The Chicago Dog

Whenever I go out for a gourmet dog at DJ’s Hot Dog Company (sadly now closed), I always grab the Chicago Dog. I love the crunchy vegetables, celery salt, and of course, the neon pickle relish. Now, thanks to Russell van Kraayenburg’s new book, Haute Dogs, I am able to make an equally fantastic version of this classic hot dog (and many others) at home. If you’re into hot dogs like I am, you’ll enjoy the many recipes in the book.

The Chicago Dog

It’s Like Having A Tasty Dog Salad

Make sure you make more than one of these Chicago dogs because you can’t just eat one. I always think ‘fresh’ when I have one of these dogs. There’s lots going on in every bite. Fresh things. I feel good about eating a hot dog. Kinda odd, but that’s how it is. They just make me happy!

Also try my trailer park dog.

The Chicago Dog
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4 from 1 vote

The Chicago Dog

Make sure you make more than one of these Chicago dogs because you can’t just eat one.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 1
Calories 546kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook dogs and warm buns as desired.
  • To make the neon relish, put a few drops of food coloring into the relish and stir.
  • Place dogs in buns and top with relish, onion, and mustard.
  • Add tomato, peppers and pickle.
  • Sprinkle liberally with celery salt and serve.

Notes

Cut a long narrow slit in your dogs before cooking to give the toppings a great place to go!

Nutrition

Calories: 546kcal | Carbohydrates: 80g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 2848mg | Potassium: 622mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1099IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 235mg | Iron: 7mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Hot Grinder Sandwich

I make a lot of sandwiches. I try to mix up the ingredients to keep them from getting “old”. From the bread to the meats, to the cheeses and condiments. I ran across this great approach for a hot grinder sandwich on the Pork Be Inspired site. I had to make it. It’s now my go-to way of preparing a sandwich. You can make it the “classic” way, on a loaf of French or Italian bread, but it also comes out great on ciabatta or any other good bread.

Hot Grinder Sandwich

Customized For Your Tastes

This hot grinder sandwich is great with any meat or cheese. The key is the sautéed green bell pepper and the spiced oil. The crunch of the pepper really makes a difference.

Also try my one of my other favorite sandwiches, a stuffed deli sandwich.

Hot Grinder Sandwich
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5 from 1 vote

Hot Grinder Sandwich

This sandwich is great with any meat or cheese. The key is the sauteed green bell pepper and the spiced oil. The crunchy of the pepper really makes a difference.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword sandwich, submarine
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 563kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat oven to 350 F.
  • Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat;
  • Add the green bell pepper and sauté until just starting to turn tender, about 4 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the dried onion, oregano, and red pepper, if desired.
  • Add ham and tomato to bottom half of the bread.
  • Add pepper rings, and drizzle with the remaining oil from the skillet.
  • Add cheese and top half of bread.
  • Wrap loaf in foil and place in oven for 15 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese is melted.
  • Serve.

Notes

Add a few dill pickle slices too!

Nutrition

Calories: 563kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 1425mg | Potassium: 480mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 709IU | Vitamin C: 38mg | Calcium: 266mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Blackened Chicken Alfredo

This blackened chicken Alfredo is one of our favorite dishes. The contrast between the heat of the blackening seasoning and the creamy cheese sauce is fantastic. It takes almost no time at all to make. Use fresh pasta for the best tasting blackened chicken Alfredo.

Blackened Chicken Alfredo

Here Comes The Smoke!

Oh, and you’ll want to crack open a few windows when you make the blackened chicken on the stovetop. Blackening requires very high heat (cast iron skillets work best!) and generates a lot of smoke. It’s worth it but can set off the smoke detectors. Oh, and crank up the exhaust fan above your stove top, too. Every little bit helps.

Also try my delicious paprika chicken with sour cream gravy and my fiery Cajun shrimp Alfredo.

Blackened Chicken Alfredo
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5 from 1 vote

Skillet Blackened Chicken Alfredo

This blackened chicken Alfredo is one of our favorite dishes. The contrast between the heat of the blackening seasoning and the creamy cheese sauce is fantastic. It takes almost no time at all to make. Use fresh pasta for the best tasting blackened chicken Alfredo.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, pasta, skillet
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 929kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken breasts boneless, skinless, butterflied
  • ¾ cup blackened seasoning
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • ¾ cup Mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 12 ounces pasta fresh (not dried), fettuccine, angel hair or linguine
  • parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Heat a large cast iron skillet over high heat.
  • Spread blackening seasoning out on a plate. Coat the chicken on both sides. Place chicken into the skillet and blacken on both sides. Remove skillet from stovetop and place in the oven for about 10 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165 F. Remove.
  • Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic, cream, white pepper. Bring to a simmer, stirring often.
  • Add the Parmesan cheese and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
  • Add Mozzarella cheese and stir until smooth.
  • Cook the noodles for 3 minutes or until done and drain.
  • Cut chicken into strips and serve over pasta with sauce.
  • Garnish with parsley.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan and shredded Mozzarella for best results.

Nutrition

Calories: 929kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 61g | Fat: 72g | Saturated Fat: 43g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 370mg | Sodium: 12905mg | Potassium: 1245mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2862IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 361mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fried BBQ Bologna Sandwiches

Who doesn’t love a bologna sandwich? Well, this takes the old classic to a whole new level. You’ll find it hard to believe that you’re eating bologna. You’ll think that you’re at a fru-fru fancy dining place. Crispy, fried sandwich meat with spicy BBQ sauce served on a bun with creamy tangy slaw. You need fried BBQ bologna sandwiches right now! And actually, I do too!

Fried BBQ Bologna Sandwiches

These Are Not Boring Sandwiches

These fried BBQ bologna sandwiches are so good that we made them twice this week already. Although I grew up eating my share of bologna sandwiches (on white bread with mayo and maybe a squirt or two of yellow mustard), I never had fried bologna until I moved to the mid-west. Dang, all those years missing out on such awesomeness! I probably wouldn’t put slaw on my sandwiches as a kid, though. In fact, I wouldn’t have anything to do with slaw in my younger years. Now, it’s a totally different story. I love slaw. I can’t get enough of it as a side, on sandwiches, or wherever!

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

Also try my Pool Room Bologna burgers. They’re crazy good too.

Fried BBQ Bologna Sandwiches
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5 from 1 vote

Fried BBQ Bologna Sandwiches

This takes the old classic to a whole new level. You’ll find it hard to believe that you’re eating bologna. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword bologna, sandwich
Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 439kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Brush all sides of the bologna with the BBQ sauce and sprinkle with the rub.
  • Place in a large resealable container for 4 hours.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Working in batches, remove bologna from container and shake off any excess sauce.
  • Fry in oil until browned on both sides.
  • Remove to a plate.
  • Toast buns if desired.
  • Top bun bottoms with fried bologna, followed by slaw and bun tops.

Notes

Use spicy BBQ sauce for a nice kicked-up sandwich!

Nutrition

Calories: 439kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 1021mg | Potassium: 319mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 71IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 146mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat Panda Express SweetFire Chicken

This copycat Panda Express SweetFire chicken dish is the best take on the classic sweet-n-sour chicken I’ve ever had. The flavors are just spot on, from the sweetness of the pineapple to the kick from red pepper flakes, to the crunch of onions and crispy chicken. The sauce is amazing, too. I’d make this again. And again.

Copycat Panda Express SweetFire Chicken

Worth A Mess

I confess that I made a big ole mess in the kitchen when I made this copycat Panda Express SweetFire chicken. Apparently, I was cornstarch-dredging challenged that night, because I had cornstarch all over the place. It was well worth it, though. This dish is definitely worth any kind of mess you might make, too.

It might seem like there’s a lot of ingredients in this recipe. There are a few, for sure. But it’s actually pretty easy to make. The end result is the best reward you could ask for.

Also try my Firecracker chicken and my spicy orange chicken.

Copycat Panda Express SweetFire Chicken
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5 from 1 vote

Copycat Panda Express SweetFire Chicken

This copycat Panda Express SweetFire chicken dish is the best take on the classic sweet-n-sour chicken I’ve ever had. The flavors are just spot on, from the sweetness of the pineapple to the kick from red pepper flakes, to the crunch of onions and crispy chicken.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, copycat, spicy, sweet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 261kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place chicken pieces in a large resealable baggie or container and add the flour along with salt and pepper to taste. Seal and shake to coat.
  • Place beaten eggs in a shallow bowl.
  • Place 1 cup of the cornstarch into another shallow bowl.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet or wok.
  • Working in batches, remove chicken pieces from the baggie and shake off the excess flour.
  • Dip into egg and coat, shaking off excess.
  • Next, dip into cornstarch and coat, shaking off the excess.
  • Fry until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate. Finish cooking remaining chicken.
  • Combine the 4 tablespoons of water and remaining 3 tablespoons of cornstarch in a cup or glass.
  • In a small pan, combine the red pepper flakes, garlic, sugar, and vinegar. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat. Whisk in the cornstarch mixture and keep warm.
  • Add a little more oil to the skillet or wok and add the bell pepper and onion and cook for 3 minutes.
  • Add the pineapple and cook another minute.
  • Add the sauce mixture in and stir.
  • Add the cooked chicken and gently stir to coat and combine.
  • Serve over rice or noodles, if desired, and garnished with green onions.

Notes

You can substitute chicken tenderloins for the breasts.

Nutrition

Calories: 261kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 90mg | Potassium: 296mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 646IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Muffuletta Sandwich

I so love the flavors of a muffuletta sandwich. Great meats, great cheese, and Italian olive salad. Warmed just slightly until the bread is soft and the cheese is ooey-gooey. I could eat muffulettas all day long. Which brings me to my gripe. Why doesn’t every single sandwich shop sell muffulettas? I mean, seriously, it’s the best sandwich there is. Oh sure, you can get your roasted turkey with avocado, and maybe a ham on rye, but really… Just jump to the chase and enjoy the best sandwich ever devised. The muffuletta.

Muffuletta Sandwich

Well Worth The Time

I used my homemade Italian olive salad in this muffuletta sandwich. It takes a day to make the salad, but it is very much worth the time. If you don’t want to make your own olive salad, pick up a big jar of olive salad at your grocery store or order some online. Olive salad isn’t cheap, but that’s for a reason. It’s packed with lots of great stuff!

Also try my muffuletta salad. And my Memphis-style muffuletta.

Muffuletta Sandwich
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5 from 1 vote

Muffuletta Sandwich

I so love the flavors of a muffuletta sandwich. Great meats, great cheese, and Italian olive salad. Warmed just slightly until the bread is soft and the cheese is ooey-gooey. I could eat muffulettas all day long. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Cajun, olives, sandwich
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 1716kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf Italian bread cut in half horizontally (can substitute French bread)
  • 3 cups olive salad
  • 4 ounces mozzarella sliced thin
  • 6 ounces capicola sliced thin
  • 4 ounces salami sliced thin
  • 4 ounces mortadella sliced thin
  • 2 ounces sandwich pepperoni sliced thin
  • 4 ounces provolone sliced thin

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375° F.
  • Spread the olive salad on each half of the bread, 1 1/2 cups per side.
  • Next, place sliced mozzarella over the salad on the bottom piece of bread.
  • Top with the meats.
  • Place provolone on top piece of bread and place on top of bottom, to make a sandwich.
  • Wrap tightly in foil and heat 20 minutes.

Notes

Mortadella can be hard to find. You can substitute bologna.

Nutrition

Calories: 1716kcal | Carbohydrates: 185g | Protein: 61g | Fat: 135g | Saturated Fat: 42g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 133mg | Sodium: 7217mg | Potassium: 499mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 441IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 369mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Maple Mustard Pork Burgers

License to Grill is one of my all-time favorite TV cooking shows. Aired by Food Network Canada, the show, hosted by Chef Rob Rainford, always contained the best outdoor cooking recipes. Although the show no longer airs, you can find a lot of recipes (like this one for maple mustard pork burgers) from the show at the License to Grill blog. I really miss that show, it was one of the best cooking shows to ever be broadcasted. I think a lot of TV chefs could learn from it.

Maple Mustard Pork Burgers

Goodbye Beef?

When I first took a bite of these wonderful maple mustard pork burgers my first thought was “oh my goodness, I may give up beef burgers”. They’re just that good. The onion and garlic in the patty adds great flavor and keeps the meat tender and moist. The glaze… well, the glaze is absolutely fantastic. It’s a combination of sweet and tangy that gets nice and crusty over a very hot grill. I will be using the glaze on other pork dishes, such as grilled tenderloin or pork sliders.

Also try my Asian pork burgers. They’re packed with flavor!

Maple Mustard Pork Burgers
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5 from 1 vote

Maple Mustard Pork Burgers

When I first took a bite of these wonderful maple mustard burgers my first thought was “oh my goodness, I may give up beef burgers”.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword burgers, maple, mustard, pork
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 473kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the burgers

For the glaze

Instructions

For the burgers

  • Combine the meat, onion, garlic, salt and pepper.
  • Form into patties.
  • Fire up your grill for direct cooking.
  • Brush the burgers with the glaze and place over direct heat.
  • Sear, then flip.
  • Brush with more glaze.
  • Continue cooking and glazing, flipping one more time, until the burgers reach 155 F internal temperature and they have a nice crusty exterior.
  • Remove from grill and let rest.
  • Meanwhile, toast the buns as desired.
  • Serve burgers on buns with desired ingredients.

For the glaze

  • Whisk together all ingredients.
  • Don't be shy with the glaze when applying.

Notes

Use hot honey for a slight kick.

Nutrition

Calories: 473kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 656mg | Potassium: 440mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 115mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Pizza Skillet Bake

This pizza skillet bake is a great dish for a quick dinner, best made in a cast iron skillet. It tastes just like a pizza, and just like a pizza, it’s open to changes. Add some chopped pepperoni if you like. Or some fresh mozzarella. Yummy! Since the ‘crust’ is on top you don’t have to worry about your toppings keeping it from baking. It’s as easy as can be!

Pizza Skillet Bake

Wow, It’s Like Having Pizza!

The biscuits on top of the pizza skillet bake fluff up all soft and creamy, just like a thick-crust pizza! This is a really fun twist on a traditional deep-dish pizza.

This skillet bake is best made in a cast iron skillet.

Also try my skillet cornbread pizza. All the flavors of pizza in soft delicious cornbread.

Pizza Skillet Bake
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5 from 1 vote

Pizza Skillet Bake

This pizza skillet bake is a great dish for a quick dinner, best made in a cast iron skillet. It tastes just like a pizza, and just like a pizza, it’s open to changes. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword baked, pizza, skillet
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 393kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Crumble sausage into a large (10″) cast iron skillet and cook until just about done.
  • Add the onion, pepper and mushrooms and cook until they start to soften.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Stir in the flour.
  • Stir in the tomatoes (do not drain).
  • Cut biscuits into fourths and arrange on top of skillet.
  • Sprinkle tops of biscuits with cheese.
  • Bake 12-15 minutes or until the biscuits are crispy.

Notes

You can put the skillet under the broiler for a minute to further brown the biscuits and cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 393kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 790mg | Potassium: 310mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 276IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 206mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fresh Pasta with Grilled Sausage and Mushrooms

I have to agree with my wife that this fresh pasta with grilled sausage and mushrooms was one of the best main dishes we’ve ever made. Everything was just spot on flavor-wise. From the fresh pasta, to the three different kinds of mushrooms, to the grilled chicken sausage and the rosemary, everything came together. A little heat didn’t hurt either. It’s just there in the back, not out front biting at you.

Fresh Pasta with Grilled Sausage and Mushrooms

Nicely Delicious And Still Easy

I opted to grill the sausage since it was such a fantastic day here in Indianapolis. You can cook them in the skillet before you cook the mushrooms if you’d like. The juices and yum-yums from the sausage will lend even more flavor to the mix.

Also try my copycat Pizza Hut meaty marinara pasta.

Fresh Pasta with Grilled Sausage and Mushrooms
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4 from 1 vote

Fresh Pasta with Grilled Sausage and Mushrooms

This fresh pasta with grilled sausage and mushrooms was one of the best main dishes we’ve ever made. Everything was just spot on flavor-wise. From the fresh pasta, to the three different kinds of mushrooms, to the grilled chicken sausage and the rosemary, everything came together.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword mushroom, pasta, sausage
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 523kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Grill the sausage until just done. Do not over-cook.
  • Remove from heat and slice.
  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. If you opted to not grill the sausage, slice them and cook in the skillet and remove.
  • Add the mushrooms, green onions, rosemary, red pepper flakes, 3/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
  • Cook, stirring often, until the mushrooms begin to brown.
  • Add the diced tomatoes, broth and grilled sausage.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  • Cover and let simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, cook the pasta per package instructions. Drain well.
  • Add pasta to the skillet with half of the cheese.
  • Toss to combine.
  • Serve sprinkled with remaining cheese and black pepper, to taste.

Notes

You can substitute your favorite fresh sausage.

Nutrition

Calories: 523kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 135mg | Sodium: 1419mg | Potassium: 544mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 698IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 268mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Marguerite’s Creole Chicken Salad

This is hands-down, by far the best chicken salad ever. It has everything you’ve ever dreamed of that should be in a chicken salad. From the ‘usual’ celery to creole mustard, to horseradish, this is nothing but delicious. I’m not usually even a fan of horseradish but it really, really works in Marguerite’s Creole chicken salad.

Marguerites Creole Chicken Salad

Grab Any Ole Chicken

I brined a few bone-in chicken breasts using my usual technique, substituting a few tablespoons of Creole seasoning for the oregano. I then roasted the chicken on my Big Easy oil-less fryer. The chicken, as always, came out perfectly tender and juicy, just right for Marguerite’s Creole chicken salad. You can of course substitute any cooked chicken you’d like. Rotisserie chicken is a definite winner here.

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.

This recipe comes from Marguerite at Cajun Delights, my favorite place for all thing Cajun, from food to music.

Also try my chicken sauce piquante.

Marguerite's Creole Chicken Salad
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4 from 2 votes

Marguerite’s Creole Chicken Salad

This is hands-down, by far the best chicken salad ever. It has everything you’ve ever dreamed of that should be in a chicken salad. From the ‘usual’ celery to creole mustard, to horseradish, this is nothing but delicious.
Course Main
Cuisine Cajun
Keyword chicken, Creole, salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 430kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients except the bread, lettuce and tomatoes.
  • Serve salad on croissants (warmed lightly if desired) topped with lettuce and tomatoes.

Notes

Also great served on sliced bread.

Nutrition

Calories: 430kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 621mg | Potassium: 526mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 3456IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.