Bolillo Bread

Bolillo Bread is a great snack or side dish to serve with a meal. It is seasoned perfectly and stuffed full of vegetables and cheese allowing for a blend of flavors from both the crust and filling that melt your taste buds.

Ingredients:
              1 tbs olive oil
              1/2 onion julienne
              1/4 large chunk of pepper julienne
              1-2 broccoli spears chopped
              1 pkg yeast
              3/4 cup very warm water
              3 tbs sugar
              3 tbs oil
              1 tsp basil
              1/4 tsp rosemary
              2 cups flour
              1 tb tomato sauce
              1/3 cup ricotta cheese
              1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
              1 egg
              1 tbs water
              1 tbs cornmeal

Saute until onions and peppers are slightly golden in color

              1 tbs olive oil
              1/2 onion julienne
              1/4 large chunk of pepper julienne
              1-2 broccoli spears chopped

Set aside for later

Dissolve together in a large bowl

              1 pkg yeast
              3/4 cup very warm water

Add to bowl

              3 tbs sugar
              3 tbs oil
              1 tsp basil
              1/4 tsp rosemary

Stir into mixture
              2 cups flour

Knead dough for 3 minutes

Roll dough into a long thin rectangle about 6 x 14 inches

Mix together in small bowl

              1 tb tomato sauce
              1/3 cup ricotta cheese

Spread mixture along one side of the rolled dough keeping the edges clean

Place sauteed onions and peppers on top of ricotta cheese mixture

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of everything

Fold dough lengthwise

Seal edges with fingers

Whisk together 1 egg and 1 tbs water

Brush top of dough with egg mixture

Sprinkle top lightly with cornmeal

Place on a cookie sheet that has been dusted with flour and 1 tbs cornmeal

Bake 450 10-15 minutes or until golden brown

Gingerbread

Everyone loves gingerbread around the holidays. This recipe is pretty straight forward for a gingerbread recipe, but when made right guarantees soft cookies unless you want them a little crispier, then you just leave them in the oven a few more minutes.

Ingredients:
              5 tbs soft butter
              1/3 cup brown sugar
              1/3 cup molasses
              2 tbs beaten egg
              1/2 tsp vanilla
              1 2/3 cups flour
              1 1/4 tsp cinnamon
              1/2 tsp ginger
              1/4 tsp cloves
              1/2 tsp baking soda
              3/4 tsp baking powder
              Pinch of salt

 Mix together in an electric mixing bowl

              5 tbs soft butter
              1/3 cup brown sugar
              1/3 cup molasses
              2 tbs beaten egg
              1/2 tsp vanilla

In a separate bowl mix together

              1 2/3 cups flour
              1 1/4 tsp cinnamon
              1/2 tsp ginger
              1/4 tsp cloves
              1/2 tsp baking soda
              3/4 tsp baking powder
              Pinch of salt

Add flour mixture to electric mixing bowl and mix together

Gently roll out dough using a rolling pin and cut with cookie cutters

Place on a cookie sheet (not greased)

Bake 350 7-10 minutes

Vegetable Ensemble With Rice

This hearty dish can be served as an appetizer or as an entree. Either way you will love the flavor profile it gives the vegetables when finished cooking.

Ingredients:
              2 tbs olive oil
              1 tsp garlic
              1/2 red pepper cut into julienne pieces
              1/3 onion cut into julienne pieces
              4 carrots cut into circles
              1 chicken breast cut into bite sized pieces
              1 tsp pepper seasoning
              3/4 cup chicken stock
              1 tbs flour or cornstarch
              1 1/4 cup water
              1 chicken bullion cube
              1 1/4 cup rice

Saute over medium heat until peppers are almost soft
              2 tbs olive oil
              1 tsp garlic
              1/2 red pepper cut into julienne pieces
              1/3 onion cut into julienne pieces
              4 carrots cut into circles

Add chicken breast pieces to saute pan

Season everything with 1 tsp pepper seasoning

Whisk together in small bowl
              3/4 cup chicken stock
              1 tbs flour or cornstarch

Pour this mixture over cooked chicken and vegetables and bring to full boil

Turn to simmer and cook at low boil for 2-4 minutes or until slightly thickened

Bring 1 1/4 cup water to boil with 1 chicken bullion cube

Add 1 1/4 cup rice to boiling water and stir

Cover and turn heat to simmer

Cook for 17 minutes or until no water is left (may need additional time)

Pour chicken and vegetable mixture over rice and serve

Profiteroles

This very simple dish is a classic that everyone enjoys. You can serve them with syrup, or whipped cream, anything you want, even plain. No matter how you choose to eat them they are still a great treat.

Ingredients:
              1/2 cup water
              1/4 cup butter
              1/2 cup flour
              2 eggs

Bring to a boil in a small deep saucepan
              1/2 cup water
              1/4 cup butter

Turn heat to low or simmer

Add 1/2 cup flour and stir vigorously until mixture forms a ball

Remove from heat and add into flour
              2 eggs that have been beaten until frothy and foamy

Beat until smooth

Drop 3-4 tablespoons of dough onto un-greased cookie sheet

Bake 430 for 15 minutes or until golden brown
 
Turn off oven and let sit for additional 5-7 minuts

Remove from oven

Optional: Dust tops with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate syrup

Mediterranean Fresh Tomato and Basil Flatbread

As an alternative to rolls for dinner, this deliciously seasoned bread would work just fine. Packed full of a variety of different ingredients that all compliment each other once you take a bite.

Ingredients:
              1 pkg yeast
              3/4 cup very warm water
              2 tbs cornmeal
              1 tbs olive oil
              2 tsp sugar
              2 cups flour
              1 tsp salt
              1 1/2 tsp basil
              2 tbs olive oil
              2 tsp feta cheese
              1 tbs balsamic vinegar
              dash of salt
              1/8 tsp black pepper seasoning
              1 1/2 tsp garlic pieces
              1 chunk of onion julienned
              1 tbs parmesean cheese
              1/4 cup motz cheese
              2-3 spinach leaves sliced into tiny pieces
              1/2 tomato chopped into small pieces

Dissolve together in a large bowl
              1 pkg yeast
              3/4 cup very warm water
              2 tbs cornmeal
              1 tbs olive oil
              2 tsp sugar

Stir into the yeast mixture
              2 cups flour
              1 tsp salt

Knead for 3-5 minutes until dough is soft

Divide dough into 3-4 pieces

Shape each dough using your hands into a flat oval 6 inches in diameter

Place on two greased cookie sheets that have been dusted with cornmeal

Mix together in a small bowl
              1 1/2 tsp basil
              2 tbs olive oil
              2 tsp feta cheese
              1 tbs balsamic vinegar
              dash of salt
              1/8 tsp black pepper seasoning
              1 1/2 tsp garlic pieces
              1 chunk of onion julienned
              1 tbs parmesean cheese
              1/4 cup motz cheese
              2-3 spinach leaves sliced into tiny pieces
              1/2 tomato chopped into small pieces

Divide topping mixture between the ovals and spread evenly across the tops

Bake 450 12-15 minutes or until golden brown

Classic French Chicken

If you want chicken for dinner, this dish is a good alternative then baking it. The different herbs and spices when sautéed with the chicken, get absorbed inward so when you eat it, its packed full of flavor.

Ingredients:
              Chicken breast
              1 egg
              1/2 cup flour
              1/4 tsp garlic salt
              1/4 tsp thyme
              1/4 tsp sage
              1/4 tsp parsley
              a few shakes of pepper
              3 tbs olive oil
              1 tbs onion finely chopped
              1/2 tsp bacon bits
              1/4 tsp garlic pieces
              1 tbs flour
              3 tbs chicken stock
              1/2 cup milk
              1/3 cup chicken stock

On a cutting board cut chicken breast into long thin strips

Whisk together in a small bowl 1 egg until foamy

Dip each piece of chicken in egg, shake off excess egg

Place following in a bowl and mix

Dredge meat in seasoned flour coating well on each side
              1/2 cup flour
              1/4 tsp garlic salt
              1/4 tsp thyme
              1/4 tsp sage
              1/4 tsp parsley
              a few shakes of pepper

Dredge meat in seasoned flour coating well on each side

 Heat saute pan with 3 tbs olive oil and add coated chicken

Turn chicken only once after underside is brown and place in bowl when done

Carefully drain off all but about 1 Tbs oil in sauté pan

Whisk into the oil:
              1 tbs onion finely chopped
              1/2 tsp bacon bits
              1/4 tsp garlic pieces
              1 tbs flour
              3 tbs chicken stock

Whisk should scrape up any drippings off the bottom of pan

Add 1/3 cup chicken broth and continue to stir on Med-high heat
           
 Bring to a soft boil and time for 2 minutes

Turn heat down to medium

Add 1/2-cup milk to sauce and whisk until smooth

 Return meat to sauce and cook for another one-two minutes.

Chocolate Chipotle Chili

Bored of normal chili? Spruce it up with the chocolate chipotle chili. I found this recipe online and when i made it, had to share it. I changed it around a little, but you still get the full chili effect and the hint of chocolate does wonders to your taste buds.

Ingredients:
               1 cup diced onion
               1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
               1 tsp minced garlic
               1 pound ground turkey breast
               1 tbs + 2 tsp brown sugar
               1 tbs ancho chili powdeer
               2 tsp unsweetened coco
               1/2 tsp ground cumin
               1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
               1/8 tsp salt
               1 can pinto beans rinsed and drained
               1 can diced tomatoes, un-drained
               1 cup chicken broth
               1 chipotle chiles, canned in adobo sauce, minced
            
Coat a deep pot with cooking spray

Place pot on medium-high heat

Add to pot and saute 8 minutes or until turkey is browned
               1 cup diced onion
               1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
               1 tsp minced garlic
               1 pound ground turkey breast

Add after turkey is browned and bring to a boil
               1 tbs + 2 tsp brown sugar
               1 tbs ancho chili powder
               2 tsp unsweetened coco
               1/2 tsp ground cumin
               1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
               1/8 tsp salt
               1 can pinto beans rinsed and drained
               1 can diced tomatoes, un-drained
               1 cup chicken broth
               1 chipotle chiles, canned in adobo sauce, minced

Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until slightly thickened

Serve and enjoy

Mediterranean Stone Soup

Despite the name, there is no actual stones used in this recipe. What you get instead is a great combination of sautéed chicken and flavored broth. Both of which combined make a hearty enjoyably soup.

Ingredients:
             1/2 tsp salt
             1/2 cup small sized pasta
             2 chicken breasts
             1/4 tsp garlic
             1 tbs olive
             1 tbs chopped onions
             lemon pepper
             3 cups cold water
             1 tbs flour
             1/4 tsp thyme
             1/4 tsp marjoram
             4 small carrots
             3 vegetable bullion cubes
             1/4 green chopped into tiny pieces
             1/4 red or another colored pepper chopped
             1 Italian tomato chopped
             4-5 broccoli spears, chopped into bite sized pieces

Add to pan half full of water and boil
             1/2 tsp salt
             1/2 cup small sized pasta

Boil for 8-10 minutes

Drain and set aside until later

Add to saute pan and saute until chicken is cooked
              2 chicken breasts cut into tiny pieces
             1/4 tsp garlic
             1 tbs olive
             1 tbs chopped onions
             lemon pepper to taste

Bring the following to a boil in saucepan then turn to simmer
             3 cups cold water
             1 tbs flour
             1/4 tsp thyme
             1/4 tsp marjoram
             4 small carrots
             3 vegetable bullion cubes
             1/4 green chopped into tiny pieces
             1/4 red or another colored pepper chopped
             1 Italian tomato chopped
             4-5 broccoli spears, chopped into bite sized pieces

Continue to simmer until pasta and chicken are finished cooking

As soon as chicken and pasta are finished cooking, place them into soup base

Boil for another minute and serve when done

Breakfast Souffle

Almost like an omelet just cooked differently. The soufflé is a great piece that incorporates simple ingredients for a blast of flavors.

Ingredients:
              1 sausage minced
              1/4 tsp bacon bits
              3 slices bread torn into large pieces
              3 eggs
              3/4 cup milk
              1/2 tsp salt
              1/4 cup grated cheese
              1 tbs onion chopped
              1 tbs minced pepper

Cut sausage into tiny pieces

Cut or tear bread into medium pieces

Lightly butter 3-4 custard cups

Layer bread pieces, cheese, onion, pepper, bacon bits and sausage

Whisk together the eggs, milk, salt and pepper

Pour egg mixture over bread and cheese layers

Bake at 425 for 20-25 minutes or until puffy and a knife inserted in center comes out clean

Merveilleux Dîner aux Pâtes

If you want a change from your normal tomato sauce on top of pasta, this dish is your new friend. A very healthy dish with lots of vegetables allows for a great blend of flavors to top your pasta.

Ingredients:
              1-2 Tbs olive oil
              1 chunk of onion, julienne
              4-5 mushrooms
              3 small carrots chopped finely
              1/2 zucchini sliced in very thin circles
              2-3 small floret of broccoli
              1 tsp garlic pieces
              1/4 tsp dry thyme
              pinch of red pepper flakes
              1/4 tsp pepper seasoning for taste
              1/3 cup chicken/vegetable stock
              1 Italian tomato cut into small chunks
              1 Tbs Parmesan cheese

In a saute pan cook over med-heat and cook until vegetables are semi-soft. (5-8 minutes)
              1-2 Tbs olive oil
              1 chunk of onion, juilenne
              4-5 mushrooms
              3 small carrots chopped finely
              1/2 zucchini sliced in very thin circles
              2-3 small floret of broccoli
              1 tsp garlic pieces
              1/4 tsp dry thyme
              pinch of red pepper flakes
              1/4 tsp pepper seasoning for taste

Deglaze your pan with:
              1/3 cup chicken/vegetable stock

Add to the vegetables:
              1 Italian tomato cut into small chunks

Continue to cook for 3-5 minutes or until sauce begins to thicken.

Remove from heat and add:
              1 Tbs Parmesan cheese

.

Tombstone Cookies

This cookie was paired with the chocolate pots de creme for a halloween treat that pleases all. The cookie compliments the chocolate perfectly by matching the chocolate flavor with the coco powder

Bake at 400 8-10 minutes

Ingredients:
              2 tbs coco powder
              6 tbs butter
              1/2 cup sugar
              1 egg
              1/2 tsp vanilla
              1 1/3 cup flour
              1/2 tsp baking powder
              1/4 tsp salt

Beat in an electric mixer
              6 tbs butter
              1/2 cup sugar
              1 egg
              1/2 tsp vanilla

In a mixing bowl whisk together
              1 1/3 cup flour
              1/2 tsp baking powder
              1/4 tsp salt
              2 tbs coco powder

Gradually add flour mixture to electric mixing bowl blending thoroughly to form a soft dough

Divide dough into thirds and cover each portion tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm (at least 1 hour or up to 3 days)

Roll each portion of dough out into 1/8 inch thickness on floured counter

With a sharp knife cut out tombstone shape

Place on cookie sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes

Using a pastry bag with a fine tip write RIP on the tombstones

Place into chocolate pots de cream cups and have a halloween treat-or just eat and joy

Chocolate Pots de Creme

This is a very rich tasting chocolate that thickens when cooled. If you are a chocolate lover this can be eaten as a pudding or incorporated into other dishes for flavor.

Ingredients:
              1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
              2 cups heavy cream
              3/4 cup + 2 tbs half & half
              1/8 tsp salt
              6 tbs sugar
              9 large egg yolks
              1/2 tsp vanilla

Place chocolate chips in medium bowl

Put into medium saucepan on medium high heat until approaches simmer (do not let boil)
               2 cups heavy cream
               3/4 cup + 2 tbs half & half
               1/8 tsp salt
               3 tbs sugar

Remove from heat after slight simmer and let it cool slightly

Whisk together in a bowl until well combined
               9 large egg yolks
               3 tbs sugar

Slowly pour into egg mixture 1 cup of warm cream mixture and whisk until combined


Pour the egg and cream mixture back into remaining cream in saucepan and whisk until smooth

Turn heat on to medium-high and cook until mixture has consistency of pureed soup

Pour the hot cream mixture over the chocolate chips and let it stand without stirring for 3-5 minutes to warm the chocolate

Stir gently with a whisk until smooth

Add 1/2 tsp vanilla and continue stirring

Divide chocolate mixture into eight 4-ounce cups and refrigerate uncovered for 2 hours

Cover the chilled cups and refrigerate for additional 4 hours

Enjoy!

French Onion Soup

This soup is a classic in french cuisine and a good tasting dish. Very hearty and rich with a great taste. If you like onions, this dish will be your new favorite.

Ingredients:
              2 tbs butter
              1 tbs olive oil
              1 cup or one large onion cut into julienne
              1 tsp brown sugar
              1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar
              1/4 tsp minced garlic
              1/4 tsp worcestershire sauce
              2 tbs plus 2 tsp flour
              1/4 cup red or white cooking wine
              3 1/2 cups water
              2 beef, chicken, and/or vegetable bullion cubes
              1/8 tsp lemon pepper
              1/8 tsp dried thyme
              1/8 tsp ground coriander
              1 tsp ketchup

Saute in deep saucepan
              2 tbs butter
              1 tbs olive oil
              1 cup or one large onion cut into julienne
              1 tsp brown sugar
              1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar
              1/4 tsp minced garlic
              1/4 tsp worcestershire sauce

Add to saucepan after onions look transparent

              2 tbs plus 2 tsp flour
              1/4 cup red or white cooking wine

Continue to cook for 1 minute stirring constantly

Add:
             3 1/2 cups water
             2 bullion cubes

Bring to boil

Add:

              1/8 tsp lemon pepper
              1/8 tsp dried thyme
              1/8 tsp ground coriander
              1 tsp ketchup

Boil for 5-7 minutes without lid

Optional: add shredded cheese to top

Lollipops

These lollipops are a great treat. They have a christmas essence with peppermint and clove being used to blend the flavors. Don't let the ingredients mess with your perspective, they taste amazing.

Ingredients:

              1 cup sugar

              1/3 cup corn syrup

              1/2 cup water

              1/4 tsp cream of tartar

              4 drops clove oil

              2 drops of peppermint extract

              2 drops purple food coloring

1. In your pan, over medium heat, stir together the sugar, corn syrup, water, an cream of tartar with a wooden spoon until the sugar crystals dissolve

2. Continue to stir, using a pastry brush dampened with warm water to dissolve any sugar crystals clinging to the sides of the pan, then stop stirring as soon as the syrup starts to boil

3. Let the syrup boil without stirring. 

4. Test the syrup by placing a little bit in a glass measuring cup filled with cold water. Pick up the cooled syrup strings and see if you can snap strands in half

5. Prepare an upside down cookie sheet by covering it with parchment paper and spraying with oil

6. Remove the pan from the heat immediately and let the syrup cool for  a moment before adding flavor, and color

7. Working quickly, pour small circles onto the prepared cookie sheet and place a lollipop stick in each one, twisting the stick to be sure it's covered with candy

picture from queenvannacreations.com

Vanilla Funfetti Cupcakes

Whether it be for a party, get together, or because you want a cupcake, this recipe is quick and easy yet very delicious, and always make a moist cupcake to enjoy.

Ingredients:
             6 tbs butter
             1 cup sugar
             2 eggs
             1 1/2 tsp vanilla
             1 1/2 cup flour
             1 1/2 tsp baking powder
             1/4 tsp salt
             3/4 cup milk
             Sprinkles      

In a large bowl cream together with electric mixer using wire whisk
             6 tbs butter
             1 cup sugar

Beat in
             2 eggs
             1 1/2 tsp vanilla

In another large bowl mix together dry ingredients
             1 1/2 cup flour
             1 1/2 tsp baking powder
             1/4 tsp salt

Alternately add 3/4 cup milk and dry ingredients into mixer end with milk

Add sprinkles to mixer

Scoop into cupcake lines 3/4 full

Bake 375 17-20 minutes

Frost to hearts desire

Homemade Pizza

This pizza is one I created. It taste amazing using a variety of spices and herbs that get folded into the dough, and the pesto mixture on top allows for a great combination of flavors. For a better tasting pizza, instead of tomato sauce, use the special sauce recipe from this blog instead.

Ingredients:
              1 pkg yeast
              1/2 cup very warm water
              2 tsp sugar
              1 tbs olive oil
              1 2/3 cup flour
              1 tsp garlic pieces
              1/2 tsp ground oregano
              1/4 tsp basil
              1/4 tsp black pepper
              3/4 tsp salt
              1/4 cup parmesan cheese
              1/8 tsp red pepper
              1 tbs olive oil
              1 tsp pesto
              1/2 tbs garlic
              3 tbs tomato sauce
              1 tsp chipotle mustard
              2 tbs minced green pepper
              Shredded mozzarella

Preheat oven to 450

In a large bowl mix together

              1 pkg yeast
              1/2 cup very warm water
              2 tsp sugar

Add to the yeast
              1 tbs olive oil

In another bowl mix together

              1 2/3 cup flour
              1 tsp garlic pieces
              1/2 tsp ground oregano
              1/4 tsp basil
              1/4 tsp black pepper
              3/4 tsp salt
              1/4 cup parmesan cheese
              1/8 tsp red pepper

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet

Knead dough for 5 minutes

Spread out thin into greased pizza tin

Mix together in small bowl

              1 tbs olive oil
              1 tsp pesto
              1/2 tbs garlic
              1 tsp chipotle mustard

Use pastry brush to spread pesto mixture evenly over dough

Spread 3 tbs tomato sauce on top of dough

Evenly spread 2 tbs minced green pepper over sauce

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over pizza

Bake 450 for 15-17 minutes

Apple Tart

Like an apple pie but different in its own way, this delicious apple dish makes any with a craving for apples beg for more. It has a great combination of apples and sweetness.

Bake 425 for 20-25 minutes

Ingredients:
              1/3 cup butter
              1 1/4 cup flour
              1/4 cup + 1 tbs sugar
              1/4 cup water
              2-3 apples cut into thin slices
              1 tsp cinnamon
              1 tbs brown sugar
              1/3 cup flour
              3 tbs butter

Crust:
        Mix together in a large bowl using pastry blender
              1/3 cup butter
              1 1/4 cup flour
              1 tbs sugar

The butter should look like tiny pebbles

Add 1 tbs water at a time to the butter/flour mixture and stir until dough becomes soft

Roll dough on a floured counter into circle and place on pizza pan

Filling:
       Place apple slices into small bowl

       Add sugar to taste
              1-2 tbs more if not sweet enough
              1 tsp cinnamon

       Lay apples on top of dough spreading evenly

Topping:
      Mix together in a bowl with pastry blender until topping looks like cookie dough
             1/4 cup sugar
             1 tbs brown sugar
             1/3 cup flour
             3 tbs butter

Break topping into pieces and place evenly over apples
       
Wrap excess dough up onto the top of the apples

 Bake 425 for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown

picture from foodnetwork.com

Harvest Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is perfect for fall time, or anytime you have that craving for it. And this one is simple to make, and delicious to eat with the incorporation of cinnamon, brown sugar and sugar.

Bake 400 for 20 minutes

Ingredients:
              2 apples
              1/3 cup + 2 tbs sugar
              2 tsp cinnamon
              1 tbs brown sugar
              1/3 cup flour
              4 tbs butter
              1/4 cup quick oats

Filling:
 
      Core and cut 2 apples into thin slices and place in a small bowl

      Add to apples and mix
             2 tbs sugar
             2 tsp cinnamon

      Spray 4 glass cups and place on a baking sheet with edges

      Divide sugared apples evenly into sprayed glass cups

Topping:

      Mix together with a pastry blender until topping looks like cookie dough
             1/3 cup sugar
             1 tbs brown sugar
             1/3 cup flour
             4 tbs butter
             1/4 cup quick oats

      Break the topping into pieces and place evenly over apples

      Bake at 400 for 20 minutes

picture from newhealthguide.org

Stir Fry with Vegetables

This dish is going towards the Chinese style of cooking, using hoisin sauce and soy sauce to tie the flavors together. The vegetables absorb the sauces and herbs giving more flavor with every bite.

Ingredients:
              2 cups water
              2 chicken bullion cube
              1 cup brown rice
              1/3 onion, sliced into julienne pieces
              1/4 green pepper, julienne
              4 small carrots, cut into circles
              2 spears broccoli
              2 tsp garlic, chopped
              1 tbs zucchini diced
              1-2 tbs olive oil
              1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
              1/3 cup chicken stock
              1 tbs soy sauce
              1 tsp corn starch
              1 tsp hoisin sauce 
              1 tsp basil
              1/8 tsp thyme
              1/4 tsp sweet&spicy mustard
              2 chicken cutlets-diced 


Bring to boil in saucepan
              2 cups water
              2 chicken bullion cubes

Stir into boiling water
              1 cup brown rice

Let rice simmer on low heat until steamed-about 17 minutes

Heat 1-2 tbs olive oil in saute pan

Add to oil
              1/3 onion, sliced into julienne pieces
              1/4 green pepper, julienne
              4 small carrots, cut into circles
              2 spears broccoli
              2 tsp garlic, chopped
              1 tbs zucchini diced
              2 chicken cutlets diced

Mix Together in a bowl
              1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
              1/3 cup chicken stock
              1 tbs soy sauce
              1 tsp corn starch
              1 tsp hoisin sauce 
              1 tsp basil
              1/8 tsp thyme
              1/4 tsp sweet&spicy mustard

Pour mixture from bowl into saute pan and heat for additional 2-4 minutes

When rice is finished steaming pour vegetables over rice.

picture from pbs.org

Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies may be small, but they pack a big taste. They melt in your mouth when you eat them and when made right are always soft to eat.

Preheat oven to 360

Ingredients:
             1 stick salted butter, softened
             1/4 cup sugar
             3/4 cup brown sugar
             1 egg
             1 1/4 cup + 2 tbs flour
             1/4 tsp salt
             1/2 tsp baking soda
             1/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
             1 1/2 tsp vanilla

Cream together using electric mixer
             1 stick butter
             1/4 cup sugar
             3/4 cup brown sugar

Add egg and vanilla and continue to mix for 2 minutes

Add baking soda, salt and flour until batter is fully incorporated

Add chocolate chips

Drop 2 tbs dough onto greased cookie sheet

Bake at 360 for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown

Special Sauce

This sauce is perfect for any pasta dish. It has the perfect amount of seasoning and herbs, and the tsp of spicy mustard gives it a little kick that goes a long way in taste.

Ingredients:

              1 tbs olive oil

              1 tsp garlic pieces

              1 large chunk + 2 tbs onion cut into julienne

              3 tbs pepper minced

              2 small carrots cut into small circles

              1/4 tsp seasoning pepper

              2/3 cup tomato sauce

              1/4 cup + 3 tbs chicken stock

              1/2 tsp oregano

              2 tbs grated Parmesan cheese

              7-8 flakes crushed red pepper

              1 tsp spicy mustard

              Pinch of salt

Saute in 1 tbs olive oil

                  1 tsp garlic pieces

                  1 large chunk + 2 tbs onion cut into julienne

                  3 tbs pepper minced

                  2 small carrots cut into small circles

                  1/4 tsp seasoning pepper

Saute until onions and peppers are soft. About 3 minutes

Add into the saute pan

                  2/3 cup tomato sauce

                  1/4 cup + 3 tbs chicken stock

                  1/2 tsp oregano

                  2 tbs grated Parmesan cheese

                  7-8 flakes crushed red pepper

                  1 tsp spicy mustard

                  Pinch of salt

Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until it boils, then turn to simmer

picture from whatscookingamerica.net

Italian Chicken Poloni

Everyone loves a good pasta and chicken dish. This dish incorporates many herbs and spices in the sauce that makes your mouth water and your stomach happy.

Ingredients:
             Carrots
             Broccoli
             Red Pepper
             Onion
             3 tbs olive oil
             1/4 tsp sage leaves
             1/4 tsp thyme leaves
             1/4 tsp chopped Italian parsley leaves
             1/2 tsp garlic pieces
             1/4 tsp salt
             Pinch of black pepper
             Chicken cutlet
             2 tsp dijon mustard
             1 1/2 tsp flour
             1/2 cup chicken stock
             Pinch of red pepper flakes

Place in a large bowl and whisk together to make an herb oil
             3 tbs olive oil
             1/4 tsp sage leaves
             1/4 tsp thyme leaves
             1/4 tsp chopped Italian parsley leaves
             1/2 tsp garlic pieces
             1/4 tsp salt
             Pinch of black pepper

-Cut chicken into bite sized pieces
-Place chicken into oil mixture and pour everything into saute pan to brown

Julienne the carrots, broccoli, red pepper, and onions and add to saute pan with chicken

Once the chicken is brown, remove pan from heat

Place chicken into vegetables into separate bowl

DeGlaze:
            2 tsp dijon mustard
            1 1/2 tsp flour
            1/2 cup chicken stock
            Pinch of red pepper flakes

-Mix together the ingredients for the deglaze and add to saute pan, placing back on heat
-Add chicken and vegetables back to saute pan with deglaze mix

Pasta:
Can be served on top of pasta

Prize Winning Pretzels

These pretzels are a good salty snack when you want to divert from chips. The ingredients are different then most for a pretzel, but they tie together beautifully to ensure a delicious tasting snack.

Bake 400 for 12-15 minutes

Ingredients:
         
             1 pkg. yeast
             2/3 cup very warm water
             3 tbs sugar
             1 tbs olive oil
             1 tsp pesto
             1/4 tsp basil
             1/2 tsp onion pieces
             1/2 tsp sweet&spicy mustard
             1 tsp salt
             2 cups flour

Directions:
             Dissolve in a large bowl, stirring with a spoon
                       1 pkg. yeast
                       2/3 cup very warm water
                       3 tbs sugar
                       1 tbs olive oil

             Add to the mixture
                        1 tsp salt
                        1 tsp pesto
                        1/4 tsp basil
                        1/2 tsp onion pieces
                        1/2 tsp sweet&spicy mustard
                        2 cups flour

             Knead dough on a sprinkling of flour on the counter for 5 minutes        

             Divide dough into 3-4 pieces

             Roll dough into a long rope about 24 inches long

             Shape dough into a happy face and cross over to make a pretzel shape

             Place dough on a greased cookie sheet

Topping:
          Beat 1 egg and 1 tbs water until frothy and foamy

          Brush entire pretzel top with egg mixture and sprinkle with favorite topping

picture from nrashow.typepad.com

Seasoned Rolls

These rolls are a good addition to any meal. They have a nice flavor with the combination of seasonings, giving you flavor that taste well without overwhelming your taste buds.

Ingredients:
         
             1 pkg. yeast
             1/2 cup warm water
             2 tsp sugar
             1 tbs olive oil
             1 2/3 cup flour
             1 tsp garlic pieces
             1/2 tsp ground oregano
             1/4 tsp basil
             1/4 tsp black pepper
             3/4 tsp salt
             1/4 cup parmesan cheese
             1/8 tsp red pepper

Directions:
       
            In a large bowl mix together
                      1 pkg. yeast
                      1/2 cup warm water
                      2 tsp sugar
                      1/4 cup mozzarella

           Add to the yeast
                     1 tbs olive oil

           In another bowl mix together
                     1 2/3 cup flour
                     1 tsp garlic pieces
                     1/2 tsp ground oregano
                     1/4 tsp basil
                     1/4 tsp black pepper
                     3/4 tsp salt
                     1 cup parmesan cheese
                     1/8 tsp red pepper

           Pour the dry ingredients into the wet

           Knead 5 minutes

           Divide dough into 6-8 round rolls-adding mozzarella to middle as you roll

           Lightly spread each surface using 1 tbs olive oil

          Sprinkle each roll with onion pieces and bacon bits

          Bake 425 for 13-15 minutes

Picture from budgetbytes.com