Oven Roasted Butternut Squash Ravioli with Vidalia Onion Dipping Sauce

I had a box of butternut squash ravioli in my freezer and I was so ready to use it.  I wanted to oven roast them.  Most recipes on the internet suggest that you fry the ravioli.  I don't like to fry foods.  Not just for heath reasons.  I'm scared to fry food.  I don't know, it just seems dangerous.  Any time I can roast rather than fry, that is what I choose to do.  These were really good with the Vidalia Onion Dipping Sauce.  I got that recipe from another blogger, the happy little tomato.  The sauce is really good.  I am sure you could use this recipe to roast any kind of ravioli you prefer.  I think it would be great with pumpkin ravioli or even cheese ravioli.  I am not sure about meat ravioli but it would probably be fine.  

Oven Roasted Butternut Squash Ravioli

Ingredients:

1 bag (about 14 oz) Butternut Squash Ravioli (fresh or frozen)

1-1/2 cup Italian Style Bread Crumbs (see recipe below)

1 egg

1 Tbs. water

 Directions:

1.     Cook ravioli until al dente (follow directions on the package)

2.     Cool.

3.     Mix egg and water in a small bowl.

4.     Dredge ravioli in egg and then bread crumbs.

5.     Place breaded ravioli on a grate placed in a cookie sheet.

6.     Heat oven to 400 degrees F.

7.     Bake ravioli for 20 – 25 minutes.

8.     Serve ravioli with dip if desired.

Vidalia Onion Spicy Dipping Sauce: 

1 cup sweet vidalia onion salad dressing

1 cup of mayonnaise

1 tsp. of smoked paprika

1/2 tsp. of cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp of sage

1 tsp of garlic salt

Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl.  Chill for ½ hour or more before serving.

Italian Bread Crumbs

Enough Bread to make 1 cup plain Bread Crumbs

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon dried oregano

¼ teaspoon dried basil

Directions:

1.    If your bread is too fresh, put it in a low oven 300 – 325 degrees for about 20 minutes.  Otherwise, just tear bread and put into food processor until coarsely ground.

2.    Combine all spices in a small bowl, toss with bread crumbs until thoroughly blended.

3.     Store in airtight container and use in any recipe calling for Italian bread crumbs.

All in One Chicken Potato Salad

This is a nice recipe for a picnic or a hot summer day.  

All in One Chicken Potato Salad

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

6 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks

2 tablespoons salt

1 (10-ounce) package refrigerated cooked, sliced chicken breast

1 (10-ounce) package frozen baby peas

3 stalks celery, diced

 1 cup ranch dressing

Instructions:

1.     Place the potatoes and salt in a soup pot and add enough water to cover the potatoes.

2.     Bring to a boil over high heat and let boil for 5 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender; drain, rinse with cold water, drain again.

3.     Place the potatoes in a large bowl and add the chicken, peas, celery and dressing; toss well.  Serve warm, or cover and chill until ready to serve.

French Toast Muffins

I'm not sure but I may be obsessed with muffins.  I've posted countless muffin recipes on my blog, lusted after pictures of luscious looking muffins, pined over amazing muffin recipes.  Am I alone?  I think not.  Muffins are a beautiful thing.  They're relatively easy to make and if you make them correctly they can be delicious.  Muffins are also a single serve option for feeding a crowd.  Sadly, the muffin is too often over looked.  But not by me. I've made these muffins twice now.  Last week, I made them and added some chopped up cooked bacon to the topping.  My husband and I loved them that way but my son was having none of it.  I had several relatives and friends side with him, so I got up early this morning and baked a batch sans the bacon. But let me be perfectly honest with you folks.   I baked the muffins in large muffin pans so I got only 8 big muffins instead of 12 smaller ones.    I hope he likes them.  I'll know soon enough.  

French Toast Muffins

Recipe from Framed, originally from Food.com

French Toast Topping

3 tablespoons milk

1 egg, slightly beaten

6 slices cinnamon bread, crusts removed, cut into ½ inch cubes

½ teaspoon cinnamon

Muffins

1 ½ cups milk

½ cup butter, melted and cooled

1 egg, slightly beaten

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups flower

¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

Topping

¼ cup maple syrup

2 tablespoons sugar

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Combine all the French toast topping ingredients in a medium bowl and set aside.  Combine milk, melted butter, egg and vanilla extract in another medium bowl.  Combine all remaining ingredients in a large bowl.  Stir milk mixture into flour mixture just until mixed.

Spoon batter into a greased or lined 12 cup muffin pan.  Spoon French toast topping evenly over batter; press down slightly.  Bake 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.  Immediately, brush muffins with maple syrup.  Combine sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.  Sprinkle over glazed muffins.  Cool 5 minutes; remove from pan.  Serve warm.

Orangecello

I have to be honest.  I saw Giada making this on her show one day last week and I could not get it out of my mind.  I don't really know why. It was just eating at me.  For some reason, everything she makes looks yummy to me.  Even things I would not normally eat.  Anyway, I knew that I had to make it.  For some reason, I owned a small (350 ml) bottle of vodka.  It was in my possession and I had no other plans for it.  So, I decided to halve the recipe and give it a go.  It was a long process but not a difficult one.  I just put the orangecello in my refrigerator today.  I started the process of making this stuff on Friday of last week.  You can't be in a rush to make it, that's for sure.  I guess all good things take time, or that is what "they" say at least.  I am going to have to do research on what to do with the Orangecello now that I've made it.  I know I can just drink it but I doubt I'll drink half a bottle of vodka myself.  Who knows if the hubster will enjoy it or not?  I have seen recipes for desserts using orangecello, so now I have a new ingredient to play with!!  

Orangecello

Recipe courtesy Giada de Laurentiis

Ingredients:

7 medium navel oranges, preferably organic

1 (750 ml) bottle vodka

2-1/2 cups water

1-1/2 cups sugar

Directions:

Using a vegetable peeler, remove the peel from the oranges in long strips (reserve the oranges for another use).  Using a small sharp knife, trim away the white pith from the orange peels; discard the pith.  Put the orange peels in a 2-quart pitcher or large glass bowl.  Pour the vodka over the peels and cover with plastic wrap.  Steep the orange peels in the vodka for 4 days at room temperature.

In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar over medium heat.  Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved.  Remove the pan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool, about 20 minutes.  Pour the syrup over the vodka mixture.  Cover and let stand at room temperature overnight.  Strain the orangecello through a mesh strainer.  Discard the peels.  Transfer the orangecello to bottles.  Seal the bottles and refrigerate until cold, at least 4 hours and up to 1 month. 

Enjoy!

The Creative Cook 

Pasta with Ham, Peas, Garlic and Ricotta Salata

While I was walking through my local grocery store, I found something new and interesting.  It is a cheese called "Ricotta Salata."  I did not know what I would do with it but I tossed it into my cart anyway.  When I got home, I looked for some likely recipes.  This one looked perfect.  Except, I added some ham to make it a complete meal.  You have to admit, ham is the perfect addition to this dish.  I guess I could have used bacon but the ham just seemed to be calling to me.  I found it interesting that my mother told me she ate ricotta salata often during her childhood. For me, it was something different but for her it is an old familiar cheese that she hadn't seen in a long time.  Everything old is new again, I guess.

Ricotta is a moist fresh cheese made from whey that is used in Italian dishes like lasagna, manicotti and cheesecake. Ricotta salata is a variation of ricotta that has been pressed, salted and dried.

Ricotta salata is hard and white and has a mildly salty, nutty and milky flavor. It can be shaved or grated over salads, pastas and vegetable dishes.

Pasta with Ham, Peas, Garlic and Ricotta Salata

Adapted from Food & Wine

Makes 4 Servings

Ingredients:

½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

4 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1 cup fresh baby peas (1 pound unshelled)

1 cup ham, diced

1 pound linquine

Salt and pepper ground pepper

1 tablespoon coarsely chopped marjoram

½ cup crumbled or shaved ricotta salata or feta cheese (about 2 ounces)

Directions:

1.     Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet.  Add the garlic and cook over low heat, stirring until very soft and golden, about 3 minutes.  Add ham and cook for another 2 minutes or until heated through.  Remove from the heat.

2.      In a large saucepan of boiling salted water, blanch the peas in a strainer until just tender, about 3 minutes.  Transfer the peas and ham to a bowl

3.      Add the linquine to the saucepan and boil until al dente.  Drain the linquine, reserved ¼ cup of the cooking liquid.   Return the pasta to the saucepan and toss with the garlic, oil, peas and reserved pasta water.  Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with the marjoram.  Top with the cheese and serve at once.

 Enjoy!

The Creative Cook

Vanilla Poppy Seed Loaf

I made this cake but did not add poppy seeds.  I used some raspberry sauce and and cream cheese for a swirl instead. It was quite good.  I think this cake is very versatile.  

Vanilla Poppy Seed Loaf

Makes 6 small loaves or 2 large loaves

3 cups flour

½ teaspoon salt

1-1/2 teaspoon baking powder

2-1/4 cups sugar

3 eggs

¾ cups cooking oil (safflower or canola)

¾ cups melted butter

1-1/2 cups milk

1-1/2 tablespoons poppy seeds

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Mix all dry ingredients together.  Mix the eggs, butter, oil, milk and vanilla together.  Add to dry ingredients and stir to mix.  Do not over mix.  Pour into buttered mini or large loaf pans.  Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes for muffins and 30 to 35 minutes for mini loaf pans.  Large loaves will take 50 to 60 minutes.

Warm Butter Glaze

½ cup white sugar

½ cup brown sugar

¼ butter

2 tablespoons water

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Add sugar and butter to small sauce pan.  Add water.  Cook over low heat until sugars melt.  Do not bring to a boil.  Remove from heat and add vanilla.  Poke holes in muffins/loaves.  Spoon the warm butter glaze over cakes.

Adapted from The Girl Who Ate Everything Blog by Thibeault’s Table

But original recipe came from Jean Welbourne of The Not So Desperate Housewives

Almond Joy Cookies

These cookies were a big hit all around.  Who doesn't love an almond joy?  I made them for one of my husband's co-workers who is going through radiation and chemo.  She absolutely loves cookies so I thought why not bake something for her. She especially liked these.  My family enjoyed them as well.  I am adding a photo I took of the dough before I baked them but I can't be sure if the photo of the baked cookies is the Mrs. Wakefield's Chocolate Chips or these cookies.

Almond Joy Cookies

Yield: 60 cookies

-1 cup unsalted butter, softened
-1 ½ cups white sugar
-2 eggs
-2 ¼ cups flour
-1 tsp baking soda
-1 tsp salt
-2 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
-1 ½ bags chocolate chips (3 cups)
-2 cups peeled, slivered almonds

1) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, and prepare two sheet pans with parchment or silpats.

2) In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until creamy.

3) Add the eggs and beat until creamy

4) Meanwhile mix the dry ingredients together in a separate bowl.

5) Add the dry ingredients to the mixing bowl and stir until you have thick cookie dough.

6) Add the coconut, chocolate chips and almonds and mix until well combined.

7) Scoop the cookies onto the sheet pans and bake at 350 for about 10 minutes. (when you take the cookies out they should still be a bit doughy looking in the middle- they will stiffen up).

Enjoy!

The Creative Cook

Crispy Cinnamon Coins

These are icebox cookies that I made back in December for my cookie exchange.  The recipe comes from Sweet Pea's Kitchen.  I had asked her for permission to post this recipe and it took her a while to get back to me.  I then promptly forgot to post the recipe.  She got the recipe from a cookbook called Cuisine Cookies for the Holidays.  The cookies were very delicious.  I would recommend buying your cinnamon chips around the holidays or try The Prepared Pantry's website.  They carry just about anything you might want or need for baking purposes.    

Crispy Cinnamon Coins

Ingredients:

1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Minced zest of ½ lemon

1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup cinnamon chips, coarsely chopped

Turbinado sugar, for rolling

Directions:

1.       In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter until creamy.  Add the granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.  Beat in the egg, cinnamon, salt, vanilla and zest.  Add flour and mix until just combined.  Fold in cinnamon chips.  Divide the dough in half.

2.      

     Generously sprinkle a work surface with Turbinado sugar.  Shape each half of dough into an 18-to 20-inch long rope and roll in the sugar, adding more sugar as needed to prevent sticking.  Wrap each piece in a large sheet of plastic wrap and chill until firm, at least 1 hour or overnight.  (The colder the dough, the easier it will be to slice).

3.     

           Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.  Unwrap 1 piece of dough and slice into ½ inch thick slices, spacing 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheet.  Repeat with remaining pieces of cookie dough.  Bake the cookies for about 15 minutes, or until crisp and golden.  Let cool on the baking sheets 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Yields:  80 (1-inch) cookies

Prep. Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including chilling)

From Sweet Pea’s Kitchen

Enjoy!

The Creative Cook

Cherry Ice Box Cookies

Here is another recipe for slice and bake cookies.  I tried them early this time so I could decide if I want to make them for my Cookie Exchange in December.  I liked these cookies but next time I would use dried cherries rather than maraschino cherries. I thought that the cookies were too soft and crumbly with the maraschino cherries.  This recipe comes from the Mr. Food website.

Cherry Ice Box Cookies
Makes 48 cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 (16 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped (dried cherries)
1 cup finely chopped nuts
1/4 cup red decorator sugar (optional)

Instructions:

1.  Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy.  Gradually add 1 cup sugar, beating well.  Add egg and vanilla, beating well.

2.  Combine flour, baking powder and salt; add to butter mixture, beating well.  Pat cherries between paper towels to remove excess moisture.  Stir cherries and nuts into dough; cover dough, and chill 2 hours.

3.  Shape dough into 2 (1-1/2 inch by 8-inch) logs.  Roll in decorator sugar, if desired.  Wrap logs in wax paper and freeze 2 hours or until firm.  (Store in freezer up to 6 months, if desired.)

4.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  Unwrap frozen dough and slice into 1/4 inch thick slices, using a sharp knife.  Place on lightly greased cookie sheets.  (Do not let thaw.)

5.  Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.  Let cool 1 minute on cookie sheets.  Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Enjoy!

The Creative Cook

Chili

I made this chili for my boys last week.  We loved it.  The layers of flavor in this chili are amazing.  I definitely suggest that you try it.  I left out all the seeds from the chilis so my chili was not hot at all.  It was just flavorful.  If you want it to be hot, then leave in the chili seeds.  

The Best Chili You Will Ever Taste

www.food.com

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons flavorless oil (canola or safflower)

2 onions, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb. lean ground beef

¾-1 lb. sirloin beef, cubed

1 (14-1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes

1 can dark beer

1 cup strong coffee

2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste

1 can beef broth

½ cup brown sugar

3-1/2 tablespoons chili sauce

1 tablespoon cumin

1 tablespoon cocoa

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon cayenne

1 teaspoon coriander

1 teaspoon salt

4 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans

4 chili peppers, chopped

Directions:

1.       Heat oil.

2.       Cook onions, garlic and meat until brown.

3.       Add tomatoes, beer, coffee, brown sugar, tomato paste and broth.

4.       Add spices.  Stir in 2 cans of beans and peppers.

5.       Reduce heat and simmer for 1-1/2 hours.

6.       Add 2 remaining cans of kidney beans and simmer for another 30 minutes. 

Mrs. Wakefield's Chocolate Chip Cookies

Mrs. Wakefield’s Chocolate Chip Cookies

This recipe is adapted from the original Toll House Crunch Cookie Recipe that appeaed in the 1949 edition of Ruth Wakefield’s Toll House Tried and True Recipes.  Like the very first batch, these cookies omit the nuts in favor of more chocolate.  Makes about 5 dozen cookies.

Ingredients:

2-1/4 cups flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (room temperature)

¾ cup brown sugar

¾ cup white sugar

2 eggs, beaten (room temperature)

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon hot water

1 teaspoon vanilla

3 cups (18 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

Sift flour together with salt and set aside.

Cream together butter and sugars.  Add the eggs, mixing until combined.  Dissolve baking soda in hot water and add alternately with flour mixture.  Add vanilla and mix until thoroughly combined.  Stir in chocolate chips.  Cover and refrigerate for 36 to 48 hours.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Scoop out rounded tablespoonfuls of refrigerated dough.  Roll between hands into a ball.  Place onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and press ball down to flatten.  Bake for 7 to 9 minutes or until golden brown.  Cool cookies on the pan for 2 minutes then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Buffalo Style Chicken Pizza

I made this pizza for my boys on Friday night. They both approved. In fact, they asked me to make it again. That is high praise from the boys.

BUFFALO STYLE CHICKEN PIZZA

SERVINGS: 6

INGREDIENTS:

3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves – cooked and shredded (approx. 2 cups)

2 tablespoons butter, melted

2 ounces hot sauce (Frank’s)

8 ounces blue cheese salad dressing

1 (16 inch) prepared pizza crust

8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, melted butter and hot sauce. Mix well. Spread blue cheese dressing over crust, then top with mixture and sprinkle with shredded cheese.

3. Bake in a preheated oven until crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly, about 10 to 15 minutes. Let set a few minutes before slicing.

Enjoy!

The Creative Cook

New York Cheesecake

This recipe comes from a blog called www.momswhothink.com. It is a good cheesecake recipe. I just don't understand why you need to add butter to it. I did use the butter but it seemed unnecessary to me. I would definitely recommend that you absolutely make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature. I also recommend cooking this or any cheesecake in a water bath or Bain Marie. It definitely helps prevent cracking. Supposedly, the addition of flour and/or cornstarch also help prevent cracking. I was under the impression that cold air would cause the cheesecake to crack so I figured that leaving it in the oven the extra hour after it was turned off would help. I have to tell you that my cheesecake cracked anyway. That is why I would take the time to use a water bath next time I make this cheesecake. I am not sure that I would use the butter next time. Also, please take the time to read the tips that I included from various blogs at the end of this post. They are very informative and helpful tips on making cheesecake. I learned a very simple way to fix the cracked cheesecake that I also included for your information. The fruit toppings both came out very nice. I did not make a crust for this cheesecake. It was great without it. This cheesecake was a big hit at my Easter dinner.

New York Cheesecake

Ingredients:

2 cups sour cream, room temperature
1 lb. ricotta cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup butter, melted
1-1/2 cup sugar
16 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
3 Tbsp. flour
3 extra large eggs, room temperature
1 Tbsp. vanilla
3 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 Tbsp. lemon juice

Directions:

1. Combine sour cream and ricotta cheese in a large mixing bowl. Beating at low speed, add butter, sugar and cream cheese.

2. Increase speed to medium and add flour, eggs, vanilla, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Beat for 5 minutes.

3. Pour into a buttered or greased spring form pan. Wrap the bottom of the spring form pan with aluminum foil. Place the spring form pan into a roasting pan. Add water to roasting pan filled halfway to the top. (Ban-Marie)

4. Bake in preheated 325F oven for 1 hour, then turn off oven and leave in closed oven for one hour longer. Cool on rack.

Optional Crust:

1/3 cup butter, melted
1-1/2 cup cinnamon graham cracker crumbs

Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter; press evenly on bottom of 9 inch pie pan.

http://www.momswhothink.com/cheesecake-recipes/new-york-cheesecake-recipe.html

BLUEBERRY TOPPING

Ingredients:

1-1/2 pints (3 cups) blueberries

3/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon cornstarch

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium-high heat.

Bring to a simmer, and cook until berries break down, about 4 minutes.

Let cool, then refrigerate, covered, until cold (or up to 3 days).

RASPBERRY SAUCE

Ingredients:

1 package (12 oz.) frozen raspberries

1-1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/2 cup water

1/3 cup sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

In a small saucepan, stir together cornstarch and sugar.

Add water and 1 cup of the frozen raspberries. (Set remaining berries aside.) Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until mixture begins to boil. Cook mixture for an additional minute, then remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Let stand until cooled. Stir in remaining berries and chill for at least 1 hour. Spread sauce over cheesecake before serving. Any remaining sauce can be served on the side.

BAIN-MARIE

The bain-marie comes in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and types, but traditionally is a wide, cylindrical, usually metal container made of three or four basic parts: a handle, an outer (or lower) container that holds the working liquid, an inner (or upper), smaller container that fits inside the outer one and which holds the material to be heated or cooked, and sometimes a base underneath. Under the outer container of the bain-marie (or built into its base) is a heat source.

Typically the inner container is immersed about halfway into the working liquid.

The smaller container, filled with the substance to be heated, fits inside the outer container, filled with the working liquid (usually water), and the whole is heated at, or below, the base, causing the temperature of the materials in both containers to rise as needed. The insulating action of the water helps to keep contents of the inner pot from boiling or scorching.

When the working liquid is water and the bain-marie is used at sea level, the maximum temperature of the material in the lower container will not exceed 100 degrees Celsius (212 F), the boiling point of water at sea level. Using different working liquids (oils, salt solutions, etc.) in the lower container will result in different maximum temperatures.

Unmolding from the Pan:

• To unmold the cake from a springform pan, first run a thin bladed knife around the edge to loosen the crust from the sides of the pan. Open the clamp and expand the sides of the pan and release the bottom. Carefully slip the tip of a sharp knife between the crust and pan bottom, slip the cake off the pan bottom and onto a serving plate.
• To unmold the cake from a cheesecake pan, the pan needs to be slightly heated to release the cake. First run a thin bladed knife around the edge to loosen the crust from the sides of the pan. Dip the pan into a bowl or sink of very hot water that reaches about ¾ of the way to the rim, and hold in place for 10 to 15 seconds. Dry the pan with a towel, and then invert it onto a plate that is covered with plastic wrap. If the cake doesn’t come out, dip and try again. Or, instead of dipping in hot water, place the pan over a stovetop burner at medium heat and rotate the pan so that the entire bottom becomes slightly heated, taking about 5 to 10 seconds. Once it drops out of the pan, quickly invert the cake onto a clean serving plate, right side up.

Slicing:

• Cheesecake can be difficult to slice because the creamy filling sticks to the knife. Dental floss is one of the best-kept secrets in a cheesecake kitchen. Take a long strand of unflavored dental floss, either waxed or unwaxed, stretch it taut, and gently press it through the cake. Don’t pull the floss back up through the cut you have made, instead pull it out when you reach the bottom. If the floss does not cut through the crust, finish cutting with a thin, sharp knife.
• If using a knife instead of dental floss to slice the cake, use a sharp straight-edge knife. To make clean slices, warm the blade in hot water, dry and slice. Clean and dry the knife after each cut. As you cut, pull the knife out from the bottom of the cake to keep the surface smooth.

Hints to Prevent Cheesecake from Cracking

• Do not overbeat the cheesecake batter. Incorporate as little air into the batter as possible. The ingredients must be well blended, but excessive beating creates too many air bubbles which cause the cheesecake to puff up too much during baking, and then crack as the cheesecake settles when cooling.
• Let the filling rest about 5 minutes before pouring into the pan to allow air bubbles to rise to the surface.
• Before baking, run the point of a sharp knife between the cheesecake and the side of the pan about ½ inches down. This will help prevent cracks as the cake bakes and cools.
• Open the oven door as little as possible while baking, especially during the first 30 minutes. Drafts can cause a cheesecake to crack.
• Bake in a slow oven. 325 degrees F is ideal, and no higher than 350 degrees F. If the oven temperature is too high the surface of the cheese cake will dry out, forming cracks.
• Do not over bake. Cheesecakes continue to bake during the cooling process. Over baking can cause the cheesecake to crack.
• Do not use a knife or toothpick to check for doneness as this may cause the cheesecake to crack.
• After removing from the oven run a thin knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cheesecake. This allows the cake to contract away from the sides of the pan as it cools, helping to prevent cracks.
• Allow plenty of time for the cheesecake to cool. Plan on making cheesecake at least 1 day ahead of serving. If a warm cheesecake is rushed into the refrigerator, the cake will contract dramatically, causing cracks. Allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature, and then chill in the refrigerator at least 12 to 24 hours before serving.

If your cheesecake cracks even after you have taken all the above precautions (as mine did), I recommend you try this: Let cheesecake cool in the refrigerator over night. Take it out in the morning and press together the cracks with clean fingers. Then get a butter knife and a bowl of warm water. Dip the knife in the water and scrape the flat side of the knife over the top of the cheesecake. If you are lucky, the cheesecake will look like it has never been cracked after you do this process. It worked for me. Good luck.

Enjoy!

Citrus-Glazed Carrots

This is another recipe from Wegman's that I made for Easter. It was very good.

Citrus-Glazed Carrots

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

1 bag (16 oz) baby cut carrots

2 quarts cold water

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

4 tablespoons Triple Fruit Spread (Apricot, Peach & Passion Fruit) (or substitute any citrus fruit spread or marmalade)

2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley

Directions:

1. Cover carrots with cold salted water in medium sauce pan; heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer 6-7 minutes until carrots are tender. Drain well

2. Melt butter in large skillet on medium. Add jam, whisking until smooth. Add drained carrots and cook, stirring occasionally, 1 – 2 minutes, until glazed. Season to taste with salt and pepper; sprinkle with parsley.

Sesame Pasta Chicken Salad

SESAME PASTA CHICKEN SALAD

Servings: 10

Ingredients:

¼ cup sesame seeds

1 (16 ounce) package bow tie pasta

½ cup vegetable oil

1/3 cup light soy sauce

1/3 cup rice vinegar

1 teaspoon sesame oil

3 tablespoons white sugar

½ teaspoon ground ginger

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

3 cups shredded, cooked chicken breast

1 cup frozen baby peas

1 cup shredded carrots

1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/3 cup chopped green onion

Directions:

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sesame seeds, and cook stirring frequently until lightly toasted. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain pasta and rinse under cold water until cool. Transfer to a large bowl.

3. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine vegetable oil, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, sesame seeds, ginger, and pepper. Shake well.

4. Pour sesame dressing over pasta and toss to coat evenly. Gently mix in chicken, cilantro and green onions and vegetables.

Roasted Asparagus with Parmigiano-Reggiano

I had family over for Easter this year. It wasn't a large crowd but I still had to make some side dishes. I had ordered a ham from Honeybaked Ham so I didn't have to actually make the main dish. My mother made a chicken, a potato dish and some other great dishes to serve, as well. I've been getting asked for asparagus and seeing recipes for asparagus quite a bit recently. I am not a fan of asparagus but that doesn't mean I won't cook it for others. It wasn't hard to make. In fact, I would go out on a limb and say it was easy. The recipe is from a flier I got from Wegman's. They are using all Wegman's brand products but that isn't necessary. I used whatever brand I had available to me. I also went on youtube to find out exactly how to trim asparagus. It was fairly easy. I doubled the recipe and it went very quickly. I should have tripled it.

ROASTED ASPARAGUS WITH PARMIGIANO-REGGIANO

Makes: 2 Cups

1 bunch (about 1 pound) asparagus, trimmed

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Preheat oven to 450 degrees

1. Arrange asparagus in single layer on baking sheet; drizzle with olive oil, rolling to coat.

2. Roast about 10 minutes, until asparagus is tender. Remove from oven.

3. Season generously with salt and pepper; sprinkle evenly with cheese. Return to oven. Roast about 5 minutes, until cheese begins to soften and brown.

Enjoy!

The Creative Cook

Melt in Your Mouth Chicken

I found this recipe in www.food.com. As soon as I saw it, I knew it would be a favorite of my husband's. He is such a big fan of mayo. I can't explain it but I just knew he would love this chicken. I was right. He did love it. My son, on the other hand, wasn't overly fond of it. I thought the chicken was very tasty, juicy and tender. My husband even asked if I would make this again. I told him he had to convince his son to give it another chance. It is a very easy dish to make, so I don't mind making it again.

MELT IN YOUR MOUTH CHICKEN

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

4 boneless chicken breast halves

1 cup mayonnaise

½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

1-1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions:

1. Mix mayonnaise, cheese and seasonings.

2. Spread mixture over chicken breast and place in baking dish.

3. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes.

Fettuccini Rigate with Peas & Pancetta

This recipe is adapted from one that I found on ABC's tv website by Rocco DiSpirito. I increased the amounts of pasta and other ingredients to serve 6 or 8 people. I don't know if you can find fettuccini rigate at your local grocery store but Barilla has just come out with it in our area. The difference between regular fettuccini and fettuccini rigate is that the rigate has lines in the pasta. The lines actually help hold the sauce onto the pasta. If you have ever eaten regular fettuccini you might have noticed that the sauce sort of drips right off. I also added the peas and pancetta. You could also add chicken and broccoli. The combinations are numerous. I just tasted this pasta and I like it a lot. I think it is quite yummy. It has much less fat than the normal Alfredo pasta sauce. I would definitely make this again if the boys enjoy it. I have to say that I like anything with ham and peas. It is a very "Italian" combination from what I have seen. You can always leave out the peas and just do bacon or ham but that just seems wrong to me. The only complaint was that there was not enough sauce. Next time, I'll have to increase the amounts for the sauce again or decrease the amount of pasta.

Fettuccini Rigate with Peas & Pancetta

1 box Fettuccine Rigate (Barilla)

2 tablespoon butter

6 garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons cornstarch

Pinch of ground nutmeg

1-1/2 cup low-fat, low-sodium chicken broth

3/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

1-1/2 cup 5% Greek yogurt

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 cups frozen peas, thawed

¼ pound Pancetta cut into strips (may substitute ham or bacon)

Cooking Directions:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package directions, 9 to 11 minutes; drain.

While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large nonstick sauté pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and pancetta and cook until fat is rendered. Discard excess fat.

Meanwhile, combine the cornstarch and nutmeg in a small bowl. Whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Pour the mixture into the sauté pan, add the peas, raise the heat, and bring the sauce to a simmer, whisking occasionally. Whisk in 1/2 cup of the cheese until it has melted. Remove the sauté pan from the heat and whisk in the yogurt until the sauce is smooth.

In a large bowl, toss the cooked fettuccine with the Alfredo sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top the pasta with the remaining 1/4 cup cheese, and serve.

Serves 6-8

Enjoy!

The Creative Cook

Lemon Blueberry Jumbo Muffins

I made these muffins especially for my husband. He had requested jumbo muffins. Since he bought me two jumbo muffin tins for Christmas, I figure I owe him some muffins. I found this recipe which was originally written to use raspberries. I would say you could even substitute strawberries cut into quarters or eights. I just took the muffins out of the oven. Watch these muffins carefully. I baked them at 400 degrees for 22 minutes and they came out slightly charred. Next time I make them, I will bake them at 350 degrees for 25 minutes and go from there. I also added a topping to make them more lemony which is optional.

Of course, you could make these muffins in regular size muffin tins which would probably make at least 12 muffins or you could even make them in mini muffin tins which would probably make at least 24 muffins.

LEMON BLUEBERRY JUMBO MUFFINS

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

Cook Time: 25 Minutes

Servings: 8

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups all-purpose flour (I used 1 cup all purpose flour and 1 cup whole wheat flour)

1 cup sugar (I used 1-3/4 cups powdered sugar)

3 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1 cup half-and-half (I used buttermilk)

½ cup vegetable oil (I used safflower oil)

1 teaspoon lemon extract (I used 3 teaspoons lemon juice)

1-1/2 cups fresh or frozen unsweetened blueberries (or raspberries)

1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest (optional)

1 tablespoon Turbinado sugar (optional)

Topping (Optional):

1/4 cup butter, melted

1/2 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 cup sugar

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
2. In another bowl, combine the eggs, cream, oil and extract.
3. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.
4. Fold in berries.
5. Fill greased jumbo muffin cups two-thirds full.
6. Sprinkle with Turbinado sugar (if using).
7. Bake at 400 degrees F for 22-25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack.
9. Combine butter and lemon juice for the topping.
10. While muffins are still warm, dip the tops into the butter and lemon juice, then dip in sugar.
11. Serve warm.

Recipe from www.allrecipes.com submitted by Carol Thoreson

Enjoy!

The Creative Cook