From the category archives:

Winter Favorites

Ronald Reagan’s Favorite Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

by Joi on February 14, 2010

One of my favorite human beings, let alone Presidents was President Ronald Reagan. He was one of a kind and I’m not sure there’ll ever be another like him. The country fell in love with him and for good reason. His charm, personality, and sense of humor made him a force to be reckoned with and they made him always appear to be larger than life.

The recipe below is reportedly a favorite of this great American and would be perfect for a President’s Day supper – or any day for that matter… it sounds delicious!

Ronald Regan’s Macaroni & Cheese Recipe

Serves 4 as an entrée, or 6 to 8 as a side dish

1/2 pound macaroni
1 tablespoon butter
1 egg beaten
3 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese
1 cup warm milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Pinch of paprika

From White House Cookbook, Revised and Updated Centennial Edition by H. Haller and V. Aronson

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 2-quart casserole dish.
Add macaroni to 2 quarts of boiling salted water and cook for 10 minutes.
Drain well in a colander. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
Stir in butter and beaten egg. Add 2-1/2 cups of the grated cheese.
In a small bowl, combine milk with salt, mustard and Worcestershire sauce.
Spoon macaroni and cheese into the prepared casserole. Pour milk mixture over and sprinkle top with the remaining cheese.
Sprinkle with paprika. Bake on middle shelf of preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until macaroni is firm to the touch and the top is crusty and browned.
Serve at once, either as a light entree accompanied by a hot green vegetable and a crisp salad, or as a side dish with Hamburgers or Meat Loaf.

Warm Winter Soup Recipes with Wisconsin Cheese!

by Joi on February 8, 2010

I love soup pretty much year-round but never more so than during the months of January and February. The recipes below are three of the most outstanding soups you’ll ever eat. They each star wonderful Wisconsin Cheese which, without a doubt, makes homemade soups heartier and homier. Wisconsin Cheese is also fantastic shredded over canned soups such as Bean & Bacon, Tomato, Potato, and Mushroom.

The following recipes, courtesy of the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, incorporate savory Aged Cheddar, Asiago and Gruyère cheeses beautifully. Try each one, you’ll soon have 3 favorite new soups.

Cauliflower and Wisconsin Aged Cheddar Soup — features a creamy Aged Cheddar base with tender cauliflower florets.
Onion Soup with Two Wisconsin Cheeses — this twist on a classic combines the mellow flavors of Asiago and Mozzarella Cheeses with satisfying onion-beef broth.
Wisconsin Gruyère Cheese and Sweet Potato Soup — combines the full-bodied flavor of Gruyère Cheese and sweet potatoes with a creamy chicken stock. Serve with Maple Brioche Croutons.

Cauliflower and Wisconsin Aged Cheddar Soup Recipe

Makes 8 servings

For the Soup:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 leek, white part only, medium dice
1 bay leaf, halved
2 heads cauliflower, broken into florets
1 cup Chardonnay wine
4 cups chicken stock
1 cup heavy cream
2 1/2 cups (10 ounces) Wisconsin Aged Cheddar, shredded

For the Garnish:
Olive oil for sautéing
4 slices firm bread of your choice, crusts removed and cubed for croutons

Soup:
Heat olive oil in heavy stockpot and add the diced leek. Sauté until translucent and flexible and the leek releases its sugars. Add bay leaf halves and the cauliflower florets. Stir until cauliflower releases juices. Add the wine and reduce liquid by half or three-fourths. Stir in chicken stock and bring to boil. Continue to boil until cauliflower is tender. Add heavy cream and bring back to boil. Remove from heat. Remove and discard bay leaf halves. Blend soup to a fine texture.

Return to stove over low heat. Gradually add shredded Cheddar, whisking until fully incorporated.

Garnish:
Heat small amount of olive oil in a heavy skillet. Add the bread cubes and sauté until golden. Drain on paper towels.

Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and divide croutons evenly to garnish.

Onion Soup With Two Wisconsin Cheeses Recipe

Makes 4 servings

2 tablespoons butter
5 cups onions, sliced
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
2 cans (14 ounces each) beef broth
1/4 cup dry red wine (or water)
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 slices 3/4-inch French bread, toasted
1/2 cup (2 ounces) Wisconsin Asiago cheese, finely shredded
1 cup (4 ounces) Wisconsin part-skim Mozzarella cheese, finely shredded
3/4 teaspoon dried thyme

Cooking Directions:
Heat butter in Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onions and 1/2 teaspoon salt; stir to coat with butter. Cook over medium-low heat about 35 minutes until onions are golden brown, stirring often.

Add broth, red wine and bay leaf. Simmer gently for 15 minutes. Remove bay leaf. Add remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and the pepper. Ladle equally into four 1 1/2-cup ovenproof bowls. Add a slice of toast to each; push down to saturate with broth.

Mix cheeses and thyme. Completely cover bread and soup with cheese mixture, dividing equally. Place on baking sheet. Bake at 425°F about 10 minutes, until cheeses melt and turn lightly brown. Serve immediately.

Wisconsin Gruyère Cheese and Sweet Potato Soup with Maple Brioche Croutons Recipe

Makes 6 to 8 servings

For Croutons:
4 thick slices brioche, cut in 1” cubes
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 pinch cayenne
1 pinch kosher salt

For Soup:
3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled, large dice
1 quart chicken stock
1 quart heavy cream
1 stick cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 cups Wisconsin Gruyère cheese (Roth Käse Surchoix), grated
1 sprig fresh sage, for garnish

Cooking Directions:

Croutons:
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl combine brioche cubes with melted butter, syrup, cayenne and salt. Toss brioche cubes generally to cover with the mixture. Place croutons on a sheet pan and bake for about 10 minutes, until golden brown. Remove croutons from oven and set aside to prepare soup.

Soup:
Combine sweet potatoes, chicken stock and heavy cream in a large pot; bring to a boil and cook until sweet potatoes are soft. Place sweet potatoes and liquid into a blender and puree until smooth.

Return liquid to a medium size pot and add cinnamon, nutmeg and salt; simmer. Using a whisk, slowly stir in the Wisconsin Gruyère cheese. Adjust the seasoning if needed.

Final Preparation:
Divide croutons evenly among bowls and place in bottom of bowls. Ladle soup over the top; garnish with fresh sage.

For more recipes featuring Wisconsin Cheese, visit www.EatWisconsinCheese.com.

Kitchen Gadgets to Fall in Love With This Valentine’s Day

by Joi on February 6, 2010

I’m a sucker for all holidays and embrace them like a 2 year old embraces her favorite teddy bear. Valentine’s Day is a favorite – how could it not be? It’s all about chocolate, love, stuffed animals, chocolate, beautiful flowers, hearts, and chocolate. I’ve rounded up some beautiful kitchen gadgets and what-nots below just in time for this very special holiday. Yes, I said holiday… on account of the chocolate.

These would make very special valentine’s day gifts. Needless to say, they’d also make very special “self to self” gifts. You gotta love those.

RSVP International 4-pc. Endurance Heart Measuring Spoons

Tin Woodsman 5-pc. Heart Measuring Spoon Set

Amco Set of 2 Heart Non Stick Heart and Daisy Pancake Molds

9-pc. Love Cookie Cutters

RSVP International 4-pc. Endurance Heart Measuring Cups

Tin Woodsman 5-pc. Heart Measuring Cup Set

Valentine Treats

Recipe for Carrot Cake Muffins

by Joi on February 5, 2010

The recipe below is from recipe from New York Times Bestselling novelist and avid baker Mary Burton.

Just over a year ago, author Mary Burton was quoted in the Richmond Times-Dispatch talking about how her passions—writing and baking—both contribute to her creativity. The article shared a recipe along with Mary’s view that, for her, they are intertwined, most probably because she experiences each as requiring creativity as well as expertise.

So, when the going gets tough, Mary heads to the kitchen where the stress level immediately ratchets down a few notches and she finds herself busy working out dialogue and untangling plot lines before the oven has even preheated. As she told the Times-Dispatch, “…you can tell how the writing’s going by the number of cupcakes on the counter.”

I love that! I find a similar solace in my kitchen as well. In fact, I’m pretty sure there’d be a lot more empty therapist couches is more people took up cooking. What a stress reliever!

For the recently published novel DYING SCREAM, Mary Burton shared her gift with protagonist Adrianna Barrington. Figuring that when Adrianna wasn’t helping track down a serial killer she would welcome a chance to chill, Mary gave her a great kitchen along with a penchant for pastry and other baked delicacies.

And, as long as it’s coming up on St. Valentine’s Day and Adrianna is carrying a torch for Homicide Detective Gage Hudson, Mary also decided it was time for her have her own recipe for readers to bake and enjoy ― Adrianna’s Carrot Cake Love Muffins.

The rest of us get to benefit from her creativity, how cool is that? What’s say, as a thank you (we cooks are nothing if not gracious) to Mary Burton, we all buy her newest novel, Dying Scream? After all, we bakers have to stick together!

For more about Mary Burton and her novels visit www.maryburton.com.

To see last year’s Valentine’s Day recipe for Mary Burton’s Buns— CLICK HERE.

Finally, to see the Richmond Times-Dispatch article— CLICK HERE.

Adrianna’s Carrot Cake Love Muffins Recipe

3 cups of shredded carrots
2 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups of flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda

To the shredded carrots add eggs, sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil and vanilla. Mix well. Shift flour, salt, cinnamon, baking power and baking soda into carrot mixture. Gently mix and scoop into muffin cups. Makes about 12. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.

(If possible, hand shred the carrots. It takes a bit longer to shred by hand but the carrots hold more moisture and this really enhances the texture of the muffins.)

Muffins can be dusted with powdered sugar or topped with a cream cheese icing. Both are delicious.

Cream Cheese Icing

1/2 cup cream cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups of powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons of milk

Cream all together until fluffy. When the muffins have cooled ice with frosting.

Beemster Cheese Soup With Herbs

by Joi on January 5, 2010

Beemster Cheese Soup With Herbs

Yield: 4 Servings

3-1/2 ounces Beemster Classic, grated finely
7 ounces Beemster Classic, coarsely grated
1 tablespoon flour
1-3/4 tablespoons butter
1 onion, chopped
1 zucchini, in cubes
2 cups milk
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons parsley, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons chives, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
freshly ground salt and pepper

Preheat the oven to 425 °F.
Mix the grated Beemster Classic with the flour and spoon 8 mounds of cheese on a cookie sheet lined with baking parchment. Bake in the oven for 3-5 minutes to form nice flat wafers.
Leave the wafers on the cookie sheet to cool. Melt the butter in a stock pot and lightly sauté the onion and zucchini for 3-5 minutes.
Stirring constantly, add the milk and both and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
Stirring constantly, add the grated Beemster Classic a little at a time until it melts. Season the soup with salt and pepper. Serve the cheese soup in warmed soup plates and garnish with a generous amount of herbs with a cheese wafer on top.

Enjoy!

This recipe is courtesy of Beemster Premium Gourmet Cheese – click the link for many more fantastic recipes.

Beemster Gourmet Cheese is out of this world extraordinary. I love to shred it on salads, pasta, pizza, and eggs. I’m also completely addicted to slicing it off and eating it straight from the fridge! It’s THAT remarkable. When you’ve eaten truly special gourmet cheese like Beemster’s there’s no going back. There’s a rich, bold, extra-cheesy flavor that you simply can’t find anywhere else.

When you get a chance, do yourself a favor and try Beemster’s Gourmet cheese.

The best place to purchase Beemster’s Gourmet Cheese is igourmet.com… so what are you waiting for?!?!

Plush Puffs Gourmet Marshmallows Make Life Tastier: One Hot Chocolate at a Time

by Joi on December 16, 2009

Plush Puffs Gourmet Marshmallows

Oh Joy! Oh Happiness! Oh Unspeakable pleasure! I’m sure you’ve guessed by now that I’m either in the middle of a cup of coffee, a chocolate experience, a delicious cookie, or am currently going one on one with candy of some sort.

I’m actually sort of out-doing myself right now. I just finished my pot of coffee and am losing myself in the best cup of hot chocolate I’ve EVER had. Did you catch that? – - – - EVER!

As always, I made my favorite Hot Chocolate recipe (It’s the one on the back of Kroger’s Baking Cocoa – funny, huh? I’ve tried every hot chocolate recipe known to exist and the best one is on a container of baking cocoa…and a store brand at that! What!?) This recipe always, always, always makes an outstanding cup of hot cocoa. However, I was feeling pretty full of myself this morning, so I kicked it up a notch. Right before I laddled the hot chocolate into our eager holiday mugs (my oldest daughter Emily is always my partner in hot chocolate adventures), I stirred in a little Hershey’s chocolate syrup.

Then, I poured the chocolate, aromatic, liquid Heaven into our cups. I topped hers off with three Chocolate Chipetta Plush Puffs Gourmet Marshmallows – the look on her face was all I needed to tell me that she was in Chocolate Heaven and didn’t want to ever return. I took a sip and I must say – it doesn’t get any chocolate-y-er than this. YUM!

I topped my hot cocoa off with 3 Caramel Swirl Plush Puffs Gourmet Marshmallows. Then, with my intentions clear, I sprinkled on a little Sea Salt. You got it! I was aiming for the effect of Starbuck’s Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate. I honestly, humbly, and with chocolate and marshmallow goo on my face believe I outdid myself. This was a truly remarkable, ridiculously delicious cup of hot chocolate. I’ll just go ahead and say it – it’s even better than the drink Starbucks once made (then heartlessly yanked away!). The delicious caramel flavoring in these marshmallows isn’t just delicious – it’s slap your face delicious.

The same is true of the Chocolate Chipetta Plush Puffs Gourmet Marshmallows. I know my chocolate, and these are premium, first class chocolate marshmallows. They earn the term Gourmet with every single bite.

Plush Puffs Gourmet Marshmallows

I’ve thrown the Chocolate Chipetta Plush Puffs Gourmet Marshmallows on top of a dollop of homemade whipped topping in coffee and highly recommend it! Think about it: Coffee, chocolate, candy… all in one place. It makes a remarkable cup of coffee that tastes like it came from a coffeehouse.

I’ve also tried the Luscious Lemony Meringue Plush Puffs Gourmet Marshmallows. If the amazing smell of these gourmet marshmallows doesn’t knock you out, the flavor will. Heavenly! I toss them on top of hot tea – for those of you who (silly gooses!) who don’t care for green tea, these gourmet marshmallows will make the experience one to remember. You’ll drink every last drop.

The different flavors of gourmet marshmallows are outstanding on smores, too. I just build them and put them in the microwave. Everyone loves them. They’re perfect, beautiful, and delicious snacks for eating during ballgames, holiday specials, reruns of Andy Griffith, or your favorite Food Network show.

Plush Puffs Gourmet Marshmallows

I’ve also toasted them (on the stove) and used them as dips for chocolate and caramel sauces. Amazing… that’s the best word for the experience… amazing!

There are Peppi-Mint, Cinnamon, and Vanilla Bean varieties that I’ve yet to try. I’m especially eager to meet the Peppi-Mint and Vanilla Bean flavors. Oh the plans I have for them!!!

Do yourself (and the people you’d consent to share with) a wonderful favor and head over to Plush Puffs Gourmet Marshmallows to read more and, best of all, to order your own gourmet marshmallows. These are NOT, NOT, NOT like traditional, store-bought marshmallows. It’s like the difference between an eagle and a housefly.

Drat. My mug’s empty. Time to make more!

Plush Puffs Gourmet Marshmallows

Puffs Gourmet Marshmallows on YouTube!

How to Make Baked Alaska Like an Expert!

by Joi on December 16, 2009

Baked Alaska

Baked Alaska Recipe
Courtesy of the Millennium Alaskan Hotel Anchorage

Cake:
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
4 large eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup sifted cake flour (sifted, then measured)
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted, cooled

Filling:
2 quarts ice cream, softened (flavor of your choice)
1 quart sorbet, softened (flavor of your choice)

Meringue:
6 large egg whites
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Cake:
Preheat oven to 325°F. Spray 9-inch-diameter springform pan with nonstick spray. Whisk eggs, sugar, and vanilla in large metal bowl to blend. Set bowl over saucepan of simmering water (do not allow bowl to touch water); whisk constantly just until mixture is warm, about 2 minutes. Remove bowl from over water. Using electric mixer, beat mixture until very thick and ribbons form when beaters are lifted, about 7 minutes. Add flour in 3 additions, gently folding just to combine after each. Fold in poppy seeds, then quickly fold in butter in 2 additions (do not overfold). Pour batter into prepared pan.

Bake cake until top is golden and tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 28 minutes. Cool completely in pan on rack. Remove pan sides.

For Filling:
Line 4-quart 10-inch-diameter bowl with plastic wrap, leaving 8-inch overhang. Spread sorbet in even layer over bottom (not sides) of bowl. Spread ice cream over sorbet. Place cake atop ice cream, pressing slightly to compact. Cover with plastic wrap overhang; freeze at least 4 hours or overnight.

For Meringue:
Using electric mixer, beat egg whites in large bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time; beat until thick and glossy. Beat in vanilla.

Unfold plastic wrap from over cake at top of bowl. Invert dessert onto 9-inch-diameter tart pan bottom; remove plastic wrap. Working quickly, spread meringue over dessert, swirling to form peaks and covering completely. Freeze at least 30 minutes. (Can be made 1 day ahead; keep frozen.)

Preheat oven to 500°F. Place dessert on its tart pan bottom on heavy large baking sheet. Bake just until meringue is light golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer to platter. Serve immediately.

yield: 12 servings

A Holiday Tradition: Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole Recipe

by Joi on December 14, 2009

Campbells Green Bean Casserole

Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole Recipe: A Delicious Holiday Tradition

Prep: 10 minutes|Bake: 30 minutes | Makes: 12 servings

2 cans (10 3/4 ounces each) Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (Regular, 98% Fat Free or Healthy Request®)
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
8 cups cooked cut green beans
2 2/3 cups French’s® French Fried Onions

1. Stir the soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, beans and 1 1/3 cups onions in 3-quart casserole.

2. Bake at 350°F. for 25 minutes or until the bean mixture is hot and bubbling. Stir the bean mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining onions.

3. Bake 5 minutes or until the onions are golden brown.

TIP: Use any of the following – 2 bags (16 to 20 ounces) frozen green beans, 4 packages (9 ounces each) frozen green beans, 4 cans (about 16 ounces each) green beans or about 3 pounds fresh green beans for this recipe.

Extra Tips!

For added crunch, add ½ cup sliced almonds to the onion topping.

For bacon lovers, add 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, to the bean mixture.

For a festive touch, stir in 1/2 cup chopped red pepper with soup.

For cheese lovers, stir in 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese with soup. Omit soy sauce. Sprinkle with an additional 1/2 cup additional Cheddar cheese when adding the remaining onions.

For Golden Green Bean Casserole, substitute Campbell’s Condensed Golden Mushroom soup for Cream of Mushroom soup. Omit soy sauce. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped red pepper with the green beans.

**********
I LOVE Holiday traditions. My family can certainly attest to that. There are certain things we eat each Thanksgiving, each Easter, each Christmas, New Years, etc. On Thanksgiving morning, for example, I make delicious cream puff pastries. New Year’s Day always means a new soup recipe and our traditional New Year’s Punch. Every holiday meal features a family favorite: Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole. I was trying to think how long I’ve been enjoying this remarkable casserole and, guess what, I can’t remember ever NOT having it at Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter. Even before I was old enough to cook, my mother and grandmothers fixed it.

We all look forward to this casserole each holiday. We certainly aren’t the only ones who love Campbell’s® Green Bean Casserole with a passion. In fact, after 54 years it has not only become synonymous with the Christmas season, it is expected to be part of the holiday meal on nearly 30 million tables across the U.S.

The traditional Green Bean Casserole recipe includes a creamy, crunchy combination of green beans, Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom soup and French’s® French Fried Onions. Over the years, holiday hosts have added their own custom touches, including garlic, red pepper, hot sauce, bacon, almonds or cheese. No matter how you choose to serve it, this is one side that generates rave reviews each and every time.

And Cream of Mushroom soup is not just for Green Bean Casserole! This year, Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom soup has reached a true milestone – 75 years of helping America’s cooks create memorable meals. This versatile ingredient can also help transform holiday leftovers. Two easy recipes to try are Turkey & Stuffing Casserole and Turkey & Broccoli Alfredo. For these and other great tasting recipes, visit www.CampbellsKitchen.com.

Alaska Salmon Recipes: Salmon, Artichoke and Bean Salad, Thai Salmon Cakes, and More!

by Joi on December 9, 2009

Alaska Salmon Artichoke and Bean Salad

ALASKA SALMON, ARTICHOKE AND BEAN SALAD (a 15 minute meal!)

1 jar (14 oz.) marinated, quartered artichoke hearts
1 jar or can (16 oz.) marinated bean salad
1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 can (14.75 oz.) or 2 cans (7.5 oz. each) traditional pack Alaska salmon OR 2 cans or pouches (6 to 7.1 oz. each) skinless, boneless salmon, drained and chunked
1 package (10 oz.) ready-to-eat salad greens or spinach leaves

Dressing: Drain liquid from artichokes and beans into a small bowl or pitcher. Blend in mustard and cumin.

Salad: In separate bowl, combine beans, artichokes, salmon and dressing. Portion 2 cups greens onto each of four plates. Top each plate of greens with 1-1/4 cup salmon mixture.

Makes 4 servings. Nutrients per serving: 330 calories, 15g total fat, 3g saturated fat, 37% of calories from fat, 58mg cholesterol, 28g protein, 28g carbohydrate, 9g fiber, 1768mg sodium, 325mg calcium and 2.4g omega-3 fatty acids.

THAI SALMON CAKES WITH HOT AND SOUR SAUCE

2 cans (14.75 oz. each) or 4 cans (7.5 oz. each) traditional pack Alaska Salmon OR 4 cans or pouches (6 to 7.1 oz. each) skinless, boneless salmon
1 Tablespoon peanut or canola oil
¾ cup diced yellow onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons seeded and minced jalapeño pepper
1-1/2 teaspoons minced lemon grass
Juice and zest of ½ lime
1 Tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons sugar
1-1/2 cups finely sliced green onions
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 eggs
3 Tablespoons cornstarch
Salt and pepper to taste

Drain and chunk Alaska Salmon. Heat oil in small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add yellow onion and cook until soft, about 3-5 minutes. Add garlic, jalapeño pepper and lemon grass; cook an additional 1-2 minutes. Cool. In large bowl, combine lime juice and zest, soy sauce, sugar, green onions and cilantro. Mix well and reserve. In small bowl, whisk eggs. Add cornstarch, salt and pepper; mix. Add egg and cooled onion mixtures to large bowl; fold gently to mix. Add salmon and carefully fold until just combined. Form salmon mixture into 8 cakes (3 oz. each) and chill for at least 30 minutes. Pan fry salmon cakes in oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until heated through. Serve hot with Hot and Sour Sauce.
Makes 4 Servings.

HOT AND SOUR SAUCE

2 Tablespoons sugar
2 Tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
2 Tablespoons chili sauce (sambal or roasted)
1 Tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro

Dissolve sugar in vinegar. Add chili and cilantro; mix together. Makes ½ cup.

Nutrients per serving (with ½ dipping sauce): 444 calories, 19g total fat, 5g saturated fat, 39% calories from fat, 238mg cholesterol, 47g protein, 20g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, 1919mg sodium, 498mg calcium and 3.6g omega-3 fatty acids.

ALASKA SALMON WITH HORSERADISH, WALNUTS AND HERBS

2 Alaska Salmon fillets (4 to 6 oz. each)
Olive oil
3 Tablespoons horseradish sauce
1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 Tablespoon each chopped fresh chives, parsley and tarragon
1 Tablespoon softened butter
Salt and pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 450.

Spray a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Rinse any ice glaze from frozen Alaska Salmon under cold water; pat dry with paper towel. Brush both sides of fish with olive oil and place in the pan. Roast, uncovered, for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine horseradish sauce, walnuts, herbs and butter. Season with salt and pepper. Remove fish from oven and spread mixture evenly over salmon fillets.

Return fish to oven and roast an additional 8 to 10 minutes for frozen fillets or 5 to 6 minutes for fresh/thawed fish. Cook just until fish is opaque throughout.

Serves 2.

Recipe and Photo Credit: http://www.alaskaseafood.org/

***** To read why we all need to eat more salmon, check out the recent post on my Self Help Blog! One of the benefits may surprise (and delight) you.

Add Variety to Your Dinner Routines with Campbell’s Soup Recipes

by Joi on December 9, 2009

Campbell's Soup Can 1965 Framed Art Print by Andy Warhol Print Size 14 x 11in. Image Size 12 x 8 in. Frame Size 20.75 x 17.75 in. Quality Black Metal Frame With

CAMDEN, N.J. (December 2009) – The trend is clear – families are eating at home more frequently than they have in years. While this can be a great way to save some money, it can also pose a challenge – how can people find new ways to liven up the same foods? To solve this dilemma, the experts in Campbell’s KitchenSM have created a new Budget-Friendly collection of recipes that use the full array of Campbell brands. Each recipe transforms tried-and-true ingredients into fresh, exciting meals that are sure to please the whole family.

“Many people assume that budget-friendly foods mean casseroles,” said Jane Freiman, Group Manager – Campbell’s Kitchen. “However, our new recipe collection features a variety of recipes, many of which can be created for less than $10, to provide today’s budget-conscious family with delicious and easy twists on familiar meals like tacos, hamburgers and lasagna. All it takes is the confidence to try a new recipe and a few basic ingredients.”

Jane recommends the following to help keep costs down and create frugal, flavorful meals.

Scan the circulars and clip coupons: Plan your menu around weekly sales circulars, clip coupons for items you use and take advantage of supermarket rewards programs.
Stock up on sale items: When frozen meats are on sale, like boneless, skinless chicken breasts or fish fillets, buy extra. Then, individually wrap, label and refreeze them. They’ll keep for about 3 months and will be easy to cook for one or two people without thawing an entire package.
Consolidate shopping trips: Going to the grocery store once – rather than a few times throughout the week – saves time and gas, and can also help cut down on impulse buying.
It’s all in the season: When certain items are in season, they’re more plentiful, which means prices are often lower. This is a great time to buy in bulk and freeze what can’t be used right away. For example, freeze berries – like raspberries, strawberries or blueberries – in a single layer on wax- or parchment-lined baking sheets. Once frozen, they can be transferred to plastic bags or containers and kept in the freezer until ready to use.
Consider the cut: Tough meat cuts, like pork shoulder and chuck roast, are routinely less expensive than steaks or chops. They do require low, slow cooking methods (like stews and braises), but can help create great-tasting, inexpensive dinners that don’t require much preparation.
Learn to cut up whole chickens: Purchasing a whole chicken – and cutting into parts yourself – is much cheaper than buying pre-cut and packaged chicken parts.
Be creative: Leftovers are another great way to stretch the food dollar. Instead of just reheating last night’s dinner, try combining leftover roast chicken with fresh sliced vegetables in a quick stir-fry or casserole.
Following even a couple of these tips each week can help cut down costs over time,” said Jane.

Here are a few of Jane’s favorite recipes to try. Change up everyday chicken with Easy Chicken & Cheese Enchiladas or Sweet & Spicy Picante Chicken. Hungry for Italian, but want something a little different? Then try Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes or Good-For-You Chicken Parmesan. Ordinary hamburgers are good, but they are exceptionally moist and juicy when transformed into French Onion Burgers. Beef & Mushroom Lasagna and Beef Taco Skillet put new twists on two family favorites.

For more delicious, low-cost meal ideas, visit us online at CampbellsKitchen.com.

Beef and Mushroom Lasagna Recipe
Prep: 25 min. | Bake: 30 min. | Broil: 2 min. | Stand: 10 min. | Makes: 6 servings

1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Mushroom soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)
1/4 cup milk
1 lb. ground beef
2 cups Prego® Fresh Mushroom Italian sauce
9 cooked lasagna noodles
1 cup shredded Italian-blend or mozzarella cheese

1. Heat oven to 400°F. Stir soup and milk in small bowl until smooth.
2. Cook beef in skillet over medium-high heat until well browned, stirring often to separate meat. Pour off fat. Stir in sauce.
3. Layer 1/2 beef mixture, 3 noodles and 1 cup soup mixture in 2-qt. shallow baking dish. Top with 3 more noodles, remaining beef mixture, remaining noodles and remaining soup mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover baking dish.
4. Bake 30 min. or until hot. Uncover baking dish.
5. Heat broiler. Broil 4″ from heat 2 min. or until cheese is golden brown. Let stand 10 min.

Beef Taco Skillet Recipe
Prep: 5 min. | Cook: 20 min. | Makes: 4 servings

1 lb. ground beef
1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Campbell’s® Condensed Tomato soup (Regular or Healthy Request®)
1/2 cup salsa
1/2 cup water
6 flour tortillas (6″), cut into 1″ pieces
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

1. Cook beef in skillet over medium-high heat until well browned, stirring often to separate meat. Pour off fat.
2. Stir soup, salsa, water and tortillas in skillet and heat to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Cook 5 min. Stir. Top with cheese.

Easy Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas Recipe
Prep: 10 min. | Bake: 40 min. | Makes: 6 servings

1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Chicken soup (Regular, 98% Fat Free or Healthy Request®)
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup Pace® Picante sauce
2 tsp. chili powder
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
6 flour tortillas (6″), warmed
1 small tomato, chopped
1 green onion, sliced

1. Stir soup, sour cream, picante sauce and chili powder in medium bowl.
2. Stir 1 cup soup mixture, chicken and cheese in large bowl.
3. Divide chicken mixture among tortillas. Roll up tortillas and place seam-side up in 2-qt. shallow baking dish. Pour remaining soup mixture over filled tortillas. Cover baking dish.
4. Bake at 350°F. 40 min. or until enchiladas are hot and bubbling. Top with tomato and onion.

Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Prep: 10 min. | Cook: 20 min. | Makes: 4 servings

3 tbsp. olive oil
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 shallot, finely chopped*
1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Mushroom soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup thinly-sliced sun-dried tomatoes
1 tbsp. red wine vinegar
2 tbsp. chopped fresh basil leaves
4 cups hot cooked extra wide egg noodles
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)

1. Heat 2 tbsp. oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 10 min. or until well browned on both sides. Remove chicken from skillet.
2. Heat remaining oil in skillet over medium heat. Add shallot and cook and stir 2 min. Stir soup, water, tomatoes, vinegar and basil in skillet.
3. Return chicken to skillet and heat to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Cook 5 min. or until chicken is cooked through. Serve chicken and sauce over noodles. Sprinkle with cheese and thinly sliced basil, if desired.

*Or substitute 1 tbsp. finely chopped onion.

French Onion Burgers Recipe
Prep: 5 min. | Cook: 20 min. | Makes: 4 servings

1 lb. ground beef
1 can (10 1/2 oz.) Campbell’s® Condensed French Onion soup
4 slices cheese
4 Pepperidge Farm® Classic sandwich buns with sesame seeds, split

1. Shape beef into 4 (1/2″-thick) burgers.
2. Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Add burgers and cook until well browned on both sides. Remove burgers from skillet. Pour off fat.
3. Stir soup in skillet and heat to a boil. Return burgers to skillet. Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook 5 min. or until desired doneness. Top burgers with cheese and cook until cheese is melted. Serve burgers on buns with soup mixture for dipping.

Good-For-You Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Prep: 5 min. | Cook: 25 min. | Stand: 5 min. | Makes: 6 servings

Vegetable cooking spray
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 1/2 cups Prego® Heart Smart Traditional Italian sauce
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup fat-free shredded mozzarella cheese

1. Spray 12″ skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat 1 min. Add chicken and cook 10 min. or until well browned on both sides. Remove chicken from skillet.
2. Stir sauce and 3 tbsp. Parmesan cheese in skillet. Heat to a boil. Return chicken to skillet and reduce heat to low. Cover and cook 10 min. or until chicken is cooked through.
3. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and remaining Parmesan cheese over chicken. Let stand 5 min. or until cheese is melted.

Sweet and Spicy Picante Chicken Recipe
Prep: 5 min. | Bake: 20 min. | Makes: 4 servings

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 1/2 cups Pace® Picante sauce
3 tbsp. packed light brown sugar
1 tbsp. Dijon-style mustard
3 cups hot cooked regular long-grain white rice

1. Place chicken into 2-qt. shallow baking dish. Stir picante sauce, brown sugar and mustard in small bowl. Pour picante sauce mixture over chicken.
2. Bake at 400°F. 20 min. or until chicken is cooked through. Serve with rice.

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Picture Credit: The gorgeous photos in this post are framed art prints by the amazing Andy Warhol. Click on each to take a closer look. They’re outstanding!

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