Cuban Pork Adobo Salad

Ingredients

4 New York (top loin) pork chops, 3/4-inch thick
2/3 cup lime juice, *
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 1/2-inch thick slices fresh pineapple, cored
5 ounces arugula, watercress, or assorted baby greens
1 14 1/2-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 small red onion, cut into thin slivers
3 tablespoons olive oil, (plus oil for the grill grate)
1 teaspoon honey

Cooking Directions

For the dressing-marinade mixture, in a small bowl whisk together lime juice, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Reserve 1/4 cup of the mixture for the dressing in the refrigerator. For the marinade, transfer remaining mixture to a self-sealing plastic bag. Add chops; seal bag and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.

Prepare a medium-hot fire with charcoal or preheat gas to medium high. Lightly oil grill grate.

Remove chops from marinade (do not pat dry), discarding marinade from the bag. Grill chops and pineapple directly over heat, turning once, until internal temperature of pork on a thermometer reads between 145 degrees F. (medium rare) and 160 degrees F. (medium), followed by a 3-minute rest , about 8 to 11 minutes.

Plate greens on 4 dinner dishes. Divide pineapple,black beans, and onion onto plates. Top with pork chops. For the dressing, whisk the 3 tablespoons of oil and honey into the reserved dressing mixture; drizzle atop salads.

Serves 4

*Cuban cooking often calls for sour orange juice, which is less sweet and more acidic than common orange juice. If you can find sour oranges, such as Seville or Bergamont, substitute this juice for the lime juice. You can also use half lime juice and half orange juice.

Serving Suggestions

For a super-quick side, warm flour tortillas on the grill or griddle pan just until heated through and cut into wedges. Serve tortilla wedges with whipped honey-butter.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 490 calories
Protein: 48 grams
Fat: 18 grams
Sodium: 860 milligrams
Cholesterol: 120 milligrams
Saturated Fat: 4 grams
Carbohydrates: 33 grams
Fiber: 6 grams

Skinny Chunky Monkey Cookies

(Makes 30 cookies)
Ingredients:
3 ripe bananas
2 cups old-fashioned oats
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Mash bananas in a large bowl, then stir in remaining ingredients. Let batter stand for approximately 20 minutes, then drop by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes.

Freezing Directions:
Cool completely, then place cookies in a freezer bag. Seal, label, and freeze.

Nutritional Information (per cookie):
47 calories; 7.5 g carbs; 1.6 g fat; 1.5 g protein; 1.3 g fiber; 1

From Trish Werzyn's Facebook Page.

Pork Pancit

Ingredients

1-(8 ounce) package thin rice noodles
1 lbs ground pork (or you can replace the pork with bite sized chicken or shrimp)
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 small head cabbage, shredded
2-4 carrots, shredded or thinly chopped
2 celery stalks, thinly cut
1 bunch green onions, chopped into 1 inch pieces
1/4 teaspoon Garlic powder
2 jalapenos diced

Directions 

1. Break rice noodles into 4" lengths. Place them in a large bowl, and cover with warm water. When soft drain, and set aside.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the pork (chicken) until no pink shows, then add shrimp. Cook until shrimp are cooked through. Season with 1/4 cup soy sauce and garlic powder. 
3. Remove from skillet and set aside. 
4. Saute the cabbage and carrots until tender. Stir in the rice noodles, green onions and remaining soy sauce. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring to mix well, then stir in the pork (chicken and shrimp) and jalapenos, and cook for 3 more minutes, or until shrimp are cooked.

Taco Ring

Ingredients

• 2 crescent roll tubes
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• 1-1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• Garnish for toppings

Directions

• Lay out the two tubes of crescent pastry, thick sides in. Use some of the left over crescent rolls to to make the center a bit thicker.
• Brown beef and add taco seasoning.
• Lay beef in a circle inside of the laid out crescent rolls
• Add cheese to the top
• Pull over crescent rolls and tuck in under meat and cheese.
• Add cheese, lettuce, tomato, black olives, sour cream, jalapenos, salsa, etc...

Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients

• 3/4 pound ground pork
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 4-6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 Tablespoon minced peeled ginger
• 1 Tablespoon Thai chile sauce
• 1 Tablespoon Asian fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon Asian sesame oil
• 1 Tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon grapeseed oil
• One 8-ounce can whole water chestnuts, drained and diced
• 2-4 scallions, thinly sliced
• 2 Tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 Tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 24 lettuce leaves

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the ground pork with the bell pepper, garlic, ginger, chile sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of the grapeseed oil.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat the remaining 1 teaspoon of grapeseed oil until shimmering. Add the pork mixture and stir-fry over high heat, breaking it up, until it is cooked through and starting to brown, about 8 minutes. Stir in the water chestnuts, scallions, oyster sauce and cilantro and remove from the heat.
3. Spoon the pork into bowls. Stack the lettuce leaves on plates. To eat, spoon the pork onto the lettuce leaves, roll up and eat. 

adapted from Food & Wine 

Italian Seafood Stew

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1 fennel bulb, cored and finely chopped
• 2 celery ribs, finely chopped
• 1 white onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon Mrs Dash Extra Spicy
• 1-1/2 pounds cleaned squid—bodies cut into 1/2-inch rings, tentacles halved
• 2 cups dry white wine
• One 28-ounce can tomato puree
• 2 lemons—zest of one peeled in strips with a vegetable peeler, zest of the other finely grated
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4-6 garlic cloves, diced
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup bottled clam broth
• 12 ounces mussels, scrubbed
• 12 ounces littleneck clams, scrubbed
• 12 ounces shelled and deveined large shrimp
• 12 ounces skinless fish fillet, cut into 2-by-1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley

Directions

1. In a very large, casserole or Dutch oven, heat the 1/2 cup of olive oil. Add the fennel, celery, onion, oregano and Mrs Dash Extra Spicy and cook over moderate heat, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened, about 15 minutes. Add the squid and garlic and cook over moderately low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Stir in the wine and bring to a boil over moderately high heat. Cook until evaporated, about 20 minutes. Stir in the tomato puree and strips of lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper and cook over very low heat, stirring occasionally, until very thick, about 40 minutes.
3. Add the water and clam broth and bring to a boil. Remove and discard the lemon zest. Season the broth with salt and pepper. Add the mussels, clams and shrimp, cover and cook until most of the shells have opened, about 5 minutes. Add the fish and cook until opaque, about 2 minutes longer.
4. In a small bowl, combine the parsley with the grated lemon zest. Spoon the stew into deep bowls and sprinkle with the gremolata. Drizzle with olive oil and serve.
5. Make Ahead The recipe can be prepared through Step 2 and refrigerated overnight. Reheat before proceeding.
6. Serve With Garlic toast.

modified from Food & Wine

Peanut Butter Noodles

Ingredients

•     1/2 cup chicken broth
•     1 1/2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger root
•     4 tablespoons soy sauce
•     3 tablespoons peanut butter
•     1 1/2 tablespoons honey
•     2 teaspoons hot chile paste (optional)
•     3 cloves garlic, minced
•     8 ounces Udon noodles
•     1/4 cup chopped green onions
•     1/4 cup chopped peanuts

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add noodles and cook until tender according to package directions. Drain.
2. Meanwhile, combine chicken broth, ginger, soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, chili paste, and garlic in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until peanut butter melts and is heated through. Add noodles, and toss to coat. Garnish with green onions and peanuts.

Basil-Chicken Thai Noodles

Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) package linguine-style stir-fry rice noodles (rice stick noodles), about 8 inches long
• 1 (18 ounce) can Progresso™ Recipe Starters™ creamy Parmesan basil cooking sauce
• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 (14 ounce) package uncooked chicken breast pieces for stir-fry
• 2 tablespoons chopped dry roasted peanuts

Garnishes, if Desired:

• Cilantro leaves (optional)
• Lime wedges (optional)

Directions

1. In saucepan, heat 4 cups water to boiling. Remove from heat; add noodles (push noodles into water with back of spoon to cover completely with water if necessary). Soak noodles 3 to 5 minutes or until noodles are soft but firm. Drain noodles; rinse with cold water. Set aside.
2. In medium bowl, beat cooking sauce, peanut butter, lime juice and soy sauce with whisk until smooth; set aside.
3. Spray 10-inch skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook and stir 4 to 5 minutes or until no longer pink in center.
4. Add sauce mixture; heat to boiling, stirring frequently. Stir in noodles until thoroughly mixed. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, tossing with 2 wooden spoons, until heated through and noodles are tender. Sprinkle with peanuts and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges. Serve immediately.

Pad Thai

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup rice wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup oyster sauce
• 1 (12 ounce) package dried rice noodles
• cold water, as needed
• 1/2 cup peanut oil
• 4 eggs
• 4-6 cloves minced garlic
• 12 ounces chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch strips
• 1/2 teaspoon Mrs Dashes Garlic and Herb
• 1 1/2 cups dry-roasted, unsalted peanuts
• 1 Tablespoon chili powder, or more to taste
• 1 Tablespoon Hot Chile oil
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh chives
• 2 cups fresh bean sprouts
• 1 lime, cut into wedges for garnish

Directions

1. Whisk together rice wine vinegar, sugar, and oyster sauce, in a saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes; remove from heat and set aside.
2. Place rice noodles in a large bowl and pour enough cold water to cover noodles. Allow to soften, about 10 minutes. Drain.
3. Heat peanut oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir eggs and garlic in hot oil until eggs are softly cooked, 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Add Hot Chile Oil. Stir chicken and noodles into eggs and cook until chicken is no longer pink in the center and juices run clear.
5. Pour rice wine vinegar sauce and season with Mrs Dashes Garlic and Herb seasoning into the noodle mixture. Saute for 2 minutes.
6. Stir peanuts and chili powder into noodle mixture; cover and cook until peanuts soften slightly, about 5 minutes. Add more sugar or chili powder, if desired.
7. Remove from heat and toss chives with noodle mixture. Top with bean sprouts and garnish with lime wedges.

Ten pounds of Hot Chicken Wings

• 10 pounds chicken wings, split
• 1/4 cup coriander seeds, crushed
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, crushed
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3/4 cup Sriracha chile sauce (or Thai Chile paste)
• 1-1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• Finely grated zest and juice of 3 limes
• 3 quarts vegetable oil, for frying 

1. In a very large bowl, toss the wings with the coriander and cumin seeds, cinnamon, kosher salt and olive oil. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Preheat the oven to 375°. Spread the wings on 3 large rimmed baking sheets and roast for about 30 minutes, until firm but not cooked through. (At this point, if you don't want to fry the wings, you can roast them for 1 hour longer, until crispy and golden.) Wash out the bowl. Add the Sriracha, butter, cilantro, lime zest and juice.
3. In a deep fryer or a very large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil to 375°.
4. Fry the wings in 4 or 5 batches until golden and crisp, about 5 minutes per batch; drain, shaking off the excess oil. As each batch is finished, add the wings to the sauce and toss well. Transfer the wings to a platter, leaving the sauce in the bowl for the remaining batches. Serve hot. 

Adapted from: http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/spicy-sriracha-chicken-wings

Salmon with Dill and Caper Sauce

• Olive oil for cooking salmon
• Mrs Dash's Table Blend
• 4 (6 oz) pieces of skinless salmon
• 1/2 cup low fat Greek yogurt
• 2 Tablespoons fresh Lemon juice
• 2 Tablespoons fresh dill (or 1 Tablespoon dried)
• 1 Tablespoon chopped capers
• salt (very optional) and pepper to taste.

1. Make sauce at least an hour before beginning cooking the salmon so the flavors blend. Whisk yogurt, lemon juice, dill and capers. Cover and put in the refrigerator.
2.  Sprinkle Mrs Dash's Table Blend seasoning on salmon and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in pan over medium heat and cook salmon on each side for 5 minutes. I always put the salmon in the microwave for 30 seconds after ward to to cook it inside a little more.
4. Top salmon with a dollop of sauce and garish with fresh dill.

Braciole

• 3-4 beef cutlets or thin round steak
• 5-6 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 red pepper, sliced thin about 1" long
• 1 green pepper, sliced thin about 1" long
• Italian Leaf Parsley
• Mrs Dash's Table Blend seasoning
• Olive oil for browning
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• String for tying (make sure it is regular old string and not some exotic plastic, polymer that is going to give you cancer if cooked!)
• Optional: use toothpicks instead of string 

Using a cutting board, cover with wax paper. Place one slice of meat on the wax paper and cover with Saran Wrap (works better than wax paper on top). Let all of your bad feelings and pent up emotions fly and pound the crap out of the meat until thin. Turn it over and pound it again. Inspect the Saran Wrap after each pounding to make sure no holes are in it, if so replace it.  Repeat with the remaining slices of meat, or until all of your frustrations have been released.

Cut pounded meat into about 3" wide and 4" long strips (depends on shape of meat) and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and Mrs Dash's seasoning.  Put slices of red and green pepper, garlic, and parsley near one end of the meat and roll up like a burrito (fold side inward where mixture is at and then roll meat down toward the other end.  Try to keep stuffing from coming out of the sides).

Tie rolled meat in the middle first and then near the end of each side, or stab a toothpick through the middle and sides like a little voodoo doll.

When all of the meat has been rolled up, heat a frying pan with olive oil and brown the meat rolls on each side. Place on to a dish if the spaghetti sauce is not yet ready and cover.  Place in spaghetti sauce to simmer.  They should simmer in the sauce for a few hours (the right way to make spaghetti sauce).

Note: Remind people eating the braciole that it is tied with string, or has lethal toothpicks in them and not to eat either. 

Parmesan Panko Mushrooms

• 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups panko (Japanese bread crumbs)
• 12 large white mushrooms, stems discarded
• 1/4 teaspoon Mrs Dash Table Blend seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon Mrs Dash Garlic and Herb seasoning
• Parmesan or Mozzarella cheese, grated

In a medium skillet, heat the oil until shimmering. In a small bowl, beat the eggs. Place the panko in a small plastic bag, add seasoning and shake until mixed. Dip each mushroom into the egg and let the excess drip off, then drop into the panko mixture into the plastic bag and shake to coat. Fry the mushrooms, 4 at a time, over moderately high heat until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Place on serving plate and grate Parmesan or Mozzarella cheese over tops of mushrooms and serve right away.

Note: I used a deep fryer to cook the mushrooms.  I put them in for 2-3 minutes, depending on how many mushrooms I put into the fryer. I think I will try Mozzarella cheese instead or Parmesan cheese next time. Plus add a little salt to the seasoning.

Caesar Salad Spears

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 7 Belgian endives
• 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• 3-4 anchovy fillets, mashed
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 cups bread crumbs - see below
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 4 small garlic cloves, smashed 

 Bread Crumbs

• 6 to 8 slices of Sourdough, French, or Italian bread
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil (optional)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons parsley, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons thyme, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon rosemary, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Mrs Dash Table Blend seasoning

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.  Cut 6 slices of the bread, including the crusts, into 1/2-inch pieces.  In a large mixing bowl, toss the diced bread with 3 Tablespoons olive oil, and the parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and Mrs Dash Table Blend seasoning.  Mix the ingredients thoroughly, so that the bread is coated with the oil and seasonings.  Bake for 8  minutes, or until lightly browned.

 Caesar Salad

1. Meanwhile, in a bowl mash the anchovies to a paste with the garlic and a pinch of salt using a spoon. Whisk in the mayonnaise, lemon zest and lemon juice, then whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Stir in the 1/4 cup of grated cheese.
2. Trim the endives and remove the 60 largest leaves from 6 of the heads. Stack the leaves and trim them to about 4 inches. Thinly slice the remaining endive, along with the trimmings of the 6 other heads (you should have about 3 cups), and toss with the dressing. Spoon the salad onto each spear and garnish with the croutons and grated cheese. Serve immediately.

Angel Hair Pasta with Squid, Mussels and Zucchini

• 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 6 garlic cloves—4 minced, 2 thinly sliced (more garlic can be added according to personal preference- I'm going with 8 cloves)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3/4 cup panko (Japanese bread crumbs)
•  Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper 
• 1/2 teaspoon Mrs. Dash Extra Spicy seasoning
• 2 pounds mussels, scrubbed
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 pound baby squid, bodies cut into thin rings
• 1 pound angel hair pasta
• 1 pound small zucchini, julienned

1. In a large, deep skillet, combine 2 tablespoons of the olive oil with the minced garlic, oregano and panko and cook over moderate heat, stirring constantly, until golden and fragrant, about 7 minutes. Season the crumbs with salt and scrape them onto a plate; wipe out the skillet.
2. In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil with the sliced garlic, Mrs Dash seasoning and crushed red pepper until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the mussels and white wine. Cover and cook until the shells have opened, about 5 minutes; discard any mussels that don't open. Add the squid to the skillet and cook just until firm, 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the seafood to a large bowl.
3. Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until barely al-dente. Drain; reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
4. Add the pasta to the skillet, along with the cooking water and the zucchini. Add the seafood and any accumulated juices and toss over moderate heat until the zucchini is cooked, about 1 minute. Transfer the pasta and seafood to bowls. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with the seasoned crumbs. Serve right away.

Slow-Cooker Sour Cream Cheesecake

• 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2-1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 
• 1 Tablespoon dark rum 
• 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt
• 12 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
• 1 cup sour cream

 Note: Once covered - DO NOT open the lid to take a look at it. The temperature must remain constant.

1. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter, rum, cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of the sugar and a pinch of salt. Press the crumbs over the bottom and 1 inch up the side of a 6-inch springform pan that's 3 inches deep.
2. In a standing mixer fitted with a paddle, combine the cream cheese with the flour, the remaining 2/3 cup of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Beat at medium-high speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the side of the bowl and add the eggs and the almond extract. Beat at medium speed until blended. Add the sour cream and beat until smooth. Pour the batter into the springform pan.
3. Fill a 6- to 7-quart round or oval slow cooker with 1/2 inch of water and position a rack in the bottom. Set the cheesecake on the rack. Cover the slow cooker with a triple layer of paper towels and the lid. Turn the cooker to high and cook for 2 hours without peeking. Turn off the heat and let stand until the slow cooker has cooled, 1 hour.
4. Remove the lid and the paper towels and transfer the cheesecake to a rack to cool to room temperature, about 1 hour. Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled, at least 4 hours.
5. Heat a sharp, thin-bladed knife under hot water; dry the knife. Carefully run the knife around the edge of the cheesecake. Release the spring and lift the cheesecake out of the mold. Cut into wedges and serve

Rum-Mocha Walnut Layer Cake

Cake

• Fine dry bread crumbs, for dusting
• 2 cups walnut halves (about 7 ounces)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch process)
• 1/2 cup cake flour
• 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
• 8 large eggs, separated
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling

• 6 large egg yolks
• 1/4 cup sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder dissolved in 1/4 cup dark rum
• 1 pound unsalted butter, softened
• 3 tablespoons coffee liqueur
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup dark rum, for brushing 
• 1/2 cup dark rum for sipping 
• 1-1/2 cups finely chopped walnuts (about 5 ounces), plus walnut halves for garnish 

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Butter two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. Butter the parchment and dust with bread crumbs, tapping out any excess. In a food processor, pulse the walnuts until finely chopped. Add the cocoa powder, cake flour and espresso powder and pulse until the walnuts are finely ground. Transfer to a bowl.
2. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the yolks at medium speed until thick and pale, 3 minutes. Beat in 2/3 cup of the sugar; increase the speed to high and beat until thick, about 5 minutes. Beat in the vanilla. In a medium bowl, using clean beaters, beat the egg whites and salt at medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/3 cup of sugar and beat at high speed until the whites are stiff and glossy. Fold the egg whites and ground walnuts into the yolk mixture in 3 batches; fold just until no streaks remain.
3. Divide the batter between the prepared pans; smooth the tops. Bake for about 20 minutes, until the cakes are golden and springy. Transfer to a rack for 10 minutes, then invert the cakes and cool completely. Peel off the parchment; turn the cakes right side up.
4. Fill a medium bowl with ice water. In a medium heatproof bowl, whisk the yolks, sugar and salt. Gradually whisk in the dissolved espresso. Place the bowl over a saucepan of barely simmering water and cook, stirring with a spatula, until the yolks are thick enough to coat the spatula and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the mixture registers 175°, about 10 minutes. Set the bowl in the ice bath and cool, stirring occasionally.
5. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter at medium speed until smooth. Beat in the yolk mixture in 4 batches, beating well between additions. Beat in the liqueur and vanilla.
6. Using a serrated knife, split each cake in half horizontally. Set a top layer, cut side up, on a cake plate; brush it with 2 tablespoons of the rum and spread with 1/2 cup of the filling. Top with a bottom cake layer; brush with 2 more tablespoons of rum and spread with another 1/2 cup of filling. Repeat with the remaining top cake layer, ending with the bottom layer, cut side down. Brush the top of the cake with the remaining 2 tablespoons of rum and spread the sides of the cake with a thin layer of filling. Spread the remaining filling on the top. Press the chopped walnuts around the side of the cake. Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight. Let the cake stand at room temperature for 15 minutes, then scatter the walnut halves on top before serving.

Make sure everyone is over 21 or has a designated driver. Server with coffee. The cake can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Hot Dog Creole

• A package of 8 good quality hot dogs like Nathan's or Hebrew National
• 1-12 oz can whole corn
• 1-15 oz can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons instant minced onions
• 1 package (5 oz) corkscrew macaroni

1. Cut hot dogs into 1/2 inch pieces.
2. Cook and stir hot dogs in a large skillet over medium heat until cooked through.
3. Stir in corn (with liquid), tomato sauce, chili powder, salt and onions.
4.  Heat until boiling. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
5. Cook macaroni as directed on package and drain.
6. Server hot dog mixture over the macaroni and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

New England Pot Roast

• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1-1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 4 pounds beef chuck pot roast
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1-5oz jar horseradish
• 1 cup water
• 8 small potatoes, cut in halves
• 8 small carrots, cut in halves
• 8 small onions (pearl onions)

1. Mix flour salt and pepper and rub mixture on the pot roast. 
2. Cook beef in olive oil in Dutch Oven over medium heat until brown (about 15 minutes)
3. Reduce heat.
4. Spread horseradish on both sides of the beef.
5. Add water, cover and simmer for about 4 hours.
6. 1 hour before the end of cooking, add vegetables and adjust seasoning.

Gravy

1. Pour beef drippings into a bowl, leaving the brown particles left behind in the Dutch Oven. 
2. Let fat rise to the top of the drippings and skim off, reserving 1/4 cup.
3. Return the reserved fat to Dutch Oven and blend in 1/4 cup flour.
4. Cook over low heat stirring constantly until mixture is smooth and bubbly.
5. remove from heat.
6. Add enough water to the beef juice to make 2 cups of the liquid.
7. Stir into the flour mixture.  Heat to boiling, stiring constantly.
8. Boil and stir one minute.
9. Adjust seasoning.

    

Beef Stew in Red Wine Sauce

• 2 pounds lean beef chuck
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Mrs Dash Table Blend
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 4-6 cloves garlic finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 bottle of red wine
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• 15 pearl onions
• 15 button mushrooms
• 15 baby carrots
• 1/4 lbs bacon slices cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1/4 cup water
• Dash of sugar
• Chopped fresh parsley 

1. Remove the skin or sinew from the top of the meat and any excess fat. Cut the meat into 8 pieces.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a cast-iron pot that is attractive enough for the table. Season meat with Mrs Dash Table Blend and cook on top of the stove over high heat for about 8 minutes, browning the meat on all sides.  Arrange in one layer in the pot.
3. Add chopped onions and garlic. Cook over moderate heat for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add 1 tablespoon of flour. Mix in well so that the flour doesn't form lumps. Stir in 1 bottle of red wine. Add 2 bay leaves, a sprig of fresh thyme, season lightly and bring to a boil. Stir well and cover.
4. Place the pot in the oven and continue to cook for about 1-1/2 hours; the meat should be soft and tender and the liquid properly reduced. The recipe can be prepared to this point up to a day ahead.
5. For the garnishes, peel 15 pearl onions, wash 15 mushrooms and peel 15 baby carrots. Boil bacon in 2 cups of water and simmer 30 minutes.
6. Combine the onions, mushrooms, carrots and bacon in a skillet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/4 cup of water and a good dash each of sugar, seasonings (to taste). Bring to a boil and simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes; at this point, there should be practically no water left. Uncover and cook over high heat, sautéing the vegetables until nicely browned on all sides, about 4 minutes.
7. To serve, mix some of the vegetables and bacon into the stew and sprinkle the rest on top as a garnish. Add a little chopped fresh parsley and serve. 

 
 

Green Jalapeño Hot Wings

• 5 pounds chicken wings, split at the joints
• Salt and freshly ground pepper(or better yet, Mrs Dash Table Blend instead)
• 1/2 cup green jalapeño hot sauce
• 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped pickled jalapeños
• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 4 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup plain nonfat yogurt
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 Tablespoon Mrs Dash Extra Spicy seasoning
• 1/2 Tablespoon Mrs Dash Garlic and Herb seasoning
• Celery sticks, for serving 

1. Preheat the oven to 500° and position 2 racks in the middle and upper third. Spread the wings out on 2 baking sheets in a single layer and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 40 minutes, turning once, until the wings are golden and crisp.
2. Meanwhile, in a mini food processor, puree the hot sauce and pickled jalapeños until smooth. In a small saucepan, cook the butter with the garlic over moderate heat just until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the puree to the saucepan and bring to a simmer. Transfer the sauce to a large bowl. Rinse out the processor.
3. Add the yogurt, mayonnaise, vinegar and seasoning to the processor and pulse until fairly smooth. Season with salt and pepper and transfer to a small bowl.
4. Using tongs, transfer the chicken wings to the bowl with the hot sauce and toss to coat. Pour the wings and any extra sauce onto a large platter and serve right away.

Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings

• 4 pounds chicken wings
• 3 tablespoons cooking oil
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 3/4 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne
• 2/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 2 scallions including green tops, chopped
• 5 teaspoons vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Tabasco sauce
• 8 ribs celery, cut into sticks

1. Heat the oven to 425°. In a large bowl, combine the wings, oil, garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons of the salt, and the cayenne. Arrange the wings in a single layer on two large baking sheets. Bake until just done, about 25 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium glass or stainless-steel bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, scallions, 1 teaspoon of the vinegar, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and the black pepper.
3. In a large bowl, combine the ketchup, the remaining 4 teaspoons vinegar, and the Tabasco sauce. Add the wings and toss to coat. Serve the wings with the celery sticks and dressing alongside.

Old Bay Hot Wings

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
• 2 pounds chicken wingettes and drumettes
• 2 1/2 tablespoons red hot sauce, preferably Frank's Red Hot
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• melted butter for rolling chicken in.

 

1. Preheat the oven to 500°. Line a large baking sheet with foil and spray with vegetable oil.
2. Melt the butter in a sauce pan.
3. In a bowl, mix the flour with the salt and Old Bay seasoning and pour into a large plastic gallon baggie.
4. Add the chicken to the butter to coat and drop into the plastic bag and shake to coat.
5. Spread the chicken on the baking sheet in a single layer and spray with vegetable oil. Roast the chicken for 45 minutes, turning once or twice, until browned and crispy.
6. In a bowl, toss the chicken wings with the hot sauce, butter and Worcestershire sauce.

Spicy Shrimp and Chorizo Kebabs

2 large garlic cloves, thickly sliced

2 teaspoons sea salt

2 teaspoons caraway seeds

2 tablespoons pure chile powder, such as ancho

1/2 teaspoon Mrs Dash Garlic & Herb

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 pounds large shrimp, shelled and deveined

8 small chorizo (about 1/2 pound total), sliced 1/2 inch thick

1. On a cutting board, using the flat side of a chef's knife, mash the garlic and salt to a coarse paste. Add the caraway seeds and finely chop them. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in the chile powder and olive oil. Add the shrimp and toss to coat.
2. Meanwhile, bring a small saucepan of water to a boil. Add the chorizo and cook over high heat for 5 minutes. Drain and pat dry. Let cool slightly.
3. Tuck a chorizo slice in the crook of a shrimp and thread onto a skewer; the shrimp should be attached at both ends. Push it to the end of the skewer and repeat with 2 more shrimp and chorizo slices. Using more skewers, repeat with the remaining shrimp and chorizo.
4. Grill the kebabs over a hot fire, turning once or twice, until charred and the shrimp are cooked through, about 5 minutes. Serve immediately.

Salmon with Cilantro-Pecan pesto

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup pecans, chopped
• 2-1/2 cups lightly packed cilantro
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 1/4 cup chicken stock or low-sodium broth
• 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 
• Mrs Dash's Garlic and Herb seasoning 
• Mrs Dash's Table Blend or Original Blend 
• Freshly ground pepper
• Four 6-ounce salmon fillets, with skin

Directions

1. Light the grill. Preheat the oven to 350°. Spread the pecans in a pie dish and toast in the oven for about 5 minutes. Let the pecans cool, then coarsely chop them.
2. In a food processor, combine the pecans with the cilantro, cheese, stock and vinegar and process to a puree. With the machine on, gradually add the olive oil in a thin stream. Season the pesto with Mrs Dash's Garlic and Herb seasoning and ground pepper.
3. Oil the grill grates. Season the salmon with Mrs Dash's seasoning and pepper and grill the fillets skin side down, over moderately high heat until nicely charred and crisp, about 4 minutes. Carefully turn the fillets and grill until just cooked through, about 3 minutes longer. Spoon the pesto onto plates. Top with the fillets, skin side up, and serve.

Make Ahead The cilantro pesto can be refrigerated overnight. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Grilled Salmon with Tomatoes and Jalapeños

Ingredients

•  6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for rubbing
• 10 jalapeños, thinly sliced crosswise and seeded
• 4 pounds ripe beefsteak tomatoes, cored and coarsely chopped
• Mrs Dash's Table Blend seasoning
• Mrs Dash's Garlic and Herb seasoning 
• One 4-1/2-pound salmon fillet in one piece, with skin
• Freshly ground pepper

Directions

1. In a large, deep skillet, heat the 6 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the jalapeños in an even layer and cook over moderately low heat, without stirring, until softened, about 6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the jalapeños to a plate.
2. Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet and cook over high heat until they release their juices, about 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tomatoes to a large bowl. Boil the tomato juices over high heat until thickened, about 8 minutes, adding any accumulated juices from the bowl. Return the tomatoes to the skillet and season with Mrs Dash's Garlic and Herb seasoning.
3. Meanwhile, light a grill. Spread out a double layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil that's 12 inches longer than the salmon fillet. Set the salmon in the center of the foil, skin side up, and rub it with olive oil. Using the short ends of the foil as handles, carefully set the salmon on the grill. Cook over moderate heat for 6 minutes.
4. Transfer the salmon to a work surface. Carefully flip the salmon fillet onto a fresh double layer of foil with the skin side down. Season with Mrs Dash's Table Blend and return the salmon to the grill and cook over low heat until the salmon is just opaque throughout, about 10 minutes longer.
5. Spoon the tomatoes and their juices onto a long serving platter. Using 2 long spatulas, carefully slide the salmon filet onto the tomatoes, leaving the skin behind, if desired. Top the salmon with the jalapeños and serve.

Fast Tip To cook the salmon even faster than grilling by broiling the fillet six inches from the heat for about 10 minutes.