Saturday 23 May 2009

Avocado Pie

I am always looking for something new to do with avocado and this recipe is an ideal ending to a meal. Now avocado season is upon us why not try this colourful and flavourful pie!
Very good after a chili or Mexican main dish. very easy and quick to make - just make sure it is well chilled. 1 ripe avocado -- mashed 1 package cream cheese -- (8 oz) 1 can sweetened condensed -- (13 oz) 1/3 cup lemon juice 1 biscuit crust -- baked 1 cup crushed pecans or other nuts 1 cup whipping cream -- whipped (optional but really good)
Blend avocado, cream cheese, milk and lemon juice in blender until smooth. Pour into baked 9-inch biscuit crust crust. Chill 1 hour before serving. Top with crushed pecans and whipped cream, if desired. Serves 8

Wednesday 20 May 2009

How to use leftovers creatively

One should never waste and this is a good way of using up all the bits and pieces leftover during the week
Improvise - see what you can mix up. It's different every time you make it . Very easy, too, and it freezes well as long as you're not using a very hard cheese (hard cheeses will separate and the oil will float to the top. 3 cups cooked pasta or -- rice 2 cups leftover cooked chicken or -- turkey or 2 cups frozen or leftover vegetables or a mixture
1 chopped onion 1 minced cloves garlic 1 bunch shallots or sliced leeks 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons flour 2 cups milk or 1 cup milk and 2 cups sharp grated cheese -- salt and pepper for cheese sauce: curry powder white wine, or -- vermouth more than 1/4 c. -- other optional -- Italian seasoning Take the pasta or rice, the meat, and the veggies, and dump them into a 9x9 baking dish. Make the sauce by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. If you want to sauté the onions or garlic or whatever add-in you're using, use one more Tbsp butter. Add the flour and stir until completely mixed into a thick paste. Add the milk and slowly bring to a boil. Lower heat and cook just until thick. Preheat oven to 350F. Remove the sauce from the heat. Add cheese if making a cheese sauce. Stir until melted. Add desired seasonings to taste. Pour over top of casserole mixture and stir gently until mixed well. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Let stand about 10 minutes before serving. Use a breadcrumb topping if you've got a craving for Jarlsberg or Gruyere or Parmesan.)

Tuesday 19 May 2009

A Zimbabwe starter - Bacon-Wrapped Dried Fruit

Every cook needs a few hors d'oeuvres that will be a snap to prepare. However, other than a wedge of cheese and a box of crackers, there are very few work-free appetizers. Simplicity and good planning will help lessen the burden of coming up with that perfect little something before dinner. This is one of these recipes - serve on there own or with a crisp lettuce salad or on a bed of rice with a sweet and sour sauce. Dried pears, apples, prunes or apricots Toothpick Wrap dried fruit in a 3-inch length of bacon. Spear with a toothpick and broil until bacon is crisp (2 to 3 minutes).