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A to Z Recipes Newsletter
May 2, 2005
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Publisher's Desk
Ramblings
Did You Know?
Monthly Theme
Reader Support
Birthday Babies
Discussion Forum
Crazy Corner
Richard's Favorites
Heart Healthy
For Two
Ass't to the Ass't Publisher's Choice
Good morning to one and all. Today is the FIRST MONDAY of May. So, who else would be here with a grand offering of recipes and insanity than our
very own Richard, from Bradenton, FL? Oh, don't forget to check out the new topic announced in the Monthly Theme section. Here's Richard...
Lordy sakes, Land o' Goshen, as my Aunt says quite often. Seems like it was just
yesterday when I offered up my last rantings, ravings, and recipes.
Spring Break season is in it's dying throes here in FL. I think this is the last week to see "Rugrats" (make that GRAND Rugrats) in the Mobile Home Community I live
in.
See, down here, (for those of you who have never been here) we DON'T live in Trailer Parks. WE are transplanted Yankees who live full time or Snowbirds who live
part time for 4 to 6 months, in "Mobile Home Communities". Boy howdy, let me tell you, the "old timers" down here are quick to point that out, too. Residents have to
be 55+, but we do like to see the kids and Grandkids - for SHORT visits. Then send 'em back to THEIR house.
We generally have NO need for calendars here either. We know it's Christmas and New Years because of the "Invasion of the Rugrats" to see Gram and
Gramps. We know its Spring for the same reason. Plus traffic is a bear. Then late spring or early summer, we see packed, and I do mean packed, cars, trailers and
Winnebago type vehicles, heading for the northbound lanes of I-75. I can even get to the other side of town in 20 minutes instead of 45, from mid May to early
September. September brings the reversal of the migratory "birds," and more traffic on the streets.
LAST year we had an anomaly in September and October. EVERYBODY was in the northbound lanes getting out of Dodge, because of the Hurricanes we
experienced.
Sooo - why do we NEED calendars?
However, spring has sprung, or is about to "sprung" up north and it has to be Salad time. There's only so much you can DO with just an ol' salad, so I said to myself,
"Self, how about some different salad DRESSINGS?"
There's some more of my ravings, too, for you to toss in your "Pitch Pile." Let's get to it.
Cookbooks, Recipes, Gourmet Cooking from Amazon
THE SEED
*An emperor in the Far East was growing old and knew it was time to choose his successor. Instead of choosing one of his assistants or his children, he decided to
do something different. He called young people in the kingdom together one day.
*He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose the next emperor. I have decided to choose one of you."
*The children were shocked, but the emperor continued. "I am going to give each one of you a seed today - one very special seed. I want you to plant the seed,
water it, and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from this one seed. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose
will be the next emperor."
*One boy, named Ling, was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly, told his mother the story. She helped him get a pot
and planting soil, and he planted the seed and watered it, carefully. Everyday, he would water it and watch to see if it had grown.
*After about three weeks, some of the other youths began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow. Ling kept checking his seed, but
nothing ever grew. Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by. Still nothing. By now, others were talking about their plants, but Ling didn't have a plant and he
felt like a failure.
*Six months went by--still nothing in Ling's pot. He just knew he had killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Ling didn't say
anything to his friends, however. He just kept waiting for his seed to grow.
*A year finally went by and all the youths of the kingdom brought their plants to the emperor for inspection. Ling told his mother that he wasn't going to take an
empty pot. But his mother asked him to be honest about what happened.
*Ling felt sick at his stomach, but he knew his mother was right. He took his empty pot to the palace. When Ling arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants
grown by the other youths. They were beautiful--in all shapes and sizes. Ling put his empty pot on the floor and many of the other children laughed at him. A few
felt sorry for him and just said, "Hey, nice try."
*When the emperor arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted the young people. Ling just tried to hide in the back. "My, what great plants, trees, and flowers you
have grown," said the emperor. "Today one of you will be appointed the next emperor!"
*All of a sudden, the emperor spotted Ling at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered his guards to bring him to the front. Ling was terrified. He
thought, "The emperor knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will have me killed!"
*When Ling got to the front, the Emperor asked his name. "My name is Ling," he replied. All the kids were laughing and making fun of him. The emperor asked
everyone to quiet down. He looked at Ling, and then announced to the crowd, "Behold your new emperor! His name is Ling!" Ling couldn't believe it. Ling couldn't
even grow his seed. How could he be the new emperor?
*Then the emperor said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone here a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave
you all boiled seeds that would not grow. All of you, except Ling, have brought me trees and plants and flowers.
*When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Ling was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring
me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new emperor!"
*If you plant honesty, you will reap trust.
*If you plant goodness, you will reap friends.
*If you plant humility, you will reap greatness.
*If you plant perseverance, you will reap victory.
*If you plant consideration, you will reap harmony.
*If you plant hard work, you will reap success.
*If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation.
*If you plant openness, you will reap intimacy.
*If you plant patience, you will reap improvements.
*If you plant faith, you will reap miracles.
*So be careful what you plant, now; it will determine what you will reap tomorrow. The seeds you now scatter will make life worse or better for you or for the
ones who will come after you. Someday you will enjoy the fruits or you will pay for the choices you make.
Fun Facts About Salad Dressings
According to a recent survey, 95 percent of Americans consume salads at least three times per
week. And not only do most Americans eat salads regularly, but they perceive others who eat salads as
healthier, happier and sexier!
Here's the skinny on salads: Feeling blue? Grab some greens! Of the salad-eaters polled, ninety-one percent said they were
happy. Those who eat a salad as a main dish for a meal are more likely to be happy a majority of the time.
More than a quarter of those polled thought people they see eating salads are sexier than those seen eating some other food.
More than a quarter of those polled said that eating salads makes them feel healthier.
Not Rough Around the Edges? The majority of consumers polled who see someone eating a salad assume that that person is
self-disciplined, health-conscious and healthier than others. Eighty-seven percent of those polled said that salads are much more healthful than other foods,
regardless of how it is topped.
Salads: A Satisfying Experience! Who said you can't get satisfaction? Have a salad! After eating a salad as a main dish, most people surveyed considered
themselves very satisfied. Eating salads also helps the body; nearly two-thirds of those polled feel very or mostly happy with the way they look. Frequent salad
eaters consider
themselves very happy or mostly happy with the way they look. Women and older consumers are more likely to order salads because they enjoy the taste. These same
consumers who follow a healthful diet order salads for the taste rather than just because they are healthy, which means that they eat salads for enjoyment as well
as healthfulness.
Research Shows Healthy Benefits of Salad Dressings - A study published in the October 2004 issue of The Journal of the American Dietetic Association
indicates that women who consume three cups of salad before a meal reduce their calorie intake by 12 percent. Research published in the August 2004 edition of
the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that some fat added to fresh vegetables helps bodies absorb cancer-fighting lycopene and alpha- and
beta-carotenes. It is further stated that if vegetables remain free of fat, the body won't absorb the essential nutrients that can help prevent cancer and heart
disease. Thus, regular salad dressings are beneficial for your body to absorb these cancer-fighting substances. A 2000 study published in the American Journal of
Clinical Nutrition stated that mayonnaise and creamy salad dressings may protect post-menopausal women against strokes.
Your Salad Bowl: Chock-Full of Health
As well as the flavors you've come to know and love, check out the numerous modified products on the market today. Some of these products contain different kinds
of oils or have modified fat or carbohydrate levels that make dressings a healthy way to pep up the taste of your greens! Regular versions of your favorite dressings
have also been found to have unique properties that can be beneficial.
"A spoonful of dressing helps the nutrients go down"! (Come ON - you remember the tune !)
Vitamin E - Some salad dressings, including mayonnaise, contain Vitamin E and recent research shows that Vitamin E is good for heart health.
Low-fat - Many low-fat dressings are available. All are tasty and an additional way to add flavor to nutrient-rich salads.
Trans fat free - Good news! Salad dressings are trans fat free and always have been. You can enjoy the flavorful goodness of salad dressings without the worry of
trans fat.
Fiber - The vegetables and fruits in tossed salads that are topped with dressings are rich in fiber. Salads can help you eat more of this component that has been
linked to a reduced risk of cancer.
Carbohydrates - Many salad dressings have reduced carbohydrates and combined with naturally carb-conscious salad ingredients, are a great solution for those on
a reduced-carb diet or plan.
Alpha-linolenic Acid - Many salad dressings and mayonnaise products contain an essential fatty acid called alpha linolenic acid that may protect against fatal heart
attacks.
*According to a 2003 consumer survey by Synovate/Market Facts, supplemental Vitamin E does not provide such an effect. Mayonnaise and creamy salad dressings
are natural sources of Vitamin E. A 1999 study completed by the Harvard School of Public Health and published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows
that salad dressings and mayonnaise contain an essential fatty acid called alpha linolenic acid that may protect against fatal heart attacks. A 1996 study published
by The New England Journal of Medicine found a significant reduction in the risk of heart disease among women who ate the most Vitamin E-rich foods, such as
mayonnaise and creamy salad dressings. The Association for Dressings & Sauces recently sponsored research to definitively prove that people who regularly
consume salads (and salad dressings) are indeed healthier than those who do not.
Mexican Recipe Favorites
Here's the scoop on the current theme:
There is one type of food that usually gets grandioso reviews: Mexican. During the month of May, we are searching high and low for the best Mexican Recipe
Favorites. Send us those family keepers and restaurant taste-likes for all to share here at A to Z Recipes. Make sure to try out my sampler and drop by
the rules section to ensure your submissions are acceptable.
Here's a sampler for you:
QUESO BLANCO
A white dipping sauce served in many restaurants with chips or hot flour tortillas for dipping. This is a basic recipe that uses 'Jack' for the TexMex version and
Asadero for the more traditional Mexican version.
Yield: 2 servings
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup cheese (Monterey Jack or Asadero) shredded fine
4 oz. green chiles
1/4 cup Half & Half
2 tablespoons onion, chopped fine
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 serrano pepper, chopped fine (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped fine (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
Put all ingredients in a double boiler and heat on medium. Cook until melted and well blended, stirring occasionally.
Serve with fresh tostadas or hot flour tortillas.
Source: www.texmex.net
Please use this link for theme recipes: Mexican Recipe Favorites
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 your favorite theme recipes in ONE email. If
the number of recipes submitted by readers 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 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 (ALL caps or NO caps) 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.
See the A to Z Recipes Theme Issues collection here:
A to Z Recipes Theme Issues
The theme issue for Mexican Recipe Favorites has a deadline of May 27, 2005, and will be posted on June 5, 2005.
Please use this link for theme recipes: Mexican Recipe Favorites
As usual, only recipes are to be sent to: A to Z Recipes Inbox.
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Vote for this Ezine at the Cumuli Ezine Finder.
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is no monetary gain involved, only the opportunity for you to offset the Publisher's expenses thereto. You may donate through PayPal, or other methods listed.
To make donations using other methods, go here.
Better Homes and Gardens Half Off
Would you like to celebrate your birthday with us here at A to Z Recipes? We would love to help you strike up the band and light the candles on that
cake.
Please send your request using this link. Tell us some basic
information:
Your Name
Where you live
Your birthdate
You may include anything else you would like to share such as:
How long you have been with A to Z Recipes
Something about your job and family
Your hobbies
Any special recipe requests
This information will help us get to know you as well as help celebrate your special day. Knowing our a2z family, I am sure it will help others find shared interests
and make new friendships. Because of time constraints, only birthdays shared using the appropriate link and basic information will be considered.
Our discussion forum at QuickTopic is where a2z??™ers go to meet others, swap recipes and give feedback about what is going on in A to Z Recipes. It is
expected that opinions, suggestions, etc. posted there be done with kindness and respect for all involved*. To join in at QT (or just to read) use your web browser
to go to:
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You don't have to register or sign in, and you can choose to receive email for newly posted messages -- just select the button when you get there.
NOTE:
Maybe once you get to the site, you could add it to favorites. Links that are easy to find are more likely to be used again.
*Offensive postings will be deleted by the publisher.
Family Photos!
You may view the
June 2004 A to Z Family Reunion. Check out Leslie and Rusty's pics from the
December 2004 A to Z Family Reunion.
"A bargain: something you cannot use at a price you cannot resist." - Unknown
If you think nobody cares about you, don't file a federal tax return this year.
Fish are supposed to be brain food, and yet people eat it on Friday and then do the silliest things over the weekend.
There is always something to be thankful for. If you can't pay your bills, you can be thankful you are not one of your creditors.
Judges certainly are getting tougher on criminals. They're giving them much longer suspended sentences.
Since we say a herd of cattle, a pack of wolves, and a pride of lions, maybe it should be:
* a piddle of puppies
* a wince of dentists
* a lurch of buses
* a wrangle of philosophers
* a shrivel of critics
* a descent of relatives.
"Grasshopper always wrong in argument with chicken."
- Chines Priverb
When we decode a cookbook, every one of us is a practicing chemist. Cooking is really the oldest, most basic application of physical and chemical forces to natural
materials.
- Arthur E Grosser
What is sauce for the goose may be sauce for the gander but is not necessarily sauce for the chicken, the duck, the turkey or the guinea hen.
- Alice B. Toklas, The Alice B. Toklas Cookbook, 1954
Tomatoes and oregano make it Italian; wine and tarragon make it French. Sour cream makes it Russian; lemon and cinnamon make it Greek. Soy sauce makes it
Chinese; garlic makes it good.
- Alice May Brock, Alice's Restaurant Cookbook, 1969
Cookery is become an art, a noble science; cooks are gentlemen.
- Robert Burton, 1577 - 1640
Please understand the reason why Chinese vegetables taste so good. It is simple. The Chinese do not cook them, they just threaten them!
- Jeff Smith, The Frugal Gourmet Cooks with Wine, 1986
Anyone who eats three meals a day should understand why cookbooks outsell sex books three to one.
- L. M. Boyd
"It is, of course, entirely possible to cook without using wine. It is also possible to wear suits and dresses made out of gunny sacks, but who wants to?"
- Morrison Wood
"Take every birthday with a grain of salt. This works much better if the salt accompanies a large margarita."
FINALLY, which probably describes your own thinking at this time, then on to the recipes.
After speaking for more than two hours without pause, the speaker finally looked up from the podium and apologized for going on so long. "You see, I haven't got a
watch with me," he tried to explain. "Fine," shouted a heckler, "But there's a calendar on the wall."
Looking for a particular recipe, ingredient or submitter?
Search A to Z Recipes Site and Newsletters:
Kitchen Bestsellers from Amazon
DILL DRESSING
INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 cups mayo
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp. garlic salt
1 tsp. Worcestershire
1 tsp. dry mustard
1 tbsp. dill weed
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 shakes Tabasco or other hot sauce
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 lemon, juiced
DIRECTIONS:
Process till well blended, can also be used as a dip for raw vegetables or as a dressing for baked potatoes.
GREEN GODDESS DRESSING
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups mayonnaise
1 small can anchovy filets
3 finely chopped scallions
1 Tbs. Minced garlic
2 Tbs. Chopped parsley
1 Tbs. Lemon juice
1/2 cup tarragon vinegar
Salt and Pepper
1/2 cup sour cream or yogurt
DIRECTIONS:
Combine all ingredients until smooth and pleasant. Spoon over romaine lettuce and top with shredded chicken, bay shrimp or lump crab meat.
CREAMY CAESAR SALAD DRESSING
INGREDIENTS:
3 to 4 garlic cloves, crushed
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice or white wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Few drops red pepper or Tabasco sauce
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
INGREDIENTS:
Place the garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco and cheese in the container of a blender; process until mixture is smooth. With motor
running, add the oil in a very thin stream through the center of the blender's lid until all oil is incorporated. Dressing should have a creamy-like consistency. Store in
the refrigerator.
Makes about one cup.
HONEY MUSTARD DRESSING
INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 Tablespoon Honey
1 Tablespoon Hot Mustard
1/4 Cup Mayonnaise
A Dash of Sesame Seed Oil
A Dash of Hot Sauce
1 teaspoon Soy Sauce
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all the ingredients and pour over your favorite salad.
ROQUEFORT DRESSING
INGREDIENTS:
1 pint mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 T. lemon juice
1 1/2 T. white wine vinegar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. finely chopped onion, more to taste
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. garlic powder
Dash of Tabasco sauce
DIRECTIONS:
Crumble six ounces or more of Roquefort cheese and add remaining ingredients. Mix well; add milk if necessary to thin.
PAPRIKA DRESSING
INGREDIENTS:
3/4 cup oil
1/4 cup vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp sugar (optional)
1/2 tsp garlic powder or a clove fresh garlic.
DIRECTIONS:
Combine all ingredients in a jar. Shake and chill.
If garlic clove used, remove before serving.
PLANTATION DRESSING
INGREDIENTS:
One cup mayonnaise
One cup buttermilk
One clove garlic, minced or pressed
Half a cup of sliced green onions
Tablespoon parsley flakes
One teaspoon tarragon
Salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
Blend mayonnaise and buttermilk. Put liquid in food processor and combine with garlic and green onions. Season with parsley, tarragon and salt and pepper.
Refrigerate overnight before using.
POPPY SEED SALAD DRESSING
INGREDIENTS:
3 tablespoons of onion juice
1/3 cup vinegar
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons dry mustard
2 teaspoons salt
2 cups salad oil (never use olive oil)
3 Tablespoons Poppy Seed (or Celery Seed)
DIRECTIONS:
Place onion juice and vinegar in blender. Mix until smooth. Add the sugar, mustard, and salt and mix on medium speed until well mixed. Add 2 cups of salad oil
very slowly and continue to mix in blender until very thick. Add the poppy seed and mix until well blended.
OLIVE GARDEN'S SALAD AND DRESSING
Serves: 12
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup corn syrup
2 1/2 Tbls. grated Romano cheese
2 Tbls. pectin
2 Tbls. egg - beaten
1 1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
1/4 tsp. dried parsley
1 pinch dried oregano
1 pinch red pepper flakes
DIRECTIONS:
Combine all ingredients (except oil).
Blend in blender on high speed 1/2 minute or until smooth.
Pour this mixture into the top of a double boiler and add 1/4 c oil.
Stir gently with a whisk over gently boiling water until it begins to thicken and egg is completely cooked.
Chill several hours or overnight before using.
If the dressing is too thick, add some Italian dressing as needed.
Mix together equal amounts of fresh spinach, iceberg and romaine lettuce. Allow 2 C for each salad. Moisten leaves in dressing, do not saturate; let stand 5 minutes.
Add onion rings, radish, etc.
ORANGE VINAIGRETTE DRESSING
INGREDIENTS:
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
Combine dressing ingredients and shake well. Pour over salad and toss just before serving.
OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE RANCH SALAD DRESSING
INGREDIENTS:
1 teaspoon Hidden Valley Ranch salad dressing mix (buttermilk recipe)
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/4 teaspoon coarse grind black pepper
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
DIRECTIONS:
1. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Mix well.
2. Cover bowl and chill dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Makes 1 1/2 cups.
HONEY MUSTARD DRESSING
INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 Tablespoon Honey
1 Tablespoon Hot Mustard
1/4 Cup Mayonnaise
A Dash of Sesame Seed Oil
A Dash of Hot Sauce
1 teaspoon Soy Sauce
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all the ingredients and pour over your favorite salad.
LIGHT DRESSING
INGREDIENTS
1 cup light mayonnaise
1 cup plain, low fat yogurt
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup herbed vinaigrette
Maggi seasoning
Salt and pepper
DIRECTIONS
Whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt and ketchup in a medium bowl. Add your favorite herbed vinaigrette) to lighten the consistency and add Maggi
seasoning, salt and pepper to taste.
WASABI SALAD DRESSING
2 servings
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon Wasabi paste (Japanese horseradish)
4 1/2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
DIRECTIONS:
Mix soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar in a bowl until sugar is dissolved. Add sesame oil and
Wasabi paste; whisk well. Chill before using.
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Ass't to the Ass't Publisher's Choice
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WARM BACON DRESSING
Fry two strips of bacon until lightly browned, break it into small pieces and set aside.
Pour off all but a tablespoon of grease and, while the pan is still warm, add:
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard.
Swirl vigorously in the pan with a spatula, then pour over your salad. Toss, add salt to taste if needed, and serve immediately.
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