Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Slow Cooker Recipes You've Never Tried

Slow Cooker Recipes You've Never Tried
 
From Your Independent Watkins Consultant
Michelle Klimchuk - www.productsof1868.com
 
Slow-Cooked Stuffed Peppers
4 medium sweet red peppers
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded pepper jack cheese
3/4 cup salsa
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup frozen corn
1/3 cup uncooked converted long grain rice
1-1/4 teaspoons Watkins Chili Powder
1/2 teaspoon Watkins Cumin
Reduced-fat sour cream, optional

Cut and discard tops from peppers; remove seeds. In a large bowl, mix beans, cheese, salsa, onion, corn, rice, chili powder and cumin; spoon into peppers. Place in a 5-qt. slow cooker coated with cooking spray.

Cook, covered, on low 3-4 hours or until peppers are tender and filling is heated through. If desired, serve with sour cream. Yield: 4 servings.

Slow Cooker Bread Pudding
8 cups cubed day-old unfrosted cinnamon rolls
4 large eggs
2 cups milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon Watkins Vanilla Extract
1/4 teaspoon Watkins Nutmeg
1 cup raisins

Place cubed cinnamon rolls in a 3-qt. slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, sugar, butter, vanilla and nutmeg. Stir in raisins. Pour over cinnamon rolls; stir gently. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Yield: 6 servings.

Slow Cooker Mushroom Rice Pilaf
1 cup medium grain rice
1/4 cup butter
6 green onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 pound sliced baby portobello mushrooms
2 cups warm water
4 teaspoons Watkins Beef Soup and Gravy Mix, or to taste
Watkins Black Pepper to taste

In a large skillet, saute rice in butter until lightly browned. Add green onions and garlic; cook and stir until tender. Stir in mushrooms.

Transfer to a 1-1/2-qt. slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk water and beef base; pour over rice mixture. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 3-1/2 hours or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork. Yield: 6 servings

Monday, March 28, 2016

Appetizing Apps

Appetizing Apps     
From Your Independent Watkins Consultant
Michelle Klimchuk ID#336326  www.productsof1868.com

Apple Brie Bites
1 package (17.3 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 round (8 ounces) Brie cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 medium apple, chopped
2/3 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup dried cranberries
Watkins Nutmeg

Unfold puff pastry; cut each sheet into 24 squares. Gently press squares onto the bottoms of 48 greased miniature muffin cups.

Combine the cheese, apple, nuts and cranberries; spoon into cups. Bake at 375° for 12-15 minutes or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with nutmeg. Yield: 4 dozen.

Crispy Caraway Delights
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon country-style Dijon mustard
3/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
1-1/2 teaspoons Watkins Caraway Seeds
1/4 teaspoon Watkins Garlic Powder
Dash of salt
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed

In a small bowl, beat egg, water and mustard; set aside. In another bowl, combine the cheese, onion, parsley, caraway seeds,garlic powder and salt.

Unfold pastry sheet; brush with egg mixture. Sprinkle cheese mixture lengthwise over half of the pastry. Fold pastry over filling; press edges to seal. Brush top with remaining egg mixture. Cut widthwise into 1/2-in. strips; twist each strip several times.

Place 1 in. apart on greased baking sheets, pressing ends down. Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm. Yield: about 1-1/2 dozen.

Sausage Rolls
1-1/4 pounds bulk pork sausage
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoons Watkins Chives
½ teaspoon Watkins Basil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Watkins Paprika, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon Watkins Black Pepper
1 package (17.3 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed

In a large bowl, combine the sausage, onion, chives, basil, garlic, 3/4 teaspoon paprika, salt and pepper. Unfold pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Roll each pastry sheet into an 11-in. x 10-1/2-in. rectangle. Cut widthwise into 3-1/2-in. strips.

Spread 1/2 cup of sausage mixture down the center of each strip. Fold pastry over and press edges together to seal. Cut each roll into six pieces.

Place seam side down on a rack in a shallow baking pan. Sprinkle with remaining paprika. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.Yield: 3 dozen.

The statements made and opinions expressed on this page are those of the Independent Watkins Associate who is the publisher of this document, and are not to be construed as the statements or opinions of Watkins Incorporated.

Chocolate Desserts

Chocolate Desserts         
From Your Independent Watkins Consultant
Michelle Klimchuk ID #336326  www.productsof1868.com
Pepperminty Chocolate Cake
2 cups sugar
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup baking cocoa
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/2 cup Watkins Grapeseed Oil, Original Flavor
2 eggs
2 teaspoons Watkins Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon Watkins Pure Peppermint Extract
1 cup boiling water

Filling
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon Watkins Vanilla Extract
2 drops red food coloring, optional
2/3 cup crushed peppermint candy, divided

Glaze
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon Watkins Vanilla Extract
1 cup confectioners' sugar

In a bowl, combine dry ingredients. Add milk, oil, eggs and extracts; beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour into three greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans.

Bake at 350° for 18-23 minutes or until cake tests done. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

For filling, beat cream until soft peaks form. Add the sugar, vanilla and food coloring if desired; beat until stiff peaks form. Set aside about 1 tablespoon crushed candy. Fold remaining candy into cream mixture. Spread between layers and around sides but not over the top.

For glaze, melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add cocoa and water; cook, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat; whisk in vanilla. Gradually blend in sugar until smooth. Add additional water if necessary. Spread over top of cake. Sprinkle with reserved candy. Chill before serving. Store in the refrigerator. Yield: 12-16 servings.

Chocolate Oatmeal Bars
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter, softened, divided
2 cups packed brown sugar
2 eggs
4 teaspoons Watkins Vanilla Extract, divided
3 cups quick-cooking oats
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts

In a large bowl, cream 1 cup butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Combine the oats, flour, 1 teaspoon salt and baking soda; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Press two-thirds of oat mixture into a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan.

In a large saucepan, combine the milk, chocolate chips, salt and remaining butter. Cook and stir over low heat until chocolate is melted. Remove from the heat; stir in walnuts and remaining vanilla. Spread over the crust. Sprinkle with remaining oat mixture.

Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into squares. Yield: 4 dozen.

Swiss Chocolate Bars
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup water
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1-1/2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 teaspoon Watkins Vanilla Extract

Frosting
4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/3 cup milk
1-1/2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 teaspoon Watkins Vanilla Extract
Pecan halves

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. In a small bowl, combine eggs, vanilla and sour cream. In a small saucepan, cook and stir water, butter and chocolate just until melted. Stir into dry ingredients. Stir in sour cream mixture until well blended.

Pour into a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Bake at 375° for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, for frosting, place confectioner's sugar in a large bowl; set aside.

In a small saucepan combine the butter, milk and chocolate. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Beat into confectioner's sugar until smooth. Stir in vanilla. Let stand for 5 minutes. Spread over warm bars. Top with pecan halves. Cool completely before cutting into bars. Yield: about 3 dozen.

The statements made and opinions expressed on this page are those of the Independent Watkins Associate who is the publisher of this document, and are not to be construed as the statements or opinions of Watkins Incorporated.

Winter Potluck Recipes

Winter Potluck Recipes      So everyone seemed on board to have a potluck luncheon party on ...
From Your Independent Watkins Consultant
Michelle Klimchuk ID # 336326  www.productsof1868.com

Baked Reuben Casserole
1 jar (32 ounces) sauerkraut, rinsed and well drained
10 ounces sliced deli corned beef, chopped
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Russian salad dressing
1 teaspoon Watkins Caraway Seeds
Rye crackers

In a large bowl, mix the first six ingredients; stir in caraway seeds. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly. Serve with crackers. Yield: 8 cups.

Make Ahead Best Mashed Potatoes Ever
3 pounds potatoes (about 9 medium), peeled and cubed
6 bacon strips, chopped
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup milk
1-1/2 teaspoons Watkins Onion Powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Watkins Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon Watkins White or Black Pepper
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
3 green onions, chopped

Place potatoes in a Dutch oven; add water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook, uncovered, 10-15 minutes or until tender.

Meanwhile, in a skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels with a slotted spoon; drain.

Drain potatoes; return to pan. Mash potatoes, gradually adding cream cheese, sour cream and butter. Stir in milk and seasonings. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; sprinkle with cheese, green onions and bacon. Refrigerate, covered, up to 1 day.
Preheat oven to 350°. Remove potatoes from refrigerator and let stand while oven heats. Bake, uncovered, 40-50 minutes or until heated through. Yield: 10 servings.

Cola Cake
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon Watkins Cinnamon
1 can (12 ounces) cola
1 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup baking cocoa
2 large eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon Watkins Vanilla Extract

Glaze
1 can (12 ounces) cola
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup baking cocoa
4 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease a 13x9-in. baking pan.

In a large bowl, whisk the first five ingredients. In a small saucepan, combine cola, butter and cocoa; bring just to a boil, stirring occasionally. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until moistened.

In a small bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk and vanilla until blended; add to flour mixture, whisking constantly.

Transfer to prepared pan. Bake 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

About 15 minutes before cake is done, prepare glaze. In a small saucepan, bring cola to a boil; cook 12-15 minutes or until liquid is reduced to 1/2 cup. Stir in butter and cocoa until butter is melted; remove from heat. Add confectioner's sugar; stir until smooth. Pour immediately over hot cake. Yield: 15 servings.

The statements made and opinions expressed on this page are those of the Independent Watkins Associate who is the publisher of this document, and are not to be construed as the statements or opinions of Watkins Incorporated.

White Chocolate Lemon Cheese Cake

White Chocolate Lemon Cheese CakeWhite Chocolate Lemon Cheese Cake 
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon Watkins Lemon Peel 
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
Filling 
4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1-1/4 cups sugar
10 ounces white baking chocolate, melted and cooled
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons Watkins Lemon Peel
2 teaspoons Watkins Vanilla Extract
4 eggs, lightly beaten
White baking chocolate curls and lemon peel strips, optional
Preheat oven to 325°. Place a 9-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan; set aside.
In a small bowl, combine the flour, confectioners' sugar and peel; cut in butter until crumbly. Press onto the bottom and 1 in. up the sides of prepared pan. Place on a baking sheet. Bake 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in white chocolate, flour, cream, lemon juice, lemon peel and vanilla. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour into crust.
Place pan in a large baking pan; add 1 in. of hot water to larger pan. Bake 65-85 minutes or until center is just set and top appears dull.
Remove pan from water bath. Cool on a wire rack 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour . Refrigerate overnight. Remove sides of pan. Garnish with white chocolate and lemon peel if desired.
Freeze option: Wrap individual portions of cheesecake in plastic wrap and place in a resealable plastic freezer bag. Seal bag and freeze for future use. To use, thaw completely in the refrigerator. Yield: 12 servings.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Hot & Spicy Recipes

Some Like It Hot

From Your Independent Watkins Associate  ~ Michelle Klimchuk ID #336326
For a FREE Catalog or to shop online for you favorite Watkins products at www.productsof1868.com

Watkins Chipotle Chile Pepper
Article No. 00625 (2.01 oz./57 g)
Chipotle, which comes from the Nahuatl word chilpoctli means “smoked chili pepper”, is a smoke-dried jalapeno. It is primarily grown in central and southern Mexico. Chipotles impart a relatively mild but earthy spiciness to many dishes. Use in salsas, meat marinades, stews and soups.
•  Add ¼ tsp. to chili or tortilla soup. Sprinkle on
chicken or pork.
Southwestern Tomato Sauce
1 can (14.5 oz/411 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 cup/125 mL chopped green pepper
1/2 cup/125 mL chopped onion
1 tbsp/15 mL fresh lime juice
1 tbsp/15 mL Watkins Chili Powder
2 tsp/10 mL Watkins Cilantro
1-1/2 tsp/7.5 mL Watkins Garlic Liquid Spice
3/4 to 1 tsp/4 to 5 mL jalapeño hot pepper sauce
Salt to taste
Combine all ingredients in medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 to 15 minutes. Serve over hot cooked pasta. Makes 4 servings.

Chipotle Chili Chocolate Pecan Pie
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1 frozen pie shell (9 inches)
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup dark corn syrup
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon coffee liqueur
1 teaspoon Watkins Chipotle Chili Pepper
1 teaspoon Watkins Vanilla Extract
1 cup pecan halves
Sprinkle chopped pecans and chocolate chips into pastry shell. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, corn syrup, butter, liqueur, pepper and vanilla. Pour into pastry; arrange pecan halves over filling.
Bake at 350° for 55-60 minutes or until set. Cool on a wire rack. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 8 servings.

Red Pepper Soup
6 medium sweet red peppers, chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 medium onions, chopped
1 celery rib, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon Watkins Grapeseed Oil, original flavor
2 cans (one 49-1/2 ounces, one 14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth
1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
2 tablespoons minced fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons Watkins Thyme
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon Watkins Black Pepper
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon Watkins Red Pepper
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
In a large Dutch oven or soup kettle, saute red peppers, carrots, onions, celery and garlic in oil until tender.  
Stir in the broth, rice, thyme, salt, pepper and cayenne; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables and rice are tender.
Cool for 30 minutes. Puree in small batches in a blender; return to pan. Add red pepper flakes; heat through. Yield: 10-12 servings (about 3 quarts).
Watkins White Pepper
Article No. 00638 (1.94 oz./55 g)
White pepper is achieved by soaking black peppers until the hulls soften and fall off. White pepper has a very distinct “barnyard” note. White pepper is typically used in dishes that are white or creamy in color and where black pepper flecks are not
desired.
•  Add ¼ tsp. to creamy shrimp and scallop sauces,
mayonnaise, marinades or soups.

Mexican Stewed Chicken Breasts
⅓ to ½ cup cider vinegar
2 TBSP hot pepper sauce
1 tsp. Watkins Oregano
1 tsp. Watkins Garlic Powder
½ tsp. allspice
2 medium size red onions, sliced thin and separated into rings
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp. Watkins Sea Salt
1 tsp. Watkins Chili Powder
⅛ tsp. cayenne
6 boneless chicken breast halves
2 TBSP Watkins Grapeseed Oil
1 can (4 oz) chopped green chilies
Watkins Parsley
Combine vinegar, water, hot pepper sauce, garlic, oregano and allspice in a large bowl.  Add onion rings and toss until moistened, let marinate while preparing chicken.  Combine flour, salt, chili powder, and cayenne pepper in a large plastic or paper bag.  Add chicken breasts to bag ad shake until well coated.  Heat oil in large skillet over medium low heat.  Add chicken breasts, skin side down, and cook 6 to 7 minutes or until well browned.  Turn over and continue to cook 5 minutes or until lightly browned.  Pour vinegar mixture from onions into skillet (reserving onions).  Spoon green chilies on and around chicken.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to low and simmer 10 to 15 minutes or until chicken is tender.  Remove chicken to serving platter and cover loosely with foil.  Add onions to sauce.  Increase heat to medium high and cook, uncovered, 3 to 5 minutes, stirring several times, until onions are crisp-tender.  Pour onions and sauce over chicken breasts.  Garnish with Watkins Parsley.  Makes 6 servings.

Creole Rice
2 TBSP Watkins Grapeseed Oil
½ cup diced onion
1 ¼ cups uncooked long-grain white rice
1 ½ cups boiling water
¾ to 1 tsp. hot pepper sauce, to taste
1 tsp. Watkins Garlic Powder
¼ tsp. Watkins Black Pepper
1 tsp. Watkins Parsley
1 green or red bell pepper, finely diced
In medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat.  Saute the onions for 5 minutes.  Stir in the rice; saute for 2 to 3 minutes.  Pour in the boiling water, hot pepper sauce, and garlic powder.  Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.  Remove from heat, add black pepper, parsley, and bell pepper.  Fluff rice with fork and serve hot.
Jambalaya
8 oz. bulk Italian Sausage
8 oz. ham, diced
1 cup chopped onion
1 TBSP hot pepper sauce
1 TBSP Watkins Parsley
1 TBSP Watkins Chicken Soup Base
½ tsp. Watkins Garlic Powder
½ tsp. Watkins Thyme
1 ½ cups boiling water
1 ½ cups uncooked long grain white rice
1 can (15 oz) stewed tomatoes
1 green bell pepper, diced
In large Dutch oven or kettle, brown sausage; drain off any grease.  Add ham and onions to pan; cook and stir 3 minutes.  Add hot pepper sauce, parley, chicken soup, garlic powder, thyme, water, rice, and stewed tomatoes; mix well.  Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes.  Stir in green pepper and continue to simmer 5 to 8 minutes longer or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.  Fluff with fork before serving.

Hot Spiced Walnuts
2 TBSP orange juice
¼ cup white sugar
1 TBSP Watkins Grapeseed Oil
1 TBSP hot pepper sauce
8 oz. shelled walnuts (2 cups)
2 tsp. Watkins Cinnamon
½ tsp. Watkins Cloves
¼ tsp. Watkins Sea Salt
Combine first 4 ingredients in a glass 9 x 13 inch baking dish.  Toss walnuts in mixture until well coated.  Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly toasted stirring once.  Remove from oven and sprinkle with cinnamon and cloves; toss to coat.  Spoon onto waxed paper, separating nuts.  Sprinkle with salt.  Cool to room temperature.

The statements made and opinions expressed on this page are those of the Independent Watkins Associate who is the publisher of this document, and are not to be construed as the statements or opinions of Watkins Incorporated.

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