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from our kitchen

Southern Living, Sep 2005

Simple Suppers That Sizzle

Bacon is a bargain when it comes to adding flavor to quick weeknight meals. Its smoky-sweet taste livens up everything from salad to pasta. This month, our online Test Kitchens Recipe Box at southernliving.com/ features is loaded with terrific tips for cooking and freezing bacon, plus lots of fast, family-friendly recipes-from Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin to Biscuit Hot Browns. We've even included a few clever twists on the ultimate BLT. This over-the-top version layers a thick slice of hot, crusty garlic bread with butter, lettuce, fresh basil, vine-ripened tomatoes, and an irresistible tangle of crisp bacon strips. Serve open-faced with a sprinkling of freshly ground black pepper and a drizzle of your favorite salad dressing.

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Caramel Creations

Don't miss our fabulous recipe for Quick Caramel Frosting on page 177. For perfect results every time, just follow the tips below.

* Cook the caramel mixture in a heavy saucepan, and stir with a wooden spoon rather than a whisk. A balloon whisk won't reach the edges of the pan, and the mixture will scorch.

* Once the caramel mixture is removed from the heat, it cools down quickly-so go ahead and use it while it's still warm. If you'd like a thinner caramel, whisk in hot water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.

* We topped our muffins and cakes with a generous coating of caramel, but if you prefer less, just refrigerate any leftovers. Store in an air-tight container up to 2 weeks.

* If the caramel mixture starts to harden before you're ready to use it (or if it's been stored in the refrigerator), just warm over low heat for a few minutes or microwave at HIGH for 15-second intervals until soft.

* Transform store-bought convenience products into fare worthy of company. Spoon Quick Caramel Frosting over hot apple pie, spread it over cheesecake, or sandwich it between chocolate wafers and roll the edges in finely chopped pecans.

* To make cutting Caramel-Pecan Cheesecake Bars extra easy, line the baking pan with lightly greased heavy-duty aluminum foil, allowing several inches to extend over sides. After baking and chilling, freeze for several hours. Lift from pan using foil; press foil sides down, and cut while partially frozen into desired sizes and shapes.

Grab-and-Go Grits

Plan ahead for breakfast on the run by spooning leftover grits into lightly greased microwavable cups or mugs. Cover with plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, just microwave at HIGH 1 to 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

from our kitchen

Southern Living, Sep 2005

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