Opposites Attract

February 3, 2009: Opposites Attract

Jalapeño Apricot Brie

6 jalapeño slices, finely chopped
¼ c. apricot preserves
½ c. walnuts, coarsely chopped
1 wheel of brie
1 loaf ¼ in. sliced rye squares
1 tbs olive oil

Preheat oven to 425 F.

Cut brie wheel in half horizontally. Combine jalapeños and apricot preserves in a small bowl. Place on half of the Brie, cut side up on center of cooking stone. Spread half the apricot mixture evenly over bottom half of the Brie. Top with half of the pecans and remaining half of brie, cut side up. Spread remaining apricot mixtute over brie and sprinkle with remaining pecans.

Arrange the rye slices around the outside of the brie on the cooking stone. Sprinkle with olive oil and place into preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until brie begins to melt and rye starts to toast. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

16 oz bottle barbecue sauce
¼ c. grape jelly
1/8 c. crushed pineapple
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, thawed and cubed
2 tbs. vegetable oil
½ c. carrots, sliced
½ c. pineapple, cubed
½ c. green pepper, sliced
½ c. white onion, sliced
½ c. water chestnuts, drained

In medium sized bowl combine barbecue sauce, grape jelly and crushed pineapple.
In large stir fry pan toss boneless chicken cubes in vegetable oil until fully cooked over medium high heat. Combine remaining ingredients with chicken in pan and steam on medium heat, covered, for 15 minutes. When vegetables are fully cooked, add sweet and sour sauce and leave over medium heat until sauce is heated.

Serve over white or brown rice.

Chocolate Crusted Key Lime Pie

4 egg yolks
¾ c. lime juice
2 14 oz cans sweetened condensed milk

1 ½ c. vanilla wafer crumbs
¼ c. cocoa powder
1/3 c. powdered sugar
6 tbs melted butter

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Combine wafer crumbs, cocoa powder, powdered sugar and butter together. Mix well and press into the bottom of a 9 in pie pan. Place in oven for 5 minutes, remove and let cool.

Combine the egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk and lime juice. Mix well. Pour into unbaked graham cracker shell.

Bake 15 minutes in preheated oven. Remove and let cool, top with whipped topping and chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips and a slice of lime.