Author: Mike

Three Bean Macaroni Salad

I’m always on the lookout for a new salad, especially if it has macaroni in it. This three bean macaroni salad is somewhat similar to our popular peas and pasta salad. It has a nice creamy dressing and a nice crunch thanks to onion and bell pepper. The addition of dill really makes the dressing even better. And oh, the dressing. Delicious.

Three Bean Macaroni Salad

Cheese Is Optional

I can see adding cubed pepper jack cheese to this three bean macaroni salad to really take it over the top. So I included it in the recipe, though I didn’t make it with the cheese. I trust my judgement on this one.

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 regular-ole-macaroni salad. Classic flavor in every bite.

Three Bean Macaroni Salad
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Three Bean Macaroni Salad

I’m always on the lookout for a new salad, specially if it has macaroni in it. This three bean macaroni salad is somewhat similar to our popular peas and pasta salad in that it has a nice creamy dressing and a nice crunch thanks to onion and bell pepper. The addition of dill really makes the dressing even better.
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword beans, pasta salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 308kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Kraft

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook pasta per package instructions. Drain well and let cool.
  • Place all of the beans, the bell pepper and onion in a large bowl and mix.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Italian dressing.
  • Pour dressing over vegetables and stir to combine.
  • Add in the pasta and the dill and stir until the pasta is well coated.
  • Add cheese and stir gently.
  • Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 308kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 489mg | Potassium: 571mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 346IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 224mg | Iron: 5mg

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)

Spicy Chicken Wings with Apple Onion Dip

If you follow this blog at all you know that I’m a huge fan of chicken wings, and in particular, wings that are cooked on the Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Oil-less Turkey Fryer. I made a simple modification to our Big Easy that lets me cook a big batch of wings at once. They take less than an hour and always come out fantastic, like these spicy chicken wings with apple onion dip. Of course you can cook your wings using whatever you have, from a gas grill to a deep fryer to a convection oven!

Spicy Chicken Wings with Apple Onion Dip

These spicy chicken wings with apple onion dip have a wonderful savory flavor. The apple onion dip is fantastic, and would also work great for dipping chips, crackers, vegetables… you name it.

Melinda’s Craft Wing Collection - Craft Wing Sauce & Condiment Gift Set for Buffalo Wings - Black Truffle Hot Sauce, Thai Sweet Chili, Sticky Asian, Garlic Parmesan, Habanero, & Ghost Pepper Wing Sauce - 12 oz, 6 Pack
Melinda’s Craft Wing Collection – Craft Wing Sauce & Condiment Gift Set for Buffalo Wings – Black Truffle Hot Sauce, Thai Sweet Chili, Sticky Asian, Garlic Parmesan, Habanero, & Ghost Pepper Wing Sauce – 12 oz, 6 Pack

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

Also try my Teriyaki wings.

Spicy Chicken Wings with Apple Onion Dip
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Spicy Chicken Wings with Apple Onion Dip

These spicy chicken wings with apple onion dip have a wonderful savory flavor. The apple onion dip is fantastic, and would also work great for dipping chips, vegetables… you name it.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword dipping sauce, spicy, wings
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 436kcal
Author Based on a recipe from A Spicy Perspective

Equipment

Ingredients

For the wings

For the apple onion dip

Instructions

For the apple onion dip

  • Melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook 10-15 minutes or until the onions are caramelized.
  • Add the remaining ingredients and whisk. Reduce heat to keep warm until ready to serve.

Notes

Also great served with Ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Nutrition

Calories: 436kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 1013mg | Potassium: 294mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 229IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 95mg | 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

Buffalo Ranch Snack Mix

If you’re looking for the perfect snack for a big party, you have found it. I found this Buffalo Ranch snack mix to be so addictive (especially the Bugles). There’s just a hint of hot wing sauce. But not enough to hide the flavors of all the goodies. One surprise? Toasted Ramen noodles! They add a special, unexpected, crunch.

Buffalo Ranch Snack Mix

Skip The Wings. Serve This Instead.

This Buffalo Ranch snack mix will be a big hit at your next party. Us folks that like a little spiciness hate when we go to a party only to find bland snacks. Don’t serve bland snacks. Serve this instead!

Hidden Valley Original Ranch Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix, Gluten Free, Keto-Friendly - 4 Packets (Package May Vary)
Hidden Valley Original Ranch Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix, Gluten Free, Keto-Friendly – 4 Packets (Package May Vary)

Also try my Goldfish cracker treats. It’s easy to take your standard ho-hum snacks and kick them up a notch!

Buffalo Ranch Snack Mix
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Buffalo Ranch Snack Mix

If you’re looking for the perfect snack for a big party, you have found it. I found this Buffalo Ranch snack mix to be so addicting (specially the Bugles).
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Buffalo, mix, Ranch, snack
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 20
Calories 116kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Plain Chicken

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Break noodles up into small pieces and spread out on a baking pan.
  • Bake for 5-10 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool completely.
  • In a very large bowl (I used a large stock pot), combine all of the snack treats.
  • In a separate small bowl whisk together the dressing mix, wing sauce, and oil. Pour over treats and stir very gently until well coated.
  • Keep in an air-tight container.

Notes

Add a few peanuts too!

Nutrition

Calories: 116kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 324mg | Potassium: 16mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 3mg | 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)

Cream of Celery Soup

Spring has sprung here in Indiana, but it is still rather cool here this week. So, I took the opportunity and made a big batch of cream of celery soup. And am I every glad that I did, because we both found this soup to be absolutely outstanding. It’s very creamy with just the right celery flavor. This was my first time cooking using celery root. They are quite interesting to work with. Much like a potato, but with such a fantastic celery flavor and aroma.

Cream of Celery Soup

Homemade Stock Makes For Better Soups

I used some of my homemade chicken stock for making this cream of celery soup. A couple times a year, when whole chickens go on sale, I make a huge batch or two of stock to keep on hand. The flavor is fantastic. So fantastic in fact that you could just sit down with a bowl of it for lunch!

I like to use my good ole trusty Dutch oven to make this soup and pretty much darned near anything like it on my stovetop. 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 try my delicious cream of mushroom soup.

Cream of Celery Soup
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Cream of Celery Soup

We both found this soup to be absolutely outstanding. It’s very creamy with just the right celery flavor. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword celery, creamy, soup
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 655kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Rachael Ray

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 bunch celery chopped (also include the leafy parts)
  • 2 medium sweet onions chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • Celery salt to taste
  • ground black pepper
  • 1 large bay leaf
  • 2 large russet potatoes peeled, cubed
  • 2 medium celery root peeled, cubed
  • 6 cups chicken stock
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream

Instructions

  • Heat a large stock pot over medium heat.
  • Add the butter and melt.
  • Add the celery, onion, garlic, and celery salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add the bay leaf and cook the mixture until the celery and onion are tender, about 20 minutes, stirring often.
  • Add the potatoes celery root, and chicken stock.
  • Bring to a boil then reduce heat a simmer and continue simmering, partially covered, for 20 minutes.
  • Puree using an immersion blender. If you do not have an immersion blender you can use a regular blender, working in batches, but let the soup cool some first or it will explode in the blender.
  • Stir in the cream and keep over heat until warmed through.

Notes

If you’re using a blender make sure to start out on a slow speed! Hot liquids in a blender tend to expand (or explode) if you’re not careful.

Nutrition

Calories: 655kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 136mg | Sodium: 612mg | Potassium: 1633mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 1440IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 199mg | Iron: 3mg

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 SpaghettiOs

I grew up eating Campbell’s SpaghettiOs™ with meatballs. I would rush home from school at lunch and get me a big hot bowl of SpaghettiOs™, along with some grated Parmesan cheese. The key to proper SpaghettiOs™ eating for me was to eat all the noodles first, saving the meatballs for last. There were just never enough meatballs. And they were too small. Well, this recipe for homemade SpaghettiOs solves that problem and then some. Now you can have as many meatballs as you want and make them as large as you want.

Homemade SpaghettiOs

A Bowl Of Goodness

This dish is fantastic, actually. As it is, homemade SpaghettiOs make for a great meal for kids and adults alike. Or, add a bit of heat and make it a grownup version of the old classic.

I like to use my good ole trusty Dutch oven to make this dish and pretty much darned near anything like it on my stovetop. 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 try my homemade copycat of Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper. And you just have to make my SpaghettiOs deviled eggs. Well, probably.

Homemade SpaghettiOs
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Homemade SpaghettiOs

Just like the kid classic, only better!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword homemade, spaghetti
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 193kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Cooking With My Kid

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • In a large bowl, combine the beef, shallot, bread crumbs, oregano, ketchup, egg, two tablespoons of the cheese, and red pepper flake (if using).
  • Add a few pinches of salt and pepper.
  • Heat the oil in a large skillet.
  • Working in batches, roll the beef into small 1/2″ or so round balls (I admit, mine were probably more like an 1″ around). You’ll make a lot of meatballs.
  • Add meatballs to the skillet but do not crowd them. Brown on one side, then flip and brown on the other side.
  • Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Slowly place all of the meatballs into a dutch oven or other large oven-safe dish.
  • Add the tomato sauce but do not stir.
  • Cover and place in the oven for 20-30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, cook the pasta per package instructions and drain well.
  • Remove meatballs from oven and gently stir in the pasta.
  • Serve with more Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Make lots and lots of tiny meatballs to stay as close to the original as possible!

Nutrition

Calories: 193kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 950mg | Potassium: 647mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 700IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 3mg

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)

Drunken BBQ Chicken Wings

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

I normally roast my wings in my Big Easy or grill them over charcoal, so I was a little skeptical about this recipe for drunken BBQ chicken wings where the wings are slow-cooked in a Dutch oven. But, to my surprise, the final result was incredibly tasty and oh-so-tender. You’ll love the BBQ sauce on these wings. It’s a very traditional ketchup-based sauce with beer added in for a nice change.

Drunken BBQ Chicken Wings

To get a little crisp and color on my drunken BBQ chicken wings, I put the wings under the broiler for a few minutes after they were completely cooked. You can also cook these wings in a crockpot. You’ll still want to brown them under the broiler a bit before serving. Or better yet, toss them on a hot grill for a bit.

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 my yummy garlic Parmesan wings.

Drunken BBQ Chicken Wings
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Drunken BBQ Chicken Wings

You’ll love the BBQ sauce on these wings. It’s a very traditional ketchup-based sauce with beer added in for a nice change.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword barbecue, BBQ, wings
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 667kcal
Author Based on a recipe from This Silly Girls Life

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds chicken wings cut into flats and drumettes, tips removed (reserve for making chicken stock)
  • 1 bottle beer
  • 2 tablespoons your favorite BBQ seasoning

For the BBQ sauce:

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 325 F.
  • Cover the bottom of a large Dutch oven with the wings.
  • Sprinkle with the BBQ rub. Add another layer of wings and rub until all of the wings are in the pot.
  • Slowly add the bottle of beer to the pot.
  • Cover the pot with foil (unless yours has a very tight-fitting lid) and add the lid.
  • Place in oven for about an hour or until the chicken is done, but not quite falling off the bone.
  • Meanwhile, make the BBQ sauce by combining the remaining ingredients in a small pot over medium heat.
  • Whisk to combine.
  • Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and continue simmering for 10 minutes.
  • Remove from heat until ready to use.
  • Remove pot from oven.
  • Transfer wings to a rack over a baking pan.
  • Baste wings with the sauce.
  • Place under broiler for a few minutes until starting to brown.
  • Flip wings, baste again, and place back under the broiler for a minute.
  • Flip wings one more time, baste, and place under broiler until they are the color you desire.
  • Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

To make these wings in a crockpot

  • Follow the directions above, except layer the wings in the bottom of a crockpot.
  • Cover and cook on low 5-6 hours.
  • Transfer to a rack or baking pan and place under the broiler until golden brown.

Notes

Store leftover wings in the fridge. Reheat in a 325 F oven for 15 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 667kcal | Carbohydrates: 70g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 126mg | Sodium: 1004mg | Potassium: 521mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 64g | Vitamin A: 624IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 81mg | 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

Cauliflower Steaks

Roasting is my favorite way to cook vegetables. The flavors really, really come out. From broccoli to Brussels sprouts to cauliflower, you just can’t beat them roasted. And they’re even healthy (if you watch what you put on them). But they can get rather boring. These cauliflower steaks aren’t boring. And not only do they taste great they also look cool!

Cauliflower Steaks

Easy. Cool. And Yummy.

This approach to roasting cauliflower is super-easy, and very easy to change to suit your own tastes. It can be a bit challenging cutting the cauliflower into steaks. After you do a few you kind of get the hang of it.

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 Buffalo bacon roasted cauliflower.

Cauliflower Steaks
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Cauliflower Steaks

These cauliflower steaks aren’t boring. And not only do they taste great they also look cool!
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword cauliflower, roasted
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 46kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Pre-heat oven to 400 F.
  • Stand cauliflower on end and cut into 1/2″ thick slices.
  • Place in a baking sheet that has been sprayed with non-stick spray.
  • Brush with olive oil.
  • Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
  • Place in oven for 15 minutes. Flip and cook another 10 minutes or until stalks are tender and florets are starting to brown.
  • Combine the tomatoes, olives, red onion, one half tablespoon of the parsley.
  • Add about a tablespoon of vinaigrette and mix.
  • Serve cauliflower topped with the tomato mixture and garnish with the remaining parsley.

Notes

Add a little crumbled feta or blue cheese for a delicious twist!

Nutrition

Calories: 46kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 162mg | Potassium: 349mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 206IU | Vitamin C: 52mg | Calcium: 48mg | 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)

Copycat Zatarain’s Jambalaya

I don’t cook with very many store-bought mixes any more, but that doesn’t mean I don’t miss mixes such as Zatarain’s jambalaya. Not only quick and easy to make, Zatarain’s was yummy! So I had to make this copycat Zatarain’s jambalaya mix, and I found it to be just like the original! Thick, and a bit spicy, with smoked sausage and shrimp, it’ll warm your belly!

Copycat Zatarain's Jambalaya

Give A Jar Of Joy!

This copycat Zatarain’s Jambalaya mix also makes a great gift. Just put the mix in a jar and attach a little note on how to make the jambalaya. I’ve uploaded a Microsoft Word Document containing the instructions here. The document is set up to print on Avery Personal Creations Textured Postcards, number 3380.

Note: The recipe below makes 3 batches of 4 servings each.

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 dirty rice and andouille sausage.

Copycat Zatarain's Jambalaya
Print Pin
3 from 17 votes

Copycat Zatarain’s Jambalaya

I had to make this copycat Zatarain's jambalaya mix. I found it to be just like the original!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, Creole, rice, sausage
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 517kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the spice mix (makes 3 batches!)

For the jambalaya (makes 1 batch!)

  • 2 cups water
  • ½ cup green bell pepper chopped
  • 1 jar spice mix from above
  • 8 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1 pound smoked sausage cut into rounds
  • 1 pound 22-24 count shrimp peeled and deveined

Instructions

For the spice mix

  • Combine all ingredients and divide into 3 jars.
  • Seal and add printed instructions if giving as a gift.
  • Store up to 6 months.

For the jambalaya

  • Bring the water to boil in a large saucepan.
  • Add the bell pepper and the spice mix and stir.
  • Return to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and simmer for 15-25 minutes or until the rice is tender.
  • In another saucepan, combine the tomato sauce and sausage. Stir in the shrimp and cook until they turn pink.
  • Combine both pans and mix well. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of water and stir.

Notes

This recipe makes 3 batches of 4 servings each.

Nutrition

Calories: 517kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 2310mg | Potassium: 770mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 695IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 3mg

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)

The Chicago Dog

Whenever I go out for a gourmet dog at DJ’s Hot Dog Company (sadly now closed), I always grab the Chicago Dog. I love the crunchy vegetables, celery salt, and of course, the neon pickle relish. Now, thanks to Russell van Kraayenburg’s new book, Haute Dogs, I am able to make an equally fantastic version of this classic hot dog (and many others) at home. If you’re into hot dogs like I am, you’ll enjoy the many recipes in the book.

The Chicago Dog

It’s Like Having A Tasty Dog Salad

Make sure you make more than one of these Chicago dogs because you can’t just eat one. I always think ‘fresh’ when I have one of these dogs. There’s lots going on in every bite. Fresh things. I feel good about eating a hot dog. Kinda odd, but that’s how it is. They just make me happy!

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 trailer park dog.

The Chicago Dog
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

The Chicago Dog

Make sure you make more than one of these Chicago dogs because you can’t just eat one.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 1
Calories 546kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Haute Dogs

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook dogs and warm buns as desired.
  • To make the neon relish, put a few drops of food coloring into the relish and stir.
  • Place dogs in buns and top with relish, onion, and mustard.
  • Add tomato, peppers and pickle.
  • Sprinkle liberally with celery salt and serve.

Notes

Cut a long narrow slit in your dogs before cooking to give the toppings a great place to go!

Nutrition

Calories: 546kcal | Carbohydrates: 80g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 2848mg | Potassium: 622mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1099IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 235mg | Iron: 7mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Tropical Papaya Strawberry Smoothie

Ahhhhhhh. This tropical papaya strawberry smoothie made me dream of warmer days here in Indiana. But, you can enjoy a nice fruit smoothie any time of the year. I just close my eyes and ignore the fact that it’s just flat-out cold outside!

Tropical Papaya Strawberry Smoothie

Get Fruity With It

You can substitute pretty much any fruit you’d like. You don’t have to ‘just’ make a tropical papaya strawberry smoothie. Although I have to say, this is one mighty tasty drink!

Smoothies are not only good for you, they’re also a great way to use up leftover fruit or fruit that’s about to ‘turn’. You can also freeze them for later enjoyment, too. Just thaw slightly first before drinking up!

Hamilton Beach Power Elite Wave Action blender-for Shakes & Smoothies, Puree, Crush Ice, 40 Oz Glass Jar, 12 Functions, Stainless Steel Ice Sabre-Blades, Black (58148A)
Hamilton Beach Power Elite Wave Action blender-for Shakes & Smoothies, Puree, Crush Ice, 40 Oz Glass Jar, 12 Functions, Stainless Steel Ice Sabre-Blades, Black (58148A)

Also try my shamrock shake.

Tropical Papaya Strawberry Smoothie
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Tropical Papaya Strawberry Smoothie

Ahhhhhhh. This tropical papaya strawberry smoothie made me dream of warmer days here in Indiana.
Course Drink
Cuisine American
Keyword smoothie
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 121kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Live Better America

Equipment

Ingredients

  • ½ medium papaya peeled, seeded, and chopped
  • ½ cup strawberries frozen
  • ½ cup fat-free milk
  • ½ cup fat-free plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 3 ice cubes or more

Instructions

  • Place two tall glasses in the freezer for at least 15 minutes. (optional)
  • Place all but the ice into a blender and blend until creamy and smooth.
  • Add in the ice cubes on at a time and blend until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Divide mixture between the two chilled glasses and enjoy.

Notes

You can make other flavors by using different fruits.

Nutrition

Calories: 121kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 80mg | Potassium: 400mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 852IU | Vitamin C: 49mg | Calcium: 214mg | 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)