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Homemade Banana Bread

 

开云体育


Let's Cook - Chef Billy Parisi

Homemade Banana Bread Recipe

sliced of banana bread



Homemade Banana Bread Recipe

slices of
                    fresh baked banana bread

Learn how easy it is to make the most delicious homemade banana bread recipe that is light, fluffy, and nothing short of delicious.
Servings:
Prep Time:15minutes?minutes
Cook Time:55minutes?minutes
Total Time:1hour?hour?10minutes?minutes

Ingredients?

  • 2?sticks melted unsalted butter
  • 1 ??cup?sugar
  • 4?eggs
  • 1?tablespoon?vanilla extract
  • ??cup?vegetable oil
  • ??cup?whole milk
  • 8?mashed bananas
  • 1 ??teaspoons?baking soda
  • 2?teaspoons?baking powder
  • 1?teaspoon?ground cinnamon
  • 4?cups?all-purpose flour
  • pinch?of sea salt
  • 1 ??cups?roughly chopped walnuts

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°.
  • In a large bowl whisk together the butter and sugar until completely mixed.
  • Next, add in 1 egg at a time until mixed in.
  • Pour in the vanilla, oil, and milk until combined and then pour in the bananas and mix them in.
  • Now, whisk in the baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon until completely mixed together.
  • Whisk in the flour and salt until combined and then fold in the walnuts using a rubber spatula.
  • Divide the batter between 2 9×5 loaf pans that have been sprayed with nonstick spray.
  • This part is optional but mix together ? cup of packed light brown sugar with ? cup of roughly chopped walnuts and evenly sprinkle it over the top of the bread.
  • Bake at 350° for 80-90 minutes or until browned and cooked in the center. If you press a toothpick in the center it should come out relatively clean. In addition, it will have an internal temperature of 198°.
  • Remove from the oven and set on a rack and cool for 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Make-Ahead:?You can make this recipe up to 1 day ahead of time.How to Store:?Keep covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or covered and in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This will freeze well covered for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator until soft.You can just use?oil, or just use milk, or a combination of both like I did in this recipe. You can also swap out the milk for full-fat yogurt.You can easily make?24 muffins using this recipe if you prefer banana muffins instead. Bake them for 25-28 minutes.In addition to the?walnuts in this recipe, you can also add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Nutrition

Calories:?374kcalCarbohydrates:?61gProtein:?7gFat:?12gSaturated Fat:?4gCholesterol:?42mgSodium:?122mgPotassium:?364mgFiber:?3gSugar:?30gVitamin A:?103IUVitamin C:?5mgCalcium:?52mgIron:?2mg
Course:?Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine:?American
Author:?
More Amazing Bread Recipes



Ginny Butterfield
Cranberry Twp, Pa






Banana Gratin from Heart & Soul in the Kitchen by Jacques Pépin

 

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Banana Gratin from Heart & Soul in the Kitchen ? by Jacques Pépin

? ?
?
?
Banana Gratin
SERVES 4

IN JUST A FEW MINUTES, BANANAS CAN BE TRANSFORMED into a delicious dessert gratin. I like to serve this dish with old-style whole-milk yogurt that has a layer of cream on top. I bake the gratins in individual gratin dishes, but you can use any small ovenproof dishes you have.

2 ripe bananas (6 to 7 ounces each)
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons dried cranberries??
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 slices white bread (about 2 ounces), cut into ?-inch pieces
1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt or sour cream

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Peel the bananas and slice them into a bowl. Combine with the rest of the ingredients except the yogurt. Divide among four small gratin dishes, about 4 inches across and 1 inch deep.
Bake the gratins for 15 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, topped with the yogurt or sour cream.
?

Notes from Ginny -
Consider using honey in place of or in addition to? maple syrup.
Consuder trying with other fruit such as apple or blueberries, etc.
Consder using raisins in place of dried cranberries.? On Tv show Jacques Pepin also suggests dried cherries.

This recipe was not eassy to find online.? I actually grabbed it from the epub version of the book using? copy and paste from the epub reader.




The bananas gratin recipe is featured in this episode of Jacque's TV series:

Youtube episode video:

La Cocina Olé Mexican-themed Menu | Jacques Pépin: Heart & Soul | Lifestyle Food & Travel



?





From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jacques Pépin
Pépin at the Aspen Food and Wine Classic 2006
Born 18 December 1935?(age?89)
,?
Education ?(,?)
Spouse
Gloria Evelyn Augier
?
?
(m.?1966; died?2020)?
Children 1
Culinary career
Cooking style
hide
Previous restaurant(s)
  • H?tel Plaza Athénée, Le Pavillon, Howard Johnson's, La Potagerie, Windows on the World, Russian Tea Room
hide
Television show(s)
  • The Complete Pépin (PBS; originally aired 1997; relaunched 2007)
    Fast Food My Way
    More Fast Food My Way
    Jacques Pepin: Heart & Soul (2015–2016)
hide
Award(s) won
  • ?(2004)
    ?(1997)
    ?(1992)
Website

Jacques Pépin?(French pronunciation:?; born December 18, 1935)?is a French chef, author, culinary educator, television personality, and artist.?After having been the personal chef of??, he moved to the US in 1959 and after working in New York's top French restaurants, refused the same job with President??in the??and instead took a culinary development job with?. During his career, he has served in numerous prestigious restaurants, first, in Paris, and then in America. He has appeared on American television and has written for?,??and other publications. He has authored more than 30 cookbooks, some of which have become best sellers. Pépin was a longtime friend of the American chef?, and their 1999??series?Julia and Jacques Cooking at Home?won a?. He also holds a BA and a MA from??in?.

He has been honored with 24?,?five honorary doctoral degrees, the??lifetime achievement award, the Emmy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2019?and the?, France's highest order of merit, in 2004.

Since 1989, Pépin has taught in the Culinary Arts Program at??and served as dean of special programs at the??in New York City.?In 2016, with his daughter, Claudine Pépin and his son-in-law, Rollie Wesen, Pépin created the??to support culinary education for adults with barriers to employment.?He has lived in Connecticut since 1975.













Ginny Butterfield
Cranberry Twp, Pa






Mandarin Orange Jello Salad

 

开云体育

You can add marshmellows to this as well. I’ve added the small one

?

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of chris hussick
Sent: Tuesday, July 25, 2023 5:42 PM
To: tammi <tammi20151@...>; [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: [Santas-Workshop] Mandarin Orange Jello Salad

?

Mandarin Orange Jello Salad

Mandarin Orange Jello Salad tastes like a Dreamsicle. Bright orange flavor with a creamy, mousse-like texture. Will you serve it as a side dish or a dessert?

Prep Time5minutes?mins

Cook Time15minutes?mins

Chilling4hours?hrs

Total Time20minutes?mins

Course:?Dessert, Side Dish

Cuisine:?American

Keyword:?dreamsicle orange salad, mandarin orange jello salad, mandarin orange salad with cool whip and vanilla pudding

?

Servings:?8

?

Calories:?176kcal

?

Author:?

Ingredients

·???????? 6?ounce?package orange gelatin

·???????? 2?3 ounce?package vanilla cook and serve pudding mix

·???????? 4?cups?hot water

·???????? 8?ounces?Cool Whip

·???????? 16?ounce?can mandarin oranges?drained

Instructions

1.???? Combine orange jell-o, vanilla pudding and hot water in a large saucepan.

2.???? Bring to a boil, stirring frequently.

3.???? Continue boiling (and stirring) until mixture turns a clear orange color (about 5 minutes).

4.???? Pour into a??and chill overnight. Alternatively, chill until set (about 4 hours).

5.???? Combine Cool Whip with jell-o/pudding mixture (a??works well for this step).

6.???? Add mandarin oranges and stir gently.

7.???? Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

·???????? I don't recommend using instant pudding mix.

·???????? Plan ahead - needs to chill.

·???????? Nutritional information is provided as a reference, using an online calculator. We recommend verifying the information independently.

Nutrition

Calories:?176kcal?|?Carbohydrates:?34g?|?Protein:?3g?|?Fat:?4g?|?Saturated Fat:?3g?|?Cholesterol:?1mg?|?Sodium:?128mg?|?Potassium:?123mg?|?Fiber:?1g?|?Sugar:?31g?|?Vitamin A:?407IU?|?Vitamin C:?15mg?|?Calcium:?45mg?|?Iron:?1mg


German Spice Cookies (Pfeffernusse)

 

German Spice Cookies (Pfeffernusse)

These traditional German cookies are made with gingerbread spices and glazed with kirsch-spiked icing.

Servings:
?
60

Ingredients

Cookies

  • 2 ??cups?unbleached all-purpose flour

  • ??teaspoon?baking soda

  • ??teaspoon?ground cinnamon

  • ??teaspoon?ground allspice

  • ??teaspoon?ground cloves

  • ??teaspoon?freshly ground nutmeg

  • ??teaspoon?freshly ground pepper

  • ??cup?(1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

  • ??cup?firmly packed light-brown sugar

  • ??cup?unsulfured molasses

  • 1?large?egg

  • ??teaspoon?pure vanilla extract

Glaze

  • 3 ??cups?confectioners' sugar

  • ??cup?whole milk, plus more if needed

  • ??teaspoon?kirsch or other cherry-flavored liqueur, optional

To decorate (optional)

  • Coarsely ground pink peppercorns

  • ??teaspoon?luster dust, preferably metallic

  • ??teaspoon?kirsch

Directions

  1. Preheat oven, prep baking sheets, and combine dry ingredients:

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Line three baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and spices. Set aside

  2. Beat butter sugar and molasses, add egg and vanilla:

    In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together butter, brown sugar, and molasses on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in egg and vanilla.

    Before measuring the molasses,?coat the measuring cup with vegetable oil cooking spray. The molasses will slide right out like a miracle, with no sticky mess left behind.

  3. Add flour mixture:

    With mixer on low speed, add flour mixture; beat until just combined.

  4. Form cookies:

    Pinch off a heaping teaspoon of dough, roll into a ball, and place on a prepared baking sheet. Repeat process with remaining dough, spacing balls 1 1/2 inches apart.

    Dough can be frozen at this point, covered tightly with plastic wrap, up to 1 month.

  5. Bake:

    Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until cookies are golden and firm to the touch with slight cracking, about 15 minutes. Transfer sheets to a wire rack to cool completely.

  6. Make glaze and dip cookies:

    Fit a rimmed baking sheet with a wire rack. In a medium bowl, whisk together confectioners' sugar, milk, and kirsch, if desired. Using a fork, dip each cookie in glaze to coat. Tap to remove excess glaze and place on wire rack to dry. Repeat with remaining cookies.

  7. Deocrate cookies (optional):

    While the glaze is still wet, top cookies with a small pinch of peppercorns, if desired. Alternatively, let glaze dry completely before mixing together luster dust and kirsch with a small paintbrush. Lightly brush tops of cookies with luster dust mixture, if desired. Let dry before serving.

    Don’t be afraid of the. pink peppercorns:?Since the pfeffernusse dough is already flavored with black pepper, it may seem like overload to decorate the cookies with even more peppercorns. However, pink peppercorns aren’t actually pepper at all—they come from a tree in the cashew family. Pink peppercorns are mildly sweet and highly aromatic, adding a beautiful, fragrant decoration to your pfeffernusse without adding more peppery heat.

Variation: Decorating With Confectioners' Sugar Not a Glaze

You can skip the glaze and decorations and finish the cookies with confectioners' sugar instead:

  • Place 1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar in a brown paper bag.
  • After baking, transfer sheets to a wire rack to cool slightly, about 10 minutes.
  • Working in batches, place cookies in paper bag; shake until well coated. Let cool completely on wire rack.

Storing Pfeffernusse

The cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.



Source: Martha Stewart

~~~~~
Rhonda in MO


Old-Fashioned German Potato Salad

 

Old-Fashioned German Potato Salad

Switch up your summer side dish routine with this mayo-free, bacon-studded potato salad recipe.

Servings:
?
8 to 10

Ingredients

  • 4?pounds?baby Yukon Gold potatoes

  • 1?tablespoon?plus 2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • ??cup?cider vinegar

  • 1?tablespoon?sugar

  • 1?pound?bacon, cut into ?-inch pieces

  • 2?small?white onions, finely diced (about 1 cup)

  • 2?cups?beef broth

  • ??cup?chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Directions

  1. Peel potate and cook:

    Peel potatoes, and place in a large pot with enough water to cover by several inches. Bring to a boil over high heat, add 1 tablespoon salt, and reduce to a gentle boil. Cook until potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife, about 10 minutes.

  2. Heat vinegar, sugar, and remaining salt:

    While the potatoes cook, combine the vinegar, sugar, and remaining 2 teaspoons salt in a small saucepan, and place over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.

  3. Drain potatoes:

    Drain potatoes into a colander.

  4. Cut potatoes into rounds:

    Using gloves or paper towels to protect your hands, slice the hot potatoes into 1/8-inch-thick rounds and place in a large bowl.

  5. Add hot vinegar mixture to potatoes:

    Drizzle with hot vinegar mixture, gently stirring until all potatoes are coated. Set aside.

  6. Cook bacon:

    Saute bacon in a large skillet placed over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until browned and crispy.

  7. Remove bacon from skillet:

    Remove with a slotted spoon; transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Drain excess fat from skillet, leaving a thin coating in bottom.

  8. Saute onions:

    Add onions to skillet; saute until translucent but not browned.

  9. Add beef broth to skillet:

    Add beef broth; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to a simmer, and cook until reduced by half, about 20 minutes.

  10. Pour over potato salad, add bacon and parsley; serve:

    Pour over the reserved warm potato mixture, and sprinkle with the reserved bacon and chopped parsley. Gently stir to combine, and serve immediately.

Storing German Potato Salad

Any leftover potato salad should be cooled completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Making Ahead

Since German potato salad is best served warm, we recommend eating as much as you can the same day it’s made. However, the flavor won't change much if you do make it a few hours (or even one day) ahead of time.

Reheating

If you choose to reheat leftover German potato salad, place it in an even layer in a skillet with another splash of beef broth. Warm it up over medium heat, stirring often, until the potatoes are heated through, 5 to 8 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What types of potatoes are used in German potato salad?

    German potato salad is usually made with creamier potatoes like Yukon Gold, rather than starchy potatoes such as russets. Creamy potatoes absorb the vinegar sauce better than starchy potatoes.

  • How are American and German potato salads different?

    The biggest difference between traditional German potato salad and American potato salads is the use of mayonnaise. German potato salad is dairy-free because it uses a dressing made with cider vinegar and broth. It is not creamy like American potato salad which is made with mayonnaise. Also, whereas American potato salad is usually vegetarian, German potato salad includes bacon and beef broth.

  • Should I steam or boil potatoes for potato salad?

    For potato salad, we recommend either boiling or steaming potatoes. For this recipe, we boil the potatoes in salted water, but steaming them would work just as well.



Source: Martha Stewart

~~~~~
Rhonda in MO


Swedish Meatballs

 

Swedish Meatballs

Prep Time:
?
20 mins
Total Time:
?
40 mins
Servings:
?
8

Ingredients

  • 1?pound?ground beef chuck

  • 1?pound?ground pork

  • 3?cups?panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)

  • 1 ??cups?whole milk

  • 2?large?eggs, lightly beaten

  • 2?garlic cloves, minced

  • Coarse salt and ground pepper

  • ??teaspoon?ground allspice

  • 3?tablespoons?butter

  • ??cup?all-purpose flour

  • 3?cups?canned reduced-sodium beef broth

  • Grape or red-current jelly, cooked egg noodles, chopped parsley, for serving (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 475 degrees. In a large bowl, combine beef, pork, panko, 1/2 cup milk, eggs, garlic, 1 tablespoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and allspice. Mix just until combined.

  2. Using a rounded 1-tablespoon measure for each, form mixture into meatballs (you should have about 48). Place meatballs onto two rimmed baking sheets; bake until golden brown and cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through.

  3. Meanwhile, make sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-high. Add flour; cook, whisking, 1 minute (do not let darken). Gradually whisk in remaining cup milk and broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer until sauce has slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.

  4. Using a slotted spoon, add meatballs to bowl with sauce; gently toss to combine. Serve as an appetizer, on toothpicks, with jelly on the side; or as a main, over noodles, garnished with parsley, with jelly on the side.

Cook's Notes

Made from a combination of beef and pork, these meatballs are a Scandinavian favorite that goes from appetizer to main in a flash (just add noodles). It's a tradition to serve them with sweet-tart lingonberry jam; if you can't find it, grape or red-currant jelly is a good substitute.



Source: Martha Stewart

~~~~~
Rhonda in MO


Swedish Gingerbread House

 

Swedish Gingerbread House

Servings:
?
1
Yield:
?
1 house

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour, for dusting

  • Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On a lightly floured surface, roll out gingerbread dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Chill until firm, about 1 hour. Lightly dust top of dough with flour. Place templates on top and cut out shapes with a paring knife. (Use a small utility knife to cut out the windows.) Transfer shapes to parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until just beginning to brown, about 15 minutes. Let cool completely.

  2. Make caramel syrup, and assemble house.

  3. Place royal icing in a pastry bag fitted with a medium plain tip (No. 5 or 6). Pipe to outline windows, doorway, and edges of chimney, including top and base. Outline the four joining points of house, sides, and top of roof. Decorate roof: Starting at the top, pipe a horizontal line of icing in a scallop pattern, making curves in even intervals; pipe another scalloped line so the peaks join the scallops above them in the middle. Pipe icicles around edges. Dust roof with confectioners' sugar.



Source: Martha Stewart

~~~~~
Rhonda in MO


Swedish Pancakes

 

Swedish Pancakes

Delightfully eggy and tender, these golden Swedish pancakes are the ultimate breakfast treat.

Prep Time:
?
5 mins
Cook Time:
?
35 mins
Total Time:
?
40 mins
Servings:
?
15 to 20
Yield:
?
60 3-inch pancakes

Ingredients

  • 3?large?eggs

  • 2?cups?milk

  • 1?cup?unbleached all-purpose flour

  • 6?tablespoons?melted unsalted butter

  • 1?tablespoon?granulated sugar

  • ??teaspoon?pure vanilla extract

  • ??teaspoon?kosher salt

  • Confectioners' sugar, for garnish (optional)

  • Fruit, such as raspberries, strawberries, or sliced melon, for garnish (optional)

  • Jam, for garnish (optional)

Directions

  1. Combine eggs and milk:

    In the bowl of a food processor, combine eggs with 1/2 cup milk. Process until completely smooth, 2 to 3 minutes.

    Tip

    If you don't have a food processor, you can make the batter in a blender instead.

  2. Add flour:

    Stop the food processor and add flour. Process again until smooth and thick, 1 to 2 minutes. Scrape the sides of the food processor as needed.

  3. Add remaining ingredients:

    Add remaining milk, butter, granulated sugar, vanilla, and salt. Process until smooth.

  4. Cook pancakes:

    Heat Swedish pancake pan over medium. Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of batter into each circle. Cook until the edges turn golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip with a fork, and continue cooking 1 to 2 minutes more.

  5. Serve:

    Serve with confectioners' sugar, fresh fruit, and jam as desired.

Storage

Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for about 2 days. Layer the pancakes with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking.

Reheating

To reheat Swedish pancakes, microwave them until heated through (15 to 20 seconds for a single pancake and 1 minute for a stack of five). You can also reheat them individually in a dry, nonstick skillet for about 30 seconds per side.



Source: Martha Stewart

~~~~~
Rhonda in MO


FOOLPROOF PIE CRUST

 

FOOLPROOF PIE CRUST
Printed from COOKS.COM

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
2 sticks butter, unsalted, cut into 1 tbsp. pieces., very cold
1/4 to 1/2 cup water, cold

Put the flour, salt and sugar into a food processor and pulse once or twice. Add the butter and process until the mixture looks grainy. Then slowly, while pulsing, add the water until you can form the dough by pressing it between your fingers.

Decant the loose dough onto a piece of plastic wrap. Using the wrap, fold the loose dough towards the middle and press with the back of your hands to form dough. Split into two pieces and wrap each and chill for at least 4 hours before using. Dough can be made ahead for up to one week.



Source: Cooks.com

~~~~~
Rhonda in MO


EMILY'S EASY APPLE CRISP

 

EMILY'S EASY APPLE CRISP
Printed from COOKS.COM

1 cup of sugar
2 tsp. lemon juice
A little lemon zest
1/4 cup of water
1/4 tsp. of vanilla
1/2 tsp. of cinnamon (optional)
5 or 6 peeled and sliced large apples (Cortland works well)
3/4 cups of flour
1/4 tsp. of salt
6 tbsp. butter

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Combine 1/2 sugar, lemon juice, a little lemon zest, water, vanilla, and cinnamon.

Peel and slice apples.

Marinate apples in combination and pour into a small baking pan (square).

Combine 1/2 sugar, flour, salt, butter (make sure butter is softened), and a little cinnamon.

Crumble and sprinkle 2nd combination over apples evenly.

Bake at 375°F for 40-50 minutes until apples are tender and crust is browned.

Serve, best with warmed vanilla ice cream.



Source: Cooks.com

~~~~~
Rhonda in MO


MINI PECAN TARTS

 

MINI PECAN TARTS
Printed from COOKS.COM

1/2 c. butter
3 oz. cream cheese
1 c. flour

Soften butter and cream cheese. Mix in flour. Roll in ball; chill. Press into small tart pans with thumb.

FILLING:

1 egg
1 tsp. melted butter
2/3 c. pecans, chopped
3/4 c. lite brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt

Mix together. Fill shells 1/2 full.

Bake at 325°F for 25-30 minutes until shell is light brown.



Source: Cooks.com

~~~~~
Rhonda in MO


MOM'S BISQUICK COBBLER

 

MOM'S BISQUICK COBBLER
Printed from COOKS.COM

2 tbsp. butter
1 cup Bisquick
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
3 cups cut-up peaches or other fruit of your choice (can be fresh, frozen (thawed) or canned)

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in 8x8-inch baking dish. Mix Bisquick, sugar, and milk. Pour over melted butter. Spoon fruit over. If using canned peaches, pour on some of the juice also.

Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Note: May double the recipe and bake in 9x13-inch pan.



Source: Cooks.com

~~~~~
Rhonda in MO


ITALIAN EASTER PIE (PIZZAGAINA)

 

ITALIAN EASTER PIE (PIZZAGAINA)
Printed from COOKS.COM

This rich, Italian holiday favorite is served as part of traditional Easter fare, and sometimes at Christmas.

Known in our family as "Pizzagaina", (Pizza jay-nah) this multi-layered dish is quite an undertaking to prepare, but the effort spent will be well worth your time. And you'll be able to prepare it a day or two in advance, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the holidays with your guests.

This recipe has been a treasured favorite in our family for many generations, and now, it can be a tradition in your family, too.

Dough:

4 1/2 to 5 cups flour, more if needed
1/2 cup whole milk, scalded
1/2 cup water, lukewarm
1 teaspoon honey or sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons sugar
5 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons butter flavored Crisco (or butter)
3 tablespoons lard
3 tablespoons buttermilk or sour cream
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
5 eggs (for dough)
1 egg, boiled
1 egg, mixed with 1 tablespoon water for glaze

The optional lemon juice is used to help make the dough easier to handle.

Shortening: All butter may be used, or a combination of butter, vegetable shortening and lard for the flakiest crust.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine salt, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 4 1/2 cups flour. Using the dough hook attachment, work 3 tablespoons butter, 3 tablespoons of lard, and 2 tablespoons butter flavored Crisco into dough, as though you were making a pie crust.

In a small bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon honey in 1/2 cup lukewarm water, stirring well until dissolved. Bring water temperature to about 105°F (or warm to the touch). Add yeast and stir well. Stir in 1/3 cup flour to "feed" yeast. The yeast mixture should begin to bubble and foam up. Set aside for 10-15 minutes.

Tip: It's a good idea to keep more than one type or brand of yeast on hand if you bake your own bread often. When you measure out your yeast, you can use half from one jar, and half from the other brand of yeast at the same time. This is good insurance in case the yeast isn't as active as you'd like it to be; if only half the yeast is good, your bread will still rise; it will just take longer.

In a small heavy bottomed saucepan, scald 1/2 cup milk. Watch milk carefully during the scalding process and remove from heat when the milk begins to foam slightly. Set aside and allow to sit undisturbed. A skin will form around edges and on top of milk as it cools. Remove the coagulated milk from the edges and skim the top skin off using a spoon. Pour the cooled (85°F) milk into the yeast mixture.

Using the same saucepan the milk was heated in, melt 4 tablespoons butter. When butter has nearly melted, add 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil and remove from heat. Allow to cool to nearly 85°F.

Break 5 eggs into flour mixture. Mix on medium setting 2 minutes. Add butter mixture and 3 tablespoons buttermilk or sour cream. Pour yeast mixture into flour mixture and combine. Add 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (do not substitute).

Knead at medium speed of electric mixer for 8-10 minutes. If dough is too stiff for easy mixing, add a few tablespoons water.

Turn out onto lightly floured board and using your hands, which you've rubbed with olive oil (remove jewelry!), knead gently for 5 minutes. Dough should be light and airy, and somewhat sticky. As you knead, you should hear little "pops" as air bubbles break and new air pockets are formed.

Place into a greased bowl, turn once to coat with oil, cover with a damp cloth and place in a warm, draft free place to rise until doubled in bulk.

When the dough has doubled, punch it down and allow to rest for 10 minutes. Divide in 1/2 and roll out to 1/2 inch thickness. Grease a deep dish pan with olive oil. Line the pan bottom and sides with the rolled out dough, easing dough into pan without stretching. Puncture bottom and sides with fork; coat with egg glaze.

Filling:

1/2 lb mortadella, sliced and chopped
1/2 lb provolone, thinly sliced
1/2 lb capicola (hot ham), very thinly sliced
1/4 lb prosciutto, very thinly sliced
2-3 slices each pepperoni or salami, chopped
1-2 slices sopressato, chopped (optional)
1 1/2 cups ricotta
1 egg yolk (optional - see note below)
1 entire basket Easter cheese (fromaggio fresca)
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
2 tablespoons Romano cheese, freshly grated
3/4 teaspoon whole black peppercorns, cracked

At your deli, have the cold cuts sliced thinly, with the prosciutto being shaved thinly enough to see through it.

Remove the casing strings from the cold cuts, roll them up and slice them into 1/2 inch wide strips.

For the pepperoni, sopressato, or salami, chop the strips into small squares. Chop half of the mortadella into squares as well, reserving half of it to layer in criss-cross strips to create a layer in the same way that you'll be using the prosciutto.

Measure out a half cup of the ricotta. Add Parmesan and Romano cheese to this, then stir in the cracked whole peppercorns. To crack peppercorns, measure out quantity of whole peppercorns into a plastic bag and then use a rolling pin to crush them as you would bread crumbs.

NOTE: In my family, we don't use eggs to bind the filling in Pizzagaina. The reason it's not needed in this pie is that there is a small amount of ricotta in ratio to the meat and other cheeses. If you prefer, an egg yolk or two may be added to the ricotta, but this is not our tradition (we do use eggs in Pizza Rustica and Calzones if there is a higher ratio of ricotta filling to meat).

Assembly:

Add the filling to the crust, beginning by lining the bottom of the crust with a thin layer of proscuitto, torn into strips. Cover with a scant layer of very thinly sliced boiled eggs (the boiled egg here is optional - feel free to leave it out).

Next, add a layer of ricotta, Parmesan, Romano, cracked pepper mixture. Place a layer of torn capicola to cover the layer. Next, place a thin layer of provolone cheese.

Cover this layer with the remaining 1 cup ricotta which has been mixed with the chopped pepperoni, sopressato, mortadella and capicola.

Place a layer of thin strips of mortadella, and next a layer of fromaggio fresca broken into chunks. Press down slightly if the filling is getting too high. Next, a layer of hot ham, then a final layer of Prosciutto and fromaggio fresca. (An optional variation at this step is to place a single layer of baby spinach, blanched, and squeezed dry into the center ricotta layer.)

In a cup, beat one egg with 1 tablespoon cold water. Use this as the egg glaze for brushing over crust just before baking.

Brush the pie edges with egg glaze so that the top crust will make a better seal with the bottom crust.

Roll out and drape top crust over pie; trim away excess using a kitchen scissors, leaving a 1/2 inch margin.

Press together and crimp edges well, then flute in a decorative fashion.

Insert 3 tin-foil funnels or pie birds through pie crust top in order to allow steam to escape. Let rise 15 minutes, brush crust with egg glaze before baking in a preheated 350°F oven for 45 minutes.

Check at 35 minutes; if browning too rapidly, place aluminum foil tent over top (be sure close oven door quickly or you'll drop the temperature!)

Cover and refrigerate overnight. Cut into 1 1/2 to 2 inch slices and allow individual slices to sit at room temperature 15 minutes before serving.

Calzones: If you have any leftover dough, roll it into small circles, fill with any remaining cold cuts or filling mixture that you have, toss on some shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese; fold into half circle, turnover-like shapes. Fold in and crimp edges, pressing to seal. Brush with glaze after allowing a 15 minute rise. Bake calzones at 375°F for 20 minutes, or until golden.



Source: Cooks.com

~~~~~
Rhonda in MO


Nonni's Escarole & Bean Soup

 

Nonni's Escarole & Bean Soup

Enjoy this recipe from?150 Best-Ever Cast-Iron Skillet Recipes.

Submitted by: from

2 T. olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 bunches escarole, cut into bite-size pieces
2 15-oz. cans cannellini beans
32-oz. container chicken broth
1/2 c. spaghetti sauce
1/2 t. dried oregano
1/4 t. pepper


Heat oil in a deep cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook until softened, but not browned. Add as much of the escarole as possible, stirring to wilt. Add remaining escarole in batches. Stir in undrained beans and remaining ingredients; increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer for 5 more minutes. Makes 6 to 8 servings.



Source: Gooseberry Patch

~~~~~
Rhonda in MO


Dad’s Famous Minestrone

 

Dad’s Famous Minestrone

Enjoy this recipe from?101 Super-Easy Slow Cooker Recipes?.

Submitted by: Glenn Stracqualursi from Lakeland, FL

4 carrots, peeled and sliced
1 c. celery, chopped
1 c. onion, chopped
5 to 6 red potatoes, diced
3 zucchini, sliced
14-1/2 oz. can diced tomatoes
15 oz. can cut green beans
8 cloves garlic, chopped
3 T. olive oil
1-1/2 t. dried basil
1 t. dried rosemary
2 T. dried parsley
1/2 t. sea salt
1/2 t. pepper
3-14 oz. cans chicken broth
12 oz. bottle cocktail vegetable juice
1 bunch escarole, chopped
15 oz. can garbanzo beans
15 oz. can cannellini beans
8 oz. pkg. ditalini pasta, uncooked
Garnish: grated Parmesan cheese


To a slow cooker, add all ingredients in order listed except beans, pasta and garnish. Cover and cook on low setting for 8 hours. After 8 hours, stir in beans and pasta, cook for one more hour. Top servings with cheese. Serves 8 to 10.



Source: Gooseberry Patch

~~~~~
Rhonda in MO


Chilled Melon Soup

 

Chilled Melon Soup

Enjoy this recipe from?101 Soups, Salads & Sandwiches Cookbook.

Submitted by: Janice Woods from Northern Cambria, PA

3 c. cantaloupe melon, peeled, seeded and chopped
2 T. sugar, divided
1/4 c. orange juice, divided
1/8 t. salt, divided
3 c. honeydew melon, peeled, seeded and chopped
Garnish: fresh mint sprigs or orange slices


In a blender, process cantaloupe, half the sugar, half the juice and half the salt until smooth. Cover and refrigerate. Repeat with honeydew and remaining ingredients except garnish. Refrigerate, covered, in separate containers. To serve, pour equal amounts of each mixture at the same time on opposite sides of individual soup bowls. Garnish as desired. Makes 4 to 6 servings.



Source: Gooseberry Patch

~~~~~
Rhonda in MO


French Onion Soup

 

French Onion Soup

Enjoy this recipe from?101 Slow-Cooker Recipes.

Submitted by: Robin Hill from Rochester, NY

1/4 c. butter
3 c. onion, sliced
1 T. sugar
1 t. salt
2 T. all-purpose flour
4 c. beef broth
1/4 c. dry white wine or beef broth
6 slices French bread
1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese


Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until soft. Stir in sugar and salt; continue to cook and stir until golden. Add flour; mix well. Combine onion mixture, broth and wine or broth in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on high setting for 3 to 4 hours. Ladle soup into oven-proof bowls. Top with bread slices; sprinkle with cheeses. Broil until cheese is bubbly and melted. Serves 6.



Source: Gooseberry Patch

~~~~~
Rhonda in MO


Christmas Eve Soup

 

Christmas Eve Soup

Enjoy this recipe from?101 Christmas Recipes.

Submitted by: Jessica Heimbaugh from Gilbert, IA

2 c. potatoes, peeled and diced
1/2 c. carrot, peeled and diced
1/2 c. celery, chopped
1/4 c. onion, chopped
2 c. water
1-1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1 c. cooked ham, cubed
1/4 c. margarine
1/4 c. all-purpose flour
2 c. milk
8-oz. pkg. shredded Cheddar cheese


Combine vegetables, water, salt and pepper in a large soup pot. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until vegetables are tender. Stir in ham; set aside. In a separate saucepan, melt margarine; stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes, until thickened. Stir in cheese until melted; add to vegetable mixture and heat through. Serves 8.



Source: Gooseberry Patch

~~~~~
Rhonda in MO


Cherry Turnovers (marketgrow.com)

 

Cherry Turnovers?are a delightful pastry treat that combines a flaky, golden crust with a sweet, tangy cherry filling. These handheld pastries are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. The buttery, puff pastry envelopes the luscious cherry filling, creating a satisfying contrast between the crisp exterior and the juicy interior. Whether enjoyed warm out of the oven or at room temperature, these turnovers are sure to be a hit with family and friends alike.

Ingredients:

  • 1 package (about 2 sheets) puff pastry, thawed
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped
  • ? cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Optional: powdered sugar for dusting, or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the cherry filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each sheet of puff pastry to smooth out any creases. Cut each sheet into 4 equal squares (you should have 8 squares total).
  4. Assemble the turnovers: Place about 2 tablespoons of the cherry filling in the center of each puff pastry square. Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg, then fold each square diagonally to form a triangle. Press the edges with a fork to seal, and make a small slit or cut in the top of each turnover to allow steam to escape.
  5. Bake the turnovers: Place the assembled turnovers on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the remaining beaten egg. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the turnovers are puffed and golden brown.
  6. Cool and finish: Remove the turnovers from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze.

These Cherry Turnovers are a perfect combination of tart and sweet, with a crispy exterior that gives way to a deliciously fruity filling. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a truly indulgent treat.


Rocky Road Squares (marketgrow.com)

 

Rocky Road Squares are a delightful and indulgent treat that combines rich?, fluffy?, and crunchy nuts in every bite. This no-bake dessert is perfect for when you want something sweet and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. The combination of smooth melted chocolate with the contrasting textures of marshmallows and nuts makes these squares irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, a bake sale, or simply for a sweet snack at home, Rocky Road Squares are always a crowd-pleaser. Best of all, they come together quickly with just a handful of ingredients!

Rocky Road Squares Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup golden syrup (or light corn syrup)
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the pan:?Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. Melt the chocolate mixture:?In a heatproof bowl, combine the chocolate chips, butter, and golden syrup. Melt them together using a microwave or double boiler, stirring frequently until smooth. If using a microwave, heat in 20-second intervals, stirring in between.
  3. Add vanilla and salt:?Once the chocolate mixture is fully melted, stir in the vanilla extract and salt (if using) for extra flavor.
  4. Mix in marshmallows and nuts:?Gently fold in the mini marshmallows and chopped nuts, ensuring that they are evenly coated with the chocolate mixture.
  5. Press into the pan:?Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press it down evenly using a spatula.
  6. Chill:?Place the dish in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 1-2 hours, or until the chocolate is fully set.
  7. Cut into squares:?Once set, lift the Rocky Road from the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut it into squares.

These Rocky Road Squares are the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and chewy textures, making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion. Enjoy them chilled for a refreshing treat!