Cooking Genius

Caribbean Guacamole Recipe

2010-03-05T16:26:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

1/2 lb Sweet bread, Hawaiian or – Portuguese
2 tb Coconut,sweetened,flaked, dried
1 sm Firm-ripe papaya
1 lg Firm-ripe avocado
2 tb Lime juice
1 ts Sugar
1/4 ts Crushed dried red hot chilies

Directions

Cut bread into 1/4 thick slices, then cut diagonally into triangles. Arrange in a single layer in a 10x15” pan. Bake in a 300'F. oven until lightly browned, about 10 minutes; turn slices over halfway through baking. Cool on racks. If made ahead, wrap airtight and store at room temperature up to a day.
In a 7-8” frying pan, stir coconut over medium-high heat until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Pour from pan; set aside.
Cut papaya in half lengthwise. Discard seeds and peel, leaving halves intact. From 1 half, cut 2 lengthwise slices, each about 1/4” thick.
Dice remaining papaya; set fruit aside.
Cut avocado in half lengthwise. Discard pit and peel, leaving halves intact. From 1 half, cut 2 lengthwise slices, each about 1/4″ thick.
Sprinkle slices with 1 teaspoon lime juice; set aside. Dice remaining avocado and mix with remaining lime juice, sugar, and red chilies. On a platter, arrange avocado mixture and diced papaya side by side in separate mounds. Fan reserved avocado slices next to diced papaya, and reserved papaya slices next to avocado mixture. Sprinkle with coconut.

Conch Fritters Recipe

2010-03-05T16:25:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

2 pounds conch -- finely chopped
1 cup lime juice
1/4 cup olive oil
1 green bell pepper -- chop fine
1 red bell pepper -- chop fine
1 large onion -- chopped fine
4 eggs – beaten
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning -- can use 2 tsp for spicier
6 dashes Tabasco sauce
3 teaspoons baking powder
5 tablespoons margarine – melted
Vegetable oil for frying
Have fish market put conch through tenderizer.

Directions

Marinate conch in 1 cup lime juice and 1/4 cup olive oil for at least 30 minutes; drain. Mix all ingredients together.
Fry by tbls in HOT vegetable oil until golden, about 3-5 minutes. Serve with red cocktail sauce or tartar sauce.

Spicy Red Pepper Soup Recipe

2010-02-17T04:11:00.001-08:00

Ingredients

1 tablespoon of olive or sunflower oil
500g onions, sliced
250g potatoes, sliced
500g red peppers, de-seeded and chopped
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
750 ml vegetable stock
150g carton of low fat yogurt
freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Heat the oil in a large saucepan and gently cook the onions for 5-10 minutes, until softened. Add the potatoes, peppers, and paprika, chili powder, season and cook, stirring for 1 minute.
Stir in the stock and bring to a boil. Cover the pan and simmer 25-30 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally.
Allow the soup to cool slightly, then process in a food container or blender until smooth. Return to the pan and reheat gently. Check the seasoning. Swirl the yogurt through the soup. Garnish with chopped chives.

GSI Outdoors Kitchen

2010-02-17T04:11:00.000-08:00

This comes from the Jordon Cooper Outfitters. It’s the GSI Outdoors Kitchen.

You are never going to be able to convince your friends that you are the world’s greatest outdoor cook, if you don’t have cool stuff to prep with. You can prep meals using the durable Glacier Stainless Whisk, Glacier Stainless Grater, cutting board, and 2 squeeze bottles ideal for your secret sauces. Serve your camp-time meals with the telescoping spoon and spatula that can be broken down for more efficient transport and are also safe on non-stick surfaces. Keep your salt and pepper safe and free of clumps thanks to the waterproof salt and pepper shaker that is integrated into one package for space-saving convenience. No more cleaning up with your t-shirt or worse, wasteful paper towels as this set includes a camp towel and scrubby spoon. Keep everything secure and stored for your next culinary masterpiece in the EVA foam carrying case

Specifications:

Weight: 1 lb 122 oz

Dimensions: 12 x 8 x 23 inches

More information over at Jordon Cooper Outfitters.

Spicy Carrot Soup Recipe

2010-02-09T15:44:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

500g carrots, scraped
15g butter/margarine
1 medium sized onion, sliced thinly
1 clove garlic, chopped finely
1 teaspoon paprika
A good pinch of chili powder
900 ml vegetable stock
1 tablespoon tomato puree

Instructions

Finely grate 50g of the carrots. Thinly slice the rest. Melt the butter or margarine in a saucepan on a low heat. Stir in the sliced carrot, onion, garlic, paprika, and chili powder.
Cover the pan and cook on a very low heat for 10 minutes. Pour in the stock and add the tomato puree. Bring the soup to a boil, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes
Either process the soup in a blender or a food processor. Return it to the saucepan and reheat if neccessary. Serve in individual bowls with grated carrot floating on top.

Carrot and Orange Soup Recipe

2010-02-09T04:20:00.001-08:00

Ingredients

2 tablespoons oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
500 g frozen sliced carrots
1.2 liters vegetable stock
juice and zest of 1 orange
freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Heat the oil in a large pan, over a moderate heat fry the onion and carrots until softened. This will take 10-15 minutes.
Add the stock and bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour the soup into a blender along with the juice and zest from the orange. Blend until smooth.
Return to the heat, season and heat through, adding a little water if the soup looks too thick. Serve with chunks of crusty bread.

Beef Stroganoff Recipe

2010-02-09T04:20:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

1 pound beef sirloin, cut into one inch squares
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 (10 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 cup sour cream
1 (12 ounce) package of fettuccini pasta, cooked, drained.

Directions

Sprinkle beef with ample black pepper and place in large skillet with oil. Cook on medium-high heat until beef browns and stir often. Remove beef with slotted spoon and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium and sauté onion for about five minutes. Stir in soup, tomato paste and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil.
Return beef to skillet, mix well and cook on high until mixture is thoroughly hot. Stir in sour cream and spoon over hot, cooked noodles.

Neptune Lasagna Recipe

2010-02-09T04:19:00.002-08:00

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter
1 red bell pepper, seeded, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 (8 ounce) package of cream cheese, softened
1 (16 ounce) carton small curd cottage cheese
1 egg, beaten
2 teaspoons dried basil
2 teaspoons Creole seasoning
1 (10 ounce) can cream of shrimp soup
1 (10 ounce) can cream of celery soup
2 tablespoons dried basil
1/2 cup white wine
3/4 cup milk
2 (8 ounce) packages of imitation crab meat
2 (6 ounce) packages small shrimp, rinsed, drained
9 lasagna noodles, cooked, drained
1 (3 ounce) package grated parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (175 degrees Celsius)
Heat butter in a skillet and sauté bell paper and onion.
Remove from heat and add cottage cheese, egg, basil, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and Creole seasoning and set aside.
Combine both soups, basil, white wine, crabmeat and shrimp in bowl and mix well.
Arrange 3 noodles in sprayed 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Spread with one third of cottage cheese mixture and one third seafood mixture. Repeat layers twice.
Sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Cover and bake for about 40 minutes.
Uncover and sprinkle with white cheddar cheese and bake for additional ten minutes or until casserole bubbles. Let stand for about 15 minutes before serving.

Pizza Roll-Ups Recipe

2010-02-09T04:19:00.001-08:00

Ingredients

1/2 pound ground beef
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 (8 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent rolls

Directions

In a skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Remove from the heat.
Add tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and oregano; mix well.
Separate crescent dough into eight rectangles, pinching seams together. Place about 3 tablespoons of meat mixture along one long side of each rectangle. Roll up, jelly-roll style, starting with a long side. Cut each roll into three pieces. Place, seam side down, 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets.
Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Stuffed Jalapenos Recipe

2010-02-09T04:19:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

12 fresh jalapeno peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
1 (8 ounce) package whipped cream cheese
12 slices bacon, cut in half

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Stuff each jalapeno half with whipped cream cheese. Wrap a half slice of bacon around each stuffed jalapeno half.
Arrange wrapped jalapeno halves in a single layer on a medium baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven 45 minutes, or until bacon is evenly browned and crisp.

Imitation Crab Seafood Salad Recipe

2010-02-09T04:18:00.001-08:00

Ingredients:

1/2 pound imitation crab, chopped and shredded
1/2 cup finely-chopped sweet onion
1/4 cup finely-chopped celery
1/4 cup finely-chopped dill pickle
1 Tablespoon sweet pickle relish
1/2 teaspoon dill weed
1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
1/8 teaspoon white pepper or to taste
1/4 cup mayonnaise or to taste
1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 Tablespoon chopped chives

Preparation:

Toss imitation crab, sweet onion, celery, dill pickle, sweet pickle relish, dill weed, salt, pepper, mayonnaise, mustard, and chives until combined. Chill.
Serve as a salad topper, sandwich spread, chunky dip, or appetizer cracker topper.

Serve as a salad topper, sandwich spread, chunky dip, or appetizer cracker topper.

Buffalo Hot Wings Sauce Recipe

2010-02-09T04:18:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup blue cheese or ranch salad dressing
1/2 cup any flavor Frank's® RedHot® Sauce
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cans (9.75 oz. each) Swanson® White Premium Chunk Chicken Breast in Water, drained OR 2 cups shredded cooked chicken.

Preparation:

Heat oven to 350 F. Place cream cheese into deep baking dish. Stir until smooth.
Mix in salad dressing, Frank's RedHot Sauce® and cheese. Stir in chicken.
Bake 20 minutes or until mixture is heated through; stir. Garnish as desired. Serve with crackers or vegetables.
Yield: 3-1/2 cups dip
Slow Cooker Method: Combine ingredients as directed above. Place mixture into small slow cooker. Cover pot. Heat on HIGH setting for 1-1/2 hours until hot and bubbly or on LOW setting for 2-1/2 to 3 hours. Stir.

BBQ Poppers Recipe

2010-02-09T04:17:00.001-08:00

Ingredients

18 jalapenos
8 ounces cream cheese
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated
1 green onion, sliced
18 slices thin bacon, cut into halves
1/3 cup barbecue sauce

Directions

Preheat oven to 275°F.
Cut jalapenos in half lengthwise and scrape out seeds.
In a bowl, combine cheeses and onion and mix well.
Stuff each hollowed jalapeno half with cheese mixture.
Wrap bacon slices around each half, cover as much of the surface as possible.
Brush bacon surface with bbq sauce.
Secure with toothpicks and pop into oven for 1 hr (or until bacon sizzles).

Cheese Ball Recipe

2010-02-09T04:17:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

2 cups shredded swiss cheese
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 (2 ounce) jar pimiento
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
10 slices bacon, crisp-cooked, drained, and crumbled
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
1 dash salt
1 dash pepper
1/4 cup snipped parsley
1 tablespoon poppy seed
assorted crackers

Directions

Let swiss and cheddar cheeses come to room temperature.
In a large bowl beat together cream cheese and sour cream till fluffy.
Beat in swiss cheese, cheddar cheese, onion, undrained pimiento, pickle relish, half of the bacon, 1/4 cup of the pecans, salt and pepper.
Cover and chill till firm.
Shape into 1 large or 2 small balls on wax paper.
In a small bowl combine remaining bacon, pecans, parsley, and poppy seeds.
Turn mixture out onto clean clean sheet of waxed paper.
Roll cheese balls in seed mixture to coat.
Wrap and chill.
Let stand 30 minutes at room temperature before serving.
Serve with crackers.

Serves 20

Lodge Cast Iron Hibachi Grill

2010-02-09T04:16:00.000-08:00

Over at the Jordon Cooper Outfitters, they posted about a rather cool hibachi grill that is cast iron by Lodge.

Here is what they say about it.

It’s cast iron instead of stamped tin or steel. It is small enough to put in the trunk and take camping, use for tailgating or to use on the patio (about 20" x 10" x 9" and the legs lift the bottom about 4 inches off the ground).

The grate you place the food on is not welded wire, it is cast iron like the rest, so the cross pieces are as wide as the slots in between. They hold food well, hold heat well, and when you sear your food, you can see the wide dark sears on the food. (in case you are wondering, here is how to grill the perfect steak)

There is a door that opens down on the front to add coals or help the dampers to adjust the heat. The damper doors adjust by sliding side to side so you can adjust the draft perfectly. The grill disassembles for cleaning. It’s only four parts: the base with the front door, pin-hinged at the bottom, the top grate, the bottom grate, and the sliding damper.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

2010-02-08T03:33:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

1/2 pound elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon powdered mustard
3 cups milk
1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 large egg
12 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Fresh black pepper

Topping:

3 tablespoons butter
1 cup bread crumbs

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large pot of boiling, salted water cook the pasta to al dente.
While the pasta is cooking, in a separate pot, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and mustard and keep it moving for about five minutes. Make sure it's free of lumps. Stir in the milk, onion, bay leaf, and paprika. Simmer for ten minutes and remove the bay leaf.
Temper in the egg. Stir in 3/4 of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Fold the macaroni into the mix and pour into a 2-quart casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.
Melt the butter in a sauté pan and toss the bread crumbs to coat. Top the macaroni with the bread crumbs. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and rest for five minutes before serving.

Pizza Roll-Ups Recipe

2010-02-06T12:09:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

1/2 pound ground beef
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 (8 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent rolls

Directions

In a skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Remove from the heat.
Add tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and oregano; mix well.
Separate crescent dough into eight rectangles, pinching seams together. Place about 3 tablespoons of meat mixture along one long side of each rectangle. Roll up, jelly-roll style, starting with a long side. Cut each roll into three pieces. Place, seam side down, 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets.
Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Cheesy Pasta Casserole Recipe

2010-02-04T22:22:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 medium potato (peeled and sliced into discs, then steamed)
1 cup spaetzle noodles (boiled in 2 cups water till soft)
1/2 cup sour cream
1 dash salt and pepper

Directions

First, sprinkle a small handful of the cheese in the bottom of your pan, just enough to cover it. (I don't reccomend greasing the pan) That's your first layer.
Layer in the (boiled and drained) spaetzle, cover with cheese.
Cover that layer with the steamed potatoes, spread the sour cream over that and cover with the last of the cheese.
Place in the middle rack of a 350 degree oven for 20-25 mins, or until the cheese on top is completely melted.
Sprinkle on the salt and pepper (if desired) and serve.

Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

2010-02-04T22:21:00.001-08:00

Ingredients

1 (10 3/4 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup, undiluted
1/2 cup plus 2/3 cup 2% low-fat milk, divided
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 (12 ounce) package frozen corn
1 (12 ounce) package frozen peas
1 1/2 cups cubed cooked chicken breasts
1 (16 ounce) box hot roll mix
2 cups red potatoes

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the soups, 1/2 cup milk, thyme, pepper and poultry seasoning. Stir in vegetables and chicken.
Transfer to a 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. In a small bowl, stir biscuit mix and remaining milk just until blended. Drop by 12 rounded tablespoonfuls onto chicken mixture. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes or until filling is bubbly and biscuits are golden brown.

Super Bowl Approved Recipes for Your Party

2010-02-04T22:21:00.000-08:00

Having people over for the big game? The Cooking Blog is here to help with some excellent Super Bowl recipes. You can find some Super Bowl Approved Recipes all over the site but I gathered them into their own category and here are some of the highlights.

Cheesy Nacho Dip Recipe

2010-02-04T22:20:00.001-08:00

Ingredients

1 (10.75 ounce) can Campbell's® Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup
1/2 cup Pace® Chunky Salsa
Chopped tomato
Sliced green onion
Sliced pitted ripe olive
Chopped green or red pepper
1 (9 ounce) bag tortilla chips

Directions

Heat the soup and salsa in a 1-quart saucepan over medium heat until the mixture is hot and bubbling. Pour the mixture into a serving bowl.
Top with the tomato, onion, olives and pepper. Serve with the tortilla chips for dipping.

Guacamole Dip Recipe

2010-02-04T22:20:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

3 avocados - peeled, pitted, and mashed

1 lime, juiced

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup diced onion

3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

2 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 pinch ground cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions

In a medium bowl, mash together the avocados, lime juice, and salt. Mix in onion, cilantro, tomatoes, and garlic. Stir in cayenne pepper. Refrigerate 1 hour for best flavor, or serve immediately.

Salmon Quesadillas with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

2010-02-04T22:19:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

Cooking spray
8 flour or whole-wheat tortillas
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend or shredded Monterey Jack
2 cooked salmon fillets, pulled apart with 2 forks into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 cup sliced pickled jalapeno peppers
2 Hass avocados, pitted and flesh removed from skin
1/2 cup drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Coat a large griddle with cooking spray and preheat to medium-high.
Arrange 4 tortillas on a flat surface. Top each tortilla with 1/2 cup cheese. Toss salmon with chili powder and place on top of cheese. Top with sliced jalapeno peppers and a second tortilla. Place tortillas on hot griddle and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cheese melts.
In a blender, combine avocado, sun-dried tomatoes and lime juice. Process until smooth. Transfer to a bowl, fold in cilantro and season with salt and pepper. Serve quesadillas with guacamole on the side.

Chinese Almond Cookies

2010-02-02T22:47:00.000-08:00

Please welcome guest author Garrett McCord of Vanilla Garlic as he prepares for the year of the tiger with Chinese almond cookies. ~Elise

Chinese almond cookies are a trademark in Chinese-American cooking. Often relegated as a second string sweet to the more entertaining fortune cookie these don't get the respect they deserve. Sure, they don't tell you what a charming personality you have or offer a string of lotto numbers, but they do have a crisp bite and delightfully sandy texture. Almond flour, almond extract, and slivered almonds ensure that you get an intense flavor that will eclipse any paper filled treat.

Set out a plate of these for the upcoming Chinese New Year. Almond cookies symbolize coins and will be sure to bring you good fortune. Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Continue reading 'Chinese Almond Cookies' »

Split Pea Soup

2010-01-28T17:03:00.000-08:00

Updated, from the recipe archives. First published 2006. ~Elise

There's something about winter that just begs for the making of split pea soup, wouldn't you agree? Like the proverbial groundhog, who failing to see his shadow, retreats into the comfort of his burrow, in the chilly, foggy dampness of what is Sacramento winter, I stick my head out the door, only to make a quick retreat back into the house, wanting nothing more than to make a big pot of this hearty soup. Made with dried 'split' peas, and cooked up with flavorful, smokey ham hocks, split pea soup is warm, satisfying, and great for leftovers.

Continue reading 'Split Pea Soup' »