APPLESAUCE MUFFINS

Jennifer S.

•1 1/2 cups sugar
•1/2 cup butter, softened
•2 eggs
•2 cups flour
•1 teaspoon baking powder
•1 teaspoon cinnamon
•1/2 teaspoon baking soda
•1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
•1/4 teaspoon salt
•1 cup applesauce

Directions
1.In mixing bowl, cream sugar and butter.
2.Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3.Combine dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture alternately with applesauce.
4.Mix just until combined.
5.Fill greased or paper lined muffin cups 2/3 full.
6.Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.

Bacon Fried Rice

Jennifer S.

1/2 pound bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 eggs, beaten
3 cups cold cooked rice (see Note)
1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 cup coarsely chopped scallions, green part only

The rice should be cooked at least several hours ahead, or the day before, and refrigerated. It should be completely cold to be used for fried rice. This dish can be kept in a casserole in the oven at 140 degrees F. for about 40 minutes without drying out. It makes a good dish to serve with a main course that needs last-minute preparation.


In a skillet, fry the bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels.
In a wok or large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil. Add the eggs and cook, stirring, just until firm. Remove from the pan and reserve.
Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in the pan and add the rice. Mix well. Add the soy sauce and mix well. Mix the eggs into the rice, breaking them into smaller pieces as you stir. Add the scallions and bacon. Mix again to combine, and serve.

Chicken, Shrimp and Egg Fried Rice

Jennifer S.

4 shallots or 1 yellow onion, coarsely chopped
2 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon dried shrimp paste
2 fresh small red chili peppers, seeded
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Indonesian sweet dark soy sauce (ketjap manis)
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
3-4 tablespoons peanut oil or corn oil
5 cups COLD, cooked white rice
1 1/2 cups shredded green cabbage
3/4 cup green peas, blanched for 1 minute and drained
1/4 lb medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup diced, cooked chicken
4 green onions, sliced
4 eggs

In a mortar or mini food processor, combine the shallots or onion, garlic, shrimp paste, chilies and turmeric and mash with a pestle or grind to a paste; set aside. In a bowl, mix together the catsup and dark and light soy sauces; set aside.
Place a wok over medium-high heat. When it is hot, add 2 tablespoons of the oil. When the oil is hot, add the spice paste and fry, stirring continuously, for 2 minutes.
Raise the heat to high. Crumble the cold rice between your palms into the wok. Using a wok spatula, toss and gently flatten any clumps of rice until the grains are separated. Add the catsup mixture and stir-fry until all the rice grains are evenly coated. Add the cabbage, peas, shrimp and chicken; stir and toss until the shrimp turns pink, 2-3 minutes. Divide the rice among 4 individual plates and garnish with the green onions. Cover loosely to keep warm.
Reheat the wok over medium-high heat. When it is hot, add 1/2 tablespoon of the oil. When the oil is hot and almost smoking, crack 1 egg directly into the oil. Fry until the edges are blistered and crisp and the whites are almost set, about 1 minute. Using a slotted spatula, turn the egg over and fry for a few seconds longer to brown. Transfer the fried egg to the top of 1 plate of rice. Repeat with the remaining oil and eggs. Serve hot.

Beef Fried Rice

Jennifer S.

Stir-fry the sirloin, watercress, and egg while the rice cooks, so that you'll be ready to assemble the dish at the last moment. Soy sauce and a drizzling of sesame oil flavor the combination perfectly. If you prefer, use strips of pork tenderloin instead of beef.

3/4 pound sirloin steak, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons Asian sesame oil, plus a few drops
Dried red pepper flakes
1 1/2 cups long-grain rice
1 bunch watercress (about 5 ounces), tough stems removed
1 egg, beaten
3 tablespoons cooking oil
2 scallions including green tops, chopped

In a medium bowl, combine the sirloin with 1 tablespoon of the soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of the sesame oil, and a pinch of red-pepper flakes. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Stir in the rice and boil until just done, about 10 minutes. Drain the rice and return it to the pot.
Meanwhile, heat a large nonstick frying pan over moderately high heat. Put the beef mixture in the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and just cooked, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove. Put the watercress and the teaspoon of soy sauce in the pan and cook until the watercress is just wilted, about 30 seconds. Remove.
Reduce the heat to moderate. Put a few drops of sesame oil in the frying pan. Add the egg to the pan and cook until just done, about 30 seconds. Remove from the pan and cut into thin strips.
Heat the cooking oil in the pan over moderately high heat. Add the scallions and 1/8 teaspoon red-pepper flakes and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the cooked rice to the pan and heat, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce, the beef, watercress, and egg. Heat, stirring, 1 to 2 minutes longer. Drizzle the remaining teaspoon of sesame oil over the top.

Vegetable Fried Rice

Jennifer S.

Nothing could be easier than this light version of fried rice. We've used instant brown rice, but if you have leftover cold rice, use that instead and skip Step 1.

1 cup instant brown rice
1 cup vegetable broth
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons canola oil
6 ounces asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 1/2 bunch)
1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced into 1-inch pieces
4 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
4 teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Hot red pepper sauce, to taste

Combine rice and broth in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Cover, reduce heat and simmer until the liquid is absorbed, 12 to 14 minutes. Spread the rice out on a large plate and let stand for 5 minutes.
While the rice is cooling, coat a large nonstick wok or skillet with cooking spray and place over medium heat. Pour in eggs and cook, stirring gently, until just set, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Transfer to a small bowl.
Heat canola oil in the pan over medium-high; add asparagus and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add bell pepper, scallions, garlic and ginger; cook, stirring, until the vegetables are just tender, about 2 minutes. Add the cooked rice, soy sauce and vinegar to the pan; cook until the liquid is absorbed, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Fold in the cooked eggs. Remove from the heat; stir in sesame oil and hot sauce.

Pot Stickers (Gyoza or Dumplings)

Noriko V. submitted by Summer S.

Note the Japanese name on the recipe. Noriko taught my family how to make these years ago, they are a family favorite!!

INGREDIENTS
2 lbs ground pork (I make mine with chicken and they’re still delish)
1 head of Napa cabbage, chopped
1 large bunch green onions (or two small ones), chopped
2 eggs
Ginger (fresh bulb, about the size of your thumb) ground and squeezed
2 T sesame oil
7 T soy sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
4 pkgs wonton skins- they are usually round, but small square ones will work just as well.

Mix all filling ingredients together- make sure to do it by hand like a meatloaf, making sure it's all mixed through and through.

Then, take one wrapper, put in half a spoonful of filling, moisten one edge of the skin, and crimp the edge together, making a tight, closed dumpling.

Can be boiled or fried. Frying is best.

To Fry- use a good non stick pan, 375degrees, well oiled. Place the gyoza in the pan, and cook till the bottom is a nice rusty brown color- don't turn, but put a half cup of water in the pan, and turn the heat down to 325-ish, and put a lid on. *Careful of spitting oil/steam* Steam cook for 3-5 minutes, or until water is all gone. Don't overcook at this stage...
Remove and eat with dipping sauce (recipe below).
Leftover filling or cooked potstickers freeze well. The wonton wrappers say they do- they don’t (crumbly mess after thawing).

PF Changs Dipping Sauce
¼ c water
¼ c soy sauce
1 t chili paste
1T rice wine vinegar
2 T sugar
1t ginger (fresh grated)

*if doubling... don't double the chili paste.

EGG DROP SOUP

Jennifer S.

1 1/2 tbsp. cornstarch
1 1/2 tbsp. water
4 c. chicken broth (canned or homemade)
1 tbsp. soy sauce
2 tsp. granulated chicken bouillon
2 lg. eggs (loosely beaten in a bowl)
2 tbsp. chopped fresh scallions
1 1/2 tsp. sesame oil
Crispy fried wanton strips

Combine cornstarch and water. Combine cornstarch mixture with broth, soy sauce and granulated bouillon in a 2 quart pot; cook on high heat until mixture boils. Turn heat a little lower. Hold eggs in a bowl high above the pot and pour eggs in a slow stream, stirring gently with a long handled spoon, into boiling mixture. Add scallions and oil. Mix well and season to taste. Serve hot, topped with crispy fried wanton strips.

EGG FRIED RICE

Jennifer S.

1/3 c. chopped green onions
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
3 c. cooked long grain rice, cooled. I usually make it earlier in the day.
1 egg, slightly beaten
3 tbsp. soy sauce

Saute green onions hot oil 2 minutes. Add rice and cook until thoroughly heated.
Push rice mixture to side of skillet, forming a well in center. Pour egg into well, and cook until set, stirring occasionally.

Stir rice mixture into egg; add soy sauce, stirring well.

Yield: 6 servings.

Peanut Butter Cookies

Crazy Cakes Bakery

4 1/2 Cups Flour
1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp Salt
1 1/2 Cups (3 Sticks) Unsalted Butter (softened)
1 1/3 Cups Creamy Peanut Butter
2/3 Cup Granulated Sugar
2 1/4 Cups Brown Sugar (packed)
1/3 Cup Vegetable Oil
3 Eggs (Large)
2 Additional Egg Yolks
2 Tbsp Pure Vanilla Extract

Preheat Oven to: 350 Degrees

1. Place oven racks in upper and lower thirds of oven.
2. Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a bowl and set aside.
3. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until creamy.
4. Add eggs, additional egg yolks, and vanilla. Beat until just combined.
5. At low speed, gradually add the flour mixture. Mix until well combined.
6. Use a spoon to scoop 1/4 cup dollops of the dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each mound.
7. Use a fork to flatten each mound with a crosshatch pattern. Each cookie should be about 2 1/2 inches in diameter.
8. Bake for about 30 minutes at 350°F. Swap top and bottom baking sheets halfway through baking. Bake until cookies are slightly puffed and have golden edges.
9. Transfer cookies onto wire racks to cool.

Chocolate and Almond Brownies

Crazy Cakes Bakery

1/2 Cup Butter
4 Oz. Unsweetened Chocolate
3 Eggs
1 1/2 Cups Sugar
1/2 Tbsp Vanilla
3/4 Cup Flour
1/2 tsp Salt
3/4 Cup Sliced Almonds
1 Greased 8"x8" pan

Preheat Oven to: 375 Degrees

1. Break the unsweetened chocolate into pieces (or start with unsweetened chips). Melt the chocolate by placing it in a microwave and cook at 100% for 20-30 seconds at a time, stirring after each. Once the chocolate is mostly melted, place the butter in as well for the final spin in the microwave. (It's also possible to melt these together over the stove, but that takes longer.) Set aside.
2. Beat the eggs, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl at high speed for about 10 minutes until it has a fluffy feel. An electric mixer really helps here.
3. Blend in the chocolate mixture from step 1, the flour, and the salt.
4. Lastly, stir in the almonds and pour the mixture into the greased 8"x8" pan.
5. Bake in the over at 375°F for 30-35 minutes. Be careful not to over-bake.

Cowboy Cookies

Crazy Cakes Bakery

2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
2 Cups Old-Fashioned Oats
1 Tsp Baking Soda
1/2 Tsp Baking Powder
1/2 Tsp Salt
1 Cup Unsalted Butter (at room temperature)
3/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
1 Cup Dark Brown Sugar (packed)
2 Large Eggs
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
1 1/2 Cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1 Cup Walnuts (chopped and toasted)

Don't preheat oven until step 7

1. Whisk flour, oats, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl until well blended.
2. Beat butter and sugars together in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer if possible.
3. Beat eggs and vanilla in to the butter mixture.
4. Beat in the flour mixture until just combined.
5. Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts by hand.
6. Cover this dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
7. Place both oven racks near the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F.
8. Butter two baking sheets.
9. Form the dough into 1/4 Cup balls. And place these balls onto the baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches space between them.
10. Hand-flatten the balls to 3-inch rounds.
11. Bake for 22-25 minutes at 350°F until cookies are firm in the center and their edges are golden brown. Rotate the sheets halfway through the baking.
12. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool.

Soft Ginger Cookies

Crazy Cakes Bakery

2 1/4 Cups Flour
2 tsp Ground Ginger
1 tsp Baking Soda
3/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Ground Cloves
1/4 tsp Salt
3/4 Cup (1 1/2 Sticks) Butter
1 Cup White Sugar
1 Egg
1 Tbsp Water
1/4 Cup Molasses
2 Ungreased Cookie Sheets

Preheat Oven to: 350 Degrees
1. Thoroughly mix together the flour, ground ginger, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt and set the mixture aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix the butter and sugar together. Keep stirring and mixing until the mixture has a light, fluffy feel. Add the egg and beat it in. Then mix in the water and molasses.
3. Gradually add the dry mixture from step 1. Take your time and make sure that the mix is as even as possible. After this step, you may need to put the dough into the refridgerator for a while in order to prepare for step 4.
4. Place a few tablespoons of sugar in a plate or shallow bowl. Shape the dough into balls about 1" in diameter (slightly smaller than the size of a golf ball). Roll the balls of dough in the sugar to coat them. Place cookies at least 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. You do not need to flatten the balls, they will do so on their own during baking.
5. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes at 350 degrees until the top surface cracks slightly. Allow cookies to cool for at least 5 minutes on the cookie sheet before moving them to a wire rack to continue cooling.
6. Enjoy these delicious cookies, and store in an airtight container.

Christmas Tree Cookies

Jennifer S.

Oh Christmas tree cookies! If you're searching for the traditional Christmas cookie, you've found it in this recipe. When it comes to these sugar cookies, you shape their appearance into your favorite holiday symbols. And Santa is sure to love them!

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup butter, softened
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cream of tartar
1/2 tsp. almond extract

1. Mix confectioners' sugar, butter or margarine, egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix in flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
2. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Separate dough into halves. On lightly floured cloth-covered board, roll each half out to 3/16 inch thick. Cut into Christmas shapes.
3. Bake on parchment lined baking sheets for 6 to 8 minutes. Let cool and decorate as desired.

Chocolate Snowballs

Jennifer S.

1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) sugar cookie mix
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 egg
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
1/2 cup finely chopped almonds (optional)OR finely ground crispy rice cereal
1 teaspoon almond extract
60 Hershey's Kisses, unwrapped
3/4 cup powdered sugar

1. Heat oven to 375°F. In large bowl, stir cookie mix, butter, egg, flour, cocoa, almonds and extract until soft dough forms.
2. Shape dough into sixty 3/4-inch balls; wrap each around 1 milk chocolate candy. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until set. Immediately remove from cookie sheet. Cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
4. Roll cookies in powered sugar. Cool completely, about 15 minutes. Re-roll cookies in powdered sugar. Store tightly covered.

Banana Bars

Aunt Ellen P.

This is a great alternative to making bread or muffins when you have very over-ripe bananas to use up.

Bars
1/2 c milk
1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
Add lemon juice to milk, stir and set aside
3 eggs
1 1/2 bananas
3/4 c shortening
1 1/2 c sugar
2 1/4 c flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt

Cream together eggs, bananas, shortening and sugar. Add milk (butter milk) and stir.
Sift together the rest of the dry ingredients and add to banana mixture.
Pour batter into a well greased 15x17 jellyroll pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.

Make icing while bars are cooling for 10 minutes.

Icing
2 tbs butter, softened
2 c powdered sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 banana

Beat together till smooth and ice bars while still warm.
When cooled completely and icing is set up, cut into bars with plastic knife and enjoy!

HJORTEBAKKELS (Norwegian Christmas Cake Doughnuts)

Grandma Helen Walberg Larsen Evans

Hjortebakkels Pronounced Yoh-tah-bahk-elles literally means "Jesus buckles or Crosses" The shape of the "doughnuts" end up looking like an Ankh (rounded cross).

This makes a HUGE amount, for first time adventures so I ended up cutting the recipe in half. The half recipe is as follows:

Dry Ingredients:
5 C. Flour
½ tsp. Baking Powder
½ tsp. Cardamom
½ tsp. Cinnamon
½ tsp. Nutmeg
¼ tsp. Ground Cloves
¼ tsp. Salt
¼ tsp. Cream of Tartar
1 C. Sugar
1 C. Brown Sugar
Sift together in a bowl and make a well to add the wet ingredients.

Wet Ingredients:
5 Eggs
¼ C. Cream
1 stick Butter, melted
½ tsp. Lemon Juice

Knead until dough is formed. Refrigerate over night. Roll dough into ropes (use a little flour), cut into 3-4” lengths. Cross dough and press to make knots. Make 2 slits at top of circle. Dough must be kept cold at all times!! Deep fry at 350° until golden brown, turning once. Drain on paper towels. Store in an airtight container.

Recipe in my Grandmother Helen's handwriting when she wrote the recipe out for me 22 years ago.

 

Helen Walberg Larsen Evans

Nov. 11, 1916 - Dec. 1, 2009

Pumpkin Harvest Bars

Jennifer S.

4 eggs
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup raisins, if desired

Cream Cheese Frosting
1 package (3 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, if desired

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease bottom and sides of 15x10x1-inch pan with shortening. In large bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, oil and pumpkin until smooth. Stir in flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, ginger and cloves. Stir in raisins. Spread in pan.
2. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until light brown. Cool completely in pan on cooling rack, about 2 hours.
3. In medium bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla with electric mixer on low speed until smooth. Gradually beat in powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, on low speed until smooth and spreadable. Spread frosting over bars. Sprinkle with walnuts.

For bars, cut into 7 rows by 7 rows. Store in refrigerator.

Chewy Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookies

Jennifer S.

Ingredients:
4 & 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 & 1/2 cups Butter, softened
1 & 1/4 cups sugar
1 & 1/4 cups firmly packed brown sugar
2 Eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 (12-ounce) package (1 & 1/2 cups) real semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chocolate chips

Instructions:
Heat oven to 375 F. Combine flour, baking powder and baking soda in medium bowl; set aside. Combine butter, sugar and brown sugar in large bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla. Continue beating, scraping bowl often, until well mixed. Reduce speed to low. Beat, gradually adding flour mixture, until well mixed. Stir in chocolate chunks. Drop dough by 1/4 cupfuls, 2 inches apart, onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10 to 14 minutes or until light golden brown. (Do not over bake.) Let stand 5 minutes on cookie sheet; remove to cooling rack.

Cassy Hamner's Oatmeal Bars

Submitted by Sara B.

1 C. Sugar
1 tsp Cinnamon
1 C. Packed Brown Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla
½ C. Margarine or Butter
½ tsp Baking Powder
½ C. Shortening or Veggie Oil
½ tsp Salt
1 tsp Baking Soda
2 Eggs
Stir In: 3 C. Oatmeal
1 C. Flour

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Mix all ingredients except oats and flour. Stir in oats and flour. Press dough in un-greased rectangular pan, 13x9x2. Bake about 15-25 min or until light brown and done in the center. Cut into 2-in squares while warm. Makes ~20 bars. Enjoy :)

Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Amy D.

This isn’t a cookie recipe, but cheesecake bars are kinda like cookies????

I even use different flavors of cake mix for a variety (of course leaving out the lemon peel and substitute milk or water for the lemon juice) – chocolate fudge or cherry chip cake mix make tasty bars

1 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® lemon or yellow cake mix
1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
3 eggs
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
2 tablespoons lemon juice

1. Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). In large bowl, beat dry cake mix, butter and 1 of the eggs with electric mixer on low speed until crumbly. Press in bottom of ungreased 13x9-inch pan.
2. In medium bowl, beat cream cheese on medium speed until smooth. Gradually beat in powdered sugar on low speed. Stir in lemon peel and lemon juice until smooth. Reserve 1/2 cup; refrigerate. Beat remaining 2 eggs into remaining cream cheese mixture on medium speed until blended. Spread over cake mixture.
3. Bake bars 23 to 28 minutes or until set. Cool completely, about 1 hour. Spread with reserved cream cheese mixture. Refrigerate about 3 hours or until firm. For bars, cut into 8 rows by 6 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): No change.

How many lemons do you need for this recipe? One will be fine--it will yield 1 1/2 to 3 teaspoons grated peel and 2 to 3 tablespoons lemon juice.

Bake bars in the exact pan size called for in a recipe to ensure moist (not over baked) bars.

Garnish each bar with a curl of lemon peel for an extra-special touch.