Tag: easy

Easy Pimento Cheese Grits

Pimento cheese is one of those things that does not last very long in our house. Make a batch, do a quick errand, come back.. gone! It doesn’t seem to matter how much I make, it’s gone in an instant. Where does it go? Well, one place is in this delicious easy grits dish. Creamy, yummy grits with kicked up pimento cheese. You can’t beat it. Sure, pimento cheese is great on crackers or sandwiches, but in grits… oh me is it ever amazing. Always make extra.

Easy Pimento Cheese Grits

Cheese Grits Elevated

As much as grits are a wonderful thing, the star of this show is the pimento cheese and it deserves the love and the attention it needs to be extraordinary. First, hand shred your cheese. None of that pre-shredded bagged stuff. It has cornstarch or other coatings on it to keep it from sticking. Nope, pass on that. If you’re not a big fan of shredding with your old hand-powered box shredder, get one of these. It’s awesome!

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

Second, make the pimento cheese the night before you make this dish. Let it get happy in the fridge, just hanging out. It’s better that way. The flavors and the consistency are better the next day.

Easy Pimento Cheese Grits
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5 from 1 vote

Easy Pimento Cheese Grits

Great cheesy creamy grits!
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword grits, pimento cheese
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 818kcal

Ingredients

For the grits

For the pimento cheese

Instructions

For the grits

  • Add the milk and water to a large pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Reduce the heat to low and add the grits, stirring as you pour.
  • Add salt to taste.
  • Let the grits simmer for 15 minutes, stirring often, until they are thick and creamy.
  • Turn off the heat. Stir in the pimento cheese and season with pepper.
  • Serve garnished with parsley if desired.

For the pimento cheese

  • Place all ingredients except the salt and pepper into a bowl.
  • Combine.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste and stir.
  • Refrigerate at least an hour before using.

Notes

You can make the pimento cheese the day ahead.

Nutrition

Calories: 818kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 65g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 18g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 118mg | Sodium: 1353mg | Potassium: 292mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1852IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 809mg | 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)

Easy Asian Ramen Stir Fry

This is our go-to easy-to-prep and even easier-to-make stir fry. I often make Asian Ramen stir fry on the side burner of our gas grill using a wok, but you can make it on the stovetop just as easily. The marinated chicken is packed with flavor, and comes out nice and tender and juicy. The noodles are simple, fast, and less hassle than rice. For the vegetables, well, they vary with whatever we can find at the market.

Easy Asian Ramen Stir Fry

Longer-Cooking Vegetables Fry First

The key to our easy Asian Ramen stir fry is the order in which you cook the vegetables. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not complicated. Just start with the vegetables that take longer to cook, usually the harder ones. You know the culprits: broccoli, cauliflower, onion and the like.

Quick Cooking Vegetables Fry Next

Then add in the quicker cooking ones. The softer ones. And don’t overcook any of them. You want just a bit of a ‘bite’ to them. I like to separate mine into two different bowls. Long-cooking ones in one bowl. And yep, you guessed it, shorter-cooking ones in another. That way I don’t have to think real hard once I get the cooking party going!

Chicken Is Last

I always cook the chicken last, even though it could be first instead. I like it to be nice and hot since I don’t want to serve cold chicken. You can actually cook it ahead of time and just warm it real quick before serving.

Nissin Top Ramen Beef Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup 3 Ounce (Pack of 24)
Nissin Top Ramen Beef Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup 3 Ounce (Pack of 24)

With the addition of Japanese barbecue sauce you’ll find yourself enjoying every bite just like we do.

Easy Asian Ramen Stir Fry
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5 from 1 vote

Easy Asian Ramen Stir Fry

The key to our easy Asian Ramen stir fry is the order in which you cook the vegetables.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Asian, Ramen, stir fry
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 1797kcal

Ingredients

For the Ramen

For the chicken

For the stir fry

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil divided, sesame oil can be used also
  • 1 small head broccoli broken into florets
  • 1 small onion cut into big-sized pieces
  • ½ cup snap peas pod strings removed
  • 1 small squash cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 ounces mushrooms sliced if large, whole if small
  • 1 tablespoon Japanese Barbecue sauce spicy, if desired, or substitute sesame oil

Instructions

For the Ramen

  • Prepare the Ramen noodles per the package instructions but do not use the flavoring packet.
  • Drain and set aside.

For the chicken

  • In a medium bowl whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar and corn starch until smooth.
  • Add in the ginger, garlic and red pepper and stir.
  • Add the chicken to the sauce and marinate in the fridge for 15-30 minutes.

For the stir fry

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the broccoli, onion and whatever long-cooking vegetables you are using and cook until just starting to turn tender, about 3 minutes.
  • Add softer vegetables and cook another 2 minutes, stirring.
  • Remove vegetables from the pan.
  • Add remaining oil to the wok and heat for 1 minute.
  • Add the chicken and cook, stirring often, until done, about 4 minutes.
  • Add in the cooked Ramen noodles, stirring to break them up.
  • Add the cooked vegetables and Japanese Barbecue sauce.
  • Stir to heat thoroughly.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

You can use any vegetables you want. Start stir frying with the vegetables that are harder and will take longer to cook, then add the softer ones that cook quicker.

Nutrition

Calories: 1797kcal | Carbohydrates: 233g | Protein: 139g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 289mg | Sodium: 10967mg | Potassium: 5858mg | Fiber: 23g | Sugar: 83g | Vitamin A: 80554IU | Vitamin C: 205mg | Calcium: 545mg | Iron: 17mg

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 Asian Slaw

I was in need of a good side dish for a batch of my orange chicken. The chicken is crazy good, with a thick, slightly sweet sauce that has just a slight kick to it. This easy Asian slaw was the perfect side. Crunchy with a hint of sesame oil, we both loved it. The red onion added a great little heat. I used a bag of pre-made slaw mix, but you could go thru the trouble of shredding your own cabbage too. Either way, you can’t lose with this slaw.

Easy Asian Slaw

Soak Time

The original recipe for this easy Asian slaw stresses that you shouldn’t add the dressing until you’re ready to serve it. We actually enjoyed it even more the second day, dressing it completely the first day. The cabbage and onion soaked up the delicious flavors from the dressing. I’ve made this several times and I prefer it that way. I think the ingredients hold up to the sauce over several days without getting soggy. Otherwise I’d leave the sauce out until I’m just ready to serve it.

Lucy's Family Owned - Natural Distilled White Vinegar, 1 Gallon (128 oz) - 5% Acidity (White Vinegar, 1 Gallon (128 fl oz.))
Lucy’s Family Owned – Natural Distilled White Vinegar, 1 Gallon (128 oz) – 5% Acidity (White Vinegar, 1 Gallon (128 fl oz.))

Also try some Tub’s coal miner slaw.

Easy Asian Slaw
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5 from 1 vote

Easy Asian Slaw

The original recipe for this easy Asian slaw stresses that you shouldn't add the dressing until you're ready to serve it.
Course Salad
Cuisine Asian
Keyword Asian, cole slaw
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 463kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from David Lieberman

Ingredients

For the slaw

  • 1 bunch green onions sliced thin
  • 32 ounces coleslaw mix with carrots if desired
  • 1 small red onion sliced thin

For the dressing

Instructions

For the slaw

  • Add the green onions to a large bowl.
  • Add the slaw mix and red onion and toss to combine.

For the dressing

  • Whisk all dressing ingredients together.
  • Pour over the slaw and toss to coat.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

Always give the slaw a good stir or toss before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 463kcal | Carbohydrates: 100g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 5748mg | Potassium: 2091mg | Fiber: 27g | Sugar: 60g | Vitamin A: 1145IU | Vitamin C: 369mg | Calcium: 494mg | Iron: 7mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cheater Chicken Parmesan Sliders

I admit, I don’t always cook up a big ole fru-fru dinner. In fact, sometimes I crave junk food. Or a take on junk food. I was rummaging through the freezer and found a batch of homemade pizza sauce. I decided to make some cheater chicken Parmesan sliders. They’re just what you might imagine: pre-made chicken nuggets, pizza (or marinara) sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. All served on slider buns for a quick and easy tasty bites. They’re actually very tasty and kinda fun to eat. They are also perfect game-time snacks.

Cheater Chicken Parmesan Sliders

Flat Nuggets Make Great Sliders

Make sure you use nuggets that are slider-friendly when you make these cheater chicken Parmesan sliders. Chunky nuggets won’t do well here. You want flat ones, which is why I used the nuggets from Tyson’s. Chunky nuggets to make for great crispy chicken po boys, though.

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
Cheater Chicken Parmesan Sliders
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4 from 1 vote

Cheater Chicken Parmesan Sliders

Make sure you use nuggets that are slider-friendly. Chunky nuggets won’t do well here. You want flat ones.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, sliders
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 6 sliders
Calories 135kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Toast the buns if desired
  • Warm the nuggets per the package instructions.
  • Warm the sauce.
  • To assemble, top each bun bottom with 1/2 slice Mozzarella cheese.
  • Add 2 nuggets and a tablespoon or so of sauce.
  • Add Parmesan cheese and top bun. Serve.

Notes

Add a few pinches of red pepper flake to the marinara sauce for spicy sliders!

Nutrition

Calories: 135kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 196mg | Potassium: 78mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 184IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 99mg | 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 Smoked Turkey Breast

I set out to prove to myself just how easy it can be to smoke a turkey for Thanksgiving. That meant no brining, no basting, no rubs, no oils, no injecting. Nothing. Just an easy smoked turkey breast.

I used a turkey breast that was already in a basting solution to speed things along and keep the ‘easy’ theme. Turkeys that are already pre-brined (or ‘pumped’) are common and they do save you a lot of time and hassle.

Easy Smoked Turkey Breast

Smoked Happiness

I was very, very happy with this easy smoked turkey breast. It was completely fuss-free. The skin was nice and crunchy. The meat was tender and moist. I used plenty of wood to get plenty of smoky flavor. I think that made up for the spices or basting sauce I would normally add. If you’re making a turkey for a crowd this is the way to go. You’ll have plenty of free time for other things.

I prefer to use fruit or nut woods when I smoke unless I want a heavier smoke flavor. Pecan, apple or cherry are my favorites. I used apple for this turkey.

Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb
Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb

I served the turkey with my smoked turkey gravy, made using broth from turkey wings that I smoked on a few days before smoking this easy turkey breast.

Easy Smoked Turkey Breast
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5 from 1 vote

Easy Smoked Turkey Breast

This recipe uses a ‘pumped’ turkey breast, or one that has already been brined. The package will state ‘contains up to 8% of a solution of water, salt, spices to enhance tenderness and juiciness’. Normally I would use a natural turkey that does not contain such a solution, but the goal was to make as easy a turkey breast as possible.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword smoked, turkey
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours
Servings 1 turkey breast
Calories 2796kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your smoker for cooking at 325 F. If you’re using a Weber Smokey Mountain smoker (or any smoker that uses a water pan), line the water pan with foil and do not add water.
  • Use a fruit wood or lighter wood such as hickory.
  • Place the turkey breast meat side up in the center of the smoker.
  • Smoke until the meat reaches 165 F as measured in several locations.
  • Remove and let rest 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Do not cover the turkey breast with foil as it rests as this will cause the skin to get soggy.

Nutrition

Calories: 2796kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 447g | Fat: 113g | Saturated Fat: 37g | Cholesterol: 1210mg | Sodium: 4098mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12'' Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill - Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush
Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12” Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill – Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush

Quick Fix Homemade Breakfast Sausage

I’ve made homemade breakfast sausage from scratch before. I picked up a few pork shoulders, trimmed them, ground them (twice) and added seasonings. But I don’t always have the time (or energy, really) to do all that work. That’s when my quick fix homemade breakfast sausage comes in handy.

It’s not uncommon for many homemade sausage recipes to say that you should refrigerate your mixer bowl and even utensils before starting. I agree if you’re grinding your meats from rough cuts. But in this case we start with already-ground pork so I don’t think it’s necessary to start out ‘cold’. That doesn’t mean that you can’t. And it might be a good idea if you’re working in a particularly warm kitchen or area.

Quick Fix Homemade Breakfast Sausage

Good Seasoning Makes Good Sausage

I use a great seasoning mix from A.C. Legg’s that I picked up on Amazon. It has just the right blend of spices without having too much sage or black pepper.
I cook the quick fix homemade breakfast sausage as soon as I make it. Then I crumble it and freeze it in batches. I use it in breakfast cups for my wife’s breakfasts during the week. You can also form it into patties. I also love smoking breakfast sausage for a fantastically different flavor.

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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
Quick Fix Homemade Breakfast Sausage
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5 from 1 vote

Quick Fix Homemade Breakfast Sausage

I use a great seasoning mix from A.C. Legg’s that I picked up on Amazon. It has just the right blend of spices without having too much sage or black pepper.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword breakfast, quick fix, sausage
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 1 pound
Calories 1193kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the pork into your mixer bowl and place into the freezer for 15 minutes.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of the seasoning mix.
  • Place onto mixer using the bread hook and mix for 5-10 minutes.
  • If this is your first time making the sausage I recommend that you take a small handful of the mixed sausage and cook it in a skillet. Taste it after it cools (while cooling place the uncooked meat mixture into the freezer in case you need to mix more). If you need to, add more seasoning and mix well.
  • Freeze or cook the sausage. You can also form it into patties if you wish.

Notes

I use a mixer to combine the meat and seasonings. You can use your hands if you wish, just make sure the meat and the bowl you are using for mixing are very cold before mixing.

Nutrition

Calories: 1193kcal | Protein: 77g | Fat: 96g | Saturated Fat: 36g | Cholesterol: 327mg | Sodium: 254mg | Potassium: 1302mg | Vitamin A: 32IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 64mg | 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)

Quick Fix BBQ Ranch Dressing

A lot of restaurant signature sauces start with simple, off-the-shelf ingredients. A restaurant near us starts with BBQ sauce and Ranch, just like with this quick fix BBQ Ranch dressing, and then adds a few other ingredients (such as crumbled cooked bacon) to make it different for different dishes, such as for dipping onion rings or chicken wings. They also use it as a spicy version of their house Ranch salad dressing for well, you guessed it, salads.

Quick Fix BBQ Ranch Dressing

Great For Fries, Burgers And Wings Too!

This quick fix BBQ Ranch dressing isn’t just for salads, though. That’s for sure. I squirted it on a big plate of French fries. Then I dipped grilled chicken wings in it. I slathered it on hot-off-the-grill hamburgers. Heck, it’s great on wraps too!

Just make sure you start with good, quality BBQ sauce and Ranch dressing. And don’t hesitate to use a spicy BBQ sauce, or one with a bit of smoky flavor to it.

This dressing will last a while in the fridge, if there happens to be any leftover. Just make sure to give it a good shake or stir before serving.

Check out my new site, Dress My Salad, for more great salad dressing ideas!

Kakamono 2-pack Porous Squeeze Bottles,Leak Proof Refillable Condiment Container for Kitchen Use,Salad Dressings,top dispensers for ketchup mustard mayo hot sauces olive oil(10 oz)
Kakamono 2-pack Porous Squeeze Bottles,Leak Proof Refillable Condiment Container for Kitchen Use,Salad Dressings,top dispensers for ketchup mustard mayo hot sauces olive oil(10 oz)

Also try my dill Ranch dressing. Oh, and this dressing is fantastic on my Santa Fe chicken salad.

Quick Fix Bloody Mary Potato Chips
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5 from 1 vote

Easy BBQ Ranch Dressing

A lot of restaurant signature sauces start with simple, off-the-shelf ingredients. A restaurant near us starts with BBQ sauce and Ranch, just like with this quick fix BBQ Ranch dressing, and then adds a few other ingredients.
Course Dressing
Cuisine American
Keyword BBQ, Ranch, salad dressing
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 827kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Whisk together the two ingredients.
  • Add any embellishments and stir to combine.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 827kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 63g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 2781mg | Potassium: 406mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 50g | Vitamin A: 366IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 84mg | 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)

Easy Crispy Fried Chicken using the Vortex

There’s definitely no wrong way to make ‘fried’ chicken on your charcoal grill using the Vortex. I absolutely love it. For a long time I’ve been making my chicken using batter made from scratch. This time I decided to try an off-the-shelf batter mix usually meant for actual deep frying in oil. The result? Absolutely delicious, crunchy, moist fried chicken with about as little fuss and mess as possible. And no oil.

Easy Crispy Fried Chicken using the Vortex

Any Store-Bought Mix Will Do

Any good fried chicken batter mix will work. It’s called easy crispy fried chicken using the Vortex for a reason. Just dip and put onto the grill. I prefer to use split bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. I recommend bone-in chicken because it will have more flavor and won’t dry out as easily as boneless.

Going Boneless?

You can use boneless chicken but you might have to adjust the cook time. When I do need boneless ‘fried’ chicken I still cook it bone-on then remove the meat from the bone when done. If you prefer to make your own batter from scratch, try my super easy Vortex fried chicken recipe. For something a bit more fru-fru, make my spicy BBQ fried chicken. You’ll quickly see why fried chicken on the Vortex is fantastic!

VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size - For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg
VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size – For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg
Easy Crispy Fried Chicken using the Vortex
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5 from 1 vote

Easy Crispy Fried Chicken using the Vortex

Absolutely delicious, crunchy, moist fried chicken with about as little fuss and mess as possible. And no oil.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword fried chicken, Vortex
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 332kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Vortex BBQ
Vortex BBQ

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your charcoal grill with the Vortex insert. Get the coals good and hot.
  • In a large bowl combine 5 tablespoons of the batter mix with 1/4 cup of cold water.
  • Place the remaining batter mix in a shallow pie pan.
  • Working piece-by-piece, dredge the chicken in the wet batter mix.
  • Shake off any excess then roll the chicken in the dry batter mix.
  • Transfer chicken to the grill, placing along the edges.
  • Cover and cook for 45 minutes, rotating the lid 90 degrees every 15 minutes.
  • Check for doneness (165 F as measured in the thickest pieces of chicken), remove and serve.

Notes

I’ve found that rotating the lid isn’t very necessary, specially on smaller grills. You can experiment by not rotating and checking the chicken after 30 minutes. If the pieces are cooking evenly you can skip rotating the lid.

Nutrition

Calories: 332kcal | Protein: 29g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 116mg | Sodium: 108mg | Potassium: 291mg | Vitamin A: 216IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado - 3 PC
Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado – 3 PC

Easy Turkey Roast on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Note: This recipe was developed using the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer. If you are cooking using the Char-Broil Smoker-Roaster Grill you should cook with the lid open and the temperature set to High. You might also need to adjust the cooking time.

Turkey roasts from Butterball are a really great way to cook up turkey in no time at all. They’re pretty much no-fuss. Defrost, season, cook, eat. The roasts are already brined, so you don’t have to mess with that either. That’s what makes this easy turkey roast on the Char-Broil Big Easy so … easy!

Let’s get started!

In keeping with the easy theme, I decided to cook a roast on my Char-Broil Big Easy. It was my first time (I usually cook full turkeys or bone-in turkey breasts), and I have to say, wow, that was easy! I literally just put a seasoned defrosted roast in the cooker and went away for 45 minutes. I came back to dinner. Well, ok, almost dinner. I made a batch of my delicious (and also easy) Cajun gravy, some stuffing, and green beans. Then I had dinner.

Easy Turkey Roast on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Nice and juicy!

You don’t have to worry about this turkey roast drying out on the Char-Broil Big Easy. Just like with all other things poultry, the Big Easy cooks the roast up evenly and without losing all those great juices.

Seasoned to perfection!

I seasoned the roast with my Fire-Eater rub, which might not be for everyone, and is definitely not ‘Thanksgivingy’. Substitute your favorite seasoning. Salt and pepper are great by themselves, so no need to use anything fancy. I also made another turkey roast a few days later that I first injected with Texas butter (any injectable butter-based sauce will do). It was really fantastic too! Whole chicken is just as easy, too.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Better Basket , Silver
Char-Broil The Big Easy Better Basket , Silver

Looking for the perfect dessert to cook in the Big Easy? Try my mini pumpkin cheesecakes. They also take only minutes to cook (they do need to chill before serving), but boy, are they ever fantastic!

It’s always a good idea to keep a few spare grease trays on hand for your Char-Broil Big Easy.

Char-Broil 2425514W12 Big Easy Grease Tray, Silver- 5 pack
Char-Broil 2425514W12 Big Easy Grease Tray, Silver- 5 pack

Love your Big Easy as much I love mine? Check out my Big Easy Add-Ons page and my free Big Easy eCookbook!

Easy Turkey Roast on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 1 vote

Easy Turkey Roast on the Char-Broil Big Easy

In keeping with the easy theme, I decided to cook a roast on my Char-Broil Big Easy. It was my first time (I usually cook full turkeys or bone-in turkey breasts), and I have to say, wow, that was easy!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, turkey
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 3 pounds
Calories 458kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Char-Broil Big Easy
Char-Broil Big Easy
Char-Broil Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil Bunk Bed Basket

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your Char-Broil Big Easy.
  • Remove the roast from the bag. Do not remove it from the twine netting.
  • Sprinkle your rub on all sides of the roast, rubbing it in as you go.
  • Place roast in the Big Easy basket and lower into the cooker.
  • After 45 minutes, begin checking the meat temperature every 5 minutes or so. Once it reaches 165 F remove the roast.
  • Let rest 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Remove the netting from the roast carefully. If you just yank on it you will have tiny roast pieces flying all over the kitchen!

Nutrition

Calories: 458kcal | Protein: 98g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 245mg | Sodium: 934mg | Potassium: 1098mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 91IU | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket

Quick and Easy New England Clam Chowder

Whatever you do, do not let the words ‘quick’ or ‘easy’ deter you from making this quick and easy New England clam chowder. Just because you open a few cans and add them to a pot doesn’t mean you shouldn’t expect great flavor. And this, despite it’s simplicity, is one great clam chowder. It has the right consistency, the right amount of potatoes, and best of all, plenty of clams. Lots of clams. This is great creamy goodness in a bowl.

Quick and Easy New England Clam Chowder

No One Needs To Know How Easy This Is

Don’t change a thing when making this quick and easy New England clam chowder. Don’t substitute milk for the half and half. And definitely don’t use fewer clams. Nope, make it just as it says and you’ll be happy with the results. And this makes a big batch, so you’ll have plenty for a crowd, too!

Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue
Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue

The history of the variations of clam chowder are actually quite interesting.

Quick and Easy Clam Chowder
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5 from 1 vote

Quick and Easy New England Clam Chowder

Don't change a thing when making this quick and easy clam chowder.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword clam chowder
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 211kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat a Dutch oven or large saucepan over medium-high heat.
  • Add the onions and cook, stirring often, until they just begin to soften, 2-4 minutes.
  • Add the drained clams, both cans of clam chowder, both cans of cream of potato soup, and the half and half. Stir to combine.
  • Bring soup to a simmer then reduce heat and simmer slowly for one hour. Stir occassionally.
  • Serve with your favorite crackers.

Notes

Don’t skimp on the half and half. No substitutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 211kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 59mg | Sodium: 61mg | Potassium: 139mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 629IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 107mg | Iron: 0.1mg

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)