Muddy Buddies

Boy, oh, boy, I’m not sure how to even describe these little tasty treats. Sure, they’re chocolatey, and peanut buttery, and crunchy, and sweet. The first time you bite into one of these muddy buddies your eyes will get big and you’ll grin from ear to ear. Caution: You’ll want to eat these with someone else in the room to help you stop or they’ll all disappear. My wife took a batch of these to work and they were gobbled up very quickly.

Muddy Buddies

The Snack You Can’t Stop Eating

I’ve never had chocolate Chex before. They’re mighty good! And even better when coated in chocolate and peanut butter! These muddy buddies ROCK! They are easily one of the tastiest, most addicting treats I’ve had or made!

Also try my sweetheart buddies!

Muddy Buddies
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5 from 1 vote

Muddy Buddies

Boy, oh, boy, I’m not sure how to even describe these little tasty treats. They’re chocolatey, and peanut buttery, and crunchy, and sweet. 
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword Chex mix, chocolate
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 9 cups
Calories 284kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place cereal in a large resealable bowl.
  • Melt and combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter in a double boiler. You can also microwave them, in 30 second intervals, stirring often. I prefer a double boiler, I just find it easier to melt everything without over doing it.
  • Pour melted mixture over the cereal and fold gently to coat the cereal.
  • Sprinkle the cereal with the sugar.
  • Seal the bowl and gently shake and roll the bowl around to coat all of the cereal.
  • Place a large piece of wax paper on your countertop.
  • Pour the cereal onto the paper, spreading it out evenly.
  • Let cereal cool completely before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in the fridge but use within a few days.

Nutrition

Calories: 284kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 76mg | Potassium: 217mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 23IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Old-Fashioned Malted Milkshake

How long had it been since I’d had a real, old-fashioned malted milkshake? Years and years, for sure. What in the world was I waiting for? (And no, milkshakes aren’t just for summer!)

This old-fashioned shake took only minutes to make. I savored it as long as I possibly could. Although I drank (ate?) mostly milkshakes as a kid, malteds are soooo much better. Its like eating a handful of Whopper’s while enjoying a cool shake at the same time.

Old-Fashioned Malted Milkshake

Sippin’ Down Memory Lane

I love making and drinking milkshakes like this old-fashioned malted 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, chocolate with Nutella, and maple bacon (yes, bacon) milkshakes.

Old-Fashioned Malted Milkshake
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5 from 1 vote

Old-Fashioned Malted Milkshake

This old-fashioned shake took only minutes to make. I savored it as long as I possibly could. 
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword milkshake
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 1
Calories 64kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 3 scoops ice cream
  • â…“ cup whole milk more or less
  • 2 tablespoons malted milk powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons extract or syrups, to taste (see note)
  • Real whipped cream and cherries for garnish

Instructions

  • Chill a large soda glass while making the shake.
  • Let ice cream soften slightly.
  • Put the ingredients into a blender. Puree until smooth. Add more milk if the mixture is too thick. If it gets too thin, add a bit more ice cream.
  • Serve in the chilled tall glass, topped with whipped cream and cherries.

Notes

Depending on what flavor ice cream you’re using, add vanilla extract, cherry extract, etc. For chocolate you can just add a few squirts of chocolate syrup. If you don’t have any extract or syrup on hand, don’t worry. The shakes will still turn out great!

Nutrition

Calories: 64kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 46mg | Potassium: 123mg | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 140IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 97mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Grilled Ravioli

Well, I’ll be darned if these grilled ravioli weren’t just yummy! They are the perfect party snacks. Just put the ravioli on a hot grill (I used my Weber) for a few minutes. Warm your favorite sauce or sauces. Marinara and pizza sauces are our favorites. But you can use something like an alfredo sauce too. For a party, serve them with several different sauces and watch them disappear!

Grilled Ravioli

Great Crunch. Great Flavor.

The ravioli get a nice crunch on the edges, giving you a great ‘handle’ for holding on to. Like I mentioned, they’re great for a party or that big Super Bowl get-together. But, beware. It’s easy to burn them. So keep an eye on them on after you put them on the grill. If it’s your first time making them I suggest you start by grilling just one or two. You can then get a feel for how long they take to cook on your grill. After that you can tackle cooking a bigger batch all at once. Just don’t walk away and leave them un-attended for very long.

Also try my deep-fried ravioli.

Grilled Ravioli
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4 from 1 vote

Grilled Ravioli

Well, I’ll be darned if these grilled ravioli weren’t just yummy! They are the perfect party snacks. Just put the ravioli on a hot grill for a few minutes and serve with a warmed dipping sauce, such as marinara.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat your grill.
  • Place ravioli into a resealable baggie.
  • Add just enough oil to coat the pasta and salt and pepper.
  • Seal the bag and toss to coat.
  • Place ravioli onto the grill and grill 5-8 minutes flipping once. If this is your first time grilling ravioli, don’t be afraid to do a test piece first. I did. And I ate it.
  • Serve with a warmed dipping sauce.

Notes

We used a roasted tomato sauce that was perfect for dipping these ravioli. Ranch is great too!

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cheddar Ranch Pork Rind Puffs

If you follow this blog at all you know that I’m a big fan of putting Kernel Season’s on just about every snack I make. So, when I ran across this idea for making cheddar ranch pork rind puffs, I was all over it. Be careful, these crunchy bites are highly addictive. They’re almost like eating giant Cheetos, but with a little pork rind flavor and crunch. If you need more kick (heat), add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flake to the spice mixture before adding the pork rinds.

Cheddar Ranch Pork Rind Puffs

Just What Pork Rinds Needed

I can eat an amazing number of cheddar ranch pork rind puffs. They’re rather addicting. For me, and maybe it’s just me, pork rinds need a little ‘help’ to make them good.

Also try my Cheddar Ranch Fritos. They’re equally as addicting.

Cheddar Ranch Pork Rind Puffs
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5 from 1 vote

Cheddar Ranch Pork Rind Puffs

When I ran across this idea for making cheddar ranch pork rind puffs, I was all over it. Be careful, these crunchy bites are highly addicting. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword cheddar, pork rinds, Ranch
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 132kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Combine cheddar seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder and salt in a re-sealable container (or baggie) that is large enough to hold the pork rinds.
  • Add rinds to the seasoning. Seal and gently shake to coat well.
  • Spread the rinds out onto a baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes.

Notes

For best results, use plain pork rinds.

Nutrition

Calories: 132kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 435mg | Potassium: 13mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 12IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

French Dip Crescents

I had a little meat and au jus left over from the French dip sandwiches I made the other day. I figured I’d try something new and make them into French dip crescents. They came out tasting just like French dip sandwiches, with a lighter and fluffier exterior. Quite tasty and moist, and fun for dipping. These little yummies make for fun appetizers.

French Dip Crescents

These are the perfect size to serve as appetizers for the big game. Just make sure you have a few paper towels on hand. The sandwiches are a tad messy after you dip them. After they are quite messy.

Also try my French dip sandwiches.

French Dip Crescents
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5 from 1 vote

French Dip Crescents

French dip crescents taste just like French dip sandwiches, with a lighter and fluffier exterior. Quite tasty and moist, and fun for dipping. These little yummies make for fun appetizers
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword French dip
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 264kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Warm the meat and au jus over medium heat.
  • Divide the crescent rolls into 8 large triangles.
  • Add 1/2 slice of cheese to dough and top with 2 tablespoons of meat.
  • Roll up and seal the dough.
  • Transfer to a baking sheet and cook 15 minutes or until the dough is golden brown.
  • Serve with the au jus for dipping.

Notes

Also great made using those tiny smoked sausages instead of the leftover French dip meat.

Nutrition

Calories: 264kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 582mg | Potassium: 26mg | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 167IU | Calcium: 144mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Sweet-and-Spicy Appetizer Meatballs

We have long enjoyed our favorite appetizer meatball recipe, but this version of sweet-and-spicy appetizer meatballs from Johnsonville takes the idea to a new level.

Johnsonville recently came out with a line of meatballs. They are soooooo much better than the usual pre-made meatballs you can pick up in your grocer’s freezer section. This is our first time using them, but I can definitely see us cooking with them more! I also substitute my fantastic homemade meatballs. If I have any. They seem to disappear awfully quick around here.

Sweet-and-Spicy Appetizer Meatballs

A Bit Different

I think the elements that really make these meatballs stand out are the great meatballs, of course, and also the Kalamata olives. They really add a great richness to the sauce. These sweet-and-spicy appetizer meatballs are perfect for game-time munching!

For something a bit spicier, give your guests some fire-eater chicken meatballs. Also try my meatball sliders. They make great appetizers too.

Sweet-and-Spicy Appetizer Meatballs
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5 from 1 vote

Sweet-and-Spicy Appetizer Meatballs

I think the elements that really make these meatballs stand out are the great meatballs, of course, and also the Kalamata olives. They really add a great richness to the sauce. These are perfect for game-time munching!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword meatballs, spicy, sweet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 265kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add in the olives, onion and garlic. Cook for 3 minutes or until the onion starts to soften.
  • Add all of the remaining ingredients except for the cheese. Stir. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer.
  • Add in the cheese and stir to melt.
  • Continue simmering for 30 minutes or until the meatballs are completely warmed through.

Notes

Keep warm for serving. I put them in a small crockpot set to low.

Nutrition

Calories: 265kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 63mg | Sodium: 301mg | Potassium: 404mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 214IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Creamy Bacon Cheese Dip

I made a big batch of this creamy bacon cheese dip for a family get-together. It disappeared fast. It’s highly addictive. I mean, really what’s not to like about it. Tons and tons of cheese. And lots and lots of bacon. And a bit of onion for contrast. Heck, this is not only a great dip, it’s a great topping for a baked potato!

Creamy Bacon Cheese Dip

Make Extra, You’ll Need It!

You can’t go wrong with something that has bacon in it. And cheese. Make a double batch of this creamy bacon cheese dip. It’s great for dipping but it also makes a great topping for hamburgers too! And baked potatoes will never be the same after you put a few good dollops of it on top.

Also try my hot country ham dip.

This recipe is based on a recipe from You Made That?

Creamy Bacon Cheese Dip
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4 from 1 vote

Creamy Bacon Cheese Dip

You can’t go wrong with something that has bacon in it. And cheese. Make a double batch of this creamy bacon cheese dip and keep some on hand for topping just about anything
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword bacon, cheese, dip
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 24
Calories 110kcal

Ingredients

  • 8 slices bacon
  • 2 16 ounce sour cream
  • 2 8 ounce cream cheese softened
  • 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 2 cups green onions chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Cook the bacon until crispy. Drain well and chop into small pieces.
  • Spray a 9″ x 9″ glass baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Combine all ingredients and pour into the dish, spreading out evenly.
  • Bake for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
  • Serve with crackers or chips (Frito’s Scoops are great with this dip!).

Notes

Also great made with pepper jack cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 110kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 167mg | Potassium: 56mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 276IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 142mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Refried Bean Dip

I’m up for anything with a Southwestern angle to it, and this refried bean dip has just that. Now, I served this up as a dip, but honestly… I could just as easily serve it as a refried bean side dish too. The beans get really, really tasty and tender after a few hours of slow cooking. There’s lots of great yummy cheeses. It’s creamy. And oh, yes, there’s a bit of a kick. But it’s not crazy hot.

Refried Bean Dip

Cholula, My Hot Sauce Of Choice

I use my favorite hot sauce, Cholula, when making this refried bean dip. It adds great flavor and that nice little kick. I’d serve these beans with a bottle of Cholula nearby. You never know when someone might want their beans to be a little spicier.

Never skimp when buying refried beans. The extra few cents a can makes a big difference in this refried bean dip. Or better yet, make your own refried beans using dried pinto beans!

For another delicious party dish made in a slow cooker, try our party shrimp.

Refried Bean Dip
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4 from 1 vote

Refried Bean Dip

I’m up for anything with a Southwestern angle to it, and this refried bean dip has just that. Now, I served this up as a dip, but honestly… I could just as easily serve it as a refried bean side dish too. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Southwestern
Keyword beans, dip, refried
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 1722kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a large pot, Dutch oven, or crockpot.
  • Cover and heat over low heat for at least 2 hours, stirring on occasion.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 1722kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 77g | Fat: 137g | Saturated Fat: 82g | Cholesterol: 402mg | Sodium: 9632mg | Potassium: 1087mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 7202IU | Vitamin C: 181mg | Calcium: 2070mg | Iron: 8mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Baked Sliders

Everyone loves sliders. Normally, I grill them, but this approach, which bakes them, is great in a pinch. And it is a fantastic way to make a huge batch of sliders in a short amount of time. These baked sliders are perfect for a football game party.

Baked Sliders

More Sliders, More Better

Just put out a ‘slider bar’. All the favorite burger toppings. You know the ones. Ketchup, mayo, mustard, pickles. Don’t forget a little iceberg lettuce. Oh, sheesh! I almost forgot the cheese! Don’t forget the cheese! Baked sliders are just like their grownup big-sized burgers, just a bit more fun to eat.

Also try my Big Mac slider hoagies.

Baked Sliders
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5 from 1 vote

Baked Sliders

Everyone loves sliders. Normally, I grill them, but this approach, which bakes them, is great in a pinch. And it is a fantastic way to make a huge batch of sliders in a short amount of time. These baked sliders are perfect for a football game party.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword baked, burgers, sliders
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 649kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Sprinkle the bottom of a 8″ x 8″ baking dish with minced onion.
  • Add beef, pushing down with your palm to spread the meat out evenly, all the way to edges of the pan.
  • Sprinkle with your favorite seasoning. Don’t be shy with it.
  • Bake for 20 minutes.
  • Add cheese and bake another 2 minutes.
  • Let cool slightly then cut into 12 squares.
  • Serve over buns topped with pickle, ketchup and mustard.

Notes

These are also great served with smoky BBQ sauce!

Nutrition

Calories: 649kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 678mg | Potassium: 411mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 297IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 237mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Chipotle Honey Roasted Peanuts

For some reason I’ve been hankering for a bowl of roasted peanuts. They’re perfect to have on hand when watching TV or a movie on Netflix. I prefer snacks with a little kick. These chipotle honey roasted peanuts hit the spot. You get a little smokiness from the chipotle And there’s a little heat from the chili powder. Followed by a little sweetness from the honey.

Chipotle Honey Roasted Peanuts

Shelling Nuts Is Good Therapy

I bought a few big bags of unshelled, raw peanuts for making these chipotle honey roasted peanuts. My wife and I sit out on the deck in the evening and shell them. A pound-and-a-half bag of raw in-shell nuts produces about a pound of shelled nuts.

Let ‘Em Cool A Bit

When you first take these nuts out of the oven they won’t quite be crispy. Let them cool completely before serving and they will crisp up just fine.

Also try my southern spicy roasted peanuts and my honey barbecue roasted nuts.

Chipotle Honey Roasted Peanuts
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5 from 1 vote

Chipotle Honey Roasted Peanuts

These chipotle honey roasted peanuts hit the spot. You get a little smokiness from the chipotle, a little heat from the chili powder, and a little sweetness from the honey.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword honey, peanuts, roasted, spicy
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 1 pound
Calories 1796kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325 F.
  • Lightly spray a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Combine the sugar, chipotle chile powder, chili powder, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
  • Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add the honey and salt and stir. Bring to a bubble, making sure the salt is dissolved and the honey is melted.
  • Add the nuts and stir well to coat.
  • Pour nut mixture into the baking dish and spread out evenly.
  • Bake for 25-35 minutes or until the nuts are golden brown, stopping to stir the mixture every 10 minutes.
  • Remove nuts to a large metal bowl. Sprinkle with the sugar mixture and stir.
  • Let nuts cool, stirring occasionally. Serve cooled.

Notes

Great made using cashews, almonds or pecans too!

Nutrition

Calories: 1796kcal | Carbohydrates: 479g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 2435mg | Potassium: 377mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 475g | Vitamin A: 1087IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.