Author: Mike

Slow Cooker Chicken Stock

I’m a big huge fan of making chicken stock at home. It’s the idea of not wasting anything, from keeping vegetable trimmings to freezing chicken parts and pieces that never quite made it into a dish. If I had a bigger freezer I’d probably make a lot more stock because I’d have more room to keep the items (that would normally be discarded) to make stock. Wing tips are something that I always end up with a lot of because I cook a lot of chicken wings. Wing tips are perfect for making slow cooker chicken stock not only because of their size but because they pack a ton of chicken flavor into a small space.

Slow Cooker Chicken Stock

Save Those Vegetable Trimmings Now For Great Stock Later

Although the recipe calls for carrots, celery and onion, that doesn’t mean you have to use nice, pretty vegetables. Next time you have the end of a carrot leftover, throw it into a bag or container in the freezer, along with any bits of celery or onion you come across. This recipe isn’t about using perfect looking ingredients, it’s about using up ones you might normally toss into the trash or onto the compost pile.

Leave Out The Salt

I don’t add salt to my stock while I’m cooking it. You never know where you might end up using your stock, so you don’t know if you’ll need salt or not. And you sure can’t take it out once you’ve added it!

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 stovetop chicken stock.

Slow Cooker Chicken Stock
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5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Chicken Stock

Although the recipe calls for carrots, celery and onion, that doesn’t mean you have to use nice, pretty vegetables.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, crockpot, slow cooker
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 5 minutes
Servings 10 cups
Calories 214kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from A Southern Soul

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place all but the water into your slow cooker.
  • Add enough water to fill the cooker to about 1/2" below the top.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
  • Turn off cooker, remove lid and let cool for 30 minutes.
  • Strain liquid into container for later use.

Notes

The stock can be frozen for later use.

Nutrition

Calories: 214kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 88mg | Potassium: 288mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 3245IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg

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

Nuclear 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 made a big ole batch of crazy-hot chicken wings the other day. I used Alliger’s Nuclear Chicken wing sauce. Heck yeah they were spicy. But it got me to thinking… I love chicken cooked on my Char-Broil Big Easy. I bet that using the wing sauce as a marinade for chicken would turn out fantastic. And I was right. It did.

Nuclear Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Spicy Tender Deliciousness

Nuclear chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy is everything you imagine. As with any poultry cooked on the Big Easy, the chicken is juicy and tender. The wing sauce adds a fantastic kick to the chicken. I honestly didn’t find it too hot at all. Now you get the heat, don’t get me wrong. But I found it quite pleasant and best of all, it had great flavor. I see no point in adding spiciness if you don’t still get great flavor. Alliger’s Nuclear wing sauce does that and then some.

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

Also try my Big Easy spicy roasted chicken legs.

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!

Nuclear Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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4 from 1 vote

Nuclear Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Nuclear chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy is everything you imagine. As with any poultry cooked on the Big Easy, the chicken is juicy and tender. The wing sauce adds a fantastic kick to the chicken
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
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the chicken into a resealable bag or container.
  • Add wing sauce 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 whichever 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

Mini Deep Dish Pizzas

It’s impossible to make too many of these mini deep dish pizzas. They’re perfect for the big game or any get-together. They’re easy to make, and with a little imagination, you can make a variety of them to please anyone. We decided to go the simple route and just top these pizzas with cheese and mini pepperonis. We both thought they were fantastic.

Mini Deep Dish Pizzas

Nice ‘N Crunchy Crusts

Make sure you leave the mini deep dish pizzas in the oven long enough. You want them to get a bit of a crunchy crust. They’ll also get a bit more crunchy after you take them out of the oven and cool a bit.

This is my go-to cheese shredder and grater. It does an amazing job and is very easy to clean!

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 homemade pizza rolls.

Mini Deep Dish Pizzas
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Mini Deep Dish Pizzas

It’s impossible to make too many of these mini deep dish pizzas. They’re perfect for the big game or any get-together. They’re easy to make, and with a little imagination, you can make a variety of them to please anyone. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Main
Keyword pizza
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings 32 mini-pizzas
Calories 43kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Damn Delicious

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 F.
  • Spray a muffin pan with non-stick spray.
  • Working in batches, cut the tortillas into 2″ circles using a circular cookie cutter.
  • Press the tortillas into the bottom of the muffin tins.
  • Top with a little pizza sauce, the cheeses, pepperonis and seasonings.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
  • Let cool slightly before removing and serving.

Notes

If you can’t find mini pepperoni slices, just cut regular slices into 1/4ths or chop.

Nutrition

Calories: 43kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 152mg | Potassium: 44mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 57IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 31mg | 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 Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Boy, talk about something that flew off the table so fast that I was starting to wonder if we’d been robbed. We all thought that these copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuits were even better than the restaurant favorite. They aren’t quite as crumbly, which was a bonus. They held up to dunking in pot roast gravy, and that’s saying something. Granted, you probably can’t find pot roast gravy at Red Lobster so it’s not really an issue at the restaurant!

Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Mighty Delicious!

I admit that when I made these copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuits that I used a bit more parsley than the recipe below calls for. The biscuits are a little sweet (I’m not saying that in a bad way). The parsley gave a nice little herby contrast to that. Next time I might try cutting back on the parsley, but increase the cayenne. I do like a little heat! At that point they’re no longer a copycat, but they’re still mighty darned good!

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

These biscuits are great for soppin’ up the broth from my NOLA smoked shrimp.

Also try my copycat of Red Lobster’s tartar sauce. It’s really yummy!

Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
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5 from 1 vote

Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

 We all thought that this copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuits was even better than the restaurant favorite. They aren’t quite as crumbly.
Course Bread
Cuisine American
Keyword biscuits, cheddar, copycat, Red Lobster
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 213kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the topping

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ tablespoon fresh parsley minced

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 475 F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silpat.
  • In a large bowl,whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, garlic powder and cayenne. Fold in the cheddar cheese.
  • In a separate bowl stir together the buttermilk and melted butter until the butter forms clumps.
  • Pour the buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture and mix gently with a spatula just until a dough forms and there are no dry ingredients remaining.
  • Lightly spray a 1/4 cup measuring cup with non-stick spray. Scoop out 1/4 cup of dough at a time and place on the prepared baking sheet, 1″ apart.
  • Bake 12-15 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown.
  • Remove from oven and brush with melted butter parsley mixture.

Notes

Store any leftover biscuits in the fridge. Warm at 350 F for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 213kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 308mg | Potassium: 66mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 453IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 117mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial ... Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)
The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial … Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)

Cheerios Nuggets

As simple as they are, these Cheerios nuggets are downright addicting. I could not stop ‘sampling’ them as I packaged them up as a gift for our neighbors. I admit that a good number of them didn’t quite find their way into the bag. Nicely sweet, definitely crunchy, and slightly salty thanks to roasted peanuts, these make for a great treat for a crowd.

Cheerios Nuggets

Great As They Are. But Change Can Be Good.

I may change up the recipe for Cheerios nuggets just a tad next time. I really liked the contrast of the salty peanuts against the sweetness of the cereal and the caramel sauce. Perhaps I’ll add more nuts next time, and mix it up a bit. Perhaps some roasted pecans, even almonds, would be nice too.

Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Roasted and Salted Peanuts, 44 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Amazon Brand – Happy Belly Roasted and Salted Peanuts, 44 Ounce (Pack of 1)

Also try my pizza pretzel nuggets.

Cheerios Nuggets
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4 from 2 votes

Cheerios Nuggets

As simple as they are, these Cheerios nuggets are downright addicting. I could not stop ‘sampling’ them as I packaged them up as a gift for our neighbors.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Cheerios
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cooling time 40 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 337kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 250 F.
  • Grease two 9×13 pans.
  • Also grease a large heat-proof bowl. Add the Cheerios and peanuts to the bowl and mix.
  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat add the brown sugar, butter, corn syrup and salt. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to bubble around the edges, and then cook another 2 minutes.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the baking soda. The mixture will turn blonde in color and will be light and fluffy. Use a spatula to combine and coat the cereal mixture.
  • Divide the mixture between the two pans and spread out evenly.
  • Bake for 15 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool 15 minutes.
  • Break the cereal into bite-sized pieces and let cool completely, another 30 minutes.
  • Serve.

Notes

You can substitute pecans or cashews for the peanuts.

Nutrition

Calories: 337kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 385mg | Potassium: 283mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 583IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 85mg | 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)

Yard Bird Wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Yard Bird wings are always my go-to way of cooking wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy. And believe me, I cook (and yes, eat) a lot of chicken wings. You can’t find an easier way to make a tasty quick lunch or appetizer. Wings are like a canvas. You can paint them with whatever flavors you want, from easy bottled to fru-fru homemade.

Yard Bird Wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Great Wings Every Time

Keep in mind that you aren’t deep-frying wings. They don’t have a batter, and you’ll use very, very little oil. What you do get are just a tad crunchy, perfectly cooked, moist, tasty wings that you will not be able to stop eating. Yard Bird wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy are the way to go. They cook the same amount of time, every time with no fuss and no mess.

Oh, that reminds me. If you are using a refrigerated wing sauce, set it out on the counter when you start cooking the wings. You want the sauce to come to room temperature (or close to it) first. You do not want to douse hot wings with a cold sauce.

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

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

Yard Bird Wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Yard Bird Wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Yard Bird wings are always my go-to way of cooking wings.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, wings
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 1 serving
Calories 640kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the wings in a bowl. Add just a splash of oil and toss to coat.
  • Sprinkle the wings with seasoning and toss to coat. Let rest 30 minutes.
  • Fire up your Big Easy. Once it's hot, add the wings to the Big Easy. Cook for 30-40 minutes or until done.

Notes

Remove and toss with your favorite sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 640kcal | Protein: 53g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 222mg | Sodium: 211mg | Potassium: 450mg | Vitamin A: 424IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Salisbury Meatballs

Once I let the idea of Salisbury steak get into my head, it wasn’t going to go away. I was jonesin’ bad for that mix of beef and pork and my favorite, the brown gravy. But I wasn’t going to make ‘steak’, I was going to make meatballs. And boy, oh boy, did I ever make Salisbury meatballs.

Salisbury Meatballs

Crazy Delicious Meatballs

‘Tender, flavor-packed meatballs smothered in a fantastic sauce’. That’s pretty much all you have to tell me. No more convincing is required. If I read that on a menu, I’d order it. With plenty of mashed potatoes and extra gravy, too. These Salisbury meatballs were absolutely fantastic.

You never know what gadgets you might come across these days. Did you know you can buy a tool for making a big batch of meatballs all at once? Why didn’t I think of that!

Meatball Master
Meatball Master

Also try my Salisbury steak.

Salisbury Meatballs
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Salisbury Meatballs

‘Tender, flavor-packed meatballs smothered in a fantastic sauce’. That’s pretty much all you have to tell me. No more convincing is required.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword meatballs, Salisbury
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 48 meatballs
Calories 77kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the meatballs

For the gravy

Instructions

For the meatballs

  • Combine all but the vegetable oil and mix well.
  • Form into meatballs.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Working in batches, add the meatballs and brown on each side and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and cook the remaining meatballs.
  • Use the skillet you use to cook the meatballs to make the gravy.

For the gravy

  • Add the butter to the skillet and melt.
  • Add the onion and saute until soft, about 5 minutes.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the broth, cornstarch, Worcestershire and ketchup. Add to the skillet with the onions.
  • Reduce heat to a simmer and stir. Continue stirring until the gravy is the desired thickness.

Serving

  • Serve meatballs over mashed potatoes with plenty of gravy, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Also great on French bread served as sandwiches!

Nutrition

Calories: 77kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 121mg | Potassium: 94mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 74IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Pizza Rolls using the Vortex

I make a lot of chicken on my Vortex. Wings and ‘fried’ chicken are my favorites. And sometimes there’s a bit of space left around the grill. That’s when Totino’s pizza rolls make an appearance. Nothing fru-fru, nothing complicated. But, oh so tasty. Pizza rolls using the Vortex gives them an extra-special crunchiness that you just can’t get in the oven.

Pizza Rolls using the Vortex

The Perfect Treats

Pizza rolls using the Vortex don’t take as long as chicken to cook, so you can either put them on later if you want them with your chicken. Or start them at the same time so you have a little treat to much on while the chicken is finishing. If you are sharing space on the grill with raw chicken make sure that the rolls and chicken don’t touch. I like to put them on opposite sides of the grill.

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 like to serve my pizza rolls with a bit of warmed pizza sauce for dipping.

Also try chicken fingers on the Vortex.

Pizza Rolls using the Vortex
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Pizza Rolls using the Vortex

I make a lot of chicken on my Vortex. Wings and ‘fried’ chicken are my favorites. And sometimes there’s a bit of space left around the grill. That’s when Totino’s pizza rolls make an appearance.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword pizza rolls, Vortex
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 4kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the pizza rolls around a lit, hot Vortex (around 500 F).
  • Close the lid and heat for 20 minutes. Flip after 10 minutes.
  • Serve with warmed sauce for dipping, if desired.

Notes

Nutritional values do not include the pizza rolls.

Nutrition

Calories: 4kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 80mg | Potassium: 51mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 66IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 2mg | 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

Kickin’ Fried Shrimp

Where have I been that I have not been sprinkling my fried shrimp with Old Bay seasoning? Now I can’t stop doing it, and I have no intention of stopping either. These kickin’ fried shrimp are really great. But, they’re amazing with that just a bit more Old Bay at the end. I couldn’t get enough of these. What wonderful coating and flavor!

Kickin' Fried Shrimp

The Perfect Coating

The coating on these kickin’ fried shrimp is perfect. It’s a tad crunchy. It’s crazy delicious. And it sticks to the shrimp. Man, there’s nothing worse than picking up a piece of fried shrimp only to have the batter fall off. That’s a recipe for sadness right there.

I used medium shrimp for this dish. You could use large shrimp instead if you want to serve them more as a main dish. Or you could use smaller for an appetizer.

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

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

Also try my Bayou fried shrimp.

Kickin' Fried Shrimp
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Kickin’ Fried Shrimp

Where have I been that I have not been sprinkling my fried shrimp with Old Bay seasoning? Now I can’t stop doing it, and I have no intention of stopping either. These kickin’ fried shrimp are really great.
Course Appetizer or Main
Cuisine American
Keyword deep-fried, shrimp, spicy
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 341kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Melissa’s Southern Style Kitchen

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat 3-4" of oil to 350 F in a Dutch oven or deep fryer.
  • Place shrimp in a large bowl and season with 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay.
  • Toss to coat.
  • In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, cornmeal, remaining Old Bay, garlic powder, onion powder and cumin.
  • In a shallow bowl or pie plate whisk together the eggs and buttermilk.
  • Add shrimp to the flour mixture and coat well. Shake off excess.
  • Dip shrimp in the egg mixture. Shake off excess.
  • Return shrimp to the flour mixture and coat well. Shake off excess.
  • Working in batches, fry the shrimp 3-4 minutes or until golden brown, turning once.
  • Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  • If desired, sprinkle a bit more Old Bay over the shrimp before serving.

Notes

Serve with cocktail sauce, for dunkin’!

Nutrition

Calories: 341kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 337mg | Sodium: 948mg | Potassium: 249mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 146IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 233mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Ranch Sourdough Pretzel Bites

You can sit down and eat pretzel bites out of the bag and think, “Hey, these are pretty good”. Or with just a few more ingredients, you can sit down with a bowl of these Ranch sourdough pretzel bites and know that you’ve just had something truly incredible. Each bite has a hint of butter. A hint of herby Ranch dressing, and a really awesome citrusy pepper flavor that’s just barely there, but oh does it make a difference.

Ranch Sourdough Pretzel Bites

Popcorn Oil Adds Great Flavor

I often make appetizers like these Ranch sourdough pretzel bites using just oil, or melted butter. I recently came across the idea of using popcorn oil, which of course combines both oil and butter. The flavor is more fantastic, and it doesn’t get any easier than just measuring the oil out of a bottle. I’ll definitely make all my snacks this way from here on.

I couldn’t find my lemon pepper seasoning (I am reminded that someday, maybe, I’ll arrange the spices in my pantry in alphabetical or at least some sensible order). I substituted lime pepper seasoning I have to say it was fantastic. The citrus flavor in either case isn’t going to scream out at it, it just adds that special something.

Hidden Valley Original Ranch Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix, Gluten Free, Keto-Friendly - 4 Packets (Package May Vary)
Hidden Valley Original Ranch Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix, Gluten Free, Keto-Friendly – 4 Packets (Package May Vary)

Looking for something else to munch on during the big game? Make a batch of my baseball opening day cashews. They won’t last long!

Also check out my balsamic, pizza,and spicy garlic Ranch, deluxe cheddar, soft pretzel and Buffalo Ranch sourdough pretzel bites! They are all out of this world good too!

Ranch Sourdough Pretzel Bites
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Ranch Sourdough Pretzel Bites

Sit down with a bowl of these Ranch sourdough pretzel bites and know that you’ve just had something truly incredible. Each bite has a hint of butter. A hint of herby Ranch dressing, and a really awesome citrusy pepper flavor that’s just barely there, but oh does it make a difference.
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword pretzel bites, Ranch
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 1 pound
Calories 85kcal
Author Based on a recipe from A Turtle’s Life For Me

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 200 F.
  • Place pretzel bites in large bowl.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the oil, Ranch dressing mix, lemon pepper, garlic powder and dill weed.
  • Pour the oil mixture over the pretzels and toss to coat well.
  • Pour pretzels bites out onto a large baking pan and spread out evenly.
  • Bake for 1 hour, tossing every 20 minutes.
  • Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Store any leftovers in an air-tight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 85kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 1702mg | Potassium: 109mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 76IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | 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)