Bread and Butter Pickles

Total Time Needed: 3 hrs
Active Time: 30 min.
Makes 2 quarts

2 # Kirby cucumbers sliced thinly
1 med onion
2 tbsp. salt
2 c. cider vinegar
1 c. sugar
1 tbsp. Yellow mustard seed
1/2 tsp. Celery seed

Place sliced cucumbers and onions in a colander (with a bowl to catch excess water) and toss with salt. Place in refrigerator for an hour. Rinse well and drain. Pat dry and transfer into a large bowl. Set aside.

Bring vinegar, sugar, and spices to a boil, stirring. Reduce heat and simmer for about 4 min. Let cool for 10 min. Pour brine over cucumber and onion mixture and let cool completely – about 30 min. Transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate at least a week before serving.

Note: This is a Martha Stewart Living recipe

Add comment December 27th, 2005

Roasted Carrots

Total Time Needed: 1 hr.
Active Time: 10 min.
Serves 4

2 # Carrots peeled and sliced a little thinner than carrot sticks
Olive oil
2 tbsp. Fresh Thyme
Salt, pepper

Preheat oven to 400 F. Place cut carrots in a baking dish and coat with olive oil. Sprinkle with thyme and salt and pepper. Bake for 30-45 min or until edges begin to brown.

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Green Bean Vinaigrette

Total Time Needed: 2 hrs. 20 min.
Active Time: 20 min.
Serves 4-6

2 # green beans, ends trimmed, lightly steamed
1 small onion thinly sliced
1 small garlic clove minced
1/3 c. oil (vegetable or olive)
1/3 c. red wine vinegar (champagne vinegar is good too)
2 tbsp. Lemon juice
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Dijon
1 tsp. Pepper
1 tsp. Basil
1/2 tsp. Marjoram

Combine oil, vinegar, lemon, garlic, and spices to make vinaigrette. Place vinaigrette and beans in Tupperware and shake to combine. Chill for at least 2 hrs.

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Warm White Beans

Serves 4
Total Time Needed: 15 min.

2 cans cannelloni or navy beans, drained
3 tbsp. Butter
1/2 c. grated parmesan
1 tsp. Basil
1/2 tsp. Rosemary
salt to taste

Melt butter in a saucepan, add beans and cheese. Cook on med-low for 5 min, stirring until cheese is melted. Add in spices until combined. Serve warm.

Note: This is also good combined in a food processor or blender and served warm on crostini or sliced bread.

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Creamy Polenta

There are many ways to serve this tasty dish: stuffed in a red pepper or with sautéed red peppers, meatballs, a mushroom ragu, or tomato sauce and cheese on top.

Total Time Needed: 20 min.
Serves 2-4

3/4 c. yellow cornmeal
1/2 c. parmesan
1/2 c. mozzerella
3 tbsp. Butter
1 tsp. salt, pepper to taste

Bring 4 c. water and salt to a boil in a saucepan. Once boiling, whisk a 1/4 c. cornmeal in stirring vigourously until completely combined, add another 1/4 c. and repeat until all is combined. Turn heat down to low and add butter and cheese. Whisk occasionally until mixture is thick – about 7 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Add comment December 27th, 2005

Easy Banana Bread

Total Time Needed: 1 hr.
Active Time: 15 min.
Makes 2 loaves

1 box yellow cake mix
1 package instant banana cream pudding
1/2 c. water
1/2 c. vegetable oil
2 ripe bananas mashed
4 eggs
1 c. chopped pecans (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 F. Mix all ingredients. Pour into 2 greased loaf pans. Bake for 40-45 min.

Note: This is a recipe from Real Simple magazine

1 comment December 27th, 2005