Fantasy Island bars are the tropical version of the famous Magic Cookie Bars, starring Pineapple, Macadamia Nuts, and Coconut. Make sure to save one for yourself because they will be gobbled up quickly.
Make Ahead
Enchiladas with Three Pepper Sauce
I have been making these Enchiladas with Three Pepper Sauce for years. They are similar to Enchiladas Verde or Enchiladas Suizas. Even though there are three different types of peppers in the sauce, Pablano, Anaheim, and Jalapeño, the sauce is very mild. Because the peppers and tomatoes are charred, the flavor is really spectacular.
Chocolate-Dipped Peppermint Fudge for Valentines
Chocolate-Dipped Peppermint Fudge is a great treat at any time of year. You may find yourself with extra candy canes at Christmas or be looking for a fun gift for Valentine's Day. Look no further!
Cranberry Cream Cheese Salad Ring
I don't know why people insist on buying the cranberry sauce in the can. Making cranberry sauce from scratch is almost as easy as opening the can. In some cases, when your can opener refuses to play well with the can, it's even easier! Sugar, cranberries and water, how simple is that? In addition, you get the fun of listening to the berries as they pop like popcorn. How cool is that?
Ah, but I can't leave well enough alone. I have to make something special for Thanksgiving, so I'm going to doll my cranberry sauce up, put it into a ring mold, and have a lovely presentation.
When I was a little girl, going to my Uncle Bob's house for Thanksgiving, he made the most wonderful cranberry ring with cream cheese. I loved it but never got the recipe. When I asked him about it, he said he hadn't made it in so many years he had forgotten how to make it and never wrote it down. I've looked all over the Internet, but, alas no joy. So, today, I'm going to attempt to make a similar side dish. Wish me luck!
Bacon Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms
Bacon Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms are an appetizer that's easy on your time and easy on your wallet.
Strawberry Torpedoes - Balsamic Infused Mocha Stuffed Strawberries
I recently joined a great MeetUp, Entrepreneurs Professionals Glendale, and wanted to bring something nice for everyone to share. One of the members, Aron Ganz of Ganz Media gave the berries their name, Strawberry Torpedoes, a much shorter name, and I am grateful for that!
This is a group of entrepreneurs and professionals, who own small to medium businesses. We are not drones of the corporate world, and realize that even though being self-employed has its difficulties, it has huge rewards. Our group, led by Lynn Sarkany of MarketFinders, meets to exchange ideas to help our businesses, share stories, and network with each other. If you are a like-minded individual, you might consider joining us. Please visit Entrepreneurs and Professionals to find out more.
I had recently found a whole bunch of baking chocolate on sale, had some strawberries and a package of cream cheese. But, instead of making the Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Dipped Strawberries that I made last time, I thought I would add a little more adult flavor to the dish.
I added cocoa, coffee, vanilla, almond and cinnamon to the cream cheese filling, and I injected the berries with balsamic vinegar. When you bite into these berries, they explode flavor into your mouth.
Nancy's Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Fingerling Potatoes
This is just the simplest, best-tasting chicken. A former Pan Am stewardess gave me the recipe - you know it's got to be good!
Juniper Pickled Beets and BBQ Meatloaf for Cruise Night 2013
Recipes in this Post
Every year, Glendale, California closes off its main street, the Brand Boulevard of Cars. Beautifully kept antique cars park up and down the street, some with their hoods up, so everyone can enjoy them. Spane and I have been going to Cruise Night since before he was born - I say that because I even went when I was pregnant with him. As usual I like to cook something special for Cruise Night dinner, mainly because even though there are hamburgers and hot dogs available, I would rather have my own fresh food, and save money for a treat for Spane.
I love beets, I mean I really, really love beets. So does Spane. We like them plain, pickled, cold, hot, red beets, orange beets, any beets! Beets are very good for you, and studies have shown it can prevent liver, heart and muscle diseases. This is not the same thing as a Sugar Beet, which although is in the same family, almost all sugar beets are genetically modified, and used to make sugar.
Hot Dogs Covered with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese
Hot Dogs covered with mashed potatoes and cheese is such a comforting food. It's also easy and quick to get on the table. A favorite for kids 2 to 92, it's great with a salad and a good pilsner.
Ascencia Salad - Tuna, Broccoli and Bean Salad
You never know what life is going to give you, and tonight, the very first night of the New Year, I received something that made my heart leap with joy. I got to cook dinner for 40 people!
When the guest chef did not arrive, I asked if I could cook dinner, and my friend said, "Yes". First I looked in the pantry, and was amazed to not find any of the things I usually have in my pantry, like onions, or potatoes. There was a lot of pasta, and a lot of spaghetti sauce, frozen turkey sausage, frozen garlic bread, many cans of tuna, two cans of kidney beans, one can of pinto beans, and a can of chopped tomatoes. No problem! The Good Plate to the rescue.