Author: Mike

Chef Paul Prudhomme’s Cajun Cauliflower

I have to admit, I’m not the world’s best at vegetable sides. My go-to list for main dishes is much longer. This is something I’ve been working on…. slowly. I prefer sides with a little kick. This Cajun cauliflower recipe from Chef Paul Prudhomme is definitely on my go-to sides list. It is very easy to make and boosts some great flavor to boot. And it’s a lot healthier than your usual creamy cheesy cauliflower recipes.

Chef Paul Prudhomme's Cajun Cauliflower

Try A Variation Of Seasonings

I keep a variety of Cajun seasonings on hand, from Chef Paul’s version to Slap Ya Mama and everything in-between. Each has its own flavor, its own twist. They all make dishes like Chef Paul Prudhomme’s Cajun cauliflower different. I just hope he wouldn’t be offended if I’m not always using his brand’s seasoning! Sorry Chef! (RIP)

Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning from Louisiana, Original Blend, No MSG and Kosher, 8 Ounce Can, Pack of 3
Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning from Louisiana, Original Blend, No MSG and Kosher, 8 Ounce Can, Pack of 3

Also try my southern whole-roasted cauliflower.

Chef Paul Prudhomme's Cajun Cauliflower
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1 from 1 vote

Chef Paul Prudhomme’s Cajun Cauliflower

This Cajun cauliflower recipe from Chef Paul Prudhomme is definitely on my go-to sides list. It is very easy to make and boosts some great flavor to boot. And it’s a lot healthier than your usual creamy cheesy cauliflower recipes.
Course Side
Cuisine Cajun
Keyword Cajun, cauliflower
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 64kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Chef Paul Prudhomme

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower cut into florets (2-3 cups)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped (parsley also works just fine)
  • ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning

Instructions

  • Bring 1 quart of lightly salted water to a boil in a large pot.
  • Add the cauliflower and boil gently until starting to get tender, about 3 minutes. Drain well.
  • Place the butter in a large skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the garlic and cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  • Add the cauliflower and stir until the cauliflower is slightly browned, about 4 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat, stir in the pepper sauce, cilantro and Cajun spice blend, and toss gently.

Notes

You can also make this dish using broccoli.

Nutrition

Calories: 64kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 70mg | Potassium: 445mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 226IU | Vitamin C: 71mg | Calcium: 36mg | 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)

Sriracha-Lime Popcorn

Boy, this Sriracha-lime popcorn is some mighty good popcorn. Lime, basil and Sriracha really go great together. I never thought about those flavors in popcorn. I do now. And I taste it in my dreams too. Citrus-flavored popcorn is great by itself. It’s kind of unexpected. Basil, maybe not so different. Sriracha? In popcorn? What kind of sorcery is that? Well, delicious sorcery is what it is!

Sriracha-Lime Popcorn

Don’t Get Soggy With It

Make a double batch of Sriracha-lime popcorn. And pop it using a Stir Crazy Popcorn maker. This stuff doesn’t last! Now, if you’re like me and love Sriracha, you have to resist the temptation to add more to the spice mixture. More is usually better, but more in this case will mean soggy popcorn. No one wants a bowl of soggy sadness.

West Bend Stir Crazy Popcorn Machine Electric Hot Oil Popper Includes Large Lid for Serving Bowl and Convenient Nesting Storage, 6-Quart, Red
West Bend Stir Crazy Popcorn Machine Electric Hot Oil Popper Includes Large Lid for Serving Bowl and Convenient Nesting Storage, 6-Quart, Red

Also try my white chocolate Frito popcorn. It’s definitely different.

Sriracha-Lime Popcorn
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4 from 1 vote

Sriracha-Lime Popcorn

Boy, this Sriracha-lime popcorn is some mighty good popcorn. Lime, basil and Sriracha really go great together. I never thought about those flavors in popcorn. I do now. In my dreams.
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword popcorn
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 778kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ cup Sriracha
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • ½ tablespoon basil fresh, chopped (or substitute 1/2 teaspoon dried basil)
  • 5 cups popcorn popped. 1 bag or 1/2 cup raw kernels, popped per your popcorn popper's instructions

Instructions

  • Melt butter in a medium saucepan.
  • Add Sriracha and lime juice. Stir.
  • Pour popcorn into a large bowl.
  • Drizzle popcorn with the butter mixture.
  • Sprinkle with basil.
  • Toss to coat.

Notes

Best served immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 778kcal | Carbohydrates: 153g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 423mg | Potassium: 604mg | Fiber: 26g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 58IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 6mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Kernel Season's Popcorn Seasoning Mini Jars Variety Pack, 0.9 Ounce (Pack of 8)
Kernel Season’s Popcorn Seasoning Mini Jars Variety Pack, 0.9 Ounce (Pack of 8)

Grilled Honey-Rosemary Chicken Thighs

I made this simple dish of grilled honey-rosemary chicken thighs using chicken thighs, but you could of course use any cut of chicken. This would also work great for grilled pork chops. I love firing up my Weber for dishes like this. The chicken is just amazing. So tender, so juicy. And the flavor is just fantastic. A little sweetness with the freshness of rosemary makes for great tasting chicken. This is not boring chicken. The key is to make sure you don’t miss a spot when you baste the chicken as it cooks. Don’t be afraid to make extra of the basting sauce.

Grilled Honey-Rosemary Chicken Thighs

I’m a huge fan of rosemary. I put in a little more than this recipe for grilled honey-rosemary chicken thighs calls for. Now that I think back, this would’ve been great served up with some homemade rosemary focaccia bread. I wish I’d thought of that when I made these! But they were fantastic just like they are, with a simple vegetable side dish or two.

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

Also try my grilled sweet-n-spicy chicken thighs.

Grilled Honey-Rosemary Chicken Thighs
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5 from 1 vote

Grilled Honey-Rosemary Chicken Thighs

A combination of sweet and rosemary really make these tender juicy thighs a big hit.
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken thighs, grilled
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 -6
Calories 576kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat grill.
  • Trim any fat off of the thighs.
  • Brush with half of the oil and season with salt and pepper.
  • Whisk together the remaining oil, honey, and rosemary.
  • Grill thighs, flipping once, until almost cooked through (around 150 F).
  • Brush the honey mixture on both sides and grill a little longer until the chicken is done (170 F).

Notes

Use hot honey for a little kick.

Nutrition

Calories: 576kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 222mg | Sodium: 300mg | Potassium: 489mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 240IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Mesa Grill Steak Sauce

Chef Bobby Flay has several Mesa Grill restaurants. We’ve not ever eaten at one, but hopefully someday we will. Fortunately, Bobby has posted some of the recipes from his restaurants. I made this Mesa Grill steak sauce the other day and I fell in love with it. I’ve had it on grilled burgers, a grilled ribeye, and some grilled bacon-wrapped pork loin (not all on the same day!). It’s my go-to steak sauce, and I didn’t used to use steak sauce at all!

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.

This Mesa Grill steak sauce really complements the taste of the meat you serve it with. I cut way back on the horseradish, and added some hot sauce.

Also try marinating your steak. It makes a huge taste difference!

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5 from 1 vote

Mesa Grill Steak Sauce

This sauce really compliments the taste of the meat you serve it with. I cut way back on the horseradish, and added some hot sauce.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 350kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Bobby Flay

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a small bowl except the hot sauce and salt and pepper.
  • Whisk together well.
  • Add hot sauce and salt and white pepper to taste.
  • Place in fridge for at least 1 hour.
  • Let come to room temperature before serving.

Notes

Always stir or shake before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 84g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1704mg | Potassium: 812mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 70g | Vitamin A: 3004IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 118mg | 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)

Grilled Potato Wedges

Anything off the grill is a good thing, I always say. And these grilled potato wedges are no exception. The nice thing about them is that you can toss in whatever you like. If you want some heat, use more chile flake. Like Cajun? Add some Cajun seasoning. Herbs? Use fresh rosemary or thyme. But then, there’s nothing wrong with the way I made them. They’re easy and come out delicious.

Grilled Potato Wedges

The Keys To Success

We’ve all cut up potatoes, tossed them in oil, and put them on the grill. They aren’t bad. But sometimes they don’t cook evenly. Or they dry out. Or well, they’re kinda bland. These grilled potato wedges solve all those problems.

Pre-cooking the potatoes makes sure they grill up easy and quickly. And evenly. That also keeps them from drying out because they don’t spend as much time over that hot, dry heat.

The flavor on these delicious slices of yumminess comes from simple ingredients. Just garlic and pepper flake for starters. Cooked first in a little oil to not only cook the garlic but to also season the oil.

Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket
Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket

Also try my grilled scallion sweet potatoes.

Grilled Potato Wedges
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4 from 1 vote

Grilled Potato Wedges

Easy tasty grilled taters. Great on their own without ketchup.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword grilled, potatoes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 306kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Bobby Flay

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with water.
  • Add in two tablespoons of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are starting to soften, but still hold their shape, about 20 minutes depending on the size of the potatoes.
  • Drain and cut into wedges.
  • Fire up a grill for direct cooking.
  • Brush the potatoes with some of the olive oil (about 1/4 cup) and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Place on grill and grill until lightly charred.
  • Flip and grill another 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove to a bowl.
  • Heat remaining oil in a small skillet.
  • Once hot, remove from heat and add the garlic, chili flakes, and parsley.
  • Let set for 1 minute.
  • Pour oil over potatoes and toss gently.
  • Serve topped with freshly grated cheese.

Notes

Try and cut your wedges into the same sizes so they cook evenly and consistently.

Nutrition

Calories: 306kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 383mg | Potassium: 1377mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 471IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 134mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Pimento Cheeseburger Topping

My wife’s a huge fan of pimento cheese. She makes a pimento cheese salad for sandwiches. When I ran across this recipe for pimento cheeseburger topping from Annie’s Recipes, I snapped it up and made it the next time we grilled burgers.

The pimento cheese stays together. It doesn’t just up and run down your burger and onto your plate or into your lap. Every bite you take you get that wonderful cheesy flavor. And there’s just a little bit of a kick from the hot sauce. It’s much better than just tossing a slice of cheese on your burger, that’s for sure.

Pimento Cheeseburger Topping

The Perfect Topping

Pimento cheese isn’t just for hamburgers, either. It’s great on hot dogs or on baked potatoes (yes!). And crackers. Oh yes. It’s completely fantastic on crackers too!

Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts
Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts

I grew a few pimentos in our (small) garden this year. I can’t wait to harvest them and use them for making this pimento cheeseburger topping again.

Also try my hot mess cheeseburgers.

Pimento Cheeseburger Topping
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5 from 1 vote

Pimento Cheeseburger Topping

The pimento cheese stays together. It doesn’t just up and run down your burger and onto your plate or into your lap. Every bite you take you get that wonderful cheesy flavor with just a little bit of a kick from the hot sauce. It’s much better than just tossing a slice of cheese on your burger, that’s for sure.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword burgers, pimento cheese, pimiento cheese
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 131kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Annie’s Recipes

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine the cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, onion and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Add hot sauce, salt and pepper to taste and mix.

Notes

Also great on hot dogs or crackers!

Nutrition

Calories: 131kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 162mg | Potassium: 32mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 249IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 104mg | 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)

Oven-Baked Hot Dogs

Who would’ve thought… who would’ve known…. that oven-baked hot dogs could be soooo good? Maybe it was because I was just jonesin’ for a hot dog, but a glance outside made me realize that a grilled dog just wasn’t in my future. These baked ones came out just great! No need to fire up the grill, these dogs satisfied my cravings and then some!

Oven-Baked Hot Dogs

They’re Supposed To Be Messy

Here are they are just before getting cheesed and baked. No point in being shy with the toppings. These are meant to be messy dogs so go all out. And… the money shot! I think these oven-baked hot dogs would be great for a party, kids or not!

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 awesome pickle hot dogs. For another great oven-baked favorite, cook up a few racks of oven-baked ribs.

Oven-Baked Hot Dogs
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Oven-Baked Hot Dogs

Who would’ve thought… who would’ve known…. that oven-baked hot dogs could be soooo good? 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword baked, hot dogs
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 337kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Melt the butter in a saute pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add the onions and cook until just starting to get tender.
  • Stir in the chili and heat through. Remove from heat.
  • Spread a little mayonnaise on the inside of all the hot dog buns. Yes, mayonnaise. Trust me.
  • Add a hot dog into each bun then place into a 9″ x 13″ baking dish. You might have to squeeze them in a bit, but that’s ok.
  • Top each dog with a tablespoon of the pickle relish.
  • Spoon the chili mixture over the hot dogs and top with cheese and jalapenos (if using).
  • Bake for 40 minutes.

Notes

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

Nutrition

Calories: 337kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 740mg | Potassium: 340mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 838IU | Vitamin C: 79mg | Calcium: 201mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Cheater Popcorn Shrimp Po Boy

Boy, these were good! If you follow this blog at all, you know that I’m a big fan (and user) of Kaw-Cajun Comeback sauce from Chez John. I made another big batch last week, and you know what that means! Po boys! For starters, I made this Cheater popcorn shrimp po boy. I didn’t have the time to deep fry shrimp from scratch so I “cheated” and used frozen pre-cooked shrimp.

Cheater Popcorn Shrimp Po Boy

Nothing Fancy Here. Just Good.

These cheater popcorn shrimp po boy sandwiches have a great shrimp taste (with a little crunch). The Comeback sauce adds a wonderful kick. Lettuce and tomato and a nice freshness.

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 a Cajun muffuletta po boy.

Cheater Popcorn Shrimp Po Boy
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4 from 1 vote

“Cheater” Popcorn Shrimp Po Boy

When I made this Cheater popcorn shrimp po boy. I didn’t have the time to deep fry shrimp from scratch so I “cheated” and used frozen pre-cooked shrimp.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword sandwich, shrimp
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 299kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 30 pieces popcorn shrimp
  • ½ loaf French bread split
  • 2 tablespoons Kaw-Cajun Comeback sauce or more, or your favorite remoulade
  • ½ medium tomato sliced thin
  • 4 leaves green leaf lettuce shredded

Instructions

  • Cook shrimp per package instructions.
  • Lightly toast the bread in the oven the last few minutes of cooking the shrimp.
  • Slather inside of bread with the Comeback sauce.
  • Add tomatoes and lettuce and top with shrimp. Enjoy!

Notes

Add a little sliced red onion too!

Nutrition

Calories: 299kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 523mg | Potassium: 257mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2404IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 4mg

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)

Avocado with Crab-Mango Salad

This avocado with crab-mango salad is a great dish as an appetizer or a side salad. It’s light and refreshing and darned tasty to boot! This is the perfect salad for a warm summer brunch, combining crunchy and creamy textures into each and every bite. And of course there’s decadent crab throughout.

Avocado with Crab-Mango Salad

One Fantastic Salad

Use a good quality lump crab. I made these by using a cookie cutter to form them. You can also just use an avocado half, with the pit removed of course, to serve them in like little salad bowls!

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 avocado wraps with spicy mayonnaise and my ham salad filled avocados.

Avocado with Crab-Mango Salad
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5 from 1 vote

Avocado with Crab-Mango Salad

This avocado with crab-mango salad is a great dish as an appetizer or a side salad. It’s light and refreshing and darned tasty to boot! 
Course Side Dish or Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword avocado, crab, salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 325kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Daisy Martinez

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 lime zested and halved
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
  • ½ mango peeled and diced
  • ⅓ cup red bell pepper diced
  • ⅓ cup red onion diced
  • ½ jalapeno diced
  • ½ pound crabmeat jumbo lump
  • 3 avocados cut into 1/4″ bites

Instructions

  • Squeeze half a lime into a bowl. Add the oil and cilantro and mix well.
  • Add the lime zest, mango, bell pepper, onion and jalapeno and mix well.
  • Add the crab and mix gently.
  • Drizzle the remaining lime juice over the avocado.
  • Place 1/4th of the avocado in the bottom of a large round cookie cutter or metal ring. Tamp down slightly with the bottom of a spoon.
  • Add in 1/4th of the crab salad and tamp down. Slowly remove the cookie cutter. I put a spoon on top of the salad mixture to hold it down while removing the cookie cutter.
  • Repeat with remaining avocado and crab salad.

Notes

This salad is best when served immediately after preparing.

Nutrition

Calories: 325kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 549mg | Potassium: 960mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 959IU | Vitamin C: 52mg | Calcium: 59mg | 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)

Easy Refried Beans

I was looking for a few sides to go with our tacos the other night. I came across this easy way to make an easy refried beans. The creamy cheese and crunchy jalapeno and onion really kick that ole blah flavor up a few notches.

Easy Refried Beans

Beans Need Help

Grab a bowl of Fiesta corn with these easy refried beans and you have the perfect sides for taco night. We use La Preferida refried beans whenever we’re serving canned beans. They have great flavor, but even the best canned beans need a bit of help. No one has to know that your beans came from a can.

I highly recommend that you shred or grate your own cheese at home. Don’t buy the pre-shredded or pre-grated stuff. It has stuff added to it to keep it from sticking together. That ‘stuff’ affects how the cheese melts. Shred it yourself and use the good stuff.

Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts
Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts

This is a great side for my cheese enchiladas.

Easy Jazzed-Up Refried Beans
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5 from 1 vote

Easy Refried Beans

I was looking for a few sides to go with our tacos the other night. I came across this easy way to make a jazzed-up can of refried beans. The creamy cheese and crunchy jalapeno and onion really kick that ole blah flavor up a few notches.
Course Side
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword beans, refried
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 157kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Just A Little Taste

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a medium pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add jalapenos and onion and saute until just starting to get tender.
  • Add beans. Stir well to combine. Heat until warmed through.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 157kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 597mg | Potassium: 38mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 283IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 166mg | 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)