PEAR BREAD (1 loaf) 1 stick unsalted butter, softened 1 cup sugar 2 eggs, slightly beaten 1 tsp vanilla 2 cups flour 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/8 tsp nutmeg 1/4 cup buttermilk or yogurt 1 cup coarsely chopped fresh pears with skins Preheat oven to 350. Butter a 9" loaf pan. In a large bowl, using a mixer, cream the butter & sugar together until light & fluffy. Add the eggs & vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda & nutmeg. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with the buttermilk, mixing gently but thoroughly. Gently stir in the pears. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Bake 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.~~More than a Tea Party PEAR DUMPLINGS W/CREAM CUSTARD (serves 6) 1 1/2 cups flour 1 stick butter, softened 4 oz cream cheese, softened 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/4 cup + 1 1/2 tsp sugar 3 ripe pears, peeled, halved & cored 1 egg, separated 2 cups heavy cream 4 tsp cornstarch 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp vanilla Mint leaves (if you have them) Preheat oven to 375°. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, butter & cream cheese. Knead by hand until blended. On a lightly floured surface, roll 1/2 the pastry to 1/8" thickness, using a floured rolling pin. Cut six 7" circles from the rolled out pastry. Mix the cinnamon with 1 1/2 tsp sugar in a small bowl & sprinkle evenly over the pastry circles. Place a pear half, cut side up, in the middle of each pastry circle. Fold the pastry around the pears, brush the pastry with egg white & place seam side down on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake the dumplings 30 minutes or until golden. Remove from the oven & cool slightly on a wire rack. For the custard: Combine the cream, cornstarch, salt, egg yolk & 1/4 cup sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the custard coats the back of a spoon. Remove from the heat, add the vanilla & allow to cool. When ready to serve, pool some custard on a dessert plate & place a dumpling on top. Garnish the dumpling with mint to resemble a pear leaf. Dumplings & custard may be made ahead of time & refrigerated separately to be served chilled later.~~Rouge River Rendezvous PEARS MELBA (serves 4) 3 cups water One 3" cinnamon stick 1 tsp vanilla 1 1/2 TBL fresh lemon juice (reserve 1/2 tsp) One 1x3" piece lemon rind (yellow part only) 4 large pears, stems intact, peeled, halved & cored 1 TBL cornstarch 10 oz frozen raspberries, thawed, drained, reserve juice 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese 2 tsp sugar Mint leaves In a large skillet combine water, cinnamon stick, vanilla, 1 TBL lemon juice & rind. Bring water to high simmer; add pears & poach, covered for 10 minutes. (Can be prepared up to this point, covered & chilled overnight.) Add cornstarch to reserved raspberry juice; heat until slightly thickened. Add berries; cool. Puree cottage cheese, reserved lemon juice & sugar until smooth & creamy. Matching halves, fill each pear half with 2 TBL cheesemixture; stand upright on a plate & press halves together. Level bottom, if necessary, by cutting off a thin slice. Spoon 2 TBL raspberry sauce over each pear. Place mint leaf at each stem. May be chilled several hours.~~from Sounds Delicious PEAR UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE 1 stick + 4 TBL butter 3/4 cup brown sugar 3 pears, peeled & cut in half 1/4 cup pecans 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 egg 1/2 tsp vanilla 1 1/2 cups flour 1 1/2 tsp baking powder Pinch of salt 1/2 cup milk Whipped cream Preheat oven to 375°. Melt the 4 TBL butter in a 9" square baking pan & sprinkle w/the brown sugar. Arrange the pear halves & pecans in a desinnnng on top of the sugared butter. Cream the remaining butter w/the granulated sugar & beat in the egg & vanilla. Sift together the flour, baking powder & salt & add alternately w/the milk. Spoon the batter carefully over the pears. Bake about 35 minutes or until done. Let cake stand 5 minutes before inverting onto a serving platter. Serve warm w/whipped cream.~~Craig Claiborne PEAR VINAIGRETTE 1/2 cup chopped, peeled fresh pear 1/4 cup rice vinegar 1 scant tsp Asian sesame oil 2 TBL orange juice 3 TBL olive oil Salt & pepper to taste Combine the pear & vinegar in a processor container & process until smooth. Add the sesame oil & orange juice & proces until well mixed. Add the olive oil gradually, processing constantly until combined. Season w/salt & pepper. Store in the refrigerator up to 2 days.~~Oh My Stars PEAR CRISP (serves 6) 6 ripe pears, peeled, cored & sliced 1 TBL lemon juice 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp nutmeg 3/4 cup flour 1/2 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats 1/2 cup brown sugar Place pears in a greased 2 qt baking dish. Toss pears w/lemon juice, cinnamon & nutmeg. In a bowl, combine flour & butter until mixture resembles crumbs. Add oats & brown sugar. Stir well; sprinkle over pears. Bake in a preheated 375° oven for 20-25 minutes or until browned & pears are tender. Serve w/ice cream or whipped cream.~~Food for Thought

Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Mar 30, 09 at 19:55 Ruthanna has picked a really fun topic. DRIED FRUITS! This includes dried apricots, raisins, dried cranberries and cherries, dried plums (formerly known as prunes), dried apples or figs and any other varieties of dried fruit. The dried fruits can be used in either sweet or savory recipes. So bring on the recipes and ideas. Our virtual dinner will be on Saturday, April 11, 2009. Don't hesitate to post earlier than that if needed. I know how life gets in the way at times. For those that may have missed the previous Cookalongs ..... the idea here is to post hints, recipes and discuss the focus ingredient over the next two weeks. Recipes can use any form of the ingredient. Please mention the recipe source and whether it is one that you have already made (T+T) or one that you might be trying for the first time. I'm going to make an attempt to link all the cookalongs together. Nancy Here is a link that might be useful: Cookalong #5 LEMONS Follow-Up Postings: o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lindac (My Page) on Mon, Mar 30, 09 at 20:59 Ok......I'll be the first to start the cookalong. Hazlenut/apricot bread. 3 1/4 cups of AP flour 1/2 cup WW flour 1 1/2 Tablespoons of instant yeast 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt 1/4 tsp of cinnamon...just a whiff! Mix in the food processor, Add 1/3 cup chopped dried apricots and 1/4 cup coarsley chopped toasted hazel nuts zap the processor to mix. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of honey and pulse to mix. Slowly add 1 1/4 cups of cold water or enough so that the dough cleans the work bowl. Blend 30 seconds, turn out into a bowl, cover, place in a warm place until double, punch down and allow to double again....punch down form into 2 free form loaves, allow to almost double and bake at 350 in a steamy oven for 40 minutes until the internal temperature measures 190. Brush the top with egg glaze before baking for a shiny finish. Linda C o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by canarybird (My Page) on Mon, Mar 30, 09 at 21:19 Okay here's one from me: Cranberry-Almond Biscotti Makes about 20. Ingredients: Juice and zest of 1 orange - (my orange yielded 1/2 cup of juice) 1 TBSP Amaretto liqueur - ( I used 1 teasp almond extract) 1/2 cup (1 x 75 gram pack) dried cranberries 1 3/4 cups (250 grams) (9oz) wholewheat flour 1/2 cup (8 TBSP) sugar (I use granulated fructose) 1 teasp cinnamon 1/2 teasp baking powder 1/2 teasp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) 1/4 teasp ground nutmeg 1 large egg 1 egg white 1/3 cup (50 grams) (2 oz) toasted almonds, chopped 1. Heat the orange juice, Amaretto and cranberries in a small saucepan just until hot. Remove from heat and let stand for 10 minutes. Drain and reserve the juice. 2. Preheat the oven to 350F (177C) (Gas 4) and line a baking sheet with baking parchment. 3. Mix together in a large bowl the flour, sugar substitute, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and nutmeg. 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, egg white, orange zest and 2 TBSP of the reserved juice. Stir this into the dry mixture until combined, adding more juice if necessary to make the dough moist. Stir in the almonds and cranberries. 5. With lightly floured hands, shape into a 16 inch (40 cm) log, then flatten slightly. Bake for 20 minutes or until firm. Slide log onto a cooling rack and cool for 10 minutes while you reduce the oven to 320F (160C) (Gas 2). 6. Cut the log diagonally into 1/2 inch (1 cm) thick slices. Place on the baking sheet, leaving a 1 inch (2 - 3 cm) space between each slice. (I didn't have room to do that...mine were touching.) Bake until golden brown and crunchy, about 25 minutes. Allow to cool on the rack. The Biscotti can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week or wrapped and frozen for up to 3 months. Source: Rick Gallop's GI Diet Greenlight Cookbook I didn't find Amaretto and wouldn't have bought a whole bottle just for the 1 TBSP called for in the recipe so I substituted 1 teasp of almond extract. It seemed to do the job just as well. SharonCb o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by annie1971 (My Page) on Mon, Mar 30, 09 at 22:55 This may not qualify as a dried fruit recipe, but you all may like to try it. AUNT ELLA LEE'S ORANGE SLICE CAKE Sift together: 3 1/2 cups sifted flour 1/2 tsp salt 1 lb orange slice candy (cut up) 1 8 oz pkg pitted dates (chopped) 2 cups chopped walnuts 1 can (3 -1/4 oz) flaked coconut Add 1/2 cup of flour mixture to candy mixture Beat 1 cup butter or margarine until light; gradually add 2 cups sugar; add 4 eggs separately, beating well after each. Combine 1 tsp soda and 1/2 cup buttermilk. Add alternately with flour mixture, blending well after each addition. Add candy mixture -- mix well. Turn into large greased and floured tub pan. Bake in a slow oven -- 300 degrees, 1- 3/4 hours. Remove from oven. Combine 1 cup orange juice and 2 cups sifted powdered sugar. Mix well, pour over hot cake; cool. Let stand in refrigerator overnight before removing from pan. o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Mon, Mar 30, 09 at 23:32 Annie, I can't believe I forgot about dates. I would enjoy a cup of tea and the results of any of the previous recipes tonight. I've posted this one before because it's my favorite way to prepare beets: APRICOT-GLAZED BEETS 4 servings 2 Tbs. butter 1 tsp. lemon juice 1/4 cup maple syrup 1/4 cup apricot juice-* 1/8 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg 1/8 tsp. grated ginger root (optional) 12 to 16 baby beets, about 1 inch in diameter, cooked and peeled In saucepan, combine all ingredients except beets. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce to low and simmer for 4 to 8 minutes. Add beets and toss gently to coat. Heat through for one minute. You can use larger beets, cut into quarters or eighths. * - To make your own apricot juice: Combine 1/4 cup dried apricots and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer over very low heat for about 40 minutes, or until apricots are soft. Remove apricots (these can be diced and sprinkled over the beets or used in scones, nut bread, etc.) o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by mustangs (My Page) on Tue, Mar 31, 09 at 8:36 Creative choice! My favorite company salad: Arugula Salad with Figs, Prosciutto, Walnuts, and Parmesan # 4 tbls olive oil # 2 oz thinly sliced prosciutto cut into strips # 1 tbls raspberry jam # 3 tbls fig balsamic vinegar # 1/3 cup dried figs, chopped into ¼ inch pieces # 1 tbls finely chopped shallot # 5 cups baby arugula # ½ cup chopped walnuts, toasted # 2 oz Parmesan, shaved into thin strips 1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in 10 inch nonstick skillet over medium heat; add prosciutto and fry until crisp, stirring frequently for about 7 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towel to drain and cool. 2. Whisk jam and vinegar in medium microwave-safe bowl; stir in figs. Cover with plastic wrap, cut several steam vents in plastic and microwave on high until figs are plump, about 45 seconds. Whisk in 3 tablespoons oil, shallots, ¼ tsp salt; toss to combine. Let cool to room temperature. 3. Toss arugula and vinaigrette in large bowl; adjust seasonings with salt. Divide salad among individual plats; top with portion of prosciutto, walnuts, and Parmesan. o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lindac (My Page) on Tue, Mar 31, 09 at 9:55 On a search for a beef stew with dried cherries I found this From Bubbe.... Recipe from Renée Adler Ascher's kitchen *** Apricot Honey Cake Source: "Cooking Live" recipe courtesy of The Jewish Holiday Baker Prep and cooking time: About 1 1/2 hours Yield: 1 cake, servings: 8 (to 10) Notes: My adjustments are in parenthesis Equipment: 10 x 5 x 2 1/2 loaf pan Batter equals about 6 cups Ingredients: 1/2 cup dried apricots, roughly chopped (about 3 1/2 ozs.) 1/4 cup dark rum 2 large eggs 1 cup clover honey (8 oz. liquid measure) 1/3 cup vegetable oil (I used canola) Grated peel and juice of 1 lemon Grated peel and juice of 1 orange 1/3 cup sugar 1 tsp. salt (I used sea salt) 1/3 cup apricot jam (I used preserves which I puréed first) 1 3/4 cups white rye or unbleached all-purpose flour (I used the regular flour, I couldnt even find the white rye flour] 1/4 cup cake flour (or more unbleached flour) 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 cup slivered almonds, or roughly chopped walnuts or cashews Instructions: Soak apricots in rum for at least 30 minutes in a small bowl. Strain and reserve the excess rum. (There isnt much) Preheat oven to 350º Grease a 10 by 5 inch loaf pan (I lined the bottom with parchment paper, which I also greased). Whisk the eggs in a large bowl. Incorporate honey, vegetable oil, grated lemon and orange peel, juice, sugar salt, and apricot jam. Sift flour and baking soda into another bowl Add the flour alternately with the rum to the honey cake mixture. Fold in the apricots. Scoop (authors word, I found the batter thin enough to pour) batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with the nuts. Bake on the lower middle oven rack for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the center of the cake is firm when you press it. Remove from the oven and cool on a rack. o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sally_grower (My Page) on Tue, Mar 31, 09 at 12:18 OK...this is my first time to participate in one of these so please bear with me if I goof up. This is not a T&T, but one I am going to try it. I hope it's good. I may cut the recipe in half for the first time. Date Nut Bread Sprinkle 1 tsp baking soda over 2 cups chopped dates. Pour 1 cup boiling water over mixture and let cool. While cooling, cream together ¼ lb butter ¾ cup brown sugar Beat in 1 egg Stir in date mixture Add 1½ cups flour ¼ tsp salt ½ cup chopped nuts (optional) Pour into lightly greased and floured pans. (I spray the aluminum ones-no flour-3 1lb loaves) Bake 50-60 minutes at 325º. o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Tue, Mar 31, 09 at 12:43 I'll add the first recipe using dried plums. I've made this cake with other dried fruits and the prunes are definitely the best. My mom used to make this often to pack for our lunches and I did the same with our girls. I like it best unfrosted but sometimes make it as a mini layer cake. FRUIT & NUT LUNCH BOX CAKE 1/4 cup soft butter 1/2 cup sugar 1 egg 1 cup flour 3/8 tsp. each of salt, ground cloves, nutmeg and ginger 3/4 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. each of baking powder and baking soda 3/4 cup buttermilk 1/2 cup diced moist-pak prunes 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 1/4 cup golden raisins Cream butter and sugar together. Add egg and beat until light and fluffy. Sift together flour, spices, baking soda and powder in another bowl. Add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients, beating well after each addition. Stir in prunes, raisins and nuts. Turn into greased 8 inch square pan and bake at 350 degrees for 25-35 minutes or until cake tests done. Cool in pan on for 5 minutes; then turn onto rack to cool completely. Cut in half and spread with vanilla, orange or lemon cream cheese frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake. You can also cool in the pan on a rack and serve unfrosted right from the pan. o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by cookie8 (My Page) on Tue, Mar 31, 09 at 15:19 Can it be for breakfast? I'll do, if so. I was thinking hot cross buns. o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sheshebop (My Page) on Tue, Mar 31, 09 at 18:51 Oooh! I can attest for Cathy's Arugula and Fig salad. It is fabulous. I do not have fig balsamic, so I might substitute, but I will be making that salad for sure...and I don't even like figs. But that salad, Mama Mia, I could not stop eating it! I will try to post my stuffed pork loin (apricots and prunes) this weekend. o dried fruits with brie clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by bbstx (My Page) on Tue, Mar 31, 09 at 19:55 This recipe was given to me at a wine and cheese pairing class. I regret I did not record the name of the author. T&T Serves 8 For dessert Dried Fruit Compote with Brie 1 3/4 cups water 1 cup sugar 3/4 cup sweet wine such as Moscato d'Oro 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice ( juice from one large lemon) or orange juice 6 strips lemon peel ( 1" x 1/4") 8 oz pkg dried Black Mission figs 6 oz pkg dried apricots 1 cup dried tart cherries (appx 4.5 oz)) 8 oz brie or Camembert cut into 8 wedges Compote: In a medium saucepan combine all ingredients except cherries and cheese. Bring to simmer over medium-high heat until the sugar is dissolved. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the cherries and continuing simmering, stirring occasionally, until fruit is tender and juices are reduced to a medium-thick syrup, about 15 -20 minutes. Let cool to room temp. (Compote can be made 2 days in advance and refrigerated. Bring to room tem before serving. Makes about 4 cups.) To serve, place a wedge of cheese on its side on each of 8 plates. Spoon compote over cheese. Cut cheese when cold; bring to room temp before serving. Good wine... Mocato d'Oro Any/all of the dried fruits can be replaced with an equal quantity of some other dried fruit. o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by chase (My Page) on Sun, Apr 5, 09 at 9:15 Given it's Easter next weekend this one may be appropriate. I always make these for Easter breakfast my family love them. Clive loves them! Hot Cross Buns. 4 1/2-5 cups all-purpose flour, divided 2/3 Cup sugar 1 (1/4-oz.) envelope rapid-rise yeast 1 Tsp salt 3/4 Tsp ground nutmeg 1/2 Tspground cinnamon 1 Cupmilk 1/4 Cup water 1/3 Cup unsalted butter,cut up 2 large eggs Vegetable cooking spray 2/3 Cup currants 1/3 Cup golden raisins 1 Tbl all-purpose flour 1 egg white , lightly beaten 1. Combine 2 1/2 cups flour, sugar, and next 4 ingredients in mixing bowl of a heavy-duty stand mixer, stirring well. Set aside. 2. Combine milk, 1/4 cup water, and butter pieces in a saucepan; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, just until butter melts. Cool 5 minutes (to 130'). 3. Pour milk mixture into flour mixture, and beat at low speed with dough hook attachment 2 minutes or until dry ingredients are moistened. Increase speed to medium; add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until yellow disappears after each addition. Beat 3 more minutes. Reduce speed to low, and gradually beat in enough remaining flour (up to 2 1/2 cups) to make a soft dough (dough will be sticky). Beat at medium speed with dough hook attachment 5 minutes. 4. Scrape dough into a large bowl coated with cooking spray, and lightly spray the top of the dough. 5. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85'), free from drafts, 1 hour. (dough will almost double in bulk.) 6. Punch dough down, and turn out onto a floured surface. Combine 2/3 cup currants, 1/3 cup raisins, and 1 Tbsp. flour, stirring to coat. Knead about one-fourth of fruit mixture at a time into dough until all fruit mixture is evenly dispersed. 7. Divide dough into 20 equal portions; shape each portion into a 2-inch ball. Evenly space dough balls on a parchment paper-lined 15- x 10-inch jelly-roll pan; cover and let rise in a warm place (85'), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in bulk. 8.Meanwhile make a smooth paste from 1/4 cup flour , 1 tsp of sugar and enough water to make the paste.Using a baggie with the tip cut off, pipe a cross on each bun. Gently brush tops with beaten egg white. 9. Bake at 375' for 15 minutes or until buns are a deep golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. Cool buns 15 minutes in pan on a wire rack. Makes 20 buns. Note if you rather you can make a plain white icing and use that to pipe the cross after the buns have baked. o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Sun, Apr 5, 09 at 11:56 I eat dried fruits a lot. I make fruit compote and serve it over cake, vanilla pudding or yogurt. Always very popular. And dead easy to make. Just mix whatever dried fruits you have in the pantry together with water to barely cover, or add orange juice or apple juice/cider. Throw in some spices and maybe some lemon or orange rind, and stew gently for 45 min. or so. My favorite fruits are raisins (golden and regular) currants, cherries, prunes, apricots and either dried apples or regular apples added towards the end. Dried peaches are nice too, but not necessary. I add a cinnamon stick at the very least, a couple of cloves stuck in a lemon slice, a hunk of vanilla bean if I have it, and some allspice and/or cardamom pods. But just plain old cinnamon is fine. Can add liqueur or sweet wine too. But just plain old water is fine too for stewing. If it's too runny, boil away some of the water at the end. Good with oatmeal for breakfast too. I use dried fruits in quick breads and muffins too, all kinds. And ocassionally scones. Here's the other way I like dried fruit, in savory dishes Picadillo (from the 'Three Guys from Miami' Cuban Food Web site.) Olive oil for frying 1 large onion diced 1 large green bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped 4 garlic cloves, minced 2 lbs ground beef or ground round (I sub two cups fake meat crumbles, dark red kidney beans, or smoked tofu) 3 tomatoes, peeled seeded and chopped (yeah, right. I either use a small can of chopped tomatoes, or whole tomatoes and then cut them up, or use garden fresh tomatoes, in which case I do not peel them) 1/2 tsp. ground cumin 1/8 tsp. cinnamon 1/8 tsp. cloves 1/2 tsp. oregano 1/2 cup green olives, chopped (optional, but I love them in this dish) or can use capers too. 1/3 cup raisins (optional, but to me, essential) Salt and pepper to taste Saute onion, green pepper and garlic in olive oil (I dunno, about 1.5 TBLSP I would say, more or less depending on how calorie conscious you are.) Fry about 5 min. til onion is soft and translucent, then add ground beef. Mash seasonings into the ground meat in the frying pan. Brown the meat. Then add the tomato and spices. Reduce heat to low simmer and cook 15 min. Add olives and raisins and simmer 5 min. longer. Season with salt and pepper. To make vegetarian, after sauteeing onion and pepper, add canned tomatoes and spices and fake meat crumbles. Simmer 15 min, then add olives and raisins, and simmer 5 more min. Serve with potatoes or rice. Here's a recipe from Cooking Light magazine that was the HIT of Thanksgiving in 2007 and 2008. I bought cranberries to freeze this year just so I can make this! Cranberry Cherry Crumble 3/4 cup of sugar 1/4 cup of dried cherries 1/4 cup of dried cranberries 1 bag of cranberries (12 oz.) 1 bag of frozen DARK RED SWEET CHERRIES (not pie cherries)(I think maybe 10-12 oz. bag, doesn't really matter too much, whatever size they come in. I've found varied sizes. What's a few more or less cherries!) 1 TBLSP flour 1 1/2 tsp. cornstarch Topping 1/4 cup slivered almonds 1/4 cup oats 1/8 tsp. almond extract (I never have this so you can leave it out if you don't have any) 2 TBLSP chilled butter 1/4 cup flour 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. nutmeg 1/8 tsp. cinnamon Spray 8 inch pan with cooking spray. (I have used bigger pans) Preheat oven to 375 degrees Combine fruit, sugar and thickeners. Pour into prepared pan. Mix topping ingredints together with pastry cutter or do in food processor or use forks to mash together. Sprinkle crumble topping over the top. Bake for 45 min. until bubbly. Do not underbake. P.S. Cooking Light is always kinda skimpy on the toppings, that's how they cut calories, so you can double it if you're using a larger pan. Is fine as is though. Great with ice cream or whipped topping or yogurt. Here is a link that might be useful: Three Guys from Miami Cook Cuban o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by annie1992 (My Page) on Sun, Apr 5, 09 at 23:14 My favorite use for dried fruit is in Habanero Gold, it takes dried apricots: Habanero Gold Jelly 1/3 cup finely sliced dried apricots 3/4 cup white vinegar 1/4 up finely diced red onion 1/4 cup finely diced sweet red pepper 1/4 cup finely diced habanero peppers, including seeds OR 1/4 cup diced, combined jalapeno and Scotch Bonnet peppers 3 cups granulated sugar 1 pouch Certo liquid pectin Cut apricots into 1/8 inch slices. Measure into a large deep stainless steel saucepan with vinegar; let stand 4 hours. Individually, cut onion and seeded peppers into 1/8 inch slices; cut slices into 1/4 inch dice. Measure each ingredient; add to apricots. Stir in sugar. Over high heat, bring to a full roiling boil. Stirring constantly, boil hard 1 minute. Remove from heat. Immediately stir in pectin, mixing well. Pour jelly into hot jar, dividing solids equally among jars and filling each jar to within 1/4 inch of top rim. Wipe rims. Apply lids. Process 10 minutes in BWB. Cool upright, until lids pop down, about 30 minutes. When lids are concave but the jelly is still hot, carefully grasp jar without disturbing lid and invert, twist, or rotate each jar to distribute solids throughout jelly. The jar can be inverted temporarily but do not allow it to stand upside-down for prolonged periods. Repeat as necessary during the cooling/setting time, until solids remain suspended in the jelly. Annie o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Wed, Apr 8, 09 at 9:45 I don't know if I'll have time to make anything this time. We'll be traveling again. I want to make some oatmeal cookies that have dried apricots and flax seed. I'll have to experiment with the recipe, as I don't have an absolute recipe. They're made by DH's cousin, and she said she just uses the recipe on the oatmeal box and adds dried apricots and flax seed - I think I remember it was a half cup, but I'll have to double check. Anyway, her oatmeal cookies are the only oatmeal cookies I've ever liked. Sally o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Thu, Apr 9, 09 at 15:34 Haven't yet decided on what I'll make this weekend for the cookalong... but it's no problem for me to use dried fruits..love them! Chase, I plan on making Hot Cross Buns too...I do it every Easter. Problem is, I eat one too many and then could care less about Easter dinner. I did make some Lemon Blueberry Bread this week and used dried blueberries instead of fresh. Turned out very good and now I'm thinking about trying lemon icebox cookies and adding dried blueberries to that.. Here's the bread Photobucket Nancy o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by cream_please (My Page) on Fri, Apr 10, 09 at 1:25 My Mother used to make a dried fruit soup. I remember it had prunes (dried plums), apricots and not sure what else. It was in a creamy sweetened sauce and was eaten warm. Might have had a sprinkling of nutmeg. Wish I would have paid attention. Cream o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by rachelellen (My Page) on Fri, Apr 10, 09 at 10:37 Here is a side dish I made up yesterday, and it turned out quite well. I think it would be equally as good made with other sorts of dried fruits. Lemon scented Couscous with Cranberries 1 ½ c couscous (Moroccan style, not Israeli) Juice of one large lemon (appx. 1/3 c) + enough water to make up 1 ½ c total liquid. 1 t sugar ½ t salt ¼ t tumeric powder Zest of one lemon (be careful to get only the yellow, with as little pith as you can manage), appx. 1 packed t. 1 t brown mustard seeds (yellow are fine, though not as pretty) ¼ t asafoetida powder* 1 large serrano pepper, quartered. 10 Kari leaves** 3 T chopped, dried cranberries ¼ c coarsely chopped, raw cashews 2 T chana dal*** 1 green onion, chopped (appx 1/3 c) veggie oil for frying Bring water, lemon juice & tumeric to boil. Add couscous and stir for about a minute. Then cover saucepan, and remove from heat, setting aside to soften for 5 or 10 minutes. Fluff with a couple of forks until the grains are nicely separate. Deep fry the cashew pieces over a moderate heat until golden brown, remove from oil and set aside to drain. Repeat with chana dal. Reserve the oil. Heat enough of the reserved oil (med-high heat) in a large saute pan to ensure couscous doesnt stick. Add the mustard seeds, cover and gently shake the pan now and then until the popping of the seeds slows down. Remove cover and add the serrano pepper quarters, asafoetida, and Kari leaves, and saute until the leaves wilt and are fragrant. Add cranberries and couscous and toss to mix the ingredients and heat the couscous through. Remove from heat, and toss in the cashews, chana dal, lemon zest and green onions. Adjust for salt and serve. *Asafoetida is a strongly scented powdered spice made from the sap of a herbaceous perennial plant. It is available from Indian grocery stores, and is used much as we use garlic powder. A blend of onion and garlic powders can be substituted, but add it to the oil right before tossing the mustard seeds and kari leaves into the couscous rather than cooking it with them. **Kari leaves are also available in some Indian markets, fresh is best. There really is no comparable substitute, but the recipe will be very tasty made with a different fresh herb. A few fresh sage leaves would probably be my choice, but some fresh basil, minced rosemary, thyme or savory would be good choices as well. ***Chana dal is a small relative of the garbanzo bean, which is dried and split. It adds a nice crunchy texture and nutty taste to the couscous. Again, it is available at Indian markets. If you cant find it, substitute extra cashews. o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Fri, Apr 10, 09 at 18:14 Cream I'm definately going to have to try your recipe, since I bought a bunch of asafoetida, mustard seeds and chana dal. No kari but I think I might try celery seeds, which I put in with my Indian spices. I love garbanzos. But I will probably sub rice for the couscous. I just cannot develop a taste for couscous, as much as I want to! It may be a couple of weeks before I get back into the kitchen though, to do any real cooking. o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by rachelellen (My Page) on Fri, Apr 10, 09 at 21:23 I have actually made a similar dish using rice, and it worked quite well. Using celery seeds sounds intriguing. I would not have thought of it, but they are similarly pungent (though of a different flavor) as kari leaves. I've only recently begun experimenting with celery seed...dunno why, it was just one of those spices that slipped past my radar for many years. That's why this forum is so great, ideas from others who think outside the box!! :D o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Sat, Apr 11, 09 at 9:30 Well, it's just not happening. I thought I'd be able to make the cookies Thursday night, but I didn't get home from cleaning cat cages and shopping for ingredients until close to 10:00 p.m., so I decided to blow it off until last night. But, we went truck shopping instead. I thought we'd be home by 9:00 from the truck shopping, but we ended up buying a truck, and again, we didn't get home from that until after 10. We're heading out of town tonight after work, yada yada yada....I just haven't been able to squeeze this cookathon into my schedule. I want to clarify the vague recipe I posted for those oatmeal cookies. DH's cousin said she uses the recipe on the Quaker Oatmeal box and adds 1/3 cup ground flax seed, plus she'll add nuts, dried apricots or dried cranberries, and either orange or almond extract. I wish I had time to test drive this recipe to make it more of an exact recipe. I'll try this sometime and report back. Sally o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Sat, Apr 11, 09 at 9:32 Actually celery seeds is a better sub for fenugreek leaves, although it isn't really like that either. I just have to use up these celery seeds, darn it! :) My mom puts celery seeds in potato, tuna, egg and macaroni salad because my dad is "allergic" to celery. (and just about anything else green!) I can get kari leaves at Wegmans in the international section, but since I don't often cook Indian, I really can't afford to splurge on buying them since I won't use them that often. I bought the aesofetida, dried mango powder and some black cumin seeds last year when I was more flush and thought I would soon find a job! I also thought I would get more into Indian cooking. I've made a few things and I'm trying, but I just don't seem to have the palette for it. I like curries, but I don't relish them like I do the cooking of the Mediterannean. I didn't grow up with either one, lol! I posted a link to an Indian spice guide, which I use sometimes. OK, back to dried fruits. Tsimmes is a classic recipe mixing carrots, dried fruit and meat. Being vegetarian, it's not something I make, but I have a recipe I like that I adapted. I don't make it very often even though it is vegetarian, since it has a lot of ingredients and single-me ends up with a lot of leftovers. This is a "company" dish. A "tsimmes" in yiddish is slang for a confusing fuss! Here's the recipe that I posted on the "Carrots" thread. Carbonada Criolla (Argentinian Tsimmes) I think I got this recipe from the Detroit Free Press and I think it came from Joan Nathan. I make this as a stuffing for baked squash. The best time I ever made it I stuffed a small baked hubbard squash with it. The squash was about the size of a smallish football. Start by baking the cleaned squash halves at 375 degrees for 45 minutes. I always have trouble baking squash perfectly, so use whatever method works best for you. Meanwhile, make the tsimmes. Traditionally tsimmes is put in an oven or on the back of the stove on the evening of the Sabbath so it will be ready to eat the next day after a long slow cooking, and no more work will have to be put into it. This would work in a crockpot too, I think. 2 TBLSP vegetable oil 2 cups dark red kidney beans, or fake meat or baked or smoked tofu. (The original recipe called for some kind of meat, probably ground chuck?) 1 large coarsely chopped onion 2 cloves garlic 1 12 oz. can chopped italian style tomatoes 1 tsp. dried oregano 1 large or 2 small sweet potatoes (parboil for faster prep. time) 1 large or 2 small white potatoes (I always cook with Yukon gold, parboil as above if you want) 1 cup vegetable broth 2 med. carrots, large dice 1 small can corn or 2/3 cup from a frozen bag 4-8 pitted prunes (to taste, I like the lesser amount) 4-8 dried peach halves or dried apples Saute onions, garlic and protein source until onions are translucent. Add tomatoes, and veg. broth, bring to a boil then simmer. Add potatoes and carrots. Simmer 30 min. Add some water or more broth if needed. Add corn and fruit, simmer 15 min. more. Stuff tsimmes into squash, bake in the oven for 15 min. more. You can top this with bread crumbs, parmesean cheese, or grated white cheddar, or any type of mixuture, but it is not necessary. Could also add a dollop of lowfat sour cream and sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro. That's how I like it. Here is a link that might be useful: Indian Herbs and Spices o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by rachelellen (My Page) on Sat, Apr 11, 09 at 11:25 lpink, just a note for future reference...should you buy Kari leaves some time, they do keep a long time in the veggie drawer, but actually they freeze fairly well. I have to travel a fair distance to get them, so I buy a couple of bags and freeze what I don't think I will get around to using. Naturally, they aren't as good as fresh, but pretty good. o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by terri_pacnw (My Page) on Sat, Apr 11, 09 at 11:39 FYI, the 3 Cuban Guys website has some of MarlenFL recipes. And here's one of mine. It's from My Grandmother. I've added more than the raisins. Use whatever you have in your pantry. It's like a Gingerbread flavored cake. Grandma's One-Bowl Applesauce Cake . This is a recipe my mom used to make when I was a kid. I just came across it. . 2 1/4 c flour 1 t salt 1 t baking soda 1 t cinnamon 1/2 c butter 1 c molasses 1 egg 1 c applesauce 1 c raisins . Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Cut in butter. Add molasses, egg and applesauce. Beat well. Stir in raisins. Bake in greased, floured 8" cake pan at 350F for 40-45 minutes. Cool for 10 mintues and turn out on baking rack. Sprinkle with confectioners sugar or glaze while still warm. . Glaze:Mix 1 1/2 T lemon juice and 1 c confectioners sugar. Drizzle over warm cake. . © 2001-2002 My Island Kitchen and another goodie Cranberry White Chip Oatmeal Cookies These are a great chewy oatmeal cookie. You can substitute raisins and chocolate chips. 3/4 c butter, softened 3/4 c packed brown sugar 3/4 c sugar 2 eggs 1 t vanilla 1 c rolled oats 1 1/2 c all-purpose flour 1 t baking powder 1/2 t salt 1 c vanilla/white chips 1 c dried cranberries (Craisins) . Preheat oven to 350F. Beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, beat well. Add in flour, oatmeal, baking powder and salt. Mix well. Fold in chips and cranberries. Drop by heaping spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes. These will spread. . © 2001 My Island Kitchen o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by canarybird (My Page) on Sun, Apr 12, 09 at 14:02 Okay I used dried fruits....with a little stretch of the imagination. Tomatoes are a fruit...right? And therefore sundried tomatoes are dried fruits.....right? My friend Brenda left a week ago for 3 months holiday in England and so she cleared out her kitchen and gave me some sun-dried tomatoes which I believe she had brought from England some time ago. I've never seen them here. So I soaked them this morning and put them on some oiled pieces of puff pastry, topped them with another piece of pastry and put them in the toaster oven for 20 minutes. Easy peasy and Wolf loved them! I'll be doing the same in a day or two with some dried mushrooms she left me. I'll try and do a better job next time. (The pastry was even the frozen boxed stuff from the supermarket.) SharonCb o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Sun, Apr 12, 09 at 21:59 Sharon, the puff pastry with sun dried tomatoes looks great! I'd certainly think that tomatoes qualify! I made two things yesterday with dried fruit. First is my Easter favorite...Hot Cross Buns. This year I made them with dried cherries for a change. Very good. Photobucket Then I made Carrot Bread with Dates. It didn't want to rise in the middle...maybe I used too many dates, sure is good though. Photobucket Nancy o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by chase (My Page) on Mon, Apr 13, 09 at 8:19 I made Hot Cross Buns too ! I found a bag of mixed dry fruits, raisins, golden raisins, currants, cranberries, blueberries and cherries, perfect for our cookalong! The results were great. Although I didn't make it yesterday I did serve Habanero gold with a before dinner cheese plate. So we enjoyed dried fruits twice yesterday. pics tomorrow...at the cottage and uploading pics is way too painful! LOL o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Apr 13, 09 at 11:20 Ready for Cookalong #7???? LindaC...I pulled your name out this morning! Do you have an ingredient in mind?? I'll keep a watch on this and set up the next thread. Nancy o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Apr 13, 09 at 12:19 ttt o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Apr 13, 09 at 19:12 Helloooooooo Linda??? o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Tue, Apr 14, 09 at 9:18 LindaC??? o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Tue, Apr 14, 09 at 19:22 ttt o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lakeguy35 (My Page) on Tue, Apr 14, 09 at 21:37 A weekend of company got in my way for this cookalong so I didn't get to play with y'all. I've got my eye on Sharoncb's biscotti though...y'all know I love to bake. Come on Lindac....we are waiting for our next challenge! David o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Wed, Apr 15, 09 at 8:39 LindaC has picked the next focus ingredient. Here is a link that might be useful: Cookalong --#7-- Exoskeletal Critters o RE: cookalong --6-- dried fruits clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by rob333 (My Page) on Fri, Oct 23, 09 at 8:51 Dried fruit. Appropriate for those who do like fruitcake.

Cookalong #21-----BEANS Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Feb 8, 10 at 22:26 This subject is wide open for interpretation... .........BEANS......... green beans, navy beans, red beans, yellow beans, black beans, white beans...did you ever think about how many colors beans come in? No wonder there's a recipe called Calico beans.... :) Thank you Kathleenca...fun choice! Beans, beans, the musical fruit......(I'll stop there) Add recipes now thru Feb 20. Nancy Here is a link that might be useful: Cookalong #20---Broccoli Follow-Up Postings: o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by denise8101214 (My Page) on Mon, Feb 8, 10 at 22:34 Don't forget ceci/garbanzo/chick pea! All the earlier Cookalong threads are linked below. Here is a link that might be useful: All the other Cookalong Links o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lorijean44 (My Page) on Mon, Feb 8, 10 at 22:42 I made a traditional hummus, cooking dried chickpeas. Much easier than I expected! Traditional Hummus Cover 1 cup dried chickpeas with water and soak overnight. Drain and place in a sauce pan with 1/2 teaspoon salt and water to cover. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer until tender, about 1 hour. Drain and reserve the water. Place the chickpeas in a food processor with the juice of 2 lemons, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 2 or 3 tablespoons of the cooking liquid. Process until smooth. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 cup tahini, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, and salt & pepper. Process. Transfer to a bowl and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped parsley. (I first drizzled some good olive oil over the top before sprinkling with the parsley.) Serve with toasted pita. You can substitute one 16-ounce can of chickpeas for the dried. Yield: about 1-1/2 cups. Source: Memories of a Lost Egypt - A Memoir with Recipes, copyright 1999 Lori o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by pat_t (My Page) on Mon, Feb 8, 10 at 22:53 Lori! You're killing me! I want some! My niece suggested that I cook some red beans & rice for dinner on Wed. and then proceeded to invite herself over for dinner. I guess you know we'll be having cornbread too. RED BEANS AND RICE 1 lb. dry red beans 6 cups cold water 6 cups hot water 1 lb. meaty ham bone or smoked ham hocks 1 large onion 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 bay leaf 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. ground red pepper 1 lb. smoked sausage, cut into bite-size pieces Hot cooked rice Sliced green onions Rinse beans. Soak overnight in covered pan. Drain and rinse beans. In Dutch oven combine the beans, water, ham bone, onion, garlic, bay leaf, and red pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer about 2-1/2 hours or until the beans are tender, adding more water if necessary, and stirring occasionally. Remove ham bone; cut meat from bone and add to beans. Add sausage. Boil gently, uncovered, 15-20 minutes more or until a thick gravy forms, stirring occasionally. Serve over rice. Sprinkle with green onions. Remember to remove bay leaf! Yield: 8 servings. o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ann_t (My Page) on Tue, Feb 9, 10 at 0:16 This is a favourite. Home Cookin Chapter: Recipes From Thibeault's Table Green Bean, Zucchini and Potato Stew (Fassolakia Iadera ======================================================= Adapted from: Krinos Foods (The original recipe called for a large can of tomatoes and did not include garlic or oregano.) Green Bean, Zucchini and Potato Stew (Fassolakia Iadera)This is a traditional vegetable mixture that is often eaten cold, accompanied by hunks of country bread and feta cheese . 1/4 cup olive oil 1 cup chopped onion 1 clove of garlic, minced 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed, halved crosswise 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 8 ounces zucchini, cut into 1-inch-thick slices 8 ounces russet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch cubes 3/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh oregano chopped (or dried) 1 14 ounce can of Italian-style tomatoes, chopped. 1/2 cup chicken broth . Heat oil in heavy large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and saut� 5 minutes.Add Garlic and green beans and saut� until onion is translucent, about 3 minutes. Add zucchini, potatoes, cayenne pepper, parsley and oregano. Pour tomatoes and their juices over vegetables. Add chicken broth. Bring to boil. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer until potatoes are tender, stirring frequently, about 45 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat. Can be prepared 1 day ahead -- cover and refrigerate. Serve warm or at room temperature. 6 To 8 Servings o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sherrmann (My Page) on Tue, Feb 9, 10 at 9:43 I have 2 lbs of pinto beans soaking right now. We'll eat them over the next few snow days as bean soup, tostadas, burritos, beans and eggs...... I'll see if I can find Uncle George's Amazing Baked Bean recipe to post. I make them often enough that I don't know the proportions of ingredients, but boy, are they good, and they start with canned pork and beans. Bacon, hamburger, brown sugar, ketchup, onions. Mmmmmm. o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by skeip (My Page) on Tue, Feb 9, 10 at 11:32 Two for a snowy winter day: SPICY BLACK BEAN SOUP 2 Cups Dried Black Beans 1 Large Onion, Chopped 1 Pound Bacon, Cut Up 1 6 Ounce Can Tomato Sauce 1 14 Ounce Jar Medium Hot Salsa, hotter if you wish 2 Tablespoon Minced Garlic 2 Tablespoon Dried Basil 2 Tablespoon Instant Chicken Bouillon Freshly Ground Black Pepper Salt to Taste Sort through the Beans and remove any foreign material, and any discolored beans. Rinse well under cold running water. Place the beans in a large kettle or stock pot, and cover with two inches of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for one hour. While the Beans are cooking, cut up the bacon and chop the onion. Place both in a heavy skillet and over low heat sautee until the bacon is just starting to brown and the onion is cooked. Drain off most of the Bacon Grease if you wish. Add the Salsa, Tomato Sauce, Garlic, Basil, Pepper, and Salt. Heat to a simmer, taste to correct seasonings, and remove from heat. This mixture should be fairly spicy. After the Beans have cooked for one hour, add the Bacon and Onion mixture to the stock pot. Bring back up to a simmer, cover and continue cooking over low heat for an additional hour, or until the beans are as tender as you like them. If the soup seems too thick add more water. Soup should be fairly thick, and the Beans still whole. Serve with a dollop of Sour Cream and a sprinkle of grated Cheddar Cheese and chopped Green Onion. Serves 8 generously. PROVENCAL STYLE WHITE BEAN SOUP 2 Cups Dried Navy Beans 1 Large Onion, Chopped 1 Pound Bacon, Cut up 2 14 Ounce Cans Stewed Tomatoes 2 Tablespoon Minced Fresh Garlic 2 Tablespoon Dried Basil 2 Tablespoons Dried Oregano 2 Tablespoons Dried Parsley 2 Tablespoons Instant Chicken Bouillon Freshly Ground Black Pepper Salt to Taste Sort through the Beans and remove any foreign material, and any discolored beans. Rinse well under cold running water. Place the beans in a large kettle or stock pot, and cover with two inches of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for one hour. While the Beans are cooking, cut up the bacon and chop the onion. Place both in a heavy skillet and over low heat sautee until the Bacon is just starting to brown and the Onion is cooked. Drain off most of the Bacon Grease if you wish. Add the Stewed Tomatoes, Garlic, Basil, Oregano, Parsley, and Chicken Bouillon. Bring this mixture to a simmer, taste to correct seasonings, and remove from heat. This mixture should be fairly highly seasoned. After the Beans have cooked for one hour, add the Bacon and Onion mixture to the stock pot. Bring back up to a simmer, cover and continue cooking over low heat for an additional hour, or until the beans are as tender as you like them. Soup should be fairly thin. Serve with a dollop of Plain Yogurt and a sprinkle of chopped Fresh Parsley. o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by kathleenca (My Page) on Tue, Feb 9, 10 at 15:04 A friend gave me this one about 1963. Though it starts with canned pork 'n beans, the flavor is really good. I like it a lot more than DH does - it's a little too spicy for him. Barbeque Beans 6 - 8 servings 1 1-lb 15-oz can pork 'n beans 1/2 c ketchup 1/8 c Worchestershire sauce 2 - 3 squirts Tabasco sauce 3 Tbsp dark molasses 1 tsp salt 1/2 - 1 tsp liquid smoke 1 - 2 Tbsp dry mustard 1 tsp pepper 1/2 tsp vinegar Mix all ingredients in a 2-qt baking dish & bake in a 325 degree oven until bubbly. Bake for 2 hours for more flavor. Can also be simmered in a pot on the stove, but the baked flavor is richer. I have also made it with vegetarian beans. o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by liz_h (My Page) on Tue, Feb 9, 10 at 15:56 We had red beans & rice the other day. I usually use andouille sausage, but tried it with Johnsonville's hot 'n spicy bratwurst (with Cajun seasoning) instead. It was very good! Red Beans & Rice for Two 1/3 medium onion 1 stalk celery 1/2 bell pepper 1 tsp bacon fat, butter or oil 1 bay leaf salt & pepper 1 or 2 cups homemade stock (pork, chicken or beef) 1 can red beans 1 link andouille sausage, cooked and sliced 2/3 cup dry rice, prepared with 1-1/3 cups water Mince vegetables & saute in hot fat for a few minutes. Add stock & bay leaf. Boil until liquid is reduced to about 1/4 cup. Add sausage and undrained can of beans. Simmer together for 10 minutes or so. Meanwhile, prepare rice. Serve beans over rice. DH suggested that next time I cook the rice with the beans from the beginning, making it even simpler to prepare (& clean up) I'll try that. o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by doucanoe (My Page) on Tue, Feb 9, 10 at 17:47 Can you believe I have never had red beans & rice? I am definitely going to try one (or both) of the above recipes! Here are my contributions. I'll probably be making the minestrone in the next few days. Julie�s Baked Beans 1lb ground beef, browned and drained 1/2lb bacon, cooked until crisp, crumbled 1T Worcestershire sauce 1/2c catsup 1/2c light molasses 1/2c brown sugar 2 medium onions, chopped 1 3lb7oz can B&M or Bush�s beans Place all ingredients in casserole and bake one hour at 325F OR Place all ingredients in crockpot and cook 5-6 hours on low. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cannellini Minestrone my adaptation of a recipe found in Cooking Light magazine. 1 T olive oil 1 c chopped onion 1/2 c chopped celery 1 clove garlic, minced 3 14 oz cans cannellini beans, drained 1 tsp salt 1/8 tsp black pepper 1-1/2 c beef broth 1 T dried parsley 1 T dried basil 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes 12 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped 1/2 tsp green chili sauce Heat olive oil in large non-stick skillet, saut� onion, celery and garlic 3-5 minutes or until tender. Place1 can of the beans, salt and pepper in food processor, puree until smooth. Place drained beans in a large stock pot. Stir in puree and beef broth. Add onion mixture to pot and bring to a simmer. Stir in parsley, basil, pepper, tomatoes, spinach and chili sauce, simmer until spinach is wilted and soup is heated through. 8 servings ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Navy Bean Soup From Food Network Kitchens 1 lb navy beans, picked over, rinsed and drained 10 sprigs parsley 2 sprigs fresh thyme 1 bay leaf 2 large smoked ham hocks, about 1-1/2 lb 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped 1 clove garlic, coarsely chopped 8 c cold water 1 medium carrot, coarsely chopped Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper Butter for garnish Place beans in a large saucepan and cover with cold water by about 2 inches. Bring to a boil and lower the heat to simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, remove from heat, cover and let sit for one hour. Drain and reserve. Tie parsley, thyme and bay leaf together with kitchen twine. In large soup pot or dutch oven, combine the beans, herb bundle, hocks, onions and garlic with the water. Bring to a boil, cover and adjust the heat so that the soup cooks at a gentle simmer. Cook until the beans and hocks are completely tender, about 1-1/2 hours. Turn off heat and remove hocks. Cool slightly. Remove meat from hocks, discarding the bones, fat and skin. Cut meat into small cubes. Remove herb bundle from soup and discard. Puree about 3 cups of the beans with some of the liquid in a blender. (For a smooth soup, you may puree all the beans). Stir the puree and diced meat into the soup. Heat the soup and adjust seasoning as needed with salt & pepper. Ladle into heated bowls, place a small pat of butter on top of each bowl of soup, serve. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Green & Yellow Bean Salad with Chunky Tomato Dressing and Feta Source: The Best of Cooking Light 3/4 lb yellow wax beans, timed 3/4 lb green beans, trimmed 2 c chopped tomato 1 T sherry vinegar 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1/2 c fresh basil, thiny sliced 1/2 c crumbled feta cheese Cook beans in boiling water 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and rinse with cold water Combine tomato, vinegar, oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Divide the beans among 8 salad plates. Spoon 1/4 cup of the tomato mixture over beans on each plate. Sprinkle each serving with 1 T of the basil and 1 T of the feta. Serves 8 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Nacho Cups 4 (12 inch) flour tortillas 6 oz Monterrey Jack Cheese, shredded 3 roma tomatoes, diced � red bell pepper, chopped 4-5 green onions, chopped 1 (14 0z) can black beans with cumin & spices � c salsa 6 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray two 12 cup muffin tins with cooking spray. Cut each tortilla into 6 wedges, and push each wedge into muffin pan to form a cup. Layer approx. 1 tsp each of cheese, tomato, pepper, onions, beans, salsa and cheese in each cup. Cover loosely with foil and bake 5 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 minutes more until bubbly and cheese is golden. Makes 24 appetizers **You could use any ingredients you like in these, try cooked taco meat, diced jalapenos, Mexican rice, pepper jack cheese, etc. for different flavor combinations. Linda o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ci_lantro (My Page) on Tue, Feb 9, 10 at 17:59 Recipe from a New Orleans souvenir postcard. I've been using this recipe for years: Red Beans & Rice 1 ham bone 1/2# ham, cubed 1# dried red beans 1 large onion, chopped 1 c. chopped green onions, tops & bottoms 1/4 c. chopped bell pepper 1/4 c. chopped parsley 1/2 t. basil 2 bay leaves 1/4 c. butter Salt & cayenne pepper to taste *I aways add lots of garlic to this recipe Put beans in a heavy pot w/ enough water to cover; bring to a rolling boil for a couple of minutes, then soak overnight in that same water. In the morning, bring to a boil again & add all the other ingredients. Reduce heat & simmer for at least 3 hours. The ham bone is important for flavor. Be sure beans are not old. They should become very creamy, but most will remain whole. Add cold water as needed. Goes well with smoked sausage & sliced raw onions. ***[Rice cooking instructions that I've never followed but including it because it's part of the orig recipe.] Serve over fluffy long grain rice cooked as follows. Bring 3 quarts of water to a rapid boil. Add salt, one tablespoon of oil and one of vinegar, and one cup of rice. Oil will keep water from boiling over and vinegar will let each grain of rice falls to itself. Reduce heat and simmer exactly 18 minutes. Drain in a colander, rinse off excess starch with cold water and steam in colander until well warmed again. This is a very good recipe, very much like the red beans & rice that I ate in NOLA. I always douse them liberally w/ Tabasco. o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by kathleenca (My Page) on Tue, Feb 9, 10 at 20:34 Here's another recipe that's especially good this time of year. Pistou Soup makes 3 1/2 quarts 2 Tbsp butter 1 c chopped onion White part of 1 leek OR green onion, chopped 1 c 2-inch cut green beans 1 c shelled butter beans OR small lima beans 1 c peeled potatoes in 2-inch cubes 1 1/2 c peeled chopped tomatoes OR 1 c canned tomatoes, broken up 8 c chicken stock 1/2 c vermicelli, spaghetti or small pasta, broken into 1-inch pieces salt & pepper 2 Tbsp tomato puree 1/4 c olive OR salad oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme OR 1/2 tsp dried 1 c grated Parmesan chees Melt butter in large pot or skillet over medium heat. Saute onion & leek until tender. Add green beans, butter beans, potatoes, tomatoes with liquid, & chicken stock. Cover & bring to boil. Reduce heat & simmer 15 minutes. Add pasta & cook 15 minutes longer or until vegetables are tender. Season to taste with salt & pepper. Place tomato puree in bowl & whisk in oil, drop by drop. Add garlic, basil & thyme. Stir mixture into soup. (Soup may be made to this point several days in advance, frozen & reheated.) Sprinkle with grated Parmesan at serving. o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Tue, Feb 9, 10 at 23:09 Ack, I just got the ingredients for the broccoli cookalong today, that's how behind I usually am! I eat beans almost every day, so every day is bean cookalong for me! What I'd like to make is hummus starting from scratch with dried garbanzo beans. I've only ever made it with canned before. I saved the hummus thread so that's where I'll get my recipe. Right now I've got two bowls of butterbean soup to finish, and then I'll probably make this soup out of my "Cucina Ebraica" cookbook by Joan Nathan. It is very, very similar to the other bean soups listed, and pretty typical of the kind I usually make, with the exception of adding the fake meat crumbles. Pasta e Fagioli alla Veneta - Venetian White Bean Soup with Pasta and Beef Sausage Serves 6 1 3/4 cups (~14 oz.) dried white or borlotti beans, picked over and rinsed. (I'll use canned canelinni beans this time) 4 TBLSP EVOO 2 onions, finely chopped 2 celery stalks, finely chopped 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped 3/4 lb. freshly made or purchased fresh fettuccine, cut into maltagliati (irregular 1 1/2 inch pieces) (I bought tiny penne for this instead, dried. I can't afford fresh pasta and I don't make it.) About 2 cups meat broth (I'll use veggie broth) 1/2 lb. meat mixture for beef sausage, rolled into tiny meatballs. (You're on your own with this, I'll use 1/2 lb. fake meat crumbles or fake italian sausage cut up.) The mix Joan mentions included boneless beef shoulder, finely ground, 1/2 lb. beef kidney fat (whatever THAT IS), and lots of spices. Maybe chuck that and just buy some italian sausage and cut it up. Buy all beef if you want to stick to the original Jewish origins of this dish. Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Cook beans as you usually do for dried beans (in my case that means soaking in 2 times their volume of water overnight and then draining). Add fresh water to cover and bring to a boil. Meanwhile, sautee the onions, celery, and carrots in 4 TBLSP of olive oil until softened, about 10 min. Add to the beans and return to a boil. Cover and reduce heat and simmer until beans are tender, about 1 1/2 hours. If you're making this with canned beans, you can skip the cover with water and bring to a boil part, and just add the beans after you've sauteed the vegetables. Then add the vegetable broth to cover all the soup ingredients. Also, I would suggest adding 1 tsp. of italian seasoning unless you are using a spicy italian sausage in the soup. While the soup is simmering, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta. Also, scoop out half the bean mixture and puree when the beans are sofrt(I just run the hand blender for a couple of seconds until half the soup is pureed, or mash with a potato masher a bit). The recipe says bring the meat broth to a boil and cook the meatballs. If you're doing meatballs you're on your own as to how you make them, but they need to be the small ones. Add the meat broth and meatballs to the soup and simmer 10 more minutes for flavors to meld. (In my case it will be add the fake meat and some additional broth to cover.) At the very end, add the pasta and 2 cups chopped cooked swiss chard or curly endive to the soup. (Yeah right. I just toss in some frozen chopped spinach and cook until it is defrosted and heated through). Before serving, season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also use tubetti pasta in this soup. I couldn't find tubetti which is why I bought the tiny penne. The last recipe I'll share is from my friend Carolyn. I've been craving it, but I have a ton of other food to use up in the fridge so probably won't get to it this cookalong. But it is definately worth trying if you're up for something adventurous and want to expand your bean repertoire. Carolyns' kids are quite picky yet they like this, although they have been raised vegetarian so they love pasta. Definately for cilantro lovers though, that's what makes the dish. Carolyn's Yummy Sauce 1 can of white beans 6 garlic cloves pressed (I use 3) 2 TBLSP fresh ginger, grated 2 cups fresh cilantro (basically one bunch) 1 TBLSP chinese sesame oil 1 TBLSP hot chili oil (1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper dissolved in 1 TBLSP sesame oil). (I use commercial Thai chili sauce) 1/2 cup peanut butter (or maybe tahini, but I use peanut butter) 1/2 cup soy sauce 2 TBLSP sugar (I use brown) 3 TBLSP rice wine vinegar or rice wine Combine all ingredients in a food processor and puree until the mixture is of uniform creamy consistency. Pour over hot pasta and heat additionally in a pan if necessary to heat through. Garnish with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, chopped peanuts or diced cucumber if desired. This is great with fusilli, shell shaped pasta, or cavatelli, or orichiette or those snail shaped ones, lumache or whatever they are called. I add a small amount of finely chopped steamed broccoli to this or spinach, or sauteed red pepper, if I am in the mood but it is not necessary. Don't use tahini in this if you can't get it fresh, peanut butter is fine. o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by katiec (My Page) on Wed, Feb 10, 10 at 0:58 We eat a lot of beans, but I don't have many recipes. I don't think I've ever had red beans and rice either...maybe that's what we'll make this weekend. Doubt I could fine andouille around here,though. This is a fun one... * Exported from MasterCook * Quitza Recipe By : Katie, from Baking With Julia Serving Size : 1 Preparation Time :0:00 Categories : Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method -------- ------------ -------------------------------- --DOUGH-- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast 1/2 cup Yellow cornmeal 3 tablespoons Nonfat dry milk 3 cups Unbleached all purpose flour 2 ts Chili powder 1 1/2 ts Salt 1 cup refried beans 1/4 cup Chile-infused olive oil or vegetable oil 1 lg Egg 1 tablespoon Chile-infused olive oil or vegetable oil 2/3 cup water -- (approximately) --TOPPING-- 12 ounces cream cheese -- room temp 2 cups chunky salsa -- drained if watery 1 cup Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese -- shredded Put dough ingredients into bread machine and set for dough. Dough should form a ball; add up to 1/3 cup more water a little at a time, if necessary. At the end of the dough cycle, remove and let rest on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes. Working on a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 16 inch circle. Fit the dough into oiled pan, stretching and pressing it so that it covers the bottom of the pan and comes up the sides. Spread the softened cream cheese over the bottom of the dough. Spoon the salsa over the cream cheese and top it with the shredded cheese. Let rise, uncovered, at room temperature for about 30 minutes or until the dough is puffy and doubled in bulk. Bake at 475F on center rack for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is deep brown and the cheese is bubbling. Serve hot or at room temperature. Quitza is best served the day it is made. o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by rob333 (My Page) on Wed, Feb 10, 10 at 11:44 I can't take a photo of it (I guess I could use my cell phone, but that wouldn't really be all that great!). I'll post one my mom and I asked for the recipe at a local restaurant. It's pretty close to what they make. Haricot Vert from J Alexander's 1/2 1b green beans, snapped and strings removed 2 tablespoons olive oil Montreal seasoning (recipe below) Cook the beans according to your preference. I like to boil the beans until tender, but still green, and then drain them. While the beans are still hot, add them back to the pan, drizzle with olive oil and then sprinkle on Montreal seasoning. Toss. These are usually best when the beans sit for a few minutes and absorb the oil and spices. __________________________________________________________________ Montreal seasoning 2 tablespoons black pepper 2 tablespoons paprika 1 tablespoon salt 1 tablespoon granulated garlic 1 tablespoon granulated onion 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper 1 tablespoon ground coriander 1 tablespoon dill seeds Combine and set aside o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Wed, Feb 10, 10 at 12:30 I do something with green beans kinda similar to what Ann posted, but just with onions, garlic occasionally, green beans and new potatoes. It's very informal. I just saute a sliced onion till softened, add the garlic and saute for a minute more, then add either fresh, which is best of course, or canned green beans and small or quartered large new potatoes. Add enough water or veggie broth, or broth of your choice, to cover, and let cook slowly till tender and the liquid has reduced a bit. Salt and pepper and butter to taste. Some chopped parsley is good added at the last minute, too. Simple but very tasty. I also like to just quick cook fresh green beans till al dente, either by steaming or sauteing, and top with a Lemon-Shallot Vinaigrette. The vinaigrette is actually from a recipe for asparagus, but it's great on green beans, too. I just substitute green bean for asparagus. It's from Jack Bishop's The Complete Italian Vegetarian. 1 1/2 pounds Green Beans 1 teaspoon grated zest and 2 tablespoons juice from 1 large lemon 1 medium shallot, minced Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil. Whisk together the lemon zest and juice, shallot and salt and pepper to taste in a medium bowl. Slowly whisk in the oil until smooth. Adjust the seasonings and set aside. For the green beans, either bring a pot of water to boil and boil the green beans just until tender but not mushy, (In the original recipe using asparagus, he says to boil till tender but not limp, about 4 minutes. I think green beans would take about the same amount of time, maybe a little longer, though) or steam them till the same texture. Drain the green beans and place in a single layer on a large platter. Whisk the dressing again and drizzle it over the green beans. Let cool for 10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature. I have to confess...one of my favorite things to do when I don't feel like cooking is to toss a can of black beans or pinto beans and a can of Chile Fixins Rotel together, with some chopped onion and sometimes a diced clove of garlic, and some chopped cilantro if I have some on hand. Heat until hot and serve. I call them chile beans. Simple, and surprisingly good. Do Lentils count as beans? I've made this lentil soup before, and it's quite good. I don't remember if I've posted it before, so I apologize if I'm being redundant. from Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone by Deborah Madison (You'd think I didn't have any other cookbooks, but really I do. It's just that this is my go to cookbook for most of my every day things.) Hearty Lentil Soup 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cups finely diced onion 3 large garlic cloves Salt and freshly milled pepper 3 tablespoons tomato paste 1/3 cup finely diced celery 1/3 cup finely diced carrot 2 bay leaves 1/2 cup chopped parsley 1 1/2 cups French green or brown lentils, sorted and rinsed 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar Chopped celery leaves and parsley Heat the oil in a soup pot over high heat. Add the onion and saute until it begins to color around the edges., 5 to 7 minutes. Meanwhile, mince or pound the garlic in a mortar with 1 teaspoon salt. Work the tomato paste into the onion, then add the garlic, celery, arrot, bay leaves, and parsley and cook for 3 minutes. Add the lentils, 2 quarts water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, partially covered, until the lentils are tender, 25 to 35 minutes. Stir in the mustard and vinegar. Taste and add more of either as needed. Check the salt, season with plenty of pepper, remove the bay leaves, and serve, garnished with the celery leaves and parsley. The longer the soup sits before serving, the better it will taste. Sally o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by jude31 (My Page) on Fri, Feb 12, 10 at 20:57 AnnT...we loved your Green bean, Zucchini and Potato Stew. We had it with a rotisserie chicken and rolls and it was GREAT, definitely a keeper. Thanks, jude o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by jude31 (My Page) on Wed, Feb 17, 10 at 18:41 This chick pea salad is really good and a little different. Chick Pea Salad: 2 16 oz. cans Chick Peas, rinsed and drained 2 C. chopped Romaine Lettuce (use scissors) 1 1/3 C. Seedless Red Grapes, halved 1 C. Sweet Red Pepper, chopped 2/3 C.thinly sliced Celery 1/2 C finely chopped Onion 1 1/2 to 2 C. Poppy Seed Dressing Poppy Seed Dressing: 3/4 C. sugar 1/3 C. cider vinegar (heat to boil and pour over sugar) 1 teas.salt 1 teas. dry mustard 1 teas. finely chopped green onion 1 C. vegetable oil 1 T. (+) poppy seeds Combine first 5 ingredients in blender til smooth. Turn blender on high and gradually pour in oil in slow steady stream. Stir in poppy seeds - cover and chill. Enjoy. jude o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Thu, Feb 18, 10 at 8:45 My family has always loved beans and I make them so many ways. This recipe posted here by AdrienneLIQ is one of our favorites. When I make a casserole of beans, it's usually served as the main course rather than a side dish. TUSCAN BAKED BEANS Ingredients: 1 lb dried cannellini beans 4 T EVOO 2 cloves garlic, crushed 4 oz. Pancetta, roughly chopped 3 leaves fresh sage (if fresh not available, use 4t chopped fresh parsley). 1 Leek, finely sliced 1 14 oz. can plum tomatoes, chopped with their juice salt and freshly ground black pepper. 1. Carefully pick over the beans, discarding any stones or other particles. Place the eans in a large bowl and cover with water. Soak for at least 6 hours or overnight. Drain. 2. Preheat the oven to 350. In a small saucepan, cook pancetta until crisp. Remove pancetta from pan and set aside. Heat the oil and sautee the garlice cloves and sage leaves for 3-4 minutes until garlic is tender but not brown. Remove from the heat. 3. In a large deep baking dish combine the beans with the leek and tomatoes. Stir in the oil with the garlic and sage. Add pancetta. Add enough fresh water to cover the beans by 1 inch. Mix well. Cover the dish with a lid or foil, and place in the center of the oven. Bake for 1 3/4 hours. 4. Remove the dish from the oven, stir the beans, and season with salt and pepper. Return the beans to the oven, uncovered, and cook for another 15 minutes, or until the beans are tender. Remove from the oven and allow to stand for 7-8 minutes before serving. Serve hot or at room temperature. **For vegetarian version, simply omit the pancetta. For 'everyday' baked beans, I use this recipe. They're better when made ahead and reheated with some additional water to thin out the sauce. BAKED BEANS 1 lb. Great Northern or navy beans, soaked overnight in cold water 1 cup chopped onions 4 slices bacon, diced 2 Tbs. white sugar 1 Tbs. dry mustard 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper 2/3 cup molasses 2 Tbs. cider vinegar 1 1/2 cups tomato juice 1 cup water Salt to taste Drain beans and add fresh water. Simmer until beans are almost tender. Drain. Combine remaining ingredients and add to beans. Bake uncovered in bean pot or deep casserole at 250 degrees for 4 hours or until very tender. Check them every once in a while and add more water to keep them from drying out. I have made nearly every bean recipe in Molli Katzen's Vegetable Heaven cookbook because that woman know what to do with them. Here are two recipes from her book that I have made many times. FIRECRACKER RED BEANS (6-8 servings) 2 Tbs. olive oil 3 cups finely minced onions 2 Tbs. minced fresh ginger 2 tsp. fennel seeds 2 Tbs. minced garlic 1/2 tsp. allspice 1 tsp. dried thyme 1 1/2 to 2 tsp. salt 1 cup dry sherry 2 Tbs. prepared mustard 1/4 cup ketchup 1 tsp. minced chipotle chiles 1 cup water 1/4 cup almond butter 2 Tbs. brown sugar 1/2 cup boiling water About 6 cups cooked small red beans or kidney beans (3 or 4 15-ounce cans, rinsed and drained) Wedges of lime Heat the oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over med-high heat. Add the onion, ginger, and fennel seeds, and saute for about 5-10 minutes. Turn the heat down to medium, add the garlic, allspice, thyme and 1 1/2 tsp. salt. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for about 3 minutes. Stir in sherry, mustard, ketchup, chipotles and 1 cup water. Cover and cook for another 10 minutes. Place the almond butter and brown sugar in a small bowl. Add the boiling water and mash with a spoon until it becomes a uniform mixture. Stir this into the sauce and cook uncovered over low heat for about 5 minutes. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Place the beans in a 9 X 13 inch baking dish or equivalent casseerole, and pour in all the sauce. Cover with tight-fitting lid or foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove the pan from the oven and let it sit for about 15 to 20 minutes, still tightly covered, so the beans can continue to absorb the liquid. Serve hot or warm, with squeezable wedges of lime on the side. Notes: You can make the sauce a day or two before serving and keep in the refrigerator; then combine with the beans before baking. Add 15 minutes baking time. The sauce can also be pureed in the blender before pouring onto the beans but I like it chunky. TUNISIAN TOMATO SOUP 1 to 2 (15 oz.) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1 cup uncooked lentils (any kind), rinsed and picked over 7 cups water 1 cinnamon stick 2 Tbs. olive oil 4 cups finely minced onion 2 Tbs. minced garlic 2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. tumeric 1 1/2 tsp. whole cumin seeds 1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin 1/4 tsp. ground coriander 2 large or 3 small bay leaves Approx. 6 cups water, chicken broth, or vegetable broth 1 20-oz. can crushed tomatoes Black pepper and cayenne to taste 3 Tbs. fresh lemon juice (or to taste) Cook the lentils with 7 cups of water or broth and the cinnamon stick until tender, about 30 minutes for gray lentils or about half that time for red lentils, which I prefer for this soup. Remove and discard the cinnamon stick; drain lentils, saving the cooking water. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a soup pot or Dutch oven. Add the onion, garlic, salt, tumeric, ground and whole cumin and coriander, and saute over medium heat for 6 to 10 minutes, or until the onions are slightly softened. Add 6 cups of water or broth (including the reserved cooking water from the lentils, if any is left) and the tomatoes, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer, partially cover, and cook for another 15 minutes of so. Fish out and discard the bay leaves. Stir in chickpeas and lentils, and cook for only about 5 minutes longer, so the legumes don�t get mushy. Season to taste with black and cayenne pepper and lemon juice. Serve hot, topped with some yogurt and fresh chopped mint, if desired. Makes about 6 servings and freezes well in an airtight container. o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ci_lantro (My Page) on Thu, Feb 18, 10 at 10:57 Oh my--those Firecracker Beans sounds delicious, Ruthanna! My mom copycatted a green bean recipe from a local restaurant many, many years ago. Quickly became a family favorite. She dubbed it 'Spanish Green Beans' because it is much like her Spanish Rice recipe. No specific am'ts. It's one of those wing-it type recipes. Anyway, it goes like this: Jerry's Spanish Green Beans Saute some chopped bacon (3-4 strips) to desired degree of doneness. Remove the bacon & discard most of the fat, leaving 1-2 T. Add chopped onions to the bacon fat & saute til soft. In a casserole dish, empty a couple of cans of green beans. Stir in reserved bacon & sauteed onions. To this, add some tomatoes. Doesn't really matter--she used home canned tomatoes. OR, a couple of small cans of tomato sauce is very good. I kinda' prefer using the tomato sauce. Alternatively, a combination of tomatoes & tomato sauce makes for a prettier dish & is very good. [Garlic is a nice addition.] Cover the dish & bake in oven. I often cheat & use the microwave, but the results are better if you cook it in the oven. I've always used canned products for this, probably because it's a hearty winter-type dish. (My garden fresh & frozen beans usually get a quick saute.) o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by bunnyman (My Page) on Thu, Feb 18, 10 at 14:14 I like to keep my beans simple. Being single and working I don't have time for anything these days. With beans I like to work with smoke, heat, and sweet for flavoring. For smoke I use ham, smoked poultry, or liquid smoke. For heat I use red cayenne and habenera with green jalapeno and serreno peppers used pretty much chili only. The red peppers seem to tickle my taste with bean dishes. For sweets I work with brown sugar, onions, garlic, molasses, and maple syrup. To me onions and garlic are fairly potent sweeteners when cooked with beans. I've had lots of fun with variations on bean soup. My current favorite is a mixture of black beans and kidney beans in a ham broth with cayenne... chopped cabbage optional. Hot and smokey. Lentils I've fallen in love with adding spinach to the soup. Gives the soup a green tint and flavor. White beans (navy/great northern) I've been enjoying as a side dish. I was making bean soup when I got hungry and scooped out a bowl of just done beans. I had flavored the cooking water with a couple drops of liquid hickory smoke but added nothing else. They were delicious and I drained the cooking water so the rest of the beans could be eaten as just beans. Dry beans are one of the best bargins on my grocery bill! My pantry has a few pounds most all of the time. At the moment I have black, navy, and kidney beans, as well as green peas and lentils. Peas soup is wicked with a single slice of habenera pepper added to the pot. Amazing how many people I meet that have never had pea soup! When I cook a pot full I often share some with friends and have made a few into soup-a-holics. : ) lyra o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Sun, Feb 21, 10 at 17:12 Well, finally, two weeks after I got the ingredients, I made my version of the Pasta e Fagioli alla Veneta - Venetian White Bean Soup with Pasta and Beef Sausage. I used fake italian sausage instead of making meatballs, and I used tiny pene instead of making fresh pasta or breaking up spaghetti. And I added a bay leaf and 1.25 tsp. of Penzey's "Tuscan Sunset" to the soup. Oh, and I used a red onion because I had half of one I had to use up, and I threw in one wilting roma tomato. And I used canelinni beans because I have never seen borlotti beans. For someone who is of N. European Jewish and Scots Irish, English and Dutch heritage, I sure have an affinity for Italian style cooking! o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Sun, Feb 21, 10 at 19:47 Green Beans Oriental 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans 2 slices bacon 1/2 cup red bell pepper strips 1/2 cup thin onion wedges 1/2 cup whole cashews In a small bowl, stir together the teriyaki sauce, honey, and butter. Fill a bowl with cold water and ice cubes. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the lemon juice. Drop in the beans and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until beans are bright green. Drain the beans in a colander and then plunge them into the iced water. Drain again and set aside. In a skillet, cook the bacon until very crispy, crumble and set aside. Saute the bell pepper and onion in the hot bacon fat for 2 minutes. Add the beans, cashews, and bacon to the skillet. Add the teriyaki-honey sauce and toss gently Note: I have made this using soy sauce and maple syrup instead of teriyaki and honey, both ways are good. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Michigan Beans & Sausage 1 lb. fully cooked kielbasa or Polish sausage, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced 1 medium onion, chopped 1 c. catsup 3/4 c. packed brown sugar 1/2 c. sugar 2 T. vinegar 2 T. molasses 2 T. prepared mustard 3 cans (15.5 oz. each) great northern beans, rinse and drained Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In an oven-proof Dutch oven, bring the kielbasa and onions to a boil with water to cover and boil for 2 minutes. Drain. Put the remaining ingredients in the Dutch oven with the kielbasa and onions. Mix well. Cover and bake for 1 1/2 hours until the mixture reaches the desired thickness. Serves 8-10. NOTE: Can also be prepared in a Crock Pot. Prepare up to baking and place in Crock Pot on LOW and heat for 6-8 hours. Nancy o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS// clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Sun, Feb 21, 10 at 20:53 I just pulled a new name out of the hat...from those who posted over the last two weeks... it is: ~~~~~~~~~~ Lorijean44 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lori, please post your choice for the next cookalong here. I'll be watching for it... Thanks Nancy o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Mon, Feb 22, 10 at 10:03 Well, I didn't make beans this weekend, but we've had beans frequently during this time period. Shortly after this cookalong was posted, I cooked up a pot of pinto beans. Nothing fancy, just good old fashioned pinto beans with onions, carrots, celery, garlic, poblano peppers, bay leaves and other herbs I've forgotten, salt and pepper - oh, and a splash of liquid smoke. I still have some in the freezer, as I can't make just a small amount of beans. That Pasta e Fagioli alla Veneta looks delicious! I'm going to have to try that soon. Sally o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Feb 22, 10 at 10:39 Sally, that sounds good and something I need to do, soon! Lorijean.....please pick the next cookalong ingredient. Nancy o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by annie1992 (My Page) on Mon, Feb 22, 10 at 11:53 I'm not really late, just late in posting. I cleaned out my pantry last week and found that I had cranberry beans, great northern beans, navy beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, red lentils, green lentils, brown lentils, green split peas, yellow split peas and half a package of mayacoba beans! So, Elery made bean patties for breakfast, we had them with eggs and salsa. Well, he had salsa, I had eggs and bean cakes, LOL, and then Saturday we had split pea soup for lunch. Beans twice in one day... Annie o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Feb 22, 10 at 14:22 ttt Lori??? o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by annie1992 (My Page) on Mon, Feb 22, 10 at 16:19 Lpinkmountain, I forgot to mention, that bowl is just beautiful, I love the colors. C'mon Lori, pick the next ingredient..... Annie o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ci_lantro (My Page) on Mon, Feb 22, 10 at 18:49 Annie--What are bean cakes? How do you make them? o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by annie1992 (My Page) on Mon, Feb 22, 10 at 21:03 cilantro, Elery likes spicier food than I do and he eats it for breakfast, so be forewarned, LOL. The original recipe comes from Mayo Clinic, but Elery added the jalapenos and he adds cumin to everything, I swear. The bean cakes are easy, drain and rinse two cans of black beans, mash them roughly with a fork or potato masher. Add a couple of cloves of mashed/minced garlic, some chopped green onion, maybe 1/2 cup of cilantro and a tsp. of cumin. Elery adds jalapenos to his but he made mine before he put jalapeno in the rest of them. Shape the mixture into patties and put them in the refrigerator for an hour or so to firm up. Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a pan and fry the bean cakes until they are browned and crunchy on both sides. We had ours topped with soft eggs, he had salsa. Not me, mine were just bean cakes, no jalapenos and eggs. I don't know how he can eat that stuff first thing in the morning, he always covers his eggs with Sriracha if we're having omelettes! Annie o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Tue, Feb 23, 10 at 12:31 ttt....still looking for Lori I'll try an email o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lorijean44 (My Page) on Tue, Feb 23, 10 at 14:01 I'm here! I'm here!! How about... Eggplant! Lori :D o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ci_lantro (My Page) on Tue, Feb 23, 10 at 14:39 Thx, Annie! They sound yummy. I love hot & spicey so I'll try it the Elery-way but w/ less cumin. :) o RE: Cookalong #21-----BEANS clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Tue, Feb 23, 10 at 15:55 We seem to be on a real vegetable roll... Lori has picked Eggplant for the next Cookalong A big -----THANK YOU---- to all who participated!! Nancy

Posted by sheshebop (My Page) on Fri, Mar 12, 10 at 9:12 Wow! I clipped and saved so many of these recipes, and still wasn't even half way through. I ended up printing the entire thread. As one who loves very tart tastes, this thread was perfect for me. I love the tartness of a cranberry. Whoever picked cranberries, good choice! o RE: Cookalong #23 ------CRANBERRIES clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Fri, Mar 19, 10 at 20:13 I just finished off my last slice of cranberry apple pie. I still have about a cup of cranberries left, which I think I will use to make those Empire muffins. I've got the carrots, walnuts AND the applesauce. o RE: Cookalong #23 ------CRANBERRIES clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Mar 22, 10 at 9:20 Really good recipes! I'm sure I'll be checking these over next fall when cranberries are plentiful again. Time for a new topic! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~drawing a name~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ OK...got it........................ >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Pat T <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Pat, please give us an ingredient focus ASAP! Just post it below, I'll watch for it and then start the new thread. Thanks to everyone for the cranberry recipes. Nancy o RE: Cookalong #23 ------CRANBERRIES clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by annie1992 (My Page) on Mon, Mar 22, 10 at 9:25 I should have posted yesterday, I made 12 half pints of Gina's cranberry citrus marmalade! OK, Pat T, I'll wait for your selection now... Annie o RE: Cookalong #23 ------CRANBERRIES clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by pat_t (My Page) on Mon, Mar 22, 10 at 9:39 OK Nancy - Let's go with PASTA as the new focus. I'm looking forward to some new recipes & ideas! PS: Thanks for picking me. I feel so special! LOL o RE: Cookalong #23 ------CRANBERRIES clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by stacy3 (My Page) on Mon, Mar 22, 10 at 9:56 as usual I am a day late and a dollar short but in since these threads get saved I'm going to add two of my favorite recipes - I love cranberries. And I love Alexa's crustless cranberry pie. I like it in the freezer cut into little bite sized pieces to grab a little piece every once in awhile...yum. thanks everyone for sharing all these great recipe! Drenched Cranberry Cake - Lorijean 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup sugar 2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder 3 tablespoons vegetable shortening, melted 2/3 cup milk 1 egg 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries Sauce: 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter 1 cup sugar 3/4 cup heavy cream 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise Preheat the oven to 350 F. Butter a 9-inch round pan. Sift the flour, sugar, and baking powder into a large bowl. Add the shortening, milk, and egg. Beat for 2 minutes, or until smooth. Stir in the cranberries. Pour into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 1 hour, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack. While the cake is baking, make the sauce. Melt the butter in the top of a double boiler over simmering water (I just put a small saucepan over an extremely low flame and dispensed with the double-boiler!) Add the sugar, cream, and vanilla bean. Stir to mix well. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Remove the vanilla bean. Serve the cake with each individual slice generously with the warmed sauce. Serves 8 Source: Very Cranberry, copyright 2003 posted by lorijean Cranberry Lemon Cookies -Jenn A wonderful cookie I discovered at Gail's Recipe Swap. They freeze well, but thaw them before adding icing. I posted this last year and got quite a few comments from people who said everyone loved them. * 1/2 C butter * 1/2 C sugar * 1/3 C brown sugar * 1/2 tsp. lemon zest * 1 egg * 2 tsp. vanilla * 1 C flour * 1 tsp. baking powder * 1/2 tsp. cinnamon * 1-1/2 C chopped pecans (I use walnuts) * 1-1/2 C chopped fresh cranberries Cream butter, sugars, and lemon zest. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder and cinnamon. Gradually beat into butter mixture. Stir in nuts and cranberries. Drop by teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 350F for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden. Let cool slightly before removing to cooling racks. Frost when cool. ICING: Whisk together 1 C confectioner's sugar, 2 Tbsp milk, and 1/4 tsp. lemon zest. ============================================================ NOTES: * Though our oven tends to run hot, these cookies seem to take 13-14 minutes to bake. Check after 12 minutes and add an extra minute or two if needed; they should just be golden brown. * Icing is best when made at least a day ahead of time. This gives the sugar time to absorb the milk, and lets the lemon zest impart a strong lemon flavor. * The original recipe did not give the amount of vanilla, so I guessed at 2 tsp. o RE: Cookalong #23 ------CRANBERRIES clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Mar 22, 10 at 10:12 Great choice Pat! I'm getting another idea to go along with it. Thanks! Nancy Here is a link that might be useful: Cookalong #24-------PASTA! o RE: Cookalong #23 ------CRANBERRIES clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Mon, Mar 22, 10 at 12:48 I was half way through the day yesterday, and had already made 2 loaves of bread and a pan of dark ginger bread (since we had 5 inches of snow !!! it seemed like a good day for baking, especially gingerbread) when I remembered about the cranberry cookalong. I'm going to copy and paste this thread, though. There's lots of good ideas for cranberries. Thanks for all the recipes. Sally o RE: Cookalong #23 ------CRANBERRIES clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by jessyf (My Page) on Wed, Mar 24, 10 at 11:45 I can't believe no one has posted Cranberry Jezebel. Cranberry Jezebel Sauce Recipe 1 cup water 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 (12 oz) bag fresh or frozen cranberries 3 tblsps prepared horseradish 1 tblsp Dijon mustard Garnish: fresh mint sprigs Combine first 3 ingredients in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat. Add cranberries, and return to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let cool to room temp. Stir in horseradish and mustard; cover and chill. Garnish, if desired. o RE: Cookalong #23 ------CRANBERRIES clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by jimster (My Page) on Thu, Apr 1, 10 at 19:35 Better late than never, right? I finally got around to developing and testing this recipe and making the photos. My goal was a zippy cranberry chutney. Cranberry chutney is not such an original idea as I first thought. Malna posted one early in this thread and it turns out there are many recipes for it on the Internet. Anyway, here is mine. Chutney Ingredients Chutney Appetizer CRANBERRY CHUTNEY 12 oz. fresh or frozen cranberries 1 orange, chopped 1 apple, chopped 2 Tablespoons finely minced shallots 1 Tablespoon finely minced fresh ginger root 3/4 Cup white vinegar 3/4 Cup white wine 1 Cup sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice Combine all ingredients and bring to a boil in a covered pot. Simmer covered for 5 minutes. Simmer uncovered for 25 minutes. Note: Prior to cooking, it may appear that there is not enough liquid. Check the consistency after the first five minutes of cooking. Add wine or water if necessary. The final product should be thick. Jim o RE: Cookalong #23 ------CRANBERRIES clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by chase (My Page) on Thu, Apr 1, 10 at 22:03 Jim, I'll go back and check the recipe in a minute but those pictures are amazing. Especially the first one! Gorgeous. You been hiding your talent boy! o RE: Cookalong #23 ------CRANBERRIES clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Fri, Apr 2, 10 at 8:58 So was it any good? I've been looking for a good cranberry chutney recipe, the one I have calls for sage and I've been skeptical so haven't made it. o RE: Cookalong #23 ------CRANBERRIES clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by jimster (My Page) on Fri, Apr 2, 10 at 12:00 Thanks for the nice words, Sharon. You made my day. LPM, this chutney was pretty much what I expected it to be. It's based on a review of many other recipes so I couldn't go too far wrong. My main innovations were to use shallots, ginger root and wine, nothing especially daring but fitting to the concept of a chutney I thought. I was tempted to use balsamic vinegar but went with white vinegar for the sharpness I wanted. I figured the other ingredients would provide enough fruitiness. Since it is the only cranberry chutney I ever tasted, I have no basis for comparison. I can only say it tastes good to me. I agree about that recipe which called for sage. I would not use green herbs. IMO, it's sweet spices you want with the fruitiness of chutney and that is consistent with most of the recipes I looked at. I just looked at Malna's recipe again and it looks like she also used ginger root, not ground ginger. Check her recipe and look at a few of the other on-line recipes and see what you think. Let us know if you make chutney. Jim o RE: Cookalong #23 ------CRANBERRIES clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Fri, Apr 2, 10 at 16:55 Right now I have the ingredients for Gina's Cranberry Citrus Marmelade languishing in my fridge, so if I do make preserves, that will be it. Most likely I will make the chutney to give as Christmas gifts next year, so I'll have to save this thread. I liked Malna's recipe too, but somehow I can't get my brain around curried cranberries! There is no total reason for this, other than I've never tried it. But also, I am not a big curry fan, and I don't really know why, because I liked seasoned food. There must be some particular ingredient in curry I don't like, and I think it may be fenugreek. Maybe that's not in Balti seasoning. o RE: Cookalong #23 ------CRANBERRIES clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by malna (My Page) on Fri, Apr 2, 10 at 18:58 I thought I heard my name being bantered around here LOL. Here's my take on the chutney issue - I much prefer the sweet one. As a matter of fact, I can just eat it right out of the jar. On a turkey sandwich? To die for. The curried one - DH loves it. I liked it right after I canned it but, as I said above, I think the curry part got too strong after a few months on the shelf. BTW, the ingredients in Balti are coriander, garlic, ginger, cumin, dundicut chilies, Ceylon cinnamon, mustard, cardamom, cloves, fennel, fenugreek (sorry, LPM), charnushka, star anise, ajwain, black cardamom, cilantro, anise seed and bay leaf. Whew, long list to type!