french onion soup

Classic hearty soup

Ingredients
6 white onions, peeled, quartered and thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp dried thyme
2 tsp dried oregano
6 Tbsp butter
1 quart chicken stock
1 quart beef stock
4 bay leaves
1 Tbsp freshly ground black pepper
1 cup red wine
1 cup white wine
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, coarsely grated
1 baguette

Directions
Melt butter in large saute pan
Saute onion, garlic, thyme,oregano and black pepper until onion is amber/clear
Remove to stock pot
Add stocks, wines and bay leaves
Bring to rapid boil (about 6 minutes)
Lower heat to simmer 90 minutes
In the meantime, cut baguette into 12 equal pieces and toast
After toasting and while pieces are still warm, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese
Remove bay leaves from soup
To serve ladle soup into individual oven-safe crocks (8-10 ounce)
Float toasted piece on each portion, Parmesan side up
Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese
Place crock(s) in very hot oven or under broiler to melt cheese

Prep Time: 5 Min
Cook Time: 2 Hr
Total Time: 2 Hr 5 Min
Servings: 12

chicken & rice soup

A simple to make soup with a fresh taste.

Ingredients
3 boneless chicken breasts
1 large carton chicken broth
1 lb sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced onions
2 cups baby carrots
1 bunch fresh cilantro, rinsed and chopped
1 cup uncooked rice
1 tablespoon fresh black pepper
1 tablespoon chicken base
salt to taste

Directions
Cook chicken, carrots & celery in large soup pot with enough water to cover until tender. (I usually cook this in my crock pot on high for about 4hrs. Then add it to a large soup pot on the stove to finish cooking. That way I don't have to watch it, so I can do my shopping, cleaning etc.) Take chicken out of pot, reserve liquid, allow to cool, chop into small pieces. Bring reserved liquid and chicken broth to a boil; add pepper, chicken base, rice, chicken and vegetables. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally until rice is done (about 20 minutes) add fresh cilantro and turn off heat. If the soup is too thick you can add more water or broth. Add salt to taste. Serve with fresh bread or just crackers.

Prep Time: 15 Min
Cook Time: 1 Hr
Total Time: 1 Hr 15 Min
Servings: 6

no bake spider cookies

This is a Halloween treat to saver.

Ingredients
1 (300g) package chocolate chips
1 (300g) package butterscotch chips
2 (4 ounce) cans chow mein noodles
1 cup peanuts

Directions
In saucepan over medium heat melt the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips.
Remove from heat and add chow mien noodles, turning over until all coated.
Add peanuts and turn over until all coated.
Drop in tablespoon sized heaps on wax paper lined cookie
Refrigerate until hardened (over night is best).

Prep Time: 20 Min
Cook Time: 20 Min
Total Time: 40 Min
Servings: 32

reese's peanut butter truffles

These are easy truffles that are made out of your favorite candy.

Ingredients
10 packages of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
2 cups finely chopped salted peanuts

Directions
Place the candy into mixing bowl and mix with a paddle attachment until smooth. Using a tablespoon, spoon 30 small piles of the chocolate mixture onto a sheet pan and place into the refrigerator for 15 minutes or until cold. Place the chopped nuts on a plate. Next, pull the chocolate piles out of the refrigerator, and place each pile onto the nuts and roll them around until they are covered. Place the peanut coated truffles into the freezer on a sheet pan for 1 hour. Once set, place them into a sealed container and store until ready to serve at your party. Pull out and serve at room temperature.

Prep Time: 30 Min
Servings: 30

creamy chicken pasta

Bird is the word when it comes to palate-pleasing pasta. This Cajun chicken dish can be whipped up in a matter of minutes. It's bursting with flavor and brings plenty to the table. We promise your loved ones will flock to this delicious dish.

Ingredients

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips 4 oz. linguine, cooked al dente 2 tsp. Cajun seasoning 2 tbsp. butter 1 thinly sliced green onion 1-2 cup heavy whipping cream 2 tbsp. chopped sun-dried tomatoes 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. dried basil 1/8 tsp. ground black pepper 1/8 tsp. garlic powder 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Methods/steps

Place chicken and Cajun seasoning in a bowl and toss to coat. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté chicken in butter until chicken is tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. Reduce heat add green onion, heavy cream, tomatoes, basil, salt, garlic powder, black pepper and heat through. Pour over hot linguine and toss, with Parmesan cheese.

 

Additional Tips

Ready in 25 min

delacato potatoes

Baby red or white sliced potatoes lightly browned and sauteed with Delacato Merlot wine. Great with steak.

Ingredients
12 baby red or white potatoes (sliced)
1 Tablespoon virgin olive oil
1 small clove fresh garlic ( finely minced )
1/2 teaspoon parsley
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Pinch of curry (optional)
3/4 to 1 cup of Delacato Merlot wine

Directions
Take the 12 baby potatoes and thinly slice. Add virgin olive oil to frying pan. Spread potatoes in pan making sure to coat each slice with the olive oil. Once coated, sprinkle the parsley, oregano and paprika over potatoes, stirring to coat each slice. Cook potatoes over a medium high heat, making sure to lightly brown each side. About five minutes into cooking add minced garlic and mix well. Once all sides of potatoes begin to brown slightly, the pan should begin to dry from the cooking. Add 1/4 cup of Delacato Merlot wine, making sure to lower your heat some if the wine sizzles and begins to evaporate. Make sure to coat each slice in the wine, turning them until they begin to turn slightly purple. Wait five minutes and pour in another 1/4 cup of wine. Continue adding a 1/4 cup of wine until you reach the desired tenderness of the potato. No grease, just a great side dish! Can substitute or add a pinch of curry for added zip.

Prep Time: 10 Min
Cook Time: 25 Min
Total Time: 35 Min
Servings: 4

steak au poivre

A French classic!

Ingredients
2 teaspoons black peppercorns, crushed
2 teaspoons white peppercorns, crushed
4 eight (8) ounce filet mignon
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup minced shallots
1 tablespoon flour
1/4 cup cognac or brandy
1 cup beef stock or canned broth
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish

Directions
Press peppercorns into both sides of the fillets; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Season with salt.

Using a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the oil until hot. Add fillets and cook on each side for 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate and keep warm. Discard the fat wiping the skillet clean.

Add 1 tablespoon butter and shallots to skillet and cook for 2 minutes over medium-high heat. Add flour and cook for 1 minute. Add the cognac and reduce, stirring for 1 minute.

Add stock, bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes.

Swirl in remaining butter and parsley.

To serve; place spoonful of sauce on plate and pour sauce over the filet.

Garnish with chopped parsley.

Prep Time: 30 Min
Cook Time: 10 Min
Total Time: 40 Min
Servings: 4

baked ravioli

Ravioli is a timeless family favorite that never disappoints. This baked version takes it up another notch by topping it with succulent sauce and a cheesy melt. It's mouth-watering.

Ingredients

1/2 cup onions, chopped 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp garlic, chopped fine 2 cups water 26 oz. low-fat spaghetti sauce 50 oz. frozen cheese ravioli 15 oz. tomato sauce 8 oz. part skim mozzarella cheese, shredded 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning

Methods/steps

Preheat oven to 350. In a large skillet, cook onions and garlic until tender. Add, pasta sauce, tomato sauce, water, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix well and heat until cooked thorough. Place one cup of sauce mixture onto bottom of 9 by 11 pan. Add half the cheese ravioli; top with one cup cheese. Repeat with remaining cheese ravioli and cheese. Pour remaining sauce mixture evenly over top. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.

My Zazzle Store--Idahoskywriter

http://www.zazzle.com/idahoskyewriter*

quick shrimp platter

Here's an appetizer that's shrimply irresistible. When you're looking for a starter that has plenty of appeal, give this shrimp cocktail a try. A dish best served cold, you'll want to keep this tasty offering on ice.

Ingredients

4 cups crushed ice  1 (2-lb.) bag peeled, large cooked shrimp 3 limes cut into wedges 3 lemons cut into wedges 1 (12-oz.) bottle cocktail sauce

Methods/steps

Pour ice into a waterproof serving tray or platter with about 2-inch sides. Pile shrimp, limes, and lemons on top of ice. Serve with cocktail sauce.

Additional Tips

Prep: 10 min.

cornbread dressing

This is such a great recipe!

Ingredients
1-cup chopped onion
1-cup chopped celery
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp poultry seasoning
2 whole eggs
1 large can pet milk
1 can cream of chicken soup
8 cups cornbread crumbs
1 soup-can of water

Directions
Preheat oven to 350. In large bowl mix together all ingredients (add water if too dry and more breadcrumbs if too watery.) Cook for approx. 30-40 minutes, laying contents in a greased pan. Enjoy!

seafood stuffing

A fantastic seafood stuffing for shrimp, lobster, fish, or even mushrooms.

Ingredients
1 pound crushed ritz crackers
1 cup bread crumbs (not seasoned)
1 cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts)
1/8 cup parsley (optional for color)
1 tsp onion powder (not heaping)
1 tsp garlic powder (not heaping)
1/2 tsp white pepper
1/2 cup cooked baby shrimp
1/2 cup crab meat (imitation is fine)
2 pounds butter or margarine

Directions
Crush crackers; put in large mixing bowl. Dice the crab up in little chunks. Add all the ingredients except for the butter. Mix till blended. Melt butter in pan; add to mixture mix till it's all blended - do not over mix. That's all! Now use for stuffed fish, stuffed shrimp, stuffed lobsters, or stuffed mushrooms. thats it, freeze unused portions in small bags for later use

Servings: 30

morning cereal mix

Granola, yogurt, bran, bananas, wheat germ and raisins will give you the right amount of energy to start a new day! Add and subtract as you see fit. Your body will thank you.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Grape-Nuts cereal


• 1/4 cup all-bran cereal


• 1 tbsp. wheat germ


• 4 tsp. sunflower seeds


• 1 tbsp. sliced almonds


• 2 tbsp. raisins


• 2 cups plain low-fat yogurt


• 1 small banana, peeled and sliced


• 1 pinch cinnamon


• 2 tbsp. honey, to taste


• Sliced strawberries

Methods/steps

Combine the cereals, wheat germ, 3 tsp. of the sunflower seeds, and the nuts and raisins in a medium bowl. Stir well to mix and fold in the yogurt. Divide the cereal between two bowls and top with the banana slices. Sprinkle with cinnamon, drizzle with the honey and top with the remaining 1 tsp. sunflower seeds. Add sliced strawberries on top.

 

Additional Tips

Ready in 10 min

cranberry tea punch

A holiday drink everyone will love. Also a great drink for parties!

Ingredients
6 tea bags
32oz cranberry juice
32oz white grape juice
cinnamon sticks

Directions
Boil 1/2 gallon water and then brew tea for 4 minutes. Add both juices. Keep hot and serve over a cinnamon stick.

Servings: 6

peppermint tea

This is a great tea to drink when you have a cold.

Ingredients
1/2 cup dry peppermint leaves
3 cups hot water
2 tbsp honey

Directions
Boil or microwave 3 cups of water. Add mint leaves and honey. Enjoy! This will soothe your throat nicely while you are sick.

spinach salad

Mama always said to eat your greens -- and she was definitely onto something. Now you can honor her wishes by tossing this salt-free spinach salad with just about any meal. A healthy and hearty way to fill you up without filling you out.

Ingredients

1 tbsp. of butter 3/4 cup almonds, blanched and slivered 1 lb. spinach, rinsed and torn into bite-size pieces 1 cup dried cranberries 2 tbsp. toasted sesame seeds 1 tbsp. poppy seeds 1/2 cup white sugar 2 tsp. minced onion 1/4 tsp. paprika 1/4 cup white wine vinegar 1/4 cup cider vinegar 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Methods/steps

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Cook and stir almonds in butter until lightly toasted. Remove from heat and let cool. In a large bowl, combine the spinach with the toasted almonds and cranberries. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, onion, paprika, white wine vinegar, cider vinegar, and vegetable oil. Toss with spinach just before serving.

Additional Tips

Ready in 20 min

kahlua cake

Bundt cake made with chocolate cake and Kahlua

Ingredients
1 pkg. Devil's Food Cake mix
1-4 oz. pkg. instant vanilla pudding
4 eggs
1/2 c. milk
1/2 c. water
1/2 c. oil
1/2 c. Kahlua
1 c. chocolate chips
GLAZE
1 stick butter
1 c. sugar
1/4 c. water
1/2 c. Kahlua

Directions
Mix first eight ingredients together and pour into a well-greased Bundt pan. Bake one hour @ 325º. Cool on rack, then turn onto plate. Wash pan.
Melt one stick butter. Add the cup of sugar. Add the 1/4 c. water. Bring to a boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add 1/2 c. Kahlua. Return cake to Bundt pan and poke holes in it with a meat fork. Slowly pour the glaze over the cake. Let the cake soak overnight. Invert the cake on a serving plate; dust with powdered sugar, serve and enjoy.

Prep Time: 10 Min
Cook Time: 1 Hr
Total Time: 1 Hr 10 Min
Servings: 16

chocolate cherry cake

A great tasting easy to make cake modifying a box cake that no one will know it's a box cake

Ingredients
(1) Box Choc. Cake Mix w/pudding in box
(3) Eggs
(1) can Cherry Pie Filling ( Comstock)
(1) Tbs Cooking oil

Directions
Blend well in mixing bowl the pie filling,eggs,cooking oil. Add cake mix and blend well. Spray bundt pan w/Pam or like product
Place mixture in bundt pan, level top, and place on center rack in oven.

Prep Time: 10 Min
Cook Time: 35 Min
Total Time: 45 Min
Servings: 12

seafood spring rolls

You'll be on a roll with this seafood appetizer. Chock full of fresh seafood, these spring rolls are a great way to start of a gourmet meal.

Ingredients

1 8-oz. fresh grouper filet 1/2 pound fresh sea scallops 2 tbsp. heavy cream 1 cup minced lobster knuckle and claw meat 1 cup minced lobster slipper meat (a slipper is a type of small lobster) 1/4 cup fresh or frozen sweet peas 1 tbsp. minced ginger 1 tbsp. minced shallot 1 tbsp. Asian soy syrup 1 pkg. spring roll or eggroll skins

Methods/steps

Place grouper in meat grinder or food processor; grind until smooth. Remove grouper to mixing bowl. Place scallops and heavy cream in food processor; grind until smooth and add to grouper. Add remaining ingredients except for skins to bowl and mix well. Divide mixture among the spring roll or eggroll skins (you can put the mixture in a pastry bag and pipe it on) and roll; seal edges of rolls with a “glue” made of cornstarch and water. Deep-fry rolls at 350 degrees for about 5 minutes, or until rolls are golden brown and float to the surface. Drain on paper towels. Cut on bias and serve with sweet and sour dipping sauce.

labor saving cream pie

A quick easy pie that you can change the taste of by changing the filling used.

Ingredients
1 graham cracker pie shell
1 can blueberry pie filling
1/2 of an 8 oz. cream cheese block (if you are crazy about cream cheese, you can use all of the block but would need to add 1/4 cup of sugar)
1 8 oz. Cool Whip
a few fresh blueberries

Directions
Have your cream cheese at room temp. Beat your cream cheese until it is smooth, add 1/2 of the Cool Whip and the whole can of pie filling and blend till mixed well. Put into the pie shell. Place spoons of Cool Whip around the edge of the top and in the middle, then place your fresh berries in the Cool Whip. Best when it is chilled for several hours.

Servings: 8

coconut custard pie

Fast, easy recipe -- hardest part is waiting for the pie to cool.

Ingredients
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup milk
2 tbsp. melted butter
6 oz. shredded coconut
1 (one) 9 inch pie shell, frozen

Directions
Mix eggs with sugar, vanilla, milk and butter. Next, add shredded coconut and pour into 9 inch pie shell. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes. Cool 6 hours before serving, top with piped whipped cream! This serves 9 generous slices.

Prep Time: 10 Min
Cook Time: 50 Min
Total Time: 1 Hr
Servings: 9

Pictures

No More Fix a Flat

No  more Fix-a-flat, no more air compressors, no more spare tires, no more auto  jacks, no more tools rattling in the trunk. Will it reduce the price of cars?  Will it reduce the cost of roadside service? Will some business' s go out of  business?
Coming soon!
They have  been testing these for several years now.

Resilient Tech was developing them for the  military.




Amazing new  tires........................
Michelin  Tires... Absolutely SCARY looking...


Look for 'em in August.


These tires are made in South Carolina, USA.


SEE THROUGH TIRES


Radical new tire design by Michelin.


The next generation of tires.


They had a pair at the Philadelphia car show.


Yes, those are 'spoke' like connections  to the inner part
Of the tire from the outside tread  'wrap!' The next picture
Shows how odd it looks in  motion...


Makes you wonder how the ride feels  doesn't it?





These tires are airless and are scheduled  to be out on the market very soon.


The bad news for law enforcement is that spike strips will not work  on these.


Just think of the impact on existing technology:


A. No more air valves..
B. No more air compressors at gas  stations...
C. No more repair kits..
D. No more flats...


These are actual pictures taken at the South Carolina plant of  Michelin.

Beauty

Carl Rove’s Super PAC has come up with a beauty here. Feel free to pass it along…. After viewing!

 

 

 

This ad ought to play on TV in every city in America! It won't, of course; too expensive!  BUT WE CAN PLAY IT FOR FREE if we will send it to everyone on our email list. If you've seen it before, watch it again . . . and then send it out.

Awesome One Minute Ad

Go Fly A Kite! (Amazing)

Think it's time for a little break from all the hassles of your day and enjoy something that is fun. This man puts a whole new meaning to "Go Fly A Kite." This is fantastic. The kite flyer has incredible skill . Enjoy! If you're a movie buff, the music that is playing in the background is the opera that the Tim Robbins character from Shawshank Redemption, played over the loud speaker to all the men in the prison. 

Romancing the wind (with 3 kites!!) Notice that one kite is controlled by his right hip, the other two by his hands.  Beautiful!   

 

Ray Bethell, a resident of Vancouver, B C, is one of the most famous kiteflyers in the world.  

He controls three kites in a ballet set to "The Flower Duet".  It is truly amazing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=nr9KrqN_lIg