TheKitchenCookie

smooth, velvety, delicious, and comforting I recently found this recipe in a magazine from several years ago and since I love asparagus I was pretty certain I was going to have to try it. It did not disappoint me. I love the thick, creamy richness of the texture with tender asparagus tips and fresh cracked pepper. I served it last night with my Homemade Croutons. Aahhh, perfect! It uses lots of veggies to give it great flavor and half-and-half for the the creamy richness. It was delicious!! FOR THE SOUP BASE- Cook, Puree, and Strain: 1 lb. fresh asparagus stems, (reserve the tips) 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth 2 cups leeks,trimmed, chopped, rinsed, (white and light green parts) 1½ cups red new potatoes, peeled and cubed 1 cup packed fresh parsley ½ cup celery, leaves and ribs, chopped Melt: 5 Tablespoons unsalted butter Whisk in and Cook: ¼ cup all purpose flour Stir in: 3 cups half-and-half Add and Simmer: Strained soup base 2 Tablespoons dry sher...

Fresh Blueberries, Coffee, Cake                                    What's not to love? I first tasted this delicious coffeecake several years ago during blueberry season and was convinced it was the best thing around. Should I confess how quickly that first one disappeared and that my hubby and I were the only ones that ate that one and that I baked a second one the next day. I did invite company to help us with the second one.☺ Anyway I received a call from my sister today saying they are planning a trip to Pa. this weekend, so I guess this will be their Saturday morning treat and I will have to hide this thing  in the freezer till they get here. Here's what you'll need: ½ cup butter, softened 1 cup brown sugar 2 eggs 1 cup sour cream 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 cups flour 1 teaspoon...

fresh, warm , gooey ,  chocolate-y  goodness Yummm!! It's the end of the day and you know you want something fresh baked for the next morning, whether it's for the lunches you have to pack or just something yummy to go with your morning coffee, but your energy level is not the greatest. Here is a chocolate-y cocoction that I often turn to when I get in this kind of pinch and need something fast. You will be in and out of the kitchen in a hurry and still have time to relax with the rest of your family. These brownies are also a great dessert with any meal with a little bit of  vanilla or peanut butter ripple ice cream. mmm, yum!! One more thing to like about them is that they are mixed by hand and you are not left with a lot of dishes to wash. Always a plus! Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a 9 x 13 glass baking dish with non stick spray. The ingredients: 1 cup butter, melted 2 cups sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla 4 eggs 1 cup flour, G...

Lately I've been hungry for Taco Salad but not really for the traditional beef taco salad so today I prepared it with chicken. Mmm, yummo! As some of you know, I enjoy an easy recipe with lots of flavor. It doesn't get easier than this!! And it is so yummy! You will need: boneless, skinless chicken breast taco seasoning onion, small butter lettuce taco cheese sour cream guacamole Taco salad dressing, recipe follows Taco flavored Doritoes Amounts will vary. I used 2 whole breasts and there are 6 of us. I sliced the chicken breast real thin (¼ inch) and chopped the onion. Melted  butter in a saute' pan, added the onions. Then I laid the chicken pieces on top of the onions. I sprinkled Taco seasoning mix over the chicken pieces. Let them cook for a little bit on one side and turn the pieces over and cook for a short time again. I sprinkled a little salt over this side and a little more Taco Seasoning. Flavor, that's what we're pursuing here! ☺ Take two for...

These are very simple but have wonderful flavor! I added caramelized onions and they gave these a sweetness that is so yummy. It kind of depends what I have on hand as to how I make these but this time it was just the chicken, cheese, caramelized onions, and butter. Mmmm, makes me hungry all over again! Cut the chicken breast into small thin squares. Caramelize 1 large sweet or yellow onion that is chopped medium/fine. Put into a saute' pan with a little oil and butter.                                                                     these are about halfway done Saute' slowly till they have a nice brown color but are not bu...