Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Orange Chicken


Sauce:
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 c orange juice concentrate
1/4 cup lemon juice (I didn't put any in)
1/3 cup rice vinegar (I used regular white)
2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
1 cup packed brown sugar (I used 1/2 cup)
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger root
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons chopped green onion
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (I didn't use that-- too hot for the kids)

I added 1 small can of mandrin oranges and sprinkled sliced almonds on top.

3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
(I cooked the chicken in a skilled w/lid in 1T of olive oil and 1 c of orange juice)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper \
1 T garlic powder
3 tablespoons olive oil





DIRECTIONS
Pour 1 1/2 cups water, orange juice, lemon juice, rice vinegar, and soy sauce into a saucepan and set over medium-high heat. Stir in the orange zest, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, chopped onion, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat, and cool 10 to 15 minutes.
Place the chicken pieces into a resealable plastic bag with the flour, 1 T garlic powder salt, and pepper. Add the marinated chicken pieces, seal the bag, and shake to coat.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place chicken into the skillet, and brown on both sides. Drain on a plate lined with paper towels, and cover with aluminum foil.
Wipe out the skillet, and add the sauce. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Mix together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water; stir into the sauce. Reduce heat to medium low, add the chicken pieces, and simmer, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

add mandrin oranges and put sliced almonds on the table to sprinkle on top!

Nutritional Information
Asian Orange Chicken
Servings Per Recipe: 4

Amount Per Serving

Calories: 404

Total Fat: 11.2g
Cholesterol: 34mg
Sodium: 774mg
Total Carbs: 68.5g
Dietary Fiber: 1.4g
Protein: 17.6g

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Bow Ties with Chicken and Dried-Tomato Pesto


8 oz. bow-tie pasta
2 cups frozen peas and/or chopped roasted red peppers
1/2 cup oil-packed dried tomatoes, drained
1/3 cup olive oil
1/2 cup slivered almonds
2 cloves garlic
1/4 tsp. each salt and black pepper
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups chopped or shredded purchased roasted chicken or cooked chicken
1/4 cup fresh basil, snipped
Freshly shredded Parmesan Cheese (optional)

1. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions, except add peas to pasta water for the last 2 minutes of cooking time, if using. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water when draining pasta and peas. Place drained pasta and peas back into the pot.

2. Meanwhile, for dried-tomato pesto, in a food processor or blender, combine the drained dried tomatoes, olive oil, almonds, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cover and process until almost smooth. Add 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese and blend until combined.

3. To the pasta (and peas if using) in the pan, add reserved 1/2 cup pasta water, dried-tomato pesto, roasted red pepper (if using), and chicken. Toss gently with snipped basil. If desired, serve with additional Parmesan cheese. Makes 6 servings.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Gorgonzola Chicken Breasts


Sooooo Good! And very easy.

4 Chicken breast halves
1/4 lb chilled gorgonzola, sliced
1 T veg oil (or olive oil)
1/3 c water
2 1/2 T balsamic vinegar

Preheat oven to 425 with rack in middle. Pat chicken dry then cut a deep 3 inch pocket horizontally in long curved side of each breast. Fill each pocket with one quarter of cheese.
Season chicken all over with 1 t salt and 1 pepper.

Heat oil in an ovenproof 12 inch skillet over MH heat. Place chicken in skillet and cook until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Turn breasts over, then place skillet in oven and bake until just cooked through, 20 -25 minutes. Transfer chicken to platter

Return skillet to burner (remember the handle will be hot!) and add water and vinegar. Boil, stirring and scraping up any brown bits and melted cheese, until sauce thickens slightly. Strain. Serve sauce over rice or chicken.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Southwestern Beef Chili with Corn


I got this recipe from Cheryl, and she has made a few additions that are great. She serves it with sides of cheese, tomatoes, diced green onions, leaves of cilantro, sour cream and diced avocados. She also makes a side of quesadillas, and it is a yummy meal.

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 carrots, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 poblano or bell pepper, chopped
1/2 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 15-ounce cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon chili powder
Kosher salt and pepper
1/2 cup corn kernels (from 1 ear, or frozen and thawed)
1/2 cup grated Cheddar (2 ounces)
2 scallions, sliced

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, onion, and poblano and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add the beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is no longer pink, 3 to 5 minutes.

Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, until it is slightly darkened, 1 minute. Add the beans, chili powder, 3 cups water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Simmer over medium heat until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.

Stir in the corn. Divide among bowls and top with the Cheddar and scallions.

Make Ahead: You can cook the chili in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.



Yield: Makes 4 servings

NUTRITION PER SERVING
CALORIES 343; FAT 15g (sat 5g); CHOLESTEROL 51mg; CARBOHYDRATE 34g; SODIUM 893mg; PROTEIN 23g; FIBER 11g; SUGAR 6g

Monday, January 12, 2009

YUM

My neighbor brought me over the BEST oatmeal cookies last night. I was in bed falling asleep when she called. These were definitely worth getting out of bed and re-brushing my teeth! I know how much our family loves cookies... so do yourself a favor and make up a batch of these delicious treats!

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1 cup water
  • 3/4 cup shortening
  • 1 1/2 cups white sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts... She left out the walnuts and added in Chocolate chips. If your a true Johannesen you will add a little chocolate in somewhere :)

DIRECTIONS

  1. Simmer raisins and water over medium heat until raisins are plump, about 15 minutes. Drain raisins, reserving the liquid. Add enough water to reserved liquid to measure 1/2 cup.
  2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  3. Mix the shortening, sugar, eggs and vanilla thoroughly. Stir in reserved liquid.
  4. Blend in the remaining ingredients.
  5. Drop by rounded teaspoons about 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light brown.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Coconut Rice Custard



I found this in Real Simple. I just need to figure out how to incorporate some DARK chocolate into this. Any ideas?

1 13.5-ounce can unsweetened coconut milk
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup plus 2/3 cup sugar
1 cup long-grain white rice
3 cups half-and-half
5 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Heat oven to 325° F.

Bring the coconut milk, water, and 1/4 cup of the sugar to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir in the rice. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, warm the half-and-half in a small saucepan over medium heat (do not allow it to boil). Whisk together the eggs, vanilla, and the remaining sugar in a medium bowl. Whisking constantly, slowly pour the warm half-and-half into the egg mixture. Skim off and discard any foam that rises to the surface. Stir in the rice. Transfer to an 8-by-8-inch baking dish. Place the dish in a larger roasting pan or baking dish and transfer to oven rack. Carefully add enough hot water to the larger pan to reach halfway up the sides of the smaller dish. Bake until the custard is set, about 1 hour. Serve warm or chilled.

Tip: Place a piece of plastic wrap directly against the surface of the custard before you refrigerate it. This prevents a skin from forming.



Yield: Makes 4 to 6 servings

NUTRITION PER SERVING
CALORIES 520(53% from fat); FAT 32g (sat 22g); CHOLESTEROL 221mg; CARBOHYDRATE 51g; SODIUM 115mg; PROTEIN 11g; FIBER 0g; SUGAR 32g

Monday, December 29, 2008

Butternut Squash Lasagna


Ingredients
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 (1 1/2 to 2-pound) butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut
into 1-inch cubes
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 1/2 cup water
* 3 amaretti cookies, crumbled
* 1/4 cup butter
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 1/2 cups whole milk
* Pinch nutmeg
* 3/4 cup (lightly packed) fresh basil leaves
* 12 no-boil lasagna noodles
* 2 1/2 cups shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese
* 1/3 cup grated Parmesan

Directions

Heat the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the
squash and toss to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pour the water
into the skillet and then cover and simmer over medium heat until the
squash is tender, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Cool slightly
and then transfer the squash to a food processor. Add the amaretti
cookies and blend until smooth. Season the squash puree, to taste, with
more salt and pepper.

Melt the butter in a heavy medium-size saucepan over medium heat. Add
the flour and whisk for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk. Bring to
a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until
the sauce thickens slightly, whisking often, about 5 minutes. Whisk in
the nutmeg. Cool slightly. Transfer half of the sauce to a blender*. Add
the basil and blend until smooth. Return the basil sauce to the sauce in
the pan and stir to blend. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, to
taste.

Position the rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees
F.

Lightly butter a 13 by 9 by 2-inch glass baking dish. Spread 3/4 cup of
the sauce over the prepared baking dish. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles on
the bottom of the pan. Spread 1/3 of the squash puree over the noodles.
Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese. Drizzle 1/2 cup of sauce
over the noodles. Repeat layering 3 more times.

Tightly cover the baking dish with foil and bake the lasagna for 40
minutes. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the
lasagna. Continue baking uncovered until the sauce bubbles and the top
is golden, 15 minutes longer. Let the lasagna stand for 15 minutes
before serving.

*When blending hot liquids: Remove liquid from the heat and allow to
cool for at least 5 minutes. Transfer liquid to a blender or food
processor and fill it no more than halfway. If using a blender, release
one corner of the lid. This prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat
explosions. Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times
then process on high speed until smooth.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Gingerbread with Caramel Pears



GINGERBREAD WITH CARAMEL PEARS


Serve this simple yet extra-special dessert with homemade Pumpkin Ice Cream or your favorite purchased ice cream.

Prep: 50 minutes Bake: 55 minutes Cool: 30 minutes Oven: 325º

1 cup butter
1 cup milk or water
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
3/4 cup unsulphured blackstrap molasses or dark-flavored molasses
1/2 cup honey (full-flavored)
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. ground ginger
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
3 eggs
1 recipe Caramel Pears (below)
1 recipe Pumpkin Ice Cream, optional (below)

1. Grease a 9x9x2-inch pan; set aside. In a medium saucepan combine butter, milk, brown sugar, molasses, and honey. Cook and stir over low heat until butter is melted. Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl; cool slightly.

2. In a medium bowl combine flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cloves. Set aside.

3. With an electric mixer, on medium speed, beat eggs, 1 at a time, into cooled butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Add flour mixture, about 1 cup at a time, beating on low speed just until combined (batter may be lumpy). Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake in a 325° oven for 55 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool for 30 minutes on a wire rack. Serve warm with Caramel Pears and Pumpkin Ice Cream, if desired. Makes 12 to16 servings.

CARAMEL PEARS: In a small bowl soak 1/4 cup dried cherries in 1/4 cup cognac or orange juice for 30 minutes or until softened. Meanwhile, in a large skillet sauté 3 to 4 pears, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced, in 3 tablespoons butter and a pinch of sugar until golden brown and cooked. Drain cherries. Stir cherries into pear mixture before serving.

Per serving Gingerbread with Caramel Pears: 492 cal., 20 g fat (12 g. sat. fat), 103 mg chol., 295 mg sodium, 71 g carbo., 3 g fiber, 6 g protein.

PUMPKIN ICE CREAM
Prep: 20 minutes Cook: 6 minutes Chill: 3 hours Freeze: 3 1/2 hours

2 cups whipping cream
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
5 egg yolks
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 Tbsp. cognac (optional)
3/4 cup canned pumpkin (about 1/2 of a 15-oz. can)

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the whipping cream and brown sugar. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until bubbles form around the edges of the pan, stirring to dissolve sugar.

2. In a small bowl beat the egg yolks, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Gradually whisk about 1/2 cup of the hot cream mixture into the egg mixture; continue to whisk until smooth. Pour egg mixture into cream mixture in the pan. Cook and stir over medium heat until the mixture thickens (the mixture should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and leave a clear trail when a finger is drawn through it), about 4 to 6 minutes. Do not boil. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl. Stir in the vanilla and the cognac, if desired. Whisk the pumpkin into the custard. Cover surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming; refrigerate until chilled, at least 3 hours or overnight.

3. Pour the pumpkin custard into a 1 1/2- or 2-quart ice-cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer’s directions. Pack the ice cream into a freezer-safe container. Cover and freeze until firm, for at least 3 hours or up to 3 days, before serving. Makes about 5 cups.

Sweet Potatoes with Sugared Pecans





* Potatoes Ingredients:
* 4 medium orange sweet potatoes or yams, cut into 2-inch chunks
* 2 tablespoons Butter
* 1 tablespoon firmly packed brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon pepper
* Pecans Ingredients:
* 1 tablespoon Butter
* 1/4 cup chopped pecans
* 2 teaspoons sugar
* 1/4 cup sliced green onions


Directions

1. Combine sweet potatoes and enough water to cover in 4-quart saucepan. Cook over high heat until water comes to a boil (5 to 6 minutes). Reduce heat to medium-high. Cook until potatoes are tender (30 to 35 minutes). Drain. Cool slightly. Peel potatoes.
2. Heat oven to 375°F. Place sweet potatoes and all remaining potato ingredients in large bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until smooth.
3. Spoon potato mixture into lightly greased 2-quart casserole. Cover; bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through.
4. Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon butter in small nonstick skillet until sizzling; add pecans and sugar. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until pecans are golden (2 to 3 minutes). Remove from heat.
5. Just before serving, sprinkle potatoes with pecans and green onions.
6. To Make-Ahead:
7. Prepare sweet potato mixture and pecans as directed. Do not bake the sweet potato mixture; cover and refrigerate. Before meal time, heat oven to 375°F.; bake as directed. Just before serving, sprinkle with pecans and onions.

Best Darn Minestrone Soup Around


  • 1 cup butter
  • 3 cups chopped onions
  • 8 (14 ounce) cans chicken broth
  • 8 (15 ounce) cans mixed vegetables, with liquid
  • 4 (16 ounce) cans kidney beans, with liquid
  • 4 (14.5 ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes, with liquid
  • 2 (16 ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons and 2-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups canned garbanzo beans, drained
  • 8 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping

DIRECTIONS

In a large stock pot over medium heat, stir and cook onions in butter until soft. Add broth, mixed vegetables, kidney beans, tomatoes, spinach, and tomato paste; simmer gently for 1 1/2 hours.
  • Using a slotted spoon, remove about half of the vegetables to a blender or food processor, reserving liquid in stock pot. Puree the vegetables until smooth and return them to stock pot.
  • Stir in garlic powder, parsley, salt, pepper, basil, macaroni, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, garbanzo beans, and heavy cream; cook for 1/2 hour, stirring frequently. Pour into bowls and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese.
  • Sauteed Apple and Smoked Turkey Salad


    This is amazingly good.



    Sautéed Apple and Smoked Turkey Salad

    Friday, December 19, 2008

    Norweigan Cookies


    I don't know if these are authentic or not, but they are good!

    1 1/3 cup sugar
    18 Tbsp. margarine - softened
    2 eggs
    1 tsp vanilla
    3 cups flour
    1 tsp baking powder
    1 cup mini chocolate chips
    3 Tbsp. sugar
    3/4 tsp. cinnamon

    Heat oven to 350. Beat 1 1/3 cup sugar, margarine, eggs and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Stir in flour, baking powder, and chocolate chips. Divide dough into 4 equal parts. Shape each part on a lightly floured surface into roll, 1 inch diameter and about 15 inches long. Place rolls on ungreased cookie sheet (I put two rolls per cookie sheet); flatten slightly with fork to about 5/8 inch thickness. Mix 3 Tbsp sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over dough. Bake 13 -15 minutes, until light brown edges. WHILE WARM, cut diagonally into about 1 inch strips (I find a pizza cutter works best). Makes about 5 dozen.

    Tuesday, December 9, 2008

    Chocolate Cake



    This cake was so moist and delicious!! It is really dense, and if you cover it with sufficient frosting, outrageously RICH! The cake must have weighed 10 lbs once it was assembled! (much more after it was eaten I am sure!!) Super easy and fabulous
    Chocolate Cake:

    4 ounces (120 grams) unsweetened chocolate, chopped (I actually used a Dove bar that my dear sister Allison sent me:)

    1/3 cup (28 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch-processed)

    1 cup (240 ml) boiling water

    2 1/4 cups (315 grams) all purpose flour

    2 teaspoons baking powder

    1 teaspoon baking soda

    1/4 teaspoon salt

    1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature

    2 cups (400 grams) granulated white sugar

    3 large eggs

    2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

    1 cup (240 ml) milk

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven. Butter, or spray with a nonstick vegetable spray, and line with parchment paper, two - 9 x 2 inch deep (23 x 5 cm) round baking pans. Set aside.

    In a stainless steel or heatproof bowl place the chopped unsweetened chocolate and cocoa powder. Pour the boiling water over the chocolate and cocoa powder and stir until they have melted. Set aside to cool while you make the batter.

    In a separate bowl, whisk to combine, the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

    In the bowl of your electric mixer, or with a hand mixer, cream the butter. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until the mixture is fluffy (this will take about 3-5 minutes). Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and melted chocolate mixture and beat to combine.

    Add the milk and flour mixtures in three additions, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat only until the ingredients are incorporated.

    Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for about 35 - 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops spring back when lightly pressed. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool for about 10 minutes. Butter or lightly spray a wire rack with Pam before inverting the cakes onto the rack to prevent the cakes from sticking. Cool the cakes completely before frosting.


    To Assemble: Place one layer of cake, top side down, on your serving plate and cover with a layer of frosting. Then place the second layer of cake, top side down, onto the first cake layer and then frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Can garnish with fresh fruit or shaved chocolate.

    Serves 8 - 10 people.

    Fudgy Brownies


    These are the best recipe I've ever had...

    1 cup butter
    4 squared unsweetened chocolate
    2 cups sugar
    4 eggs
    1 cup flour
    1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    1/2 teaspoon salt
    2 cups coarsely chopped nuts (optional)

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 13" baking pan. In large saucepan over low heat, melt butter and chocolate, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in sugar. Cool slightly
    Add eggs, on at a time, beating until well blended after each addition. Add flour, vanilla and salt; stir in nuts. Pour into pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack; cut into pieces. Makes about 2 dozen brownies.
    My friend made these the other day, and added cacao nibs to it...unbelievable!

    Saturday, November 29, 2008

    Ginger Orange Pomegranate Relish



    Seeds of 2 med pomegranates (about 1 1/2 cups)
    1 T finely chopped orange zest
    1 T OJ
    1/2 T grated fresh ginger
    1 T honey
    1/2 t salt

    gently mix all ingred. together. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
    This is excellent served over turkey, pork and lamb.

    Cranberry Cherry Relish



    3 c fresh cranberries
    2 c frozen sweet cherries
    2 firm bosc or anjou pears, peeled and cubed
    1/2 c sugar
    pinch of nutmet
    pinch of cinnamon

    combine all ingred. in a large, heavy saucepan and bring mixture to a simmer over M-H heat.
    Stir often to prevent sticking.
    Reduce heat to low and stir occasionally until the fruit is tender and the relish has thickened.
    40-45 minutes. Let cool. Makes 6 servings

    Use with pork, chicken or turkey

    Fresh Applesauce

    8 apples, peeled, cored and chopped
    1/2 c water
    1/2 c sugar (less if you prefer, or brown rice syrup or maple syrup)
    1/4 t cinnamon

    in 2 qt microwave safe bowl, combine apples and water
    Cover with vented plastic wrap and micro on high for 12 -14 minutes.
    rotate every 4 minutes.
    Stir in sugar and cinnamon.
    Serves 4.

    Can be used as a relish for pork.

    Potatoes with Apples and Walnuts

    4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
    2 Granny Smith apples, peeled cored and diced
    1/2 cup brown rice syrup (probably found in health food store or dept. of a grocery store)
    1/2 cup maple syrup (always the real thing)
    1/2 c butter
    1 t cinnamon
    1/2 t salt
    1/4 t ginger
    1/4 t cloves
    1/4 t nutmeg
    1 cup chopped toasted walnuts

    Bland the sweet potates in boiling water for 5 min. or until slightly tender but not cooked through.
    Rinse with cold water and drain thoroughly.
    Place the sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl with the apples.
    In a frying pan, combine remaining ingredients except walnuts. Boil for at least on minute, then add walnuts. Boil for at least another minute.
    Pour mixture over potatoes and apples and mix well.
    Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes covered and 15 minutes uncovered.
    Makes 8 servings.

    Sweet Potatoes with Maple-Cider Glaze

    3 # Sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced lengthwise.
    4 T butter
    6 T maple syrup (spring for the real thing)
    1 C apple cider (again, the real thing)
    pepper

    heat over to 350. Butter 9x13
    Arrange potatoes in the pan, drizzle with with syrup and cider. Bake, basting about 3 times in 50 minutes. Sprinkle with pepper.

    Sunday, November 16, 2008

    Soy-Glazed Salmon

    My friend had us over for dinner the other night and made this dish. It was REALLY tasty and it reminded me a lot of mom's sauce...so delicious!

    Ingredients

    Makes 4.

    • 1/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
    • 1/4 cup olive oil
    • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
    • 2 tablespoons dry white wine, or water
    • 2 pounds salmon fillet
    • Lemon wedges, for serving

    Directions

    1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. with a rack in the center. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, stir brown sugar, olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, and white wine until the sugar has dissolved.
    2. Cut salmon fillet into 4 equal-size pieces; arrange, skin side down, in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour glaze over the fish, and turn to coat evenly.
    3. Bake until fish is opaque but still bright pink inside, basting every few minutes with glaze from baking dish, 15 to 20 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges.