Holiday Cherry Cheesecake

Graham Cracker Crust
18 crushed graham crackers
3 Tablespoons sugar
1/3 cup melted butter
2 pinches of cinnamon

Mix all the Graham Cracker Crust ingredients in bowl. Add to a 9 inches glass baking dish. Press crust into the bottom and sides of pan. Set aside, DO NOT BAKE.

Cream Cheese Mixture
2 - 8 oz cream cheese packages
2 eggs, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 Tablespoon vanilla
1 Tablespoon Brandy
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Cherry Topping
1 -21 oz can of premium cherry pie filling and topping
1/4 of a lemon
4 Tablespoons sugar
Mix well and set aside in the refrigerator (Remove lemon before topping cheesecake)

Mix all the cream cheese mixture with an electric mixer on high speed for 5 minutes. Pour this mixture into the graham cracker crust. Smooth and even out.

Bake in a preheated 325 oven for 30 minutes or until firm.

Remove from oven. Let rest for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 5 hours. Add cherry topping.

Serves 8 to 10

(1946)

Frank Capra's "Its a Wonderful Life" is "the" Christmas classic! Jimmy Stewart plays George Bailey, a man who learns the hard way how truly blessed he is. The ending always bring tears to my eyes, no matter how many times I see it. My recipe for Holiday Cherry Cheesecake is a classic among cheesecakes. A special dessert to showoff during the holidays or anytime you want to treat yourself, family, and friends to something extra special. Happy Holidays to all and I wish you all a bright and Happy New Year!

Seafood Soup

6 cups chicken stock
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 scallion, chopped
1/4 cup green pepper, chopped
1 Tablespoon butter
Dashes salt and black pepper
8 oz. clam juice
1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
4 fresh clams, soaked and rubbed clean to remove all dirt
4 Sea Scallops
8 large fresh shrimp, cleaned and cut in half
2 fresh Tilapia Fish fillets, cut in large pieces
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Add to a soup pot over medium high heat, butter, garlic, celery, scallion, green pepper, and dashes of salt and black pepper. Stir and lower heat to a simmer. Cook for 3 minutes. Add chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to medium high and add clam juice, Cayenne Pepper, and  black pepper. Add clams and cover pot. Immediately after clams open, adds scallops, shrimp and fish. Cook for 3 minutes. Keep covered and let rest for 10 minutes.

Optional, sprinkles of chopped parsley on finished dish.

Serves 4

(1958)

Ernest Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea" is an American classic book and film. Oscar winner Spencer Tracy portrays the old Cuban fisherman who makes the catch of a lifetime. But, he faces a huge obstacle and try's to find his way through it. Our Seafood Soup is a little sample of the great taste from the sea. Its just before Thanksgiving and our Seafood Soup will give your taste buds happiness before the big turkey day. "The Old Man and the Sea" is a classic film for our classic Seafood Soup. Enjoy!

Best Fish Fry Ever

2 - fresh bone-in fish, White Bass, Trout, or Croakers (about 2-1/2 lbs) -gutted, head removed, scaled and split down the middle, but leave tail on.
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup yellow corn meal
1/2 teaspoon Emeril's Original Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon Season Salt
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon Lemon Pepper
1/2 teaspoon Old Bay Seafood Seasoning
1 cup vegetable oil for frying

Place milk in a large bowl. Add fish and cover well with the milk. Remove. Season all sides of fish with Season Salt, salt, Lemon Pepper, and Old Bay Seafood Seasoning. Set aside.

Heat oil in large skillet over medium high heat. While skillet is heating. Add Emeril's Original Seasoning to a large large, add flour and corn meal. Stir with a spoon. Add fish one at a time to the flour and corn meal mixture. Cover both sides well. Shake off any excess. Repeat with second fish.

Add fish to the hot skillet, skin side down first. Fry for 7 minutes for each side, or until light golden brown.
Remove from skillet and place on paper towel.

Serve immediately.

Optional - serve with fresh lemon wedges.

Serves 4

(2004)

The Oscar nominated film "Shark Tale" starring superstar Will Smith is one of the new animated classics. Will plays "Oscar" a small fish who finds himself in plenty of trouble. Who knew gangsters were underwater. Our recipe for Best Fish Fry Ever is the recipe for all you seafood lovers out there. There is nothing like a good Friday night fish fry and we have taken these lovely creatures of the sea on a tasty and delicious journey. It's all good in this underwater neighborhood!

Chipotle Spicy Shrimp

1 lb extra large shrimp - cleaned and devained, leave on shell cover
1 -1/2 teaspoons Chipotle and Pepper Rub
1 Tablespoon butter
2 lemon slices - cut into quarters
1/8 teaspoon cayenne ground pepper
2 Tablespoons water

Add Chipotle and Pepper seasoning, butter, lemon, cayenne and water to a sauce pan over high heat. Let boil. Add shrimp and stir. Lower heat and simmer for 3 minutes. Cover and turn off heat.

Serves 4

(2000)

"Gone in 60 Seconds" film starring Nicholas Cage and Angelina Jolie is an action packed thrill ride. If you love a sexy fast paced film, you will love this one. Our Chipotle Spicy Shrimp recipe is riding "shot-gun" with Nick and Angie. This appetizer is full of bold Chipotle favors with just the right amount of heat. Super fast to prepare, and they will be gone from your table in 60 seconds!

Stuffed Chicken Breast with Tomato & Butter Sauce

Happy Halloween from Reel Good Recipes!

6 Chicken Breast Tenderloins - Place in a baggie and flatten each breast with a kitchen hammer/mallet, rolling pen, or other heavy object. Brush with olive oil, add dashes salt and black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning. Set aside in refrigerator.

Stuffing

1/4 cup Leeks, chopped

1/4 cup red onion, chopped

3 cooked bacon strips, chopped

3/4 cup plain bread crumbs

1/3 cup corn, fresh or frozen

1 teaspoon Sage

1 Tablespoon fresh Parsley, chopped

1/2 cup chicken broth or stock

1 Tablespoon butter

Dashes salt and black pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Add butter to a saute pan. Add Leeks and red onions. Saute for 3 minutes. Add bacon, bread crumbs, corn, Sage, Parsley, chicken broth and salt and black pepper. Stir. Turn off heat

Take chicken from refrigerator. Add 6 Tablespoons of stuffing to each chicken breast. Spread-out. Roll gently and loosely lengthwise. Place in baking dish, cover and bake for 30 minutes.

Tomato & Butter Sauce
Drippings from chicken baking dish
1 Tablespoon butter
1 skinless tomato, chopped
1Tablespoon soy sauce
1 Tablespoon corn starch
6 tablespoons water
Dashes black pepper

Add sauce ingredients to a saute pan. Boil. Lower heat to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.

Optional: Top with sprinkle of chopped Parsley.

Serves 6

(1966)

Reel Good Recipes is going "Old School" this Halloween and featuring one of my favorite funny men Don Knotts in 'The Ghost and Mr Chicken." Please enjoy the clip of this classic that will provide more laughs than frights. Our Stuffed Chicken Breast with Tomato & Butter Sauce is comfort food done with style and sophistication. Beautiful bold flavors with just the right elements of smooth and crunch. Our chicken and Mr Chicken sends you much scary love this Halloween!

Best Ever Butternut Squash Soup

1 -2 to 3 lb butternut squash
Dashes of salt and black pepper
2 Tablespoons melted butter
3 cups chicken broth
2 Tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon grated fresh Ginger
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Trim ends off of Butternut Squash. De-seed and cut in half lengthwise. Cut lengthwise again. Brush the 4 pieces with butter. Add dashes of salt and black pepper. Place on baking pan and bake in oven for 35 minutes.

Remove from oven, let cool slightly. Remove outer skin and place Butternut Squash in a blender. Add chicken broth, honey, Ginger, heavy cream and Cayenne Pepper. Blend until smooth.

Add butternut squash mixture to a sauce pan over high heat. Bring to a boil, stir and lower to simmer for 3 minutes.

Optional - dollop of light sour cream and thin slices of green onion in center of each serving bowl.

Serves 6

(2010)

Tyler Perry's "For Colored Girls" opens in theaters on November 5. This film is based on Ntozake Shange's play "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf," which opened on Broadway in 1976. "For Colored Girls" has a cast of beautiful and super talented woman of color who are sure to serve up a feast of emotion, drama, and laughter. Our Best Ever Butternut Squash Soup is honored to take inspiration from "For Colored Girls." Our soup's color is rich in light and dark tones. It's intense, yet light taste leaves you wanting  more. Our Best Ever Butternut Squash Soup is a must do recipe for the Fall and Winter. Thank you Tyler Perry for bringing this Tony Award nominated play to the screen, and thank you my true Queens!

Vegetarian Pizza

1 package Pillsbury Thin Refrigerated Pizza Crust

1 large tomato - slice into 6 or 7 slices - add dashes of salt

5 thinly sliced green pepper rings

5 thinly sliced red onion rings

1 -1/2 teaspoons chopped Basil Leaves

1 Tablespoon olive oil

6 oz premium Pizza Sauce

1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (shredded)

4 oz. freshly grated Mozzarella Cheese

Preheat oven 400.

Prepare pizza crust according to package directions. Brush crust with olive oil. Top with Basil. Brush on pizza sauce. Add tomatoes, green peppers and onion. Top with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheeses. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.

Serves 8

(1989)

Spike Lee's Masterpiece "Do the Right Thing" film is about the hottest day of the year in Brooklyn and how the community's love and hate relationship handled the heat. Sal's Pizzeria is known for it's delicious pizza slices and pictures of famous Italian's on the wall. This is a must-see film for all serious movie buffs. Reel Good Recipes presents our Vegetarian Pizza in honor of Sal's. Total satisfaction guaranteed for the pizza lover who wants to go meatless. "Do the Right Thing" and try our Vegetarian Pizza, you can't go wrong!

Quick & Easy Crab and Macaroni Salad

8 oz. container Crab Claw Meat - Drain (It's found in the refrigerated seafood section of your market.)
1/4 teaspoon Old Bay Seafood Seasoning

16 oz. Deli Macaroni Salad

2 hard boiled eggs, chopped

1 Tablespoon Jalapeno Peppers, finely chopped

1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

In a mixing bowl add Old Bay Seafood Seasoning to the crab and stir. Add macaroni salad, boiled eggs, Jalapeno Peppers, and black pepper. Mix gently. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Optional, add to finished dish: chopped fresh parsley, dash paprika, lettuce and crackers

Serves 6

 (2004)

If anybody can appreciate the delicacies of the Sea, its SpongeBob Squares Pants. "SpongeBob Square Pants - The Movie" is fun for the young and not so young. Our Quick and Easy Crab and Macaroni Salad only takes minutes to prepare, and this favor combination is just right. SpongeBob works at Krusty Krab and our crab is his favorite!

Chipotle Country Ribs with Baked Guacamole

Chipotle Country Ribs
2 - 3 lbs pork country ribs
1 teaspoon bottled Chipotle Seasoning (medium heat)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 sprig fresh Rosemary
1 teaspoon olive oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Season country ribs with Chipotle Seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add to a baking dish. Add sprig of Rosemary. Cover and bake for 1 hour. Remove cover and continue to bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven. Drain half the liquid from dish. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil over ribs. Set aside.

Baked Guacamole
1 Avocado, mashed
1 large Golden Delicious Apple, shredded
10 cherrie tomatoes, sliced in quarters
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon fresh Cilantro, chopped
1 large garlic clove, chopped
1 Tablespoon red onion, chopped
Juice from 1 lime
1 cup Parmesan Cheese, shredded

Preheat oven 350 degrees.
Add to a mixing bowl. Avocado, apple, tomatoes, salt, Cilantro, garlic, red onion, and lime juice. Mix gently. Add to a small baking dish. Top with Parmesan Cheese and bake 25 minutes or until lightly golden.

Serve Country ribs and Baked Guacamole together with a light salad.

Serves 6

(2006)

"Bandidas" is a film set in 1848 with two beautiful woman who are bank robbers. Penelope Cruz and Salma  Hayek are the outlaws who have Mexico jumpin with excitement. Our recipe for Chipotle Country Ribs with Baked Guacamole brings you the delicious taste of chipotle seasoning and a new twist on guacamole. This recipe from Reel Good Recipes will give you the highest appreciation for Mexican cuisine, but with our creative new twist. Give your same ole same ole weekly menu a huge flavor boost. "Bandidas" film is fun, exciting, and sexy, the perfect compliment to our Chipotle Country Ribs with Baked Guacamole.

Best Ever Hot Deviled Eggs

 

4 large eggs - hard boiled and cut in half lengthwise - add yolks to a mixing bowl

1/2 to 1 whole hot chili pepper (depending on how much heat you want), finely chopped - use your favorite,
I used a red Serrano Pepper

1 Tablespoon celery, finely chopped
1 teaspoon red onion, finely chopped
2 cooked bacon strips, finely chopped
4 Tablespoons Light Mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon mustard
Dash of salt and black pepper

Add to the egg yolks, all the ingredients above, except the egg whites. Mix well. Fill the 8 hard boiled egg whites with about 1 Tablespoons of egg yolk filling. Be sure to use all your filling.

Serve immediately, or refrigerate.

Serves 4

(2010)

The just released horror/thriller film "Devil" is heating up the movie theaters right now.  A group of people are trapped in an elevator and the devil is among them. But, which one of these seemingly normal people is pure evil? Hey, you will have to see the film for that answer. Our Best Ever Hot Deviled Eggs will bring the heat and a devilishly delicious taste that will leave you, your family, and friends asking for more. Double or even triple this recipe, so you will have enough, and believe me they won't be around for long. "Devil" the film will bring the heat, but our Best Ever Hot Deviled Eggs are heavenly!

Stir-Fry Spicy Shrimp with Vegetables in Black Bean Garlic Sauce

1 lb large shrimp (cleaned and peeled)
1 Tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon Black Bean Garlic Sauce
2 green onions, chopped (use white and green of onion)
1 -14.5 oz can bean sprouts - drained
1 cup red bell pepper, sliced thin
4 oz baby corn
2 teaspoons Chili Garlic Sauce
1 Tablespoon soy sauce
Dashes of black pepper
1 Tablespoon corn starch, mixed with 1/4 cup water
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
Optional - 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - add to finished dish

Place Wok (or large skillet) over high heat. Let Wok heat up. Add vegetable oil. Allow oil to get very hot and add shrimp. Stir for 2 minutes. Add Black Bean Sauce, green onions, bean sprouts, red bell pepper, baby corn, Chili Garlic Sauce, black pepper, and soy sauce. Stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add corn starch mixture. Stir for 1 minute. Remove from heat.

Optional - top with chopped fresh parsley.
Optional - serve with steamed rice
Serves 4

(2010)

The original "Karate Kid" was released back in 1984. It was a monster hit starring Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita. It's the story of a boy in need of spiritual and physical training to survive. The 2010 remake stars talented Jaden Smith and the very popular Jackie Chan. This is a must-see film for the young and mature movie lovers. Our recipe for Stir-Fry spicy Shrimp with Vegetables in Black Bean Garlic Sauce is a salute to Asian Cuisine. These shrimp have been karate kicked with fresh vegetables, Black Bean Garlic Sauce, and other flavors to create one high flying dish. "Stir-Fry Spicy Shrimp with Vegetables in Black Bean Garlic Sauce and "The Karate Kid" will be two of your all time favorites.

Peaches and Cream - Southern Style

End of Peach Season Sensational Dessert

Peach Mixture
5 giant (large) fresh peaches - peeled and sliced
Juice from 1/2 lemon
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 Tablespoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Whipped Cream Mixture
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
3 Tablespoon sugar
2 Tablespoon brandy
1 teaspoon vanilla

Mixture for Peaches Over Heat
1 Tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon corn starch - mix with 1/3 cup water
2 Tablespoons butter

1 Refrigerated Pie Crust (unroll and bake)
2 Tablespoons roasted chopped walnuts (heat walnuts in a 400 degree oven for 7 minutes


Add sliced fresh peaches, lemon juice, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla and cinnamon to a large bowl. Stir gently. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Over high heat add peaches, corn starch and water, and butter to a sauce pan. Stir. After it boils, lower heat to simmer for 10 minutes. Turn off heat and let cool.

Unfold 1 Refrigerated Pie Crust over a glass pie dish. Press crust along bottom and sides. Use a fork to make indents around rim of dish and cut off any excess dough.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Pour peach mixture into pie shell and bake for 30 minutes. After baking remove from oven and let cool for 40 minutes.

Place walnuts in the 400 degree oven in baking pan for 7 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.

Chill mixing bowl to use for whipped topping.

Add heavy whipped cream to chilled bowl. Using an electric mixer. Whip heavy cream until it thickens and you can form soft peaks, but don't over whip. Add sugar, brandy, and vanilla. Whip until blended with soft peaks.

Use a pastry bag, large plastic baggie or spoon to add whipped topping around edges of peaches. Make a nice peak in the middle. Add walnuts around edges and on top.

Serves 8

(1996)

"James and the Giant Peach" firm was our inspiration for this recipe Peaches and Cream - Southern Style. This firm was a hit when it was released in 1996, with it's fun characters traveling in a giant peach. Enjoyed by kids and adults, much like our recipe. Summer peaches are a "reel" treat, and we have done them up right - southern style! Don't wait too long, peaches will not be available soon, and you won't want to miss preparing this totally yummy dessert. Enjoy our film clip from "James and the Giant Peach" while eating our peachy dish. It doesn't get much better than this folks!

Organic Baby Arugula and Chicken Salad - Angel's Style

5 oz. Organic Baby Arugula (rinsed and dried)
4 boneless and skinless chicken tenderloins
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon paprika
Dashes salt and black pepper (salt and black pepper to taste)
2 garlic cloves, chopped
2 Tablespoons shallots, chopped (you can substitute with red onion)
2 Tablespoons parsley, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, slice into thin strips
6 Baby Bella (small Portabella mushrooms)
1 Tablespoon soy sauce
1/3 cup Light Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
Dash season salt

Season chicken tenderloins with cayenne pepper, paprika, salt and black pepper. Add olive oil to skillet over high heat.  After skillet is very hot, add chicken. Turn heat down to medium. Cook for 7 minutes. Turn over chicken and add; garlic, shallots, parsley, red bell pepper, Baby Bella Mushrooms, soy sauce and season salt. Let cook for 5 minutes. Turn off heat and let cool slightly. Slice chicken into thick strips.

Mix Organic Baby Arugula, chicken tenderloins, and vegetables in a large bowl. Add Light Balsamic Vinaigrette and mix lightly.

Serves 6

(2000)

WOW!! The three baddest chicks in the land were Charlie's Angels, played by Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, and Lucy Liu. These mighty ladies were physically fit and super smart. Sure, they loved a good salad, but they demanded full favor with total satisfaction. Our recipe for Organic Baby Arugula and Chicken Salad - Angel's Style is the dish for a health conscious person who never wants bland. Like our Charlie's Angel's, Organic Baby Arugula and Chicken Salad - Angel's Style is powerful and fabulous!

Crunchy Fish Strips for Grown-ups with Spicy Cole Slaw

Crunchy Fish Strips

1 lb Trout or your favorite fresh fish
Fish should be cleaned (head and tail removed, gutted, and de-boned). If you are unfamiliar with cleaning fish, your seafood department will do it. Cut the cleaned fish into 2 inch wide strips. Set aside.

1/2 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup flour, place on a plate
1 egg, beaten, in bowl
2/3 cup Panko Bread Crumbs, place on a plate
1/2 cup vegetable oil

Season both sides of fish strips with Old Bay Seasoning, lemon pepper, and salt. Dip each fish strip in flour,  egg, and Panko.

Place saucepan over medium high heat. Add vegetable oil, let oil get hot. Cook each fish strip for 3 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan and place on paper towel.

Spicy Cole Slaw

4 cups cabbage, shredded thinly
3/4 cup light mayonnaise
1 Tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 Tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup carrot, shredded
1/2 teaspoon red chili pepper, crushed
1 Tablespoon red onion, chopped
1 Tablespoon celery, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste

Place all the cole slaw ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well.

Serves 4

(2000)

The "Perfect Storm" is a film about the Andrea Gail, a fishing boat that had a devastating bout with two powerful weather fronts and a hurricane. Handsome George Clooney stars in this sad, but true adventure of fisherman who needed to bring in one last catch for the season. Our recipe for Crunch Fish Strips for Grown-ups with Spicy Cole Slaw appreciates the dedication of these skilled workers who bring us all the gems of the sea. Our fish strips are crunchy on the outside and moist inside with just the right seasoning. The spicy cole slaw is just the perfect match for the "Perfect Storm."

P.S. Kids will love them too!

Best Ever Braised Beef Shanks in Pomegranate Juice w/ Roasted Garlic Whipped Potatoes

 

 

Braised Beef Shanks

Beef shanks, 2 lbs
1 Tablespoon olive oil
Dashes of salt and black pepper 
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/3 cup red onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 teaspoon each, bottled crushed- Rosemary, Marjoram and Thyme

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 cups water

16 oz POM Wonderful Pomegranate Juice

Place soup or large pot on stove over high heat. After pot is hot, add olive oil, heat and add beef shanks. Brown beef on each side for about 5 minutes. Add celery, red onions, garlic, Rosemary, Marjoram, Thyme, salt, black pepper, and water. Bring to a boil, cover, then lower heat to a simmer. Let cook for 1 hour. After an hour, drain all the liquid through a colander, but keep all the vegetables with the beef. Return to stove, turn up heat to high and add the POM Wonderful Pomegranate Juice. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer and cook for 30 to 40 minutes. 

Slices should be super tender. Add to a serving dish and drizzle the pomegranate sauce and vegetables over the beef. Serve with Ultimate Roasted Garlic Whipped Potatoes.

Ultimate Roasted Garlic Whipped Potatoes

5 red potatoes, medium sized

3 garlic cloves

1/2 cup evaporated milk

4 Tablespoons butter

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley

Preheat oven to 450. Place garlic in a baking pan and place in hot oven for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and peel off outer skin layer.  Set aside

Peel and chop red potatoes. Rinse clean. Place in a pot and cover with cold water. Boil uncovered over medium high heat for approximately 20 minutes or until fork tender. Drain.

Add the potatoes, garlic, milk, butter, and salt and pepper to mixing bowl. Use electric mixer to beat until light and creamy, but try to keep tiny bits of potatoes for texture.

Spoon potatoes into a serving dish and top potatoes and beef shanks with fresh parsley.

Serves 4 to 5, add your favorite vegetable or salad

For the first time ever Reel Good Recipes is featuring a "meat and potatoes" dish inspired by the best TV series ever, HBO's 'The Wire.' A solid and gritty urban drama series that is brilliant on so many levels. No holds barred in subject matter, "The Wire" featured intriguing characters that are still talked about today, even years after the finale season.

Please enjoy the video of 100 of The Wire's best quotes. It's just a little taste of the fun and madness that is "The Wire."

Our recipe for Braised Beef Shanks with Pomegranate Juice is amazingly super tender and loaded with the fruity taste of POM Wonderful Pomegranate Juice. The Ultimate Roasted Garlic Whipped Potatoes are the perfect match to our beef shanks. Just like "The Wire" this dish will leave you wanting more!

Visit POM Wonderful Pomegranate Juice at : http://www.pomwonderful.com/

 

Seared Sea Scallops with Sea Salt and Roasted Corn Salsa

Roasted Corn Salsa

2 fresh corn ears
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1/8 teaspoon sea salt

Remove husk and silk from corn and rinse clean. Rub each corn with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Place in a preheated 400 degree oven (rotate corn during baking) for 25 minutes. Remove from oven. Let cool slightly.  Remove corn from the cob by cutting the kernels with a knife and scraping down the cob to get the juices. Set aside

1 plum tomato, peel, remove seeds and cut into small cubes
1 Tablespoon butter
1/3 cup heavy cream
1 Tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
1 Tablespoon red onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, chopped
1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
Dash cayenne pepper
Juice from 1/2 lime
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Place corn and all the salsa ingredients above in a sauce pan over high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let cook for approximately 6 minutes.


Seared Sea Scallops with Sea Salt

1 lb large sea scallops
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1/3 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preheat oven to 425.

Rinse scallops and pat dry with towel.
Add sea salt and black pepper to both sides of scallops.
Heat a  saucepan on stove over medium high heat. Add olive oil. After pan is very hot, add scallops. Let cook for 2 minutes on each side. You should have a nice sear. Remove from saucepan and place in a baking pan. Cook in oven for 3 minutes. DO NOT OVER COOK. The burner will give you the nice sear and the oven will finish the cooking process.

Serves 4

Note - sea salt is fabulous, but a little goes a long way!
               

(2010)

Angelina Jolie stars in this summer's blockbuster movie "Salt." Is Evelyn Salt a trusted CIA agent or a Russian spy? Who is this beautiful woman with super skills in all departments? What a flick!! A must-see for all action movie lovers. Our recipe for Seared Sea Scallops with Sea Salt and Roasted Corn Salsa pays tribune to our most common spice - salt, but with the kick and elevation only sea salt can bring. Whether it's our Sea Scallops with Sea Salt or Evelyn Salt, they're sure to make your mouth water!

Nemo Orange Cupcakes

PRINT THIS RECIPE

Nemo Orange Cupcakes
1 box premium white cake mix
1 small box (3 ounce) Orange Jell-O Gelatin
2 Tablespoons orange zest
1 Tablespoon lemon zest
3/4 cup Florida's Natural Orange Juice
1/2 cup milk
1 stick butter, softened
3 eggs, room temperature
__________________________
Frosting
1 cup powdered sugar
1 Tablespoon milk
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
To make the frosting, mix ingredients above
_________________________
1 tube orange cake icing decoration
1 small tube black cake icing decoration

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine all cupcake ingredients in a large bowl and whip with an electric mixer on high speed for 3 minutes.
Line cupcake pan with cupcake liners. Fill about 3/4 full.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center of cupcakes comes out clean.

Let cupcakes cool 30 minutes.

Spread one inch of frosting down the middle of each cupcake. Using the orange cake icing decoration, squeeze a line along the left and right side of each cupcake and spread with a butter knife. Lastly, using the black cake icing decoration, squeeze a black line along the 2 borders of the vanilla frosting.

Makes 15 to 20 cupcakes.

(2003)

“Finding Nemo” won several awards, including the 2004 Oscar for Best Animated Feature. The voices of Albert Brooks (Martin), Ellen DeGeneres (Dory) and Alexander Gould (Nemo) helped to make this gem of a movie an instant classic.

Like the movie, “Finding Nemo,” Reel Good Recipe's Nemo Orange Cupcakes will be a favorite of kids and adults alike. These delicious and fun cupcakes are moist cake that has been taken to new heights by orange jell-o, orange juice and orange zest.  They were inspired by Nemo and Martin’s clown fish colors.  The cupcakes are topped with a delicious vanilla frosting and decorated with orange and black stripes. If sweet Nemo could eat cake, this would most definitely be the one!

Steak and Onions - Gangsta Style

2 - 6 -oz. Rib Eye Steaks
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon butter
1/4 cup red onion, sliced thinly
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
1 teaspoon corn starch mixed with 1/3 water
Dashes (according to taste) season salt, paprika, black pepper, and salt
Optional, dash of ground cayanne pepper if you want a little heat

Rinse steaks, pat dry and add dashes of season salt, paprika, black pepper, (optional ground cayanne pepper) and salt. Set aside. Over medium high heat add olive oil and garlic. Let garlic brown on both sides in oil.  Remove garlic and add steaks. Cook on each side for 5 minutes. Remove steaks from pan. Drain pan. Turn up heat to high and add butter, Worcestershire Sauce, and corn starch mixture. Let boil for 2 minutes, add red onions. Lower heat, return steak to the pan. Cover and simmer for 3 minutes.

Serves 2 to 3

(1983)

The baddest gangsta on film has to be my guy Scarface. Al Pacino is "no joke" in his portrayal of the Cuban Drug Lord and total bad ass Tony Montana, all man and all beef! We drew our inspiration from "Scarface" for our recipe Steak and Onions - Gangsta Style. It's a in your face dish with bold flavors and shamefully satisfying. Like our guilty pleasure "Scarface."

Eclipse Pomegranate and Pineapple Cocktail

1 - 8oz bottle POM WONDERFUL Pomegranate Juice

8 pineapple juice ice cubes (add pure pineapple juice to an ice tray and freeze)

1/2 cup tonic water

3 Tablespoons sugar

Juice from 1 lime

1/2 cup premium Vodka

Add all the ingredients above to a blender and blend for 15 to 20 seconds

Serve chilled with a slice of lime on the rim of cocktail glass

Optional, serve with cocktail umbrella

Serves 3 to 4

(2010)

Please visit http://www.pomwonderful.com/about/pom-truth/ to read about the great benefits of POM WONDERFUL Pomegranate Juice. Reel Good Recipes has created a super refreshing summer cocktail that will satisfy your taste for fresh fruit. Premium Vodka will bring on the "kick," so if you are tired of the "same ole, same ole" drinks, plug in your blender and make our Eclipse Pomegranate and Pineapple Cocktail. This one's for all the Twilight Movie fans or those of you who just love a delicious and easy to make cocktail! The Twilight Saga: Eclipse has opened at the box office and is a huge hit as expected. This is the third installment from the best-selling books by Stephenie Meyer. This world of blood thirsty and romantic vampires and werewolf's are played by beautiful actors Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, and Taylor Lautner. They are the perfect inspiration for our over the top cocktail, that may have you howling at the moon!! 

Light and Spicy Shrimp

10 Jumbo shrimp, cleaned and butterflied, leaving a small piece of shell on ends

1/2 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning

1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper

1/3 teaspoon cajun seasoning

1/4 teaspoon ground cayanne pepper

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

2 teaspoon olive oil

1 teaspoon olive oil (add to saute pan)

Add all the ingredients above, (except 1 teaspoon of olive oil for saute pan) to a mixing bowl. Mix well and refrigerate for at least an hour.

Over medium high heat add 1 teaspoon olive oil. When pan is hot, add the shrimp, open sides down. Cook for 2 minutes. Turn shrimp over, lower heat, cover and cook an additional 3 minutes.

Optional, dashes of parley flakes

Serve with fresh tomatoes and lettuce.

Serves 2 to 3

1989

No dish is lighter and has more spicy flavor than our recipe for Light and Spicy Shrimp. Now enjoy a fabulous light dish that was inspired by one of my favorite films "Look Who's Talking."  Baby Mikey's voice is Bruce Willis and he gives this "light" little guy all the "spice" you can handle. John Travolta and Kristie Alley also star. Enjoy the film clip below, and check back with us often for great new recipes, films and giveaways!