FoodAskew |

Submitted by randilicious
Serves 2

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.

Submitted by Roman
Yields 1 qt.

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.

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

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!

Submitted by Trish
Serves 6-8

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.

Yields About 5 c.

Combine milk & salsa. Transfer to a slow cooker coated with nonstick cooking spray. Stir in cream cheese, crab, onions & chilies. Cover & cook on low for 3-4 hours, stirring ever 30 minutes. Serve with assorted crackers or sourdough baguette slices.