
6 place third tortilla on top of other two tortillas and spread the colby jack cheese on top.
7 bake 10-15 minutes until the cheeses are melted.
8 cut into half and serve. may also cut into wedges and serve as an appetizer.
9 i usually double this and put one on a plate in the refrigerator covered with tin foil and save for another day. use within a few days.

Friday, February 27, 2015

Bread Pot Fondue

Total Time: 24 hrs 20 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 24 hrs

Ingredients

1 round loaf italian bread, unsliced (8 to 10 inches)
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 (3 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups sour cream
1 cup ham, diced
1/2 cup green onion, chopped
1 (3 ounce) can mild green chilies, drained & chopped
1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce

Recipe

1 preaheat oven 350 degrees.
2 slice off top of bread; reserve hollow-out insides; leaving 1/2 inch shell.
3 cut removed bread into cubes; place bread cubes on cookie sheet and spray with pam, bake cubes until golden brown, stirring occasionally; set aside.
4 combine cheddar cheese, cream cheese and sour cream in bowl.
5 stir in ham, green onions, chilies and worcestershire.
6 spoon into bread shell.
7 tightly wrap loaf with a couple layers of foil.
8 set on cookie sheet.
9 bake for 1 hour or until filling is heated through and cheese is melted.
10 unwrap & transfer to platter.
11 remove top of bread.
12 stir filling before serving.
13 use toasted cubes for dipping as well as raw vegetables.
14 if the shell is left, toast slices in oven, excellent for a snack!

Cinnamon Honey Butter

Total Time: 4 hrs Preparation Time: 4 hrs

Ingredients

1 cup margarine
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons cinnamon

Recipe

1 put all ingredients in a mixing bowl and beat on low speed with an electric mixer.
2 beat until well mixed, but not too long or it'll separate.
3 refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving. overnight is best.

Bacon Mushroom Appetizers

Total Time: 30 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

Servings: 4
1 (8 ounce) package whole mushrooms
6 slices bacon or 6 slices turkey bacon (i use turkey bacon)
1/2 cup italian dressing
bamboo stick, for grilling

Recipe

1 clean mushrooms, leave whole.
2 marinate in italian dressing 6-8 hours.
3 cut bacon in pieces that will fit each mushroom.
4 wrap bacon around mushroom.
5 place each mushroom and bacon wrap on bamboo stick.
6 grill over medium heat, until bacon is done and mushrooms are tender approximately 6-10 minutes, depending on size of mushroom.

Bacon/cheese Spread On Pumpernickel

Total Time: 20 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients

Servings: 2
1 (10 ounce) package crackers, barrels cheddar in the black wrapper
1 medium onion
8 slices raw bacon
dark pumpernickel bread or the small pumpernickel rounds

Recipe

1 put cheese,onion and bacon thru a meat grinder.
2 combine well and spread on pumpernickel.
3 broil'til bubbly and slightly browned.
4 if using large bread cut with pizza cutter into small canape size pieces, and watch them go!

Bacon-wrapped Water Chestnuts

Total Time: 45 mins Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

2 cups brown sugar
2 (12 ounce) packages of regular bacon
2 (8 ounce) cans water chestnuts
toothpick

Recipe

1 soak the toothpicks in water.
2 preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
3 cut the bacon in half horizontally.
4 generously rub pinches of brown sugar on both sides of the bacon.
5 roll a waterchestnut in the bacon.
6 secure with a toothpick.
7 place on a greased pan.
8 repeat until all the bacon is used up.
9 bake for 15 minutes or until bacon is crispy.

Bacon Olive Hot Appetizer

Total Time: 15 mins Preparation Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients

Servings: 4
6 slices bacon, crumbled
1 cup ripe olives, chopped
1/2 cup green onion top, chopped
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon curry
1/2 cup mayonnaise

Recipe

1 mix all ingredients.
2 toast bread on one side and cut in assorted shapes.
3 spread mixture on untoasted side.
4 broil until brown or freeze until ready to use.

Bacon-wrapped Grilled Onions

Total Time: 24 hrs 30 mins Preparation Time: 24 hrs Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

Servings: 4
2 large sweet onions, cut in wedges
8 slices hickory smoked bacon, thick, cut in half
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon molasses

Recipe

1 combine sugar, vinegar, and molasses in a zip-lock bag. squish bag to combine ingredients.
2 wrap onion wedges with bacon; secure with long wooden picks. place in zip-lock bag.
3 put in refrigerator overnight. turn bag over a couple of times.
4 remove onion wedges from marinade; reserve marinade.
5 bake in a 350 degree oven until bacon starts to crisp, about 15 minutes.
6 grill to finish cooking onion and bacon. basting with reserved marinade.
7 don't cook too long, the onion should still be crisp-tender.
8 or if you don't want to grill the onions, let them finish in the oven. basting occasionally.
9 prep time reflects the overnight in the fridge.

Brazilian Empanadas

Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins Preparation Time: 45 mins Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

Servings: 20
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
10 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 tablespoons shortening
1 egg
1/2 cup beer
1 small onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
2 plum tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 (14 ounce) can hearts of palm, drained and palms cut into 1/2-inch dice
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup sherry wine
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and cut into 1/2-inch dice
salt & freshly ground black pepper
1 egg yolk
oil, for frying

Recipe

1 sift together the flour, salt, and turmeric.
2 work in the butter and shortening until it has a cornmeal-like consistency.
3 add the egg and the beer, and work until incorporated.
4 cover with a wet towel, and rest for 15 minutes.
5 meanwhile, saute the onion, tomatoes, and hearts of palm in butter for 2 to 3 minutes, until soft.
6 deglaze with the sherry.
7 add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
8 add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes.
9 season with salt and pepper. let cool to room temperature.
10 preheat oil to 350°f.
11 roll dough into 1-inch balls and flatten into rounds approximately 3-inches in diameter.
12 spoon 1 tablespoon of stuffing onto each round, fold the dough in half, brush edges with egg yolk, and pinch to seal.
13 fry the empanadas for 4 minutes.

Artichoke And Cheese Dip

Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients

2 (15 ounce) cans artichoke hearts, not marinated
2 cups mayonnaise
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
2 cups shredded monterey jack cheese
2 cups grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons dried parsley
1 1/2 tablespoons onion powder

Recipe

1 all ingredients, except mayo, should be at room temperature. if you are using a new jar of mayo it can be at room temperature.
2 drain the artichokes and chop into 1/2 inch pieces.
3 cube the cream cheese into 1 inch pieces.
4 put all ingredients into a large bowl and with a large spoon, i think wooden is best, mix and mix until everything is well blended together.
5 spread evenly into a 9 x 13 pan.
6 bake at 350º for about 45 minutes until golden brown and bubbly all over.
7 serve with crackers or whatever you want.

Cheese Walnut And Cranberry Shortbread

Total Time: 27 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 12 mins

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt (careful if you're using a salty cheese)
4 cups grated flavourful cheese, at room temperature (i used a blend of old cheddar, oka and asiago, this is no time for mozarella and colby)
1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts
1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries
2 1/2 cups flour
milk, to moisten

Recipe

1 preheat oven to 400°f line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2 in the bowl of a mixer, cream the butter, spices and salt. add the cheese, walnuts and cranberries and blend well. mix in the flour until crumbly. add the milk, a teaspoon at a time, until the dough just barely comes together. i may have used a tablespoon or so.
3 on a floured board, work with half the dough at a time. bring it together with your hands and roll out to 1/4" thickness. cut out into desired shapes, place on prepared sheets and bake for 12-15 minutes, until light brown. cool on wire racks and store in an airtight container.
4 makes about 5-6 dozen, depending on size.

Amy's Creamy Jalapeño Pimiento Cheese Spread

Total Time: 10 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins

Ingredients

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
1 -2 tablespoon jalapeno juice
1 (2 ounce) jar sliced pimientos, drained well
3 ounces cream cheese, very soft
1/2-1 cup mayonnaise

Recipe

1 in a food processor, blend the cheeses, cream cheese, pimientos and drizzle in the desired amount of jalapeño juice, depending on how hot you like it.
2 starting with 1/2 cup, add mayo and process. add more mayo, a spoonful at a time, until the desired consistency is desired.
3 chill one hour, covered, before serving. store in an airtight container.
4 note: i have never had this last very long enough to know how many days it will last.

Cheese Wine Bread

Total Time: 3 hrs 10 mins Preparation Time: 2 hrs 30 mins Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients

3 cups flour
1 envelope dry yeast
1/2 cup dry wine
1/2 cup butter or 1/2 cup margarine
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1 cup monterey jack cheese, grated (4 oz)

Recipe

1 in lg mixing bowl, combine 1-1/2 cups of the flour with the yeast.
2 in saucepan, heat wine, butter, sugar and salt until warm (115-120 degrees f), stirring constantly until butter almost melts.
3 add butter-wine mixture to dry mixture.
4 add eggs.
5 beat at low speed for 30 sec, scraping bowl constantly; beat 3 min at high speed.
6 by hand, stir in cheese and enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.
7 turn out onto lightly floured surface, knead until smooth and elastic.
8 place in lightly greased bowl, turning once.
9 cover and let rise until double (1-1/2 hr) punch down, cover& let rest 10 min.
10 shape into 8" round loaf.
11 place in greased 9" pie plate; cover and let rise in warm place until double, about 40 min.
12 bake in 375 oven about 40 min, covering w/foil after first 20 min.

Artichoke-prosciutto Gratin

Total Time: 50 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

2 (14 ounce) cans artichoke hearts, drained, quartered
6 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
1 cup whipping cream
1 1/2 cups crumbled gorgonzola
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted (about 2 ounces)
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage

Recipe

1 dry quartered artichoke hearts by patting with paper towels. cut each prosciutto slice in half crosswise.
2 wrap each artichoke heart quarter in a piece of prosciutto.
3 place wrapped artichoke hearts in single layer in 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish.
4 pour cream over, then sprinkle with gorgonzola, pine nuts, parmesan, and sage.
5 bake at 375 for about 30 (give or take 5) minutes or until gratin is bubbling and sauce thickens. serve warm.

Cheese, Pesto And Tomato Torta

Total Time: 35 mins Preparation Time: 35 mins

Ingredients

Servings: 20
4 garlic cloves
1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed)
1/4 cup pine nuts
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
2 2/3 cups cream cheese, room temperature (about 21 ounces)
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 1/3 cups drained sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
1/3 cup tomato paste
3/4 cup butter, room temperature

Recipe

1 finely chop garlic in processor. add basil, 1/4 cup pine nuts, oil and lemon juice. process until well blended. add 1/3 cup cream cheese and 1/4 cup parmesan cheese. using on/off turns, process just until blended. transfer pesto to medium bowl.
2 coarsely chop tomatoes in processor. add tomato paste and process until mixture is almost smooth. add 1/3 cup cream cheese and blend well.
3 using electric mixer, beat 2 cups cream cheese and butter in large bowl until fluffy. season with salt and pepper.
4 spray 6-cup soufflé dish with nonstick spray. line with plastic wrap, extending plastic over sides. spread 3/4 cup cream cheese-butter mixture evenly over bottom of prepared dish. top with half of tomato mixture, then 1/2 cup cream cheese-butter mixture, then half of pesto mixture. repeat layering with 1/2 cup cream cheese-butter mixture, remaining tomato mixture, 1/2 cup cream cheese-butter mixture and remaining pesto. top with remaining cream cheese-butter mixture. cover and chill overnight. (can be made 3 days ahead. keep refrigerated.).
5 invert torta onto platter. peel off plastic. garnish with basil sprigs and toasted pine nuts. serve with baguette slices.

Caramel-marshmallow Dip

Total Time: 10 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins

Ingredients

3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow creme
1 (12 1/2 ounce) jar caramel topping

Recipe

1 in medium bowl, blend cream cheese and marshmellow creme until smooth.
2 thoroughly blend in caramel topping.
3 cover: refrigerate until serving time.
4 use as a dip for fresh fruit; especially apples!

Cinnamon Honey Spread

Total Time: 5 mins Preparation Time: 5 mins

Ingredients

1 cup butter or 1 cup margarine, softened
1/2 cup honey
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Recipe

1 mix all ingredients in a small bowl.
2 beat until smooth.

Artichoke And Cheese Dip

Total Time: 40 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

Servings: 8
1 lb shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup artichoke heart, drained and chopped
1/2 cup minced onion

Recipe

1 preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2 mix ingredients together and put in casserole dish.
3 bake for 20-30 minutes or in lightly butteredt 3 1/2 quart crockpot for about an hour.
4 serve with broken up french bread or wheat crackers.

Cinnamon Honey Wings

Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins Preparation Time: 2 hrs Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

Servings: 5
2 1/2 lbs chicken wings
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup honey, mild
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, ground
1 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1 cup apple wood chips

Recipe

1 mix all ingredients (except chips) in a plastic bag then knead occasionally for 2 hours.
2 soak wood chips in water for 30 minutes.
3 prepare fire in grill.
4 add chips to hot coals.
5 cook wings on the grill for about 10 minutes on one side, then turn and baste with the marinade. continue cooking 10 minutes or until done.
6 serve immediately or refrigerate until needed.

Cheese Wafers

Total Time: 30 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

Servings: 36
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese or 2 cups gouda cheese, grated
2 cups rice krispies
1 cup butter
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 dash red pepper

Recipe

1 preheat oven to 350°f mix ingredients well, roll into balls and press with a fork.
2 place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.
3 makes 36 wafers.
4 what's cooking book 3.

Artichokes (how To Cook)

Total Time: 55 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients

Servings: 4
4 quarts water
2 teaspoons salt
6 tablespoons lemon juice or 6 tablespoons vinegar
2 -3 tablespoons olive oil (or more to taste)
1 -2 bay leaf (optional)
12 whole peppercorns
4 large artichokes (or 6 medium)

Recipe

1 trim stem of artichokes at the base.
2 remove any tough or discolored bottom leaves.
3 cut off approximately 1-inch of the top leaves, and trim remaining tips from leaves (i use scissors).
4 rub the base and all cut parts with lemon juice.
5 using fingers, open up the center of artichokes.
6 with a sturdy spoon remove and discard the fuzzy choke.
7 (i omit this step at this point and do it after cooking) combine all ingredients, except artichokes, and bring to a boil.
8 add artichokes, and partially cover and return to a boil.
9 cook until the stem end is easily pierced with a fork.
10 allow about 30 minutes for medium and 40 minutes for large artichokes.
11 remove from liquid and drain upside down.
12 serve with melted butter or horseradish sauce, or they may be stuffed.
13 note#1: artichokes may be cooked ahead and re-heated by putting in simmering water for 10 minutes.
14 they will keep several days in the refrigerator.
15 note#2: use an enamel or stainless steel pan for cooking.
16 do not use aluminum utensils.

Bacon-wrapped Madjool Dates W/manchego

Total Time: 25 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients

8 madjool dates
4 slices bacon, cooked but not crisply (we used a local applewood-smoked bacon)
1/4 cup spanish manchego cheese, cut into small slices to fit inside the dates
1 tablespoon honey (good quality!)
1 tablespoon apple cider
1 -2 tablespoon roasted hazelnuts, coarsely chopped

Recipe

1 cut the dates open along one side and remove the pits.
2 stuff with the manchego cheese pieces.
3 cook the bacon until done but not crispy. drain. note: the bacon needs to pliable enough to wrap around the dates.
4 cut bacon strips in half crosswise and wrap half a slice around each date. arrange the dates on a platter with the bacon ends facing down.
5 warm the honey and apple cider together and drizzle over the dates.
6 garnish with toasted hazelnuts.
7 serve warm or at room temperature.

Cheese, Endive And Cranberry Canapes

Total Time: 10 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins

Ingredients

3 ounces cheese, of your choice, crumbled
1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon flat leaf parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons dried cranberries
10 leaves endive
1 tablespoon pecan nuts, chopped

Recipe

1 in a small bowl, combine the cheese, balsamic vinegar, half the parsley and half the dried cranberries until well mixed.
2 divide the mixture between the endive leaves (about 1/2 tbs in each).
3 finish with a sprinkle of chopped pecans, and the remaining cranberries and parsley.
4 chill until ready to serve.

Cheese-filled Risotto Croquettes With Tomato Sauce

Total Time: 24 hrs 30 mins Preparation Time: 24 hrs Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

3 cups leftover cooked risotto rice
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons minced fresh flat-leaf parsley or 2 tablespoons chives or 2 tablespoons oregano or 2 tablespoons basil
1 large egg yolk
salt & freshly ground black pepper
5 ounces mozzarella cheese or 5 ounces fontina cheese
all-purpose flour (for dredging)
2 cups tomato sauce
1 large egg whisked with 2 tbsp cold milk or 1 large water
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
vegetable oil, for deep-frying

Recipe

1 in a large bowl, combine the risotto with the parmesan, cream, herbs, and egg yolk. season with salt and pepper.
2 cut the cheese into 16 cubes. scoop up about 3 tbsp of the risotto mixture and pack it around a cube of cheese to make a croquette, a ball the size of a ping-pong ball. repeat to form 16 croquettes.
3 put the flour, egg wash, and bread crumbs in 3 separate bowls. dredge the croquettes in the flour, dip in the egg wash, and roll in the bread crumbs. chill thoroughly, 2-24 hours.
4 pour oil into a tall pot to a depth of 5 inches. heat the oil over medium-high heat until it registers 375°f on a deep-frying thermometer. deep-fry the croquettes in batches, without crowding, until they are evenly browned, 4-5 minutes. using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer to paper towels to drain briefly. serve on a pool of warmed tomato sauce.