Author: Mike

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)

Green Enchilada Sauce

Hatch chiles can be hard to come by here in Indiana. And when they are here, I grab a big batch of them. I love roasting them. They are great in lots of lots of dishes, and especially in green enchilada sauce. The flavor the chiles add is amazing. This is not an ordinary enchilada sauce. It’s fantastic!

Green Enchilada Sauce

If you are unable to find and roast Hatch chiles, roasted green chiles from a can are a fine substitute. You may want to drain the chiles first if they come in a lot of liquid. Hatch chiles have a different flavor and they are definitely worth seeking out to make this green enchilada sauce.

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

As far as the amount of cumin in this recipe goes, I’d say use your own tastes as a guide. I rather like cumin, but my wife does not so I cut back on it quite a bit. The sauce was still fantastic.

Try this great sauce on some enchilada wings for something totally different!

Green Enchilada Sauce
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Green Enchilada Sauce

Hatch chiles are great in lots of lots of dishes, and specially in green enchilada sauce. The flavor the chiles add is amazing. This is not an ordinary enchilada sauce. It’s fantastic!
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword sauce, southwestern
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 8 cups
Calories 58kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Pinch and Swirl

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in the large saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add the onion and jalapeno and cook until just starting to soften.
  • Add the garlic and cook another 2 minutes, stirring.
  • Add the chiles, cumin and water.
  • Stir and let simmer 10 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  • Working in batches, blend the mixture in a blender or food processor until the desired texture is achieved.
  • Store in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze for later use.

Notes

Simmer longer if you want a thicker sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 58kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 418mg | Potassium: 97mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 70IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 34mg | 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 Max and Erma’s Santa Fe Chicken Salad

There’s a Max and Erma’s restaurant right next door to the Premium Outlet Mall in Edinburgh, Indiana. We make it a point to stop by for lunch or dinner there whenever we can. Plus, you get to sit while you eat and after a few hours at the mall, you need that. Nine times out of ten I order the Santa Fe chicken salad. It’s a huge salad, with just the right toppings, and really, really good chicken. And when I’m not at the outlet mall, I can make what I think is a pretty darned good copycat Max and Erma’s Santa Fe chicken salad. It’s the same as the restaurant favorite, made at home without a lot of fuss.

Copycat Max and Erma's Santa Fe Chicken Salad

One Of My Favorite Salads

You can substitute chicken tenders for the chicken breast if you wish. I like my chicken a bit spicy so I load up on the hot sauce. Feel free to adjust to your taste. The chicken itself is outstanding.

To get the fancy dressing swirls on my copycat Max and Erma’s Santa Fe chicken salad I put some Ranch in a squeeze bottle with three nozzles and go to town on it. Hey, it’s fun.

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 Southern Fried chicken salad and my copycat of Olive Garden’s salad mix.

Copycat Max and Erma's Santa Fe Chicken Salad
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Copycat Max and Erma’s Santa Fe Chicken Salad

You can substitute chicken tenders for the chicken breast if you wish. I like my chicken a bit spicy so I load up on the hot sauce. Feel free to adjust to your taste. The chicken itself is outstanding.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken salad, copycat, southwestern
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 472kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the salad

  • greens iceberg, green leaf, and/or red leaf lettuce, rinsed and patted dry
  • Fried chicken, from below
  • shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • shredded cheddar cheese
  • tomatoes chopped or sliced
  • Tortilla strips
  • Ranch dressing

For the fried chicken

Instructions

For the salad

  • Divide lettuce between two large plates.
  • Add the chicken, cheeses, tomatoes, and tortilla strips.
  • Drizzle with dressing and serve.

For the fried chicken

  • Cut the chicken into small bite-sized pieces or strips, as desired. Transfer to a bowl or pie pan.
  • Stir in the buttermilk and hot sauce. Let marinate for 15 minutes, turning every 5 minutes.
  • Combine the flour, salt, black pepper, chipotle chile powder, oregano and cumin and place into another pie pan.
  • Heat 2" of oil to 350 F in a deep fryer or Dutch oven.
  • Working in batches, remove chicken from the buttermilk. Shake off the excess and then coat well in the flour mixture. Return the chicken pieces to the buttermilk and turn to coat. Shake off the excess and again coat in the flour mixture.
  • Fry 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown, turning once.
  • Remove to a wire rack or paper towel-lined to cool slightly and drain.

Notes

I serve this salad with Ranch dressing. 

Nutrition

Calories: 472kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 179mg | Sodium: 1466mg | Potassium: 712mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 530IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 181mg | Iron: 4mg

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)

Cedar Planked SPAM

Oh sure, somewhere there’ll be someone that’ll say ‘ewww’ when they see SPAM. But oh, do not poo-poo cedar planked SPAM. Ever! The cedar imparts a special lightly smoky different flavor to the SPAM slices. A little rub and a little time on your grill is all you need. Make them sweet, make them spicy, however you prefer. Watching your sodium? Just use a low-salt or no-salt seasoning. You don’t need anything strong, as the cedar will add a special flavor that you do not want to hide.

Cedar Planked Spam

Never Overlook SPAM!

My favorite thing to do with cedar planked SPAM (besides munching on it right off the grill) is to get a nice crust on it using a super hot skillet or griddle and put it on a sandwich. I treat it much like I do my grilled or smoked bologna. One of my favorite sandwiches is a pool room burger. Try it. You’ll never look at SPAM the same way again, specially after you’ve cedar planked it

Don’t skimp on the cedar planks. Get quality, thick, good planks and you’ll not regret it. And the final results will show it.

Cedar Grilling Planks - 12 Pack
Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack

Also try my smoked SPAM and SPAM burnt ends.

Cedar Planked Spam
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Cedar Planked SPAM

Oh sure, somewhere there’ll be someone that’ll say ‘ewww’ when they see SPAM. But oh, do not poo-poo cedar planked SPAM. Ever! 
Course Appetizer or Main
Cuisine American
Keyword cedar plank, SPAM
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings 1
Calories 1072kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Soak a cedar plank in water for 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, season the SPAM slices liberally with the rub.
  • Fire up your grill for direct and indirect cooking. Once it gets hot, place the plank over the flames and char it on both sides. Keep a spray bottle of water on hand in case the plank catches on fire.
  • Transfer the SPAM to the plank and move it to indirect heat. Cook 20-25 minutes or until lightly charred along the edges. Cook longer if eating directly from the plank.

Notes

There are lots of flavors of SPAM available. Try them all!

Nutrition

Calories: 1072kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 90g | Saturated Fat: 34g | Cholesterol: 242mg | Sodium: 4800mg | Potassium: 1391mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cedar Grilling Planks - 12 Pack
Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack

Easy Grilled Creole Potatoes

You’re throwing some burgers on the grill. You need a quick and easy side. One that uses ingredients you already have on hand. These easy grilled Creole potatoes check all the boxes for a tasty but simple dish that’s ready in no time. I like to cook my veggies in a grill basket. I find it easier than using skewers and I don’t have to worry about the potatoes splitting when I skewer them. Easy, each and every time.

Easy Grilled Creole Potatoes

Potatoes With A Tasty Twist

You can substitute a Dijon mustard for the Creole if you prefer. Just make sure to get a good hearty mustard. You know, one with ingredients you can see. Not that creamy stuff. For me, Creole is the way to go when making easy grilled Creole potatoes. And I’m not shy with the mustard, either.

I use a grill basket when I make this dish.

Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket
Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket

Also try my grilled potatoes with mustard-garlic dressing.

Easy Grilled Creole Potatoes
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Easy Grilled Creole Potatoes

You’re throwing some burgers on the grill. You need a quick and easy side. One that uses ingredients you already have on hand. These easy grilled Creole potatoes check all the boxes for a tasty but simple dish that’s ready in no time. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword grilled, potatoes
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 459kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Kraft

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Stab the potatoes with a knife or fork.
  • Place in a microwave-safe bowl.
  • Add the water and cover.
  • Microwave for 10-12 minutes until the potatoes are just tender.
  • Drain and rinse with cold water.
  • Let cool.
  • Quarter the potatoes and transfer to a large bowl.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard and pepper.
  • Add to the potatoes.
  • Stir to coat and place in the fridge for 1 hour.
  • Fire up your grill for direct cooking over medium-high heat.
  • Transfer the potatoes to a vegetable basket (or thread onto skewers) and grill 8-10 minutes until lightly charred and tender, turning a few times.
  • Remove, transfer to a platter, sprinkle with cheese and serve.

Notes

You can substitute baby potatoes instead.

Nutrition

Calories: 459kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 19g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 431mg | Potassium: 1057mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 69IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket
Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket

Old Colony Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Note: This recipe was developed using the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer. If you are cooking using the Char-Broil Smoker-Roaster Grill you should cook with the lid open and the temperature set to High. You might also need to adjust the cooking time.

I’ve said it hundreds of times. Chicken cooked on the Char-Broil Big Easy is a fantastic thing. It doesn’t take much effort and no fancy ingredients are required. I like to peruse the marinades at the grocery store, grabbing whatever strikes my fancy. This time my fancy had me using Old Colony Sauce. Often used for steaks, it’s also a fantastic marinade for chicken, adding a light Worcestershire-like flavor and tons of juiciness.

Old Colony Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy

The Perfect Chicken Marinade

Old Colony sauce isn’t loaded up with sugar or honey, which is important when you are cooking on the Big Easy. Since the Big Easy cooks at a high temperature, marinades or sauces containing sugar or honey will tend to burn. You have to save those for saucing at the very end of your cooking, once the meat is almost done, so you don’t risk charred food.

As you can see, Old Colony sauce produced some mighty fine looking chicken (I used split chicken breasts), with great color and flavor throughout. Old Colony Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy is superb!

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket

Also try my State Fair chicken and my Rib Rack chicken, also made on the Char-Broil Big Easy.

It’s always a good idea to keep a few spare grease trays on hand for your Char-Broil Big Easy.

Char-Broil 2425514W12 Big Easy Grease Tray, Silver- 5 pack
Char-Broil 2425514W12 Big Easy Grease Tray, Silver- 5 pack

Love your Big Easy as much I love mine? Check out my Big Easy Add-Ons page and my free Big Easy eCookbook!

Old Colony Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 2 votes

Old Colony Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Often used for steaks, Old Colony is also a fantastic marinade for chicken, adding a light Worcestershire-like flavor and tons of juiciness.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, chicken
Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 20 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 258kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the chicken into a resealable bag or container.
  • Add marinade to taste. Toss to coat.
  • Seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, turning occasionally.
  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Transfer the chicken to the Big Easy basket.
  • Cook for approximately 20 minutes per pound or until it reaches 165 F as checked in several places.
  • Remove and let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can use whatever chicken cuts you prefer.

Nutrition

Calories: 258kcal | Protein: 48g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 262mg | Potassium: 836mg | Vitamin A: 68IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket

Red Chile Smoked Bologna

This isn’t my first time smoking a bologna chub (often called a log). But it is by far the best I’ve ever made. I used Albukirky Seasoning’s Red Chile BBQ rub . It added a fantastic flavor (and a slight spiciness) to the bologna. You can use any rub you want, but I highly recommend theirs.

I sliced my smoked bologna about 1/2″ thick. Then I fried it up to get a bit of a crust on it. It was absolutely crazy good on a bun with lettuce, onion and mustard for the world’s best bologna sandwich!

Red Chile Smoked Bologna

I’m No Artist

Just about everyone can score a bologna better than I can. I’ve seen all sorts of fancy fru-fru angled scoring works of art. Me, I’ve had to resign myself to a simple checkerboard pattern. It really doesn’t matter how you do it, but you do need to do it or the chubb will crack or even blow open while smoking.

I went with a mellow wood (apple) when smoking my red chile bologna. I wanted that smoke flavor, but I didn’t want it to be so strong that I couldn’t taste the rub or the bologna. Feel free to use whatever wood you prefer, of course!

Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb
Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb

Also check out my traditional smoked bologna and my crazy-good Montreal steak-seasoned smoked bologna.

Red Chile Smoked Bologna
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Red Chile Smoked Bologna

This isn’t my first time smoking a bologna chub (often called a log). But it is by far the best I’ve ever made.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword bologna, smoked
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings 4 pounds
Calories 1397kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your smoker for smoking at 250 F. I prefer a lighter wood, such as apple or peach, but you can use a stronger wood such as hickory.
  • Score the bologna chub using a sharp knife. Make the cuts 1/4" – 1/2" deep. Use any pattern you want. If you don't score it the bologna will crack or pop open as it smokes.
  • Rub the chub liberally with mustard. Get in there, get your hands dirty. I find it easiest to stand the chub on one end (which is why I don't use a full-sized one).
  • Sprinkle the rub liberally all over the chub. More is better here, so don't be shy with the rub.
  • Transfer the chub to your smoker and smoke for 3 to 3 1/2 hours.
  • Remove the chub and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Great on sandwiches!

Nutrition

Calories: 1397kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 69g | Fat: 112g | Saturated Fat: 42g | Cholesterol: 272mg | Sodium: 4354mg | Potassium: 1429mg | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 381IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 386mg | Iron: 5mg

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

Mushroom Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

The reviews for my mushroom jerky made on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro are in! And well… they’re mixed! So why am posting it? Well, because I’m one on the ‘thumbs up’ side! I thought these mushrooms came out very woodsy and very flavorful, with a hint of spice to them. I loved them right off the dehydrator, I thought they had a nice texture with a little ‘tug’ to them.

Mushroom Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

Very Different And Tasty

After they cooled the mushrooms took on a slightly different texture. I’d call it less “jerky-like”. But still tasty. I opted to freeze the leftovers. They’ll be absolutely perfect in pasta sauce, that’s for sure. Or anywhere you need dried mushrooms but want something a bit more flavorful than ‘just’ ole dried up fungi! Mushroom Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro is different and very good. You have to try it!

I like to load up my dehydrator. To do that I picked up a handful of extra trays. They really add a whole lot more drying space! Since I have to rotate my trays, I write a number on each one on a piece of blue painter’s tape so I can keep track of them.

NESCO TR-2 White Plastic Round 15 1/2" Add-A-Trays, to fit 1000 Series Food Dehydrators, 2 Pack
NESCO TR-2 White Plastic Round 15 1/2″ Add-A-Trays, to fit 1000 Series Food Dehydrators, 2 Pack

Also try my sun-dried tomatoes, also made using the Nesco Snackmaster Pro.

Mushroom Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Mushroom Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

I thought these mushrooms came out very woodsy and very flavorful, with a hint of spice to them.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword dehydrator, jerky, mushroom, nesco snackmaster pro
Prep Time 1 day
Cook Time 12 hours
Servings 12
Calories 32kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Slice the mushrooms into 1/2" thick slices.
  • Combine the remaining ingredients in a large resealable container.
  • Add the mushrooms and turn gently to coat.
  • Seal and place in the fridge for 10-12 hours, turning gently every few hours.
  • Fire up your Nesco Snackmaster Pro for 122 F. While you're waiting for the dehydrator to warm up remove the mushrooms from the marinade and place on a wire rack to drain.
  • Transfer the mushrooms to the dehydrator trays. Unless you've scaled the recipe up you won't need many trays, but keep in mind you always need to use at least 4 trays when drying.
  • Close the dehydrator and let run for 10 hours. I quadrupled the recipe and actually went 12 hours. You want the mushrooms to be pliable and chewy but not dried out.
  • Let cool just slightly before enjoying. I actually preferred the mushrooms warm, they seemed to have a more enjoyable texture.
  • Keep in an airtight container.

Notes

Make sure your mushroom slices are the same thicknesses so they dry evenly.

Nutrition

Calories: 32kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 302mg | Potassium: 173mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 143IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

NESCO LM-2-6 Round Plastic Mesh 13 1/2" Clean-A-Screens, for Dehydrators, (Pack of 2)
NESCO LM-2-6 Round Plastic Mesh 13 1/2″ Clean-A-Screens, for Dehydrators, (Pack of 2)

Smoked Pistachios

This is how you make a huge pistachio fan out of me. I love smoked nuts, but until now I’d never smoked pistachios before. Well, let me tell you folks! Good doesn’t even come close to describing how yummy these nuts were! I set out to smoke nuts to use in ice cream (I know, right? You know that’ll be awesome!). I doubt that half of them survived for my ice cream plans… I couldn’t help myself.

Smoked Pistachios

Go Heavy On The Seasoning

For the seasoning on my smoked pistachios I went with Sweet Red from AlbuKirky Seasonings. It has a nice sweet heat flavor to it, the perfect contrasting flavors for the nuts. I seasoned the nuts pretty liberally with it, too. Since the nuts aren’t shelled a lot of that flavor does end up on the shell. So by adding more I increased the amount of seasoning that made its way inside… and oh, was I ever rewarded for my efforts!

Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket
Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket

Also try my smoked peanuts in the shell and my smoked pecans. And nothing is amazing as smoked hazelnuts!

Smoked Pistachios
Print Pin
3.50 from 2 votes

Smoked Pistachios

This is how you make a huge pistachio fan out of me. I love smoked nuts, but until now I’d never smoked pistachios before. Well, let me tell you folks! Good doesn’t even come close to describing how yummy these nuts were!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword nuts, smoked
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings 2 pounds
Calories 2549kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your smoker for 250 F cooking. Use a light wood such as apple or peach.
  • Place the nuts in a large bowl and lightly (very lightly) drizzle with a little oil. For 1 pound of nuts I used less than 1/2 tablespoon of oil.
  • Toss the nuts to coat. Now, sprinkle them liberally with the seasoning. Now is not the time to be shy. Load up on it and toss to coat.
  • Transfer nuts to your smoker. I use a grill mat to keep the nuts from falling thru the grates. Smoke for 2 1/2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes or so.
  • Remove, shell and devour.

Notes

Store in an air-tight container until ready to serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 2549kcal | Carbohydrates: 125g | Protein: 92g | Fat: 206g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 4649mg | Fiber: 47g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 1882IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 476mg | Iron: 18mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12'' Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill - Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush
Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12” Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill – Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush

Tuscan Pasta Salad

Oh, Tuscan pasta salad, where have you been? I was getting just a bit tired of pasta salads and coleslaw then you came along and boom! Something totally different. This recipe makes a nice big batch, perfect for a family get-together, and perfect for that ‘wow factor too.

Tuscan Pasta Salad

The Perfect Salad

There’s nothing in this that will scare off grandma I tend to make my dishes on the spicy side. I resisted that temptation with this Tuscan pasta salad, with great results. Fresh and exciting, this salad hits the spot with its Italian-inspired flavors.

You can substitute a tablespoon of dried basil for the fresh if you wish. Just make sure you crumble it a bit in your hand before adding it. I used fresh spinach, but you can also get away with frozen. Just make sure that it’s thawed completely first and squeeze the very last drop of water from it before adding it (I like to place it in a kitchen towel, wrap it up tight, and squeeze the heck out of it). I would not recommend omitting the sun-dried tomatoes! They add so much flavor to this salad.

Cento Sun Dried Tomatoes, 10 Ounce
Cento Sun Dried Tomatoes, 10 Ounce

Also try my Mardis Gras pasta salad and also my amazing dill pickle pasta salad.

Tuscan Pasta Salad
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Tuscan Pasta Salad

Oh, Tuscan pasta salad, where have you been? I was getting just a bit tired of pasta salads and coleslaw then you came along and boom! Something totally different. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword pasta salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 288kcal
Author Inspired by The Recipe Critic

Equipment

Ingredients

For the salad

  • 16 ounces bow-tie pasta
  • 7 ounces sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 6.5 ounce black olives drained, sliced
  • 1 cup spinach chopped
  • ¼ cup basil chopped
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated

For the dressing

Instructions

For the salad

  • Cook the pasta per package instructions. Rinse with cold water and drain well. Transfer to a large bowl.
  • Add remaining salad ingredients and mix.
  • Add the dressing and toss to coat.

For the dressing

  • Whisk all ingredients together until combined. Note: I like to put the ingredients in a small jar or resealable container, seal, and shake to mix.

Notes

Stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 288kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 812mg | Potassium: 845mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1014IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 114mg | 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)