Author: Mike

Rotisserie Roasted Peanuts

For years I thought “Why in the world do I need a rotisserie for any of my grills?” Well, my 20 year old gas grill reached the end, and I decided to get a rotisserie with my new grill. And boy howdy am I so glad that I did! Besides making (of course) chicken and ham, I also get to make really cool treats, like these rotisserie roasted peanuts! These nuts are perfectly roasted, with just the right crunch and just the right grilled flavor.

Rotisserie Roasted Peanuts

The Perfect Snack

You can make rotisserie roasted peanuts on either a gas or charcoal grill. If you’re using a gas grill don’t be afraid to add a few chunks of wood to get a bit of a smoky flavor. Don’t go crazy with it, though. You can also use a smoke box loaded with wood pellets or wood shavings. You can soak the shavings in water for 30 minutes before to keep them smoking longer.

I have a Weber rotisserie. To make these peanuts I purchased a rotisserie basket. I’ve found it to be a must-have with a rotisserie. It’s perfect for potatoes, chiles and of course, peanuts! The link to the basket can be found below the recipe.

Napoleon 64000 Rotisserie Basket Grill Accessory, Stainless Steel
Napoleon 64000 Rotisserie Basket Grill Accessory, Stainless Steel

Also try my smoked peanuts.

Rotisserie Roasted Peanuts
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Rotisserie Roasted Peanuts

These nuts are perfectly roasted, with just the right crunch and just the right grilled flavor.

Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword peanuts, rotisserie
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cool time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 485kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill with the rotisserie. You want the temperature at the rotisserie to be around 350 F.
  • Place the peanuts in your roasting basket and place onto the grill.
  • Roast for 20-25 minutes or until the shells start to turn darker in color. Do not let them get dark brown.
  • Remove and sprinkle with salt.
  • Let cool slightly then serve.

Notes

Use caution removing the peanuts from the rotisserie as the basket is very hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 19mg | Potassium: 633mg | Fiber: 8g | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 3.3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

onlyfire 6042 BBQ Stainless Steel Flat Spit Rotisserie Grill Basket for Any Grill, Fits 1/2" Hexagon, 3/8" Hexagon, 3/8" Square&5/16" Square Rotisserie Spit Rods
onlyfire 6042 BBQ Stainless Steel Flat Spit Rotisserie Grill Basket for Any Grill, Fits 1/2″ Hexagon, 3/8″ Hexagon, 3/8″ Square&5/16″ Square Rotisserie Spit Rods

Grilled Chive Potatoes

Well now, these little bites of yumminess didn’t last long. Grilled chive potatoes didn’t take long to make either. Creamy and tender inside, the potatoes had nice crispy skin. Covered in butter and chives, with just a hint of lemon,  each one was sooooo good. I grilled the potatoes, but you can make them in the oven just as easily. I used baby potatoes but fingerlings would be just as great, just as creamy!

Grilled Chive Potatoes

Perfect As They Are

What will I do different next time I grill some grilled chive potatoes? Probably nothing. Oh I might add a pinch of red pepper flake but that’s it. They don’t need anything else. Doubling the recipe would be a good idea. The potatoes are really great leftover. I like to heat a bit of oil in a cast iron skillet and get it real hot. Add the potatoes and get them warmed up. They get a nice additional crunch to them!

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

Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket
Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket

If you don’t have fresh chives just use green onions instead.

Also try my grilled Ranch potatoes.

Grilled Chive Potatoes
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Grilled Chive Potatoes

Well now, these little bites of yumminess didn’t last long. Grilled chive potatoes didn’t take long to make either. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword grilled, potatoes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 168kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the potatoes and reduce the heat to a gentle boil and let boil until the potatoes are just starting to turn tender, 10-15 minutes depending on the size of your potatoes.
  • Drain and rinse with cold water.
  • Slice into halves.
  • Fire up your grill for medium-high direct grilling.
  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan and stir in the chives and lemon juice.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Transfer the potatoes to the grill, cut-side down and let grill until just starting to turn golden brown and getting just a little char around the edges.
  • Brush lightly with the butter mixture.
  • Remove potatoes and transfer to a serving bowl or platter.
  • Drizzle with remaining butter mixture and serve.

Notes

You can also use Russet potatoes cut in halves or quarters.

Nutrition

Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 370mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 465IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket
Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket

Krispy Country Chicken using the Vortex

There are two choices when it comes to making ‘fried’ chicken using a Vortex. You can make your own batter from scratch or you can use a mix from the store. I’ve done both time and time again and have never ever been disappointed. This time I picked up a box of Fry Krisp Krispy Country chicken mix. It’s the easiest mix in the world, giving you nicely crunchy, juicy, flavorful chicken in less than an hour with no oil used for frying. This Krispy Country Chicken using the Vortex was amazing.

Krispy Country Chicken using the Vortex

Amazingly Good

When I make Krispy Country Chicken using the Vortex I like to brush my chicken with just a bit of oil just before I pull it off the grill. It gives the chicken a bit more crunch and coats any leftover batter that might be hanging around. It’s completely optional, but I always do it. This really tastes like fried chicken.

VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size - For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg
VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size – For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg

Also try my easy Cajun fried chicken using the Vortex.

Krispy Country Chicken using the Vortex
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Krispy Country Chicken using the Vortex

The easiest mix in the world, giving you nicely crunchy, juicy, flavorful chicken in less than an hour with no oil used for frying.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword fried chicken, Vortex
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4
Calories 249kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill with the Vortex BBQ. Let the coals get good and hot.
  • Prepare chicken per package instructions.
  • Transfer chicken to your grill grate around the Vortex and cook until done, about 45 minutes.
  • Lightly brush the chicken with oil the last 5 minutes of cooking to get a crispier skin.

Notes

You can use your favorite chicken cuts.

Nutrition

Calories: 249kcal | Protein: 22g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 81mg | Potassium: 218mg | Vitamin A: 162IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado - 3 PC
Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado – 3 PC

Balsamic Smoked Honey Vinaigrette

My wife and I were grabbing lunch at one of our local favorite pizza joints not long ago. The lunch special comes with a small side salad. For the dressing my wife went with the balsamic smoked honey vinaigrette. I was intrigued. She was intrigued. Smoked honey? You know, that has to be good. Well, it was. It was “bring me a bottle of that dressing so I can drink it” good. Of course, that means I had to make a version of it when I got home.

Balsamic Smoked Honey Vinaigrette

A Different Kind Of Dressing

This is a great, simple dressing without the smoked honey. With it, this balsamic smoked honey vinaigrette becomes something a bit different. The smoke flavor isn’t overwhelming, but it’s there. Depending on the honey that you use, I recommend adding just a bit at first and tasting to see if you want to add more. Me, I want that smokiness up front and center. You might now.

Smoked honey is fun to cook with. I like substituting it for ‘regular’ honey in any recipe that calls for it.

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

Kakamono 2-pack Porous Squeeze Bottles,Leak Proof Refillable Condiment Container for Kitchen Use,Salad Dressings,top dispensers for ketchup mustard mayo hot sauces olive oil(10 oz)
Kakamono 2-pack Porous Squeeze Bottles,Leak Proof Refillable Condiment Container for Kitchen Use,Salad Dressings,top dispensers for ketchup mustard mayo hot sauces olive oil(10 oz)

Also try my blue cheese vinaigrette.

Balsamic Smoked Honey Vinaigrette
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Balsamic Smoked Honey Vinaigrette

Smoked honey? You know, that has to be good. Well, it was. It was “bring me a bottle of that dressing so I can drink it” good.
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Keyword honey, vinaigrette
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 cup
Calories 1273kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Whisk together all ingredients.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 1273kcal | Carbohydrates: 82g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 108g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Sodium: 2346mg | Potassium: 144mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 79g | Vitamin A: 11IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 34mg | 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)

Smoked Pecans

My goodness, me, there went my self-control again. Good thing I made two big batches of these smoked pecans because a lot of them were sacrificed in the name of ‘quality control’. The nuts are smoked just enough. There is a such thing as too much smoke on nuts. You don’t want it to be overwhelming, but you do want to still taste smoke. Otherwise, you can’t call them smoked pecans!

Smoked Pecans

Change Them Up

I used two different spice mixtures for the smoked pecans. The first batch I made a somewhat sweet, southwestern-inspired mix. It was a great balance of flavors, and one enjoyed by everyone. The second version I went a bit spicier (but not too spicy) route. It’s the same as the first mix, but with cayenne instead of cinnamon. People often shy away when they see ‘spicy’, but I found them to have just a hint of a kick and a little sweetness.

A grill basket makes getting these little yummies on and off my grill easy.

Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket
Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket

If you just finished smoking ribs, pork, whatever, on your smoker and still have some fire, smoked pecans are a great way to use up the rest of that smoke time. Never waste it, I say!

Also try my smoked pistachios.

Smoked Pecans
Print Pin
3.67 from 3 votes

Smoked Pecans

My goodness, me, there went my self-control again. Good thing I made two big batches of these smoked pecans because a lot of them were sacrificed in the name of ‘quality control’.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword nuts, smoked
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Cooling time 30 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 769kcal
Author Steven Raichlen

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 cups shelled raw pecans
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted

Spice mixture

Instructions

  • Fire up your smoke for 250 F. Use a fruit wood, such as apple, or pecan. Since the smoking time is short compared to say, smoking ribs, I recommend using extra wood to generate more smoke than you might usually.
  • Place the nuts in a disposable aluminum pan. Drizzle with the melted butter and stir to coat.
  • Combine the spice mixture ingredients and sprinkle over the nuts. Stir to coat.
  • Place the pan onto the smoker and smoke 60 minutes. Stir the nuts every 15 minutes.
  • Remove the pan from the smoker and let the nuts cool completely before serving. On the off chance you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container.

Notes

For a spicy version, substitute cayenne pepper for the cinnamon.

Nutrition

Calories: 769kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 77g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 1167mg | Potassium: 468mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 746IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 95mg | Iron: 4mg

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

Rotisserie Pineapple Bourbon Glazed Boneless Ham

I recently bought a new gas grill, retiring (at least for now) one I’d had for 19 years and had used almost 4,000 times. This time, I got a grill with a rotisserie. I didn’t think I’d need one, but I’d been looking forward to trying some new things, like this rotisserie pineapple bourbon glazed boneless ham.

Rotisserie Pineapple Bourbon Glazed Boneless Ham

Perfect For Sandwiches

I chose a boneless ham because I wanted to slice the end result thin and use it for sandwiches. Normally I’d score my ham, but I’ve found that scoring makes it very difficult to slice so thin. I still got that wonderful pineapple flavor, with just a hint of bourbon. It was delicious!

You can use this same approach on any pre-cooked ham, smoked or not. I found this rotisserie pineapple bourbon glazed boneless ham to be absolutely delicious. I could not stop ‘sampling’ the slices as I cut them. The thin slices were for sandwiches. The thicker ones will find their way into omelets and yes, even homemade Spam!

If you don’t have a long basting brush, I recommend that you get one! The longer the better, and the less you’ll get burned! And remember, any time your basting, if you touch raw meat with the brush you must wash it before using it on cooked meat later!

Heavy-duty BBQ Basting Brush by HQY - Silicone Bristles with 12 Inch Stainless Steel Handle - Make Grilling Easy - 5 Year Guarantee
Heavy-duty BBQ Basting Brush by HQY – Silicone Bristles with 12 Inch Stainless Steel Handle – Make Grilling Easy – 5 Year Guarantee

Also try my Brazilian rotisserie pineapple.

Rotisserie Pineapple Bourbon Glazed Boneless Ham
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Rotisserie Pineapple Bourbon Glazed Boneless Ham

You can use this approach on any pre-cooked ham, smoked or not. I found this rotisserie pineapple bourbon glazed boneless ham to be absolutely delicious. I could not sampling the slices as I cut them.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword ham, rotisserie
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings 7 pounds
Calories 1278kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill for direct cooking. You're aiming for a cook temperature around 350 F.
  • Carefully feed the ham onto the rotisserie and secure the ends.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the mustard and rosemary.
  • Rub the mixture all over the ham.
  • Turn on the rotisserie, close the grill and cook for 15 minutes.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the juice, sugar and bourbon.
  • Brush onto all sides of the ham. Save a little of the mixture for the last glaze.
  • Continue cooking another 15-30 minutes or until the ham reaches 140 F.
  • Brush with remaining glaze, carefully remove from the grill, and let rest 15 minutes before removing from the rotisserie and slicing.

Notes

This ham makes for the best sandwiches.

Nutrition

Calories: 1278kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 98g | Fat: 76g | Saturated Fat: 27g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 281mg | Sodium: 5468mg | Potassium: 1392mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 6IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

onlyfire 6042 BBQ Stainless Steel Flat Spit Rotisserie Grill Basket for Any Grill, Fits 1/2" Hexagon, 3/8" Hexagon, 3/8" Square&5/16" Square Rotisserie Spit Rods
onlyfire 6042 BBQ Stainless Steel Flat Spit Rotisserie Grill Basket for Any Grill, Fits 1/2″ Hexagon, 3/8″ Hexagon, 3/8″ Square&5/16″ Square Rotisserie Spit Rods

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

If you’re into pickles like I am, you will agree that this is the best pasta salad ever. It’s packed with dill pickle flavor. Not just in the dressing. And not just from the pickle slices. Even the pasta tastes dill-y. Sorry, but yeah, it’s dill-icious. I had to say it. Because I absolutely love this dill pickle pasta salad.

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Oh My It’s So Good!

What would I change about this dill pickle pasta salad? Well, I’d not make such a small batch next time, that’s for sure. I’d double it at the very least. I loved this so much. It’s so different than the usual pasta salad. It’d make for a great dish to take to a get-together for sure. Everyone will be pleasantly surprised when they take those first bites!

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)

This recipe is also another lesson in why you never, ever toss the juice left in your pickle jars once the pickles are gone. Save it. Always. I even ask my neighbors to save theirs for me. If I’m in a bind or just need more, I just order a big ole of jug of it online!

Mt. Olive Hamburger Dill Chips Pickles, 16 oz
Mt. Olive Hamburger Dill Chips Pickles, 16 oz

Also try my Tuscan pasta salad.

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

If you’re into pickles like I am, you will agree that this is the best pasta salad ever. It’s packed with dill pickle flavor.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword dill, salad
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 396kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Spend with Pennies

Equipment

Ingredients

For the salad

  • ½ pound medium shells pasta medium sized, not the jumbos
  • ¾ cup dill pickle chips
  • ⅔ cup cheddar cheese diced
  • 3 tablespoons white onion finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill or 1 heaping teaspoon dried, to taste
  • ½ cup pickle juice from the jar (never toss out pickle jar juice!)

For the dressing

Instructions

For the dressing

  • Place all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until smooth.

For the salad

  • Cook the pasta to al dente per the package instructions.
  • Rinse and drain and transfer to a large bowl.
  • Add the pickle juice to the pasta and toss gently to coat.
  • Let sit for 5 minutes then drain (but do not rinse!).
  • Add in the dressing and stir gently to coat.
  • Place in fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

I prefer to let the salad come to near room temperature before serving so that the dressing is not quite as thick.

Nutrition

Calories: 396kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 753mg | Potassium: 145mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 282IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 124mg | 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)

Loaded Baked Potato Salad

I’ve made this creamy, tasty, bacony loaded baked potato salad twice now. And I’m not ashamed to admit that the second time I made it, I unintentionally made a boo-boo. I was relying on my (fading) memory, and completely forgot to bake the salad. Well, you know what? It was just as fantastic as the baked version! Either way, I felt like I was biting into a seriously loaded up baked potato (my favorite kind). So hot or cold, dig in!

Loaded Baked Potato Salad

The Perfect Picnic Salad

Just about any potato will do in this loaded baked potato salad, but I tend to use Yukons because they add a very buttery flavor. I also prefer to steam my potato chunks instead of boil them. Tossing and beating and bagging around in a pot is a good way to turn a nice square potato piece into a marble-looking potato in no time.

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)

This recipe uses shredded cheese. I always hand-shred my cheese. It’s so much better than using the pre-shredded 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

Speaking of baked potatoes, try my go-to, never-failed technique for making the perfect baked potato.

Loaded Baked Potato Salad
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Just about any potato will do in this loaded baked potato salad, but I tend to use Yukons because they add a very buttery flavor. I also prefer to steam my potato chunks instead of boil them. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword potato salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 866kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 potatoes peeled, cubed
  • 4 potatoes unpeeled, cubed
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
  • 6 slices bacon cooked, chopped, divided
  • 6 green onions chopped, divided
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded, divided
  • 16 ounces sour cream
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup mayonnaise

Instructions

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the potatoes and cook until just soft.
  • Drain well.
  • Transfer the potatoes to a large bowl.
  • Add all of the remaining ingredients, reserving some of the crumbled bacon, green onions and cheese.
  • Fold to combine.

To serve cold

  • Refrigerate for 1 hour.
  • Serve topped with reserved bacon, green onions and cheese.

To serve hot

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Transfer potato mixture to a baking dish.
  • Top with reserved bacon, green onions and cheese.
  • Bake for 10-15 minutes.
  • Add bacon, onions and cheese (reserve some of each for top).
  • Mix with potatoes.
  • Pour into baking dish.
  • Top with reserved cheese, onions, and bacon.
  • Bake 350 for 10-15 minutes (until cheese melts).

Notes

Note: I prefer to steam my potatoes so that they keep their shape better, but boiling them is just fine.

Nutrition

Calories: 866kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 64g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 1471mg | Potassium: 1425mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1007IU | Vitamin C: 59mg | Calcium: 402mg | 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)

Easy Cajun Fried Chicken using the Vortex

We both absolutely love making ‘fried’ chicken on our Weber Jumbo Joe or Performer using the Vortex BBQ. We can’t stop being amazed as to how much like ‘real’ fried chicken it is. From the crunchy skin to moist, tender, delicious meat, you cannot beat it. After trying literally 100s of recipes, this easy Cajun fried chicken using the Vortex one is our go-to, easy technique. The end result is incredible.

Easy Cajun Fried Chicken using the Vortex

Make It Your Way

You can use the same approach as I did for making this easy Cajun fried chicken using the Vortex for your own variation. I am partial to hot sauce, but if you’re not, you can leave it out. And I’m partial to Cajun or Creole seasoning, but any seasoning mix will work. However, steer clear of any rub or mix that contains sugars as those will tender to burn with the high heat from the Vortex.

VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size - For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg
VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size – For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg

Also try my injected fried chicken and my super-easy Krispy Country fried chicken using the Vortex.

Easy Cajun Fried Chicken using the Vortex
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Easy Cajun Fried Chicken using the Vortex

After trying literally 100s of recipes, this easy Cajun fried chicken one is our go-to, easy technique. The end result is incredible.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Cajun, fried chicken, Vortex
Prep Time 12 hours
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 12 hours 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 417kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine the buttermilk and hot sauce in a resealable container.
  • Add the chicken pieces. If the chicken isn't completely covered, add more buttermilk.
  • Cover and refrigerate 12 hours or overnight.
  • Fire up your grill with the Vortex BBQ in the center. Fill the Vortex completely with coals and let them light completely before adding the chicken.
  • Combine the flour and seasoning in a large baggie, bowl or pie plate.
  • Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture and shake off any excess.
  • Add to the flour mixture and coat well.
  • Transfer chicken to the grill and close the lid with the vents wide open. Cook for 45 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165 F. You may turn the lid 90 degrees every 15 minutes if desired, but I haven't found that it matters much on a smaller charcoal grill. On larger ones I do rotate the lid.
  • Lightly brush the chicken with some oil and cook another 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove and serve.

Notes

Substitute your favorite chicken cuts as desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 417kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 53g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 151mg | Sodium: 412mg | Potassium: 1006mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1212IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 89mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado - 3 PC
Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado – 3 PC

Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream

I could not resist when I saw beautiful, ripe red strawberries at the grocery store. As many dishes as I could use them in, my mind instantly went to creamy, yummy, delicious homemade strawberry ice cream. This ice cream is so smooth, but it also has nice little bites of crazy good strawberry. It tastes so fresh, it’s hard to stop eating it.

Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream

This Is Not The Low-Calorie Version

I often change recipes when I make them. And I often cut back on things like, oh, cream or sugar. But not when I make homemade strawberry ice cream. This is not the time to be skimpy or try to make a dish super-duper healthy. This is decadent goodness. It’s supposed to be that way.

I don’t have a fancy fru-fru ice cream maker, but it more than does the job. It’s a real workhorse.

Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 1.5 Quart Sorbet, Frozen Yogurt Maker, Double Insulated, White, ICE-21P1
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 1.5 Quart Sorbet, Frozen Yogurt Maker, Double Insulated, White, ICE-21P1

Also try my chocolate peanut butter ice cream. And my homemade blueberry ice cream.

Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream
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5 from 1 vote

Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream

I could not resist when I saw beautiful, ripe red strawberries at the grocery store. As many dishes as I could use them in, my mind instantly went to creamy, yummy, delicious homemade strawberry ice cream.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword homemade ice cream, strawberry
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 3 cups
Calories 525kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from A latte food

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the diced strawberries into a large bowl.
  • Add the honey, sugar and lemon juice.
  • Stir to coat then let sit on the countertop for 15-20 minutes or until the juices from the strawberries has been released. There should be a good bit of juice in the bottom of the bowl.
  • Use a potato masher or fork to mash the strawberry mixture until all of the larger chunks have been mashed. But don't go crazy on it if you prefer some occasional strawberry pieces in your ice cream.
  • Stir in the heavy cream, half and half and vanilla extract.
  • Transfer to your ice cream maker and process per manufacturer's instructions.
  • Freeze overnight.
  • Let sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Makes about 1 1/2 quarts.

Nutrition

Calories: 525kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Cholesterol: 124mg | Sodium: 48mg | Potassium: 234mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 49g | Vitamin A: 1318IU | Vitamin C: 44mg | Calcium: 107mg | 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)