Sriracha Slaw

I love a slaw with some kick. Sure, I’ll enjoy a big ole bowl of sweet slaw too, but for my money you can’t beat a Sriracha slaw that brings a little heat.

Sriracha Slaw

Sriracha sauce is a wonderful thing. Though it is a little spicy, it’s not a burn-the-cover-off-your-tongue hot. It’s pleasant really. And it is fantastic in this slaw.

I recently discovered Blue Plate mayonnaise, which I think is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

Also try my Hard Eight coleslaw.

Sriracha Slaw
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4 from 1 vote

Sriracha Cole Slaw

I love a slaw with some kick. Sure, I’ll enjoy a big ole bowl of sweet slaw too, but for my money you can’t beat a Sriracha slaw that brings a little heat.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword cole slaw, coleslaw, spicy
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 155kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, mustard, Sriracha, sugar and celery seed.
  • Add in the slaw mix and stir well to coat.
  • Season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition

Calories: 155kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 219mg | Potassium: 147mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 92IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Italian Pasta Salad

I’ve been on a pasta and potato salad kick lately. The beauty of salads is that I can make them in the morning when it is still cool out. Then, there’s no additional work at dinner time. Perfect!

Italian Pasta Salad

Also try my roasted red pepper pasta salad.

I recently discovered Blue Plate mayonnaise, which I think is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

Italian Pasta Salad
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4 from 1 vote

Italian Pasta Salad

The beauty of salads is that I can make them in the morning when it is still cool out. Then, there’s no additional work at dinner time. Perfect!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword Italian, pasta salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 259kcal
Author Paula Deen

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook pasta per package instructions. Drain well and let cool. Transfer to a large bowl.
  • Add the tomatoes, mushrooms, olives and bell pepper to the pasta and fold to combine.
  • Whisk together the salad dressing, mayo, and sugar. Add to the pasta mixture and fold to combine.
  • Season with salt and pepper. You may have to add a bit more dressing the next morning after the salad sits in the fridge.

Nutrition

Calories: 259kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 189mg | Potassium: 293mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 229IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Tortellini Antipasto Salad

This tortellini antipasto salad is a great pasta salad. Probably because it has mozzarella and salami in it. The homemade Italian vinaigrette really kicks it up too.

Tortellini Antipasto Salad Version 2.0

This is the perfect side for a grilled burger. If you don’t want to take the time to make your our dressing, try my other antipasto salad variation.

Tortellini Antipasto Salad Version 2.0
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4 from 1 vote

Tortellini Antipasto Salad

This tortellini antipasto salad is a great pasta salad. Probably because it has mozzarella and salami in it. The homemade Italian vinaigrette really kicks it up too.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword antipasto, pasta, salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 174kcal

Ingredients

  • ½ cup Homemade Italian vinaigrette or more
  • 2 9 ounce cheese tortellini cooked, drained and rinsed
  • 1 small red onion minced
  • 8 ounces Mozzarella cheese cubed
  • 1 large green pepper chopped
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 2.25 ounce black olives sliced, drained
  • 8 ounces salami cubed

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients.
  • Let rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. Add more dressing and toss if the salad gets too dry (the pasta will absorb the dressing).

Nutrition

Calories: 174kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 661mg | Potassium: 213mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 360IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 125mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Teriyaki Wing Sauce

This teriyaki wing sauce is a great dipping sauce for chicken wings. Or toss your wings in the sauce just before serving.

Teriyaki Wings

Click here to see our teriyaki wings recipe.

Teriyaki Wings
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5 from 1 vote

Teriyaki Wing Sauce

This teriyaki wing sauce is a great dipping sauce for chicken wings. Or toss your wings in the sauce just before serving.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword Teriyaki, wings
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 78kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients except the cornstarch and water in a small sauce pan over medium high heat. Stir.
  • In a small bowl or cup, whisk together the cornstarch and water. Slowly pour into the pan, whisking as you go.
  • Bring to a simmer and continue simmering, stirring often, until thickened.

Nutrition

Calories: 78kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1625mg | Potassium: 106mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Mesa Grill Steak Sauce

Chef Bobby Flay has several Mesa Grill restaurants. We’ve not ever eaten at one, but hopefully someday we will. Fortunately, Bobby has posted some of the recipes from his restaurants. I made this Mesa Grill steak sauce the other day and I fell in love with it. I’ve had it on grilled burgers, a grilled ribeye, and some grilled bacon-wrapped pork loin (not all on the same day!). It’s my go-to steak sauce, and I didn’t used to use steak sauce at all!

This sauce really compliments the taste of the meat you serve it with. I cut way back on the horseradish, and added some hot sauce.

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5 from 1 vote

Mesa Grill Steak Sauce

This sauce really compliments the taste of the meat you serve it with. I cut way back on the horseradish, and added some hot sauce.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 350kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a small bowl except the hot sauce and salt and pepper. Whisk together well. Add hot sauce and salt and white pepper to taste.
  • Place in fridge for at least 1 hour. Let come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 84g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1704mg | Potassium: 812mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 70g | Vitamin A: 3004IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 118mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Grilled Potato Wedges

Anything off the grill is a good thing, I always say, and these grilled potato wedges are no exception. The nice thing about them is that you can toss in whatever you like. If you want some heat, use more chile flake. Like Cajun? Add some Cajun seasoning. Herbs? Use fresh rosemary or thyme.

Grilled Potato Wedges

Also try my grilled scallion sweet potatoes.

Grilled Potato Wedges
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4 from 1 vote

Grilled Potato Wedges

Easy tasty grilled taters. Great on their own without ketchup.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword grilled, potatoes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 306kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Add in two tablespoons of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are starting to soften, but still hold their shape, about 20 minutes depending on the size of the potatoes. Drain and cut into wedges.
  • Fire up a grill for direct cooking.
  • Brush the potatoes with some of the olive oil (about 1/4 cup) and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place on grill and grill until lightly charred. Flip and grill another 2-3 minutes. Remove to a bowl.
  • Heat remaining oil in a small skillet. Once hot, remove from heat and add the garlic, chili flakes, and parsley. Let set for 1 minute.
  • Pour oil over potatoes and toss gently.
  • Serve topped with freshly grated cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 306kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 383mg | Potassium: 1377mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 471IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 134mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Southwestern Chili with Corn Chips

Give me a big ole bowl (or plate) of Southwestern chili and some corn chips and I’m a happy guy. Make it spicy and I’m even happier.

Southwestern Chili with Corn Chips

Also try my spicy ground beef chili.

Southwestern Chili with Corn Chips
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4 from 1 vote

Southwestern Chili with Corn Chips

Give me a big ole bowl (or plate) of Southwestern chili and some corn chips and I’m a happy guy. Make it spicy and I’m even happier.
Course Main
Cuisine Southwestern
Keyword chili, corn chips, southwestern
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 503kcal

Ingredients

Serving suggestion

  • Corn chips
  • Green onions sliced
  • sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • Sour cream

Instructions

  • Heat a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Crumble the beef into the pot and cook until done. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate. Remove all but 1 tablespoon of the drippings.
  • Add the onion and peppers and cook until starting to soften.
  • Add the garlic and cook another minute.
  • Add the tomato paste, chili powders, oregano, paprika, cumin and pepper flakes.Stir.
  • Stir in the masa and 1/2 cup of water. The mixture will begin to thicken.
  • Add the tomatoes, corn, kidney beans and beef. Stir. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and continue simmering for at least 15 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve with desired toppings.

Nutrition

Calories: 503kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 559mg | Potassium: 1475mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 1814IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 111mg | Iron: 8mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Steakhouse Fries

These are the best baked steakhouse fries ever. The seasoning is spot-on fantastic. I could’ve eaten these all day. They are simple to make and are not deep-fried. Winner.

Steakhouse Fries

Make sure you keep the fries in the oven until they start to crisp. A soggy fry will ruin the moment every time!

Also try my fingerling homefries or my crazy-good but super-easy Texas fries.

Steakhouse Fries
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5 from 1 vote

Steakhouse Fries

These fries have fantastic flavor. Make sure you let them bake until they are done and a little crispy.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword fries
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 276kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 425 F.
  • Place the potato wedges into a large bowl. Drizzle with the oil. Toss to coat.
  • Add the remaining ingredients and again toss to coat.
  • Place potatoes on a large baking sheet. Do not stack them.
  • Bake for 45 minutes to an hour, flipping after 25 minutes. Start checking for doneness and crispness after 45 minutes.
  • Serve sprinkled with more salt and tons of ketchup.

Nutrition

Calories: 276kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 13mg | Potassium: 1036mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 17IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Mini Baked Ham and Swiss Sandwiches

These mini baked ham and Swiss sandwiches from King’s Hawaiian are absolutely insanely good. I found a great variation on the original over at The Kitchen Life of a Navy Wife, so I made them… and they up and disappeared in minutes!

Mini Baked Ham and Swiss Sandwiches

I will probably cut the butter in half next time, but let’s face it… butter makes them even better!

Keep the mini theme going with some mini corn dog muffins and mini cinnamon rolls!

Mini Baked Ham and Swiss Sandwiches
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4 from 1 vote

Mini Baked Ham Sandwiches

These mini baked ham and Swiss sandwiches from King’s Hawaiian are absolutely insanely good. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword ham, sandwich
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 432kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat oven to 350 F.
  • Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the mustard and Worcestershire. Stir.
  • Add onion and poppy seed and saute until the onion just starts to soften. Remove from heat.
  • Cut the rolls in half, horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves in tact. Just lay them out on a flat surface and run your knife through the middle, parallel to the ground.
  • Spray a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Spoon 1/3rd of the onion mixture over the bottom of the dish.
  • Add the bottom half of the rolls. Top with ham and cheese.
  • Add the bun tops.
  • Spoon remaining onion mixture over the buns.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes.
  • Use a sharp knife to separate the buns, cutting through the cheese and ham.

Nutrition

Calories: 432kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 112mg | Sodium: 808mg | Potassium: 240mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 854IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 177mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Tacos

Crunchy tacos may not be authentic, but they are our favorite. There’s something about that crunch.

Tacos

These tacos disappear fast. If you’re making them for a crowd, set up a ‘taco bar’ with several toppings available.

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.

Tacos
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3 from 1 vote

Tacos

Crunchy tacos may not be authentic, but they are our favorite. There’s something about that crunch.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword tacos
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 6 -8
Calories 807kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

For the toppings (or add your own)

  • 1 cup Southwestern sauce
  • 1 cup taco sauce
  • ¼ head iceberg lettuce shredded
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • ½ medium white onion chopped
  • 2 avocados chopped
  • 2 large tomatoes chopped

Instructions

  • Brown beef in a large skillet. Drain most of the drippings. Add the taco seasoning and combine well. Reduce heat. Add 1/4 cup of water and simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour or until tender.
  • Heat taco shells per package instructions.
  • Serve with toppings.

Nutrition

Calories: 807kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 59g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 147mg | Sodium: 587mg | Potassium: 1029mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1294IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 348mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.