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"A passion for cooking is what I have...Sharing that passion is what I love to do." -Sarah Vasques, The Home Chef

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Broccoli Salad

Published by: Sarah

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comments:
  • Feb
  • 22

I recently went to a party where I was reminded of this wonderful salad & requested the recipe. After getting no response, I tinkered in my kitchen & came up with this. 1 Lg. head Broccoli Crown ** 2 Shallots, minced ½ c. Mayonnaise ¼ c. Fine Sugar or Honey ¼ c. Seasoned Rice Vinegar Pinch […]

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I recently went to a party where I was reminded of this wonderful salad & requested the recipe. After getting no response, I tinkered in my kitchen & came up with this.

1 Lg. head Broccoli Crown **
2 Shallots, minced
½ c. Mayonnaise
¼ c. Fine Sugar or Honey
¼ c. Seasoned Rice Vinegar
Pinch Salt
3 slices Pre-Cooked Bacon
1/3 c. Raisins
1/3 c. sliced Almonds, toasted

Cut the broccoli into bite size pieces (including the stems).
Put the stems into a bowl with the shallots.
Blanch the broccoli flowerets in boiling water for 30 seconds.
Immediately shock the broccoli in an ice bath.
Drain & towel dry.
Add to the bowl with shallots.
Microwave the bacon until crisp 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Whisk together mayo, vinegar, sugar (or honey) & salt until smooth.
Pour over broccoli.
Crumble the bacon into the bowl & add the raisins.
Stir to combine.
Refrigerate 1 hour.
Just before serving add the almonds.

 ** The crowns are a close cut with no long stem. The stems referred to in the recipe are from the “spear” part of the cuts.  Feel free to change it up by adding grapes instead of or along with the raisins – sunflower seeds or even toasted walnuts instead of the almonds.

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Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake

Published by: Sarah

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  • Dec
  • 28

1 c. Graham Crackers 1 c. Pecans 4 Pkg. Cream Cheese (8 oz. each) 3 Eggs 2 T  + 1¼  c Sugar 1 (15 oz.) can Pumpkin 5 T Melted Butter 1 tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice 1 T Vanilla Whipped Cream, optional Preheat Oven to 350 degrees Combine graham crackers, pecans & 2 T sugar  […]

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1 c. Graham Crackers
1 c. Pecans
4 Pkg. Cream Cheese (8 oz. each)
3 Eggs
2 T  + 1¼  c Sugar
1 (15 oz.) can Pumpkin
5 T Melted Butter
1 tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice
1 T Vanilla
Whipped Cream, optional

Preheat Oven to 350 degrees

Combine graham crackers, pecans & 2 T sugar  in a food processor. 
Pulse till ground fine. 
Add butter and pulse to blend. 
Press into the bottom & sides of a 9” spring form pan. 
Bake for 10 minutes. 
Blend cream cheese & add remaining 1¼ c. sugar. 
Add eggs, pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger & vanilla & blend well. 
Pour into pan. 
Bake an additional 1¾  hours or until center is solid.
Allow to cool to room temperature then chill completely before removing from the pan.
Decorate with whipped cream if desired.

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5 Spice Pecans

Published by: Sarah

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comments:
  • Dec
  • 4

I’m not a fan of Chinese Five Spice. When I bought it for a a specific recipe it sat in my pantry until I discovered this receipe. Now I use it often during the holiday season. 2 c. Pecan Halves 2 T Brown Sugar 2 T Maple Syrup 1 tsp. Chinese Five Spice Toast pecans […]

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I’m not a fan of Chinese Five Spice. When I bought it for a a specific recipe it sat in my pantry until I discovered this receipe. Now I use it often during the holiday season.

2 c. Pecan Halves
2 T Brown Sugar
2 T Maple Syrup
1 tsp. Chinese Five Spice

Toast pecans in a non-stick skillet about 4 minutes.
Add remaining ingredients.
Cook & stir until sugar is melts & all nuts are coated.
Spread on foil or parchment & allow to cool.

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English Toffee

Published by: Sarah

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comments:
  • Dec
  • 4

This delicious toffee is a “REQUIREMENT” in my house during the holiday season. Enjoy 🙂   12 Graham Crackers, original or honey flavor 1 C Sugar 1 C (2 sticks) Butter 4 oz. Milk Chocolate Chips 1 C Pecans or Walnuts, chopped & zapped in a food processor Preheat oven to 350° Line a cookie […]

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This delicious toffee is a “REQUIREMENT” in my house during the holiday season. Enjoy 🙂

 

12 Graham Crackers, original or honey flavor
1 C Sugar
1 C (2 sticks) Butter
4 oz. Milk Chocolate Chips
1 C Pecans or Walnuts, chopped & zapped in a food processor

Preheat oven to 350°
Line a cookie sheet with foil
Place one layer of unbroken graham crackers on foil making sure the edges are touching

Melt butter & add sugar
Cook to bubbly & pour over crackers
Bake for 12 – 15 minutes or until top bubbles rapidly
Remove from oven & immediately top with chocolate chips
Return to oven for 1 minute
Remove from oven and spread chocolate evenly
Top with nuts and press into chocolate
Cool completely (outside in the winter for about 15 minutes)
Break into chunks

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