by: LeAnn R. Ralph
I casually glanced down at my hand, but instead of a wedding ring and an engagement ring, there was only the narrow gold band.
"Randy!" I yelped. "My engagement ring is gone."
It was Valentine's Day, and my husband, Randy, and I were on our way from my niece's wedding, which had taken place in one town, to the reception, which was being held in another city about fifteen miles away.
If there hadn't been other cars behind us, I think my husband might have been tempted to slam on the brakes.
Of course, one of the things I have always admired about Randy is his ability to remain unruffled during a crisis. Like that time one winter when the landlord had arranged for contractors to build a sloped roof over the flat roof of a house we were renting, and the next thing you know, the snow trapped between the two roofs started melting, and then gallons of water began dripping into the house and THEN the ceiling caved in…
Or that summer when I had agreed to help teach a one-week summer school course at the university for high school students and had come down with a terrible case of the stomach flu on Monday, and Randy had cheerfully agreed to take my place. All week he divided his time between teaching the class and then rushing home to see if I needed anything…
Or the Thanksgiving right after my father had died and we were hauling home some of my parents' furniture—all that I had left in the world of both of them because my mother had died seven years earlier—and it had started to rain part of the way through our 250-mile journey. Randy stopped the pick-up truck we had borrowed from a friend to cut his shoelaces into pieces so he could tie the tarp down better to keep the furniture dry…
In each of those instances, my husband had been an unshakeable source of strength who came to my rescue.
And he didn't disappointment me this time.
"Where did you have the ring last?" Randy asked as he calmly kept driving.
I thought back over the hectic events of the day —
Let's see…just before we left the church, I was busy buttoning up my niece's train…and before that I was occupied with watching the ceremony and trying not to cry…and before that I had been busy pinning on corsages and boutonnieres while the photographer impatiently breathed down my neck, never mind that he was late getting to the church…
When HAD I last noticed I was wearing the blue topaz ring with the delicate gold swirl around the stone?
That was part of the problem. I was not accustomed to seeing the ring on my finger. A few years earlier, I had decided I would only wear it for special occasions. Between cold weather in the winter and gardening in the summer, I put on hand lotion about ten times a day, but if I don't take the topaz ring off every time, then the little crevices get all disgusting, and yet, I was afraid I would lose the ring if I kept taking if off…
"THAT'S IT!" I exclaimed. "Hand lotion!"
My husband gave me a sidelong glance. "Huh?
"Just before we got to the church, I took off my ring and laid it in my lap so I could get some more hand lotion, but I didn't put it back ON."
By this time we had nearly reached the reception hall.
"Check the floor," Randy suggested.
I frantically thrust aside the floor mat…but there was no ring.
Then I groped under the seat. No ring there, either.
Randy quietly asked the next logical question. "Did it somehow fall into your purse?"
I hurriedly checked my purse. Nope. No ring.
"Could it have fallen into your coat pocket?"
My coat had big, horizontal pockets…but…no ring.
"All right," Randy said, as he searched for a place to turn around, "that must mean it fell onto the ground when you got out of the car."
Fell on the ground!
I could feel my throat growing tighter. "What if somebody drove over it?" I wailed.
"Don't get yourself all worked up for nothing," Randy said soothingly.
"For NOTHING? But — it's my ring…the one you gave me when you asked me to marry you…"
Actually, Randy didn't give me the ring. Santa Claus did. In a crowded mall. In front of a group of parents who were there with their kids. When Randy got down on one knee, everyone applauded…
"We'll find your ring," my husband said. "Don't worry."
Although the drive back to the church seemed to take twice as long, we finally reached the parking lot.
"Now, let's see," Randy murmured, "we were parked over there…"
And before I could manage to unbuckle my seat belt, he had stopped the car, thrown open the door and…
"Here it IS!" my husband shouted triumphantly, scooping the ring off the ground.
If I'd felt like crying tears of consternation before, I felt like sobbing with relief now.
"Happy Valentine's Day," Randy said with a smile. "Hold out your hand."
As he slid the ring onto my finger, however, I noticed HIS hands were shaking. And not just a slight tremor.
I pointed this out to him.
"Yes, well," he said, "it's not every day your wife loses her ring in a parking lot and then you spend the next half hour hoping it didn't get stuck in somebody's tire treads."
I stared at him in disbelief.
Oh, sure. For years I've been under the impression that the man didn't have a nerve in his body — that nothing ever rattled him.
And now this.
Then again, it also means that I have discovered one more reason to admire my husband. Even when he's rattled, he can still think calmly in a crisis.
If only he could teach me to do the same thing.
********************
About The Author
LeAnn R. Ralph is the editor of the Wisconsin Regional Writer (the quarterly publication of the Wisconsin Regional Writers' Assoc.) and is the author of the book, Christmas in Dairyland (True Stories from a Wisconsin Farm) (August 2003). She is working on her next book, Give Me a Home Where the Dairy Cows Roam, which will be available later in 2004. Share the view from Rural Route 2 — http://ruralroute2.com
bigpines@ruralroute2.com
Saturday, March 15, 2008
A Valentine's Day Story
by: Candee Stark
Valentine's Day...the day of love right? Many years ago, 22 to be exact, I was a senior in high school. Just prior to Valentine's Day our student council representative got on the intercom during morning announcements and told us about an upcoming fundraiser.
Student council was going to sell carnations for an entire week. It was further explained that there would be three colors available: red, pink, and white.
Red was to signify love, pink said, "I really like you" and white was for friendship. The carnations could be ordered ahead of time but wouldn't be delivered until Valentine's Day during homeroom. The whole school buzzed with excitement over the prospect of it. Everyone discussed it but the girls couldn't contain themselves as they wondered which lucky girl would get the most red ones. Little snippets of conversations could be heard floating through the hallways:
"I bet she will send some to him!"
"I am going to send her six red ones!"
"Do you think he will send one to me?"
"I am going to get a white one for each of my friends."
"Do you think he will send her a pink one or a red one?"
"I wonder who will get the most?"
The conversations continued in this manner until the first day of sales. On that particular day a certain group of girls started gossiping and acting cruel. I am sure you might be able to imagine the kind of girls I am talking about as they can be found in every high school across America.
They view themselves as pretty, perfect and popular but in truth are very shallow and unhappy individuals. I had a feeling you would know what I meant! Anyway, these girls aimed their barbs towards another girl in our class. This girl was neither homely, nor attractive but she had such non-distinctive looks that she kind of just blended into her surroundings.
In fact when I really think about it, nothing about her looks nor the way she acted warranted much attention. She was quiet and to my knowledge never said anything unkind about anyone. I knew she was a good student because I sat close enough to her in a few of my classes to notice that her papers were always branded with A's when they were handed back to her.
In voices just loud enough to be heard, they mentioned this girl by name and joked that they knew for sure she wouldn't get a single flower. The girl just lowered her head and pretended not to hear but I knew she did. It broke my heart to witness their gross display of humor as they mocked her over and over that day and in fact, for the rest of the week. I toyed with the idea of sending the girl a white carnation but I must admit that I wasn't brave enough. I knew what they were doing was wrong but I didn't know what to do, so like everyone else, I did nothing.
The big day finally arrived and I was excited as everyone else but a little nervous too. What if I didn't have a single carnation delivered to me during homeroom. I knew if that happened, I would die of embarrassment! I had ordered a white carnation for each of my friends and I was secretly hoping that they at least did the same for me. Of course there was a certain boy I was hoping to get one from too!
That day we were told that the fundraiser was a huge success and that homeroom would need to be extended so all of the flowers could be delivered. Each member of the student council was armed with carnations and they roamed from room to room delivering the blooms. I chatted with my friend for what seemed like an eternity before our door was opened for the first time.
We held a collective breath and exhaled in unison as only one flower was delivered, a white one for my homeroom teacher! The student council members continued to come in and out of our room. Our first big delivery was 4 carnations for a boy sitting to my right. I couldn't believe a boy was the first one in the room to get red! The carnations continued to trickle in.
After receiving 3 white carnations and realizing I wouldn't have to die from embarrassment of not getting any, my attention was drawn to the girl next to me. You know the one I mean, the smart one that the other girls had harassed all week. She sat perfectly still with her hands folded in front of her on her desk. I wondered if I should lean over and give her one of my flowers but I didn't want to embarrass her. It was during these musings when I saw three red carnations being placed on her desk. She looked up and smiled but just continued to sit there; she didn't even reach out and touch them! I wasn't the only one that had noticed either; people were starting to whisper and point in her direction.
I could tell the other girls were a bit jealous because not a single girl in the class had received more than one red carnation at this point. Then things really started to get wild. Each time a student council member came in, at least one of the carnations in their stack was for her and they were all red!
At this point as best as I could tell, she had 7 red carnations stacked neatly on her desk. The class started getting a little rowdy and each time a red carnation was placed on her desk, we all cheered. OK, the boys cheered, the girls mostly just glared.
I knew I was witnessing something great and I tried to seek out the "gossip girls" just to see their reactions to this unexpected twist of events. There were three of them in our class and two of them had a few pink and white carnations on their desk and the third had a handful of white ones. I was thrilled by what was happening but I had to also wonder who had sent her all of the carnations....did she have a secret admirer?
My thoughts were interrupted by the crackle of the intercom and the voice of our principal wishing us a Happy Valentine's Day. He went on to explain that all of the carnations had been distributed and then in his long-winded manner, thanked the Student Council for a job well done.
I heard a commotion behind me as one of the "gossip girls" got up out of her chair and ran out of the room. I heard later that one of the boys teased her about not getting any red carnations which made her start to cry. I didn't even feel bad for her as my attention was focused on the pile of red carnations sitting on the desk next to me. What I noticed next was the smile on the girl's face. It truly was a great day!
I don't know for sure but I heard she was given 24 red carnations that day. We don't know who gave them to her but I am glad someone did. I will never forget her nor will I forget that day. Oh, I did fairly well too. I received a handful of white carnations and I got a special pink one. Yes, it was from a guy, not the guy I was secretly hoping to get one from but from a great friend of mine that was hoping to make my day special. And you know what? It was special!
About The Author
If you have been inspired by my story and would like to send flowers to a loved one this Valentine’s day, please visit me at http://www.flowers-and-garden.com/valentines-day-flowers.html
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Valentine's Day...the day of love right? Many years ago, 22 to be exact, I was a senior in high school. Just prior to Valentine's Day our student council representative got on the intercom during morning announcements and told us about an upcoming fundraiser.
Student council was going to sell carnations for an entire week. It was further explained that there would be three colors available: red, pink, and white.
Red was to signify love, pink said, "I really like you" and white was for friendship. The carnations could be ordered ahead of time but wouldn't be delivered until Valentine's Day during homeroom. The whole school buzzed with excitement over the prospect of it. Everyone discussed it but the girls couldn't contain themselves as they wondered which lucky girl would get the most red ones. Little snippets of conversations could be heard floating through the hallways:
"I bet she will send some to him!"
"I am going to send her six red ones!"
"Do you think he will send one to me?"
"I am going to get a white one for each of my friends."
"Do you think he will send her a pink one or a red one?"
"I wonder who will get the most?"
The conversations continued in this manner until the first day of sales. On that particular day a certain group of girls started gossiping and acting cruel. I am sure you might be able to imagine the kind of girls I am talking about as they can be found in every high school across America.
They view themselves as pretty, perfect and popular but in truth are very shallow and unhappy individuals. I had a feeling you would know what I meant! Anyway, these girls aimed their barbs towards another girl in our class. This girl was neither homely, nor attractive but she had such non-distinctive looks that she kind of just blended into her surroundings.
In fact when I really think about it, nothing about her looks nor the way she acted warranted much attention. She was quiet and to my knowledge never said anything unkind about anyone. I knew she was a good student because I sat close enough to her in a few of my classes to notice that her papers were always branded with A's when they were handed back to her.
In voices just loud enough to be heard, they mentioned this girl by name and joked that they knew for sure she wouldn't get a single flower. The girl just lowered her head and pretended not to hear but I knew she did. It broke my heart to witness their gross display of humor as they mocked her over and over that day and in fact, for the rest of the week. I toyed with the idea of sending the girl a white carnation but I must admit that I wasn't brave enough. I knew what they were doing was wrong but I didn't know what to do, so like everyone else, I did nothing.
The big day finally arrived and I was excited as everyone else but a little nervous too. What if I didn't have a single carnation delivered to me during homeroom. I knew if that happened, I would die of embarrassment! I had ordered a white carnation for each of my friends and I was secretly hoping that they at least did the same for me. Of course there was a certain boy I was hoping to get one from too!
That day we were told that the fundraiser was a huge success and that homeroom would need to be extended so all of the flowers could be delivered. Each member of the student council was armed with carnations and they roamed from room to room delivering the blooms. I chatted with my friend for what seemed like an eternity before our door was opened for the first time.
We held a collective breath and exhaled in unison as only one flower was delivered, a white one for my homeroom teacher! The student council members continued to come in and out of our room. Our first big delivery was 4 carnations for a boy sitting to my right. I couldn't believe a boy was the first one in the room to get red! The carnations continued to trickle in.
After receiving 3 white carnations and realizing I wouldn't have to die from embarrassment of not getting any, my attention was drawn to the girl next to me. You know the one I mean, the smart one that the other girls had harassed all week. She sat perfectly still with her hands folded in front of her on her desk. I wondered if I should lean over and give her one of my flowers but I didn't want to embarrass her. It was during these musings when I saw three red carnations being placed on her desk. She looked up and smiled but just continued to sit there; she didn't even reach out and touch them! I wasn't the only one that had noticed either; people were starting to whisper and point in her direction.
I could tell the other girls were a bit jealous because not a single girl in the class had received more than one red carnation at this point. Then things really started to get wild. Each time a student council member came in, at least one of the carnations in their stack was for her and they were all red!
At this point as best as I could tell, she had 7 red carnations stacked neatly on her desk. The class started getting a little rowdy and each time a red carnation was placed on her desk, we all cheered. OK, the boys cheered, the girls mostly just glared.
I knew I was witnessing something great and I tried to seek out the "gossip girls" just to see their reactions to this unexpected twist of events. There were three of them in our class and two of them had a few pink and white carnations on their desk and the third had a handful of white ones. I was thrilled by what was happening but I had to also wonder who had sent her all of the carnations....did she have a secret admirer?
My thoughts were interrupted by the crackle of the intercom and the voice of our principal wishing us a Happy Valentine's Day. He went on to explain that all of the carnations had been distributed and then in his long-winded manner, thanked the Student Council for a job well done.
I heard a commotion behind me as one of the "gossip girls" got up out of her chair and ran out of the room. I heard later that one of the boys teased her about not getting any red carnations which made her start to cry. I didn't even feel bad for her as my attention was focused on the pile of red carnations sitting on the desk next to me. What I noticed next was the smile on the girl's face. It truly was a great day!
I don't know for sure but I heard she was given 24 red carnations that day. We don't know who gave them to her but I am glad someone did. I will never forget her nor will I forget that day. Oh, I did fairly well too. I received a handful of white carnations and I got a special pink one. Yes, it was from a guy, not the guy I was secretly hoping to get one from but from a great friend of mine that was hoping to make my day special. And you know what? It was special!
About The Author
If you have been inspired by my story and would like to send flowers to a loved one this Valentine’s day, please visit me at http://www.flowers-and-garden.com/valentines-day-flowers.html
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Monday, February 4, 2008
Valentine Recipe References : Burger
The World's Five Best Burger Recipes. Really.
By: Daniel Z. Kane
Everybody loves burgers cooked in the backyard. But, you can't eat the same old burgers all the time, so here are the 5 best burger recipes I could find. I have cooked and enjoyed them all. See how they sound to you.
Grilled Inside-Out Southwestern Cheeseburgers- Serves 4
Betty Crocker comes through more than Michael Jordan did. This recipe comes from bettycrocker.com, her website.
Here's what you will need:
one and a half lb lean ground beef two tablespoons finely chopped onion two tablespoons drained Old El Paso chopped green chiles eight slices pepper Jack cheese, 2x1x1/4 inch (about four oz) four kaiser rolls, split a quarter cup Old El Paso taco sauce or Old El Paso Thick 'n Chunky salsa
To prepare:
Heat gas or charcoal grill. In medium bowl, mix beef, onion and chiles. Shape mixture into 8 thin patties. Top each of 4 patties with 2 slices cheese. Place remaining beef patties on top; pinch edges to seal securely. Place patties on grill over medium heat. Cover grill; cook 14-16 minutes, turning once, until burgers are slightly firm when pressed in center. Add rolls, cut sides down, for last 4 minutes of grilling or until toasted. Serve burgers on rolls with taco sauce.
Zesty Burgers- For 4
I found this great recipe at http://southernfood.about.com.
You will need:
1 to 1 1/4 pounds lean ground beef 1/4 cup onion, chopped 2 tablespoons green pepper, finely chopped 3 tablespoons ketchup 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons prepared mustard 1 dash pepper toppings 4 split toasted buns
Preparation:
Combine lean ground beef with onion, green pepper, ketchup, horseradish, salt, mustard, and pepper; mix lightly. Shape into 4 patties about 1/2 inch thick. Grill or broil to desired doneness, about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Serve with a variety of toppings and split toasted buns.
Texas Stuffed Grilled Burgers- Serves 5 People
I found this mouth watering recipe at allrecipes.com.
Get together:
5 pounds lean ground beef 6 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2 teaspoons hickory seasoning (optional) salt and pepper to taste 2 cups chopped onion 2 cups chopped fresh mushrooms 2 cups chopped cooked ham 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Preparation directions:
Preheat your grill for high heat. When hot, oil the grate lightly. In an appropriately sized bowl, mix the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, hickory seasoning, salt and pepper until everything well blended together. Hand shape between 8 and 10 balls, and then flatten them into patties for grilling. On half of the patties (4-5), distribute the onions, the mushrooms, the chopped ham and the cheddar cheese. Cover the piles with the remaining patties, making certain to enclose the filling and to tightly seal the patties together. Grill the 4-5 patties for somewhere between 8 and 10 minutes on each side, or until the cheese in the middle has melted and the burger is well done.
Marinated Hamburgers
This unique recipe comes from razzledazzlerecipes.com.
The ingredients you'll need:
3 T. Lemon Juice 1 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt 1 T. Worcestershire sauce 1 T. soy sauce 1 T. A-1 sauce 1 T. oil 1/2 C. beef broth 1 tsp. Heinz 57 sauce 1/4 tsp. garlic salt 1 tsp. vinegar
To prepare:
Combine the ingredients.
Take 1 1/2 lbs hamburger and shape into patties.
Place the patties in a covered container and pour marinade mixture on them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours.
Remove from marinade and sear over high heat to seal in the juices.
Mushroom Stuffed Burgers- serves 6 people
Another tip of the hat to razzledazzlerecipes.com for this recipe. I've added them to my favorites list.
You will need:
a pound and a half of hamburger a quarter cup of finely diced onion two eggs, beaten lightly three quarters of a cup of soft bread crumbs a quarter cup of ketchup one half teaspoon of salt an eighth of a teaspoon of pepper two tablespoons butter one half pound of sliced mushrooms six Swiss cheese slices
Prepare as follows:
Mix together the first 7 ingredients. Create a dozen patties, each about a quarter of an inch in thickness. Lightly saute the mushrooms in the butter. Put the sauteed mushrooms on 6 of the patties. Then top with the remaining 6 patties, sealing the edges tightly.
Grill or broil the patties to your preference. Top them with cheese. Serve on toasted buns.
I hope you will enjoy all five burgers as much as I do. And, if you want even more variety in your backyard cooking, you can find many more good burger recipes on the net.
Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com
Daniel Z. Kane, when not eating burgers, is an educator with websites dealing with subjects like online colleges and online degrees.
Get your own completely unique content version of this article.
By: Daniel Z. Kane
Everybody loves burgers cooked in the backyard. But, you can't eat the same old burgers all the time, so here are the 5 best burger recipes I could find. I have cooked and enjoyed them all. See how they sound to you.
Grilled Inside-Out Southwestern Cheeseburgers- Serves 4
Betty Crocker comes through more than Michael Jordan did. This recipe comes from bettycrocker.com, her website.
Here's what you will need:
one and a half lb lean ground beef two tablespoons finely chopped onion two tablespoons drained Old El Paso chopped green chiles eight slices pepper Jack cheese, 2x1x1/4 inch (about four oz) four kaiser rolls, split a quarter cup Old El Paso taco sauce or Old El Paso Thick 'n Chunky salsa
To prepare:
Heat gas or charcoal grill. In medium bowl, mix beef, onion and chiles. Shape mixture into 8 thin patties. Top each of 4 patties with 2 slices cheese. Place remaining beef patties on top; pinch edges to seal securely. Place patties on grill over medium heat. Cover grill; cook 14-16 minutes, turning once, until burgers are slightly firm when pressed in center. Add rolls, cut sides down, for last 4 minutes of grilling or until toasted. Serve burgers on rolls with taco sauce.
Zesty Burgers- For 4
I found this great recipe at http://southernfood.about.com.
You will need:
1 to 1 1/4 pounds lean ground beef 1/4 cup onion, chopped 2 tablespoons green pepper, finely chopped 3 tablespoons ketchup 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons prepared mustard 1 dash pepper toppings 4 split toasted buns
Preparation:
Combine lean ground beef with onion, green pepper, ketchup, horseradish, salt, mustard, and pepper; mix lightly. Shape into 4 patties about 1/2 inch thick. Grill or broil to desired doneness, about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Serve with a variety of toppings and split toasted buns.
Texas Stuffed Grilled Burgers- Serves 5 People
I found this mouth watering recipe at allrecipes.com.
Get together:
5 pounds lean ground beef 6 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2 teaspoons hickory seasoning (optional) salt and pepper to taste 2 cups chopped onion 2 cups chopped fresh mushrooms 2 cups chopped cooked ham 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Preparation directions:
Preheat your grill for high heat. When hot, oil the grate lightly. In an appropriately sized bowl, mix the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, hickory seasoning, salt and pepper until everything well blended together. Hand shape between 8 and 10 balls, and then flatten them into patties for grilling. On half of the patties (4-5), distribute the onions, the mushrooms, the chopped ham and the cheddar cheese. Cover the piles with the remaining patties, making certain to enclose the filling and to tightly seal the patties together. Grill the 4-5 patties for somewhere between 8 and 10 minutes on each side, or until the cheese in the middle has melted and the burger is well done.
Marinated Hamburgers
This unique recipe comes from razzledazzlerecipes.com.
The ingredients you'll need:
3 T. Lemon Juice 1 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt 1 T. Worcestershire sauce 1 T. soy sauce 1 T. A-1 sauce 1 T. oil 1/2 C. beef broth 1 tsp. Heinz 57 sauce 1/4 tsp. garlic salt 1 tsp. vinegar
To prepare:
Combine the ingredients.
Take 1 1/2 lbs hamburger and shape into patties.
Place the patties in a covered container and pour marinade mixture on them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours.
Remove from marinade and sear over high heat to seal in the juices.
Mushroom Stuffed Burgers- serves 6 people
Another tip of the hat to razzledazzlerecipes.com for this recipe. I've added them to my favorites list.
You will need:
a pound and a half of hamburger a quarter cup of finely diced onion two eggs, beaten lightly three quarters of a cup of soft bread crumbs a quarter cup of ketchup one half teaspoon of salt an eighth of a teaspoon of pepper two tablespoons butter one half pound of sliced mushrooms six Swiss cheese slices
Prepare as follows:
Mix together the first 7 ingredients. Create a dozen patties, each about a quarter of an inch in thickness. Lightly saute the mushrooms in the butter. Put the sauteed mushrooms on 6 of the patties. Then top with the remaining 6 patties, sealing the edges tightly.
Grill or broil the patties to your preference. Top them with cheese. Serve on toasted buns.
I hope you will enjoy all five burgers as much as I do. And, if you want even more variety in your backyard cooking, you can find many more good burger recipes on the net.
Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com
Daniel Z. Kane, when not eating burgers, is an educator with websites dealing with subjects like online colleges and online degrees.
Get your own completely unique content version of this article.
Valentine Recipe References : Cake 3
Black Forest Cake Recipe
By: David Slon
Black Forest Cake, is a chocolate cake with a strong cherry element to it which is popular throughout North America.
Called Schwarzwälderkirschtorte in German, which means Black Forest Cherry Torte (torte is the German word for cake).
The origin of this cake in unknown, but it is believed to have originated in the late 16th century in the Black Forest Region (Der Schwarzwald in German) located in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg. The area is known for its sour cherries and Kirsch or Kirschwasser (a double distilled, clear cherry brandy made from the sour Morello cherry).
It is a chocolate layer cake with Kirsch, whipped cream, sour cherries and chocolate curls.
Ingredients:
Cake
4oz Irish butter
8oz brown sugar
4oz plain chocolate
7oz self-raising flour
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 pint sour cream
3 tablespoons strong cold black coffee
2 eggs
pinch of salt
Pastry Base
4oz cream flour
pinch of salt
2oz icing sugar
2oz/ Irish butter
1 egg yolk
a few drops of vanilla essence
Other:
1 pint cream
1lb tin black cherries
4 table spoons black cherry jam
brandy or cherry juice
4oz grated chocolate
Directions:
Cake:
Cream butter and sugar together well.
Melt the chocolate and beat into the creamed mixture, then mix in the eggs.
Sift flour, salt and cinnamon together.
Fold the dry mix lightly into the liquids, then fold in the sour cream and cold coffee.
Into a lined and greased 9-inch round, deep tin pour the cake mixture and bake for 1 hour, 25 minutes.
Set to cool on a wire rack.
Pastry Base:
Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and bind until the mixture stiffens.
Roll the pastry onto a floured board worktable until pastry is about the same size as the base of the tin.
Lay out on baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.
Assembly:
Whip cream until it holds its shape.
Put some cream into pastry piping bag with a star pipe attached, and reserve this for the decoration.
Slice the cake into 3 equal-sized layers.
Drain the cherries, reserve 8 for decoration and remove the stones from the remainder.
Put pastry on serving plate and spread the pastry with black cherry jam.
Soak the cakes with sprit used.
Put one layer of cake on top of coated pastry.
Spread a layer of cream with half the stoned cherries.
Put the second layer of cake and add another layer of cream and cherries.
Add the final layer of the cake.
mask the entire cake with the remaining cream and press on the grated chocolate. Decorate the top with piped rosettes of cream and the reserved whole black cherries.
Tips:
Using 3 identical cake pans instead of 1 large is OK.
Margarine, vegetable oil or regular butter will substitute for Irish butter.
In some countries the brandy is often replaced by rum, in Germany itself it is almost always replaced by Kirschwasser.
This recipe did not come with a temperature to bake at for either the pastry or cake. Cakes usually work at between 325°F and 400°F (160°C and 205°C). Pastries usually work at between 350°F and 425°F (175°C and 220°C).
Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com
For more recipes you can use at home or publish on your own website, ezine, newsletter or blog visit Good Cook dessert recipes. Food and drink are two of the great pleasures in life. eat and drink @ mwnch provides recipes and discussion to help you to get the greatest pleasure from them. To us that means sourcing the finest seasonal, local and where appropriate organic produce and ingredients.
By: David Slon
Black Forest Cake, is a chocolate cake with a strong cherry element to it which is popular throughout North America.
Called Schwarzwälderkirschtorte in German, which means Black Forest Cherry Torte (torte is the German word for cake).
The origin of this cake in unknown, but it is believed to have originated in the late 16th century in the Black Forest Region (Der Schwarzwald in German) located in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg. The area is known for its sour cherries and Kirsch or Kirschwasser (a double distilled, clear cherry brandy made from the sour Morello cherry).
It is a chocolate layer cake with Kirsch, whipped cream, sour cherries and chocolate curls.
Ingredients:
Cake
4oz Irish butter
8oz brown sugar
4oz plain chocolate
7oz self-raising flour
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 pint sour cream
3 tablespoons strong cold black coffee
2 eggs
pinch of salt
Pastry Base
4oz cream flour
pinch of salt
2oz icing sugar
2oz/ Irish butter
1 egg yolk
a few drops of vanilla essence
Other:
1 pint cream
1lb tin black cherries
4 table spoons black cherry jam
brandy or cherry juice
4oz grated chocolate
Directions:
Cake:
Cream butter and sugar together well.
Melt the chocolate and beat into the creamed mixture, then mix in the eggs.
Sift flour, salt and cinnamon together.
Fold the dry mix lightly into the liquids, then fold in the sour cream and cold coffee.
Into a lined and greased 9-inch round, deep tin pour the cake mixture and bake for 1 hour, 25 minutes.
Set to cool on a wire rack.
Pastry Base:
Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and bind until the mixture stiffens.
Roll the pastry onto a floured board worktable until pastry is about the same size as the base of the tin.
Lay out on baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.
Assembly:
Whip cream until it holds its shape.
Put some cream into pastry piping bag with a star pipe attached, and reserve this for the decoration.
Slice the cake into 3 equal-sized layers.
Drain the cherries, reserve 8 for decoration and remove the stones from the remainder.
Put pastry on serving plate and spread the pastry with black cherry jam.
Soak the cakes with sprit used.
Put one layer of cake on top of coated pastry.
Spread a layer of cream with half the stoned cherries.
Put the second layer of cake and add another layer of cream and cherries.
Add the final layer of the cake.
mask the entire cake with the remaining cream and press on the grated chocolate. Decorate the top with piped rosettes of cream and the reserved whole black cherries.
Tips:
Using 3 identical cake pans instead of 1 large is OK.
Margarine, vegetable oil or regular butter will substitute for Irish butter.
In some countries the brandy is often replaced by rum, in Germany itself it is almost always replaced by Kirschwasser.
This recipe did not come with a temperature to bake at for either the pastry or cake. Cakes usually work at between 325°F and 400°F (160°C and 205°C). Pastries usually work at between 350°F and 425°F (175°C and 220°C).
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Valentine Recipe References : Menu 2
More Romantic Recipes for Valentine's Day
By: Noraini Maskuri
Here's another idea for a special Valentine's Day meal that you can prepare at home for that special someone. Get your creative juices going and cook your own Valentine dinner. This is the second of 4-part series of ideas. This combo uses potato as salad, shrimp and pasta for main dish, ginseng fudge for dessert, and a special Valentine punch.
Pink Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
* 4 potatoes
* 1/2 cup milk (heated in the microwave)
* 4 tablespoons butter
* Salt and pepper
* Red food color
Directions:
Peel potatoes and cut into 10-12 pieces, put in pot, cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, and cook for about 20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. Turn off the stove, pour the potatoes into a colander and shake to remove the water. Cut the potatoes in a bowl; with an electric mixer or beater, beat the potatoes, butter and a little salt and pepper, adding the milk while you mix. Add food color carefully until it is a pretty color
Champagne Shrimp and Pasta
Ingredients:
* 8 ounces angel hair pasta
* 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
* 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
* 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1 1/2 cup champagne
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons minced shallots
* 2 plum tomatoes, diced
* 1 cup heavy cream
* salt and pepper to taste
* 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
* freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta in boiling water for 6 to 8 minutes or until al dente; drain.
Meanwhile, heat oil over medium-high heat in a large frying pan. Cook and stir mushrooms in oil until tender. Remove mushrooms from pan, and set aside. Combine shrimp, champagne, and salt in the frying pan, and cook over high heat. When liquid just beginning to boil, remove shrimp from pan. Add shallots and tomatoes to champagne; boil until liquid is reduced to 1/2 cup,for about 8 minutes. Stir in 3/4 cup cream and boil until slightly thick, for about 1 to 2 minutes. Add shrimp and mushrooms to sauce, and heat through. Adjust seasonings to taste. Toss hot, cooked pasta with the remaining 1/4 cup cream and parsley. To serve, spoon shrimp with sauce over pasta, and top with Parmesan cheese.
Valentines Love Fudge
Ingredients:
* 3/4 cup margarine or butter
* 3 cups sugar
* 1 (5oz) can evaporated milk
* 1 package (12oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
* 1 jar marshmallow creme
* 1 cup chopped pecans
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* 3 capsules ginseng (available at drug stores and health food stores)
Directions:
Lightly grease a 13X9 inch baking dish. Mix margarine, sugar and milk in a large heavy saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil for 5 minutes. Stir constantly. Turn offthe heat and stir in chocolate chips. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Pour into baking dish and let it set up at room temperature.
Cranberry Valentine Punch
Ingredients:
* 1 quart cranberry juice
* 1 quart apple juice
* 1 can (6 oz. size) frozen orange juice
* 2 small sticks cinnamon
* 6 whole cloves
* Sugar to taste
Directions:
Mix all the ingredients and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes.
If you like these ideas, look out for the next meal combo for your special Valentine dinner.
Valentine's Day Recipes
Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com
Noraini Maskuri has professional training in bakery, enjoys cooking and experimenting with recipes. She own a cookery site, to receive free Valentine Recipe eCookbook , please visit : www.mycookery.com/blog/
By: Noraini Maskuri
Here's another idea for a special Valentine's Day meal that you can prepare at home for that special someone. Get your creative juices going and cook your own Valentine dinner. This is the second of 4-part series of ideas. This combo uses potato as salad, shrimp and pasta for main dish, ginseng fudge for dessert, and a special Valentine punch.
Pink Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
* 4 potatoes
* 1/2 cup milk (heated in the microwave)
* 4 tablespoons butter
* Salt and pepper
* Red food color
Directions:
Peel potatoes and cut into 10-12 pieces, put in pot, cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, and cook for about 20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. Turn off the stove, pour the potatoes into a colander and shake to remove the water. Cut the potatoes in a bowl; with an electric mixer or beater, beat the potatoes, butter and a little salt and pepper, adding the milk while you mix. Add food color carefully until it is a pretty color
Champagne Shrimp and Pasta
Ingredients:
* 8 ounces angel hair pasta
* 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
* 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
* 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1 1/2 cup champagne
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons minced shallots
* 2 plum tomatoes, diced
* 1 cup heavy cream
* salt and pepper to taste
* 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
* freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta in boiling water for 6 to 8 minutes or until al dente; drain.
Meanwhile, heat oil over medium-high heat in a large frying pan. Cook and stir mushrooms in oil until tender. Remove mushrooms from pan, and set aside. Combine shrimp, champagne, and salt in the frying pan, and cook over high heat. When liquid just beginning to boil, remove shrimp from pan. Add shallots and tomatoes to champagne; boil until liquid is reduced to 1/2 cup,for about 8 minutes. Stir in 3/4 cup cream and boil until slightly thick, for about 1 to 2 minutes. Add shrimp and mushrooms to sauce, and heat through. Adjust seasonings to taste. Toss hot, cooked pasta with the remaining 1/4 cup cream and parsley. To serve, spoon shrimp with sauce over pasta, and top with Parmesan cheese.
Valentines Love Fudge
Ingredients:
* 3/4 cup margarine or butter
* 3 cups sugar
* 1 (5oz) can evaporated milk
* 1 package (12oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
* 1 jar marshmallow creme
* 1 cup chopped pecans
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* 3 capsules ginseng (available at drug stores and health food stores)
Directions:
Lightly grease a 13X9 inch baking dish. Mix margarine, sugar and milk in a large heavy saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil for 5 minutes. Stir constantly. Turn offthe heat and stir in chocolate chips. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Pour into baking dish and let it set up at room temperature.
Cranberry Valentine Punch
Ingredients:
* 1 quart cranberry juice
* 1 quart apple juice
* 1 can (6 oz. size) frozen orange juice
* 2 small sticks cinnamon
* 6 whole cloves
* Sugar to taste
Directions:
Mix all the ingredients and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes.
If you like these ideas, look out for the next meal combo for your special Valentine dinner.
Valentine's Day Recipes
Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com
Noraini Maskuri has professional training in bakery, enjoys cooking and experimenting with recipes. She own a cookery site, to receive free Valentine Recipe eCookbook , please visit : www.mycookery.com/blog/
Valentine Recipe References : Menu 3
Romantic Recipes for Romantic Souls
By: Noraini Maskuri
Here's the third idea for a special Valentine's Day meal that you can prepare at home for that special someone. Get your creative juices going and cook your own Valentine dinner. This combo uses fruits as salad, beef tenderloin for main dish, chocolate chip tart for dessert, and a special Valentine juice.
Pink Frozen Fruit Salad
Ingredients:
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1 quart strawberry ice cream, softened
* 1/2 cup miracle whip
* 2 cans (17 oz size) fruit cocktail, drained
* 1/3 cup chopped nuts
Directions:
Combine cream cheese, ice cream and salad dressing, mixing until well blended. Fold in fruit and nuts. Pour into 9-inch square pan.
Freeze until firm. Chill until serving.
Valentine`s Day Beef Tenderloin with Green Peppercorn-Brandy Sauce for Two
Ingredients:
* 2 (8 oz. ea) beef tenderloins
* salt and pepper
* 1 tablespoon butter
* 3 tablespoons chopped shallots
* 1 Tbl. green peppercorns
* 1 cup beef broth
* 1 tablespoon whole grain Dijon mustard
* 2 tablespoons heavy cream
* 2 tablespoons brandy
* 2 tablespoons chopped chives for garnish
Directions:
Salt and pepper beef on both sides. Heat butter in medium skillet on medium heat. Add beef; cook 5 min; turn, cook another 5 min. Remove to platter; tent with foil to keep warm. In same skillet, add shallots and peppercorns. Cook 2 min. or until soft. Add broth, mustard, cream and brandy. Cook 5 min. or until reduced to 1/2. Place beef on serving plates. Top with sauce, garnish with chopped chives.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Tarts for Two
Ingredients:
* 1/2 cup frozen whipped topping -- thawed
* 2 large bakery-style chocolate chip cookies
* 2 kiwi fruit -- peeled and sliced
* 2 strawberries -- sliced
* 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
* 1/2 teaspoon vegetable shortening
Directions:
Spread 1/4 cup whipped topping over each cookie. Arrange kiwi fruit slices around the outer edge of cookies over whipped topping, then place strawberry slices in the centers.
In a small saucepan, melt chocolate chips and shortening over low heat, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over tarts and serve immediately.
Cherries Valentine
Ingredients:
* 1 1/2 cup cherries -- pitted
* 2 medium peaches -- halved and pitted
* 2 medium oranges -- juiced
* OR
* 1/2 cup orange juice
* 4 orange wedges
* 4 cherries with stems
Directions:
Place cherries and peaches in a blender with orange juice. Blend at medium speed until creamy. Pour mixture into custard glasses.
Top each glass with an orange wedge and a whole cherry. Serve immediately. Otherwise, store in the fridge with each custard glass tightly covered. Will keep for 3 to 5 days.
If you like these ideas, look out for the next meal combo for your special Valentine dinner.
Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com
Noraini Maskuri has professional training in bakery, enjoys cooking and experimenting with recipes. She own a cookery site, to receive free Valentine Recipe eCookbook , please visit : www.mycookery.com/blog/
By: Noraini Maskuri
Here's the third idea for a special Valentine's Day meal that you can prepare at home for that special someone. Get your creative juices going and cook your own Valentine dinner. This combo uses fruits as salad, beef tenderloin for main dish, chocolate chip tart for dessert, and a special Valentine juice.
Pink Frozen Fruit Salad
Ingredients:
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1 quart strawberry ice cream, softened
* 1/2 cup miracle whip
* 2 cans (17 oz size) fruit cocktail, drained
* 1/3 cup chopped nuts
Directions:
Combine cream cheese, ice cream and salad dressing, mixing until well blended. Fold in fruit and nuts. Pour into 9-inch square pan.
Freeze until firm. Chill until serving.
Valentine`s Day Beef Tenderloin with Green Peppercorn-Brandy Sauce for Two
Ingredients:
* 2 (8 oz. ea) beef tenderloins
* salt and pepper
* 1 tablespoon butter
* 3 tablespoons chopped shallots
* 1 Tbl. green peppercorns
* 1 cup beef broth
* 1 tablespoon whole grain Dijon mustard
* 2 tablespoons heavy cream
* 2 tablespoons brandy
* 2 tablespoons chopped chives for garnish
Directions:
Salt and pepper beef on both sides. Heat butter in medium skillet on medium heat. Add beef; cook 5 min; turn, cook another 5 min. Remove to platter; tent with foil to keep warm. In same skillet, add shallots and peppercorns. Cook 2 min. or until soft. Add broth, mustard, cream and brandy. Cook 5 min. or until reduced to 1/2. Place beef on serving plates. Top with sauce, garnish with chopped chives.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Tarts for Two
Ingredients:
* 1/2 cup frozen whipped topping -- thawed
* 2 large bakery-style chocolate chip cookies
* 2 kiwi fruit -- peeled and sliced
* 2 strawberries -- sliced
* 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
* 1/2 teaspoon vegetable shortening
Directions:
Spread 1/4 cup whipped topping over each cookie. Arrange kiwi fruit slices around the outer edge of cookies over whipped topping, then place strawberry slices in the centers.
In a small saucepan, melt chocolate chips and shortening over low heat, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over tarts and serve immediately.
Cherries Valentine
Ingredients:
* 1 1/2 cup cherries -- pitted
* 2 medium peaches -- halved and pitted
* 2 medium oranges -- juiced
* OR
* 1/2 cup orange juice
* 4 orange wedges
* 4 cherries with stems
Directions:
Place cherries and peaches in a blender with orange juice. Blend at medium speed until creamy. Pour mixture into custard glasses.
Top each glass with an orange wedge and a whole cherry. Serve immediately. Otherwise, store in the fridge with each custard glass tightly covered. Will keep for 3 to 5 days.
If you like these ideas, look out for the next meal combo for your special Valentine dinner.
Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com
Noraini Maskuri has professional training in bakery, enjoys cooking and experimenting with recipes. She own a cookery site, to receive free Valentine Recipe eCookbook , please visit : www.mycookery.com/blog/
Valentine Recipe References : Menu 4
Valentine's Day Menu
By: Noraini Maskuri
If you want to make a difference this Valentine, try cooking that special meal for your loved one. Express your Valentine wishes in a different way by preparing a theme valentine recipes. Or you can do it together, isn't that a great way to kickstart a great romance or rekindle an old one.
Strawberries In Red Wine
* 3/4 cup Fresh Strawberries
* 1 1/2 teaspoon Sugar
* 1 teaspoon Orange Flavored Liqueur
* 1/2 teaspoon Cognac
* Red Wine
For each serving, spoon 3/4 of a cup quartered fresh strawberries into a large wine glass. Sprinkle with 1-1/2 teaspoons sugar, 1 teaspoon orange-flavored liqueur and 1/2 teaspoon Cognac. Fill each glass with red wine to cover the berries. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours
Steak Lover`s Fettuccini Alfredo
* 1 ounce clarified butter
* 4 ounces beef tenderloin tips
* 1 cup broccoli, red pepper, portabella strips
* 1/4 cup corn, scallion, red and green peppers (small diced)
* 1 tablespoon fresh garlic
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup fresh Parmesan
* 8 ounces cooked pasta
* 1 tablespoon sliced green onion
Heat butter. Sear meat and add veggies. Add heavy cream and reduce down. Add Parmesan cheese. When it begins to thicken add to pasta. Serve hot, topped with scallions and Parmesan cheese.
Or if you prefer fish, you can opt for Salmon steaks for the main dish:
Special Salmon Steaks
* 2 salmon steaks
* 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced thinly
* 1 tablespoon butter
* 1/3 cup sherry
* 1 cup cream
* 1/2 cup chicken stock
* 2 ounces capers
* 2 tablespoons parsley
Saute the mushrooms in the butter until thoroughly cooked but not yet browning.
Add the sherry and let simmer until the alcohol has evaporated. Add the cream and chicken stock. Thoroughly rinse the capers (they're usually purchased in brine and you don't want the acidic taste) and add to sauce Broil the salmon steaks - about 5-7 minutes a side, depending on thickness. The sauce should simmer while the steaks are cooking, to thicken it a bit. when the salmon is cooked pour the sauce over to serve. Extra sauce is great on potatoes.
Ultimate Valentine's Day Cookie
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 1 cup butter or margarine, softened
* 1 tablespoon white vinegar
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 6 drops red food color
Creamy Decorator's Frosting
* 2 cups powdered sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
* 2 tablespoons milk or half-and-half
Heat oven to 400 F. Beat powdered sugar, butter and vinegar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed, or mix with spoon. Stir in remaining ingredients except food color. Divide dough in half. Mix food color into one half. (If dough is too dry, stir in milk, 1 teaspoon at a time.)
Roll dough 1/8 inch thick on lightly floured cloth-covered surface. Cut into heart shapes with various sizes of cookie cutters. Place smaller hearts on larger hearts of different color dough if desired. Place about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 5 to 7 minutes or until set but not brown. Cool 1 to 2 minutes; carefully remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes. If desired, decorate with white and pink Creamy Decorator's Frosting.
Creamy Decorator's Frosting: Stir together all ingredients until smooth and spreadable. Tint with food color if desired.
Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com
Noraini Maskuri has professional training in bakery, enjoys cooking and experimenting with recipes. She own a cookery site, to receive free Valentine Recipe eCookbook , please visit : www.mycookery.com/blog/
By: Noraini Maskuri
If you want to make a difference this Valentine, try cooking that special meal for your loved one. Express your Valentine wishes in a different way by preparing a theme valentine recipes. Or you can do it together, isn't that a great way to kickstart a great romance or rekindle an old one.
Strawberries In Red Wine
* 3/4 cup Fresh Strawberries
* 1 1/2 teaspoon Sugar
* 1 teaspoon Orange Flavored Liqueur
* 1/2 teaspoon Cognac
* Red Wine
For each serving, spoon 3/4 of a cup quartered fresh strawberries into a large wine glass. Sprinkle with 1-1/2 teaspoons sugar, 1 teaspoon orange-flavored liqueur and 1/2 teaspoon Cognac. Fill each glass with red wine to cover the berries. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours
Steak Lover`s Fettuccini Alfredo
* 1 ounce clarified butter
* 4 ounces beef tenderloin tips
* 1 cup broccoli, red pepper, portabella strips
* 1/4 cup corn, scallion, red and green peppers (small diced)
* 1 tablespoon fresh garlic
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup fresh Parmesan
* 8 ounces cooked pasta
* 1 tablespoon sliced green onion
Heat butter. Sear meat and add veggies. Add heavy cream and reduce down. Add Parmesan cheese. When it begins to thicken add to pasta. Serve hot, topped with scallions and Parmesan cheese.
Or if you prefer fish, you can opt for Salmon steaks for the main dish:
Special Salmon Steaks
* 2 salmon steaks
* 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced thinly
* 1 tablespoon butter
* 1/3 cup sherry
* 1 cup cream
* 1/2 cup chicken stock
* 2 ounces capers
* 2 tablespoons parsley
Saute the mushrooms in the butter until thoroughly cooked but not yet browning.
Add the sherry and let simmer until the alcohol has evaporated. Add the cream and chicken stock. Thoroughly rinse the capers (they're usually purchased in brine and you don't want the acidic taste) and add to sauce Broil the salmon steaks - about 5-7 minutes a side, depending on thickness. The sauce should simmer while the steaks are cooking, to thicken it a bit. when the salmon is cooked pour the sauce over to serve. Extra sauce is great on potatoes.
Ultimate Valentine's Day Cookie
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 1 cup butter or margarine, softened
* 1 tablespoon white vinegar
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 6 drops red food color
Creamy Decorator's Frosting
* 2 cups powdered sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
* 2 tablespoons milk or half-and-half
Heat oven to 400 F. Beat powdered sugar, butter and vinegar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed, or mix with spoon. Stir in remaining ingredients except food color. Divide dough in half. Mix food color into one half. (If dough is too dry, stir in milk, 1 teaspoon at a time.)
Roll dough 1/8 inch thick on lightly floured cloth-covered surface. Cut into heart shapes with various sizes of cookie cutters. Place smaller hearts on larger hearts of different color dough if desired. Place about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 5 to 7 minutes or until set but not brown. Cool 1 to 2 minutes; carefully remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes. If desired, decorate with white and pink Creamy Decorator's Frosting.
Creamy Decorator's Frosting: Stir together all ingredients until smooth and spreadable. Tint with food color if desired.
Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com
Noraini Maskuri has professional training in bakery, enjoys cooking and experimenting with recipes. She own a cookery site, to receive free Valentine Recipe eCookbook , please visit : www.mycookery.com/blog/
Valentine Recipe References : Cream Cheese
Cream Cheese Recipes
By: Audrey Okaneko
When I think of cream cheese, I immediately think of bagels. I love bagels and cream cheese. However cream cheese is wonderful in many other recipes.
I think one of my favorite recipes is crab and cream cheese wontons. Although meant as an appetizer, I can easily devour a dozen of them leaving no room for the actual dinner.
Crab and Cream Cheese Wontons
4 ounces of crab meat (you can use fresh or canned)
2 ounces cream cheese (solid is best, not whipped)
1/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons chives
Small dish of water
Wonton wrappers
Mix the crab, cream cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper and chives together. Taste and adjust seasoning to your taste.
Put a spoonful of mixture into each wonton shell. Use water to moisten the edges and fold into triangles.
When ready to eat, heat in oil until brown on both sides.
Another of my favorite recipes using cream cheese is this recipe for chocolate cupcakes, using cream cheese to make them very moist:
Chocolate Cream Cheese Cupcakes
1 package chocolate cake mix (any brand)
1 package cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 cup mini chocolate chips (I always use milk chocolate, as I like the cupcakes sweet)
Preheat oven to 350F. Put cupcake papers into pan. Prepare chocolate cake mix according to package instructions and set aside. In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar and the softened cream cheese until smooth. Beat egg and add to sugar mixture, mix well. Gently mix in the chocolate chips. Fill cupcake cases 1/2 full of chocolate cake batter. Then add 1 full teaspoon of cream cheese mixture to center. Top with more chocolate cake batter. Cupcake cups should be 3/4 full. Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes or until tops spring back when lightly touched in center.
Note: You can use peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chips for a wonderful peanut butter and chocolate taste.
And finally, a wonderful cream cheese dip to serve with either crackers or vegetables:
Horseradish & Cream Cheese Dip
2 packages (3 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
1/4 cup mayonnaise (I use low fat)
1/4 teaspoon salt
pepper to taste (experiment using both white and black pepper)
6 slices of bacon, crumbled
Mix the cream cheese, horseradish, mayonnaise, salt and pepper. Add bacon pieces and mix. Refrigerate over night so flavors can blend.
This is just a small sample of what you can do with cream cheese as your main ingredient in recipes.
Bon Appetite!!
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Audrey’s mom always entertained when she was growing up. Audrey learned to prepare for large groups and has often entertained 15-30 people in her home at a time. You can find more great recipes at www.recipe-barn.com
By: Audrey Okaneko
When I think of cream cheese, I immediately think of bagels. I love bagels and cream cheese. However cream cheese is wonderful in many other recipes.
I think one of my favorite recipes is crab and cream cheese wontons. Although meant as an appetizer, I can easily devour a dozen of them leaving no room for the actual dinner.
Crab and Cream Cheese Wontons
4 ounces of crab meat (you can use fresh or canned)
2 ounces cream cheese (solid is best, not whipped)
1/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons chives
Small dish of water
Wonton wrappers
Mix the crab, cream cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper and chives together. Taste and adjust seasoning to your taste.
Put a spoonful of mixture into each wonton shell. Use water to moisten the edges and fold into triangles.
When ready to eat, heat in oil until brown on both sides.
Another of my favorite recipes using cream cheese is this recipe for chocolate cupcakes, using cream cheese to make them very moist:
Chocolate Cream Cheese Cupcakes
1 package chocolate cake mix (any brand)
1 package cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 cup mini chocolate chips (I always use milk chocolate, as I like the cupcakes sweet)
Preheat oven to 350F. Put cupcake papers into pan. Prepare chocolate cake mix according to package instructions and set aside. In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar and the softened cream cheese until smooth. Beat egg and add to sugar mixture, mix well. Gently mix in the chocolate chips. Fill cupcake cases 1/2 full of chocolate cake batter. Then add 1 full teaspoon of cream cheese mixture to center. Top with more chocolate cake batter. Cupcake cups should be 3/4 full. Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes or until tops spring back when lightly touched in center.
Note: You can use peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chips for a wonderful peanut butter and chocolate taste.
And finally, a wonderful cream cheese dip to serve with either crackers or vegetables:
Horseradish & Cream Cheese Dip
2 packages (3 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
1/4 cup mayonnaise (I use low fat)
1/4 teaspoon salt
pepper to taste (experiment using both white and black pepper)
6 slices of bacon, crumbled
Mix the cream cheese, horseradish, mayonnaise, salt and pepper. Add bacon pieces and mix. Refrigerate over night so flavors can blend.
This is just a small sample of what you can do with cream cheese as your main ingredient in recipes.
Bon Appetite!!
Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com
Audrey’s mom always entertained when she was growing up. Audrey learned to prepare for large groups and has often entertained 15-30 people in her home at a time. You can find more great recipes at www.recipe-barn.com
Valentine Recipe References : Cake 2
Easy Chocolate Cake Recipes
By: Audrey Okaneko
Who doesn’t love chocolate cake? I think one of my favorite cakes is chocolate cake with a raspberry filling and white frosting.
I’m always on the lookout for non dairy chocolate recipes. I found a very easy to make non dairy chocolate cake recipe that gets compliments every single time:
1 ½ cups flour
1 cup white sugar
1 cup cold water
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/3 vegetable shortening, or vegetable oil
1 tablespoon cider vinegar (do not use other vinegars, must be “cider vinegar”)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
Combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Add shortening and mix in. Add vinegar to water and then add to the rest of mixture a little bit at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla and mix. Pour into greased/wax paper-lined cake pan and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.
If you like sour cream, this recipe is wonderful. The sour cream helps make the cake moist and gives it a wonderful flavor:
16 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate (I melt the chocolate very lightly in the microwave)
1/4 cup butter softened
1 2/3 cups boiling water
2 1/3 cups flour
2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup sour cream
2 eggs
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease and flour a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan. In large bowl, mix chocolate, butter and water. Stir until mixture is smooth. Add flour, sugar, sour cream, eggs, baking soda, salt and vanilla. Using electric mixer beat on low until smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until center is done.
If you don’t like sour cream, try mayonnaise. The mayonnaise leaves the cake very moist and with a wonderful taste that most folks just can’t quite place. Do not substitute Miracle Whip or other salad dressing for the mayonnaise. The cakes do not taste quite right.
These are just two of the many recipes to make delicious yet easy chocolate cakes.
Bon Appetite!!
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Audrey’s mom always entertained when she was growing up. Audrey learned to prepare for large groups and has often entertained 15-30 people in her home at a time. You can find more great recipes at www.recipe-barn.com
By: Audrey Okaneko
Who doesn’t love chocolate cake? I think one of my favorite cakes is chocolate cake with a raspberry filling and white frosting.
I’m always on the lookout for non dairy chocolate recipes. I found a very easy to make non dairy chocolate cake recipe that gets compliments every single time:
1 ½ cups flour
1 cup white sugar
1 cup cold water
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/3 vegetable shortening, or vegetable oil
1 tablespoon cider vinegar (do not use other vinegars, must be “cider vinegar”)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
Combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Add shortening and mix in. Add vinegar to water and then add to the rest of mixture a little bit at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla and mix. Pour into greased/wax paper-lined cake pan and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.
If you like sour cream, this recipe is wonderful. The sour cream helps make the cake moist and gives it a wonderful flavor:
16 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate (I melt the chocolate very lightly in the microwave)
1/4 cup butter softened
1 2/3 cups boiling water
2 1/3 cups flour
2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup sour cream
2 eggs
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease and flour a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan. In large bowl, mix chocolate, butter and water. Stir until mixture is smooth. Add flour, sugar, sour cream, eggs, baking soda, salt and vanilla. Using electric mixer beat on low until smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until center is done.
If you don’t like sour cream, try mayonnaise. The mayonnaise leaves the cake very moist and with a wonderful taste that most folks just can’t quite place. Do not substitute Miracle Whip or other salad dressing for the mayonnaise. The cakes do not taste quite right.
These are just two of the many recipes to make delicious yet easy chocolate cakes.
Bon Appetite!!
Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com
Audrey’s mom always entertained when she was growing up. Audrey learned to prepare for large groups and has often entertained 15-30 people in her home at a time. You can find more great recipes at www.recipe-barn.com
Valentine Recipe References : Fudge
Fudge Recipes
By: Jill S
This is one of those fudge recipes that my mom has made ever since I can remember. When I was lucky and none of my other siblings were around, she would let me eat the bits of chocolate left in the bowl. We always used to call it “licking the bowl” at my house. Always one of the best parts of being able to bake with mom. I have had a lot of fudge and none of it has ever compared to this fudge recipe that my mom always made. I do not know if it is because mom made it or because it is a good fudge recipe. Perhaps a bit of both. I hope you get to share it with someone special.
Fudge
2 tablespoons butter
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1 2/3 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Combine butter, milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a boil. Cook 4 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly. (Start timing when mixture starts to bubble around the edges of the pan.) Remove from heat. Stir in marshmallows, chocolate, vanilla, and nuts. Stir vigorously for 1 minute. Pour into an 8-inch square buttered pan. Cool in the refrigerator. Cut into squares.
This fudge recipe is for the peanut butter lover in your house. It is a recipe that is also pretty easy to make.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
1 cup peanut butter chips
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons softened butter
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Put foil in an 8-inch square pan. In a microwave safe bowl, put the peanut butter chips, 2/3 cup of the sweetened condensed milk, and all of the butter. In another microwave safe bowl, put in the chocolate chips and the rest of the sweetened condensed milk. Microwave the peanut butter mixture on high for one minute or until the mixture is smooth when stirred. Then add in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract to that mixture. Pour the mixture into the pan. Put the chocolate chip mixture in the microwave for one minute on high heat or until the mixture is smooth when stirred. Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract to that mixture and pour it over the peanut butter layer. Refrigerate and cut into squares when firm.
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Jill Seader shares her favorite candy recipes and other baking recipes along with her stories at www.YourBakingStory.com. She also invites you to share your own baking recipes and stories. Happy Baking!
By: Jill S
This is one of those fudge recipes that my mom has made ever since I can remember. When I was lucky and none of my other siblings were around, she would let me eat the bits of chocolate left in the bowl. We always used to call it “licking the bowl” at my house. Always one of the best parts of being able to bake with mom. I have had a lot of fudge and none of it has ever compared to this fudge recipe that my mom always made. I do not know if it is because mom made it or because it is a good fudge recipe. Perhaps a bit of both. I hope you get to share it with someone special.
Fudge
2 tablespoons butter
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1 2/3 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Combine butter, milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a boil. Cook 4 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly. (Start timing when mixture starts to bubble around the edges of the pan.) Remove from heat. Stir in marshmallows, chocolate, vanilla, and nuts. Stir vigorously for 1 minute. Pour into an 8-inch square buttered pan. Cool in the refrigerator. Cut into squares.
This fudge recipe is for the peanut butter lover in your house. It is a recipe that is also pretty easy to make.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
1 cup peanut butter chips
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons softened butter
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Put foil in an 8-inch square pan. In a microwave safe bowl, put the peanut butter chips, 2/3 cup of the sweetened condensed milk, and all of the butter. In another microwave safe bowl, put in the chocolate chips and the rest of the sweetened condensed milk. Microwave the peanut butter mixture on high for one minute or until the mixture is smooth when stirred. Then add in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract to that mixture. Pour the mixture into the pan. Put the chocolate chip mixture in the microwave for one minute on high heat or until the mixture is smooth when stirred. Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract to that mixture and pour it over the peanut butter layer. Refrigerate and cut into squares when firm.
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Jill Seader shares her favorite candy recipes and other baking recipes along with her stories at www.YourBakingStory.com. She also invites you to share your own baking recipes and stories. Happy Baking!
Valentine Recipe References : Cookies 3
Classic Cookie Recipes
By: Jill S
Chocolate Chip Cookies
There is nothing quite like a fresh chocolate chip cookie. This particular recipe has become my favorite over the years. It is soft and chewy and full of chocolate. Whenever I make this, I always have memories of coming home from school to a house filled with the smell of chocolate chip cookies. All five of us with chocolate smeared all over our faces. Great memories!
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 packages (12 ounce) semisweet chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream together the butter and sugars in a large bowl. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract. In a different bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir in the chocolate chips. Roll into balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 9 to 10 minutes.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
My husband is not a sweets man but he loves these cookies. The first time I made these it was for some friends. They almost all disappeared in one night! My husband and another friend of ours (also not a sweets man) were eating these the way I eat chocolate (with both hands, one right after the other). Whenever I make these, I always find my husband sneaking one when he thinks I am not looking. He will just look at me, smile sheepishly and say, "What? They're good." Ah yes, the highest compliment any baker can receive. :-)
3 eggs
1 cup raisins
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Beat the eggs, stir in the vanilla extract, and then stir in the raisins. Refrigerate this mixture for at least one hour.
1 cup butter flavored shortening
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
2 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups oats (quick cooking kind)
In a large bowl, mix together the shortening and sugars. Add in the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Add in the raisin mixture and the oats. Roll it into balls and bake on ungreased cookie sheets for 10 to 12 minutes in a 350 degree oven.
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By: Jill S
Chocolate Chip Cookies
There is nothing quite like a fresh chocolate chip cookie. This particular recipe has become my favorite over the years. It is soft and chewy and full of chocolate. Whenever I make this, I always have memories of coming home from school to a house filled with the smell of chocolate chip cookies. All five of us with chocolate smeared all over our faces. Great memories!
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 packages (12 ounce) semisweet chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream together the butter and sugars in a large bowl. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract. In a different bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir in the chocolate chips. Roll into balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 9 to 10 minutes.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
My husband is not a sweets man but he loves these cookies. The first time I made these it was for some friends. They almost all disappeared in one night! My husband and another friend of ours (also not a sweets man) were eating these the way I eat chocolate (with both hands, one right after the other). Whenever I make these, I always find my husband sneaking one when he thinks I am not looking. He will just look at me, smile sheepishly and say, "What? They're good." Ah yes, the highest compliment any baker can receive. :-)
3 eggs
1 cup raisins
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Beat the eggs, stir in the vanilla extract, and then stir in the raisins. Refrigerate this mixture for at least one hour.
1 cup butter flavored shortening
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
2 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups oats (quick cooking kind)
In a large bowl, mix together the shortening and sugars. Add in the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Add in the raisin mixture and the oats. Roll it into balls and bake on ungreased cookie sheets for 10 to 12 minutes in a 350 degree oven.
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Come share your own baking recipes and stories with Jill Seader at her website, www.YourBakingStory.com. Every baking recipe Jill shares on her website comes with a piece of the story behind the recipe. Happy Baking!
Valentine Recipe References : Cake 1
Marble Cheesecake
By: Jill S
The almond extract used in this recipe gives this cheesecake a tasty difference.
Crust:
3/4 cup flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted and divided
Filling:
3 (8 ounce) packages softened cream cheese
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon almond extract
5 eggs
1 cup sour cream
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Mix together the crust ingredients, except for the chocolate, in a bowl. After thoroughly mixed, add in 2 tablespoons of the chocolate. Put the crust mixture into a springform pan and press down. Put it in the oven for 10 minutes. Take it out of the oven and then change the oven temperature to 325 degrees. Beat the sugar and cream cheese in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add in the flour, vanilla, and almond extract. Add in the eggs, one at a time, and mix just until blended. Add in the sour cream. Take out 1 1/2 cups of the filling mixture and put it in a bowl. Add the remaining chocolate to that mixture. Put half of the white filling over the crust and then dot top with 8 spoonfuls of the chocolate mixture. Put the rest of the white topping over that and dot the top with the rest of the chocolate mixture. Swirl the filling with a table knife to create the marbling. Put the pan in a larger pan. Put boiling water in the larger pan and put both pans into the oven. Bake for 1 to 1 1/4 hours or until the center is set. Allow the cheesecake to cool for 10 minutes. Loosen the cake from the edges of the pan with a table knife and remove the sides. Allow to cool for 2 hours and then refrigerate. It should be refrigerated for 8 hours or more before serving.
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Jill Seader has a passion for baking and sharing baking recipes. Visit her website at YourBakingStory.com for more baking recipes and to share your own story and recipe. Happy Baking!
By: Jill S
The almond extract used in this recipe gives this cheesecake a tasty difference.
Crust:
3/4 cup flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted and divided
Filling:
3 (8 ounce) packages softened cream cheese
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon almond extract
5 eggs
1 cup sour cream
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Mix together the crust ingredients, except for the chocolate, in a bowl. After thoroughly mixed, add in 2 tablespoons of the chocolate. Put the crust mixture into a springform pan and press down. Put it in the oven for 10 minutes. Take it out of the oven and then change the oven temperature to 325 degrees. Beat the sugar and cream cheese in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add in the flour, vanilla, and almond extract. Add in the eggs, one at a time, and mix just until blended. Add in the sour cream. Take out 1 1/2 cups of the filling mixture and put it in a bowl. Add the remaining chocolate to that mixture. Put half of the white filling over the crust and then dot top with 8 spoonfuls of the chocolate mixture. Put the rest of the white topping over that and dot the top with the rest of the chocolate mixture. Swirl the filling with a table knife to create the marbling. Put the pan in a larger pan. Put boiling water in the larger pan and put both pans into the oven. Bake for 1 to 1 1/4 hours or until the center is set. Allow the cheesecake to cool for 10 minutes. Loosen the cake from the edges of the pan with a table knife and remove the sides. Allow to cool for 2 hours and then refrigerate. It should be refrigerated for 8 hours or more before serving.
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Jill Seader has a passion for baking and sharing baking recipes. Visit her website at YourBakingStory.com for more baking recipes and to share your own story and recipe. Happy Baking!
Valentine Recipe References : Brownies
Unique Brownie Recipes
By: Jill S
Pineapple Brownies Recipe
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup crushed pineapple, well drained
2 (1 ounce) squares chocolate, melted and cooled
1/2 cup chopped nuts
In a small bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and the sugar. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each one. Add in vanilla and mix well. Add the dry ingredients to the mixture. Put one cup of the mixture and the pineapple into a small bowl. Mix well. To the other dough mixture, add in the melted chocolate and nuts. Mix well. In a 9 x 13-inch pan, spread out 1 1/2 cups of the chocolate mixture. Put the pineapple mixture on top of it. Drop by teaspoonfuls the rest of the chocolate mixture on top of the pineapple one and spread the chocolate mixture so that it covers the pineapple one. Bake in a 375 degree oven for about 25 minutes.
Black and White Brownies Recipe
White layer:
3/4 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup oatmeal
1 cup coconut
2/3 cup melted butter
2 tablespoons cream
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking powder and sugar. Add the oatmeal and cocoanut. Add the melted butter and cream. Mix well. Put mixture in a 9 x 13-inch pan. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 10 to 12 minutes.
Chocolate layer:
1 ounce unsweetened chocolate
1/3 cup butter
3/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
2 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped nuts
In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate and butter together. Allow to cool while you mix the other ingredients. In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, and chocolate mixture. Add the dry ingredients to this mixture. Add in the nuts and vanilla and beat until the mixture is smooth. Spread the chocolate layer over the white one. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes.
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By: Jill S
Pineapple Brownies Recipe
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup crushed pineapple, well drained
2 (1 ounce) squares chocolate, melted and cooled
1/2 cup chopped nuts
In a small bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and the sugar. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each one. Add in vanilla and mix well. Add the dry ingredients to the mixture. Put one cup of the mixture and the pineapple into a small bowl. Mix well. To the other dough mixture, add in the melted chocolate and nuts. Mix well. In a 9 x 13-inch pan, spread out 1 1/2 cups of the chocolate mixture. Put the pineapple mixture on top of it. Drop by teaspoonfuls the rest of the chocolate mixture on top of the pineapple one and spread the chocolate mixture so that it covers the pineapple one. Bake in a 375 degree oven for about 25 minutes.
Black and White Brownies Recipe
White layer:
3/4 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup oatmeal
1 cup coconut
2/3 cup melted butter
2 tablespoons cream
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking powder and sugar. Add the oatmeal and cocoanut. Add the melted butter and cream. Mix well. Put mixture in a 9 x 13-inch pan. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 10 to 12 minutes.
Chocolate layer:
1 ounce unsweetened chocolate
1/3 cup butter
3/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
2 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped nuts
In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate and butter together. Allow to cool while you mix the other ingredients. In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, and chocolate mixture. Add the dry ingredients to this mixture. Add in the nuts and vanilla and beat until the mixture is smooth. Spread the chocolate layer over the white one. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes.
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Jill Seader shares more fun, free baking recipes at her website, YourBakingStory.com. Come enjoy the baking recipes and share one of your own. Happy Baking!
Valentine Recipe References : Pudding
Coconut pudding
By: Brian Sm
Coconut pudding
4 cups milk
1/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup grated coconut
cinnamon sticks
3/4 cup cornstarch
Servings: 10
Preparation Time: 1 Hr. 45 Min.
Cooking Time: 45 Min.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COCONUT PUDDING
mix the milk, the sugar, the grated coconut and
the cinnamon sticks in a pot. Cook on low flame
and stir constantly until it boils.
In a separate container, add the remaining milk
and the cornstarch until it is dissolved. Then
add it to the previous mixture and stir it.
Continue cooking on low fire until it gets thick;
continue for 10 minutes as you continue stirring
it.
Let it to rest and pour the mix in individual
portions into glasses or into a big mold. Put the
container in the fridge and wait for at least 3
hours before serving.
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More infos about Coconut pudding
By: Brian Sm
Coconut pudding
4 cups milk
1/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup grated coconut
cinnamon sticks
3/4 cup cornstarch
Servings: 10
Preparation Time: 1 Hr. 45 Min.
Cooking Time: 45 Min.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COCONUT PUDDING
mix the milk, the sugar, the grated coconut and
the cinnamon sticks in a pot. Cook on low flame
and stir constantly until it boils.
In a separate container, add the remaining milk
and the cornstarch until it is dissolved. Then
add it to the previous mixture and stir it.
Continue cooking on low fire until it gets thick;
continue for 10 minutes as you continue stirring
it.
Let it to rest and pour the mix in individual
portions into glasses or into a big mold. Put the
container in the fridge and wait for at least 3
hours before serving.
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More infos about Coconut pudding
Valentine Recipe References : Cheese Sticks
Cheese Sticks
By: Brian Sm
Cheese sticks
2 cups wheat flour
2 cups milk cream
1 tsp salt
2 bars margarine
1 cup grated cheese (manchego, chihuahua, cheddar,
or american)
1 cup warm milk
1/2 cup sesame seeds
Servings: 40
Preparation Time: 50 Min.
Cooking Time: 40 Min.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHEESE STICKS
mix the flour, salt, and margarine (cut into
pieces) in a tray. Mix using your hands until the
margarine is well integrated and the flour gets a
sandy texture. Add the cream and 1/4 cup of milk,
kneading with a wooden ladle and then with the
hand until the dough becomes elastic; then use a
rolling pin to spread the dough over a surface
covered with flour (let it half-centimeter thick).
Spread half of the cheese over the dough and
fold it in half, and then fold again. Spread
again and repeat the process. Once you?ve spread
it, varnish it with whipped egg, sprinkle with
the sesame seeds, and cut it into strips. Place
them in cookie-baking trays and bake for 30
minutes at 430 degrees fahrenheit.
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More infos about our recetas mexicanas
By: Brian Sm
Cheese sticks
2 cups wheat flour
2 cups milk cream
1 tsp salt
2 bars margarine
1 cup grated cheese (manchego, chihuahua, cheddar,
or american)
1 cup warm milk
1/2 cup sesame seeds
Servings: 40
Preparation Time: 50 Min.
Cooking Time: 40 Min.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHEESE STICKS
mix the flour, salt, and margarine (cut into
pieces) in a tray. Mix using your hands until the
margarine is well integrated and the flour gets a
sandy texture. Add the cream and 1/4 cup of milk,
kneading with a wooden ladle and then with the
hand until the dough becomes elastic; then use a
rolling pin to spread the dough over a surface
covered with flour (let it half-centimeter thick).
Spread half of the cheese over the dough and
fold it in half, and then fold again. Spread
again and repeat the process. Once you?ve spread
it, varnish it with whipped egg, sprinkle with
the sesame seeds, and cut it into strips. Place
them in cookie-baking trays and bake for 30
minutes at 430 degrees fahrenheit.
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More infos about our recetas mexicanas
Valentine Recipe References : Pies 2
Ice Cream Pie Recipes
By: Jill S
Chocolate Ice Cream Pie
(Perfect recipe for chocolate/peanut/peanut butter lovers.)
1/4 cup corn syrup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
3 tablespoons butter
2 1/2 cup Rice Krispies
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup fudge sauce
3 tablespoons corn syrup
1 quart vanilla ice cream (slightly softened)
1/4 cup chopped salted peanuts
In a small saucepan, combine the 1/4 cup corn syrup, brown sugar and butter. Bring the mixture to a boil. Remove from heat and add in the Rice Krispies. Allow to cool slightly and then press the mixture into a 9-inch pie pan. Put it in the refrigerator to chill. While it is chilling, combine the peanut butter, fudge sauce, and 3 tablespoons corn syrup. Mix well and pour half of the mixture on the bottom of the pie crust. Spread the ice cream over the chocolate mixture in the crust. Then spread the rest of the chocolate mixture over the ice cream. Sprinkle the peanuts over the top and put it in the freezer. Allow mixture to freeze overnight. Put the pie out for 10 to 15 minutes before serving so it cuts easier.
Malted Milk Ball Pie
(Perfect recipe for the malted milk ball lover in your life.)
1 pint vanilla ice cream (slightly softened)
1/2 cup crushed malted milk balls
2 tablespoons milk, divided
1 9-inch graham cracker crust
3 tablespoons chocolate malted milk powder
3 tablespoons marshmallow topping
1 cup whipping cream
crushed malted milk balls (enough to sprinkle over the top)
Put the ice cream in a medium bowl that has been chilled in the refrigerator. Add the 1/2 cup crushed malted milk balls and one tablespoon of the milk to the ice cream. Mix together well. Put the ice cream mixture into the graham cracker crust. Put the pie in the freezer. While the pie is freezing, combine the chocolate malted milk powder, marshmallow topping, and the other one tablespoon of milk together in a medium bowl. Add the whipping cream and whip the mixture together until soft peaks form. Take the pie out of the freezer and spread this mixture over the top. Freeze overnight and then sprinkle the crushed malted milk balls over the top just before serving.
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Find free baking recipes at Jill Seader’s site, YourBakingStory.com. You can also submit your own baking recipe and story for others to enjoy. Even get recipe scrapbooking tools to create your own story. Happy Baking!
By: Jill S
Chocolate Ice Cream Pie
(Perfect recipe for chocolate/peanut/peanut butter lovers.)
1/4 cup corn syrup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
3 tablespoons butter
2 1/2 cup Rice Krispies
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup fudge sauce
3 tablespoons corn syrup
1 quart vanilla ice cream (slightly softened)
1/4 cup chopped salted peanuts
In a small saucepan, combine the 1/4 cup corn syrup, brown sugar and butter. Bring the mixture to a boil. Remove from heat and add in the Rice Krispies. Allow to cool slightly and then press the mixture into a 9-inch pie pan. Put it in the refrigerator to chill. While it is chilling, combine the peanut butter, fudge sauce, and 3 tablespoons corn syrup. Mix well and pour half of the mixture on the bottom of the pie crust. Spread the ice cream over the chocolate mixture in the crust. Then spread the rest of the chocolate mixture over the ice cream. Sprinkle the peanuts over the top and put it in the freezer. Allow mixture to freeze overnight. Put the pie out for 10 to 15 minutes before serving so it cuts easier.
Malted Milk Ball Pie
(Perfect recipe for the malted milk ball lover in your life.)
1 pint vanilla ice cream (slightly softened)
1/2 cup crushed malted milk balls
2 tablespoons milk, divided
1 9-inch graham cracker crust
3 tablespoons chocolate malted milk powder
3 tablespoons marshmallow topping
1 cup whipping cream
crushed malted milk balls (enough to sprinkle over the top)
Put the ice cream in a medium bowl that has been chilled in the refrigerator. Add the 1/2 cup crushed malted milk balls and one tablespoon of the milk to the ice cream. Mix together well. Put the ice cream mixture into the graham cracker crust. Put the pie in the freezer. While the pie is freezing, combine the chocolate malted milk powder, marshmallow topping, and the other one tablespoon of milk together in a medium bowl. Add the whipping cream and whip the mixture together until soft peaks form. Take the pie out of the freezer and spread this mixture over the top. Freeze overnight and then sprinkle the crushed malted milk balls over the top just before serving.
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Find free baking recipes at Jill Seader’s site, YourBakingStory.com. You can also submit your own baking recipe and story for others to enjoy. Even get recipe scrapbooking tools to create your own story. Happy Baking!
Valentine Recipe References : Gift in a Jar
Gift in a Jar
By: Paul Hudson
Gift in a Jar
A gift in a jar is a fun and affordable gift that can not only bring a smile to the face of the gifts receiver but to the giver as well.
Most gift jar recipes are best suited for a standard quart jar. Either a small or large mouth opening is fine. Though, I find that a large mouth works easier for getting the ingredients in. In addition to a quart jar and lid, you will need a large rubber band, piece of
material 8x8 square, and a ribbon to decorate.
After filling the jars, place the material on the lid and put the rubber band around it to secure it in place. Tie with decorative ribbon and tie the recipe card to the ribbon for the directions on how to bake the ingredients. If you have a printer, print out the tag onto a colorful piece of paper or onto adhesive paper. When putting in the ingredients, make sure to pack them down tightly. If you have loose ingredients like nuts, M&M, raisins, etc. make sure they are the next ingredient on top of packed brown sugar. If the next layer is to be white sugar or flour, the white sugar or flour will seep through the nuts, M&M, etc some what. Also when using cocoa, wipe inside of jar before adding another ingredient to keep jar looking nice. The following is one of my favorite gift Jar Recipes.
1001 Cookie Mix
Makes 10 cups.
Ingredients:
5 cups all-purpose flour
3 3/4 cups sugar
2 tablespoons double acting baking powder
2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cups PLUS 2 tablespoons butter, softened
Method:
Spoon flour into measuring cup and level with spatula. Put in large bowl with at
least a 4-quart capacity. Measure sugar, baking powder and salt into flour. Stir
until mixture is thoroughly blended. Add butter and use pastry blender or clean
hands to work into dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse meal.
Store covered in airtight container in refrigerator or freezer. Do NOT press down.
Use mix at room temperature. Spoon lightly into measuring cup, level with spatula
.
Tips:
When using margarine, do not use diet, whipped or soft.
* Have all ingredients at room temperature.
* Do not sift flour -- spoon lightly into measuring cup and level off.
* Use standard measuring cups and spoons.
Have fun and give the filled jar to a friend!
Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com
Paul Hudson www.Recipe-daily.com
By: Paul Hudson
Gift in a Jar
A gift in a jar is a fun and affordable gift that can not only bring a smile to the face of the gifts receiver but to the giver as well.
Most gift jar recipes are best suited for a standard quart jar. Either a small or large mouth opening is fine. Though, I find that a large mouth works easier for getting the ingredients in. In addition to a quart jar and lid, you will need a large rubber band, piece of
material 8x8 square, and a ribbon to decorate.
After filling the jars, place the material on the lid and put the rubber band around it to secure it in place. Tie with decorative ribbon and tie the recipe card to the ribbon for the directions on how to bake the ingredients. If you have a printer, print out the tag onto a colorful piece of paper or onto adhesive paper. When putting in the ingredients, make sure to pack them down tightly. If you have loose ingredients like nuts, M&M, raisins, etc. make sure they are the next ingredient on top of packed brown sugar. If the next layer is to be white sugar or flour, the white sugar or flour will seep through the nuts, M&M, etc some what. Also when using cocoa, wipe inside of jar before adding another ingredient to keep jar looking nice. The following is one of my favorite gift Jar Recipes.
1001 Cookie Mix
Makes 10 cups.
Ingredients:
5 cups all-purpose flour
3 3/4 cups sugar
2 tablespoons double acting baking powder
2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cups PLUS 2 tablespoons butter, softened
Method:
Spoon flour into measuring cup and level with spatula. Put in large bowl with at
least a 4-quart capacity. Measure sugar, baking powder and salt into flour. Stir
until mixture is thoroughly blended. Add butter and use pastry blender or clean
hands to work into dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse meal.
Store covered in airtight container in refrigerator or freezer. Do NOT press down.
Use mix at room temperature. Spoon lightly into measuring cup, level with spatula
.
Tips:
When using margarine, do not use diet, whipped or soft.
* Have all ingredients at room temperature.
* Do not sift flour -- spoon lightly into measuring cup and level off.
* Use standard measuring cups and spoons.
Have fun and give the filled jar to a friend!
Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com
Paul Hudson www.Recipe-daily.com
Valentine Recipe References : Mocktails
Mocktails
By: Sitagita.com
It's party time once again. And you've got it all set up for your guests. The food is superb; the liquor is of the finest quality. The snacks are out of this world.
Wait a minute. What are you going to serve people who don't drink alcohol? Flavoured soda again? Aerated water? Oh, come on. Surely they deserve better than that.
How about whipping up an interesting mocktail instead? A lovely blend of juices and other ingredients without a touch of alcohol. Sounds good doesn't it?
Here are a couple of recipes. Mocktails don't come simpler than this.
CO COLADA
Ingredients:
Pineapple juice 6 oz.
Coconut milk 8 oz.
Ice - 1 cup
Methology:
Put all three ingredients into a blender and whip for a minute.
Strain into a large glass
Garnish with slice of orange or lime
PRINCE CHARMING
Ingredients:
Club soda 3 oz.
Grenadine 2 tsps
Lemon juice 2 oz
Orange juice 2 oz
Pineapple juice 2oz
Methology:
Mix all juices together.
Add ice. Shake well.
Pour into tall glass.
Add Club Soda
Add Grenadine
Garnish with pineapple or orange slice.
Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com
By: Sitagita.com
It's party time once again. And you've got it all set up for your guests. The food is superb; the liquor is of the finest quality. The snacks are out of this world.
Wait a minute. What are you going to serve people who don't drink alcohol? Flavoured soda again? Aerated water? Oh, come on. Surely they deserve better than that.
How about whipping up an interesting mocktail instead? A lovely blend of juices and other ingredients without a touch of alcohol. Sounds good doesn't it?
Here are a couple of recipes. Mocktails don't come simpler than this.
CO COLADA
Ingredients:
Pineapple juice 6 oz.
Coconut milk 8 oz.
Ice - 1 cup
Methology:
Put all three ingredients into a blender and whip for a minute.
Strain into a large glass
Garnish with slice of orange or lime
PRINCE CHARMING
Ingredients:
Club soda 3 oz.
Grenadine 2 tsps
Lemon juice 2 oz
Orange juice 2 oz
Pineapple juice 2oz
Methology:
Mix all juices together.
Add ice. Shake well.
Pour into tall glass.
Add Club Soda
Add Grenadine
Garnish with pineapple or orange slice.
Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com
Valentine Recipe References : Salad
Great Salad Recipes
By: Dhiraj R .Bandurkar
Great Salad Recipes
Salads are nutritional and can be the great source of vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and lot more. They are considered as light meal and much more than an appetizer. Their preparation mostly involves vegetables (leafy vegetables) sometimes fruits. The dressing of the salads forms the crux of it, which differentiates the taste of different salads. Occasionally the salad is prepared with meat, fish cheese or nuts, which makes the salad of high calorie-content. Basically the salads are healthy with low calories most commonly found on every dining table in US
The most commonly consumed green salad consists of variety of vegetables like lettuce, spinach or arugula. This is not all green salads can be seen with tomato, cucumber, peppers, mushrooms, onions, spring onions, and red onions, carrot and reddish. We come across people who love to try different things in their daily diet they make different combinations in the same dish to give it different taste and flavor. For this reason we find green salads complimented with pasta, olives, cooked potatoes, croutons, beans, rice meat, cheese and fish. That is why salad is not just any mixture of leafy vegetables but needs proper garnishing and serving with of course the right mix of ingredients.
There are wide array of sumptuous chicken and summer salad recipes with tantalizing taste and mouth-watering aroma.
Lets look at one of the recipe called Chinese chicken salad recipe which easy to prepare and tasty to eat. The almonds and noodles in the salad adds a crunchy taste to it and the dressing makes it spicy and sweet. Take a quick look at the ingredients needed.
Chinese chicken salad
Ingredients:
Coleslaw
1 packet of chicken noodles
1/2-cup of chopped green onions
Few sliced almonds to add crunch
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
Dressing essentials:
1/2 cup of sugar
1/2 cup of olive oil
Wine vinegar or same quantity of rice preferably 1/2 cup rice
2 tsp. of soy sauce
Seasoning from the ramen
Method
To start with the Chinese chicken salad, you need to bake/grill and cube the 4 chicken breasts properly. Once this is done you have to combine all ingredients together. When the ingredients are mixed properly put the dressing on salad immediately before serving.
During summer the intake of regular diet is less but the salads with nice dressings and variety of toppings can actually work a appetizers. The summer salad recipe give involves fresh vegetables. Just go through the recipe to more about it.
Mid- summer Italian bread salad
Ingredients
1 clove of garlic
1 (1 pound) loaf or Italian bread preferably
1 cup of finely chopped tomatoes
1 cup of peeled, seeded and chopped cucumber
1 cup of chopped red onion
1 clove crushed garlic
2 cups of chopped fresh basil
1/8 cup of chopped fresh thyme
1/4 cup of olive oil
2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
If the bread is too fresh toast it till it becomes dry and crunchy.
Preparations
First of all rub the peeled clove of garlic from inside of wooden salad bowl. After that chop the bread into small size pieces. Mix bread, tomato, tomato, cucumber red onions, garlic, basil and thyme in the prepared salad bowl. Finally add oil and vinegar for lightly coating. Toss and serve the Mid- summer Italian bread salad.
Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com
Looking for more information on Great Salad Recipes check out www.salad-recipe.net your guide to Great Salad Recipes.
By: Dhiraj R .Bandurkar
Great Salad Recipes
Salads are nutritional and can be the great source of vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and lot more. They are considered as light meal and much more than an appetizer. Their preparation mostly involves vegetables (leafy vegetables) sometimes fruits. The dressing of the salads forms the crux of it, which differentiates the taste of different salads. Occasionally the salad is prepared with meat, fish cheese or nuts, which makes the salad of high calorie-content. Basically the salads are healthy with low calories most commonly found on every dining table in US
The most commonly consumed green salad consists of variety of vegetables like lettuce, spinach or arugula. This is not all green salads can be seen with tomato, cucumber, peppers, mushrooms, onions, spring onions, and red onions, carrot and reddish. We come across people who love to try different things in their daily diet they make different combinations in the same dish to give it different taste and flavor. For this reason we find green salads complimented with pasta, olives, cooked potatoes, croutons, beans, rice meat, cheese and fish. That is why salad is not just any mixture of leafy vegetables but needs proper garnishing and serving with of course the right mix of ingredients.
There are wide array of sumptuous chicken and summer salad recipes with tantalizing taste and mouth-watering aroma.
Lets look at one of the recipe called Chinese chicken salad recipe which easy to prepare and tasty to eat. The almonds and noodles in the salad adds a crunchy taste to it and the dressing makes it spicy and sweet. Take a quick look at the ingredients needed.
Chinese chicken salad
Ingredients:
Coleslaw
1 packet of chicken noodles
1/2-cup of chopped green onions
Few sliced almonds to add crunch
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
Dressing essentials:
1/2 cup of sugar
1/2 cup of olive oil
Wine vinegar or same quantity of rice preferably 1/2 cup rice
2 tsp. of soy sauce
Seasoning from the ramen
Method
To start with the Chinese chicken salad, you need to bake/grill and cube the 4 chicken breasts properly. Once this is done you have to combine all ingredients together. When the ingredients are mixed properly put the dressing on salad immediately before serving.
During summer the intake of regular diet is less but the salads with nice dressings and variety of toppings can actually work a appetizers. The summer salad recipe give involves fresh vegetables. Just go through the recipe to more about it.
Mid- summer Italian bread salad
Ingredients
1 clove of garlic
1 (1 pound) loaf or Italian bread preferably
1 cup of finely chopped tomatoes
1 cup of peeled, seeded and chopped cucumber
1 cup of chopped red onion
1 clove crushed garlic
2 cups of chopped fresh basil
1/8 cup of chopped fresh thyme
1/4 cup of olive oil
2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
If the bread is too fresh toast it till it becomes dry and crunchy.
Preparations
First of all rub the peeled clove of garlic from inside of wooden salad bowl. After that chop the bread into small size pieces. Mix bread, tomato, tomato, cucumber red onions, garlic, basil and thyme in the prepared salad bowl. Finally add oil and vinegar for lightly coating. Toss and serve the Mid- summer Italian bread salad.
Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com
Looking for more information on Great Salad Recipes check out www.salad-recipe.net your guide to Great Salad Recipes.
Valentine Recipe References : Pies
Lemon Pie Recipes
By: Jill S
Lemon Sour Cream Pie
1 cup sugar
4 tablespoons cornstarch
dash of salt
1 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
1 (9-inch) pie shell, baked
1 teaspoon lemon peel
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 cup sour cream
3 eggs, separated
Meringue:
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
In a large saucepan, add 1 cup sugar, cornstarch and salt. Mix together well so the cornstarch is thoroughly mixed. Add in the milk slowly. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture boils and thickens. In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks. Add in a little bit of the hot mixture to the egg yolks and mix well. Then add the egg yolk mixture to the main mixture. Continue to let it cook, stirring constantly for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and mix in the butter, lemon juice and lemon peel. Cover the mixture and allow it to cool. After mixture has cooled, add in the sour cream. Put the lemon mixture into the baked pie crust.
For the meringue: In a small bowl, beat together the egg whites and the cream of tartar. Gradually add in the 1/2 cup sugar and the 2 tablespoons of sugar. Beat the mixture until it is stiff and forms peaks. Put this mixture on top of the pie. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 13 to 15 minutes or until brown.
Strawberry Lemon Pie
4 ounces of cream cheese, softened
1 (6 ounce) ready-made graham cracker pie crust
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 package (8 ounce) whipped topping
1 pint of strawberries, hulled and halved
2 cups cold milk
2 (3.4 ounce) packages instant pudding mix, vanilla or lemon
In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, 1 tablespoon milk and sugar. Beat until the mixture is smooth. Add in the lemon juice and lemon peel. Add 1 1/2 cups whipped topping into the mixture. Pour this mixture into the pie crust and spread it out evenly over the bottom. Spread the strawberry halves evenly over the cream cheese mixture. Keep some to garnish the top.
In a large bowl, put the pudding mixes and the 2 cups of milk. Beat together for 1 minute. Let the mixture stand for a minute or until it has thickened. Add in 1 cup of the whipped topping. Put this mixture over the strawberry layer in the crust. Put the pie in the refrigerator for 4 hours or until the pie has set. Put the rest of the whipped topping and strawberries on top just before serving.
Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com
Get more tasty baking recipes at Jill Seader’s website, YourBakingStory.com. Come browse around to find your favorite baking recipe or share one of your own. Happy Baking!
By: Jill S
Lemon Sour Cream Pie
1 cup sugar
4 tablespoons cornstarch
dash of salt
1 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
1 (9-inch) pie shell, baked
1 teaspoon lemon peel
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 cup sour cream
3 eggs, separated
Meringue:
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
In a large saucepan, add 1 cup sugar, cornstarch and salt. Mix together well so the cornstarch is thoroughly mixed. Add in the milk slowly. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture boils and thickens. In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks. Add in a little bit of the hot mixture to the egg yolks and mix well. Then add the egg yolk mixture to the main mixture. Continue to let it cook, stirring constantly for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and mix in the butter, lemon juice and lemon peel. Cover the mixture and allow it to cool. After mixture has cooled, add in the sour cream. Put the lemon mixture into the baked pie crust.
For the meringue: In a small bowl, beat together the egg whites and the cream of tartar. Gradually add in the 1/2 cup sugar and the 2 tablespoons of sugar. Beat the mixture until it is stiff and forms peaks. Put this mixture on top of the pie. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 13 to 15 minutes or until brown.
Strawberry Lemon Pie
4 ounces of cream cheese, softened
1 (6 ounce) ready-made graham cracker pie crust
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 package (8 ounce) whipped topping
1 pint of strawberries, hulled and halved
2 cups cold milk
2 (3.4 ounce) packages instant pudding mix, vanilla or lemon
In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, 1 tablespoon milk and sugar. Beat until the mixture is smooth. Add in the lemon juice and lemon peel. Add 1 1/2 cups whipped topping into the mixture. Pour this mixture into the pie crust and spread it out evenly over the bottom. Spread the strawberry halves evenly over the cream cheese mixture. Keep some to garnish the top.
In a large bowl, put the pudding mixes and the 2 cups of milk. Beat together for 1 minute. Let the mixture stand for a minute or until it has thickened. Add in 1 cup of the whipped topping. Put this mixture over the strawberry layer in the crust. Put the pie in the refrigerator for 4 hours or until the pie has set. Put the rest of the whipped topping and strawberries on top just before serving.
Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com
Get more tasty baking recipes at Jill Seader’s website, YourBakingStory.com. Come browse around to find your favorite baking recipe or share one of your own. Happy Baking!
Valentine Recipe References : Cookies 2
Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes
One Recipe - Many Variations
By: Karen Ciancio
There are so many Christmas cookie recipes around but often so little time to bake during the busy holiday season.
The solution? A great tasting basic cookie recipe that quickly and easily turns into such a variety of easy to make Christmas treats, friends and family will think you poured over all your favorite Christmas cookie recipes.
Let's start with the basics:
Basic Cookie Dough Recipe
1/2 cup (or 1 stick) butter (or margarine) at room temperature
1/2 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except the flour. Beat with an electric mixer, scraping the sides of the bowl several times, until the mixture is light and fluffy. With mixer at a low speed, add the flour gradually, beating just until everything is well blended.
Place the mixture on a baking sheet using a tablespoon measure and press down with a spoon to flatten a bit. Or roll our and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter. Bake at 350ºF for about 12 to 15 minutes, until golden.
This basic cookie mixture is also the base for the following cookie recipes (all baked in a preheated oven at 350ºF).
Orange Cookies
(Makes about 32)
Add 1 tablespoon of grated orange zest to the recipe. Shape into a log that is about 1 1/2" in diameter and refrigerate for 4 hours.
Slice dough into 1/4" thick slices. Place on cookie sheet. Cookies can be decorated with candies, rolled in colored sugar, or cut into pretty holiday shapes before baking. Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until lightly browned.
Cherry Coconut Chocolate Squares
(Makes about 54 squares)
In addition to the basic dough you will need:
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3 cups flaked coconut
1/2 cup maraschino cherries, well drained and coarsely chopped
Line a 13"x9" baking pan with foil.
Stir cocoa powder into basic dough mixture. Press evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crust looks dry.
In a medium bowl whisk together eggs, sugar, almond extract and baking powder until well blended. Stir in coconut and cherries. Pour over the baked crust.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, until top just begins to brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan on a wire rack. Lift it out on to a cutting board using the foil ends and cut into 1 1/2" squares. Squares can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
Coconut Pineapple Cookies
(Makes about 36)
In addition to the basic dough you will need:
1 1/2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
1/3 cup pineapple preserves (use raspberry or apricot if you prefer)
Add 1 cup of the flaked coconut to the basic dough mixture and mix well. Shape the dough into 1 1/2" balls and roll in the remaining coconut to coat them. Place the balls 1" apart on lightly greased cookie sheets. Make a deep indentation in the center of each cookie with your fingertip.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cookie is firm and the coconut is lightly toasted. When cooled, fill each hole in the center of the cookies with the preserves.
You can vary this basic dough to make a wide variety of Christmas cookie recipes. Add other flavorings like maple, ginger or cinnamon. Add chopped dried fruits like apricots or dates. Or bake them plain in holiday shapes and decorate with colored icing.
Christmas is such a wonderful time of year. Here's hoping these quick and easy Christmas cookie recipes help keep the pressure off the cook.
Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com
Karen Ciancio is a fan of all things cooking related. Her website Cookingnook.com contains recipes, cooking tips, diet and nutrition information. Visit the site for a free copy of our Holiday Gift Guide, with great ideas for everyone on your list.
One Recipe - Many Variations
By: Karen Ciancio
There are so many Christmas cookie recipes around but often so little time to bake during the busy holiday season.
The solution? A great tasting basic cookie recipe that quickly and easily turns into such a variety of easy to make Christmas treats, friends and family will think you poured over all your favorite Christmas cookie recipes.
Let's start with the basics:
Basic Cookie Dough Recipe
1/2 cup (or 1 stick) butter (or margarine) at room temperature
1/2 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except the flour. Beat with an electric mixer, scraping the sides of the bowl several times, until the mixture is light and fluffy. With mixer at a low speed, add the flour gradually, beating just until everything is well blended.
Place the mixture on a baking sheet using a tablespoon measure and press down with a spoon to flatten a bit. Or roll our and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter. Bake at 350ºF for about 12 to 15 minutes, until golden.
This basic cookie mixture is also the base for the following cookie recipes (all baked in a preheated oven at 350ºF).
Orange Cookies
(Makes about 32)
Add 1 tablespoon of grated orange zest to the recipe. Shape into a log that is about 1 1/2" in diameter and refrigerate for 4 hours.
Slice dough into 1/4" thick slices. Place on cookie sheet. Cookies can be decorated with candies, rolled in colored sugar, or cut into pretty holiday shapes before baking. Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until lightly browned.
Cherry Coconut Chocolate Squares
(Makes about 54 squares)
In addition to the basic dough you will need:
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3 cups flaked coconut
1/2 cup maraschino cherries, well drained and coarsely chopped
Line a 13"x9" baking pan with foil.
Stir cocoa powder into basic dough mixture. Press evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crust looks dry.
In a medium bowl whisk together eggs, sugar, almond extract and baking powder until well blended. Stir in coconut and cherries. Pour over the baked crust.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, until top just begins to brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan on a wire rack. Lift it out on to a cutting board using the foil ends and cut into 1 1/2" squares. Squares can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
Coconut Pineapple Cookies
(Makes about 36)
In addition to the basic dough you will need:
1 1/2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
1/3 cup pineapple preserves (use raspberry or apricot if you prefer)
Add 1 cup of the flaked coconut to the basic dough mixture and mix well. Shape the dough into 1 1/2" balls and roll in the remaining coconut to coat them. Place the balls 1" apart on lightly greased cookie sheets. Make a deep indentation in the center of each cookie with your fingertip.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cookie is firm and the coconut is lightly toasted. When cooled, fill each hole in the center of the cookies with the preserves.
You can vary this basic dough to make a wide variety of Christmas cookie recipes. Add other flavorings like maple, ginger or cinnamon. Add chopped dried fruits like apricots or dates. Or bake them plain in holiday shapes and decorate with colored icing.
Christmas is such a wonderful time of year. Here's hoping these quick and easy Christmas cookie recipes help keep the pressure off the cook.
Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com
Karen Ciancio is a fan of all things cooking related. Her website Cookingnook.com contains recipes, cooking tips, diet and nutrition information. Visit the site for a free copy of our Holiday Gift Guide, with great ideas for everyone on your list.
Valentine Recipe References : Cookies 1
Cocoa Brownie Cookie Bars
By: Theresa Lisenby
Cocoa Brownie Cookie Bars
They are great for your kids. Good for an after school snack, a few hours before dinner. They also make great desserts after dinner. What can I say, nothing more....
Note:
Vanilla is a flavouring derived from orchids in the genus Vanilla native to Mexico.
Directions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Oil bottom of 9-inch square pan. Place egg whites in a large bowl. Beat until slightly frothy. Add oil, yogurt and vanilla, mix well. Add sugar and cocoa, mix well. Add flour and salt. Mix until blended. Pour into pan. Bake at 360 degrees for 26-28 minutes. Avoid over baking. Dust with confectioners sugar.
Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com
www.chocolatecurb.com/cocoa-brownie-cookie-bars/chocolate-cookies/2007/02/24
By: Theresa Lisenby
Cocoa Brownie Cookie Bars
They are great for your kids. Good for an after school snack, a few hours before dinner. They also make great desserts after dinner. What can I say, nothing more....
Note:
Vanilla is a flavouring derived from orchids in the genus Vanilla native to Mexico.
Directions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Oil bottom of 9-inch square pan. Place egg whites in a large bowl. Beat until slightly frothy. Add oil, yogurt and vanilla, mix well. Add sugar and cocoa, mix well. Add flour and salt. Mix until blended. Pour into pan. Bake at 360 degrees for 26-28 minutes. Avoid over baking. Dust with confectioners sugar.
Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com
www.chocolatecurb.com/cocoa-brownie-cookie-bars/chocolate-cookies/2007/02/24
Valentine Recipe References : Martini
Creating A Martini Masterpiece
By: MS Hutchins
Without a doubt, a true barometer of a bartender'
s skills and a person's taste is making a great
Martini! Martinis have really gained immense
popularity over the last decade. Everyone
remembers that James Bond loved his martinis, of
course they had to be "shaken, not stirred."
Making a classic dry martini is almost like
creating a very simple, yet very pure piece of
art. So, here it is, a step by step recipe for
creating the perfect dry martini.
You're going to need 11/2oz of dry gin. Don't
skimp on the quality, go for Beefeaters or
Tanqueray. Also, 1/2 oz of extra dry vermouth, a
toothpick, pimento stuffed olives, ice from
purified water, a cocktail shaker, and a martini
glass.Go ahead and fill the martini glass with
ice and water, this will chill the glass to
perfection while you mix the drink. Pour the gin
over ice in your cocktail shaker. Allow it to set
for a moment while you measure your vermouth.Go
ahead and add the vermouth to your shaker along
with a VERY tiny splash of olive juice. Cap off
your shaker and shake very vigorously. The key is
to shake it so long that your hands get super
cold.
Finally, empty all the water from your martini
glass, and wipe away all moisture droplets.Add
two olives skewered on a toothpick, and pour the
mixed drink into a glass. Sip it delicately and
enjoy!By the way,Shaking does have an advantage
over stirring. Shaking actually "bruises" the gin
and causes it to infuse with the vermouth.
Stirring, while effective, allows the spirits to
separate more easily in the glass.Use Jalapeno
stuffed olives instead of pimento and call it a "
Martinez" instead. It adds spice to the drink on
so many different levels.By the way, be sure to
use an authentic martini glass. A traditional
glass with a stem will cause your martini to warm
too quickly.
So, there you have it, the perfect martini. Once
you've enjoyed a martini that doesn't short-cut
the details, it's hard to drink one that is
hastily prepared. No excuses now that you've
tasted the difference!
Always remember to drink responsibly, and try to
enjoy your martini by itself. Very few foods
enhance the delicate balance of a great dry
martini!
Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com
Michael Hutchins created his online store, http:// www.home-bars-and-more.com to be fun, "one-stop" shopping for all your home bar needs. It's a fabulous place to just browse around! Check it out now!
By: MS Hutchins
Without a doubt, a true barometer of a bartender'
s skills and a person's taste is making a great
Martini! Martinis have really gained immense
popularity over the last decade. Everyone
remembers that James Bond loved his martinis, of
course they had to be "shaken, not stirred."
Making a classic dry martini is almost like
creating a very simple, yet very pure piece of
art. So, here it is, a step by step recipe for
creating the perfect dry martini.
You're going to need 11/2oz of dry gin. Don't
skimp on the quality, go for Beefeaters or
Tanqueray. Also, 1/2 oz of extra dry vermouth, a
toothpick, pimento stuffed olives, ice from
purified water, a cocktail shaker, and a martini
glass.Go ahead and fill the martini glass with
ice and water, this will chill the glass to
perfection while you mix the drink. Pour the gin
over ice in your cocktail shaker. Allow it to set
for a moment while you measure your vermouth.Go
ahead and add the vermouth to your shaker along
with a VERY tiny splash of olive juice. Cap off
your shaker and shake very vigorously. The key is
to shake it so long that your hands get super
cold.
Finally, empty all the water from your martini
glass, and wipe away all moisture droplets.Add
two olives skewered on a toothpick, and pour the
mixed drink into a glass. Sip it delicately and
enjoy!By the way,Shaking does have an advantage
over stirring. Shaking actually "bruises" the gin
and causes it to infuse with the vermouth.
Stirring, while effective, allows the spirits to
separate more easily in the glass.Use Jalapeno
stuffed olives instead of pimento and call it a "
Martinez" instead. It adds spice to the drink on
so many different levels.By the way, be sure to
use an authentic martini glass. A traditional
glass with a stem will cause your martini to warm
too quickly.
So, there you have it, the perfect martini. Once
you've enjoyed a martini that doesn't short-cut
the details, it's hard to drink one that is
hastily prepared. No excuses now that you've
tasted the difference!
Always remember to drink responsibly, and try to
enjoy your martini by itself. Very few foods
enhance the delicate balance of a great dry
martini!
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Saturday, February 2, 2008
Valentine Movie Idea : 50 First Dates
See Movie Preview : http://youtube.com/watch?v=ErjP5xMTc8I
Henry Roth (Adam Sandler) is a wildlife veterinarian in Hawaii, who meets Lucy Whitmore (Drew Barrymore) a woman who has a short-term memory loss from an auto accident a year earlier. Henry is a ladies man on the island who has been breaking the hearts of female tourists for years. Henry meets Lucy at a local cafe and takes her out on a date. Henry falls in love with Lucy, but there is one problem when she awakens in the morning, she can't remember him or anything that happened that day. Henry must devise a plan to meet Lucy everyday and try to get her to fall in love with him again and again. Douglas Young (the-movie-guy)
Henry Roth (Adam Sandler) is a wildlife veterinarian in Hawaii, who meets Lucy Whitmore (Drew Barrymore) a woman who has a short-term memory loss from an auto accident a year earlier. Henry is a ladies man on the island who has been breaking the hearts of female tourists for years. Henry meets Lucy at a local cafe and takes her out on a date. Henry falls in love with Lucy, but there is one problem when she awakens in the morning, she can't remember him or anything that happened that day. Henry must devise a plan to meet Lucy everyday and try to get her to fall in love with him again and again. Douglas Young (the-movie-guy)
Valentine Movie Idea : Romeo and Juliet
See Movie Preview : http://youtube.com/watch?v=ouMSk9HRjWE
Classic story of Romeo and Juliet, set in a modern-day city of Verona Beach. The Montagues and Capulets are two feuding families, whose children meet and fall in love. They have to hide their love from the world because they know that their parents will not allow them to be together. There are obstacles on the way, like Juliet's cousin, Tybalt, and Romeo's friend Mercutio, and many fights. But although it is set in modern times, it is still the same timeless story of the "star crossed lovers". Written by Anonymous
Classic story of Romeo and Juliet, set in a modern-day city of Verona Beach. The Montagues and Capulets are two feuding families, whose children meet and fall in love. They have to hide their love from the world because they know that their parents will not allow them to be together. There are obstacles on the way, like Juliet's cousin, Tybalt, and Romeo's friend Mercutio, and many fights. But although it is set in modern times, it is still the same timeless story of the "star crossed lovers". Written by Anonymous
Valentine Movie Idea : Titanic
See Movie Preview : http://youtube.com/watch?v=-GfSSh-wtmM
Deep-sea explorer Brock Lovett has reached the most famous shipwreck of all - the Titanic. Emerging with a safe believed to contain a diamond called 'The Heart of the Ocean', he discovers the safe does not hold the diamond but a drawing of a beautiful woman wearing it. When Brock is later interviewed on TV, he shows the drawing to the cameras, and a 100-year-old woman named Rose Calvert living in Michigan recognizes the woman in the drawing - herself! On a visit to Brock's explorer ship over the wreck, Rose tells her story of the Titanic and its ill-fated voyage. Engaged to a would-be steel magnate, Caledon Hockley, she boards the Titanic's first-class suites with him & her mother in Southampton. Also boarding are Jack Dawson & his friend Fabrizio, after a lucky poker game wins them tickets in steerage. When Rose attempts suicide by jumping off the stern in 3rd class, Jack pulls her back onto the ship...and a bond is forged between them as Jack is invited by her into 1st-class the following day. Rose's mother & Cal Hockley try desperate measures to keep them apart. But that strategy goes out the window when the Titanic collides with an iceberg, and due to a design flaw begins to sink - despite being proclaimed 'unsinkable'. Now Rose & Jack must fight to stay alive, but is young Jack already doomed because of his lower status as a steerage passenger? Written by Derek O'Cain
Deep-sea explorer Brock Lovett has reached the most famous shipwreck of all - the Titanic. Emerging with a safe believed to contain a diamond called 'The Heart of the Ocean', he discovers the safe does not hold the diamond but a drawing of a beautiful woman wearing it. When Brock is later interviewed on TV, he shows the drawing to the cameras, and a 100-year-old woman named Rose Calvert living in Michigan recognizes the woman in the drawing - herself! On a visit to Brock's explorer ship over the wreck, Rose tells her story of the Titanic and its ill-fated voyage. Engaged to a would-be steel magnate, Caledon Hockley, she boards the Titanic's first-class suites with him & her mother in Southampton. Also boarding are Jack Dawson & his friend Fabrizio, after a lucky poker game wins them tickets in steerage. When Rose attempts suicide by jumping off the stern in 3rd class, Jack pulls her back onto the ship...and a bond is forged between them as Jack is invited by her into 1st-class the following day. Rose's mother & Cal Hockley try desperate measures to keep them apart. But that strategy goes out the window when the Titanic collides with an iceberg, and due to a design flaw begins to sink - despite being proclaimed 'unsinkable'. Now Rose & Jack must fight to stay alive, but is young Jack already doomed because of his lower status as a steerage passenger? Written by Derek O'Cain
Valentine Movie Idea : Mr and Mrs Smith
See Movie Preview : http://youtube.com/watch?v=XIUts0jW2y8
John and Jane Smith are a married couple, both John and Jane are living unexciting lives and they have both been attending marriage therapy, as their lives haven't been passionate since they got married. But what they don't know about each other is that they are both professional assassins working for two rival agency's. John's latest assignment is to eliminate Benjaiman "Tank" Danz, but it all becomes complicated when Jane is also assigned to eliminate the same target that John has been assigned to kill. Learning that they are both assassins and failing to eliminate the target, both of John and Jane's employers decides that they try to take each other out (John kill Jane, Jane kill John). Engaged in a deadly game, John and Jane tries to take each other out and learns more about each other, as they try to finish the job and eliminate Danz. Written by Daniel Williamson
John and Jane Smith are a married couple, both John and Jane are living unexciting lives and they have both been attending marriage therapy, as their lives haven't been passionate since they got married. But what they don't know about each other is that they are both professional assassins working for two rival agency's. John's latest assignment is to eliminate Benjaiman "Tank" Danz, but it all becomes complicated when Jane is also assigned to eliminate the same target that John has been assigned to kill. Learning that they are both assassins and failing to eliminate the target, both of John and Jane's employers decides that they try to take each other out (John kill Jane, Jane kill John). Engaged in a deadly game, John and Jane tries to take each other out and learns more about each other, as they try to finish the job and eliminate Danz. Written by Daniel Williamson
Valentine Movie Idea : Valentine
See Movie Preview : http://youtube.com/watch?v=dA-koJi7wVU&feature=related
Valentine's Day 1988: At the school dance, geeky Jeremy Melton bravely faces one rejection after the other when asking four popular girls to dance with him. A fifth girl, plump and insecure, agrees, but they end up making out under the bleachers. When a group of school bullies catches them, the girl claims that Jeremy attacked her. This causes them to strip off his clothes and beat him up in front of the entire school. Flash forward to 2001. We meet the five girls who were in that school gym: Kate (Marley Shelton), Paige (Denise Richards), Shelly (Katherine Heigl), Lily (Jessica Cauffiel) and the formerly plump Dorothy (Jessica Capshaw). They are all in their 20's now and trying to sort out their love lives, which is appropriate, since Valentine's Day is coming up. After a disastrous date with a loser, one of the girls, a pre-med student, is murdered by a Cherub-mask wearing killer who sent her a death threat in the form of a Valentine card prior to the attack. After the four remaining girls are reunited at her funeral, they all start receiving threatening cards and messages. At first they don't know who would want to hurt them, but eventually they figure that maybe Jeremy is responsible. Police records show that Jeremy has completely disappeared, so no one knows what he looks like. Could the formerly nerdish Jeremy have had plastic surgery and turned into one of the girls' handsome boyfriends? Who ever it is, the lone survivor has to put a stop to this spurned individual's murder spree before she, too, becomes a valentine to die for. Written by Tertius Saayman {tsaayman@hotmail.com}
Valentine's Day 1988: At the school dance, geeky Jeremy Melton bravely faces one rejection after the other when asking four popular girls to dance with him. A fifth girl, plump and insecure, agrees, but they end up making out under the bleachers. When a group of school bullies catches them, the girl claims that Jeremy attacked her. This causes them to strip off his clothes and beat him up in front of the entire school. Flash forward to 2001. We meet the five girls who were in that school gym: Kate (Marley Shelton), Paige (Denise Richards), Shelly (Katherine Heigl), Lily (Jessica Cauffiel) and the formerly plump Dorothy (Jessica Capshaw). They are all in their 20's now and trying to sort out their love lives, which is appropriate, since Valentine's Day is coming up. After a disastrous date with a loser, one of the girls, a pre-med student, is murdered by a Cherub-mask wearing killer who sent her a death threat in the form of a Valentine card prior to the attack. After the four remaining girls are reunited at her funeral, they all start receiving threatening cards and messages. At first they don't know who would want to hurt them, but eventually they figure that maybe Jeremy is responsible. Police records show that Jeremy has completely disappeared, so no one knows what he looks like. Could the formerly nerdish Jeremy have had plastic surgery and turned into one of the girls' handsome boyfriends? Who ever it is, the lone survivor has to put a stop to this spurned individual's murder spree before she, too, becomes a valentine to die for. Written by Tertius Saayman {tsaayman@hotmail.com}
Valentine Movie Idea : Sweet November
See Movie Preview : http://youtube.com/watch?v=Tm249Zbv42Y
Theron is Sara, who pathologically lures men into romance for one month at a time, "helping" them before moving onto the next month's catch. She's avoiding long-term commitments because she's deathly ill--a fact revealed by hundreds of prescription bottles hidden in her medicine cabinet. Reeves is Nelson, the fast-lane advertising executive who reluctantly becomes Sara's Mr. November. He's insulting and callous until he learns the truth, at which point director Pat O'Connor makes a 180-degree tone shift that cannot possibly succeed. Theron makes the most of her movie-sickness routine, but Reeves is out of his depth, and not one but two romantic montages (set to the music of Enya, no less) only emphasize the movie's abundant clichés (the most obvious being The Patriot's Jason Isaacs as Theron's supportive gay neighbor). Cry if you must, but don't let anyone catch you. --Jeff Shannon
Source of This Plots : http://www.mooviees.com/1826/plots
Theron is Sara, who pathologically lures men into romance for one month at a time, "helping" them before moving onto the next month's catch. She's avoiding long-term commitments because she's deathly ill--a fact revealed by hundreds of prescription bottles hidden in her medicine cabinet. Reeves is Nelson, the fast-lane advertising executive who reluctantly becomes Sara's Mr. November. He's insulting and callous until he learns the truth, at which point director Pat O'Connor makes a 180-degree tone shift that cannot possibly succeed. Theron makes the most of her movie-sickness routine, but Reeves is out of his depth, and not one but two romantic montages (set to the music of Enya, no less) only emphasize the movie's abundant clichés (the most obvious being The Patriot's Jason Isaacs as Theron's supportive gay neighbor). Cry if you must, but don't let anyone catch you. --Jeff Shannon
Source of This Plots : http://www.mooviees.com/1826/plots
Valentine Movie Idea : Runaway Bride
See Movie Preview : http://youtube.com/watch?v=010QRLfIJ1M
Ike Graham, New York columnist, writes his text always at the last minute. This time, a drunken man in his favourite bar tells Ike about Maggie Carpenter, a woman who always flees from her grooms in the last possible moment. Ike, who does not have the best opinion about females anyway, writes an offensive column without researching the subject thoroughly. The next day, Ike gets fired by his publisher (and former wife), because he went too far and faked the facts, which real journalists don't do. Ike's only way back into the business now is to do a fact-based report on Maggie and her upcoming fourth wedding attempt, which Ike predicts to fail again. So, as he circles her like a vulture his prey-to-be, Maggie's opinion of Ike sinks below zero. Not only is Ike waiting for her to fail again but the whole town is poking fun at Maggie about her mistakes. But that is a point which Ike doesn't like. Written by Julian Reischl {julianreischl@mac.com}
Ike Graham, New York columnist, writes his text always at the last minute. This time, a drunken man in his favourite bar tells Ike about Maggie Carpenter, a woman who always flees from her grooms in the last possible moment. Ike, who does not have the best opinion about females anyway, writes an offensive column without researching the subject thoroughly. The next day, Ike gets fired by his publisher (and former wife), because he went too far and faked the facts, which real journalists don't do. Ike's only way back into the business now is to do a fact-based report on Maggie and her upcoming fourth wedding attempt, which Ike predicts to fail again. So, as he circles her like a vulture his prey-to-be, Maggie's opinion of Ike sinks below zero. Not only is Ike waiting for her to fail again but the whole town is poking fun at Maggie about her mistakes. But that is a point which Ike doesn't like. Written by Julian Reischl {julianreischl@mac.com}
Valentine Movie Idea : Pretty Woman
See Movie Preview : http://youtube.com/watch?v=z0mUCqUC5-o&feature=related
In the Cinderella story that made Julia Roberts a star, a corporate raider hires a hooker to pose as his girlfriend for a week... and falls in love. Meanwhile, she wonders if the straight life - with him - might be a dream come true. Academy Award Nominations: Best Actress--Julia Roberts.While driving back to his Beverly Hills hotel, millionaire corporate raider Edward Lewis takes a wrong turn and ends up on Hollywood Boulevard, where he meets prostitute Vivian Ward. She steers him back to his hotel, charming him along the way, and he decides to hire her for the rest of the evening. In the morning, Edward realizes that he could use an escort for the week, so he hands Vivian $3000 to stay -- and sends her on a fantasy shopping spree. What begins as a purely business transaction develops into something more, but can a poor prostitute and a rich businessman really live happily ever after?
Source of This Review : http://www.buy.com/prod/pretty-woman-15th-anniversary-special-edition/q/loc/322/40712971.html
In the Cinderella story that made Julia Roberts a star, a corporate raider hires a hooker to pose as his girlfriend for a week... and falls in love. Meanwhile, she wonders if the straight life - with him - might be a dream come true. Academy Award Nominations: Best Actress--Julia Roberts.While driving back to his Beverly Hills hotel, millionaire corporate raider Edward Lewis takes a wrong turn and ends up on Hollywood Boulevard, where he meets prostitute Vivian Ward. She steers him back to his hotel, charming him along the way, and he decides to hire her for the rest of the evening. In the morning, Edward realizes that he could use an escort for the week, so he hands Vivian $3000 to stay -- and sends her on a fantasy shopping spree. What begins as a purely business transaction develops into something more, but can a poor prostitute and a rich businessman really live happily ever after?Source of This Review : http://www.buy.com/prod/pretty-woman-15th-anniversary-special-edition/q/loc/322/40712971.html
Valentine Movie Idea : Music and Lyric
See Movie Preview : http://youtube.com/watch?v=BZ6rHxHHeQs&feature=related
Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore star in this romantic-comedy about a songwriter and a performer who find themselves attracted to each other.First you're hot, then you're not...and then you're Alex Fletcher (Hugh Grant). So when the sizzlingest tween-queen on the charts asks the has-been '80s pop sensation to write her a song, he grabs for another chance at stardom. Problem: Alex can say it with music, but he sure can't say it with words. Enter Sophie Fisher (Drew Barrymore), his beguiling if quirky plant lady, who has a green thumb for lyrics. Together, they go after songwriting success -- and discover that if you want to write the perfect love song, it helps to fall in love. With Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore at the keyboard and Marc Lawrence (Two Weeks Notice) directing, Music and Lyrics is a witty, wacky romantic comedy that faces the music...and laughs!
Source of This Review : http://www.buy.com/prod/music-and-lyrics-hd-dvd-combo/q/loc/322/204517646.html
Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore star in this romantic-comedy about a songwriter and a performer who find themselves attracted to each other.First you're hot, then you're not...and then you're Alex Fletcher (Hugh Grant). So when the sizzlingest tween-queen on the charts asks the has-been '80s pop sensation to write her a song, he grabs for another chance at stardom. Problem: Alex can say it with music, but he sure can't say it with words. Enter Sophie Fisher (Drew Barrymore), his beguiling if quirky plant lady, who has a green thumb for lyrics. Together, they go after songwriting success -- and discover that if you want to write the perfect love song, it helps to fall in love. With Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore at the keyboard and Marc Lawrence (Two Weeks Notice) directing, Music and Lyrics is a witty, wacky romantic comedy that faces the music...and laughs!Source of This Review : http://www.buy.com/prod/music-and-lyrics-hd-dvd-combo/q/loc/322/204517646.html
Valentine Movie Idea : Ghost
See Movie Preview : http://youtube.com/watch?v=Hn4A9h1k7O4
After renovating their expensive loft in the TriBeCa section of Manhattan, Molly (Demi Moore) and Sam (Patrick Swayze), a young successful yuppie couple, are walking home one evening when Sam is tragically gunned down by a street mugger. Molly goes into a deep depression, but, unknown to her, Sam has come back as a ghost in order to protect her from danger--although he isn't yet aware who or what means her harm, and he has a lot of learning to do in order to make himself known to her. He teams up with an unwilling psychic, Oda Mae Brown (Whoopi Goldberg), and together they try to convince a very skeptical Molly that Sam was actually murdered and has returned spectrally to complete some unfinished business. Moore and Swayze and are excellent as the couple, and Goldberg won an Oscar for her portrayal of the wild and wacky psychic. GHOST is considered by many to be one of the most romantic films of the 1990s.
Source of This Review : http://www.buy.com/prod/ghost/q/loc/322/203532911.html
After renovating their expensive loft in the TriBeCa section of Manhattan, Molly (Demi Moore) and Sam (Patrick Swayze), a young successful yuppie couple, are walking home one evening when Sam is tragically gunned down by a street mugger. Molly goes into a deep depression, but, unknown to her, Sam has come back as a ghost in order to protect her from danger--although he isn't yet aware who or what means her harm, and he has a lot of learning to do in order to make himself known to her. He teams up with an unwilling psychic, Oda Mae Brown (Whoopi Goldberg), and together they try to convince a very skeptical Molly that Sam was actually murdered and has returned spectrally to complete some unfinished business. Moore and Swayze and are excellent as the couple, and Goldberg won an Oscar for her portrayal of the wild and wacky psychic. GHOST is considered by many to be one of the most romantic films of the 1990s.Source of This Review : http://www.buy.com/prod/ghost/q/loc/322/203532911.html
Valentine Movie Idea : Failure To Launch
Failure to Launch - visit the movie's web site - watch the preview
Stars Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew McConaughey, Kathy Bates and Terry Bradshaw
If you wade through the first fifteen minutes or so, you will be rewarded with a fairly enjoyable movie about thirty-five year old Tripp (Matthew McConaughey) who still lives with his parents (Kathy Bates & Terry Bradshaw), and the plot to get him moved out of the old family home. This arrangement seems to suit Tripp just fine, as he leads the life of a revolving-door Romeo while still having all his clothes washed and meals cooked by his Mom. Commitment-phobic Tripp routinely gets rid of girlfriends who decide to get too serious by taking them home and surprising them with his under-the-same-roof parents. His parents, Sue (Kathy Bates) & Al (Terry Bradshaw), however, think its high time Tripp left the nest. The solution lies with Paula (Sarah Jessica Parker), a relationship-specialist for hire, whose forte is "simulating a romantic experience" with stay-at-home sons that gives them enough confidence to venture out and set up home on their own. Of course, the scenario doesn't unfold as expected and the planned course of events comes off the rails. Zooey Deschanel provides comic relief and reality checks as Paula's roommate, Kit. Tripp's two best friends, Ace (Justin Bartha) and Demo (Bradley Cooper) are also live-at-home guys, whose characters mercifully develop a bit more depth as the movie progresses. Overall, though, this movie combines some fun scenes and situations, but doesn't live up to all its potential.
Source of This Review : http://www.romancenotes.com/movies.html
Valentine Movie Idea : A Walk To Remember
A Walk To Remember - visit the movie's web site - watch the preview
Stars Shane West, Mandy Moore, Peter Coyote, Al Thompson and Daryl Hannah
Shane West and Mandy Moore star in this teen romance movie about love sparks that comes from two unlikelies crossing paths. Landon Carter (West) is a bit of "in-set" trouble, having landed someone in hospital after a prank goes wrong. Landon's punishment is meant to teach him some responsibility and humility - to tutor a young student and take part in the Drama Club, where he meets Jamie Sullivan (Moore). Jamie is the local Baptist Minister's daughter and is about as opposite to Landon as one finds. However, Landon falls for Jamie and sets out to win her heart - which she doesn't make an easy task. Along the way, they both learn lessons of life and love that ends up transforming each of them.
Source of This Review : http://www.romancenotes.com/old-movies.html
Valentine Movie Idea : Along Came Polly
See Movie Preview : Along Came Polly
by Britt Gillette
Over the past decade, Ben Stiller has displayed a propensity for producing blockbuster comedies, and Along Came Polly is a fun and enjoyable comedy. Although not on the hilarity level of There's Something About Mary, Meet The Parents, or Zoolander - Along Came Polly is nonetheless a funny film (and it's certainly better than the horrid Duplex fiasco with Drew Barrymore). Ben Stiller again plays the role of the nice guy, but this time with a neurotic twist. As a result, the audience still likes his character, just perhaps not as much as some of Stiller's previous roles. But with some hilarious comedy sequences and good one-liners, Along Came Polly manages to keep its viewers entertained quite nicely...
Ben Stiller plays the role of Reuben Feffer, an insurance man who avoids risk in every aspect of his life. Measuring everything from the probability of falling through a sidewalk grate to the odds of a piano falling on one's head, he calculates every decision he makes. Following his wedding to Lisa Kramer (Debra Messing), Reuben is devastated when (avoiding the risk of scuba diving), he catches his new bride having an affair with a scuba instructor on their honeymoon. Forced to reevaluate his life, Reuben determines that he needs to take on more risk in his life.
With the help of his friend Sandy, Reuben gets out into the public arena once again, where he runs into former junior high school classmate Polly Prince (Jennifer Aniston). Polly is the exact opposite of Reuben in almost every way, and he decides to pursue her so as to have more fun in his life. Everything goes well until Lisa returns hoping to win Reuben back, and Polly discovers that Reuben ran a risk analysis on their relationship, determining that Polly was a good risk to take. Now Reuben must decide what to do with his life...
Jennifer Aniston, in her role as Polly Prince, turns in another great performance as a leading character's girlfriend (Office Space and Bruce Almighty). Playing a character whose attitude, demeanor, and life are the total opposite of Stiller's, the two Hollywood mainstays are able to save an otherwise adequately written screenplay. Some of the more hilarious scenes involve Reuben's has-been actor friend Sandy Lyle (Philip Seymour Hoffman) who continues to live off of his short-lived fame as "the kid with the bagpipes" in a 1980's movie similar to The Breakfast Club. In one scene, Sandy also "sharts" (a fart that's a little bit more than a fart), forcing Reuben to leave a party prematurely.
Overall, Along Came Polly is a fun and entertaining film that's well worth the time spent. Although Ben Stiller and Jennifer Aniston have both made better films, it does have its high points. Movie-goers will find this to be a good, light-hearted romantic comedy with Jennifer Aniston and Ben Stiller stealing the show. Because of its headline talent and some good one-liners, Along Came Polly makes the cut as a highly recommended, must-see movie.
About the Author
Britt Gillette is a movie reviewer for The DVD Report, a dvd review blog where this Along Came Polly Review can be found.
by Britt Gillette
Over the past decade, Ben Stiller has displayed a propensity for producing blockbuster comedies, and Along Came Polly is a fun and enjoyable comedy. Although not on the hilarity level of There's Something About Mary, Meet The Parents, or Zoolander - Along Came Polly is nonetheless a funny film (and it's certainly better than the horrid Duplex fiasco with Drew Barrymore). Ben Stiller again plays the role of the nice guy, but this time with a neurotic twist. As a result, the audience still likes his character, just perhaps not as much as some of Stiller's previous roles. But with some hilarious comedy sequences and good one-liners, Along Came Polly manages to keep its viewers entertained quite nicely...
Ben Stiller plays the role of Reuben Feffer, an insurance man who avoids risk in every aspect of his life. Measuring everything from the probability of falling through a sidewalk grate to the odds of a piano falling on one's head, he calculates every decision he makes. Following his wedding to Lisa Kramer (Debra Messing), Reuben is devastated when (avoiding the risk of scuba diving), he catches his new bride having an affair with a scuba instructor on their honeymoon. Forced to reevaluate his life, Reuben determines that he needs to take on more risk in his life.
With the help of his friend Sandy, Reuben gets out into the public arena once again, where he runs into former junior high school classmate Polly Prince (Jennifer Aniston). Polly is the exact opposite of Reuben in almost every way, and he decides to pursue her so as to have more fun in his life. Everything goes well until Lisa returns hoping to win Reuben back, and Polly discovers that Reuben ran a risk analysis on their relationship, determining that Polly was a good risk to take. Now Reuben must decide what to do with his life...
Jennifer Aniston, in her role as Polly Prince, turns in another great performance as a leading character's girlfriend (Office Space and Bruce Almighty). Playing a character whose attitude, demeanor, and life are the total opposite of Stiller's, the two Hollywood mainstays are able to save an otherwise adequately written screenplay. Some of the more hilarious scenes involve Reuben's has-been actor friend Sandy Lyle (Philip Seymour Hoffman) who continues to live off of his short-lived fame as "the kid with the bagpipes" in a 1980's movie similar to The Breakfast Club. In one scene, Sandy also "sharts" (a fart that's a little bit more than a fart), forcing Reuben to leave a party prematurely.
Overall, Along Came Polly is a fun and entertaining film that's well worth the time spent. Although Ben Stiller and Jennifer Aniston have both made better films, it does have its high points. Movie-goers will find this to be a good, light-hearted romantic comedy with Jennifer Aniston and Ben Stiller stealing the show. Because of its headline talent and some good one-liners, Along Came Polly makes the cut as a highly recommended, must-see movie.
About the Author
Britt Gillette is a movie reviewer for The DVD Report, a dvd review blog where this Along Came Polly Review can be found.
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