Sweet Sushi

Something's fishy about this sushi -- maybe because the only fish in it comes from the candy aisle!

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
Pound cake, cut into 1-inch-thick slices
White frosting
Fruit leather (we used FruitaBü Organic Smoooshed Grape Fruit Twirls)
Flaked coconut
An assortment of candies and jellies for sweet toppings and sushi sides

1. Sushi bases: For rolls, use a knife to cut 1 1/2-inch circles from a slice of cake. Frost the tops of the circles, then wrap a 6-inch strip of fruit leather seaweed around each one, using a dab of frosting to secure it. Press coconut rice into the frosting. For individual sushi, cut a cake slice into rectangles and round the edges, as shown. Frost the top and sides of each oval, then roll it in coconut.

2. Sweet toppings: From left to right, starting with the top row, we used orange nonpareils, apricot preserves, and pieces of Twizzlers Rainbow Twists. In the middle row, we used a green gumdrop slice, diced Swedish Fish, and gumdrop wedges. On the bottom row, we topped the sushi base with a Swedish Fish, then wrapped it with a strip of fruit leather.

3. Sushi sides: To make wasabi, warm a green Starburst candy in the microwave for 10 seconds, then use your hands to work it into a mound. For pickled ginger, microwave and flatten an orange Starburst candy, then bunch it up into a pile, as shown.

Recipe from Family Fun.

Our Favorite Buttermilk Brownies!

Buttermilk Brownies

1 cup margarine
1 cup water
1/3 cup cocoa

2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
2 eggs
½ cup buttermilk
1 ½ tsp vanilla

Set oven to 350 degrees. Bring water, butter, and cocoa to a boil stirring constantly. Remove from heat and set aside.’
Mix flour, sugar soda, and salt in a large bowl. Stir in eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla. Add cocoa mixture and mix until well blended. Pour into greased
15 ½ x 10 ½ x 1 inch baking pan. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes

Frost when still warm
Frosting
¼ cup butter
3 Tbsp cocoa
1/3 cup buttermilk
heated until warm and soft.

Mix in 2 ¼ cups powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla
1/3 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Strawberries and Cream Dessert Squares

Crust
1 pouch Betty Crocker® sugar cookie mix
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 egg

Filling
1 cup white vanilla baking chips (6 oz)
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

Topping
4 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/3 cup water
10 to 12 drops red food color, if desired


Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom only of 15x10x1- or 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, stir cookie mix, butter and egg until soft dough forms. Press evenly in bottom of pan. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.

In small microwavable bowl, microwave baking chips uncovered on High 45 to 60 seconds or until chips are melted and can be stirred smooth. In medium bowl, beat cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Stir in melted chips until blended. Spread mixture over crust. Refrigerate while making topping.

In small bowl, crush 1 cup of the strawberries. In 2-quart saucepan, mix sugar and cornstarch. Stir in crushed strawberries and 1/3 cup water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and thickens. Stir in food color. Cool 10 minutes. Gently stir in remaining 3 cups strawberries. Spoon topping over filling. Refrigerate 1 hour or until set; serve within 4 hours. Store covered in refrigerator.

Strawberry Spinach Salad (the best!)

1 package Baby Spinach leaves
1 chopped head of Romaine Lettuce
1 half chopped Purple onion
1 bag Almond Accents Toffee Flavored (Found in produce section)
2 Cups Strawberries cut up in fourths
Mix altogether

We topped our Salad with T.Marzetti Poppyseed Dressing which is found in the cooler by the produce along side the Lighthouse Dressing.

You could add cooked chicken pieces and crumbled bluecheese.

Sprial Cut Smoked Ham (Barefoot Contessa)

1 (14- to 16-pound) fully cooked, spiral-cut smoked ham
6 garlic cloves
8 1/2 ounces mango chutney
1/2 cup Dijon mustard
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
Zest of 1 orange
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice


Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the ham in a heavy roasting pan.

Mince the garlic in a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Add the chutney, mustard, brown sugar, orange zest, and orange juice and process until smooth. Pour the glaze over the ham and bake for 1 hour, until the ham is fully heated and the glaze is well browned. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Easter Egg Nest Cupcakes

Toasting the coconut that forms the nests adds a natural straw color as well as a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor to these whimsical cupcakes. Easter egg candies come in many different sizes; use as many as will comfortably fit in each nest.

Ingredients:
3/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 cup sour cream
2 Tbs. vegetable oil
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
3/4 cup sugar
6 Tbs. (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 eggs, at room temperature

Vanilla buttercream for frosting cupcakes
Easter egg candies for decorating

Directions:
Preheat an oven to 350°F. Spread the coconut on a baking sheet and toast until lightly browned, about 8 minutes.
Line a standard 12-cup muffin pan with paper or foil liners.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. In a small bowl, stir together the sour cream, oil and vanilla. In another bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the sugar and butter on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Reduce the speed to low and add the flour mixture in 3 additions, alternating with the sour cream mixture in 2 additions, beating until just combined; scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-fourths full. Bake until the cupcakes are lightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, 18 to 20 minutes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool for 5 minutes. Then transfer the cupcakes to the rack and let cool completely, about 1 hour.

Frost the cupcakes with the buttercream. Top each cupcake with a ring of toasted coconut. Place an Easter egg candy (or candies) in the center of each nest and serve. (The finished cupcakes can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days; bring to room temperature before serving.) Makes 12 cupcakes.

Adapted from Cupcakes, by Shelly Kaldunski (Weldon Owen, 2008).

Eggs Benedict (For Easter Brunch!)

This contemporary recipe for eggs Benedict calls for sliced honey-cured ham and toasted sourdough bread spread with a piquant green onion butter. Classic hollandaise is made foolproof by whisking cubes of chilled butter into the warm yolks, which helps keep the sauce from separating.

Ingredients:
For the green onion butter:
8 Tbs. (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room
temperature
3 green onions, white and light green portions,
minced
For the hollandaise sauce:
6 egg yolks
2 Tbs. milk
2 1/2 sticks chilled unsalted butter, cut
into 1/2-inch cubes
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Coarse salt and cayenne pepper, to taste
1 1/2 lb. thinly sliced cooked honey-cured ham
12 slices sourdough bread
1 tsp. coarse salt
2 Tbs. distilled white vinegar
12 eggs
4 green onions, white and light green portions,
chopped
Paprika for sprinkling

Directions:
To make the green onion butter, in a bowl, using a wooden spoon, mix together the butter and green onions until evenly blended. Set aside.

To make the hollandaise, in the top pan of a double boiler or in a heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and milk. Place the pan or bowl over but not touching barely simmering water in the bottom pan of the double boiler or in a saucepan and continue to whisk until warm and frothy, 4 to 5 minutes. Whisk in the butter pieces a few at a time, beating after each addition until fully incorporated before adding more. Continue to whisk until all the butter has been incorporated and the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, 3 to 5 minutes total. Stir in the lemon juice and season with a pinch each of salt and cayenne pepper. The sauce can be kept warm over barely simmering water for up to 3 hours, stirring from time to time.

Preheat an oven to 200°F. Wrap the sliced ham in aluminum foil and place in the oven to warm. Toast the bread slices, then spread them lightly on both sides with the green onion butter. Keep warm until serving.

To poach the eggs, in a large fry pan, pour in water to a depth of about 1 1/2 inches. Add the salt and vinegar and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat so that the water is just below boiling. Working quickly and being careful not to crowd the pan, break an egg into a saucer and gently slip it into the water. Repeat with more eggs, keeping them well spaced. Cook just until the whites have set and the yolks are glazed over but still soft, 3 to 4 minutes. Using a skimmer or slotted spatula, carefully remove the eggs from the water, letting them drain well, and place on a plate; keep warm. Repeat with the remaining eggs.

To serve, place 2 toasted bread slices on each warmed individual plate. Top each slice with an equal amount of the ham, then place a poached egg in the center of each slice. Spoon an equal amount of the hollandaise sauce over each egg. Sprinkle the top with chopped green onion and paprika. Serve immediately. Serves 6.

Adapted from Williams-Sonoma, Entertaining, Edited by Chuck Williams (Oxmoor House, 2004).
You could omit the onion butter and use the english muffins instead, but I love the sourdough!)

Wild Mushroom Ravioli with Butter and Parmesan Sauce

Wild Mushroom Ravioli with Butter and Parmesan Sauce
2 packages (11-ounce) fresh wild mushroom ravioli
1 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
6 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
1 whole nutmeg or 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
2/3 cup grated Parmesan

Cook the ravioli in a large pot of boiling salted water until just cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain and put on a platter.
Meanwhile, cook the butter in a heavy medium frying pan over medium-high heat until pale golden, about 4 minutes. Add the basil leaves and cook until lightly fried, about 2 minutes. Add the pine nuts. Pour over the cooked ravioli. Grate 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg directly over ravioli. Sprinkle Parmesan over dish and serve.

Grilled Pineapple with Nutella (Soooo Good!)

Grilled Pineapple with Nutella
2 pineapples, peeled, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices and core removed
2/3 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread (recommended: Nutella)
6 tablespoons whipping cream
Olive oil
3 tablespoons chopped toasted hazelnuts

Prepare the outdoor barbecue to medium-high heat. If you do not have a barbecue, you can use an indoor grill pan set to medium high heat. Lightly oil the grill. Grill the pineapple slices until heated through and beginning to brown, about 3 minutes per side. It's important to leave the pineapples on the grill, untouched so that you can create the grill marks.
While the pineapples are cooking, whisk the mascarpone and vanilla in a small bowl to blend. Set aside.

Combine the chocolate-hazelnut spread and cream in a small bowl and stir to combine. Place in a microwave on high for about 2 minutes, stirring every 20 seconds to blend well. Alternatively, you can combine the chocolate-hazelnut spread and cream in a small saucepan, set over low heat, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Heat until satiny smooth and easy to pour, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Transfer the pineapple slices to a large platter. Drizzle the warm chocolate-hazelnut sauce over.

Dollop the mascarpone mixture atop. Sprinkle with the hazelnuts and serve.

Big Sur Power Bars

1 tablespoon coconut oil (or regular butter)
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 cup slivered almonds
2/3 cup (unsweetened) shredded coconut
1 1/4 cups rolled oats
1 1/2 cups unsweetened crisp brown rice cereal
1 cup brown rice syrup
1/4 cup natural cane sugar
1/2 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a baking pan with the coconut oil. If you like thick power bars, opt for an 8 by 8-inch pan; for thinner bars, use a 9 by 13-inch pan.
On a rimmed baking sheet toast the pecans, almonds, and coconut for about 7 minutes, or until the coconut is deeply golden. Toss once or twice along the way. Mix the oats, toasted nuts, coconut, and the cereal, together in a large bowl and set aside.
Combine the rice syrup, sugar, salt,and vanilla in a small saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly as it comes to a boil and thickens just a bit, about 4 minutes. Pour the syrup over the oat mixture and stir until it is evenly incorporated.
Spread into the prepared pan and cool to room temperature before cutting into whatever size bars you desire.
Makes 16 to 24 bars.
Looks so healthy and filling!
I got this recipe from 101cookbooksdotcom/heidiswanson

Lemon Cheesecake

Lemon Cheesecake

CRUST
5 ounces Nabisco's Barnum's Animal Crackers
3 tablespoons sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and kept warm
FILLING
1 1/4 cups (8 3/4 oz.) sugar
1 tablespoon grated zest and 1/4 cup juice from 1-2 lemons
1 1/2 pounds (3 8-oz. packages) cream cheese, cut into 1 inch chunks, at room temperature
4 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup heavy cream

LEMON CURD
1/3 cup juice (from about 2 lemons)
2 large eggs plus 1 large egg yolk
1/2 cup (3 1/2 oz.) sugar
2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 tablespoon heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of salt

FOR THE CRUST
Adjust an oven rack to the lower-middle position and preheat the oven to 325F. In a food processor, process the animal crackers until you have fine crumbs. You should have about 1 cup. Add in the sugar and pulse. In a steady stream, add the butter while pulsing, about 10 1-second pulses. Transfer the crumb mixture to a 9-inch springform pan and press evenly into the bottom. Bake until fragrant and golden brown. The instructions say 15 to 18 minutes, but mine was done at about 12 minutes, so keep an eye on it. Cool on a wire rack to room temperature. When cool, wrap the pan with 2 18-inch square pieces of foil. Set the pan in a roasting pan.

FOR THE FILLING
Process 1/4 cup of the sugar and the lemon zest in a food processor until the zest is broken down and the sugar turns yellow. Transfer to a small bowl and mix in the rest of the sugar.

In a bow of a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese to break it up and soften it slightly, about 5 seconds. With the machine is running, add the sugar mixture in a slow stream; increase the speed to medium and beat until combined, creamy and smooth - about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Reduce the speed to medium low and add the eggs, 2 at a time. Beat until incorporated, about 30 seconds. Scrape the bowl before each addition. Add the lemon juice, vanilla and salt and mix to combine. Add the cream and mix until incorporated, about another 5 seconds. Give the bowl a final scrape and pour the mixture into the prepared springform pan. Fill the roasting pan with enough water to make it about halfway up the sides of the pan. Bake until the center jiggles slightly, the sides start to puff, and the surface is no longer shiny, about 55 to 60 minutes. The center should read about 150 degrees F. Turn off the oven and prop the door of the oven open with a potholder or wooden spoon. Allow the cake to cool in the water bath in the oven for about an hour. Transfer the springform pan to a wire rack and run a small paring knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cake. Let it sit to room temperature for 2 hours.

FOR THE CURD
While the cheesecake is baking, heat the lemon juice in a small non-reactive pan on medium heat until hot, but not boiling. Whisk the eggs in a small bowl, then gradually whisk in the sugar. Whisking constantly, slowly pour the hot lemon juice into the egg/sugar mixture, then return the mixture to the saucepan and continue to heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture reaches 170 F and is thick enough to cling to the spoon, about 3 minutes. Immediately remove the pan from the heat and add in the cold butter and mix until incorporated. Stir in the cream, vanilla and salt, then pour through a strainer into a small nonreactive bowl. Cover the surface of the curd directly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed.

TO ASSEMBLE
When the cheesecake is cook, top it with the lemon curd while still in the springform pan. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 5 hours, but 24 hours is better. To serve, remove the sides of the springform pan and cut into wedges

What To Do With That Leftover Holiday Ham!

HAM - NOODLE CASSEROLE
4 oz. noodles 1 can cream of chicken soup 1/2 c. milk 1 tsp. minced onion(I used a small shallot grated) 1 c. sour cream 2 c. leftover ham, cubed or 1" slivers 1/2 c. bread crumbs 1 1/2 tbsp. melted butter 1 tsp. Parmesan cheese 1 1/2 qt. greased casserole. Cook noodles. In bowl, blend soup and milk. Add onion and sour cream. In casserole layer half the noodles, then ham, then sauce. Repeat. Toss bread crumbs with butter. Sprinkle on top. Top with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Serves 6.

Magleby's BUTTERMILK SYRUP

From Jackie Williamson. This past weekend we went over to the Williamson's home for breakfast. They served this and it was soooo yummy and just like what we have at Maglebys! yay!

Magleby's Buttermilk Syrup

1 C. melted butter
1 C. buttermilk
2 C. sugar
2 Tbsp. Karo
Bring to full boil then add 2 Tbsp. vanilla & 1 Tbsp. baking soda.
(Will rise when you add soda so use a 5 qrt pan)

Serve over French Toast and top with whipped cream!
Another way to serve this is:
Spread one slice of french toast with Nutella then top it with another slice of french toast. Top that with sliced strawberries and cover strawberries with spray whipped cream.

Taco Soup

From the Kitchen of: Kathy Lowe

INGREDIENTS
1 lb hamburger meat
salt and pepper to taste
2 – 16 oz cans kidney beans
1 large can tomato juice
2 large cans whole kernel corn
1 package taco seasoning mix
Garnishes:
Shredded cheddar cheese
sour cream
olives
chopped onions
corn chips (I like Doritos best)

INSTRUCTIONS
In a skillet brown hamburger meat and salt and pepper to taste. In a large sauce pan combine hamburger with kidney beans, tomato juice, corn, and taco seasoning. Bring to a boil and let simmer. Serve with desired garnishes.

Spaghetti Sauce and Meatballs

From the Kitchen of: Kathy Lowe

INGREDIENTS
2 cans stewed tomatoes
½ cup brown sugar
2 cloves chopped garlic
1 tsp salt (to taste)
1 package Zesty Spaghetti Mix from Shilling
1 shredded onion
1/8 tsp pepper
1 can tomato paste
Meatballs:
1 lb hamburger
salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS
Blend both cans of stewed tomatoes in the blender. Add rest of ingredients and warm on stovetop. Form hamburger into balls, salt and pepper to taste and fry until brown on all sides. Transfer onto paper towel to drain then add to sauce mixture. Bring to boil and lower heat to simmer. Cook 2 hours.

Sour Cream Potato Casserole

From the Kitchen of: Kathy Lowe

INGREDIENTS
8 potatoes cooked and shredded or 1 large package hash browns, thawed
1 pint sour cream
2 cans Cream of Chicken Soup
1 package potato chips (without ridges)
3-5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS
In a large bowl combine potatoes, soup, and sour cream and 1-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste if desired. Pour mixture in casserole dish. Cover casserole with cheddar cheese. Top with crushed potato chips and pepper (if desired). Cook at 350 for 30 minutes until bubbly.

Snickerdoodles

From the Kitchen of: Kathy Lowe

INGREDIENTS
1 cup shortening
1 ½ cups sugar
2 eggs
2 ¾ cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cream of tartar
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix shortening, sugar and eggs in large bowl and place aside. In a separate bowl sift together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar and salt. Combine with shortening mixture. Combine cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Shape cookies into balls and roll in cinnamon sugar mixture. Place cookies on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes.

Sloppy Joes

From the Kitchen of: Kathy Lowe

INGREDIENTS
1 lb hamburger meat
salt and pepper to taste
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 can tomato soup
2 tbsp catsup
2 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp vinegar

INSTRUCTIONS
Brown hamburger meat and cook with onion in large saucepan. Add rest of ingredients and simmer until thick.

Rotelli Greek Salad

From the Kitchen of: Kathy Lowe

INGREDIENTS
2 packages rainbow Rotelli pasta
2-4 tomatoes (I use cherry tomatoes cut in half)
1-2 peeled cucumbers, chopped
1 whole purple onion, chopped
½ - 1 head of cauliflower, chopped
1 bunch of broccoli chopped
2-3 carrots peeled and sliced
1 large can chilled olives
1 square broken feta cheese
1 package Good Seasons Zesty Italian (mixed) or 1 bottle of Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing

INSTRUCTIONS
Cook Rotelli and rinse with cold water to cool. Cut up vegetables in bite size pieces and combine with olives and feta cheese. Mix everything together with dressing. Stores well for up to one week.

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

From the Kitchen of: Kathy Lowe

INGREDIENTS
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
(Can also use canned chicken)
1 large can cream of chicken soup
1 pint sour cream
Ritz crackers, crushed very fine (about 2 sleeves)
6 tbsp butter, melted
1 tbsp poppy seeds

INSTRUCTIONS
Boil chicken breasts till cooked and shred into pieces. Combine chicken with soup and sour cream in large bowl. Put chicken mixture in casserole dish. Crush Ritz crackers and cover chicken mixture with them. Pour butter evenly over Ritz crackers. Sprinkle with poppy seeds. Bake at 350 degrees for 30. Serve with peas and rice. Variation: Place 3 cups pre cooked rice in bottom of casserole dish before putting in chicken mixture.