Pesto

1/3 cup Olive Oil
2 cups firmly pcked basil leaves
1/2 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
3-4 cloves garlic, peeled and quartered
1/4tsp salt

Blend in blender or food processor till narly smooth, adding enoug additional live oil (up to 2 T) to reach desired consistancy.

Makes 3/4 cup Pesto. Store in tightly covered jar in refrigerator.

Copy Cat Recipe - Olive Garden Eggplant Parmigiana

Olive Garden Eggplant Parmigian

2 Eggplants; peel; slice 1/4" circles

Flour
Oil
Seasoned salt

1 lb. jar meat−flavored Prego

1/4 cup grape jelly
14 oz. can sliced−style stewed tomatoes
1/2 lb. shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Moisten eggplant (milk) and coat lightly in flour. Quickly brown slices in hot oil, dusting each side generously with seasoned salt.

When fork tender and golden brown transfer to a 9 X 13 X 2 pan.

Cover loosely with foil and bake at 375 F. about 20 to 25 minutes or until tender.

SAUCE−Combine sauce, jelly and tomatoes that have been broken up with a fork. Heat on medium until hot, but do not boil.

Spread mozzarella cheese over eggplant, then add sauce. Top with parmesan cheese and return to oven for 5−10 minutes to melt mozzarella. Serve immediately.

Low Carb - Crab with Creamy Gorgonzola Sauce

8-12 oz lump crabmeat, cooked*
2 Tablespoons butter
1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
1/2 cup half-and-half, or cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more if desired
Salt to taste

Melt the butter in a 1- or 2-quart saucepan over low heat. While it is melting, put the Gorgonzola in a small bowl and mash it with a fork or potato masher, gradually adding the milk. Don't worry about making it smooth, just make sure it is well-combined. When the butter is melted, add the cheese-milk mixture and continue to cook, stirring and mashing occasionally.

Mix crabmeat with the sauce in a large, warm bowl; stir in the Parmesan, then taste for salt and add some if necessary. Serve, passing additional Parmesan at the table if you like. Serve immediately.

*If freshly cooked lump crabmeat is not available to you, canned crabmeat can be substituted, but it's simply not as good. If you must substitute, remember with canned crabmeat, price is the best indicator of quality. Don't scrimp here.

6 servings. 6.8 carbs per serving if made with cream; 8 carbs per serving if made with half-and-half.

The best Gorgonzola (which, not surprisingly, is imported from Italy) is soft and creamy to begin with. Combine it with butter and cream and you have luxury combined with intense flavor. This dish can be made with lobster or chicken also and is delicious!

Basil Pesto Dip / Spread

Basil Pesto Dip / Spread

You can use purchased pesto in this simple recipe, or make your own Pesto using fresh basil from your garden. This also makes a great sandwich spread.
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup basil pesto
3 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

In medium bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well to blend. Chill. Served with raw veggies, crackers or chips for dipping, or as a sandwich spread. 16 servings.


Basil Pesto
2 cups firmly packed fresh basil leaves
3 cloves garlic, peeled
1/2 cup chopped cashews
2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1-2 Tbsp. water

Place basil, garlic, cashews, and cheese in food processor. Start processing, and add olive oil in a steady stream. Process until a paste is formed. Add a bit of water if necessary to form the correct consistency. Either use immediately, refrigerate with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface, or freeze in 2 Tbsp. amounts.

Ham and Cheese Bake

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
3/4 cup part skim ricotta cheese
1/3 cup skim milk
1/4 cup low fat sour cream
1/4 cup chopped green onion
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 medium red skinned potatoes, cooked and diced (about 2 cups)
1 cup small broccoli flowerets, cooked
1 cup diced cooked ham

Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray a 1 1/2 quart casserole with cooking spray; set aside.

In a large bowl, combine 3/4 cup of cheddar, ricotta, milk, sour cream, green onion, parmesan and pepper. Mix well. Add potatoes, broccoli, and ham to the cheese mixture. Stir until thoroughly coated. Spoon potato mixture into prepared casserole and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar over top. Cover the casserole tightly with foil, bake until golden brown and heated through, about 10 minutes.

Hot Bacon Spread

1 (1 pound) loaf unsliced round Italian bread
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup chopped onion
5 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1 garlic clove, minced

Cut top fourth off loaf of bread; carefully hollow out bottom, leaving 1-in. walls. Cube removed bread and set aside. Combine the remaining ingredients; spoon into bread bowl. Replace top. Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour or until heated through. Serve with reserved bread cubes.

Appetizer - Three Cheeses N Ham

1 pkg. (8 oz.) Cream Cheese, softened
1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
3 slices Smoked Ham, finely chopped
1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 Tbsp. chopped red bell peppers
1 Tbsp. sliced green onions
1/4 tsp. ground red pepper

Spread softened cream cheese onto bottom of 2-1/2-cup microwaveable dish. Sprinkle with Cheddar cheese, ham and Parmesan cheese.

Microwave on HIGH 1 min. or until heated through.

Top the spread with bell peppers, onions and ground pepper. Serve with your favorite crackers.