Author: Mike

House Sub Sandwich

A quick sub sandwich is my favorite lazy weekend lunch. Nothing fancy, but made fresh in just minutes. The stars of my house sub sandwich are the meats and the spicy dressing. I almost always include sandwich pepperoni on my subs, though sometimes it is a bit hard to find. It’s like pizza pepperoni only bigger and sliced thinner. It adds great flavor to any sandwich. The dressing mix really amps up the sandwich. No plain-ole mayonnaise here, that’s for sure. This is nothing but flavor!

House Sub Sandwich

Wake Your Sandwiches Up!

If you’re more in the mood for an oil and vinegar for your house sub sandwich, try my Italian hoagie dressing. It’s really really good, if I say so myself. It isn’t spicy like the dressing on these subs, but you can remedy that by adding a few spicy banana peppers on top.

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)

Instead of pre-mixing the sauce with the lettuce, you can transfer the sauce to a squeeze bottle and just squirt away on top of the sandwich just before you serve it!

I store my homemade sauces in squeeze bottles. If refrigerated, I set them out thirty minutes to an hour before using so they come to room temperature. You don’t want to put cold sauce on hot food!
Kitchen Bottle Condiment Set 3 Hole Dispenser Lid Plastic Squeeze for Sauce Mustard Ketchup 12 oz. / 340 ML.
Kitchen Bottle Condiment Set 3 Hole Dispenser Lid Plastic Squeeze for Sauce Mustard Ketchup 12 oz. / 340 ML.

You’ll also love my copycat Jersey Mike’s sub sandwich.

House Sub Sandwich
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5 from 1 vote

House Sub Sandwich

A quick sub sandwich is my favorite lazy weekend lunch. Nothing fancy, but made fresh in just minutes. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword sandwich, submarine
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 1 sandwich
Calories 1102kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the sandwich build

  • 4 ounces deli sandwich meats or more your favorite
  • dash Cajun seasoning
  • 2 slices Swiss cheese
  • 6 inch sub roll sliced horizontally. A half loaf of French bread works great too.
  • â…” cup dressing mix from below
  • 2-3 slices tomato

For the dressing mix

Instructions

For the sandwich build

  • Heat a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Sprinkle the sandwich meat with the Cajun seasoning.
  • Add to the pan and heat on both sides. Remove.
  • Add cheese and meat to the bottom slice of the French bread.
  • Add the dressing mix and sliced tomato, bread top, and serve.

For the dressing mix

  • Whisk together all but the lettuce. 
  • Place lettuce in a small bowl.
  • Add dressing and mix.

Notes

Cajun seasoning on a sub may seem odd, but it’s quite good. 

Nutrition

Calories: 1102kcal | Carbohydrates: 102g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 51g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 113mg | Sodium: 13712mg | Potassium: 587mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1005IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 309mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Three Cheese Hasselback Potatoes

I love making ‘regular’ baked potatoes. And I love making Hasselback potatoes (read the history of them here). For whatever reason, I find making them to be more fun. They are cool looking. They’re super-easy to cook. These three cheese Hasselback potatoes are simple yet packed with plenty of yummy creamy cheese. I love cheese. I love these potatoes.

Three Cheese Hasselback Potatoes

Get A Gadget

Time for me to fess up. In the past I’ve cut my Hasselback potatoes by hand. I used an old wooden spoon to prevent me from cutting too far. I was fairly successful at it, but it was time consuming and often frustrating. So now I ‘cheat’. I bought a slicing rack for these three cheese Hasselback potatoes. My life is oh so much better since I did. Perfectly sliced potatoes, every single time. I admit, it’s not a kitchen gadget that I find myself using every day. But when I do need it it saves me a lot of time and a whole lot of frustration!

Charcoal Companion CC2031 Hasselback Potato Slicing Rack - Bake or Grill Delicious Potatoes In Your Kitchen or BBQ
Charcoal Companion CC2031 Hasselback Potato Slicing Rack – Bake or Grill Delicious Potatoes In Your Kitchen or BBQ

Make sure you use a good grater for the cheese, and definitely don’t buy the pre-grated stuff unless you absolutely have to!

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

Also try my grilled Hasselback potatoes.

Three Cheese Hasselback Potatoes
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4.50 from 2 votes

Three Cheese Hasselback Potatoes

I love making Hasselback potatoes. For whatever reason, I find making them to be more fun. They are cool looking. They’re super-easy to cook. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword cheese, potatoes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 6 potatoes
Calories 252kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Robert Irvine

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Slice the potatoes (see the post for instructions on how to do this manually or using a Hasselback slicing rack).
  • Transfer the potatoes to a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes.
  • Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the parsley, salt and pepper.
  • Gently spread the potato slices apart and brush with half of the butter mixture.
  • Bake another 10 minutes or until the potatoes are done.
  • Brush with remaining butter mixture and divide the cheese between the potatoes.
  • Return to the oven, under the broiler, to melt the cheese, another 1 minute.

Notes

Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 252kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 925mg | Potassium: 930mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 245IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 233mg | 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)

Easy Creole 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 make it a point to peruse the marinade section of my local grocery store on a regular basis. One of my favorite things to make is marinated roasted chicken breasts. Sliced and served on a bed of greens, I get a healthy dinner salad that is packed with flavor. This easy Creole chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy has a light spicy flavor that didn’t overwhelm my salad.

Easy Creole Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy

It Couldn’t Get Any Easier

And as always, cooking chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy is of course, easy. I used Tony Chachere’s chicken marinade, which is a combination of Italian dressing and Cajun seasonings. The chicken came out tender and moist, just like I wanted. Perfect.

When using any kind of marinade you need to make sure it doesn’t have a high sugar content. The Big Easy cooks at a pretty high temperature and sugary marinades may burn long before whatever you are cooking gets done so steer clear of them.

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

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

Also try my Cajun Creole chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy.

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

Easy Creole Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Easy Creole Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy

This easy Creole chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy has a light spicy flavor that didn’t overwhelm my salad.
Course American
Cuisine Main
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
Author Mike

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 substitute your favorite chicken cuts.

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

Quick Fix Italian Salad

My wife was looking for a simple, low-carb side dish to take in her lunches to work. The pasta salads we normally made were just a bit too high in carbs. So I suggested we try a quick fix Italian salad instead. Tasty, easy, and low-carb, this salad was a welcome change and luckily, packed with flavor too! It’s delicious and hard to stop eating that’s for sure!

Quick Fix Italian Salad

Great For Picnics And Parties

This quick fix Italian salad is just a simple variation on a traditional side salad often found at picnics and family get-togethers. I keep the portion size small, making a week’s-worth of salads at once Sunday evening. I use little 1.2-cup sized seal-able reusable containers with screw-on lids. The lids keep the dressing from leaking out in case the containers are overturned. And you can give the salads a quick shake before opening to get the dressing stirred up.

Sometimes I mix things up just a big. Leave out the meat (making it the perfect side dish for my toasted Italian sandwich). Substitute spicy pepperjack cheese. Try a different Italian dressing. I still keep the salad low-carb, but you do have to mix things up (even if only slightly) to keep them from getting too boring.

Mezzetta Roasted Red Bell Peppers, 16 Ounce
Mezzetta Roasted Red Bell Peppers, 16 Ounce

Also try my creamy pasta salad.

Quick Fix Italian Salad
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Quick Fix Italian Salad

Course Salad
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Notes

Stir before serving.

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)

Beef Enchilada Dip

It’s ok if after you make this beef enchilada dip you decide to put down your tortilla chip and grab a spoon and eat it just like chili. I’m not going to blame you one single bit. The enchilada sauce has that great southwestern spiciness to it. Adding some ground beef and toppings makes it not only a great dip but also a great chili. The beef mixture is also great on corn or flour tortillas, or served on taco shells.

Beef Enchilada Dip

A Different Kind Of Dip

I used my fire-roasted enchilada sauce when I made this dip. The char flavor comes thru, making the tomato sauce oh so much better. I often find myself substituting fire-roasted versions of peppers and tomatoes in recipes. Especially when the recipes call for chiles or jalapenos. You can use canned sauce, also.

I like to use my good ole trusty Dutch oven to make this dip and pretty much darned near anything like it on my stovetop. It’s nice and big and sturdy. That extra weight helps it maintain and distribute heat perfectly. As an added bonus, it’s actually pretty easy to clean up too!

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

I also like to top my beef enchilada dip with some green enchilada sauce.

Beef Enchilada Dip
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Beef Enchilada Dip

It’s ok if after you make this beef enchilada dip you decide to put down your tortilla chip and grab a spoon and eat it like chili. I’m not going to blame you one single bit. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword dip, southwestern
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 286kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Add A Pinch

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef
  • ½ medium onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups enchilada sauce I used my fire-roasted enchilada sauce
  • 2 cups cheese grated . Monterey Jack or cheddar cheeses work best
  • sour cream for garnish
  • pickled jalapenos diced, for garnish
  • Tortilla chips for serving

Instructions

  • Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Drain most of the fat and add the onion and cook until just tender.
  • Add the garlic and cook another minute.
  • Turn off the heat.
  • Stir in the enchilada sauce.
  • Sprinkle with the cheese.
  • Cover and wait until the cheese melts, 2-3 minutes.
  • Serve topped with sour cream and diced jalalpenos, with chips for dipping.

Notes

Fritos Scoops are great for this dip too!

Nutrition

Calories: 286kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 602mg | Potassium: 216mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 547IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 178mg | 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)

Beer n’ Butter Turkey 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.

Ahhhhhh. Yummy. Tender, juicy, flavorful beer n’ butter turkey on the Char-Broil Big Easy proves again that there is no better cooker when it comes to poultry. No fussing with an oven, no messes in the kitchen. Just easy and fantastic. Every single time. The injection for this turkey is incredible. I would definitely call it my ‘go-to’ for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time I want to wow my guests with a great meal.

Beer n' Butter Turkey on the Char-Broil Big Easy

This Is One Fantastic Turkey

I wouldn’t change a thing about this beer n’ butter turkey on the Char-Broil Big Easy. This recipe needs no modifications, nothing. Make it as-is and you’ll be happy with every turkey you ever make.

Injecting A Turkey Is Easier Than You Might Think

If you’ve never injected a turkey, don’t be intimidated by the process. To ensure success, take your time, be patient and definitely use a quality injector. I use one similar to this. It is heavy-duty, made of metal. Not plastic. It has several injection needles, which is a definite must. Just load it up with the liquid and slowly inject into the turkey. And pull the needle back out SLOWLY. Or else you’ll have an injection explosion. Trust me on this. Walls, cabinets, you name it. You pull that needle out quickly and stuff is gonna fly. You’ll get the hang of it.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Better Basket , Silver
Char-Broil The Big Easy Better Basket , Silver

Also try my buttermilk-marinated turkey on the Big Easy. You’ll love my savory turkey too!.

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!

Beer n' Butter Turkey on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Print Pin
4.50 from 2 votes

Beer n’ Butter Turkey on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Ahhhhhh. Yummy. Tender, juicy, flavorful beer n’ butter turkey on the Char-Broil Big Easy proves again that there is no better cooker when it comes to poultry.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, turkey
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings 1 turkey
Calories 3923kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Place turkey on a rimmed baking sheet.
  • In a small sauce pan combine all remaining ingredients over medium heat. Stir until the salt has dissolved.
  • Working in batches, inject the mixture into the turkey. Make sure to get even coverage.
  • Transfer the turkey to your Big Easy basket and place into the hot cooker.
  • Cook for 10 minutes per pound or until the turkey reaches 165 F as measured in several locations. Cook time will depend on the size of the turkey.
  • Remove the turkey from the Big Easy and the basket and let rest 15 minutes before carving.

Notes

Always use caution removing your turkey from the cooker. The basket is hot!

Nutrition

Calories: 3923kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 569g | Fat: 153g | Saturated Fat: 42g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 1880mg | Sodium: 19116mg | Potassium: 6586mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 1886IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 622mg | Iron: 25mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Carolina Cocktail Sauce

As much as I enjoy a traditional cocktail sauce with my (darned good) deep-fried shrimp, I’ll take a twist on the classic any ole time. This Carolina cocktail sauce is fantastic, the perfect dipping sauce for my shrimp. In many ways it’s like the ‘usual’ yummy cocktail sauce. The addition of vinegar makes for a really subtle but delicious difference. This is really great stuff.

Carolina Cocktail Sauce

A Decidedly Different, Delish Sauce

I didn’t used to care for horseradish in anything, let alone cocktail sauce. But somehow I’ve come to enjoy it more and more. So much so that I actually added a bit more to this Carolina cocktail sauce than the recipe calls for. If you love it too, add more. If not, it’s going to be great with a little less. Just don’t skimp on the vinegar. That’s what makes this sauce different and very, very good.

Zatarain's Prepared Horseradish, 8.3 lb - One 8.3 Pound Container of Creamy Horseradish Sauce, Best with Sandwiches, Prime Ribs, Bloody Mary's, Oysters, Marinades and More
Zatarain’s Prepared Horseradish, 8.3 lb – One 8.3 Pound Container of Creamy Horseradish Sauce, Best with Sandwiches, Prime Ribs, Bloody Mary’s, Oysters, Marinades and More

This cocktail sauce is perfect for dipping my crispy fried shrimp.

This recipe was inspired by a recipe on The Cooking Channel.

Carolina Cocktail Sauce
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Carolina Cocktail Sauce

This Carolina cocktail sauce is fantastic, the perfect dipping sauce for my shrimp. In many ways it’s like the ‘usual’ yummy cocktail sauce, but the addition of vinegar makes for a really subtle but delicious difference. 
Course Dipping Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword cocktail, sauce
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 2.5 cups
Calories 234kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from The Cooking Channel

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Whisk together the ketchup, Worcestershire, horseradish, lemon juice and vinegar.
  • Add hot sauce to taste, stir.
  • Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 234kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1926mg | Potassium: 752mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 44g | Vitamin A: 996IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 53mg | 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)

White Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

There’s a scene in the movie Chef where the star, Jon Favreau, makes a grilled cheese sandwich. It was the perfect grilled cheese sandwich. Perfectly toasted on both sides. And it crunched, oh how it crunched, when he sliced it. I have to admit, I’m still working on my grilled cheese toasting skills. But I sure do enjoy a great grilled cheese sandwich for lunch. These white pizza grilled cheese sandwiches have a great pizza-ish herby flavor to them, with ooey-gooey melted mozzarella and a little Parmesan to boot. Very good, and a little different.

White Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

No Wimpy Bread Need Apply

I prefer to use Texas toast for my grilled sandwiches. It holds up and holds up well to just about anything you want to pile up on it. No one likes a grilled cheese that just dissolves once you get past the crust. Nope, you need a bread that will be there till the end, and for me that’s Texas toast. Oh, and I love to make smoked paprika and garlic croutons out of any leftover pieces of Texas toast I might have.

Cuisinart Panini Press, Stainless Steel Griddler, Sandwich Maker & More, 5-IN-1, GR-4NP1
Cuisinart Panini Press, Stainless Steel Griddler, Sandwich Maker & More, 5-IN-1, GR-4NP1

The Griddler is a champ at making grilled cheese sandwiches, like my muffuletta grilled cheese, grilled caramel apply cheese, grilled spinach and artichoke cheese, and pepperoni pizza grilled cheese.

White Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

White Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

These white pizza grilled cheese sandwiches have a great pizza-ish herby flavor to them, with ooey-gooey melted mozzarella and a little Parmesan to boot. Very good, and a little different.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword grilled cheese, sandwich
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 sandwiches
Calories 321kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Thrifty Frugal Mom

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Turn on your Griddler to the griddle setting and 350 F, or heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Mix the ricotta and oil together in a large bowl.
  • Stir in the garlic, basil, oregano, salt, pepper and Parmesan cheese.
  • Mix in the mozzarella cheese. The mixture will be thick. Don’t be afraid to use your hands to mix it well.
  • Lightly butter each slice of bread on one side.
  • Working in batches, place slices of bread butter-side down on the Griddler or into the skillet. Top with the cheese mixture, spreading out evenly.
  • Add the top piece of bread butter-side up.
  • Cook until the bottom bread is golden brown. Flip and cook the other side until golden brown.
  • Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Use thick bread for the best results.

Nutrition

Calories: 321kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 724mg | Potassium: 170mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 393IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 371mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

OXO Good Grips Electric Grill and Panini Press Brush, Black
OXO Good Grips Electric Grill and Panini Press Brush, Black

Slow Cooker Beans ‘n Wieners

When I was a kid beans n’ wieners were one of my favorites. Here I am many years later and well, nothing much has changed because I still love them. I still eat most of the sauce first, saving the hot dogs for last. My grown-up version is slow cooker beans ‘n wieners. Cooked for hours so that that great sauce flavors the beans and hot dogs just perfectly. A big bowl can chase away the cold weather, and quick. I call it the perfect dish after shoveling the snow off the driveway! Heck, it’s perfect without going outside. Looking out the window on a cold winter’s day is enough to make me want a big bowl!

Slow Cooker Beans 'n Wieners

A Bowl Of Tasty Memories

This recipe for slow cooker beans ‘n wieners is perfect as it is, but you can add a bit of heat if you want. Just add a small can of chopped roasted jalapenos in at the start and let that great heat get slow cooked into the rest of the ingredients. Starting with quality canned pork and beans gives you a better end result, but you can get by with your store’s generic too (I did)!

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 quick fix BBQ beans!

Slow Cooker Beans 'n Wieners
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Beans ‘n Wieners

When I was a kid bean n’ wieners were one of my favorites. Here I am many years later and well, nothing much has changed because I still love them. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword beans, crockpot, hot dogs, slow cooker
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 5 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 193kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients into a slow cooker.
  • Stir and cook on low for 6 hours, stirring occasionally.

Notes

I like to add diced jalapeno or a few good shakes of hot sauce, too.

Nutrition

Calories: 193kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 544mg | Potassium: 302mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 78IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 2mg

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

Honey Spice Fried Chicken using the Vortex

Making “fried’ chicken on my Weber charcoal grill using the Vortex insert has become a big addiction of mine. I make it often, many different ways, like this honey spice fried chicken using the Vortex. The end result tastes and feels like real fried chicken, but of course you don’t deep fry it in oil. It’s amazingly easy to make. You can change up the sauce at the end and make a new dish every time. Its really great stuff!

Honey Spice Fried Chicken using the Vortex

Crispy Sweet Deliciousness

This time I brushed the chicken with a wonderful honey spicy sauce. The skin crisped up perfectly and the sauce gave it a nice sweet and spicy kick.
Since I was using bone-in split chicken breasts when I made this honey spice fried chicken I opted to use my bigger grill, the Performer For legs or thighs or wings you can use a smaller grill (using the smaller Vortex insert and not the one for larger grills) if you wish, but for breasts you’ll need the larger space of the Performer (or the 22″ Weber Kettle).

The batter for the chicken does crisp up, so if you wish you can use skinless chicken breasts and still enjoy that wonderful crispy fried crunch.

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

I have a not-even-spicy honey fried chicken recipe too! And my buttery garlic fried chicken using the Vortex is always a hit!

Honey Spice Fried Chicken using the Vortex
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Honey Spice Fried Chicken using the Vortex

The batter for the chicken does crisp up, so if you wish you can use skinless chicken breasts and still enjoy that wonderful crispy fried crunch.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword fried chicken, Vortex
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 246kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the “Fried” Chicken

For the sauce

Instructions

For the “Fried” Chicken

  • Set up your grill for cooking with the Vortex insert. Get the coals good and lit before starting.
  • In a pie pan, beat the eggs with the water.
  • In another pie pan, combine the flour, salt, pepper and garlic powder.
  • Working in batches, dip the chicken in the egg mixture and coat well.
  • Transfer the chicken to the flour mixture and coat well. Shake off any excess flour.
  • Transfer chicken to the grill, placing along the edges with the thickest parts of the chicken towards the center where the Vortex is located.
  • Cover the grill and cook for 15 minutes.
  • Rotate the lid 90 degrees and continue cooking for 15 more minutes.
  • Rotate the lid 90 degrees and continue cooking for 15 more minutes.
  • Check for doneness in the thickest parts of the chicken. If it needs more time, rotate the lid 90 degrees and continue cooking for 15 more minutes.
  • Brush with sauce and cook another 5 minutes.

For the sauce

  • Whisk together all ingredients.

Notes

The sauce is delicious and can be used on steaks, burgers and grilled chicken.

Nutrition

Calories: 246kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 1133mg | Potassium: 152mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 180IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 26mg | 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