Author: Mike

Country Coleslaw

Chef John Besh‘s book, Besh Big Easy, is full of easy-to-make recipes. The kind that I like. Southern- and Louisiana-inspired. Take this wonderful country coleslaw. It has your ‘usual’ ingredients, but with a twist (to me, at least). I’ve never had sweet pickle relish in a slaw, and I found it to be absolutely fantastic. So is the addition of rice wine vinegar. Great flavors out of such a simple dish. That’s key.

Country Coleslaw

Spice It Up!

I wouldn’t be afraid to add fresh jalapeno rings to this country coleslaw. My wife would tell me to not do it, though. I’d have to add it to my bowl and just enjoy the heat on my own. For more heat, try my firecracker slaw.

I almost always use Blue Plate mayonnaise in the dishes I make. I think it is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

Blue Plate Real Mayonnaise, Homestyle Mayo For Chicken Salad to Deviled Eggs, 30 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Blue Plate Real Mayonnaise, Homestyle Mayo For Chicken Salad to Deviled Eggs, 30 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

Also try my BBQ shack coleslaw.

Country Coleslaw
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5 from 1 vote

Country Coleslaw

This slaw has your ‘usual’ ingredients, but with a twist (to me, at least). I’ve never had sweet pickle relish in a slaw, and I found it to be absolutely fantastic. So is the addition of rice wine vinegar. Great flavors out of such a simple dish. That’s key.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword cole slaw, coleslaw, slaw
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 126kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Besh’s Big Easy

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the cabbage, onion, green onions, relish and carrot into a large bowl. Mix well.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients. Add to vegetables and fold to combine.
  • Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 126kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 141mg | Potassium: 205mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 777IU | Vitamin C: 36mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Homemade Chipotles in Adobo

I go thru a lot of chipotles in adobo sauce. I have an entire section of one of my pantry shelves devoted to cans of them. So it occurred to me that I should try my hand at making them at home. These homemade chipotles in adobo came out fantastically. Great smoky flavor and a bit of heat. They do take a bit of time to prepare, but they are oh so worth the trouble.

Homemade Chipotles in Adobo

Smoke ‘Em First

First thing is to smoke the peppers. You want to get them good and smoked, too. You want that smoky flavor and lots of it. This is important. Don’t rush it.

Dry ‘Em Second

I dried my smoked jalapenos in my Nesco Snackmaster Pro dehydrator. If you don’t have a dehydrator you can place the jalapenos on a baking sheet and place in the oven at the lowest temperature setting. Rotate the jalapenos every few hours until dried. The chipotles were the star ingredient my Texas chipotle burgers and on my adobo Buffalo chicken wings!

You can also skip the smoking and drying of the jalapenos and buy dried chipotles at your marketplace. In our grocery store the dried peppers can be found by the produce section.

Lastly, Make The Adobo

This step is a bit more complicated, but it’s why you’re here. You rehydrate the peppers first. Some of them go into the blender to get pureed nice and smooth. Then everything comes together in a vinegary sauce that is out-of-this-world fantastic.

I like to load up my dehydrator. To do that I picked up a handful of extra trays. They really add a whole lot more drying space! Since I have to rotate my trays, I write a number on each one on a piece of blue painter’s tape so I can keep track of them.

NESCO TR-2 White Plastic Round 15 1/2" Add-A-Trays, to fit 1000 Series Food Dehydrators, 2 Pack
NESCO TR-2 White Plastic Round 15 1/2″ Add-A-Trays, to fit 1000 Series Food Dehydrators, 2 Pack

You can also make bacon bits using your Nesco Snackmaster Pro.

Chipotles in Adobo
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4 from 1 vote

Homemade Chipotles in Adobo

These homemade chipotles in adobo came out fantastically. Great smoky flavor and a bit of heat. They do take a bit of time to prepare, but they are oh so worth the trouble.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword chipotle, sauce
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 days 8 hours
Total Time 2 days 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings 12 chipotles
Calories 22kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up a smoker for smoking at 250 F. Use a strong wood such as hickory.
  • Add the jalapenos to the smoker and smoke until browned and shriveled, at least 4 hours.
  • Remove and let cool slightly then transfer to a dehydrator and dry at 135 F for 24-48 hours or until completely dried.
  • Remove the stems (and seeds, if desired) and transfer to a large bowl.
  • Cover with hot water. Cover with a plate to weigh the peppers down into the water and let soak for 20 minutes.
  • Remove 4 of the peppers and transfer to a blender.
  • Add the tomato puree and honey and 1/2 cup of the soaking water.
  • Blend until you have a paste.
  • Take the remaining peppers and the soaking liquid and transfer to a pot. Add in the paste.
  • Add the onion, garlic, vinegar, salt and peppercorns.
  • Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and simmer for 1-2 hours until thick. If the sauce gets too thick add a bit of water.
  • Store in the freezer or use within a month.

Notes

You’ll definitely want extra trays for your dehydrator!

Nutrition

Calories: 22kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 105mg | Potassium: 161mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 265IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

NESCO LM-2-6 Round Plastic Mesh 13 1/2" Clean-A-Screens, for Dehydrators, (Pack of 2)
NESCO LM-2-6 Round Plastic Mesh 13 1/2″ Clean-A-Screens, for Dehydrators, (Pack of 2)

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Sausage-Stuffed Hatch Chiles

I bought a case of Hatch chiles the other day. Most of the chiles ended up being roasted, but I kept a few for these sausage-stuffed Hatch chiles. Now I’m wishing that I’d kept a bunch more of the un-roasted peppers on hand because they sure make some fantastic dishes.

Sausage-Stuffed Hatch Chiles

Very Different. And Very Good.

I could’ve served this as an appetizer or as a main dish. I went the main dish route, and backed up the truck. And I wasn’t shy about how many I put on my plate. There were no leftovers. Sausage and bacon, with a hint of fennel on a grilled chile with just a bit of cheese. Smoked low and slow. Like a fancy jalapeno popper, sort of.

For a kicked-up version substitute spicy sausage and add a few good-sized pinches of red pepper flake to the meat mixture. Oh, and use a nice pepper jack or even habanero jack cheese for that extra creamy kick.

For a healthier version, skip the cheese and bacon and use turkey sausage. You might want to up the seasonings though.

Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb
Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb

You can also make these sausage-stuffed Hatch chiles on your grill, be it charcoal or gas. Just cook them over indirect heat, trying to keep the temperatures fairly low as to not over-cook them.

Also try my bacon cheese-stuffed peppers.

Sausage-Stuffed Hatch Chiles
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Sausage-Stuffed Hatch Chiles

I could’ve served this as an appetizer or as a main dish but I went the main dish route, and backed up the truck. I wasn’t shy about how many I put on my plate. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword peppers, stuffed
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings 10 chiles
Calories 517kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up a smoker for smoking at 250 F. Use any wood you desire.
  • Slice the chiles horizontally. Remove the membrane and seeds.
  • Combine the sausage, fennel, pepper and garlic in a bowl.
  • Divide the sausage between the peppers, gently pushing down to fill them completely.
  • Sprinkle the peppers with the bacon.
  • Smoke for 1 1/2 hours.
  • Sprinkle with cheese (if using) and smoke until the cheese has melted.

Notes

Use spicy sausage for a little kick.

Nutrition

Calories: 517kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 1114mg | Potassium: 328mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 18IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12'' Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill - Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush
Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12” Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill – Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush

Bacon on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Note: This recipe was developed using the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer. If you are cooking using the Char-Broil Smoker-Roaster Grill you should cook with the lid open and the temperature set to High. You might also need to adjust the cooking time.

It had to be done. I was sitting there pondering what I haven’t yet cooked and then it hit me. Bacon on the Char-Broil Big Easy! I knew I’d have to go vertical with the bacon, so I grabbed a Big Easy kabob rack, some bacon, and proceeded to make bacon ‘curtains’, hanging the bacon down into the cooker. The bacon cooked up quickly and came out super crispy. And oh, did it ever smell soooo good!

Bacon on the Char-Broil Big Easy

The setup…

Since the bacon on the Char-Broil Big Easy is hung over the kabob rack I didn’t end up with perfectly flat bacon. I did get pieces that were perfect for BLT sandwiches. Where the bacon bends is the point at which it cooks up the fastest. So does the bacon closest to the edges of the cooker.

Don’t overdo it!

It’s easy to over-cook the bacon, so I recommend pulling it out of the Big Easy sooner than you think you should and letting it cool and crisp up. Also, it’s easier to remove the bacon from the rack if it is still slightly soft. Once it cools and gets crispy it will tend to break.

Although I haven’t yet tried it, I’m pretty sure you could use a Bunk Bed basket to hang the bacon if you don’t have the Big Easy kabob rack.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket

Did you know you can make your entire breakfast on your Big Easy, not just the bacon? Make breakfast sausage, breakfast cups and even eggs!

It’s always a good idea to keep a few spare grease trays on hand for your Char-Broil Big Easy.

Char-Broil 2425514W12 Big Easy Grease Tray, Silver- 5 pack
Char-Broil 2425514W12 Big Easy Grease Tray, Silver- 5 pack

Love your Big Easy as much I love mine? Check out my Big Easy Add-Ons page and my free Big Easy eCookbook!

Bacon on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 1 vote

Bacon on the Char-Broil Big Easy

It's bacon. On the Char-Broil Big Easy. The bacon cooked up quickly and came out super crispy. And oh, did it ever smell soooo good!
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword bacon, Big Easy, Char-Broil
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 12 slices
Calories 92kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 12 slices bacon

Instructions

  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Drape the bacon over the Big Easy basket. or kabob holder. Do not overlap.
  • Lower the basket into the Big Easy and cook 15-20 minutes. Do not let the bacon get too brown, it will crisp while cooling.
  • Remove and let cool before removing.

Notes

I used thin-cut bacon. Thicker bacon may take a little longer to cook.

Nutrition

Calories: 92kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 146mg | Potassium: 44mg | Vitamin A: 8IU | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket

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Nashville Hot Chicken using the Vortex

I recently made ‘fried’ chicken on my Weber Performer grill using the Vortex insert. The chicken came out fantastic, which inspired me to then try making Nashville hot chicken also using the Vortex. Wow, oh wow, was it absolutely great chicken. Lightly crunchy, and a little spicy, it was a dish to remember. This method is definitely a great substitute for the traditional way of making Nashville hot chicken in a deep fryer.

Nashville Hot Chicken using the Vortex

Cooking Time Variations

I used split bone-in chicken breasts when I made this Nashville hot chicken using the Vortex. It’s our preferred cut of chicken, but you can use any cut you like. Just keep in mind that if you mix pieces that are greatly different in size some may be done before others. Smaller pieces can be checked for doneness after the 45 minutes cooking time.

Nashville Hot Chicken using the Vortex
VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size - For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg
VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size – For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg

Also check out my recipe for making ‘fried’ chicken using the Vortex. For a more southern twist, try my Buzznbeez southern fried chicken. My Cajun injected chicken, also cooked up perfectly using the Vortex, is another big hit!

Nashville Hot Chicken using the Vortex
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Nashville Hot Chicken using the Vortex

Wow, oh wow, was this ever absolutely great chicken. Lightly crunchy, and a little spicy, it was a dish to remember.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword fried chicken, spicy, Vortex
Prep Time 1 day
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 day 1 hour
Servings 4
Calories 905kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the dry brine

For the dip

  • 1 cup milk I used buttermilk Note: If you have pickle juice on hand, use 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 cup pickle juice instead
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce

For the dredge

For the spicy coating

For serving

Instructions

For the dry brine

  • Season chicken and place into a baggie or resealable container.
  • Seal and refrigerate overnight or up to 24 hours.

For the dip

  • Whisk together the milk, eggs and hot sauce in a pie pan or shallow bowl.

For the dredge

  • Whisk together the flour and salt in a pie pan or shallow bowl.

For cooking

  • Fire up your grill with the Vortex insert full of charcoal.
  • Let the coals get good and ashed over.
  • Working in batches, dredge the chicken in the flour. Shake off excess.
  • Dip chicken into the milk mixture. Shake off excess.
  • Return the chicken to the flour and dredge again. Shake off excess.
  • Transfer chicken to the grill, placing it along the edges of the grill.
  • Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
  • Rotate the lid 90 degrees and cook another 15 minutes.
  • Brush the chicken with the spicy coating. Rotate the lid 90 degrees and cook another 15 minutes
  • Brush the chicken with the spicy coating. Rotate the lid 90 degrees and cook another 15 minutes
  • Check for doneness. Remove when done and let rest 10-15 minutes before serving.

For the spicy coating

  • Heat the oil in a small saute pan.
  • Whisk in the remaining ingredients.
  • Keep warm until ready to use.

For serving

  • Serve garnished with dill pickle and white bread slices, if desired.

Notes

You can also serve the sauce on the side for dipping!

Nutrition

Calories: 905kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 57g | Saturated Fat: 31g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 222mg | Sodium: 3172mg | Potassium: 541mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1011IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado - 3 PC
Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado – 3 PC

Fire Pit Burgers

Burgers definitely don’t have to be complicated to taste great. But, they do need to be messy, in my opinion. When I take a bite I want a bit of juice running down my arm. And some tasty sauce dripping onto the plate. These fire pit burgers are definitely not complicated, and they are a bit messy thanks to plenty of chipotle mayonnaise, which brings just enough smoky heat to make for bite-after-bite of deliciousness.

Fire Pit Burgers

Want Spicy? You Got It.

For a little extra kick, mix some finely minced jalapenos in with the ground beef before forming the patties. You can also substitute habanero Jack cheese for the pepper Jack. That’ll definitely up the spice level on your Fire Pit burgers!

Whether I’m making a huge batch of burgers or just a few, I like to use my Weber press to get my patties all the same size and thickness.

Weber Original Burger Press, Black
Weber Original Burger Press, Black

Make sure you get your cheese good and melted! The key is to put it on top of the patties before they are done, timing it perfectly so the cheese is perfectly melted at the same moment that the burgers are done to perfection. A burger dome can help get your cheese melted a bit quicker, too!

Cuisinart CMD-108 Melting Dome, 9",Stainless steel
Cuisinart CMD-108 Melting Dome, 9″,Stainless steel

Also try my Cowboy Big Mac Smash burgers.

Fire Pit Burgers
Print Pin
5 from 2 votes

Fire Pit Burgers

These fire pit burgers are definitely not complicated, and they are a bit messy thanks to plenty of chipotle mayonnaise, which brings just enough smoky heat to make for bite-after-bite of deliciousness.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword burgers
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 3 servings
Calories 784kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Applebees At Home

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef I prefer 85/15 mix
  • 3 hamburger buns
  • Chipotle mayonnaise make your own by combining mayonnaise and chopped chipotles in adobo sauce
  • Green leaf lettuce
  • 3 slices pepper Jack cheese
  • 6 slices bacon cooked until just starting to get crispy
  • 1 tomato sliced
  • 6 slices red onion

Instructions

  • Form beef into 3 equally-sized patties.
  • Cook as desired. I prefer to grill mine or cook them on a griddle.
  • Toast the buns as desired.
  • Slather the buns with the chipotle mayonnaise. Don’t be shy with it.
  • Add the lettuce to the buns. I like to put my lettuce under the patties. It helps keep the bottom bun from getting soggy.
  • Top patties with cheese and add to buns.
  • Add the bacon, tomato and onion and serve.

Notes

I like to soak my onions in cold water for 10 minutes before draining and adding to the burgers to mellow them out a little bit.

Nutrition

Calories: 784kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 56g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 155mg | Sodium: 723mg | Potassium: 705mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 520IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 271mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cuisinart CSBP-100 3-in-1 Stuffed Burger Press, Black
Cuisinart CSBP-100 3-in-1 Stuffed Burger Press, Black

Apricot BBQ Sauce

Oh my goodness. I wasn’t even looking for another BBQ sauce to add to my list of homemade, fantastically-good sauces. I actually made this apricot BBQ sauce only because I found a jar of apricot preserves in the back of the pantry that needed to be used up. It was a sign because this is one of the top BBQ sauces I’ve ever made or tasted. The perfect combination of sweet and heat and just the right consistency to squirt or slather onto a rack of St. Louis-style smoked ribs without being too gloppy or too thin.

Apricot BBQ Sauce

Lightly Fruity

The apricot preserves add a light fruity flavor to the apricot BBQ sauce, but it’s there in the back with lots of other great flavors and isn’t so in-your-face. Now, if you want to have a more apricot-like sauce, feel free to add more. Since apricot (or peach for that matter) goes great with pork, add more sauce if you’re cooking pork. If you’re using this sauce on say chicken, you might want to use a little less.

Leftover Sauce

Remember that if you have to refrigerate any leftover sauce, let it sit out on the counter for at least 30 minutes before using. You don’t want to ‘shock’ hot, food with a cold sauce.

Kitchen Bottle Condiment Set 3 Hole Dispenser Lid Plastic Squeeze for Sauce Mustard Ketchup 12 oz. / 340 ML.
Kitchen Bottle Condiment Set 3 Hole Dispenser Lid Plastic Squeeze for Sauce Mustard Ketchup 12 oz. / 340 ML.

Also try my atomic BBQ sauce.

Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Apricot BBQ Sauce

This is one of the top BBQ sauces I’ve ever made or tasted. The perfect combination of sweet and heat and just the right consistency to stick to a rack of St. Louis-style smoked ribs without being too gloppy or too thin.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword apricot, barbecue, BBQ, sauce
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 1 cup
Calories 881kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients into a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Stir and heat until the butter is melted.

Notes

Refrigerate any leftover sauce. Make sure to stir and warm it or bring it to room temperature before using.

Nutrition

Calories: 881kcal | Carbohydrates: 213g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 1742mg | Potassium: 792mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 154g | Vitamin A: 1598IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush
Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush

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‘Fried’ Chicken using the Vortex

This is the first time I tried making ‘fried’ chicken using the Vortex insert on my Weber charcoal grill. I use my Vortex a lot for making chicken wings, which are always fantastic, but I wasn’t sure how mimicking that great fried flavor would come out.

So Easy Yet So Amazing

My worries were completely unfounded since the chicken came out absolutely fantastic. I swore I was eating chicken right out of a deep-fryer. Great Southern-inspired coating, tender meat and yes, very, very crunchy skin.

Fried Chicken using the Vortex

Great Results No Matter What You Use

Since this was my first time I didn’t want to over-crowd my Performer with chicken. But now that I’ve got the process down, I could’ve easily added a few more pieces. And you don’t have to just use split bone-in chicken breasts like I did. Wings, legs, thighs… you name it, all will come out great ‘fried’ using the Vortex. Just don’t let the pieces overlap, because wherever they touch, they won’t get crispy.

See my full Vortex ‘menu’ by clicking here!

Fried Chicken using the Vortex

Making ‘fried’ chicken (some folks call it KFC – Kettle-Fried Chicken) really can’t get any easier. Also, check out my Nashville hot chicken recipe and my crispy fried chicken on the Vortex.

VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size - For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg
VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size – For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg

And nothing beats my fried chicken with gravy, also using the Vortex!

Fried Chicken using the Vortex
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

‘Fried’ Chicken using the Vortex

I swore I was eating chicken right out of a deep-fryer. Great Southern-inspired coating, tender meat and yes, very, very crunchy skin.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword fried chicken, Vortex
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4 servings
Calories 437kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your Kettle grill with the Vortex loaded with charcoal. Don’t start cooking until the coals are all lit and starting to ash over.
  • Rinse the chicken and pat dry.
  • Mix the remaining ingredients in a large baggie.
  • Lightly brush the chicken with vegetable oil.
  • Working in batches, place chicken pieces in the bag. Seal and shake. Shake off excess.
  • Transfer chicken to the grill along the edges, skin-side up.
  • Cover and cook for 40 minutes, turning the lid 90 degrees every 15 minutes.
  • Lightly brush the chicken with more vegetable oil. Use caution as the grill will be hot. Note: If you are using pieces other than split chicken breasts, you’ll want to rotate the pieces at this time.
  • Cover and cook another 5 minutes or until the chicken hits 160 F.
  • Remove and let rest and come to 165 F before serving.

Notes

I really enjoy this dish using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs too!

Nutrition

Calories: 437kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 53g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 2863mg | Potassium: 929mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 358IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado - 3 PC
Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado – 3 PC

Cedar Planked Twinkies

Grilled Twinkies are a great thing. Cedar planked Twinkies are a wonderful thing. Just a light hint of cedar takes a simple dessert to a new place. You can top them with whatever you have on hand. For me that meant Nutella (a good thing no matter what, but also good to keep your other toppings from falling off of the Twinkies), ooey-gooey marshmallows, crunchy toffee and of course, whipped cream.

Cedar Planked Twinkies

Load ‘Em Up!

Ice cream, toasted nuts, cherries, anything you can find while be good on cedar planked Twinkies. Just don’t leave the Twinkies on the grill too long or the cedar flavor might get too strong. You want that hint of cedar to kind of be lurking in the background and not jumping right out at you. You can also skip the cedar plank and grill the Twinkies directly on your grill.

Cooking on cedar planks can really change the ordinary into something special, which is why I do it often. For an appetizer, you’ll love my plank-smoked Camembert.

Cedar Grilling Planks - 12 Pack
Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack

For something truly special you’ll want to make my red white and blue cedar planked Brie.

Cedar Planked Twinkies
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Cedar Planked Twinkies

Grilled Twinkies are a great thing. Cedar planked Twinkies are a wonderful thing. Just a light hint of cedar takes a simple dessert to a new place. 
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword cedar plank, dessert
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 814kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Soak plank in water for 1 hour.
  • Fire up a grill for indirect 300 F grilling.
  • Place Twinkies on the plank.
  • Slather tops with the Nutella.
  • Sprinkle with the marshmallows and toffee.
  • Place on the grill and grill for 15 minutes or until the marshmallows have started to melt.
  • Serve topped with whipped cream and whatever other toppings you enjoy.

Notes

Roast some peanuts on the grill. Shell them and sprinkle them over the finished Twinkies for a great crunchy treat!

Nutrition

Calories: 814kcal | Carbohydrates: 99g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 38g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 96mg | Potassium: 474mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 87g | Vitamin A: 344IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 132mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cedar Grilling Planks - 12 Pack
Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack

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Croutons on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Note: This recipe was developed using the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer. If you are cooking using the Char-Broil Smoker-Roaster Grill you should cook with the lid open and the temperature set to High. You might also need to adjust the cooking time.

Sometimes I take a break from the big dinners and just serve up some nice tasty salads. I do require croutons on my salad, though. And since it’s hot here, I decided to cook the croutons on the Char-Broil Big Easy. They came out tasty and crunchy, just like I wanted. It pays to think of your Big Easy as an outdoor oven.

Croutons on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Make A Batch

I used the Big Easy cooking rack (which sadly is no longer available) for making croutons on the Char-Broil Big Easy. So, to make croutons you’ll need a few bunk bed baskets. Depending on the size of your bread you might have to line the baskets with foil.

Depending on conditions, the croutons on the bottom may cook at a different rate than those on the top. Check them often after 10 minutes and remove any ones that are golden brown and crispy.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket

It’s always a good idea to keep a few spare grease trays on hand for your Char-Broil Big Easy.

Char-Broil 2425514W12 Big Easy Grease Tray, Silver- 5 pack
Char-Broil 2425514W12 Big Easy Grease Tray, Silver- 5 pack

Love your Big Easy as much I love mine? Check out my Big Easy Add-Ons page and my free Big Easy eCookbook!

Croutons on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 1 vote

Croutons on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Sometimes I take a break from the big dinners and just serve up some nice tasty salads. I do require croutons on my salad, though. And since it’s hot here, I decided to cook the croutons outside.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, croutons
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 164kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
  • 3 slices bread per pie pan

Instructions

  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Combine the butter and garlic salt.
  • Brush the butter mixture over the bread.
  • Cut the bread into cubes.
  • Transfer the cubes to the baskets and spread out evenly.
  • Place pans onto the rack and lower into the cooker.
  • Cook for 10 minutes then start checking the croutons every minute or so. Remove any croutons that might get done sooner than others.

Notes

Croutons may cook at different rates depending on if you have them higher or lower in the basket. Keep an eye on them as they cook quickly.

Nutrition

Calories: 164kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 509mg | Potassium: 78mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 176IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket