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