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

Ingredients:

1 pound (4 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 and ¾ cups all purpose flour
1 cup almond flour or very finely ground almonds
1 and ½ cup blackberry preserves (I also just use whatever it takes to
cover the dish you're cooking it in)
½ cup chopped almonds

**last time I made it I put that much sugar in it, but it was too
sweet. Not sure if it was the jam or there really was just too much
sugar. So you may want to put 3/4 cup of each instead, or taste to
your liking.

Directions:

If you don’t have almond flour on hand, you can make it like I did by
grinding up 1 cup of almonds in your food processor until they are
finely ground. It’s going to be combined with the flour so
texture-wise, you want to get it as finely ground as possible.

Combine the butter and sugars in a large bowl. Using an electric
mixture set at medium low speed, beat it until creamy. Add the vanilla
and salt and beat until combined.

Combine almond flour (or ground almonds) with the flour. Mix well.
Combine the dry mixture into the butter mixture on low speed, until a
smooth, soft dough forms. Spray a 9 by 13 inch baking pan with
nonstick cooking spray and press 1/3 of the dough evenly into the pan
to form a bottom crust. Wrap the remaining dough in plastic wrap and
refrigerate until very cold and firm, at least 30 minutes. (You can
also put yours in the freezer, but make sure to thaw it properly in
the fridge before baking.)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bake the bottom crust until it is firm and just beginning to turn pale
brown around the edges, about 20 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven
and spread the preserves evenly over the crust. Crumble the remaining
shortbread dough over the jam to form a pebbly, crumbled topping.
Sprinkle with the chopped almonds.

Return pan to the oven and continue baking until topping is firm and
crisp and lightly golden in color, about 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer to
wire rack and let cool to room temperature.

Use a sharp knife to cut bars evenly into 15 large squares. Remove the
bars from the pan with a metal spatula and if desired, cut in half on
the diagonal to form 30 smaller triangular bars. Dust with
confectioners’ sugar and serve.

The bars will keep, covered tightly, for about 1 week at room
temperature, or in the freezer for up to one month.

This is seriously the best dessert you will ever have in your life, it's from one of my cookbooks, but this needs to be on here, it's that good!

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

A nice light pasta to start before your meal.

Shrimp & Angel Hair.

2lbs large raw shrimp - deveined & cleaned (cut into pieces)
6tbs Extra virgin olive oil
5 cloves garlic minced
1/2tsp red pepper flakes
1/3cup dry white wine (sometimes a little more)
2tbs diced italian parsley
salt/pepper
1/2 cup lemon rind
Angel hair pasta 1 1/4 lb (reserve some pasta water when draining)

boil water for pasta
heat sauce pan with oil & add garlic (do not burn) add red pepper
when garlic browns add shrimp salt pepper
saute shrimp until half cooked add wine increase falme to finish shrimp. Turn off flame
drain pasta & add it to shrimp toss in parsley & lemon rind. If to dry add some pasta water that was reserved.

Bon Appetito!

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

Turkey Chili

Feeds 8

2 large onions
2 green peppers
1 whole head of Garlic
Paprika
Chili Powder
Onion Powder
Garlic Powder
Cumin
Brown Sugar
Oregano
3lbs of Ground Turkey
Olive oil
3 cans of kidney beans
1 can of Tomato Paste
1 can of Crushed Tomato

Mince and sauté the onion, peppers and garlic in the olive oil until they are soft. Then add the rest of the ingredients. I don’t give exact measurements because it will all depend on your tastes. I basically added a bit at a time during the 2 hours of cooking time tasting as I went and adding more of the spices. I add the beans at the last 30 minutes of cooking so that they are not too soft since they are cooked already.

Everyone really liked the chili and we had it over pasta. This a mild recipe to kick up the spice add red chili flakes and Tabasco.

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

Stuffed Pork Chops

Serves 4

4 Center cut Thick pork Chops
Sliced Mozzarella
Ham
Apples
Salt & pepper

This recipe is sooo simple but it was delicious.

Make a slit in the pork chop and put a piece of small piece of mozzarella, ham and thin slices of apple (I used gala but any firm apple would do). Then you take tooth picks and you close up the slit because the mozzarella will come out as you cook. Salt and pepper each side of the chops before you put it on the grill. I use a cast iron grill for about 5 min on each side to sear the meat. Then you put it in the oven on 350 for about 30 minutes or until the juices run clear. Let the meat cool so you can remove the tooth picks and serve. The chops were sooo juicy and the family raved.

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

Yay I have quite a few yummy ones I can share now!!!!

These are our summer stand-bys...perfect for BBQ, but can be done indoors as well.

Chicken Souvlaki

Recipe:
-Make a marinade consisting of:
-1/4 cup olive oil
-1/4 cup lemon juice
-2 tsp. oregano
-2 tsp. garlic powder
-1.5 tsp. salt
-1 tsp black pepper
-touch of paprika
-little bit of honey

-Cut 2 chicken breasts into chunks, and place into a bowl with the marinade. Leave in fridge for at least an hour and a half. Place onto skewers and BBQ.

-Serve with Tzaziki sauce or Greek yogurt.






Bifteki (Greek Hamburger, served Bun-less)

2 lbs ground sirloin
1+ tablespoon oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon paprika
1 egg
1 cup breadcrumbs
juice from 2 lemons
1 large grated onion

Mix all the above ingredients together, and form into little burgers. Grill over charcoal as you would any burger.


Chick Pea Salad

Chick Peas
Oil Oil
Lemon Juice
Oregano
Chopped Onion
Garlic Powder
Mix above ingredients, to taste


Now this last one is SUPER ambitious, and SUPER unhealthy, but sooooooooooooooo good!

Pastitio (Greek Meat and Pasta Dish- Prep time and cook time- Don't even bother unless you have 4 hours and 2 people to devote to it!)

Pastitsio Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs long tube macaroni (percitelli)
1 cup butter or oil
2 eggs, seperated
1 3/4 lbs chopped meat
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup white wine
1 tablespoon tomato paste, diluted with 1 cup water
salt and pepper to taste
parmesan cheese
cinnamon
1 cup bread crumbs

Bechamel Ingredients:

8 tablespoons butter
10-12 tablespoons flour
1-2 egg yolks
4 cups milk, scalded (low to medium heat just before boiling)
salt and pepper to taste

Recipe:

Parboil the macaroni in salted water for 6 minutes, drain. Brown half of the butter and pour over the macaroni. Beat the egg whites (reserve the yolks for the bechamel) and add to the macaroni. Sprinkle with half of the cheese. Brown the remaining butter (but keep 2 tablespoons aside to use later) with the chopped meat and onion. Add the wine, diluted tomato paste, salt, pepper, and cinnamon, and simmer until all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, add half of the remaining cheese and half of the bread crumbs. Mix well.

Prepare the bechamel***. Butter a pan and sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Spread half of the macaroni evenly in it, and cover with the chopped meat. Add the remaining macaroni. Pour the bechamel over the top. Sprinkle with remaining cheese, then with the rest of the breadcrumbs. Drizzle the remaining melted butter on top. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

***Bechamel recipe

Melt the butter and add the flour slowly to it, blending thoroughly. Remove from heat and slowly add the milk, mixing constantly. Return to the heat. Stir until the mixture thickens. Beat the egg yolks well, add the salt and pepper, stirring all the while until well blended. If you do not serve the sauce right away, stir occasionally to prevent a crust from forming.

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

YAY!!! Thanks girls for adding so many recipes. You gave me lots of work to do, but I am glad.

We need breakfast recipes... so add some of your favorites.

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

This is a breakfast one but dont think I am crazy..it tastes good!!!

Brown Sugar Bacon

1 pound thick cut bacon
1/4 cup light brown sugar

Preheat the oven to 375. Line a baking pan with parchment paper and lay the bacon out side by side, overlapping just a bit. Sprinkle with the brown sugar and place the pan on the top rack of the oven. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until the bacon is nicely browned and slightly crispy. Serve immediately.

It tastes divine!!!!!!!!!

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

I am making this one for this Christmas brunch.

Upside-down Banana Walnut French Toast

1-1/2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
3 medium bananas, sliced
1 lb of sliced cinnamon bread
6 eggs
1-1/2 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla

Spray bottom and side of a 13x9 glass baking dish. In a large bowl stir the sugar, butter, syrup and walnuts until smooth. Stir in bananas and spread mixture into dish.
Cut off the crusts of bread and arrange 2 layers of bread on the mixture. Beat the eggs, milk and vanilla and pour over bread. Refrigerate for at least an hour but best overnight. Bake at 325 for 45-60 min or until knife comes out clean. Serve it upside down.

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

I have one...

Breakfast Casserole
Serving Size: Serves 8

16 slices of white bread
8 slices of American cheese
8 slices of ham
8 eggs
3 C milk
1/2 tsp dry mustard
dash of salt
1/2 c. butter
3 C. corn flakes

Grease a 9 x 13 inch pan
Remove crusts from bread
Layer bread, cheese, ham and bread to make 8 sandwiches
Beat eggs, milk, mustard and salt. Pour over sandwiches.
Cover and refrigerate 12-24 hours.
Melt butter and mix with corn flakes.
Sprinkle on top.
Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees.

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

---

Posted by Just Cindy

This is a breakfast one but dont think I am crazy..it tastes good!!!

Brown Sugar Bacon

1 pound thick cut bacon
1/4 cup light brown sugar

Preheat the oven to 375. Line a baking pan with parchment paper and lay the bacon out side by side, overlapping just a bit. Sprinkle with the brown sugar and place the pan on the top rack of the oven. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until the bacon is nicely browned and slightly crispy. Serve immediately.

It tastes divine!!!!!!!!!

---

I think it sounds good.

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 appetizer for Thanksgiving thanks to a suggestion from my sister. We sort of made it up together based on an app from a restaurant she used to work at. It's super easy and nice and light.

Asparagus Feta Phyllo Cups

2 boxes of frozen phyllo cups
1 bunch of asparagus
fresh squeezed lemon juice
crumblaed feta
olive oil
salt and pepper

1. Place the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toss lightly with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 450 for 12-15 minutes.

2. Bake phyllo cups according to package directions. About 3 minutes at 350 degrees.

3. Cut the asparagus into half to one inch long pieces. Squeeze lemon juice over the asparagus.

4. Place a few pieces of asparagus and a small spoon of feta into each cup. Serve!

My in laws raved about these and have been asking for the recipe. It's probably good warm but I served it room temperature. A great thing to bring to friends or relatives since it doesn't require reheating.

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

Drink Recipe

Red Sangria

Ingredients:
1/2 Gallon Red Wine (Burgundy)
1/4 Brandy
1 Tablespoon Cointeau (expensive so you can see if the Liquor store has the small bottles)
2 Cups Orange Juice
1/4 Cup Lemon Juice
1/4 Cup Superfine Sugar
2 Cups Chilled Club Soda
1 thinly sliced Orange
1 thinly sliced Lemon

Chill all liquid ingredients. Pour wine,brandy, and cointreau into a large bowl or large pitcher. In a seperate bowl, stir orange and lemon juice with the sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Add juice mix to wine bowl and stir. Add ice cubes and soda and garnish with fruit slices.


*** YOU CAN ADD OTHER FRUITS, LIKE APPLES, AND PEACHES*******

Makes about 25 Servings

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

Very simple sugar cookies / cake

This recipe can be used to make simple cookies or as a cake batter. It comes out very wet, so putting it in a ziploc bag to pipe them onto the cookie sheet might be most convenient. You could also roll it out between two pieces of wax paper or saran wrap and then use a pizza cutter to make even pieces if you like a thinner cookie. Do not overcook!

Ingredients: (I halved the original recipe I saw when I made it, which still yielded 2 dozen cookies) -- this is the half recipe:

1/2 c. margarine
1/2 c. white sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

cream margarine, sugar, and eggs (can be done by hand)
stir in vanilla, flour, baking soda, and salt
place on parchment paper on cookie sheets and bake for 8 minutes at 375.

The best thing about this recipe is that it's ingredients you probably have in your house! So simple!

I stuck a hershey kiss in a few of them immediately upon taking out of the oven -- it's a great option for those who don't like peanut butter cookies.

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

Not sure if this is too late... I made up this recipe (well edited an old recipe from my mom) so I do not have the actual measurements:

Greek Chicken Pasta.. simple and delicious!

Cut 2-3 chicken cutlets into cubes and cook in some olive oil.

Add half of a chopped onion

Add a can of petitte diced tomatoes (do not drain)

Add a can of cannellini beans (drained)

Add mushrooms (& drained black olives cut up if you like them)

Season to taste with salt, pepper, garlic powder, basil, fresh parlsey and a little lemon pepper.

Cook for 10 minutes

Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted.

Pour over penne and top with crumbled Feta Cheese

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

Not to late, cut off is Feb 10, 2010. Gives me a month to finish putting it together for the brunch.

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

Here's a great cooking tip....clean as you go! Especially if you don't have a dishwasher

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

Healthy turkey chili is another favorite!!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 (19 ounce) can black beans, with liquid
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, with liquid
1 (15.25 ounce) can whole kernel corn, with liquid
1 pinch ground cumin, or to taste
1 pinch chili powder, or to taste
1 pinch red pepper flakes, or to taste
1 pinch ground cinnamon, or to taste

Place turkey and bell pepper in a large saucepan over medium heat, and cook until turkey is evenly brown. Mix in beans, tomatoes, and corn. Season with cumin, chili powder, red pepper flakes, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer 30 minutes. Add water if you want a more liquid chili.

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

Chicken Tikka Masala

Made this many times.. its delicious! I usually serve it over basmati rice

Ingredients
1 cup yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
4 teaspoons salt, or to taste
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
4 long skewers

1 tablespoon butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons paprika
3 teaspoons salt, or to taste
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions
In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, black pepper, ginger, and 4 teaspoons salt. Stir in chicken, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Preheat a grill for high heat.
Lightly oil the grill grate. Thread chicken onto skewers, and discard marinade. Grill until juices run clear, about 5 minutes on each side.
Melt butter in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Saute garlic and jalapeno for 1 minute. Season with 2 teaspoons cumin, paprika, and 3 teaspoons salt. Stir in tomato sauce and cream. Simmer on low heat until sauce thickens, about 20 minutes. Add grilled chicken, and simmer for 10 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, and garnish with fresh cilantro.

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

---

Posted by JennyAPH

Chicken Tikka Masala

Made this many times.. its delicious! I usually serve it over basmati rice

Ingredients
1 cup yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
4 teaspoons salt, or to taste
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
4 long skewers

1 tablespoon butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons paprika
3 teaspoons salt, or to taste
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions
In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, black pepper, ginger, and 4 teaspoons salt. Stir in chicken, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Preheat a grill for high heat.
Lightly oil the grill grate. Thread chicken onto skewers, and discard marinade. Grill until juices run clear, about 5 minutes on each side.
Melt butter in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Saute garlic and jalapeno for 1 minute. Season with 2 teaspoons cumin, paprika, and 3 teaspoons salt. Stir in tomato sauce and cream. Simmer on low heat until sauce thickens, about 20 minutes. Add grilled chicken, and simmer for 10 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, and garnish with fresh cilantro.

---

I so need to make this Jen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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 last night and it was sooo good:

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

5 lbs potatoes
3/4 container of sour cream
6 strips of bacon
4 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
5 clove of garlic
6 stalks of scallions
1/2 cup of milk
Salt & Pepper to taste

Cook the potatoes until tender. Cook the bacon until crispy then chop into bits. Mince the garlic and chop the scallions...we cooked the scallions and garlic slightly in some of the bacon fat. Then you combine all the ingredients. It was really good...you can adjust all the seasonings to your taste.

I was thinking with the leftovers you can bake it with some extra cheese on top, YUMMY!!!!