July 31, 2014

Ella’s Kitchen

It’s August … Summer’s bounty is displaying itself at the Fairs and the local farmer’s markets. Roadside produce stands are popping up everywhere. Take advantage of this bounty.

Ella

[Ella can be contacted at ellaweeza@yahoo.com or Ella – 50+ Lifestyles, 804 W Lombard Street, Davenport, IA, 52804]

Broccoli & Cauliflower Salad

1 head broccoli, chopped 1 head cauliflower, chopped
1 cup mayonnaise 1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 pound bacon, fried crispy and crumbled
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar and salt together. Toss with the broccoli and cauliflower. Stir in the bacon and cheeses.

For a taste variation, cut the mayonnaise in 1/2 and add a 1/2 cup French or Catalina dressing.

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Make-Ahead Mexican Meal

1 lb ground meat, can be
beef or turkey or combination
1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
2-1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 package (8 ounces) uncooked manicotti shells
2-1/2 cups water
1 jar (16 ounces) picante sauce
2 cups (16 ounces) sour cream
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican cheese blend
1/4 cup sliced green onions
Sliced ripe olives, optional

In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked meat, beans, chili powder and oregano. Spoon into the uncooked shells.

Now arrange in a greased 9 X 13 baking dish. Combine the water and picante sauce. Pour over the shells and refrigerate over night.

Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake at 350° for 1 hour. Uncover; spoon sour cream over the top.

Sprinkle with cheese, onions and olives if desired. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until the cheese is melted. Serve with a fresh garden salad.

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Rich Chocolate Refrigerator Cake

1 box brownie mix
1 extra large egg
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 (8 oz.) containers whipped topping
1 (3 oz.) package instant chocolate pudding
1 (3 oz.) package instant vanilla pudding
3 1/2 cups milk
1 Hershey full sized candy bar shaved or chocolate syrup for drizzling on top

Mix brownie mixes according to directions. Add egg. Bake in brownie pan. Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar and 1 container whipped topping. Put this mix on top of the cooled brownies.

Blend puddings and milk together and put on top of the cream cheese mixture. Top with another layer of whipped topping. Put chocolate shavings or chocolate syrup on top. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

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