My Test Kitchen

Pasta with Herbed Cream Sauce

2009-07-07T16:52:00.000-07:00

What You Need:

8 oz Soft tofu
1 1/2 cups Soy milk
1 Onion, chopped
3 Tbsp Chopped fresh basil
2 Tbsp Chopped fresh parsley
2 Tbsp Soy oil or margarine
1 Tbsp nutritional yeast
2 Garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Paprika
1 tsp Dill seed
1 Tbsp Cornstarch, mixed with 3 Tbsp cold water
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
3/4 lb Pasta of your choice, freshly cooked and drained
Fresh basil sprigs (garnish)

What To Do:

Blend the tofu in a food processor until smooth. Add the soy milk, onion, fresh herbs, oil or margarine, yeast, garlic, paprika and dill seed. Process until smooth.
Place this mixture in a heavy medium saucepan and bring to a boil over low heat, stirring frequently.
Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook, stirring, until thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper and remove from heat.
Arrange the pasta on hot plates, cover with the sauce, garnish with basil sprigs and serve.

Bolognese Pasta with Lentil Sauce

2009-07-07T16:38:00.000-07:00

What You Need:

3 Tbsp Olive oil or vegetable oil
1 Large onion, chopped2 Large carrots, grated
2 Celery stalks, cut fine
1/2 cup Sliced fresh mushrooms
2 Garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup Small brown lentils, sorted and rinsed
2 1/2 cups Vegetable broth
2 1/2 cups Canned crushed plum tomatoes
1/4 cup Tomato paste
1 Tbsp Chopped fresh oregano
1 Bay leaf
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 lb Long pasta of your choice, freshly cooked and drained

What To Do:

In a large heavy saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, mushrooms and garlic and cook, stirring often, until tender.
Add the lentils, broth, tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano and bay leaf.
Bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover and let simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the lentils are tender.
Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaf and serve the sauce ladled over the hot pasta.

Ultralight Vegetable Pasta

2009-07-07T16:32:00.000-07:00

What You Need:

1 Tbsp Butter
1/2 cup Julienne-cut carrots
1/2 cup Thinly sliced leed
1/2 cup Beans
1 Garlic clove, thinly sliced
1/2 cup Vegetable broth
1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
1/2 lb spaghetti
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

What To Do:

In a heavy mediu sacuepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the vegetables and garlic and cook, stirring often, for 2 minutes, or until softened slightly.
Add the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, lower the heat, cover and let simmer for 7 minutes
Stir in the Parmesan and mixed fresh herbs. Heat stirring, until the cheese is melted, and remove from the heat.
Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in a medium pot of boiling salted water as per package directions. Drain and transfer to a large heated serving bowl. Add the sauce and mix well. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.

Tagliatelle with Garlic Puree

2009-07-07T16:23:00.000-07:00

What You Need:

1 Tbsp Olive oil
1 Tbsp butter
2 Onions, thinly sliced
6 Garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 Tbsp All-purpose flour
2 cups Vegetable broth
1/2 cup Heavy cream
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 lb Tagliatelle or papardelle, freshly cooked and drained
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
fresh rosemary sprigs (garnis) optional

What To Do:

In a large heavy saucepan, heat the oil and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook, stirring often for approx 5 minutes, until the onions are tender. Add the four and mix well. Cook, stirring for 1 minute.
Whisk in the veggie brothe and cream; bring to a boil, stirring often. season to taste with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to very low, cover and let simmer for 30 minutes.
Puree the mixture in a food processor and transfer to a large heated serving bowl.
Add the hot pasta and the Parmesan and toss to mix well. Taste for seasoning and serve immediately. If desired, garnish with rosemary sprigs.

Tagliatelle with Two Sauces

2009-07-07T16:11:00.000-07:00

What You Need:

1 Tbsp Olive oil
2 Garlic cloves, chopped
2 cups Diced canned tomatoes in mixed herbs
1 tsp Chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 tsp Dried oregano
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 (10 oz) can Whole baby clams, drained
1 cup Ricotta cheese
1/3 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp Chopped fresh parsley
1 lb Tagliatelle or fettuccine, freshly cooked and drained

What To Do:

In a heavy medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant.
Add the tomatoes, cilantro and oregano; bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in the clams; heat through.
In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta, Parmesan and the parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Place the pasta in a large heated serving bowl and mix with the clam sauce. Form a small hole in the center of the pasta and fill with the cheese mixture. Serve immediately.

Fusilli with Zucchini

2009-07-07T16:03:00.000-07:00

What You Need:

2 tbsp Olive oil
1/2 cup Diced celery
1/2 cup Diced carrot
1 Shallot, chopped
1 Tbsp chopped garlic
1 (28 oz)can Crushed tomatoes
1 cup Veggie broth
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 Tbsp Cornstarch mixed with 2 Tbsp cold water
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Zucchini, cut in thin half circles
4 cups Fusilli, freshly cooked and drained

What To Do:

In a large saucepan heat the oil over medium heat. Saute the celery, carrots, shallot, and garlic until tender. Add the tomatoes and vegetable broth; season with sald and pepper and bring to boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook, stirring, until thickened. Remove from the heat and cover to keep warm.
In a large skillet, heat the oil over high heat. Add the zucchini and cook, stirring often, until tender and golden.
Add the fusilli and the tomato sauce. Toss to mix well and heat through. Taste for seasoning and serve.

Wassail Punch

2009-06-17T19:53:00.001-07:00

2 qts apple cider
2 cups orange juice
2 cups pineapple juice
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 -1/2 cup sugar (according to preference)
12 whole cloves
4 cinnamon sticks
orange slices, or clove studded orange slices (optional)

What To Do:

combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Mix well. Cover and cook on low 2-3 hours. Remove cloves and cinnamon sticks before serving.

Spiced Apple Cider

2009-06-17T19:50:00.000-07:00

What You Need:

2 jugs apple juice
1 jug cranberry juice
1 orange
4-5 cinnamon sticks
6-8 cloves

What To Do:

In a large pot on the stove, combine the apple juice and cranberry juice. Depending on the amount desired, just keep the ratio of 2 parts apple juice to 1 part cranberry juice. Slice the orange across the core (to make lovely "flower" shaped pieces) and float them in the juice mixture. Add 4-5 cinnamon sticks and 6-8 whole cloves (spice to taste). simmer on low heat for a couple of hours for the flavors to blend. Do not boil, but serve hot!

OrangeJulius

2009-06-17T19:47:00.000-07:00

What You Need:

1 (6 oz) can orange juice concentrate
1 cup cold milk
1 cup cold water
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla 12 ice cuves

What To Do:

Combine all ingredients in blender; blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

Spinach Dip

2009-06-17T19:43:00.000-07:00

What You Need:

1 pkg (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 container (16 oz) sour cream
1 cup mayo
1 pkg Knorr vegetable soup, dip & recipe mix
1 can water chetsnuts drained and chopped
3 green onions, chopped

What To Do:

in medium bowl stir spinach, sour cream, mayo, soup mix, water chestnuts and green onions until well mixed. Cover and chill 2 hours to blend flavors. When ready to serve, stir well. If desired, spoon into round bread bowl. Serve with cut-up vegetables or chips.

Mississippi Sin

2009-06-17T19:40:00.000-07:00

What You Need:

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/3 cup chopped green chilies
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/3 cup chopped green onions
1 1/2 coup sour cream
1/8 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 lb large round loaf french bread

What To Do:

Combine all but bread in bowl, stirring well. cut thin slice from top of bread. Pick out inside of bread making a bowl (save inside of bread for dipping). fill hollowed b read loaf with dip; cover with top slice of bread. Wrap filled loaf with foil. Bake at 350* for 1 hour. Dip with crackers, chips or bread. Yields about 4 cups

Artichoke Dip

2009-06-17T19:36:00.000-07:00

What You Need:

1 cup mayo
2 (6.5 0z) cans of artichoke hearts, drained
2 cup Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika

What To Do:

Preheat oven to 350*. In a large bowl mix Parmesan, artichoke hearts, mayo and garlic powder. Pour mixture int an 8x8 baking dish and bake for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with paprika. Serve with crackers or chips.

7 Layer Dip

2009-06-17T19:34:00.000-07:00

What You Need:

refried beans
guacamole
sourcream (mixed with mild taco seasoning)
cheddar cheese, grated
tomatoes, diced
olives, sliced
greenonion, thinkly sliced

What To Do:

In 9x13" pan, layer starting with first ingredient down to 7th ingredient. Serve well chilled. Serve with tortilla chips and assorted crackers

Baked Oatmeal

2009-06-17T19:31:00.000-07:00

What You Need:

2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup melted butter
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
3 cup rolled oats
1 cup brown sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup dried cranberries

What To Do:

In a large bowl, mix together oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Beat in milk, eggs, melted butter and banilla extract. Stir in dried cranberries. Spread into a 9x13" baking dish. Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes.

Soft Sugar Cookies

2009-06-17T19:29:00.000-07:00

What You Need:

1 cup butter
2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
6 cup flour

What To Do:

Mix all ingredients together, chill dough. Roll out dough, careful not to get it too thin, cut out desired cookie shape. Bake at 350* for 8 minutes. They should spring back when touched. They don't turn brown, so be careful not to over bake.

Missouri Mud Cookies

2009-06-17T19:25:00.000-07:00

What You Need:

2 cups sugar
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
3 cup +2 cup quick cooking oats
1 T butter
3 T cocoa
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter

What To Do:

Mix sugar, butter and milk and cocoa. Bring to a rolling boil and cook 1 minute. Remove from heat and add remaining ingredients. Add 3 cups of oats then gradually add more until right consistency is reached. Drop quickly by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper. Cool and enjoy

3 Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies

2009-06-17T19:23:00.000-07:00

What You Need:

1 box spice cake mix
1 15 oz can pumpkin puree
1/3 cup mini chocolate chips

What To Do:

Preheat oven to 350*. Mix all three ingredients together, make cookies or cupcakes. Bake for 10 minutes

Pumpkin Crunch

2009-06-17T19:19:00.000-07:00

What You Need:

1 box yellow cake mix
1 (15 oz) can pumpkin
1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
3 lg eggs
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1 cup melted butter or margarine
cool whip or whipped topping

What To Do:

Preheat oven to 350*. Grease bottom of a 9x13" a pan (or 2 pie dishes). In a large bowl combine pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon and salt. Pour into pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over pumpkin mixture. Top with pecans. Drizzle melted butter over pecans. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until golden brown. Cool. Serve chilled with whipped topping.

Pumpkin Bars

2009-06-17T19:16:00.000-07:00

What You Need:

4 eggs
2 tsp cinnamon
1 cup oil
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 2/3 cup sugar
1 (16 oz) can pumpkin
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt

What To Do:

Beat together sugar, eggs, oil and pumpkin until it is light and fluffy. Stir together the dry ingredients and then add them to the pumpkin mixture. Pour into a large cookie sheet. Bake at 350* for about 30 minutes. Let cool. Spread cream cheese frosting over top and cut into bars.

Key Lime Pie

2009-06-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

What You Need:

1 can sweetened condensed milk
12 oz cool whip
1/3 cup lime juice.

What To Do:

Whip all together for 1 minute. Put into pie shell. refrigerate at least 1 hour.

Fancy Fruit Pizza

2009-06-17T19:10:00.000-07:00

What You Need:

Crust:
1 1/2 sticks butter
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 cup flour

Filling:
1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup sugar
fruit comb ination (strawberries, peaches, pineapple, kiwi, etc)

Glaze:
1 1/2 T cornstarch
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp lempn juice 1 cup pineapple juice (add water to make 1 cup if needed)

What To Do:

Preheat oven to 300*. With pastry blender, mix crust ingredients. Pat mixture into lightly greased 12 inch pizza pan. Bake 13-20 minutes until brown. cool completely. For filling, combine cream cheese, vanilla and sugar; spread over crust. Arrange fruit over filling. To make the glaze, combine cornstarch and sugar in a saucepan. add juices and cook until thickened. Cool and drizzle over and around fruit. Chill until set.

Cream Cheese Squares

2009-06-17T19:07:00.000-07:00

What You Need:

2 pkg crescent rolls
1 pkg 8 oz cream cheese
2 eggs
2/3 cup sugar (oor more if you want it sweeter) 1 tsp vanilla
1 stick butter, melted
cinnamon sugar

What To Do:

In a 9x13 pan cover the bottom with 1 pkg of the rolls. Mix together cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and eggs. spread evenly on top of rolls. Layer again with other pkg of rolls to cover the filling. top with melted butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes at 375*. Cool. refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. keep refrigerated.

Cheesecake Ball

2009-06-17T18:55:00.001-07:00

What You Need:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
2 T brown sugar
1/2 T vanilla
3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
3/4 cup pecans, chopped

What To Do:

Mix cream cheese and butter together; mix in sugars and vanilla. Stir in chocolate chips. Put mixture on a plate and form into a ball, cover with plastic wrap. refrigerate for 1 hour then roll in pecans. serve with graham crackers or graham cracker sticks.

Recipe Note: I usually form the ball by putting saran wrap over the mixture and mold into shape.

Orange Poppy Seed Bread

2009-06-17T18:51:00.000-07:00

What You Need:

2 cups unbleached or whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 T poppy seeds
1 cup orange juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp satl

What To Do:

Mix all dry ingredients, then add orange juice and vanilla. Stir just until dry ingredients are noistened. Grease 8x4 inch loaf pan, bake at 325* for 45 minutes. Makes 16 servings. Preparation time: 10-15 minutes.
(84 Calories, 0.5 g fat)

Macaroni Grill Bread

2009-06-17T18:39:00.000-07:00

What You Need:

1 T dry yeast
1 T sugar
1 cup warm water
2 1/2 cup white flour
1 tsp salt
2 T rosemary, chopped (or 1 t dried rosemary)
1 T olive oil
2 T butter or margarine
coarsely ground salt

What To Do:

Put the yeast, water and sugar into a blender, mixer or food processor. Mix it until it is frothy. turn the oven onto 200*. (You just need to wamr it up, your not baking yet.) find a mixing bowl. Add 2 cups of the flour, the tsp of salt and half of your chopped rosemary. Keep the other half cup of flour close at hand. add the yeast mixture to this and knead away. Don't be shy. Fold it over itself plenty of times to get those gluten strands good and stretched. Add the rest of the flour as needed to get the dough to the right consistency (soft and stretchy without being overly sticky). Turn the oven off. lift the dough out of the mixing bowl. Add the olive oil to the bowl and swirl it around Roll the dough in the olive oil so its well coated and let it sit in the bowl. Cover the bowl with a dish towel and place it in the oven (the oven should ve off by now, if you missed that step). Leave the door cracked so it isn't too hot in there. Let the dough rise for about an hour. It should be approx. douvled in size. punch the dough down and knead it again. divide it into two equal sized lumps and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. Prepare your baking pan. I use a cermaic stoe, but a cookie sheet will work. If the surface is not naturally non-stick, spray it with the cooking spray. Shape the dough into two oval shaped loaves and arrange on the pan. Melt the butter or margarine. Use a brush to paint the surface of the loaves with butter. Use all of the butter. the loaves willbe quite saturated when you're done. Remember the part about shooting your inner fitness freak. Take the rest of the chopped rosemary and sprinkle it over the loaves. Pat it down gently to set it into the dough. Return the loaves to the oven. don't turn it on yet. Let the dough rise again, for about 45 minutes. Remove the loaves and reheat the oven to 450*. sprinkle a little bit of coares salt over the loaves. Return the dough to the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until light brown. Makes two loaves. best enjoyed with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and garlic.

Recipe Note: I found this recipe online and it really does taste like the real thing. The submitter said : "This is a recipe intended to approximate that awesome chewy bread that they bring out at the Macaroni Grill. The kind youdip into the olive oil and cracked garlic. No, it is not healthy in the slichtest. Shoot your inner fitness freak and let your inner gourmand rule."

Cinnamon Rolls

2009-06-17T18:35:00.000-07:00

What You Need:

d1 envelope (2 1/2 tsp) yeast
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup warm water
1/3 vegetable oil
1 egg
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup scalded milk
3 cup flour
lots of cinnamon and sugar

What To Do:

Mix yeast, sugar, and water- let bubble. In separate bowl, combine oil, egg, salt, and milk. Then add flour. let rise then roll out onto floured surface. Spread with butter or margarine. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Roll up and cut into desired sections. Bake in slightly gresed pan for 15-20 minutes at 350*.

Icing:
Canned milk
softened butter
powdered sugar
cherry juice (from maraschino cherry jar)
vanilla

mix together according to taste.

Banana Bread

2009-06-17T18:30:00.000-07:00

What You Need:

1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup butter
1 cup plus a little more mashed ripe bananas (about 3)
3 T milk
2 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (optional)

What To Do:

Preheat oven to 350*. Cream sugar, egg, and butter together in large bowl. Beat until fulffy. set aside. combine bananas, milk and vanilla in small bowl. Set aside. combine flour, baking powder, and bking soda together in small bowl. Alternate adding flour and banana mixutre into reserved creamed mixture stirring by hand until flour is just moistened. Do not over stir. Stir in chocolate chips and pecans if desired. Grease one 9x5x3" loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes.

Squash and Stuffing Casserole

2009-06-17T18:23:00.000-07:00

What You Need:

6 cups cubed squash
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 cup shredded carrots
1 pkg stuffing mix
1 can cream of chicken soup
8 oz sour cream

What To Do:

Preheat oven to 350*. In a pot of water, add squash, onion and carrot; bring to a boil for 3 minutes. Drain. Combine cream of chicken soup and sour cream. Gently add vegetables. Make stuffing according to package directions. Put squash mixture in the bottom of a 9x13" pan, top with stuffing. Bake for 30 minutes.

Oven Roasted Vegetables

2009-06-17T18:15:00.000-07:00

What You Need:

Winter or Summer vegetables
3 T olive oil
2 T red wine vinegar
1 tsp dried oregano leaves
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

What To Do:

WINTER VEGETABLES: Potatoes, Turnips, Carrots, Squash, Pumpkin, Sweet Potatoes,
SUMMER VEGETABLES: Eggplant, Green Bell Pepper, red Bell Pepper, Purple Onion, Zucchini, Whole Mushrooms (don't slice).
Preheat oven to 400* for winter vegetables, 350* for summer veggies. Cut up moderate amounts of vegetables. (The denser the vegetable, the smaller you need to cut it up.) Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray, put the vegetables on it. Sprinkle veggies with fresh or dried basil leaves. In a jar, mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt and pepper; shake well. Drizzle mixture over vegetables: roast until tender about 30-45 minutes.

Onion Roasted Potatoes

2009-06-17T18:13:00.000-07:00

What You Need:

1 envelope lipton onion soup mix
4 medium all purpose potatoes cut in large chunks
1/3 cup olive oil

What To Do:

Preheat oven to 450*. In a 13x9 inch baking dish, combine all ingredients. Bake uncovered, stirring occasionally, 40 minutes or until potatoes are tender and golden brown.

Eggplant, Tomato, and Mozzarella Mountains

2009-06-17T18:09:00.000-07:00

What You Need:

1 eggplant, cut into slices
2 beefsteak tomatoes, skinned then cut into 8 slices
6 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 8 slices
1 T olive oil
salt and pepper
1/4 c pesto

What To Do:

broil the eggplant until browned on both sides. Place 4 eggplant slices on baking sheet. Put tomato slice and a mozzarella slice on each, sprinkling salt and pepper as you go. Then make a second layer of eggplant, tomato, and mozzarella. Skewer it with a toothpick to hold in place. Bake 10 minutes at 375*. Remove and drizzle with olive oil and pesto.

Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

2009-06-17T18:00:00.000-07:00

What You Need

3 lbs. boiling potatoes
1/2 cup milk
1/4 lb unsalted butter
3/4 to 1 cup buttermilk
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
salt

What To Do

In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water and 2 T of salt to a boil. Meanwhile cut the potatoes into 1 1/2" cubes and add them to the boiling water. Bring the water to a boil again, lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, until the potatoes fall apart easily when pierced with a fork. Meanwhile, heat the milk and butter in a small saucepan, making sure it doesn't boil. Set aside until the potatoes are done. As soon as the potatoes are tender, drain them in a colander. Place a food mill fitted with a small disc/blade over a heatproof bowl. Process the potatoes through the food mill, turning the handle back and forth. As soon as the potatoes are mashed, stir in the hot ilk/butter mixture with a whisk or rubber spatula. Add enough buttermilk to make the potatoes creamy. add 2 teaspoons of salt and the pepper to taste, and serve hot.

Tony Roma's Potato Soup

2009-06-17T17:56:00.000-07:00

What You Need:

2 med baked potatoes (bake before hand)
3 tsp butter
1 cups diced white onions (can use less)
2 tsp flour
4 coups veggie broth
2 cups water
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 1/2 cup instant mashed potatoes
1 tsp salt
3/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp basil
1/8 tsp thyme
1 cup half-n-half
garnish cheddar cheese and green onions

What To Do:

Melt butter and saute onion until light brown. Add flour to onion and stir to make roux. Add stock, water, cornstarch, mashed potatoes, and spices and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. cut potatoes and scoop out. Discard skins. cut potatoes into 1/2 inch chunks. Add chopped potatoes and half-n-half to saucepan and bring to a boil, reduce and simmer 5 minutes.

Tangy Greek Lemon Soup

2009-06-17T17:52:00.000-07:00

What You Need:

1 (32 oz) carton veggie broth
1/2 cup uncooked rice
1 beaten egg
2 T lemon juice
1 T chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tsp chopped fresh dill

What To Do:

In large saucepan combine broth and rice. Bring to boil. reduce heat. Simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes or until rice is tender. Gradually add egg in a slow, steady stream to simmering soup, stirring to create shreds. Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Ladle into soup bowls. Sprinkle with dill. Garnish with dill sprigs, if desired.

Southwestern Pumpkin Soup With Cheddar Cheese

2009-06-17T17:48:00.000-07:00

What You Need:

3 cups veggie broth
1 cup whipping cream
4 T packed dark brown sugar
1 1/2 cans pure pumpkin (about 23 oz)
1 1/4 tsp. ground cumin
3/4 tsp chili powder
3/4 tsp ground coriander
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
3/4 cups grated sharp cheddar
chopped fresh cilantro

What To Do:

Bring broth and whipping cream to boil in heavy medium pot. Whisk in canned pumpkin, brown sugar, cumin, chili powder, coriander and nutmeg. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until soup thickens slightly and flavors blend, about 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Eugena Gunderson's Nearly Orgasmic Salad

2009-06-17T17:42:00.001-07:00

What You Need:

1 box mushrooms
1/2 sweet onion
garlic (as much as you want)
2 fresh tomatoes
1/3 cup feta cheese
3 large handfuls of spinach

What to Do:

Saute a box of mushrooms (sliced) in olive oil. when they are pretty soft and you have some mushroom juices in the pan, throw in about a half of a sweet onion, cut lengthwise on an angle from outside to core (so they make triangle strips). Add sliced garlic (as much as you want) Cook the onions until they are done enough for your taste. Add 2 cubed fresh tomatoes. Add a bunch of feta cheese (at least 1/3 cup- the more the merrier). and three large handfuls of spinach. Cook until the spinach is just wilted.

Boston Clam Chowder

2009-06-17T17:38:00.000-07:00

What You Need:

1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
2 cups diced potatoes
3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup flour
1 qt. half-and-half
2 (6.5 oz) cans minced clams
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 T red wine vinegar
Pepper to taste

What To Do:

Drain clams and reserve liquid. Pour liquid over prepared vegetables. Add water to cover. Simmer over medium heat until vegetables are almost tender. In a saucepan, melt butter and add flour, making a roux with a whisk. Stir while adding half-and-half. Cook and stir until smooth, without boiling. Add the roux to the vegetables and add clams, salt, vinegar, and pepper. Makes 8 servings. Serve with biscuits or rolls.

It's Not Just A Soup, It's A Meal- Potato Soup

2009-06-17T17:31:00.000-07:00

What You Need

1 lg carrot cubed
2 stalks celery cubed
3/4 cup flour or cornstarch
1/2 lg onion diced
5 med to lg potatoes diced
4 cups milk
4 cloves garlic
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp black pepper

What to Do

In a large sauce pan, saute the vegetables and garlic. Add spices. Add oil to keep from sticking. Cover and cook over medium heat until veggies are soft. Combine 1 cup milk and flour. Once veggies are soft, add 4 cups milk and reduce heat to medium low. Cook for abbout 45 minutes. Stir every few minutes to prevent milk from scorching. Reduce heat further if soup boils too hard. After soup has cooked for about 45 minutes, puree with a hand mixer. Serve with grated cheese and croutons over top.