LEMON LIME CHICKEN TENDERS

3 pounds boneless and skinless chicken breast tenders 1/3 cup grated Romano cheese 2 teaspoons minced fresh basil Lemon Juice Mixture: 1/3 cup lemon juice 1/3 cup lime juice 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt 1/2 teaspoons rosemary 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon olive oil dash of black pepper Preheat grill to medium heat. In a mixing bowl, combine thoroughly the Romano cheese and basil. Set aside. In a mixing bowl, combine thoroughly the lemon juice, lime juice, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, olive oil and black pepper until well blended. Place the chicken tenders on the preheated grill grids and cook, uncovered, basting occasionally with the lemon lime mixture for about 18 to 20 minutes or until meat thermometer inserted in the center registers 170F. Sprinkle with the Romano cheese and basil mix before serving. Makes 6 servings. NOTE: Do not baste during the last 5 minutes of grilling. Discard lemon lime basting mixture.

ITALIAN STYLE DELMONICO STEAKS

4 Delmonico steaks dash of salt, optional 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese Seasoning Mixture: 2 teaspoons fresh chopped thyme 3 teaspoons garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon oregano 1 teaspoon rosemary 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning 1/2 teaspoon olive oil Preheat grill to medium heat. In a mixing bowl, combine thoroughly the thyme, garlic, black pepper oregano, rosemary, Italian seasoning and olive oil until well blended. Rub the seasoning mixture onto both sides of each steak, pressing evenly. Place steaks on heated grill grid and grill, covered, 10 to 14 minutes for medium rare to medium doneness, turning once. During last 2 minutes of grilling, sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, as desired. Makes 4 servings.

SPICY HOT STUFFED POBLANO PEPPERS

6 poblano peppers 1 1/2 cups diced chorizo 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 cup diced onions 2 cloves garlic, finely minced 2 tomatoes, diced 4 canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, diced 1 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon oregano 1 cup each of cooked rice, salsa and chicken broth 1/3 cup grated Asiago cheese Cut a thin lid off top of peppers and remove the core and seeds. In a skillet, saute chorizo in olive oil. Add onions and garlic, cooking another few minutes. Next, add tomatoes, chipotle chiles, cumin oregano and rice and cook for an additional few minutes. Place peppers in an 8 by 10 inch baking dish and fill each pepper with mixture. Combine salsa and chicken broth and spoon around the peppers. Cover and bake in a preheated 400F oven for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and baste, then sprinkle each pepper with cheese. Continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes or until cheese is golden and melted.

DEEP DISH TURKEY PIE

6 medium potatoes, diced
3 cups turkey, cooked and chopped
6 medium carrots, diced
1 1/2 cups flour
1 small onion, chopped
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup green pepper, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup butter
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup milk

In a saucepan, cover the potatoes and carrots with water and cook until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the liquid. In a skillet saute the onion and green pepper in 2 tablespoons of butter until tender. Blend the soup and reserve liquid in a bowl. Then place the soup mixture, turkey and cooked vegetables in a 2 quart casserole and bake at 425F for 15 minutes. Biscuits: Combine the flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl, cut in the butter until crumbly, add the milk and mix well. Knead lightly on a floured surface. Roll and cut with a 2 inch biscuit cutter and arrange over turkey mixture. Brush biscuits with additional milk and bake for 15 minutes longer.

SPAGHETTI AND CHORIZO PANCAKES

2 chunky chorizo sausages, diced
1 onion, peeled and diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 chilli, finely chopped
1 pound cooked spaghetti
6 to 8 leaves sage, finely chopped or 2 teaspoon dried
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
olive oil for pan frying
chopped fresh or sliced sundried tomatoes, olives, capers, sage leaves for garnish

Cook the chorizo sausage in a hot frying pan with the onion, garlic and chilli in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until the sausage and onion are well cooked but not burnt. Toss together the chorizo mix, cooked spaghetti, sage leaves, Parmesan cheese with a good seasoning of salt and pepper, Just coat the base of a frying pan with oil. Add 1/4 of the pasta mix and cook for around 3 to 4 minutes until the base is brown and beginning to crispen. Turn or more flamboyantly flip the spaghetti pancake over and cook a further minute or two. Serve hot topped with a mix of the suggested garnishes. Serves 2 to 3.

MESQUITE CHIPOTLE MARINATED CORNISH HENS

1 7 ounce can chipotle peppers with adobo sauce
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic
juice of one lime
2 tablespoons cumin seed
1 teaspoon oregano or marjoram
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 cup tequila
1/4 cup cilantro leaves
3 tablespoons mesquite liquid smoke
2 tablespoons brown sugar
6 to 8 Cornish hens

In a small pan toast the cumin seed, then grind to a powder in a spice mill. Mix with the oregano, black pepper, salt and sugar. In a blender or food processor, add 1/2 a can of chipotles for medium hot or the full can for hot. Add garlic cloves, tequila, liquid smoke, and the spice mixture drizzle oil in till the mixture emulsifies and is thick and smooth; then blend in the cilantro leaves. If the mixture is too thick, it may be thinned out with the addition of a little water. Marinate hens in mixture for 12 hours. Grill over hot coals until meat is no longer pink and outside is crispy. Serves 6 to 8.

CHINESE STYLE SESAME CHICKEN

3/4 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon real maple syrup
2 3/4 teaspoons dry sherry
1 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger root
1/2 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon peanut oil
4 leaves red lettuce, for garnish
1 large tomato, cut into wedges

Preheat oven to 350F. Cut chicken into about 1 inch X 2 inch pieces. In a large nonporous glass dish or bowl, combine the soy sauce, maple syrup, sherry, ginger and five spice powder. Mix together. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover dish and refrigerate for 20 minutes, turning once, to marinate. After 20 minutes, drain chicken, reserving marinade. Boil reserved marinade in a small saucepan for 5 minutes to remove risk of bacteria. Meanwhile, spread sesame seeds out evenly on an aluminum foil lined cookie sheet. Bake in the preheated oven, to toast, for 10 minutes or until slightly browned. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium high heat. In a shallow dish or bowl combine flour and salt and pepper to taste. Dredge chicken in seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Brown chicken pieces in oil for about 1 minute each side. Spoon boiled marinade over chicken, reduce heat and saute all together for 1 more minute or until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Serves 2.

ZUCCHINI WITH BLUE CHEESE AND SOUR CREAM

2 pounds small zucchini
2 cups extra virgin olive oil
butter for greasing dish
salt and pepper
5 ounces bleu cheese
2 teaspoons finely chopped parsley
2 large eggs
6 ounces sour cream
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat the oven to 375F. Cut the zucchini into 1/4 inch thick round slices. Heat the oil in a large frying pan. Lightly fry the zucchini, a few at a time. Place the fried zucchini on paper towels to drain. Put the zucchini into a lightly greased baking dish. Season with salt and pepper. In a small mixing bowl, mash the bleu cheese with a fork, add the finely chopped parsley, eggs, sour cream, Parmesan cheese and a small amount of salt and pepper. Mix together and pour over the zucchini. Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Serves 8.

PULLED PORK BBQ

4 pound pork roast
2 onions, sliced
1 onion, chopped
5 or 6 cloves
2 cups water
16 oz bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce
salt and pepper

Place one sliced onion at the bottom of crock pot. Stud pork roast with cloves and season with salt and pepper. Place roast in crock pot on top of the sliced onion. Cover with the second sliced onion and add enough water to fill crock pot two thirds of the way. Cover and cook on low 8 to 12 hours or overnight. Remove roast. Remove and discard cloves, bone and fat as well as any water, onions and grease remaining in pot. When meat is cool enough to handle, use a fork or your fingers to pull it apart until the entire roast is shredded. Return the pulled pork to the crock pot. Mix in the chopped onion and BBQ sauce and cover. Heat on high for 1 to 3 hours or until the onions are soft. Serve on large, crusty buns with a mustard based Carolina style BBQ sauce. Garnish with dill pickle spears, thinly sliced raw onion and pickled pepperoncini; Italian banana peppers. Serve with crisp, homemade slaw.

BOW TIES WITH ASIAN CHICKEN

1 pound bow ties, mostaccioli or other medium pasta shape, uncooked
4 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons lime juice
3 teaspoons Dijon mustard with seeds
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1/2 cup chicken broth or pasta cooking liquid *
2 small red bell peppers, cored, seeded and thinly sliced lengthwise
6 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced
Freshly ground pepper
4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Stir the soy sauce, honey, lime juice and mustard in a small bowl until the honey is dissolved. Add the chicken pieces and turn until coated with the marinade. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Transfer the chicken and marinade to a large, nonstick skillet. Cook over medium heat until chicken is cooked through, about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour in the chicken broth. Prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain thoroughly in a colander. Return the pasta to the pot, add the contents of the skillet, the red peppers and the scallions. Heat to simmering over low heat. Toss the pasta once or twice, add the pepper to taste and divide among serving bowls. Sprinkle each serving with chopped fresh parsley.

* If you do not have chicken broth, ladle off and reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking liquid just before draining the pasta. Serves 6.

LINGUINE WITH CLAMS AND PORCINI MUSHROOMS

Serve with Italian bread, green salad a good bottle of wine.

1 ounce dried porcini mushrooms
1/4 cup olive oil
10 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
36 fresh clams, cleaned
2 cups dry white wine
4 tomatoes, cubed
3 8 ounce jars clam juice
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh parsley
1 16 ounce package linguine pasta

Soak mushrooms 20 to 30 minutes in cold water to rehydrate. Dry, and coarsely chop. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in mushrooms, garlic, and red pepper. Cook until browned. Stir in clams and white wine. As clams open, remove to a medium bowl, discarding those that remain closed. Mix tomatoes, clam juice, and parsley into the mushroom mixture. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 15 minutes. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add linguine, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain. Return clams to the broth mixture and cook until heated through. Thoroughly mix in cooked linguine just before serving. Serves 6.

CUBE STEAK PARMIGIANA

3 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1/3 cup saltine crackers, finely crushed
1/2 teaspoon basil
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 15 ounce can tomato sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon oregano, divided
3 slices mozzarella cheese, halved
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
6 4 ounce cube steaks

In three shallow bowls, combine flour, salt and pepper; beat egg and water; and combine parmesan, saltines and basil. Dip steaks in flour mixture and egg mixture, then roll in cheese mixture. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium high heat. Brown three steaks on both sides. Remove to a greased 13 x 9 inch baking pan. Repeat with the remaining steaks, adding additional oil as needed. Bake, uncovered , at 375F for 25 minutes. Drain any pan juices. Combine the tomato sauce, sugar, garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of the oregano. Pour over steaks. Bake 20 minutes longer. Place mozzarella cheese on steaks. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and remaining oregano. Return to the oven for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

MEAT LOAF WELLINGTON

1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 pound ground veal
1 package dry onion soup mix
1/2 pound ground pork
4 bacon strips
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 packages crescent roll dough
2 eggs
1 egg white, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups cracker crumbs with 1 tablespoon water
3/4 cup ketchup
flour

Heat oven to 350F. Mix meats together by hand in a large bowl. Add Worcestershire sauce, eggs, cracker crumbs, ketchup, water and soup mix. Mix by hand and shape into a loaf in a shallow baking dish. For cleanup ease, use non stick cooking spray. Drape the loaf with bacon strips. Bake 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until done. Cool 10 to 15 minutes. Separate 2 packages of crescent roll dough into 6 rectangles. Reserve the remaining 2 for decorating. Overlap the triangles on a large floured surface to make a large rectangle. Gently press together the seams and perforations. Place over meat loaf and mold to fit. Trim off excess dough. Use remaining rectangles to make a design for the top; cookie cutters may be used. Brush dough with egg white and return loaf to the oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

CAJUN POT ROAST

3 pound beef bottom round roast
1 tablespoon salad oil
2 large stalks celery
2 medium onions
1 medium green pepper
16 ounce can tomatoes
2 10 ounce packages frozen whole baby okra
1 bay leaf
1 garlic clove, minced

Seasoning Mix:
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

Prepare seasoning mix; rub 2 1/2 teaspoons of seasoning mix over meat. Brown in hot oil in Dutch oven. Remove to plate. Cut onions into wedges. Slice celery diagonally into 1/2 inch pieces and cut green peppers into 1 inch pieces. Cook, covered in drippings till tender. Stir in tomatoes, with their liquid, bay leaf, garlic and remaining seasoning mix. Return roast to pan and heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until roast is fork tender, stirring occasionally. About 10 minutes before roast is done, add frozen okra to mixture in Dutch oven; heat through. To serve, arrange meat and vegetables on warm, deep platter; discard bay leaf. Skim fat from liquid. Serve liquid with meat and vegetables. Makes 12 servings.

SHRIMP AND MUSHROOMS IN SPICY BLACK BEAN OYSTER SAUCE

12 medium size dried Chinese black mushrooms or dried shiitake mushrooms
1 1/2 cups hot water
1 pound large uncooked shrimp, peeled, deveined
1 tablespoon dry Sherry or dry white wine
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
2 tablespoons salted black beans
1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 1/2 tablespoons minced peeled fresh ginger
1 tablespoon minced seeded jalapeño
2 green onions, finely chopped
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons peanut oil
freshly cooked rice

Soak mushrooms in 1 1/2 cups hot water in medium bowl until softened, about 20 minutes. Drain mushrooms, reserving 1 cup soaking liquid. Squeeze out excess moisture. Cut off stems and discard. Cut caps in half. Toss mushrooms, shrimp, Sherry and 1 tablespoons cornstarch together in medium bowl to coat evenly. Let stand 15 minutes. Whisk 1 cup reserved mushroom soaking liquid, oyster sauce, remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch and sugar in small bowl until cornstarch dissolves. Cover black beans with hot water and soak 1 minute. Drain beans and chop finely. Combine beans in small bowl with garlic, ginger, chili and half of green onions. Heat 1/4 cup oil in wok or heavy large skillet over high heat. Add shrimp mixture and stir fry until shrimp curl and turn pink, about 2 minutes. Pour content of wok into sieve to drain shrimp. Line platter with cooked rice. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons peanut oil in same wok over high heat. stir fry black bean mixture until fragrant, about 1 minute. Return shrimp mixture to wok. Stir mushroom liquid mixture and add to wok. Cook until sauce thickens and begins to boil, stirring constantly, about 1 minute. Spoon contents of wok over rice on platter. Garnish with remaining green onions and serve. Serves 4.

FAJITA BURGERS

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small red onion, chopped
1 small bell pepper, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 1/4 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
4 flour tortillas
1 cup salsa
guacamole

Prepare a hot fire in a grill. In a large skillet, heat oil. Add onion and red pepper and cook over medium heat, stirring often, until vegetables are lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. In medium bowl, combine cooked vegetables, ground beef, lime juice, chili powder and salt. Using wet hands, form into 4 ovals about 2 inches wide and 4 1/2 inches long. Place patties in center of oiled grill set 4 to 6 inches from coals. Cook, turning once, until browned, about 4 minutes. Transfer burgers to outside edge of grill and continue grilling, turning once, until burgers are cooked through and meat springs back when pressed lightly with a finger, 8 to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, wrap tortillas in aluminum foil and place on sides of grill to heat through. Place warm tortillas and bowls of salsa and guacamole on table. Let each guest place a burger on a tortilla, top with salsa and guacamole, roll up and enjoy.

JALAPENO POTATO SOUP

1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup margarine
5 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
8 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 cup jalapeno chiles, coarsely chopped
1 pinch baking soda
4 cups evaporated milk
salt and pepper to taste
sour cream
green onions, chopped

In a large stockpot, saute onion in butter or margarine until just tender. Add potatoes, chicken broth and cumin, then cover and cook until potatoes are tender, about 20 or 30 minutes. Remove from heat and add jalapenos with liquid, baking soda and evaporated milk. Coarsely mash potatoes in the pot with a potato masher. Stir well, then season with salt and pepper, Return to heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Garnish individual servings with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkling of chopped green onions. Serves 16 to 18.

THAI STIR FRIED RICE AND PINEAPPLE

1 pineapple
2 to 3 tablespoons of chopped shallots
1 to 2 tablespoons grated ginger
4 to 5 jalapeno peppers
2 spring onions, coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon chopped coriander or cilantro
2 tablespoons dried shrimp
2 to 3 tablespoons garlic, coarsely chopped
1 to 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
2 cups of cold, steamed Thai jasmine rice and coriander leaves as garnish

Cut the pineapple in half lengthwise and scoop out the fruit, then chop it into bite sized chunks. Put the fruit in a bowl and add the shallots, jalapeno, ginger, scallion and coriander, mix and set aside. Add a pinch of salt to bring out the juice. In a wok, heat about a tablespoon of oil and stir fry the shrimp until crispy and the oil is aromatic. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and drain, then set aside. Add a further tablespoon of oil and stir fry the garlic until golden brown. Add the rice and stir thoroughly. Add the fish sauce and sugar and continue stirring. When the rice is heated through, add the pineapple mixture and cooked shrimp and stir until thoroughly heated through. Pour the mixture into the pineapple shells, garnish and serve. If you prefer fried rice to be darkish brown in color, then replace half the fish sauce with dark sweet soy sauce.

Variation: do not cook the fruit mixture. Instead put the fruit mixture and the stir fried rice in the fridge separately and chill all the ingredients. Just before serving mix them and put them in the pineapple skins. If you are serving cold then you can also add a few maraschino cherries as garnish. This cold variant makes an excellent counterpoint to hot curries and spicy chilli dishes on a hot day.

JALAPENO TERIYAKI GRILLED FLANK STEAK

1/2 cup dry red wine
1/2 cup tamari or soy sauce
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup orange juice
1/4 cup grated peeled fresh ginger
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon pepper
6 cloves garlic; minced
2 tablespoons minced jalapeno pepper
2 1 pound flank steaks
nonstick cooking spray

Combine all ingredients except cooking spray in a large ziploc plastic bag; seal bag and marinate in refrigerator 8 hours or overnight. Remove steak from bag, reserving marinade. Prepare grill or broiler. Place steak on grill rack or broiler pan coated with cooking spray and cook 5 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness, basting frequently with reserved marinade. Cut steak diagonally across grain into thin slices. 8 servings.

AVOCADO FILLED WITH MANGO CRAB

100gm can crab meat
1 small mango, peeled and sliced
100ml sour cream
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons brandy
good pinch paprika
salt and pepper to taste
8 lettuce leave
2 avocados halved and seeded
dill sprigs and cherry tomatoes to garnish

Mash crab meat and mango together. Add the sour cream, shallot, lemon juice, brandy, paprika, salt and pepper and blend well together. Make a bed of lettuce leaves on a flat serving dish. Place an avocado half on the leaves and fill with the crab mixture. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with dill sprigs and cherry tomatoes.

BLUEBERRIES AND CREAM CHEESECAKE

Crust:
12 ounces vanilla wafer cookies, crushed
3/4 cup butter, melted

Filling:
5 8 ounce packages cream cheese
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
6 eggs
2 egg yolks
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup whipping cream

Topping:
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup plus 3 tablespoons water, divided
1 cup granulated sugar
16 ounces blueberries

For crust, combine cookie crumbs and butter. Press into bottom and halfway up sides of a greased 9 inch springform pan. Cover and refrigerate. For filling, beat cream cheese 25 minutes in a large bowl, adding 1 package at a time. Add sugar and beat 5 minutes longer. Add eggs and egg yolks, one at a time, beating 2 minutes after each addition. Beat in flour and vanilla. Beat in cream. Preheat oven to 500F. Pour filling into crust. Bake 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 200F. Bake 1 hour. Turn oven off and leave cake in oven 1 hour without opening door. Cool completely on a wire rack. Remove sides of pan. For topping, combine cornstarch and 3 tablespoons water in small bowl; stir until smooth. Combine sugar and remaining 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Stirring constantly, cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Stirring constantly, add cornstarch mixture and cook until mixture boils and thickens. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Stir in blueberries. Spoon topping over cheesecake. Loosely cover and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight. Serve chilled.

SPINACH STUFFED MANICOTTI WITH RED PEPPER SAUCE

Filling:
1 10 ounce package frozen chopped spinach
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
1 15 ounce container ricotta cheese
1/2 cup coarsely grated mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
pinch of grated nutmeg
salt and pepper to taste

Pasta:
8 manicotti shells, uncooked

Sauce:
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 egg
1 7 ounce jar roasted sweet red peppers, drained, rinsed and blotted dry or roast your own
salt and pepper
1/2 cup additional shredded mozzarella cheese

Cook spinach according to package directions; drain and cool. Blot with a paper towels to remove moisture. Heat olive oil in a medium skillet. Saute onion until tender about 5 minutes. Add garlic and saute another minute. Stir in cooked, drained spinach and stir over medium heat to remove moisture further. In a large bowl, stir together ricotta, 1/2 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, beaten egg, nutmeg, salt and pepper till blended. Stir in the spinach, onion and garlic mixture; set aside. Cook manicotti shells in boiling salted water till just barely cooked about 4 to 7 minutes. Carefully remove them and place in a bowl of cold water until ready to stuff. Blot manicotti shells before stuffing. Evenly divide stuffing mixture and carefully fill shells. Arrange them in 2 rows in a lightly buttered or nonstick sprayed 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over low heat and gradually stir in flour. Cook and stir constantly about 3 minutes. Gradually add the milk, stirring over medium heat until the mixture comes to a slight boil, stir and lightly simmer as it thickens about 10 minutes as you would do if making any white sauce. Beat egg in a small bowl and gradually whisk in some of the hot sauce to warm temper the egg. Mix egg into the sauce and stir until blended. Meanwhile, puree roasted peppers in a food processor or blender. Gradually add the hot white sauce to the peppers. adjust with salt and pepper to taste, add the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and finish blending until smooth. Preheat oven to 375F. Pour red pepper sauce over all. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake until sauce is bubbly about 15 minutes. Let stand for at least 10 minutes before serving. Serves 4.

ORANGE BOURBON TURKEY

12 pound fresh or frozen whole turkey, thawed
2 cups fresh orange juice
1 cup water
3/4 cup bourbon, divided
1/3 cup molasses
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
4 oranges, peeled
nonstick vegetable oil cooking spray
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
orange slices, optional
flat leaf parsley sprigs, optional

Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey; discard. Rinse turkey thoroughly with cold water; pat dry. Combine orange juice, water, 1/2 cup of the bourbon and the molasses in a 2 gallon, heavy duty, resealable plastic bag. Add the turkey, seal and marinate in the refrigerator for 4 to 24 hours, turning the bag occasionally. Remove the turkey from the bag; reserve the marinade. Preheat the oven to 350F. Tie the ends of the turkey legs with kitchen string. Tuck the wing tips under the bird. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of the salt into the body cavity. Stuff cavity with the oranges. Place the turkey on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray or on a rack set in a shallow roasting pan. Insert a meat thermometer into the meaty part of the thigh, making sure not to touch bone. Bake for 3 hours or until thermometer registers 180F. Cover turkey loosely with foil if it gets too brown. Remove turkey from oven, cover loosely with foil and let stand at least 20 minutes before carving. Discard the oranges. Remove turkey skin before serving. To make the sauce: Pour the reserved marinade into a saucepan; bring to a boil. Skim the foam from the mixture with a slotted spoon; discard. Reduce the heat to medium; cook until reduced to 3 1/2 cups, about 15 minutes. Combine the remaining 1/4 cup of the bourbon and the flour in a small bowl, whisking well. Add to the reduced marinade; bring the mixture to a boil and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Serve the sauce with the turkey. Garnish with orange slices and parsley sprigs, if desired. Makes 12 servings.

HONEY ROASTED PORK ON BED OF SWEET POTATOES

Pork tenderloin, in addition to being the leanest cut of pork and one that can be cooked with no added fat, is also convenient for time-pressured cooks. Here it roasts in just thirty minutes, on a bed of vegetables that are also used to make a delicious sauce to serve with the pork.


1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1/2 inch squares
1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1/2 inch squares
3 cloves garlic, slivered
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2/3 cup chicken broth, canned
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 pound well trimmed pork tenderloin

Preheat the oven to 425F. In a large bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, red and green bell peppers, the garlic, salt and black pepper, and toss until well combined. Spoon the vegetables into a 7 by 11 inch baking pan and toss with 1/3 cup of the chicken broth. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together the honey, mustard and lemon juice. Place the pork on top of the sweet potato mixture and brush with half of the honey mixture. Pour the remaining honey mixture over the vegetables. Roast uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Remove the pork to a cutting board and let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Meanwhile, spoon 1 cup of the vegetable mixture into a food processor and purée with the remaining 1/3 cup chicken broth. Slice the pork and serve topped with the vegetable purée, with the roasted vegetables on the side. 4 servings.

GAME HENS WITH PESTO RUB AND ROASTED POTATOES

4 cups loosely packed fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
2 garlic cloves, chopped

4 Cornish hens
cooking spray
2 pounds small red potatoes, quartered
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon cornstarch
fresh basil sprigs, optional

Use kitchen shears or a sharp knife to split the hens. Preheat oven to 375F. Combine first 7 ingredients in a food processor; process until smooth. Remove and discard giblets and necks from hens. Rinse hens with cold water; pat dry. Starting at neck cavity, loosen skin from breast and drumsticks by inserting fingers, gently pushing between skin and meat. Rub pesto under loosened skin. Gently press skin to secure. Lift wing tips up and over back; tuck under hens. Place hens on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray. Insert a meat thermometer into meaty part of a thigh, making sure not to touch bone. Combine potatoes, 1 tablespoon oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, tossing well to coat. Arrange potatoes around hens; bake at 375F for 45 minutes or until thermometer registers 180 degrees and potatoes are tender. Remove hens and potatoes from pan and cover loosely with foil. Let stand 10 minutes. Discard skin. Cut hens in half and cover loosely with foil. Place a zip top plastic bag inside a 2 cup glass measure. Pour pan drippings into bag; let stand 10 minutes; the fat will rise to the top. Seal bag and carefully snip off 1 bottom corner. Drain drippings into pan, stopping before fat layer reaches opening; discard fat. Place the pan over medium high heat. Stir in broth, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Combine 1 tablespoon water and cornstarch, stirring well with a whisk. Add to pan. Bring to a boil; cook until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 3 minutes. Serve sauce with hens and potatoes. Garnish with basil sprigs, if desired. 8 servings.

PINEAPPLE CHICKEN AND RICE WITH PEAS

Pineapple Chicken

1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
salt and pepper to taste
4 cups cubed, cooked chicken
2 5 1/2 ounce cans pineapple chunks, drained
1 8 ounce can sliced water chestnuts, drained
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger

In a large saucepan, combine the first six ingredients until smooth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the chicken, pineapple, water chestnuts and ginger; cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve over rice with peas. 4 servings.

Rice with Peas

2 cups rice
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 cup peas
4 cups chicken stock
1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

Wash rice and leave to soak for half an hour. Allow to drain. Heat oil in a pot and saute onion till it becomes translucent. Add bay leaves, salt, pepper and rice. Cook until the rice grains become opaque, stirring occasionally. Add peas and stir together until the peas are well coated in oil. Add chicken stock. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer over a low heat until the rice is tender about 15 to 20 minutes. 4 servings.

SAUSAGE CREAM SAUCE

10 ounces sausage, four hot Italian links, casings removed
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup tomato sauce
1/4 cup dry red wine
salt
1 tablespoon heavy cream
1 tablespoon parsley, fresh Italian leaf, chopped
hot pepper flakes
Pecorino Romano

Brown sausage in a large saute pan in olive oil breaking up the sausage with a wooden spoon. When the sausage is browned, remove them to a paper towel lined plate. Deglaze the pan with the red wine, scraping up the drippings with a wooden spoon. Stir in the tomato sauce and bring it to a boil. Lower the heat and add the browned sausage pieces back to the pan. Cook, partially covered, stirring occasionally and checking that they are just simmering, for about 5 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and the parsley. Serve with pasta of your choice. Garnish with hot pepper flakes and freshly grated Pecorino Romano.

PASTA WITH FOUR CHEESES

1 pound elbow macaroni
5 tablespoons unsalted butter or margarine
1 onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
3 cups low fat milk, heated; do not boil
1/2 pound sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 ounces Gruyere cheese or Swiss cheese, shredded
1/2 cup crumbled bleu cheese
6 drops liquid red pepper seasoning
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
4 plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced
1 cup fresh bread crumbs
1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Cook macaroni following package directions until al dente; firm but tender. Drain; rinse with cold water; drain again. Preheat oven to 375F. Grease 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish. Melt 3 tablespoons butter in medium size saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; saute 4 minutes. Stir in flour; cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in hot milk. Bring to boiling, stirring often; cook 1 minute. Remove from heat. Reserve 1/4 cup each Cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Stir remaining Cheddar, Parmesan, Gruyere, bleu cheese, red pepper seasoning, dry mustard, salt and pepper into sauce until cheeses just melt. Combine macaroni, sauce and tomatoes in large bowl. Pour into prepared baking dish. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Combine reserved Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, bread crumbs and parsley in small bowl. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in small saucepan. Add to crumb mixture; stir to combine. Sprinkle over top of macaroni. Bake 10 to 15 minutes longer or until bubbly and top is browned.

CHORIZO BAKE

8 ounces chorizo sausage, thinly sliced
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup cornmeal
3 tablespoons sugar
4 eggs
1 12 ounce can whole kernel corn, drained
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
6 green onions, sliced
1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Preheat oven to 375F. In a skillet, cook sausage over medium heat, stirring often, for about 5 minutes or until golden. Meanwhile, in a bowl, beat together cream cheese, cornmeal and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, beating until smooth after each addition. Stir in corn, 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, onions, jalapeno pepper, oregano, salt and pepper. Pour half of the egg mixture into greased 8 cup casserole. Cover with 3/4 of the sausage. Pour remaining egg mixture over top. Sprinkle with remaining sausage and cheddar cheese. Bake in oven for about 30 minutes or until light golden and set. Let cool for 5 minutes. Serves 4 to 6.

BUFFALO CHICKEN LASAGNA

12 pieces lasagna, uncooked
vegetable oil cooking spray
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts, diced
4 cups low sodium spaghetti sauce
1 and 1/2 cups water
2 to 3 tablespoons hot pepper sauce
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic salt
15 ounces container part skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup egg substitute
1 cup crumbled bleu cheese

Spray a large skillet with cooking spray; place over medium high heat until hot. Add chicken; saute 4 minutes. Drain well. Stir in spaghetti sauce, water, hot pepper sauce, vinegar and garlic salt. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese and egg substitute. Set aside. Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with spray. Spread 1 cup of the sauce over the bottom of the pan. Arrange four pieces of lasagna; 3 lengthwise, 1 widthwise, over the sauce. Cover with 1 1/2 cups of the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture on top. Arrange another four pieces of lasagna over ricotta and top with another 1 1/2 cups of sauce. Spread the remaining ricotta mixture over the top. Arrange final four pieces of lasagna over ricotta mixture; cover with remaining sauce. Preheat oven to 350F. Cover lasagna with foil and bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Uncover lasagna, sprinkle bleu cheese over the top, bake an additional 5 minute uncovered. Let stand 15 minutes covered, before serving. Make 10 servings.

CRANBERRY CHEESECAKE

1/4 cup graham wafer crumbs
1 pound low fat cream cheese or ricotta
1 3/4 cups 1% cottage cheese
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup light sour cream
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon each vanilla and grated lemon rind

Sauce:
2 cups cranberries
1/2 cup orange juice
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch

Sprinkle crumbs over greased 9 inch square baking pan; set aside. In food processor, blend cheeses and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time; blend in sour cream, cornstarch, vanilla and rind. Pour over crumbs. Set pan in larger shallow pan; pour in enough hot water to come 1 inch up sides. Bake in 325F oven for 50 to 55 minutes or until tester inserted in center comes out clean. Remove pan from water; let cool on rack. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or up to 2 days. Sauce: Bring berries orange juice and sugar to boil over medium high heat, stirring; cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until berries pop, stirring often. Dissolve cornstarch in 1 tablespoon water; whisk into sauce and cook, whisking, for 2 minutes or until thickened. Sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Top each serving of cheesecake with 1 tablespoon sauce. Makes 12 servings.

BLUE CHEESE SOUP

2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup each finely chopped onion, celery, carrot
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/3 cup flour
2 teaspoons cornstarch
3 cups chicken stock
1/2 pound each bleu and cheddar cheeses, crumbled
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup cream, heavy or light, as desired
1/3 cup dry white wine, if desired
salt to taste
dash of cayenne
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 bay leaf
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Melt the butter, add the onion, celery, carrot and garlic. Cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Stir in the flour and cornstarch, cooking until bubbly, about 2 minutes. Add the stock, the two cheeses, baking soda, cream and wine. Stir and blend until smooth and thickened. Add salt, cayenne, pepper and bay leaf. Bring to a slow boil and let simmer 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the bay leaf. Test for consistency. May be thinned with a little milk or wine if too thick. Garnish with the parsley and serve.

LOW FAT VEGETABLE LASAGNE

9 pieces lasagne, uncooked
1 medium yellow onion, chopped, about 1 cup
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
2 garlic cloves, crushed
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced thin
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 10 ounce package frozen spinach, thawed, drained thoroughly
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 cups meatless tomato or spaghetti sauce
1 15 ounce container part skim or reduced fat ricotta cheese
3/4 cup shredded, part skim mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Prepare pasta according to package directions; drain and cover with cool water until ready to use. While pasta is cooking, combine onions and oil in a skillet over medium heat until golden, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook about 1 minute. Spoon out half the onions and reserve for later. Add the mushrooms to the onions in the skillet. Cook, stirring over medium heat, until the mushrooms are tender and slightly browned, about 7 minutes. Add the parsley and a pinch of salt; transfer to a bowl. Add the reserved cooked onion and the spinach to the skillet. Cover and cook over medium heat until the spinach is wilted, about 3 minutes. Uncover and cook over medium heat to evaporate any excess moisture, about 1 minute. Season with a pinch of salt. Heat oven to 350F. Drain the lasagne and pat dry with paper towels. Mix the oregano and basil with the tomato sauce. Spread 1 cup tomato sauce in the bottom of a 13 x 9 x 3 inch pan. Arrange 3 lasagne pieces, slightly overlapping, in the pan. Spoon the spinach mixture on top in an even layer. Spread with half of the ricotta. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Serves 8.

JALAPENO MUSTARD GLAZED PORK LOIN

1/2 cup sweet and hot mustard
3 tablespoons white wine
2 tablespoons honey
1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup cilantro leaves, minced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeno, minced
1 pound boneless pork tenderloin, trimmed

Combine the mustard, wine and honey in a medium bowl. Add the onions, cilantro, garlic and jalapeno. Transfer to a self sealing plastic bag and add the pork. Marinate at least 2 hours in the refrigerator. Preheat the oven to 350F. Remove the pork from the marinade and wipe off any excess marinade. Place in a shallow roasting dish and bake until it reaches an internal temperature of 135F, about 20 minutes, basting occasionally with the marinade. Let cool slightly before slicing. Serves 4.

Herbed Noodles

8 ounces uncooked noodles
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon parsley
1/4 cup minced green onion
1 tablespoon butter or margarine, melted

Cook noodles in 1 quart boiling salted water until tender, 7 to 10 minutes. Drain noodles and return to saucepan. Mix remaining ingredients; pour onto noodles and toss. Makes 4 servings.

FETTUCCINE CHICKEN TEQUILA

1 pound spinach Fettuccine, uncooked
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons minced jalapeno pepper
3 tablespoons unsalted butter or margarine
1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons gold tequila
2 tablespoons lime juice
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 1/4 pounds chicken breast, diced 3/4 inch
1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 medium yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream

Prepare pasta according to package directions; drain. Saute cilantro, garlic and jalapeno in 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes. Add chicken broth, tequila and lime juice. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until reduced to a pastelike consistency. Set aside. Pour soy sauce over diced chicken. Marinate for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, cook onion and peppers, stirring occasionally, with remaining butter over medium heat until wilted. Add chicken and soy sauce; toss and add reserved tequila/lime paste and cream. Bring to a boil, until chicken is cooked through, about 3 minutes. Toss with hot pasta and serve immediately.

SIRLOIN TIPS WITH MUSHROOMS

3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 pounds beef sirloin
1 16 ounce can mushrooms, with liquid
1 8 ounce can tomato sauce
salt to taste
freshly ground pepper, to taste
3/4 cup red wine

Cut beef into cubes. In a large skillet over medium high heat, heat the olive oil and brown beef cubes with the garlic. Add mushrooms with liquid, tomato sauce, salt, pepper and red wine. Cook for 30 minutes or until beef cubes are tender. Add a little more wine while cooking if desired. Makes 6 servings.

Herbed Noodles

12 ounces uncooked wide noodles
3/4 teaspoon thyme
3/4 teaspoon basil
3/4 teaspoon parsley
2 green onions, minced
3 tablespoons melted butter

Cook noodles in 2 quarts boiling salted wate until tender, 7 to 10 minutes. Drain noodles and return to saucepan. Mix remaining ingredients; pour onto noodles and toss. Makes 6 servings

LOW FAT EGGPLANT WITH ROASTED PEANUTS

1 1/2 tablespoons Asian fish sauce
4 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1/2 pound long thin Asian eggplants
1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil
1/2 pound long beans or other green beans
10 cherry tomatoes
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon roasted peanuts

Stir together fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice and let stand about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved. Preheat broiler. Cut eggplants crosswise into 1/2 inch thick slices. Brush a small baking pan with some oil and place eggplant slices in pan. Brush eggplant with remaining oil and broil 3 to 4 inches from heat, turning it once, until tender and browned, about 8 minutes. Combine eggplant with fish sauce mixture and toss. Prepare a bowl of ice and cold water. Cut beans into 1 1/2 inch lengths and cook in a saucepan of boiling salted water 2 minutes. Drain beans and place into ice water to stop cooking. Drain beans well and mix in with eggplant mixture. Cut tomatoes in half and coarsely chop cilantro. Finely chop peanuts. Mix in tomatoes, cilantro, and some peanuts to eggplant mixture, tossing to combine. Vegetables may be prepared 2 hours ahead. Serve vegetables at room temperature sprinkled with remaining peanuts. Serves 4.

Each serving about 74 calories and 2 grams fat

TERIYAKI CHICKEN TOSS WITH SPAGHETTINI PASTA

Teriyaki Chicken Toss with Spaghettini Pasta

1 teaspoon canola or olive oil
3 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1/2 teaspoon Mrs. Dash Original Seasoning
1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed chilies or red pepper
1 small onion
1 small zucchini
1/2 green pepper
1/2 red pepper
1 cup water
10 mushrooms
12 ounces spaghettini pasta
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoon soy sauce
1/3 cup honey garlic sauce
1 10 ounce can chicken broth, divided
2 teaspoons curry powder
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon basil

Fill a large stove top pot with water, cover and bring to a boil. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large nonstick fry pan or wok at medium high heat. Cut chicken into bite size pieces and gradually add to the pan as you cut. Season with Mrs. Dash seasoning and chilies and stir until the meat is no longer pink. Chop onion, zucchini and peppers into bite size chunks, in that order. Add to pan as you chop. Wash and slice mushrooms, adding to pan as you slice. Toss occasionally. Place pasta in boiling water, stir and cook uncovered. Set timer for 8 minutes. Add cornstarch to a small bowl or measuring cup. Gradually add soy sauce while stirring so the the cornstarch is smooth not lumpy. Mix in the honey garlic sauce and 1/4 cup chicken broth. Add to pan of chicken and vegetables. Stir and leave to simmer on low. Rinse the cooked pasta under hot water in a colander. Let drain. Mix the following in the empty pasta pot at medium low heat: remaining 1 cup chicken broth, curry powder, honey, and basil. Stir together and return pasta to pot. Toss the pasta to coat in the spice broth. Remove from heat. Serve chicken and vegetable mixture over a bed of pasta. Serves 4 to 6.

CREAMY CHICKEN BAKE WITH BROCCOLI AND GARLIC

6 boneless chicken breasts
seasoning salt to taste
olive oil for browning
1 16 ounce container sour cream
1 10.75 ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 1 ounce package dry onion soup mix

Preheat oven to 350F. Sprinkle the chicken breasts with seasoning salt to taste. In a large skillet, brown the chicken in olive oil, on both sides, until they are golden brown. Then place the chicken in a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. In a medium size bowl, combine the sour cream, chicken soup and dry onion soup mix. Pour the mixture over the chicken and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool and serve. Makes 6 servings.

Broccoli with Garlic

1 bunch of broccoli
6 garlic cloves
1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons water
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper, optional

Wash broccoli and cut into small florets. Cut the tender parts of the stem into smallish cubes. Steam in a microwave steamer or over boiling water until barely tender and still bright green about 3 1/2 to 5 minutes in a microwave, depending on the volume of broccoli and water. Don't overcook. Place olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Chop or mince the garlic. When the oil is hot, add the salt, then the garlic. Saute, stirring frequently, just until the garlic starts to soften. Quickly add the water, and the cayenne if desired. Turn heat low and simmer for a couple of minutes. Place the broccoli in a large glass or crockery serving bowl. Pour the garlic mixture over it, mixing gently to coat.

HADDOCK De JOURNEE

Haddock De Journee

2 pounds haddock filet
4 ounces shrimp, chopped fine
4 ounces scallops, chopped fine
2 ounces lobster, chopped fine
pinch salt and pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons white wine
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
pinch thyme
1/2 cup heavy cream

Hollandaise Sauce:
1/2 cup melted, warm butter
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice or tarragon vinegar
3 egg yolks
4 tablespoons boiling water
1/4 teaspoon salt
pinch cayenne

Combine all ingredients except haddock and heavy cream in a stainless steel mixing bowl. Place bowl over ice. Add cream slowly, whipping constantly with wire whisk until mixture is well blended. Butter an ovenproof baking dish. Slit haddock to make a pocket and stuff with mixture. Place in dish and bake at 350F for 20 minutes or until fish flakes when tested. Before serving top with Hollandaise Sauce. Serves 4.

Sauce: Place egg yolks in double boiler; cook over hot water, not boiling water, stirring constantly with wire whisk until they begin to thicken. Add 1 tablespoon boiling water. Repeat until all 4 tablespoons of water have been added. Beat in warm lemon juice. Remove from heat. Add warm melted butter very slowly, beating constantly with wire whisk. Add salt and cayenne. Serve at once. Makes 1 cup.

GINGERED CHINESE NOODLE SOUP

3 ounces cellophane noodles
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, sliced
2 thin carrots, sliced diagonally
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
3 cups chicken stock
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup ham cut into julienne
1 cup shredded watercress leaves
1/2 cup thinly sliced mushrooms
1 cup snow peas
1 teaspoon Oriental sesame oil
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon soy sauce

Put cellophane noodles in large bowl. Cover with boiling water. Let stand 5 minutes. Drain thoroughly. Heat oil in wok or deep large skillet over medium high heat. Add onion and carrots and stir fry 3 minutes. Add garlic and ginger stir fry 30 seconds. Add stock, water and soy sauce. Cover and boil 2 minutes. Add ham watercress, mushrooms and noodles. Return to boil. Cover, turn off heat and let steep 2 minutes. Add snow peas, cover and let steep until vegetables are crisp tender about 3 minutes. Stir in sesame oil, rice vinegar and red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning. Serve in deep bowls, sprinkle with green onions. Serves 4.

SOUTH DAKOTA GRILLED STEAK

1/3 cup black or mixed peppercorns
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
2 tablespoons coffee beans
1 tablespoon cilantro
1 teaspoon salt
4 porterhouse steaks
1 1/2 cups red wine
1/4 cup steak sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 teaspoon paprika

In a spice grinder or pepper mill, grind pepper, coriander seeds, and coffee beans. Add salt and cilantro. Compress spice mixture onto both sides of steaks, put into large plastic food bags or a glass baking dish. Combine wine, steak sauce, soy sauce, garlic and paprika; pour over beef. Close bags or cover dish and refrigerate several hours. Turn steak once or twice as it marinates. Reserve about a 1/2 cup of the marinade for grilling. Remove meat from marinade, pat dry with paper towels. Do not use liquid in actual marinade to brush on grilling meat. Preheat grill to medium heat. Cook steaks over medium coals to desired doneness, allowing 10 to 15 minutes per side for medium. Brush with marinade as they cook. Let steaks stand a few minutes before slicing.

WHITE CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup ground pecans
1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon butter or margarine, melted
1 pound white chocolate, coarsely chopped
2 8 ounce packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 11 ounce can Mandarin oranges, undrained
1/4 cup Cointreau or other orange flavored liqueur
1/2 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Combine graham cracker crumbs, ground pecans and melted butter or margarine; stirring until blended. Press mixture into bottom and 1 inch up sides of a 9 inch springform pan. Bake at 375F for 8 minutes; cool. Place white chocolate in top of a double boiler; bring water to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cook until chocolate melts. Let cool slightly. Combine cream cheese and sour cream in a large mixing bowl; beat at medium speed of an electric mixer until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Add vanilla and chocolate, stirring just until blended. Pour filling into prepared pan; bake at 300F for 50 minutes or until cheesecake is almost set. Turn oven off and partially open oven door. Leave cake in oven 30 minutes. Cool on wire rack; chill. Drain Mandarin oranges, reserving 1/2 cup liquid. Combine mandarin oranges and Cointreau; stir gently. Set aside for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain oranges, reserving Cointreau; set oranges aside. Combine reserved 1/2 cup orange liquid, reserved Cointreau orange juice and cornstarch in a saucepan; stir well. Cover and cook over medium heat 5 minutes or until thickened, stirring constantly; cool slightly. Remove outer rim of springform pan and place cheesecake on serving plate. Arrange orange sections in center and around outer edge of cheesecake. Spoon glaze over top of cheesecake; chill. Makes one 9 inch cheesecake.
Chocolate Ripple Cheesecake

1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 6 ounce package semisweet chocolate morsels
1/2 cup sugar
1 pound cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
3 eggs

Preheat oven to 325F. In small bowl, combine crumbs, 2 tablespoons sugar and butter; mix well. Pat into a 9 inch springform pan, covering bottom and 1 inch up sides. Place foil around bottom and 3/4 up sides; set aside. Over hot, not boiling water, combine chocolate morsels and 1/2 cup sugar; heat until morsels melt and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat; set aside. In large bowl, beat cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Add 3/4 cup sugar, vanilla extract and lemon rind; mix well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Divide batter in half. Stir melted chocolate in one half. Pour into crumb lined pan. Cover with plain batter. With sharp knife, swirl chocolate batter through plain batter to marbleize. Place pan in a roasting pan. Fill roasting pan with water to depth of 1 1/2 inches. Bake at 325F for 1 hour. Cool in oven with door slightly open 1 hour. Remove from oven and water bath. Allow to sit at least 2 hours before removing ring from pan. Makes one 9 inch cheesecake.

PEKING DUCK

5 pound whole duck, fresh or frozen
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 scallion
3 slice fresh ginger
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon soy sauce
few sprigs fresh coriander for garnish

Thaw the duck, if frozen. Remove any excess fat and rinse and pat dry with paper towels. Rub the entire surface of the duck, inside and out, with the salt. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or, even better, overnight. Put the scallion in the cavity and lay the slices of ginger on top of the duck. Add at least 2 inches of water to a large flameproof roasting pan with a lid and put the pan on the stove. Place a large rack in the roasting pan and bring the water to a boil. Choose an oval casserole large enough to hold the duck and small enough to fit into the roasting pan. Place the duck in the casserole and then put the casserole on the rack. Cover and steam for 1 hour, checking the water level from time to time and adding more boiling water if necessary. Save the duck broth to use in soups or stir fry dishes. When done, remove the duck from the casserole and place it on a rack to dry. Combine the ingredients for the glaze in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. With a pastry brush, paint the hot glaze over the surface of the duck. Allow duck to dry for 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 375F. Roast the duck, breast side down, for 20 minutes. Turn over and continue to roast for 40 more minutes. Transfer duck to a chopping board and allow to cool slightly. Using a cleaver, disjoint and cut the duck through the bone into bite size pieces. Arrange the pieces on a serving platter, garnish with coriander and serve. Serves 6.

CAPITOL PUNISHMENT CHILI

1 tablespoon oregano
2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons MSG or Accent
9 tablespoons Chili powder
4 tablespoons cumin
4 tablespoons instant beef bouillon
24 ounces Old Milwaukee beer
2 cups water
4 pounds extra lean chuck, chili grind
2 pounds extra lean pork, chili grind
1 pound extra lean chuck, cut into 1/4 inch cubes
2 large onions, finely chopped
10 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 cup oil
1 teaspoon powdered mole, also called mole poblano
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon coriander seed
1 teaspoon hot sauce
8 ounces tomato sauce
1 tablespoon masa harina flour
salt to taste

In a large pot, add paprika oregano, MSG, chili powder, cumin, beef bouillon, beer and 2 cups water. Let simmer. In a separate skillet, brown meat in 1 pound or 1 1/2 pound batches with oil. Drain and add to simmering spices. Continue until all meat is done. Saute chopped onion and garlic in 1 tablespoons oil. Add to spices and meat mixture. Add water as needed. Simmer 2 hours. Add mole, sugar, coriander seed, hot sauce and tomato sauce. Simmer 45 minutes. Dissolve masa harina flour in warm water to form a paste. Add to chili. Add salt to taste. Simmer for 30 minutes. Add additional hot sauce for hotter taste. Makes 1 pot.

TERIYAKI CHICKEN TOSS WITH SPAGHETTINI PASTA

1 teaspoon canola or olive oil
3 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1/2 teaspoon Mrs. Dash Original Seasoning
1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed chilies or red pepper
1 small onion
1 small zucchini
1/2 green pepper
1/2 red pepper
1 cup water
10 mushrooms
12 ounces spaghettini pasta
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoon soy sauce
1/3 cup honey garlic sauce
1 10 ounce can chicken broth, divided
2 teaspoons curry powder
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon basil

Fill a large stove top pot with water, cover and bring to a boil. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large nonstick fry pan or wok at medium high heat. Cut chicken into bite size pieces and gradually add to the pan as you cut. Season with Mrs. Dash seasoning and chilies and stir until the meat is no longer pink. Chop onion, zucchini and peppers into bite size chunks, in that order. Add to pan as you chop. Wash and slice mushrooms, adding to pan as you slice. Toss occasionally. Place pasta in boiling water, stir and cook uncovered. Set timer for 8 minutes. Add cornstarch to a small bowl or measuring cup. Gradually add soy sauce while stirring so the the cornstarch is smooth not lumpy. Mix in the honey garlic sauce and 1/4 cup chicken broth. Add to pan of chicken and vegetables. Stir and leave to simmer on low. Rinse the cooked pasta under hot water in a colander. Let drain. Mix the following in the empty pasta pot at medium low heat: remaining 1 cup chicken broth, curry powder, honey, and basil. Stir together and return pasta to pot. Toss the pasta to coat in the spice broth. Remove from heat. Serve chicken and vegetable mixture over a bed of pasta. Serves 4 to 6.

SESAME BUTTERMILK PORK WITH MANGO CHUTNEY

1/3 cup plain bread crumbs
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
dash of fried thyme leaves
2 tablespoons low fat buttermilk
4 pork center cut chops

Preheat oven to 370F. Combine crumbs, seeds, paprika, parsley, pepper and thyme in a shallow dish. Place milk in second shallow dish. Dip pork into milk, coating both sides, dredge in crumbs to coat. Spray 8" square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray; place pork in dish. Bake 15 minutes, turn chops over and bake an additional 10 minutes or until pork reaches an internal temperature of 160F. Serve chops with Mango Chutney.

Mango Chutney
1 mango, peeled, pitted and chopped
4 teaspoons chopped green onion
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoons mincedjalapeno pepper

In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. Cover and chill.

BLACK BEAN SOUP WITH CILANTRO LIME SOUR CREAM

1 16 ounce package dried black beans
6 bacon slices, chopped
3/4 cup finely chopped celery
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
3/4 cup finely chopped carrots
3/4 cup finely chopped leeks
10 cups canned low salt chicken broth
1 large tomato, chopped
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 jalapeño chili, minced
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander

3/4 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
Additional chopped fresh cilantro
Additional chopped tomato

Place beans in large bowl. Add enough water to cover by 3 inches. Let stand overnight. Drain well. Cook bacon in heavy large pot over medium heat until brown but still soft, about 4 minutes. Add celery, onion, carrots and leeks and sauté until vegetables begin to soften, about 10 minutes. Add beans, chicken broth, tomato, 1/2 cup cilantro, parsley, garlic, jalapeño, vinegar, cumin and coriander. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium low, cover and simmer soup until beans are very tender, stirring occasionally, about 2 hours. Working in batches, transfer soup to blender and process until slightly chunky puree forms. Return soup to pot. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to simmer before continuing. Mix sour cream, lemon juice, lime juice and 1/2 cup cilantro in small bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle soup into bowls. Place dollop of sour cream mixture atop soup. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and chopped tomato. Serves 8.

ORANGE DIJON CHICKEN

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/2 cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 recipe Orange Dijon Glaze, recipe below
coarsely ground black pepper
shredded orange peel, optional
fresh herb sprigs, optional

Place the chicken in a heavy plastic bag set into a large bowl.In a small bowl, stir together olive oil, garlic, salt and ground black pepper. Pour over the chicken breast halves in the heavy plastic bag. Close the bag and turn chicken breast halves to coat well. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or up to 8 hours, turning the bag occasionally. Drain chicken; discard marinade. To broil, place chicken on unheated rack of a broiler pan. Broil 4 to 5 inches from heat for 12 to 15 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink, turning chicken over after half of the broiling time. Or, to grill, place chicken on the rack of an uncovered grill, boned sides up, directly over medium coals. Grill, uncovered, for 12 to 15 minutes or until no longer pink, rearranging the chicken breasts once on each side to produce diamond markings and turning chicken over after half of the grilling time. Transfer chicken to 4 warm serving plates and cut into slices, if you like. Spoon Orange Dijon Glaze on top and sprinkle with some coarsely ground pepper. Garnish with the orange peel and, if you like, the fresh herb sprigs. Serves 4.

Orange Dijon Glaze: In a small saucpean, stir together 1/4 cup thawed frozen orange juice concentrate, 2 to 4 tablespoons Dijon style mustard, 2 tablespoons water, 1 tablespoon balsmic vinegar, if you like, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon snipped fresh basil, 1 teaspoon snipped fresh mint and 1/2 teaspoon snipped fresh rosemary. Heat until glaze is warmed through. Makes 3/4 cup.

PEPPER CRUSTED T BONES

Worcestershire Chive Butter:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup finely chopped shallots
1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
2 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons dry mustard
3 tablespoons finely chopped chives
salt and freshly ground pepper

Steaks:
2 cups coarsely ground black peppercorns
3 tablespoons ancho chile powder
8 T bone steaks, each 10 to 12 ounces
olive oil
salt

Preheat grill or side burner. Heat oil in a medium skillet add shallots and garlic and cook until soft, let cool slightly. Place butter in a small bowl and add shallot mixture, Worcestershire, mustard and chives and mix until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Scrape mixture into the center of a piece of waxed paper and roll into a log. Refrigerate until firm. Preheat grill. Mix the peppercorns and ancho chile powder in a medium baking dish. Brush steaks with olive oil and season with salt. Dredge one side of the steaks in the pepper mixture and grill, pepper side down, until golden brown, about 5 to 6 minutes, turn over and continue grilling 6 to 7 minutes for medium rare doneness. Remove from the grill and top with a slice of the butter. 8 servings.
PEPPER