Eggs are a critical leavening agent for cream puffs, making the batter rise and expand. Piercing the cooked puffs allows steam to escape so the texture is almost hollow. A stand mixer is crucial; the batter is too thick to beat with a hand mixer. Freeze completely cooled cream puffs for up to one month. Cream puffs are also good with savory fillings, such as chicken or shrimp salad.
Marinated chicken, spinach, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes are tossed with dressing and served on grilled or toasted slices of focaccia bread. This is a great appetizer any time of year!
Pierce sausage casings with the tip of a knife before combining them with the cauliflower to ensure they retain their uniform shape as they cook. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Rich and creamy ricotta cheese is combined with mozzarella, beaten egg and spaghetti sauce to make a rich and filling sauce for cooked ziti. Top with Parmesan cheese and bake for a delicious, classic Italian casserole.
Inexpensive veal shanks become a succulent meal in the slow cooker. Even if you aren't an anchovy lover, don't omit the anchovy paste--it adds immeasurably to the flavor. Use the remaining broth mixture in soups and stews.
This marinade is great for beef or chicken. The Worcestershire sauce and Italian-style dressing give the marinade a zing, while the garlic pepper seasoning and barbeque sauce give it that barbeque flavor. The longer the beef or chicken sits in the marinade, the better it will taste.
A wonderful dish to make at home and it tastes like take-out. Beef strips are quickly marinated and sauteed then with broccoli and mushrooms in a rich sauce.
'When I'm pressed for time, I find this take-along casserole is easy to fix,' writes Pat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio. 'The crouton-topped combination is not only attractive but tasty, too.'
My granddaughters just love this chicken dish. I try to make it every time they come to visit. Lucky for me, it goes together quick as a wink in the microwave.--Miriam Christophel, Battle Creek, Michigan
