Chocolate Raspberry Torte

This recipe came from one of the first books I ever worked on as a project editor. The final product looks harder to make than it actually is — that can be your little secret. It’s super rich, so cut it into small pieces.
Ingredients

2 ounces (2 squares) unsweetened chocolate
3/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
dash of [...]

Basil Chicken

The basil smelled really good at the farmers’ market on Sunday, so we picked some up with the plan of making basil chicken (I totally forgot that Rebecca is growing a huge pot of basil on her back porch). This recipe comes from Rachael Ray with a few minor tweaks (e.g., she uses twice as [...]

Creamy Salsa Dip

From the Dannon yogurt lid, a yummy dip recipe (and a good way to use the rest of the plain yogurt orginally needed for Chicken Tikka Masala).
Ingredients

2 C plain yogurt
1 C salsa
3 1/2 T chopped fresh cilantro
1 t sea salt

Directions

In a bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well.
Cover and keep refrigerated until ready to use.

Chicken Tikka Masala (Cook’s Illustrated)

I’ve never made anything from a Cook’s Illustrated magazine–I’m one of those goofy people who loves to read recipes without feeling like I have to actually cook them–until now, that is. Renae posted an absolutely delicious Tikka recipe courtesy of Bethany’s blog. The recipe I’m posting is slightly different and had me enjoying the process [...]

Roasted Dragon Meat on Hobbit Bread

Also known as “Slow Cooked Italian Beef Sandwich” by Karma Larsen. Check out my blog for an explanation of the more creative title.
Ingredients

2-3 lb boneless beef roast
2 T crushed basil
2 T crushed oregano
1 C water
1 env dry onion soup mix
hard rolls

Directions

Add ingredients to a crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Shred meat and [...]

Strawberry Cream Pie

This recipe comes from Jason’s mom. It’s one of our favorites.
Ingredients

2 cups fresh* strawberries, sliced
3/4 cup sugar, divided
2 8-0unce packages of cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 container Cool Whip
1 premade chocolate crumb or graham cracker pie crust (extra large)

Directions

Sprinkle 1/2 cup sugar over strawberries and let set 3 hours or overnight in the refrigerator [...]

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Straight from the old church cookbook, this recipe is always good, especially for potlucks or Easter dinners. And since my dad asked for it the other day, I figured I would post it on Needs More Butter for easy accessibility.
Crust:
3/4 C butter, softened
3 T sugar
2 2/3 C chopped, crushed pretzels (not too fine)
Creamy layer:
8oz [...]