Author: Mike

Bread Machine Italian Herb Bread

I am not a baker. That’s why I have a bread machine. I’m lucky even still to get something that resembles a loaf of bread. And I’m really lucky (and happy) if I get a loaf that tastes as fantastic as this bread machine Italian herb bread. The aroma from this bread as it bakes is insanely amazing. If I could bottle it I would and I’d put it into air fresheners or one of those oil infuser things. Herbs are throughout the bread so there’s no chance you take a bite and don’t get all that deliciousness.

Bread Machine Italian Herb Bread

Add A Bit Of Heat. If You Want To.

I wouldn’t change a thing about this bread machine Italian herb bread. Well, that’s sort of true. I sometimes sneak in a pinch or two or three of red pepper flake. Just enough for a bit of spiciness but not so much that the bread is ‘hot’. But trust me, the bread is fantastic just as it is. The herb flavor (and aroma) just cannot be beat. And neither can the flavors.

Cuisinart Bread Maker Machine, Compact and Automatic, Customizable Settings, Up to 2lb Loaves, CBK-110P1, Silver,Black
Cuisinart Bread Maker Machine, Compact and Automatic, Customizable Settings, Up to 2lb Loaves, CBK-110P1, Silver,Black

I keep practicing making bread by hand, and sometimes I get it and most of the times it just comes out ok. Until I’m a master, I’ll keep using my trusty bread machine.

Also try my jalapeno cheese bread made using a bread machine.

Bread Machine Italian Herb Bread
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Bread Machine Italian Herb Bread

I sometimes sneak in a pinch or two or three of red pepper flake.
Course Bread
Cuisine American
Keyword bread, herbs
Cook Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 259kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place ingredients into bread machine in the order listed.
  • Process on dough cycle.
  • Lightly flour a flat work surface and your hands. Remove dough from bread machine and work into a ball, folding with your hands.
  • Transfer to lightly oiled bread baking pan.
  • Cover loosely with plastic wrap that has been lightly sprayed with non-stick spray.
  • Transfer to a warm place and let rise until doubled, 45 minutes to an hour.
  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Carefully remove the wrap. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Remove and let cool slightly before slicing.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan.

Nutrition

Calories: 259kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 347mg | Potassium: 117mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 31IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Bambüsi Bamboo Bread Slicer with Knife - 3 Slice Thickness, Foldable Compact Cutting Guide with Crumb Tray, Stainless Steel Bread Knife for Homemade Bread, Cake, Bagels 5.5” Wide x 5” Tall
Bambüsi Bamboo Bread Slicer with Knife – 3 Slice Thickness, Foldable Compact Cutting Guide with Crumb Tray, Stainless Steel Bread Knife for Homemade Bread, Cake, Bagels 5.5” Wide x 5” Tall

Sloppy Joe French Bread Pizza

I was addicted to Sloppy Joes as a kid. And I’m still addicted as an ‘adult’. I don’t walk by the Sloppy Joe cans or mixes at the grocery store and think, “kids stuff”. No, I think to myself, “self, that sounds fantastic.”. Making Sloppy Joes at home is about as easy as it can get, and this recipe here for using it to make Sloppy Joe French bread pizza takes that old classic and makes it truly fantastic. I could eat a scary amount of this pizza.

As a kid I’d go the playground after mom would make me Sloppy Joes for lunch. As an adult I… uh… well, I don’t do that. I might work out in the yard later but right now I’m going to sit back and recall my yummy pizza.

Sloppy Joe French Bread Pizza

Pizza Perfection

What can I say about this recipe for Sloppy Joe French bread pizza? Make it. Just go make it. That’s all. Ok, don’t overcook the onion and peppers. That’s the only thing I can come up with. It’s perfect as it is. I wouldn’t change a thing about it. I loved Sloppy Joes as a kid and I still love those same flavors today.

Lea & Perrins The Original Worcestershire Sauce (10 fl oz Bottle)
Lea & Perrins The Original Worcestershire Sauce (10 fl oz Bottle)

Also try my quick fix French bread pizza.

Sloppy Joe French Bread Pizza
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Sloppy Joe French Bread Pizza

Making Sloppy Joes at home is about as easy as it can get, and this recipe here for using it to make French bread pizza takes that old classic and makes it truly fantastic. I could eat a scary amount of this pizza.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword French bread, pizza
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 556kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Spicy Southern Kitchen

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Sloppy Joe mixture

For the French bread pizza

  • 1 loaf French bread cut in half lengthwise
  • 1 ½ cups Colby Jack cheese shredded

Instructions

For the Sloppy Joe mixture

  • Crumble the ground beef into a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook until it just starts to brown. Drain off any excess grease.
  • Add the onion and pepper and stir. Cook until the beef is completely done and the vegetables just start to soften. You want them to still have a little crunch to them.
  • Add the remaining Sloppy Joe mixture ingredients. Stir. If the mixture is too dry add a small amount of water.
  • Turn off the heat and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes.

For the French bread pizza

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Place the bread on a large baking sheet lined with foil.
  • Divide the Sloppy Joe mixture between the bread halves. It's not time to be shy. You want it thick and you want it crust-to-crust.
  • Sprinkle with the cheese.
  • Bake for about 15 minutes or until the bread starts to brown and is lightly crunchy. The cheese should be nice and melted.
  • Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes then slice and serve.

Notes

You can substitute your favorite cheese for the Colby.

Nutrition

Calories: 556kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 895mg | Potassium: 466mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 498IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 283mg | 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)

Copycat PF Chang’s Crispy Honey Chicken

I don’t know how much chicken you get when you order the crispy honey chicken at PF Chang’s. After taking a bite of this copycat PF Chang’s crispy honey chicken I knew how much I was going to get when I made it at home: a lot. The coating was perfectly crunchy. The chicken was moist, tender, with a hint of soy sauce. And the sauce, oh yes, the sauce, was a wonderful combination of Asian-inspired flavors with a hint of sweetness.

Copycat PF Chang's Crispy Honey Chicken

You Can Spice It Up Too!

The next time I make this copycat PF Chang’s crispy honey chicken I might add just a bit of heat to the chicken seasoning. Not much, but I prefer a little kick with my sweet. Some red pepper flake will take it up a notch.

Depending on how many people I’m serving, I’ll either break out my big deep fryer or, if it’s just us two, I’ll use my lil ole Fry Daddy fryer. It’s the perfect size of just a few people. It only uses a few cups of oil, so I save big time on oil. And it’s super easy to clean up.

I get out my big deep fryer when it’s time to fry a large batch of food. It comes to temperature quickly and it maintains that temperature perfectly. It has a built-in oil filter and storage unit so I can re-use the oil several times.

T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel
T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel

I served the chicken over my super-easy slow cooker rice.

Also try my copycat Panda Express SweetFire chicken.

Copycat PF Chang's Crispy Honey Chicken
Print Pin
4 from 2 votes

Copycat PF Chang’s Crispy Honey Chicken

The coating was perfectly crunchy. The chicken was moist, tender, with a hint of soy sauce. And the sauce, oh yes, the sauce, was a wonderful combination of Asian-inspired flavors with a hint of sweetness.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Asian, chicken, crispy
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 532kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the chicken

  • 1 pound chicken breast boneless, skinless, cut into chunks
  • vegetable oil for frying
  • rice cooked and warmed, for serving

For the batter

For the chicken seasoning

For the sauce

Instructions

For the chicken

  • Place chicken into a resealable. container.
  • Combine the chicken seasoning ingredients and sprinkle over the chicken.
  • Seal and toss to coat. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
  • Whisk together the batter ingredients and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  • Heat 3″ of oil to 350 F in a deep fryer or Dutch oven.
  • Meanwhile, make the sauce by whisking together all but the cornstarch and water in a medium saucepan.
  • Bring to a simmer. Whisk together the cornstarch and water and slowly whisk into the sauce.
  • Let simmer until thickened then reduce heat.
  • Keep warm until ready to use.
  • Add chicken to batter and, working in batches, fry until done, about 5 minutes per piece. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain.
  • Serve chicken over rice with plenty of sauce.

Notes

This dish is also great prepared using boneless, skinless thighs.

Nutrition

Calories: 532kcal | Carbohydrates: 86g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 113mg | Sodium: 1353mg | Potassium: 521mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 53g | Vitamin A: 93IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 2mg

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)

Christmas Stocking Pizzas

True story: If you leave out Christmas stocking pizzas for Santa Claus you’ll get two times as many presents than you would if you leave out just milk and cookies! Trust me on this! Santa will appreciate your efforts and reward you nicely. These little pizzas make for a great holiday-time project. They’re quite easy to make, and rather fun to boot. It’s an excellent treat for young and old alike!

Fun To Make… And Eat!

You can make your Christmas stocking pizzas with whatever toppings you like, of course. We liked how the mini pepperoni and the Italian sausage ones looked. And tasted. They didn’t last, that’s for sure. You want to use smaller-sized toppings since the pizzas aren’t that large!

You’ll need a template to make the pizzas. Ours is just over 5″ tall when printed. Just download the picture below and print it. If you want to make smaller (or bigger) pizzas just size the graphic in your favorite editing software.

Christmas stocking

Happy Holidays!

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. Get the real 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
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Christmas Stocking Pizzas

If you leave out Christmas stocking pizzas for Santa Claus you'll get two times as many presents than you would if you leave out just milk and cookies!
Course Appetizer or Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Christmas, pizza
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 5
Calories 223kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 pound pre-made pizza dough If frozen defrost overnight in the fridge then let come to room temperature on the countertop for 2 hours before using.
  • pizza sauce
  • mozzarella cheese shredded
  • mini pepperonis
  • Italian sausage Cooked and crumbled. If using links remove from casings before cooking. I like to pulse my cooked sausage in a food processor a few times to get it nice and finely crumbled.

Instructions

  • Preheat oven per package instructions. Prepare 2 large baking sheets, if required (some pre-made doughs require that you first grease the pans).
  • Print out the stocking template and cut around the edges.
  • Roll dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
  • Place the template onto the dough and cut around the edges. We found that a sharp-tipped knife or kitchen scissors worked best.
  • Transfer the dough to a baking pan. Keep making stockings until you're out of dough. We were able to get 5 out of a 1 pound dough but that took some thinking as we moved the pattern around. You can easily get 4 stockings without much worry.
  • Add toppings as desired. For a few we used sauce, mini pepperoni and then cheese all over. For the rest we used sauce and sausage, with cheese just at the top.
  • Bake until the dough is lightly browned and the cheese is bubbly.
  • Remove and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

These are fun. You gotta make them at least once!

Nutrition

Calories: 223kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 656mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | 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)

Fat Johnny’s Goulash

It’s getting cold outside. And that means it’s time for stick-to-your-ribs good food. Like Fat Johnny’s goulash. Simple ingredients. Easy to prepare. And delicious results. And I do mean delicious. Make a double batch. You’ll love it so much you won’t even notice how cold it is. This is the tastiest goulash I’ve ever had. I’ll never need a recipe for any other kind.

Fat Johnny's Goulash

Don’t Mess With Perfection

I almost changed a few things when I made this. Like substituting a pound of Italian sausage for some of the ground beef. Like maybe using some different pasta. Wisely, my wife talked me out of messing with perfection and I followed the recipe to a ‘T’. I admit it, she was right. This time. (Don’t tell her I said that!)

This recipe comes from Chez John, aka Fat Johnny. Check out Chez John’s blog. It’s full of fantastic dishes like his Fat Johnny’s goulash plus countless many, many others. Heck, it’s too cold to go outside, best sit inside where it’s warm and look at food porn!

Don’t let the final simmer go too long. You want the pasta to just be done.

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

What would be good with this dish? Some of Fat Johnny’s cheesy cornbread, that’s what!

Fat Johnny's Goulash
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Fat Johnny’s Goulash

It’s getting cold outside. And that means it’s time for stick-to-your-ribs good food. Like Fat Johnny’s goulash!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword goulash
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 10 servings
Calories 322kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Chez John

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta per package instructions and drain well.
  • Brown the ground beef in a Dutch oven or medium pot.
  • Add the onion, peppers and garlic.
  • Add salt, pepper to taste along with the Italian seasoning.
  • Stir and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Add the pasta sauce and bring to a simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the pasta and simmer another 5 minutes.
  • Serve.

Notes

Even better the next day!

Nutrition

Calories: 322kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 64mg | Potassium: 337mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 49IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Lodge ASAHH41 Silicone Assist Handle Holder, Red
Lodge ASAHH41 Silicone Assist Handle Holder, Red

Copycat TGI Friday’s Mandarin Orange Sesame Dressing

I am always looking for new salad dressing recipes for when we have salad week. We usually have salad week if we have over-indulged the week before or if we have eaten out too many meals while traveling. This copycat TGI Friday’s Mandarin orange sesame dressing is so good! I like that it has chopped Mandarin oranges for texture. I also added Mandarin oranges to the salad to tie it all together. The orange marmalade and the honey balance out the sesame oil. Sesame oil is such a strong flavor so you can use a little less if preferred, but I love the taste of it.

Copycat TGI Friday’s Mandarin Orange Sesame Dressing

The Perfect Balance

This copycat TGI Fridays Mandarin orange sesame dressing is one of the best homemade dressings that we have made! This dressing would be good as a dipping sauce for chicken nuggets. It would also be great as a sauce for crudités.

I find myself using these little cups more and more for my salad dressings. Normally I use them for dipping my chicken nuggets, wings, or chicken tenders. But they’re also great for salad dressings. As a bonus, they help me control my serving amount, which is needed around salad dressings like this one.

(24 Pack, 2 Sizes) Small Sauce Cups, Stainless Steel Ramekin Dipping Sauce Cup, Commercial Grade Individual Round Condiment Cups (12 of - 1.5oz: 12 of - 2.5oz)
(24 Pack, 2 Sizes) Small Sauce Cups, Stainless Steel Ramekin Dipping Sauce Cup, Commercial Grade Individual Round Condiment Cups (12 of – 1.5oz: 12 of – 2.5oz)

Check out my new site, Dress My Salad, for more great salad dressing ideas!

Copycat TGI Friday’s Mandarin Orange Sesame Dressing
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Copycat TGI Friday’s Mandarin Orange Sesame Dressing

This copycat TGI Fridays Mandarin orange sesame dressing is one of the best homemade dressings that we have ever made!
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, salad dressing, TGI Friday
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 1036kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place everything except for the mandarin into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth, about 30 seconds.
  • Transfer to a resealable container. Add the oranges, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 1036kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 94g | Saturated Fat: 62g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Sodium: 1038mg | Potassium: 119mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 52g | Vitamin A: 551IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 31mg | 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)

Grilled French Bread Pizza

Grilled French bread pizza is one of my favorite, quick, dishes to make. I love the crunchy bread, the melty cheese and the slight grilled flavor. I don’t go too crazy with the toppings, just a bit of cheese, some sausage or pepperoni, and maybe some onion or mushrooms. That’s all I need. You can load them up, though, if you want. The bread can handle it. If you’re worried about lifting them off the grill when they’re done, I recommend using a wide spatula or slide them to the edge of the grill and gently onto a baking sheet.

Grilled French Bread Pizza

No Boring Pizzas Here

These grilled French bread pizzas pack extra flavor thanks to the garlic butter and a bit of oregano. They’re really what make them special. Of course, in a pinch, you can make these yummies in the oven too. Just heat it to 400 F and then follow the directions below. If you want a little color on top, just toss the pizzas under the broiler for a little before slicing and serving.

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

Also try my grilled stuffed Manicotti shells.

Grilled French Bread Pizza
Print Pin
5 from 2 votes

Grilled French Bread Pizza

Grilled French bread pizza is one of my favorite, quick, dishes to make. I love the crunchy bread, the melty cheese and the slight grilled flavor. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword French bread, grilled, pizza
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 390kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf French bread halved lengthwise
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons garlic salt
  • ½ cup pizza sauce warmed if refrigerated
  • ½ cup shredded cheese more or less
  • Favorite pizza toppings I like pepperoni, cooked and lightly chopped Italian sausage, a bit of red onion and sometimes mushrooms… use whatever you want!
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill for indirect cooking. You want the temperature where you're going to cook to be around 400 F. Alternatively, you can use direct, low, heat.
  • Melt the butter and stir in the garlic salt.
  • Use a brush to spread the mixture on the cut sides of the bread.
  • Transfer the bread to the grill and cook for 5 minutes or until slightly toasted. If you find that your grill is toasting one side but not another, rotate the slices in the grill halfway through.
  • Remove the bread.
  • Divide the sauce between the two pieces, spreading to the edges (to quote Jeff Mauro: Edge-to-edge is our pledge!).
  • Add the cheese then the other toppings.
  • Finally, sprinkle with the oregano.
  • Return to the grill and continue baking until the cheese is melted. Again, if one side is cooking faster than other simply rotate the pieces as necessary.
  • Remove and let cool slightly before slicing.

Notes

I cut my bread twice, into three ‘planks’. I prefer my French bread pizzas to be thinner. So I cut about a 1″ thick bottom piece and a 1″ thick top piece. This leaves me a center piece that I then use for making croutons (or sometimes, the birds get it!).

Nutrition

Calories: 390kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 1925mg | Potassium: 248mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 411IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 129mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Green Bean Casserole

Oh sure, I’ve made a traditional casserole before. There’s a reason that recipe has been around for ages. It’s a classic with great flavor. This green bean casserole is something different. Something amazing. Crispy green beans, sure. A creamy cheese sauce, you bet. Red bell peppers, bacon, onion and panko? Fantastic.

Green Bean Casserole Version 2

Not Grandma’s Bean Casserole

This is soon to become a staple in our household. I was able to grab last-of-the-season fresh beans when I made this green bean casserole. With the season now gone I’ll have to make this using frozen (but not canned!) beans. If you use frozen, defrost them using the package instructions and skip steps #2-#6 below for blanching the fresh beans. That’s it!

Get some good panko bread crumbs. Funny how not too many years ago, you’d never hear about them. Now, you find them in just about any dish that used to use regular old bread crumbs, from meatballs to fried chicken.

365 by Whole Foods Market, Panko Bread Crumbs, 8 Ounce
365 by Whole Foods Market, Panko Bread Crumbs, 8 Ounce

Also try my Swiss vegetable medley.

Green Bean Casserole Version 2
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Green Bean Casserole

This green bean casserole is something different. Something amazing. Crispy green beans, sure. A creamy cheese sauce, you bet. Red bell peppers, bacon, onion and panko? Fantastic.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword casserole, green beans
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 249kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Ree Drummond

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Fill a large bowl halfway with ice and add enough water to just cover the ice.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the beans. Return to a boil and boil for 4 minutes.
  • Drain the beans and add to the ice water bath.
  • After the beans have cooled completely, drain well.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium high heat.
  • Add the bacon and cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes.
  • Add the garlic, pepper and onion and cook until the bacon starts to crisp but isn’t done. Stir often to keep the garlic from burning.
  • Remove from heat.
  • In another large skillet (it has to be big enough to hold the beans and the cooked bacon mix) melt the butter over medium heat.
  • Whisk in the flour and stir constantly for 4 minutes.
  • Whisk in the milk and half-and-half and continue stirring until the sauce starts to thicken.
  • Add 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, the black pepper and the cayenne pepper. Stir.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the cheese until melted.
  • Add in the cooked beans and the bacon mixture.
  • Stir well.
  • Pour mixture into a 9" x 13" baking dish that has been sprayed with non-stick spray.
  • Spread out evenly.
  • Sprinkle top with the breadcrumbs.
  • Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
  • Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Reheat any leftovers at 325 F for 20 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 249kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 211mg | Potassium: 391mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1546IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 215mg | 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)

Indiana Chili

When I first moved to the mid-west I had no clue what Indiana chili was. And when I found out what it was, I was confused. Isn’t pasta in chili sorta kinda the same as spaghetti meat sauce? Well, no, no it’s not. It’s actually pretty darned good. I admit it, I’ve come around to the idea and on a cold, windy winter day, it’s the perfect dish for warming you up and recharging you. Hey, you need all the energy you can get when shoveling your driveway!

Indiana Chili

The Cincinnati Version

You can make this Indiana chili Cincinnati-ish by adding a pinch of cinnamon. That was another twist that was new to me when I moved here. Adding cinnamon to a chili is another thing that has grown on me. It has to be subtle, but I love the flavor in a great chili like this one.

Lodge ASAHH41 Silicone Assist Handle Holder, Red
Lodge ASAHH41 Silicone Assist Handle Holder, Red

Speaking of Cincinnati (and the surrounding areas), stop by a Skyline Chili when you’re in the area and order some Indiana chili. They do know how to make chili!

Also try my Texas-style chili. It’s definitely a different take on chili than this mid-west favorite!

Indiana Chili
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Indiana Chili

You can make this Indiana chili Cincinnati-ish by adding a pinch of cinnamon. That was another twist that was new to me when I moved here. Adding cinnamon to a chili is another thing that has grown on me.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chili
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 1557kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Season the ground beef with salt and pepper.
  • Brown in a large pot or Dutch oven.
  • Add the onion and cook until just softened.
  • Drain and remove to a bowl.
  • Add the beans, tomato sauce and 4 cans of water to the large pot or Dutch oven.
  • Add the chili seasoning, chili powder, sugar, and pepper flakes.
  • Stir and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Add the browned ground beef and onion. Stir.
  • Bring to a slow boil and let simmer 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
  • Meanwhile, cook the pasta to al dente (generally 2 minutes less than the time stated on the box). Drain.
  • Once the chili is done stir in the pasta and serve.

Notes

Serve with your favorite chili toppings.

Nutrition

Calories: 1557kcal | Carbohydrates: 255g | Protein: 83g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 14198mg | Potassium: 9177mg | Fiber: 61g | Sugar: 111g | Vitamin A: 6514IU | Vitamin C: 118mg | Calcium: 501mg | Iron: 34mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Lodge ASAHH41 Silicone Assist Handle Holder, Red
Lodge ASAHH41 Silicone Assist Handle Holder, Red

Slow Cooker Meat Lovers Chili

I know that some may poo-poo the idea of making chili in a crockpot. I can only say to them: you have to try this slow cooker meat lovers chili. Do you have to make it in a slow cooker? No, of course not. It’s just a bit easier when you do. No matter how you cook it, it’s packed with flavor. Three meats to satisfy any carnivore’s desires. The perfect combination of spices and heat. This is the perfect chili for a cold day.

Slow Cooker Meat Lovers Chili

Meat. And More Meat.

You can adjust this recipe for slow cooker meat lovers chili however you like. Spicy ground sausage and a chopped habanero or two will definitely kick the heat up a few notches. Leave out the beans for a more Texas-style chili. Substitute ground turkey sausage, ground turkey and regular ground sausage for a beef-less chili. This recipe very flexible so you can adjust it as you like.

One thing I like to do with my chilis and any recipe that calls for canned tomatoes is to substitute fire-roasted tomatoes instead. The roasting really adds a tremendous flavor to the tomatoes and any dish that you use them in.

Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)

Also try my slow cooker down-home chili dogs.

Slow Cooker Meat Lovers Chili
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5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Meat Lovers Chili

Three meats to satisfy any carnivore’s desires. The perfect combination of spices and heat. This is the perfect chili for a cold day.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chili, crockpot, slow cooker
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings 10 Servings
Calories 406kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Crumble the sausage, beef and pork into a large skillet or Dutch oven over high heat and cook until browned, breaking up the meat more as it cooks.
  • Drain the meat and transfer to a lightly greased slow cooker.
  • Add the remaining ingredients.
  • Stir, cover and cook on low 8 hours.

Notes

Great served with cornbread.

Nutrition

Calories: 406kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 529mg | Potassium: 520mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 309IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count
Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count