Author: Mike

Smoked Blueberry Beanie Weenie

I do love a big, big batch of smoked baked beans. And I love beans and weenies. So I was intrigued when I came across this recipe for some smoked blueberry beanie weenie. My first reaction was “What? Blueberry?”. Well, you often put maple syrup in beans and on pancakes. And you put blueberry syrup on pancakes… so maybe that’s where the original idea came from? Well, whatever spurred it, I love them. They are a very pleasant change from the usual beans that you’re expecting. Don’t tell anyone that there’s blueberry syrup in these beans. Just sit back and watch the surprise on their faces as they take their first bites.

Smoked Blueberry Beanie Weenie

The Surprising Difference

Other than the addition of blueberry syrup, this smoked blueberry beanie weenie are pretty much your standard, awesome beanie weenies. It’s the syrup that’s the surprise. Since the syrup is fairly sweet I wasn’t real shy with the hot sauce. I wanted a little kick to go with the sweet.

I prefer to use fruit or nut woods when I smoke unless I want a heavier smoke flavor. Pecan, apple or cherry are my favorites. I used apple for this dish.

Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb
Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb

Even my un-smoked beans and weenies are different. Try them.

Smoked Blueberry Beanie Weenie
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5 from 1 vote

Smoked Blueberry Beanie Weenie

Don’t tell anyone that there’s blueberry syrup in these beans. Just sit back and watch the surprise on their faces as they take their first bites.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword beans, hot dogs
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 83kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your smoker for cooking at 225 F. Use a light wood such as apple, maple or peach.
  • Place the beans in a large bowl.
  • Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until just starting to crisp. Remove.
  • Add the onion and saute until softened. Remove.
  • Combine all but the hot dogs with the beans.
  • Pour the mixture into a 8″ x 13″ disposable pan and place on the smoker, uncovered, for 3 hours.
  • Stir in the hot dogs and cook another 30 minutes.
  • Serve.

Notes

You can also make a maple version using maple syrup!

Nutrition

Calories: 83kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 771mg | Potassium: 75mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 67IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg

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

Easy Crispy Fried Chicken using the Vortex

There’s definitely no wrong way to make ‘fried’ chicken on your charcoal grill using the Vortex. I absolutely love it. For a long time I’ve been making my chicken using batter made from scratch. This time I decided to try an off-the-shelf batter mix usually meant for actual deep frying in oil. The result? Absolutely delicious, crunchy, moist fried chicken with about as little fuss and mess as possible. And no oil.

Easy Crispy Fried Chicken using the Vortex

Any Store-Bought Mix Will Do

Any good fried chicken batter mix will work. It’s called easy crispy fried chicken using the Vortex for a reason. Just dip and put onto the grill. I prefer to use split bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. I recommend bone-in chicken because it will have more flavor and won’t dry out as easily as boneless.

Going Boneless?

You can use boneless chicken but you might have to adjust the cook time. When I do need boneless ‘fried’ chicken I still cook it bone-on then remove the meat from the bone when done. If you prefer to make your own batter from scratch, try my super easy Vortex fried chicken recipe. For something a bit more fru-fru, make my spicy BBQ fried chicken. You’ll quickly see why fried chicken on the Vortex is fantastic!

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 Hidden Valley Ranch fried chicken using the Vortex.

Easy Crispy Fried Chicken using the Vortex
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5 from 1 vote

Easy Crispy Fried Chicken using the Vortex

Absolutely delicious, crunchy, moist fried chicken with about as little fuss and mess as possible. And no oil.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword fried chicken, Vortex
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 332kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your charcoal grill with the Vortex insert. Get the coals good and hot.
  • In a large bowl combine 5 tablespoons of the batter mix with 1/4 cup of cold water.
  • Place the remaining batter mix in a shallow pie pan.
  • Working piece-by-piece, dredge the chicken in the wet batter mix.
  • Shake off any excess then roll the chicken in the dry batter mix.
  • Transfer chicken to the grill, placing along the edges.
  • Cover and cook for 45 minutes, rotating the lid 90 degrees every 15 minutes.
  • Check for doneness (165 F as measured in the thickest pieces of chicken), remove and serve.

Notes

I’ve found that rotating the lid isn’t very necessary, specially on smaller grills. You can experiment by not rotating and checking the chicken after 30 minutes. If the pieces are cooking evenly you can skip rotating the lid.

Nutrition

Calories: 332kcal | Protein: 29g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 116mg | Sodium: 108mg | Potassium: 291mg | Vitamin A: 216IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 17mg | 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

Southern Reuben Sandwich

For years and years and years I made my Reuben sandwiches pretty ‘normal’. Russian or Thousand Island dressing. A little (or a lot) of corned beef or pastrami. Warmed sauerkraut. And plenty of Swiss cheese. Then along came this southern take on a Reuben sandwich. I’ll never make a Reuben the ‘old’ way again. Crunchy tangy coleslaw replaces the kraut. A spicy homemade dressing replaces the stuff out of the bottle. This is nothing but good.

Southern Reuben Sandwich

A Better Reuben

I prefer pastrami on my southern Reuben sandwich. I like the extra kick of the peppery flavoring. And when it comes to pastrami, my hands-down favorite is my homemade version. Sure, I’m biased, but for good reason. I’ve never heard anything but high praise for my pastrami. I can never make enough.

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)

Also try my slow cooker chopped corned beef Reuben sandwich.

Southern Reuben Sandwich
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5 from 1 vote

Southern Reuben Sandwich

 I’ll never make a Reuben the ‘old’ way again. Crunchy tangy coleslaw replaces the kraut. A spicy homemade dressing replaces the stuff out of the bottle. This is nothing but good.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword corned beef, sandwich
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 754kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the sauce mixture

For the slaw mixture

  • ½ cup sauce mixture from above
  • 3 cups coleslaw mix

For the sandwich

  • Sauce and slaw mixtures from above
  • 8 slices rye bread
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese
  • 1 pound pastrami sliced thin

Instructions

For the sauce mixture

  • Combine all ingredients.

For the slaw mixture

  • Combine all ingredients.

For the sandwich

  • Note: If desired you can toast the sandwich in the oven in a 350 F oven for 10-15 minutes.
  • Slather one side of each slice of bread with 1 tablespoon of the sauce mixture.
  • Divide cheese, meat and slaw mixture between 4 slices of the bread.
  • Top with remaining bread and serve.

Notes

Also great made with thinly sliced corned beef.

Nutrition

Calories: 754kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 50g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 92mg | Sodium: 2095mg | Potassium: 529mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 408IU | Vitamin C: 59mg | Calcium: 220mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Cheddar Ranch Grits

As much as I love making and devouring mashed potatoes with pot roast and gravy, I love grits even more. The creamy ground corn has more texture and more flavor. At least, in my opinion. Add some cheese (and a little bit of Ranch dressing mix) and well, these cheddar Ranch grits are the perfect tasting side dish and very, very easy to make.

Cheddar Ranch Grits

Try Other Cheeses, Too

You can substitute any good melting cheese you want to these cheddar Ranch grits. I like a nice sharp cheddar because I think it goes perfectly with the corn flavors and the Ranch dressing. I think Monterey jack would also work well in this dish. For some kick, go with pepperjack and add a few chopped roasted jalapenos. Or chile peppers. You can also add drained copped pimentos.

I highly recommend that you shred or grate your own cheese at home. Don’t buy the pre-shredded or pre-grated stuff. It has stuff added to it to keep it from sticking together. That ‘stuff’ affects how the cheese melts. Shred it yourself and use the good 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

Also try my roasted sweet corn grits. I always keep grits on hand. They’re the perfect side dish for just about any meal.

Cheddar Ranch Grits
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5 from 1 vote

Cheddar Ranch Grits

As much as I love making and devouring mashed potatoes with pot roast and gravy, I love grits even more. The creamy ground corn has more texture and more flavor. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword cheese, grits
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 224kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Bring broth and salt to a boil in a medium pan over high heat.
  • Slowly stir in the grits.
  • Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, stirring often. To prevent the grits from splattering you can place a lid over the top of the pan but do not cover it completely.
  • Add the butter and stir to melt.
  • Add the cheese and Ranch dressing mix and stir until the cheese is melted.
  • Serve.

Notes

Substitute pepperjack for the cheddar for nicely kicked-up grits!

Nutrition

Calories: 224kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 1311mg | Potassium: 216mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 238IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 120mg | 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)

BBQ Chicken Pizza

Oh me how happy was I with this pizza? Darned happy, that’s how happy! All of my favorite things. Crunchy pizza crust. Moist, tender chicken, cheese, smoky BBQ sauce, and of course, some heat! BBQ chicken pizza was a big hit in our household, that’s for sure! BBQ chicken pizza is also the easiest, tastiest way to use up leftover cooked chicken. You can also make this same recipe using leftover pulled pork or smoked brisket.

BBQ Chicken Pizza

Get Smoky. Or Don’t.

I used a smoky, hickory-flavored BBQ sauce since the chicken I used was roasted and didn’t have that much smoky flavor. If I was going to use smoked pork or beef I’d use a sauce without a smoky flavor since there’s already enough of that in the meat.

If I’m reaching for a bottled BBQ sauce, I often go for Sweet Baby Ray’s.

Sweet Baby Ray's Varierty Pack, 1 Original Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Hickory and Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Sweet N Spicy Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Honey Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, 1CT
Sweet Baby Ray’s Varierty Pack, 1 Original Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Hickory and Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Sweet N Spicy Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Honey Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, 1CT

Also try my white garlic chicken pizza.

BBQ Chicken Pizza
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5 from 1 vote

BBQ Chicken Pizza

Oh me how happy was I with this pizza? Darned happy, that’s how happy! All of my favorite things.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword BBQ, chicken, pizza
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 1 pizza
Calories 1859kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 1 large pizza crust
  • ½ cup your favorite BBQ sauce use hickory-flavored sauce for the best results
  • 10 ounces chicken cooked, chopped or shredded
  • ¼ cup red onion sliced
  • â…“ cup smoked mozzarella cheese shredded
  • â…“ cup Mozzarella cheese shredded
  • roasted jalapenos chopped, or substitute sliced pickled jalapenos
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat oven per pizza crust instructions.
  • Brush some of the BBQ sauce over the pizza crust.
  • Combine chicken and BBQ sauce. Spread evenly over the crust.
  • Add onion, cheeses, and jalapenos.
  • Bake per crust instructions.
  • Garnish with chopped cilantro, slice and serve.

Notes

If you can’t find smoked mozzarella just add more regular mozzarella instead.

Nutrition

Calories: 1859kcal | Carbohydrates: 256g | Protein: 80g | Fat: 56g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 161mg | Sodium: 4134mg | Potassium: 708mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 56g | Vitamin A: 1070IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 809mg | Iron: 13mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Lodge BOLD 14 Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Pizza Pan, Design-Forward Cookware
Lodge BOLD 14 Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Pizza Pan, Design-Forward Cookware

Easy Marinated Mushrooms

These easy marinated mushrooms are some of the most addicting little bites I’ve ever made. Easy is right, too. They take no time at all to make. They are packed with flavor, a little sweet, a little heat and a bit of vinegar kick. I can guarantee that you will want to at least double the recipe because you won’t be able to stop eating them.

Easy Marinated Mushrooms

Same-Sized Mushrooms Are Best

I used a mix of white button and cremini mushrooms, but you can use any mushrooms you like. You do want to make sure you use mushrooms that are all about the same size or some will cook faster than others. You want them to all be cooked the same, not some soft and some not.

The marinade for these easy mushrooms is very good. I plan on using it for other dishes, including as a marinade for chicken.

Pompeian Gourmet Red Wine Vinegar, Perfect for Salad Dressings, Marinades & Sauces, Naturally Gluten Free, 30 Ounce
Pompeian Gourmet Red Wine Vinegar, Perfect for Salad Dressings, Marinades & Sauces, Naturally Gluten Free, 30 Ounce
Pompeian Gourmet White Wine Vinegar, Bright & Fresh Flavor, Perfect for Salad Dressings, Shellfish & Sauces, 30 FL. OZ.
Pompeian Gourmet White Wine Vinegar, Bright & Fresh Flavor, Perfect for Salad Dressings, Shellfish & Sauces, 30 FL. OZ.

Also try my garlic ricotta stuffed mushrooms and my easy marinated cheeses (delicious!).

Easy Marinated Mushrooms
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5 from 1 vote

Easy Marinated Mushrooms

These easy marinated mushrooms are some of the most addicting little bites I’ve ever made. Easy is right, too. They take no time at all to make.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword marinated, mushroom
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings 1 pound
Calories 228kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the mushrooms and cook until just tender, 3-4 minutes. Drain well.
  • Transfer mushrooms to a large bowl.
  • Add the remaining ingredients except for the parsley.
  • Toss gently to combine.
  • Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for 8 hours.
  • Serve garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

The mushrooms will keep up to 5 days but are best the first two days after they marinate.

Nutrition

Calories: 228kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 575mg | Potassium: 2259mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 991IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 169mg | 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)

Pineapple Baby Beets

I remember my mom making pineapple baby beets when I was a kid. I never ate them because I was afraid of them. Beets? Ewwwww! I could understand the pineapple. But those weird little red things that stain everything they touch? Why would you ever eat them? Well, the answer I now know is that they are GREAT!

Pineapple Baby Beets

Fresh Is Great, But Not Required

You can use fresh beets if you wish when you make these pineapple baby beets. Just cook them first, and let them cool for a bit before quartering and adding into the mix. You can also use fresh pineapple. Just chop it fairly small and add it in along with any accumulated juices. Either way, pineapple baby beets are delicious!

You can use fresh pineapple if you desire. Just core it and chop really well. Try to get some of the juice too.

Pineapple Pitter,Pineapple Seed Remover Olives Pitter Tool, Pineapple Corer Pitter Tool with Space-Saving Lock Design,Multi-Function Fruit Pit Remover for Making Pineapple Jam (Stainless Steel)
Pineapple Pitter,Pineapple Seed Remover Olives Pitter Tool, Pineapple Corer Pitter Tool with Space-Saving Lock Design,Multi-Function Fruit Pit Remover for Making Pineapple Jam (Stainless Steel)

Also try my spiralized roasted pickled beets.

Pineapple Baby Beets
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5 from 1 vote

Pineapple Baby Beets

I remember my mom making pineapple baby beets when I was a kid. I never ate them because I was afraid of them. But now I LOVE them!
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword beets, pineapple
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 61kcal
Author Mom

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine the brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Stir in the pineapple tidbits with the syrup.
  • Stir constantly until thickened.
  • Add the butter, lemon juice, and beets.
  • Heat thoroughly, about 5 minutes, and serve.

Notes

Refrigerate any leftovers. Warm before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 61kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 245mg | Potassium: 112mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 75IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1.4mg

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)

Turtle Graham Bars

When people that have sworn off sweets and treats come back for thirds and fourths, you know you have a winner sweet snack on your hands. My wife and I made a big ole batch of turtle Graham bars for her co-workers. They disappeared in no time. And I can understand why because I was having serious control issues around them. Lightly bitter dark chocolate flavor (a favorite of mine), crunchy pecans and creamy buttery brown sugar, all over tasty Graham crackers. The sea salt topping is the crowning touch. Every bite is fantastic.

Turtle Graham Bars

Beware The Lava!

Be careful with the butter and brown sugar mixture when it comes time to pour it over the crackers. It’s hot sticky stuff that can burn if you splatter it onto yourself. Also, you want the turtle Graham bars to sit in the fridge long enough for the chocolate to set up really well. That way they can be broken up easily.

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

Also try my Snicker’s cheesecake bars and my Ting-A-Lings.

Turtle Graham Bars
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5 from 1 vote

Turtle Graham Bars

Lightly bitter dark chocolate flavor (a favorite of mine), crunchy pecans and creamy buttery brown sugar, all over tasty Graham crackers. The sea salt topping is the crowning touch. Every bite is fantastic.
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword chocolate, pretzels
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 415kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Line a large baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Cover with a single layer of Graham crackers.
  • Put butter, brown sugar, pecans and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and continue boiling for 2-3 minutes, stirring often.
  • Pour butter mixture over crackers. Bake for 15 minutes.
  • Melt chocolate per manufacturer’s instructions in a microwave or in a double boiler. Pour over crackers, then sprinkle with more salt.
  • Refrigerate for 30 minutes, cut or break into bars, and serve.

Notes

Store any leftovers in an air-tight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 415kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 87mg | Potassium: 242mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 478IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 111mg | 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)

BBQ Deviled Eggs

I’m always on the lookout for recipes that call for leftover pulled pork. I smoke a lot of pork, always making more than I need because I love it on more than just sandwiches. And boy oh boy, these BBQ deviled eggs are ‘da bomb’. They aren’t just hard boiled eggs topped with BBQ sauce-laden pork. Oh no. They bring it with a little vinegar kick, a little smoke and a little heat. Each bite is truly fantastic.

BBQ Deviled Eggs

A Great BBQ Appetizer

You can make BBQ deviled eggs using any leftover smoked meat, be it pork, chicken or beef. Make sure you chop or shred it small. You don’t want the meat to drown out the other flavors.

I absolutely stink (best word I could think of) when it comes to making boiled eggs. Hard or soft, doesn’t matter. I am egg challenged. So I picked up a little cheap egg cooker like the one below. This lil baby cranks out 6 eggs in about 15 minutes and they’re perfect each and every time! I don’t even feel bad any more that I just cannot make boiled eggs!

DASH Electric Rapid Egg Cooker for Hard Boiled/Poached/Scrambled Eggs or Omelets with Auto Shut-Off Feature, Black, 7 Egg Capacity
DASH Electric Rapid Egg Cooker for Hard Boiled/Poached/Scrambled Eggs or Omelets with Auto Shut-Off Feature, Black, 7 Egg Capacity

Normally I would pipe the mixture onto the tops of the boiled eggs but this mixture was a bit too thick to do that so I just spooned it on top. No harm in that. People aren’t going to spend a lot of time looking at these BBQ deviled eggs. They won’t last long enough for long stares.

Also try my jalapeno poppper and no-boil deviled eggs.

BBQ Deviled Eggs
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5 from 1 vote

BBQ Deviled Eggs

These aren’t just hard boiled eggs topped with BBQ sauce-laden pork. Oh no. They bring it with a little vinegar kick, a little smoke and a little heat. Each bite is truly fantastic.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword deviled, eggs
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 12 halves
Calories 72kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Peel the eggs and cut in half.
  • Remove the egg yolks to a bowl along with the mayonnaise, oil, hot sauce, vinegar, liquid smoke, salt and pepper.
  • Spoon the mixture into the egg halves. Alternatively you can pipe the mixture onto the eggs, but you might need to add a bit more mayo and or oil to thin it enough to do so.
  • Combine the pork and BBQ sauce and spoon over the tops of the eggs.
  • Sprinkle a few chopped dill pickle pieces over each egg.
  • Dust the eggs liberally with smoked paprika and serve.

Notes

You can also serve these cold.

Nutrition

Calories: 72kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 124mg | Potassium: 42mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 153IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 18mg | 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 McDonald’s Hamburger

Just because I don’t eat fast food doesn’t mean I can’t make it at home. The last time I had an original McDonald’s hamburger, I believe Star Wars was just out in the movie theaters. Yep it’s been a while. But you know, this copycat McDonald’s Hamburger really brought back memories. It tastes just like I remember the original burger to be. Now mine might be a tad larger, but then, so am I. The key to this burger is the seasoning. Make a batch and keep it on hand for any burger, not just this McDonald’s burger.

Copycat McDonald's Hamburger

Ya Gotta Have The Fries, Too!

To make the burger feel even more like the original McDonald’s burger I served it with a copycat of McDonald’s French fries. The fries definitely make you think you just pulled out of the drive-thru at your local McDonald’s, opened the bag, and grabbed and ate a handful of hot fries. Admit it, when they’re hot and crunchy, they’re good. Really good. And a great pairing with this copycat McDonald’s hamburger. Top them all with a copycat of Heinz’s ketchup and you’re set for some good eats!

Weber Original Burger Press, Black
Weber Original Burger Press, Black

Feeling nostalgic? Try my copycat of the Arch Deluxe burger too!

Copycat McDonald's Hamburger
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5 from 1 vote

Copycat McDonald’s Hamburger

This copycat McDonald’s Hamburger really brought back memories. It takes just like I remember the original burger to be. Now mine might be a tad larger, but then, so am I. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword burgers, copycat
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 10 servings
Calories 259kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the burgers

For the seasoning (makes more than you’ll need)

Instructions

  • Divide the beef into 10 equally-sized balls. Form into thin patties 4″ in diameter and 1/4″ thick. Place onto wax paper and freeze for 1 hour.
  • Meanwhile, place the dried minced onions into a small resealable container. Add enough water to cover by 1″. Seal and refrigerate until time to make the hamburgers.
  • When ready to make the burgers, fire up a grill or heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Working in batches, season the patties liberally on both sides and cook until done.
  • Toast buns.
  • Assemble burgers by placing cooked patties on bun bottoms. Add a squirt each of ketchup and mustard, along with a slice of dill pickle and a teaspoon of the re-hydrated onions.
  • Add the top bun and serve.

For the seasoning

  • Combine all ingredients.

Notes

Just like the original, these hamburgers will be very thin which can be a bit challenging to make and cook. Don’t be afraid to double the size of the patties.

Nutrition

Calories: 259kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 4393mg | Potassium: 346mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 285IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 154mg | Iron: 3mg

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)