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Making Muffin Magic

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

Muffins are one of the first things beginning cooks learn to make. They are perfect for a quick breakfast or a leisurely lunch. And they can be last-minute, or made way ahead of time. This collection of muffin recipes includes some of my favorites.

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Linda's Busy Cooks Blog

Crockpot Sandwich Recipes

Saturday March 13, 2010
Yes, you can make sandwiches in the crockpot. Of course, what you're making is the filling, but isn't that what sandwiches are all about? Use pita breads, English muffins, plain old white bread, hamburger buns, whole wheat bread, or focaccia to hold these flavorful and delicious sandwich fillings. In fact, make a couple fillings with your collection of crockpots and have a party! Yum.

Photo © 2010 Linda Larsen, licensed to About.com, Inc.

St. Patrick's Day Recipe Exchange

About.com's Food Guides are creating a virtual recipe exchange for St. Patrick's Day!

Today's treats come from Colleen Graham, our Cocktails Guide. Celebrate with an Irish Martini! Simply add a bit o' Irish whiskey and you have transformed your favorite Vodka Martini into a lucky libation. Or choose a cocktail that will get everyone in the spirit of the Irish: Everybody's Irish! The mix of Irish whiskey with Chartreuse and creme de menthe results in a green cocktail that is quite delightful.

Then Jen Hoy, our Guide to Macrobiotics, has some healthy choices that are great choices for St. Patrick's Day or for recovering the day after! Mango Pineapple Green Smoothies are delicious and gorgeous too. And the Ultra Green Smoothie is refreshing and easy to make.

Everyday Menus: Butter Chicken

Friday March 12, 2010
Butter Chicken is kind of a misnomer. I think of chicken cooked in butter when I hear the name. Instead, this mildly spicy and rich dish produces chicken with a buttery texture. The chicken is cooked in a tomato sauce flavored with onion, garlic, ginger, and curry powder. Make the dish as mild or spicy as you like. I have seen recipes that add cardamom, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, and cinnamon. But I like to use a really good curry powder because that combines all of these flavors into one addition. Serve it with a green salad made with avocados for a cooling contrast, and some simple brown rice.

Photo © 2010 Linda Larsen, licensed to About.com, Inc.

St. Patrick's Day Recipe Exchange

About.com's Food Guides are creating a virtual recipe exchange for St. Patrick's Day! Our Eastern European Food Guide, Barbara Rolek, offers these delicious recipes.

The dough in this no-knead, one-rise recipe for Hungarian Beer Bread can be formed into rolls or loaves, but I like them as sticks or pretzels best. Their crunch makes them good candidates for cocktails or, what else, more beer! Translate this into a healthier snack by using white whole-wheat flour instead of all-purpose.

If you swap beef for pork in this hearty Polish recipe for Smoked Pork Butt and Cabbage, you have a dead ringer for corned beef and cabbage. Leftovers can be turned into soup or another meal over noodles.

Pavlova

Thursday March 11, 2010
If you're looking for an easy make ahead dessert that is light and springlike, Pavlova is the answer. This delicious and beautiful dessert was created in honor of Anna Pavlova, the famous ballerina. The meringue is supposed to resemble a ballerina's tutu. You can top it with just about anything, from fresh spring fruits like raspberries, to shaved chocolate or caramel sauce. A classic topping is kiwifruit and passionfruit, a beautiful and unusual combination. Read How to Make Meringues for more information and lots more recipes.

Photo © 2010 Linda Larsen, licensed to About.com, Inc.

St. Patrick's Day Recipe Exchange

About.com's Food Guides are creating a virtual recipe exchange for St. Patrick's Day!

Today's tips come from Donna Pilato, About.com Guide to Entertaining. Discover how to Enjoy St. Patrick's Day Even If You're Not Irish, and learn how to make A St. Patrick's Day Party for the Whole Family.

Wordless Wednesday

Wednesday March 10, 2010

Wordless Wednesday on About.com

Photo © 2010 Linda Larsen, licensed to About.com, Inc.

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