Recipes

Surprise Muffins

Published on by carol lou

I just love making muffins because they are easy to make, quick to bake and always a great breakfast addition.  These muffins are especially good since they have a layer of jam in the middle which is the surprise.  I made these with strawberry rhubarb jam and they were wonderful.  With a fresh cup of coffee – let the day begin!

 Surprise muffins

 

Surprise Muffins
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Ingredients
  1. 2 cups flour
  2. 3 teaspoons baking powder
  3. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  4. 2 tablespoons sugar
  5. 2 egg
  6. 1 cup of milk
  7. 1/4 cup canola oil
  8. Jam
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 425. Grease 12 muffin cups. Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Mix together egg, milk and canola oil. Add to dry ingredients and mix just until all is moist. Fill cups 1/2 full of batter, top each with 1 teaspoon of jam, top with additional batter to 2/3 full. Bake 15 - 20 minutes, until golden brown. Especially good served warm.
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Academy Strawberry Pie

Published on by carol lou

This recipe has a wonderful story.  This recipe is from my mother-in-law’s recipe collection, she made each of us a wonderful cookbook of family recipes.  The Academy Pie came from one of their dear friends that they met while Navy families stationed at the Naval Torpedo Station in Keyport, WA.  Their friend Stu said that this pie tastes just like the pie he was served at the Naval Academy when he was a midshipman in the 1950’s.  How can you not like a pie that has such a wonderful story.  I must admit, it is just delicious and a tribute to the gourmet skills at the Naval Academy.  That is a big shout-out when I live with a USAF Academy grad!  I wonder if USAFA has a recipe that is equally remembered?

academy pie

 

Academy Strawberry Pie
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Ingredients
  1. 1 baked and cooled pie shell
  2. 1 quart washed and hulled strawberries
  3. 1 cup sugar
  4. 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  5. 1 cup water
  6. Whipped cream, for serving
Instructions
  1. Mix 1 cup sugar and 3 tablespoons cornstarch in a 2 quart sauce pan. Slowly stir in 1 cup of water. Over medium heat, cook, stirring until smooth. Add 1 cup of sliced strawberries. Continue cooking and stirring over medium heat until thing and clear. Remove from heat. Cool.
  2. Stir in remaining berries, reserved a few for garnish. Pour into cooled crust and chill until set firmly, approx. 3 hours. Top with whipped cream and garnish with reserved berriesl
Pastry for one crust
  1. Sift one cup of flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cut into it 1/2 cup of shortening. Work shortening in lightly with fingers until it forms fine crumbs. Add 4 tablespoons very cold water and blend well. Chill slightly and roll out on lightly floured board. Place in pie or tart pan, prick bottom and bake 450, 15 minutes.
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Chili Dogs

Published on by carol lou

I have been thinking about everything summer.  Chili Dogs came to mind immediately.  In my estimation, a grilled hot dog topped with wonderful toppings is one of the small pleasures of summer.  A wonderful addition to your hot dog bar is the additional of chili.  I  think I have the perfect combination of spices in this chili, if you like to kick the heat up, you can certainly adjust the amounts to add more heat.  You can make this ahead and freeze the chili until you need it.  Thaw and reheat the next time you are serving hot dogs.  Onions, cheese and condiments of your choice will delight your family and friends.  I have hosted large “Hot Dog Happy Hours” and must say they are one of my favorite parties.  I always serve potato chips along side.  I buy every flavor I can find from dill pickle to salt and vinegar.  Guests just love tasting all of the flavors they normally would not purchase at the store. Hot dogs, chips, cold beer –  Happy grilling!

Chili Dogs

 

Hot Dog Chili
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Ingredients
  1. 2 # ground beef
  2. 20 oz. can crushed tomatoes
  3. 1 medium onion, finely diced
  4. 2 tablespoons chili powder
  5. 1 garlic clove, minced
  6. 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  7. 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  8. 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  9. 1 teaspoon cumin
  10. 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  11. 1 teaspoon sugar
  12. 1 teaspoon vinegar
Instructions
  1. In a Dutch oven over medium high heat, brown meat with the onion and garlic. Add remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered 35 - 45 minutes. Stir frequently.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Marinated Green Beans

Published on by carol lou

Memorial Day weekend is the kick-off to summer. Time for picnics, BBQ’s, and outdoor fun.  When planning your outing and food menu, these green beans are sure to be a hit.   Served cold or at room temperature, you can make them ahead and they are ready when you are.  Pack in your cooler and you are set.  These beans are absolutely addicting.  Cold, crunchy and with a fantastic marinade, this is the perfect picnic fare for Memorial Day weekend. 

marinated green beans

Marinated Green Beans
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Ingredients
  1. 1 - 2 pounds green beans, snip off ends
  2. 1/4 cup olive oil
  3. 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  4. 1 clove garlic
  5. 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  6. 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  7. Salt and pepper, to taste
  8. 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds, toasted
Instructions
  1. Steam green beans for 4 - 5 minutes. While beans are steaming, heat olive oil over medium heat in a small sauce pan. Add garlic and cook 1 - 2 minutes, do not brown. Reduce heat and add oregano and vinegar. Cook 1 minutes, remove from heat. Drain green beans, toss with olive oil mixture. Cool slightly, toss with parmesan and almonds. Serve warm or refrigerate and serve chilled.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Port Glazed Caramelized Onions

Published on by carol lou

One of our favorite summertime favorites are burgers on the grill.   What a better topping than caramelized onions and fresh mozzarella. I thought I would make homemade hamburger buns and found this King Arthur Flour recipe that is absolutely delicious.  This dinner was a triple crown winner – wonderful buns, great burgers and unbelievably delicious onions.  Warm weather is here – time to bring out the grill and try this favorite.

port glazed caramelized onions

Port Glazed Caramelized Onions
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Ingredients
  1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  2. 2 medium red onions, sliced thin
  3. 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
  4. 1/4 cup port
  5. Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sliced onions. Cook onions, stirring frequently until soft, approx. 10 minutes. Season onions with salt and pepper and fresh thyme. Add port wine and reduce heat to medium low. Continue cooking until the wine is reduced and onions are brown and caramelized. These can be made ahead and reheated prior to serving.
Notes
  1. I topped grilled hamburgers with slices of fresh mozzarella and port caramelized onions. These onions would also be terrific with grilled meat, chicken, use as a topping on flat bread, or serve with goat cheese on an appetizer tray.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

 

Butter Pecan Sauce

Published on by carol lou

If you ever need a quick and easy dessert, this sauce recipe is for you.  In under 10 minutes, you can have a wonderful dessert sauce ready to serve.  Perfect over ice cream, but equally delicious over pound cake.  If you have ice cream in the freezer, you have dessert ready to go.  If you want to make this ahead, simply cool after cooking, refrigerate and reheat just prior to serving. 

butter pecan sauce

Butter Pecan Sauce
Serves 4
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Ingredients
  1. 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
  2. 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  3. 3/4 cup water
  4. 1 tablespoon butter
  5. 1/4 cup chopped pecans
  6. Ice cream
Instructions
  1. In a sauce pan, mix together brown sugar and cornstarch. Add water and cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly, about 5 minutes. Stir in butter, add pecans. Serve warm.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Pasta Primavera

Published on by carol lou

Pasta Primavera was named because it uses the vegetables that are available in the spring.  Even though, you can find these vegetables year round, it is typically associated with spring.  This is one of my ‘go-to’ pasta dishes.  These are many times when I want to make a quick delicious dinner that is easy to prepare.  I prefer to use freshly grated parmesan cheese when cooking, it adds such great flavor and far surpasses pre-grated cheese that is found in the stores.  Parmesan is a hard cheese, the easiest way to grate the cheese is to cube the cheese and process in your food processor until fine.

pasta primavera

 

Pasta Primavera
Serves 4
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Ingredients
  1. 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  3. 1 onion, peeled and diced
  4. 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
  5. 1 tablespoon fresh basil, minced
  6. 1 teaspoon oregano
  7. 1 medium zucchini, coarsely grated
  8. 1/2 cup red wine
  9. 1 egg, beaten
  10. 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  11. 1 pound of cooked pasta
Instructions
  1. Prepare pasta according to package directions.
  2. In a large sauce pan, heat oil and cook onion until translucent over medium heat. Add garlic and cook an additional 1 - 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add tomatoes, basil, oregano and zucchini. Cook over medium high heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the wine and simmer to slightly reduce moisture. In a small bowl, beat egg, slowly add some of the hot liquid, while stirring, into the egg to temper the egg (if you do not temper the egg, you will end up with a scrambled egg in your sauce). Add the egg to the vegetable mixture. Add the cheese. Salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Drain pasta and add to sauce. Simmer a few minutes. Serve.
Adapted from from the Frugal Gourmet
Adapted from from the Frugal Gourmet
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Rise and Shine Smoothies

Published on by carol lou

Such a delicious way to start your morning.  This Rise and Shine Smoothie will definitely wake up your taste buds on a beautiful morning.  I made this with fresh squeezed orange juice and ‘no sugar’ added cranberry juice.  A great healthy start to your day – Enjoy!

Rise and Shine Smoothies

Rise and Shine Smoothies
Serves 4
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Ingredients
  1. 2 cups orange juice
  2. 1 cup cranberry juice
  3. 1 medium apple, coarsely chopped
  4. 1/2 cup mango, cubed and peeled
  5. 2 kiwi fruit, peeled and quartered
  6. 2 cups fresh strawberries
  7. 10 ice cubes
Instructions
  1. In a blender, place all of the ingredients. Blend until smooth. Pour into chilled glasses. Serve immediately.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Steak and Shrimp Kabobs

Published on by carol lou

Now that the weather is warm and the grill is ready, I am ready to try some wonderful grilling recipes.  For these kabobs, I loaded each skewers with an assortment of meat, shrimp and vegetables.  I then made a basting sauce that we brushed on the kabobs as they were grilling.  The results were outstanding.  Easy to make ahead and grill when you need them.  I prefer to use metal skewers than wood skewers, even though I always pre-soak the wood skewers in water, they always seem to burn when grilling. 

Steak and Shrimp Kabobs

Steak and Shrimp Kabobs
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Ingredients
  1. Cubed sirloin steak (plan 2 - 3 per skewer)
  2. Large shrimp - peeled and deveined (plan 2 per skewer)
  3. Zucchini - cut into 1 inch cubes (plan 2 - 3 per skewers)
  4. Red Pepper - cut into 1 inch pieces (plan 4 per skewers)
  5. Corn on the Cob - cut into one inch pieces (plan 2 per skewers)
  6. Basting Sauce
  7. 1/2 cup ketchup
  8. 1/4 cup water
  9. 1/2 red onion, diced
  10. 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  11. 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  12. 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  13. 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  14. 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
  1. Prepare basting sauce in advance
  2. In a small sauce pan over medium heat mix ketchup, water, red onion, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for ten minutes. Remove from heat and cool. When cool, whisk in the olive oil. Set aside until ready to grill kabobs.
  3. Kabobs - thread skewers with meat, shrimp and vegetables. Refrigerated until ready to grill.
  4. Prepare grill and grill over medium heat for approx. 15 minutes. Turn frequently. Baste with the sauce frequently the last 5 minutes of grilling.
  5. Excellent served with a side salad.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Blueberry Buckle

Published on by carol lou

What is a buckle?  It is a yellow batter with the filling or fruit mixed in. A buckle also has a streusel topping.  This buckle I loaded with large ripe blueberries.  The cake is very moist and bursting with fresh blueberries.  This is a terrific dessert served warm and equally delicious as a breakfast snack or afternoon treat with a cup of tea.   While this was baking, our house smelled sensational.  The warm cake baking with the cinnamon topped streusel aroma filled the house.  Warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream – divine!

blueberry buckle

Blueberry Buckle
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Ingredients
  1. 2 cups flour
  2. 3/4 cup sugar
  3. 2 teaspoon baking powder
  4. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  5. 2 cups fresh berries, rinsed and drained
  6. 1 large egg
  7. 1/2 cup milk
  8. 1/4 cup melted butter
  9. Topping -
  10. 1/2 cup sugar
  11. 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  12. 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  13. 1/2 cup flour
  14. 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375
  2. Grease and flour an 8 inch square baking pan.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the berries and toss to mix. Beat the egg and milk in a small bowl with the butter. Add tothe flour mixture and stir just until moistened. (if batter seems too dry, add 1 - 2 additional tablespoons of milk). Spread batter evenly in prepared pan.
  4. Combine the topping ingredients in a medium bowl and mix well. Sprinkle over the top of the cake. Bake for 45 - 60 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted comes out clean.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/