Afterka

These Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Tacos combine crunchy graham cracker-coated tortilla shells with a creamy cheesecake filling, topped with a sweet strawberry mixture and fresh strawberries. It's a delightful dessert that is sure to impress!

#### Ingredients:

- **5 8-inch tortillas** (about 20 rounds)

- **1 cup graham cracker crumbs**

- **1/4 cup butter**, melted

- **1 cup strawberries**, chopped

- **1/4 cup sugar**

- **2 tsp water**

- **1 tbsp cornstarch**

- **1 tbsp cold water**

- **1 cup heavy cream**

- **1 cup cream cheese**, softened

- **1 tsp lemon zest**

- **1 tsp vanilla**

- **1/4 cup powdered sugar**

#### Directions:

1. **Preheat Oven:**

- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. **Prepare Tortilla Shells:**

- Use a cookie cutter to cut 4-5 rounds out of each tortilla shell, yielding about 20 rounds.

- Dip each tortilla round into the melted butter, then coat it with graham cracker crumbs.

- Flip a muffin tin upside down and place the tortilla rounds between the muffin cups.

- Bake for 10 minutes until they are just golden brown. Let them cool in the pan.

3. **Make the Strawberry Filling:**

- In a small pot, combine the strawberries, sugar, and 2 teaspoons of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer to soften the strawberries.

- Dissolve the cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of cold water and pour it into the strawberry mixture. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens slightly and is slightly chunky. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

4. **Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:**

- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla on medium speed for 2 minutes, or until the mixture thickens.

- Chill the cheesecake filling in the fridge for 30 minutes, then transfer it to a piping bag.

5. **Assemble the Tacos:**

- Fill each tortilla shell with the cheesecake filling using the piping bag.

- Top each taco with about 1/2 teaspoon of the strawberry filling.

- Optionally, sprinkle additional graham cracker crumbs on top.

6. **Serve and Enjoy:**

- Serve the Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Tacos immediately for the best texture and flavor.

These delightful cheesecake tacos are perfect for a fun dessert or a special occasion treat. Enjoy!

These old-fashioned peach pies are a delightful treat that's super easy to make. The sweet peach filling combined with the crispy crust and vanilla glaze makes for a perfect dessert.

#### Ingredients:

- **2 boxes (14.1 oz each) refrigerated pie crust**

- **1 can (21 oz) peach pie filling**

- **1 tsp cinnamon**

- **2 ½ cups powdered sugar**

- **¼ cup milk**

- **1 egg white**, beaten

#### Instructions:

1. **Preheat Oven:**

- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Remove the pie crusts from the package and allow them to come to room temperature.

2. **Prepare Filling:**

- Empty the peach pie filling into a shallow bowl. Dice the peaches into small pieces using a fork and knife. Mix in the cinnamon until well blended. Set aside.

3. **Cut Pie Crusts:**

- Unroll the pie crusts and cut out 6 circles from each crust using a 4-inch biscuit cutter. You may need to re-roll the scraps to get the 6th circle from each crust.

4. **Fill and Seal Pies:**

- Using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop, place the peach pie filling into the center of each pie crust circle. Fold the circles in half and pinch the edges to seal. Fold the pinched edges over and press with the tines of a fork to secure. Poke each pie once with a fork to prevent bursting.

5. **Egg Wash:**

- Beat the egg white in a small bowl until frothy. Brush the egg white over the tops of each hand pie.

6. **Bake:**

- Place the pies on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

7. **Prepare Glaze:**

- While the pies are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth.

8. **Glaze the Pies:**

- Remove the baked pies from the baking sheet and, while they are still warm, dip them into the glaze to coat completely. Use two forks to flip them in the glaze and remove them carefully. Place the glazed pies back on the parchment paper and allow them to set for about 5 minutes.

9. **Serve:**

- Enjoy your delicious Southern Fried Peach Pies with a vanilla glaze warm or at room temperature!

These pies are perfect for any occasion and sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy!

This hearty and flavorful dish combines smoked sausage, potatoes, onion, and bell peppers for an easy and satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it requires minimal cleanup since everything cooks in one pan.

#### Ingredients:

- **1½ pounds russet potatoes**, diced into 1/2" cubes

- **1 pound smoked sausage**, sliced

- **2 tablespoons olive oil**

- **½ teaspoon seasoned salt**

- **½ teaspoon Italian seasoning**

- **½ large red bell pepper**, sliced

- **½ large green bell pepper**, sliced

- **1 small onion**, diced

- **Black pepper**, to taste

- **Shredded parmesan cheese**, for garnish

#### Instructions:

1. **Sauté Onions:**

- In a large pan, sauté the diced onion in 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat until the onion becomes translucent and soft. Remove the onion from the pan and set aside.

2. **Cook Potatoes:**

- In the same large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil until the butter is melted. Add the diced potatoes, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

3. **Cover and Cook:**

- Cover the skillet and cook the potatoes, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are starting to soften.

4. **Add Sausage:**

- Add the sliced smoked sausage to the skillet with the potatoes. Continue to cook, uncovered, for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and the potatoes are tender.

5. **Combine Ingredients:**

- Add the sautéed onions and sliced bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté everything together until the peppers are tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.

6. **Garnish and Serve:**

- If desired, sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese over the top of the dish before serving.

7. **Enjoy:**

- Serve the smoked sausage and potato mixture hot and enjoy this comforting and delicious meal.

This one-pan smoked sausage and potatoes dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a favorite for family dinners. The addition of bell peppers and onions enhances the taste, while the parmesan cheese adds a nice finishing touch. Enjoy your meal!

Calzones are a delicious twist on traditional pizza, perfect for a family dinner or a quick meal on the go. These homemade calzones are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite fillings. Plus, they freeze well for convenient meals later on. Follow these simple steps to make your own tasty calzones at home.

#### Ingredients:

- 1 basic pizza dough (recipe posted earlier)

- Fillings of your choice (no more than 5 to avoid overfilling)

- Pizza blend shredded cheese

- Pinch of garlic powder

- Pinch of dried basil

- 1 tablespoon butter

#### Directions:

1. **Prepare the Dough:** Roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface.

2. **Add Fillings:** Place a layer of shredded cheese on one half of the dough circle, leaving a border around the edge. Add your desired fillings on top of the cheese. Be sure not to overfill the calzone.

3. **Fold and Seal:** Carefully fold the top half of the dough over the fillings to cover them completely. Use your fingers to press and seal the edges of the dough together, ensuring that no filling leaks out during baking.

4. **Prepare Butter Topping:** In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the garlic powder and dried basil until well combined.

5. **Brush the Calzone:** Using a pastry brush, generously brush the melted butter mixture over the top of the calzone.

6. **Ventilation:** Use a sharp knife to make a few small slits in the top of the calzone to allow steam to escape during baking.

7. **Bake:** Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the calzone on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.

8. **Serve:** Remove the calzone from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with a side of warm pizza sauce for dipping.

9. **Enjoy:** Dig into your homemade calzone and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors!

These homemade calzones are sure to become a family favorite. Experiment with different fillings and toppings to create your own unique creations. And don't forget to freeze any leftovers for a quick and convenient meal later on. Buon appetito!

Indulge in the creamy richness of this Classic New York Style Cheesecake. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a velvety smooth filling, this decadent dessert is perfect for any occasion. Follow these simple steps to create a cheesecake that will impress your friends and family!

#### Ingredients:

**Crust:**

- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs

- 3 tablespoons sugar

- 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

**Filling:**

- 4 packages (8 oz each) Philadelphia cream cheese, softened

- 1 cup sugar

- 3 tablespoons flour

- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

- 1 cup sour cream

- 4 eggs

#### Instructions:

**Crust:**

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

2. In a bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.

3. Press the mixture onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.

**Filling:**

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, flour, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.

2. Blend in the sour cream until fully incorporated.

3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed just until blended after each addition.

4. Pour the filling over the prepared crust in the springform pan.

**Baking:**

1. Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 65 to 70 minutes, or until the center is almost set.

2. If using a dark nonstick springform pan, reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C) and bake for the same amount of time.

3. Once baked, remove the cheesecake from the oven and run a knife or metal spatula around the rim of the pan to loosen the cake.

4. Allow the cheesecake to cool before removing the rim of the pan.

5. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set.

**Decoration:**

1. For added flavor and presentation, you can top the cheesecake with your favorite toppings such as caramel sauce, fruit compote, or chocolate ganache.

2. Get creative with your toppings to make your cheesecake truly unique and delicious!

**Variation:**

- To make a chocolate cheesecake, simply add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the filling mixture before pouring it over the crust. Top with ganache, fresh berries, or chocolate curls for an indulgent chocolate treat!

Enjoy your Classic New York Style Cheesecake with friends and family, and savor every creamy bite!

Indulge in the crispy goodness of these Baked Zucchini Fries, a healthier alternative to traditional fries. Coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, these zucchini fries are baked to golden perfection. Serve them as a tasty side dish or snack with your favorite dipping sauce!

#### Ingredients:

- About 1 lb. zucchini

- 1/2 cup Italian-seasoned panko breadcrumbs

- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the crumbly stuff, not shreds)

- 2 eggs

#### Instructions:

1. **Preheat Oven**:

- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

2. **Prepare Coating**:

- In a shallow dish, combine the Italian-seasoned panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well and set aside.

3. **Whisk Eggs**:

- In another shallow dish or pie plate, whisk the eggs together. Set aside.

4. **Prepare Zucchini**:

- Cut the ends off the zucchini and halve them lengthwise, resulting in two short, stubby pieces. Stand one piece on its end and cut it in half lengthwise again. Then, cut each half into thin strips or fries.

- Blot the zucchini pieces with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

5. **Coat Zucchini**:

- Working with a small handful of zucchini at a time, dip the strips into the beaten eggs, shaking off any excess.

- Roll the egg-coated zucchini strips in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Repeat the process until all zucchini strips are coated.

6. **Bake**:

- Arrange the coated zucchini fries on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving space between each fry.

- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Then, remove from the oven, flip the fries using tongs, and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes or until the zucchini is tender and the coating is crisp and golden brown.

7. **Serve**:

- Once baked to perfection, remove the zucchini fries from the oven and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce such as pizza sauce or buttermilk ranch dressing.

- Enjoy these delicious baked zucchini fries as a healthier alternative to traditional fries!

These Baked Zucchini Fries are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or as a tasty snack any time of the day!

This classic dish combines tender beef liver with sweet caramelized onions, creating a rich and flavorful meal. Ensure not to overcook the liver for the best texture and taste.

#### Ingredients:

- ¼ cup flour

- 1 lb beef liver

- ¼-½ cup butter

- ½ tsp salt

- ⅛ tsp pepper

- Olive oil, as needed

- 1-2 tbsp fresh minced sage

- 2 cups thinly sliced onions

- ½ cup beef stock

- 1 tbsp minced Italian parsley

- ¼ cup dry white wine

#### Steps:

1. **Prepare the Coating**:

- In a plastic bag, combine the flour, salt, and pepper.

- Cut the liver into ½-inch slices and place them in the bag. Shake to coat the liver pieces evenly with the flour mixture. This step helps to soften the taste of the liver.

2. **Caramelize the Onions**:

- In a skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of butter with a dash of olive oil over medium-high heat.

- Add the sliced onions and sauté until they become tender and develop a glossy sheen.

- Once caramelized, transfer the onions to a dish and season with salt and pepper.

3. **Cook the Liver**:

- In the same skillet, add 4 tablespoons of butter and a dash of olive oil. Heat until melted and hot.

- Add the liver slices and cook for about 5 minutes, ensuring they brown but remain tender inside. Liver is best when cooked to medium rare.

4. **Combine and Heat Through**:

- Return the caramelized onions to the skillet with the liver. Stir to combine and heat through.

5. **Create the Sauce**:

- Transfer the liver and onions to a serving plate.

- In the skillet, add the beef stock and white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

- Cook until the liquid reduces and thickens into a sauce.

6. **Serve**:

- Pour the sauce over the liver and onions.

- Garnish with minced parsley.

- Serve immediately.

### Tips:

- **Caramelizing Onions**: Take your time to properly caramelize the onions. This process brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

- **Cooking the Liver**: Do not overcook the liver. It should be tender and slightly pink inside for the best texture and taste.

- **Deglazing**: Ensure you scrape all the flavorful bits from the bottom of the skillet when deglazing to incorporate them into the sauce.

Enjoy this delicious and nutritious dish, perfect for a hearty meal!

This recipe creates a beautifully crisp and flavorful Southern fried chicken, perfect for any occasion. The key to success is allowing the coated chicken to rest until the flour becomes paste-like, ensuring a crunchy exterior.

#### Ingredients:

- 1 (4 pound) chicken, cut into pieces

- 1 cup buttermilk

- 2 cups all-purpose flour for coating

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 2 quarts vegetable oil for frying

#### Directions:

1. **Prepare Chicken**:

- If preferred, remove the skin from the chicken pieces.

- In a large plastic bag, add the flour. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. **Coat Chicken**:

- Dip each chicken piece in buttermilk, ensuring it is well-coated.

- Place a few pieces at a time into the bag with the seasoned flour. Seal the bag and shake to coat the chicken thoroughly.

- Place the coated chicken on a cookie sheet or tray and cover with a clean dish towel or waxed paper. Let the chicken sit until the flour coating becomes paste-like. This step is crucial for a good crust.

3. **Fry Chicken**:

- Fill a large skillet (cast iron works best) about 1/3 to 1/2 full with vegetable oil. Heat the oil until very hot.

- Carefully add as many chicken pieces as the skillet can hold without overcrowding. Brown the chicken on both sides in the hot oil.

- Once browned, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for about 30 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through without becoming too crispy at this stage.

- After 30 minutes, remove the cover, increase the heat again, and fry the chicken until crispy and golden brown.

4. **Drain and Serve**:

- Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.

- If you have more chicken to fry, keep the finished pieces in a slightly warm oven to stay hot while you cook the rest.

5. **Note on Nutritional Value**:

- The nutritional value of the oil for frying is based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. This may vary depending on factors such as cook time, temperature, ingredient density, and the type of oil used.

### Tips:

- **Resting the Chicken**: Allowing the coated chicken to rest before frying is essential for achieving the perfect crispy crust.

- **Oil Temperature**: Ensure the oil is very hot before adding the chicken. This helps in forming a crispy crust.

- **Cook in Batches**: Do not overcrowd the skillet to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.

Enjoy this classic Southern fried chicken with your favorite sides for a truly comforting meal!

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