Author: Mike

Spicy Chicken Salad

A better name for this spicy chicken salad would be ‘the greatest, absolutely fantastic, totally different, outrageously superb chicken salad’, but that’s too long for a blog post title. This is not your typical chicken salad. Sure, it’s mayonnaise-creamy, but there are special, unexpected ingredients in there too. Like cheese (in a chicken salad????! Seriously, who does that?). And bell pepper (why didn’t I think of that? It adds great crunch and flavor). And tart sour cream???! And my favorite flavors, spicy smoky chipotle and cooling creamy avocado. What a great and definitely different chicken salad this is!

Spicy Chicken Salad

A Seriously Good Twist On A Classic

I wouldn’t change a thing about this spicy chicken salad. If you aren’t going to use the entire batch at once, I do recommend that you only mix in avocado with what you will use. After all, the avocado isn’t going to keep for long. You’re better off mixing it in when you need it.

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)

Got leftover fried chicken? Also try my fried chicken salad and one of our favorites, Big Daddy’s Kick’n Chicken Salad.

Spicy Chicken Salad
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Spicy Chicken Salad

A better name for this spicy chicken salad would be ‘absolutely fantastic, totally different, outrageously great chicken salad’, but that’s too long for a blog post title. This is not your typical chicken salad.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken salad, spicy
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 1050kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Life’s Ambrosia

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, salt, garlic powder, chipotle powder, onion powder and cumin in a large bowl. Whisk until smooth.
  • Add the chicken, bell pepper and cheese and stir.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
  • Gently fold in the avocado and serve on bread, in wraps, or on crispy lettuce.

Notes

Best served immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 1050kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 124g | Fat: 56g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 382mg | Sodium: 811mg | Potassium: 1443mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 630IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 159mg | Iron: 7mg

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)

Smoked Eggs

I’m not sure why I was hankerin’ for egg salad, but I was. But I figured it was time for a little twist on the ole classic, so I decided to fire up my smoker with a few charcoal briquettes and a chunk of apple wood and make smoked eggs. I figured a little smoky flavor would really make for a special egg salad. I was right.

Smoked Eggs

You’ve Got Room. Use It!

Eggs are also a great thing to toss (er, gently of course) onto your smoker (mine’s a Weber) after you’ve finished smoking a pork butt, ribs, brisket or whatever, and you still have a good fire going. They take just two hours. They can have just a hint of smokiness (use a small chunk of light wood). Or they can have a stronger smoke flavor (use hickory). But be careful because it doesn’t take much smoke to overdo it.

I prefer to use fruit or nut woods when I smoke unless I want a heavier smoke flavor. Pecan, apple or cherry are my favorites. I used apple to make this recipe.

Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb
Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb

Smoked eggs make for great egg salad club sandwiches. Also try my Dragon eggs and smoked Scotch eggs.

Smoked Eggs
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Smoked Eggs

I’m not sure why I was hankerin’ for egg salad, but I was. But I figured it was time for a little twist on the ole classic, so I decided to fire up my smoker with a few charcoal briquettes and a chunk of apple wood and make smoked eggs.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword eggs, smoked
Cook Time 14 hours
Total Time 14 hours
Servings 12 eggs
Calories 63kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 12 eggs

Instructions

  • Fire up your smoker for smoking 225 F – 250 F.
  • Use a light smoking wood, such as apple. I used one fish-sized chunk of wood, which produced a lightly smoky flavored egg. Use more for stronger flavors.
  • Smoke for 2 hours.
  • Remove, let cool slightly then transfer to a fridge overnight.
  • Peel and eat.

Notes

Best used immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 63kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 164mg | Sodium: 62mg | Potassium: 61mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 238IU | Calcium: 25mg | 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-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Fire-Eater Dog Sauce

How do you make a great hot dog better? Yes, you wrap it in bacon. Crispy, yummy bacon. But you’re not done yet. Then you add a good helping of a thick, sweet-heat sauce that makes mustard and ketchup boring. These bacon-wrapped hot dogs with Fire-Eater dog sauce are a great way to change up your everyday dogs. You can add more of your favorite toppings if you like, but don’t bury that great bacon flavor.

Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Fire-Eater Dog Sauce

Make Extra Sauce. You’ll Need It.

The Fire-Eater dog sauce is also perfect on hamburgers and fries, so make an extra big batch and keep it on hand in the fridge. To make a great smoky version use a hickory BBQ sauce. For an even spicier version use a hot BBQ sauce and add a few splashes of your favorite hot sauce. Bacon-wrapped hot dogs with Fire-Eater dog sauce are good no matter what.

Remember that if you have to refrigerate any leftover sauce, let it sit out on the counter for at least 30 minutes before using. Or warm it up a bit on the stovetop. You don’t want to ‘shock’ hot, just-cooked wings with a cold sauce.

SLOTDOG - Hot Dog Slicing Tool - Stainless Steel Cutter Blades for Kitchen, Grilling, Tailgating, Camping and Backyard Outdoor BBQ - 10 inch - Red
SLOTDOG – Hot Dog Slicing Tool – Stainless Steel Cutter Blades for Kitchen, Grilling, Tailgating, Camping and Backyard Outdoor BBQ – 10 inch – Red

Also try my Banh Mi hot dogs.

Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Fire-Eater Dog Sauce
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Fire-Eater Dog Sauce

How do you make a great hot dog better? Yes, you wrap it in bacon. Crispy, yummy bacon. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 508kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the hot dogs

  • 6 hot dogs
  • 6 slices bacon
  • 6 hot dog buns

For the Fire-Eater dog sauce

Instructions

For the hot dogs

  • Wrap the hot dogs in the bacon.
  • Fire up your grill for indirect cooking.
  • Place bacon-wrapped dogs on the grill over indirect heat.
  • Cook for 20 minutes, rotating often, until the bacon is cooked and starting to crisp.
  • Remove and let cool slightly to let the bacon finish crisping.
  • Serve on buns and drizzle with Fire-Eater dog sauce.

For the Fire-Eater dog sauce

  • Combine all ingredients in a medium sauce pan.
  • Bring to a simmer.
  • Remove from heat and let cool until thickened.

Notes

Add your favorite toppings, like relish or onions or even kraut!

Nutrition

Calories: 508kcal | Carbohydrates: 78g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 991mg | Potassium: 321mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 49g | Vitamin A: 170IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 117mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

TableCraft 3-Piece Nostalgia Squeeze Bottle Set, 12-Ounce
TableCraft 3-Piece Nostalgia Squeeze Bottle Set, 12-Ounce

Grilled Maple Bacon Pineapple Rings

I loved grilled fruit. My wife, not so much. Until now. Grilled maple bacon pineapple rings made a believer out of her with the first bite. Sweet lightly charred pineapple, heavenly real maple syrup and smoky bacon. It’s the perfect simple grilled dessert. Or side dish. I mean, I served it as a side dish. Why not? I’m an adult. I can have dessert any time I want, right?

Grilled Maple Bacon Pineapple Rings

Coring Made Easy

I bought this really cool pineapple corer from Amazon the other day. I’ve been wanting to use it forever. I picked up a pineapple on sale, got the corer out of the box, and in about a minute I had perfect fresh pineapple rings for these grilled maple bacon pineapple rings. You can also make a pineapple ‘bowl’, great for serving things like fried rice and grilled shrimp with pineapple. It’s a fun little gadget. And it sure does make making these wonderful side (or dessert) a whole heck of a lot easier.

Pineapple Pitter,Pineapple Seed Remover Olives Pitter Tool, Pineapple Corer Pitter Tool with Space-Saving Lock Design,Multi-Function Fruit Pit Remover for Making Pineapple Jam (Stainless Steel)
Pineapple Pitter,Pineapple Seed Remover Olives Pitter Tool, Pineapple Corer Pitter Tool with Space-Saving Lock Design,Multi-Function Fruit Pit Remover for Making Pineapple Jam (Stainless Steel)

I recommend that you use a grill basket when making this dish. It makes cooking easier and you don’t have to worry about anything falling through the grates. And cleanup is easier too!

Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket
Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket

Making dessert on a grill or smoker is fun. Also try my fantastic smoked brownies.

Grilled Maple Bacon Pineapple Rings
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Grilled Maple Bacon Pineapple Rings

 Sweet lightly charred pineapple, heavenly real maple syrup and smoky bacon. It’s the perfect simple grilled dessert.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword grilled, pineapple
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 57kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill.
  • Lightly brush both sides of the pineapple rings with the vegetable oil.
  • Place the pineapple rings onto the grill and grill until you get grill marks.
  • Flip carefully and cook the other side until marked.
  • Transfer to a platter, drizzle with syrup and sprinkle with bacon crumbles.

Notes

You can use imitation bacon bits instead.

Nutrition

Calories: 57kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 37mg | Potassium: 82mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 31IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Enchilada Chicken Wings

Visit my other site, For The Wing, for all things chicken-wing!

Oh yum! Mexican-inspired chicken wings with kicked up easy Ranch dressing! I loved these enchilada chicken wings so much I had to make them two days in a row. The wings by themselves are fantastic. You could serve them dry, without the sauce but the sauce will remind you of traditional wing sauce with a great south-of-the-border twist.

Enchilada Chicken Wings

I prefer to make my own taco seasoning mix, but you can of course use pre-made. For these enchilada chicken wings you’ll want to use a seasoning that is fairly fine in texture. You don’t want any big chunks of spice on your wings. First, it might burn when you cook the wings. Second, no one wants to bite into a big chunk of… .something.

I store my homemade sauces in squeeze bottles. If refrigerated, I set them out thirty minutes to an hour before using so they come to room temperature. You don’t want to put cold sauce on hot food!
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 some Campbell’s soup spicy chicken wings.

Enchilada Chicken Wings
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Enchilada Chicken Wings

Oh yum! Mexican-inspired chicken wings with kicked up easy Ranch dressing! I loved these enchilada chicken wings so much I had to make them two days in a row. The wings by themselves are fantastic.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword southwestern, wings
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 501kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Taste and Tell

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 501kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 132mg | Sodium: 713mg | Potassium: 267mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 327IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Buffalo Wild Wings Milder Variety Bundle: Parmesan Garlic, Medium, Honey BBQ, Asian Zing: 12 Ounces Each
Buffalo Wild Wings Milder Variety Bundle: Parmesan Garlic, Medium, Honey BBQ, Asian Zing: 12 Ounces Each

Bacon Jalapeno Tots 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.

Oh yes, I’ve made bacon-wrapped tater tots on the Char-Broil Big Easy. Several times. And I love them. Lots. But, if you follow this blog, you know I like some kick to my tots. Hence these bacon jalapeno tots on the Char-Broil Big Easy. Same concept, but with some heat. Not a whole lot, but enough to be noticed. Served with a great creamy cheese sauce that also has a bit of a kick to it.

Bacon Jalapeno Tots on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Don’t Fret, They’ll Get Crispy As They Cool

The key to cooking bacon jalapeno tots on the Char-Broil Big Easy is to cook them until they just start to char. They won’t be super crispy yet. That happens after you take them out of the cooker and they cool. The bacon will crisp up as it sits.

Add Heat As Desired

If you don’t want to make this spicy version of bacon-wrapped tater tots, leave out the jalapeno slices and use Monterey Jack cheese in the cheese sauce. You’ll definitely still have a plate of fantastic treats.

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

Also try my bacon BBQ chicken bombs, also made on the Big Easy. For a super-easy snack, try roasting some peanuts!

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 Jalapeno Tots on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Bacon Jalapeno Tots on the Char-Broil Big Easy

The key to cooking bacon-wrapped tater tots on the Char-Broil Big Easy is to cook them until they just start to char. They won’t be super crispy yet. That happens after you take them out of the cooker and they cool. The bacon will crisp up as it sits.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, tater tots
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 24 bites
Calories 136kcal
Author Based on a recipe from The Noble Pig

Equipment

Ingredients

For the cheese sauce

For the wrapped tots

  • 1 pound bacon sliced, cut in half (you may not use all of the bacon)
  • 24 frozen tater tots thawed
  • 3 medium jalapenos stems and seeds removed, then cut into 24 small strips

Instructions

For the cheese sauce

  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add the salt, pepper and flour and whisk for 1 minute.
  • Slowly whisk in the milk.
  • Bring mixture to a very low boil. Add the cheese and stir.
  • Reduce the heat and peep warm until ready to use.

For the wrapped tots

  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Wrap a strip of jalapeno and a tot with a piece of bacon.
  • Place seam-side down into the Big Easy basket. Do not let the tots touch or the bacon will not cook evenly.
  • After all of the tots are wrapped, lower the basket into your Big Easy and cook for 20 minutes or until the bacon just starts to char.
  • Remove and let cool slightly before serving with the warm cheese sauce for dipping.

Notes

You’ll need a Bunk Bed basket for your Big Easy to cook all of these tots at once.

Nutrition

Calories: 136kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 295mg | Potassium: 97mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 124IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Carolina Slaw

Onions and bell peppers in a slaw, with a little vinegar kick and a little sweetness. That’s why this Carolina slaw is so good. And celery seed. I love celery seed (celery seed is one of my favorite ingredients in my Fire Eater rub). I make slaws often, just about any time of the year. They usually keep longer than a green salad. To keep your slaw lasting longer only dress the amount of slaw you are serving for a meal. Keep your leftover dressing separate so your slaw ingredients don’t get soggy overnight. Don’t wait until the last minute to dress it, you do want to give it a little time to get the cabbage and other ingredients ‘happy’.

Carolina Slaw

Great By Itself, Great On Hot Dogs

Slaw on hot dogs (and pulled pork BBQ sandwiches) is almost a requirement. Love that crunch! And this slaw matches up perfectly with my Carolina chicken wings.

Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar With the Mother– USDA Certified Organic – Raw, Unfiltered All Natural Ingredients, 16 ounce, 2 Pack
Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar With the Mother– USDA Certified Organic – Raw, Unfiltered All Natural Ingredients, 16 ounce, 2 Pack

I ended up using some of this Carolina slaw to top some grilled Carolina hot dogs.

Carolina Slaw
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Carolina Slaw

Onions and bell peppers in a slaw, with a little vinegar kick and a little sweetness. That’s why this Carolina slaw is so good. And celery seed. 
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword cole slaw, coleslaw, slaw
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 5 cups
Calories 247kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine the slaw mix, green pepper and onion in a large bowl.
  • Whisk together the remaining ingredients and pour over the vegetables.
  • Toss to coat.
  • Refrigerate for 1 hour.
  • Toss lightly before serving.

Notes

Add a little diced jalapeno for a nice kick!

Nutrition

Calories: 247kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Sodium: 254mg | Potassium: 246mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 552IU | Vitamin C: 53mg | Calcium: 50mg | 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)

Baby Potatoes 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.

I absolutely love roasted baby potatoes. They taste almost like whipped butter, with a fantastic creamy insides. But my favorite part is that crispy skin that pops when you bite into it. The Char-Broil Big Easy cooks up baby potatoes perfectly, and in no time at all. No pre-boiling is required. Just toss them with some oil, salt and pepper and garlic and into the cooker they go!

Baby Potatoes on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Bunk Bed Baskets Make Life Easier

Although you can cook a few baby potatoes on the rack that comes with the Char-Broil Big Easy, you really want to add a bunk bed basket (or two) so you can cook more at once. If you prefer a potato with a little bit of spicy kick to it try my Fire-Eater potatoes also made on the Big Easy.

To make these potatoes on the Char-Broil Big Easy I used a bunk bed basket. It lets me double or even triple the amount of cooking space I have.

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!

Baby Potatoes on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Baby Potatoes on the Char-Broil Big Easy

I absolutely love roasted baby potatoes. They taste almost like whipped butter, with a fantastic creamy insides. But my favorite part is that crispy skin that pops when you bite into it.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, potatoes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 93kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Place the potatoes in a medium bowl.
  • Add a splash of oil and toss to coat.
  • Season with salt and pepper. Add garlic and toss to coat.
  • Transfer potatoes to the Big Easy basket and cook until tender, 15-20 minutes. Check for doneness by poking the potatoes with a long skewer.

Notes

Grab a bunk bed basket or two to be able to cook more potatoes at once.

Nutrition

Calories: 93kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 45mg | Potassium: 484mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 12IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 18mg | 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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Black Pepper Strawberries

Don’t you just love when an incredibly simple dish comes out so fantastic? I was looking for a little something to take to dinner at my wife’s sister’s house. Nothing big, just something fresh. Since strawberries were in season I picked up a few pints and made these delicious black pepper strawberries. The perfect combination of citrus and berry with a nice peppery twist. I even added a bit more pepper than the recipe called for (because I love freshly ground black pepper). Yummy!

Black Pepper Strawberries

Don’t Rush Things

You can’t skip on the time these black pepper strawberries need to sit in the fridge before you serve them. They need that hour to absorb some of pepper and citrus-flavored juices. Toss them just before serving.

Ray Lampe knows BBQ. And side dishes like this.

You can use a sugar substitute if you wish.

NutriChef Food Vacuum Sealer Machine - Automatic Air Sealing System for Dry & Moist Foods, LED Touch Controls, Includes Vacuum Bags, Hose & Wine Stopper, High Suction Power, 14"x6"x3", Black
NutriChef Food Vacuum Sealer Machine – Automatic Air Sealing System for Dry & Moist Foods, LED Touch Controls, Includes Vacuum Bags, Hose & Wine Stopper, High Suction Power, 14″x6″x3″, Black

Also try my strawberry cheesecake salad.

Black Pepper Strawberries
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Black Pepper Strawberries

The perfect combination of citrus and berry with a nice peppery twist. I even added a bit more pepper than the recipe called for (because I love freshly ground black pepper). Yummy!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword strawberry
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 69kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Slow Fire: The Beginner’s Guide to Lip Smacking BBQ

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 pints strawberries rinsed, dried, hulled and quartered
  • ½ lemon juiced
  • 1 large orange juiced
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Whipped cream

Instructions

  • Whisk the lemon juice, orange juice, sugar and pepper in a large bowl until combined.
  • Add the strawberries.
  • Toss gently to coat.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  • Serve topped with whipped cream.

Notes

Best when served immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 69kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 237mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 69IU | Vitamin C: 85mg | Calcium: 32mg | 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)

Quick Fix BBQ Beans

You can make BBQ beans at home in no time. Really great beans at that. So why grab a can of BBQ beans from the store? Sure, I’ve made scratch baked beans before (on the smoker and they were fantastic!). These aren’t those beans. Quick to fix, these BBQ beans still pack in the flavor.

Quick Fix BBQ Beans

The Sauce Makes The Beans

You can make these quick fix BBQ beans taste however you like just by changing which BBQ sauce you add. From smoky to spicy, you can’t go wrong. And speaking of spicy, for a little extra kick add a few sliced jalapenos. And for extra crunch, chop half of a medium sweet onion and toss that in too. You really cannot make a boo-boo when you make these beans.

If I’m reaching for a bottled BBQ sauce, I often go for Sweet Baby Ray’s.

Sweet Baby Ray's Varierty Pack, 1 Original Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Hickory and Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Sweet N Spicy Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Honey Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, 1CT
Sweet Baby Ray’s Varierty Pack, 1 Original Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Hickory and Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Sweet N Spicy Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Honey Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, 1CT

If you have more time, try making my best BBQ beans on the planet (really, they are), Dinosaur-style BBQ beans, Peach BBQ beans, slow cooker beans and wieners and Tangy Pit Beans.

Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Quick Fix BBQ Beans

Why grab a can of pre-made BBQ beans at the store when you can make your own in no time at all.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword barbecue, BBQ, beans
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 78kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Combine all ingredients and pour into an 8″ x 8″ baking dish that has been sprayed with non-stick spray.
  • Bake for 45 minutes.
  • Let cool slightly before serving as the sauce will be very hot.

Notes

Feel free to add some minced jalapeno for a little kick.

Nutrition

Calories: 78kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 389mg | Potassium: 127mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 403IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 17mg | 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)