I have used this on multiple occasions substituting different fruit. When I make Lemoncello, I always candy the peels after and dip them in choco. Boozy candied lemon peel. Ingredients 6 thick-skinned Valencia or navel oranges 4 1/2 cups sugar, plus extra for rolling 1 1/2 cups water Directions Cut tops and bottoms off of the orange and score the orange into quarters, cutting down only into the peel and not into the fruit. Peel the skin and pith of the orange in large pieces, use the orange for another recipe. Cut the peel into strips about 1/4-inch wide. Put the orange peel in a large saucepan with cold water to cover, bring to a boil over high heat. Then pour off the water. Repeat 1 or 2 more times depending up how assertive you want the orange peels to be. (Epicurious test kitchen liked the texture of a 3 time blanch best, it also mellowed the bitterness. But it is a matter of preference.) Remove the orange peels from the pan. Whisk the sugar with 1 1/2 cups water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8 to 9 minutes (If you took the sugar's temperature with a candy thermometer it would be at the soft thread stage, 230 to 234 degrees F.) Add the peels and simmer gently, reducing heat to retain a simmer. Cook until the peels get translucent, about 45 minutes. Resist the urge to stir the peels or you may introduce sugar crystals into the syrup. If necessary, swirl the pan to move the peels around. Drain the peels, (save the syrup for ice tea.) Roll the peels in sugar and dry on a rack, for 4 to 5 hours. Dip in melted choco and dry again.

Thanks SOOOO much for that curry paste recipe. Looks wonderful. Aji Sauce - (pronounced - ah hee') I first heard about this recipe from Daisy Martinez. I'll give her recipe first which I find most useful because the particular combination of ingredients is one that will keep well in the fridge for several days, kind of like fresh salsa. The second recipe I'll post here has things like cilantro which I find wonderful but it doesn't last long, hence you need to use this sauce quickly but you can tell the two are very similar. My use for this recipe is for nearly everthing. That is what Daisy said when she provided the recipe and I totally agree. It is great with eggs, yogurt, and as seasoning for nearly any kind of saute especially beans or lentils. I plan to marinate some tofu with this eventually but haven't got around to it. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do. I think one of the things it provides besides good taste is a way to have the chopping done of veggies that you are going to use probably anyway (if you cook like me) so it saves some time doing it all at once when you make the sauce. I also think it is better after it sits in the fridge for 24 hours. (Food processor is not an absolute requirement but I find it very useful here) -------------------- from: Daisy Martinez cooks PBS show on TV (I may not have this exactly the same, I took notes and I have changed this recipe to accomodate a pint jar - she used a quart jar) 4 cloves garlic 1 large jalapeno with ribs and seeds (sometimes two if you like more heat) 1 large (but not huge) red onion 2 - 3 teaspoons kosher salt (or so to taste) fresh ground black pepper (not so much since you have the Jalapeno) mince garlic and jalapeno in food processor (I like to add salt at this point to make sure garlic gets salt - helps flavor IMO) rough chop red onion and add to food processor process all in food processor until minced add mixture to 1 pint jar and fill to top with lime juice Let it chill in fridge - seems to be better after it is chilled --------------------------------------------------------------- from: epicurious.com Aji Sauce Bon Appit : July 2009 by Steven Raichlen Yield: Makes abaout 3/4 cup ingredients 1/2 cup coarsely chopped seeded jalapeño chiles (about 4 large) 1/2 cup coarsely chopped green onions (about 2 large) 1/3 cup coarsely chopped sweet onion (such as Maui or Vidalia) 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro 2 tablespoons (or more) red wine vinegar or fresh lime juice 3/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper preparation Combine jalapeño chiles, green onions, sweet onion, and cilantro in processor; puree until paste forms, scraping down sides of bowl with rubber spatula several times. Add 2 tablespoons vinegar and process until mixture is blended but some texture still remains. Transfer to small bowl. Stir in 3/4 teaspoon coarse salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and more vinegar to taste, if desired. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.

I have made this on several times and never have taken any home!! Marinated Cheese Rated: Submitted By: trish555 Prep Time: 20 Minutes Ready In: 8 Hours 20 Minutes Servings: 16 "This is a very colorful and tasty appetizer. Because it has such a stunning presentation, it is a great appetizer for the holidays. I take this to every function and gathering we attend - only because everyone else requests it!" Ingredients: 1/2 cup olive oil 1/2 cup white wine vinegar 1 (2 ounce) bottle diced pimento, drained 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley Marinated Cheese (continued) 2 of 3 Ingredients: (continued) 3 tablespoons minced green onions 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon sugar 3/4 teaspoon dried basil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 (8 ounce) package Cheddar cheese 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, cold Directions: 1. In a jar with a tight fitting lid, combine the olive oil, wine vinegar, pimento, parsley, green onion, garlic, sugar, basil, salt and pepper. Shake vigorously to blend. Set aside. 2. Cut the block of Cheddar cheese in half lengthwise. Cut crosswise into 1/4 inch slices to form squares. Repeat with cream cheese. Arrange cheese squares alternately in a shallow baking dish with slices standing on edge. You can arrange in a single long row, or 2 parallel rows depending on the size of your dish. Pour the marinade from the jar over the cheese slices, cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight. 3. To serve, remove slices to a serving platter so they are still arranged in an alternating pattern. Spoon some of the extra marinade over the cheese, and serve with crackers

First thing I thought of was Sandy's Buffalo Chicken Dip Buffalo Chicken Dip 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs) 1 12oz. bottle Frank's Hot Sauce 2 8oz pkgs. cream cheese 1 16oz. bottle blue cheese salad dressing(or Ranch if you prefer) 8 oz shredded sharp cheddar, Mont. Jack or a combo Boil chicken until cooked through, shred with 2 forks. Preheat oven to 350. In a 13x9, combine chicken with hot sauce and spread evenly. In a large saucepan over med. heat, combine the cream cheese and dressing, stirring until smooth and hot. Pour evenly over chicken. Bake uncovered for 20 min., then sprinkly with shredded cheese and bake uncovered for another 10 min. Let stand 10 min. before serving. or FIESTA BEAN DIP 1 can (16 oz.) refried beans 1 can (10 oz.) Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies 1/4 cup sour cream 1 medium tomato, chopped 1/2 cup chopped green onion 1/4 cup sliced black olives 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese In a medium saucepan combine refried beans, rotel, and sour cream. Stir over medium-low heat until hot. Remove from heat. Stir in tomato, onion and black olives. Pour into serving dish, top with cheese. Serve with tortilla chips. Makes about 4 cups dip or Pull-Apart Bacon Bread 12 slices bacon, diced I use a pack of precooked 1(1pound) loaf frozen bread dough, thawed 2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil, divided 1cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1 (1 ounce) package ranch salad dressing mix Directions 1 In skillet, cook bacon over medium heat for 5 minutes or until partially cooked; drain on paper towels 2 Roll out dough to ½ inch thickness; brush with one of oil. Cut into 1 inch pieces; place in large bowl. Add the bacon, cheese, dressing mix and remain oil: toss to coat. Arrange pieces in a 9 inch x 5 inch oval on a greased baking sheet, layering as needed. (I use a pie dish) Cover and let rise in warm place foe 30 minutes or until doubled. 3 Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Cover with foil; bake 5-10 minutes longer or until golden brown. or Sweet Chicken Bacon Wraps Recipe courtesy Paula Deen See this recipe on air Friday Dec. 22 at 1:00 PM ET/PT. Show: Paula's Home Cooking Episode: Sports Party 1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless, chicken breasts (about 4 breasts) 1 (1-pound) package sliced bacon 2/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar 2 tablespoons chili powder Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Cut each bacon slice into thirds. Wrap each chicken cube with bacon and secure with a wooden pick. Stir together brown sugar and chili powder. Dredge wrapped chicken in mixture. Coat a rack and broiler pan with nonstick cooking spray. Place chicken wrap on rack in broiler pan. Bake 350 for 30 to 35 minutes or until bacon is crisp. Another that is good is the bacon wrapped Lil Smokies. I make them lots! This year I didn't tho. Line a pan with foil, cut a pound of bacon into thirds, wrap each Lil Smokie with bacon and secure with toothpick. Put in single layer on baking pan, sprinkle generously with brown sugar, bake in oven til bacon is nice and crisp (30-40 minutes??) and then put in crock pot.