Sweet and Spicy Cashew Chicken

This is one of our favourite chicken stir fry's that has stood the test of time.  I found the recipe many years ago from one of the many Best of Bridge cookbooks I have. I serve this delicious and colourful stir-fry over rice. I usually double the recipe as it makes great leftovers.

Focaccia

 

Strawberry Pecan Romaine Salad

This is a very popular salad in our family, loved by all!! It is dressed with a homemade poppy seed dressing that is scrumptious! The poppy seed dressing yields 2 cups, so definitely good for a few salads or for a very large salad if you are serving a crowd.  I like lots of strawberries and pecans in my salad when I prepare it but the quantities are definitely yours for the choosing. Trust me this is very yummy and will soon become a favourite of yours too!  

Cheesy Garlic Straws

Ingredients:

397 gram package of puff pastry (2 sheets), chilled and ready to roll
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup of grated cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon paprika, optional, for color
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
2-3 cloves of garlic finely minced
fresh parsley finely chopped
1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for glaze

Directions:

1) Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper, if you have it; otherwise, just get out a baking sheet, no need to grease it.
2) Place the puff pastry on a well-floured work surface, and roll it into a 12" x 24" rectangle, about 1/8" thick.
3) Brush some of the beaten egg/water over the dough, saving the remainder for later.
4)Using a pizza wheel or knife cut the puff pastry in half.
5) If you're using the paprika and/or cayenne, mix with the grated cheese. Sprinkle the cheese mixture over half the pastry (12" x 12" piece of pastry).Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the cheese mixture.
6) Place the other half of dough without filling atop the piece with filling, to make a 12" square.
7) Gently roll till the two halves stick together; you'll now have a rectangle about 12" x 13".
8) Cut the rectangle in half lengthwise to make two rectangles, each 6" x 13".
9) Cut each rectangle crosswise into 3/4"-wide strips; you'll cut about 20 strips from each piece of dough, about 40 strips total.
10) Pick up a dough strip and twist each end in opposite directions until the dough is a spiraled cylinder. Place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough leaving about 3/4" between them.

11) Brush with the remaining egg wash.
12) Bake the twists for 12 to 15 minutes, until they're golden brown. Remove them from the oven, and cool slightly on a rack before serving.

Yield: about 40 cheese straws.

Link to Recipe: Cheesy Garlic Straws

You will need Puff Pastry

Grated Cheese (I used Parmesan and cheddar

Paprika and Cayenne Pepper (optional)

Minced 2-3 cloves of garlic

Finely chop fresh parsley (you can use dried too)

Thaw out the puff pastry and begin rolling it out on a flour surface

Roll into 12" x 24" rectangle, about 1/8" thick.

cut the pastry in half

Sprinkle half the cheese, spices and parsley over half of the dough

Place the other half of dough without filling atop the piece with filling, to make a 12" square

cut about 20 strips from each piece of dough

Pick up a dough strip and twist each end in opposite directions until the dough is a spiraled cylinder. Place on the cookie sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough leaving about 3/4" between them.

10) Brush with the remaining egg wash.

Pumpkin Spice Muffins

This recipe is perfect to use up the extra pumpkin you have left over. It seems after making pumpkin pies there is always a cup or so so this recipe is perfect!

Sauteed Cherry Tomatoes

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I have so many cherry tomatoes right now in my garden that I have to incorporate them into most every meal. My family devours these in no time! I simply pan fry the tomatoes in olive oil, garlic and herbs. This is a great side to any meal. I recently served them with Cajun Chicken Alfredo Fettuccine  and it added a nice freshness to the rich dish.

Banana Crumb Muffins

These banana muffins are not only moist and very flavorful but the melt in your mouth sugar crumb topping makes these muffins extraordinary!!!

Shrimp Cocktail Dip