HERSHEY'S "Especially Dark" Chocolate Cake

Scott loves his chocolate. Every year I try an new chocolate creation. This year because of other things going on I didn't have time to be creative. So this is the cake I made. I use this recipe for all chocolate cakes. If you have problems finding the Special Dark Cocoa, try looking at Walmart.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sugar
• 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup HERSHEY'S SPECIAL DARK Cocoa
• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2  eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
•   "ESPECIALLY DARK" CHOCOLATE FROSTING (recipe follows)

Step-by-Step:

1.  Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
2. Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans.
3. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost with "ESPECIALLY DARK" CHOCOLATE FROSTING. 10 to 12 servings.

Frosting:

"ESPECIALLY DARK" CHOCOLATE FROSTING

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine
2/3 cup HERSHEY'S SPECIAL DARK Cocoa
3 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Melt butter, Stir in cocoa. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating to spreading consistency. Add small amount additional milk, if needed. Stir in vanilla. About 2 cups frosting.

Homemade Mac and Cheese

Servings: 8 
The kids added a suggestion that all the food and Thanksgiving and Christmas are mainly adult foods and that they wanted something for kids this year. So Bethany suggested Mac and Cheese and I made this for Christmas this year (2012)

Ingredients
1 pound uncooked elbow macaroni
4 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
6 cups milk
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup and 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/4 cup butter
1 cup bread crumbs
2 pinches paprika

Step-By-Step

1. Cook macaroni according to the package directions. Drain.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter or margarine over medium heat. Stir in enough flour to make a roux. Add milk to roux slowly, stirring constantly. Stir in cheeses, and cook over low heat until cheese is melted and the sauce is a little thick. Put macaroni in large casserole dish, and pour sauce over macaroni. Stir well.
3. Melt butter or margarine in a skillet over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and brown. Spread over the macaroni and cheese to cover. Sprinkle with a little paprika.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 minutes or until nice and browned. Serve.

Spicy Chicken with Sausage, Tomatoes and Olives

Servings: 8 (1 3/4-Cups)

Ingredients:

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

1 lb. mild Italian sausage links*

8 chicken legs and thighs, skin removed (about 5 lb.) **

2 medium onions, chopped

3 large garlic cloves, minced

1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper

3/4 cup red wine or chicken broth

1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup pitted Kalamata olives

Step-by-step

1. Heat large skillet over medium high heat until hot. Add oil; heat until hot. Cook sausage 4 minutes or until browned on all sides, turning occasionally. Place in slow cooker; top with chicken
2. Cook onions in same skillet over medium heat 5 minutes or until softened; stirring frequently. Add garlic and stir 1 minute or until fragrant. Pour in wine; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits on bottom of skillet; remove from heat. Stir in tomatoes and salt. Pour into slow cooker
3. Cook, covered , on low 5 hours or until chicken is no longer pink in center and meat pulls away from bone. Stir in olives
4. Remove chicken; place in a large shallow serving bowl. Cut sausage into thick slices; arrange over chicken. Top with sauce.

• *You can use Turkey Italian sausage as well
• ** You can use chicken breast in this recipe if you don't care for dark meat. After cooking you can remove the bones from the breast and serve. 

Orange-Pomegranate Salad

Servings: 12 (3/4 cup)


Ingredients
1 large garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
6 tablespoons olive oil
6 cups slightly packed mixed baby greens
4 navel orange, peeled, with pith removed, sliced (1/2 inch)
3/4 cup pomegranate seeds


Step - by - Step
1. Mash garlic and salt with side of chef's knife on cutting board until paste forms; place in small bowl. Whisk in lemon juice; slowly whisk in oil.
2. Toss greens in large bowl with enough dressing to lightly coat; arrange on serving platter. Toss oranges in same bowl with enough dressing to lightly coat; arrange over greens. Top with pomegranate seeds. 

Spinach Flat-bread with Goat Cheese, Red Pepper and Olives

Servings 24 pieces


Ingredients:


Dough:
3 1/2 cups all- purpose flour
1 tablespoon fast-acting dry yeast
2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cups lukewarm water (about 100F)


Topping:
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 medium garlic cloves, minced
1 lb. baby spinach or baby kale
8 oz soft goat cheese, crumbled (1 1/2 cups)
1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced (1 1/2 cups)
1/2 cup chopped pitted Kalamata olives
1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt


Step-by-Step:
1. Combine flour, yeast and 2 teaspoons salt in large bowl. Add water, stir until moistened. With spoon, beat 40 strokes until soft sticky dough forms, scraping bottom and sides of bowl. Cover; let rise in warm place 2 hours or until dough has doubled in size and  has a sponge-like appearance.
2. Oil large baking sheet. Working quickly with floured hands and handling dough as little as possible, pat out dough over baking sheet, lightly sprinkling with flour if it begins to stick (dough should feel soft and smooth but not sticky). Over with clean towel; let stand in warm place 40 minutes or until dough is slightly puffy (dough won't rise much but will continue rising in oven).
3. Place oven rack in bottom position; heat oven to 450F. Combine 2 tablespoons of the oil and garlic in large bowl. Add spinach; toss to coat. Pile spinach over dough (the spinach will cook down). Sprinkle with cheese, bell peppers and olives; drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil
4. Bake on bottom oven rack 20 to 30 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Sprinkle with sea salt. Cut into 24 pieces; serve warm or at room temperature. 

Crispy Rosemary Roast Chicken and Potatoes

6 servings


Ingredients:
2 large onions, cut into 1-inch wedges
1 (4 1/2 lb) chicken, patted dry
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, divided
4 (4 inch) springs fresh rosemary
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
3/4 teaspoon pepper, divided
3 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary, divided
1 1/2 lb. assorted fingerling potatoes , unpeeled, halved or quartered if large


Step-by-Step
1. Heat oven to 4500F. Place onions in large shallow roasting pan. Slip fingers under skin of chicken over breast meat to make a pocket. Spread 2 tablespoons of the butter under skin in pocket; arrange rosemary springs over butter under skin in pocket.
2. Tuck wings behind back; place chicken breast-side up, over onions. Spread remaining 2 tablespoons butter over outside of chicken; sprinkle with 1 teaspoons of the chopped rosemary, pressing lightly to adhere.
3. Bake 20 minutes. Turn chicken breast-side down. Arrange potatoes around chicken; sprinkle potatoes with remaining 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 pepper.
4. Bake an additional 20 minutes. Turn chicken breast-side up; stir potatoes and onions. Bake an additional 20 minutes or until internal temperature of thickest part of thigh reaches 1700F to 1750F. Let stand in warm place 10 minutes before carving. Serve with potatoes and onions.

Roasted Butternut Squash with Sage-Lemon Butter

Servings: 6 (2/3-cup)

Ingredients:

8 cups cubed butternut squash (3/4 inch)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage

2 teaspoons grated lemon peel

2 medium garlic cloves, minched

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Step-by-step:

1. Heat over to 4500F. Spray large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Toss squash, oil, salt and pepper in large bowl.; arrange in single layer on baking sheet.
2. Bake 25 to 35 minutes or until tender and browned in spots, turning several times
3. Meanwhile, melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Cook sage, lemon peel and garlic 2 minutes or until fragrant, stirring constantly. Stir in lemon juice; remove from heat. Add squash;  toss to coat

Tuscan Bean Dip

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

1 small baguette, thinly sliced *

4 cloves garlic

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus additional for seasoning

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 springs fresh rosemary, leaves stripped (about 1 1/2 tablespoons)

Pinch crushed red pepper

1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained **

Crisp vegetables, for dipping (optional)

Step-by-Step

1. Preheat oven to 4000F. Lay bread on a baking sheet. Rub each slice with a clove of garlic and sprinkle with a pinch of salt; reserve garlic clove. Toast in oven until golden, about 8 minutes
2. Chop all garlic cloves. Cook garlic in the olive oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat, stirring, until it is golden, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in rosemary and red pepper and cool slightly.
3. Put beans, the 1 1/2 teaspoon salt, and all but 1 teaspoon of rosemary mixture in a food processor and process until smooth. Scrape puree into a serving bowl and drizzle with reserved rosemary mixture. Serve with tasted baguette and, if desired, raw vegetables.

*Your local grocery store may have an "ooops" section of the bread. Since it is toasted this is a great way to save money.

** You can substitute great northern beans for the cannellini beans and also slightly heat the beans before serving. 

Cornbread Stuffing with Bacon

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter

4 slices applewood-smoked bacon chopped

1 1/2 cups chopped celery

3/4 cup chopped onion

8 cups cubed cornbread (1 inch)

1 tablespoon dried sage

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 cup half-and-half

1 egg

Step-by-Step

1. Heat oven to 3500F. Spray 11 x 7 inch glass or ceramic baking dish with cooking spray. Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Cook bacon, celery and onion 12 to 15 minutes or until bacon is browned and vegetables are softened, stirring occasionally.
2. Meanwhile, combine cornbread, sage, salt and pepper in large bowl; gently toss with bacon mixture. Whisk half-and-half and egg in small bowl; pour over cornbread mixture. Stir gently to combine; spoon into baking dish. (Stuffing can be made 8 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Add 5 to 10 minute to baking time, if necessary.)
3. Bake 30 to 40 minutes or until lightly browned and hot.

* I don't usually have half-and-half so I use heavy cream and milk.
** If the mixture looks too dry you can add a little chicken broth or more milk

Two Meals in One - Southwestern Chicken Salad

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

1 (10 oz) pkg. Italian-blend mixed salad greens

2 oranges, peeled, quartered, and cut into 1/4 inch slices or use Mandarin Oranges cut in chunks

1 small zucchini, cut into julienne strips

1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion rings

1/3 cup honey mustard salad dressing

4 reserved chicken breast from Chicken Breast Halves with Jalapeno Mustard Glaze

Step-by-Step

1. In large bowl, combine all ingredients except chicken breast, toss to mix well. Place salad mixture on 4 plates
2. Thinly slice each chicken breast half. Place 1 chicken breast on each salad. If desired serve with additional dressing

4 servings

Additional Ingredients

Shell bowls either purchased in the store or make your own

Two Meals in One - Chicken Breast Halves with Jalapeno Mustard Glaze

Prep Time: 25 minutes


Glaze:
3 tablespoons red jalapeno jelly
2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
1 to 2 fresh jalapeno chilies, seeded, finely chopped


Chicken:
8 (4 oz) boneless skinless chicken breast


Step-by-step
1. In small saucepan, combine all glaze ingredients; mix well. Cook over medium heat until jelly is melted and mixture is smooth, stirring frequently. Cool slightly
2. Meanwhile, spray broiler pan with nonstick cooking spray. Place chicken on sprayed pan. Broil 4 to 6 inches from heat for 10 to 12 minutes or until chicken is fork tender and juices run clear, turning once.
3. Brush chicken with glaze. Broil an additional 1 to 2 minutes or until bubbly. Place 4 of the chicken breast in container with tight fitting lid and refrigerate for Southwestern Chicken Salad. Serve remaining chicken.


Menu Suggestions:
Serve with Spanish rice or wild rice and green beans or corn.

Two Meals in One - Vegetable Frittata

Prep Time: 30 Minutes

Ingredients:

4 eggs

Reserved 2 cups vegetables from Creamy Garden Vegetable

1 teaspoon dried basil leaves

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

2 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese

Step-by-step

1. In medium bowl, beat eggs. Add reserved cooked vegetables, basil, garlic salt and pepper; mix well.
2. Spray large nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Heat over medium heat until hot. Add mixture. Reduce heat to low; cover and cook 15 to 20 minutes or until center is set, lifting edges occasionally to allow uncooked egg mixture to flow to bottom of skillet
3. Sprinkle with cheese; cover and cook an additional 1 to 2 minutes or until cheese is melted.

4 servings

Menu Suggestions:

Serve with salsa or with toasted wheat bread

Two Meals in One - Creamy Garden Vegetables with Pasta

Prep Time: 35 Minutes

Ingredients:

12 oz. uncooked spaghetti

2 teaspoon oil

2 medium zucchini, cut in half lengthwise, thinly sliced

1 medium yellow bell pepper, cut into thin strips

1 medium red bell pepper, cut into thin strips

1 small onion, cut into thin wedges

3 cups small fresh broccoli florets

1/4 cup water

1 (10 oz) four-cheese pasta sauce

Step-by-step

1. Cook spaghetti to desired doneness as directed on package. Drain; cover to keep warm.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add zucchini, bell peppers and onion; cook and stir 2 minutes. Add broccoli and water; cover and simmer 4 to 6 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender, stirring occasionally
3. Place 2 cups of vegetable mixture in container with tight-fitting lid or resealable plastic bag; refrigerate for Vegetable Frittata
4. Stir pasta sauce into remaining vegetable mixture in skillet. Cook over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes or just until thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally. Serve over remaining hot cooked spaghetti.

4 servings

Menu Suggestions:

A nice crusty bread with garlic butter

Reserved vegetable mixture to be used in Vegetable Frittata

Grilled Provolone and Roasted Red Pepper Sandwiches

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Ingredients:

4 slices multi-grain bread

4 (3/4 oz) slices provolone cheese

2 roasted red bell peppers cut into 1 inch strips

1 tablespoon margarine or butter, softened

Step-by-step

1. Top each of 2 bread slices with 1 cheese slice, half of bell pepper strips and another cheese slices. Top with remaining bread slices. Spread margarine on both sides of sandwiches.
2. Heat large skillet or griddle over medium heat until hot, or to 375o F. Add sandwiches; cook 2 to 4 minutes on each side or until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.

2 servings

Turkey Broccoli Roll-Ups

Prep Time: 20 Minutes

Ingredients:

2 cups frozen broccoli cuts

1 tablespoon light sour cream

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/8 teaspoon dried dill weed

4 (1/8 inch thick) slices honey-roasted turkey breast

2 (3/4 oz.) slices Colby-Monterrey Jack cheese blend

Step-by-step

1. Microwave Directions: In microwave, cook broccoli as directed on package just until crisp-tender
2. Meanwhile, in small bowl, combine sour cream, mustard and dill; mix well.
3. Drain broccoli well; cut into smaller pieces, in necessary. Spread thin layer of sour cream mixture over each slice of turkey. Place rolls in broccoli on each. Roll turkey around broccoli, secure with toothpick. Place rolls in ungreased 8 inch square baking dish. Cover and microwave-safe waxed paper.
4. Microwave on HIGH for 2 to 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated, turning dish once halfway through cooking.
5. Cut each cheese slice crosswise in half; place half slice on each roll-up. Microwave on HIGH for 30 to 60 seconds or until cheese is melted. Remove Toothpick

2 servings

Menu Suggestion

Add a green salad with a light dressing and a dinner roll.

Jerk-Seasoned Chicken and Pepper Sauté

Prep Time: 20 Minutes

Ingredients:

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cut into thin strips

2 teaspoons Caribbean jerk seasoning

1 (1 lb.) pkg. frozen bell pepper and onion stir fry

1/3 cup orange juice

2 teaspoons cornstarch

Step-by-step

1. Spray large nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Heat over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken and jerk seasoning; cook and stir 5 to 7 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink.
2. Add bell pepper and onion stir-fry; cover and cook 3 to 5 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.
3. Meanwhile, in small bowl, combine orange juice and cornstarch; blend until smooth. Add to mixture in skillet; cook and stir until bubbly and thickened.

4 (1-cup) servings

Menu Suggestion

This stir fry goes well with hot cooked rice.

Quick and Spicy Chicken and Rice

Prep Time: 20 Minutes

Ingredients:

2 cups water

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 cups uncooked instant rice

3 cups frozen broccoli cuts

1 (8 oz.) jar pasteurized process cheese sauce with jalapeno peppers

8 oz. cooked chicken breast, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

Step-by-step

1. In large saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Add rice and broccoli; return to a boil. Boil 1 minute. Remove from heat; cover and let stand for 5 minutes
2. Stir in cheese sauce and chicken; cook over low heat for 2 to 4 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally.

4 (1 1/2-cup) servings

Ingredient Substitution

For a less spicy version of this dish, substitute regular-flavor cheese for the jalapeno flavor

Hashbrown Casserole

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 12 

Ingredients

• 2 pounds frozen hash browns, thawed
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1 pint sour cream
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 11 x 14 inch casserole or baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In large bowl, combine all ingredients and stir together. Spread evenly in prepared pan. Bake for 45 minutes until top is golden brown.

Crispy Chicken Parmigiana

Makes 6 servings

·         2 large eggs

·         1 teaspoon salt

·         1/8 teaspoon black pepper

·         6 boneless, skinless chicken-breast halves

·         1 cups crushed club crackers (or Panko)

·         ½ cup vegetable oil

·         1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

·         ¼ teaspoon dried basil

·         1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

·         1 tablespoon butter

·         ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

·         6 slices mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1.      Spray a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray

2.      Whisk eggs, salt and pepper until blended. Dip chicken in egg mixture and coat with cracker crumbs (or Panko).

3.      Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken. Cook chicken until browned on both sides, about 3 minutes per side; drain. Arrange in a single layer in prepared baking dish.

4.      Preheat the oven to 350⁰F. Wipe skillet with paper towels. Combine tomato sauce, basil and garlic powder in the skillet and mix well. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally; reduce heat.

5.      Simmer, stirring occasionally, until mixture is thickened, about 6 minutes. Stir in butter. Pour over the chicken. Sprinkle with the Parmesan.

6.      Bake, covered, for 30 minutes; remove the cover. Top each chicken breast with mozzarella. Bake for 10 minutes longer.

Apple-Glazed Beef Brisket

Makes 4 servings

·         1 (5 lbs) beef brisket, trimmed

·         1 medium onion, cut into quarters

·         2 cloves garlic, cut into halves

·         10 whole cloves

·         1 ¼ cups apple jelly

·         1/3 cup dry white wine or white-wine vinegar

·         3 tablespoon minced green onions

·         3 tablespoons brown mustard

·         ¾ teaspoon cracked black pepper

·         ¾ teaspoon curry powder

·         ½ teaspoon salt

Directions:

1.      Place beef, onion, garlic and cloves in an ovenproof Dutch oven. Add just enough water to cover beef.

2.      Bring beef mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Simmer until beef is tender, about 2 ½ to 3 hours. Drain, discarding onion, garlic and cloves. Return beef to Dutch oven

3.      Preheat the oven to 325^o F.

4.      Combine apple jelly, wine, green onions, brown mustard, black pepper, curry powder and salt in a small saucepan and mix well. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Brush beef with the apple glaze.

5.      Bake beef, basting frequently with apple glaze, for 45 minutes. Cool slightly. Transfer the beef to a heated serving platter. Slice and serve immediately.

Hint: Drain liquid from beef through a cheesecloth to remove onions, garlic and cloves.  

Confetti Potato Salad

Makes 6 servings

·         2 ½ pounds medium potatoes

·         1 cup chopped red bell pepper

·         1 cup sliced pitted black olives

·         1 cup frozen peas, thawed

·         ½ cup mayonnaise

·         1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard

·         ¼ cup cider vinegar

·         2 tablespoon chopped red onion

·         ½ teaspoon celery seeds

·         ½ teaspoon salt

·         1/8 teaspoon black pepper

·         Leaf lettuce, optional

Directions:

1.      Prepare elbow macaroni according to package directions, but do not add salt. Drain macaroni in colander; place under cold running water to cool. Drain thoroughly.

2.      Remove the stems and seeds from red and green bell peppers. Chop bell peppers and set aside.

3.      For dressing, in a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, cider vinegar, sugar, salt and black pepper until well blended

4.      Add cooked cooled macaroni. Chopped celery, chopped bell peppers and chopped onion to bowl. Toss with dressing to coat evenly.

5.      Place salad on serving platter. Garnish with cherry tomatoes, If desired, and serve.