BEAN SOUP WITH SMOKED PORK HOCKS

INGREDIENTS:
3 cups dry beans;
3 pork hocks;(cooked in pressure cooker pot - reserve broth - 2 cups)
1 16 oz. package Goya 16 Bean Soup Mix;
2 large onion, chopped;
4 stalks celery, chopped;
2 large carrot, chopped;
3 large diced tomatoes;
1/3 cup olive oil;
3 bay leaf;
fresh chopped parsley;
1/2 teaspoon dry thyme;
Salt and pepper to taste;
DIRECTIONS:
Soak the beans overnight. Cook the smoked pork hocks (knuckle) in 1/2 quart of water( or pressure cooker - the best!). Reserve broth. Cook the beans until partly tender changing water few times. Saute the vegetable and add to the beans;stir in all the seasonings ; add reserved smoked broth ;cover and let cook for 20 minutes longer. Add more water if necessary ; remove all meat from bones and stir it in the soup; cook for few minutes longer; taste for salt.

CRAB SALAD - APPETIZER -

INGREDIENTS:
3 cups chopped imitation crab meat;
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper;
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper;
1/2 cup chopped green onion;
1/2 cup chopped cucumber;
1/2 cup mixed finely chopped fresh dill and parsley;
2 tablespoons olive oil;
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar;
salt to taste;
Combine all the ingredients; refrigerate until serving time.

This cookie cutter is one of a kind! Why? Because is made with love for me by non other then my loving husband!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE!

RUM FLAVORED BROWNIES

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder,

1 cup flour,

1/2 teaspoon baking powder,

1 cup sugar,

1/2 cup butter, melted,

2 large eggs beaten,

1 teaspoon vanilla extract,

2 teaspoon rum extract,

1 cup chopped walnuts:

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat the bottom of your favorite baking dish (a 9 x 13 pan is ideal) with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, mix together the cocoa powder, flour, and baking powder. Add in the sugar. Stir in the butter. Add the eggs, vanilla and rum. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Stir in by hand the walnuts.Spread the batter into the pan, and bake for about 25 minutes (knife inserted into center should come out clean). Cool on wire rack, and then cut into squares. Makes 24 squares. (48 smaller in my case)

Enjoy!

CHOCOLATE RICE KRISPIES TREATS

I added a little twist to the original recipe by adding in some walnuts and candied mango.
1 stick butter,
a pinch of sea salt,
1 cup chopped walnuts,
1/2 cup chopped candied mango,
10 ounce bag miniature marshmallows,
one box Chocolate Rice Krispies,
DIRECTIONS:
Spray a 13 x 9-inch (approx 30 x 22cm) rectangular pan with Pam.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat; add a pinch of salt, stir; add the marshmallows and stir constantly over the heat until completely melted. Remove from heat and add the walnuts, mango and Rice Krispies; mix until well combined; transfer mixture to the prepared pan and smooth over. Let cool completely before cutting.

PAN SEARED FISH WITH POTATOES AND COLESLAW

INGREDIENTS FOR (this) COLESLAW:
7-8 cups shredded cabbage,
1 cup shredded carrot,
1/3 cup sugar,
1 teaspoon salt,
1/2 cup mayonnaise,
2 tablespoons lemon juice (or white vinegar)

COFFEE ICE CREAM WITH MAGIC SHELL CHOCOLATE TOPPING

AFTER DINNER DESSERT!

STRAWBERRY CAKE BON BONS

I mixed up all of the strawberry cake with one can (15.6 oz) of vanilla frosting. Once I made sure it was thoroughly mixed, I used a cookie scoop and made approx 1 inch balls. I placed them on a cookie sheet with wax paper and placed them into the freezer for approx 6 hours until set. Once they were set enough to dip, I melted 1.5 bags of Wilton Candy Melts. I used a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake ball to dip into the chocolate. Once completely covered I placed on a cookie sheet covered with wax paper, drizzled with white chocolate and garnish with maraschino cherries and placed in the refrigerator until it was set.
Inspired by non other then:
Bakerella!

BANANA BREAD - NINA'S WAY

INGREDIENTS:
3 eggs,
1 cup sugar,
1/2 cup vegetable oil,
1/2 cup orange juice,
2 cups flour,
1/2 teaspoon salt,
1/2 teaspoon baking powder,
1/2 teaspoon baking soda,
1 teaspoon vanilla extract,
1 teaspoon orange zest,
5 bananas;

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375 F. Lightly grease and flour the baking dish.
Beat egg whites and sugar until fluffy; add egg yolks; stir in salt, baking soda, baking powder, vanilla extract and orange zest. At low speed add oil; stir in flour until all incorporated. Pour batter into prepared baking dish. Arrange banana slices over entire surface. Bake for 30 minutes; dust with powder sugar and let cool completely before cutting.
Enjoy!

HAPPY CUPCAKES