Yep. That time of the year, pulled the deck and put on the blade, weights and chains. Took off the blades, sharpened and balanced them and did the scraping and wire brushing of the deck. Usually just pick up some cheap "rattle can" paint and put on a few coats a few days apart. Have tried the rustoleum etc. or more expensive paint but whatever goes on is essentially blasted off anyway. Been reading about auto undercoating with silicon on other forums. It's available at the local TSC for $5.99 a can and should be at least as good as the paint. I wonder if it goes on as smooth as paint or "clumps" and would thereby give grass a place to catch hold? Anyone tried it?

I may try this for DH & invite DBIL, but will use Cream of Celery, since they do not like mushrooms. I'm not a big fan of pork but I know they will love this. Thanks for posting the recipe! Dee

* Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Tue, Nov 17, 09 at 20:26 I am getting so hungry reading all these recipes and posts! Here's the potato-fennel soup recipe I mentioned earlier. It was posted on this forum back, oh wow, exactly 3 years ago today, November 17, 2006, by Lynnalexndra. She said in the post that it was an Ina Garten recipe. Roasted Potato-Fennel Soup 4 pounds red potatoes, unpeeled and quartered 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons good olive oil 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves) 1 tablepspoon kosher salt 2 teaspoons fresh ground pepper 4 cups choped yellow onions (4 onions) 4 cups chopped fennel bulb (about 2 pounds) 3 quarts chicken stock or water 1 cup heavy cream Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with 1/4 cup olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes, until cooked through. Saute the onions and fennel with 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large stock pot on medium heat until translucent, 10 - 15 minutes. Add the roasted potatoes (including the scrapings from the pan) and the chicken stock. Cover and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, until all the vegetables are very soft. Add the heavy cream and allow the soup to cool slightly. Pass the soup through the largest disk of a food mill or chop coarsely in batches in a food processor fitted with a metal blade. (I use an immersion blender). Taste for salt and pepper. Reheat and serve hot. This past weekend I made a different roasted potato soup which combined this cookalong with the squash one. I just made it up as I went along. I made a mistake or 2, but it ended up tasting quite good. One of the mistakes I made was cutting the squash up into too small of pieces. I tried peeling it before roasting, but the scalloped shape made that too frustrating, so I decided to roast it first, then scrape the squash out. Well, it was a pain to do since I had cut it up into small pieces. My goal was to get all the vegetables cut into fairly equal sizes. The second mistake was just not having the equipment. I didn't have my trusty immersion blender with me (we were at our Oklahoma house), so I couldn't puree the veggies. I was never able to smash up the onions, so they remained in pretty big pieces. We just called it country style. Next time I make this, I'll experiment with the size of squash pieces and use a blender. Roasted vegetable soup Pre heat oven to 375 degrees 1 acorn squash 2 russet potatoes 2 onions 1 bulb of garlic Olive Oil Salt and pepper to taste dried sage, around 1/2 to 1 teaspoon or to taste Cut up the potatoes and onions into similar sizes. If you can peel the squash ahead of time, that's great, otherwise, just cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, and place along side the other vegetables on a large baking sheet. Coat the veggies with olive oil, and sprinkle with the salt, pepper and sage. Bake until the veggies are barely tender, around 40 minutes to an hour, stirring them every 15 or 20 minutes. Towards the end of roasting time, in a large soup pan, bring some water to a boil, enough water to cover the vegetables. When the veggies are done roasting, add them into the boiling water. Scrape the squash pulp out of the skins and add to the pot, too. Stir and let simmer till the veggies are tender. Turn off heat and puree using an immersion blender if you have one, or just smash them with your spoon as best you can, which is what I did. That makes it more "country style." Enjoy. Sally o RE: Cookalong #15 ------------ POTATOES clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lakeguy35 (My Page) on Wed, Nov 18, 09 at 0:03 Nancy and all, glad to see the cookalongs are back!! Lots of great recipes above that I'll be saving and working my way through. I've loved these pancakes for years and finally found a copy cat recipes that I've been playing with. I add at least twice as much onion and double the parsley. Sour cream and applesauce are my choices to go on top of them. Perkin's Potatoe Pancakes Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup whole milk 4 eggs 3 tablespoons butter, melted 3 tablespoons sugar 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 1 tablespoon minced onion 4 shredded fresh potatoes -or- 2 1/2 cups frozen hash browns (defrosted) Directions: Combine all of the ingredients, except for the potatoes, in a large mixing bowl. Beat by hand until smooth. Add the potatoes to the batter and mix by hand until the potatoes are combined. Let the batter rest while you preheat a skillet to about medium heat. Grease the pan with some butter. Ladle 1/4 cup scoops of batter into the pan. Cook as many at a time as will fit comfortably into your pan. Cook each pancake for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes per side until brown. David o RE: Cookalong #15 ------------ POTATOES clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Thu, Nov 19, 09 at 22:20 Looking through the recipes that have been posted already, I can see that I will be using this thread many, many times. It's a good reminder of some of the very best uses of potatoes. Then I got to thinking that I didn't notice any basic potato salad recipes..... and what potato collection would be complete without potato salad. I also wanted to share a favorite soup, I make a double batch of this and take to my DM in 8oz freezer containers, every few months.... she loves it! I usually cut back the milk a bit so that it is almost like a side dish. Loaded Baked Potato Soup 4 lg baking potatoes, baked (Note: Plan ahead and bake the potatoes when convenient) 2/3 C butter 2/3 C flour 6 C milk 3/4 tsp salt 1/2 tsp black pepper 4 green onions, chopped and divided 1 1/4 C grated cheddar cheese, divided 12 slices bacon (thick is best), cooked, crumbled and divided 1 8-oz carton sour cream (can use plain yogurt) ~Cut potatoes in half, scoop out the pulp and set aside. Discard skins (or make some potato skin snacks) ~Melt butter in a heavy saucepan, add flour, stirring until smooth. Cook 1 min., stirring constantly and gradually add milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick and bubbly. ~Add potato pulp, salt pepper, 2 tbsp of the green onion, 1/2 C bacon and 1 C cheese. Cook until thoroughly heated and stir in sour cream. Add extra milk for desired consistency. ~Garnish with remaining onion, bacon and cheese. Yield: about 10 cups. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Backwoods Basic Potato Salad 3# cooked and cooled red potatoes, chopped 4 hard boiled eggs, chopped 2 lg stalks of celery, chopped 6 green onions, chopped ¼ C sweet pickle relish Dressing 1½ C Hellman's (Best Foods) mayo 1 tsp celery seed 1 Tbsp vinegar 1 Tbsp sugar ½ tsp garlic powder 1 tsp salt ½ tsp pepper 1 tsp dry mustard Combine dressing ingredients and toss with potato mixture. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Backwoods Deli Style Potato Salad 3# red potatoes, cooked, cooled and chopped 2 stalks of celery, chopped 6 green onions, chopped ½ C chopped red pepper ½ C thin sliced radishes Dressing 1½ C Miracle Whip 2 Tbsp vinegar 2 Tbsp sugar 1 tsp celery seed 1-2 Tbsp prepared mustard Combine dressing ingredients and toss with potatoes and vegetables. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Blue Cheese Potato Salad 3# cooked red potatoes, cooled and chopped ¼ C dry white wine ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp pepper ½ C mayo (Hellman's) ½ C sour cream 1½ Tbsp Dijon mustard 4 oz. blue cheese, crumbled 3 green onions, chopped fine 1 C coarsely chopped celery In a large bowl combine potatoes, wine, salt and pepper. Let sit until the wine is absorbed by the potatoes, about 30 minutes. Combine mayo with remaining ingredients. Add to potatoes and stir well. Allow about 30 minutes for flavors to combine before serving. This blue cheese salad is great with a good steak or grilled tenderloin. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ranch Potato Salad 3# cooked red potatoes, cooled and chopped 5-6 green onions, chopped 6-8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled ½ C shredded cheddar cheese 1 envelope dry ranch dressing mix 1½ C Hellman's Mayo (sometimes I use part sour cream if I have it on hand) Toss together the potatoes, onions, bacon and cheddar. Combine the ranch dressing mix and mayo, pour over the potato mixture and stir to combine. Nancy o RE: Cookalong #15 ------------ POTATOES clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Sun, Nov 22, 09 at 22:55 Was this the weekend to do the cookalong? Did anybody else do it this weekend? I tried Lori's Gnocchi. It was the first time I've ever eaten them, and certainly the first time to make them, but that was half the fun! I think I need more practice, but DH really enjoyed them, so I don't think he'll object to me practicing on him. I did the sage butter sauce that she recommended. Very simple but quite delicious. On the side, I served a spinach salad with dried cranberries, shallots, shredded carrots and toasted almonds, and a vinaigrette made from Trader Joes Orange Mango Vinegar sauce and olive oil. Photobucket Sally o RE: Cookalong #15 ------------ POTATOES clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Nov 23, 09 at 1:14 I'll be here tomorrow, to draw a name. Got caught up in watching the AMA awards tonight... LOL Nancy o RE: Cookalong #15 ------------ POTATOES clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Nov 23, 09 at 10:45 Just drew a name.... Sherrman....hope you check this thread! Please pick a new topic and post it here asap. I'll be checking. Nancy o RE: Cookalong #15 ------------ POTATOES clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Nov 23, 09 at 12:03 TTT so Sherrman can see :) o RE: Cookalong #15 ------------ POTATOES clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by chase (My Page) on Mon, Nov 23, 09 at 13:42 I'm way late posting but ;last night I made Potato and cheese pierogi for the cook a long. Sauted the pierogi in butter and onion after boiling. Served with cabbage roll's, sour cream and sauerkraut. It was so good! Can't wait to hear what Sherrman has up her sleeve! o RE: Cookalong #15 ------------ POTATOES clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by annie1992 (My Page) on Mon, Nov 23, 09 at 14:40 Sharon, I'm late too. I was in Toledo, Ohio, I took my mother to the library there to do her geneology stuff, she was looking for birth/death/marriage records, etc. Anyway, while I was at Elery's I made potato bread using the King Arthur Flour recipe. I made it Friday evening and baked it on Saturday to take to Mom's cousin for dinner on Saturday night. I forgot my camera, so no pictures, but here's the recipe: Potato Bread 1 tablespoon dry yeast 9 tablespoons (1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon) granulated sugar 1 1/2 cups lukewarm (110°F) potato water (water in which potatoes have been cooked) 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened 1 1/2 tablespoons salt 2 eggs 1 cup mashed potatoes (5 small potatoes, 2 medium or 1 large) 6 cups (approximately) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour Boil unskinned potatoes until easily pierced with the tip of a knife. Remove potatoes from water (reserving water), and let sit till they're cool enough to handle. Peel potatoes and mash them. Set aside. Dissolve yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar in lukewarm potato water. Beat in butter, remaining 1/2 cup sugar, salt, eggs and potato. Stir in enough flour to make a dough suitable for kneading. Turn dough onto a lightly floured work surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Or, knead in a mixer equipped with a dough hook for 5 minutes, or in a food processor for 90 seconds to 2 minutes. Place kneaded dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Set bowl in the refrigerator overnight; for maximum flavor, we like to refrigerate it for about 16 hours. Remove dough from refrigerator and shape to fit 3 medium-sized (8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch) loaf pans, or 1 medium-sized and 1 large (10 x 5-inch) loaf pan, or 8 mini (6 x 3 1/2-inch) loaf pans. Let rise until doubled in bulk, about 4 hours (remember, dough is cold from refrigerator, and will take longer to rise). Bakes loaves in a preheated 375°F oven for 45 minutes, or until bread tests done. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack. Annie o RE: Cookalong #15 ------------ POTATOES clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Nov 23, 09 at 19:59 TTT...still waiting for Sherrman.. o RE: Cookalong #15 ------------ POTATOES clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Tue, Nov 24, 09 at 7:07 TTT o RE: Cookalong #15 ------------ POTATOES clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Tue, Nov 24, 09 at 9:44 Annie, I'm glad you posted that potato bread recipe, because when I made the gnocchi, I boiled one too many potatoes. They were very large, so I decided I didn't need 3. I'm wanting to make potato bread with the 3rd potato. Thanks. Sally o RE: Cookalong #15 ------------ POTATOES clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Tue, Nov 24, 09 at 12:03 I have to go out for the rest of the day but I'll check back this evening. Sherrman......where are you???? Nancy o RE: Cookalong #15 ------------ POTATOES clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Tue, Nov 24, 09 at 23:23 TTT o RE: Cookalong #15 ------------ POTATOES clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Wed, Nov 25, 09 at 11:48 Sherrman? o RE: Cookalong #15 ------------ POTATOES clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by kathleen_li (My Page) on Wed, Nov 25, 09 at 15:37 I bought a 50 lb bag of potatoes at the farm and I have been trying to find 50 ways to use them on my blog.. I cut them with fall shaped cutter, tossed them in oil and s and p and baked till browned.. I intend to do them with star cutters for Christmas. The gkids loved them.. Photobucket So many excellent potato recipes from all of you here..thank you! Here is a link that might be useful: LOTS of POTATOES... o RE: Cookalong #15 ------------ POTATOES clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by woodie2 (My Page) on Wed, Nov 25, 09 at 17:29 Kathleen - they're beautiful! What a cool idea. o RE: Cookalong #15 ------------ POTATOES clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Thu, Nov 26, 09 at 8:02 How cute! I can't imagine trying to use up 50# of potatoes before they start growing. I see you don't have the limited imagination I do. Sally

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!