Wednesday's Chow - Stuffed Mushrooms

It's back, too--Wednesday's Chow. I know, ya'll have been missing my recipes, right?  Well this week's guest, Cinsearae S. (Zombie vs Vamps) is sharing one of her family,s favorites - STUFFED MUSHROOMS. I can't wait to try them!

STUFFED MUSHROOMS

Ingredients:
 

16 nice-sized mushrooms (Remove stems and save for later)
1 stick of margarine
3 tbsp. Parmesan cheese
1 small onion
3/4 cup of seasoned bread crumbs
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp Recaito (check international foods section or other similar section of store)
about 10-12 large cooked shrimp*
1 tbsp crushed garlic
3 pinches of Italian seasoning

Directions:

Chop onions until nearly fine and saute with half stick of butter until opaque. (Save remaining half of stick for later.)

In the meantime, chop up mushroom stems and shrimp until nearly fine. Add to onions. Add recaito and parmesean cheese, then cook on medium low until cheese melts. Add bread crumbs a little at a time until mixture has a 'stuffing-like' consistency.

Get a dark nonstick cookie sheet and spray lightly with cooking spray. Line up your mushroom caps in rows of four, touching. When mixture has cooled down a bit, add mixture to mushrooms. (it's okay to let them overflow a little!) Top them with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Melt remaining half of stick of margarine. Add garlic and Italian seasoning to butter and pour this evenly over the mushrooms. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, and enjoy!

*for those who do not like seafood or are allergic to shellfish, you can replace the shrimp with a bag of spinach. Cook spinach according to directions on the bag, then continue with directions above for making the mushrooms. :)

Learn more about Cinsearea and her books:

Website: http://bloodtouch.webs.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/cinsearae

Twitter: www.twitter.com/cinsearae

Bookstore: www.lulu.com/gratistavampires

Holiday Cheer - Boursin Cheese Ball

I'm really not familiar with Boursin, so I really don't know what that means..lol.  But this is a good appetizer dish to serve at a holiday buffet. 

Merry Christmas!!!

Boursin Cheese Ball

Ingredients:

1 (8-oz) pkg cream cheese, softened
1 stick butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp green onion, chopped
1 tsp parsley, chopped
½ cup finely chopped pecans

Directions:

Mix all ingredients except parsley and pecans and shape into a ball. Mix parsley and pecans together and roll ball in mixture. Serve with garlic bagels.

And the angel said unto them, "Fear not! For, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, Which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savor, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." - Luke 2:10-12

Holiday Cheer - Layered Taco Dip

Wow! One more day to shop, wrap, and finish the final touches for Christmas.  And maybe you've forgotten you need to provide a dish for the family gathering.  Here's an easy appetizer to take along.


Layered Taco Dip

Ingredients:

1 can (16-oz) refried beans
1 pkg. dry taco seasoning
1 (6-oz) carton avocado dip
1 (8-oz) carton sour cream
1 (4 ½-oz) can chopped ripe olives
2 large tomatoes, diced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 (16-oz) jar picante sauce

Directions:

Combine beans and dry seasoning mix. Spread bean mixture evenly in a 12X8X2-inch dish. Layer remaining ingredients in order listed. Refrigerate at least an hour before serving. Serve with chips.

Merry Christmas!

Wednesday Chow - Smoked Turkey and Strawberry Spinach Salad

As promised, here's a recipe from the prize for this month's drawing : Smucker's Best Loved Recipes.  (ISBN 1-4127-2341-1) Just leave a comment on any post to be eligible to win.

Smoked Turkey and Strawberry Spinach Salad

Ingredients

Dressing

1/2 cup Smucker's Strawberry Jelly
2 tbls red wine vinegar
2 tsp grated lemon peel

Salad

4 cups baby spinach
2 cups cubed, cooked smoked turkey or shrimp
1 1/3 cup sliced or halved fresh strawberries
1 (11-oz) can mandarin oranges, chilled and drained
2 thin slices of red onion, separated into rings

Directions:

Combine jelly, vinegar and lemon peel in small saucepan.  Cook over medium-high heat until jelly is mealted, stirring frequently.  Cool for 10 mins.

Arrange spinach, turkey, strawberries, oranges and onion rings on 4 individual salad plates.  Serve with dressing.

Anna Kathryn Lanier

Where Tumbleweeds Hang Their Hats
http://www.aklanier.com/
http://annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com/

Wednesday's Chow - Bar-b- Que Spareribs

Well, the Super Bowl is just around the corner....and for the record, I'm rooting for the Saints! It's been a long time coming and I hope they can pull it off....I thought I'd post an appetizer that would be great for a Super Bowl party....though they'd be good for any party, I think.

Which ever team you're rooting for, or even if you couldn't care less, I hope everyone has a wonderful Super Bowl Weekend!

Bar-b-Que Spareribs


Ingredients

1 ½ lbs spareribs
1-10 oz jar plum jelly
1/3 cup soy sauce
¼ cup dark corn syrup
3 tbsp minced onion
2 tsp ground ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced

Directions

Instruct butcher to cut rib section lengthwise into 2 to 2 ½ inch long pieces. Place ribs in a marinating pan.

Combine remaining ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Pour over ribs and chill for 2 hours. Place ribs in a greased 13x9x2 inch pan. Bake, uncovered at 375° for one hour.

Who are you rooting for? Or do you even care? Leave a comment to be eligible for my monthly drawing (see right for prize).

Anna Kathryn Lanier
Where Tumbleweeds Hang Their Hats
http://www.aklanier.com/

Wednesday's Chow - Marie-Nicole's Vegetable Soup

Yee Haw! Wednesday's Chow is back from it's Holiday Cheer break. The good news is - I only have to come up with a recipe once a week now, not once a day! But I did have fun with Holiday Cheer and I hope ya'll enjoyed all the recipes.

Well, since it appears that 3/4's of the country is in a deep freeze....I mean, even Houston is expected to be BELOW 32 degrees for more than 24 hours....I decided to share Marie-Nicole Ryan's Vegetable Soup recipe posted during my post for appetizers during the September Recipe Extravaganza.



Try and stay warm!

Marie-Nicole's Vegetable Soup

½ pound of lean ground beef (93% fat-free)
½ to 1 onion, chopped
1 Tsp of chopped garlic
Pint of tomato juice
Baby carrots (best to cook them about 20 minutes before adding to soup)
½ green pepper, chopped
3 medium potatoes, chopped
½ cup frozen corn
1 can green beans, drained and rinsed (to get rid of the salt)
Any other vegetables you might want
Beef stock to thin if it’s too thick.


Spices:
Worchestershire sauce—season to taste—I like a lot
1 tsp. dried oregano
¼ tsp dried basil
Sprinkle of ground thyme
2 bay leaves (remove after cooking)

While browning meat, throw in onions, garlic and pepper. Then pour off what little fat there is.
Add the rest of the ingredients. I like to rub the oregano and basil in my palms as I dump it in.
Cook in dutch oven or large soup pan for about an hour. Stir frequently and taste (of course!)
Serve with whole wheat rolls or crusty French bread. Mmmm.


Picture credit.

VOTE FOR ME - Salvation Bride

Anna Kathryn Lanier
http://www.aklanier.com/

Holiday Cheer - Mexican Pinwheels and Osyter Cracker Snack

I couldn't decide between these two recipes, so you get them both.

Mexican Pinwheels

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
8 oz sour cream
8 0z cheddar cheese, grated
1 small can chopped black olives
1 small can chopped green chilies
Garlic and seasoned salt to taste
1 pkg large flour tortillas
Picante sauce

Directions

Combine all ingredients. Spread evenly on tortillas and roll up. Place in refrigerator, covered, overnight. When ready to serve, slice into 1-inch sections and served with picante sauce.

Oyster Cracker Snack

Ingredients

1 large box oyster crackers
1 pkg Ranch dressing
1 cup oil
1 tsp garlic salt

Directions

Mix all ingredients and place in a 13x9 baking dish. Bake at 450° until all oil evaporates, about 5-10 mins, stirring occasionally.

Tomorrow's recipe: Black-eyed Peas

The Old Year has gone. Let the dead past bury its own dead. The New Year has taken possession of the clock of time. All hail the duties and possibilities of the coming twelve months! ~Edward Payson Powell

Holiday Cheer - Angels on Horseback

In A COWBOY'S DREAM, Leah hosts an annual Christmas party for her friends. One of the items she serves is Angels on Horseback.


A Cowboy’s Dream
Excerpt

Hot cider simmered on the stove filling Leah’s condo with its spicy scent. A crescendo of voices nearly drowned out the orchestrated Christmas music filtering through her stereo speakers as Leah glanced into her living room and smiled.
Nearly a dozen of her friends milled around, waiting to help her decorate her home for the Twelve Days of Christmas. She watched her friends mingle, delighted that the tradition, started several years ago, continued. Though it had sprung up because she and several girlfriends discovered they’d be alone for Christmas Eve, the gathering had grown to include boyfriends and husbands.
The timer on the oven went off and Leah removed the Angels on Horseback. She put the oysters wrapped in bacon on toasted bread, then carried the platter to her dinning room table, already laden with an array of food.
“Leah,” Betsy called. “When do we get to exchange the gifts?”
She grinned at the short, plump brunette who was impatient when it came to the gift opening.
“You know we don’t do that until the tree is decorated.” Leah glanced at the still bare evergreen. “And if you want to get to the good stuff before midnight, I suggest you get the guys busy putting on the lights.”
Betsy grinned and hurried back to the group of men, who inevitably congregated together to talk sports and cars.
Tessa, a good friend since their freshman year of college, filled a plate with food and stopped beside Leah. “You’ve been pretty quiet tonight. What’s up?”
She knew Leah better than anyone, so it wasn’t surprising she couldn’t hide her upset over Marcus from Tessa. Still, she straightened the forks on the table to delay her reply. “I haven’t had time to tell you, but I had dinner with Marcus Slade the other night.”
Her friend’s plate of food tipped and a couple of olives rolled onto the floor. “What? Oh my God! You’ve been trying to snag a date with him for a year now. What happened?”
Leah glanced around to see if anyone was listening. Satisfied they wouldn’t be overheard, she gave a quick run down of the disastrous evening. When finished, Tessa gripped her by the arm and dragged her into the relative quiet of the kitchen.
“What the hell do you mean he stopped because of your body?”
Leah gave her a scathing look. “Come on, you’ve seen pictures in the society pages of the women he’s dated. Well, I saw several of them up close and personal. I’m not built like they are and he was reminded of that when he, uh, felt me up. That’s when he stopped the seduction.” She felt the heat of a humiliation brush over her as she remembered how he’d pulled away from her less than perfect body.
Tessa put her untouched plate of food on the counter top. “So, you think he stopped seducing you because he was reminded that, what is it you always say, ‘your IQ is bigger than your bra size?’”
“Why else? My gosh, if he’d asked me, I’d have invited him into my bed right then and there. But he didn’t, he pulled away and told me we had to stop. With the constant reminders of his other dates, can you blame him?”
“You’re saying, he just wants to be friends?” Tessa pulled a glass and bottle of wine off the granite bar and poured a drink.
Leah didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “So it seems. You know guys, it’s sex or friendship...no mixing.”
She grabbed the drink out of Tessa’s hand and gulped half of the Charbonneau down.
“That was for me,” Tessa said dryly.
“I needed it more.”
“Yeah, you may be right there.”

Buy A COWBOY'S DREAM here.

A COWBOY'S DREAM is part of The Wild Rose Press' Miniature Bundle. Six holiday romances at 33% the regular price. A Cinderella Christmas by Stacy Dawn (Sweetheart); A Cowboy's Dream by Anna Kathryn Lanier (Yellow); Dragonfly Dreams by Stacey Joy Netzel (Champagne); Home For Christmas by Pam Champagne (Champagne); I Love You a Latte by Bronwyn Storm (Last Rose of Summer); Lighting The Tree by Carol Ann Erhardt (Last Rose of Summer)


Angels on Horseback

Ingredients

1/2 cup dry white wine
1 garlic clove minced
salt and pepper
12 shucked oysters, washed and dried
6 slices lean bacon

Directions

Mix the white wine, garlic, salt and pepper together. Add the oysters and marinate 10 to 20 minutes.

Preheat the broiler. Cut each bacon slice in half, and wrap each oyster with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Broil on both sides until the bacon is crisp.Keep warm on a heating tray.

Tomorrow's Recipe: Mexican Pinwheels and Oyster Cracker Snack

Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right. ~Oprah Winfrey

Holiday Cheer - Shrimp Sandwiches

Today's the last day to enter to win a Smart Women Read Romance T-shirt and TEXAS MORNING GLORY: Memorable Breakfast Recipes from Lone Star Bed and Breakfast Inns. To enter, all you need to do is leave comment. I'll draw for a winner tomorrow.

Shrimp Sandwiches

Ingredients

1 8-oz cans shrimp pieces
or ½ pound fresh boiled shrimp
8-oz package Swiss cheese, shredded
1 medium onion, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste
Mayonnaise to blend
26 pieces of bread

Directions

Chop shrimp, Swiss cheese and onion. Add seasonings and mix well. Add mayonnaise to spreading consistency. Spread on bread to make sandwiches. May also be spread on crackers and dusted with paprika.

Tomorrow's recipe: Angels on Horseback

A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other. ~Author Unknown

Holiday Cheer - Honey-Glazed Chicken Wings

Now through December 30th, I'm going to post 'appetizers' so that you'll have a nice list of recipes for your New Year's Eve Party.

CONTEST: On December 31st, I'll post my favorite black-eyed peas recipe. Pull out your own special 'must have' New Year's Day dish for a special contest (wait until December 31st to post though!!!) Post the dish or the recipe--either one--to be eligible. Just tell us what you have to have for New Year's Day. I'll draw names throughout the day for periodic prizes and one lucky person will win a virtual book bag full of Roses of Houston electronic books.

Honey-Glazed Chicken Wings

Ingredients

3 lb chicken wings
1/3 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp oil
2 tbsp chili sauce or ketchup or barbecue sauce
¼ cup honey
1 tsp salt
½ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp garlic powder or 1 clove garlic minced
¼ tsp cayenne pepper

Directions

Separate wings at joints and put into a glass pan or plastic baggie. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over chicken. Cover and refrigerate at least one hour (or overnight) turning occasionally to coat all chicken.

Heat oven to 375°. Drain chicken, reserving marinade. Place chicken on rack in foil-lined broiler pan. Bake 30 minutes. Brush chicken with reserved marinade and turn chicken. Bake for another 30 minutes.

Tomorrow's recipe: Shrimp Sandwiches

Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to. ~Bill Vaughn

Wednesday's Chow - Shrimp Spread

This is the time of the year for parties and more often than not, pot luck parties....so here's a quick appetizer to take along as your contribution.

Shrimp Spread

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup Miracle Whip
4 1/2 oz. canned shrimp (rinsed and drained)
1/3 cup minced onion
1/8 tsp. garlic salt

Combine cream cheese and Miracle Whip and mix until blended smoothly. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and chill overnight. Serve with crackers. Makes 2 cups.

Anna Kathryn Lanier
Where Tumbleweeds Hang Their Hats
http://www.aklanier.com/

Wednesday's Chow - Layered Mexican Dip

With the holiday's right around the corner, I know they're will be lots of parties and pot lucks. So here's a quick dish to take along.

Layered Mexican Dip

1 can bean dip
2 avocados
1 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 pkg. taco seasoning mix
2 diced tomatoes
6 cut-up green onions
1 small can ripe olives
shredded cheddar cheese

Using a square or oblong dish, layer the following ingredients:

First: 1 can bean dip.
Second: 2 avocados, mashed and add 1 tsp. lemon juice.
Third: combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise and 1/2 cup sour
cream with pkg. of taco seasoning mix.
Fourth: 2 diced tomatoes and 6 cut-up green onions.
Fifth: 1 small can sliced ripe olives.
Sixth: top off with grated cheddar cheese.

Dollop some sour cream on top, then sprinkle on a few olives, chopped tomatoes and green onions.

Serve with tortilla chips.

Anna Kathryn Lanier
http://www.aklanier.com/
http://annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com/

Wednesday's Chow - Cucumber Salad

Last month, I hosted a recipe extravaganza....asking commenter's to post their own recipes each week. Now, I'll start posting some of those recipes during my weekly Wednesday's Chow blog. The first week of the month, I'll post appetizers. This one comes from SiNn. I used to work in a sandwich shop that had a cucumber salad. This recipe looks very similar to that one, which I loved.

Cucumber Salad

4 to 6 fresh cucumbers depending on how much you want to make

3 or 4 cups of milk
Add salt to taste
3 teaspoons of vinegar
2 tablespoons of sugar

Garnish with green peppers and onions. Chill till cold and serve.

CONTEST REMINDERS:

For my monthly commenter blog prize, I'll give away a Smart Women Read Romance T-shirt and three romance novels....just to prove how smart you really are! too good to be true by Kristan Higgins, The Cowboy's Second Chance by Christyne Butler and To Love a Scoundrel by Kristina Cook. (okay, I pulled the books by random...the similar first tames are by chance.) Oh, I'll probably throw in one of my stories, too! To be eligible to win this prize package, just leave comments on the posts. The more you comment, the more chances to win.

On my website during the month of October is information on two contests: my monthly guest book contest and the Annual October BREAST CANCER AWARENESS Event. Prizes for both contests will be Pink Ribbon Goodie Bags. Stop by my website and learn how to enter these contests.

Anna Kathryn Laneir

Wednesday's Chow - Savory Bruschetta

This is a nice recipe for a potluck, Fourth of July gathering, or just as an appetizer for a dinner. Once again, quick, easy and delicious.

Savory Bruschetta

¼ cup olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 loaf French Bread, cut in half length-wise
1 8-oz pkg cream cheese, softened
3 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tablespoons chopped, pitted ripe olives
1 cup chopped tomatoes
¼ cup chopped fresh basil

Preheat oven 400°. Mix oil and garlic and spread over the bread. Bake 8-10 minutes, until lightly brown. Allow to cool.

Meanwhile, mix the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese until well blended. Stir in the olives. Spread mixture over the toasted French bread. Top with the tomatoes and fresh basil. Cut into 24 serving-size slices.

Anna Kathryn Lanier
Where Tumbleweeds Hang Their Hats
Heartwarming, Sensual Westerns
http://www.aklanier.com/