Appetizer Recipes

Bacon Wrapped Smokies Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 package Little Smokies
• 1 pound bacon
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons vinegar

Directions

• Cut bacon slices in half.
• Wrap one piece of bacon around each smokie and place them seam side down in glass baking dish.
• Top with brown sugar and drizzle with vinegar.
• Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
• Remove from the refrigerator and bake in a 350° oven for one hour.
• Remove from baking dish and transfer to a small slow cooker to keep them warm while serving.

Lemon Bread Recipe

Ingredients

• BREAD:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons half & half (or whole milk)
• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• Grated rind of 2 lemons
• 
  
• SAUCE:
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions

BREAD:

• In a large bowl, combine all the bread ingredients.
• Mix the ingredients together using an electric mixer on medium speed.
• Use rubber spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl while mixing to make sure that the ingredients are well blended.
• Once the ingredients are well blended pour the batter into a greased 9 x 5 loaf pan.
• Bake in an oven preheated to 350°F for 45 to 50 minutes.
• The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
• After removing the bread from the oven, prepare a glaze by following the instructions below.

GLAZE:

• Combine all the glaze ingredients in a small bowl and stir until well blended.
• Pour the sauce over the bread while it is still warm.
• Allow the bread to cool for 15 minutes and then run a knife around the edges of the loaf pan to loosen the bread from the pan.
• Place on a wire rack and allow to cool completely.
• When cooled, slice and serve.

Cuban Bread Recipe

Ingredients

• 5 cups bread flour
• 2 packages dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 cups hot water

Serving Description: 2 Loaves

Directions

Cuban bread should be consumed in a day or so, since it lacks shortening, and therefore, has a very short shelf life.

Preparation:

Grease a baking sheet to prepare it for 2 small loaves.

In large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Blend well.

Heat 2 cups of water to 125º F and add to mixing bowl, beating ingredients with electric mixer for approximately 3 minutes. Add remaining cup of flour slowly, making sure it combines with other ingredients to form a non-sticky batch of bread dough.

To hand knead the dough, remove it from bowl, sprinkle additional flour over a kneading area, and knead dough for 5 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. To knead with electic mixer and dough hook, work dough for approximately 5 minutes until elastic and smooth.

Lightly grease a large bowl, place the dough inside, and cover the bowl with oiled plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm location (approximately 90º F) for 15 to 30 minutes, or until the dough has doubled in size.

Punch the dough to deflate and place it on a floured work surface. Form the loaves into round or oval shapes and place on the greased baking sheet. Slash the loaves with a cross or 2 parallel cuts.

Fill a pan with hot tap water and place it on the lowest rack in a cool oven (do not preheat the oven). Put the bread loaves in the oven on the middle shelf above the water. Turn the oven temperature to 400º F, baking the loaves for approximately 45 to 50 minutes, and removing them when they are a dark golden tan in color.

Using a wooden spoon or your hand, lightly tap on the bottom of the loaves, listening for a hollow and hard sound, which indicates the bread is properly done. Place the bread on a cooling rack and serve the same day it is baked.

Tomato and Cheese Pie Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 basic pastry dough for 9" pie
• 8 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded (or mozzarella)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 4 medium fresh tomatoes, cut into ½" thick slices
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• fresh basil for garnish

Directions

• Preheat oven to 400º F.
• Place the 9" pastry dough in the bottom and up 1" on the sides of the prepared pan, using your fingers to spread it evenly.
• Cover the bottom of the crust with shredded cheese and 2 tablespoons chopped basil. Arrange tomato slices to cover cheese evenly. Salt and pepper tomato slices and drizzle with olive oil.
• Bake 35-40 minutes. Just before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves. May serve warm or at room temperature.

Tomato Bisque Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 onions, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 15 ounces canned whole tomatoes
• 4 fresh tomatoes, peeled and finely chopped
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups milk (whole) or cream

Directions

• Melt butter in large sauce pan. Over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add canned tomatoes, chopped fresh tomatoes, broth, and seasonings.
• Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and cook 35-40 minutes.
• Remove from heat and purée. Then, reheat on low. Add milk and season to taste.