Cookbook & Recipes

Beef Rolls In Red Wine Tomato Sauce - Italian

2008-07-27T16:57:00.002+08:00

Beef Braciole ~ These tasty, tender beef rolls are cooked in a robust tomato and wine sauce. They go perfectly with a side dish of Risotto Milanese, garlic mashed potatoes, or polenta.

Serves 6

1 1/2 Pounds Top Sirloin, Cut Into 12 Small Thin Slices

2 Cloves Garlic, Finely Minced

2 Tablespoons Fresh Rosemary

6 Thin Slices Of Prosciutto, Cut In Half

1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

1/3 Cup Olive Oil1 Cup Dry Red Wine

1 Carrot, Finely Chopped

1/2 Onion, Finely Chopped

1 Celery Stalk, Finely Chopped

2 Cups Chopped Canned Tomatoes

Salt & Pepper

1/4 Cup Chopped Fresh Parsley

Pound each piece of the beef into thin slices. Spread a little bit of the minced garlic, chopped rosemary and grated cheese over each slice. Cover this with a slice of prosciutto, and roll up into a small bundle, securing each with toothpicks.

Heat the oil in a large skillet and brown all of the bundles well on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a separate dish, and add the onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender. Add the wine, and cook up until it is reduced by half, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the tomatoes, and season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat, until the sauce has begun to thicken, about 5 minutes. Remove the toothpicks from the bundles, and return them to the skillet. Add the fresh parsley, and cook until heated through, about 3-4 minutes. Serve hot with a side dish of your choice.

Pesce in Acqua Pazza - Italian

2008-07-27T16:36:00.003+08:00

This dish at a small restaurant in Positano on the Amalfi Coast called O'Capurale and was very impressed with how flavorful yet light it was. Pesce in Acqua Pazza means Fish in Crazy Water. Many American interpretations of this dish seem to take this translation extremely literal. They really accentuate the "crazy", using it as an excuse to clean out the refrigerator and add all kinds of ingredients to flavor the water. I am not sure of the origins of the name, but I do know that all it needs is a simple flavoring of garlic, herbs, tomato, salt and a pinch of hot pepper as presented in the Ingredients here.

Serves 4

Ingredients:-

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

4-1/2 cups water

2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley

2 garlic cloves chopped

12 grape or cherry tomatoes, sliced in half

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon sea salt

2 pounds sea bass or red snapper fillets

1. In an ovenproof pan at least two inches deep and large enough to hold the fish in one layer, add the olive oil, water, parsley, garlic, tomatoes, red pepper and salt.

2. Turn the heat to medium and allow the crazy water to simmer for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

3. Place the fish in the pan skin side down, transfer pan to oven and cook until fish is done, approximately 20 minutes.

4. Transfer the fish to warm plates, pour a little of the crazy water over and around the fish, making sure to include some tomatoes, and serve immediately.

Steak Pizzaiola - Italian

2008-07-27T16:19:00.003+08:00

The Neapolitan dish that consists of bottom round steak which is pounded to tenderize and then cooked in a spicy tomato sauce. As the sauce resembles sauce used to make pizza, it was named pizzaiola, can also be said is "pizza style".

Serves 6

Ingredients:-
2 Pounds Bottom Round Steak Sliced 1/4 Inch Thick or More Tender Cut Left Thicker
1/4 Cup Olive Oil
1 medium Onion, Finely Chopped
Salt & Pepper To Taste
Red Pepper Flakes
2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
1 Cup Chopped Tomatoes
1/2 Cup Red Wine
1/2 Cup Chopped Fresh Parsley

----

Gently Pounding the steak with a mallet until thin if using bottom round. Season the meat well with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a heavy skillet, and brown the meat well on both sides. Remove it and keep warm. Add some onion and garlic to the pan and sauté until tender. Add the tomatoes and the wine and season with salt and pepper, and red pepper flakes as needed. Lower the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the sauce has thicken. Return the meat to the pan and cook an additional 10 minutes. Serve sprinkled with the fresh parsley.

Note: it can sometimes add a tablespoon or two of capers to change the flavor.

Broccoli Marinara - Italian

2008-07-20T09:29:00.005+08:00

The quick way of an Italian traditional side dish in Italian family all the way from Italy. You can use fresh tomatoes and basil. However, as a Italian mother of four, she opt for the quick method as she're sure other parents of small ones can appreciate. The kids really love this dish too. Buon Appetito!"

4 Servings

Ingredients:-

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with balsamic vinegar, basil and olive oil
1 pound broccoli florets
2 cloves garlic, chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Direction:-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, and cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly. Pour in the tomatoes with their juices, and simmer until the liquid has reduced by about 1/2. Place the broccoli on top of the tomatoes, and season with a little salt and pepper. Cover, and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender. Do not over cook the broccoli, it should be a vibrant green. Pour into a serving dish, and toss to blend with the sauce before serving.

Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Bruschetta - Italian

2008-07-20T09:18:00.004+08:00

"This recipe is the definition of versatility - if the weather's mild, use the grill outside to prepare this appetizer. In colder months, use your oven instead. The amount of ingredients for this recipe can be scaled back or multiplied to accommodate any range of party guests. You can also alter the amount of most of the ingredients according to your personal preference. You'll enjoy this variation on regular old bruschetta appetizers!"

8 Servings

PREP TIME 15 Min
COOK TIME 30 Min
READY IN 45 Min

Ingredients:-
2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 1/4 cups Italian salad dressing, divided
4 cups fresh spinach, torn
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
8 sun-dried tomatoes, packed without oil, chopped
1 (1 pound) loaf focaccia bread, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
1/4 cup olive oil

Direction:-
1) Place the chicken and 1 cup salad dressing in a bowl. Cover, and marinate at least 3 hours in the refrigerator.

2) Preheat the grill for high heat.

3) Lightly oil the grill grate. Discard dressing used for marinating, and grill chicken 7 minutes per side, or until juices run clear. Cool and shred.

4) In a large bowl, mix the cooked chicken, spinach, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and remaining dressing.

5) Brush the focaccia bread with olive oil, and cook 1 minute per side on the prepared grill, or until lightly toasted. Place portions of the chicken mixture on the toasted focaccia to serve.

Lemon Chicken - Pressure cooker.

2008-04-20T19:06:00.002+08:00

So simple, yet this is one of the most delectable sauces you can find for chicken. Be sure to allow a few hours to marinate the chicken.

3 1/2 lb (1.6 kg) chicken, cut in serving pieces
1/4 cup (60 ml) plus 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil

1/4 cup (60 ml) lemon juice
2 teaspoons (10 ml) oregano
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1/2 cup (125 ml) chicken stock

In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup (60 ml) oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt and pepper. Pour over the chicken and marinate for several hours, or overnight. Dry the chicken well on paper towels and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Reserve the marinade.

Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons (30 ml) oil in the pressure cooker and brown the chicken pieces on all sides. Reserve chicken pieces on warm platter. Pour off the fat and add to the pressure cooker the reserved marinade and the chicken stock.

Lock the lid in place and bring to pressure, then lower heat and cook for the suggested time. Allow pressure to drop by the quick release method or automatic release method and remove the lid. Serve the chicken with the sauce spooned over it.

Suggested time for fast 15 psi pressure cookers: Cook for 8 minutes on high pressure.

Serves 4

Chicken and Rice - pressure cooker

2008-04-20T19:02:00.002+08:00

This chicken and rice is a Spanish classic enjoyed with many variations.

3 lb (1.3 kg) chicken, skin removed and cut into 8 pieces
3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil
1 chorizo sausage, thinly sliced (optional)
1/2 cup (125 ml) white wine
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced

1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and diced
1 large ripe tomatom peeled, or 2 canned plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 cup (250 ml) uncooked long-grain white rice
1/2 cup (125 ml) frozen peas
3 cups (750 ml) chicken stock or broth
1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt

Salt and pepper the chicken pieces. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the pressure cooker. Add the onion, garlic, red bell pepper and tomato. Cook until the onion is soft. Add the rice and cook for 1 minute. Add the peas, stock, salt, chicken pieces, and chorizo sausage, with any accumulated juices. Stir well.

Lock the lid in place and bring to pressure, then lower heat and cook for the suggested time. Allow pressure to drop by the quick release method or automatic release method and remove the lid.

Suggested time for fast 15 psi pressure cookers: Cook for 7 minutes on high pressure.

Serves 4-6

Mandarin Chicken - Pressure cooker.

2008-04-20T18:59:00.002+08:00

3/4 lb (350 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon (15 ml) balsamic vinegar
500 ml (2 cups) chicken stock or broth
1 onion, cut into thin wedges
1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried tarragon
1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained

1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey
1 tablespoon (15 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
4 tablespoons (60 ml) cornstarch
8 oz (225 g) Chinese wheat noodles
1/4 cup (60 ml) water
Freshly ground pepper, to taste

In the pressure cooker, combine chicken, vinegar, stock and onions. Lock the lid in place and bring to pressure, then lower heat and cook for the suggested time. Allow pressure to drop by the natural release method for 10 minutes, and then release remaining pressure by the quick release method or automatic release method and remove the lid.

Transfer chicken to a platter and keep warm. Leave the stock mixture in the pressure cooker, and stir in tarragon, oranges, honey and soy sauce. Combine the cornstarch and water. Stir into the stock mixture, and cook uncovered over medium heat until the sauce thickens.

Serve the chicken over cooked noodles. Add freshly ground pepper to taste.

Suggested time for fast 15 psi pressure cookers: Cook for 5 minutes on high pressure.

Serves 4

Beef Pot Roast With Tomato and Pearl Onions (pressure cooker)

2008-04-14T21:22:00.002+08:00

Serves 2-3

2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
1.5 lb (700 g) pot roast such as chuck
1 medium onion, chopped
3 tablespoons (45 ml) vinegar
1 can tomato paste
1 1/2 cups (375 ml) water

16-24 very small pearl onions, peeled
1 clove garlic, unpeeled
A potpourri bag of 2 bay leaves, 8 allspice and
1 teaspoon (5 ml) cumin seed
1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) sugar
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:
Heat the oil in the pressure cooker until very hot. Add the pot roast and brown well on all sides. Transfer to the steamer basket. Add the onion to the pressure cooker and sauté until wilted. Stir in the vinegar, tomato paste, water, salt and pepper. Lower the steamer basket into the pressure cooker.

Suggested time for 15 psi pressure cookers (What is a 15 psi pressure cooker?): Cook for 15 minutes on high pressure.

Add the pearl onions, garlic, potpourri bag, sugar and more vinegar, if necessary. Adjust seasoning. Lock the lid in place and bring to pressure again, then lower heat and cook for the suggested time. Allow pressure to drop by the quick release method [2] or automatic release method [3] and remove the lid. Slice the meat and serve with the sauce and the pearl onions.

Easy Beef Pot Roast (pressure cooker)

2008-04-14T21:17:00.001+08:00

Serves 2-3

3 tablespoons (45 ml) canola oil
1.5 lb (700 g) pot roast
Salt and pepper

1 onion, chopped
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 cups (375 ml) water or beef stock

Directions:
Place canola oil and roast in pressure cooker and brown on all sides. Place roast on trivet in cooker. Season roast with salt and pepper. Add chopped onion, bay leaf, and water.

Suggested time for 15 psi pressure cookers (What is a 15 psi pressure cooker?): Cook for 35 minutes on high pressure.
If not sufficiently tender, lock the lid back in place and heat to high pressure for another 5 minutes.

Sweet-Sour Beef Spareribs (Pressure Cooker)

2008-04-14T21:12:00.002+08:00

Serves 4

3 tablespoons (45 ml) vegetable oil
3 lb (1.4 kg) lean short spareribs cut into serving pieces

Sweet-Sour Sauce

3 tablespoons (45 ml) soy sauce
2 tablespoons (30 ml) brown sugar
3 tablespoons (45 ml) honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup (60 ml) ketchup

2 tablespoons (30 ml) onion, minced
2 tablespoons (30 ml) apricot marmalade
2 tablespoons (30 ml) cider vinegar
2 tablespoons (30 ml) dry sherry
1 teaspoon (5 ml) hot pepper sauce, or to taste

Directions:
In a small bowl combine all the sauce ingredients. Heat the oil in the pressure cooker until very hot, then add as many ribs at a time as will comfortably fit, and brown well. Pour off all fat, then stir in the sauce.

Suggested time for 15 psi pressure cookers (What is a 15 psi pressure cooker?): Cook for 15 minutes on high pressure for grilling ribs or 20 minutes for stewing ribs.

Spicy South of the Border Chili (pressure cooker)

2008-04-14T20:57:00.003+08:00

Chili is a nutritionally sound and complete meal. You can make it more or less fiery by adjusting the amount of chili powder used.

Serves 6

2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
2 medium onions, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 lb (700 g) ground beef
2 teaspoons (10 ml) ground cumin
2 tablespoons (30 ml) chili powder, or to taste
1 1/2 teaspoons (7.5 ml) oregano
1 bay leaf

2 teaspoons (10 ml) celery seed
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon (15 ml) flour
1 1/2 cups (375 ml) crushed tomato
1 cup (250 ml) beef stock
1 1/2 cups (375 ml) cooked pinto or red
kidney beans

Garnishes

Grated cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Finely chopped onion
Shredded lettuce

Directions:
Heat the oil in the pressure cooker and sauté the onion and garlic until the onion is wilted. Add the beef and cook until it is browned. Mix the cumin, chili powder, oregano, bay leaf, celery seed, salt and flour. Stir in the crushed tomato and beef stock.

Suggested time for 15 psi pressure cookers (What is a 15 psi pressure cooker?): Cook for 15 minutes on high pressure.

Lobster Big Apple

2008-04-13T02:04:00.000+08:00

Ingredients
olive oil
1 carrot, peeled and diced
1 onion, peeled and diced
3 shallots, peeled and diced
2 stalks celery, diced
3 sprigs fresh tarragon (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/4 teaspoon dried)
2 bay leaves
2 cloves garlic, lightly crushed
4 live lobsters (1-1/2 pounds each)
1 cup Cognac
1 cup Port
2 cups Calvados or applejack
2 cups heavy cream
1 tablespoon tomato paste
salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 Golden Delicious apples

Instructions
Combine the olive oil and vegetables in a pot large enough to hold the lobsters. Cook the vegetables over medium heat just until they begin to color. Stir in the tarragon, thyme, bay leaves and garlic, then add the lobsters, Cognac, Port and Calvados. Increase heat to high, cover and cook for 12 minutes. Remove the lobsters from the pot and continue to cook the liquid until reduced to 1 cup. Gently stir in the cream and tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F, or preheat broiler. Peel, core and slice the apples. Arrange them in a shallow roasting pan and bake or broil until lightly browned. Set aside.

To serve: Strain the sauce and reheat gently. Cut the lobsters in half lengthwise and arrange two halves on each plate. Top with apple slices and spoon the sauce around the lobsters.

Yield: 4 servings

Banana Ketchup

2008-04-13T01:59:00.000+08:00

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/3 cup chopped sweet onions
2 large garlic cloves, quartered
1/3 cup tomato paste
4 large very ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
1-1/3 cup cider vinegar, divided use
3 to 4 cups water
1/2 cup (packed) dark brown sugar
1-1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground chipotle chile pepper or to taste
1/4 cup light corn syrup
2 tsp ground allspice
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
2 tbsp dark rum

PREPARATION:
Place the raisins, onions, garlic, tomato paste, bananas, and 2/3 cup vinegar in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade.

Process until smooth and pour into a large, heavy saucepan.

To the banana mixture in the saucepan, add remaining 2/3 cup vinegar, 3 cups water, brown sugar, salt, and ground chipotle chile pepper. Stir to combine.

Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring often. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered, stirring the ketchup occasionally, for 1 hour and 15 minutes. If the ketchup gets too thick and begins to stick, add some of the remaining water (up to 1 cup).

Add corn syrup, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, for another 15 minutes or until it is thick enough to coat a metal spoon. Stir in the rum and remove from heat. Let cool for 10 minutes.

Push ketchup through a fine strainer, mashing the solids with the back of a spoon. Let cool to room temperature, pour into glass bottles, cover, and refrigerate. Use within 1 month. Banana ketchup is especially good as a condiment with pork and poultry.

Yield: about 3-1/2 cups

Chicken Gumbo (Pressure Cooker)

2008-04-13T01:53:00.001+08:00

Here's my streamlined version of the traditional Louisiana gumbo. The okragumbo is the African name for this vegetable-becomes meltingly soft and thickens the stew while the andouille sausage gives it fire and smoke. If you can't locate this type of sausage, use the best smoked sausage you can find and make the gumbo chili-hot by seasoning with Tabasco sauce after cooking. There's plenty of sauce, so serve the gumbo over rice."

Cooking Times:
4 or 12 minutes high pressure
3 minutes additional cooking

Ingredients
1/2 pound andouille or other smoked sausage, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
4 scallions, thinly sliced (keep white and green parts separate)
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
2 large bay leaves
2 large ribs celery, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1 large green bell pepper, seeded and diced
3/4 pound fresh okra, trimmed and cut into 1-inch chunks, or one 10-ounce package frozen sliced okra (rinse away any ice crystals; (see Tip below)
3 pounds chicken thighs, skinned and well trimmed, or 2-1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken, cut into 1 -inch pieces
One 15-ounce can diced tomatoes, or stewed whole tomatoes, coarsely chopped, with liquid
1 to 2 cloves garlic, pushed through a press
1 to 2 tablespoons filé powder, cornmeal, or quick-cooking polenta (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Tabasco sauce

Instructions
Heat the cooker over medium-high heat, and brown the sausage well on both sides, 4 to 5 minutes. Add olive oil, if needed, to prevent sticking. Set the sausage aside. If there is more than a thin film of fat in the cooker, tip out the excess.

Over medium-high heat, cook the sliced scallion whites, stirring frequently, for about 1 minute. Add the broth and take care to scrape up any browned bits sticking to the bottom of the cooker. Add the Worcestershire, thyme, bay leaves, celery, green pepper, okra, chicken, and half of the browned sausage. Pour the tomatoes on top. Do not stir.

Lock the lid in place. Over high heat, bring to high pressure. Reduce the heat just enough to maintain high pressure and cook for 4 minutes for chopped boneless chicken or 12 minutes for whole thighs. Quick-release the pressure. Remove the lid, tilting it away from you to allow excess steam to escape.

Remove the bay leaves. Stir well as you add the reserved sausage and garlic. If the stew is too thin, sprinkle on the filé or other thickener while stirring. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to medium and simmer until the stew has thickened a bit and the garlic has lost its raw edge, about 3 minutes. Add salt and pepper. Stir in the scallion greens and parsley just before serving. Pass the Tabasco sauce at the table.

Yield: 6 servings

Tip
If you can find only whole frozen okra, allow it to thaw slightly and then cut into 1-inch chunks. If you 're an okra lover and have bought a 16-ounce package, feel free to use all of it.

Oxtails Stewed in Pasta Sauce (Pressure Cooker)

2008-04-13T01:49:00.001+08:00

Hearty oxtails are cooked up quickly in the pressure cooker along with leeks, carrots, black olives, wine, and tomato pasta sauce. The potatoes are riced with Parmesan cheese and served with the beef stew mixture on top.

INGREDIENTS:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1-1/2 cups thinly sliced leeks or coarsely chopped onions
1 cup dry white wine or vermouth
3-1/2 pounds meaty oxtails cut into approximately 2-inch lengths
3 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
1 cup oil-cured, pitted black olives
2 cups pasta sauce
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
3 pounds Idaho or russet potatoes, scrubbed or peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (optional)
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley

PREPARATION:
Heat the oil in the pressure cooker. Cook the leeks over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, for 1 minute.

Add the wine and stir well. Continue cooking until about 25 percent of it has evaporated, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the oxtails, carrots, and olives and pour the pasta sauce on top. Sprinkle on the red pepper flakes (if using). Do not stir. Pile the potatoes on top of the sauce.

Lock the lid in place. Over high heat, bring to high pressure. Reduce the heat just enough to maintain high pressure and cook for 50 minutes. (If the oxtails are not sufficiently tender, return to high pressure for 5 or 10 minutes more.) Allow the pressure to come down naturally, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the lid, tilting it away from you to allow excess steam to escape.

Transfer the potatoes from the cooker to a large serving platter or bowl. Pour the stew through a large strainer and degrease the sauce in a gravy separator. (Or refrigerate overnight and discard the congealed fat.) Discard any loose bones and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.

Return the degreased sauce, oxtails, and potatoes to the pot and reheat. Season with salt and pepper. When ready to serve, remove the potatoes and smash them coarsely with a ricer, adding olive oil (if using) and sprinkling with Parmesan as you go. Season the potatoes with salt, if needed. Set a mound of potatoes in the center of a serving platter or individual plates and surround with the oxtail meat and sauce. Garnish with basil and an extra sprinkling of grated Parmesan.

Yield: 4 servings

Oxtail Ragout Recipe (Pressure Cooker)

2008-04-13T01:45:00.000+08:00

Ingredients
2 to 4 tablespoons oil
3 pounds oxtails, joints cut into 2-inch lengths and trimmed of excess fat
1 large onion, chopped
2 large cloves garlic, minced
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
One 12-ounce bottle Guinness stout
1-1/2 cups beef stock or bouillon, or water
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1 bay leaf
4 sprigs fresh parsley
3/4 pound small white turnips, peeled and halved
2 large carrots, peeled and cut into 3 to 4 chunks
1 pound (about 12) small white onions, peeled
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste (less if using canned stock or bouillon)

Instructions
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in the cooker. Over high heat, brown the oxtails on all sides, in 1 to 3 batches, adding extra oil as needed. Transfer the browned oxtails to a platter and set aside.

Saute the onions and garlic in the fat remaining in the pot, stirring frequently, until the onions are browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. Return the browned oxtails to the cooker and stir in the remaining ingredients except the turnips, carrots, small onions, and salt. Make certain that there are no bits of onion sticking to the bottom of the cooker.

Lock the lid in place and over high heat to bring to high pressure. Adjust heat to maintain high pressure and cook for 55 minutes. Reduce the pressure naturally or use a quick-release method (which will not toughen the oxtails.) Remove the lid, tilting it away from you to allow any excess steam to escape.

At this point, the meat should be very tender, falling easily away from the bone when poked with a fork. If not, lock the lid back in place and return to high pressure for an additional 5 minutes. Cool, then refrigerate overnight, if desired. Remove the congealed fat before continuing.

About 20 minutes before you plan to serve, remove the bay leaf and parsley. Stir in the turnips, carrots, and small onions. If the gravy is extremely thick, thin it with 1/2 cup water. Lock the lid in place and over high heat bring to high pressure. Adjust the heat to maintain high pressure and cook for 5 minutes. Release pressure with a quick-release method. Remove the lid, tilting it away from you to allow any excess steam to escape. Add salt to taste before serving.

Serve the stew with mashed potatoes, rice, or barley to absorb the plentiful gravy. If your schedule permits, cook the oxtails a day or two before, cool and refrigerate, then remove the congealed fat from the top.

Yield: 4 servings

Lemony Chicken Soup with Spinach Recipe (Pressure cooker)

2008-04-13T01:42:00.002+08:00

Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter or oil
3-1/2 cups thinly sliced leeks or coarsely chopped onions
4 cups water
3 pound chicken parts, preferably thighs, skinned
3 large ribs celery, cut into 1-inch slices
4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
1/2 cup pearl barley, rinsed
2 large bay leaves
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
salt to taste
4 cups chicken broth
1-1/2 pounds fresh spinach, trimmed, chopped, and thoroughly rinsed, or two 10-ounce packages frozen chopped spinach
1/4 cup minced fresh dill
4 to 5 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 2 juicy lemons)

Instructions
Over medium-high heat, heat the butter in the cooker until it begins to foam. Cook the leeks, stirring frequently, until they soften, about 5 minutes. (If using onions, for a sweeter taste, cook them, covered, over low heat for an additional 5 minutes, stirring from time to time.) Add the water and bring to a boil as you prepare and add the chicken parts, celery, carrots, barley, bay leaves, thyme, and salt.

Lock the lid in place. Over high heat, bring to high pressure. Lower the heat to maintain high pressure and cook for 12 minutes. Quick-release the pressure by setting the cooker under cold, running water. Remove the lid, tilting it away from you to allow any excess steam to escape.

With a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken parts to a cutting board. Taste the barley, and if it is still hard (it should be chewy but tender), return to high pressure for 3 minutes more.

Spoon off any fat visible on the surface. Remove the bay leaves and discard. Stir in the chicken broth and salt to taste and bring to a boil. Add the spinach and boil the soup over medium heat until the spinach is tender, about 2 minutes for fresh and 5 minutes for frozen.

When the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bone and chop or shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return to the cooker. When the chicken is good and hot, turn off the heat and stir in the dill, lemon juice, and salt to taste.

Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Fabulous Fajitas.

2008-03-30T21:24:00.003+08:00

Some people will hate the onions and peppers, but they LOVE these fajitas. Pita breads, where available, can be substituted for tortillas."

PREP TIME 15

Min COOK TIME 15

Min READY IN 30

Min SERVINGS & SCALING Original recipe yield: 10 servings

INGREDIENTS

2 green bell peppers, sliced

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 onion, thinly sliced

1 cup fresh sliced mushrooms

2 cups diced, cooked chicken meat

1 (.7 ounce) package dry Italian-style salad dressing mix

10 (12 inch) flour tortillas

DIRECTIONS

Cut peppers and onion into thin slices. Do not dice, leave slices long and thin. Saute peppers and onion in a small amount of oil until tender. Add mushrooms and chicken. Continue to cook on low heat until heated through. Stir in dry salad dressing mix and blend thoroughly. Warm tortillas and roll mixture inside. If desired top with shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomato and shredded lettuce.

Iced Coffee Milkshake.

2008-03-21T18:01:00.000+08:00

1 pt milk
2 oz brewed coffee
3 tbsp sugar
6 ice cubes.

Mix ingredients into blender. Blend until thick and creamy.

Mocha.

2008-03-21T17:59:00.000+08:00

2 cups coffee
1/3 cup cocoa
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/8 tsp cinnamon

Mix cocoa, sugar, coffee and milk in a sauce pan
Heat, over medium heat constantly stirring, until simmering
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla
Pour into cups, top with whipped cream and cinnamon

Irish Coffee.

2008-03-21T17:58:00.000+08:00

2 cups strong coffee
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 teaspoons lemon juice

whipped cream
Mix coffee, orange juice and lemon juice
Pour into Irish whiskey glass
Top with whipped cream

Caribbean.

2008-03-21T17:56:00.001+08:00

1 coconut
2 cups milk
4 cups strong coffee
1 tablespoon sugar

Punch two holes in to coconut, pour liquid into saucepan
Bake coconut for 30 minutes at 300 F degrees
Break open coconut, remove meat, and grate.
Mix coconut meat, coconut liquid, and milk in a sauce pan
Heat over low heat until creamy.

Strain
Toast grated coconut under broiler
Mix milk mixture, coffee, and sugar
Pour into mugs, garnish with toasted coconut.

Turkish Coffee.

2008-03-21T17:55:00.000+08:00

1 ½ c cold water
4 tsp French Roast or Italian Roast coffee (grind as fine as possible)
4 tsp sugar

Heat water in 1 qt saucepan to luke warm. Add coffee and sugar, bring to boil, stiring occasionally. Pour ½ coffee mixture into espresso cups, and bring remaining coffee back to boil. Spoon off foam into cups, fill cups, but do not stir.

Mexican Coffee.

2008-03-21T17:54:00.000+08:00

2 tbsp chocolate syrup
½ cup whipped cream
¼ tsp cinnamon
½ tbsp brown sugar
2 cups espresso roast coffee

Whip together chocolate syrup, whipped cream, cinnamon, sugar
and nutmeg.

Add hot coffee, mix well, and pour into 4 warm coffee mugs.
Top with whipped cream, and lightly dust with cinnamon.

Barbecue Fish Sauce.

2008-03-21T17:43:00.000+08:00

1/2 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup onion -- chopped
3/4 cup catsup
3/4 cup water
1/3 cup lemon juice
3 tablespoon sugar
3 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoon prepared mustard
2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Saute onion in oil in medium heavy saucepan over medium-high heat until tender. Combine with all ingredients and simmer 10 - 15 mins. Using any mild fish, fileted or whole, place fish in wire basket that will hold fish firmly in place or put a wire mesh on your grill. Brush fish with seafood sauce occasionally until fish is flaky. This sauce is also excellent on shrimp. Oh, and if you're not happy with the freshness of your fish, soak it in milk for a few hours. It takes the "fishy" smell out of the fish.

Bacon And Smoked Oysters.

2008-03-21T17:42:00.000+08:00

2 can smoked oysters
1/4 cup light vegetable oil
1/2 lb bacon strips
40 round wooden toothpicks
3 tablespoon garlic, minced

1. Cut bacon strips in thirds.

2. Wrap a bacon slice around each oyster and place a toothpick through to hold it in place.

3. In a medium skillet, heat oil, and add garlic.

4. Cook wrapped oysters in oil until bacon is crisp.

5. Remove from pan and drain on a paper towel to drain.

Serves 15

Almond Tuna & Rice.

2008-03-21T17:34:00.001+08:00

1 can veg-all mixed vegetables (16 oz)
1 cup mayonnaise
1 can tuna (12.5 oz)
2 cup cooked rice
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
2 teaspoon dill weed
1 cup fresh bread crumbs
1/2 cup slivered almonds

1. Drain VEG-ALL; combine liquid with mayonnaise, blending until smooth.

2. Stir in tuna, rice, green pepper, dill and vegetables.

3. Spoon into greased 2-quart casserole dish.

4. In small skillet, melt butter; stir in bread crumbs and almonds, coat well and spoon over mixture in casserole.

5. Bake at 375'F. for 30 minutes or until bubbly and lightly browned.

McDonald's Yogurt Parfait.

2008-02-02T09:56:00.000+08:00

This one's super easy to make, plus it's low fat and delicious. The yogurt in the original is very sweet and creamy, like Yoplait. So that's the brand that you should use, although any brand of vanilla yogurt will work fine. If you use Yoplait, you'll need two 6-ounce containers of the stuff per serving. For the granola, just look for one that contains mostly oats. It should be crunchy and sweet (such as "maple" flavor) and can also include puffed rice bits. You can even make these a day or two ahead of time. Keep them covered in the fridge, and hold off on the granola topping until you serve 'em up or it'll get mighty soggy.

4 cups vanilla-flavored low-fat yogurt (or 8 6-ounce containers of Yoplait)
2 10-ounce boxes sliced strawberries with sugar added, thawed
1/3 cup frozen blueberries, thawed
1/2 cup crunchy, sweet granola

1. Pour 1/2 cup of yogurt into a parfait cup or tall glass.

2. Add 1/2 cup of strawberries into the glass on top of the yogurt.

3. Add 1 tablespoon of blueberries to the glass.

4. Pour 1/2 cup of yogurt over the fruit.

5. Sprinkle granola over the top and serve. Repeat for remaining 3 servings.

Makes 4 servings.

McDonald's BigXtra.

2008-01-21T08:58:00.000+08:00

McDonald's roll-out of the BigXtra! is another bomb dropped on the battlefield of the latest burger war. Burger King took the first shot by introducing the Big King - a pretty good clone of McDonald's signature Big Mac, with a bit more meat and no middle bun. Then Mickey D's fired back with a clone of Burger King's popular Whopper, to be exact. That's just under 5 ounces of ground beef, stacked on a huge sesame seed bun, with the same ingredients you would find piled on the Whopper - lettuce, onion, tomato, ketchup, mayo, and pickles. Plus McDonald's addition of a special spice sprinkled on the beef as it cooks. It's all very tasty. Especially if you like Whoppers. Today the Big Xtra! is less extra, having been shrunk down and renamed Big 'N Tasty.

1 large sesame seed bun (4 3/4-inch diameter)
5 ounces ground beef
seasoned salt
ground black pepper
2 teaspoons ketchup
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 tablespoon chopped onion
3 pickle slices (hamburger style)
1/2 cup chopped lettuce
1 large tomato slice
non-stick cooking spray

1. Form the ground beef into a very large patty on wax paper. Make it approximately 5 1/2 to 6 inches in diameter (the meat should shrink to the perfect size for the buns when cooked). Freeze this patty for a couple hours before cooking.

2. Grill the faces of the hamburger bun in a hot skillet over medium heat. Grill until the buns are golden brown. Leave pan hot.

3. Grill the frozen patty in the pan for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Sprinkle one side with seasoned salt and ground black pepper.

4. Prepare the rest of the burger by first spreading the 2 teaspoons of ketchup on the face of the top bun. Follow the ketchup with the tablespoon of mayonnaise.

5. Stack the onion onto the top bun next, followed by the pickles and lettuce. Add the tomato slice to the top of the stack.

6. When the beef patty is done cooking, use a spatula to arrange it on the bottom bun. Turn the top of the burger over onto the bottom and serve.

Makes 1 hamburger.

McDonald's Lobster Sandwich.

2008-01-21T08:54:00.000+08:00

Yes, this actually exists. On an excursion through some New England states I practically drove off the road when I first saw a sign advertising lobster at this fast food chain. I just had to get a closer look. That's when I discovered that this unique sandwich is served only at select McDonald's locations, mostly in Maine, for a limited time only during the summer months. It's basically a lobster salad served on a hoagie roll with some lettuce, but with fresh Maine lobster, is quite tasty.Since you can't get this anywhere else, I figured this sandwich was a prime candidate for kitchen cloning. Here's a recipe to make a version of your own that has never before been published.

1\2 cup cooked Maine Lobster (fresh is best)
1\2 tablespoon mayonnaise
pinch salt
1 lettuce leaf
small hoagie roll

1. Mix together lobster, mayonnaise and salt.

2. Slice hoagie roll length wise, and spread the lettuce leaf on the bottom half.

3. Spread lobster over lettuce. Top off sandwich with top half of the roll.

Makes 1 sandwich.

McDonald's Arch Deluxe.

2008-01-21T08:48:00.000+08:00

In 1996, McDonald's set out to target more educated tastebuds in a massive advertising campaign for its newest burger creation. We watched while Ronald McDonald golfed, danced, and leisurely hung out with real-life grown-up humans, instead of the puffy Mayor McCheese and that bunch of wacko puppets. Supposedly the Arch Deluxe, with the "Adult Taste", would appeal to those dancers and golfers and anyone else with a sophisticated palate. But let's face it, we're not talking Beef Wellington here. The Arch Deluxe is just a hamburger, after all, with only a couple of elements that set it apart from the other menu items. The big difference is the creamy brown mustard spread on the sandwich right next to the ketchup. And the burger is assembled on a sesame seed potato roll (which actually tastes very much like your common hamburger bun). Also, you can order the burger with the optional thick-sliced peppered bacon, for an extra ka-ching. Okay, so the plan hasn't quite worked out the way Micky D's had hoped. Sales of the Arch Deluxe have been disappointing, to say the least. That's why I thought this would be a good recipe to clone. You know, for all of you who have been struggling to get by without the Arch Deluxe in your lives. The Arch Deluxe may have gone on to join the McD.L.T and the McLean Deluxe on the great list of fast food duds from our past. But you can now create a delicious kitchen facsimile of your own with this recipe. And hopefully, in the meantime, Ronald has gone back to work.

1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon brown mustard (French's "Hearty Deli" is good)
1 sesame seed hamburger bun
1/4 pound ground beef
1 slice American cheese
1 to 2 tomato slices
1 to 2 lettuce leaves, chopped
1/2 tablespoon ketchup
2 tablespoons chopped onion

1. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and the brown mustard. Set aside.

2. Grill the face of each of the buns on a griddle or frying pan over medium heat.

3. Roll the ground beef into a ball and pat it out until it's approximately the same diameter as the bun.

4. Cook meat on hot griddle or frying pan for about 5 minutes per side or until done. Be sure to lightly salt and pepper each side of the patty.

5. Build the burger in the following order, from the bottom up:

On Bottom Bun
beef patty
American cheese slice
1 to 2 tomato slices
lettuce

On Top Bun
mayo/mustard
ketchup
onions

6. Slap the top onto the bottom and serve hot.Makes one burger.

Tidbits

If you can find thick-sliced pepper bacon in your supermarket, you can add it to the burger just as you could at the restaurant chain. Cut one slice in half after cooking and place the slices next to each other onto the bottom bun before adding the beef patty.

MCDonald's Apple Muffin.

2008-01-21T08:47:00.000+08:00

Yield: 24 copycat Servings

21 oz Apple pie filling
3 Eggs
2 ts Apple pie spice
18 oz Yellow cake mix

Beat all together with electric mixer on medium-speed.Divide batter equally between 24 paper-lined cupcake wells. Bake 350~ 25 to 30 minutes or until knife inserted comes out clean. Cool before peeling off paper liners.

McDonald's Big Mac Sauce - Special Sauce.

2008-01-21T08:40:00.000+08:00

If you like Big Macs, it's probably because of that tasty "secret" spread that is plopped onto both decks of the world's most popular double-decker hamburger. So what's so specialabout this sauce? After all, it's basically just thousand island dressing, right? Pretty much. But this sauce has a bit more sweet pickle relish in it than a typical thousand island salad slather. Also, I found that this clone comes close to the original with the inclusion of French dressing. It's an important ingredient - ketchup just won't do it. That, along with a sweet & sour flavor that comes from vinegar and sugar, makes this sauce go well on any of your home burger creations, whether they're Big Mac clones or not. This is the closest "special sauce" clone you'll find anywhere.

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons French dressing
4 teaspoons sweet pickle relish
1 tablespoon finely minced white onion
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Stir well.

2. Place sauce in a covered container and refrigerate for several hours, or overnight, so that the flavors blend. Stir the sauce a couple of times as it chills.

Makes about 3/4 cup.

McDonald's Big Mac Sauce.

2008-01-21T08:35:00.000+08:00

Yield: 2 Cups

1 c Miracle Whip
1/3 c sweet relish
1/4 c French dressing (orange not red)
1 T sugar
1/4 t black pepper
1 t minced onion

Mix Ingredients Well.

BBQ Sauce like Kenny Rogers.

2008-01-15T00:03:00.000+08:00

1 cup Applesauce
1/2 cup Heintz ketchup
1 1/4 cups Light brown sugar -- pack
6 tablespoons Lemon juice
Salt and pepper
1/2 teaspoon Paprika
1/2 teaspoon Garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon

In heavy saucepan bring mixture to boil. Stir constantly about 4 to 5minutes. Turn heat to low and continue to stir (about 3 to 5 minutes)making sure sugar is completely dissolved. Allow to cook withoutstirring for 15 minutes on lowest possible heat, uncovered. Transfer totop of double boiler over simmering watr if to be used as a bastingsauce for ribs or chicken during baking; or cool sauce and refrigeratecovered to use in 30 days. Sauce freezes well.

McDonald's Hot Mustard Sauce.

2008-01-14T11:06:00.000+08:00

I finally got on the case to bring you the definitive kitchen clone for this one - and it's a cinch! Tie one hand behind your back and witness plain old ground dried mustard mixing it up with sweet and sour flavors in a saucepan over medium heat. The cornstarch wrangles around in there to thicken and stabilize while Captain Habanero pops in for the perfect spicy punch. Use it for dipping, use it for spreading, use it again and again, since you'll make about a cup of the stuff. And McDonald's will be glad that we no longer need to hoard the little blister packs from the restaurants.

1/2 cup water
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/3 cup plus
1 tablespoon white vinegar
2 tablespoons ground dried mustard
4 teaspoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon salt
10-14 drops habanero hot sauce

1. Combine all ingredients in a small uncovered saucepan. Whisk until smooth.

2. Turn heat to medium and bring mixture to a boil, stirring often. Sauce should thicken in 2 to 3 minutes after it begins to boil. Remove sauce from heat and chill in refrigerator in a covered container.

Makes 1 cup.

McDonald's Breakfast Burrito.

2008-01-14T11:01:00.000+08:00

It was in the late seventies, shortly after McDonald's had introduced the Egg McMuffin, that the food giant realized the potential of a quick, drive-thru breakfast. Soon, the company had developed several breakfast selections, including the Big Breakfast with eggs, hash browns, and sausage. Eventually one out of every four breakfasts eaten on the go would be served at McDonald's - an impressive statistic indeed. The newest kid on the McBreakfast block is this morning meal in a tortilla, first offered on the menu in 1991.

4 ounces breakfast sausage
1 tablespoon minced white onion
1/2 tablespoon minced mild green chilies (canned)
4 eggs, beaten
salt
pepper
4 8-inch flour tortillas
4 slices American cheese

On the sides
alsa

1. Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Crumble the sausage into the pan, then add the onion. Sauté the sausage and onion for 3 to 4 minutes or until the sausage is browned.

2. Add the mild green chilies and continue to sauté for 1 minute.

3. Pour the beaten eggs into the pan and scramble the eggs with the sausage and vegetables. Add a dash of salt and pepper.

4. Heat up the tortillas by steaming them in the microwave in moist paper towels or a tortilla steamer for 20 to 30 seconds.

5. Break each slice of cheese in half and position two halves end-to-end in the middle of each tortilla.

6. To make the burrito, spoon 1/4 of the egg filling onto the cheese in a tortilla. Fold one side of the tortilla over the filling, then fold up about two inches of one end. Fold over the other side of the tortilla to complete the burrito (one end should remain open). Serve hot with salsa on the side, if desired.

Makes 4 burritos.

Applebee's Low-Fat Asian Chicken Salad.

2008-01-11T14:58:00.000+08:00

As the seasons change so does the menu, at this popular 1064-unit casual restaurant chain. You’ll find this item in the “Low-Fat and Fabulous” column during the summer months where it’s been a favorite since 1997. As with any salad, the waistline violator is the traditionally fat-filled dressing that’s drizzled in gobs over the top of very healthy greens (a tablespoon of dressing is usually around 10-12 grams of fat each). So if we can just figure out a cool way to make the dressing fat-free, we’re well on our way to making huge salad – four of them to be exact – with only 12 grams of fat on the entire plate. Most of those grams come from the chicken breast, while the crunchy chow mein noodles pick up the rest. Just be sure to plan ahead when you make this one. The chicken should marinate for a few hours if you want it to taste like the original. Get ready for some big, meal-size salads.

1 cup teriyaki marinade
4 chicken breast fillets Fat-Free Asian Dressing
2 cups water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons dry pectin
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
8 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
3 cups shredded red cabbage
3 cups shredded green cabbage
2 cups shredded carrots
1 cup chopped green onion
1 1/3 cups crispy chow mein noodles

1. Combine teriyaki marinade and chicken breasts in a medium bowl or resealable plastic bag. Marinate chicken for 3-4 hours.

2. Prepare the dressing by combining all of the ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring mixture to a rolling boil while stirring often with a whisk, then remove the pan from the heat to cool. When dressing has cooled, pour it into a covered container and chill.

3. When chicken breasts have marinated, preheat barbecue grill to high heat. Grill chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until done.

4. Combine the romaine and iceberg lettuce, red and green cabbage and 1 cup of shredded carrots in a large bowl with the dressing. Toss well.

5. Divide the tossed greens among four plates. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of green onions over each salad, followed by 1/3 cup of crispy chow mein noodles.

6. When the chicken breasts are done, slice each one, widthwise, into bite-size pieces. Sprinkle the sliced chicken breasts over each salad.

7. Place a 1/4 cup pile of shredded carrots in the center of each salad.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size – 1 salad
Total servings – 4
Fat (per serving) – 12g
Calories (per serving) – 575

KFC Cole Slaw Fat Free.

2008-01-10T11:47:00.000+08:00

It doesn't get much easier than this. If you like the taste of KFC Cole Slaw, but don't like the 10.5 grams of fat per 3/4 cup serving, you're going to love this recipe. Using fat free Miracle Whip and sugar you can make a guiltless dressing to recreate the taste of the world's most famous cole slaw. The most work you'll do on this one is chopping the cabbage, carrot and onion into tiny, rice-size bits. That's an important step, if you want the texture of the original. Plus, the chopping action may help burn off what little calories you consume eating this original Top Secret Recipes fat free conversion of a fast food favorite.

1 cup fat free Miracle Whip
1/4 cup sugar
8 cups cabbage, finely minced
1/4 cup carrot, shredded then minced
2 tablespoons minced onion

1. Combine Miracle Whip with sugar in a large bowl. Mix well with electric beater until sugar is dissolved.

2. Add cabbage, carrot, and onion, and toss well. Be sure cabbage and carrot are chopped into very small pieces, about the size of rice.

3. Cover and chill for at least two hours before serving.

Serves 8.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size – Approx. 3/4 cup
Total servings – 8
Fat (per serving) – 0g
Calories (per serving) – 57

Original
Fat (per serving) – 10.5g
Calories (per serving) – 210

McDonald's Breakfast Bagel Sandwiches.

2008-01-10T11:42:00.000+08:00

Steak & Egg Bagel

Sauce
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon creamy dill mustard

1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 slice of white onion, quartered
1 14-ounce pkg. Steak-Umm chopped steak (7 steaks)

4 eggs
1 teaspoon butter salt ground black pepper
4 plain bagels
8 slices Kraft Singles American cheese

1. First prepare the sauce by combining the mayonnaise with the dill mustard in a small bowl. Set this aside until you are ready to use it.

2. Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Separate the onion slices and sauté in the oil until light brown.

3. Heat a large skillet over medium/high heat. Break up the sandwich steak into the hot pan and cook until brown. Drain off fat. Add the grilled onions to the meat and stir.

4. To make the eggs it's best to make one at a time in a small 6-inch skillet. If you have more than one of these small pans, you can save a little time.

5. Beat an egg in a small bowl with a whisk until it is smooth, but not foamy. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the egg. Heat a small 6-inch skillet over low heat. Add 1/4 teaspoon of butter to the pan. When the butter has melted add the egg to the pan. Swirl the pan so that the egg spreads evenly. As the egg begins to cook, use a spatula to pull in a couple of the edges so that raw egg flows from the top onto the hot pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then fold over one of the edges of the egg using a spoon or fork. Fold it down about an inch. Fold the opposite end over as well. Then fold the remaining two edges over, creating a small rectangular or square mini-omelet. Flip the little omelet over and turn off the heat.

6. Slice a bagel in half and place it with the faces up on a baking sheet. Grill the faces of the bagel halves in your oven, set on broil, until golden brown. You may also use a toaster oven for this step, but be sure to place the sliced bagel halves onto a small baking sheet or on aluminum foil.

7. When the bagels are toasted, spread about 1/2 tablespoon of the sauce onto the face of the top bagel half.

8. Place a slice of cheese onto the face of each bagel half.

9. Divide the meat into four portions and stack one portion onto the cheese on the bottom bagel half.10. Place the finished omelet onto the meat on the bottom half of the sandwich.11. Finish by flipping the top half of the sandwich over onto the bottom. Heat for 15 seconds in microwave if needed to warm.

Makes 4 servings.

McDonald's Sweet and Sour Dipping Sauce.

2008-01-10T11:39:00.000+08:00

This recipe clones one of those sauces you get with your order of McNuggets at the world's largest hamburger outlet. Now, instead of shoving a fistful of the little green packs into your backpack, you can make up a batch of your own to use as a dip for store bought nuggets, chicken fingers, fried shrimp, and tempura. Or you can even use this as a sauce for the traditional Chinese sweet and sour dish (with pineapple, bell pepper, onion, and sautéed chicken or pork.) It's a simple recipe that requires a food processor or a blender, and the sauce will keep well for some time in the fridge.

1/4 cup peach preserves
1/4 cup apricot preserves
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
5 teaspoons white vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons water

1. Combine all ingredients except the water in a food processor or a blender and puree until the mixture is smooth.

2. Pour mixture into a small saucepan over medium heat. Add water, stir, and bring mixture to a boil. Allow it to boil for five minutes, stirring often. When the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool. Store sauce in a covered container in the refrigerator.

Makes about 3/4 cup.

KFC Waffles.

2008-01-10T11:36:00.000+08:00

2 cups sifted flour
1/2 cup vegetable shortening
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 Tablespoon cornmeal
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 3/4 cups buttermilk
2 large eggs

Sift all dry ingredients together, then cut in the shortening (as for pie crust). Add the buttermilk and unbeaten eggs, mix until smooth. Preheat the waffle iron. Pour into lightly greased waffle iron. Yield will vary depending on size of waffle iron.

KFC Pecan Pie.

2008-01-10T11:35:00.001+08:00

4 Eggs, slightly beaten
1 cup dark corn syruppinch of salt
1/3 cup sugar
1 Tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar
4 Tablespoons melted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla
2/3 cup pecan halves
1 9-inch unbaked pie shell

Preheat oven to 325-350ºF. Mix together the first seven ingredients listed above. Stir in 2/3 cup pecan halves. Pour the mixture into an unbaked pie shell. Bake 35-40 minutes.

KFC Southern Spoon Bread.

2008-01-10T11:33:00.001+08:00

3 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 1/4 cups corn meal
3 eggs
1 Tablespoon baking powder
2 Tablespoons cold water
2 Tablespoons butter

Preheat oven to 400ºF. In pan, heat milk, salt and sugar to a moderate temperature. Add corn meal and cook as mush (about 5 minutes). Beat together eggs, baking powder, water and butter. Add to corn meal mixture. Pour into buttered 1 1/2 quart baking dish. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

KFC Puffy Meat Patties.

2008-01-10T11:30:00.000+08:00

3 egg yolks
8 ounces ground beef
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 Tablespoon (more or less) minced parsley
1 small onion grated or finely chopped
3 egg whites, beaten until soft peaks formvegetable shortening or oil

Beat yolks until they are lemon-colored. Add the ground beef, salt, baking powder, pepper, parsley and onion. Mix thoroughly. Last, fold in the stiffly beaten egg whites and blend gently. In a 10-inch skillet heat about 1/8 inch of shortening until hot. Spoon heaping teaspoons of the meat mixture into medium heat skillet. Let cook about 2 minutes on each side-- do not turn meat until browned on first side (cook to 165ºF internal temperature). Serve as soon as done with potatoes, vegetables, or as desired.

Serves 4 to 6.

KFC Honey BBQ Wings.

2008-01-10T11:26:00.000+08:00

Once a regular menu item, these sweet, saucy wings are now added to the KFC menu on a "limited-time-only" basis in many markets. So how are we to get that sticky sauce all over our faces and hands during those many months when we're cruelly denied our Honey BBQ Wings? Now it's as easy as whipping up a clone that re-creates a crispy breading on the chicken wings, and then slathering those puppies in a tasty knock-off of the sweet, tangy honey BBQ sauce. "Limited-time-only" signs - we laugh in your direction!

Sauce
1 1/4 cup ketchup
1/3 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon chili powder

6 to 8 cups vegetable shortening
1 egg, beaten1 cup milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon pepper
3/4 teaspoon MSG
20 chicken wing pieces

1. Combine the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until ingredients are well combined and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes.

2. As sauce is simmering, heat up 6 to 8 cups of shortening in a deep fryer set to 350 degrees.

3. Combine the beaten egg with the milk in a small bowl.

4. In another small bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, and MSG.

5. When shorteningl is hot, dip each wing first in the flour mixture, then into the milk and egg mixture, and back into the flour. Arrange wings on a plate until each one is coated with batter.

6. Fry the wings in the shortening for 9 to 12 minutes or until light golden brown. If you have a small fryer, you may wish to fry 10 of the wings at a time. Drain on paper towels or a rack.

7. When the sauce is done, brush the entire surface of each wing with a light coating of sauce. Serve immediately.

Makes 2 to 4 servings (20 wings).

Tidbits
Liquid smoke is a flavoring found near the barbecue sauces and marinades. Use hickory-flavored liquid smoke if you have a choice. MSG is monosodium glutamate, the solid form of a natural amino acid found in many vegetables. It can be found in stores in the spice sections and as the brand name Accent flavor enhancer. MSG is an important component of many KFC items.

Wendy's Spicy Chicken Fillet Sandwich.

2008-01-10T11:20:00.000+08:00

There once was a time when Wendy's offered this sandwich for a "limited time only." Apparently the tasty zing from this breaded chicken sandwich won it many loyal customers and a permanent place on the fast food chain's menu. Now you can re-create the spicy kick of the original with a secret blend of spices in the chicken's crispy coating. Follow the same stacking order as the original, and you've just made 4 sandwich clones at a fraction of the cost of the real thing.

6 to 8 cups vegetable oil
1/3 cup Frank's Original Red Hot Pepper Sauce
2/3 cup water1 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons salt4 teaspoons cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
4 chicken breast fillets
4 plain hamburger buns
8 teaspoons mayonnaise
4 lettuce leaves
4 tomato slices

1. Preheat 6 to 8 cups of oil in a deep fryer to 350 degrees.

2. Combine the pepper sauce and water in a small bowl.

3. Combine the flour, salt, cayenne pepper, black pepper, onion powder, paprika and garlic powder in another shallow bowl.

4. Pound each of the chicken pieces with a mallet until about 3/8-inch thick. Trim each breast fillet if necessary to help it fit on the bun.

5. Working with one fillet at a time, coat each piece with the flour, then dredge it in the diluted pepper sauce. Coat the chicken once again in the flour mixture and set it aside until the rest of the chicken is coated.

6. Fry the chicken fillets for 8 to 12 minutes or until they are light brown and crispy. Remove the chicken to a rack or to paper towels to drain.

7. As chicken is frying, prepare each sandwich by grilling the face of the hamburger buns on a hot skillet over medium heat. Spread about 2 teaspoons of mayonnaise on the face of each of the inverted top buns.

8. Place a tomato slice onto the mayonnaise, then stack a leaf of lettuce on top of the tomato.

9. On each of the bottom buns, stack one piece of chicken.10. Flip the top half of each sandwich onto the bottom half and serve hot.

Makes 4 sandwiches.

Wendy's Chicken Caesar Fresh Stuffed Pita.

2008-01-10T11:09:00.000+08:00

Early in 1997 Wendy's introduced its selection of cold "Fresh Stuffed" pita sandwiches -- a nice change of pace from the typical fast food fare. Basically what you're getting is a small salad wrapped in a warm pita bread. You might be saying to yourself "That doesn't sound like much for 3 bucks!" Then I would have to say, "Perhaps, but what if you could make a clone yourself for a mere fraction of that?" You would probably say, "Cool, man! Lay it on me." And then I would just say, "Already did."

Dressing
1/2 cup water
1/8 teaspoon dry, unflavored gelatin
1/3 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon finely minced red bell pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoonWorcestershire sauce
1/8 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
dash parsley
dash oregano
dash thyme
dash basil
1 tablespoon grated Romano cheese
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons egg substitute
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
salt
pepper
6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
1/4 cup red cabbage, shredded
1/4 cup carrot, shredded4 pita breads
4 teaspoons shredded, fresh Parmesan cheese

1. Make the dressing by first dissolving the gelatin in the water. Heat the mixture in the microwave on high for two minutes or until it begins to boil rapidly. Add the vinegar, then whisk while adding the oil. Add bell pepper, salt, garlic powder, Worcestershire, black pepper, parsley, oregano, thyme and basil. Let dressing cool for about 15 minutes before adding cheeses and egg substitute. Whisk until slightly thicker, then chill. Overnight refrigeration makes the dressing thicker.

2. Preheat a barbecue or indoor grill to medium heat. Salt and pepper the chicken, then grill it for 5 minutes per side, or until done. Remove chicken from the grill and dice it.

3. While chicken cooks, prepare the salad by combining the romaine lettuce, red cabbage and shredded carrot in a large bowl and toss.

4. Prepare the sandwiches by first microwaving each pita for 20 seconds.

5. Fold each pita in half like a taco, then add 1 to 1 1/2 cups of the romaine salad into the bread.

6. Add about 1/3 cup of diced chicken on top of the salad in the pita.

7. Pour about a tablespoon of dressing over each sandwich.

8. Sprinkle about a teaspoon of shredded fresh Parmesan on top of each one and serve.

Serves 4.

Baked Artichoke Dip.

2008-01-10T10:41:00.000+08:00

1 Rye or Pumpernickel Bread, Round
1 lb. shredded cheddar cheese
7 green onions, chopped
1 can artichoke hearts, chopped
1 16 oz. sour cream
1 8 oz. whipped cream cheese
1 tbsp. prepared chopped garlic, 4 garlic cloves, chopped

1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. Cut medium size hole on top of bread. Remove inside of bread to hollow it out.

3. In small saute pan cook onions and garlic in 1 tbsp. butter.

4. In medium bowl combine all ingredients and blend well. Add in the onions
and garlic mixture and blend well.

5. Scoop into bread mixture.

6. Place top of bread back on.

7. Cover bread completely in aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes.

8. Serve with the pulled out bread or other breads or crackers.

Baked Artichoke Pastry.

2008-01-10T10:40:00.000+08:00

1 can biscuits
1 can artichoke hearts, chopped
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 green onion, chopped
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. oregano

1. Preheat oven as indicated on biscuit can.
2. Combine all ingredients in bowl.
3. Separate biscuits with fingers to make a pocket and stuff with mixture.
4. Bake for 10 minutes and serve.

Bacon Wrapped Scallops.

2008-01-10T10:39:00.000+08:00

24 large real scallops, cleaned
12 slices of bacon, cut in half
Salt
Pepper
Garlic Powder

Preparation:
1. Preheat broiler.

2. Combine 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper with 1 tsp. of garlic powder.

3. Wrap scallop with bacon strip and secure with toothpick.

4. Sprinkle salt mixture on scallop.

5. Place in broiler for 5−8 minutes.

6. Serve.

Bacon and Chunky Clam Dip.

2008-01-10T10:38:00.002+08:00

10 slices well done bacon, crumbled
2 6 oz. cans minced clams
½ cup sour cream
8 oz. softened cream cheese
2 scallions, finely chopped
½ tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. white horseradish sauce
½ cup finely chopped red pepper

1. Blend all ingredients in medium mixing bowl and refrigerate
for 2 hours before serving.

2. Can be served with torn pieces of italian bread or chips.

Baby Reubens.

2008-01-10T10:38:00.001+08:00

40 slices of party rye
2 pkgs. of shredded swiss cheese
1 10 oz. can sauerkraut, rinsed
1/2 lb. sliced corn beef
dijon mustard

1. Place bread on baking sheet. Broil for 2 minutes.

2. Arrange corn beef, mustard and sauerkraut on bread.

3. Broil for 5 minutes.

4. Serve.

Asparagus Cream Cheese Spread.

2008-01-10T10:36:00.000+08:00

1 16 oz. whipped cream cheese
2 cans asparagus
4 scallions, chopped
3 tbsp. horseradish sauce
6 slices bacon
pinch salt

1. Cook bacon in microwave or fry. Let cool and break up into tiny small pieces.

2. Place all ingredients into food processor or blender. Mix well.

3. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

4. Serve with vegetables, breads or crackers.

Arugala Salad with Balsamic Vinegar Dressing.

2008-01-10T10:35:00.000+08:00

3 garlic cloves, chopped
1½ lbs. arugala
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
3 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
½ cup olive oil
2 shallots, minced
¼ tsp. salt

1. In small bowl or blender mix together garlic, balsamic
vinegar, olive oil, shallots and salt.

2. In large bowl add in arugala and tomatoes. Pour over dressing and serve.

Artichokes and Shrimp Dip.

2008-01-10T10:31:00.000+08:00

8 whole artichokes
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup lemon juice
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. rosemary
2 4½ oz. cans shrimp
3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tbs.. dijon mustard
2 tsp. tarragon
1 bay leaf
¼ tsp. pepper
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
½ cup onion, minced

1. Wash and trim artichokes leaves. Cook artichokes in boiling
water. About 1 inch deep. Add to the water lemon juice, salt,
pepper, bay leaf, tarragon and rosemary. Cook for about 45
minutes or until leaves pull off easily.

2. To make shrimp sauce you add mayonnaise, mustard,
Worcestershire sauce, onions and shrimp. Mix all ingredients
well.

3. Place shrimp dip in ramekins and artichokes on one plate each.
Makes nice appetizer or first course.

Artichoke Dip.

2008-01-10T10:28:00.000+08:00

1 can artichoke hearts, chopped up
5 scallions, chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp. butter
1 8 oz. whipped cream cheese
2 cups sour cream
1 cup muenster cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease small baking dish.
3. In medium bowl combine all ingredients.
4. Place in greased baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.
5. Serve with crackers.

Apple and Brie Fondue.

2008-01-10T10:27:00.000+08:00

2 lbs. brie cheese
5 apples, peeled and cut into slices

Preparation:
1. Remove rind from cheese and cut into cubes.
2. Place cheese in fondue dish. Heat until cheese has melted but not liguidy.
3. Serve apple slices to dip into cheese. You can use teared pieces of italian bread also.

Anchovy Antipasto.

2008-01-10T10:22:00.000+08:00

1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 anchovy fillets, finely chopped
1 can of tuna, drained and mashed
1 6 oz. jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and cut up
1 small bag of baby greens
2 tbsp. lemon juice
4 tomatoes cut into 8 slices each
8 slices of pepperoni

Preparation:
1. In small bowl combine anchovy, oil and lemon juice. Let stand.
2. Pour anchovy mixture into larger bowl and add all ingredients except baby greens.
Mix well.
3. Place baby greens on individual dishes and pour mixture ontop of greens.
4. Serve.

Beef with Asparagus.

2008-01-09T17:46:00.000+08:00

• 1/4 lb Round steak, sliced
• 1 tb Soya sauce
• 1 tb Wine
• Salt
• 1 sm Onion, sliced
• 1/2 lb Asparagus, sliced on the diagonal
• 1 Celery stalk, sliced on the diagonal
• 3 tb Water
• 3 tb Oil

1. Slice beef. Marinate in soya sauce, wine, and salt. Slice other ingredients.

2. Heat oil in wok to smoking point. Stir fry beef and onion for about 3 minutes. Remove to platter. Add asparagus to wok plus 3 tablespoons water. Stir, cover wok. Cook 3 minutes, lifting cover once or twice to stir asparagus. Add celery. Cook two more minutes with wok covered. Lift cover once to stir ingredients. Add beef back into wok. Mix everything together well. Serve

(4 servings)

NOTE: A corn starch gravy may be added to the above recipe if desired. Chicken or pork can be used in place of beef, they can be retained in wok while asparagus and celery are cooking in it. It is suggested that the asparagus be cut diagonally as it requires a fair amount of cooking time.

Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Soup

2007-12-21T10:41:00.000+08:00

2 cups thinly sliced yellow sweet onions
2 tablespoons butter
14− to 15−ounce can chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
2 chicken bouillon cubes
1/4 cup diced Velveeta cubes (compressed in a measuring cup)
1 1/2 cups white sauce, recipe follows
Shredded Cheddar cheese, for garnish

In 2−quart saucepan, place 2 tablespoons butter and sliced onions. Cook at low to medium heat, stirring frequently until soft and clear but not brown. Add chicken broth from can, chicken bouillon cubes, salt, pepper and stir until completely heated through. Add white sauce and Velveeta cheese. The white sauce will be thick because it has been removed from the heat. Simmer on medium low heat until cheese is melted and all ingredients are blended, stirring constantly. Turn temperature to warm and let cook for an additional 30 minutes.

Serve with a garnish of shredded Cheddar cheese and a couple of slices of warm dark Russian bread.

Thick white sauce:
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoon flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups whole milk

In 1−quart saucepan, melt butter and add flour, cook on medium heat until flour turns thick and comes away from side of saucepan. Pour milk into flour mixture a little at a time and stir constantly, taking care not to let mixture lump. Set aside (off the heat) until
ready to use in the soup.

Red Lobster's Ultimate Fondue

2007-12-21T10:39:00.000+08:00

1 cup velveeta, cubed
1 cup swiss cheese in small pieces
1 can Campbell's condensed cream of shrimp soup
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 teapsoon paprika
1 broiled lobster tail (or 1 1/2 cups imitation) − chopped

Combine everything but the lobster in a medium saucepan and cook over low heat until melted, stirring occasionally. When melted, stir in the lobster meat. Garnish with diced red pepper, if desired, and serve with french bread.

Dairy Queen Ice Cream

2007-12-21T10:36:00.000+08:00

2 envelopes Knox gelatine
1/2 cup cold water
4 cups whole milk
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups cream

Soak Knox gelatine in cold water. Heat milk, but do not boil. Remove from heat, and add gelatine, sugar, vanilla extract and salt. Cool and add ice cream. Chill 5 to 6 hours. Pour into a 4 to 6−quart ice cream freezer can. Process as per manufacturer's instructions.

Red Lobster's Shrimp Diablo

2007-12-21T10:32:00.000+08:00

3 lb. Large Uncooked Shrimp In the Shells (no heads)

Milk
1/2 lb. Unsalted Butter
1 Jar Kraft BBQ Sauce
1/2 Cup Ketchup
1 Tablespoon Fresh Ground Pepper
1/4 Cup Frank's Red Hot Sauce

Wash shrimp in cool water and remove heads if needed. Soak shrimp in milk overnight.
Mix all sauce ingredients in a sauce pan and stir until boiling. Remove from heat and refrigerate for at least four hours. Drain milk from shrimp, place them in a baking pan, and cover
evenly with the sauce. Let stand 1 hour. Bake uncovered in preheated oven (450F) for 15 minutes (less time for smaller shrimp).

Garlic Chicken

2007-12-21T10:22:00.000+08:00

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 1 lb.)
1 egg white
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
1 Tablespoon dry white wine or sherry
4 green onions
1 teaspoon minced gingerroot
3 teaspoons minced fresh garlic (about 6 medium cloves)
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
Hot cooked rice

SAUCE
1 teaspoon crushed chili paste (sambal oelek) or more to taste
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons rice vinegar
1 Tablespoon water
2 Tablespoons dry white wine or sherry
2 Tablespoons soy sauce

Place chicken breasts in freezer for 1 to 2 hours or until very firm but not frozen solid. Slice crosswise into thin shreds. In small bowl, lightly beat egg white, then mix in 1 TBS cornstach and 1 TBS wine, stirring until cornstarch is dissolved. Add chicken and mix well to coat all pieces. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, slice green onions on the diagonal into very thin slices. Mince gingerroot and garlic. Combine Sauce ingredients, mixing well. Heat wok or frying pan, add oil, and stir−fry chicken until no longer pink. Remove chicken with a slotted spoon. Add onions, ginger and garlic to
wok and stir−fry about 30 seconds, until ginger and garlic are fragrant but not brown. Return chicken to wok, restir sauce ingredients and add to wok. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is well combined, hot and bubbly and thickens slightly. Turn off heat and splash with about 1 tsp
of dark sesame oil.

Serve over rice.

Cantonese Roast Duck

2007-12-21T10:19:00.000+08:00

1 duck, about 5 pounds, fresh or frozen
1 tablespoon salt
1 scallion
3 slices fresh ginger

Glaze:
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Few sprigs fresh cilantro, for garnish

1. Thaw the duck, if frozen. Remove any excess fat, and rinse and pat dry with paper towels. Rub the entire surface of the duck, inside and out, with the salt. Cover and refrigerate for several hours, or, overnight.

2. Put the scallion in the cavity and lay the slices of ginger on top of the duck. Add at least 2 inches of water to a large flameproof roasting pan with a lid and put the pan on the stove. Place a large rack in the roasting pan and bring the water to a boil. Choose an oval casserole large enough to hold the duck and small enough to fit into the roasting pan. Place the duck in the casserole and then put the casserole on the rack. Cover and steam for 1 hour, checking the water level from time to time and adding more boiling water if necessary. Save the duck broth to use in soups or stir fry dishes. When done, remove the duck from the casserole and place it on a rack to dry.

3. Combine the ingredients for the glaze in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. With a pastry brush, paint the hot glaze over the surface of the duck. Allow duck to dry for 1 hour.

4. Preheat the oven to 375F. Roast the duck, breast side down, for 20 minutes. Turn over and continue to roast for 40 more minutes.

5. Transfer duck to a chopping board and allow to cool slightly. Using a cleaver, disjoint and cut the duck through the bone into bite size pieces. Arrange the pieces on a serving platter, garnish with cilantro and serve.

Orange Beef

2007-12-21T10:16:00.000+08:00

1/2 Lb. Top round steak
2 Tb Sherry
2 Tb Cornstarch
2 Egg whites
6 Tb Peanut oil

SAUCE:
1 1/2 cups Beef stock
2 Tb Light soy sauce
1 Ts Sugar
1 1/2 Tb Cornstarch
1 Ts Red wine vinegar

5 Dried red chile peppers, broken into pieces
8 Thin slices of orange rind (orange part only) or more
Fresh ground black pepper to taste

Whisk together the sherry, cornstarch, and egg whites until the mixture is foamy. Add the beef and toss to coat the pieces well. Set aside. Cut meat into 2x2−inch pieces. Heat 4 tbs. Peanut oil in wok. Fry quickly, just until crispy and browned, remove to wok rack to drain. Add remaining 2 tbs. Peanut oil to wok. Add orange rind and red peppers to hot oil in wok. Stir−fry until orange rind begins to darken and aroma from oil becomes pleasant. Add remaining ingredients and stir until bubbly (add more beef stock if too thick). Add fried beef and toss to coat with sauce.

Serve at once with steamed white rice.

Egg Rolls

2007-12-21T10:11:00.000+08:00

1 lb. chinese cabbage (Napa)
2 stalks celery
1/2 lb. cooked shrimp
1/2 lb. cooked pork or chicken livers
10 water chestnuts
1/3 cup bamboo shoots
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
Liberal dash pepper
1/2 tsp. light soy sauce
1/4 tsp. sesame oil
1 beaten egg
10 egg roll skins
3 cups oil

PREPARATION: Boil cabbage and celery until very tender. Drain and squeeze out excess water. Shred very fine and set aside to drain further. Parboil shrimp and fry or bake pork. Mince both. Shred water chestnuts and bamboo shoots. Mix all ingredients but egg together. Beat egg. Wrap filling in egg roll skins and seal with egg.

COOKING: Heat oil in wok or deep fat fryer to 375 degrees and drop in egg rolls. When skin turns light golden brown, remove from oil and drain. (At this point restaurants refrigerate them and finish the cooking process as needed.) When cool, drop again into hot oil and fry until golden brown.

Makes 10.
The two−stage deep frying method is actually a professional Chinese chefs' secret. It assures that the inside will be moist and not overcooked (as anything overcooked becomes dry) and the outside will be crisp.

Hoisin Beef & Scallion Rolls

2007-12-21T10:08:00.000+08:00

1 whole flank steak
1/2 cup soy sauce
3 cloves garlic
1/2 cup ginger −−chopped, fresh
dash black pepper
1/2 cup hoisin sauce
1 bunch scallions

In a shallow dish, mix together the soy sauce, oil, garlic, ginger, and some pepper. Add the beef and marinate overnight in the refrigerator, turning once. Heat the broiler. Pat the marinated meat dry and broil the steak, about 4 inches from the heat, until rare, 5 to 6 minutes per side. Cool completely and then slice very think on the bias, across the grain of the meat. Trim the slices to form approximately 2 x 4 inch strips. Brush a thin layer of hoisin sauce on each strip of beef. Lay a small bundle of scallion julienne at one end and roll up securely. Arrange on trays, seam side down, cover tightly with plastic wrap (make sure the plastic is in close contact with the beef), and refrigerate until time to serve.

Kung Pao Chicken

2007-12-21T10:05:00.000+08:00

2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch
3/4 pound boneless, skinless chicken

Sauce:
1/4 cup Chinese black vinegar or balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce
2 teaspoons sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons cooking oil
8 small dried red chilies
4 teaspoons minced garlic
2 stalks celery, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 1−inch squares
1 can (8 oz.) sliced bamboo shoots, drained
2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon water
1/3 cup roasted peanuts

1. Combine marinade ingredients in a bowl. Cut chicken into 1−inch pieces.
Place chicken in marinade and stir to coat. Let stand for 10 minutes.

2. Combine sauce ingredients in a bowl.

3. Place a wok over high heat until hot. Add 2 tablespoons oil, swirling to
coat sides. Add chilies and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 10
seconds. Add chicken and stir−fry for 2 minutes. Remove chicken and
chilies from wok.

4. Add remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil to wok, swirling to coat sides. Add garlic
and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 10 seconds. Add celery, bell
pepper, and bamboo shoots; stir−fry for 1 1/2 minutes.

5. Return chicken and chilies to wok; stir−fry for 1 minute. Add sauce and
bring to a boil. Add cornstarch solution and cook, stirring, until sauce
boils and thickens. Add peanuts and stir to coat.

Bean Sprout Salad

2007-12-21T10:03:00.000+08:00

2 tablespoon Sesame seeds
1 pound Fresh bean sprouts thoroughly washed and drained
3 Garlic cloves, peeled and minced
2 md Scallions −− trimmed & minced
1 − 1" cube ginger, peeled and minced
2 tablespoon Oriental sesame oil
1/3 cup Soy sauce
2 tablespoon Cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Mirin (sweet rice wine)
2 teaspoon Light brown sugar
1 teaspoon Spicy sesame oil

PREHEAT OVEN TO 300F. Toast the sesame seeds by spreading them over the bottom of a pie tin. Roast for 12−to−16 minutes, stirring often, until they are golden. The seeds can be toasted in advance and stored in an airtight container.

Place the bean sprouts in a large heatproof bowl and set it aside. In a medium−size skillet set over moderately low heat, stir−fry the garlic, scallions and ginger in the oil for 2 to 3 minutes, until they are limp. Add all the remaining ingredients, increase the heat to moderate, then boil the mixture, uncovered, for 1 minute to slightly reduce the liquid. Pour the boiling dressing over the bean sprouts, toss well, then cover the bowl and chill the salad for several hours. Toss again before serving.

Hot and Sour Soup

2007-12-21T10:01:00.000+08:00

2 1/2 quarts chicken stock
1 block (16 oz.) of tofu, cut into 1 1/2 inch long strips
5 shitake mushrooms, cut into thin slices
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 tsp. white pepper
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 1/2 cups bamboo shoot strips
2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 4 tablespoons water
3 eggs. beaten
1/2 tsp. sesame oil

Combine first seven ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil. Drizzle the cornstarch mixture into the soup, stirring to thicken. Then drizzle beaten eggs into soup, stirring. Top with sesame oil.

Cashew Chicken

2007-12-21T10:00:00.000+08:00

3 Chicken breasts, boned and skinned
1/2 lb. Chinese pea pods
1/2 lb. Mushrooms
4 Green onions
2 cups Bamboo shoots, drained
1 cup Chicken broth
1/4 cup Soy sauce
2 tb Corn starch
1/2 ts Sugar
1/2 ts Salt
4 tb Salad oil
1 pack Cashew nuts (about 4−oz)

Slice breasts horizontally into very thin slices and cut into inch squares. Place on tray. Prepare vegetables, removing ends and strings from pea pods, slicing mushrooms, green part of onions, and the bamboo shoots. Add to tray. Mix soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, and salt. Heat 1 tbls of oil in skillet over moderate heat, add all the nuts, and cook 1 min shaking the pan, toasting the nuts lightly. Remove and reserve. Pour remaining oil in pan, fry chicken quickly, turning often until it looks opaque. Lower heat to low. Add pea pods, mushrooms, and broth. Cover and cook slowly for 2 mins. Remove cover, add soy sauce mixture, bamboo shoots, and cook until thickened,
stirring constantly. Simmer uncovered a bit more and add green onions and nuts and serve immediately.

Empress Chicken Wings

2007-12-21T09:57:00.001+08:00

1 1/2 pounds Chicken Wings
3 tablespoons Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon Dry Sherry
1 tablespoon Minced Fresh Ginger Root
1 Clove Garlic, Minced
2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
1/3 cup Cornstarch
2/3 cup Water
2 Green Onions And Tops, Cut Into Thin Slices
1 teaspoon Slivered Fresh Ginger Root

Disjoint the chicken wings; discard tips (or save for stock). Combine soy sauce, sherry, minced ginger and garlic in a large bowl; stir in chicken. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Remove chicken; reserve marinade. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Lightly coat chicken pieces with cornstarch; add to skillet and brown slowly on all sides.
Remove chicken; drain off fat. Stir water and reserved marinade into same skillet. Add chicken; sprinkle green onions and slivered ginger evenly over chicken. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes, or until chicken is tender.

Fried Rice

2007-12-21T09:55:00.000+08:00

2 eggs
1 teaspoon MSG (optional)
1/8 teaspoon groung white pepper
1/4 cup soy sauce
4 cups cooked rice
4 scallions, chopped, including green ends
2 cups diced cooked pork, ham, chicken, shrimp, or any meat
1 slice ginger, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Put first four ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir slightly; the eggs should not be well beaten.
Heat wok or pan hot and dry. Add the oil. Brown the garlic and ginger slightly, then add the rice. Cook for 2−3 minutes, stirring to break up lumps and coat with oil.

Add the rest of the ingredients except the egg mixture. Fry and stir constantly until thoroughly
mixed. Add the egg mixture while stirring the rice so it will cover as much of the ingredients in the pan as possible. Cook about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Serve while hot.

Barbecued Spareribs

2007-12-21T09:46:00.000+08:00

2 banks of spareribs, uncut, about 2 pounds each
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup sweet bean sauce (hoi sin deung) or hoi sin sauce
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup sherry

Trim off excess fat from the thick edges of spareribs. Place ribs in a shallow pan or platter. Mix remaining ingredients for a marinade and spread over both sides of the spareribs. Let stand
for at least two hours.

Place one oven rack at the top of the oven and one at the bottom. Preheat to 375F. Hook each bank of spareribs with 3 or 4 S−hooks across its width, on the thick edges, and suspend under top rack. Place a large pan with 1/2" water on bottom rack. This pan will catch the drippings and keep the meat from drying out. Cook spareribs for about 45 minutes.

Hunan Beef

2007-12-21T09:35:00.000+08:00

2 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons cooking oil
2 teaspoons minced garlic
4 small dried red chilies
1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 teaspoons water

Marinade:
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
3/4 pound flank steak, thinly sliced across the grain

Sauce:
3 tablespoons Chinese black vinegar or balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil

1. Combine marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add beef and stir to coat. Let
stand for 10 minutes.

2. Combine sauce ingredients in a bowl.

3. Place broccoli in a large pot with 1 inch of boiling water. Boil until
tender−crisp, 2 to 3 minutes; drain.

4. Place a wok over high heat until hot. Add oil, swirling to coat sides. Add
garlic and chilies and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 10 seconds. Add
beef and stir−fry until no longer pink, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes.

5. Add broccoli and sauce to wok; bring to a boil. Add cornstarch solution
and cook, stirring, until sauce boils and thickens.

Shrimp Toast.

2007-11-26T22:22:00.001+08:00

12 fresh uncooked large shrimp
1 egg
2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch pepper
3 slices sandwich bread
1 hard−cooked egg yolk
1 slice cooked ham (about 1 ounce)
1 green onion
2 cups vegetable oil

1. Remove shells from shrimp, leaving tails intact. Remove back veins
from shrimp. Cut down back of shrimp with sharp knife. Gently press
shrimp with fingers to flatten.

2. Beat 1 egg, cornstarch, salt and pepper in a small bowl until blended.
Add shrimp to egg mixture and toss until shrimp are completely coated.

3. Remove crusts from bread. Cut each slice into quarter. Place one
shrimp, cut side down, on each bread piece. Gently press shrimp to
adhere to bread. Brush or rub small amount of egg mixture over each
shrimp.

4. Cut egg yolk and ham into 1/2 inch pieces. Finely chop onion.
Place one piece each of egg yolk and ham and a scant 1/4 teaspoon
chopped onion on each shrimp.

5. Heat oil in wok over medium−high heat until it reaches 375F.
Fry 3 or 4 shrimp−bread pieces at a time in the hot oil until golden,
1 to 2 minutes on each side. Drain on absorbent paper.

Mandarin Pancakes.

2007-11-26T22:12:00.000+08:00

2 cups flour
3/4 cup boiling water
2 tablespoons sesame oil

1. Place flour in a bowl. Add boiling water, stirring with chopsticks or a
fork until dough is evenly moistened. On a lightly floured board, knead
dough until smooth and satiny, about 5 minutes. Cover and let rest for 30
minutes.

2. On a lightly floured board, roll dough into a cylinder; cut into 16 equal
pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten slightly into a pancake.
Brush top of each pancake with a light coating of sesame oil.

3. Place 1 pancake on top of a second pancake, oiled sides together. With a
rolling pin, roll to make a circle 6 inches in diameter. Stack and roll
remaining pairs of pancakes the same way. Cover with a damp cloth to
prevent drying.

Cooking:
1. Place a nonstick frying pan over lm heat until hot. Add 1 pair of pancakes
and cook, turning once, until lightly browned and bubbles appear on the
surface, about 2 minutes on each side. Remove from pan and separate
into 2 pancakes while still hot. Stack cooked pancakes on a plate while
cooking remaining pairs of pancakes.
2. Serve pancakes hot. If making ahead, reheat pancakes in a microwave
oven or wrap in a clean dish towel and steam in a bamboo steamer for
5 minutes.

Sesame Chicken.

2007-11-26T01:17:00.000+08:00

1 pound boneless chicken (or pork or steak)
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 ounces small mushrooms, quartered
1 large green bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips
4 scallions, chopped diagonally
boiled rice, to serve

Marinade:
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon soy sauce
few drops of Tabasco sauce
1−inch piece fresh ginger, grated
1 garlic clove, crushed

1. Trim the meat and cut into thin strips about 1/2 x 2 inch.

2. Make the marinade. In a bowl, blend the cornstarch with the rice wine or
dry sherry, then stir in the lemon juice, soy sauce, Tabasco sauce, ginger
and garlic. Stir in the strips, cover and leave in a cool place for 3−4 hours.

3. Place the sesame seeds in a wok or large frying pan and dry−fry over
moderate heat, shaking the pan, until the seeds are golden. Set aside.

4. Heat the sesame and vegetable oils in the wok or frying pan. Drain the
meat, reserving the marinade, and stir− fry a few pieces at a time until
browned. Remove with a slotted spoon.

5. Add the mushrooms and green pepper and stir−fry for 2−3 minutes. Add
the scallions and 1 minute more.

6. Return the meat to the wok or frying pan, together with the reserved
marinade, and stir over a moderate heat for a further 2 minutes, or until
the ingredients are evenly coated with glaze. Sprinkle the sesame seeds
on top and serve immediately with boiled rice.

Pork with Broccoli in Oyster Sauce.

2007-11-26T01:14:00.000+08:00

1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon MSG (optional)
1/4 cup oyster sauce
1/2 cup chicken stock
2 cups sliced lean pork (about 1 pound)
1 bunch (about 2 pounds) fresh brocolli, sliced
2 slices ginger, shredded
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup water

Mix together first five ingredients and set aside.
Heat wok or pan until hot and dry. Add the oil, then the salt.
Turn heat to medium. Add the ginger and the garlic and fry until
golden brown. Turn heat to high. Add the pork and fry until outside
is lightly browned. Add the broccoli and stir−fry for 3 minutes.
Add the water, cover, and cook for 4 minutes. Pour in reserved
sauce mixture; stir while cooking until gravy thickens. Turn heat
down to low, cover, and cook for 2 minutes more. Place in covered
serving dish until ready to serve.

Shrimp with Snow Peas.

2007-11-26T01:12:00.000+08:00

2/3 lb. tiger prawns

Marinade for shrimp:
1 1/2 tsp. sherry
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. grated ginger
1 1/2 tsp. cornstarch
1 tsp. water

Seasoning:
1 Tb. chicken broth
3 Tb. water
1/2 tsp. cornstarch
3 Tb. oyster sauce (very important)
1 Tb. hoisin sauce

also needed:
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 clove garlic, pressed or minced
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 lb. snow peas

Shell and devein prawns. Rinse and pat dry with a paper towel. Combine
marinade in medium bowl. Add prawns and mix well. Let stand 30 mins.
Heat wok over medium heat, add oil, and stir fry garlic for 15 secs. Add
prawns and stir fry until pink. Remove from wok, and place on plate.
Add salt and snow peas to oil in wok. Stir fry 30 secs. Add seasoning
sauce and stir slightly until think and bubbly. Add cooked prawns. Stir
to coat everything with sauce. Serve hot with cooked rice.

Spring Rolls.

2007-09-30T12:36:00.000+08:00

Ingredients:
-8 spring roll skins

-2 oz. thinly sliced pork, cut into thin strips

Mixture A:

1 tsp Chinese rice wine or sherry

1 tsp coy sauce and cornstarch

A few grain of pepper

2 dried large Chinese mushrooms, soaked in water and drained. Cut into strips.

2 ½ oz. boiled bamboo shoots, cut into strips

2 cabbage leaves, cut into strips

½ tsp salt

Flour-and-water paste

Oil for deep frying plus 3 tbsp more oil

Directions:

1. Combine the pork and Mixture A. Let sit for 15 minutes.

2. Heat 3 tbsp of the oil in a wok, and stir-fry the pork briefly. Remove.

3. Heat the remaining 1 tbsp oil and add the salt. Stir fry the vegetables, then mix in the pork. Turn off the heat and let the filling cool thoroughly.

4. Place some of the filling a little above the center of each spring roll skin. Fold the upper edge over the filling, turn in the 2 sides, and roll it down to the bottom. Brush the bottom edge with the flour-and-water paste to seal it thoroughly.

5. Heat the deep-frying oil over moderate heat. Deep-fry the spring rolls until golden. Turn them frequently.

6. Serve immediately with table seasonings.

Serves 4

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake.

2007-09-30T12:15:00.000+08:00

PREP TIME: 20 Min
COOK TIME : 45 Min
READY IN : 1 Hr 5 Min

INGREDIENTS
115 g butter
220 g brown sugar
1 (20 ounce) can sliced pineapple
10 maraschino cherries
511 g white cake mix

DIRECTIONS
Melt the butter over medium high heat in the iron skillet. Remove from the heat and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly to cover the butter. Next, arrange pineapple rings around the bottom of the pan, one layer deep. Place a maraschino cherry into the center of each pineapple ring. Prepare the cake mix as directed by the manufacturer, substitute some of the pineapple juice for some of the liquid in the directions. Pour the batter over the pineapple layer.
Bake as directed by the cake mix directions. Cool for 10 minutes, then carefully turn out onto a plate. Do not let the cake cool too much or it will be stuck to the pan.

Servings: 10 persons

Fried Chicken

2007-09-02T16:12:00.000+08:00

Fried chicken is the all-American meal. And there are about as many "secret recipes" for fried chicken as there are dedicated home cooks who make it. If you're a first-time fryer, or you're just looking to refine your technique, we've got some pointers to help get you started.

Before You Fry

Frying chicken can be as simple or complicated an undertaking as you like.

Some cooks swear by soaking the chicken overnight in buttermilk--which flavors, moisturizes, and tenderizes the meat--before coating it in seasoned flour, while others insist that a coating of breadcrumbs or beer batter is the only way to fry. The best way to discover your favorite method is to experiment with different seasonings and techniques until you hit on the perfect preparation.

If you want to brine your chicken before coating and frying, see our Brining article for tips. Chicken pieces should be brined for only about an hour or so, not overnight.

Batter up

Set up a "dredging station" to minimize mess and make clean-up easy. Work from right to left (or whatever is comfortable for you), with seasoned flour, egg batter, and bread crumbs/panko/coating mixture in shallow bowls or baking dishes. Have one "wet hand" and one "dry hand:" dip chicken piece in flour, coat with egg mixture, and use your "wet" hand to transfer chicken to the coating bowl.

Once all the pieces are coated, let them rest and give the coating a chance to adhere. (Do this step in the refrigerator if you won't be frying the chicken within half an hour.)

Pan-fried chicken

There is a world of difference between fried chicken that is juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside, and that which is soggy and soaked through with grease.

The most important factors contributing to perfect fried chicken are the temperature of the oil and the actual step of frying. Vegetable shortening, lard, and peanut oil are all popular frying mediums, as they have a high smoke point.

*To get truly golden-brown and crispy chicken, you'll need a cast iron skillet. Cast iron simply cannot be beat for even heat distribution and temperature maintenance.

*The fat should be about one inch deep; it should come halfway up the food.

*Get the fat good and hot before adding the chicken: at least 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

*Carefully lower chicken pieces into the oil skin-side down. Start with the edge of the piece close to you, and lay it in the oil, working away from yourself to avoid spatters. Use tongs for extra protection.

*Fry in batches: overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature of the oil dramatically, causing more oil to be absorbed and resulting in soggy, greasy chicken.

*When the chicken pieces are deep golden brown, remove from the pan and transfer to a cooling rack set over a baking sheet to catch any drips. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the chicken to make sure it is fully cooked before proceeding with the next batch. The USDA's Food Safety & Inspection Service recommends cooking chicken to a minimum internal temperature of 165 °F.

Deep-fat fryers

It takes a lot of oil to deep-fry, and it's best to start with fresh oil every time. If you fry frequently, however, you may wish to strain your cooled cooking oil through a coffee filter. Impurities in the oil will lower the smoke point, it's more prone to rancidity, and old oil can impart off flavors to your food. We don't recommend using the same oil more than once.

so How to perform the Deep Frying?

A fun way to cook many treats like French-fries, potato chips, doughnuts, and hush puppies.

Deep-frying is a delicious way to cook, and done properly, deep-fried foods do not have to be heavy and greasy. This cooking method can be a very dangerous process because of the extreme temperatures and potential for burns. We cannot stress enough that you should be very careful when deep-frying.

We are making red onion hush puppies to highlight this method.

1. When deep-frying, it is best to use neutrally flavored oil like safflower or peanut oil. Vegetable shortening and lard also work well. Extra-virgin olive oil and butter have very low smoking points, which means that they will burn at a much lower temperature--making whatever you are frying taste scorched and bitter. Use enough oil so there is enough fat to cover whatever items you intend to fry.

2. Place the pot or pan of oil over a high heat. Heating a large amount of oil can take a long period of time. Deep-frying should be done with the oil at 365 degrees F (185 degrees C); use a candy thermometer or large-dial thermometer that can hook onto the pot. Oils will begin to burn between 400 and 450 degrees F (200 and 225 degrees C) and will catch fire at around 500 degrees F (250 degrees C), so it is very important to monitor the temperature of the oil. Once the oil has reached the desired temperature, reduce the heat to low. If you notice that the temperature on the thermometer begins to drop, turn the stove up a small amount until the temperature has crawled back up to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C).

3. To avoid splashing hot oil when dropping the hush puppy batter into the oil, use a long spoon and place the batter into the oil carefully. If you were to drop the batter into the oil from a distance, the splash would be dangerous. The closer to the surface of the oil you can get before dropping the items into the oil without burning yourself, the safer deep-frying will be.

4. The oil will begin to bubble dramatically when the hush puppy batter is placed into it. Once the first hush puppy dropped into the oil has a golden brown exterior, test to see if it has cooked all the way through. If it is golden brown on the outside but undercooked on the inside, reduce the oil's heat to about 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) and begin again.

5. Once you have determined that the oil is at the proper temperature and that you are indeed making delicious, properly cooked food, add more of your batter to the oil. Be careful not to crowd the oil with too much batter: crowding will cause the oil's temperature to drop dramatically, which will result in a greasy product. Crowding will also increase the likelihood that the fried bits and pieces will stick to each other.

6. Once the hush puppies are golden brown, use a slotted metal spoon or spatula to remove the cooked items and let them drain on paper towels or cooling racks.

7. Now is the time to season! Season while the fried items are still hot and fresh out of the fryer. (If you're making doughnuts, it's time to roll them in sugar.)

Wendy's Chili

2007-07-29T18:12:00.000+08:00

Here's a favorite recipe for chili that clones the stuff served at the Wendy's chain. Dave Thomas, Wendy's founder, has been serving this chili since 1969, he year the first Wendy's opened its doors. Over the years the recipe has changed a bit, but this version here is an amazing copy of the version of chili served in the early 90's. Try topping it with some chopped onion and cheddar cheese, as you can request in the restaurant.

2 pounds ground beef
One 29-ounce can tomato sauce
One 29-ounce can kidney beans (with liquid)
One 29-ounce can pinto beans (with liquid)
1 cup diced onion (1 medium onion)
1/2 cup diced green chili (2 chilies)
1/4 cup diced celery (1 stalk)
3 medium tomatoes, chopped
2 teaspoons cumin powder
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
2 cups water

1.
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat; drain off the fat.

2.
Using a fork, crumble the cooked beef into pea-size pieces.

3.
In a large pot, combine the beef plus all the remaining ingredients, and bring to a simmer over
low heat. Cook, stirring every 15 minutes, for 2 to 3 hours.

Makes about 12 servings.

Tidbits
--------

For spicier chili, add 1/2 teaspoon more black pepper.
For much spicier chili, add 1 teaspoon black pepper and a tablespoon cayenne pepper.
And for a real stomach stinger, add 5 or 6 sliced jalapeno peppers to the pot.
Leftovers can be frozen for several months.

Tony Roma's Baked Potato Soup.

2007-07-22T22:27:00.000+08:00

Menu Description: "A house specialty full of baked potatoes and topped with Cheddar cheese,
bacon and green onions."

The thick-and-creamy texture and rich taste of Tony Roma's best-selling soup can be easily
cloned with basic ingredients. This TSR version is thickened with a little flour, some half-andhalf
and, most notably, instant mashed potatoes. Give yourself an hour to bake the potatoes and
around 30 minutes to prepare the soup. Garnish each serving with shredded cheese, crumbled
bacon and green onions and you will have a home kitchen Tony Roma's recreation that will
surely impress.

2 medium potatoes (about 2 cups chopped)
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup diced white onion
2 tablespoons flour
4 cups chicken stock
2 cups water
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 1/2 cups instant mashed potatoes
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/8 teaspoon thyme
1 cup half and half

Garnish
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon
2 green onions, chopped (green part only)

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and bake the potatoes or 1 hour or until done. When potatoes
have cooked remove them from the oven to cool.

2. As potatoes cool prepare soup by melting butter in a large saucepan, and sauté onion until
light brown. Add the flour to the onions and stir to make a roux.

3. Add stock, water, cornstarch, mashed potatoes, and spices to the pot and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out contents with a large spoon. Discard skin. Chop
baked potato with a large knife to make chunks that are about 1/2-inch in size.

5. Add chopped baked potato and half-and-half to the saucepan, bring soup back to a boil, then
reduce heat and simmer the soup for another 15 minutes or until it is thick.

6. Spoon about 1 1/2 cups of soup into a bowl and top with about a tablespoon of shredded
cheddar cheese, a half tablespoon of crumbled bacon and a teaspoon or so of chopped green
onion. Repeat for remaining servings.

Serves 6 to 8.

Original Tommy's World Famous Hamburgers.

2007-07-14T21:04:00.000+08:00

This clone recipe may be for the whole hamburger, but anybody who knows about Tommy's
goes there for the chili -- and that's the part of this clone they really want. That's also the part that required the most kitchen sleuthing. Turn out it's an old chili con carne recipe created back in 1946 by Tommy's founder, Tommy Koulax, for his first hamburger stand on the corner of Beverly and Rampart Boulevards in Los Angeles. Adding the right combination of water and flour and broth and spices to the meat we can create a thick tomato-less chili sauce worthy of the gajillions of southern California college students that make late-night Tommy's runs a four-year habit. And if you don't live near one of the two -dozen Tommy's outlets, you can still get a gallon of Tommy's famous chili shipped to you. But I hope you really dig the stuff: You'll shell out around 70 bucks for the dry ice packaging and overnight shipping. And don't expect to see the ingredients on the label since the chili comes packed in a gallon-size mustard jug.

Chili
1 pound ground beef (not lean)*
1/4 cup flour plus 1 1/4 cups flour
1 1/3 cups beef broth
4 cups water
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoon grated (and then chopped) carrot
1 tablespoon white vinegar
2 teaspoons dried minced onion
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

3 pounds ground beef
8 hamburger buns
16 slices Kraft cheddar cheese Singles
1/2 cup diced onion
32 to 40 hamburger pickles (slices)
8 slices large beefsteak tomato (1/2-inch thick)
1/4 cup yellow mustard

1. Prepare the chili by first browning the meat in a large saucepan over medium heat. Crumble the meat as it browns. When the meat has been entirely cooked (7 to 10 minutes), pour the meat into a strainer over a large cup or saucepan. Let the fat drip out of the meat for about 5 minutes, then return the meat back to the first saucepan. Cover and set aside.

2. With the fat from the meat, we will now make a roux -- a French contribution to thicker sauces and gravies usually made with fat and flour. Heat the drippings in a saucepan over medium heat (you should have drained off around 1/2 cup of the stuff). When the fat is hot, add 1/4 cup flour to the pan and stir well. Reduce heat to medium/low, and continue to heat the roux, stirring often until it is a rich caramel color. This should take from 10 to 15 minutes. Add the beef broth to the pan and stir. Remove from heat.

3. Meanwhile, back at the other pan, add the water to the beef, then whisk in the remaining 1 1/4 cups flour. Add the ro ux/broth mixture and the other chili ingredients and whisk until blended. Make sure your grated carrot is chopped up to the size of rice before you add it.

4. Crank the heat up to medium/high. Stir often until you see bubbles forming on the surface of the chili. Turn the heat down to medium/low, and continue to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until thick. The chili should be calmly bubbling like lava as it simmers. When it's done cooking, take the chili off the heat, cover it, and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour before using it on the burgers. It should thicken to a tasty brown paste as it sits.

5. To make your hamburgers, you'll first divide 3 pounds of hamburger into 16 portions of 3 ounces each. Grill the burgers on in a hot skillet or on an indoor griddle for 4 to 5 minutes per side or until done. Use some salt and pepper on each patty.

6. Build the burgers by lightly toasting the faces of the hamburger buns. Turn them over into a hot skillet or a griddle on medium heat.

7. Place one patty onto the bottom bun.

8. Position two slices of cheese on the meat.

9. Place another beef patty on the cheese.

10. Spoon about 1/3 cup of chili onto the beef patty.

11. Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of diced onion onto the chili.

12. Arrange 4 to 5 pickle slices on the onion.

13. Place a thick slice of tomato on next.

14. Spread mustard over the face of the top bun and top off your hamburger by turning this bun over onto the tomato.

*Tidbits
Make sure the ground beef you use has a fat content of at least 20 percent. This way you'll be sure to get enough fat to make the roux.

Makes 8 burgers.
(6 cups of chili.)

Swiss Miss Fat-Free Tapioca Pudding

2007-06-23T17:54:00.000+08:00

When the first instant hot cocoa mix was developed in the fifties, it was available only to the airlines in individual portions for passengers and was called Brown Swiss. This mix was so popular that the company packaged it for sale in the grocery stores and changed the name to Swiss Miss. In the seventies, the first Swiss Miss Puddings were introduced and quickly became the leader of dairy case puddings. When the fat-free versions of the puddings were introduced some 23 years later, they, too, would become a popular favorite.

No sugar needs to be added to this recipe that recreates one of the best-tasting brands of fatfree pudding on the market. The condensed milk is enough to sweeten the pudding; plus it provides a creamy consistency, which, along with the cornstarch, helps replace fat found in the full-fat version of this tasty tapioca treat. It's a simple recipe to make and you won't even "miss" the fat.

2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 1/2 cups fat-free milk
1/2 cup sweetened condensed skim milk
dash salt
2 1/2 tablespoons instant tapioca
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Combine the cornstarch with the fat-free milk in a medium saucepan and whisk thoroughly to dissolve the cornstarch.

2. Add the condensed milk, salt, and tapioca to the pan. Stir until smooth and then set the pan aside for 5 minutes.

3. After 5 minutes, bring the mixture to a boil over medium/low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens, then cover and remove from the heat. Let the pudding sit, covered, for 20 minutes.

4. Stir in the vanilla, then transfer the pudding to serving cups. Cover the cups with plastic wrap and let them chill for at least 2 to 3 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size – 3/4 cup
Total servings – 4
Fat (per serving) – 0g
Calories (per serving) – 140

The Soup Nazi's Cream of Sweet Potato Soup

2007-06-09T22:31:00.000+08:00

New Yorkers have lined up around the block for years now to get a hot cup of Al Yeganeh's delicious soup at Soup Kitchen International. Many are familiar with the demands: "Pick the soup you want!", "Have your money ready!", and "Move to the extreme left after ordering!" Customers know if they don't stick to the rules, they'll be quickly scolded and may not get served; even after waiting for as long as two hours to get to the front of the line. This is precisely

how the non-smiling Yeganeh was portrayed by actor Larry Thomas in Seinfeld episode number 115, when he forever became known as the "Soup Nazi." (That's the real guy in the picture, as cheerful as ever.)

4 sweet potatoes (about 1 pound each)
8 cups water
1/3 cup butter
1/2 cup tomato sauce
2 tablespoons half and half
2 teaspoons salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
dash thyme
1 cup cashews (split in half)

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake the sweet potatoes for 45 minutes or until they are soft. Cool the potatoes until they can be handled.

2. Peel away the skin, then put the potatoes into a large bowl. Mash the potatoes for 15-20 seconds, but you don't need to mash them until they are entirely smooth.

3. Spoon the mashed sweet potato into a large saucepan over medium/high heat, add the
remaining ingredients and stir to combine.

4. When the soup begins to boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 50-60 minutes. Cashews should be soft. Serve hot with an attitude.

Makes 6-8 servings.

Sonic Cherry Limeade

2007-05-31T10:05:00.000+08:00

Here's the signature drink from the chain that's reviving the drive-up burger joint, just like ascene out of American Graffitti or Happy Days. At this growing chain you pull up to a stall andservers bring food out to your car as they did in the 40's and 50's. This recipe makes a simpleold-fashioned drink by combining 7-Up with cherry juice and some wedges of lime. Veryrefreshing!

1 cup Sprite
1/4 cup cherry juice (Libby is good)
2-3 lime wedges (each 1/8 lime)

1. Pour Sprite into a glass over ice.

2. Add cherry juice.

3. Add 2-3 lime wedges, squeezing slightly before dropping each one in.

Serves 1.

Snapple Iced Tea (Lemon Flavor)

2007-05-12T19:29:00.000+08:00

Here's a quick and easy recipe for the brand of ice tea that hit the market and quickly blew away competitors Lipton and Nestea. Between 1988 and 1992 Snapple tea sales increased a whopping 1,300 percent. And if you like Snapple ice tea, you'll find this recipe will save you some cash. While a 16-ounce bottle of Snapple tea costs around $1.00!

2 quarts (8 cups) water
3 Lipton tea bags (orange pekoe and pekoe cut black tea blend)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons lemon juice

1. Boil the water in a large saucepan over high heat.

2. When the water comes to a rapid boil, turn off the heat, put the tea bags into the water, and cover.

3. After the tea has steeped about 1 hour, pour the sugar into a 2-quart pitcher, then add the tea. The tea should still be warm, so the sugar will dissolve easily.

4. Add the lemon juice. Chill.

Makes 2 quarts.

Outback Steakhouse Caesar Salad Dressing.

2007-05-06T22:06:00.000+08:00

Ask and you shall receive. To answer many requests, I've whipped up this killer clone for the mouth-watering caesar salad dressing from America's favorite steakhouse chain. You can't buy it in the stores, but now you can make it from scratch in mere minutes. Best of all, this dressing keeps for weeks and weeks in the fridge in a covered container (if it's even around that long).

1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup egg substitute
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon anchovy paste
2 cloves garlic, pressed
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon coarse ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried parsley flakes, crushed fine

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat ingredients for about 1 minute.

2. Cover bowl and chill for several hours so that flavors can develop.

Makes approximately 2 cups.

Pasta e Fagioli

2007-05-01T14:43:00.000+08:00

It's amazing how many lousy clones for this delicious chili-like soup from Olive Garden are floating around on the Web. Some are shared on message boards, others are displayed on sites in a collection of "actual restaurant recipes" (yeah, right!). But they all leave out obvious ingredients you can see, like the carrots, ground beef, or two kinds of beans. Others don't get the pasta right -- it's obviously ditali pasta (short little tubes). Then there's the recipe that really squeezed the seeds from my gourd -- one that's floating around in MasterCook format that lists
"Top Secret Recipes" as the source. But, wait a minute! I've never before created a clone for this dish -- not here on the site, and not in any book. So, after logging some time over a chopping block, an open flame, and a couple tasty glasses of Merlot, out popped this puppy. And this is the one, kitchen cloners! If you want the taste of Pasta e Fagioli at home, this is the only recipe that will fool in a side -by-side taste test. Accept no other imitation imitation!

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced (1 cup)
1 large carrot, julienned (1 cup)
3 stalks celery, chopped (1 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 14.5-ounce cans diced tomatoes
1 15-ounce can red kidney beans (with liquid)
1 15-ounce can great northern beans (with liquid)
1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
1 12-ounce can V-8 juice
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 pound (1/2 pkg.) ditali pasta

1.
Brown the ground beef in a large saucepan or pot over medium heat. Drain off most of the fat.

2.
Add onion, carrot, celery and garlic and sauté for 10 minutes.

3.
Add remaining ingredients, except pasta, and simmer for 1 hour.

4.
About 50 minutes into simmer time, cook the pasta in 1 1/2 to 2 quarts of boiling water over
high heat. Cook for 10 minutes or just until pasta is al dente, or slightly tough. Drain.

5.
Add the pasta to the large pot of soup. Simmer for 5-10 minutes and serve.

Serves 8.

French Market Onion Soup.

2007-03-18T14:53:00.000+08:00

You might not imagine a tough World War II flying ace would open a restaurant called
"Mimi's," but that's exactly what happened in the 70's. Arthur J. Simms flew spy missions over France during the war and helped liberate a small French town near Versailles. After the war Arthur ran the commissary at MGM studios in Hollywood, stuffing the bellies of big-time celebs like Judy Garland, Clark Gable and Mickey Rooney. He later joined his son Tom in several restaurant ventures including one called "French Quarter" in West Hollywood. This was the prototype for the French-themed Mimi's Cafe. In 1978, the first Mimi's opened in Anaheim, California. Today there's over 40 Mimi's in the chain with a new one opening every other week; all of them serving this amazing onion soup that can now be part of your culinary repertoire. Oui!

1/4 cup butter
3 medium white onions, sliced
3 14-ounce cans beef broth (Swanson is best)
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3 tablespoons Kraft grated parmesan cheese
6 to 12 slices French bread (baguette)
6 slices Swiss cheese
6 slices mozzarella cheese
6 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese

1. Sauté onions in melted butter in a large soup pot or saucepan for 15 to 20 minutes or until onions begin to brown and turn transparent.

2. Add beef broth, salt and garlic powder to onions. Bring mixture to a boil, then re duce heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour. Add the grated parmesan cheese in the last 10 minutes of cooking the soup.

3. When soup is done, preheat oven to 350 degrees and toast the French bread slices for about 10 to 12 minutes or until they begin to brown. When bread is done, set oven to broil.

4. Build each serving of soup by spooning about 1 cup of soup into an oven-safe bowl. Float a toasted slice or two of bread on top of the soup, then add a slice of Swiss cheese on top of that. Place a slice of mozzarella on next and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of shredded parmesan cheese over the top of the other cheeses.

5. Place the soup bowl on a baking sheet and broil for 5 to 6 minutes or until the cheese begins to brown.

Makes 6 servings.

Mimi's Cafe Carrot Raisin Bread.

2007-03-18T14:49:00.000+08:00

It's dark, moist and delicious. And it comes in a bread basket to your table at this Frenchthemed west coast casual restaurant. Now the tastiest carrot bread ever can be yours to create at home with a couple of grated carrots, molasses, raisins and chopped walnuts. You'll be baking this one in the oven for at least an hour. That should be enough time to warm up the house and send amazing smells wafting through every room. Line the carpet with newspaper to catch the family drool.

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 eggs
1/4 cup molasses
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup shredded carrot
1 cup raisins
3/4 cup chopped walnuts

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
3. In another bowl, combine oil, sugar, eggs, molasses, and vanilla with an electric mixer. Add shredded carrot and mix. Add raisins and walnuts and mix well by hand.
4. Pour flour mixture into the other ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Pour batter into two ungreased 8-inch loaf pans. Bake for 60 minutes, or until
done.

Makes 2 loaves.

Lone Star Steakhouse Chili

2007-03-18T14:46:00.000+08:00

When the weather gets cold it's time to fire up the stovetop. This chain makes a tasty chili that
warms the bones on a nippy fall day. This clone recipe is easy-to-make, low-fat and delicious.
And if it's super brisk outside, you might want to add an additional tablespoon of diced jalapeno
to aggressively stoke those internal flames.

1 pound ground beef
1 diced onion
1 tablespoon diced fresh jalapeno pepper
1 15-ounce can kidney beans with liquid
1 14.5-ounce can peeled diced tomatoes
1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
1 cup water
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 bay leaf

Garnish
grated cheddar cheese
diced onion
canned whole jalapeno chili peppers

1. Brown ground beef in a large saucepan over medium heat. Drain fat.
2. Add onion and pepper and sauté for about two minutes.
3. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Serve one cup in a
bowl with the optional cheese, diced onion and whole jalapeno garnish on top.
Makes 4 servings.

Lone Star Steakhouse Baked Sweet Potato

2007-01-12T22:09:00.000+08:00

It saddles on up next to your entree at this huge steakhouse chain, but it's not what it claims
to be. Sure, the menu says "baked sweet potato," but you're actually getting a sweet and tender
red-skinned yam underneath all that yummy melted butter and cinnamon/sugar. And don't just
get any yam for this top secret clone. You want to use garnet yams, if you have a choice. Then be sure to cook them long enough that the sugar in the yams begins to squirt out and burn in a
couple of spots. Each yam should be tender, but not mushy. The skin on the outside will turn
from red to greyish-brown, and inside it will be a hearty shade of black.

4 garnet yams
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 cup whipped butter

1.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bake yams for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. When they are done, they will be
very soft in the center, and you will see liquid from the potato oozing out and charring. When the
potato is sliced open, the inside of the skin will be charred black from the caramelizing sugar in
the potato. This is a perfectly cooked potato.

2.
As potatoes bake, combine sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.

3.
To serve, slice a potato down the center. Add two tablespoons of whipped butter, then sprinkle
some cinnamon/sugar over the top.

Makes 4 servings.

Lawry's Seasoned Salt

2007-01-12T22:07:00.000+08:00

"Shake on meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. Accent vegetables, salads and popcorn. Use while
cooking, or at the table." reads the label of one of America's most popular spice blends. This
seven-ingredient clone of Lawry's Seasoned Salt can be made in a small bowl, but is best used
when poured into an old spice bottle that you've cleaned out and saved. You've got one of those
somewhere, right?

2 tablespoons salt
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cornstarch

1.
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.

2.
Pour blend into an empty spice bottle to store.

Makes 1/4 cup.