Fettuccine with Creamy Crab Basil Sauce

Published on by carol lou Category: Main dishes, Recipes

The weather was absolutely beautiful this weekend and when searching the seafood section of the market I came across fresh crabmeat and knew that was what we were having for dinner.  Into my recipe box I went and found this recipe that I have not made in years.  It was as delicious as I remembered.  You can prepare this in under 30 minutes and what a extraordinary meal.  It was especially memorable since we had dinner on our porch in front of the fire in February.  A lovely evening to remember.

Fettuccine 2

 

Fettuccine with Creamy Crab Basil Sauce
Serves 6
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Ingredients
  1. 3 tablespoons butter
  2. 3 tablespoons olive oil
  3. 2 tomatoes, seeded and chopped
  4. 1 clove garlic, minced
  5. 1/3 cup whipping cream
  6. 1/3 cup white wine
  7. 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh basil leaves
  8. 1/2 cup cooked crabmeat
  9. salt and pepper
  10. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  11. 1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley
  12. 1 lb. fettuccine
Instructions
  1. Melt butter and oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add tomatoes and garlic, simmer slowly until the tomatoes soften and begin to break down. Add cream and 1/3 cup white wine. Simmer 10 minutes, stir frequently. thin with additional wine if sauce become too thick. Stir in basil, crabmeat, salt and pepper; simmer 3 minutes. Add 1/2 of the Parmesan cheese and 1/2 of the parsley. Keep sauce warm. Cook pasta as directed on package, toss pasta with sauce. Garnish with reserved cheese, parsley and basil leaves.
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Mom’s Rice Pudding

Published on by carol lou Category: Desserts, Recipes

I think everyone has a few recipes that remind them of when they were growing up and the comforts of home and mom’s (or dad’s) cooking.  To me, there are a few favorite recipes, but one recipe that I remember so well is my Mom’s Rice Pudding.  This to me is comfort food.  I distinctly remember when I felt under the weather as a child or the snow was blowing in the winter, Mom’s Rice Pudding would be in the oven.  Rice baked in a wonderful custard with raisins and sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg.  As the years go by ….. Mom’s Rice Pudding is still one of my favorites!

Rice Pudding 1

Mom's Rice Pudding
Serves 6
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Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
1 hr
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
1 hr
Ingredients
  1. 3 beaten eggs
  2. 2 cups milk
  3. 1`/2 cup sugar
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla
  5. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  6. 2 cups cooked rice
  7. 1/2 cup raisins
  8. Ground nutmeg and cinnamon
Instructions
  1. Combine first 5 ingredients; mix well. Add rice and raisins. Turn into a one quart baking dish or 10 x 6 baking dish. Bake, uncovered for 30 minutes, stir. Sprinkle with nutmeg and cinnamon. Bake an additional 30 minutes or until a knife inserted halfway between center and edge comes out clean. Can be served warm or cold.
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Chicken Wings with Jalapeno Pepper Sauce

Published on by carol lou Category: Appetizers, Recipes

Are you game day ready with your Super Bowl menu?   If you are still looking for another great recipe to serve during the game – Chicken Wings with Jalapeno Pepper Sauce is the recipe for you.  Go Team!

chicken wings jalapeno 1

 

Chicken Wings with Jalapeno Pepper Sauce
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Ingredients
  1. 1 - 12 oz. bottle chili sauce
  2. 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  3. 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  4. 1/2 cup white vinegar
  5. 1/4 cup catsup
  6. 1 medium onion
  7. 5 jalapeno peppers, seeded
  8. 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  9. 2 teaspoons salt
  10. 32 chicken wings (approx. 5 - 6 pounds)
Instructions
  1. Combine first nine ingredients in container of an electric blender, process 30 seconds or until mixture is well blended.
  2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a sheet pan with foil. Cut wings in half or purchase pre-cut wings. Place on foil lined sheet, spoon 1/2 of the sauce over wings. (Depending on number of wings you are cooking, you might need two sheet pans), Bake 30 minutes. Turn wings and top with the remaining sauce. If it appears to be too much sauce, reserve remaining sauce and refrigerate. Bake another 30 minutes or until fall of the bone tender.
  3. If you like your wings to be crispy, remove wings and place on a rack on a baking sheet, return to the oven and bake an additional 10 - 15 minutes, watch carefully. Serve warm with ranch dressing and celery sticks.
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Crusty Pepperoni Bread

Published on by carol lou Category: Breads, Recipes

Most quick bread recipes you see are for sweet breads, this is a savory quick bread.  Another recipe gem from a family friend.  Perfect to serve along side a bowl of soup, as an appetizer (slice thin and add to any cheese tray), or dipped in your favorite marinara sauce.  Quick, easy and exceptionally good.

pepperoni bread1

Crusty Pepperoni Bread
A hearty quick bread
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Ingredients
  1. 3 cups flour
  2. 2 tablespoons sugar
  3. 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  4. 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  5. 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
  6. 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  7. 1 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
  8. 2 eggs
  9. 1 cup milk
  10. 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  11. 1 cup diced pepperoni (4 oz.)
  12. 1/4 cup chopped ripe olives
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and Italian seasonings; set aside. In a mixer bowl, beat cream cheese and eggs at low speed until smooth. Add milk and oil; continue beating until blended. Stir in pepperoni and olives. Add liquid mixture all at one to flour mixture; stir just until moistened. Pour into a greased 9 x 5 inch bread pan. Bake 375 degrees for 55 - 65 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted come out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Bacon Pops

Published on by carol lou Category: Appetizers, Breakfast, Recipes, Uncategorized

What I thought would be a great addition to brunch turned out to be so successful I would add this to any breakfast, brunch or tailgate.  I always knew cooking bacon in the oven when preparing large quantities was easy.  However,  this time I  wanted bacon to be finger food and decided to thread the bacon on a stick.  I cut each piece of thick cut bacon in half, then threaded each piece on a six inch wooden skewer.  Brushed them all with maple syrup (you will see the syrup on the first piece on the top row), then I sprinkled the bacon with a brown sugar,ground  nuts and cayenne mixture.  In the oven it went …

bacon pops 1

 

and out came the most delicious bacon pops…

Bacon pops 3

Bacon Pops
Yields 22
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Ingredients
  1. 18 oz. package, thick cut bacon
  2. 22 six-inch wooden skewers
  3. 1/3 cup brown sugar
  4. 1/3 walnuts or pecans, ground
  5. 4 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  6. 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Soak skewers in water for 15 minutes. Cut bacon in half crosswise. Thread each piece of bacon on one skewer. Place skewers on rack in a foil lined cookie sheet. Combine brown sugar, nuts, and cayenne pepper. Brush each skewer of bacon with maple syrup. Try to avoid getting the end of the skewers coated (the skewers will be easier to serve when not sticky). Sprinkle each slice of bacon with brown sugar combination. Bake in preheated oven until the bacon is golden, approximately 35-45 minutes. Watch carefully during the last 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon will affect the cooking time Remove from rack when cool. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
  1. These would also be a wonderful addition to a Bloody Mary bar.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

 

 

 

 

 

Last Minute Broiled Shrimp

Published on by carol lou Category: Main dishes, Recipes

I am sure my schedule recently mirrors your schedule.  Getting back to a routine after the holidays, packing away all of the holiday decor, and trying to stay on a normal healthy eating schedule all seems to be a worthy goal.  Well, after a long week working and avoiding the grocery store, it was time to open the freezer and see what I could find and what I could make for dinner in under an hour.  First thing I did was find a bag one-half full of shrimp leftover from the holidays.  I tossed the frozen uncooked shrimp in a colander under cold running water while I put a few ingredients together.  I had made a recipe similar to one that required threading the shrimp on skewers, well I decided I did not have the time or the energy to thread shrimp on skewers.  Out came my small cast iron skillet.   In a small bowl I mixed the topping ingredients and mixed in the shrimp.  I let them marinate for approx. 20 minutes, then poured the mixture into the skillet, popped it under the broiler and our came the most delicious shrimp.  A great way to start the new year in my kitchen.

last-minute-broiled-shrimp

Last Minute Broiled Shrimp
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Ingredients
  1. 1 lb. uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  2. 6 tablespoons olive oil
  3. 2/3 cup Italian bread crumbs
  4. 1 clove garlic, minced
  5. 1 tablespoon Italian parsley, minced
  6. 3/4 teaspoon salt
  7. ground black pepper
  8. lemon wedges
Instructions
  1. Mix together the olive oil, bread crumbs, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Add the shrimp. Combine and let the shrimp marinade for 20 minutes at room temperature. Pour into entire contents of bowl into a cast iron skillet. Preheat broiler to high. Cook the shrimp 3 minutes, stir, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp are cooked through. Serve hot with lemon wedges. Serves 3 - 4.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

A Passion for Entertaining’s Most Viewed Recipe of 2016

Published on by carol lou Category: Uncategorized

I am always interested in the recipe that is viewed the most on my blog.  Peppadew Goat Cheese Appetizer is the most viewed recipe of 2016.  I must admit, it is one of our favorites and evidently it is also a reader favorite.  If you have not tried this appetizer, give it a try, I do not think you will be disappointed, perfect to serve for you New Year’s celebration or while watching your favorite college bowl game.   I wish you all a prosperous New Year, with great friends, great foods, and great finds! 

 

When I was in Atlanta last week, I had an amazing Peppadew appetizer at one of the BBQ restaurants we visited.  It was so good, I came home and  tried my hand at recreating it.  I served my creation this past weekend and all agreed it was delicious. A Peppadew is a sweet piquant pepper grown in the Limpopo province of South Africa.  Interesting how combining a few basic ingredients, you can produce such fantastic results. This appetizer is very unique and if you are not familiar with Peppadews, what a good time to give them a try.  It is very easy to make, you can make this ahead and pop in the oven when your guests arrive.  I served this with water crackers.

peppadew appetizer

 

Ten Minute Appetizer Tray

Published on by carol lou Category: Appetizers, Recipes

If you are like me, during this time of the year, it seems like each day brings a new and interesting kitchen challenge.  This time, I needed an appetizer and I needed it fast.  After leafing through my recipes, nothing really inspired me and time was running short.  Well, one quick trip to the store and my appetizer was almost done.  With a shopping list in hand, I dashed to my local store.  My list read like this – 3 dried fruits, 3 cheeses, 2 meats, olives, nuts, crackers, and jam.   Here is how I tackled my list at the market – first I headed to the dried fruits, in my cart went dried pineapple, dates, and cranberries,  Off to the cheese section – cheddar with cranberries, Stilton with ginger and mango, and a nice piece of gouda with the red wax. Stopped by the olive bar and picked up 8 oz. of assorted pitted olives, crackers – I looked for three distinctive shapes, sticks, squares, and rectangles.  Picked up a few roasted cashews, one package each; sliced dried chorizo and sliced prosciutto  and one jar of fig jam.  Quick, easy and out the door.  When I got home, out came my holiday tray and quickly layered the tray full of my finds.  My appetizer was ready – no cooking required and absolutely delicious.  

ten-minute-appetizer

Jelly Roll

Published on by carol lou Category: Desserts, Recipes

This recipe brings back memories when I was growing up.  Having a Jelly Roll was a holiday staple and I remember my mom rolling the thin cake in a sugar covered towel.  I think kitchen memories are some of the best you can have.  No doubt, whatever kitchen memory you have growing up was a labor of love.   I think the popularity of the basic Jelly Roll has diminished over time; I think it is one of the best desserts you can serve.  It is not too sweet,  easy to prepare and always looks beautiful with every slice.  I like to use red currant jelly, my mom always used red raspberry jam, the choice is yours…..the resutls will be delicious!

jelly-roll

Jelly Roll
Serves 8
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Ingredients
  1. 6 eggs, separated
  2. 1/4 cup water
  3. 1 1/2 cups sugar, divided
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
  6. 1 1/4 cups cake flour
  7. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  8. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  9. 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
  10. Confectioners sugar
  11. 1 - 12 oz. jar raspberry or red currant jelly
Instructions
  1. Line a greased 15x10x1 in pan with parchment paper, spray parchment with cooking spray.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  3. Separate eggs, let egg whites stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. In a large mixing bowl, beat egg yolks and water on high speed until thick and lemon-colored, approx. 5 minutes. Slowly add 1 cup of sugar. Add extracts. Combine flour, baking powder and salt - slowly add to egg yolk mixture.
  4. Add cream of tartar to egg whites and beat until soft peaks form. Slowly add remaining 1/2 cup sugar, beat on high speed until soft glossy peaks form.
  5. Fold 1/4 of egg white mixture into egg yolk mixture, then fold in remaining egg whites.
  6. Spread evenly in prepared pan.
  7. Bake 18 - 22 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Cool on rack 5 minutes. Invert cake on a kitchen towel that has been dusted with confectioners sugar. Gently peel of parchment paper. Roll up cake in the towel jelly-roll style starting with the 10 inch side of the cake. Cool completely on a wire rack. When cool, unroll cake and spread evenly with jelly. Roll up, dust with confectioners sugar.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Slow Cooker Chili

Published on by carol lou Category: Main dishes, Recipes

With all of the holiday activity going on, who has time to make dinner?  My secret weapon this time of year is my slow cooker. Fix it, forget it, and come home to the wonderful aromas of dinner without all of the last minute preparation.  This recipe I have been making for years, when our children were young and it seemed like we were never home, this was a staple.  With both of the kids participating in team sports, it seemed like they were always looking for a healthy delicious meal.  This Slow Cooker Chili is one of my go to recipes; our favorite is to serve it over pasta, topped with grated cheddar and a dollop of sour cream.  This recipe is the perfect base for so many meals, tonight it is chili on a baked potato (it also is a terrific topper for your nachos) – yum!

slow-cooker-chili

Slow Cooker Chili
Serves 10
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Ingredients
  1. 3 pounds lean ground beef
  2. 2 - 28 oz. can chopped tomatoes
  3. 2 onions, diced
  4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  5. 3 tablespoons chili powder
  6. 1 teaspoon salt
  7. 1 teaspoon paprika
  8. 1 teaspoon oregano
  9. 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  10. 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  11. 3/4 cup beef broth
  12. 16 oz. can kidney beans (optional)
Instructions
  1. Brown beef with onions and garlic. Combine beef mixture and all remaining ingredients in your slow cooker, stir well. Cook on low 8 - 10 hours.
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