Author: Mike

Chicken Chorizo Patty Melt Sliders

If you want to see something disappear off the plate in mere seconds, make these chicken chorizo patty melt sliders. They are tender, juicy, spicy. And even though you could also make these into full-sized burger versions, they’re great as sliders. Make a slider party platter, half chicken sliders and half beef! The Mexican chorizo does add just a bit of a kick, a bit of spiciness. But I think you’ll be ok serving them to even the most spice-sensitive guests. If you’re worried about the the heat, substitute ground Italian sausage instead.

Chicken Chorizo Patty Melt Sliders

Great Party Treats

You could make the patties ahead of time and assemble these chicken chorizo patty melt sliders just in time to serve for a party. I topped these little yummy bites with our slow-cooker caramelized onions. I can make a big batch of caramelized onions in no time with almost no effort. Just keep them warm until time to assemble the sliders. You can serve them cold, and they’re still good, but they’re definitely better warmer.

I use this nifty little ole burger press to make these burgers. It’s the best thing ever for stuffing burgers with just about anything you can think of!

Cuisinart CSBP-200 Stuffed, 4-in-1 Burger Press
Cuisinart CSBP-200 Stuffed, 4-in-1 Burger Press

This recipe is based on a recipe from Sunny Anderson.

Chicken Chorizo Patty Melt Sliders
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5 from 1 vote

Chicken Chorizo Patty Melt Sliders

If you want to see something disappear off the plate in mere seconds, make these chicken chorizo patty melt sliders.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, sliders, spicy
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 223kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Sunny Anderson

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine the chicken, chorizo, garlic, oregano and salt. Form into 2-3 ounce patties.
  • Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Cook the patties about 3 minutes per side until lightly charred and cooked through.
  • Form sandwiches by placing cheese on bun bottoms, followed by the patties and onions.
  • Serve with a little ketchup on the side for dipping.

Notes

Substitute any cheese you like!

Nutrition

Calories: 223kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 429mg | Potassium: 264mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 157IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

This broccoli cauliflower salad could be the easiest salad I’ve ever made. And it’s so good that I’ve made it 3 times in the last 2 weeks. It has a nice fresh crunch. And a little creaminess. And just enough smoky bacon flavor to make you really happy.

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Perfect Bacon, Every Time

I bake my bacon at 400 F on a foil-lined baking sheet for 20 or so minutes, depending on the thickness and how crunchy I want it to be, turning once. Easy clean up. You can drain off the grease for later use or let it cool and just wrap the foil up and toss it. No mess, no fuss. And the bacon is cooked perfectly, ready to go into a batch of broccoli cauliflower salad!

I’ve also made this salad a few times for road trips. It really holds up well to travelling.

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 delicious marinated vegetable salad and my tangy broccoli salad.

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
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5 from 1 vote

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

This broccoli cauliflower salad could be the easiest salad I’ve ever made. And it’s so good that I’ve made it 3 times in the last 2 weeks.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword broccoli, cauliflower, salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 634kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Chef In Training

Equipment

Ingredients

For the salad

  • 2 cups cauliflower cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups broccoli cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cups celery chopped
  • 1 cup peas frozen, thawed
  • 1 ½ cups bacon cooked, chopped

For the dressing

Instructions

For the salad

  • Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.

For the dressing

  • Whisk together all ingredients until smooth.
  • Blend into the vegetables. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

You can omit the vinegar for a slightly creamier salad.

Nutrition

Calories: 634kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 61g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 793mg | Potassium: 317mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 386IU | Vitamin C: 40mg | Calcium: 68mg | 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)

Choclo al Cumino

I am a big fan of choclo. It’s a corn from the Andes of Peru. It’s not like the sweet corn you normally find here in the US. In fact, it’s not sweet at all. The kernels are instead very large and very starchy, almost like hominy. This choclo al cumino really accentuates the unique flavor of the corn, with a hint of lime and cumin. It’s a fantastically fresh and light side dish.

Choclo al Cumino

Finding Choclo

You can find the choclo to make choclo al cumino in some South American specialty food stores. Usually it’s frozen and off the cob, but you can also find it on the cob. In Peru, it isn’t uncommon to find street vendors selling boiled choclo-on-the-cob, specially when you are in the Andes.

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

Another favorite choclo dish of mine (though not authentic Peruvian cuisine) is my choclo maque choux.

Choclo al Cumino
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5 from 1 vote

Choclo al Cumino

I am a big fan of choclo. It’s a corn from the Andes of Peru. It’s not like the sweet corn you normally find here in the US. In fact, it’s not sweet at all. 
Course Side
Cuisine Peruvian
Keyword corn, Peruvian
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 391kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Peru Delights

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add just enough water to cover the cobs or the lose kernels.
  • Add the corn and sugar and boil 3-5 minutes or until the kernels are tender. Drain. If using choclo-on-the-cob cut kernels from the cobs.
  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add the corn, half of the cumin, and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Stir and heat through.
  • Squeeze the lime over the corn.
  • Serve sprinkled with the remaining cumin.

Notes

Serve with a few lime wedges in case anyone wants a bit more citrus flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 391kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 23mg | Potassium: 330mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1162IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 2mg

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)

Italian Grinders

My goodness, these Italian grinders were good. They’re so easy to make. The key is the tasty homemade marinara sauce. And fresh mozzarella. And crunchy bread. Ok, it’s all good. The same approach works great substituting meatballs for the ground meats, but we really liked them the way they were. After browning the meats I pulsed them a few times in a food processor to get a great fine texture. Not overly processed. Don’t go crazy on it.

Italian Grinders

These Italian grinders reminded me a bit of the Sloppy Joes I remember from my childhood, only done Italian style, and well, quite a bit tastier. I wouldn’t be afraid to add a few pepperoncinis to them either. Or some giardiniera.

I like to use my good ole trusty Dutch oven to make the meat mixture. It’s nice and big and sturdy. That extra weight helps it maintain and distribute heat perfectly. As an added bonus, it’s actually pretty easy to clean up too!

Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue
Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue

Also check out my Italian hoagies.

Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce
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4 from 1 vote

Italian Grinders

My goodness, these Italian grinders were good. They’re so easy to make. The key is the tasty homemade marinara sauce. And fresh mozzarella. And crunchy bread.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Italian, sandwich
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 1216kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Saveur

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Brown beef and sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain.
  • Season with salt and pepper as desired. (I like to pulse the meats in a food processor a few times to get a nice consistent texture with no clumps)
  • Meanwhile, warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan.
  • Spoon about 1 cup of meat into each roll.
  • Top meat with about 1/3 cup of marinara sauce.
  • Top sandwiches with a few slices of cheese.
  • Transfer sandwiches to sheet pans and place under the broiler until cheese is melted and rolls start to brown.

Notes

Serve with plenty of napkins.

Nutrition

Calories: 1216kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 67g | Fat: 86g | Saturated Fat: 36g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 256mg | Sodium: 2390mg | Potassium: 983mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1164IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 632mg | Iron: 16mg

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)

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“Cheater” Copycat KFC Twisters

I try to cook just about everything from scratch. But sometimes, that just doesn’t happen. But, even then I try to do something different. I could’ve just heated up some precooked frozen chicken strips, and had them with Ranch dressing and called it ‘good enough’. Or I could make these crazy good (no, really!) “cheater” copycat KFC Twisters. Heck, I’ve never had the real thing, but if they’re nearly as good as these homemade ones, I’d order some.

Cheater Copycat KFC Twisters

Choose your chicken

I made two different versions of these “cheater” copycat KFC Twisters: one with crispy chicken strips, and one with Buffalo chicken strips (my favorite). You can make other variations by dunking the strips into your favorite sauces. BBQ, Nashville hot chicken, garlic Parmesan…. You name it. Any sauce you like for dunking chicken nuggets or slathered on BBQ will work here

Yummy sauce

There’s nothing fancy going on here, but these were tasty. The Twister sauce is pretty darned good, and would make a great sauce for sandwiches or burgers. And the sauce is also mighty easy to make.

Why is it cheating?

So why do I refer to these as ‘cheater’? Because I used precooked chicken. If I’d made the chicken from scratch, they’d be the real deal. Nothing wrong with the un-real deal, though, sometimes.

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

If you prefer to skip the wrap and just make the chicken strips, you’ll want to serve them up with my copycat Chick-fil-A dipping sauce.

Cheater Copycat KFC Twisters
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4 from 1 vote

Cheater Copycat KFC Twisters

Heck, I’ve never had the real thing, but if they’re nearly as good as these homemade ones, I’d order some.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken fingers, crispy, wraps
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 197kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the KFC Twisters

  • frozen chicken strips
  • 4 tortillas 10 inch
  • Twister sauce see below
  • green leaf lettuce
  • 1 medium tomato chopped

For the Twister Sauce

Instructions

For the KFC Twisters

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Place chicken on a baking sheet and cook 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, warm the tortillas in a large skillet over medium heat, about 2 minutes per side.
  • Spread a 3″ wide strip of sauce across the middle of each tortilla, starting 1″ from the left edge and ending at the right edge.
  • Add the lettuce, tomato, and chicken over the center of the tortilla, over the sauce, still leaving the leftmost 1" edge empty.
  • Fold the left edge over and then roll up the tortilla. The right edge will remain open. Serve seam-side down so it doesn’t unrolled.

For the Twister Sauce

  • Combine all ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Notes

Nutritional values do not include the chicken.

Nutrition

Calories: 197kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 311mg | Potassium: 117mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 267IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial ... Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)
The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial … Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)

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Garlic Shrimp Packets

These garlic shrimp packets are the easiest way to cook a big batch of great shrimp quick. Perfectly garlicky, with a little red pepper kick. You really cannot find an easier way to make a big batch of super-tasty shrimp in no time at all. And cleanup could not get easier! Just toss your shells and tails into the foil, wad it up, and into the trash bin it goes! Done!

I made extra shrimp and had them the next day as shrimp cocktail. Fantastic! I could’ve eaten them all day long. The shrimp are packed with flavor, making them the idea appetizers too!

Garlic Shrimp Packets

The Best Soppin’

You gotta serve these with bread. You can’t let those juices go to waste. Nothing escaped the packets so there’s nothing but great flavors at the bottom. That means sopping. The perfect bread for sopping up the delicious yum-yum juice that pools at the bottom of the garlic shrimp packets is our favorite gotta-have-it garlic bread.

Weber 3 Piece Stainless Steel Premium Tool Set, Black
Weber 3 Piece Stainless Steel Premium Tool Set, Black

Also try my grilled hobo packets. They’re full all sorts of yummy things.

Garlic Shrimp Packets
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Garlic Shrimp Packets

These garlic shrimp packets is the easiest way to cook a big batch of great shrimp quick. Perfectly garlicky, with a little red pepper kick. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword garlic, packets, shrimp
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 460kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a large bowl combine the butter, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, red pepper and salt and pepper.
  • Add shrimp and toss well.
  • Divide shrimp mixture between two foil packets.
  • Fold over and close.
  • Place over direct heat on a lit grill and cook for 8 minutes.
  • Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Also great dipped in cocktail sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 460kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 632mg | Sodium: 1784mg | Potassium: 441mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 3245IU | Vitamin C: 79mg | Calcium: 397mg | Iron: 7mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Cheater Pastrami

I love the week around St. Patrick’s Day. Not because I’m Irish or love the color green. No, it’s because corned beef briskets go on sale. And every year, I buy a big load of them and make cheater pastrami on my smoker. The end result is tender and very flavorful. Perfect for sandwiches. Almost beyond perfect.

Cheater Pastrami

The Real Thing Takes A Lot Longer

So why is this approach called ‘cheating’? Well, real pastrami takes a long time to make. You don’t start with a corned beef brisket out of the grocer’s fridge. I’ve had the most amazing pastrami in New York City. Here in Indianapolis, the closest I’ve found is at Shapiro’s Delicatessen (though I’ve heard that Fat Dan’s Deli is also great). This cheater version isn’t as good, of course, but it’s actually quite fantastic. All my neighbors will back me up on that.

The Seasoning

I start out by rubbing corned beef in a mix of mustard, all spice, coriander and a lot of cracked pepper.

Cheater Pastrami

Overnight Marinating

The meat gets wrapped and goes into the fridge overnight to get ‘happy’.

Cheater Pastrami

Smoking

Then onto the smoker at 225 F for about 8 hours or until the internal temperatures reach 195-205 F. Let them rest then slice then and enjoy!

Cheater Pastrami

This recipe is a combination of a recipe I found on Patio Daddio and the technique on my favorite Weber Smoky-Mountain-related site, the Virtual Weber Bullet.

Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb
Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb
Cheater Pastrami
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Cheater Pastrami

Perfect for sandwiches. Almost beyond perfect.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword corned beef, homemade, pastrami, smoked
Prep Time 8 hours
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 16 hours
Servings 1 pastrami
Calories 1997kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Note: I buy coriander seeds and whole peppercorns from the local GFS store and grind them using an old blade-style coffee grinder. Make sure you keep the grind a little coarse. You can also use a mortar and pestle.
  • Rinse and dry the corned beef.
  • Whisk together the mustard, brown sugar, coriander and allspice. Rub the mixture all over the brisket, then cover completely with the ground pepper. Place in a large resealable bag or wrap tightly in foil and keep in the fridge overnight.
  • The next day, fire up your smoker for 225-250 F. Place a chunk or two of light fruit wood in the smoker (I used cherry). Cook the brisket for at least 8 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 195 – 205 F.
  • Remove, wrap in foil, and let rest for 30 minutes.
  • Thinly slice the brisket against the grain using a meat slicer or sharp knife. Serve.

Notes

For long-term storage of the pastrami, slice and store in the freezer in vacuum-sealed bags. You can reheat the pastrami in hot water while in the bags before opening.

Nutrition

Calories: 1997kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 136g | Fat: 136g | Saturated Fat: 43g | Cholesterol: 486mg | Sodium: 11311mg | Potassium: 3055mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 173IU | Vitamin C: 245mg | Calcium: 223mg | Iron: 18mg

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

Cajun Grilled Baby Vegetables

I consider these Cajun grilled baby vegetables to be the perfect side dish. They take absolutely no time to throw together and they taste fantastic. Just about any vegetable can be used, just make sure that all of them are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. I needed something light and fresh to go with my just-grilled sliders. I figured, small burgers, small veggies!

Cajun Grilled Baby Vegetables

Weber makes an absolutely fantastic vegetable basket for the grill. It heats up fast and evenly and is the perfect basket for making these Cajun grilled baby vegetables, whether you have a Weber grill or not!

Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket
Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket

Also try my Asian grilled vegetables and my grilled Tuscan vegetables.

Cajun Grilled Baby Veggies
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Cajun Grilled Baby Vegetables

The perfect side dish, ready in no time.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword Cajun, grilled, vegetable
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 55kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Chile Pepper Magazine May/June 2012

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill for direct cooking.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
  • Add the potatoes and cook until just barely tender.
  • Add the remaining vegetables except for the mushrooms and boil another minute.
  • Transfer to an ice bath to stop the vegetables from cooking.
  • Put all vegetables (including the mushrooms) in a bowl.
  • Drizzle with a bit of oil and add seasoning to taste.
  • Place veggies in grill basket and grill for 15-20 minutes until tender, flipping every 5 minutes.
  • Serve garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

You can add any vegetables you like but keep them small so they cook at the same rate.

Nutrition

Calories: 55kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 28mg | Potassium: 364mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 3459IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket
Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket

Derby Hot Dog

I’m borderline addicted to food trucks. Which also means I love watching Eat Street, the show about food trucks that airs on the Cooking Channel. Host James Cunningham travels around North America visiting all of the great trucks. What a dream job that would be. An episode aired the other day on Dougie Doug, a truck in Vancouver. Every hot dog on the menu looked absolutely scrumptious, so I decided to make a few of them here at home. I started with the delicious Derby hot dog. Topped with Swiss, grilled mushrooms, onion, jalapeno and BBQ sauce, this is one mighty fine dog.

Derby Hot Dog

Go To A Bakery For The Best Buns

A great Derby hot dog needs a great bun, so I’ve ditched the grocery store offerings and have been ordering fresh buns from our local bakery, Taylor’s Bakery. The buns are so fantastic. Soft, tasty, with a wonderful bread aroma. They barely cost more than the ones in the store that just can’t even compare at all in quality or flavor.

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 seriously-yummy French Connection dogs.

Derby Dog
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Derby Hot Dog

Topped with Swiss, grilled mushrooms, onion, jalapeno and BBQ sauce, this is one mighty fine dog.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 340kcal
Author From a menu item at Dougie Dogs

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook dogs as desired.
  • Since you're going to also grill the mushrooms, might as well grill the dogs too!
  • Warm buns.
  • Grill mushrooms until starting to get tender.
  • Serve dogs on buns.
  • Top with mushrooms and cheese.
  • Place under the broiler or on the grill over indirect heat for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
  • Add onion, jalapeno and BBQ sauce.

Notes

Serve with plenty of napkins.

Nutrition

Calories: 340kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 740mg | Potassium: 366mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 182IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 228mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Homemade Applewood-Smoked Maple Bacon

Making bacon has been on my to-do list for a while now. I was able to find some nice pork belly in the butcher case, so I grabbed a few pounds and set off on making this homemade applewood-smoked maple bacon.

The end result was absolutely great. This is easily the best bacon I’ve ever had. There’s a hint of maple, a hint of smoke, and great texture and flavor. Outstandingly good and so easy that I will always make bacon from here on any time that I have my smoker going.

Homemade Applewood-Smoked Maple Bacon

Cheaper? Maybe. Better? Absolutely.

Price-wise, this homemade applewood-smoked maple bacon is also cheaper than store bought, and you can slice it any way that you like, from super thick to wafer thin. I think I paid about $1.99/pound for the pork. I did have to remove the skin (which I saved for making cracklins at a later time). That took a little effort. If you get your pork belly from a butcher you might want to ask to have the skin removed for you.

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 for this bacon.

Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb
Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb

Also try my Sriracha and chipotle bacon.

Homemade Applewood-Smoked Maple Bacon
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Homemade Applewood-Smoked Maple Bacon

Making bacon has been on my to-do list for a while now. I was able to find some nice pork belly in the butcher case, so I grabbed a few pounds and set off on making this homemade applewood-smoked maple bacon.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword bacon, homemade, smoked
Prep Time 7 days
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 7 days 2 hours
Servings 1 pound
Calories 5129kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Amazing Ribs

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 pound pork belly skin removed (save for making cracklins). Choose a belly that is consistent in thickness so that it cooks evenly.
  • 3 teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon Pink Curing Salt
  • 3 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 6 tablespoons maple syrup Grade B if you can find it, otherwise Grade A will work do
  • ½ cup cold water

Instructions

  • Put the belly into a large resealable bag.
  • Whisk together the remaining ingredients in a medium bowl.
  • Add to the baggie.
  • Seal the bag, trying to remove as much air as possible.
  • Place in to a deep flat pan (in case the bag leaks) in the fridge for 7 days, flipping over twice a day.
  • The day you are ready to smoke, fire up your smoker for 225 F cooking over a light wood such as apple.
  • Remove belly from the bag and rinse well with cold water.
  • Place belly onto smoker and smoke for 1 1/2-2 hours or until the meat reaches 150 F.
  • Remove belly from smoker and let cool slightly before placing in the fridge for an hour.
  • Slice bacon as desired.
  • Bake, pan fry, or use however you wish!
  • Store smoked bacon in a plastic bag or container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Store bacon long-term in the freezer. For best flavor, use vacuum-sealed bags for storage.

Nutrition

Calories: 5129kcal | Carbohydrates: 108g | Protein: 85g | Fat: 481g | Saturated Fat: 175g | Cholesterol: 653mg | Sodium: 7285mg | Potassium: 2061mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 95g | Vitamin A: 124IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 227mg | Iron: 6mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

D.Q. Curing Salts - Pink Salt - 1 bag, 1 lb
D.Q. Curing Salts – Pink Salt – 1 bag, 1 lb