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[moreluck]

Apple Bran Muffins


This SERVES 24 , 2 dozen muffins

• 2 large golden delicious apples, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup butter, cubed
• 3 cups all-bran cereal
• 1 cup boiling water
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 cup raisins
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

1. In a skillet, saute apples in butter until tender, about 10 minutes. Combine cereal and water in a large bowl; stir in buttermilk, eggs, sugar, raisins and apples with butter. Combine dry ingredients; stir into apple mixture just until moistened. Refrigerate in a tightly covered container for at least 24 hours (batter will be very thick). Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake at 400° for 20-25 minutes or until muffins test done. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Yield: about 24 standard-size muffins. Editor's Note: Batter can be stored in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

[moreluck]

(Sloppy Joes)

SERVES 4 -6

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup catsup
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 6 sandwich buns

1. Brown beef in skillet.
2. Drain grease.
3. Combine remaining ingredients and pour over beef.
4. Mix well.
5. Simmer slowly for 10 to 15 minutes.
6. Serve on your choice of rolls. (I like onion or potato rolls with this).

[moreluck]

Cuban Crushed Potatoes

Ingredients

• 4 new potatoes
• 1 TBS olive oil
• 1 garlic clove crushed
• 1 TBS chives chopped
• 1 salt; to taste
• 1 pepper; to taste
• 2 TBS grated cheese I used Pepper Jack
• 1 TBS Parmesan
• 1 Herbs of choice; optional

Preparation


Wash potatoes well and place in salted water.Bring to boil and cook till fork tender (15-20 minutes).
Mix oil with crushed garlic clove....and any herbs you like. Set aside.Line a baking sheet with parchment. Place the potatoes on the parchment. Using a potato crusher, crush the potatoes carefully. You may also use a paper towel and press the potatoes with your palm. Just be gentle.Sprinkle some salt and pepper. Add some Parmesan/Pepper Jack cheese and chives.Broil for 7-10 minutes or until nice and crispy.Sprinkle with additional chives. Sometimes, I bake the potatoes

[klein]

Moreluck, sorry to invade here, too .
But, thought, I should pass this on. :

Five reasons why olive oil is the ultimate healthy fat

Posted Fri, Oct 26, 2007

Whether in Rome or at home, do as the Romans do: Make olive oil a staple. If you already eat the Mediterranean way, you know that the oil not only tastes good but that it is good for you. It's an amazing source of antioxidants, capable of dousing inflammation, defending cells from menacing molecules, and more. Here's the latest on this superhero food.
IT CUTS YOUR CANCER RISK
Olive oil's cancer-preventing powers are lab legends. Which substances get the credit? Polyphenols, for one -- these potent plant antioxidants protect against cancer-causing cell damage. But it also looks like the oil's monounsaturated fat has anti-cancer effects, which means olive oil packs quite a one-two punch! Some people-proof: Check the lower rates of breast, ovarian and prostate cancer among Southern Europeans -- whose diets flow with olive oil -- compared to their northern neighbors.
IT HELPS YOUR HEART
There's virtually nothing better than the big "double O" when it comes to your heart. Olive oil ups good HDL cholesterol, lowers bad LDL, and reduces other harmful blood fats (triglycerides). And that's not all. It also reduces inflammation, another contributor to cardiovascular disease.
IT KEEPS YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE DOWN
Speaking of your heart, how's your blood pressure? If it's not below 120/80, you need to get it there. And yes, olive oil plays a role. It can help enough to reduce the need for daily meds. Those potent polyphenols appear to dilate arteries, which brings blood pressure down. (Always choose extra-virgin olive oil, by the way -- its minimal processing preserves the maximum number of antioxidants and heat-sensitive vitamins.)
IT HELPS YOU LOSE WEIGHT
"Great taste, less filling" -- that light beer slogan rings true for olive oil. While ounce for ounce, all oils have the same calories, olive oil has a fuller flavor so less is needed for tantalizing taste. Plus research shows that overweight people who eat a diet with some fat -- including olive oil -- are more likely to shed pounds than those who slash fat. Why? Oil's rich flavor makes it easier to stick with the program.
IT EASES YOUR ACHING HEAD
If you're prone to headaches and wary of overdoing ibuprofen, try routinely dressing your salad or crisp-tender veggies in extra-virgin olive oil. It contains oleocanthal, a natural compound that, like ibuprofen, blocks pain-producing and inflammatory substances -- but without the risk of stomach upset. While daily oleocanthal doses aren't the painkiller's complete equal, they could lower your risk for heart disease, cancer, arthritis and possibly Alzheimer's. Quite a trade-off.

[moreluck]

Good info. I always use E.V.O.O. (extra virgin olive oil)

[klein]

Originally Posted by moreluck

Good info. I always use E.V.O.O. (extra virgin olive oil)

Same here, over $10 a bottle most times, but well worth it !
Just looked at my bottle, Safeway O organic brand (imported from Italy).

In Italy, they actually use it as breadspread, instead of butter or magarine.
I don't go that far, though. LOL

[moreluck]

Pour some olive oil in a plate, then pour a bit less of balsamic vinegar....dip crusty Italian bread in the mixture.....delish !!

[moreluck]

Beef Chili with Beans

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable or corn oil
• 2 cups chopped onions - cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1 cup chopped bell pepper (red, yellow or green) - cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic (or pressed through garlic press)
• 4 tablespoons chili powder (Spice Islands brand adds great flavor)
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 pounds ground beef (preferably coarse ground & 85 percent lean)
• 2 cans (15 oz each) red kidney beans - drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes - with juice
• 1 can (28 oz) tomato puree
• Tablespoon salt

Preparation


Heat oil in a large heavy-bottomed nonreactive saucepot or Dutch oven mediun heat. When oil is shimmering, add the onions, bell pepper, garlic, chili powder, cumin, coriander, pepper flakes, oregano, and cayenne. (Dry seasonings are added at the beginning with the onions so the spices release their oils and the vegetables have enough time to absorb all the flavors.) Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and lightly colored, about 10 minutes.
Increase heat to medium-high, add half the beef and lightly season with about 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink and just beginning to brown, roughly 4 to 5 minutes. Add remaining beef and lightly season again with about 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, another 4 to 5 minutes.
Add beans, tomatoes and their juices, tomato puree, and about 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Remove lid and continue to simmer for another hour, stirring occasionally, until meat is tender and chili is slightly thickened (if chili begins to stick to bottom of pot, stir in 1/2 cup water and continue to simmer). Taste and, if necessary, adjust seasoning with salt. Remove from heat and serve, or refrigerate, and serve the next day. To serve, ladle into bowls, and top with your favorite condiments.
Makes about 8 to 10 servings.

[moreluck]

Pistachio Crusted Salmon

You can use different nuts such as walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds etc. You may also use a different fish such as Chilean Sea Bass, Trout etc. Seafood Magic is a seasoning by Chef Paul Prudhomme. Get his seasonings if you can find them - You may sub Old Bay instead but it won't have the same flavor, though still fantastic!
by Suzy_Q
20 min | 10 min prep


SERVES 2

• 2 (6-8 ounce) salmon steaks
• 2-3 teaspoons seafood, magic seasoning blend
• 1/2 cup pistachios, shelled
• 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 lemon, juice of

1. Generously sprinkle both sides of salmon with Seafood Magic (about 2-3 teaspoons total).
2. Put pistachios and olive oil in a food processor and grind.
3. Evenly distribute the crushed nuts on both sides of the salmon, pressing in with your fingers.
4. Melt the butter in a large skillet and add the juice of 1/2 a lemon.
5. Add salmon steaks to the skillet over medium heat, cooking each side for 3-5 minutes.
6. Turn off heat and keep covered in the skillet until ready to serve.
7. Season the salmon steaks with the juice of the other 1/2 of lemon.

[moreluck]

Pasta Fagioli

8 bacon strips. Chopped
2 onions fine chopped
6 cups chicken broth
2 oz. White wine
¼ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon parsley
½ teaspoon basil
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup grated cheese (Romano or Parmesan)
3 cloves garlic fine chopped
1 29oz. Can crushed tomatoes
1 15 ½ oz. Can great northern beans
8 oz. Ditalini pasta

Saute bacon and onion in olive oil in large pot.
When brown add garlic.
Add wine, seasonings, chicken broth, and tomatoes.
Bring to boil, then simmer 5 minutes.
Add beans and cheese, simmer 3 minutes more.
Add cooked pasta and serve.
You should follow the recipe exactly at least the first time, after you got it down you can change it to your taste.

[klein]

Which one should you pick?

Learn how to pick the lesser of two evils when unhealthy foods are your only options. Choices may surprise you

[OldUPSDriver]

Whether you eat meat or not, you can appreciate this great recipe.


Gracie Allen's Classic Roast Beef Recipe



I'm sending this to people who know who Gracie Allen was and who can appreciate a good recipe.

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Gracie Allen's Classic Recipe for Roast Beef

1 large Roast of beef
1 small Roast of beef

Take the two roasts and put them in the oven.
When the little one burns, the big one is done.