Showing posts with label party food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label party food. Show all posts

Friday, March 19, 2010

Chocolate Chip Pecan Bars

OMG! I cannot wait to try this recipe out. I think my boys will LOVE them. I heart you Duncan Hines.








Cookie Bars:

1 pkg Duncan Hines® Moist Deluxe® Classic Yellow Cake Mix

  • 1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
  • 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Drizzle:

  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 tsp shortening

  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease and flour 13 x 9-inch pan.
  • For cookie bars, combine cake mix, melted butter, brown sugar, water, eggs, 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips and pecans in large bowl. Mix with spoon until thoroughly blended. Spread in pan.
  • Bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely.
  • For drizzle, combine 1/2 cup chocolate chips and shortening in small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high power for 30 seconds; stir. Repeat until chocolate is melted. Drizzle over cooled bars. Allow chocolate to set before cutting into bars.

  • Thursday, March 18, 2010

    Extreme Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies

    I ran across this recipe on the Duncan Hines site while searching for a jazzy new spin on brownies. Sweet Jesus, I think the search is over!


    1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 13x9 inch baking pan; set aside.
    2. Prepare brownie mix as described on box using eggs, water and oil. Fold in 1 cup of milk chocolate chips. Spread evenly into prepared pan.
    3. Bake in center of oven for 25 to 28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out almost clean. Place on wire rack.
    4. Add peanut butter and butter in a mixing bowl and mix thoroughly until combined and smooth. Note: You will get a much taller filling if you whip this with an electric mixture to incorporate lots of air.
    5. Slowly add powdered sugar, mixture will be a bit crumbly.
    6. Blend in cream until mixture is fluffy and reaches desired spreading consistency.
    7. Spread evenly over warm brownie.
    8. Melt Duncan Hines Milk Chocolate Frosting for 30 seconds in the microwave. Stir and put back in for another 10 – 15 second. Pour over peanut butter spread on the brownies. Use a knife to spread the chocolate evenly.
    9. Put in refrigerator for an hour to set.
    10. Take out and let the brownie sit in room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.


    Thursday, March 11, 2010

    Millionaire Brisket with Coffee and Beer Mop Sauce

    I found this outstanding recipe while searching for BBQ tips and variations. THIS GUY has some of the best!!! Try this one, you won't regret it!


    Ingredients

    • 1/4 cup kosher or sea salt
    • 1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
    • 1/4 cup sweet paprika
    • 2 tablespoons pure chili powder
    • 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
    • 1 tablespoon onion powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 (5 to 6-pound) center-cut piece of brisket
    • 6 slices bacon
    • Coffee and Beer Mop Sauce, recipe follows
    • 4 to 6 cups hickory or apple wood chips, soaked for 1 hour in water to cover, drained

    Directions

    Make the rub by placing the salt, brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, pepper, onion powder, and oregano in a small bowl and stir to mix.

    If your brisket has a thick layer of fat, trim it to a thickness of 1/4-inch. Place the brisket in a roasting pan and generously sprinkle both sides with the rub, using about 3 tablespoons per side and patting it into the meat with your fingertips. The leftover rub can be stored for several months in a jar. You can cook the brisket right away, but it will taste better if you let it cure in the refrigerator covered for at least 4 to 24 hours.

    Set up the grill for indirect grilling and preheat to medium-low. If using a gas grill, place all the wood chips in the smoker box or in a smoker pouch and run the grill on high until you see smoke then reduce the heat to medium-low. If using a charcoal grill, place a large drip pan in the center, preheat the grill to medium-low, then toss 1 cup of the wood chips on the coals.

    When ready to cook, place the brisket in the center of the hot grate, fat side up, over the drip pan and away from the heat. Drape the bacon slices over the top of the meat, and then cover the grill. Cook the brisket until very tender, 5 to 6 hours or until the internal temperature reaches about 190 degrees F. Generously mop or baste the meat on both sides with the mop sauce. Wrap the brisket in aluminum foil, and continue cooking until done. If using a charcoal grill, every hour you'll need to add 12 fresh coals and 1/2 cup wood chips to each side.

    Transfer the grilled brisket to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes. Thinly slice across the grain, using an electric knife or sharp carving knife. Transfer the sliced meat to a platter. Spoon the barbecue sauce over the meat or, better yet, serve it on the side.

    Mop Sauce:

    • 1 cup beer
    • 1 cup apple cider
    • 1 cup cider vinegar
    • 1 cup coffee
    • 1 cup beef or chicken stock
    • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
    • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
    • 2 tablespoons hot sauce, (recommended: Tabasco sauce)
    • 2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt
    • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

    Place all ingredients in a non-reactive bowl and whisk to mix. Taste for seasoning, adding more salt, if necessary.

    Saturday, March 6, 2010

    copycat recipe- Chili's Baby Back Ribs

    More copycat recipe action.... I am loving this awesome site. Who doesn't love some awesome baby back ribs? Chili's makes some of the best! Here's how they do it!!! Break out the wet naps!

    Ingredients:
    4 racks baby back ribs
    1 1/2 cup water
    1 cup white vinegar
    1/2 cup tomato paste
    2/3 cup dark brown sugar
    1 tablespoon yellow mustard
    1 1/2 teaspoon salt
    1 teaspoon liquid smoke hickory flavor
    1/2 teaspoon onion powder
    1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
    1/4 teaspoon paprika

    Directions:

    SAUCE: Combine all ingredients except ribs over medium heat. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring often 45-60 minutes until thick.

    Preheat oven to 300*.

    Brush sauce over entire surface of each rack of ribs. Wrap each rack tightly in aluminum foil. Arrange packets on baking sheet with foil seam up. Bake 2-2-1/2 hours until the meat has pulled back from the cut ends of the bones about 1/2 inch.

    Preheat grill to medium heat.

    Remove ribs from foil. Grill on BBQ 4-8 minutes/side. Brush sauce on both sides a few minutes before removing from grill.

    Friday, March 5, 2010

    Cheesecake Factory's Carrot Cake Cheesecake

    OMG! I just found the coolest website EVER!!! Zillions of copycat recipes that you have always been wishing for. First up my FAVORITE cheesecake on the planet. Can't wait to try this recipe out for hubby's birthday next week.


    Cheesecake Factory`s Carrot Cake Cheesecake Recipe


    Ingredients:
    ***Cheesecake:***
    16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
    3/4 cup sugar
    2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    1 tablespoon flour
    3 eggs
    ***Carrot Cake:***
    3/4 cup vegetable oil
    1 cup sugar
    2 eggs
    1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
    1 cup flour
    1 teaspoon baking soda
    1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    8 1/2 ounces can crushed pineapple, packed in juice, drained well, reserve juice
    1 cup grated carrots
    1/2 cup coconut
    1/2 cup chopped walnuts
    ***Pineapple Cream Cheese Frosting:***
    2 ounces cream cheese, softened
    1 tablespoon butter, softened
    1 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
    1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    1 tablespoon reserved pineapple juice


    Directions:

    In large bowl of electric mixer, beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Beat in flour, eggs and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside. Meanwhile prepare Carrot Cake.

    Carrot Cake:

    In large bowl, combine oil, sugar, eggs and vanilla extract; mix well. Stir in dry ingredients; mixing well. Stir in drained pineapple, carrots, coconut and walnuts.

    Spread 1 1/2 c. carrot cake batter over bottom of greased 9- or 9 1/2" springform pan. Drop cream cheese batter over carrot cake batter by spoonfuls; top with large spoonfuls of remaining carrot cake batter. Repeat with remaining cream cheese batter, spreading evenly with a knife. Do not marble with a knife. Bake in preheated 350ºF oven for 50 to 65 minutes or until cake is set and cooked through. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. When cake is cold, prepare Pineapple Cream Cheese Frosting.

    Pineapple Cream Cheese Frosting:

    In a bowl of electric mixer, combine cream cheese, butter, confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract and reserved pineapple juice. Beat until smooth and of spreading consistency. Frost top of cheesecake. Refrigerate 3 to 4 hours before serving.

    Note: Don't skimp on the ingredients (and don't use store brands or generic). Use regular cream cheese, real butter, and pineapple packed in juice, not sugar syrup. You will be glad you did.

    Taste a Rainbow cupcakes

    I found this fun and festive recipe on the Family Fun Magazine website. It's a perfect St. Patrick's Day treat..... which is one of MY favorite holidays!!!!


    Here's what little leprechauns look forward to on St. Patrick's Day: a magical snack that can add color to the grayest March afternoon. Pot of gold not included.

    Ingredients
    • White cake mix (we used an 18-1/4-ounce box)
    • Food coloring (red, blue, green, and yellow)
    • Baking cups
    • Whipped cream (optional)

    Instructions
    1. Prepare your favorite white cake mix, then divide the batter evenly among six small bowls. Following the chart below, dye each bowl of batter a rainbow color.

      RAINBOW COLOR DROPS OF FOOD COLORING
      Purple 9 red and 6 blue drops
      Blue 12 drops
      Green 12 drops
      Yellow 12 drops
      Orange 12 yellow and 4 red drops
      Red 18 drops


    2. Line 16 muffin pan wells with baking cups. Evenly distribute the purple batter among the cups, then the blue, and so on, following the order shown. As you go, gently spread each layer of batter with the back of a spoon to cover the color underneath.

    3. Bake the cupcakes according to your recipe directions. Before serving, remove the paper wrapping, and if you like, top each cupcake with a whipped-cream cloud.

    Tuesday, February 9, 2010

    Gone Fishin' Trail Mix


    Super cute for kid parties or playdates!!!!!

    2 cups Pepperidge Farm® Goldfish Colors
    1 cup Pepperidge Farm® Baby Cheddar Goldfish®
    1 cup Pepperidge Farm® Pretzel Goldfish®
    1 package (7 ounces) mixed dried fruit bits
    1 cups dry roasted peanuts
    1 cup white chocolate pieces

    Stir the ingredients in a large bowl or a resealable container"

    Thursday, February 4, 2010

    White-Bean Dip with Toasted Pita Chips


    1 can (19-ounce) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
    3 tablespoons olive oil
    3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
    Coarse salt and ground pepper

    Directions
    In a food processor, combine cannellini beans, olive oil, 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon); season with coarse salt and ground pepper. Puree until smooth.
    Place puree in a serving bowl, and lightly sprinkle chili powder over the top, if desired. Serve dip with toasted pita chips."

    Peyton Manning would LOVE these.

    I found this recipe on everyday food to continue my collection of football friendly recipes. I promise to start with regular "meals" next week. Can you tell I am excited my team is in the SuperBowl????

    Makes about 4 1/2 dozen
    • 2 pounds (about 60) mini hot dogs
    • Cheddar cheese, cut into small pieces, optional
    • carmelized onions, optional
    • 1 large egg
    • All-purpose flour, for work surface
    • 1 box (17 1/2 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
    • Poppy, sesame, or mustard seeds, optional
    • Mustard, for serving
    • Ketchup, for serving

    Directions

    1. Cut hot dogs lengthwise 3/4 of the way through. Insert a piece of cheese or 1/2 teaspoon caramelized onions into each hot dog, if using; set aside. If not using cheese or onions, poke hot dogs several times with the tip of a knife.
    2. On a lightly floured work surface, working with one sheet of puff pastry at a time, roll into a 14-by-11-inch rectangle. Cut lengthwise into seven 1 1/2-inch wide strips. Cut each strip crosswise into 4 rectangles, each about 3 1/2 inches long.
    3. In a small bowl, beat together egg and 1 tablespoon water; set aside. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat; set aside. Place a hot dog on the narrow end of one piece of pastry. Roll to enclose, brushing with some of the beaten egg to adhere; transfer to prepared baking sheet. Repeat process with remaining hot dogs and pastry. Brush the tops of puff pastry with egg and sprinkle with seeds, if using. Transfer to refrigerator and let chill for 15 minutes.
    4. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
    5. Transfer baking sheets to oven and bake until puffed and golden, about 20 minutes. Let cool briefly before serving with mustard and ketchup.

    Wednesday, February 3, 2010

    spicy cajun crockpot wings.

    MORE football food.... The SUPERBOWL is just days away! I must provide you with an arsenal of delicious recipes.... it is my duty!


    3 lbs Chicken Wings
    1 Bottle Spicy BBQ
    1 1/2 tsp Red Cayenne Pepper
    1/4 tsp Salt
    2 tsp Black Pepper
    1/2 tsp Garlic flakes -- minced
    1 tsp Onion flakes -- minced
    3 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
    2 Tbsp Green Dragon or Jalapeno Sauce
    1 Tbsp Tabasco Sauce
    1 Tbsp Cajun Spice

    *Chicken wings or small chicken legs; more wings or legs can be added if
    needed.


    In a Crockpot; add chicken BBq Sauce, and all spices.

    Stir and heat on low for 4 hours. Serve with cajun rice.... YUMMY!!!

    GO COLTS!!!

    Touchdown Brownies Recipe from Betty Crocker




    1box (1 lb 6.5 oz) Betty Crocker® Original Supreme brownie mix (with chocolate syrup pouch)
    Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on brownie mix box
    Betty Crocker® white decorating icing (from 4.25-oz tube)



    1.Heat oven to 350°F. Line 13x9-inch pan with foil so foil extends about 2 inches over short sides of pan. Grease bottom only of foil with cooking spray or shortening.
    2.Make and bake brownie mix as directed on box for 13x9-inch pan, using water, oil and eggs. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
    3.Remove brownies from pan by lifting foil; peel foil from sides of brownies. Cut brownies with 3 1/2x2-inch football-shaped cookie cutter. Pipe on decorating icing to look like football laces."

    Super Bowl party food!!

    Beer Cheese Triangles with zesty cheese sauce

    2cups Original Bisquick® mix
    1/2cup shredded Cheddar cheese (2 oz)
    1/2cup beer or apple sauce
    2tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
    1/4cup sesame or poppy seed
    1loaf (8 oz) prepared cheese product, cut into cubes
    1/4cup salsa
    1/4cup refried beans



    1.Line cookie sheets with waxed paper. In medium bowl, stir Bisquick mix, Cheddar cheese and beer until soft dough forms; beat vigorously 20 strokes. On surface sprinkled with Bisquick mix, roll dough in Bisquick mix to coat. Shape into a ball; knead 5 times.
    2.Press or roll dough into 16x10-inch rectangle. Cut rectangle into 2-inch squares (do not separate); cut squares diagonally in half. Spread with melted butter; sprinkle with sesame seed. Separate triangles and place on cookie sheet. Freeze until firm, about 1 hour. Place frozen triangles in airtight container. Freeze up to 1 month.
    3.Heat oven to 450°F. Spray large cookie sheets with cooking spray. Place triangles on cookie sheets. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.
    4.To make sauce, in 1 1/2-quart saucepan, heat cheese product, salsa and beans over low heat, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted and sauce is hot. Serve triangles with sauce.


    NOT REALLY A BIG PRE-PLANNER???? No problem, you can skip the freezer step and go directly to the oven for gameday prep! GO COLTS!!!

    Friday, January 29, 2010

    Blueberry Muffins.

    From Williams-Sonoma. Enough said.

    These sweet, buttery muffins are delicately spiced, with a cakelike texture. Fresh blueberries are best, but if you have only frozen berries, stir them into the batter without thawing, or their dark juice will turn the muffins purple.

    Ingredients:

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 2/3 cup sugar
    • 2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
    • 1/4 tsp. baking soda
    • 1/2 tsp. salt
    • 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
    • 1 cup milk
    • 8 Tbs. (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
    • 2 eggs
    • 1 cup blueberries

    Directions:

    Preheat an oven to 400ºF. Butter 16 standard muffin cups.

    In a bowl, stir and toss together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Set aside.

    In another bowl, whisk together the milk, butter and eggs until smooth. Add the flour mixture and stir just until blended. Add the blueberries and stir just until evenly incorporated.

    Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each one about three-fourths full. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool for 5 minutes, then remove the muffins from the pan. Makes about 16 standard muffins.

    Thursday, January 28, 2010

    Roasted Garlic.

    To roast garlic, sprinkle the bulb with a little olive oil and white wine, salt and pepper, wrap it in tin foil and roast in a 350 degree oven for approximately one hour.

    Serve with toasted bread and WINE!!!! SINFULLY good.... and it will keep the vampires away!

    Saturday, January 9, 2010

    Spinach & Artichoke Dip

    This recipe is from my arsenal of deliciousness.... I cannot remember where I found it originally. I have made modifications along the way and think that it is simply perfect now! Sometimes I bake it in a bread bowl for party presentation. It is down right yummy in any vessel. ENJOY!


    Spinach & Artichoke Dip

    ½ cup grated parmesan or romano cheese
    1 large garlic clove, chopped
    1 10oz package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
    {squeeze out moisture with cheese cloth}
    1 can artichoke hearts, drained and patted dry
    8 oz cream cheese, softened
    2 eggs
    1 cup shredded mozzarella

    * Blend all ingredients together using hand mixer or food processor. Bake at 375 for 25 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips.