Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

My wife loves hummus, so for last weekend’s race I made this fantastic roasted red pepper hummus. Hummus is good (and healthy) game-watching food! I don’t think most people think of it that way. They reach for the nacho cheese dip and chips. Or some cheese and crackers. Try this and you’ll be reaching for it instead at the next big game party!

I also like to pack a little for my wife to take in her lunches. Hummus holds up great and tastes just as good the next day. And the day after that.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Easy. And Delicious.

I’m looking forward to making this roasted red pepper hummus again. It’s easy, and uses ingredients that I always have on hand.

There are a lot of options for roasting red bell peppers. Of course, there’s the oven. I also like Mezzetta’s deli sliced roasted bell pepper strips. And my other favorite, roasting peppers on my Char-Broil Big Easy.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
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5 from 1 vote

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

I’m looking forward to making this roasted red pepper hummus again. It’s easy, and uses ingredients that I always have on hand.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mediterranean
Keyword hummus, roasted red pepper
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 219kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place lemon and Tahini into a food processor and puree for 1 minute.
  • Scrape down the sides of the processor and puree for another 30 seconds.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of oil, garlic, cumin, cayenne, and salt.
  • Process for 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides and puree another 30 seconds.
  • Open the can of peas. Drain the liquid into a cup, then rinse and drain well.
  • Add half of the peas to the processor and run for 1 minute.
  • Add the remaining peas and process another 1-2 minutes or until smooth.
  • Add all but 1 tablespoon of the peppers and process another 1-2 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved chickpea liquid, but not much.
  • Serve topped with the reserved peppers plus a light drizzle of oil.

Notes

Serve immediately. Store leftovers covered in the fridge.

Nutrition

Calories: 219kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 856mg | Potassium: 311mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 447IU | Vitamin C: 55mg | Calcium: 89mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

BBQ Pigs in a Blanket

This is a simple twist to the old classic. BBQ pigs in a blanket will have your party guests wondering why anyone ever made them the ‘old way’. Great BBQ flavor, served up with a nice creamy honey mustard dipping sauce.

BBQ Pigs in a Blanket

A Tasty Twist On The Class

For ‘normal’ BBQ pigs in a blanket, I use Weber’s Original BBQ sauce. Any old-school flavored BBQ sauce works just fine. But for kicked up bites I use a spicier sauce. If I’m serving both spicy and non-spicy I’ll put a little table sign by them. That way people will know which is which.

Also try my southwestern pigs in a blanket.

BBQ Pigs in a Blanket
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4.67 from 3 votes

BBQ Pigs in a Blanket

This is a simple twist to the old classic. BBQ pigs in a blanket will have your party guests wondering why anyone ever made them the ‘old way’. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs, treats
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 199kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Place BBQ sauce and syrup into a small saute pan and heat to a slow boil.
  • Add sausages and heat through, about 5 minutes.
  • Unroll crescent rolls and divide into triangles.
  • Cut each triangle into 3 thin, long triangles.
  • Wrap dough around the weenies and pinch the ends closed.
  • Place on am un-greased baking sheet.
  • Bake 10-12 minutes or until browned.
  • Serve with dipping sauce

Notes

I like to dip these in mustard, BBQ sauce or ketchup. 

Nutrition

Calories: 199kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 689mg | Potassium: 135mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 29IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg

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.

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.

BBQ Hot Dog Appetizers

One of my favorite things about Thanksgiving dinner is the big selection of appetizers. You gotta have something to munch on while you’re waiting on the meal to get ready. These little BBQ hot dog appetizers are very easy, but also very tasty. Sure you can cheat and just toss some dogs with store-bought BBQ sauce. But, you’ll find that this homemade version is oh so much better.

BBQ Hot Dog Appetizers

The Perfect Super Bowl Snack

Of course, you can eat these any time of the year. They’re the perfect kind of treat that can be thrown together quickly when watching the big game.

This same recipe for BBQ hot dog appetizers would also be great with smoke sausages cut into bite-sized pieces.

Also try my BBQ pinwheels.

BBQ Hot Dog Appetizers
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4 from 1 vote

BBQ Hot Dog Appetizers

These little BBQ hot dog appetizers are very easy, but also very tasty. Sure you can cheat and just toss some dogs with store-bought BBQ sauce, but you’ll find that this homemade version is oh so much better.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword barbecue, BBQ, hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 177kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Melt the butter in medium sauce pan over medium heat.
  • Add the onion and saute until it just starts to soften.
  • Add the ketchup, vinegar, water, mustard, paprika and Worcestershire sauce. Stir. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
  • Taste and add hot sauce if desired.
  • Add the hot dogs and simmer until warm. Serve warm.

Notes

Also try dipping these in mustard!

Nutrition

Calories: 177kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 585mg | Potassium: 179mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 135IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Sweet-and-Sassy Appetizer Meatballs

Everyone’s seen them. Everyone’s had them. The key to really good appetizer meatballs? The BBQ sauce. And good meatballs too of course. I had some leftover pre-made meatballs, so that’s what I ended up using. The sauce has to be a little sweet. And I want some bite behind that kiss. Know what I mean? These sweet-and-sassy appetizer meatballs are the perfect combination of both.

Sweet-and-Sassy Appetizer Meatballs

Get Sauced

We’re big fans of Grandma Foster’s sauces. The smooth & spicy has just the right amount of kick, and is perfect on ribs, pulled pork… and in these sweet-and-sassy appetizer meatballs! If you don’t have Grandma Foster’s where you’re at, our second-best (and it’s a very close second) is the BBQ sauce from Weber. You can find it at your local grocery store. Of substitute whatever your favorite is. Just make sure it has a little kick to it.

Also try my slow cooker bourbon cocktail sausages and my peach and chili sauce meatballs.

Sweet-and-Sassy Appetizer Meatballs
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5 from 1 vote

Sweet-and-Sassy Appetizer Meatballs

Everyone’s seen them. Everyone’s had them. The key to really good appetizer meatballs? The BBQ sauce. And good meatballs too of course.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword meatballs, spicy, sweet
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 324kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce to a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the cranberry sauce is melted, stirring often.
  • Add the meatballs and cook until heated through, about 10 minutes.

Notes

I served these in a fondue pot to keep them warm, but a crockpot also works well.

Nutrition

Calories: 324kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 433mg | Potassium: 315mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 106IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Pimento Olive Dip

My wife loves olives, so when I ran across this pimento olive dip recipe I had to make it. Besides the great salty brininess of the olives, this dip has all sorts of great cheeses mixed in. An easy seasoning mix brings it all together. This dip is creamy, and a little on the thicker side.

Pimento Olive Dip

This pimento olive dip is fairly olivey (olive-ish?). It was great with something salty to dip into it, like pretzels or crackers. As creamy as this is, it’s still thick. So use something thick for dipping.

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.

Also try my creamy bacon cheese dip.

Pimento Olive Dip
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4 from 1 vote

Pimento Olive Dip

If you love olives, this dip is for you!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword dip, olives, pimento, pimiento
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 199kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients and refrigerate.
  • Let set at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Refrigerate any leftovers but let come to room temperature again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 199kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 351mg | Potassium: 59mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 413IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 231mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Southwestern Pigs in a Blanket

Your standard pigs-in-a-blanket are mighty good, but I felt that they needed a little ‘help’. So along came this great southwestern pigs in a blanket variation that gets devoured even faster! Get your big platter out, you’re going to need it! These lovely morsels kick up the classic by adding bell peppers and a nice spicy cheese. There’s nothing boring about them!

Southwestern Pigs in a Blanket

Go Dipping!

I served these southwestern pigs in a blanket with an easy-to-make Southwestern sauce. You could use good old Ranch dressing instead. A good, thick spicy BBQ sauce would also make for a great dipping sauce. Heck, set out a few different sauces and get ready to watch these yummy bites disappear in no time! Who wouldn’t enjoy a pigs in a blanket bar?

Also try my BBQ pigs in a blanket.

Southwestern Pigs in a Blanket
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4 from 1 vote

Southwestern Pigs in a Blanket

Your standard pigs-in-a-blanket are mighty good, but I felt that they needed a little ‘help’. So along came this great southwestern pigs in a blanket variation that gets devoured even faster! Get your big platter out, you’re going to need it!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword crescent rolls, sausage
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 32
Calories 21kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 tubes crescent roll dough
  • 8 slices pepper jack cheese cut into 32 squares
  • 1 small red bell pepper diced
  • 1 small green bell pepper diced
  • 1 14 ounce Hillshire Farm Lit'l Smokies
  • 1 cup Southwestern sauce

Instructions

  • Heat oven to 375 F.
  • Unroll the dough from the tubes and separate into 16 triangles. Cut each triangle lengthwise in half.
  • Add a small piece of cheese and top with some of the peppers.
  • Place the sausage at the end of each little triangle and roll up in the dough.
  • Place onto a baking sheet and bake 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Serve with Southwestern sauce.

Notes

Add a little diced jalapeno along with the bell peppers for a nice kick.

Nutrition

Calories: 21kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 29mg | Potassium: 13mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 121IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Creole Meatballs

Any time I need some kicked-up meatballs, these Creole meatballs are the ones I make. Sure, I have a more traditional recipe for meatballs too. But these are my go-to meatballs. They have a tremendous spicy flavor. They are not plain old meatballs by any stretch. Tender and tasty, just as you love.

Creole Meatball Sub Sandwich

I make a big batch of meatballs and freeze them for using later.

I love them on a Creole meatball sandwich….. and over pasta with extra sauce

Creole Meatballs and Spaghetti

.. or as great appetizers.

Creole Meatball Appetizers

Don’t be shy with the jalapenos, Creole seasoning or the hot sauce. You want your meatballs to have some kick! Creole food does not have a reputation for being bland or boring. These Creole meatballs may not be authentic cuisine, but they keep that dedication to tasty alive for sure!

Make tons of extra. They freeze great and are always ready to make for a quick lunch or dinner.

You know these are good over spaghetti!

Creole Meatballs and Spaghetti
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4 from 1 vote

Creole Meatballs

Put some oomph into your meatballs! I usually double this recipe and freeze a few for later.
Course Main
Cuisine Cajun
Keyword Creole, meatballs
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 354kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Combine the egg, milk, breadcrumbs and Worcestershire sauce in a medium bowl. The mixture will be thick.
  • In a large bowl, combine the meats with the remaining ingredients.
  • Gently mix in the egg mixture, combining well.
  • Form into 2″ balls and place onto baking sheets.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating once.

Notes

These meatballs freeze well for devouring later.

Nutrition

Calories: 354kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 212mg | Potassium: 452mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 969IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Roasted Pig Pecans

I’m a huge fan of Louisiana Cookin’ magazine (and it’s new sister publication, Louisiana Kitchen and Culture). Although I’m as far as you could possibly get from being Cajun or Creole, I find the foods from the area to be my favorite. And these roasted pig pecans are a great example of that. These are the pecans I dream of. This is how every pecan wants to be. Delicious. Crunchy. Amazing.

Roasted Pig Pecans

Pecan Heaven

A recent issue had a recipe for a simple roasted pig pecans. I made a very minor change to it, made it and… wow, loved it. Fortunately, my dad has several pecan trees. Every year he picks grocery sack after grocery sack of nuts and shells them. He then gives us a few bags of only the best ones. It’s like heaven.

Roasted pig pecans are fantastic right out of a bowl. They are truly wonderful in my butter pecan ice cream.

Prefer walnuts instead of pecans? Try my cheddar walnuts.

Roasted Pig Pecans
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5 from 1 vote

Roasted Pig Pecans

Unbelievable divine snack that will disappear in a snap.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword nuts, roasted
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 212kcal
Author Adapted from Tammy Algood

Ingredients

  • 2 cups pecans halves
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 4-6 slices bacon chopped into 1/2″ pieces (use less bacon if using thick-cut)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • pinch cayenne pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Heat your oven to 350 F.
  • Place the nuts in a bowl. Drizzle with the butter and add in the bacon.
  • Toss to coat and mix.
  • Pour mixture out onto a baking sheet and spread out evenly.
  • Bake for 25-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until the bacon is done.
  • Remove from oven.
  • Combine the sugar, salt, and cayenne and sprinkle over nuts.
  • Stir to mix.
  • Let cool completely before serving.

Notes

Use your favorite nuts.

Nutrition

Calories: 212kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 147mg | Potassium: 102mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 101IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.