Cookie Icing

Submitted by Happy13

Ingredients

1 c. confectioners’ sugar 2 tsp milk
2 tsp light corn syrup ¼ tsp almond extract (optional)
Assorted gel colorings

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, stir together confectioners’ sugar & milk until smooth. Beat in corn syrup & almond extract until icing is smooth & glossy. If icing is too thick, add more corn syrup.
  2. Divide into separate bowls, & add food coloring to each to desired intensity. Dip cookies, or paint them with a brush. Let them dry at least 4-5 hours or over night before stacking.

The Califunky Hot Brown

Submitted by randilicious
Serves 2

Ingredients

5 tbsp canola oil 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1½ c. milk 6 tbsp Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
3 tbsp sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 egg, beaten
½ tbsp pepper ½ tbsp oregano
1 tsp paprika 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1 c. mushrooms, sliced 8 stalks asparagus
1 tomato, thinly sliced 4 slices of bread, toasted
1 avocado leftover turkey slices and/or ¼ lb. pork roast thinly sliced

Directions

  1. To prepare sauce, in a large skillet combine 3 tbsp canola oil & flour little by little & mix to create a roux.  Stir in flour to absorb the oil.  Slowly whisk in the milk, & add Parmesan cheese & cheddar cheese.  Stir in the egg to thicken the sauce, but do not allow to boil.  Season with pepper, paprika, & Old Bay seasoning & remove from heat.
  2. In a separate skillet, heat 2 tbsp canola oil.  Saute mushrooms in the oil until soft.
  3. In the same skillet, saute the asparagus.
  4. Preheat the oven broiler.  For each serving, put 2 slices of toast on a broiler-safe dish.  Cover toast with layer of slices of turkey/pork roast & mushrooms.  Smother each serving with sauce.
  5. Place dish in broiler until the top of the sauce in speckled brown & bubbly.  Remove from broiler, add tomatoes, & cross cross 4 stalks of asparagus (per serving) over top, & serve.
  6. For each serving, slice up half an avocado & add as garnish.

Chef’s Note: The Kentucky Hot Brown retains a special place in my heart, as I was born in Kentucky.  Of course, I had to add in more of a California flavor (and a dash of my Maryland side too) to make it healthier.

White Chocolate Ice Cream

Submitted by Roman
Yields 1 qt.

Ingredients

1 c. milk 2 large eggs
12 oz. white chocolate chips (1 bag) 1½ c. heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Start with a saucepan that will fit everything, & bring the milk to a simmer.  While that is heating, beat the eggs in a medium mixing bowl.  Add the hot milk very slowly to the eggs. Once it is combined very well, put the egg & milk mixture back in the pan & put it over low heat.
  2. Whisk the mixture (now a custard) until it thickens & will coat the back of a spoon & leave a trail when you run a finger over it.  Remove it from the heat & stir in the chocolate until it’s melted. 
  3. Pour the mixture through a mesh strainer into a large clean bowl.  Allow it to cool slightly, then stir in the cream & vanilla. 
  4. Cover the bowl & refrigerate until cold or overnight.  Stir the mixture one more time, then put it in your ice cream maker following the manufacturer’s directions. 
  5. Eat immediately for soft serve or freeze for at least two hours for a firmer consistency.

Chef’s Note: For a slight change up, I added roughly chopped peppermint bark candy to the ice cream maker about 5 minutes before the ice cream was done in the machine.

Chocolate Passion Bowl

So while this recipe technically came from a book, one of my best friends & the best budding freelance bakers I know made it for our Christmas party last year and it killed!

From Simply Stunning Holiday Desserts
Makes 16 2/3 c. Servings

Ingredients

3 c. cold milk 2 pkg. Chocolate flavor instant pudding (4 svg. size)
8 oz. Cool Whip French Vanilla, thawed & divided 5½ c. 1″ brownie cubes
1 pt. raspberries

Directions

  1. Ahead of time, bake a batch of brownies in a 9″ square dish.  Once cooled and cut into 1″ cubes you should have enough for the brownie layer here.
  2. Beat milk & dry pudding mixes in large bowl with wire whisk 2 minutes or until blended.
  3. Gently stir in 1 c. of the whipped topping.
  4. Place half of the brownies in a 2 qt. serving bowl; top with layers of half each of the pudding mixture, remaining whipped topping, & raspberries.  Repeat all layers.
  5. Refrigerate at least 1 hour.  Store leftovers in refrigerator.

Chef’s Note: If desired, use Baker’s One Bowl Brownies to bake a 13×9″ brownie batch.  Cut enough of the brownies into 1″ cubes to measure for this recipe.  Reserve remaining brownies for snacking!

Sweet Corn Tomalitos

Submitted by Trish
Serves 6-8

Ingredients

5 tbsp margarine, softened ¼ c. masa harina flour
1/3 c. sugar 2 c. corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
½ c. cornmeal ½ c. water
1 tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt
2 tbsp milk 1 tsp milk

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, mix the margarine, masa, & sugar with a mixer until light & fluffy, about 1 minute.
  2. Blend ½ the corn kernels with the water in a blender until smooth.
  3. Combine with margarine mixture, stirring well.
  4. Add the remaining corn, cornmeal, baking powder, salt & milk.
  5. Bring a medium saucepan of water to boil.
  6. Pour the mixture into an 8″ baking dish.
  7. Tightly cover with plastic wrap & set atop the saucepan of boiling water.
  8. Keep pan tightly wrapped & steam for 50 minutes to 1 hour.
  9. Check water level often, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Chef’s Note: This has also been made in the oven, setting the pan in a water bath. Not sure of the temperature or time.