http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/index.htmlRecipes that RockenCommentBox@NicoleHanratty.com© 2008, 2009, 2010 Nicole Hanratty, Life of a Rock Star™2010-03-25T12:16:36-07:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Sun, 25 Jan 2009 20:17:58 -0800CommentBox@NicoleHanratty.comAll RecipesSandwichesFrom the Kitchen of Diane Bittiker2010-03-25T12:16:36-07:00http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/79c158325d0426b4c1ccc65a647f8604-22.php#unique-entry-id-22http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/79c158325d0426b4c1ccc65a647f8604-22.php#unique-entry-id-22 Overnight Brick Sandwich

I read about this intriguing Italian sandwich in the San Jose Mercury News and couldn’t resist giving it a try. It is delicious! ]]>CommentBox@NicoleHanratty.comAll RecipesSalads2010-01-18T18:30:01-08:00http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/0b0fdb08282133f68cc7050111143466-21.php#unique-entry-id-21http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/0b0fdb08282133f68cc7050111143466-21.php#unique-entry-id-21

Fuyu persimmons – peeled and cut into bite sized pieces
Avocados – cut into bite sized pieces
Slivered almonds
Chopped green onions
GIRARD’S Champagne dressing

Mix equal parts of persimmon and avocado. Add almonds and onions to your taste. Sprinkle lightly with the dressing. This can be served alone or on a bed of mixed greens.]]>CommentBox@NicoleHanratty.comDessertsChocolateBakingAll Recipes2009-11-09T06:43:14-08:00http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/36ff6ab10862896057786c534c4899c0-19.php#unique-entry-id-19http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/36ff6ab10862896057786c534c4899c0-19.php#unique-entry-id-19

Chocolate Caramel Graham Crackers

Ingredients:
15-20 graham crackers – broken in half
¾ cup butter – cut into small pieces
½ cup brown sugar
1- 12oz. package of semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped & toasted nuts – walnuts or pecans *
]]>CommentBox@NicoleHanratty.comLunchesDinnersSaladsPastaAll Recipes2009-06-01T10:23:16-07:00http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/d771f4eb134d89f7a97e07d20f76e25a-18.php#unique-entry-id-18http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/d771f4eb134d89f7a97e07d20f76e25a-18.php#unique-entry-id-18
Orzo and Pancetta Salad

Ingredients:

1 box of Orzo
1 4 oz package of chopped Pancetta*
1 cup fresh Basil – torn into bite sized pieces
3-4 cloves of Garlic – minced
½ cup Pine Nuts
1 cup shredded Asiago Cheese
¼ cup Olive oil
1 teaspoon Balsamic Vinegar
Black Pepper
Red Pepper Flakes
]]>CommentBox@NicoleHanratty.comDessertsChocolateBrownieCakesAll Recipes2009-06-01T10:21:54-07:00http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/24f7f4af07281428c966b0100df3cf97-17.php#unique-entry-id-17http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/24f7f4af07281428c966b0100df3cf97-17.php#unique-entry-id-17
Chocolate Syrup Brownie Cake
Ingredients: 
2 cups Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup
½ cup Butter (1 stick)
½ cup Brown Sugar
½ cup white Sugar
4 eggs
1 cup All Purpose Flour
¼ teaspoon Salt
2 teaspoons Vanilla
1 cup Chocolate Chips
]]>CommentBox@NicoleHanratty.comSaladsLunchesDinnersVegetablesAll Recipes2009-05-11T22:04:32-07:00http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/ffa223b55955852fb4d7df17421b7de7-16.php#unique-entry-id-16http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/ffa223b55955852fb4d7df17421b7de7-16.php#unique-entry-id-16

Broccoli
Salad

There are several versions of this broccoli salad but this one is my favorite! It is perfect for a summer pool party served with crusty “No Knead Bread” and your favorite beverage! Make it a day ahead and all the work is done! The portions are estimated so it can be changed to fit the size of the crowd you are feeding.

Prep. Time – 30 minutes
Serves – 6-8

2lb bag of broccoli florets- cut into bite size pieces quickly blanched* (you can just use the broccoli raw for this recipe – personal preference)
1 cup sun dried tomatoes **
1 cup of toasted slivered almonds
½ cup chopped onion (green onions can also be used)
1 & ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Basic dressing- mix the following:]]>CommentBox@NicoleHanratty.comWineRecommendations2009-03-23T20:58:05-07:00http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/c8e3f50c580df583ebb0dc873f3a9830-15.php#unique-entry-id-15http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/c8e3f50c580df583ebb0dc873f3a9830-15.php#unique-entry-id-15 Spring Wines


by Lisa Semler

I have two recommendations for the spring or warm weather days.  The first is our 2006 Saddlerock Rose. Not to be missed, our Saddlerock Rose is a Malibu sunset red in color. It's dry and sophisticated yet as far from the overly sweet boxed blush wines as you can get.

My personal favorite is and will always be the Sauvignon Blanc. Our second vintage of 2008 Sauvignon Blanc--100% estate grown--is delicate yet balanced with aromas of citrus rind and fresh fig. I love the crisp citrus tropical flavors of a great Sauvignon Blanc!]]>CommentBox@NicoleHanratty.comCookiesMilk FreeFood AllergiesAll Recipes2009-03-10T14:00:25-07:00http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/ee49992495b9722b373dffce50a86f64-14.php#unique-entry-id-14http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/ee49992495b9722b373dffce50a86f64-14.php#unique-entry-id-14 Milk Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

(Homemade, No Milk, No Cottonseed Oil)
From the Kitchen of Life of a Rock Star™ Nicole Hanratty

Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup Spectrum Vegetable Shortening available at Whole Foods and Gelsons
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups Vegan Chocolate Chips
2 TBSP Muscovado available at Marky's and Whole Foods]]>CommentBox@NicoleHanratty.comFrom the Kitchen of Diane BittikerDessertsAll Recipes2009-02-18T12:52:26-08:00http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/67e3f76dffa634ab33ec5594752a7378-13.php#unique-entry-id-13http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/67e3f76dffa634ab33ec5594752a7378-13.php#unique-entry-id-13

Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings

2 Granny Smith apples (enough for 16 wedges)
2 cans – 8 piece crescent rolls
2 sticks butter – YES- 2 sticks!!!
1 & ½ cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 can of Mountain Dew soda]]>CommentBox@NicoleHanratty.comFrom the Kitchen of Diane BittikerMealsMeatDinnersAll Recipes2009-02-16T11:43:17-08:00http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/1b6095405b460975f03669da3f582d1c-12.php#unique-entry-id-12http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/1b6095405b460975f03669da3f582d1c-12.php#unique-entry-id-12

Slow Cooker Hungarian Goulash

1 – 2to 3 pound boneless chuck roast – cut into 1 inch pieces (I have tried leaner cuts of meat and they don’t tenderize as well the more marbled meat cuts)
2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion – chopped
½ cup red wine
1 teaspoon garlic salt
3 teaspoons Hungarian paprika
½ teaspoon pepper
1 can (14 & ½ oz.) diced tomatoes (undrained)
1 bay leaf
1 & ½ cups sour cream
cooked egg noodles-lightly buttered
parsley for garnish
extra paprika]]>CommentBox@NicoleHanratty.comMealsAll RecipesDinnersMeatCasseroleFrom the Kitchen of Diane Bittiker2009-01-20T18:28:21-08:00http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/50678396efa8eb96631fad9f3b81195b-11.php#unique-entry-id-11http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/50678396efa8eb96631fad9f3b81195b-11.php#unique-entry-id-11


Hungry Jack Casserole

I can’t lay claim to this recipe but I have been making this “kid’s favorite” for many years and it is still a big hit with all ages! I believe it may have come from Pillsbury in the 70’s. For you younger chefs and working mom’s, this is an economical tasty meal that can be put together in a very short time with the little (or big) ones helping. It is a very forgiving recipe that always seems to please the appetites!

Ingredients:

1-2 lbs. ground beef (depends on how many growing kids you have in your household or on your team!)
1 medium onion – chopped
1 32 oz. can pork and beans
1 cup BBQ sauce
2 TBSP brown sugar
1 tube of Pillsbury Hungry Jack Biscuits (or any FLAKY biscuits)
Salt to taste
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
]]>CommentBox@NicoleHanratty.comCookingBakingAll RecipesBreadsFrom the Kitchen of Diane Bittiker2009-01-20T18:20:29-08:00http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/504ffaf49b35279b40d09af01cdacd6a-10.php#unique-entry-id-10http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/504ffaf49b35279b40d09af01cdacd6a-10.php#unique-entry-id-10


No Knead Bread

Unbelievably easy to make! Don’t believe us? Check out the video...you’ll be trying your hand at homemade bread in no time!

No Knead Bread on Utube »

An adaptation from Jim Lahey, Sullivan Street Bakery NYC (Published: November 8, 2006)
Time: About 1½ hours plus 18 to 20 hours' rising

3 cups all-purpose or bread flour, more for dusting ¼ teaspoon instant yeast   (rapid rise is OK) 1¼ teaspoons salt Cornmeal or wheat bran as needed or desired.]]>CommentBox@NicoleHanratty.comMealsSaladsAll RecipesDinnersLunchesFrom the Kitchen of Diane Bittiker2009-01-20T17:51:38-08:00http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/887f046d08d3b15b790c64e5aa9cf6f2-9.php#unique-entry-id-9http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/887f046d08d3b15b790c64e5aa9cf6f2-9.php#unique-entry-id-9


Cha Cha Chinois Salad
½ head of green cabbage
½ head of red cabbage
½ head of jicama- peeled
2 large carrots
½ bunch of green onions – chopped
½ medium red onion – chopped
½ bunch of cilantro – chopped
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup toasted pine nuts
½ bottle “Soy Vay Cha-Cha Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing”
Red pepper flakes to taste]]>CommentBox@NicoleHanratty.comMealsCookingAll RecipesMeatRoastsDinnersFrom the Kitchen of Diane Bittiker2009-01-08T17:11:15-08:00http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/3e0d615110d34fc6257d552c181761b7-8.php#unique-entry-id-8http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/3e0d615110d34fc6257d552c181761b7-8.php#unique-entry-id-8

Old Fashioned Beer Pot Roast
Ingredients:

3 TO 5 LB bone in Chuck Roast
(You can use a Chuck Roast without the bone, but the bone adds more flavor.)

12 OZ can of V8 juice - (You may use any type of tomato juice or Bloody Mary Mix that you prefer.)

12 OZ can of Beef Broth

1 dry packet of Onion Soup Mix

1 Bottle of Beer, your favorite brand (This could be 2 beers if the chef in question drinks and cooks at the same time... Just make sure at least one beer gets poured into the pan!)

4 Potatoes – PEELED

4 large Carrots - PEELED

1/4 Cup Vegetable Oil

Flour for dusting]]>CommentBox@NicoleHanratty.comCookingBakingAll RecipesHolidayFrom the Kitchen of Diane BittikerBreads2008-11-19T17:03:47-08:00http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/53cb7b498773e676b5ed66861a4ba0e8-7.php#unique-entry-id-7http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/53cb7b498773e676b5ed66861a4ba0e8-7.php#unique-entry-id-7

Banana Bread with Crunchy Pecan Topping
(With Milk Free Substitutions for Milk Allergies)

Ingredients:

8 ounces cream cheese (softened) -- Can substitute with Vegan Sour Cream
1 cup sugar
¼ cup  butter (softened) -- Can substitute with Vegetable Shortening
2 eggs
3  very ripe banana's (about 1 cup)
1 tablespoon vanilla
2 & ¼ cups all purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground flax*
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup chocolate chips (optional) -- Can substitute with Dark Chocolate Chunks

 
Crunchy topping ingredients:
1 cup chopped candied pecans
2/3 cup sugar
Sugar to sprinkle on top]]>CommentBox@NicoleHanratty.comWine2008-11-11T16:42:59-08:00http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/8ca1c130166b34f117dfd9ef35c1b913-6.php#unique-entry-id-6http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/8ca1c130166b34f117dfd9ef35c1b913-6.php#unique-entry-id-6

Winter Wines
By Nicole Hanratty
With Recommendations from Lisa Semler
www.LisaSemler.com


www.malibufamilywines.com the vineyards
www.malibuwine.com    the tasting room

Although I love to drink wine--and my husband and I are certainly experts at polishing off a bottle or two--for a real expert’s opinion on which wines are best for cold nights and winter meals I turn to my friend Lisa Semler.]]>CommentBox@NicoleHanratty.comAll RecipesMealsCookingPastaSeafoodFrom the Kitchen of Diane Bittiker2008-11-06T16:38:45-08:00http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/6d4f6e61fb830becefe12ecbd2bb5dc8-5.php#unique-entry-id-5http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/6d4f6e61fb830becefe12ecbd2bb5dc8-5.php#unique-entry-id-5

Scallops a la Diane
1 package pasta of your choice
1 package frozen scallops (thawed and dried thoroughly)
1 tsp butter
1 15 oz. can chopped tomatoes with juice
1 cup heavy cream
1 TBSP olive oil
3 minced garlic cloves
Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Red pepper flakes (for garnish)]]>CommentBox@NicoleHanratty.comCookingBakingAll RecipesDessertsCookiesFrom the Kitchen of Diane Bittiker2008-11-06T16:26:44-08:00http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/8e734a828fb38e0112e20696184d5077-4.php#unique-entry-id-4http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/8e734a828fb38e0112e20696184d5077-4.php#unique-entry-id-4

Grandma Peterson’s
Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients:
1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp salt
1 cup coconut
2 cups oatmeal
2 cups Wheaties cereal
2 cups flour
2 cups salted peanuts
2 cups chocolate chips (optional)
Sea salt]]>CommentBox@NicoleHanratty.comCookingAll RecipesMealsSoupFrom the Kitchen of Diane Bittiker2008-11-06T16:06:18-08:00http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/e0a8d43e1fa2183f784f23cb264aedc6-3.php#unique-entry-id-3http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/e0a8d43e1fa2183f784f23cb264aedc6-3.php#unique-entry-id-3

Tortilla Corn Soup
Ingredients:
1 onion chopped
4 garlic cloves – minced
1 bag frozen corn (16 oz)
6 Roma tomatoes - chopped
2-3 pounds of cooked chicken* – chopped into bite size pieces.
*Boneless, skinless thighs give the best flavor to this soup.
*Try “Just Chicken” at Trader Joe’s - makes the recipe go together faster!
2 large cans of chicken broth
½ cup chopped cilantro
¼ - ½ cup freshly squeezed limejuice. (The amount is your personal preference. The limejuice really adds the “kick” to this recipe.)
4 TBSP “Better than Bouillon” (For those of you watching your salt intake, you can put less in and it will be fine.)
1 cup cooked brown rice
Pepper jack cheese - shredded
Tortilla chips
Sliced avocado]]>CommentBox@NicoleHanratty.comCookingAll RecipesMealsPastaFrom the Kitchen of Diane Bittiker2008-11-06T15:20:14-08:00http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/934934ae761270589bf08c3900432215-2.php#unique-entry-id-2http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/934934ae761270589bf08c3900432215-2.php#unique-entry-id-2

Hungry Husband Pasta
Ingredients:
2 pounds ground beef
1 onion chopped
2 garlic cloves – minced
1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 6 oz. can tomato paste
2 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 12 oz. package of corkscrew pasta
1 16 oz. container of sour cream
1 8 oz. package cream cheese – softened
1 bunch of green onions – chopped – greens and all
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese]]>CommentBox@NicoleHanratty.comHolidayCookingAll RecipesHalloweenFrom the Kitchen of Diane BittikerDinnersStewMeat2008-10-18T22:18:45-07:00http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/1997e4c69d6b4114a0392f5436e6fd42-1.php#unique-entry-id-1http://www.LifeofaRockStar.com/Recipes/files/1997e4c69d6b4114a0392f5436e6fd42-1.php#unique-entry-id-1

HALLOWEEN STEW BAKED IN A PUMPKIN SHELL

• Select a pumpkin that will fit in your oven, clean it out very well, salt the inside and dry very well.]]>