tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:00:00 +0000http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Sarafina)Blogger113125SarafinasKitchenhttp://feedburner.google.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-1503097624023494604Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:00:00 +00002009-10-29T13:00:00.152-05:00appetizersRecipe courtesy of Every Day Food MagazineServes 4.Ingredients * 1/4 pound ground pork * 1 tablespoon minced chives * 1 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce * 1 1/2 teaspoons dry sherry * 1 teaspoon minced peeled fresh ginger * 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil * 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch * 20 wonton wrappers (from a 12-ounce package) * 1 tablespoon vegetable oilDirections 1. In a bowl, http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2009/10/thursday-pork-chive-potstickers.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-508994104150143342Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:51:00 +00002009-10-26T12:54:26.010-05:00soupsRecipe courtesy of Every Day Food MagazineServes 4.Ingredients * 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil * 1 large red onion, chopped * 1 garlic clove, chopped * coarse salt and ground pepper * 3 large tomatoes (about 2 pounds total), cored and chopped * 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth * 1/4 cup heavy cream * 6 slices bacon * 2 tablespoons butter, room http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2009/10/monday-tomato-soup-with-cheese-and.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-6765408532859790496Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:24:00 +00002009-10-25T16:25:23.049-05:00weekly_menusSundayChicken TetrazziniMondayTomato Soup With Cheese and Bacon ToastiesTuesdaySunday/Monday leftoversWednesdayBaked Chicken with Onions, Potatoes, Garlic, and ThymeThursdayPork & Chive Potstickers and Mushroom Sauté on Crostini with Goat CheeseFridayWednesday/Thursday leftoversSaturdayTake-outhttp://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2009/10/weekly-menu-oct-25-31.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-6267113522588444838Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +00002009-10-25T16:26:42.295-05:00main_coursesaladsPizza Bianca with Chicken, Caramelized Onions and Fontina Reciperecipe courtesy of Relish MagIngredients1 tablespoon unsalted butter1 tablespoon olive oil2 large yellow onions, halved and very thinly sliced1 tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon, fresh thyme, divided1/2 teaspoon kosher saltCoarsely ground black pepper1/4 teaspoon sugar1 (12-inch) thin pizza crust1 cup shredded Fontina cheese (4 ounces)1 1/http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2009/10/friday-pizza-bianca-hearts-of-palm.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-2131849199360544883Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +00002009-10-25T16:26:53.107-05:00main_courseShrimp and Gritsrecipe courtesy of Relish MagIngredientsGrits:1½ cups water1½ cups 2% reduced-fat milk¾ cup stone-ground grits¾ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese3 tablespoons grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese1/4 teaspoon saltCoarsely ground black pepper1/8 teaspoon Tabasco sauceShrimp:1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined6 bacon slices, chopped2 cups thickly sliced button mushrooms½ cup beer1 cup http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2009/10/wednesday-shrimp-and-grits-broccoli.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-1121403567409898251Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +00002009-10-25T16:27:04.921-05:00soupsbreadsCreamy Braising Greens Soupcourtesy of Relish MagIngredients1 slice thick-cut bacon, diced1 large onion, peeled and diced1 large carrot, peeled and diced2 garlic cloves, minced1/2 pound sausage, dried chorizo orsmoked sausage, diced6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced7 1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth2 1/2 cups mixed braising greens, such as kale, Swiss chard, mustard greens and dandelion http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2009/10/monday-creamy-braising-greens-soup.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-5351776838057885819Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +00002009-10-25T16:27:14.100-05:00main_coursesaladsShrimp Luncheon DishGreen Bean Salad(recipe courtesy of my Aunt Linda)cut green beans, drained, 1 cancelery, chopped, 1/4 cgreen onions, chopped, 1/4 csharp cheese, grated, 1/2 ccapers, 1/2 t (while if small, chop if large)Green Goddess dressing (about 1/4c)salt & pepper to tasteMix all ingredients. This is better if prepared and refrigerated several hours before serving to blend flavors.http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2009/10/sunday-shrimp-luncheon-dish-and-green.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-2310620663598413911Sat, 17 Oct 2009 22:52:00 +00002009-10-17T17:55:53.282-05:00weekly_menusNow that's I'm a Mama and full-time state employee, my time to plan and cook meals is definitely limited. A friend of mine suggested creating a weekly menu on the weekend so you can get everything you need and know ahead of time what you're making each night. Even though our son's not old enough to be a part of these meals yet, I thought it would be a good idea to get in the habit of creating http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2009/10/experiment-weekly-menu.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-2203012004141825412Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:32:00 +00002009-10-16T11:32:28.161-05:00main_course1 fryer, cooked, boned, cut into small pieces (reserve broth)1/2 cup mayonnaise1/2 cup chopped onion4 eggs1 stick butter, melted2 1/2 cups chicken broth1 pkg cornbread stuffing mix like Pepperidge farms1 cup milk1 can cream of chicken soupCombine chicken, mayo, onion and set aside. Combine 2 eggs, margarine, chicken broth and stuffing mix and set aside. In small bowl, lightly beat 2 eggs and milkhttp://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2009/10/paula-deens-chicken-casserole.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-531092377452089883Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:53:00 +00002009-09-23T12:58:05.401-05:00sidesThis is modified from a recipe I found in Quick Fixes from Brand Name Mixes. Super easy and super tasty!1 can (14 oz) French-cut green beans1 package dry onion soup mix1 cup water1/2 cup red wine vinegar (or another 1/2 cup water if you prefer)black pepper to tastePlace green beans in a skillet and season with black pepper. Combine water, red wine vinegar and soup mix in a bowl and add to the http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2009/09/french-onion-green-beans.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-2314659345570761563Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:50:00 +00002009-09-22T10:56:07.497-05:00main_courseRecipe courtesy of Rachael Ray MagazineIngredients: * 1 pound peeled, deveined shrimp * 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil * 2 teaspoons barbecue rub * A pinch of salt * One 16-ounce bag thawed frozen spinach * One 4-ounce chunk of cream cheese * 1 to 2 teaspoons chopped pickled jalapeñosDirections:In a bowl, toss 1 pound peeled, deveined shrimp with 2 tablespoons http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2009/09/spicy-shrimp-with-creamy-greens.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-7288117906790638794Mon, 08 Jun 2009 22:41:00 +00002009-06-08T17:43:10.275-05:00dessertsfrom Taste of Home's digest Potlucks & Barbeques1 cup sugar1 cup light corn syrup1/2 cup peanut butter5 cups crisp rice cereal2 cups pretzel sticks1 cup plain M&M'sIn a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the sugar and corn syrup. Microwave on high for 2 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Stir in peanut butter until blended. Add the cereal, pretzels and M&M's; stir until coated. Press into a http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2009/06/crispy-pretzel-bars.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-5931175831833702111Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:26:00 +00002009-06-05T11:28:02.269-05:00main_coursepastaRecipe and picture from KraftFoods.com1/2 lb. linguine, uncooked1 pkg. (1/2 lb.) sliced fresh mushrooms1/2 cup chicken broth1/2 cup (1/2 of 8-oz. tub) PHILADELPHIA Chive & Onion Light Cream Cheese Spread2 cups baby spinach leavesCOOK pasta as directed on package.MEANWHILE, heat skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium-high heat. Add mushrooms; cook and stir 8 min. or until lightly browned. http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2009/06/linguine-with-silky-mushroom-sauce.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-6307254461555526555Mon, 11 May 2009 19:29:00 +00002009-05-11T14:34:40.587-05:00dessertsRecipe and image from http://smittenkitchen.comNote: I made this for Mother's Day this weekend and everyone loved it. If you don't like super dark chocolate, I think you could get away with adding a bit more sugar or using milk chocolate. Makes 10 servingsCrust:8 ounces gingersnap cookies (about 32 cookies), coarsely broken1/4 cup (1/2 stick) salted butter, meltedFilling:12 ounces bittersweet http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2009/05/dark-chocolate-tart-with-gingersnap.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-2285737668725424210Sun, 19 Apr 2009 19:45:00 +00002009-04-19T14:49:16.118-05:00dessertsfrom Texas Co-Op Power Magazine, January 2008Crust43 vanilla wafers1/2 c sweetened coconut6 T melted butterPulse in food processor all the vanilla wafers (you'll need 1 1/4 c crumbs). Add coconut and melted butter and pulse to blend. Press mixture along bottom and up sides of a 9-inch pie pan.Filling3 egg yolks1 can sweetened condensed milk1/2 cup key lime juice1 t lime zestPreheat oven to 350 http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2009/04/key-lime-pie-with-coconut-cookie-crust.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-3938490472719416921Fri, 26 Dec 2008 14:57:00 +00002008-12-26T08:58:56.114-06:00cookbooksThe Gourmet Slow Cooker100 Best Appetizer RecipesBetty Crocker's Picture Cookbook (1st Edition, 8th Printing, Hardbound)Rachael Ray: Just In TimeTaste of Home Entertaining Easy & Elegant Party Recipeshttp://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2008/12/new-cookbooks.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-1150438512943467720Fri, 26 Dec 2008 14:51:00 +00002008-12-26T08:54:58.812-06:00appetizersfrom 100 Best Appetizer RecipesNotes: I omitted the oregano and used fresh chopped garlic.2 cans (14 ounces each) quartered artichoke hearts, drained and chopped2 cups (8 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese1 1/2 cups mayonnaise1/2 cup finely chopped onion1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves1/4 teaspoon garlic powderPita wedgesAssorted cut-up vegetablesSlow Cooker http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2008/12/creamy-artichoke-parmesan-dip.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-2058050931683744422Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:30:00 +00002008-12-26T08:50:28.256-06:00thanksgivingThe following recipe is from my good friend, Karen:Grandmother Adams' Corn Bread Dressing for 10 to 15 People4 boiled eggs1 10" skillet corn bread (or more, no sugar)one loaf white sandwich bread2-3 bunches green onions with tops4 stalks of celery2 teaspoons sage (or more if dried)Cook corn bread (do not use sugar).Dice eggs, onions, onion tops, and celery.Break corn bread and white bread into http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2008/11/thanksgiving-menu-sides.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-5546262048537313564Sat, 15 Nov 2008 22:37:00 +00002008-11-17T15:12:04.038-06:00appetizersthanksgivingMy husband and I are hosting our first Thanksgiving dinner this year, so there's been a lot of planning and anticipation for the past couple of months. We've hosted all of the other major holiday meals for our family, but not Turkey Day. I will eventually post our entire menu, but to whet your appetite (nice pun, no?), here are the appetizers.Pumpkin Cheese Ballfrom Frightfully Festive http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2008/11/thanksgiving-menu-teaser-appetizers.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-3612024183586461311Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:48:00 +00002008-11-05T18:54:52.337-06:00main_coursefrom All You Magazine, November 21, 2008Note: I used 1 red bell pepper (instead of roasted red peppers in a jar) and chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.4 6-oz boneless, skinless chicken breastssalt1/2 c all-purpose flour3 T vegetable oil2 cloves garlic, chopped1 7-oz jar roasted red peppers, cut into strips3/4 c canned low-sodium chicken broth2 T red wine vinegar1 1/2 t sugar1 T unsalted http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2008/11/chicken-breasts-with-peppers.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-6371195090765812879Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:16:00 +00002008-10-21T07:23:38.838-05:00linksAs many of you know, earlier this year I became a featured publisher for foodbuzz.com. Those of us chosen were just the beginning and the site has officially launched its publisher community now. The official press release from Fooduzz, Inc. can be found here.http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2008/10/foodbuzz-publisher-community-launches.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-8313399092180589311Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:00:00 +00002008-09-25T12:42:43.098-05:00main_coursefrom bettycrocker.comNotes: I used crabmeat and muenster cheese. We also put a dash or two (or three) of Tabasco sauce on top of our pieces.1 package (6 ounces) frozen ready-to-serve crabmeat, thawed and drained, or 1 package (5 ounces) frozen cooked salad shrimp, thawed and drained1 cup shredded sharp natural Cheddar cheese (4 ounces)1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, cut into 1/4-inch cubes1/4http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2008/09/impossibly-easy-seafood-pie.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-6626048169593373628Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:19:00 +00002008-12-26T20:14:22.694-06:00sidesI've tried several recipes for Creamed Spinach, and none of them "did it for me". So, tonight I took the best of all of those recipes and voilà - spinach perfection! 2 T olive oil1 small shallot, finely chopped1 box (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drainedsalt & pepper to taste1 t nutmeg1 t red pepper flakes (or to taste)4 oz cream cheese, cubedAsiago or Parmesan cheese, to tasteCreamhttp://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2008/09/sarafinas-creamed-spinach.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-2355304958956878070Tue, 23 Sep 2008 23:30:00 +00002008-09-23T18:42:32.694-05:00main_coursepastafrom Betty Crocker's Quick-to-Fix Casseroles, February, 20051 bag (25 oz) frozen Italian sausage-filled ravioli1 bag (14 oz) frozen broccoli florets1/2 c chopped, drained, roasted red bell pepper1 jar (1 lb) Alfredo past sauce3/4 c milk1/2 t Italian seasoning1 c Parmesan croutons; crushedLayer frozen ravioli on the bottom of a 9x13 casserole dish. Top with remaining ingredients (except croutons)http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2008/09/primavera-ravioli-bake.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-5176151802103946959Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:00:00 +00002008-09-16T07:00:01.649-05:00appetizersfrom: Virginia Hospitality. The ingredients sound a bit strange, but I made this for the 4th of July and there was none left! Everyone loved it.16 ounces cream cheese, softened8 ounces crushed pineapple, drained2 tablespoons green onions, including tops, chopped1/4-1/2 cup green pepper, chopped2 teaspoons seasoned salt2 cups pecans, choppedMix cheese and pineapple with mixer. Stir in onion, http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2008/09/islander-cheese-ball.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina)1