July 4th Recipes

Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

2 cans (one 20 ounces, one 8 ounces) unsweetened pineapple chunks
1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
8 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
1 package (1 pound) sliced bacon
2 large sweet onions
4 large green peppers
32 cherry tomatoes

Drain pineapple, reserving juice; set pineapple aside. In a small bowl, combine Worcestershire sauce and reserved juice. Cut each piece of chicken into four strips. Pour 1 cup marinade into a large resealable plastic bag; add chicken. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Cover and refrigerate remaining marinade for basting.

In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until partially cooked but not crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain; cut in half widthwise. Cut each onion into 16 wedges; cut each pepper into eight pieces. Drain and discard marinade. Wrap a piece of bacon around each chicken strip.

On 16 metal or soaked wooden skewers, alternately thread the bacon-wrapped chicken, vegetables and pineapple. Grill, uncovered, over medium heat for 6-8 minutes on each side or until juices run clear, basting frequently with reserved marinade. Makes 8 servings.

Black Forest Dream Dessert

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup cold butter
1/2 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 carton (8 ounces) frozen Cool Whip whipped topping, thawed, divided
1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
1-1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2-1/2 cups cold milk
2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix
Chocolate curls, optional

In a bowl, combine flour and sugar; cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in coconut and walnuts. Press into an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Bake at 350° for 15-18 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack.

In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add confectioners’ sugar; beat until smooth. Fold in 1 cup whipped topping. Spread over crust. Top with pie filling; cover and chill.

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips; stir until smooth. In a large bowl, whisk milk and pudding mixes for 2 minutes or until soft-set. Whisk a small amount of pudding into melted chocolate. Return all to the pudding, whisking constantly. Pour over cherry filling. Chill for 2 hours or until set. Just before serving, spread remaining whipped topping over dessert. Garnish with chocolate curls if desired. Makes 12 servings.

Grilled Country Ribs

4 pounds bone-in country-style pork ribs
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup hot pepper sauce
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons prepared mustard

Place ribs in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Cover and bake at 350° for 1-1/2 hours or until no longer pink. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, saute the onion and garlic in oil until tender. Stir in the remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.

Drain ribs. Grill, covered, over indirect low heat for 45 minutes, turning once. Baste with barbecue sauce. Grill 15 minutes longer or until meat is tender, turning and basting frequently. Makes 6 servings.

Triple-Cheese Macaroni

1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
2 eggs
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1 teaspoon pepper
8 ounces process cheese (Velveeta), melted
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded mild cheddar cheese, divided
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, butter, mustard, seasoned salt and pepper until combined. Stir in the process cheese and 1-1/2 cups of each cheddar cheese.

Drain macaroni; stir into cheese mixture. Pour into a greased 3-qt. baking dish. Top with remaining cheeses. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and edges are bubbly. Makes 6 servings.

Sweet Potato Biscuits

2 cups self-rising flour
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
7 tablespoons cold butter, divided
3 tablespoons shortening
1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
6 tablespoons milk

In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and ginger. Cut in 4 tablespoons butter and shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

In a small bowl, combine sweet potatoes and milk; stir into crumb mixture just until moistened. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead 8-10 times. Pat or roll out to 1/2-in. thickness; cut with a floured 2-1/2-in. biscuit cutter. Place 2-in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.

Melt remaining butter; brush over dough. Bake at 425° for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks. Serve warm. Makes 1-1/2 dozen.

Classic Red Velvet Cake

1/2 cup shortening
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 bottle (1 ounce) red food coloring
3 teaspoons white vinegar
1 teaspoon butter flavoring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-1/2 cups cake flour
1/4 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk

Frosting
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
3-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
3 teaspoons vanilla extract

In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the food coloring, vinegar, butter flavoring and vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk.

Pour into three greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

In a large mixing bowl, combine frosting ingredients; beat until smooth and creamy. Spread between layers and over top and sides of cake. Makes 12 servings.

Hummingbird Cake

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 eggs
2 cups mashed ripe bananas
1-1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 can (8 ounces) unsweetened crushed pineapple, undrained
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup chopped walnuts

Pineapple Frosting
1/4 cup shortening
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
2 teaspoons half-and-half cream
Chopped walnuts, optional

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda and cinnamon. Add eggs, bananas, oil, pineapple and vanilla; beat until combined. Stir in walnuts.

Pour into three greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

For frosting, in a large mixing bowl, beat shortening, butter, lemon peel and salt until fluffy. Add confectioners' sugar alternately with pineapple juice. Beat in the cream. Spread between layers and over top and sides of cake. Sprinkle with walnuts if desired. Makes 12-14 servings.

Grilled Flank Steak

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup red wine or beef broth
2 green onions, sliced
3 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced
1 beef flank steak (1-1/2 pounds)
2 tablespoons prepared mustard

In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the first seven ingredients; mix well. Add beef; seal bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight, turning once.

Drain and discard marinade. Brush both sides of meat with mustard. Grill, covered, over medium-hot heat for 5-10 minutes on each side (for medium-rare, a meat thermometer should read 145°; medium, 160°; well-done, 170°. Slice thinly across the grain. Makes 6 servings.

All-American Hamburgers

2 tablespoons diced onion
2 tablespoons chili sauce
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons prepared mustard
1 pound ground beef
4 slices American or cheddar cheese, halved diagonally
2 slices Swiss cheese, halved diagonally
4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
Lettuce leaves, sliced tomato and onion, cooked bacon, ketchup and mustard, optional

In a bowl, combine the first four ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into four patties.

Grill, covered, over medium heat for 6 minutes on each side or until meat is no longer pink. During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with two triangles of American cheese and one triangle of Swiss cheese. Serve on buns with lettuce, tomato, onion, bacon, ketchup and mustard if desired. Makes 4 servings

Angel Berry Tunnel Cake

1 prepared angel food cake (10 inches)
1-1/2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries, thawed and drained
1-1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
8 cups Cool Whip whipped topping
Additional berries, optional

With a serrated knife, slice off the top 1/2 in. of the cake; set aside. Cut a tunnel about 2 in. deep in the cake, leaving a 3/4-in. shell. Remove cake from tunnel; cut into 1-in. cubes. Combine cake cubes, berries and half of the whipped topping; spoon into tunnel. Replace cake top. Frost with remaining whipped topping. Garnish with berries if desired. Refrigerate until serving. Makes 12 servings.

Blackberry Lemonade

4 cups water, divided
1 cup sugar
1 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
1 cup blackberries
1 to 2 drops blue food coloring, optional

In a large saucepan, bring 2 cups water and sugar to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon peel and remaining water; cool slightly.

In a blender, combine 1 cup of lemon mixture and the blackberries; cover and process until blended. Strain and discard seeds. Pour blackberry mixture and remaining lemon mixture into a pitcher; stir well. Add food coloring if desired. Refrigerate until chilled. Serve over ice. Makes about 1-1/2 quarts.

Corn and Black Bean Salad

1 can (15-1/4 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1 medium tomato, seeded and chopped
6 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped, optional
1 garlic clove, minced
3/4 cup Italian salad dressing
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon lime or lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1/2 teaspoon chili powder

In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. In a small bowl, combine the salad dressing, cilantro, lime juice, hot pepper sauce and chili powder. Pour over corn mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. Serve with a slotted spoon. Makes 6-8 servings.

Bebop Baked Beans

3 bacon strips, diced
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
2 cans (15 ounces each) pork and beans
1/3 cup hickory smoke-flavored barbecue sauce
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons prepared mustard

In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp; remove to paper towels. Drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings. Saute green pepper in drippings until tender.

Drain one can of beans. In a large bowl, combine both cans of beans, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, mustard and green pepper.

Transfer to a greased 1-qt. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle with bacon. Makes 6 servings.

Calico Beans

4 ounces bacon, diced
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (21 ounces) pork and beans
1 can (15 ounces) butter beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
1 teaspoon salt

In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain. Discard drippings. In the same skillet, cook beef and onion over medium hat until the meat is no longer pink; drain fat. Combine the ground beef mixture, bacon, beans, ketchup, sugar, vinegar, mustard and salt.

Spoon into a 2-qt. casserole. Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 45-60 minutes or until the beans are as thick as desired. Recipe can be easily doubled for a larger group. Makes 8-10 servings.

Blueberry Pound Cake

2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1/2 cup butter, softened
4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 eggs
1 egg white
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 carton (6 ounces)lemon yogurt

Glaze
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
4 teaspoons lemon juice

In a small bowl, combine blueberries and 2 tablespoons flour; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add eggs and egg white, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine the baking soda, salt and remaining flour; add to creamed mixture alternately with yogurt. Fold in reserved blueberries.

Transfer to a 10-in. fluted tube pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 65-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack. In a small bowl, whisk glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over warm cake. Makes 16 servings.

Note: If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw.

Black Pepper Pound Cake

1 cup butter, softened
3 cups sugar
3 teaspoons coarsely ground pepper
2 teaspoons lemon extract
6 eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy whipping cream
Confectioners' sugar, optional

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in pepper and extract. Add eggs, one at a time, beating very well after each addition. Add flour alternately with cream; mix well.

Pour into a greased and floured 10-in. fluted tube pan. Bake at 325° for 70-75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with confectioners' sugar if desired. Makes 16 servings.

Chocolate Chip Pie

3 eggs
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted and cooled
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1 unbaked pastry shell (9 inches)

In a mixing bowl, beat eggs until foamy. Beat in sugars, flour, butter, oil and vanilla until well blended. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts. Pour into pie shell. Bake at 325° for 1-1/4 hours or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Chill until serving. Refrigerate leftovers. Makes 8 servings.

Creamy Banana Pecan Pie

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 carton (8 ounces) frozen Cool Whip whipped topping, thawed, divided
3 large firm bananas, sliced
1-1/3 cups cold milk
1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
Additional chopped pecans, optional

In a small bowl, combine the flour, pecans and butter. Press onto the bottom and up the sides of a greased 9-in. pie plate. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.

In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar. Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping. Spread over the crust. Arrange bananas on top. In another bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Immediately pour over bananas. Top with remaining whipped topping. Garnish with pecans if desired. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. Refrigerate leftovers. Makes 6-8 servings.

Chocolate Nut Brownies

2/3 cup shortening
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup baking cocoa
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped nuts, divided

In a large mixing bowl, cream the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until smooth. Combine dry ingredients; stir into batter. Fold in half of nuts.

Spread into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Sprinkle with remaining nuts. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until brownies pull away from the sides of the pan. Cool on wire rack. Cut into squares. Makes 2 dozen.

Cookie Ice Cream Pie

10 cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies, finely crushed
3 tablespoons butter, melted
14 whole cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies

Filling
1/2 gallon raspberry ripple ice cream, softened, divided
1/2 cup prepared fudge topping, divided
Fresh raspberries, optional

Combine crushed cookies and butter; mix well. Press onto bottom only of a 9-in. pie plate. Stand whole cookies up around edges, pressing lightly into crust. Freeze 1 hour. For filling, spread half of ice cream over crushed cookies.

Drizzle with 1/4 cup of fudge topping. Freeze 1 hour. Spread remaining ice cream on top. Drizzle with remaining fudge topping. Freeze several hours or overnight. Garnish with fresh raspberries if desired. Let pie stand at room temperature about 15 minutes before cutting. Makes 8 servings.

Crispy Fried Chicken

4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
2 tablespoons garlic salt
1 tablespoon paprika
3 teaspoons pepper, divided
2-1/2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
2 eggs
1-1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
2 broiler/fryer chickens (3-1/2 to 4 pounds each), cut up
Oil for deep-fat frying

In a large resealable plastic bag, combine 2-2/3 cups flour, garlic salt, paprika, 2-1/2 teaspoons pepper and poultry seasoning. In a shallow bowl, beat eggs and water; add salt and remaining flour and pepper. Dip chicken in egg mixture, then place in the bag, a few pieces at a time, and shake until coated.

In a deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry chicken, several pieces at a time, for 5-6 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy and juices run clear. Drain on paper towels. Makes 8 servings.

Honey-Mustard Potato Salad

5 pounds red potatoes
2 cups chopped celery
1 cup chopped sweet red pepper
4 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
2 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup honey mustard
1/2 cup prepared mustard
1/4 cup sour cream
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Place potatoes in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain and cool.

Cut potatoes into quarters; place in a large bowl. Add the celery, red pepper, hard-cooked eggs and onions. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Pour over potato mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Makes 16 servings.

Loaded Baked Potato Salad

5 pounds small unpeeled red potatoes, cubed
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
8 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
1 pound sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
1 sweet onion, chopped
3 dill pickles, chopped
1-1/2 cups (12 ounces) sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
2 to 3 teaspoons prepared mustard

Place the potatoes in a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake, uncovered, at 425° for 40-45 minutes or until tender. Cool in pan on a wire rack.

In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, eggs, bacon, cheese, onion and pickles. In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise and mustard; pour over the potato mixture and toss to coat. Serve immediately. Makes 20 servings.

Deviled Ham Stuffed Eggs

8 hard-cooked eggs
1/4 cup deviled ham spread
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
1/3 cup finely chopped celery
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Paprika

Slice eggs in half lengthwise; remove yolks and set whites aside. In a small bowl, mash yolks with a fork. Add the next eight ingredients; mix well. Stuff or pipe into egg whites. Refrigerate until serving. Sprinkle with paprika. Makes 8 servings.

Deli-Style Pasta Salad

1 package (1 pound) ziti, penne, bow tie or tricolor spiral pasta
2 large cucumbers, peeled, seeded and chopped
2 large red onions, sliced into thin strips
2 large green peppers, chopped
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 bottle (16 ounces) Italian salad dressing
1 container (2.6 ounces) Salad Supreme Seasoning

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, cucumbers, onions, green peppers and tomatoes.

In a small bowl, whisk the salad dressing and seasoning. Drizzle over pasta mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Gently toss just before serving. Makes 20-24 servings.