Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Coconut Shrimp & Dipping Sauce

Ingredients
 
Coconut Shrimp 
  • 14 bamboo or wooden skewers (4 to 6 inch)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon water
  • 3/4 cup Progresso® plain panko crispy bread crumbs
  • 3/4 cup shredded coconut
  • 28 uncooked large shrimp (about 1 lb), thawed if frozen, peeled, deveined, tails left on
Dipping Sauce
  • 1/2 cup apricot or peach preserves
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated lime peel
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Directions 
 
  1. Soak skewers in water for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, heat oven to 400°F. Line 15x10-inch baking pan with sides with foil; lightly spray foil with cooking spray.
  2. In shallow dish, stir together flour, curry powder, salt and ground red pepper. In another shallow dish, beat egg and water until blended. In another shallow dish, mix bread crumbs and coconut.
  3. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Coat shrimp with flour mixture. Dip into egg mixture; coat well with crumb mixture.Thread 2 shrimp on each skewer, leaving space between each. Place in pan.
  4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until shrimp are pink and coating begins to brown. Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix sauce ingredients.
  5. Serve shrimp with sauce for dipping. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 25 min.
Total Time: 35 min.
Servings: 28

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Fudge OREO Ice Cream Cake

 Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup hot fudge ice cream topping, warmed
  • 1 (8 ounce) tub COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided
  • 1 (3.9 ounce) package JELL-O Chocolate Instant Pudding
  • 8 OREO Cookies, chopped
  • 12 vanilla ice cream sandwiches
Directions

  1. Pour fudge topping into medium bowl. Whisk in 1 cup COOL WHIP. Add dry pudding mix; stir 2 min. Stir in chopped cookies.
  2. Arrange 4 ice cream sandwiches, side-by-side, on 24-inch-long sheet of foil; top with half the COOL WHIP mixture. Repeat layers. Top with remaining sandwiches. Frost top and sides with remaining COOL WHIP. Bring up foil sides; double fold top and ends to loosely seal packet.
  3. Freeze 4 hours or until firm. Serve and Enjoy!

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Warm Southwest Salsa with Tortilla Chips

Ingredients
  • 2 cans (10 oz each) petite diced tomatoes with lime juice and cilantro, drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) Progresso black beans, drained, rinsed
  • 1 cup Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers™ Niblets frozen corn
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
  • 2 medium tomatillos, husks removed, rinsed and finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1 jalapeno chile pepper, seeded, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (2 oz)
  • 12 oz yellow tortilla chips
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, if desired 
Directions
  1. Lightly spray 1 1/2-quart round microwavable casserole with cooking spray. In large bowl, mix all ingredients except cheese, tortilla chips and cilantro.Spoon into casserole. Sprinkle cheese evenly over top.
  2. Microwave uncovered on High, 5 to 7 minutes or until warm. Sprinkle with cilantro. Place casserole on large round platter; surround with tortilla chips. Serve immediately. (Salsa will be saucy; serve with slotted spoon.) Enjoy!

Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs

Ingredients
  • 1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped (1/2 cup)
  • 1/3 cup Progresso® plain bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 egg
  • 1 jar (10 oz) sweet-and-sour sauce 
Directions 

  1. Heat oven to 400°F. In large bowl, mix beef, onion, bread crumbs, milk, salt, pepper and egg. Shape mixture into thirty 1-inch meatballs. In ungreased 13x9-inch pan, place meatballs.
  2. Bake uncovered about 15 minutes or until meatballs are no longer pink in center and thermometer inserted in center reads 160°F.
  3. In 2-quart saucepan, mix meatballs and sweet-and-sour sauce. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally; reduce heat. Cover and simmer about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce and meatballs are hot. Serve hot with toothpicks. 
Prep Time: 35 min.
Cook Time: 15 min.
Total Time: 50 min.
Servings: 30 

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Luscious Eggnog

Ingredients
  • 3 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/3 cup white sugar
  • salt to taste
  • 2 1/2 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup rum (optional)
  • 2 drops yellow food coloring
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg
Directions
  1. In a heavy, saucepan, combine eggs, white sugar, and salt; gradually stir in milk. Stirring constantly, cook for 10 to 15 minutes over medium heat, until mixture just coats a metal spoon. Remove from heat, and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Place saucepan over ice water until custard cools, and then refrigerate until chilled.
  2. In a chilled bowl, combine heavy cream, confectioners' sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until stiff peaks form. Stir in rum and yellow food coloring. 
  3. Fold whip cream mixture into the cooled custard.Pour into serving bowl,and sprinkle with nutmeg.Serve immediately.Enjoy!

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Frozen Fruit Skewers

Ingredients
  • 24 cubes (1/2 inch) fresh pineapple
  • 12 fresh strawberries, cut in half
  • 2 medium bananas, cut into 1/2-inch cubes(about 24)
  • 3 kiwifruit, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch cubes(about 24)
  • 1 bottle (7.25 oz) chocolate topping that forms hard shell
  • 12 (8-inch) bamboo skewers
Directions 
  1. Thread fruit alternately onto skewers, using approximately 2 pieces of each per skewer; place in single layer on cookie sheet with sides. Freeze 1 hour or until fruit is frozen.
  2. About 5 minutes before serving, drizzle fruit with chocolate topping; return to freezer until ready to serve. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 min.
Total Time: 1 hour 15 min.
Servings: 4 skewers

Monday, March 12, 2012

Jalapeno Popper Chicken

Ingredients
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
  • 4 (6 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
  • 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Directions
  1. Stir together the cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, and jalapenos in a small bowl.
  2. Cut a pocket horizontally through the thickest side of each chicken breast, and fill with 1/4 of the cheese mixture. Secure with toothpicks.
  3. Roll the chicken breasts in bread crumbs to coat. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and cook chicken breasts until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 8 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Serve hot and enjoy!
Prep Time: 20 min.
Cook Time: 16 min.
Total Time: 36 min.                                                Servings: 4                                                       



Saturday, March 10, 2012

Baked Potato Skins

Ingredients
  • 4 large baking potatoes, baked
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 8 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 4 green onions, sliced
Directions
  1. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise; scoop out pulp, leaving a 1/4-in. shell (save pulp for another use). Place potatoes skins on a greased baking sheet.
  2. Combine oil, Parmesan cheese, salt, garlic powder, paprika and pepper; brush over both sides of skins.
  3. Bake at 475 degrees F for 7 minutes; turn. Bake until crisp, about 7 minutes more. 
  4. Sprinkle bacon and cheddar cheese inside skins. Bake 2 minutes longer or until the cheese is melted. Top with sour cream and onions. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 4-5 min
Cook Time: 16 min
Servings: 8
 

Friday, March 9, 2012

Mint-Chocolate Brownies

Ingredients
 
Brownies
  • 1 box (1 lb 2.4 oz) Betty Crocker® Original Supreme Premium brownie mix
  • *Water, vegetable oil and egg called for on brownie mix box
  • 2/3 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup (6 oz) mint-flavored chocolate chips
Mint Frosting
  • 1 cup Betty Crocker® Rich & Creamy vanilla frosting(from 16 oz container)
  • 1/4 teaspoon mint extract
  • 1 drop green food color, if desired
Shiny Chocolate Glaze
  • 4 teaspoons butter or margarine
  • 4 teaspoons corn syrup
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons hot water 
Directions
 
  1. Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Grease bottom only of 9-inch square pan. Make brownie batter as directed on box-- except stir in pecans and 2/3 cup of the chocolate chips (reserve remaining chocolate chips for glaze). Spread batter in pan.
  2. Bake 36 to 41 minutes or until toothpick inserted 2 inches from side of pan comes out almost clean. Cool completely, about 1 1/2 hours.
  3. In small bowl, stir all frosting ingredients using spoon until well blended. Spread frosting over brownies.
  4. In 1-quart saucepan, heat Glaze ingredients over low heat, stirring occasionally, until melted. Stir in hot water, a few drops at a time, until mixture is thin enough to drizzle. Drizzle over frosted brownies. Refrigerate about 30 minutes or until glaze is firm. For brownies, cut into 6 rows by 5 rows.
  • Prep Time:
  • Cook Time: 36-41 min.
  • Total Time: 3 hours 5 min.
  • Servings: 30

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Key Lime Pie

Ingredients
  • 1 (9 inch) prepared graham cracker crust
  • 3 cups sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 3/4 cup key lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon grated lime zest
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. In a medium bowl, combine condensed milk, sour cream, lime juice, and lime rind. Mix well and pour into graham cracker crust.
  3. Bake in preheated oven for 5 to 8 minutes, until tiny pinhole bubbles burst on the surface of pie. DO NOT BROWN! Chill pie thoroughly before serving. Garnish with lime slices and whipped cream if desired.Enjoy! 
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 8 min.
Total Time: 55 min.                                              

Bacon Cheddar Deviled Eggs

Ingredients                   
  • 12 eggs
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 4 slices bacon
  • 2 tablespoons finely shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
Directions
  1. Place eggs in a saucepan, and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil and immediately remove from heat. Cover, and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, and cool. To cool more quickly, rinse eggs under cold running water.
  2. Meanwhile, place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until evenly brown. Alternatively, wrap bacon in paper towels and cook in the microwave for about 1 minute per slice. Crumble and set aside.
  3. Peel the hard-cooked eggs, and cut in half lengthwise. Remove yolks to a small bowl. Mash egg yolks with mayonnaise, crumbled bacon and cheese. Stir in mustard. Fill egg white halves with the yolk mixture and refrigerate until serving.Enjoy
Prep Time: 30 min
Total Time: 40 min
Servings: 24

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Tropical Prosciutto Bites

 Ingredients
  • 1/4 pound thinly sliced prosciutto or fully cooked ham, cut into 1-inch-wide strips
  • 1 large mango or papaya, peeled, pitted or seeded, and cut into 12 pieces
  • 12 medium strawberries 
Directions 
  1. Wrap strips of prosciutto around mango pieces and strawberries. Secure with toothpicks. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 20 min.
Total Time: 20 min 
Servings: 24

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Too Much Chocolate Cake

Ingredients
  • 1 (18.25 ounce) package devil's food cake mix
  • 1 (5.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 dozen strawberries
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F(175 degrees C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the cake and pudding mixes, sour cream, oil, beaten eggs and water.Stir in the chocolate chips and pour batter into a well greased 12 cup bundt pan.
  3. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until top is springy to the touch and a wooden toothpick inserted comes out clean.Cool cake thoroughly in pan at least an hour and a half before inverting onto a plate If desired, dust the cake with powdered sugar.Place strawberries in center of cake.Enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cook Time: 55 min.
Total Time: 1 hour 35 min.

Guacamole

Ingredients
  • 3 avocados - peeled, pitted, and mashed
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 pinch ground cayenne pepper (optional)
Directions
  1. In a medium bowl,mash together the avocados,lime juice,and salt. 
  2. Mix in onion,cilantro,tomatoes,and garlic.Stir in cayenne pepper.
  3. Refrigerate 1 hour for best flavor, or serve immediately. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 min.
Total Time: 10 min
Servings: 4

Friday, March 2, 2012

Tomatoe-Goat Cheese Bruschetta

Ingredients
  • 2 logs (4 oz each) soft goat cheese, cut into 8 (1-inch) slices
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) Muir Glen® organic diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped pitted kalamata olives
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 24 slices (1/2 inch thick) baguette (about 8 oz), toasted 
Directions
  1. Heat oven to 350°F. In ungreased 1-quart shallow ovenproof gratin dish or 9-inch glass pie plate, place cheese in single layer.
  2. Sprinkle tomatoes, olives, thyme leaves and pepper flakes over cheese. Drizzle with olive oil.
  3. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until warm. Serve with baguette slices.
Prep Time: 5 min.
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings:12

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Mango-Peach Smoothie

 Ingredients
  • 1 peach, sliced
  • 1 mango, peeled and diced
  • 1/2 cup vanilla soy milk
  • 1/2 cup orange juice, or as needed
Directions
  1. Place the peach, mango, soy milk, and orange juice into a blender. Cover, and puree until smooth. Pour into glasses to serve.Enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 min.
Total Time: 10 min.
Servings: 2 smoothies

Crunchy Caramel Corn

 Ingredients
  • 6 cups popped popcorn
  • 3/4 cup salted peanuts
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter (no substitutes)
  • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Directions
  1. Place popcorn and peanuts in a large microwave-safe bowl; set aside.In another microwave-safe bowl, combine the brown sugar, butter, corn syrup and salt.Cover and microwave on high for 1 minute; stir.Microwave 2 minutes longer.
  2. Stir in vanilla and baking soda.Pour over popcorn mixture. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 3 minutes, stirring several times.Spread on greased baking sheets to cool.Store in an airtight container.Enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 min
Total Time:  10 min
Servings: 8