Turkey Loaf

Ingredients

• 3 c. chopped yellow onions (2 large onions)
• 2 Tbsp. good olive oil
• 2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves (1/2 tsp. dried)
• 1/3 c. Worcestershire sauce
• 3/4 c. chicken stock
• 1 1/2 tsp. tomato paste
• 5 lbs. ground turkey breast
• 1 1/2 c. plain dry bread crumbs
• 3 extra-large eggs, beaten
• 3/4 c. ketchup

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a medium saute pain, on medium-low heat, cook the onions, olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme until the onions are translucent but not browned, approximately 15 minutes. Add the Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste and  mix well. Allow to cool to room temperature.
3. Combine the ground turkey, bread crumbs, eggs, and onion mixture in a large bowl. Mix well and shape into a rectangular loaf on an ungreased baking sheet. Spread the ketchup evenly on top. Bake for 1 1/2 hours, until the internal temperature is 160 degrees and the meat loaf is cooked through. (A pan of hot water in the oven, under the meat loaf, will keep the top from cracking.) Serve hot, room temperature, or cold in a sandwich.

Magic Cookie Bars

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
• 1 (14-ounce) can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk (NOT evaporated milk)
• 2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped nuts

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (325 Fahrenheit for glass dish). In a 13x9-inch baking pan, melt butter in oven.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs together with butter and press evenly on the bottom of the pan.
3. In a bowl, mix together the coconut and the condensed milk. Press mixture evenly on top of the crumbs. Layer evenly with chocolate chips and nuts; press down firmly.
4. Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Chill if desired. Cut into bars. Store loosely covered at room temperature.

NOTE: You can substitute butterscotch chips, peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, or plain M&M's for the semisweet chocolate chips, and proceed as directed above.

Royal Icing

Ingredients

• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 4 egg whites (or egg white substitute equivalent to 4 egg whites)

Directions

1. Whisk together the powdered sugar and egg whites. Add food coloring if desired. Royal icing is best used immediately on cookies or cakes, frosted with a parchment paper cone pastry bag. Makes about 1 cup of icing.

Blueberry Muffins

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease twelve standard size muffin cups.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, and eggs. Whisk the mixture until it is combined.
4. Combine the butter mixture with the dry ingredients and mix it lightly with a wooden spoon until just moistened. Fold in the blueberries. Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared muffin cups.
5. Bake them for 18 to 20 minutes or until a cake tester or a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center of one muffin.

Magic Bars

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 1/3 cups shaved coconut, sweetened
• 1 1/2 cups bittersweet chocolate chunks (or chips)
• 1 1/4 cups pecans, chopped
• 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk (NOT evaporated milk)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a 9x13-inch pan, mix the melted butter and graham cracker crumbs. Press the mixture evenly to cover the bottom of the pan.
3. Sprinkle the coconut over the crumb base. Sprinkle the chocolate chunk (or chips) over the coconut. Sprinkle the pecans over the chocolate. Drizzle sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top.
4. Bake it for 25 minutes.
5. Cool it completely and cut into bars.

French Fries

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs. russet or baking potatoes
• Peanut oil (I prefer canola because it's healthier) for deep-fat frying
• Sea salt, kosher salt, salt, and/or other seasonings

Directions

1. If desired, peel the potatoes (if you don't, at least scrub them.) Cut lengthwise into 1/4 to 3/8-inch sticks. Soak in ice water if not ready to fry.
2. In a deep-fat fryer, heat peanut oil according to manufacturer's directions to 365 degrees Fahrenheit, or heat oil in a 3-quart or larger saucepan to 365 degrees Fahrenheit (saucepan should be no more than half full)
3. Drain the potatoes well. Pat potatoes thoroughly dry on paper toweling. Fry the potatoes, about one-third at a time, until potatoes are tender in the center and edges are just beginning to color and blister, about 7 to 9 minutes. Remove with a frying basket and drain on paper toweling.
4. To serve, sprinkle lightly with salt and other seasonings.

Banana Bread

Ingredients

• 2 cups sifted flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup butter
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups mashed, ripe bananas
• 3/4 cup chopped nuts, or semisweet chocolate chips, optional

Directions

1. Sift flour, baking powder, soda, and salt together; set aside. Cream butter and sugar; add eggs and beat well. Add flour mixture alternately with banana. Stir only enough to blend after each addition. Pour into greased loaf/bread pan. 
2. Bake in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator if not eating immediately.