Chocolate with Nutella Milkshake

I love the flavor of Nutella. That great chocolatey, creamy, nutty taste is great in a milkshake. Perfect on a hot summer day. Or any day for that matter. This chocolate with Nutella milkshake is pretty much a to-taste affair. A little of this, a little of that. It’s not like you can mess it up.  Serve this in a chilled milkshake glass and share it with your Sweetie!  I topped this with whipped cream, toasted peanuts and a maraschino cherry.

Chocolate with Nutella Milkshake

Self-Control? Gone.

I love making and drinking milkshakes like this chocolate with Nutella milkshake. They remind me of my days as a kid when I could drink as many of them as I could find. I have to exercise a bit more control now, but I still enjoy them. Try my cola, maple bacon (yes, bacon), and old fashioned malted milkshakes.

For more Nutella goodness, make my Nutella pretzel brownies.

Chocolate with Nutella Milkshake
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5 from 1 vote

Chocolate with Nutella Milkshake

This chocolate with Nutella milkshake is pretty much a to-taste affair. A little of this, a little of that. It’s not like you can mess it up. 
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword chocolate, milkshake, nutella
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 313kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients up to the milk into a blender. Blend until the desired consistency is achieved, adding more milk if needed.
  • Pour into a chilled milkshake glass and top with whipped cream.

Notes

Add some toasted nuts and a maraschino cherry too!

Nutrition

Calories: 313kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 109mg | Potassium: 293mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 556IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 177mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Smoked Rosemary Nuts

Nothing is easier than smoking nuts. I use my Weber Smokey Mountain Smoker, but you can also smoke them on your gas or charcoal grill using a couple of added wood chunks. Smoking raw nuts only takes 20-25 minutes, so why not make a batch or smoked rosemary today for the big game?

Smoked Rosemary Nuts

Surprisingly Good

These smoked rosemary nuts have a fantastic light rosemary taste (and aroma). They are a wonderful variation on your ‘usual’ smoked hot nuts. I really wasn’t expecting this to be so good. I’m not really sure what I was expecting. Well, that’s not true. Half of me thought they’d not be something I would enjoy. I was wrong as heck. I loved them.

Also try my spicy smoked nuts. They have a bit more kick than these rosemary-infused nuts.

Smoked Rosemary Nuts
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5 from 1 vote

Smoked Rosemary Nuts

These smoked rosemary nuts have a fantastic light rosemary taste (and aroma). They are a wonderful variation on your ‘usual’ smoked hot nuts. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword nuts, smoked
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 1 pound
Calories 3044kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your smoker for 325 F cooking over a mild wood (I used cherry). (If you are using a Weber Smoky Mountain smoker, do not add water to the water pan).
  • Place the nuts in a medium bowl.
  • Combine the remaining ingredients in another bowl and pour over the nuts. Toss to coat completely.
  • Pour nuts into a disposable aluminum foil half sheet pan or pie pan.
  • Place onto smoker (top rack if using a Weber Smoky Mountain) and smoke for 20-25 minutes, stirring once.
  • Spread nuts out on a foil-lined baking sheet to cool and dry completely.
  • Serve.

Notes

Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 3044kcal | Carbohydrates: 127g | Protein: 79g | Fat: 268g | Saturated Fat: 53g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 2388mg | Potassium: 2755mg | Fiber: 41g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1535IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 341mg | Iron: 17mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

This spinach and artichoke dip rocks. It is thick, creamy, cheesy, and it has a little kick – all of my favorite things in one bite. I made a huge batch of this dip for a family get-together and it was well-liked by all. Ok, the kids didn’t even try it. It has green stuff in it after all. I guess I should say it was well-liked by all of the adults!

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

No Wimpy Chips Need Apply

I kept the spinach and artichoke dip warm in a fondue pot and served it with bagel chips. You can’t really serve it with potato chips. Or anything that’ll break off. It’s a thick dip. You need something that’ll stand up to that.

This dip also makes for a fantastic grilled cheese sandwich. I’ll post more on that tomorrow.

This recipe was based on a recipe from Olive Garden.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip
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4 from 1 vote

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

This spinach and artichoke dip rocks. It is thick, creamy, cheesy, and it has a little kick – all of my favorite things in one bite. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword artichokes, dip, spinach
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 122kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a medium skillet.
  • Add artichoke hearts and spinach and boil for 10 minutes or until the artichokes are tender. (You can also steam in the spinach and artichokes in a steamer). Drain well.
  • Place cheese into a large bowl.
  • Add the spinach and artichokes and remaining ingredients.
  • Stir well.

Notes

Add some of the reserved artichoke heart liquid if the mixture is too thick.

Nutrition

Calories: 122kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 268mg | Potassium: 58mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 642IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 104mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Maple Bacon Milkshake

Well, there are good milkshakes and then there are great milkshakes. And you know that a maple bacon milkshake is great. It has to be. Quality vanilla ice cream, whole milk . There’s no point in using low-fat milk in this milkshake. Real maple syrup, and of course, bacon. A few seconds in the blender and into a glass, topped with whipped cream and a little bacon garnish. Absolutely fantastic!

Maple Bacon Milkshake

Oh, So Good

I love making and drinking milkshakes. They remind me of my days as a kid when I could drink as many of them as I could find. I have to exercise a bit more control now, but I still enjoy them. This maple bacon milkshake tests my resolve in ways I never imagined.

Try my cola, chocolate with Nutella and old fashioned malted milkshakes.

Maple Bacon Milkshake
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4.50 from 2 votes

Maple Bacon Milkshake

Well, there are good milkshakes and then there are great milkshakes. And you know that a maple bacon milkshake is great. It has to be.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword bacon, maple, milkshake
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 356kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 6 slices bacon cooked
  • ¼ cup milk or more
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 pinch kosher salt
  • 8 scoops vanilla Ice cream
  • whipped cream

Instructions

  • Crumble 5 of the pieces of bacon into a blender.
  • Add the milk, syrup, salt, and ice cream.
  • Blend until smooth.
  • Pour into chilled glasses and top with whipped cream and additional bacon piece.

Notes

Also great sprinkled with a few roasted peanuts or pecans. Even walnuts!

Nutrition

Calories: 356kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 474mg | Potassium: 224mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 91IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

White Chocolate Frito Popcorn

Everything that is yummy is in this white chocolate Frito popcorn. Crunchy fresh-popped popcorn. Milk chocolate M&Ms. White chocolate. And Fritos. What more can you ask for? You get a mixture of textures and tastes from very crunchy to salty to sweet and back again. It’s about as varied as you can get in a handful!

White Chocolate Frito Popcorn

Get Even Crazier With It

Don’t have Fritos? Substitute shelled peanuts. Need more kick? Try my Sriracha-lime popcorn. Don’t want to make your own popcorn? Heck, run to the store and get a big bagged of the cheddar cheese already-popped stuff! This ingredients list for this white chocolate Frito popcorn is just a recommendation. Go crazy with it!

I pop my popcorn in a West Bend Stir Crazy 6-Quart Electric Popcorn Popper. It’s the easiest thing in the world for making a big batch of popcorn. But, alas, it’s older than dirt. There’s a new model now on Amazon.

Also try my sriracha-lime popcorn.

White Chocolate Frito Popcorn
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4 from 1 vote

White Chocolate Frito Popcorn

Everything that is yummy is in this white chocolate Frito popcorn.
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword chocolate, corn chips, popcorn
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 921kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 8 cups popcorn popped
  • 2 cups Fritos corn chips crushed
  • 1 pound white chocolate or almond bark
  • 4 handfuls M&M’s candies

Instructions

  • Tear off a large sheet of wax paper and place on a flat surface.
  • Make sure all of the popcorn kernels are fully popped. Remove any grannies (unpopped) ones.
  • Place popcorn and Fritos into a large bowl.
  • Melt the white chocolate per package instructions and pour over the popcorn mixture.
  • Stir to coat.
  • Pour mixture out onto the wax paper and spread out evenly.
  • Sprinkle with M&Ms and let cool completely before serving.

Notes

Store in an air-tight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 921kcal | Carbohydrates: 155g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 63mg | Potassium: 612mg | Fiber: 21g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 17IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 121mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Brownie Waffles

Oh my goodness. What’s not to like? Brownie waffles. Yep, a waffle made with brownie mix. I topped this yummy creation with vanilla ice cream, a bit of whipped cream, and of course, a Maraschino cherry. With a generous drizzle of chocolate sauce. These take only minutes to make yet they are a fantastic dessert that not only tastes great it looks awesome.

Brownie Waffles

Look At All Of The Flavors You Can Make!

I just glanced over at the Pillsbury website. Wow! Would you look at all of the awesome boxed brownie mix flavors! You could make a different flavor every night of the week!

Embellish And Get Happier

You can add a whole list of things to these. Roasted pecans or even peanuts would be a fantastic addition! Neapolitan ice cream would taste great and look cool (the dish could use a little color, right?). Go with caramel sauce instead of the chocolate sauce that I went with.

I use my trusty waffle maker to make this dish. There’s nothing fancy about it. It has one adjustment on it. And it’s easy to use. That’s all I need. I can’t feed a big crowd in record time with it, but it’s the perfect size for 2-4 people.

Also try my waffle iron chocolate chip cookies!

Brownie Waffles
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5 from 1 vote

Brownie Waffles

Oh my goodness. What’s not to like? Brownie waffles. Yep, a waffle made with brownie mix.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword chocolate, waffles
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 290kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 1 box brownie mix plus the ingredients it calls for to make the mix
  • 1 large egg

Instructions

  • Make the brownie mix as the box indicates, adding an additional egg.
  • Heat your waffle iron.
  • Working in batches, spray your iron with non-stick spray.
  • Add 1/4-1/2 cup (according to your waffle maker's instructions) of the batter and close the iron.
  • Cook until done.
  • Serve warm topped with your favorite toppings!

Notes

Don’t be too shy with the non-stick spray.

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 195mg | Potassium: 9mg | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 34IU | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Crab Boil Popcorn

I’m a huge fan of crab boil seasoning, and in particular, Old Bay. I use it in a lot 0f things, not just crab boils. As a steak rub. Or on popcorn! Crab boil popcorn is a great snack. It combines fresh popped popcorn, crunchy oyster crackers, and of course, Old Bay seasoning. The result is perfectly-seasoned and perfectly yummy and I ate a whole lot of it!

Crab Boil Popcorn

It’s Different. And Good.

If you don’t have oyster crackers, you can substitute goldfish crackers and keep the ‘nautical’ theme still going with this Crab Boil popcorn.

I pop my popcorn in a West Bend Stir Crazy Electric Popcorn Popper. It’s the easiest thing in the world for making a big batch of popcorn but it’s a classic and hard to find. There’s a newer model available on Amazon.

Also try my yummy red velvet popcorn.

Crab Boil Popcorn
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5 from 1 vote

Crab Boil Popcorn

Crab boil popcorn is a great snack. It combines fresh popped popcorn, crunchy oyster crackers, and of course, Old Bay seasoning. The result is perfectly-seasoned and perfectly yummy and I ate a whole lot of it!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword popcorn
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 1427kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Melt the butter and stir in the Old Bay seasoning.
  • Combine the popcorn and crackers in a large bowl.
  • Drizzle with butter mixture and stir gently to coat.

Notes

If you’re an Old Bay seasoning addict like I am you’ll want to add more of it!

Nutrition

Calories: 1427kcal | Carbohydrates: 266g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 331mg | Potassium: 958mg | Fiber: 43g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 269IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 12mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fried Poblano Strips

Ok, that’s it. I’m officially giving up fried onion rings. And fried pickles. From here on, it’s these fried poblano strips for me and nothing else. They have that nice crunch you get from panko breadcrumbs. And they have that nice little kick from the poblanos and cayenne. Not really hot, just a great spiciness.

Adobo Ribeye Steak with Fried Poblano Strips

Who Would’ve Thought?

I served these little treasures on top of a grilled ribeye steak. But of course you could eat fried poblano strips as a side or even an appetizer, served with a cool Ranch dipping sauce. The peppers have an amazing flavor. I don’t know why these aren’t available at bars and restaurants as appetizers. Fried pickles? Fried jalapenos? Yeah those are ok… but these are great!

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.

Also try my Cajun fried mushrooms and beer-battered fried mushrooms.

Adobo Ribeye Steak with Fried Poblano Strips
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5 from 1 vote

Fried Poblano Strips

Ok, that’s it. I’m officially giving up fried onion rings. And fried pickles. From here on, it’s these fried poblano strips for me and nothing else.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword deep-fried, peppers
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 1693kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Roast the poblanos under your broiler or on the grill until well charred, turning to get all sides good and roasted.
  • Remove from heat and let cool until you can handle them.
  • Remove the charred skins and seeds. Do not rinse them in water or you'll lose all the great roasted flavor.
  • Cut the peppers into rings (some of my peppers exploded, so I ended up with pepper bites instead of rings).
  • Heat oil in a deep fryer or deep pan to 350 F.
  • Arrange 3 shallow bowls or pie pans.
  • In the first place the flour and stir in a few pinches of salt.
  • In the second bowl, crack the eggs and scramble them with a fork or whisk.
  • The last bowl is for the panko and cayenne. Just stir them together.
  • Working in batches, dip the poblano rings into the flour and coat.
  • Shake off any excess flour, then dip them into the eggs. Coat well.
  • Shake off any excess egg, and dip into the panko mixture. Coat well.
  • Slowly add the poblanos to the oil.
  • Fry them until golden and crispy on the one side, 2-4 minutes, then flip and fry on the other side for about the same amount of time.
  • Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with salt.

Notes

These strips are great by themselves dipped in Ranch dressing!

Nutrition

Calories: 1693kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 168g | Saturated Fat: 134g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 254mg | Potassium: 289mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 657IU | Vitamin C: 72mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Grilled Maple Bacon Donuts

You have the grill fired up (for me that’s usually my Weber). You just finished off a great dinner consisting of burgers, grilled corn-on-the-cob, a wedge salad, and some ice cold watermelon. It’s time for dessert. It’s time for some grilled maple bacon donuts! Just toss a few glazed donuts on a hot grill for 1 or so minutes per side. Just long enough to get them warm and get some pretty grill marks. Then, top them with a little maple syrup. Just enough to get that wonderful maple flavor. And of course, you want a bit of crunchy, smoky bacon. Now you’re ready to eat!

Grilled Maple Bacon Donuts

Dessert Elevated

I used maple syrup oh my grilled maple bacon donuts, but you know these treats would be just as great with chocolate or fudge syrup and chopped toasted nuts. Or anything, really. NOTHING is as good as a grilled glazed donut. Nothing. Well, maybe you could use a bear claw. Or an eclair. Oh man, an eclair! Ok, that’s what I’m making next!

Also try my pineapple donuts.

Grilled Maple Bacon Donuts
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5 from 1 vote

Grilled Maple Bacon Donuts

Just toss a few donuts on a hot grill for 1 or so minutes per side, just long enough to get them warm and get some pretty grill marks, and you’re ready to eat!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword bacon, donuts, grilled, maple
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 46kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 4 glazed donuts
  • maple syrup the real stuff
  • 2-3 pieces bacon cooked (you have the grill going so might as well cook the bacon on the grill!), crumbled

Instructions

  • Grill the donuts for about 1 minute on each side.
  • Serve drizzled with syrup and sprinkled with the bacon.

Notes

Nutritional values do not include the donuts.

Nutrition

Calories: 46kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 73mg | Potassium: 22mg | Vitamin A: 4IU | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Buffalo ABTs

I’m not sure when this idea hit me. I was probably sleeping, dreaming away… In my dream I dreamed of Buffalo wings. A big batch of tasty, hot Buffalo wings. And then, I started dreaming of ABTs (bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapenos)… tasty, cheesy… with just a little heat. Then POW! I woke up and thought Buffalo ABTs (also known as atomic buffalo turds)!

So I made them.

Buffalo ABTs

The Perfect Kick

And they were really, really good. So good that I made Buffalo ABTs several times in one week. Jalapenos lose a lot of their heat when slow cooked for an hour or two. They still have a little bite, but are more like a poblano than a hot pepper.

Use whatever heat level of Buffalo sauce you prefer. Me, I went with hot!

The stuffing for the Buffalo ABTs is fantastic, and also makes for a great dip for celery or chips. You can also chop up the entire ABT (jalapeno and all) and use in a grilled cheese sandwich.

Also tty my Hawaiian ABTs.

Buffalo ABTs
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5 from 1 vote

Buffalo ABTs (Atomic Buffalo Turds)

These were really, really good. So good that I made Buffalo ABTs several times in one week. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Buffalo, grilled, snack, spicy
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 192kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 1 8 ounce cream cheese softened
  • 2-3 tablespoons Frank's RedHot sauce plus more for brushing
  • 3-4 tablespoons celery chopped
  • 1-2 tablespoons Blue cheese crumbled
  • 8 large jalapeños halved, seeded
  • 16 slices bacon about a pound

Instructions

  • Preheat your grill to 250 F for indirect cooking.
  • Combine the cheese, wing sauce, celery and blue cheese. Add more sauce, celery or blue cheese as desired.
  • Spoon cheese mixture into jalapeno halves.
  • Wrap each jalapeno half with a piece of bacon.
  • Brush bacon with more wing sauce.
  • Cook over indirect heat for 1 1/2 hours – 2 hours until the jalapenos have softened, the bacon is done (but not really crispy), and the cheese is nice and bubbly.

Notes

Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Nutrition

Calories: 192kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 422mg | Potassium: 132mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 189IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.