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Best Cookies: Chocolate Walnut Fantasies

There are a lot of great food fantasies. Now you can add these delicious cookies to your list. These taste sensations feature cream cheese, walnuts, coconut, and milk chocolate.Chocolate Walnut Fantasies 1 cup butter, softened ¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar ½ cup sugar 4 oz. cream cheese, softened 2 eggs 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 ¾ cups coarsely chopped walnuts 1 cup . . .

Best Cookies: Old-Fashioned Molasses Cookies

When you’re in the mood for something with that warm, old-fashioned flavor that reminds you of sweet childhood memories, whip up a batch of these ginger and molasses flavored cookies.Old-Fashioned Molasses Cookies ½ cup butter, softened ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar ¼ cup shortening ¾ cup molasses 1 egg 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon grou. . .

Best Cookies: PB & Jam Bars

Peanut butter and jam make great sandwiches, but these two winners make even better cookies. These cookies have a crispy texture with a yummy chocolate peanut butter topping. Best of all, they’re no bake cookies, so leave your oven off.PB & Jam BarsBar 3 cups miniature marshmallows 1 cup crunchy peanut butter ½ cup butter 4 ½ cups crips rice cerealFilling2/3 cup strawberry, apricot, or peach ja. . .

Soul Food

The history of American soul food can be traced all the way back to the days of slavery. More often times than not, the slaves were given the most undesirable part of the meal, the leftovers from the house. Pairing this with their own home-grown vegetables, the first soul food dishes were invented. After the slaves were freed, most of them were so poor that they could only afford the most undes. . .

How Sparkling Wine is Made

There are three methods that may be used to make sparkling wine. These methods are: the Transfer Method, Charmat Bulk process and Methode Champenoise. Methode Champenoise is the most labor-intensive and costly of these.Before we get into how sparkling wines are made, we should first make a distinction between sparkling wine and champagne. Champagne is sparkling wine, but sparkling wine is not n. . .

Best Cookies: Pink Lemonade Cookies

Imagine pouring a glass of sweet, tangy lemonade into a cookie. The results are these delightful, lemony flavored cookies with their pretty pink coloring.Pink Lemonade Cookies 1 cup sugar ¼ butter, softened 1 egg 2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon peel 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1 to 2 drops red food color 1 cup all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt Powdered sugar, if desiredDire. . .

Looking for a Great Italian Meatball Recipe?

Wrap your lips around this one.The Best Meatball RecipeCan be prepared in 45 minutes or less.Ingredients 1 pound combined beef, veal, pork (must be fresh) 3 large eggs 1 cup grated Romano Locatelli Cheese 1 cup bread crumb 1 clove garlic - minced 1 tablespoon saltPreparation(All mixing is done be hand)In a large bowl mix beef/veal/pork with eggs. Then add bread crumb, cheese, and salt. Finall. . .

Gourmet Coffee Beans - a Brief Overview

The coffee plant has two main species. There is the Coffea Arabica, which is the more traditional coffee and considered to be superior in flavor, and the Coffea Canephora known more commonly as Robusta. Robusta tends to be higher in caffeine and can be grown in climates and environments were Arabica would not be profitable. Robusta is also typically more bitter and acidic in flavor. Because of . . .

Cheese -- Explore a new Taste

Setting out to find a new cheese to add to your life is a great way to spend a weekend afternoon. There are some great spots in just about every city to explore new tastes. Once you find your new cheese, having it loose its flavor or dry out before you can share it with others is a sad moment. So let's talk about caring for the cheese. As a rule, you shouldn't slice up your hunk of cheese befor. . .

Best Recipes: Chocolate Velvet Cheesecake

Smooth, creamy, and oh so sophisticated – that’s chocolate velvet cheesecake. Crust1 cup vanilla wafer crumbs½ cup chopped pecans3 tablespoons granulated sugarFilling2 8-oz. pkgs. cream cheese, softened½ cup packed brown sugar2 eggs1 6-oz. pkg. semi-sweet chocolate pieces, melted3 tablespoons almond flavored liqueur (substitute 2 tablespoons milk and ¼ teaspoon almond extract for almond flavore. . .

Best Recipes: Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake

There’s nothing slow moving about this caramel and pecan cheesecake. In fact, you’ll be lucky to have leftovers.Crust2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs6 tablespoons margarine, meltedFilling1 14-oz. bag caramel candies1 5-oz. can evaporated milk1 cup chopped pecans, toasted2 8-oz. pkgs. cream cheese, softened½ cup sugar2 eggs½ cup semi-sweet chocolate pieces, meltedToppingWhipped creamChopped nutsMaras. . .

Best Recipes: Peppermint Cheesecake

This festive cheesecake is pretty in pink and perfect for Christmas or Valentine’s Day. Crust1 cup chocolate wafer crumbs3 tablespoons margarine, meltedFilling1 envelope unflavored gelatin¼ cup cold water2 (8-oz.) containers soft cream cheese½ cup sugar½ cup milk¼ cup crushed peppermint candy1 cup whipping cream, whipped2 (1.45-oz). milk chocolate candy bars, finely choppedToppingswhipped cream. . .

Best Recipes: Rum Raisin Cheesecake

If you like rum raisin ice cream, you’ll enjoy the flavor of rum raisin in this unique cheesecake. Crust1 cup old fashioned or quick cooking oats, uncooked¼ cup chopped nuts3 tablespoons margarine, melted3 tablespoons packed brown sugarFilling2 8-oz. pkgs. cream cheese, softened1/3 cup granulated sugar¼ cup flour2 eggs½ cup sour cream3 tablespoons rum2 tablespoons margarine1/3 cup packed brown . . .

Weight Loss With Avocado, Walnuts and Crispy Bacon

Losing weight doesn't have to be boring when you focus on bright, colourful meals. What does this mean? Simply by making sure your plate reflects a range of colours, you'll naturally create more balanced and healthful menus. Not everyone has the time or the patience to count calories, but assessing the colours on your plate is something anyone can do - and it only takes an instant! Why is colou. . .

Best Recipes: Merry Cherry Milkshake

Cherry lovers! Here’s a quick and easy milkshake just for you.½ cup milk½ cup whipped cream2 tablespoons cherry juice½ cup iceDirectionsCombine all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.About The Author© Donna MondayEasy to make – Fun to drinkhttp://www.1st-milkshake-n-smoothie-recipes.com align=centerThis article was posted on September 02, 2005. . .

Best Recipes: Melon Mint Splash Smoothie

You’ll be doing the mango tango after tasting this refreshing melon smoothie. It’s literally bursting with flavor.1 cup cantaloupe, cut into 1-inch cubes½ cup honeydew melon, cut into 1-inch cubes½ cup watermelon, seeds removed, cut into 1-inch cubes¼ cup mango juice2 teaspoons lime juice1 teaspoon honey5 fresh mint leaves, finely chopped2 ice cubesDirectionsCombine all ingredients in blender a. . .

Best Recipes: Marble Cheesecake

Swirls, swirls, delicious swirls of chocolate and cheese makes a beautiful desert and a tasty one too.Crust1 cup graham cracker crumbs3 tablespoons sugar3 tablespoons margarine, meltedFilling3 8-oz. pkgs. cream cheese, softened¾ cup sugar1 teaspoon vanilla3 eggs1 1-oz square unsweetened chocolate, meltedDirectionsPreheat oven to 350 degrees.Combine crumbs, sugar and margarine; press onto bottom. . .

Best Recipes: Jammin Jam Thumbprints

Jam Thumbprint cookies are a great choice for office parties and picnics. They look fancy, but are a breeze to make. Guaranteed to be gobbled up in a hurry.1 ½ cup flour¼ teaspoon salt2/3 cup butter1/3 cup sugar2 egg yolks1 teaspoon vanilla2 slightly beaten egg whites¾ cup finely chopped walnuts1/3 cup cherry, strawberry, or raspberry preservesDirectionsPreheat oven to 350 degrees.Stir togethe. . .

Best Recipes: Ice Cream Cookie Pizza

Gather everybody around for this really cool cold pizza. Each person will have lots of fun topping their ice cream pizza slices with lots of yummy goodies. Great for kids parties.Cookie¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar½ cup butter or margarine, softened1 egg½ teaspoon vanilla1 cup all-purpose flour1 cup uncooked quick-cooking oats1 teaspoon baking soda½ teaspoon saltIce Cream1 quart vanilla ice c. . .

Best Recipes: Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies

Chocolate fudge cake cookies stuffed with macadamia nuts and white chocolate morsels. Mmm mmm – it doesn’t get any better than this. 2/3 cup macadamia nuts, coarsely chopped1 pkg chocolate fudge or devil’s food cake mix1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted¼ cup sour cream1 egg1 cup white chocolate, coarsely choppedDirectionsPreheat oven to 350 degrees.Place nuts onto ungreased 15x10x1-inch jelly . . .

Best Recipes: Banana Cream Sandwich Cookies

Banana fanna fo fanna . . . These banana sandwich cookies will give your taste buds a reason to sing. Fee fi fo manna . . . banana!Cookie1 cup butter or margarine, softened1 cup sugar1 medium (1/2 cup) ripe banana, sliced1 egg1 teaspoon vanilla2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour¼ teaspoon salt½ cup chopped pecansFilling3 cups powdered sugar¼ cup butter or margarine, softened1 teaspoon vanilla2 to 3 ta. . .

Best Recipes: Amaretto Peach Cheesecake

A blushing peach turns into a sophisticated after dinner dessert when combined with Amaretto in this exquisite cheesecake.Crust3 tablespoons margarine1/3 cup sugar1 egg¾ cup flourFilling3 8-oz. pkgs. cream cheese, softened¾ cup sugar3 tablespoons flour3 eggs1 16-oz. can peach halves, drained, pureed¼ cup almond flavored liqueurToppingPeach slicesToasted almonds, slicedDirectionsPreheat oven to . . .

Tomatoes: History, Origin, Facts... or fiction!?

What is a tomato? You probably think it's a vegetable, right? As do most people. However, tomatoes are in fact not a vegetable, but rather, a fruit. In 1883 the United States Congress passed a tariff act requiring a 10% tax on imported vegetables; a response to the growing international trade at time.A tomato importer, John Nix, decided to challenge the law after scrutinizing the Tariff Act. Hi. . .

Reductions; Proving That Less is More

Any liquid can be reduced just by heating it - but why would you want to do that?The answer comes back to two of our old friends, flavor and consistency (texture).By reducing any flavored liquid you intensify its flavor and at the same time thicken it. You can continue this process until what you have left is a syrup if it contains sugar, or a sauce if it does not.This is one of the most impor. . .

Mrs. Butters’ Secret Key Lime Pie Recipe

"Frozen Key Lime Pie recipe?" Fern Butters asked. "Child, I’ll take that secret with me to the grave."Fern Butters’ frozen key lime pie was legend. Every time President Harry S Truman went through Islamorada on Upper Matecumbe Key on his way to the "Little White House" in Key West, he stopped. More specifically, hestopped at Fern Inn for some of Fern Butters’ frozen key lime pie.And so did othe. . .

Bartending School

Finding a Bartending School will be the first step towards a rewarding career! Bartenders at popular nightclubs can make as much as $500 per shift - which can add up to more then enough for the rent by just working a few nights a week!Lots of people think they’ll go to Bartending School and get a job pouring drinks - easy work, right? But if you’ve ever watched a bartender hustle around, you sh. . .

Why Do Make-Ahead Recipes Work So Well To Reduce Your Din...

One of the “tricks” I find most useful for hosting stress-free dinner parties is to make some of the recipes ahead. I find that too many last minute jobs can overwhelm me, so I plan ahead to eliminate as many as possible.The more dishes you can prepare a day or some hours before guests ring your doorbell, the more you reduce your stress. Here are some reasons: You avoid a last minute crisis if . . .

What is Nouvelle Cuisine?

The 1970's brought a great deal of upheaval and new ideas to the forefront, and the world of cuisine was no exception. In June of 1975, the British magazine Harpers & Queen coined a term to refer to a new type of food that was sweeping the world: Nouvelle Cuisine.What is nouvelle cuisine? It is, in a word, the marriage of health-conscious California to traditional France. Consider it an updated. . .

College Cuisine

Going to college is a grand experience. It's the first time many young adults get the chance to begin taking care of themselves, no matter what the consequences. One of the main things that worries parents when their child heads out into the world of college is, of course, their diet. What are they going to eat if the cafeteria closes too early? What if they don't like the cafeteria food? What . . .

Japanese Cuisine

Tempura, sukiyaki, sashimi, sushi – even the words used to describe the most basic of Japanese dishes are exotic and beautiful. Japanese cuisine is easily one of the healthiest in the world, with its concentration on fresh fish, seafood, rice and vegetables. The pungent sauces and delicate flavors of fresh foods complement each other beautifully, and the methods of presentation turn even simple. . .

Best Recipes: Fuzzy Navel Milkshake

While this recipe shares the same name as the famous cocktail drink, there’s no alcohol in this version, just the luscious flavors of vanilla ice cream and fresh peaches, with a splash of orange juice.4 scoops vanilla ice cream1 cup fresh peaches, peeled, pitted and cut1 cup cold orange juice2 strawberries (for garnish only)DirectionsCombine ice cream, peaches, and orange juice in mixer. Blend . . .

Best Recipes: Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake

Enjoy the old-fashioned goodness of apple, cinnamon, and graham crackers with the creamy vanilla flavor of cheesecake. Destined to become a family favorite.Crust1 cup graham cracker crumbs3 tablespoons sugar½ teaspoon cinnamon¼ cup margarine, meltedFilling2 8-oz. pkgs. cream cheese, softened½ cup sugar2 eggs½ teaspoon vanillaTopping4 cups thin peeled apple slices1/3 cup sugar½ teaspoon cinnamon. . .

Best Recipes: Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

Have a little fun with your plain ole cheesecake by adding some yummy chocolate chips. Another great way to use our favorite chocolate morsels.Crust1 cup chocolate wafer crumbs3 tablespoons margarine, meltedFilling3 8-oz. pkgs. cream cheese, softened¾ cup sugar¼ cup flour3 eggs½ cup sour cream1 teaspoon vanilla1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate piecesDirectionsPreheat oven to 350 degrees.Combine c. . .

Best Recipes: Cookies and Cream Cheesecake

Our favorite “dunk in the milk” crème filled chocolate cookies make an encore performance in this delightfully yummy cheesecake. Crust2 cups (24) crushed crème-filled chocolate cookies6 tablespoons margarine, softenedFilling1 envelope unflavored gelatin¼ cup cold water1 8-oz pkg. cream cheese, softened½ cup sugar¾ cup milk1 cup whipping cream, whipped1 ¾ cups (10) coarsely chopped crème-filled . . .

Pasta Recipes – Three delicious easy recipes!

These pasta recipes are excellent for dinners or parties. In this article, I’m going to share with you three delicious pasta recipes that you can prepare for any occasion that suits you. The recipes are very easy and can be prepare in less than 30 minutes. So, here we go…Lemon Tuna Pasta 4 tsp Butter 18 Black olives, pitted & sliced 1 tsp Oil; olive 2 can Tuna; chunk, drained 4 large Garlic clo. . .

Solving The 7 Most Common Whole Wheat Bread Baking Mistakes

Let’s face it EVERY cook makes mistakes (yes, even us professional bakers make boo boo’s). I’m going to list here, the 7 most common whole wheat bread baking mistakes that you’re probably making, or might make if you’re not forewarned, and what you can do about them.Whole Wheat Bread Baking Mistake 1By far the most common bread baking mistake is when the salt is forgotten to be added to the wh. . .

Best Recipes: Luscious Lime Milkshake

Lime sherbet adds an exciting, taste-bud tingling twist to the traditional flavored milkshake. ¼ cup milk 1 scoop lime sherbet 1 scoop vanilla ice cream handful of ice cubesDirectionsBlend all ingredients together in blender until smooth.About The Authorr© Donna MondayrEasy to make – Fun to drinkrhttp://www.1st-milkshake-n-smoothie-recipes.com align=centerThis article was posted on August . . .

Is Your Cookware Poisoning You?

For over 40 years scientists have known that the fumes from hot non-stick surfaces can kill birds such as canaries. So just how dangerous are they to you?Several studies have been conducted into health concerns surrounding Teflon, the coating invented and patented by DuPont. The results have been disturbing, if somewhat inconclusive.While the lethal effect on birds is well documented and not in. . .

Caffeine -I Bet You Didn't Know This! Health and Nutrition!

What exactly is caffeine? It is a colorless, somewhat bitter substance that is found in coffee, tea, chocolate and cola. It is also in many over- the-counter medicines and in many diet/weight loss supplements. It is a stimulant and it is considered a psychoactive drug. It is the most widely consumed drug in this country. Drugmakers are required by law to list the amount of caffeine in their pro. . .

The Skinny on Oats, Oatmeal, Vitamins Nutrition for Skin ...

Oats (botanical name Avena sativa)An oat is a grass that produces a fibrous root and a hollow jointed stem with narrow, flat, pale-green leaves. Oats are native to southern Europe and eastern Asia. They are widely cultivated as a food.An oat is an edible cereal grain produced by the cereal grass of the same name. They are light colored and have a nutty flavor and a chewy texture.Usually we thin. . .

Would You Like to Learn How to Bake Bread?

Even if you have never baked bread before, I can just about guarantee that your very first loaf out of the oven will be so mouth-watering that you’ll amaze yourself (not to mention family and friends)!Up until 1990, I’d never made a single thing that called for yeast. In fact, if a recipe did include yeast, I avoided it LIKE THE PLAGUE! I’ve never been a “Donna Reed” homemaker and I’ve been tol. . .

Cookie Baking Tips

Making better cookies is a lot easier if you understand the difference between the average commercial bakery and the home kitchen. These tips will allow you to make better cookies at home whether it be for a special party or your annual Christmas cookie baking session.There are 4 major things that are done commercially that are overlooked by the average home baker.Number 1 is that the average h. . .

You Know You're Craving Sweets A Bit Too Much When...

You know that you’re craving sweets a bit too much when....You buy bags of miniatures of your favorite candy bar because you’re convinced that since they’re smaller you won’t be eating quite as much sugar.You don’t count stuff like mints or chewing gum as sweets when you’re dieting, thus allowing yourself to continue enjoying healthy quantities of them.You go to the fair and eat one corn dog an. . .

In Search of the Hamdog

Folks, this week’s column is the beginning of a pilgrimage for me...I mean it, this week’s column is the beginning of a truly personal pilgrimage for me, one of truly deep meaning, one of truly great emotion, and I’m not going to rest until I truly achieve what I‘m about to lay out for y‘all in the next few paragraphs.Is that not a truly inspiring beginning for a column? Why, truly it is (okay,. . .

Pasadena California Dining

According to the latest U.S Government census the city of Pasadena, California has a population of just under 140,000, however the city boasts in excess of 500 dining establishments.Pasadena has a wealth of shopping centers, stores, boutiques, movie theaters, art galleries, museums and of course it is the host of the Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl and because it is situated on the edge of the Sa. . .

Specialty Gourmet Coffee

Specialty gourmet coffee is a very hot commodity in today's market. The consumption of gourmet coffee has steadily grown with consumers enjoying the more sophisticated tastes of gourmet coffee beans. Specialty gourmet coffee, sometimes called premium coffee, is exceptional coffee beans grown only in ideal coffee-producing climates. These coffee beans have unique characteristics because of the s. . .

Excellent References Can Be the Clincher

"Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me." This childhood chant is familiar to many. It is probably the most famous comeback line in playgrounds across the country. But does this jingle have merit outside of the playground? In the real world, does it matter what others think of you? You bet it does. In fact, it matters so much that potential employers seek out the opin. . .

Is Coffee The Most Popular Drink In History?

As far back as 850 A.D it is said that a lonely sheep herder and his charge stumbled across a strange and mysterious berry growing on a secluded and forgotten hillside. Before he could stop them, some of his sheep had already began to sample this strange fruit. After about ten minutes or so the shepherd began to notice something unusual about his sheep. They no longer looked tired after their l. . .

Coffee …Most Popular Beverage Of All Time

Long ago it is said that a lone shepherd and his flock came across a strange and mysterious plant growing upon a secluded and forgotten hillside. Before he could stop them some of his herd had began to gnaw away at this unusual berry. After about fifteen minutes or so the herder started to notice that his sheep were behaving in an odd manner. Not only were they unusually alert but they also app. . .

When It Comes To Sushi, I Have No Class

While I was growing up on Cape Cod I would go to the fish pier every Sunday Morning with my Dad to pick up a fresh fish.. Part of the ritual would be to stand on the dock and watch the boats unload. While the men all exchanged their secret language of growl and spit, I would stand off to one side watching the fisherman prepare their fresh catch. Many times a fish would jump the box and lay fl. . .