2 c. cornstarch (2 cups – see method below*)1 1/2 c. all purpose flour (1 1/2 cup)1/2 t. salt1/2 t. baking soda2 t. baking powder14 T. butter at room temperature3/4 c. sugar3 egg yolks1 T. cognac1 c. Dulce de Leche (see below**) *If you don’t have a kitchen scale, this recipe should convince you to go get one. Cornstarch is quite difficult to measure in volume, so the … [Read more...] about Alfajores Cookies
Special Occasion
Mer’s Candied Pretzels
2 bags pretzel sticks1 bag white Wilton candy melts1 bag red Wilton candy melts1 shaker of sprinkles1 sheet parchment1 sandwich baggy12 gift bags and 1 yd. ribbon Melt white chips in a pyrex, 2 cup, measuring cup, according to directions (do not get it wet or it will ruin and do not overcook). Break all pretzels in half. Dip the broken end halfway up into the white, melted … [Read more...] about Mer’s Candied Pretzels
Razzle Dazzle Pie
3 c. each blackberries and raspberries (if using fresh berries or1 bag each frozen berries (do not thaw)3 T. flour1/3 c. sugar2 pre-made pie crusts (Pillsbury or your own 2 -9 inch) Mix up the berries, add flour, and sugar and mix.Pour into pie crust. Cut slits in pie crust & gently lay top crust onTrim off excess with knife or kitchen shears. Pinch the seams &Brush … [Read more...] about Razzle Dazzle Pie
Aunt Marian’s Chocolate Mousse Pie
8 oz. semi sweet chocolate chips4 oz. dark chocolate chipschocolate shavings of your favorite chocolate6 T. unsalted butter @ room temp.6 large eggs, separated1 T. cream of tartar1/2 c. plus 4 T. sugar3 c. heavy cream, cold2 t. pure vanilla extract plus 1 t.1 box Chocolate wafer cookies (like nilla wafers)2 T. powdered sugar Topping:Put 2 cups of whipping cream in the mixing … [Read more...] about Aunt Marian’s Chocolate Mousse Pie
Best Fried Shrimp with Dipping Sauce
1 1/2 c. peanut oil1 lb. Extra Large Fresh Shrimp or Colossal Farm Raised Shrimp (7 to 9 per person, depending on size)2 egg whites, beaten lightly with 2 teaspoons water1/2 t. salt1/4 t. paprika1/4 t. Garlic Magic or Garlic Powder (optional) plus 1/8 t. for dipping sauce1 sleeve saltine crackers7 oz. ketchup2 t. mayonnaise4 T. heavy whipping cream1 lemon cut in … [Read more...] about Best Fried Shrimp with Dipping Sauce
Party Pizzas
Crusts:1 T. quick-rising active dry yeast1 1/3 c. warm water (115 degrees F)1 T. olive oil1 t. salt1 c. whole wheat flour1/4 c. rye flour2-3 c. unbleached flour1-2 T. cornmealnon-stick spray Pepper Topping:2 t. olive oil1 clove garlic minced2 Italian tomatoes, sliced thinly1 T. fresh oregano, minced3 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded1 c. canned roasted peppers1/4 c. sliced … [Read more...] about Party Pizzas
Lobster Cakes
1 1/2 lbs. lobster meat1 egg2 T. lemon juice (freshly squeezed)1 t. salt (plus scant amount for when it’s cooling)1 T. mayonnaise1 T. Worcestershire sauce1/2 t. chipotle tobasco sauce1/2 t. freshly ground black pepper2 T. Tony Chachere’s cajun seasoning1 medium white onion, diced finely1 1/2 c. fresh bread crumbs4 T. butter3 T. canola oil Blend egg, bread crumbs, mayo, lemon … [Read more...] about Lobster Cakes
Oxford Street Chicken Kabobs
1 bunch green onions, coarsely chopped1 c. pineapple juice1 T. sugar2 T. soy sauce1 T. teriyaki sauce1 T. canola oil1 t. salt2 t. freshly peeled and grated ginger root3/4 t. allspice1/4 t. crushed red pepper4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces16 medium fresh mushrooms1 red pepper, cored, seeded and cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces16 cherry tomatoes1 … [Read more...] about Oxford Street Chicken Kabobs
Focaccia with Chevre and Green Onions
1 3/4 c. warm water1 T. dry yeast4 1/2 c. flour plus scant amount for kneading1/4 c. olive oil plus 8 T. separated2 1/2 t. salt6 oz. goat cheese1/4 c. minced green onions1 t. minced garlic1/8 t. dry crushed red pepper3 t. coarse salt Place 1 c. warm water in bowl of heavy mixer. Sprinkle yeast over and stir to dissolve yeast. Let stand 10 minutes. Mix in one cup of … [Read more...] about Focaccia with Chevre and Green Onions
Gram’s Banana Birthday Cake
2 1/2 c. sugar1 c. shortening or butter4 eggs1 c. sour cream3 c. all-purpose flour2 t. baking soda6 very ripe bananas, mashed (2 1/2 c.)1 T. vanilla extract Frosting:6 c. powdered sugar1/2 c. cocoa powder1/2 c. butter, softened1/2 c. brewed, strong black coffee Preheat the oven to 350°. Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans and set aside. Cream together the sugar and … [Read more...] about Gram’s Banana Birthday Cake