Category: Appetizers, Desserts & Snacks

Pineapple Donuts

Wow. My mind was telling me “Hey, look! A donut!”. But my taste buds were telling me “Those aren’t donuts! Those look really different and cool!”. Pineapple donuts! Woo hoo!

Pineapple rings coated in a simple batter that cooks up golden brown delicious (GBD), reminiscent of ‘normal’ donuts, are fantastic. Drizzled with maple syrup and sprinkled with confectioners sugar, they are sweet with a crazy pineapple twist.

Pineapple Donuts

The Perfect Dessert

These little slices of heaven make for an outstandingly good dessert.

I bought this really cool pineapple corer from Amazon the other day that I’ve been just waiting to use so I picked up a pineapple on sale, got the corer out of the box, and in about a minute I had perfect fresh pineapple rings for these pineapple donuts.

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)

The corer can also be used to make a pineapple ‘bowl’, great for serving things like fried rice and grilled shrimp with pineapple. It’s a fun little gadget.

Also try my glazed baked mini-donuts.

Pineapple Donuts
Print Pin
4 from 2 votes

Pineapple Donuts

My mind was telling me that I was about to devour donuts. But my taste buds told me that, hey, these aren't donuts!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword deep-fried, pineapple
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 143kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat 2 inches of oil in a Dutch oven or deep fryer to 365 F.
  • Whisk together the Bisquick, egg and milk.
  • Dip pineapple rings into the batter and coat completely.
  • Fry the rings until golden brown, turning once.
  • Serve immediately sprinkled with powdered sugar and drizzled with maple syrup.

Notes

A little whipped cream on top is great too!

Nutrition

Calories: 143kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 275mg | Potassium: 140mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 100IU | Vitamin C: 5.4mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 0.8mg

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

Tater Tot Potato Skins

My wife declared these as “the only way we will cook tater tots from now on”. And I am in total agreement with her too. Just like potato skins they have a crunchy side and a soft side and taste, well, potato-y. They are topped with our favorite potato skin toppings, cheese, green onion and sour cream. These tater tot potato skins can be served as appetizers at your next party. Or serve them as a side at your next grill-out. Make sure you make lots of them, though, because they are crazy addicting.

Tater Tot Potato Skins

A Few Notes

You can actually skip the thawing of the tater tots and squash the tots after they have been in the oven for 10 minutes. I found this works fine, but not quite as well as when you fully thaw the tater tots first. They don’t squash out quite as flat, but they still get super duper crispy crunchy, which is the goal.

Squirty Sour Cream

I spoon sour cream into a squirt bottle to top these tater tot potato skins nice and evenly. You can of course spoon the sour cream directly on top, but I usually end up with a little too much in one spot and not enough in another. The squirt bottle solves that problem.

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 tater tot nachos.

Tater Tot Potato Skins
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Tater Tot Potato Skins

We declared these as “the only way we will cook tater tots from now on”.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword potato skins, tater tots
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 16 servings
Calories 162kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Genius Kitchen

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds tater tots thawed completely
  • 1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 4 green onions sliced
  • 8 slices bacon cooked, crumbled

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Spray two large baking sheets with non-stick spray (I found that a Silpat mat works best)
  • Use the back of a large spoon to flatten the tots. Don’t press too hard if they don’t flatten immediately.
  • Place into the oven for 10 minutes. Check if any of the tots need a bit more flattening.
  • Continue baking for another 10 minutes or until the tots are turning golden brown.
  • Sprinkle with cheese and continue baking until crispy.
  • Remove from the oven.
  • Transfer to a platter and drizzle with the sour cream and sprinkle with the green onions and bacon.

Notes

Best served immediately. You don’t want the toppings to make the tots soggy.

Nutrition

Calories: 162kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 361mg | Potassium: 196mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 149IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 69mg | 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)

Cauliflower Popcorn

I loved the flavor of this cauliflower popcorn, made using a Nesco Snackmaster Pro dehydrator. The cumin and chili powder add a nice southwestern, earthly flavor. The nutritional yeast (which I’d never used before) made me think of cheddar cheese flavoring. I was pleasantly surprised by it.

Cauliflower Popcorn

Eat ‘Em Quick For The Best Crunch

Now, let’s talk ‘popcorn’. That makes you think crunchy, and if you eat this cauliflower raw that’s just what you’ll get. You can also pop (sorry) them into a dehydrator for 12 or so hours. Right out of the dehydrator they have a nice crunch to them, but I found that that crunch doesn’t last. The seems get a bit soft…. and not popcorn-y. But the flavor was still great!

I’m looking forward to other ways to use nutritional yeast. For us, I’d recommend this cauliflower popcorn, but honestly I’d enjoy them more raw and save the dehydrator time. That’s up to you. I’m a big texture guy, and for me, the texture of the raw cauliflower was better.

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

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

Also try crispy green beans from the Nesco Snackmaster Pro.

Cauliflower Popcorn
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Cauliflower Popcorn

I loved the flavor of this cauliflower ‘popcorn’. The cumin and chili powder add a nice southwestern, earthly flavor. The nutritional yeast (which I’d never used before) made me think of cheddar cheese flavoring. I was pleasantly surprised by it.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword cauliflower, popcorn
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 5 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 26kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Sweet Freedom

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the cauliflower into a large bowl.
  • Add the olive oil, yeast, cumin, chili powder and salt and toss to coat.
  • Serve raw, or if desired, place into a dehydrator and dry for 12 hours.

Notes

For best results, serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 26kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 46mg | Potassium: 249mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 159IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Glazed Baked Mini-Donuts

Every few weeks my wife and I like to make something new and fun for her to take into work to share with her co-workers. This time we definitely tried something new for us, making glazed baked mini-donuts. They turned out to be incredibly easy to make. We glazed some with a vanilla glaze and some with a chocolate glaze. Some got covered in sprinkles. Some didn’t. They were great and everyone enjoyed them!

Glazed Baked Mini-Donuts

So Much Fun To Make! And Eat!

We actually ended up make three dozen glazed baked mini-donuts because making three is actually just as easy as making one. Both glazes are simple to make. You can’t mess around once you start glazing the donuts, though. As soon as the glaze is ready start dipping those donuts! If you wait too long the glaze will set up and you’ll get nothing but donut sadness.

I used the 12-cavity mini donut pan made by Wilton.

Wilton Mini Donut Baking Pan, 12-Cavity
Wilton Mini Donut Baking Pan, 12-Cavity

Also try my pineapple donuts.

Glazed Baked Mini-Donuts
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Glazed Baked Mini-Donuts

These glazed baked mini-donuts turned out to be incredibly easy to make. We glazed some with a vanilla glaze and some with a chocolate glaze. 
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword baked, donuts
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 1 dozen
Calories 1870kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the baked mini-donuts

For the vanilla glaze (makes enough for 12 mini-donuts)

For the chocolate glaze (makes enough for 12 mini-donuts)

Instructions

For the baked mini-donuts

  • Preheat oven to 425 F.
  • Spray the donut pan with non-stick spray.
  • In large bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and nutmeg.
  • Stir in the buttermilk, egg and butter until just combined. The dough will be slightly sticky and thick.
  • Place a slightly heaping tablespoon of dough into each donut cavity.
  • Spread it out evenly with your finger to fill the circle.
  • Bake 6-7 minutes or until donut tops are spongy.
  • Cool in pan for 3 minutes then transfer to cooling racks.
  • Apply glaze only after donuts have cooled completely.

For the vanilla glaze (makes enough for 12 mini-donuts)

  • Place all ingredients into a small shallow bowl and whisk until smooth.
  • Dip cooled donut bottoms (the smooth side) into the glaze and transfer to a cooling rack to set.

For the chocolate glaze (makes enough for 12 mini-donuts)

  • Place all ingredients into the top of a double-boiler over low heat with 1″ of water in the bottom pan.
  • Stir and melt completely. The mix should look shiny. If not, add a bit more corn syrup and stir.
  • Dip cooled donut bottoms (the smooth side) into the glaze and transfer to a cooling rack to set.

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 1870kcal | Carbohydrates: 289g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 67g | Saturated Fat: 38g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 241mg | Sodium: 1243mg | Potassium: 860mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 182g | Vitamin A: 1166IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 472mg | Iron: 8mg

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)

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno-Stuffed Olives

I’ve found the replacement for eating popcorn while watching a movie. No more of that. Grilled bacon-wrapped jalapeno-stuffed olives are much, much better. Yeah, there’s definitely a spicy kick to them. And a little smokiness from the bacon. A bit salty. Just give me a bowl of these little bites and a little cool ranch or blue cheese dressing (gotta cool off!) and I’m happy!

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno-Stuffed Olives

Really Great With Any Stuffed Olives

You don’t have to go the spicy route when you make grilled bacon-wrapped jalapeno-stuffed olives if you don’t want to. Any stuffed olives will work just fine for this recipe. Try Gouda-stuffed olives, they’re fantastic too! Just make sure you get big olives, big enough to wrap the bacon around. Those lil ole pimento-stuffed olives that are barely bigger than peanuts just won’t do. And since you’ve got the grill going, might as well add a few bacon-wrapped meatballs!

I recommend that you use a grill basket when making this dish. It makes cooking easier and you don’t have to worry about anything falling through the grates. And cleanup is easier too!

Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket
Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket

Also try my grilled bacon and cheese stuffed mushrooms.

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno-Stuffed Olives
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno-Stuffed Olives

I’ve found the replacement for eating popcorn while watching a movie. No more of that. Grilled bacon-wrapped jalapeno-stuffed olives are much, much better. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword grilled, olives
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 15 bites
Calories 36kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 15 jalapeno-stuffed green olives
  • 5 slices bacon thin-sliced, cut into thirds
  • Your favorite seasoning
  • Ranch dressing or blue cheese, for serving

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill for indirect cooking.
  • Wrap each olive in a piece of bacon. I didn’t need a toothpick to secure the bacon, but you might.
  • Sprinkle your rub out on a plate and roll the bacon-wrapped olives in it to coat.
  • Grill 20-30 minutes or until the bacon is cooked.
  • Serve hot.

Notes

Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Nutrition

Calories: 36kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 111mg | Potassium: 16mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 18IU | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush
Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush

Watermelon Pickles

Watermelon pickles are something I’ve wanted to make for a long time. I’ve heard people talk about them. I always figured there had to be something I could do with the rinds leftover from my watermelons. Watermelon pickles are just like regular ole cucumber pickles but with a great twist. They’re good and crunchy. All those years of seeing these and I wait this long to finally make them. What was I thinking?

Watermelon Pickles

Sweet Heat

This particular recipe makes watermelon pickles that are sweet at the start and spicy at the end. You could eat them right out of the jar or even put them on hot dogs or hamburgers for something totally different.

I’m contemplating chopping a few of these watermelon pickles and making a relish or even watermelon pico de gallo. I think it’d come out delicious. The flavor balance is perfect, not overly sweet or spicy. The pickling spice is strong, which I like a lot, but if you’re not such a fan of the cloves in it you might want to use slightly less or remove some of them before adding to the brine.

32 OZ Wide Mouth Mason Jars, Glass Jars with Silver Metal Airtight Lids, Perfect for Meal Prep, Food Storage, Canning, Drinking, Preserving, Favors, Decorating Jars (6 pack)…
32 OZ Wide Mouth Mason Jars, Glass Jars with Silver Metal Airtight Lids, Perfect for Meal Prep, Food Storage, Canning, Drinking, Preserving, Favors, Decorating Jars (6 pack)…

Love pickles but in a hurry? Try my quick fix spicy pickles. For a delicious easy pickled salad, try my refrigerator cucumber salad.

Watermelon Pickles
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Watermelon Pickles

Watermelon pickles are just like regular ole cucumber pickles. They’re good and crunchy.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword pickles, watermelon
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 day
Total Time 1 day 30 minutes
Servings 2 pints
Calories 532kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Cooking with Quenta

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Blanch the watermelon rind by bringing 4 cups of water and 3 tablespoons of salt to a boil in a pot over high heat. Stir until the salt dissolves.
  • Add the watermelon rind. Reduce heat to a simmer and continue simmering until just starting to turn tender (you want them to still be a bit crispy), about 5 minutes.
  • Skim off any fat and drain. Transfer to a large bowl.
  • Make the brine by bringing the remaining 1 cup of water, 1 teaspoon salt, vinegar, sugar, pickling spice, and red pepper (if using) to a boil in saucepan. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
  • Pour the brine over the watermelon rind.
  • Cover with a plate to keep the rind submerged and let cool to room temperature.
  • Transfer to glass jars, cover and refrigerate overnight before serving.
  • The pickles will keep in the fridge for up to 3 months.
  • Combine and store: Pour the hot brine over the rind. Use a small plate or a Ziplock bag partially filled with water (I use the Ziplock bag) to hold the rind under the brine. Let cool to room temperature. Transfer the rind and brine into clean glass jars (I use Mason jars), cover and chill before serving.

Notes

Keep refrigerated – they’ll keep several months.

Nutrition

Calories: 532kcal | Carbohydrates: 129g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 10512mg | Potassium: 538mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 119g | Vitamin A: 1762IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 99mg | 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)

Quick Fix Spicy Pickles

These quick fix spicy pickles absolutely hit the spot. I love dill pickles, and I love a little spiciness so it was easy to love these pickles. They aren’t overly sweet and they aren’t overly spicy. Though you can certainly make them spicier (or less) if you want. I found them to be just right. They are perfect for sharing with the neighbors without having worry that they’d be too hot for them.

Quick Fix Spicy Pickles

Save That Pickle Juice!

Whatever you do, do not discard the brine from the jarred pickles when you make a batch of quick fix spicy pickles. Save it for making Nashville hot chicken or for use as a brine for chicken wings. I always save my pickle juice. I also cut off the ends of the pickles. Since that left me with a bowl of pickle pieces, I decided to make a quick and easy pickle relish.

Vlasic Original Dill Whole Pickles, Keto Friendly, 46 FL OZ
Vlasic Original Dill Whole Pickles, Keto Friendly, 46 FL OZ

If you have watermelon rinds on hand, make a batch of my watermelon pickles. They’re crazy good too! My quick pickled jalapeno rings are also great.

Quick Fix Spicy Pickles
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Quick Fix Spicy Pickles

These quick fix spicy pickles absolutely hit the spot. I love dill pickles, and I love a little spiciness so it was easy to love these pickles. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword pickles, spicy
Prep Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 days
Total Time 3 days 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings 16
Calories 196kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Cooking on the Ranch

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Drain the juice from the pickles, reserving it for other uses (as a brine for Nashville hot chicken or wings!).
  • Slice the pickles into 3/8″ pieces and transfer to a large bowl.
  • Add the remaining ingredients and stir.
  • Let the pickles set on the counter top for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • Store pickles along with the accumulated sauce in jars for 3 days before consuming.

Notes

Best served chilled.

Nutrition

Calories: 196kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 38mg | Potassium: 14mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 50g | Vitamin A: 76IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 2mg | 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)

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
Print Pin
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)

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
Print Pin
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)