Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts

Measuring Flour

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Measuring Flour


Measuring Flour ~ Molten Chocolate Lava Cake
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Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Measuring Flour

Measuring Flour: Wrong and Right

This is the wrong way to measure flourPicture Of

Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Measuring Flour incorrectly is one of the most common mistakes people make in baking and cooking. At the University of Minnesota, we conducted experiments where we learned that the biggest variable in every recipe is the cook. So standardizing measuring techniques is the most important way to ensure that a recipe works.

This is the wrong way to measure flour. Scooping flour from the container or bag directly with the measuring cup will pack the flour into the cup and you'll end up with too much flour. Even with a properly leveled top, this method is wrong.


Gram weight of flour measured incorrectly
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Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

A cup of all-purpose flour, properly measured, should weigh 120 grams. As you can see, the flour measured incorrectly by dipping the measuring cup into the flour weighs 161 grams. This is more than 30% more flour than the recipe needs. A cookie or cake made with flour measured this way will be tough and dry. Sauces will be too thick, and pie crusts crumbly and dry.



Measuring flour correctly
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Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

To measure flour correctly, you need calibrated measuring cups made for measuring dry ingredients. Do not use a coffee cup or drinking glass. Lightly spoon the flour directly into the measuring cup from the container or bag. Do not shake the cup. Do not pack the flour down.




Continue to spoon
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Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Keep spooning the flour into the cup until it mounds well above the top of the measuring cup.




Level off the top
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Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Using a dinner knife, turn it so the flat side is down. Hold the cup with the flour in your left hand, and start sweeping the knife over the top of the cup to remove the excess flour.




Keep leveling
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You'll probably need to pass the knife over the measuring cup a few times to get a level surface. Do not shake the cup or pack the flour down.




Weight of properly measured flour
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Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

As you can see, the properly measured flour weighs 121 grams. That's an accurate measurement, and the recipe will be perfect.

Other Measure Flours weigh different amounts. For the most accurate baking, you can weigh flour instead of measuring it. But with some practice, your flour measuring skills will become quite precise.



Related : Measuring Flour By Stephanie Gallagher, About.com Guide ~ Measuring Flour, Molten Chocolate Lava Cake
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Tips for Grilling Burgers

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Tips for Grilling Burgers


Tips for Grilling Burgers ~ Molten Chocolate Lava Cake
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Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Tips for Grilling Burgers

Grilling Perfect Burgers is easy if you follow these simple tips:

* Use beef with the right amount of fat. I recommend 80% to 85% lean ground beef. The fat is what makes your burgers juicy.

* I also recommend grass-fed beef, if you can find it (Whole Foods carries it; you can also find it at farmer's markets). Grass-fed beef not only tastes better, it's also leaner and has a better nutritional profile.

* If your ground beef is frozen, thaw completely in the refrigerator before using. Do not try to cook beef from a frozen state.

* To see if your burgers are done, check using an instant-read thermometer. Insert it in the side of the burger through to the middle. Burgers should be cooked to 160 degrees F.

* Color is not an indicator of whether or not your burgers are cooked thoroughly. Burgers that are brown inside may not be cooked to 160 degrees F, and burgers that are cooked through may still be pink inside.

* Handle the beef as little as possible while shaping the burgers. Overhandling results in toughness.

* Form patties that about 3/4-inch thick. Press your thumb in the middle of each patty to prevent it from bulging during cooking.

* Refrigerate your burgers while preparing the grill. Preheat the grill long enough to get it nice and hot, about 15 minutes should do it.

* Season the burgers with salt and pepper on the outside, just before grilling. I recommend Maldon Sea Salt. Its large crystals really bring out the flavor of the burgers. And by seasoning the outside of the burgers, the salt, which enhances the beef's flavor, will hit your mouth first.

* Place the burgers on the grill, and leave them there. Do not press down on the burgers during cooking.

* Flip once, after 3-6 minutes.

* Let your burgers rest at least 5 minutes before serving.



Related : Tips for Grilling Burgers By Stephanie Gallagher, About.com Guide ~ Tips for Grilling Burgers, Molten Chocolate Lava Cake
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Guacamole Dip Recipe

Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Guacamole Dip Recipe


Guacamole Dip Recipe ~ Molten Chocolate Lava Cake
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Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Guacamole Dip Recipe

Guacamole Dip

This Guacamole Recipe is easy and fun for kids to make all on their own. Parties, pot lucks, tailgating parties, and holidays are all great occasions for making this Guacamole Dip Recipe.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

* 3 ripe avocados
* 1 plum tomato, chopped
* 3 Tbsp. freshly-squeezed lime juice
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (reserve a sprig or two for garnish)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup chopped spring onions
* 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
* 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

Preparation:

1. Pit the avocados.* Place flesh in a medium bowl.

2. Stir in remaining ingredients until it reaches the desired consistency. You can make it as chunky or as smooth as you like.

3. Garnish with cilantro.

Serve immediately.

*To pit the avocados, simply cut in half lengthwise until you reach the pit. Keep the knife still and turn the avocado with your free hand. When you've sliced all around the pit, put the knife down and twist the avocado halves in opposite directions.

You will now be able to open the avocado. Take out the pit with a spoon. Discard. Then scoop out the avocado flesh with a spoon.



Related : By Stephanie Gallagher, About.com Guide ~ Guacamole Dip Recipe, Molten Chocolate Lava Cake
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Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe

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Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe


Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe ~ Molten Chocolate Lava Cake
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Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe

Butternut Squash Lasagna

This Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe has a slightly sweet flavor to it that appeals to kids. The secret is roasting the squash and adding a bit of nutmeg to this Butternut Squash Lasagna.

Ingredients

* 1 2-pound butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
* 1 Tbsp. olive oil
* 4 cups whole milk
* 1/4 cup butter
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* kosher salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
* 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
* 12 oven-ready lasagna noodles
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking spray.

2. Toss butternut squash chunks with olive oil. Spread out in an even layer on a sturdy baking sheet. Roast 10 minutes. Stir. Roast another 8-12 minutes until tender. Set aside.

3. Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees F.

4. Place milk in a microwave-safe container, and heat on 50% power for 1-3 minutes, until warm to the touch, but not boiling.

5. Heat butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour. Cook 1 minute.

6. Slowly pour in milk in a steady stream. Add salt, pepper and nutmeg. Cook over medium heat, whisking frequently, until thickened, 6-10 minutes. Remove from heat.

7. Place butternut squash in a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Add about 1/2 cup of the bechamel sauce (the milk mixture). Puree.

8. Spoon 1 cup of the bechamel sauce on the bottom of the prepared pan. Top with three lasagna noodles. Spread one-third of the butternut squash puree over the lasagna noodles. Sprinkle with one-third of the mozzarella cheese.

9. Repeat layers two more times. Top with the last three lasagna noodles and the remaining bechamel sauce. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese.

10. Cover with foil, and bake 35 minutes. Uncover, and bake another 15-20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

11. Let lasagna rest 10-15 minutes before cutting.



Related : By Stephanie Gallagher, About.com Guide ~ Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe, Molten Chocolate Lava Cake
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Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe2

Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe 2


Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe ~ Molten Chocolate Lava Cake
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Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe 2

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

This Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is comfort food at its best. Four types of cheese give this baked macaroni and cheese many layers of flavor. And it only gets better with the addition of bacon. Can you say, "Yum?"

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

* 16 oz. elbow macaroni
* 8 slices center-cut bacon
* 1 small onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 4 Tbsp. butter
* 5 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
* 2 cups half and half
* 2 cups whole milk
* 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1 cup shredded fontina cheese
* 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
* 1/2 cup french fried onions

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13 pan with cooking spray.

2. Prepare macaroni according to package directions for "al dente." Drain.

3. In a large, heavy saucepan, fry bacon until crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain.

4. Add onions and garlic to bacon drippings. Saute until soft, 3-5 minutes.

5. Add butter to saucepan. Whisk in flour. Cook, whisking constantly, 1-2 minutes.

6. Add half and half and milk, and cook until thickened, stirring occasionally.

7. Stir in gruyere, cheddar and fontina cheeses. Remove from heat when cheese melts completely. Toss cheese sauce with pasta. Crumble in bacon. Toss.

8. Transfer to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and fried onions over top. Bake, uncovered, 15-20 minutes until top is golden.



Related : By Stephanie Gallagher, About.com Guide ~ Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe 2, Molten Chocolate Lava Cake
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Chicken Manicotti Recipe

Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Chicken Manicotti Recipe


Chicken Manicotti Recipe ~ Molten Chocolate Lava Cake
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Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Chicken Manicotti Recipe

Chicken Manicotti

This Chicken manicotti dish is one of my favorite make-ahead weeknight meals, because it is so easy. You assemble this recipe for manicotti one day, then let it sit overnight in the fridge. The next day, you bake it. And there's very little prep involved in assembling this Chicken manicotti recipe.

Ingredients

* 2 28 oz. jars Spaghetti Sauce
* 1 pound chicken tenders or chicken breasts
* 14-16 uncooked manicotti shells
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1 cup shredded smoked mozzarella cheese

Preparation

1. Spread 1 cup of the spaghetti sauce over the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.

2. Slice the chicken breast or chicken tenders into thin strips, about 3/4-inch wide.

3. Place one chicken slice into each manicotti shell. Lay on top of the spaghetti sauce in the pan.

4. Pour remaining spaghetti sauce over manicotti shells, making sure to coat completely.

5. Cover tightly and refrigerate 12 to 24 hours.

6. Before baking, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Uncover the manicotti and sprinkle with the cheeses.

7. Bake, covered, 45 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until cheese is golden and bubbly, about 15 minutes.



Related : By Stephanie Gallagher, About.com Guide ~ Chicken Manicotti Recipe, Molten Chocolate Lava Cake
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Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe

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Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe


Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe ~ Molten Chocolate Lava Cake
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Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe

Chicken Pasta Casserole

This Chicken pasta casserole bake is similar to Baked ziti, but with added chicken and fresh spinach. If the kids don't like spinach, you can always leave it out.

Serve this chicken pasta bake with Caesar salad and Garlic bread.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

* 8 oz. penne pasta
* 1 Tbsp. olive oil
* 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
* 1 28 oz. jar spaghetti sauce
* 1 14 oz. can diced tomatoes, drained
* 1 3 oz. package cream cheese
* 2 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and patted dry with a paper towel
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with nonstick spray.

2. Cook pasta according to package directions for "al dente." Drain. Pour into prepared baking dish.

3. Heat oil in a large saucepan or dutch oven over medium-high heat. While oil is heating, cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.

4. Brown chicken in oil. Add Italian seasoning, half of the spaghetti sauce and the drained tomatoes. Let simmer 2-3 minutes.

5. Cut cream cheese into small chunks. Add to chicken and tomato sauce mixture. Simmer until cream cheese is melted.

6. Stir in spinach. Cook another minute, until spinach wilts slightly.

7. Pour chicken mixture over pasta. Top with one cup of the shredded mozzarella. Top with the remaining spaghetti sauce, remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

8. Bake, uncovered, 20 minutes, or until bubbly. ~ Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe



Related : By Stephanie Gallagher, About.com Guide ~ Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe, Molten Chocolate Lava Cake
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Baked Ziti Recipe

Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Baked Ziti Recipe


Baked Ziti Recipe ~ Molten Chocolate Lava Cake
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Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Baked Ziti Recipe

Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is one of those incredibly adaptable recipes you can change to suit your mood, your family's tastes or the ingredients you have on hand. Try adding browned ground beef or roasted vegetables to this easy Baked ziti Recipe.

Serve this simple baked ziti with Garlic bread and Caesar salad.


Ingredients

* 16 oz. ziti pasta
* 1 large egg
* 15 oz. ricotta cheese
* 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* 4-1/2 cups spaghetti sauce (homemade or from a jar)
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Prepare pasta according to package directions for "al dente." Drain.

3. In a large bowl, beat egg. Add ricotta cheese garlic powder, basil and 1 cup of the mozzarella. Mix well.

4. Add cooked pasta and 2 cups of the Spaghetti Sauce.

5. Pour 1 cup of the spaghetti sauce in a 9 x 13 pan.

6. Top with the ziti mixture. Top with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the sauce.

7. Cover with foil, and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

8. Let the baked ziti rest 10 minutes before serving.




Related : By Stephanie Gallagher, About.com Guide ~ Baked Ziti Recipe, Molten Chocolate Lava Cake
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Caesar Salad Recipe

Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Caesar Salad Recipe


Caesar Salad Recipe ~ Molten Chocolate Lava Cake
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Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Caesar Salad Recipe

Caesar Salad

Why bother with making your own Caesar salad dressing when there are plenty of bottled dressings that taste wonderful? And you don't have to worry about dealing with raw or partially cooked eggs.

This Caesar salad Recipe gets its homemade flavor from homemade croutons.


Ingredients

* 3 cups French bread cubes
* 4 Tbsp. olive oil
* 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
* 1/4 tsp. black pepper
* 2 10 oz. bags romaine lettuce
* 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
* 1 bottle caesar salad dressing


Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Toss bread cubes with olive oil, salt and pepper. Spread out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake 12-15 minutes until croutons are golden brown.
3. Place lettuce in a large salad bowl. Toss with Parmesan cheese and croutons. Just before serving, drizzle with caesar salad dressing.


Simple Caesar Salad

Crisp green leaves, crunchy garlicky croutons and flavoursome creamy dressing: the caesar salad is a triumph of simplicity. Satisfying as a starter in the original form dreamt up in 1924 by Italian chef Caesar Cardini in his restaurant in Mexico, it can easily be transformed into a meal in itself with the addition of strips of smoked chicken.

Simple as it is, the success of the salad depends on a really good dressing. Once you’ve tasted it freshly home-made, you’ll never be happy with bottled dressings again. New York restaurants often make a show-piece of a caesar salad whisked up at your table in front of you, but at home you can make it easier on yourself by using a food processor if you prefer.

Recipe for caesar salad


Ingredients

1 large egg
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 garlic clove, crushed
3 tablespoons lemon juice
pinch salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 anchovy fillets, chopped (optional)
1 teaspoon capers
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
4-5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
25g / 1 oz freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 cos lettuce, washed and torn into pieces


Preparation

2 garlic cloves
pinch salt
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 thick slices of white bread cut into cubes

First of all make the croutons. You could buy them ready made but if you are going to the trouble of making a really good dressing then the croutons need to live up to it, and home-made are much tastier than bought ones. Crush the garlic and toss with the olive oil and salt, then add the bread cubes and mix until well coated. Bake at 175C / 350F until golden, which should be about 10 minutes. Alternatively you can fry them in the oil until golden on all sides.


Now for the dressing

Bring a pot of water to the boil, and boil the egg for just 45 seconds. This is what is called coddling an egg. Take it out of the water and put it in cold water to cool.

Mix the Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper, anchovy (if using), capers, and mustard, either in a processor or by hand in a bowl. Add the coddled egg and whisk until smooth.

The next step is important to get right. The oil needs to be added in a slow but steady stream as you whisk. If you are using a processor, add it in a trickle down the funnel while it is switched on. If you are hand whisking, just keep one hand beating as the other pours the oil in. This will make sure the oil amalgamates into the dressing without separating.

Serve in a large salad bowl, a wooden one is the classic choice, with the lettuce torn into rough pieces and tossed with the dressing, parmesan cheese and croutons. It should be served immediately, while the leaves and croutons are still crisp.



Related : By Stephanie Gallagher, About.com Guide ~ Caesar Salad Recipe, Molten Chocolate Lava Cake
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Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe


Molten Chocolate Lava Cake ~ Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
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Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

This Baked macaroni and cheese recipe is a great way to get kids to eat spinach. The spinach is tossed with the macaroni and cheese, then baked, in this recipe. Then bacon, bread crumbs and more cheese are sprinkled on top of this yummy baked macaroni and cheese recipe.

Ingredients

* 1 lb. elbow macaroni (high-fiber macaroni is okay)
* 4 slices bacon
* 4 Tbsp. butter
* 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
* 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
* 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black-pepper
* 3 cups whole milk
* 1 5.2 oz container herb and garlic spreadable cheese (such as Boursin)
* 3-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
* 2 cups firmly-packed baby spinach leaves
* 3 Tbsp. butter, melted
* 1 cup Panko (Japanese bread crumbs)


Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 x 13 pan or spray with cooking spray.
2. Cook macaroni according to package directions for "al dente." (In other words, if package says to cook macaroni 7 to 9 minutes, cook it 7 minutes.) Drain.
3. Fry bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels.
4. Heat butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour. Cook, stirring 1 minute or so until flour turns golden.
5. Add salt and pepper. Slowly, whisk in milk, stirring constantly until mixture thickens. When mixture starts to boil around the edges of the pot, stir in herb cheese and 3 cups of the cheddar cheese until melted.
6. Place spinach and macaroni in a large bowl. Pour cheese sauce over macaroni. Toss well. Turn out into prepared baking dish. Crumble bacon on top. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese. Stir melted butter and Panko together. Sprinkle over top of macaroni and cheese.
7. Bake 20-30 minutes until golden brown.



Related : By Stephanie Gallagher, About.com Guide ~ Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe, Molten Chocolate Lava Cake
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Garlic Bread Recipe

Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Garlic Bread Recipe


Garlic Bread Recipe ~ Molten Chocolate Lava Cake
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Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Garlic Bread Recipe

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to Lasagna or Spaghetti. And this Garlic bread recipe is amazingly easy to make.

This garlic bread is soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside. We melt the butter and cook the crushed garlic a little to help ensure that the baked garlic bread will not have a raw garlic flavour. The amount of garlic could be increased if you are using a mild-flavoured garlic or if you like a strong garlic flavour. Other herbs, such as basil or chives, could be used in addition to, or instead of, the parsley.

Indeed, once you learn how to make garlic bread, you can vary the recipe to suit your tastes, adding different seasonings, cheese, and more or less garlic.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes


Ingredients

* 1 loaf fresh Italian bread
* 3 Tbsp. butter, softened
* 2 Tbsp. olive oil
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning


Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

2. Slice Italian bread in half, lengthwise.

3. In a small bowl, mix together butter, olive oil, garlic and Italian seasoning. Spread evenly over both sides of the bread.

4. Close the loaf (with the buttered sides facing each other), and wrap in aluminum foil. Place on a baking sheet.

5. Bake 15 minutes. Unwrap (carefully!) and place open-faced on the baking sheet. Bake another 5-7 minutes on the middle rack until golden.



Related : By Stephanie Gallagher, About.com Guide ~ Garlic Bread Recipe, Molten Chocolate Lava Cake
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