Baked Zucchini Sticks and Sweet Onion Dip

Yield: about 3 dozen zucchini sticks, and 1 1/2 cups dip

Sweet Onion Dip:

1 tablespoon butter
1 medium sweet onion, about 1/2 pound, peeled and sliced
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
1 cup mayonnaise
salt and pepper to taste

1. Melt the butter in a medium frying pan over moderate heat, and add the sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften, then caramelize. This should take between 10 and 15 minutes. The lower the heat, the longer it takes, but the less likely you are to burn the onions.
2. Once the onions are a medium brown, remove from the heat and add the vinegar.
3. Place the onions and vinegar into a small food processor. Add the honey and mustard, and process or blend until smooth.
4. Add the mayonnaise and salt and pepper to taste, stirring to combine. Refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve.

Zucchini sticks:

3 medium zucchini, unpeeled, cut into 3"-long stick
1 tablespoon salt
1 cup Panko bread crumbs
scant 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Pizza Seasoning or mixed Italian herbs
olive oil spray
1/2 cup egg substitute; or 2 large eggs; or 3 egg whites, lightly beaten

1. Place the zucchini sticks in a colander over a bowl and sprinkle with the tablespoon of salt. Let the zucchini drain for 1 hour or longer; rinse and pat dry.
2. Combine the Panko, Parmesan, and pizza seasoning; set aside.
3. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment, and spray the parchment with olive oil.
4. Dredge sticks a few at a time in the egg, then roll in the crumb mixture. Place the sticks on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake sticks for 12 minutes, turn over, and bake for an additional 8 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.
6. Serve immediately, with sweet onion dip.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread

Yield: 1 loaf

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 cups strawberries, rinse, dried and chopped

1. Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. With electric mixer cream butter, sugar and cream cheese until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla.
3. In separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Blend flour mixture with butter mixture just until blended. Add buttermilk and only stir until just combined; do not over mix.
4. Carefully fold in strawberries. Dough mixture will be thick.
5. Bake in a 350°F oven for 50 to 60 minutes.

Mint Oreo Cupcakes

Serves: 24

For the cupcakes:

24 Mint Oreos
Box Chocolate Cake Mix
1 stick of butter, melted
1 cup water
3 eggs

1. Preheat oven to 350. Line 24 muffin tins with cupcake liners. Place a Oreo in the bottom of each liner.
2. In the bowl of a mixer, combine cake mix, melted butter, water and eggs. Beat on low for one minute. Scrape sides of bowl and increase speed to high. Beat for another minute.
3. Fill muffin tins 2/3 full and bake for about 15 minutes or until tops spring back when lightly touched. Allow to cool completely on a cooling rack before serving.

For Frosting:

15 Mint Oreos, crushed completely into superfine crumbs
4 sticks of butter, softened
4 Tablespoons milk
8 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons mint extract

1. In the bowl of a mixer, beat butter, milk, and extracts on low speed until smooth and combined. Slowly add powdered sugar and beat on low until just mixed. Increase speed to medium high and beat for 2 minutes. Add cookie crumbs and beat on low until well combined.
2. Pipe frosting on cupcakes and top with an extra Oreo, if desired.

Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ready In: 9-13 minutes
Serves: Makes about 2 dozen VERY LARGE Cookies

2 sticks softened butter
3/4 Cup packed light brown sugar
1 Cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 Tablespoon pure vanilla
3 1/2 Cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
10 oz bag chocolate chips
1 bag Oreo Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 
2. In a stand or electric mixer cream butter and sugars until well combined. Add in eggs and vanilla until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl mix the flour, salt and baking soda. 
4.  Slowly add to wet ingredients along with chocolate chips until just combined. 
5. Using a cookie scoop take one scoop of cookie dough and place on top of an Oreo Cookie. Take another scoop of dough and place on bottom of Oreo Cookie. Seal edges together by pressing and cupping in hand until Oreo Cookie is enclosed with dough. 
6.  Place onto a parchment or silpat lined baking sheet and bake cookies 9-13 minutes or until cookies are baked to your liking. 
7. Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling rack. 
8. Serve with a tall glass of milk, enjoy!

Cheesecake Cookie Cups

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ready In: 1 hour 45 minutes
Serves: 12

12 pieces NESTLE® TOLL HOUSE® Refrigerated Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar Dough (or equivalent)

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Paper-line 12 muffin cups.
3. Place one piece of cookie dough in each muffin cup.
4. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until cookie has spread to edge of cup.
5. Beat cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, egg and vanilla extract in medium bowl until smooth.
6. Pour about 3 tablespoons cream cheese mixture over each cookie in cup.
7. Bake for additional 15 to 18 minutes or until set.
8. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.
9. Top with pie filling.
10. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

Banana Bread II

Cook Time: 60 minutes
Serves: 1 loaf

1/2 cup margarine

1 cup sugar

2 large eggs

1/2 cup buttermilk

2 mashed bananas (large, ripe)

1 3/4 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

i teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

1. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and bananas, mix well.
2. Sift flour with baking soda and baking powder.
3. Add sifted ingredients, alternately with buttermilk.
4. Mix in vanilla and nuts.
5. Bake in greased and floured pan at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes.
6. Test with toothpick to see when done.

Rich Chocolate Pound Cake

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Ready In: 1 hour 10 minutes
Serves:12 to 16

2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups packed light brown sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup milk

1. Preheat oven to 350º F. Grease 12-cup Bundt pan.
2. Microwave 1 1/2 cups morsels in medium, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on HIGH power for 1 minute; Stir. The morsels may retain some of their original shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, stirring just until morsels are melted. Cool to room temperature.
3. Combine flour, baking powder and salt in medium bowl.
4. Beat sugar, butter and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy.
5. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
6. Beat in melted chocolate.
7. Gradually beat in flour mixture alternately with milk.
8. Spoon into prepared Bundt pan.
9. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in cake comes out clean.
10. Cool in pan for 30 minutes. Invert cake onto wire rack to cool completely.
11. Microwave remaining morsels in heavy-duty plastic bag on HIGH power for 45 seconds; knead bag. Microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, kneading until smooth. Cut a small hole in corner of bag; squeeze to drizzle over cake.

Banana Mini-Chip Muffins

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ready In: 35 minutes
Serves: 48 mini muffins

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 medium ripe bananas, mashed
1 large egg
2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) semi-sweet mini chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease 48 mini-muffin cups.
2. Combine flour, baking powder and salt in medium bowl.
3. Beat butter, sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy.
4. Beat in bananas and egg.
5. Gradually beat in flour mixture; stir in chocolate chips.
6. Spoon batter evenly into prepared cups, filling 2/3 full.
7. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
8. Cool 10 minutes in pans on wire rack.
9. Remove to wire rack to cool completely.

Banana Bread

Cook Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes
Serves: 1 loaf

1 cup granulated sugar
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 large eggs
3 ripe bananas
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Butter a 9x5x3 inch loaf pan.
2. Cream the sugar and butter in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. In a small bowl, mash the bananas with a fork. Mix in the milk and cinnamon.
4. In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
5. Add the banana mixture to the creamed mixture and stir until combined. Add dry ingredients, mixing just until flour disappears.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Set aside to cool on a rack for 15 minutes. Remove bread from pan, invert onto rack and cool completely before slicing.

Sugar Cookies

Serves: 4 dozen

5 sticks of butter, softened

2/3 cup sugar

2 eggs, well beaten

1 tsp. vanilla

2 cups sifted flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1. Put butter in a bowl. Add sugar gradually. Add beaten eggs and vanilla.
2. Add sifted dry ingredients.
3. Chill dough for several hours or overnight.
4. Roll out dough on flour covered board to desired thickness. The thicker the dough, the softer and thicker the cookie. The thinner the dough, the crispier and thinner the cookie.
5. Cut out desired shapes and bake on greased cookie sheet at 350 - 375 for 8 to 10 minutes.

Pumpkin Pancakes

Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Ready In: 40 Minutes
Serves: 6

2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 egg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons vinegar

1. In a separate bowl, mix together the milk, pumpkin, egg, oil and vinegar. Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, allspice, cinnamon, ginger and salt, stir into the pumpkin mixture just enough to combine.
2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

Crackle Top Molasses Cookies

Serves: 24

2/3 cup vegetable oil
1 cup white sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/3 cup white sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl mix oil and 1 cup of sugar. Add egg, beat well. Stir in molasses, 2 cups flour, baking soda and spices. If necessary, add more flour to make a firm dough.
3. Shape dough into 1 1/4 inch balls. Roll in 1/3 cup sugar. Place 3 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until tops crack. Remove from baking sheet and cool on rack.

Peanut Butter Brownies

Serves: 12

1/2 cup peanut butter
4 tablespoons butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup salted peanuts, chopped

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (150 degrees C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter and butter. Add the brown sugar, vanilla and eggs and beat until light and fluffy. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Add to the butter mixture and mix until well blended. Stir in the peanuts.
3. Spread batter evenly into pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Let cool on wire rack and cut into 2-inch squares.

French Egg and Bacon Sandwich

Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes
Ready In: 20 Minutes
Serves: 2

4 eggs
4 slices bread
4 slices bacon
1/2 cup maple syrup

1. Dip bread slices in two beaten eggs. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Cook until browned on both sides. Set aside but keep warm.
2. Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain and set aside. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in pan and fry remaining two eggs.
3. Place one piece of French toast on each of two plates. Place the fried eggs on top of the bread, top the eggs with strips of bacon. Cover with the remaining pieces of French toast. Following that by pouring on the syrup.

Country Quiche

Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes
Ready In: 1 Hour
Serves: 8

8 slices bacon
1 small onion, chopped
4 eggs
2 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
salt and pepper to taste
1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain (reserving 1 tablespoon of grease) crumble bacon and set aside. Heat reserved bacon grease in skillet and saute onion until soft.
3. In a large bowl, beat together eggs, milk, flour, parsley, thyme, salt and pepper. Add bacon, onion, mozzarella and cheddar cheese; mix well. Pour mixture into pie crust.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until lightly brown on top and firm in the middle. Serve warm.

Chocolate Banana Cream Cake

Serves: 12

1 (18.25 ounce) package Devils Food Cake
2 large eggs
2/3 cup Canola Oil
1 3/4 cups milk, divided
1 (1 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon imitation banana extract
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (11.75 ounce) jar Hot Fudge Topping
2 large bananas
1 teaspoon lemon juice

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray bottom of a 9-inch round springform pan with no-stick cooking spray.
2. Blend cake mix, eggs, oil and 3/4 cup milk in a medium bowl until moistened. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan. Bake 38-42 minutes. Cool completely.
3. Blend pudding mix with 1 cup cold milk. In another bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Mix in pudding and banana extract. Blend in whipped topping. Remove 1 cup and reserve. Stir 2/3 cup fudge topping in small bowl until of spreading consistency. Slice bananas 1/4-inch thick. Dip 3 slices in lemon juice. Cover and reserve for garnish.
4. Remove cake from pan. Cut in half horizontally. Cover bottom layer with fudge topping. Top with sliced bananas and remaining 3 cups pudding mixture. Cover with top cake layer. Spread 1 cup reserved pudding onto center of cake. Place 2 tablespoons fudge topping into a corner of a 1-quart resealable bag. Knead. Cut small corner off bag. Drizzle fudge topping over top of cake. Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Garnish with reserved banana slices just before serving.

Salmon Patties

Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes
Ready In: 1 Hour
Serves: 6

1/2 pound salmon
1 red potato, peeled and chopped
1 shallot, minced
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup cornflake crumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and lightly grease a small baking dish.
2. Place salmon in the prepared baking dish, cover, and bake 20 minutes, or until easily flaked with a fork.
3. Place potato in a small saucepan with enough water to cover, and bring to a boil. Cook 15 minutes, or until tender. Drain and mash.
4. In a medium bowl, mix salmon, potato, shallot, egg, and bread crumbs. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Place the cornflake crumbs in a small bowl. Form the salmon mixture into 1 inch balls, and roll in the cornflakes to coat.
5. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Press the balls into patties, and fry 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

Out Of This World Spaghetti and Meatballs

Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 1 Hour
Ready In: 1 Hour 15 Minutes
Servings: 8

3 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 cup chopped onion
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 (16 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
3 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
1 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano, divided
1 dried bay leaf
salt and pepper to taste
1 pound ground round
1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 (16 ounce) package uncooked spaghetti

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, and cook the onion until lightly brown. Mix in 2 cloves garlic, and cook 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, sugar, 1/2 the oregano, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer while preparing meatballs.
2. In a bowl, mix the ground round, bread crumbs, remaining oregano, remaining garlic, parsley, eggs, and cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Roll into 1 inch balls, and drop into the sauce. Cook 40 minutes in the sauce, or until internal temperature of meatballs reaches a minimum of 160 degrees F (72 degrees C).
3. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil, and stir in the spaghetti. Cook 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente, and drain. Serve the meatballs and sauce over the cooked spaghetti.

Restaurant Style Lasagna

Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes
Ready In: 1 Hour 10 Minutes
Serves: 8

9 lasagna noodles
2 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 pound lean ground beef
2 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons white sugar
salt and pepper to taste
3 (6.5 ounce) cans tomato sauce

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add lasagna noodles and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
3. To make filling- Combine in a bowl: ricotta cheese, mozzarella, parmesan and eggs.
4. To make sauce- In a skillet, brown the ground beef until cooked through; drain grease. Combine in skillet, browned ground beef, oregano, basil, garlic powder, sugar, salt, pepper and tomato sauce. Heat through and stir.
5. In a 9x13 inch pan, alternate layers of cooked lasagna noodles, sauce, and filling, making 3 layers total. If desired, top with more mozzarella cheese. Bake for 40 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.

Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Serves: 8

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 cup chocolate milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

1. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
2. In another bowl, beat the egg, milk, oil, vanilla and chocolate chips. Add to dry ingredients and mix well.
3. Pour batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto a lightly greased hot griddle (stir the batter before pouring each batch). Turn when bubbles form on top of pancakes. Cook until the second side is brown.