Publisher's Desk...
Welcome to another issue of A to Z Recipes. You’ll find great recipes here today as well as some other goodies. I am excited about Valentine’s Day coming as this is about the only time of year romantics (like me) can get away with being themselves. We'll have more about that special day in this issue. At the very end, you will find a deal of deals. If I were not saving up for a most serious purchase (see next paragraph), it would be on it's way to my kitchen now.
First, I’d like to share a little something on the home front with you. So many of you enjoy hearing about my kids, grandkids, job, etc. I have always prided myself in the fact that my kids, while very different from one another, basically get along remarkably well. Joanna, my oldest (the provider of those wonderful grandkids I have these THREE days) is 17 ½ years older than her sister, my second child. Don’t make me explain! Anyway, she is all grown up and we see her from time to time but never often enough. The younger two were born only 23 months apart. Don't make me explain! But, they really work well together. Angela (she’ll be 15 the 27th) will cozy up in my room after school and watch TV while Trey (13) takes control (literally) of the big TV in the living
room where he plays video games or where they will (infrequently) watch a movie together. Well, this has been an amiable arrangement for years. U-N-T-I-L my bedroom television went out. It just died one day recently, folks. Then the bonds of love were tested when they had to decide WHAT to watch (or play) on the one remaining TV. OK, bear with me...this does have an end (unhappy, though). A few days ago the living room TV died. Right there before our eyes (my kids viewed its demise, up front and center) it went kaput. For the past few days, I have been re-thinking my stance on how well my kids get along. And the grandkids are here. OMG! Could it be that all these years I have been wrong and what I should have said is “my TV’s work very well”?
Please remember:
A to Z Recipes is an Honor System publication. Your necessary participation keeps the monthly minimum contribution set low and this publication possible.
Enjoy!
Weight Watchers Light & Tasty - NEW 10 Cookbooks on CD
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Weight Watchers Complete Cookbook
Weight Watchers Cut the Fat
Weight Watchers Slim Ways Italian
Weight Watchers Slim Ways Chicken
Weight Watchers Slim Ways Grilling
Weight Watchers Slim Ways Hearty Meals
Weight Watchers Slim Ways Mexican
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Ramblings...
A History of St Valentine's Day
St Valentine's Day is one of a few global celebrations whose origin has long since been lost in the myth and mist of time. On the face of it, it would appear to be a fairly new celebration, given the Christian naming, however its origin stretches further into the past.
The 14th February started out as a festival rather more given over to sexual pleasures than romantic outpourings. The Romans celebrated this day as the festival of Lupercalia, a celebration of Juno, the Goddess of love. On the day cards would be drawn randomly to partner men and women together for the feast and the sexual games which were an integral part of it. This is most likely the origin of the Valentine's Card - although they don't tend to be given with such hedonistic ideas in mind these days.
When Christianity started to become popular throughout Europe, the devout set about systematically changing all the pagan festival days the Romans had so enjoyed, and replacing them with rather more austere Christian versions.
Naturally, the early church had a rather dim view of people spending the 14th of February indulging in unbridled sexual congress with total strangers, and then stuffing themselves with food and wine, so the devout cast around for a worthy saint to replace poor old Juno.
Enter Saint Valentine aka Valentinus. Rather conveniently, Valentinus had been martyred on 14th February. Unfortunately, Valentinus was known as an extremely chaste and pious man and not even vaguely schooled in the art of love. The church, however, was never one to let facts get in the way of a good ritual so set about inventing a history for Valentinus which would be more in line with their new 'festival of romance'.
So, from being the sort of chap who you'd avoid at all costs at a party, Valentinus was transformed into a romantic worthy of a Byron poem. A myth arose that Valentinus ignored a decree from Emperor Claudius II that there should be no marriage ceremonies and secretly wedding couples until he was caught, imprisoned and sentenced to death. To add even more romance around the history of Valentinus, a story sprang up that, whilst in jail, he cured the jailer's daughter of blindness and soon fell madly in love with each other. Then, on the day of his execution, he sent her a card expressing his love and signing off with "From your Valentine".
As is usually the case, however, pagan rituals survived despite the church's greatest efforts. Although cards were no longer drawn for random pairings, people continued to send messages on St Valentine's Day to those they wanted to reveal affection for.
The first proper Valentine's Card, decorated and containing poetry, is attributed to the imprisoned Charles, Duke of Orleans in 1415. He eased the pain of imprisonment by writing love verses to his wife. By the end of the 18th Century, manufactured Valentine's cards started to appear and became the most popular way to declare love. These early cards were exquisite; usually hand-painted and often decorated with real gold leaf, satins, silks and exotic feathers.
Today, commercialism has, many would say, ripped the heart out of Valentines. Cards are now pretty perfunctory and retailers push the idea of chocolates and roses as being the most appreciated symbol of love. However, for some the 14th February remains the one day of the year given over to romance and the purest of emotions.
Source: Various internet sites
Click here to submit an item for posting in this section.
Did You Know?...
The Color of Roses
Thinking of sending roses to a loved one,
but not sure what color to send?
RED is for Love, Passion, Respect and Courage.
WHITE is for Innocence, Purity, Secrecy.
YELLOW is for Joy, Friendship.
CORAL is for Desire.
LIGHT PINK is for Grace, Gladness, Joy.
DARK PINK is for Thankfulness.
LAVENDER is for Love at First Site, Enchantment.
ORANGE is for Fascination.
So, what if you get a bouquet with ALL these colors?
Well...I'd say you're doing something VERY right.
And, your significant other better not find out who sent them, lol.
Click here to submit an item for posting in this section.
Eskimo Roses
A perfect gift for those you love.
For Valentine's Day or any day.
Give them a visual statement
of your sentiments. Free vase,
timely delivery, only $29.95.
Flowermall.com
Discussion Forum
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Subscribe button when you get there.
NOTE:
Maybe once you get to the site using the above link, you could add it to favorites. Links that are easy to find are more likely to be used again.
Next Monthly Theme...
Recipes For Romance
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, share with us those recipes you consider when preparing that special meal for your sweetheart. Is there a special beef or seafood dish he/she enjoys? How about that aphrodisiac to all...chocolate? Share your favorite recipes for romance with us, won't you? Now, here is the NEW set of rules:
A to Z Recipes continues with its popular Theme Issues. We will share theme recipes and post them on the first Sunday of each month. Send your recipes no later than the last Friday of each month to have them posted in the next monthly theme issue. You may send in TWO of your favorite theme recipes in ONE email. If the number of recipes exceeds those needed in the issue, the publisher will post as many from every submitter as possible and save the remaining recipes for the following Sundays of that month. The rules for recipe submissions for the monthly theme issues are the same as ALL recipes submitted for posting.
The rules are as follows:
As a service to your fellow readers, please send only recipes that are in a form that others could easily copy and save for their own use. Recipes that would require a lot of editing or cleaning up or use non-standard measurements should not be submitted. Recipes without a name and location of sender may NOT be posted or posted without any credit given. There will be NO recipes posted that are from other recipe-zines. A to Z Recipes protects the privacy of its readers and does NOT publish email addresses. There will be no exceptions.
The deadline for February's theme issue is Friday, January 30th.
Theme recipes must have subject: "Recipes for Romance" and will be posted on Sunday, February 1st.
As usual, only recipes are to be sent to: A to Z Recipes Inbox
Click here to submit an item for posting in this section.
Amazon.com Valentine's Day e-Cards!
Special Valentine's Day cards for him and for her, and for anything in between; and left to it; and right. Amazon.com not only lets you send these cards for free, you can also attach a gift certificate for your Valentine.
FREE Valentine's Day Cards
Crazy Corner...
Before & After Love
Before -
You take my breath away
After - I feel like I'm suffocating
Before - Twice a night
After - Twice a month
Before - She says she loves the way I take control of a
situation
After - She called me a controlling, manipulative egomaniac
Before - Saturday Night Fever
After - Monday Night Football
Before - Don't stop
After - Don't start
Before - Is that all you're having?
After - Maybe you should have just a salad, honey
Before - It's like I'm living in a dream
After - It's like he lives in a dorm
Before - $60/doz.
After - $1.50/stem
Before - Turbocharged
After - Jumpstart
Before - We agree on everything
After - Doesn't she have a mind of her own?
Before - Victoria's Secret
After - Fruit-of-the-Loom
Before - Charming and Noble
After - Chernobyl
Before - Feathers and handcuffs
After - Ball and chain
Before - Idol
After - Idle
Before - I love a woman with curves
After - I never said you were fat
Before - He's completely lost without me
After - Why won't he ever ask for directions?
Before - Time stood still
After - This relationship is going nowhere
Before - Croissant and cappuccino
After - Bagel and instant
Before - You look so seductive in black
After - Your clothes are so depressing
Before - Oysters
After - Fishsticks
Before - I can hardly believe we found each other
After - I can't believe I ended up with someone like you
Before - Passion
After - Ration
Before - Once upon a time
After - The end
TOP TEN SIGNS THAT YOUR SPOUSE
IS HAVING AN ONLINE AFFAIR
10. Lately she sits at the computer naked
9. After signing off, he always has a cigarette
8. The giant rubber inflatable disk drive
7. In the morning, the computer screen is all fogged up
6. He's gotten amazingly good at typing with one hand
5. She makes sarcastic remarks about your "software"
4. Lipstick on the mouse
3. During sex, she screams "A, Colon, Backslash, Enter, Insert!"
2. The fax file is filled with pictures of someone's butt
1. The jam in the laser printer is a pair of underwear
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Your Favorites...
SAVORY TURNIP GREENS
Serves 4
~Sent in by Elaine, MO
1- 16 oz. can chopped turnip greens
1 Tbs. butter or margarine
1 envelope beef broth seasoning or bouillon cube
1 Tbs. vinegar
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. summer savory
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. flour (optional)
Combine all ingredients and simmer 10-15 minutes. The liquid may be thickened slightly with flour if desired. If possible, prepare this vegetable ahead of time. Allow flavors to blend. Reheat at serving time.
BLUEBERRY BRAN MUFFINS
~Sent in by Jean, Syracuse, NY
Do not overmix, or the muffins will be lopsided and tough.
1 1/2 cups wheat-bran cereal
1 1/4 cups whole milk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup whole-wheat flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
1/4 cup (generous) dried blueberries or currants
1 large egg
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1. Preheat the oven to 400 F. Grease a regular-sized muffin tin (that makes 12) with no-stick cooking spray or vegetable oil, or line with paper muffin cups. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the bran cereal and milk. Set aside.
3. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flours, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, salt and dried blueberries.
4. Add the egg and oil to the softened cereal and beat with a wooden spoon or a hand mixer until thoroughly combined. Fold in the dry ingredients just until the flour is barely visible; do not overmix.
5. Scoop a level 1/4-cup measure of batter into each of the 12 muffin cups. Bake in the center of the oven for 20 minutes or until the muffins are firm to the touch and a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out almost clean, with no uncooked batter on it.
6. Cool the muffins in the pan for 5 minutes before unmolding. Serve warm. (Or freeze cooled muffins in a plastic bag for up to a month. To serve, place frozen muffins on a baking sheet and reheat in a 350 F oven for 10 minutes.)
Makes 12 muffins. Per muffin: 150 calories, 24g carbohydrates, 4g protein, 6g fat, 20mg cholesterol.
ROAST CHICKEN WITH HERBED BUTTER
~Sent in by Larry Holmes, Ontario, Canada
Rosemary Butter:
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
1 ½ tablespoons chopped shallots
½ teaspoon salt
freshly ground pepper
1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
Combine butter, garlic, shallots, rosemary, salt and a sprinkling of
pepper in small bowl; mix to blend well. (Can be prepared a day
ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature 30
minutes before using.)
Roast Chicken:
1 roasting chicken (about 3 ½ pounds)
salt and pepper
2 fresh rosemary sprigs OR ½ teaspoon dried, crushed
1 carrot, cut into thirds
1 medium onion, quartered
2 ¼ cups chicken stock
rosemary sprigs, if desired, for garnish
Preheat oven to 375° F. Clean chicken; rub cavity with salt and pepper.
Place rosemary sprigs, carrot and onion pieces in cavity. Place chicken,
breast side up, on rack in open roasting pan. Rub chicken with
1 tablespoon herbed butter. Place pan on center shelf of oven.
roast chicken, basting every 20 minutes with ¼ cup chicken stock
and rubbing with ½ tablespoon herbed butter. Chicken will be fully
cooked when golden brown and juices run clear when flesh is pierced
with knife, about 1 ½ hours. Thermometer inserted in thigh should register
175° to 180°.
Remove chicken from roasting pan. Place pan with drippings over
medium-high heat; add remaining chicken stock. (You should have
1 to 1 ½ cups stock left.) Cook and stir 5 minutes or until reduced
slightly. Whisk in remaining butter (about 2 tablespoons). Add salt
and pepper as needed.
To serve, arrange chicken on platter and drizzle with sauce. Garnish
with rosemary sprigs.
Yield: 4 servings.
WILD PLUM CAKE
~Sent in by Jessica, Corfu, Greece
1 c. shortening
2 c. sugar
2 c. wild plum pulp
3 tsp. baking soda
3 c. flour
1 tsp. allspice
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 c. nuts, chopped
1 c. raisins
Cream shortening and sugar. Mix soda and plum pulp
together. Add to shortening mixture. Combine flour,
salt and spices. Add to batter, mixing well. Stir in
nuts and raisins. Bake in greased bundt pan at 350
degrees for 1 hour or until done.
PASTA AND BROCCOLI
~Sent in by Linda, CA
2 T. olive oil
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 ripe tomato, chopped
1 head of broccoli chopped
1 can of chicken broth (14 oz.)
1 pound Rotelli pasta
salt, pepper, basil, and of course parmesan to taste
In large skillet, sauté garlic in oil, do not brown. Add tomato. Season with salt and pepper and basil to taste. Simmer over low heat about 10 minutes. Add chopped broccoli and broth. Cover and bring to a boil. Then simmer until broccoli is cooked about 30 minutes or less. Cook pasta and drain and add to veggies.
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Heart Healthy...
RUSTIC LASAGNA
Source: Healthy Meals in Minutes
Servings: 8
~Sent in by Treva in the beautiful mountains of NC
9 lasagna noodles
2 cans (8 ounces each) low-sodium tomato sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh oregano or 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped broccoli, thawed, and squeezed of excess liquid
1 cup shredded carrot
1 container (15 to 16 ounces) part-skim ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions, but do not add salt.
2. While noodles are cooking, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with vegetable cooking spray; set aside.
3. In a small bowl, combine tomato sauce, garlic and oregano. Mix well. In a medium bowl, combine broccoli, carrot, ricotta, and Parmesan. Mix well.
4. Drain noodles in a colander. Spread 1/2 cup of tomato sauce in bottom of prepared dish. Place 3 noodles on top of tomato sauce. Spread half of broccoli mixture over noodles. Spoon 1/2 cup of tomato sauce over broccoli; place 3 noodles on top. Spread with remaining broccoli mixture; top with 1/2 cup of tomato sauce.
5. Top with remaining noodles and tomato; sprinkle mozzarella over top. Bake until bubbling, about 45 minutes. Place on a wire rack and cool for about 15 minutes; cut into squares.
Per serving: 268 Calories; 8g Total Fat; (28% calories from fat); 16g Protein; 32g Carbohydrate; 27mg Cholesterol; 294mg Sodium
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For Two...
PUMPKIN OR SQUASH CUSTARD FOR ONE
~Sent in by Shirley, WA State
4 oz. canned pumpkin or left over squash
1/4 c. evaporated skim milk
3 tbl. cold water
Sweetener to equal 6 tsp. sugar (Splenda)
1/2 tsp rum or vanilla extract
1 egg beaten
Preheat oven to 375.
Combine pumpkin, milk, water, sweetener and extract in sauce pan. Stir in egg after it warms up but do not boil. Stir with a wooden spoon. Pour into a casserole dish. Set into a bain marie pan with water 3/4 way up casserole dish. Bake 40 min or till a knife comes out clean.
Click here to submit an item for posting in this section.
Circulon Classic 6-1/2-Quart Pasta Set
6-1/2-quart covered pasta pot boils pasta, simmers soups and stews
Includes an indispensable stainless steel pasta insert
Hard-anodized exterior with aluminum core for optimum heat distribution
Interior has three coats of Dupont nonstick
Hi-Low grooves for superior food release
Stay-cool safety-grip handles; domed 18/10 stainless-steel lids
Oven-safe to 350 degrees F; lifetime limited warranty
List Price: $165.00
Price: $19.99
You Save: $145.01 (88%)
Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.
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