1 can condensed Southwest-style pepper jack soup
8 ounces Mexican-style shredded cheese
1 baguette French bread, sliced 1/2-inch thick
1/2 stick butter, softened
Spicy Tomato-Cheese Soup, recipe follows

In a bowl, combine condensed cheese soup and the shredded cheese.

Spread mixture on baguette slices. Butter the outside of the sandwiches.

Heat large frying pan or griddle over medium-high heat. Place sandwiches in the pan and cook until golden brown, approximately 2 minutes. Flip sandwiches and cook second side.

Cover frying pan to ensure that the cheese melts.

2 cups flour -- unsifted
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup margarine -- corn oil softened (1
1/2 cup peanut butter -- Skippy creamy or Sup
2 egg
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon vanilla
6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips -- 1 cup

In small bowl stir together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. In large bowl with mixer at low speed beat together margarine, peanut butter, eggs, water, and vanilla just until blended. Add flour mixture, beat until blended. Increase speed to medium; beat 2 minutes.

1/4 cup finely chopped onion
4 tablespoons butter
1 to 1 1/3 pounds cooked lobster meat, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
1/4 cup sherry wine, preferably medium-dry, preferably amontillado
1/4 cup lobster stock, optional, but desirable
1 1/4 cups light cream or half-and-half
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 teaspoons minced fresh chives

In a medium-size deep skillet or heavy saucepan, cook the onion in the butter over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes.

1 side, skin-on, sockeye salmon, 1 1/2 to 2 pounds, pin bones removed
1/3 cup dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons lemon zest
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Position a rack in the oven 3 inches from the broiler. Line a half sheet pan with aluminum foil and place the salmon on the pan.

Place the sugar, zest, salt, and pepper into the bowl of a small food processor and process for 1 minute or until well combined.
Evenly spread the mixture onto the salmon and allow to sit for 45 minutes, at room temperature.

Ingredients
1/2 pound elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon powdered mustard
3 cups milk
1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 large egg
12 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Fresh black pepper

Topping:
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup panko bread crumbs

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large pot of boiling, salted water cook the pasta to al dente.

1 1/4 cups cold whole milk
1 box vanilla instant pudding and pie filling mix - (3.4 oz)
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
12 pre-made cupcakes baked from a cake mix
1 cup heavy cream
1 package semisweet chocolate morsels - (12 oz)
1/4 cup powdered sugar -- sifted

Combine milk, instant pudding mix, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Beat mixture with a hand mixer for 2 minutes, or until it thickens. Place mixture in refrigerator for 15 minutes.

Cupcakes:
2 large egg yolks, at room temperature
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted
1/4 cup cake flour
3 large egg whites, at room temperature

Topping:
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Special equipment: a (24-count) mini-muffin pan, 18 to 20 (1.25-inch diameter)
paper mini-muffin cup liners, recommended: Wilton

4 medium-sized croissants
2 plum tomatoes, thinly sliced
4 eggs
1 tablespoon milk
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
1 1/2 teaspoons butter
4 slices Havarti cheese, cut in half diagonally

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cut croissants in half lengthwise and place bottom halves on a baking sheet. Place 2 plum tomato slices evenly on each croissant bottom.

In a medium bowl, combine eggs, milk, salt, and pepper; mix well.

In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat; add egg mixture and scramble until firm but not browned.

All-purpose flour, for dusting
1 pound pizza dough
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil plus extra, for drizzling
1 large (8 ounce) zucchini, trimmed and cut into 1/8-inch slices
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano leaves, divided
1 1/2 cups (4 ounces) shredded mozzarella
1 cup (2 1/2 ounces) grated Pecorino Romano
1/2 cup pitted sliced black olives

Place an oven rack in the lower third of the oven. Preheat the oven to 450
degrees F.

On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle.

2 ounces olive oil
1 cup julienned red onion
1 tablespoon minced jalapeno
1/2 cup roasted and julienned red bell pepper
1 roasted chicken, boned, skin discarded and shredded
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro leaves, plus more for garnish
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan, plus more for garnish
5 ounces mozzarella, grated
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 ounces tequila
1/4 cup diced Roma tomatoes, for garnish
4 sourdough rolls, warmed

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon table salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 sticks unsalted butter (1/2 pound), room temperature
1 3/4 cups packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup milk chocolate chips
3/4 cup toasted flaked unsweetened coconut
3/4 cup finely chopped toasted pecans

Directions
Heat the oven to 350 degrees F and arrange a rack in the middle. Place flour, baking powder salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl and whisk to combine; set aside.

1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 whole chicken, halved
Applewood chips for smoking, as needed

Directions
In a medium size bowl, mix together the dry ingredients. Rub the seasoning over the both halves of the chicken. Cover the chicken with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

6 strips bacon
3 lbs. new red potatoes, scrubbed, rinsed and cut into quarters
Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper
1/2 cup Paula Deen Collection Honey mustard Glaze
1/2 cup Mayonnaise
2 tablespoon dill pickle relish
3 large eggs, hard boiled and chopped
Chives

Directions
In a large skillet or saute pan cook bacon until crisp. Remove from pan and allow to cool before rough chopping. Cook the potatoes in the rendered bacon fat until tender and golden. Salt and pepper to taste.
Remove, and allow to drain on paper towels.

6 strips bacon
3 lbs. new red potatoes, scrubbed, rinsed and cut into quarters
Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper
1/2 cup Paula Deen Collection Honey mustard Glaze
1/2 cup Mayonnaise
2 tablespoon dill pickle relish
3 large eggs, hard boiled and chopped
Chives

Directions
In a large skillet or saute pan cook bacon until crisp. Remove from pan and allow to cool before rough chopping. Cook the potatoes in the rendered bacon fat until tender and golden. Salt and pepper to taste.
Remove, and allow to drain on paper towels.

3/4 cup sliced almonds
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter, sliced and softened (1 1/2 sticks)
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon almond extract
1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1 cup confectioners' sugar

Dressing:
3/4 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons sour cream
1/2 lemon, juiced
Pinch Silly Salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
8 ounces Gorgonzola
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon buttermilk
Pinch cracked black pepper
4 cups wild greens salad mix
1/2 red onion, sliced
1 red pepper, sliced
Walnuts, for garnish

Directions
For the dressing:

In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together.

In another large bowl, mix together all the salad ingredients. Drizzle with dressing and top with chopped walnuts.

Servings: 3 to 4 servings

Show: Paula's Best Dishes

1 (10-12-ounce) package baby spinach, washed and dried
1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1 quart strawberries, hulled and quartered
1 whole cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely diced

Dressing:
Juice of half a lemon
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon poppy seeds

Directions
In a large salad bowl, toss together the spinach, almonds, strawberries, and cucumber. In a small glass dish or jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, oil, and poppy seeds.
Whisk in the glass dish or shake if using a jar.

Ingredients
Peanut oil, for frying
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 large sweet potatoes, well scrubbed

Directions
In a deep-fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, heat enough oil to come halfway up the sides of the pot, to 350 degrees F.

In a small bowl, mix together salt, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.

1 pound lean ground beef
1 can (16-ounces) refried beans
1 cup salsa
2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 cup (4-ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream

In a large nonstick skillet, cook the beef over medium-high heat for 6 to 7 minutes, or until browned, stirring frequently; drain off excess liquid.

Stir in the refried beans and salsa, breaking up the mixture with the back
of a spoon. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 5 minutes, or until well combined and heated through, stirring frequently.

1 broiler/fryer chicken, cut into 8 pieces
2 cups low fat buttermilk
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons Hungarian paprika
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Flour, for dredging
Vegetable shortening, for frying

Place chicken pieces into a plastic container and cover with buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.
Melt enough shortening (over low heat) to come just 1/8-inch up the side of a 12-inch cast iron skillet or heavy fry pan. Once shortening liquefies raise heat to 325 degrees F. Do not allow oil to go over 325 degrees F.

4 split (2 whole) chicken breasts, bone-in, skin on
Good olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup good mayonnaise, plus more for the bread
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon leaves
1 cup small-diced celery (2 stalks)
8 to 10 slices health or seven-grain bread
1 package mesclun salad mix

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Place the chicken breasts, skin side up, on a sheet pan and rub them with olive oil. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Set aside to cool.

1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1/3 cup fat-free plain yogurt
1½ tablespoons white wine vinegar
1½ teaspoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 medium Vidalia or other sweet onion, thinly sliced

In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, yogurt, vinegar, sugar, salt (if using) and pepper.

In a medium bowl, combine the cucumbers and onions. Add the dressing and toss to coat well.

Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to blend all the flavors.

Yield: 8 Servings

Nutritional Values:

1 cup diced pineapple (fresh or canned in juice)
1 cup peeled and diced kiwi (about 2 or 3 whole kiwi)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound leftover roasted pork tenderloin, sliced crosswise into 1-inch thick slices
1 tablespoon chili powder

Directions
In a medium bowl, combine the pineapple, kiwi, cilantro, jalapeno, and lime juice and toss to combine. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper and set aside.

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 avocado, cut into 1/3-inch slices
4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped into 1/2-inch thin shreds
Blue Cheese Dressing, recipe follows
2 ears corn, shucked, cooked, and kernels cut off the cob (about 1 cup)
1 large tomato, seeded and finely diced
1/3 cup crumbled bacon (from about 4 pieces)
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese

Special equipment: 4 by 3-inch ring mold or tin can with top and bottom removed

Directions

1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
3 medium roasted garlic cloves
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon table salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
10 ounces mixed winter greens (arugula, radicchio, endive, escarole), rinsed and torn into bite-sized pieces
4 ounces store-bought flatbread crackers or lavash
2 ounces aged pecorino, shaved into paper thin slices

Combine the vinegar, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and whisk until salt is dissolved. Whisking constantly, slowly pour in the oil until completely incorporated.

Dressing:
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 bunch fresh chives, minced
2 pints yellow cherry tomatoes, or red grape tomatoes, or both
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

To prepare the dressing, place the blue cheese, buttermilk, and olive oil in a medium bowl and stir together with a fork, mashing a little to break up the cheese. Season with the lemon juice, salt, pepper, and chives. Set aside.

Nonstick cooking spray
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon whole milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup chopped chocolate covered toffee

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Line a 13 by 9-inch glass pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang and spray with nonstick spray.
Whisk flour and salt together in a small bowl and set aside.

Batter:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cornmeal
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons sugar
1 (16-ounce) ice cold beer
2 tablespoon honey
Peanut oil
6 (6-ounce) cod fillets
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Tartar Sauce, recipe follows

In a large bowl, add flour, cornmeal, cayenne and sugar and mix together. Whisk in cold beer and honey until well incorporated and free of lumps.
Preheat deep-fryer to 375 degrees F. with peanut oil.

3 cups half-and-half
1 cup heavy cream
8 large egg yolks
9 ounces vanilla sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Directions

Place the half-and-half and the heavy cream into a medium saucepan, over medium heat. Bring the mixture just to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and remove from the heat.

In a medium mixing bowl whisk the egg yolks until they lighten in color.

Olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 pounds onion, sliced
1 loaf French bread, sliced on into 1/2-inch slices
2 cloves garlic, smashed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 pound pulled pork
Barbecue sauce

Preheat the grill to high.

For Onions:
In a large saute pan over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil and butter to melt. Add the onions and saute, stirring constantly, until the onions are deep brown in color, about 20 minutes.

For Bruschetta: