Recipezaar: Wedding recipes

Punjabi/Karachi Style Yakhni Pulao (Chicken Stock Pilaf)

Sat, 18 Oct 2008 14:52:39 -0400

After so many try outs I finally came with the right fusion for this recipe. Pulao is one of Punjabi people's favorite dish. Its a must serve on all occasions in Pakistan's Punjab province. If you don't want the Karachi style you can omit tomatoes, anise seeds and fresh mint. -- posted by Bint e Naeem

Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 19:01:25 -0400

So easy and delicious. I double recipe for parties. -- posted by LexingtonMom

My Favorite Buttercream Icing for Decorating

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 12:41:55 -0400

This wonderful icing is used for icing cakes and cookies as well as for borders and art work on cakes. It makes a delicious filling also between the layers of cakes and under Fondant Icing. You can make roses but it takes 3 or more days to dry them depending on the humidity. There are many versions of Buttercream icing. Some are made with eggs and all butter. Some varieties, you have to cook your sugar to a softball stage. Others are 100% shortening or a combination of shortening and butter. Each decorator has his or her favorite. I personally think that the best taste and textured recipe is the one that has you cook your sugar, add to whipped eggs and use pounds of butter per batch. BUT. I live in a state that can easily be a 100 degrees for days on end during the summer and you know what butter does on hot days. It melts! A greasy puddle of melted icing on a cake plate is not something I want to look at or eat. Your top notch decorators have a few options we dont. They have huge refrigerators to store their cakes in, and refrigerated vehicles that they can use to deliver decorated cakes. I even know a few that refuse to deliver at all. If you want their cake, you come and get it and its your responsibility if it melts. These decorators dont even turn on their ovens for a wedding cake for less than $2000. The following recipes for Buttercream Icing hold up pretty well in the heat and humidity, but if you know that your cake will be out in very high temperatures, then dont use any butter and use only a high quality shortening. Shortening: Solid Shortenings definitely have their place in baking. So Im going to talk taste tests. Crisco is the hands down winner. It has a clean taste with the melting point of 106 degrees. Butter melts somewhere between 88 and 98 degrees F. depending on the amount of fat in the brand. You can see that if you need to serve a pure buttercream decorated cake, on a hot August afternoon, you could have melted roses (and I do mean greasy puddles) on the tablecloth. This is when a good quality shortening will be a great blessing. I have been told by decorator friends that some of the warehouse brand shortenings leave a grainy consistency to the icing no matter what you do. Powdered (Confectioner's) Sugar: Regarding Powdered Sugar. Please use a Cane Sugar. I prefer C&H Powdered (confectioners) Sugar. Many of the cheaper brands use sugar beets for their base. I dont know the chemistry behind it but you definitely get different textures to your icing that can vary from batch to batch. I spent a few months being very frustrated with the quality of my icing until a kind lady did a bit of trouble shooting for me. She recommended the cane sugar and Ive been blessing her ever since. Top-Quality Brands: Please be safe, buy a quality brands and then stick with it for the best results. A friend of mine, who is a wonderful cook and baker, travels a lot and she often prepares treats for her hosts. Shes learned to ask the host to have her favorite shortening and flour on hand. She has even made up a little makeup type case that carries her favorite extracts and precious spices. That way she knows what she is working with, how it handles, and what tastes she can expect for the finished product. Some surprises are NOT pleasant. Storing Buttercream Icing: If you are not going to be using the icing right away, place it in a clean, sealable bowl. Store it in the refrigerator but please dont place it next to the marinating salmon, garlic or broccoli. You do NOT want those flavors in your icing! I like to use my icing within a few days but it will hold in the cold refrigerator for a couple of weeks if necessary. I often make a double batch of icing the night before I have a baking project. That way I know that I have plenty of icing, its fresh and I dont have to make it while Im in the middle of baking the cakes. The extra can always be used for a batch of cupcakes. When you remove the icing from the refrigerator, you might notice that the icing has taken on a sponge like texture. Do yourself a favor and place the icing in a bowl and mix by hand using a back and forth, smashing motion with a spoon or icing spatula. What you want to do is to smash the bubbles out of the icing. This extra step will help to give you the smoothest icing for a pretty top and sides of the cake. I have found that you will get an even better texture of icing if it is at room temperature before you try to do your icing. Bad Buttercream Icing Days: One thing that seems very silly but is true. There are Bad Buttercream Days! Ive asked quite a few decorators about this and every one says Yes, there are lousy days. Im not sure what causes the problem. It could be that every human has bad days so they blame the buttercream. It may be the humidity or that there is a low pressure system hanging over your town. I just know why but it is a perceived fact. The way I have handled the problem is that I changed the decoration on the cake. I couldnt get the smooth top or sides as I originally planned. Writing a greeting on a messy top would look awful so I changed the design idea and put flowers everywhere. I could have also done a basket weave technique around the sides. Just go with the flow, and dont get frustrated. Aunt Martha wont chuck the cake at you if you dont write her name on the top this time. Remember that you are creating something that is to be eaten so have fun with it. Different Mixers: If you have a heavy duty counter mixer, you can prepare a whole batch at one time. If you are using a hand mixer, divide the recipe in half. If you notice the mixer getting hot, please stop and let the machine cool off. I also prefer to mix the buttercream on a low setting. It seems that the higher setting do the job faster but you also will get a spongy texture to the icing. I dont want that quality in my final ice coating or flowers on the cake. Using Weight Scales: 1 cup of Crisco weighs 6 ounces. I put a piece of wax paper on my scale and start plopping spoons of shortening on until I get the desired weight. It really saves on the cleanup. Recipe from Peggy at WhatsCookingAmerica.net -- posted by chefRD

Throwdown's Toasted Coconut Cake

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 17:24:46 -0500

This cake was made by Chef Bobby Flay. He went up against a very famous 12 layer, 12 pound coconut cake and won the throwdown challenge. This is a great cake for a wedding, shower or any event you can think of. I served this at a party and it was a smashing success. By far the most successful dessert I have served. Note the prep time does not include the 2 hour chilling time for the Coconut Custard. -- posted by Humble Bee

Baby Face Cupcakes

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:02:37 -0500

Baby Face, You've got the cutest little baby face.... What a cute idea for a baby shower or similar idea. Little cupcake with baby faces. I use pink, yellow, and blue paper liners. In addition to the ingredients listed below, you will also need cheap plastic baby pacifiers for decoration. I suggest checking the dollar store or party supply store. -- posted by Jess4Freedom

White Chocolate Peanut Butter Popcorn

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:57:34 -0500

I found this recipe when I was looking through a book on Girl Scout activity ideas. I have not tried it, but would like to when we have our next Troop SWAP. Did you know popcorn kernels can pop up to 3 feet in the air? -- posted by Jess4Freedom

Christmas Mint Jello Salad

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:20:20 -0500

My aunt gave me a box of my moms family recipes when I got married. This is my favorite one of the group. I make this every Christmas and its always a hit. I know melting buttermints sounds weird. Try it, I think you'll be surprised!! Happy Holidays! -- posted by burnswater

Trilevel Brownies

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:57:32 -0500

This crowd pleaser features two layers of creamy chocolate and chewy oatmeal cookie-like layer. Walnut halves (or your favorite holiday candy) make a tasty topper. -- posted by Annacia

Lightened up Thumbprint Cookies

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 01:14:18 -0500

These jam-filled cookies are slimmed down with a butter substitute. Recipe is from Woman's World. -- posted by Lainey6605

Magnolia Lace Trumpets With Vanilla Cream Cheese Filling

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:39:41 -0500

This recipe is from Paula Deen from the recent issue of Food Network Magazine. -- posted by Lainey6605

Chocolate Raspberry Cookies

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:46:55 -0500

This recipe is from Paula Deen. -- posted by Lainey6605

Little Lemon Drops

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:42:07 -0500

These cookies look so beautiful and delicious in the recent issue of Woman's Day. I had to save the recipe here. The sugared cranberries are optional but are a nice touch. The sugared cranberries do take a lot of time, however. You can make those ahead because they have to be refrigerated 8 hours and then must stand 2 hours after being rolled in sugar. The prep time for the sugared cranberries is not included. -- posted by Lainey6605

Lacis (Laci Peterson) Lavender Cookies

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:55:33 -0500

Special Occasion sugar cookies with a unique twist of flavor -- posted by Chef #603588

Pomosa

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:19:54 -0500

Yummy! Champagne and Pama Pomegranate liqueur! -- posted by mama's kitchen

Russian Tea Cakes / Mexican Wedding Cakes (Cookies)

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:52:47 -0500

From the Joyofbaking.com, my friend Wendy made these cookies during our Operation Baking Gals 'baking day' -- these are one of my FAVORITE cookies, I can never eat just one. NOTE: There is a 1-hour 'rest' time for the dough to firm up once it is mixed. This is not included in the prep time. -- posted by FloridaNative

Simple Peanut Butter Fudge

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:24:23 -0500

I like this recipe because it is simple and doesn't require the 'soft ball' technique. I picked it up online somewhere a few years back and my family loved it. They always ask around Thanksgiving when I am going to make my peanut butter fudge. -- posted by DOUGER321

Holiday Pecans

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:04:47 -0500

These are great for parties or to put in gift bags during the holidays. Recipe is from Family Circle. -- posted by Lainey6605

Mint Zinfandel Sorbet

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 01:03:07 -0500

Another unique and sophisticated wine sorbet that would be an elegant addition to any special gathering. Prep time does not include chilling time or overnight freezing time. To cool the sugar syrup mixture quickly, place bowl in larger bowl of ice and stir occasionally. It should be cold in about 15 minutes. -- posted by JackieOhNo!

Riesling Sorbet

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 01:03:44 -0500

An unusual sorbet that will impress your guests. Prep time does not include chilling time or overnight freezing time. To cool the sugar syrup mixture quickly, place bowl in larger bowl of ice and stir occasionally. It should be cold in about 15 minutes. -- posted by JackieOhNo!

Thumbprint Cookies

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 23:38:24 -0500

These cookies are filled with a chocolate frosting. Recipe is from Family Circle. -- posted by Lainey6605

Little Lemon Drops (Mini Muffin Cakes)

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:00:46 -0500

These pretty little cakes are delicate and festive looking. I love lemon flavored desserts, and this recipe makes a very big batch! These fancy cakes would be good for a ladies tea or a bridal/baby shower event. A classy little dessert. Serve with a sugared cranberry on top (optional). From "Woman's Day" magazine, December 2008 issue. NOTE: Prep & cooking time does not include time for making the sugared cranberries - I would make those ahead. -- posted by FloridaNative

Almond Meltaways

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:40:21 -0500

These little gems will melt in your mouth! Recipe is from Family Circle. The dough must refrigerate for 2 hours (not included in prep time). -- posted by Lainey6605

Coconut Snowballs

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:48:37 -0500

These cookies look so pretty and taste delicious. Recipe is from Family Circle. -- posted by Lainey6605

Wedding Cookies (Snowballs, Russian Tea Cakes)

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 00:57:56 -0500

POPULAR cookies at parties, weddings or on a cookie tray. They melt in your mouth! Very impressive and addictive! I have been making these cookies for 45 years. These are also the same cookies that our dear "Meme" calls butter balls. Yield is approximate as it depends on how large you form each cookie. I have never known anyone to not like this cookie! I have always used real butter for this recipe. -- posted by Seasoned Cook

Prohibition Party Punch

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:25:02 -0500

This recipe is from an old cookbook I found. Homemade wine or beer was legal as long as it contained no more than one-half per cent alcohol. From Every Woman's Cook Book by Mrs. Chas. F. Moritz (1926) p. 617. If you can find a bootlegger in your area, I think some rum or whiskey would really perk this up. This recipe makes a LOT! Please keep this in mind when preparing this party punch for your local Speakeasy :) -- posted by Jess4Freedom

Brie Cherry Pastry Cups

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:53:15 -0500

These appetizers are almost like a dessert. Recipe is from Taste of Home. -- posted by Lainey6605

Tea Cake Kisses

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:56:50 -0500

A melt-in-your-mouth tea cake cookie with a surprise chocolate kiss inside! This cookie has been a family favorite at Christmas for years. -- posted by Chef #1036428

Mocha Nut Balls

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 01:05:42 -0500

Recipe is from Taste of Home. -- posted by Lainey6605

Crostini With Warm Goat Cheese and Balsamic Figs

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 01:13:54 -0500

These are very easy to make and are absolutely delicious. The ingredients are estimates since it really depends on how large your crostini are. Feel free to make your own crostini by cutting french bread into thin slices and toasting them in the oven. Prep time does not include the soak time for the figs. Another option for serving, is to take the soaked figs and blend in a mini food processor, then spread on the goat cheese before baking. -- posted by Chrissy T.

Wilton Buttercream Icing

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 18:38:24 -0500

Perfect for icing cakes and decorating :) Can sit out at room temperature. For thin (spreading) consistency icing, add 2 tablespoons light corn syrup, water or milk. For Pure White Icing (stiff consistency), omit butter; substitute an additional 1/2 cup shortening for butter and add 1/2 teaspoon No-Color Butter Flavor. Add up to 4 tablespoons light corn syrup, water or milk to thin for icing cakes -- posted by Your Mom

Viennese Coffee Balls (No Bake)

Sun, 07 Dec 2008 02:14:50 -0500

A cookie for coffee lover. Recipe is from Better Homes and Gardens 100 Best Cookies. -- posted by Lainey6605

Party Sausage Balls

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:59:51 -0500

This is a sausage ball recipe that we make every year for the holidays. My kids have a blast making the sausage balls and then watching them "boil". They are different than any I have ever tasted before. They have a candied sweet taste, but, with the sausage they have a definite zip. Hope you enjoy. -- posted by Mamma23

Beat Em to the Punch

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:44:56 -0500

This stuff LOOKS like beer, with a foamy head, but it is NON-ALCOHOLIC, with a not-too-sweet flavor. It is light and refreshing. Recipe can be greatly multiplied easily. I got it from my mother, who used to serve it all the time, and now goes for the creamy type punches. It is fast and easy to make,too. A single recipe makes about 90 ounces, or 22 half cup servings (if you have the small punch cups), and the recipe can be multiplied as many times as you like. -- posted by AWestCoastYost

My Own Caribbean Christmas Fruit Cake Also Known As Great Cake

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 16:02:38 -0500

This is a dense fruit cake that is prepared for Christmas and for weddings in Barbados and other areas in the Caribbean. It is usually sweet and soaked in alcohol. The fruit mixture can be prepared many months in advance and allowed to soak. -- posted by Catinthecloud

Classic Clear Punch

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 18:54:12 -0500

This is an elegant and delicious recipe for events where you don't want to serve alcohol and you don't want to worry about the children staining the carpet or themselves! -- posted by good2bdunn

Super Easy Italian Pignoli Nut Cookies (Uses Cookie Mix)

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 23:44:51 -0500

This is a Prize-Winning 2008 Recipe from Betty Crocker. They are relatively easy to make as a pouch of Betty Crocker cookie mix is used. I must say that I use the almond paste in the 8oz. can, never the tube, and it must be "almond paste" not marzipan for best results. I also use my Kitchen-Aid stand mixer, dump in all of the ingredients except the nuts & within minutes the dough is ready to go. These are great around the Holidays and since they are so expensive in bakeries, nice to make at home. Some people like to sprinkle these with powedered sugar after they come out of oven, which is fine, just not my preference... Note: Prep. time includes rolling into balls of dough & coating with nuts - I prep. a 2nd tray while one is cooking then prep. out the rest & set them aside on waxed paper so they are all ready to go. -- posted by BlondieItaliana

Frosted Thumbprint Cookies

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:54:52 -0500

My mother received this recipe from a lady friend when I was a small girl and it's been a family favorite for Christmas every year since. We always used colored frostings for the centers. These are a very delicate cookie, so handle with care. -- posted by KATTYKAKES

Awesome Apricot Bars

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 03:28:17 -0500

I first tasted these sinful cookies at my bridal shower, and my mother-in-law had to trade a secret family recipe to get this one. These have been a hit every time I've made them. The dough will be rather dense, so I suggest using a large stand mixer or your hands to combine the ingredients. -- posted by Dr. Jen

Ritz Cracker Cookies - No Bake - Candy Coated

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:29:11 -0500

I've been making these for years now. Everyone always loves them. They are super easy. I know there are a few other recipes out there for these cookies - most use almond or candy bark... these use the "candy melt wafer discs" from craft stores, candy shops, or Walmart Craft Dept., I also microwave the candy melts instead of using a double boiler. Plus, these candy melts come in many colors to suit your needs - think pink candy melts with pink M&M's for October Breast Cancer Awareness, white on white for Bridal Showers... They are so pretty for the Holidays - you can decorate these with any color sprinkles, candy M&M's, I've even used Hershey's Hugs mini-morsels.. the possibilites are endless, just make to suit your occasion... great with bright sprinkles for birthdays, or pastel M&M's for Easter, etc. - have fun! Also good for bridal or baby shower take-home goodie bags. Note: I always use the MINI M&M over the regular size just not to overpower the cracker flavors... just an FYI... -- posted by BlondieItaliana

Green Grog [with Rum]

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 22:41:44 -0500

From More Food for Thought -- posted by Recipe Junkie

Chocolate-Gingersnap Bourbon Balls

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 02:11:22 -0500

Best when aged for 2-3 days when the flavors have had a chance to develop. Will keep several weeks stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Great for the holidays. -- posted by littleturtle

Dessert Crepes

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 23:19:26 -0500

I really love crepes! This is an easy recipe that can make anyone look like a professional crepe maker! I hope you enjoy this as much as we do!!!! -- posted by kittycatmom

White Chocolate Mud Cake With Frosting

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:21:10 -0500

Subtle flavour but very nice and moist. Made my wedding cake from this recipe. Freezes well with or without icing. Muffins can also be made from this mixture. It will make 24 regular muffins and 48 mini muffins. I bake the regular muffins for 30=35 minutes, and the mini muffins for 10-15 minutes. -- posted by mortar&pestle

Whipped Buttercream Icing

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 01:25:52 -0500

There is a grocery store in the south (the name starts with a P) that has the best tasting buttercream icing ever. This recipe is an attempt to duplicate their icing. Whenever I use this recipe on my cakes, everyone gives the cake rave reviews... -- posted by grneyedmustang

Raspberry Lemonade Punch

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:28:17 -0500

This recipe is from All recipes. This makes a quick and easy delicious punch. -- posted by Lavender Lynn

Alli's Rum Punch

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:09:34 -0500

I have been making this for a long time, and it is always a huge hit! -- posted by alligirl

Deep-Fried Oysters With Chilli Dressing

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:41:53 -0500

Another tasty and really easy to prepare appetiser from The Australian Women's Weekly's 'TAPAS: antipasto mezze'. I've also posted Recipe #344630, Recipe #344049 and Recipe #343935 from this fabulous little cookbook. Increase or decrease the heat to suit your taste preferences. I cannot eat these: they're way too hot for me! But I've made them for friends who've loved them. -- posted by bluemoon downunder

Arroz Con Gandules Y Leche De Coco

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:37:56 -0500

This recipe goes well with baked chicken or pork chops. As always a nice side salad to make it great! With the touch of coconut milk, this recipe will bring a touch of the Puerto Rico in to your kitchen. -- posted by Chef Riveratime

Frosted Lemon Cupcakes Vegan

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 21:48:53 -0500

i bought myself vegan cupcakes take over the world by Isa chandra moskowitz and terry hope romero an xmas present and made two types of cupcakes from this book for my daddy in laws birthday they were a great hit. i also made the frosting from this book which was also exceellent no one reaslised that they were vegan they were most good, i love this cook book now and even though im on a deit again ill be making some treaty cupcakes. i love the fact they dont ask for any crazy ingredients in these -- posted by pornstarbarbie

Lo-Cal Strawberry Banana Salad

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 22:17:23 -0500

This is a low calorie, diabetic friendly, chilled fruit dessert salad. I found this recipe in an old Rockingham County Extension Homemakers Cookbook. I needed some low fat, low cal, desserts I can have with having Diabetes. I didn't want to give up my desserts, so trying to find recipes that work or adapt them to work for me is a challenge, but this one is great! I made it this afternoon and we had it tonight and it is now my new favorite dessert! Prep time does not include the final hours of chilling. -- posted by granny26

Cherry Wink Cookies

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 01:55:34 -0500

My husband was at a client's house and she served these to him. He loved them and asked her for the recipe so I could make them. Neither of us like dates or cherries, but we love these cookies. -- posted by Lainey6605

Mojito Fruit Cocktail

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:53:27 -0500

This is from Eating Light and can be made with or without the rum. I like it with the rum;) -- posted by Antifreesz

Italian Cream Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:07:38 -0500

Cupcakes have become very popular lately. I do not recall where this recipe is from, possibly Cuisine Magazine, but I have made them. They were very good despite being alittle labor intensive. Nice for special occasions. -- posted by "Food:The Way To Anyone's Heart"

Fondant

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:27:31 -0500

This recipe is from www.thecookduke.com and it actually tastes good! Tips from the website: 1. When you make fondant, both the dough and the icing, make sure to make it in room temperature Too cold or too warm room will hurt the dough 2. When you calculate the quantity of fondant icing required, its better to have too much fondant icing rather than too little, as leftover icing can be stored and used at a later date, or used for extra decorations 3. Make sure you make fondant on a clean and smooth working surface. Jewelry on your fingers or wrists or fluffy clothing could hurt the fondants surface -- posted by cuppythecake

Chocolate Fondant

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:52:08 -0500

This recipe is from www.sugarcraft.com posted by Michele D Foster. They have other chocolate fondant recipes on their site, so if this doesn't suit your fancy, head there! The color was a nice chocolate brown (imagine that!) and it looked great on my cake! I thought it was quite nice tasting as well. I used one 2 lb. bag of powdered sugar and it seemed to work well. -- posted by cuppythecake

Molten Chocolate-Cherry Cakes

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:47:36 -0500

These little molten chocolate-cherry cakes are perfect to serve on Valentine's Day for a very special dessert. When you cut into them, chocolate comes "oozing" out, so good! Remember, it is very important to serve these cakes warm from the oven. Be sure to make the dipped cherrries ahead and have them ready. -- posted by Annacia

Strawberry and Peach Sangria

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 23:28:46 -0500

Bon Appetit, August 2005. -- posted by swissms

Beefsteak Filet

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 12:36:38 -0500

This is very similar to the awesome Beefsteaks that we have attended. An excellent way to serve beef tenderloin.We have used this dish for many holidays. -- posted by hope2day

Cream Cheese Mints

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 13:39:04 -0500

This is a family favorite mint recipe. Our favorite flavor is almond, but you can use whatever flavor you like. You can make these for weddings, picnics, family gathering or just to have around the house. I like them frozen the best and they just melt in your mouth. -- posted by Gruenes

Maamoul

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:14:45 -0500

Maamoul is a centuries old middle eastern pastry, usually served at special occasions such as weddings and religious holidays, but could be enjoyed the whole year round. It has a melt-in-the-mouth shell and a variety of fillings of dates or nuts, such as walnuts, pistachios or almonds. Maamoul is flavoured by Orange Blossom water, which gives it its wonderful distinct taste. Orange Blossom water can be found in middle eastern shops, health stores and most major supermarkets. -- posted by Nadya

Balsamic and Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 09:48:24 -0500

A delicious variation for roasting carrots. Perfect as an accompaniment to a roast or a casserole. -- posted by Noo

Ruby Relaxer - Ruby Tuesday Copycat

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 15:49:04 -0500

This light and fruity drink is perfect for sipping on a summer afternoon. An undeniable girly drink (not to say that guys should not enjoy it as well), it has no taste of alcohol, nor the cloying aftertaste that some overly sweet drinks have. This recipe can easily be multiplied to make a crowd-pleasing punch for your next shower, party, brunch, etc. The brands listed are those that Ruby Tuesday lists on their drink menu (how nice of them to tell us what is in their drink so that we can come home and make it ourselves!) -- posted by Oenophilly

Grilled Swordfish With Rosemary

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 17:37:49 -0500

A delicious dish that can be grilled any time of year! It's a favorite with my family and friends..I wanted to share the recipe and let it (hopefully) become a favorite with your family and friends as well! It's simple and easy and yet it presents elegantly. I hope you decide to give it a try! -- posted by SuzieQ in Fairfax

Toasted Coconut Cake (Bobby Flay)

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:24:56 -0500

Just watched this episode on throwdown and this Bobby Flay recipe beat a showstopper by chef Robert Carter. Here for zaar posterity. -- posted by evelyn/athens

Chicken With Mustard Pan Sauce

Sat, 07 Mar 2009 02:36:03 -0500

An incredibly tasty chicken dish with a lovely creamy sauce that simply cannot be beat! Let me know how you like it! It's a favorite at our house! :) Tip: Don't panic if the wine flames when you add it. It's fine, just step back and shake the pan, and the flame will quickly die down. -- posted by SuzieQ in Fairfax

Red Velvet Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 01:09:27 -0500

This recipe was adapted from "What Hawaii Likes to Eat" and the frosting is adapted from a recipe by Teri Wahl. My family used to own a bakery, and these were the cupcakes we sold. There will be A LOT of frosting. Some may want to halve the recipe. We actually used a whole ice-cream scoop of frosting on top of the cupcake. This is the actual recipe for the bakery, so it makes 48 cupcakes.... it's easy to scale down to 12 but kinda hard just to do 6. -- posted by HawaiiChef79

Tropical Hawaiian Snowballs (Hawaiian-Style Russian Tea Cookies)

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 01:15:12 -0500

These delicious cookies are like snowballs in that when they are left out they disappear quickly. No, they don't melt, but it seems that they attract little menehune (Hawaiian elves) that just love to gobble them all up when you're not looking! Cooking time includes 30 minutes for cookies to cool off. Also feel free to play around with the extracts. I have used pineapple extract with coconut extract, coconut and banana, and butter, rum and vanilla. All have come out well! -- posted by HawaiiChef79

Southern Butter Mints

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:54:19 -0400

creamy, minty,yummy! Freeze extra mints in a ziplock bag.Times are approximate. -- posted by Boo Chef in West Texas

Orange "company's Coming" Stuffed Chicken Breast

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:51:48 -0400

A great entertaining chicken that can be made ahead. -- posted by aronsinvest

Smoked Salmon Mini-Cheesecakes

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 19:43:00 -0400

Creamy two-bite canapes in a flaky crust, perfect to make ahead in volume and freeze for large parties. I had tried several savory appetizer cheesecakes, to be made in a large spring-form pan and served as spreads on crackers, but found the leftovers messy to deal with the day after parties. As with the large ones, don't over-bake---you want that little creaminess in the center. I use a muffin tin that makes 24 at a time. This recipe makes three batches---total of 72 individual appetizers (6 dozen).. . -- posted by La Dilettante

The Best Party Punch Ever!

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 10:12:51 -0400

This recipe will make enough green punch to fill an average size punch bowl. If you are entertaining a large number of people and feel that you need to make more, just multiply all of the ingredients, with the exception of the sherbet. Recently I made this punch for my nephew's first birthday party. To serve aprrox. 50 guests, I multiplied the recipe by 4. Results vary depending on the size of the cups. To change the color of the punch, substitute a different flavor of Kool-aid with a MATCHING color of sherbet. (The two colors must match, othewise, the punch will turn brown.) -- posted by BeanPole

Pretty and Pink Pound Cake

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:08:42 -0400

I love from-scratch pound cakes, so when I found this one on another site I knew I had to post it here for safekeeping. Served at the Church Point Manor in Virginia Beach, this seems like a lighter-than-usual version of pound cake -- a major selling point for me! I think I may make this for Easter, though its pretty color would also make it great for Valentine's Day, baby showers or kid's tea parties, to name just a few possibilities. :) -- posted by Lynne the Pirate Queen

Grand Ma-Ma's Deviled Eggs (No Mayo!!)

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 01:40:22 -0400

This recipe is unique in that it doesn't have mayonnaise, if you are one that is expecting a "creamy" mayo type deviled egg, this recipe may NOT be for you!! For me the melted butter gives these eggs a unique and added flavor. Adapted from Gooseberry Patch Newsletter. *Cooking time varies based on your method of boiling eggs, so that is a broad estimate!!! -- posted by kittycatmom

Hot Canapes With Prosciutto and Mozzarella

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:18:44 -0400

This is a simple recipe for a great appetizer, especially before a hearty Italian meal or as a selection at a cocktail party. I threw it together because I love all of the ingredients on their own and they're amazing together. -- posted by Joey D from NYC

Weiner Schnitzel With a Proper Potato Salad

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 01:06:02 -0400

My adaptation of Huey's Weiner Schnitzel with a Proper Potato Salad. It is the homemade mayonnaise that makes this potato salad particularly delicious - or as Huey described it "proper" - and making it in a food processor couldn't be easier, although it could, of course, also be made by hand. Huey opts for vegetable oil here rather than olive oil as he insists that it can more effectively be flavoured with other ingredients such as herbs and garlic. The bacon he panfries in olive oil and then adds to the hot potatoes which readily absorb the bacon juices. The leftover eggwash he suggests saving and later adding to some extra eggs to make scrambled eggs. To avoid getting lumps in the breadcrumbs, he suggests using one hand for dipping each schnitzel in the flour and egg and the other hand for dipping the floured, egged schnitzel into the breadcrumbs. If you want to enjoy the potato salad at its most flavoursome, it is essential that it NOT be placed in the fridge but that it is made and eaten on the same day. -- posted by bluemoon downunder

Tuscan Country Chocolate Wedding Cake

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:35:35 -0400

Dark Chocolate Wedding Cake with Orange Butter Cream and Chocolate Orange Ganache. -- posted by Tuscan_Chef

Armenian Wedding Pilaf

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:52:28 -0400

This is my favorite type of pilaf similar to what my mother makes. You can customize it to your own taste. -- posted by Brian121

Sea Breeze Cocktail

Sat, 18 Apr 2009 16:50:43 -0400

Ina Garten's cranberry-grapefruit cocktail. -- posted by minnie chef

Fizzy Pineapple Cooler With a Hint of White Chocolate

Sat, 18 Apr 2009 16:58:44 -0400

This is really refreshing on a hot day. I'm sure you could add rum to make this an interesting cocktail although I've only tried the non-alcoholic version! This drink is best when made with newly-opened sparkling water, to get the most fizz out of it! Cook time is chill time. -- posted by Shuzbud

Chicken Salad Sliders

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 01:20:17 -0400

These were served at Paula Deen's brother's wedding. They are so cute. Perfect for a party or a family dinner with the kids -- posted by cookiedog

Petits Fours

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 01:24:19 -0400

This is a pretty traditional recipe used to make fancy litttle cakes that adorn weddings, showers and high tea parties. Make subtle changes to make it your own signature dessert and watch the crowds oooh and awww over your marvelous creations. Adapted from a Betty Crocker recipe. -- posted by it'scolleen

Cheesecake 2009

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:50:58 -0400

Easy! OK ! -- posted by Elizabeth@

Raspberry Champagne

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 21:37:18 -0400

This is made using Framboise de Bourgogne, a brandy distilled from raspberries. This is ideal for garden parties, graduations, and weddings. Preparation time includes chilling time. Recipe taken from The Canadian Living Cookbook from 1987. You may use either fresh or frozen raspberries. -- posted by Dan-Amer #1

Tortellini Salad

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:54:29 -0400

Excellent salad and easy to multiple for bigger groups !!! -- posted by Chef #1252378

Hibiscus Punch

Fri, 08 May 2009 02:06:12 -0400

The hibiscus flowers may be found in bags, in the mexican section at your grocery store. For a 'spiked' punch, just add vodka, to taste...Posted for ZWT 5. -- posted by alligirl

Mandy's Broccoli Salad

Thu, 14 May 2009 16:12:04 -0400

This is great. You will love it im possative. It should taste sweet/sour and if you make it the night before its even better. You must use miricle whip mayo tastes bad in this. I make this for our family bbq's its always a hit. -- posted by Mandy ny

New Orleans Chicken Liver Pate

Fri, 15 May 2009 01:02:54 -0400

Smooth cool elegant rich chicken liver pate....A lovely recipe resurrected by The Times-Picayune from 1997 in response to a request - it is a Marcelle Bienvenu recipe (that ensures it is outstanding). -- posted by Buster's friend

Smoked Salmon and Baby Potato Salad ( Wedding Buffet)

Fri, 15 May 2009 10:56:55 -0400

This is an elegan salad perfect for a buffet. Serves 10. If you are expecting Vegetarians make a batch and replace the salmon with quail's eggs. This salad can be made a day ahead but keep every thisng seperate, potatoes in a covered bowl, chopped salmon in another container and the dressing in a jar. -- posted by Wild Thyme Flour

Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms

Mon, 18 May 2009 14:09:10 -0400

Use less flowers for more filled flowers, use more flowers for lightly filled flowers. From mediterrasiancooking.com -- posted by Bella14Ragazza

Roasted Garlic Mashed Faux Potatoes - Low Carb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mon, 18 May 2009 14:13:01 -0400

Ok, on Low Carb diets we use califlower as a substitute for potatos. This particular recipe is a re-write of my Garlic mashed potato recipe. I just removed the exact same amount of potato and replaced it with the same exact amount of frozen califlower. Not only did I find THIS recipe much easier than using real potatoes, it tastes 10 times better and is LOADED with Vitamins! I'm forever giving this recipe out. I WILL be posting a recipe for "Low Carb, Low Fat Shepherd's Pie" soon, and I always use THIS recipe for the "Mash" potatos you cover the Shepherd's pie with. I ask that you all please make THIS recipe for mashed potato when making my Low-carb recipe for Shepard's Pie for maximum benefits. This makes 12 SMALL servings or 6 larger ones (or 1 gluteny) Thank you! -- posted by BBCFan

White and Dark Chocolate Spiral Cheesecake

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:15:52 -0400

This recipe is originally a Karin Goren masterpiece. Karin Goren is a local Israeli food personality, always smiling, always baking the most wonderful things. I watched her do this cheesecake on her show, Sweet Secrets, and was able to recreate this wonderful dish over the past weekend. Of course, not being able to leave well enough alone, I played around with her recipe, made a few changes, and here is my version -- posted by Mirj

Simple Shrimp Cocktail

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:06:47 -0400

I played with different ways of cooking shrimp for a while and different seasonings to spice it up, but this really became the standard; good shrimp, seasoned just to highlight their flavor, and refreshing cocktail sauce to compliment them perfectly. This is a big hit at all of our family gatherings as an appetizer, snack, or even part of the meal. No more over-paying for those tiny, rubbery shrimp cocktail circles at the grocery store, only to dip them in mediocre cocktail sauce. Try this for easy and yummy shrimp cocktail! -- posted by Lauren Z

Vanilla Almond Panna Cotta

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:45:19 -0400

My husband and I both adore silky, smooth, and lightly sweetened panna cotta. I got this recipe from Cheryla33 at All Recipes.com (http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Panna-Cotta/Detail.aspx) but tweaked it just a bit. The original recipe is in the link above . . . I have decided to make mine sugarfree by using Splenda. Cook time does not include refrigeration time. -- posted by flirtyfunchick

Raspberry Syllabub (Drink)

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:07:37 -0400

From "The Pheasant Inn" in Cumberland. A traditional English dessert. They are usually made a few hours in advance to let the liquid and cream seperate. -- posted by kellychris

Amazing Almonds

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 02:42:15 -0400

Cinnamon and sugar how can you go wrong?. . . well maybe by eating the whole batch yourself . the stirring gets tiring but its worth it in the end : ) We make these every time e have party's or people over -- posted by Molly #6

Yellow Layer Cake

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 03:27:50 -0400

This recipe is the basis for many of the layer cake . By beating the egg whites separately, then folding them into the batter, you get a very light and flavorful cake Yellow cake batter used for making a layered caked. good consistency for birthday cake, wedding cakes, shower cakes..moist yet thick enough to put on top of each other for a Tiered effect. -- posted by recipeZarr Addict

Crab Cakes With Lemon Butter and Plum Tomato Salsa

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:52:46 -0400

Straight forward, savory first course with elegant results. Easy and tasty. Works well as a first course served with Vevue Clicquot Champagne. From Bon Appetit January 2004. -- posted by College Girl

Chilled Summer Lettuce, Lovage and Garden Pea Soup

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:25:38 -0400

A delightful and refreshing chilled soup for summer - this savoury soup takes its flavour from freshly chopped lovage leaves, which impart a savoury, lemony and celery-like taste. I like to serve this pale green soup in clear glass bowls for maximum impact, with a few chopped leaves sprinkled on top and a swirl of cream. This soup makes an elegant starter for any summer event or a light luncheon dish. Do not be tempted to add more lovage then is suggested, it is a very strong flavoured herb and can be overpowering if used with a heavy hand! -- posted by French Tart

Old-Fashioned English Summer Berry Jelly and Ice Cream!

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:17:56 -0400

Little wibbly-wobbly ruby red jellies with mixed summer berries, so cooling and great with ice cream. There is nothing I love more than taking a basket to the end of my garden to pick an assortment of ripe summer berries when they are in season! The sense of satisfaction at picking your own fruit is wonderful. Although I have called these little jellies English summer berry jellies, I DO make these in France of course - it's just that the berries remind me of my grandparent's gardens and picking the fruit when I was little...plus, the combination of berries is the same as a traditional English Summer Pudding recipe! I make these in little vintage metal moulds, they look so pretty served this way; you can of course make this recipe in a large mould, but DO allow extra time for the jelly to set. -- posted by French Tart

Panna Cotta With a Coulis of Lime-Strawberries

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:30:01 -0400

It's hard to make a wrong turn after a long diner with this easy but complete panna cotta recipe. I've added the lime & almond oil for some extra bite. Best to prepare the night before a big dinner party. -- posted by Geert Wissink