Ann, try saving it to your Clippings. Look to the right of your last post (just above this). You will see the word Clippings in green letters. Under that it will say Clip This Post. For each recipe or comment you want to save, click on Clip This Post. Another way to do it is to highlight the entire thread, or the parts you want, right click with your mouse and then click on Copy. Start a new document in Word and paste the thread into that document, then save it to your computer. If you want me to do that for you and then email it to you, let me know.

Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Jul 6, 09 at 12:49 The new *star* ingredient is CHEESE!!!! Rob33 has picked something that I'm sure we all have favorite recipes for. So let's make this a real 'cheesey' thread! Here's the link for the last cookalong... Nancy Here is a link that might be useful: Link to #12-----CORN Follow-Up Postings: o RE: Cookalong #13 ------- CHEESE clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lindac (My Page) on Mon, Jul 6, 09 at 14:00 Right up my alley! Here's one of the best cheese cakes I have tasted! Nothing strange in it...just good stuff! Secret Lindy's-Style New York Cheesecake Cookie Pastry Crust • 1/4 lb. (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature • 1/4 c. sugar • 1 egg • 1 1/2 c. flour Beat the butter and sugar in a medium mixing bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 mins. Add the egg and flour and mix until a smooth dough is formed. With your hands, shape it into a ball and flatten it into a disc. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it until it's firm. Remove the sides from the springform pan and press one third of the pastry evenly over the bottom. Place on baking sheet and bake in 400F oven for 6 mins. or until golden. Remove from the oven and cool. Increase oven temperature to 500F. Butter the sides of the springform pan and attach it to the bottom. Press the remaining pastry about two thirds up the sides. Filling • 5 8-oz. pkgs. cream cheese, room temperature • 1 3/4 c. sugar • 3 T. flour • 2 t. lemon peel • 1 1/2 t. orange peel • 1/4 t. salt • 1/4 t. vanilla • 5 eggs plus 2 egg yolks, room temperature • 1/4 c. sour cream Beat the cream cheese in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally. Gradually add the sugar, flour, lemon and orange peel, salt and vanilla, beating constantly. Add eggs and yolks one at a time, beating well after each egg. Scrape the bowl one or two more times. Add in the sour cream; the mixture will be thin. Pour it into the pastry-lined springform pan. Put it together Place the pan on a baking sheet. Bake it in the oven at 500F for 8 mins. or until the top is golden. Reduce the oven temperature to 200F (don't open the oven!) and continue to bake it for 1 hour or until the center jiggles slightly. When finished cooking, shut off the open, prop the door open, and let the cheesecake sit in the oven for about 3 or 4 hrs. Once it's finished cooling, wrap it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it several hours or overnight. Serve it up! Remove the sides of the springform pan. Now you can add whatever glaze, ganache, or other spread you desire over the top of the cheesecake. Keep it refrigerated until serving time! Steaks with brandy walnut cheese glaze... 2, 3, 4 or whatever 6 to 8 ounce beef filets mignon, at room temperature (let sit out for at least 30 minutes before beginning prep work) kosher salt black pepper clarified butter cognac or brandy Maytag blue cheese crumbled (about 1/2T per serving) coarsely chopped walnuts (about 1T per serving) On your Weber Genesis, pre-heat a cast-iron skillet that's large enough to hold all the steaks at once (or two smaller) over the Weber burners set on High-High-High for at least 15 minutes, or until the Weber's thermometer reads 550 degrees. You MUST use cast iron for this - anything less will burn or warp. Do not use stainless or aluminum, and only use porcelinized cast iron (like Le Crueset) if you don't mind permanent black stains. While that is preheating, season the filets with a pinch of kosher salt and a generous dose of freshly ground pepper - all pressed into the meat, both sides. Next, toast the chopped walnuts in a dry sauté pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes - until they begin to brown. When the pan on the grill is BLAZING hot (showing a little gray ash in the center, grill thermometer between 500 and 550 degrees), dip the filets in the butter on both sides (pour a puddle onto a plate - this is why they must be room temp. If colder, the butter will congeal and stick to the plate you set them back on and stay there, and the steaks will stick and burn to the pan) and CAREFULLY drop into the hot pan. They will smoke like a three-alarm fire as they cook. LEAVE THE HOOD ON THE GRILL UP unless it's colder than about 50 degrees outside. Let them cook on the first side about 2 minutes, then turn over and cut the heat to Medium-Off-Medium (your three Weber burners there) and cook with the hood down until just slightly less than your desired doneness (a 1" thick filet will take about 4-5 minutes on the second side) Then open the hood and dump about 2 T of brandy or cognac per serving into the pan and ignite with a long match or lighter - wait for the flame to subside and then remove the steaks to a warmed plate tented with foil to keep the steaks warm. Then, add enough brandy to the pan to be sure you have enough to "sauce" each steak, flame again if needed to burn off the alcohol, and cook until it just begins to thicken and get syrupy - scrape the pan with a wooden spoon or spatula as you do. Then, add in the blue cheese and walnuts and stir until the cheese is melted. Remove the pan from the heat, carry inside, plate up each steak and pour a little sauce over each and add a portion of the nuts. Serve and enjoy. Blue satin soup: one14oz. can chicken broth 1 cup milk 4 T. butter 4 oz Maytag Blue cheese 2 oz dry sherry 1/2 c. flour 1 cup light cream Fresh ground pepper, to taste 1/4 c. each very finely minced celery, green onion and green pepper melt butter in heavy sauce pan, add vegetables and saute very slowly until soft and translucent, but not brown. Add flour and cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour is cooked but not brown, add the warmed chicken broth whisking all the while to prevent lumps. Simmer 2 minutes, Add the crumbled blue cheese and stir until smooth. Add milk and cream and heat to serving temp, but do not boil ( it will curdle) add sherry and pepper. Garnish with chopped chives and sour cream if desired. There are many many more....but this is a start... Linda C o RE: Cookalong #13 ------- CHEESE clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ann_t (My Page) on Mon, Jul 6, 09 at 14:26 Nancy, is there a target date for a virtual cook along and if so when? I'd love to participate in more of these cookalongs. Linda, that Lindy Style Cheesecake is a classic. Back when I baked cheesecakes on a more regular basis, that was the one I made. Here are a couple of "Cheesey" recipes Home Cookin Chapter: Recipes From Thibeault's Table Praline Cheesecake ================== 1-1/4 cup crushed graham crackers 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans toasted 1/4 cup butter melted 3 - 8 oz packages cream cheese 1 cup packed brown sugar 2/3 cup evaporated milk NOte: I used coffee cream 2 Tablespoons all purpose flour 2 teaspoons vanilla 3 eggs 1 cup pecan halves toasted. Caramel Sauce topping 1 cup corn syrup - dark 1/4 cup cornstarch 2 Tablespoon Brown sugar 1 Tablespoon vanilla Note: I use my regular caramel sauce instead of the one mentioned above: Caramel Sauce 1 cup butter 1 cup sugar 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup cream pinch of salt 2 teaspoons vanilla Mix all the ingredients together and simmer for about 5 or 6 minutes. Serve over Bread and butter pudding, apple pie and ice cream, warm gingerbread, etc.. Combine graham crackers, sugar, pecans and stir in melted butter. Press mixture over the bottom and 1 1/2 inches up sides of a 9" inch spring pan. Bake at 350F for 10 minutes. Beat cream cheese, 1 cup brown sugar, evaporated milk, flour and vanilla. Add eggs and beat until just blended. pour into crust. Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until set. Cool in pan for 30 minutes. Loosen sides and remove rim. Cool completely. Arrange toasted pecans on top of cake decoratively. Make Topping by combining corn syrup, cornstarch and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Cook and stir until thickened. Remove from heat and add vanilla. To serve cake, Pour sauce over top and serve remaining sauce in a pitcher at the table. NOTE: I baked the cake in a Baine Marie. I wrapped foil around the outside of the springform pan to prevent any water from seeping in to the cake. (Toronto Star Newspaper: 1981) Home Cookin Chapter: Recipes From Thibeault's Table Chiles Rellenos =============== I have been making Chiles Rellenos for about 30 years. I have never had an actual recipe. I just watch someone I knew (from Texas) make them and have been making this way ever since. I guess now is as good a time as any to put it down on paper. 1 or 2 cans whole chili peppers (usually 3 or 4 in a can) Monterey jack cheese 2 or 3 eggs separated 1 tablespoon flour salt and pepper oil for frying Sauce. canned tomatoes onions garlic cayenne pepper canned of chopped chilies chicken broth Cut cheese into finger size pieces. Carefully shove the cheese stick into a pepper being careful not to split it. Heat about 1 inch of oil in frying pan. Beat the egg whites until medium stiff peaks form. do not over beat. Beat egg yolks with salt, pepper and the tablespoon on flour. Gently fold the whites into the yolk mixture. Dip the pepper stuffed with cheese into flour and then into the egg mixture. Carefully add to the oil. If needed, spoon a bit of the egg mixture on top of the pepper while in the pan. (these fry quickly), flip over and fry other side. Remove and drain on paper towels. Continue cooking until all of the peppers are cooked. Make sauce by sauting the onions and garlic, add the chopped tomatoes and season with the chilies, salt and pepper. Add some chicken broth and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve Chili Relleno with sauce on the side OR Place the fried chili rellenos in a casserole dish and pour the sauce over them. Bake in a 350 oven for 20 to 30 minutes. o RE: Cookalong #13 ------- CHEESE clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Jul 6, 09 at 14:56 Ann, it seemed like it was getting harder to get everyone to cookalong on the same night as we went from winter into spring. So I suggested everyone just post what they made, when they made it during the two week period. I think life got really hectic when nice weather hit and school was out. I do have a new idea though.... maybe after Labor Day we could do a virtual dinner where we use only cookalong recipes (except for the meat). Do you think that would be fun? Nancy o RE: Cookalong #13 ------- CHEESE clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by hawk307 (My Page) on Mon, Jul 6, 09 at 15:22 I only make a Delicious, Fluffier type CheeseCake and add Strange things,EG. Vanilla Ice Cream, Cornstarch. My Daughter makes the NY Style and the Italian Style, Easter CheeseCake using Riccotta Cheese. She brings some for me or I pick up a piece at our Market. I use Sharp Provolone when I make Pannini, with Roasted Peppers and Lunchmeat. Also use it in Salads, along with Feta and Cheddar. Of course there is everything you can imagine, in there too. Can't think much Cheese right now. LOU o RE: Cookalong #13 ------- CHEESE clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Mon, Jul 6, 09 at 17:44 I think I am a cheese-a-holic. I have heard that there are addictive compounds in cheese. Here's something I found online from "Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine" (Note: I am NOT dissing cheese, or chocolate, for that matter.) It's just FYI. I intend to keep on eating it. I try to limit myself to one or two servings a day. I used to be able to stick to one consistently, but I'm getting soft in my old age, kinda like Brie. I'm also not trying to rain on the parade here, VIVE LA FROMAGE! I'm just rationalizing my cheese monkey. "My name is Lpink and I'm a cheese-a-holic." "As common as chocolate addiction may be, it is by no means the only potentially addictive food, nor is it the most dangerous. In PCRMs research studies, when we take people off meat, dairy products, and other unhealthy fare, we often find that the desire for cheese, in particular, lingers on much more strongly than for other foods. While they might like ice cream or yogurt, they describe their feelings for cheese as a deep-seated craving. Could cheese really be addictive? In 1981, Eli Hazum and his colleagues at Wellcome Research Laboratories in Research Triangle Park, N.C., reported a remarkable discovery. Analyzing samples of cows milk, they found traces of a chemical that looked very much like morphine. They put it to one chemical test after another. And, finally, they arrived at the conclusion that, in fact, it is morphine. There is not a lot of it, and not every sample had detectable levels. But there is indeed some morphine in both cows milk and human milk. Morphine, of course, is an opiate and is highly addictive. So how did it get into milk? At first, the researchers theorized that it must have come from the cows diets. After all, morphine used in hospitals comes from poppies and is also produced naturally by a few other plants that the cows might have been eating. But it turns out that cows actually produce it within their bodies, just as poppies do. Traces of morphine, along with codeine and other opiates, are apparently produced in cows livers and can end up in their milk. But that was only the beginning, as other researchers soon found. Cows milkor the milk of any other species, for that mattercontains a protein called casein that breaks apart during digestion to release a whole host of opiates called casomorphins. A cup of cows milk contains about six grams of casein. Skim milk contains a bit more, and casein is concentrated in the production of cheese. If you examined a casein molecule under a powerful microscope, it would look like a long chain of beads (the "beads" are amino acidssimple building blocks that combine to make up all the proteins in your body). When you drink a glass of milk or eat a slice of cheese, stomach acid and intestinal bacteria snip the casein molecular chains into casomorphins of various lengths. One of them, a short string made up of just five amino acids, has about one-tenth the pain-killing potency of morphine. What are these opiates doing there, hidden in milk proteins? It appears that the opiates from mothers milk produce a calming effect on the infant and, in fact, may be responsible for a good measure of the mother-infant bond. No, its not all lullabies and cooing. Psychological bonds always have a physical underpinning. Like it or not, mothers milk has a drug-like effect on the babys brain that ensures that the baby will bond with Mom and continue to nurse and get the nutrients all babies need. Like heroin or codeine, casomorphins slow intestinal movements and have a decided antidiarrheal effect. The opiate effect may be why adults often find that cheese can be constipating, just as opiate painkillers are. It is an open question to what extent dairy opiates enter the adult circulation. Until the 1990s, researchers thought that these protein fragments were too large to pass through the intestinal wall into the blood, except in infants, whose immature digestive tracts are not very selective about what passes through. They theorized that milk opiates mainly acted within the digestive tract and that they signaled comfort or relief to the brain indirectly, through the hormones traveling from the intestinal tract to the brain. But French researchers fed skim milk and yogurt to volunteers and found that, sure enough, at least some casein fragments do pass into the bloodstream. They reach their peak about 40 minutes after eating. Cheese contains far more casein than other dairy products do. As milk is turned into cheese, most of its water, whey proteins, and lactose sugar are removed, leaving behind concentrated casein and fat. Cheese holds other drug-like compounds as well. It contains an amphetamine-like chemical called phenylethylamine, or PEA, which is also found in chocolate and sausage. And there are many hormones and other compounds in cheese and other dairy products whose functions are not yet understood. In naloxone tests, the opiate-blocking drugeliminates some of cheeses appeal, just as it does for chocolate." Got . . . to . . . . have . . . . . Havarti . . . o RE: Cookalong #13 ------- CHEESE clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by kathleenca (My Page) on Mon, Jul 6, 09 at 17:59 Though I could go without meat the rest of my life, I absolutely could not go without cheese - about my most favorite food. This appetizer was from Lloyd Bridges, the actor, & was published in the LA Times. It is a great hit every time I make it. Curried Cheese Pate with Chutney Makes 4 1/2 cups - about 20 servings Best if made ahead. 2 8-oz pkg sharp Cheddar 2 8-oz pkg cream cheese, softened 2 tsp curry powder 1/4 c. chopped green onions 1/4 c. Port 1/4 tsp salt or to taste 1/2 c. mango chutney such as Major Grey's finely chopped green onions orange twists, optional parsley springs, optional Shred Cheddar in food processor. Remove from processor bowl & set aside. Place cream cheese & curry powder in processor & process until well-blended. Add half of the Chedddar to cream cheese mix & blend well. Add remaining Cheddar, green onion, Port & salt. Blend until smooth. Line a 5-cup (1-qt)casserole or bowl with foil, pressing foil tightly against sides of dish. Lightly spray foil with vegetable cooking spray. Spoon cheese mixture into bowl. Cover & refrigerate 4-6 hours or overnight. To serve, uncover & turn upside down on serving tray about 30 minutes before serving. Remove foil. Spread some chutney on top, & serve remaining chutney on the side. Sprinkle green onions around the top edge. Garnish with orange twists & parsley. Serve with assorted crackers. I've had this 'dressier' version of macaroni & cheese for almost 25 years, & have taken it as a main dish to vegetarians. Instead of layering I have also mixed the ingredients together, topping with the sliced tomato & the shredded Jack cheese. It's good the next day, too. Deluxe Macaroni and Cheese 4-6 servings 1 c. elbow macaroni 1 10-oz pkg frozen French-cut green beans 1/2 lb. Monterey Jack cheese 1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese 1 pint (16-oz) small curd cottage cheese 1/2 tsp oregano 1/2 tsp basil 1/2 tsp tarragon 1/4 tsp pepper 1 large tomato Cook macaroni in boiling salted water as package directs. Drain & turn into 1 1/2-qt baking dish. Place green beans in a colander & run under hot water until thawed enough to separate. Drain well & spread on top of macaroni. Sprinkle lightly with salt. Dice half the Monterey Jack cheese. Mix in a separate bowl with the Parmesan, cottage cheese, herbs, pepper & 1 tsp salt. Spoon into dish as third layer. Top with sliced tomato. Shred remaining Jack cheese & sprinkle it over the tomato & cheese mixture. Baked in covered 400 degree oven 30 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with minced parsley if desired. Can be assembled & refrigerated earlier in the day to cook later, if desired. Increase baking time 5-10 minutes. o RE: Cookalong #13 ------- CHEESE clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by hawk307 (My Page) on Mon, Jul 6, 09 at 18:53 Pinky: I think it is addictive. Always snacking on Ritz , with Extra Sharp Provolone and Pepperoni. Sometimes with wine. After snacking, I walk about 2 feet off the Floor and Bang my head on the doorways. Not the Wine, because it does that when I drink Soda too. Lou o RE: Cookalong #13 ------- CHEESE clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lindac (My Page) on Mon, Jul 6, 09 at 18:54 lpink....I had to get up and go get some cheese on a cracker before I could read all your post! Addictive indeed! Linda's Cheese ball: 8 oz cream cheese 8 oz sharp cheddar, grated (don't even THINK of using that stuff in the bag!) mix together...I use a hand held beater.. Add: 1 tsp Worchestershire 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp dried parsley ( or 2 T fresh chopped). 2 T dry sherry wine Mix well, chill and form into a ball and roll in chopped toasted pecans...takes about 1/3 cup to cover. OR mix in the nuts and serve in a crock or a bowl as a spread. Linda C....deciding to have a fresh spinach, mushroom and chedder omelette for dinner o RE: Cookalong #13 ------- CHEESE clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by annie1992 (My Page) on Tue, Jul 7, 09 at 10:39 I must be immune to that addiction because I could live the rest of my life without cheese and not miss it. I don't dislike it, I'm just kind of apathetic. Good thing, it's so bad for my cholesterol levels, LOL. Elery just loves the stuff and I think he eats some of it every day, usually just all by itself. His dog loves it too, so I always have several kinds on hand. However, I will admit that the Dubliner that I bought at Trader Joe's was pretty awesome on that dark rye Peppi's Dad gave me, along with a slice of proscuitto... Now, just to be difficult, in spite of the fact that I don't like beer at all and I'm not crazy over cheese, I love this bread. It can be made without a bread machine too, just warm the beer, add the yeast and then the rest of the dry stuff, knead in the cheese, let rise and bake as usual, I do 350 for about 30 minutes but sometimes it takes longer. BEER CHEESE BREAD 1 package active dry yeast 3 cups bread flour ( I use all purpose) 1 tablespoon sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1 tablespoon butter 10 ounces beer, at room temperature 4 ounces shredded or diced processed American cheese 4 ounces shredded or diced Monterey Jack cheese (I used 8 ounces of sharp cheddar and shredded it) On stovetop or in microwave, heat beer and American cheese together until just warm. There is no need to completely melt cheese. Stir; transfer mixture to bread machine pan. Add remaining ingredients, select white bread or basic setting, and push start. Makes a 1 1/2-pound loaf. I also like the cheese thumbprints filled with my homemade Habanero Gold. My continual thanks goes to Readinglady for giving me this Rick Rodgers recipe. Savory Cheddar and Jalapeño Jelly Cookies from Rick Rodgers Makes about 4 1/2 dozen 8 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 1/2 cups) 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/3 cup jalapeno jelly, or sub apple butter or chutney Place cheese and butter in a food processor (could be creamed by hand or mixer); add flour and process until the mixture forms a soft dough. Gather up the dough and divide into two flat disks. Wrap in wax paper and freeze until chilled, about 45 minutes. Position two racks in the center and top third of the oven and preheat to 400°. Line two baking sheets with parchment or use nonstick sheets. Using 1 teaspoon dough for each, roll the dough into small balls and place 1 inch apart on the sheets. Bake 5 minutes. Remove from the oven. Using the handle of a wooden spoon or 1/2-inch-thick dowel, poke an indentation in each cookie. Place the jelly in a small plastic bag and force it down into one corner. Snip off the corner of the bag to make a small hole. Pipe the jelly into the indentations. Return to the oven and bake, switching the positions of the sheets from top to bottom halfway through baking, until the tops are very lightly browned, about 10 minutes. (Cookies will continue to crisp as they cool.) Transfer to racks and cool completely. Can be baked up to two days ahead. Store at room temperature in an airtight container and separate layers with wax paper. Annie o RE: Cookalong #13 ------- CHEESE clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Wed, Jul 8, 09 at 9:44 Hi, I'm Sally, and I'm a cheese-a-holic, too. One of my favorite ways to eat cheese is with pasta. (Maybe I should say some of my favorite ways, since there's so many ways to eat cheese with pasta.) A very simple thing to do is to cook your pasta - I usually us spaghetti noodles for this - and crumble lots of blue cheese on the hot, drained pasta when it's done. Add as much chopped garlic as you like (lots and lots for me) and some good extra virgin olive oil, some ground white pepper and salt to taste. You can add other stuff as you like, such as chopped scallions, chopped olives, veggies, mushrooms, herbs (basil is especially good with this dish). If you have any left-over chicken or other meat, you can add that, too. There are so many ways to do this simple "mac and cheese" type dish. Linda, I don't know about other people, but the measurements in first recipe you posted show up as odd symbols rather than numbers. Actually, re-reading it, the odd symbols are before the numbers for the measurements. I don't know if there's supposed to be something there instead of the symbols, or if that's just the way the recipe is presented. Sally o RE: Cookalong #13 ------- CHEESE clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lindac (My Page) on Wed, Jul 8, 09 at 11:08 I don't know about those symbols either....I copied and pasted the recipe from my recipe file...but if you ignore the symbols the measurements are correct....and those symbols are NOT in my copy of the recipe, nor did they show up in the preview. Gremlins? Anyhow....Annie's beer/cheese bread reminded me of a beer cheese spread. 1/2 pound sharp cheddar shredded 1/2 pound Emmenthaler shredded 1/2 tsp Coleman's dry mustard...or perhaps a little more if you like some bite 1/4 tsp garlic powder...or a good sized clove grated on a microplane 1 can of beer...I prefer a lager not a dark beer or a fancy ale. Depending on the cheese it may not take quite all the can of beer....so add half...mix let it sit and then add some more. Mix all together....let sit a few hours and spread on crackers...or rounds of rye bread.....also good on a piece of french bread and then stuck under the broiler for a couple of minutes. This is only as good as the cheese you use....it won't be good with bagged shredded cheese. Linda C o RE: Cookalong #13 ------- CHEESE clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by cooksnsews (My Page) on Wed, Jul 8, 09 at 13:43 I had to check this thread to see if anyone had a recipe to help out LindaC with her surfeit of "dog-cheese".... Anyway, I have a beery cheesy quick bread that I adapted from a magazine I found last autumn. This should be a bit quicker than Annie's yeasty beery cheese bread. Cheesy Beery Quick Bread 2 tbsp olive oil 1 large onion, chopped 1 clove garlic (or more), chopped ground black pepper 2 1/2 c whole wheat flour 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 1 c grated aged cheddar (good stuff!) 12oz/350ml bottle of beer (needn't be good stuff) Pre-heat oven to 375F. Saute onion in oo until it begins to brown. Add garlic and stir for another minute or so. Allow to cool slightly. Stir cheese into mixed dry ingredients, then gently stir in onions and beer, just enough to blend. Bake for 45-60 minutes in a greased loaf pan, until it tests done. o RE: Cookalong #13 ------- CHEESE clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Fri, Jul 10, 09 at 13:13 How about "Omlette DU fromage." In her best Steve Martin voice: "You know those French have different word for practically EVERYTHING." I can rarely get a perfect omlette. Mine are basically well-ordered scrambled eggs. I make a version called "Dream Eggs" which I first had at a lake joint in Michigan. You mix cubes of cream cheese (in my case neufatchel) in with scrambled eggs. I add Penzey's "Mural of Flavor" seasoning to them (basically a lemon shallot pepper, which ROCKS btw) but you can use any type of salt/pepper/onion/lemon mix. Chives would be good with this too. Scramble the eggs with a touch of milk, then pour into a well oiled pan at med. heat. When eggs are about half set, toss in the cream cheese cubes (and chives if you have them or like them) and cook until eggs are just set. Sprinkle with seasoned salt or lemon pepper if desired, or just plain salt and pepper. Go easy on the seasonings or you'll overpower the dreaminess of the eggs. Just a touch. Heavanyly with raspberry struesel muffins. Here's two from my "to try" files, which I may or may not get to. I can't vouch for either one. Chevre-Fig Spread (from Better Homes and Gardens magazine, Prize tested recipe by Sara Renee Morris, Laguna Niguel, CA, Jan. 2009) 3/4 cup snipped dried figs 3/4 cup crumbled chevre (3 oz) 1/2 cup light sour cream (I might use some neufatchel here) 3 TBLSP snipped fresh basil (This will be awesome when my cinnamon basil comes on) 2 TBLSP milk 1 TBLSP snipped fresh thyme (mine's lemon thyme) Salt and Ground black pepper to taste 1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts In a small bowl, pour boiling water over figs to cover, let stand 15 minutes. Drain well. Meanwhile, in a med. bowl, stir together chevere, sour cream, basil, milk and thyme. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in drained figs and half the walnuts. Cover and chill in the fridge. Can make up to 24 hours in advance of serving. To serve, transfer spread to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with remaining nuts and fresh thyme sprigs. Serve with baguette slices or crackers. Makes about 1 1/2 cups (12 2-TBLSP servings) Sweet Polenta Pizza (this is still leftover from the Corn Cookalong) Reipe courtesy of Mario Batali on 1 3/4 cup fresh ricotta 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 TBLSP ground cinnamon 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted 1/4 cup raisins, plumped in 1/4 to 1/2 cups white wine for 15 min., then drained. 2 cups cornmeal flour (polenta) 2 TBLSP butter Preheat the oven to 310 degrees F. Place the ricotta in a large mixing bowl. Bit by bit, add 1 cup water, mixing well with a wooden spoon after each addition. When the ricotta is loose and creamy, add the sugar, cinnamon, pine nuts and raisins. Stir until the mixture is homogenous. As you stir, add the cornmeal flour bit by bit until completely incorporated. Use 1 TBLSP butter to lightly grease a 9 inch baking pan. Pour the ricotta mixture into the pan and use the back of the wooden spoon to level the top of the filling. Dab the remaining butter across the top of the ricotta mixture. Bake until firm and golden brown, about 40 minutes. Serve immediately, cut into "pizza" slices. This one scares me. Could be good, could be a disaster. Corn flour, cornmeal and polenta are all very different things. Depends of the grind of the corn. So I dunno which to use, I actually have all three! I might mix them together. o RE: Cookalong #13 ------- CHEESE clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by woodie2 (My Page) on Fri, Jul 10, 09 at 13:52 Here is another mac and cheese from Kathleenca! I have this in my fridge right now, waiting to be baked tomorrow (had to do it today cause we're going to the beach with the whole famdamily tomorrow and I've got the first night to cook - but then I should be off duty for the rest of the week, I think :) This tastes great cold, before baking, so I can only imagine how good it will be when its baked. Thanks, Kathleen! Joan's on Third Macaroni and Cheese Posted by kathleenca (My Page) on Wed, Feb 25, 09 at 17:24 I made this recipe last month for the first time, though I cut it out of the paper about two years ago. It's now my very favorite macaroni & cheese. It's very rich & feeds a lot. I gave some to two others, who are still talking about it. It keeps well - doesn't break down & get watery. It is SO good! Joan's on Third is a popular restaurant in Los Angeles. 10 - 12 servings 1 pound pasta (elbow macaroni, fusilli, or any shape desired) 2 ounces butter 3 3/4 cups whole milk 6 ounces ricotta or small curd cottage cheese 3 ounces cream cheese 12 ounces Monterey jack, shredded 12 ounces Gouda, shredded, plus 8 ounces Salt and freshly ground black pepper Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cook pasta in large pot of boiling, salted water until just tender. Drain well. Add butter, milk, ricotta, cream cheese, Monterey jack, and 12 ounces of the Gouda to the warm pasta. Season with salt and pepper. Gently mix everything together, leaving some chunks of cheese visible. Pour the mixture into 9 by 11-inch baking pan. Top with the remaining 8 ounces of Gouda. Bake until beautifully golden, 30 to 40 minutes. Serve hot or room temperature. o RE: Cookalong #13 ------- CHEESE clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by punamytsike (My Page) on Sun, Jul 12, 09 at 16:45 These are my son's favorite buns - cheese buns that he calls irresistible and addictive LOL CheeseBunDone Ingredients: * Egg, fresh, 1 large ( 0.09 ¢) * Water ¼ cup * Sour Cream, 3 tbsp ( 0.16 ¢) * Olive Oil, 3 tbsp ( 0.24 ¢) * Granulated Sugar, 3 tbsp ( 0.09 ¢) * Flour, white, 2 1/8 cup ( 0.23 ¢) * Yeast, ½ tbsp ( 0.01 ¢) * Cheddar cheese, 8 oz ($1.50) Total $ 2.32 or 0.19¢ per bun I use bread maker to make the dough and I usually make double the dough at one time, as I have 2lb bread machine. CheeseBunDougReady Once the dough is done, preheat the oven to 350 °. Roll the dough out to about 9" by 13". CheeseBunRolledOutWCheese Cover the dough with shredded cheddar cheese (I used extra sharp). Roll the dough into jellyroll and cut it to 12 pieces. CheeseBunShaping Spray pan with oil and put the buns into it. CheeseBunReadyForOven Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy. CheeseBunCloseupSmall1 Here is a link that might be useful: for nutritional info, check ou the link o RE: Cookalong #13 ------- CHEESE clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lindac (My Page) on Sun, Jul 12, 09 at 18:50 Funny...I made some "cheesey cinnamon rolls" a couple of weeks ago...about the only difference was that I added a little grated parmesan cheese on top of the cheddar. Yummy!! About time for another cheesy recipe. Robins blue blazers 1/2 cup butter or margarine 2 oz Maytag Blue Cheese 1 T cognac 2 T chili sauce 1/4 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup chopped walnuts 2 T minced green onion Cayenne pepper to taste ( more is better!) 4 English muffins split and lightly toasted Black olive halves to garnish Have butter and blue cheese at room temperature. Mix all but muffins and olives with a fork until well mixed. Spread on muffin halves, cut into quarters, top each piece with a black olive half, place on a cookie sheet and broil until lightly browned. Serve hot. I am sure this counts as a "cheese recipe"! Marbled Cream Cheese Brownies ============================= 6 ounces semisweet chocolate 4 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons butter 4 ounces of cream cheese, softened 1 cup granulated sugar, divided 3 eggs, divided 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour 3 teaspoons vanilla, divided. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips 2 tablespoons butter 3 tablespoons milk 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1 1/4 cup powdered sugar (more as needed) . Preheat oven to 350°F Butter an 8-inch square pan. Melt chocolate and 4 tablespoons of the butter in small heavy saucepan over low heat; set aside. Mix cream cheese with remaining 2 tablespoons butter in small bowl. Slowly add 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar, blending well. Add 1 egg, the 2 tablespoon flour and 1 teaspoon of the vanilla; set aside. Beat remaining 2 eggs and 3/4 cup granulated sugar in large bowl until light. Add the baking powder, salt and 1/2 cup flour. Blend in chocolate mixture, remaining 2 teaspoon vanilla. Stir in walnuts or pecans. Spread half of the chocolate mixture in prepared pan. Cover with cream cheese mixture, then spoon remaining chocolate mixture over the top. Swirl with knife or spatula to create a marbled effect. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until set in center. Do not overbake. Meanwhile, prepare Icing. Cool brownies 5 minutes, then spread icing evenly over the top. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into 2-inch squares. Makes 16 brownies Icing Combine chocolate chips, butter, milk in a bowl and melt in the microwave. Stir until smooth and add vanilla. Add powdered sugar; beat until glossy and easy to spread. I love spinach and blue cheese together! Blue Cheese Chicken Breasts 4 Chicken breast halves, boned and skinless 1 10 oz package of frozen chopped spinach 1 cup medium white sauce (2 T butter, 1 1/2 T. flour and 1 cup of milk) 1 small onion chopped 1 T olive oil (extra virgin is best) 1 clove garlic chopped 1 can water chestnuts, chopped 1/4 cup crumbled Maytag Blue Cheese 1 T dry sherry Sauté onion in olive oil until soft, thaw spinach and drain well, and mix onions, garlic and water chestnuts with the spinach, Mix well. Spread spinach mix in a 9 by 9 baking dish. Arrange chicken breasts over the spinach. Stir blue cheese into white sauce and heat until cheese is melted. Add sherry and parsley and spoon over chicken. (Can be refrigerated, covered, at this point) Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes until bubbly and chicken is done. longer if refrigerated. And another cheesy dessert. Apple Kuchen Bars Source: Fireside (Food Network) For the crust: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 sticks unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces For the filling: 1 pound cream cheese, at room temp 3/4 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 egg, at room temperature For the topping: 2 tablespoons sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, if desired, cored, and thinly sliced Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Lightly grease and flour a 9x13-inch pan. To make the crust: Place the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl or food processor and mix to combine. Add the vanilla and butter, a little at a time, and mix until it resembles cornmeal. Press into the prepared baking pan. Bake until slightly golden but not brown, about 12 to 15 minutes. Set aside to cool. Lower the oven temperature to 400 degrees. To make the filling: Beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Add the egg, mix to combine, pour over the cooled crust. Place the apples on top of the filling in two or three columns. Sprinkle with the cinnamon and sugar. Bake until firm and a rich brown, about 20 minutes. Cut into 20 to 24 pieces. That's enough for now.... o RE: Cookalong #13 ------- CHEESE clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Mon, Jul 13, 09 at 20:13 This one is my tried and true. I've posted it here before to good reviews. Easy way to make something vaguely "gourmet" without any fussing. But also loved by kids. Baked Greek Pasta and Cheese. Serves 4-6 Preheat oven to 300 degrees 1 lb. spaghetti 1 lb feta cheese, crumbled 4 TBLSP melted butter 3 eggs, beaten 1 TBLSP minced parsley 1 tsp. ground nutmeg Break spaghetti into 2" or 3" lengths. (I just break into three parts) Cook in 2 qts. boiling water for 6-8 minutes. Mix all other ingredients together. Add to cooked spaghetti. Place this mixture in a greased baking dish and bake in a 300 degree oven for 20 minutes until top becomes golden brown. Let stand 10-15 minutes before serving (this is important). Note: this gets dry. You'll probably have to add milk to it if you want to reheat it after it's baked. I tend to add a splash of milk to it before I put it in the oven. You can also top this with bread crumbs and melted butter if you want a really golden brown crust. o RE: Cookalong #13 ------- CHEESE clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Sat, Jul 18, 09 at 9:30 I guess we're all busy with summer stuff. I'm going to be away from the computer for a few days, and I just haven't had the time lately to do a lot of cooking or posting, so I guess I'm not participating in this cookalong. Actually, it's hard to narrow down the choices, since I use cheese every single day, whether eating it by itself as a snack (one of my favorite ways to eat cheese) or cooked in something or grated onto my salads. Everyone's recipes look so good, though, I want to save them. Sally o RE: Cookalong #13 ------- CHEESE clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by canarybird (My Page) on Sat, Jul 18, 09 at 11:01 I'm afraid that I can't participate here either at the moment because I'm on a diet and have just been allowed the first bits of fresh goat cheese per day and no other type so it's slim picking for me for a while. But I'll copy recipes with pleasure and if I still find one in my files to add here I'll come back and do so. Sorry. SharonCb o RE: Cookalong #13 ------- CHEESE clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Sat, Jul 18, 09 at 14:53 OK, for those of us watching our weight, here' a way I lower the calories in my cheese sandwiches. I am probably making this over the weekend or early in the week: Mix equal parts grated cheese and lowfat cottage cheese in the food processor or use a potato masher. I'm using swiss cheese (jarlsburg) but you could use sharp cheddar or any other strong flavored cheese. You can doll up this cheese spread with veggies and seasonings. I'm using a chopped scallion and some pickled yellow peppers because I have them on hand. Can use dill or caraway or cumin to season. Is great on rye and also on whole wheat with tomato, lettuce and avocado. (But with avocado, there goes your calorie savings!) Can also fill celery sticks, pepper boats or tomatoes with this. o RE: Cookalong #13 ------- CHEESE clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Sun, Jul 19, 09 at 20:10 This sure is a Cheesey thread! Pun intended! I really am wondering if we should wait until after Labor Day to start the next Cookalong. I've had a hard time myself due to working extra hours. Once vacations are over and life settles down for everyone we can pick up again. What do you think? It's up to you... Nancy o RE: Cookalong #13 ------- CHEESE clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by mustangs (My Page) on Mon, Jul 20, 09 at 8:58 Punamytsike, That's different and looks tasty. I probably wouldn't have thought to give it a try without your visuals, thanks. o RE: Cookalong #13 ------- CHEESE clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by annie1992 (My Page) on Mon, Jul 20, 09 at 9:44 Yum, Punamytsike, that looks delicious. However, last night I made a white cheddar and beer loaf, with some of the apple flavored Unibroue beer called Ephemere (because that's what I had on hand, LOL) and white cheddar. I decided to add some marjoram, some basil, onion and garlic and some cayenne pepper. Aye yi yi, it was spicy, but good. I suppose I should take a picture..... Annie o RE: Cookalong #13 ------- CHEESE clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by canarybird (My Page) on Mon, Jul 20, 09 at 9:44 I would agree to suspend until Labor Day Nancy. That's in September isn't it? I know I won't be making any special dishes until I'm back to eating at a normal pace which would hopefully be some time in the fall. Since summer is vacation time, many of us would be travelling or moving around. But see how everyone else thinks. SharonCb o RE: Cookalong #13 ------- CHEESE clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Mon, Jul 20, 09 at 9:47 Hey Annie, I don't have beer (I'm allergic) but I do have one small serving sized bottle of cheapo champagne. Do you think that would work for the "beer bread?" You know me, no beer bread for this girl, it's champagne all the way! :) o RE: Cookalong #13 ------- CHEESE clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Fri, Jul 24, 09 at 9:47 I don't mind suspending the cookalong until September. It's not like the whole forum would be suspended, and we can still cook as much as we want and post about it as much as we want. Sally o RE: Cookalong #13 ------- CHEESE clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by annie1992 (My Page) on Fri, Jul 24, 09 at 9:56 L, I don't see any reason why the champagne wouldn't work just like the beer does. It still has yeast and flour and doesn't rely on the beer to rise, I think the beer is just liquid. Probably apple juice would work the same, but the flavor would sure be different. Here's the recipe I use, but I just grate up all the cheese and toss it into the bread machine at the beginning with everything else, on top of the dry ingredients. I don't warm anything because my bread machine has a "preheat" cycle. Oh, and I completely ignore that last part about waiting until it's cool to cut it, LOL. Una's Cheddar Beer Bread ) 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle premium lager 2 tablespoons margarine 2 tablespoons milk 4 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons salt 2 tablespoons sugar 4 teaspoons yeast 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram 1/2 teaspoon dried basil 8 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar cheese 2 tablespoons butter, melted Grease two (9x5 inch) loaf pans. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm beer slightly. Stir in milk and 2 tablespoons margarine to melt. Pour contents into bread machine pan. Pour in flour. Make a well in the center of the flour, and sprinkle salt onto one side of the mound that forms. Into the well, pour the sugar and yeast. Sprinkle with pepper, onion, garlic, and herbs. Begin the dough cycle. Meanwhile, slice the cheese into pea-size crumbles. Avoid using shredded cheese, as it may clump. Once the dough forms into a sticky ball, gradually add the cheese crumbles. As the cycle continues and the cheese fully incorporates into the dough, the ball should still be somewhat soft and sticky. If it is too dry, add a bit of milk. When the cycle has completed, punch down the dough, and divide it in half. Place each half into a greased loaf pan, and allow the dough to rise, about 45 to 60 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). When the dough has risen, bake for 1 hour, or until the loaves are golden brown and make a hollow sound when thumped. Immediately turn out onto a cooling rack, and brush with melted butter. Cool completely before cutting. Oh, and it makes awesome grilled cheese sandwiches and my secretary makes it by hand because she doesn't have a bread machine. Just dump everything into a bowl, stir it up, then knead and let rise, punch it down, shape, rise and bake. Annie o RE: Cookalong #13 ------- CHEESE clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by rob333 (My Page) on Fri, Jul 24, 09 at 11:08 Last night, with a bit of chicken marsala (two chicken tenders is a bit, right?) I had Sol's Angel Hair Flan. Mmm. Since we're all watching our weight it, it has 204 calories per serving; not too bad. Angel Hair Flan 1 cup whipping cream 3 large eggs 1 teaspoon minced, fresh thyme or pinch of dried thyme. ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg 1½ cups freshly grated Pecorino cheese 3 ounces angel hair pasta, cooked Butter 6 - ½ cup ramekins. Whisk first four ingredients. Season generously with S & P. Stir in 1 cup Pecorino. Divide freshly cooked pasta evenly among prepared ramekins. Pour egg mixture over pasta to the very top of ramekins. Sprinkle flans with remaining ½ cup Pecorino cheese. Bake in a 350°F oven, until flans are set and golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Run a knife around sides of ramekins to loosen. Unmold and serve. These flans will puff up just like a soufflé and once removed from the oven, will fall slightly, just like a soufflé ... but no one will care. ;-) o RE: Cookalong #13 ------- CHEESE clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by hawk307 (My Page) on Fri, Jul 24, 09 at 12:23 Light Cheddar Cheese Cassorole with Broccoli and Chicken. How could I forget this ??? Recipe: 1/2 cup Light Cheddar Cheese cut in small pieces. Or American Cheese. You can also mix in some Parmesan. 2 cups of Instant Rice par cooked in Chicken Broth. I small can of Cream of Mushroom Soup. 1 1/2 cups of Partly steamed or Nuked , Broccoli. 1/2 teaspoon of Onion and Garlic Powder ( optional ). 1 1/2 cups of Cut up Roasted Chicken Breasts ( had saved in the freezer). Cook the rice with Chicken Broth , while the Broccoli is steaming. Add in all the other ingredients and put this into a baking Dish. Bake at 320 Deg.for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the Cheese is melted. This is a fast delicious meal !!! Lou

Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Tue, Mar 3, 09 at 8:27 Compumom has chosen BASIL for this Cookalong. Let's put our thinking caps on and come up with a wide variety of ideas for using it. Our virtual dinner featuring basil will be on Saturday, March 14. For those that may have missed the first Cookalong..... 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 #3 -- Carrots Follow-Up Postings: o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Tue, Mar 3, 09 at 9:41 As a segue, here's what I'm planning to make next, another recipe from Orangette's blog. I have acini de pepe to use up. It combines carrots and basil. I can't afford the fresh stuff though. There is a chance that I still have some pesto cubes in the freezer. So I will have to make some adjustments. I also don't have fresh thyme. I can't afford to buy fresh herbs. But I do have dried herbs from my own garden from last summer. I'm also going to use canned tomatoes. But I know some of you lucky southern climate folks can get fresh ones! Provenl Tomato Soup with Orange, Saffron, and Tiny Pasta Adapted from Gourmet, September 2006 This business of blanching, peeling, and seeding the tomatoes may be a little fussy, yes, but it makes for a lovely, soft tomato flavor. Plus, theres nothing quite so satisfying for the fingers as slipping the skins from a few tomatoes, or scooping out their seeds and juicy slop. And aside from that mild labor, this soup is pretty straightforward. With a stir every now and then, it mainly cooks itself. And it makes for easy eating on the front stoop a table for two with a view! on an early fall evening. With a hunk of bread and some cheese alongside, its dinner. 2 lb good-tasting tomatoes 2 medium onions, peeled, quartered lengthwise, and thinly sliced (~2 cups) 1 medium carrot, finely chopped or cut into very thin rounds 1 celery stalk, finely chopped 4 large garlic cloves, minced 1 (3- by 1-inch) ribbon of fresh orange zest, minced 1 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme Scant ¼ tsp dried hot red pepper flakes ¼ tsp fennel seeds 1 Turkish bay leaf 3 Tbs good-tasting olive oil 2 Tbs tomato paste 4 ¾ cups water ¾ tsp salt, or to taste Pinch crumbled saffron threads 1 to 2 tsp granulated sugar ¼ cup small soup pasta, such as acini di pepe 2 Tbs finely chopped fresh Italian parsley ¼ cup finely chopped fresh basil Bring a 5- to 6-quart saucepan of water to a boil. Cut a shallow X in the bottom of each tomato with a sharp knife, and blanch them, 2 or 3 at a time, in the boiling water for about 15 seconds, until the skin around the X starts to curl. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tomatoes to a bowl of ice water. When they are cool enough to handle, peel them, core them, and halve them crosswise. Set a sieve over a medium bowl, and squeeze the tomato halves gently over it, cut sides down, to extract the seeds and pulp. You may have to use your fingers to coax them out. Press on the seeds in the sieve to push through any juice; then discard them. Reserve the juice and the tomatoes. Pour the water out of the saucepan, and wipe it dry. Pour in the oil, and warm it over medium heat. Add the onions, carrot, celery, garlic, orange zest, thyme, red pepper flakes, fennel seeds, and bay leaf. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are very soft but not brown, about 8-10 minutes. Add the tomatoes with their reserved juice and the tomato paste, water, salt, saffron, and 1 tsp sugar. Simmer, uncovered, stirring and breaking up the tomatoes with a spoon occasionally, about 25-30 minutes. Add the pasta, stir to mix, and simmer, uncovered, until tender, about 5 minutes. Discard the bay leaf, and stir in the parsley and basil. Taste, and adjust sugar and salt as needed. Serve. Yield: 4-6 servings, depending on what else youre eating Here is a link that might be useful: On stewing, and soup o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by woodie2 (My Page) on Tue, Mar 3, 09 at 10:33 This is a tried and true favorite of mine - Crispy Chicken Cutlets with Basil-Parsley Sauce Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray Recipe Summary Difficulty: Easy Prep Time: 18 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Yield: 4 servings 2 pounds chicken cutlets Salt and pepper 3 to 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 cup Italian bread crumbs 1/3 to 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano, a couple of handfuls 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning 1 clove garlic 1 (3-ounce) jar pine nuts (pignoli) 1 lemon, zested 2 eggs, beaten Olive oil, for shallow frying Basil- Parsley Sauce: 1 cup loosely packed basil leaves 1/2 cup loosely packed parsley leaves 1/2 lemon, juiced Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, eyeball it 1 Roma or plum tomato, seeded and finely chopped, for garnish Season the cutlets with salt and pepper on both sides turn lightly in flour. Combine next 7 ingredients in food processor and pulse-process the crumbs to chop the spices, garlic and nuts and evenly distribute the flavors throughout the crumb and cheese mixture. Transfer the mixture to a plate. Beat eggs in a separate shallow dish. Heat a thin layer of oil in a large skillet, just enough to coat the bottom of the pan, over medium to medium high heat. Coat the cutlets in eggs then breading and add to the hot oil. Cook cutlets in a single layer, in 2 batches if necessary, about 3 or 4 minutes on each side, until cutlets' juices run clear and breading is evenly browned. Return food processor bowl to base and add basil, parsley and lemon juice. Add a little salt and pepper. Turn processor on and stream in oil until a loose paste forms. Serve chicken cutlets with a generous amount of basil and parsley sauce poured over the cutlets. Garnish the chicken with finely chopped Roma tomato. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by marlingardener (My Page) on Tue, Mar 3, 09 at 11:44 I'm not in the gourmet chef league as many of the posters are, but I do have a unique and tasty appetizer featuring basil. Dip cherry tomatoes in hot water just long enough to slip their skins. Take young basil leaves and stick them in the stem end of the tomatoes. Serve on a platter laying on a bed of crushed ice. If you can get yellow and red tomatoes, it looks prettier. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lindac (My Page) on Tue, Mar 3, 09 at 11:45 There was a show on the food network this past 2 weeks that was a challenge using basil. They cooked basil ice cream and a basil scented cornmeal cake.....and only one person did the traditional basil pesto over pasta.... I use lots of basil in the summer when I have it growing and fresh, but rarely use it in the winter but for the pesto in the freezer. I add a cube of pesto to lots of things like soups, sauces and as a bread dip. Linda c o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by jude31 (My Page) on Tue, Mar 3, 09 at 11:51 Nancy, you are playing my song! Love, love, love basil and I can't wait to see all the recipes posted. I'll be back with one or more. jude o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by jessyf (My Page) on Tue, Mar 3, 09 at 19:26 Time to drag this one out of my cobwsebbed magazine collection. I mde this quite a few times then forgot about it. Actually the recipe calls for pork chops..... I used Trader Joe's frozen or jarred mango when I couldn't find fresh to my liking. Grilled Chicken with Mango-Basil Sauce Bon Appétit : June 1997 Ingredients 1 small mango, peeled, pitted 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons vegetable oil 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 jalapeño chili, seeded, minced 1/3 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves 3/4 cup canned low-salt chicken broth 1 1/2 tablespoons golden brown sugar 1 tablespoon soy sauce 4 6- to 8-ounce flattened chicken breasts, boneless/skinless Preparation Puree mango in processor. Set aside 1/2 cup puree (reserve any remaining puree for another use). Heat 1 tablespoon oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and jalapeño, then basil; sauté just until basil wilts, about 1 minute. Add broth, brown sugar and soy sauce. Bring to boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and simmer 3 minutes. Gradually whisk in cup mango puree. Simmer until sauce thickens and coats spoon, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Prepare barbecue or preheat broiler. Brush chicken with 2 teaspoons oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill or broil until just cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to plates. Rewarm sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally. Drizzle over chicken. Here is a link that might be useful: Original recipe, Bon Apetite o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil -basil -- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by jessyf (My Page) on Tue, Mar 3, 09 at 19:39 Who posted the Pho recipe. Was it RachelEllen or Natalie ntt_hou). I can't find it. I think it would be a good addition. I admit that I can't make it better than I can get elsewhere around Los Angeles, but someone ele might want to make it. It calls for lots of basil at the end. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lakeguy35 (My Page) on Tue, Mar 3, 09 at 19:53 This is a T & T in my files from Ina Garten. David Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Copyright, 1999, The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook, All rights reserved Show: Barefoot Contessa Episode: Feel Good Food Recipe Summary Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes Yield: 6 to 8 servings 3 pounds ripe plum tomatoes, cut in half 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons good olive oil 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper 2 cups chopped yellow onions (2 onions) 6 garlic cloves, minced 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1 (28-ounce) canned plum tomatoes, with their juice 4 cups fresh basil leaves, packed 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves 1 quart chicken stock or water Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Toss together the tomatoes, 1/4 cup olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the tomatoes in 1 layer on a baking sheet and roast for 45 minutes. In an 8-quart stockpot over medium heat, saute the onions and garlic with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the butter, and red pepper flakes for 10 minutes, until the onions start to brown. Add the canned tomatoes, basil, thyme, and chicken stock. Add the oven-roasted tomatoes, including the liquid on the baking sheet. Bring to a boil and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes. Pass through a food mill fitted with the coarsest blade. Taste for seasonings. Serve hot or cold. Note: I don't have a food mill. I just use a stick blender. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by canarybird (My Page) on Wed, Mar 4, 09 at 6:28 Since we both love any kind of pasta with pesto, I might be making this or perhaps I'll try to find a local Spanish recipe using basil for a change. I make this often and it's delicious: PESTO - from Italian TV demo 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups basil leaves 1/2 cup olive oil 1/2 teasp salt 1/2 teasp f.g. pepper 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated 1/2 cup pine nuts (2 small jars) teasp water Process in food processor, adding oil slowly until all is creamy. SharonCb o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Wed, Mar 4, 09 at 9:36 I'm hoping basil plants will be at the nursery in time for this challenge, but it might be a week or 2 early for that. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I hate to go out and buy basil at the grocery store when it's so close to time to plant it. Here's a recipe by Giada De Laurentis I've posted before, but it pertains to this challenge, and we really like it. To make it vegetarian, I substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. I've made it with regular couscous, with orzo, and with the Israeli couscous. All worked, but the regular couscous was the least successful. The slightly larger texture of the Israeli couscous or the orzo works the best. Mediterranean Salad Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentis 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus 1/4 cup 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 (1-pound) box Israeli couscous (or any small pasta) 3 cups chicken stock 2 lemons, juiced 1 lemon, zested 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves 1/4 cup dried cranberries 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted In a medium saucepan, warm 3 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the couscous and cook until toasted and lightly browned, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Carefully add the stock, and the juice of 1 lemon, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the couscous is tender, but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the couscous. In a large bowl, toss the cooked couscous with the remaining olive oil, remaining lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper and let cool. Once the couscous is room temperature, add the fresh herbs, dried cranberries, and almonds. Toss to combine and serve. Recipe Summary Difficulty: Easy Prep Time: 20 minutes Inactive Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Yield: 6 servings Episode#: EI0819 Copyright © 2006 Television Food Network, G.P., All Rights Reserved There's also a Brown Rice and Basil Salad recipe by Ina Garten I've made before that's really good. I don't have it on my computer, and don't have time now to type it out, so I'll try to do that tonight, or at least before the deadline. Linda, I saw that episode of Iron Chef where basil was the secret ingredient. I thought a lot of what they made sounded good, and some sounded odd. It looked, though, that the judges were pretty tough on both contestants, and didn't rave about any of the food. I was a little surprised they were so blase about what they were served. Sally o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by shaun (My Page) on Wed, Mar 4, 09 at 10:35 marlingardener I'd really love to see a picture of the recipe you posted for the cherry tomatoes. Do you happen to have one? o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lisazone6_ma (My Page) on Wed, Mar 4, 09 at 12:31 I make a dipping oil for bread using pesto in the winter, and fresh basil in the summer. I don't measure, I simply add things to taste, but I'll put in approximate amounts - you can change amounts to increase/decrease the total. The basic ingredients are as follows, but you can add other things or leave what you don't like out and it'll still work. 1 cup extra virgin olive oil 2-3 tbsp balsamic vinegar Sea salt or kosher salt Fresh cracked black pepper 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese 1 hot dried red pepper crushed or 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes 2-3 tbsp pesto or 6-8 large fresh basil leaves chopped 2 tbsp Garlic paste made from roasted garlic, or couple cloves chopped (even if using the pesto, and I like a lot of garlic - you can reduce the amount if you prefer it less intense) I roll the fresh basil leaves together then cut them with a scissors to make strips or chiffonades (sp?) Mix all ingredients and let sit for a bit for flavors to combine. You can just refrigerate any leftovers and bring to room temp to use again. The cheese, and especially if you use the pesto, makes it on the thick side, but that's the way we like it! Lisa o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by chase (My Page) on Wed, Mar 4, 09 at 12:43 Think I might make this dish. Haven't had it for a long time. Cherry Tomato, Onion, Basil Sauce 2 Tbl olive oil 1/2 sweet vidalia onion sliced thin few drops best balsamic vinegar 2 garlic cloves minced 1 Lb cherry tomatoes halved 8-10 Basil leaves chopped salt and pepper 4 Oz Small Mozzarella Balls (Boccacini) Or Fresh Moz Cut In 1/2 Inch Squares Place oil in saute pan, add sliced onions and saute on medium heat until limp. Do not let brown or crisp. Add a few drops balsamic. Cook a few more minutes.Add garlic and continue to cook until onions are caramelized. Add cherry tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium low heat until the tomatoes loose their shape and give up their juices. Add basil and simmer until basil is limp and sauce is fragrant. Add the moz and toss with fresh cooked pasta such as linguine. Serve with Parmesan cheese. Here is another favourite dish of mine. Very special. Pork With Herb Crust I usually only do one 5 rib roast but I keep the same measurements for the herbs! Serve with Garlic Parmesan mashed potatoes and green beans 2 (3- to 4-pound) racks of pork 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 1/2 Tsp salt 7 garlic cloves minced 1/3 Cup fresh basil Chopped 1/3 Cup fresh thyme Chopped 1/3 Cup fresh parsley Chopped 2 Tbl pepper Coarsely Ground 1 1/4 Cup butter (or margarine)cut up 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 2 Can chicken broth 1 Tbl tomato paste 2 Tbl fresh sage Chopped 1/4 Tsp pepper Rub pork with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Stir together garlic and next 4 ingredients; press onto pork. Place pork on a rack in a lightly greased broiler pan; cover bone tips with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Bake at 350 for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into thickest portion registers 150max, I prefer 140-145 ! Transfer pork to a serving tray.Cover and let rest while making sauce (even if you don't make the sauce let the pork rest for at least 10 minutes to redistribute juices and let the internal temp climb a bit more) Pour pan drippings into a skillet. Add butter to drippings; cook over medium heat until butter melts. Whisk in flour until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, until caramel colored. Gradually whisk. in broth and next 3 ingredients; cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, 2 to 3 minutes or until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Serve with 'pork. Garnish, if desired. Yield: 8 servings.~ o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by cloudy_christine (My Page) on Wed, Mar 4, 09 at 12:59 Franco and Margaret Romagnoli had a cooking show on PBS years ago. One of my favorite pasta dishes comes from their cookbook, The Romagnolis' Table. It's a rich, butter-based sauce that couldn't be easier. The recipe intro says the sauce is classic with mostaccioli, ziti, and rigatoni, "and rather more special and delicate with homemade fettucine." I usually make it with our favorite thin spaghetti, DeCecco fedelini. Pasta with Tomato and Basil Sauce 8 tablesooons unsalted butter 12 fresh plum tomatoes, or 3 cups canned (I often use more than 12) 6 fresh basil leaves (or more) 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (I use less) 6 Tablesoons Parmesan cheese, sprinkled on the sauced pasta 1 1/4 pounds of pasta (I use less), or a 5-egg batch of home-made fettucine. Melt the butter in a big frying pan over medium heat. Remove from heat. Add the tomatoes. If you use fresh plum tomatoes: peel them, and cut them into chunks before adding to the butter. If you use canned tomatoes: crush them gently with a wooden spoon as you stir them in. Break the basil leaves into the pan, add the salt, raise the heat, and when the whole combination starts to boil, lower the heat to a simmer. Let it bubble along about 20 minutes, or until the juice has cooked away a bit,and the color darkened. Stir occasionally during the simmering process. If the sauce hasn't simmerd enough, it will sink to the bottom of the dish instead of coating the pasta when mixed. Cook and drain the pasta, and turn it out on a deep platter or a wide, shallow bowl, cover with the sauce, and sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. Turn the pasta with a serving fork and spoon to get the saude to coat it. Serve immediately. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Thu, Mar 5, 09 at 7:38 Basil is a tough ingredient for me at this time of the year. I like fresh basil with tomatoes, corn, etc. and I rarely buy those ingredients except in the summertime. I have been making this recipe with dried basil since my college days and it's as economical now as it was then. Even though it doesn't use much basil, it definitely is the standout flavoring. CHICKEN LIVERS AND RICE - 2 to 3 servings 4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 inch slices 1 lb. chicken livers, trimmed and quartered 1/4 cup flour 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/2 cup uncooked rice 1 envelope instant chicken broth 1/2 tsp. dried basil, crumbled 1 whole bay leaf 1 1/4 cup water 2 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley (do not omit) Cook bacon until crisp in large skillet. Combine flour, salt and pepper and dredge chicken livers in it. Remove bacon and reserve. Brown livers in bacon grease. Remove and reserve. Saute onion over medium heat in same skillet (add 1 Tbs. olive oil of needed.) Stir in rice, broth pack, basil, bay leaf and water. Heat to boiling; then turn heat to low. Stir mixture thoroughly, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the skillet. Cover. Simmer 20 minutes without lifting lid. Spoon reserved livers over rice but dont stir. Put lid back on and simmer for another 10 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove bay leaf. Sprinkle with bacon and chopped parsley. Note: You can substitute 1 1/4 cups of chicken broth for the water and omit the instant chicken broth packet. Photobucket o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by theresafic (My Page) on Mon, Mar 9, 09 at 13:49 For various reasons I was unable to participate in the first two cookalongs but I plan to on basil. My husband bought me an aerogarden for Valentines day and I have basil growing. Not enough for a whole recipe but enough for garnish or to enhance the flavor of the dried basil I will use. I am not sure of what I will make but I want something different than pesto or using it on pasta. I'll think about it and post back later. I hope that people are still interested in the cookalong for this weekend. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Mon, Mar 9, 09 at 14:58 I often make a salad with basil to pack for lunch - great northern beans, tuna, chopped red onion, tomato, parsley, basil, sprinkle of garlic powder and sliced black olives with an olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. I mix all the ingredients ahead of time except the tuna and then add it the morning I'm going to eat it. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by chase (My Page) on Mon, Mar 9, 09 at 15:34 I'm still in....hoping to see lots of basil ideas. David's soup is calling me but I'm not settled on a main dish but Woodies Crispy Chicken sure is sounding good! o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by joanm (My Page) on Mon, Mar 9, 09 at 20:03 The only recipe I make often that has basil leaves is Rachael's chicken meatballs. Chicken Sausage Meatballs Rachael Ray 1 1/2 pounds ground chicken 1 tablespoon grill seasoning (recommended: Montreal Steak Seasoning by McCormick) 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, 1/3 palm full 1/4 cup tender sun dried tomatoes (available in pouches or tubs in produce section) 10 leaves fresh basil extra-virgin olive oil Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place chicken in a medium bowl with grill seasoning and add the fennel seeds. Pile sun-dried tomatoes on top of each other in small stacks then slice into thin strips. Coarsely chop the thin strips and add to bowl. Stack 10 basil leaves together then roll them up into a log. Shred the basil by thinly slicing the log. Add basil to the bowl. Drizzle some extra-virgin olive oil over the chicken, mix meat together and roll into mini balls, 1 1/2 inches across, and arrange on a nonstick cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degree F for 10 to 12 minutes or until firm and lightly golden. Remove meatballs from oven, add to sauce and serve with pasta. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by gardenguru1950 (My Page) on Mon, Mar 9, 09 at 20:51 I'm not sure if I can participate in the Cookalong (is that like a billabong?) but I invented this last Friday night and it came out pretty dang good: Three recipes [to assemble] ... CREAMY BASIL PESTO WITH ROASTED GARLIC For 2 pizzas Ingredients 2- 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves 1/4 cup fresh fennel leaf 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup pine nuts, dry toasted (stovetop pan) 1 head garlic, roasted, peeled 2 oz cream cheese (or mascarpone or "Better Than Cream Cheese") 1/2 cup packaged mixed Italian cheeses, shredded 1 tsp lemon juice (about ¼ lemon) 1 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, freshly finely grated Directions Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Add more olive oil if its too thick to spread. ----- ROASTED VEGETABLES For 2 pizzas Ingredients 2 medium yellow onions, cut into thin wedges 1 large fennel bulb, cored, cut into wedges 1 small red bell pepper, chopped 1 small green bell pepper, chopped 1 medium whole head garlic, a little bit of the tops chopped off 1/2 tsp dried oregano 1/2 tsp dried basil 1/2 tsp fennel seed 1/2 tsp fresh milled black pepper pinch of salt (optional) 4 + 2 Tbs extra virgin olive oil 6 medium white mushrooms, sliced 1 small Japanese eggplant, peeled and sliced crosswise 1 small zucchini, sliced crosswise Directions Place onion, fennel and bell pepper pieces on a deep cookie sheet and sprinkle with the herbs and pepper (and, if you wish, salt). [Save a teeny bit of the basil and oregano for the garlic.] Drizzle the veggies with 4 Tbs of olive oil and tossed well to coat. Place the garlic head on a piece of foil and sprinkle with a bit of the herbs and drizzle it with a bit of oil. Wrap the foil into a closed tent and place on the cookie sheet. Place the cookie sheet with veggies and garlic into a 280°F oven and roast for one and one-half hour, turning the veggies every half hour. After one and a half hours, toss the mushrooms, eggplant and zucchini with 2 Tbs of olive oil and then mix it with the onion mixture. Roast/bake for an addition hour. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Use the garlic for the pesto. ----- DLS PESTO AND ROASTED VEGETABLE PIZZA Serves 4+ Ingredients 2 packages Trader Joes plain pizza dough 4 Tbs olive oil creamy pesto per recipe roasted vegetables per recipe 8 oz mozzarella, sliced thin 1/2 pound provolone, sliced thin Directions Follow directions on pizza dough package with these exceptions: have a pizza stone warming in the 450°F oven. When the pizza has set its 20 minutes, place it on the pizza stone and "blind bake" for 6 minutes. If it puffs up too much in the middle, punch it with a few fork holes. Remove it from the oven and brush the edges and about 1 inch from the edge on the top with olive oil. Spread half of the pesto onto each pizza crust, making sure not to take it to the very edge. Spread half of the roasted vegetables on each pizza crust. Lay half of the mozzarella on each crust. Top with half of the provolone per crust. Bake at 450°F for 8 minutes. Best dang pizza I've ever eatin'! Joe o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by coconut-nj (My Page) on Fri, Mar 13, 09 at 2:07 Caught this on page 2. Joe, that pizza sounds great. I like both cheeses on my pizza too. The provolone is great. The one I made for myself last week had hunks of ricotta on it too. I'm going to be making one of my favorite uses for basil. Ratatouille. I got very nice eggplant, and the squash looks very good too. I get groceries delivered and had ordered 2 lbs of white mushrooms, which they refer to as large bulk mushrooms. The person who filled the order sent me almost 2 lbs of portobello mushrooms for the price of loose white mushrooms. Well, they are large. So... the rat stew will benefit from that nice mistake. The store is very nice when they make mistakes and naturally don't charge you extra. Smiles. I remember the recent discussion about keeping herbs/basil so I thought I'd share my method. I use a lot of basil. I make big batches of pasta sauce so that I can eat it for breakfast and lunch for most of a week. I rarely go two weeks without having it. Right now I have four, gallon size freezer bags stuffed full of basil. Many have said they make pesto and freeze it or put it in ice cubes with water. I just wash big bunches well, shake the excess water off and stuff it into the bags. The bit of water that clings seems to protect the leaves. If the basil came from the garden and the stems are long I cut them back, wash them and bag them seperately. The stems are great in sauce for long cooking and easy to fish out. My favorite is to let the basil go to flower at the end of the season and pull the whole plants up. I then cut off the flower heads and bag them seperately. I love the flavor of the flowers in sauce. Very tender. Seperate the heavy stems and rest of the plant and wash and freeze. I have heard people say that when you freeze the leaves they then turn black. Well, you don't thaw when you go to use them or they would turn black/dark. You just use them right from the frozen state and they cook up very much like fresh. When I have the big bags frozen, as I go to use each bag I crush the frozen leaves up in the bag. If there are big blocks [from leaving them too wet], I just hit them with a rolling pin or hammer. After the leaves are crushed it's ready to use. It's best to use a soup spoon to scoop the leaves out when you use them because otherwise they will stick to your hands. Smiles. The pieces of stem that were attatched are now loose and I take those pieces and put them in the sauce first. Many soften enough to be eaten, or they can be fished out if they're too big. I've done this for a number of years and it keeps me and my basil addiction going through the winter and until fresh is ready to pluck again. If you like your basil fine, you can put some in a measuring cup with some water and give it the hand blender. I might make some gnocchi with a basil and sour cream sauce for an appetizer for the ratatouille dinner. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by annie1992 (My Page) on Fri, Mar 13, 09 at 12:50 Wow, I'd forgotten all about this. I'm leaning toward Ruthanna's chicken livers! Annie o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by cabogirl (My Page) on Fri, Mar 13, 09 at 17:43 My daughter loves this dip and makes it every time we have a get together. I believe she found it on Allrecipes Sun-Dried Tomato Dip INGREDIENTS: 1/4 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature 1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cup mayonnaise 2 cloves garlic, minced hot pepper sauce to taste 3/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup fresh basil DIRECTIONS: In a food processor, mix the sun-dried tomatoes, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, hot pepper sauce, salt, and pepper. Process until well-blended. Add basil, and continue processing until smooth. Chill at least 1 hour in the refrigerator before serving. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Fri, Mar 13, 09 at 19:56 I did break down and buy some fresh basil today. I could have bought 13 pounds of cabbage this week for the same price. LOL So I'll have to see what I can come up with for tomorrow night. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Sat, Mar 14, 09 at 9:46 I'm not going to be doing anything with basil tonight, because we have a wedding to go to. I might do something tomorrow, but I don't know what, yet. We've been so busy the last couple of weeks that I just haven't had time to think it out. Plus, I was hoping we'd get some basil plants into the nursery, but that didn't happen yet. Hmmm, I'll have to figure out what to cook, if anything, and do it tomorrow instead of tonight. Sally o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by compumom (My Page) on Sat, Mar 14, 09 at 10:16 I think I may try Cabogirl's dip! I've been MIA this week more or less and today I'm cooking a big pan of Mac& Cheese for DGS's birthday party. Since I'm going off to the market(s) this morning, I'll p/u the ingredients for this too. Coconut, thanks for the tips on how to keep fresh basil around longer! o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by canarybird (My Page) on Sat, Mar 14, 09 at 10:19 Well I've bought my basil but still need some more pine nuts, for tomorrow's pesto dinner. I would have liked to try something new but sometimes other obligations get in the way and suddenly it's the 'Basil Weekend' LOL. So it will be a Sunday dinner for us. Looking forward to seeing what you all are cooking up today and tomorrow! SharonCb o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Sat, Mar 14, 09 at 10:34 I woke up to a never before seen sight this morning - my DH browsing through a pile of my cookbooks. Except for this week when we were out of town most of the week for a death in the family, I've tried making the Cookalong ingredient in different ways and DH enjoyed the anticipation of which would be next. So he announced that he had found a perfect (?) recipe using fresh basil and I have all the ingredients for it so we'll see how it turns out. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Sat, Mar 14, 09 at 12:34 I'm making Jessy's mango chicken tomorrow, except I'll modify the recipe to make it in the crockpot--I'm taking dinner over to a friend's house. I'm making CloudyChristine's gingerbread for dessert from the last thread, with lemon curd sauce. And that morrocan salad with carrots. Now I just need one more vegetable. A modified ratatouille might actually be good, I have some canned tomatoes in the fridge to use up. Today I'm making the tomato soup with basil and saffron for lunch. I'll report back. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by malna (My Page) on Sat, Mar 14, 09 at 17:43 I hate it when life/work gets in the way of "cooking along". It was late last night by the time we got off the phone with clients, and the meat was defrosting...so stew tonight. Not something I could figure out how to get basil into - LOL. This is what I was PLANNING on making for tonight: Pesto Chicken Roll Up from Chef Bonnie Mair of The Hub Cafe 1 package of puff pastry (2 sheets) 1 (7oz) container of Pesto (or 1 cup of your own) 2 cups of baby spinach 2 cups of chicken cut into bite sized pieces 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided 1 tsp garlic salt 1 egg, lightly beaten Cook chicken in a little bit of oil and season with pepper and garlic salt. Drain and set aside. Or you can use precooked chicken, but I think this way gives it more flavor. Roll out pastry sheets onto a cookie sheet. Divide all ingredients into two and evenly use on both sheets. Spread Pesto over both sheets. Top with mozzarella, 1/2 of the parmesan cheese, spinach and chicken. Roll the pastry sheet into itself until it is into the desired shape. Place the seam on the bottom and adjust it on the cookie sheet. Do this with both rolls. Brush each roll with the egg and then sprinkle it with the rest of the parmesan cheese and garlic salt. Make several slits in the top of the roll to vent. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Slice into individual servings. With a cup of minestrone soup to start, and this for dessert: Mini Cheesecakes (from All-Recipes) with Blueberry-Basil Topping INGREDIENTS: 1/3 cup graham cracker crumbs 1 tablespoon white sugar 1 tablespoon margarine, melted 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese,softened 1/4 cup white sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 egg DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease a 6 cup muffin pan. 2. In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar and margarine with a fork until combined. Measure a rounded tablespoon of the mixture into the bottom of each muffin cup, pressing firmly. Bake in the pre-heated oven for 5 minutes, then remove to cool. Keep the oven on. 3. Beat together the cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla until fluffy. Mix in the egg. 4. Pour the cream cheese mixture into the muffin cups, filling each until 3/4 full. Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 25 minutes. Cool completely in pan before removing. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Blueberry-Basil Topping from an idea borrowed from Bakerella's recipe for Blueberry-Basil cupcakes: Purée 1 can of blueberry pie filling and 1 T. ground basil in a food processor. Sigh...I knew I should have cheated and made this a couple of days ago. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by annie1992 (My Page) on Sat, Mar 14, 09 at 18:24 I've had the "day off" cooking all day. My corned beef is out of the oven, my barm brack is baked. I have chicken stock simmering on the stove and chicken enchiladas ready to cook tomorrow after the farm. So what about the basil? I made that green pasta with all the basil, and had some for dinnr with a sprinkle of grated asiago because I'm out of parmesan. I figured leftovers will make a great St. Patrick's Day lunch, they're so nice and green, LOL. Photobucket Annie o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Sat, Mar 14, 09 at 22:01 We had pureed spinach soup with garlic, fresh basil and dill, potato rolls and a chef salad. Photobucket o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by theresafic (My Page) on Sat, Mar 14, 09 at 22:49 DH and I made Rachel Ray's chicken meatballs except about the only ingredient we used from HER recipie was basil. Basically we made Turkey Meatloaf: 1.25 lb ground turkey 1 egg 1 cup oatmeal 1/2 roasted red pepper Handfull chopped walnuts shredded romano cheese fresh basil oregano garlic Mix together and place in loaf pan, cook @ 375f for 45 minutes. We both loved it, a keeper! From Desktop From Desktop o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by coconut-nj (My Page) on Sun, Mar 15, 09 at 2:10 Malna, you'll make it when you get a chance. You could have made it the other day, I don't think we are that strict about when we cookalong, eh? Smiles. Anne, you pasta looks great. I can almost taste it. That spinach soup has me wanting that too. Nice RuthAnna. I spy some basil on that salad too, eh? I love meatloaf Theresa and that looks like one we both would like. Well, I did make the gnocchi for a first course. After I saw Annies pasta I zapped some of my frozen basil with the egg and added it to the gnocchi as well as making a basil sour cream sauce for them. They were great. We got kind of full on them so we waited a while then had a nice bowl of the ratatouille a bit later. We were running late all day so it was nice to just slow down and enjoy our basil feast. I made the ratatouille with eggplant, basil, spanish onions, green and red peppers, portobello mushrooms, yellow summer squash and zucchini. We had it over some rice. It really hit the spot since I hadn't made it in a while. I used a ton of basil, including a bunch of my basil flowers, just how I like it and lots of garlic too. Our camera is still acting up. For some reason the battery will only last for one or two pics and if you leave the batteries in they go dead when you turn it on again. Odd. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Sun, Mar 15, 09 at 15:25 I'm home from vacation and cooking something for dinner tonight with basil..... ????? Just a reminder, those that posted on Cookalong #4, please check this thread tomorrow. I'll draw a name tomorrow morning...it might be you and we will be anxious to see what the next Cookalong ingredient is. Nancy o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by canarybird (My Page) on Sun, Mar 15, 09 at 17:07 Oh there are some really good sounding recipes here. I must try your meatballs Joan. I even have sundried tomatoes that a friend brought down from England and gave to me just this week, and I bring Montreal Steak seasoning back from Canada every year, so this is one of the rare instances when I have all ingredients. But today was our basil day and since we have a hot desert wind from the east this weekend, the temps have been around a balmy 28�C (82.4�F) and I didn't feel like doing rolled chicken breasts in the oven, so went for the pesto and noodles with a salad. We sat outside on the patio for lunch for the first time in ages. My hubby set the table and did a pretty good job.....despite that he put the tablecloth on face down (JIM TEX I'm still using the one you sent me in the swap years ago). The blackbirds and doves kept us entertained with a songfest and flying acrobatics back and forth across the garden. It's been a lovely day. I was recently asked to write restaurant reviews for a new golfing website in the south of Tenerife. I'm one of the few members of a local forum who lives in the north of the island so I accepted to test and write about restaurants here where we live, adding photos of the food and surroundings. I sent in my first draft yesterday and was pleased to see it published this morning without so much as a word changed. This is going to be very enjoyable as once I showed the writeup to the restaurant owner she invited Wolf and I to our next meal. This is a perfect hobby for foodies isn't it! Link to my writeup. SharonCb o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Sun, Mar 15, 09 at 21:49 SharonCb, I don't know what to say other than awesome! Great column and wonderful pictures. There are some really good recipes here. I guess that's already been said but I wanted to say it again. Good job CF'ers! I made the recipe that Sharon (Chase) posted, Cherry Tomato, Onion and Basil Sauce. We enjoyed it! Sauce simmering in the pan... Photobucket Finished and ready for me to dig into... Photobucket After a week of dining out and having some pretty rich foods, this was a refreshing dish. Great way to use Cherry Tomatoes too! Nancy o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Sun, Mar 15, 09 at 22:20 Well the best laid plans . . . I did end up cooking and I did end up using some basil, and it was definitely a CF inspired meal, but it wasn't quite the dinner I was planning. I found out that instead of a quiet working dinner with just my friend/colleague, one of our friends and her husband was in town visiting and she just got back from deployment in Iraq. So it was dinner for five and I did most of the cooking but I brought it over to my friend's house. The dinner was in the new kitchen addition my friend is building. Sorry no pics, it just wasn't that kind of a night even though my friend has a camera. There was too much catching up to do. Our friend is from PA but now she and her husband live in Colorado so it was a treat to see them. I made curried chicken thighs and I was going to use Jessy's mango basil recipe, but while searching for mango chutney at the grocery, I found a jarred mango chutney sauce that had all the ingredients except basil, so I bought it. With that hot chicken curry I made Thai fried rice with dried mint and basil from the garden and fresh cilantro. That plus garlic, soy sauce and lime juice. The veggies were from a frozen mix plus fresh purple cabbage. It was very good with the chicken curry. Salad was plain romaine lettuce and spring mix with blue cheese dressing. Dessert was CloudyChristine's gingerbread from the last ginger thread, plus lemon curd sauce. Yes, I made lemon curd for the first time and it was yummy! Never got around to making the soup, but I finally got the ingredients for it. I just didn't feel like going out yesterday to the grocery store. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Sun, Mar 15, 09 at 23:18 Everyone's food looks and sounds so good! Alas, I just didn't have it in me this weekend to participate. We've been so busy the last couple of weeks, and had a lot going on, that by the time today rolled around I was doing good to open a can of soup for lunch, and I won't admit to what I ate for supper. Now that I've looked at and read about what everyone else did, I'm sorry I didn't put forth a little effort. Sally o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lakeguy35 (My Page) on Sun, Mar 15, 09 at 23:46 I agree, lots of good looking food here for this cookalong. I went with Sharon's rack of pork recipe but used a short hunk of loin I had in the feezer. Here it is after resting a bit.... Image Hosting by I had it with some steamed cauliflower and little roasted reds....homemade rolls too...forgot to include them in the pic. Image Hosting by Taking the leftovers to work tomorrow for lunch. Yum!! David o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by compumom (My Page) on Mon, Mar 16, 09 at 1:38 Wow David, it looks great! I'm back to report that Cabogirl's SUNDRIED TOMATO BASIL DIP was a big success! I subbed 2% Greek Fage Yogurt for the sour cream and it worked perfectly and cut a bit of fat, nevertheless everyone raved and DH asked me to make it again, soon! It took about an hour + for the basil favor to come through. I served it with Pita Crackers from Trader Joe's, they worked well or as a fresh veggie dip. It did set up firmer than this photo shows as it was taken right after it came out of the food processor. I'm also trying Cocoanut's idea of freezing the washed basil leaves to see how they come out. No report yet! Thanks!! Here is a link that might be useful: Sundried Tomato Basil Dip o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by jojoco (My Page) on Mon, Mar 16, 09 at 9:04 These all look great! My favorite way to use basil is to eat it on a sandwich with tomato, mozzarella, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. S&P, too. Preferably, use fresh mozz, and go pick the tomatoes just before making the sandwich. Use great bread. If you can get Judy's peasant bread from New Haven, Ct, all the better. Truly, my favorite sandwich and one of my favorite meals. Jo o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Mar 16, 09 at 9:30 Our next Cookalong topic will be picked by Lakeguy35 David please pick an ingredient and I'll start the thread. Sweet? Savory? Baking? Cooking? It's up to you! Nancy o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Mon, Mar 16, 09 at 9:36 I still have a bunch of cilantro left so I'm going to try to whip up a batch of this Thai curry paste and freeze it in cubes like I do pesto. I know cilantro looses its punch in the freezer, but adding corriander helps. This recipe is from Moosewood Restaurant Lowfat Favorites. Thai Curry Paste 1/4 cup chopped scallions 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, basil or Thai basil (I'll use cilantro mixed with dried basil, which I need to use up) 2 TBLSP garlic cloves 2 TBLSP ginger root, fresh grated 1 TBLSP fresh grated lemon or lime peel, or minced inner stalk of fresh lemongrass 1 TBLSP brown sugar 1-2 fresh red or green chilis (I'll use dried) 3 TBLSP fresh lemon or lime juice 1 TBLSP dried ground corriander 1 tsp. tumeric 1/2 tsp. salt Combine in blender or food processor and puree until quite smooth. Keeps a week in the fridge, longer in th freezer. Thai basil and fresh lemongrass gives the most authentic taste. Good with jasmine or basmati rice. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by jessyf (My Page) on Mon, Mar 16, 09 at 9:52 Yummy dinner last night - grilled chicken with mango basil sauce, garnished with basil (of course). Guests were slopping up the sauce off their plates with bread. Also making an appearance was grilled sparagus and orzo pilaf. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lakeguy35 (My Page) on Mon, Mar 16, 09 at 14:34 Okay, I wanted to pick something that would be good for both sweet and savory. Y'all know I love my desserts. I pick LEMON! I'm thinking you can make dinner, desserts, or both.. : ) David o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by dixiedog_2007 (My Page) on Mon, Mar 16, 09 at 15:13 I've just run through real quick but there is a lot of good sounding recipes and pictures. I need to go back and really look through everything more closely. I wish I could have contributed but too much going on right now. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Mar 16, 09 at 15:55 Here's the link for Cookalong #5 -- Lemon Here is a link that might be useful: Cookalong #5 -- LEMON o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Thu, Mar 19, 09 at 21:51 Last night I made the Provençal Tomato Soup with Orange, Saffron, and Tiny Pasta from Orangette's blog. This is some of the BEST tomato soup I have ever had! The pinch of saffron really makes it! I used dried lemon peel and a dash of orange juice instead of orange peel, dried parsley and basil and canned tomatoes, still yum! o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 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 8:50 still need 1 and 2......

o RE: Cookalong #25 --------- Cream Cheese clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by kathleen_li (My Page) on Sun, Apr 11, 10 at 16:36 I don't know Food, but don't use it if you make this..it doesn't come out nice and creamy... Photobucket Photobucket Crab Spread.. 1/2 lb crab meat 8 oz cream cheese 1 small onion, minced 1 heaping teaspoon horseradish, or to taste 3 TBS cream or 1/2 and 1/2 juice of a half lemon pepper Mix all together. Spread into greased casserole.Sprinkle with crumbled bacon or slivered almonds..Bake till it bubbles and browns lightly..350 deg. Allow to sit a few mins before serving on crackers. Apricot Cheese Coffee Cake Photobucket Photobucket Here is the recipe, from Land O Lakes Country Heritage. Coffee Cake Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup LAND O LAKES® Butter, softened 1/2 cup sugar 2 LAND O LAKESâ„¢ All-Natural Farm-Fresh Eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt Filling Ingredients: 1/4 cup sugar 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1 LAND O LAKESâ„¢ All-Natural Farm-Fresh Egg 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon peel 1 (12-ounce) jar apricot preserves Glaze Ingredients: 1/3 cup powdered sugar 1 to 2 teaspoons lemon juice Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour bottom and sides of 10-inch springform pan. Set aside. Combine all coffee cake ingredients in large bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed. Spread batter on bottom and 2 inches up sides of prepared pan. Combine all filling ingredients except apricot preserves in small bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed. Spread evenly over batter in pan. Spoon preserves evenly over filling. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Cool 20 minutes. Loosen sides of cake from pan by running knife around inside of pan; remove sides of pan. Meanwhile, stir together powdered sugar and enough lemon juice for desired drizzling consistency in small bowl. Drizzle over warm coffee cake. Serve warm or cold; store refrigerated. I am enjoying reading and seeing the recipes. I make the cheese coffee cake that Annt does, my pic isn't as good! :) o RE: Cookalong #25 --------- Cream Cheese clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by denise8101214 (My Page) on Sun, Apr 11, 10 at 16:58 Here is a link to the previous cookalongs. I'm sure that we would all appreciate additions to any of these old threads if any one has found great uses of these ingredients. Here is a link that might be useful: All the other Cookalongs o RE: Cookalong #25 --------- Cream Cheese clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by mamalou (My Page) on Sun, Apr 11, 10 at 17:11 Caramel Apple Cheesecake I made this recipe for Thanksgiving and everyone said it was a KEEPER!! The whole thing disappeared! 1 cup graham cracker crumbs 3 tablespoons sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted 2 tablespoons finely chopped pecans Filling 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 3/4 cup sugar 3 eggs 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract Topping 2 1/2 cups chopped peeled apples 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/4 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 6 tablespoons caramel ice cream topping, divided sweetened whipped cream 2 tablespoons chopped pecans Directions: 1. Combine the first five ingredients; press onto the bottom of a lightly greased 9-inch spring form pan. 2. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes; cool. 3. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. 4. Add eggs; beat on low just until combined. 5. Stir in vanilla. 6. Pour over crust. 7. Toss apples with lemon juice, sugar and cinnamon; spoon over filling. 8. Place cheesecake/pan in a large rectangular baking pan filled with 2 inches of hot water; place in 350 degree oven and bake for 55-60 minutes or until center is almost set. 9. Remove cheesecake from oven and water-filled pan and cool on a wire rack to 10 minutes. 10. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen. 11. Drizzle with 4 tablespoons caramel topping. 12. Cool for 1 hour. 13. Refrigerate overnight. 14. Remove sides of pan. 15. Just before serving, garnish with whipped cream. 16. Drizzle with remaining caramel; sprinkle with pecans. 17. Store in refrigerator. X-Treme Chocolate Double Nut Caramel Ladyfinger Torte Kathy Specht, Cambria, California Southern Living, OCTOBER 2004 Prep: 30 min., Cool: 5 min., Cook: 5 min., Chill: 1 hr. Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups NESTLÉ TOLL HOUSE Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels 2 (3-ounce) packages ladyfingers 1 (13-ounce) jar hazelnut spread (I use Nutella brand) 20 caramels 2 1/3 cups whipping cream, divided 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans 1/3 cup DOMINO 10-X Confectioners Sugar 1 (8-ounce) package PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened 2 tablespoons crème de cacao 3 (1-ounce) semisweet chocolate baking squares 2 tablespoons DOMINO 10-X Confectioners Sugar Directions: Microwave chocolate morsels at HIGH 90 seconds or until melted, stirring at 30 second intervals; cool 5 minutes, and set aside. Split ladyfingers, and stand halves around edge of a 9-inch spring form pan, placing rounded sides against pan; line bottom of pan with remaining halves. Reserve remaining ladyfingers for other uses. Spread hazelnut spread evenly over ladyfingers on bottom of pan. Cook caramels and 1/3 cup whipping cream in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, just until melted. Stir in pecans until coated; spoon caramel mixture evenly over hazelnut spread. Beat 1/3 cup confectioners sugar and cream cheese in a medium bowl at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add crème de cacao; beat until blended. Beat in melted morsels until blended. Beat remaining 2 cups whipping cream in a medium bowl at medium speed with an electric mixer until stiff; fold into cream cheese mixture, and spoon evenly over caramel layer in pan. Shave baking squares with a vegetable peeler evenly on top. Sprinkle evenly with 2 tablespoons confectioners sugar. Chill 1 hour. Yield: Makes 12 servings o RE: Cookalong #25 --------- Cream Cheese clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Sun, Apr 11, 10 at 19:21 Neufatchel, which has a little hat on one of the vowels but I don't know how to type that, has 1/3 less the calories than regular cream cheese, so 1/3 less taste. I've read it is not good for cheesecake but I don't make cheesecake anyway. I have seen recipes for cheesecake using it in Cooking Light magazine, but I dunno if the recipes are any good. Probably not good in danish and the like either. I use it mostly to spread on bagels and toast and english muffins, in which case it tastes just fine. I top it with a dab of homeade jam, yum. Great with lox, since that has a strong taste so I don't miss the extra taste for that application. Fine with those dream eggs, because they were flavored with the herbs anyway, and the neufatchel just added a wonderful creamy texture, even with 1/3 less fat. Since cream cheese is almost pure fat, 1/3 less doesn't make it a diet food by any means, but I like it just as well if not better than cream cheese for what I use it for, so that's what I buy for the calorie savings. I don't mind it in party spreads either. If I want them to taste "fatter" I can always add mayo or butter. o RE: Cookalong #25 --------- Cream Cheese clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by foodonastump (My Page) on Mon, Apr 12, 10 at 10:48 Thanks lpink - but is there any taste difference between it and 1/3 less fat cream cheese? It looks like Philly makes both, so there must be some difference, no? The recipe I was looking at was artichoke dip. o RE: Cookalong #25 --------- Cream Cheese clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by chase (My Page) on Mon, Apr 12, 10 at 15:54 This is a great spread. I especially like to put it in a pretty ramekin and bring it, along with a spreader, as a hostess gift Homemade Boursin With Fresh Herbs 1 lb farmers cheese, or 1/2 cottage cheese & 1/2 Ricotta 8 ounces cream cheese 1/2 cup butter, softened 4 large garlic cloves, minced 2 medium shallots, minced 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped finely and packed tight 1/2 cup chopped fresh thyme OR 2/3 cups fresh dill chopped finely 1/3 cup chives, chopped finely 1 tsp pepper, freshly ground 1/4 tsp cayenne Blend the cheeses and butter, add the remaining ingredients. Mix thoroughly. Store in small crocks or ramekins in the fridge until well chilled. o RE: Cookalong #25 --------- Cream Cheese clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Mon, Apr 12, 10 at 17:13 The taste difference is that stuff made with neufatchel tastes 1/3 less rich, and with 1/3 less fat carrying the flavor, neufatchel doesn't have the same "creamy" taste of cream cheese. However, I LIKE the taste of neufatchel better than cream cheese, to me it's slightly tangier. NO FAT cream cheese, on the other hand, tastes "gummy" to me and with almost no taste, it's all gummy texture. The best I can describe it is tastes slightly of plastic. o RE: Cookalong #25 --------- Cream Cheese clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by beanthere_dunthat (My Page) on Mon, Apr 12, 10 at 20:16 I agree with Lpink - it's a little tangier and less creamy. IMO, no-fat cream cheese is awful stuff. "Plastic" is a good description for it. I'll do without or make a different recipe before I'd use/eat it. I made this today. Yummy stuff. Miss Verba's Pimento Cheese Ingredients: 1 pound sharp yellow cheddar 1/4 pound cream cheese, softened 1 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper 3 large red bell peppers, roasted, peeled, seeded, and chopped 1/2 cup homemade mayonnaise or best-quality commercial mayonnaise 1 teaspoon sugar Splash of hot sauce, such as Tabasco or Cholulu 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) Method: 1. Grind the cheddar in a food processor fitted with the grating disk, or grate it on the small-holed side of a hand grater. 2. Transfer the grated cheese to a bowl, add the cream cheese, white pepper, bell peppers, mayonnaise, sugar, hot sauce, and cayenne, if using, and blend all together thoroughly. 3. Refrigerate and serve chilled. (The spread will keep for several days in the refrigerator, but it usually disappears long before than.) Source: Frank Stitt's Southern Table: Recipes and Gracious Traditions from Highlands Bar and Grill My notes: I used Cabot extra sharp cheddar (so mine isn't really the "proper" color). Normally, I'd cut the sugar, but I was using Duke's mayo (which has no sugar), so this amount was about right. o RE: Cookalong #25 --------- Cream Cheese clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by doucanoe (My Page) on Mon, Apr 12, 10 at 21:23 I use Neufchatel almost exclusively these days and have not noticed any real diference in flavor or richness. Funny the difference in what people can taste. I actually prefer "parmesan" over "parmigianno reggiano". To me it tastes better! OMG..I am DEFINITELY going to make that Apricot Cream Cheese Coffeecake! (I feel faint....) Linda o RE: Cookalong #25 --------- Cream Cheese clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Mon, Apr 12, 10 at 22:02 I agree with Doucanoe, I think with spreads and highly seasoned dishes neufatchel is good. Even with blintzes or fillings. Where it wouldn't do too good is where the cream cheese is the major fat in the recipe, like a cookie dough or cake recipe, or frosting. o RE: Cookalong #25 --------- Cream Cheese clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Tue, Apr 13, 10 at 10:44 Alexa, I'll be making the coffee cake recipe you posted when it's my turn to take a treat to our Knitting Circle at the library. Mmmmm. I'm not a big fan of cheesecake but I often make these when bite-sized desserts are needed. I usually mix up the dough and shape the balls (store tightly covered) the night before but bake them the day of the event. TINY CHERRY CHEESECAKES 1 cup flour 1/3 cup sugar 1/4 cup baking cocoa 1/2 cup cold butter 2 Tbsp. cold water Filling: 2 packages (3 oz. each) cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup sugar 2 Tbsp. Milk 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 egg 1 can (21 oz.) cherry pie filling In a small bowl, combine flour, sugar and cocoa: cut in butter until crumbly. Gradually add water, tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball. Divide and shape into 24 balls. Place a ball in greased miniature muffin cups; press dough evenly onto the bottom and up the sides of each cup. In a mixing bowl, beat cram cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in milk and vanilla. Add egg; beat on low just until combined. Spoon about 1 tablespoonful into each cup. Bake at 325 degrees for 15-18 minutes or until set. Cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Carefully remove from pans to cool completely. Top with pie filling. Store in the refrigerator. Makes 2 dozen. o RE: Cookalong #25 --------- Cream Cheese clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by natesgram (My Page) on Tue, Apr 13, 10 at 10:49 I asked the group last week if I could freeze these and the only problem I've had is that they went too quickly. They are great cold or even frozen! Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies - Martha Stewart's Cookies Makes about 25 sandwiches Ingredients: 1 cup packed light-brown sugar 1 cup granulated sugar 1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature 2 large eggs, room temperature 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots, (about 3 large carrots) 1 cup raisins Cream Cheese Frosting: 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces, room temperature 1 cup confectioners' sugar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract For the cookies: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with Silpat baking mats or parchment paper, and set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine sugars and butter; beat until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla, and beat on medium speed until well combined. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger; stir to combine. Gradually add flour to butter mixture; mix on a low speed until just blended. Mix in oats, carrots, and raisins. Chill dough in refrigerator until firm, at least 1 hour. Using a 1/2-ounce ice-cream scoop, scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between cookies. Transfer to oven, and bake until browned and crisped, rotating pan halfway through baking to ensure even color, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Repeat baking process with remaining dough. Once cooled completely, use an offset spatula to spread about 2 teaspoons of cream-cheese filling onto a cookie. Sandwich together with a second cookie. Repeat with remaining cookies. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Cream Cheese Frosting: Place cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl. Using a rubber spatula, soften cream cheese. Gradually add butter, and continue beating until smooth and well blended. Sift in confectioners' sugar, and continue beating until smooth. Add vanilla, and stir to combine. Photobucket I'm sorry I don't know the rules on cookalongs but could I suggest all types of beans? o RE: Cookalong #25 --------- Cream Cheese clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by kathleenca (My Page) on Tue, Apr 13, 10 at 18:38 Hi natesgram, Beans were the subject of the 21st cookalong - see the following link. :) When it's time for the next cookalong, wizardnm will pull a name from those who contributed to the current cookalong, & that person selects the next topic. I hope you're enjoying it. BTW, links to all the cookalongs are in this link: Here is a link that might be useful: Cookalong #21 --- Beans o RE: Cookalong #25 --------- Cream Cheese clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by natesgram (My Page) on Tue, Apr 13, 10 at 22:51 Thank you Kathleen, so many good recipes and so little time to read them all. I'll check out that link. :) o RE: Cookalong #25 --------- Cream Cheese clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by georgysmom (My Page) on Wed, Apr 14, 10 at 10:15 Jezebel Sauce 1 (18 oz.) jar pineapple preserves 1 (18oz.) jar apple jelly 1 can dry mustard (1.12 oz.) 1 5 oz jar horseradish 1 T. coarsely ground black pepper Mix together in blender and pour back into jars......... Refrigerate. Serve over cream cheese with favorite cracker. I prefer wheat thins with this. . o RE: Cookalong #25 --------- Cream Cheese clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by cookebook (My Page) on Wed, Apr 14, 10 at 13:14 My Mom's Cucumber Sandwiches in her words: 1 8 oz. pkg. cream cheeseâ€"I always use the Neufchatel 1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped fine 2-3 green onions with tops, chopped fine Soften cream cheese, thin with a little milk, yogurt or sour cream and 1 tablespoon real mayonnaise. Add chopped veggiess and season with 1/2 teaspoon each lemon pepper and cayenne pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste. Spread mixture on heavy brown bread and cut each sandwich into 3 or 4 pieces desired shape. Make at least the day before serving. Cover and refrigerate with damp paper towels on top of sandwiches so they will stay moist. Makes 4-5 large sandwichesâ€"maybe 4 because I like lots of filling in mine. o RE: Cookalong #25 --------- Cream Cheese clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by annie1992 (My Page) on Thu, Apr 15, 10 at 11:23 OK, better late than never: JALAPENO CHEESECAKE (MY FAVORITE) 8 ounces cream cheese 5 ounces sharp che4ddar cheese, grated 2 cloves garlic 1 egg 8 ounces jalapeno jelly Mix first four ingredients with half of the jelly. Pour mixture into greased 6 inch springform pan. Bake at 350 for 335 minutes. Cool completely and remove from pan, heat remaining jelly and pour over top of cheesecake. Serve with crackers. Note: I made a double batch and baked it in a round cake pan with a "releaser" bar that spins around the bottom to prevent sticking. I just dumped it out and spread the jelly on the bottom, no one notices because it’s covered with jelly!! I use my own home canned Habanero Gold to make this stuff, and I'll be making 8 or 10 of them for that wedding in May. Somehow I just know I'm going to be eating some of them myself, and I'm going to experiment with making one with a fruit jam instead of the hot pepper jam and see how that works, the bride wanted something "sweet", she says "only the guys will like the hot stuff". HUH? I love it and I'm sure not a guy! Annie o RE: Cookalong #25 --------- Cream Cheese clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by kathleen_li (My Page) on Sat, Apr 17, 10 at 22:12 You are not late, still one more day! :) o RE: Cookalong #25 --------- Cream Cheese clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Sun, Apr 18, 10 at 11:11 Nate, I want to make those cookies! I have a lot of carrots, and today just might be a great day to make cookies with my grandson. "• For an extra-fancy presentation, borrow an old trick from French chef Michele Girard. Serve the eggs in their shells by carefully cutting away the top third of each shell, emptying out the egg, then sterilizing the shell in simmering water. Drain completely. Have egg cups handy. Stuff the hot eggs into the shells, mounding them high. Sprinkle with a little fresh herb for color and serve." ...Yeah, right. But the eggs sound very good. I'll have to try those sometime. Lpink, that kugel recipe looks interesting, too. I've never had anything like it. I'm wondering if I could do something along those lines, varying some of the ingredients, and using that chocolate pasta I haven't gotten around to using yet. I'll think about it and come up with something I hope works. Ann, your recipes and photos are always so tempting and beautiful! David, I want to save that onion dip recipe, too. Everyone's recipes look so good. Great choice. Sally o RE: Cookalong #25 --------- Cream Cheese clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by beanthere_dunthat (My Page) on Sun, Apr 18, 10 at 19:01 LOL! Sally, I believe my response to that part of the recipe was "Yeah, I'll do that the day after h_ll freezes over. Sure thing." But since it was part of the original recipe in the newsletter, I figured I should include it. :) Nate's killing me with those cookies. I'm going to have to make them now that I know they can be frozen! o RE: Cookalong #25 --------- Cream Cheese clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by annie1992 (My Page) on Sun, Apr 18, 10 at 19:26 OK, I'm still chuckling about Renee cutting the tops off egg shells, sterilizing them and filling them with cooked egg, or anything else. ROFL. I just finished two of the habanero cheesecakes for the wedding so I even cooked along for a change. Thanks, Kathleen, for letting me know I'm not late. I just figured I was, I always am, somehow... Annie o RE: Cookalong #25 --------- Cream Cheese clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Sun, Apr 18, 10 at 22:41 Well, I had good intentions, and got started, but ran out of time to meet tonight's deadline. DH and I went out today on a chicken coop tour of East Dallas. (which was lots of fun, but a whole nother topic) Then I had to clean the kitchen in order to cook in it. But, my little grandson (a month away from 3 yrs. old) and I did get started on Nate's carrot cake cookies, but since we didn't finish making the dough until an hour before his bed time, and the dough has to chill at least an hour, it'll be tomorrow before we bake them and do the cream cheese part. It doesn't matter. Both DGS and I had a great time mixing up the batter. He got to taste the flour, the sugar, the butter, and all the other ingredients as they went into the mix. No germaphobes need taste these cookies when they're done! Thanks Nate for the recipe, and the fun time with my grandson! Sally o RE: Cookalong #25 --------- Cream Cheese clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Apr 19, 10 at 8:06 Great response, everyone loves to bake and cook with cream cheese. Thank You to all that contributed!! I just pulled out a name for the next ingredient choice..... >>>>>>>>>> Tracey_Oh <<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Please post your ingredient pick here....... Nancy o RE: Cookalong #25 --------- Cream Cheese clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by tracey_oh (My Page) on Mon, Apr 19, 10 at 9:25 Whoo hoo! Ok, I think I'm going to go with peanut butter. If I had to pick one food to live on, it would definitely be that. Thanks again Nancy for organizing these cookalongs! o RE: Cookalong #25 --------- Cream Cheese clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Apr 19, 10 at 11:33 Great choice! I love peanut butter too. Thanks Tracey! Nancy Here is a link that might be useful: Cookalong #26 ----- Peanut Butter o RE: Cookalong #25 --------- Cream Cheese clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by sherrmann (My Page) on Mon, Apr 19, 10 at 12:08 Gosh, the only recipe I have that uses peanut butter is for Peanut Butter Cookies! I put it under jam and on toast and bananas and apples all the time, but don't use it in "recipes." I can't wait to see what we get here! Sherry o RE: Cookalong #25 --------- Cream Cheese clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by annie1992 (My Page) on Mon, Apr 19, 10 at 14:19 Sally, I'm still chuckling over the "chicken coop tour". Now there's something I'd really like! Annie o RE: Cookalong #25 --------- Cream Cheese clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Mon, Apr 19, 10 at 15:59 Oh, Annie, it was a blast! I can post over on conversations about it, if anyone's interested. Sally o RE: Cookalong #25 --------- Cream Cheese clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by annie1992 (My Page) on Mon, Apr 19, 10 at 17:01 I'm interested, I don't know about anyone else. Deanna, maybe? Annie o RE: Cookalong #25 --------- Cream Cheese clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by claire_de_luna (My Page) on Mon, Apr 19, 10 at 17:08 Oh I'm definitely interested in a Chicken Coop Tour! Do tell Sally!