Re: Official Newlyweds Cookbook - If you want your recipe in the cookbook it has to be on THIS thread.

Is there a place for good cooking tips? If so, I've got a few:

-For the best French Toast ever add vanilla to the egg batter you soak the bread in
-Surprisingly a little bit of orange extract tastes good in just about anything with bananas, especially pancakes
-Under cook your cookies by one minute and cool them on a countertop to ensure that they are super moist. Never on a sheet or on paper, it'll dry them out or make them rock hard
-When cooking anything in the oven check on the dish a little bit before the timer runs out, depending on your oven you may be done already or may need to cook it for longer
-Bisquick is a good substitute for flour if you run out
-When making apple pie, if you make it with a crumb topping you don't need as much sugar with the apples themselves (otherwise it'll be very soupy)
-Do not add wine to hot olive oil, EVER. It will explode. And don't cook on a stove top with champagne unless you're ready to clean up the mess that will follow
-When creating a recipe smelling stuff as you're adding it will allow you to get an idea of how it will taste and if it'll all be good together
-Bacon makes everything taste better!

Re: Official Newlyweds Cookbook - If you want your recipe in the cookbook it has to be on THIS thread.

I just made this a couple of nights ago and the family really enjoyed it...I was in a brussel sprouts mood..if you dont like them try these they are delish!!!

Caramelized Brussel Sprouts

1lb of brussel sprouts
2 tbs. sugar
1tbs. butter
1/4 water
1/4 tsp. salt

Remove the stems and quarter the sprouts
Heat the sugar until it browns then add the butter until melted. Add the water and salt and bring to boil then add the sprouts. Simmer the sprouts covered for about 6 minutes. Then uncover and cook the spouts until they are glazed and tender.

Re: Official Newlyweds Cookbook - If you want your recipe in the cookbook it has to be on THIS thread.

Maple-Mustard Pork Loin w/ Roasted Potatoes

Ingredients:
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary plus 6 sprigs
4 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
One 4-pound boneless pork loin (about 12 inches long)
One 8-ounce package lean sliced bacon
6 small baking potatoes (1 1/2 pounds), quartered
Salt and pepper

Directions:In a resealable plastic bag, mix together 2 tablespoons olive oil, the mustard, maple syrup, chopped rosemary and garlic. Add the pork and turn in the mixture to coat; refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Preheat the oven to 375°. Place the rosemary sprigs in the center of a roasting pan. Arrange six 14-inch lengths of kitchen string crosswise, about 2 inches apart, in the pan. Place the marinated pork on top of the strings and rosemary. Lay the bacon slices, on an angle, over the pork loin. Tie each string around the meat to secure the bacon, then trim the loose ends.

Scatter the potatoes around the pork and drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons oil; toss to mix. Season the pork and potatoes with salt and pepper. Roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the pork registers 150°, about 1 hour. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with the potatoes

Re: Official Newlyweds Cookbook - If you want your recipe in the cookbook it has to be on THIS thread.

---

Posted by MrsInglima

Is there a place for good cooking tips? If so, I've got a few:

-For the best French Toast ever add vanilla to the egg batter you soak the bread in
-Surprisingly a little bit of orange extract tastes good in just about anything with bananas, especially pancakes
-Under cook your cookies by one minute and cool them on a countertop to ensure that they are super moist. Never on a sheet or on paper, it'll dry them out or make them rock hard
-When cooking anything in the oven check on the dish a little bit before the timer runs out, depending on your oven you may be done already or may need to cook it for longer
-Bisquick is a good substitute for flour if you run out
-When making apple pie, if you make it with a crumb topping you don't need as much sugar with the apples themselves (otherwise it'll be very soupy)
-Do not add wine to hot olive oil, EVER. It will explode. And don't cook on a stove top with champagne unless you're ready to clean up the mess that will follow
-When creating a recipe smelling stuff as you're adding it will allow you to get an idea of how it will taste and if it'll all be good together
-Bacon makes everything taste better!

---

We can make one!!!!

Re: Official Newlyweds Cookbook - If you want your recipe in the cookbook it has to be on THIS thread.

Chicken with Lemon

1 chicken about 3 or 4 lbs. cut up (I use chicken pieces packaged, but using breasts, thighs, wings and legs, with bones works best.)
2 or 3 tbsp. olive oil
2 squeezed lemons or 6 tbsp of lemon juice concentrate
2 cloves of garlic chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Wash and skin the juices of chicken dry with paper towels.

In a medium size bowl add the lemon juice, Oil and garlic. Stir together. Dip each piece of chicken in the bowl making sure that each piece is covered with the oil, lemon and garlic. Place in a baking pan just big enough to hold the pieces of chicken close together. Season with salt and pepper.

Broil chicken until nicely browned in a high broil. When browned, cover with aluminum foil and return to a slow oven (about 350) for about 1/2 hour.

This chicken comes out tender and delicious.

Re: Official Newlyweds Cookbook - If you want your recipe in the cookbook it has to be on THIS thread.

Broccoli Bake
Recipe from MLAngelo

1 bunch of broccoli
1 slice of soft bread (crumbled)
1 hard cooked egg – mashed
4 tbsp. Italian grated cheese
12 tbsp butter or margarine (butter is preferred)
salt
pepper

Leave the broccoli whole, just cutting off the hard part on the bottom. Broil broccoli. When half cooked put them into an oiled baking pan.

Sprinkle with bread crumbs, mashed egg, pepper and cheese.

Melt butter with 2 cloves of garlic. (don’t brown garlic and don’t brown butter). Cook the garlic very slowly in the butter. Spoon half of the melted butter on the broccoli.

Bake at moderate oven 350o for about 20 minutes. Add the remaining butter and cook for 5 minutes more.

This is a great way to eat broccoli. Its straight from my 102 year old Great Grandmother’s cookbook. She was still making this up until about her 100th.

Re: Official Newlyweds Cookbook - If you want your recipe in the cookbook it has to be on THIS thread.

Whole Wheat Banana Nut Bread

1/3 cup apple sauce
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 & 1/2 cups mashed banana (really ripe work best)
1 & 3/4 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup hot water
1 cup chopped walnuts

Heat the oven to 325 degrees

In a bowl beat together the applesauce & honey. Add eggs and mix well. Mix in the bananas and vanilla. Stir in flour & salt. Add baking soda to hot water mix well, and add to mixture. Mix everything together. Add the walnuts. Mix until the walnuts and coated in the batter. Give it a few good mixes. Spread into a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan, you can spray with cooking spray first or just use a nonstick pan. Bake for 60-75 minutes. Let cool before slicing. If you wrap it well it stays moist for days.

Tips:

Banana:
This recipe is best made with bananas that are almost ready to be thrown away. I always have one or two bananas left at the end of a bunch, and instead of tossing them. I peel them, wrap in aluminum foil, and freeze. You pop them out to use for this recipe, and it works great. Just let them defrost for a few minutes, and you mash them in a coffee mug with a wooden soon. Or you can defrost them for a minute in the microwave.

Walnuts:
You can vary the amount of walnuts you use. You can use more, use less, or not use any at all.

Applesauce:
I use this instead of vegetable oil, I find it makes the bread more moist, with a better flavor.

Whole wheat flour:
You can use plain white flour if you prefer.

Eggs:
You can substitute egg whites for the whole egg. Just use four egg whites instead of two eggs.

Organic:
I usually make this bread with as many organic ingredients as possible. The stop & shop brand nature's promise has great applesauce, honey, flour, etc..

Re: Official Newlyweds Cookbook - If you want your recipe in the cookbook it has to be on THIS thread.

Johnny Casserole
(name after my husband Jonathan, this is his favorite dinner)

1lb whole wheat pasta (rigatoni works well)
1 bag frozen broccoli
2 cans Campbell's 98% fat free broccoli cheddar soup
1/4 cup reduced fat milk
1 package reduced fat shredded Italian cheese blend
1lb 99% fat free ground turkey
2 tbsp grated pasta cheese

Pre-heat Oven 350 degrees
Cook turkey meat & drain.
Boil pasta according to package & drain.
Add pasta back to pot, mix in turkey, frozen broccoli, milk, and two cans of soup. Mix well until everything is coated in the soup mix.
Spread evenly into a casserole pan. Spray corners or pan with cooking spray first.
Top with grated cheese, & shredded cheese.
Bake for 25-35 minutes until bubbling, and the cheese is melted.
I usually put the broiler on for 5 minutes at the end to make the cheese really crunchy. Just keep an eye on it, b/c it will brown fast.

Re: Official Newlyweds Cookbook - If you want your recipe in the cookbook it has to be on THIS thread.

This is from self magazine from last year. I made them at Thanksgiving last year & they were a big hit.

Flourless Chocolate-Walnut Cookies

Makes 60 cookies

* Parchment paper
* 2 1/2 cups walnut halves
* 3 cups confectioners' sugar
* 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 4 egg whites
* 1 tablespoon vanilla extract


1.

Position 2 racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Heat oven to 350°. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Place walnuts on a work surface and finely chop. Transfer to a separate large baking sheet and toast until fragrant, about 9 minutes. Let cool. Mix sugar, cocoa and salt in a bowl. Stir in walnuts. Add egg whites and vanilla; beat with a fork or an electric mixer on medium until batter is just moistened. (Do not overbeat batter or it will stiffen.) Drop batter by the teaspoonful onto baking sheets in evenly spaced mounds. Bake cookies until tops are lightly cracked and glossy, about 15 minutes. Repeat with remaining batter. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

THE SKINNY

55 calories per cookie, 3.3 g fat (0.4 g saturated), 6.2 g carbs, 0.6 g fiber, 1.2 g protein

Re: Official Newlyweds Cookbook - If you want your recipe in the cookbook it has to be on THIS thread.

Something to spice up the evening ladies

My favorite chicken recipe EVER.

*Spicy Ranchero Chicken*

Ingredients:
*1 or 2 packs boneless chicken breasts
*1 8oz package cream cheese
*1 packet of the 'Dips' Ranch powder mix
*A bottle of Franks Red Hot

Directions:
*Preheat oven to 375
*In a saucepan, melt the cream cheese down till thick.
*Mix in the entire ranch packet till blended.
*Add the red hot little by little until you get the hotness you desire. Should be a light orange color.
*Coat the bottom of a glass cassarole pan real lightly with the melted sauce mixture.
*Lay the chicken breasts flat on to of the bottom coating.
*Top with the remaining sauce mixture.
*Bake covered for 35-45 mins...half way through, puncture chicken with a fork to lessen bake time.
*Remove from oven, top with shredded cheese (if desired) and let set for 10 mins. Sauce will thicken as it stands.

**GREAT with Pillsbury Flaky Layer Rolls**

Re: Official Newlyweds Cookbook - If you want your recipe in the cookbook it has to be on THIS thread.

Here is a recipe!!!
It is weight watchers.. 6pts per serving.. made it last week and it got raves!!

This is a dinner...

Cider Chicken with Apples & Thyme
Makes 4 servings

4 ( 5 0z ) skinless boneless chicken breasts
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon coarsely black ground pepper
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup frozen pearl onions, thawed
4 strips turkey bacon, diced
1 golden delicious apple (unpeeled), cored & cut into chunks
1 tablespoon fresh chopped thyme, or 1 teaspoon dried
1 cup apple cider
1/4 reduced sodium chicken broth
thyme sprigs for garnish

Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt & pepper.
Heat the oil in a large non stick skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken & saute until golden and tender; about 4 minutes on each side; transfer chicken to a plate.
Add the onions and bacon to the skillet. Cook, shaking the pan occasionally, until the onions are softened and browned, about 8 minutes. Add the apple and thyme, cook until tender and golden, about 5 minutes. Return the chicken to the skillet briefly to heat through. Arrange chicken on a platter, spoon the sauce on top, and garnish with the thyme sprigs.

Re: Official Newlyweds Cookbook - If you want your recipe in the cookbook it has to be on THIS thread.

Waldorf Chicken Salad (poultry):

Use your own judgment with quantities and measurements, depending how thick you want it:

Canned white meat chicken (98% fat free)-drain and rinse off in strainer (to get all that yucky water out that it was packed with in the can)
chopped celery
chopped granny smith apple
chopped red seedless grapes
golden raisins
chopped walnuts
squeeze half fresh lemon (keeps apples from turning color)

Then in another bowl:
miracle whip
1 spoonful brown sugar
a little cinnamon
squeeze 1 1/2 lemons

then mix all 'dressing components' and combine into bowl with the rest of the ingredients.

Serve alone, over mixed greens, or with appropriate bread/bread product of your choice.

Re: Official Newlyweds Cookbook - If you want your recipe in the cookbook it has to be on THIS thread.

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

(Recipe from www.bestbananabreadrecipes.com)

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3 bananas
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
1 cup chocolate chips or chunks

Heat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine and mix all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.
Place batter in a greased bread pan (bottom only) or in muffin tins.
Bake 40 to 50 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
Cool for 10 minutes then remove from pan. Complete cooling on a wire rack.

Re: Official Newlyweds Cookbook - If you want your recipe in the cookbook it has to be on THIS thread.

Pumpkin Trifle
Recipe from MLAngelo

Recipe is a Weight Watchers Recipe.

A great healthy dessert for Thanksgiving and other fall dinners.


14-1/2 oz. pkg. gingerbread cake mix
1-1/4 c. water
1 egg
4 c. milk
4 1-oz. pkgs. sugar-free instant butterscotch pudding mix
15-oz. can pumpkin
1 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. ground ginger
1/4 t. nutmeg
1/4 t. allspice
12-oz. container frozen whipped topping, thawed

Serving Size: Serves 18

Combine cake mix, water and egg in a mixing bowl. Mix well and pour into an
ungreased 8'x8' baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes, or
until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10
minutes; turn out of pan onto a wire rack. When completely cooled, crumble cake and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup crumbs for garnish.

Whisk together milk and pudding mixes in a bowl for 2 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Let stand for 2 minutes, or until softly set. Stir in pumpkin and spices;
mix well.

In a trifle bowl or 3-1/2 quart glass serving bowl, layer one-quarter of the cake crumbs, one-half of pudding mixture, one-quarter of crumbs and one-half of whipped topping. Repeat layers, ending with topping. Garnish with reserved cake crumbs. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Re: Official Newlyweds Cookbook - If you want your recipe in the cookbook it has to be on THIS thread.

Bump, add those Thanksgiving Recipes

Re: Official Newlyweds Cookbook - If you want your recipe in the cookbook it has to be on THIS thread.

Ok...these may be too darn lame...but just understand I was single in a tiny Manhattan apartment until I was 41!

Suzanne's banana campfire smores

I find these to be lighter and more delicious than the traditional combination. My camping friends are always skeptical until they have a taste.

2 graham crackers (plain or chocolate)
Three marshmallows
One banana cut in slices 'the long way'

Lay out graham crackers on plate with slices of banana on top of one side.
Use toasting fork to toast marshmallows until golden. Do not burn!!!
Trust me, it the marshmallow catches on fire, toast a new one.

Place toasted marshmallows on top of banana and finish with second graham cracker.

Enjoy!

Ambien popcorn

Does anyone else get the munchies after they take an ambien?

I have been known to tinker in the kitchen and came up with this.

Melt butter and tabasco sauce together in microwave. Top air popped or 'no oil' microwave popcorn.

Yummy!

Re: The 09er's Official Newlyweds Cookbook - If you want your recipe in the cookbook it has to be on THIS thread.

bump

Re: The 09er's Official Newlyweds Cookbook - If you want your recipe in the cookbook it has to be on THIS thread.

I know we have a bunch of new newlyweds... ADD YOUR RECIPES!!!

Re: The 09er's Official Newlyweds Cookbook - If you want your recipe in the cookbook it has to be on THIS thread.

I made this for thanksgiving and it was hit!!! It is so easy to make and a delicious dessert!!!

Flan

Serves 6-10 people depending on how you cut it

Ingredients

1 cup white sugar
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 can evaporated milk
3 eggs
1 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

In a small saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat. Shake and swirl occasionally to distribute sugar until it is dissolved and begins to brown. Lift the pan over the heat source (4 to 6 inches) and continue to brown the sugar until it becomes golden brown. You may slightly stir while cooking, but continually stirring causes the sugar to crystallize. Pour caramelized sugar into a dish or a loaf pan, and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan evenly.

Combine sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs and vanilla. Pour over the caramelized sugar.

Place the dish into a larger pan and fill with outer pan with water as high as you can. Then fill the inner pan with the mixture. Bake in preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until set. If knife comes out clean, it's ready.
Remove and let cool. Put in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours then when ready to serve invert the pan onto a serving, the caramel sauce will flow over the flan.

Then enjoy!!!

Re: The 09er's Official Newlyweds Cookbook - If you want your recipe in the cookbook it has to be on THIS thread.

Oreo Truffles - I make these every year for Christmas and already my friends at work are making requests for them! They're really easy (but messy) too.

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies
1 (8 ounce) package PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
2 (8 ounce) packages BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, melted (I use the tubs you can just microwave)

Directions
Crush the cookies to fine crumbs in food processor; reserve for later use. (Cookies can also be finely crushed in a resealable plastic bag using a rolling pin.)
Place in medium bowl.
Add cream cheese; mix until well blended. (I usually put this 'dough' into the fridge for about an hour at this step, it makes it less sticky!)
Roll cookie mixture into 42 balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
Dip balls in chocolate; place on wax paper-covered baking sheet.
Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
Store leftover truffles, covered, in refrigerator.

I also use the Chocolate Mint Oreos, or you can add flavoring to them (one year I used orange extract, one year was raspberry.)