*PORK* "The Other White Meat"

Pork is one of the most widely eaten meats in the world, accounting for about 38% of meat production worldwide, although consumption varies widely from place to place.

According to the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service, nearly 100 million metric tons of pork were consumed worldwide in 2010. Increasing urbanization and disposable income has led to a rapid rise in pork consumption in China, where 2010 consumption was 20% higher than in 2009, and a further 5% increase projected in 2011.

Head - This can be used to make brawn, stocks and soups. After boiling, the ears can be fried or baked and eaten separately.

Spare rib roast/spare rib joint/blade shoulder/shoulder butt - This is the shoulder and contains the shoulder blade. It can be boned out and rolled up as a roasting joint, or cured as "collar bacon". It is not to be confused with the rack of spare ribs from the front belly. Pork butt, despite its name, is from the upper part of the shoulder. The Boston butt, or Boston-style shoulder, cut comes from this area, and may contain the shoulder blade.

Hand/arm shoulder/arm picnic - This can be cured on the bone to make a ham-like product, or used in sausages.

• Loin - This can be cured to give back bacon or Canadian-style bacon. The loin and belly can be cured together to give a side of bacon. The loin can also be divided up into roasts (blade loin roasts, centre loin roasts, and sirloin roasts come from the front, centre, or rear of the loin), back ribs (also called baby back ribs, or riblets), pork cutlets, and pork chops. A pork loin crown roast is arranged into a circle, either boneless or with rib bones protruding upward as points in a crown. Pork tenderloin, removed from the loin, should be practically free of fat.
• Fatback - The subcutaneous fat and skin on the back are used to make pork rinds, a variety of cured "meats", lardons, and lard.
• Belly/side/side pork - The belly, although a fattier meat, can be used for steaks or diced stir-fry meat. Belly pork may be rolled for roasting or cut for streaky bacon.
• Legs/hams - Although any cut of pork can be cured, technically speaking only the back leg is entitled to be called a ham. Legs and shoulders, when used fresh, are usually cut bone-in for roasting, or leg steaks can be cut from the bone. Three common cuts of the leg include the rump (upper portion), centre, and shank (lower portion).
• Trotters - Both the front and hind trotters can be cooked and eaten, as can the tail.
• Spare ribs, or spareribs, are taken from the pig's ribs and the meat surrounding the bones. St. Louis-style spareribs have the sternum, cartilage, and skirt meat removed.
• Knuckles, intestines, jowls and all other parts of the pig may also be eaten.

Delicious Pork Recipes

Pork pairs deliciously with fruit flavors as well as all kinds of spices, making it one of the most versatile meats out there. Try these recipes!

*Whisky Grilled Baby Back Ribs*

"Slowly baking these baby back pork ribs before grilling is the secret. That, and the finely-tuned, sweet, basting sauce."

Ingredients

• 2 (2 pound) slabs baby back pork ribs
• coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon ground red chile pepper
• 2 1/4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup minced onion
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 1/4 teaspoons liquid smoke flavoring
• 2 teaspoons whiskey
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon dark molasses
• 1/2 tablespoon ground red chile pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300 degree F (150 degrees C).
2. Cut each full rack of ribs in half, so that you have 4 half racks. Sprinkle salt and pepper (more pepper than salt), and 1 tablespoon chile pepper over meat. Wrap each half rack in aluminum foil. Bake for 2 1/2 hours.
3. Meanwhile, heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir the onions in oil for 5 minutes. Stir in water, tomato paste, vinegar, brown sugar, honey, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with 2 teaspoons salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, liquid smoke, whiskey, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, dark molasses, and 1/2 tablespoon ground chile pepper. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer for 1 1/4 hours, uncovered, or until sauce thickens. Remove from heat, and set sauce aside.
4. Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat.
5. Remove the ribs from the oven, and let stand 10 minutes. Remove the racks from the foil, and place on the grill. Grill the ribs for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Brush sauce on the ribs while they're grilling, just before you serve them (adding it too early will burn it).

*Apple Glazed Pork Tenderloin*

"A pork tenderloin is seared, coated with a sweet and tangy blend of apple jelly and balsamic vinegar, and baked with wine-flavored onions and apples for a delicious fall main dish."

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 (1 1/4 pound) pork tenderloin
• kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 sweet onion, diced
• 1 Gala apple, cut into chunks
• 1/2 cup Riesling wine
• 1 cup apple jelly
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Directions

1. Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a baking dish large enough to hold the tenderloin without folding it.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and brown the pork tenderloin on all sides. Remove the browned tenderloin to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle all sides of the meat with salt, pepper, and parsley.
3. Cook and stir the onion and apple in the same skillet over medium heat until the onion becomes soft, about 5 minutes, and pour in the Riesling wine. Scrape all the browned flavor bits off the bottom of the skillet and stir to help dissolve them into the wine. Bring to a boil, and pour the onion, apple, and wine mixture over the tenderloin.
4. Mix together the apple jelly and balsamic vinegar in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and without lumps. Spread the jelly mixture all over the pork.
5. Bake the loin in the preheated oven until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 160 degrees F (70 degrees C), 30 to 45 minutes. Allow the tenderloin to rest for 10 minutes before slicing, and serve each slice with a spoonful of the apple-on top

*Pork & Green Chili Casserole*



"Make your taste buds feel like they're at a fiesta, with this great dish. It's a brown rice casserole with cubed pork, green chilies, black beans, and spices that blend together to make your taste buds sing. It's great for pot luck dinners, or having friends over for dinner."

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless pork loin chops, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 1/2 cups instant brown rice, uncooked
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 2 (4 ounce) cans diced green chile peppers
• 3 tablespoons chunky salsa
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 1 cup shredded Colby cheese

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan or stock pot over medium-high heat. Add pork, and saute until browned. Drain off grease. Add the rice, cream of chicken soup, black beans, tomatoes, green chiles, salsa and water. Season with cumin. Stir to blend, then bring to a boil. Simmer over medium heat for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender.               
2. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). When the pork mixture is cooked, transfer to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle cheese over the top.               
3. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes, until cheese is melted. Serve with tortillas.

 

*Sausage Country Gravy*

"In addition to the astronomically high calorie count, another advantage of a milk gravy that’s been thickened with a roux made from the rendered fat of meat scraps, is it’s very cheap. So, when you combine “cheap,” with “filling,” and “delicious,” you have all the makings of a classic."

*Bacon Cheddar Jalapeno Poppers*

"Quick & easy! Only 3 ingredients required: bacon, a block of Cheddar cheese and jalapeno peppers."

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) package Cheddar cheese
• 6 jalapeno peppers, seeded and halved
• 12 slices bacon

Directions

1. Preheat the broiler.
2. Cut Cheddar cheese into 12 slices long enough to fit inside the jalapeno halves. Insert cheese slices into the halves. Wrap the jalapeno halves with the bacon slices, securing with a toothpick, if necessary. Place on a medium baking sheet.
3. Broil 5 to 10 minutes, or until the bacon is evenly brown.               

*Asian-Style Pork Chop Bake*

        "Baked loin pork chops with an Asian citrus flair. The marinade will thicken in the oven, creating a thick glaze for the meat."

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup dry sherry
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger root
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ground black pepper to taste
• 1 dash ground allspice
• 6 (3/4 inch) thick pork chops

Directions

1. To Make Marinade: In a medium, non-reactive bowl, mix the teriyaki sauce, orange juice, sherry, ginger root, garlic, pepper and allspice. Add pork chops to bowl, cover, and marinate in refrigerator for 6 hours, turning as needed.               
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).               
3. Remove chops and marinade from refrigerator. Remove cover and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until internal temperature of meat has reached 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).

*Pork & Chili Wraps*

"Serve up loads of great flavor with slices of tender, browned pork, avocado, red onions slices, green chiles and salad greens wrapped in warmed tortillas."

Ingredients

• 12 ounces boneless center-cut pork loin chops, 3/4-inch thick, lean
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper
• 4 (8 inch) tortillas, 98% fat free
• 1/4 avocado, pitted, peeled, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies
• 4 cups mixed salad greens

Directions

1. In medium skillet over medium-high heat, warm oil. Sprinkle pork chops with salt and pepper and cook until browned and internal temp. reaches 145 degrees F, about 3 mins. per side. Place chops on a plate and let rest 5 mins.               
2. Cut chops into 1/4-in. slices. Microwave tortillas on high until slightly warm and softened, about 30 sec. Place tortillas on workspace and top with pork, avocado, onion, chiles and salad greens stopping 2 inches short of one edge. Working one tortilla at a time, fold one side of tortilla up and over fillings. Tuck fillings in tightly, then fold in the 2-in. edge. Continue rolling tortilla toward the other side, securing with toothpick if necessary. Repeat with remaining tortillas and serve.

*Bone-In Pork Roast w/Apple Rhubarb Glaze*

"A sage-rubbed pork loin is roasted slow and low, then glazed with a homemade apple-rhubarb glaze."

Ingredients

• 1 (5 pound) bone-in pork loin roast
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
•                    1/4 cup chopped fresh sage                    
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1 pound diced rhubarb
• 4 Gala apples - peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 cups apple juice
•                  2 quarts chicken stock                 
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup cold water

Directions

1. Preheat an oven to 200 degrees F (95 degrees C). Place the pork onto a roasting rack, and rub all over with salt, black pepper, and sage.
2. Slow roast the pork in the preheated oven until the pork is no longer pink near the bone, about 5 hours. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 155 degrees F (68 degrees C).
3. While the pork is cooking, melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in the garlic, shallot, and onion; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the rhubarb, apple, brown sugar, vinegar, apple juice, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium, and simmer until the sauce has reduced to half of its original volume, about 30 minutes. Dissolve the cornstarch in the cold water, then stir into the simmering sauce. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce has thickened to the consistency of maple syrup.
4. Once the pork has reached an internal temperature of 155 degrees F (68 degrees C), spoon enough rhubarb glaze over the pork roast to cover completely. Return the pork to the oven, and continue baking until the glaze has set, and the internal temperature has reached 160 degrees F (71 degrees C), about 20 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with the remaining apple-rhubarb glaze.

*Balsamic Roasted Pork Loin*

"A zesty, yet simple meal with an olive oil and balsamic vinegar marinade. A crowd pleaser!"

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons steak seasoning rub
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 pounds boneless pork loin roast

Directions

1. Dissolve steak seasoning in balsamic vinegar, then stir in olive oil. Place pork into a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade overtop. Squeeze out air and seal bag; marinate 2 hours to overnight.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
3. Place pork into a glass baking dish along with marinade. Bake in preheated oven, basting occasionally until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F (65 degrees C), about 1 hour. Let the roast rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.               

*Crock Pot Cooking* Great Recipes & More

A slow cooker, Crock-Pot (a US trademark that is often used generically), or Slo-Cooker (a UK trademark that is often used generically) is a countertop electrical cooking appliance that allows moist-heat cooking method of simmering which requires maintaining a relatively low temperature compared to other cooking methods (such as baking, boiling, and frying), for many hours allowing unattended cooking of pot roast, stew, and other suitable dishes.

A basic slow cooker consists of a lidded round or oval cooking pot made of glazed ceramic or porcelain, surrounded by a housing, usually metal, containing an electric heating element. The lid is often of glass seated in a groove in the pot edge; condensed vapour collects in the groove and provides a low-pressure seal to the atmosphere. The contents of a crock pot are effectively at atmospheric pressure, despite the water vapor generated inside the pot. A crock pot is quite different from a pressure cooker and presents no danger of an abrupt pressure release.

Recipes intended for other cooking methods must be modified for slow cookers. Quantities of liquids may have to be adjusted as there is little evaporation, but there should be enough liquid to cover the food. Many published recipes for slow cookers (aka crock-pots) are designed primarily for convenience and use few ingredients, often prepared sauces. The long, moist cooking is particularly suitable for tough and cheap cuts of meat—for many slow-cooked dishes these cuts give better results than more expensive ones.

Cheaper cuts of meat with connective tissue and lean muscle fibre are suitable for stewing, and tastier than stews using expensive cuts, as long slow cooking will soften the connective tissue without toughening the muscle. Slow cooking leaves the gelatinised tissue in the meat, so that it may be advantageous to start with a richer liquid.  The low temperature of slow-cooking makes it impossible to burn food even if cooked too long; however, meat and vegetables will become nearly tasteless or "raggy" if overcooked.

Food can be set to slow-cook before leaving for the day, and will be ready on return. Some models include timers or thermostats which bring food to a given temperature, and then lower it. With a timerless cooker it is possible to use an external timer to stop cooking after a set time, or both to start and stop.

*Pot Roast*

"Amazing flavor, and so simple! No salt needed here, in fact, you may wish to use half the Ranch dressing mix to cut back on the saltiness. Found this Crock-Pot pot roast recipe on of a website called www.recipegoldmine.com. It's all the rage there so I thought I'd try it."

Ingredients

• 1 (4 -5 lb) beef roast, any kind
• 1 (1 1/4 ounce) packages brown gravy mix, dry
• 1 (1 1/4 ounce) packages dried Italian salad dressing mix
• 1 (1 1/4 ounce) packages ranch dressing mix, dry
• 1/2 cup water

Directions

1. Place beef roast in crock pot.
2. Mix the dried mixes together in a bowl and sprinkle over the roast.
3. Pour the water around the roast.
4. Cook on low for 7-9 hours.

*Crock Pot Turkey Breast*
"A great dish for Thanksgiving*


Ingredients

• 3 1/2 lbs boneless turkey breast
• 1 (14 ounce) cans chicken broth or 1 (14 ounce) cans homemade stock
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon thyme

Directions

1. Rinse turkey breast and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Place in crock pot breast side down.
3. Pour chicken broth over turkey.
4. Two hours into cooking time, mix other ingredients and pour over turkey.
5. Make gravy with juices if desired.
6. Cook 8-10 hours in crock pot on low.

*Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Roast*

"One thing to remember about reduction sauces is that a little goes a long way. You’re taking an already flavorful liquid and reducing down to maybe 25% of its original volume. This is also the reason you shouldn’t season it until the end. After the cold butter is whisked into the sauce, and your herb of choice has been added, give it a taste and adjust for salt then."

*Crock Pot Potato Soup*

"This recipe is well worth the list of ingredients. Most are items you already have around the kitchen."

Ingredients

• 3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 4 red potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch chunks
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons seasoned salt
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• chives for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat a large slow cooker by turning it to the High setting and covering with the lid.
2. Place the cut-up potatoes in a microwave safe bowl, and microwave on High for about 8 minutes, until the potatoes are cooked and steaming hot.
3. While the potatoes are cooking, place the butter in the preheated slow cooker, and cook and stir the onions and garlic for about 5 minutes, until the onions turn golden. Stir in 1/2 cup of milk, and whisk in the flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in the remaining 3 cups of milk, and let the mixture come to a simmer in the slow cooker. Simmer for about 10 minutes, until the soup begins to thicken.
4. Stir in the hot cooked potatoes, crumbled bacon, sour cream, Cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, seasoned salt, parsley, red pepper flakes, celery salt, and dried basil. Stir to mix the soup well, reduce the slow cooker setting to Low, cover, and cook for 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with chives and serve.

*Chicken Stew w/Cheddar Cornmeal Dumplings*

"I got this recipe from MSN Lifestyles. This is really quick and easy to make on a busy or cold weeknight. I have posted my slightly modified version."

Ingredients

• 2 cups carrots, chopped
• 2 cups potatoes, chopped
• 1 large onions, diced roughly
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon sage
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 lbs chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 1 (14 ounce) cans chicken broth
• 1 (10 3/4 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded fine
• 1/3 cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions

1. In a 4 or 5 quart slowcooker combine the carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, bay leaves, sage and pepper and stir to combine.
2. Place chicken on top of the vegetables.
3. In a medium bowl, gradually whisk broth into soup and pour this mixture over the chicken.

*Slow Cooker Brat Stuffed Onions*

"Created for the "Eastman outdoors Slow Cooker Recipe Contest" by Merry Graham."

*BBQ Pork For Sandwiches*

"This is so easy and very tasty. Serve on buns with French fries or potato chips."

Ingredients

• 1 (14 ounce) can beef broth
• 3 pounds boneless pork ribs
• 1 (18 ounce) bottle barbeque sauce

Directions

1. Pour can of beef broth into slow cooker, and add boneless pork ribs. Cook on High heat for 4 hours, or until meat shreds easily. Remove meat, and shred with two forks. It will seem that it's not working right away, but it will.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Transfer the shredded pork to a Dutch oven or iron skillet, and stir in barbeque sauce.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until heated through.

*Nothin' Says Lovin' Like Chocolate*

Chocolate is a raw or processed food produced from the seed of the tropical Theobroma cacao tree. Cacao has been cultivated for at least three millennia in Mexico, Central and South America, with its earliest documented use around 1100 BC. The majority of the Mesoamerican people made chocolate beverages, including the Aztecs, who made it into a beverage known as xocolātl, a Nahuatl word meaning "bitter water". The seeds of the cacao tree have an intense bitter taste, and must be fermented to develop the flavor.

Several types of chocolate can be distinguished. Pure, unsweetened chocolate contains primarily cocoa solids and cocoa butter in varying proportions. Much of the chocolate consumed today is in the form of sweet chocolate, combining chocolate with sugar. Milk chocolate is sweet chocolate that additionally contains milk powder or condensed milk. In the U.K. and Ireland milk chocolate must contain a minimum of 20% total dry cocoa solids; in the rest of the European Union the minimum is 25% "White chocolate" contains cocoa butter, sugar, and milk, but no cocoa solids. Chocolate contains alkaloids such as theobromine and phenethylamine, which have some physiological effects in humans, but the presence of theobromine renders it toxic to some animals, such as dogs and cats.  It has been linked to serotonin levels in the brain. Dark chocolate has been promoted for unproven health benefits, as it seems to possess substantial amount of antioxidants that reduce the formation of free radicals.

*Chocolate Covered Strawberries*

"This is the simplest version of chocolate covered strawberries I know. Paraffin was originally used instead of shortening. Turn the strawberries upside down and insert by the toothpicks into a piece of styrofoam for easy cooling, or simply place them on a sheet of wax paper. White chocolate may be drizzled over the milk chocolate for a fancier look. They are perfect for weddings when decorated with frosting bow ties, bells, butterflies, roses, etc."

Ingredients

• 16 ounces milk chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons shortening
• 1 pound fresh strawberries with leaves

Directions

1. Insert toothpicks into the tops of the strawberries.
2. In a double boiler, melt the chocolate and shortening, stirring occasionally until smooth. Holding them by the toothpicks, dip the strawberries into the chocolate mixture.
3. Turn the strawberries upside down and insert the toothpick into styrofoam for the chocolate to cool.

*Red Velvet Cupcakes*

Ingredients for 12 Red Velvet Cupcakes:

Dry:

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons cocoa powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon fine salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

Wet:

4 tablespoons softened butter

1 cup white sugar

2 large eggs

3/4 cup buttermilk

2 teaspoons white vinegar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon red food coloring

Bake at 350 for about 22 minutes

*Chocolate Mint Cookies*

"This is a melt in your mouth chocolate cookie that has a chocolate mint frosting. It's delicious and it's easy!"

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup butter
• 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 36 chocolate mint wafer candies

Directions

1. In a large pan over low heat, cook butter, sugar and water until butter is melted. Add chocolate chips and stir until partially melted. Remove from heat and continue to stir until chocolate is completely melted. Pour into a large bowl and let stand 10 minutes to cool off slightly.
2. At high speed, beat in eggs, one at a time into chocolate mixture. Reduce speed to low and add dry ingredients, beating until blended. Chill dough about 1 hour.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
4. Roll dough into balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake 8-10 minutes. While cookies are baking unwrap mints and divide each in half. When cookies are brought out of the oven, put 1/2 mint on top of each cookie. Let the mint sit for up to 5 minutes until melted, then spread the mint on top of the cookie.

*Fudge Truffle Cheesecake*
"Truffle-like chocolate cheesecake in a chocolate cookie crust. If this does not drive your mate wild, keep the recipe and replace him or her. Note: The topping for this cake is your choice, you could use chocolate dipped strawberries, purchased chocolate truffles, or melt chocolate and/or white chocolate and drizzle it over the top."

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 4 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, mix together crushed vanilla wafers, confectioners' sugar, cocoa, and butter or margarine by hand. Press ingredients into a 9 inch springform pan.
3. In the top of a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips, making sure that they are very smooth.
4. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy with an electric mixer. Gradually beat in condensed milk until smooth. Mix in melted chocolate, eggs, and vanilla. Beat with electric mixer on low speed until the ingredients are thoroughly blended. Pour the filling into the prepared crust.
5. Bake at 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) for 55 minutes. The cake will seem underbaked in the center, but will continue to cook after you remove it from the oven.

*Chocolate Almond Thumbprint Cookies*

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
• 2/3 cupsugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/2 teaspoonvanilla extract
• 2 cupsall-purpose flour
• 1/4 cupHERSHEY'S Cocoa
• 1/2 teaspoonsalt
• 1 cup finely chopped almonds
• CHOCOLATE FILLING(recipe follows)
• 42 HERSHEY'S KISSES Brand Milk Chocolates with Almonds

Directions

1. 1 Heat oven to 350°F. Beat butter, sugar, egg yolks and vanilla until well blended. Stir together flour, cocoa and salt; gradually beat into butter mixture.
2. 2 Roll dough into 1-inch balls; roll balls in almonds. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Press thumb gently in center of each cookie.
3. 3 Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until set. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.
4. 4 Prepare CHOCOLATE FILLING. Remove wrappers from chocolates. Spoon or pipe about 1/4 teaspoon filling into each thumbprint. Gently press candy in center of each cookie. About 3-1/2 dozen cookies.
   CHOCOLATE FILLING: Combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon HERSHEY'S Cocoa, 1 tablespoon softened butter, 2-1/2 teaspoons milk and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract in small bowl; beat until smooth.

*Chocolate Fudge*
It's better than any fudge I've ever had and easy enough to whip up in 15 minutes or so."

Ingredients

• 1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow creme
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 2/3 cup evaporated milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups milk chocolate chips
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Line an 8x8 inch pan with aluminum foil. Set aside.
2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine marshmallow cream, sugar, evaporated milk, butter and salt. Bring to a full boil, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Remove from heat and pour in semisweet chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips. Stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Stir in nuts and vanilla. Pour into prepared pan. Chill in refrigerator for 2 hours, or until firm.

*Eclair Cake*
"This is a very quick and simple no bake dessert cake. It uses graham crackers and a pudding mixture. It tastes just like an eclair, but there is enough for a crowd!! It is a great recipe for children who are learning to cook, there is no baking involved or any power kitchen tools. Just a bowl and a spoon!"

Ingredients

• 2 (3.5 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 3 cups milk
• 1 (16 ounce) package graham cracker squares
• 1 (16 ounce) package prepared chocolate frosting

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, thoroughly blend the pudding mix, whipped topping, and milk.
2. Arrange a single layer of graham cracker squares in the bottom of a 13x9 inch baking pan. Evenly spread half of the pudding mixture over the crackers. Top with another layer of crackers and the remaining pudding mixture. Top with a final layer of graham crackers.
3. Spread the frosting over the whole cake up to the edges of the pan. Cover, and chill at least 4 hours before serving.

*Brownies*
"These brownies always turn out!"

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour an 8 inch square pan.
2. In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Remove from heat, and stir in sugar, eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat in 1/3 cup cocoa, 1/2 cup flour, salt, and baking powder. Spread batter into prepared pan.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Do not overcook.
4. To Make Frosting: Combine 3 tablespoons butter, 3 tablespoons cocoa, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 cup confectioners' sugar. Frost brownies while they are still warm.