Tag: recipe

Mesquite Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

I have been loving making jerky like this mesquite ground beef jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro. I’ve been using ground top round for my ground beef jerky, but any lean ground meat will work. This mesquite ground beef jerky has a really great smoky flavor to it, but it’s not overwhelming. The flavor is a bit stronger than the hickory-flavored seasoning that Eastman Outdoors sells. Not strong bad but strong good! The meat has the perfect ‘bite’, just a little tug.

Mesquite Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

Rotate Your Trays

Make sure you rotate your trays every 2 hours or so when you make mesquite ground beef jerky on your Nesco Snackmaster Pro. The bottom trays will not dry as quickly as those on top. Rotating the trays will give you nice, even drying and perfect jerky on every level.

Get Extra Trays

I like to load up my dehydrator. To do that I picked up a handful of extra trays. They really add a whole lot more drying space! Since I have to rotate my trays, I write a number on each one on a piece of blue painter’s tape so I can keep track of them.

NESCO TR-2 White Plastic Round 15 1/2" Add-A-Trays, to fit 1000 Series Food Dehydrators, 2 Pack
NESCO TR-2 White Plastic Round 15 1/2″ Add-A-Trays, to fit 1000 Series Food Dehydrators, 2 Pack

Try these other great jerky flavors from Eastman Outdoors: spicy jalapeno, Cajun, whiskey pepper, sweet habanero, and hickory.

Check out my guide to using the Nesco Snackmaster Pro. You will be making fantastic jerky at home in no time at all!

Mesquite Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro
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5 from 1 vote

Mesquite Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

 This mesquite ground beef jerky has a really great smoky flavor to it, but it’s not overwhelming. 
Course Dehydrator
Cuisine Jerky
Keyword BBQ, beef, dehydrator, jerky, nesco snackmaster pro, sweet
Prep Time 8 hours
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 14 hours
Servings 1 pound
Calories 1243kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place beef in a resealable bag or container.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the seasoning, curing salt and water.
  • Pour over the meat and seal. Shake to coat.
  • Refrigerate the meat for up to 8 hours, shaking or massaging every hour or so to get the marinade distributed and absorbed evenly.
  • Remove meat from the marinade and add to a jerky gun.
  • Squeeze out onto Nesco trays. Do not overlap meat.
  • Add the dehydrator top, set to maximum temperature setting and dehydrate for 5 hours, rotating the trays (bottom to top) every 2 hours or so.
  • To test for doneness remove a piece and let cool slightly. Try to bend the meat. If it gives and starts to tear at the bend it is done. If it bends without tearing return to the dehydrator and let it run another 15 minutes and test again. If the meat is crunchy it is overdone but still good. It’s really personal preference as to how you like your jerky. Soft, chewy, crunchy. There’s no wrong here.
  • Let cool before storing in an airtight container.

Notes

The package for the Eastman Outdoors jerky seasoning states that it makes up to 5 pounds of jerky. I personally feel that the flavor is too mellow, so I use just about an entire package for 1 pound of jerky. I end up with a little left over seasoning, which I store in a labelled air-tight container. I’ll eventually mix it with more seasoning. I think I can get 3 pounds of well-seasoning jerky out of two packages of Eastman Outdoors mix.
This recipe is for starting with 2 pounds of meat. You’ll end up with about 1 pound in the end. You can easily double/triple/etc this recipe for large quantities of meat, however 5-6 pounds is about all you can fit onto a Nesco Snackmaster Pro fitted with 12 trays (the unit comes with 5).

Nutrition

Calories: 1243kcal | Protein: 194g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Trans Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 562mg | Sodium: 605mg | Potassium: 3139mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 22mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

NESCO LM-2-6 Round Plastic Mesh 13 1/2" Clean-A-Screens, for Dehydrators, (Pack of 2)
NESCO LM-2-6 Round Plastic Mesh 13 1/2″ Clean-A-Screens, for Dehydrators, (Pack of 2)

Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers

The tastiest burgers are cooked on a flat-top griddle or in a hot skillet. Unlike a grill, the fat doesn’t drip down into the fire below. Instead, it stays on the burger, keeping it moist. And the added plus of a griddle is that you get that wonderful char. These Oklahoma fried onion burgers would be your standard fantastic griddle burgers, but they have a very tasty twist: onions that are griddled into the patties. The result is divine.

Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers

Griddled Burgers Are Divine

I use a griddle insert from Weber that fits into my charcoal and gas grills to griddle burgers like these Oklahoma fried onion burgers. It not only gets super hot, it gets hot consistently across the entire griddle. This ensures that I get nice evenly cooked burgers no matter how many I am cooking at once. I absolutely love making burgers on my griddles. They don’t get that great live-fire flavor but they make up for it with that wonderful burger crust.

Weber Original Burger Press, Black
Weber Original Burger Press, Black

Also try my super-cheesy queso burgers.

Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers
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5 from 1 vote

Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers

These Oklahoma fried onion burgers would be your standard fantastic griddle burgers, but they have a very tasty twist: onions that are griddled into the patties. The result is divine.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword burgers
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 610kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Taste of Home

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the onion slices in a large bowl.
  • Toss with 1 teaspoon of salt and let rest for 30 minutes to extract as much liquid out of the onions as possible.
  • Transfer the onions to a towel or a few sheets of paper towels, roll up tightly and squeeze to remove as much liquid as you can.
  • Divide the onion slices into 4 equal piles on a cutting board or flat surface.
  • Divide the beef into 4 patties and form into balls.
  • Place beef on top of the onions and, using the palm of your hand or the bottom of a small skillet, flatten the beef into patties. The onions will stick to the bottom of the patties. That’s what you want.
  • Season patties with salt and pepper.
  • Heat up a griddle or cast iron skillet on your stove top or grill over medium-high heat.
  • Add the butter and swirl it around to coat the griddle or skillet.
  • Add the patties, onion side down, and cook for 6-8 minutes. You’ll see the onions starting to turn golden brown and get crispy around the sides.
  • Flip and continue cooking until the burgers are done, about 2 more minutes.
  • Top with cheese and remove.
  • Toast the buns, if desired.
  • Add the patties, mayonnaise, mustard, and pickles.

Notes

The key is to dry the onions so they get crispy, not sauté.

Nutrition

Calories: 610kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 112mg | Sodium: 896mg | Potassium: 469mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 323IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 335mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cuisinart CSBP-100 3-in-1 Stuffed Burger Press, Black
Cuisinart CSBP-100 3-in-1 Stuffed Burger Press, Black

Illinois Fighting Illini Cheddar Hot Dog

Indianapolis recently hosted the Big 10 basketball tournament. As part of the event the Levy restaurant group in Chicago produced a line of unique hot dogs. Each dog highlighted each of the teams in the tournament. I recently came across a copy of the list of the hot dogs, and I just had to make each and every one of them. Topped with tons of tasty yumminess the Illinois Fighting Illini cheddar hot dog is a dog to remember. Because things like melted cheese, crispy tortilla strips and Dijon mustard are great together and they’re even better on top of a steaming hot hot dog!

Illinois Fighting Illini Cheddar Hot Dog

One Unique Hot Dog!

Easy to make and great tasting, the Illinois Fighting Illini cheddar hot dog is a winner! I wouldn’t be shy with any of the toppings. There’s really no such thing as having too much of any of them. Yeah, things might fall off when you pick them up. That’s part of the fun of eating them!

SLOTDOG - Hot Dog Slicing Tool - Stainless Steel Cutter Blades for Kitchen, Grilling, Tailgating, Camping and Backyard Outdoor BBQ - 10 inch - Red
SLOTDOG – Hot Dog Slicing Tool – Stainless Steel Cutter Blades for Kitchen, Grilling, Tailgating, Camping and Backyard Outdoor BBQ – 10 inch – Red

And for a full list of all of the Big 10 team hot dogs, click here and enjoy! Make them all!

Illinois Fighting Illini Cheddar Hot Dog
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Fighting Illini Cheddar Hot Dog

Topped with tons of tasty yumminess the Illinois Fighting Illini cheddar hot dog is a dog to remember. Because things like melted cheese, crispy tortilla strips and Dijon mustard are great.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 343kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Levy Restaurants

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook or grill the dogs as desired.
  • Toast the buns, if desired (I always do).
  • Add dogs to buns.
  • Top with cheese.
  • Put under the broiler for a minute if you want your cheese melted.
  • Squeeze on some mustard and top with tortilla strips.

Notes

To prevent your toppings from sliding off cut a thin slit down the lengths of the dogs before cooking. The dogs will open up almost like a bun, giving the toppings a place to sit.

Nutrition

Calories: 343kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 696mg | Potassium: 147mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 283IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 288mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

TableCraft 3-Piece Nostalgia Squeeze Bottle Set, 12-Ounce
TableCraft 3-Piece Nostalgia Squeeze Bottle Set, 12-Ounce

Smoked Chex Mix

There are some things where self-control just doesn’t happen for me. This smoked Chex mix is one of them. Put a big bowl of it in front of me and it’ll be gone soon. I can’t help myself and no matter what I do to control myself, I fail. Especially the bagel chips. There’s something about the bagel chips in Chex mix after they’ve been smoked. The smoke flavor is not overwhelming, but it’s there, and it’s different in a wonderful way. The smoke compliments traditional flavors perfectly. I make this often, and in big batches because it is the perfect snack to take to a family get-together. Everyone loves it.

Smoked Chex Mix

For Best Results, Use Less Smoke

The cereal in this smoked Chex definitely soaks up the smoke, so do not go crazy with the wood in your smoker. Use a very small chunk, smaller than would fit in your palm, and use only a lighter wood. No mesquite or hickory here, go for something like a fruit or nut wood instead. Remember, you want that hint of smoke, and nothing overpowering.

Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb
Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb

I used a variety of Chex cereals in my mix, but you can do whatever works for you1

Chex Wheat Breakfast Cereal, Made with Whole Grain, Homemade Chex Mix Ingredient, 14 OZ
Chex Wheat Breakfast Cereal, Made with Whole Grain, Homemade Chex Mix Ingredient, 14 OZ

For another great snack idea, try my smoked olives and smoked Cheetos.

Smoked Chex Mix
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5 from 1 vote

Smoked Chex Mix

Put a big bowl of it in front of me and it’ll be gone soon. Especially the bagel chips after they’ve been smoked. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Chex mix, smoked
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 12 cups
Calories 351kcal
Author Based on a recipe from the Virtual Weber Bullet

Equipment

Ingredients

Homemade seasoned salt (makes more than you’ll need for the Chex mix)

Instructions

  • Fire up your smoker for cooking at 250 F. Add only one small piece of light wood, such as apple or peach. If you are using a smoker that has a water pan, such as the Weber Smokey Mountain, do not fill the pan with water.
  • Combine the cereals, pretzels, nuts and bagel chips in a large bowl.
  • Melt the butter in a small saucepan. Add the Worcestershire sauce and stir.
  • Combine the seasoned salt, garlic powder and onion powder and slowly whisk into the melted butter.
  • Drizzle the butter mixture over the cereal and gently toss to coat.
  • Place into a disposable 9″ x 13″ deep aluminum pan and place on the top rack of the smoker.
  • Smoke for 1 hour or until the mixture turns golden brown, stirring every 15 minutes.
  • Remove and let cool completely before serving, or store for up to 2 weeks.

Homemade seasoned salt

  • Combine all ingredients. Store in an air-tight container.

Notes

For a slightly spicier version, add a few teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce to the melted butter and Worcestershire sauce mixture. Don’t go crazy with it or the mix will take longer to get crispy.

Nutrition

Calories: 351kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 5547mg | Potassium: 198mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 733IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 11mg

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

Honey-Chipotle Glazed Ham 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.

I’m a big fan of cooking honey-chipotle glazed ham on the Char-Broil Big Easy. The ham gets a nice roasted flavor, a bit of a crispy outside, and a super-moist inside. This time I started with a 10 pound pressed ham, which I scored (a technique I need to practice) and then glazed as it cooked. No mess, no fuss, and mighty darned good in the end. The glaze has a bit of sweet and a definite kick to it. Chipotles not only add spiciness, they add a bit of smokiness, giving the ham an almost char-grilled flavor. Fantastic!

Honey-Chipotle Glazed Ham on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Lots And Lots Of Ham. Everywhere!

Some of the ham I sliced thick, to eat as ham steaks. Some I chopped for omelets. And most I sliced super-thin for fantastic sandwiches. Honey-Chipotle Glazed Ham on the Char-Broil Big Easy leaves you with a bunch of ham, so you can cut it and serve it several different ways.

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

Also check out my spiral ham cooked on the Char-Broil Big Easy. Man, was it ever great too! My pepper onion beer sauce makes for a great topping for ham!

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!

Honey-Chipotle Glazed Ham on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 1 vote

Honey-Chipotle Glazed Ham on the Char-Broil Big Easy

I’m a big fan of cooking honey-chipotle glazed ham on the Char-Broil Big Easy. The ham gets a nice roasted flavor, a bit of a crispy outside, and a super-moist inside. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, ham
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings 16 servings
Calories 418kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Taste Of Home

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Combine the Ginger Ale, brown sugar, honey and vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Stir. Bring to a simmer and let simmer until reduced by half.
  • Add remaining ingredients and stir. Cook for another 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Score the ham as desired.
  • Place into the Big Easy basket and place into the Big Easy. Total cook time will be 15 minutes per pound. 30 minutes before being done, start glazing the ham ever 5-10 minutes. You’ll end up using about half of the glaze.
  • Remove ham and let rest 10 minutes before slicing or carving.
  • Return the unused glaze to the saucepan and warm slightly to use as a gravy for the ham.

Notes

Use caution removing the ham from the Big Easy basket as it and the basket are hot!

Nutrition

Calories: 418kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 166mg | Sodium: 2679mg | Potassium: 663mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 189IU | Vitamin C: 53mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Spicy Cranberry Glazed Carrots

Carrots are proof a side dish doesn’t have to be complicated, or boring. These spicy cranberry glazed carrots are the perfect fall dish. At first glance they may look like your standard glazed carrots, but oh no, my friends, they are not. They are covered in a wonderful cranberry reduction that is sweet…. with a little heat.

Spicy Cranberry Glazed Carrots

Oh So Delicious. And Just Spicy Enough.

These spicy cranberry glazed carrots are another fantastic recipe from Chile Pepper magazine. I have been a subscriber of the magazine for years and years. Even if you’re not a chile head, or into super spicy foods, Chile Pepper magazine is still a great magazine, full of recipes (you can always tame down the heat) and product reviews and articles. If you are a chile head then, well, wait are you waiting for! Subscribe today and you won’t regret it. I love it.

If you decide to grill these carrots, I recommend that you use a grill basket. It makes cooking easier and you don’t have to worry about anything falling through the grates. And cleanup is easier too!

Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket
Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket

Also try my steamed carrots with lemon-dill vinaigrette or carrots au gratin. Or if you prefer grilled carrots (and who doesn’t!) make a big ole batch of my ginger-orange carrots.

Spicy Cranberry Glazed Carrots
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5 from 1 vote

Spicy Cranberry Glazed Carrots

Carrots are proof a side dish doesn’t have to be complicated, or boring. These spicy cranberry glazed carrots are the perfect fall dish. At first glance they may look like your standard glazed carrots, but oh no, my friends, they are not
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword carrots, spicy
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 77kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Chile Pepper magazine

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

On the grill

  • Preheat grill to medium heat.
  • Place carrots in a large bowl and add the olive oil, 2 teaspoons of the pepper flake, and 1 tablespoon of the brown sugar. Toss to coat.
  • Grill for 5-10 minutes, turning once or twice, until tender, 5-10 minutes. Remove.

On the stovetop

  • Heat 1″ of water in a large skillet to a boil.
  • Add the carrots and cook until tender 5-10 minutes. Remove and drain.
  • Combine oil, 2 teaspoons of the pepper flake, and 1 tablespoon of the brown sugar. Add the carrots and toss to coat. Return to the skillet over medium heat and cook another 2-3 minutes.

For the glaze

  • Place cranberry juice and remaining 1 teaspoon of red pepper flake and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and simmer until reduced by half.
  • Place cooked carrots in a large bowl. Add cranberry juice reduction and toss to coat.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.

Notes

This makes for a great Thanksgiving side dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 77kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 116mg | Potassium: 412mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 19271IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush
Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush

Roasted Harissa Cauliflower

So long and goodbye to boring cauliflower. Bring on the spiciness of harissa, a Mediterranean hot chile pepper paste that is so flavorful I’m quickly finding myself using on just about everything. Rubbing the paste on a head of cauliflower and roasting it results in an unbelievably tasty side dish. The heat gets tamed a bit (but it’s still there), leaving you with a wonderful garlicky, earthy bite. Roasted harissa cauliflower is quite possibly the perfect side dish (and it’s low in carbs too!).

Roasted Harissa Cauliflower

Great On The Grill, Too

You can make the roasted Harissa cauliflower in the grill too, just place the harissa-covered head directly on a hot grill over indirect heat and cook until tender. I prefer to poke it with a long skewer to check for doneness. Specially when grilled over charcoal, the cauliflower will also get a nice light smoky flavor along with the taste of harissa. And don’t hesitate to make more than one head at a time. The leftovers are just as good as (and maybe a bit better) than the night you make them. The harissa flavors penetrate the cauliflower even more overnight. For a little citrus flavor, squeeze fresh lemon over the roasted cauliflower just before serving.

Trader Joe’s Traditional Tunisian Harissa Hot Chili Pepper Paste With Herbs & Spices, 6 oz Jar (Single)
Trader Joe’s Traditional Tunisian Harissa Hot Chili Pepper Paste With Herbs & Spices, 6 oz Jar (Single)

Also try my harissa chicken wings.

Roasted Harissa Cauliflower
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4 from 1 vote

Roasted Harissa Cauliflower

So long and goodbye to boring cauliflower. Bring on the spiciness of harissa, a Mediterranean hot chile pepper paste that is so flavorful I’m quickly finding myself using on just about everything.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword cauliflower, roasted
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 1 head
Calories 144kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375 F. You can also roast the cauliflower on a grill over indirect heat.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  • Remove any leaves from the bottom of the head of cauliflower but do not remove the stem.
  • Lower the head into the boiling water and return to a boil and boil for 4 minutes.
  • Remove and let cool.
  • Rub harissa paste over the cauliflower. No need to be shy.
  • Transfer the cauliflower to a sheet pan and place in the oven for 20-30 minutes until softened. I used a small sharp knife to test for doneness by poking the stem.
  • Remove and serve.

Notes

Best served immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 144kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 173mg | Potassium: 1719mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin C: 277mg | Calcium: 127mg | 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)

Spiral Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Butter

These spiral sweet potatoes with pecan butter are a twist on a favorite Thanksgiving dish for us. It’s a bit sweet, a lot easy, and very tasty. You can assemble it ahead of time and cook it on-site in the oven or on a grill. I like cooking sides on the grill at Thanksgiving since it frees up the oven. The oven is always crammed full during the holidays.

Spiral Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Butter

A Few Thoughts

The sweet potatoes are cut into thin (but not too thin) spirals. They will cook faster than whole or sliced sweet potatoes, so keep an eye on them. Spiral sweet potatoes with pecan butter don’t take as long to cook as you might think. The crunchy sweet topping is absolutely fantastic. If your guests like their sides a bit on the sweet side don’t hesitate to double the topping.

If you don’t have a spiralizer you can cut the sweet potatoes into thin slices instead.

Brieftons 5-Blade Vegetable Spiralizer: Strongest-Heaviest Spiral Slicer, Best Veggie Pasta Spaghetti Maker for Low Carb/Paleo/Gluten-Free/Vegan Meals, With Extra Blade Caddy, 4 Recipe Ebooks
Brieftons 5-Blade Vegetable Spiralizer: Strongest-Heaviest Spiral Slicer, Best Veggie Pasta Spaghetti Maker for Low Carb/Paleo/Gluten-Free/Vegan Meals, With Extra Blade Caddy, 4 Recipe Ebooks

As an added bonus for us, I used pecans from my dad’s pecan trees. There’s something about his pecans that make them oh so much better than anything I’ve ever gotten from a store. Some years his trees don’t make many pecans, and some years… Yowsa! It’s like it’s raining pecans everywhere!

Also try my smoked hazelnut butter on these wonderful sweet potatoes!

Spiral Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Butter
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5 from 1 vote

Spiral Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Butter

The crunchy sweet topping is absolutely fantastic. If your guests like their sides a bit on the sweet side don’t hesitate to double the topping.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword butter, pecans, sweet
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 305kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 large sweet potatoes peeled, spiraled (I used the large blade. You don’t want super thin spirals)
  • 1 large sweet onion sliced thin and separated into rings
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup pecans chopped, toasted

Instructions

  • Preheat grill to medium or oven to 425 F degrees.
  • Place potato slices and onion rings on a large sheet of aluminum foil (you might need to divide the mixture between more than one piece of foil). Drizzle with oil.
  • Place another sheet of foil over potatoes and seal along edges.
  • Place on grill or in oven for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender.
  • In a small bowl, mix the butter, sugar, salt and cinnamon. Stir in pecans.
  • Open packets and top with pecan butter. Serve.

Notes

The packets can release a little hot steam when opening so use caution.

Nutrition

Calories: 305kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 171mg | Potassium: 641mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 24357IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer Spiralizer Vegetable Slicer - Vegetable Chopper Onion Chopper Food Chopper Vegetable Spiralizer Mandoline Slicer Cutter Chopper and Grater Slicer Zucchini Spaghetti Maker
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer Spiralizer Vegetable Slicer – Vegetable Chopper Onion Chopper Food Chopper Vegetable Spiralizer Mandoline Slicer Cutter Chopper and Grater Slicer Zucchini Spaghetti Maker

Peach BBQ Beans

Yeah, this is how BBQ beans are done. When you need a big batch of beans that’ll knock everyone’s socks off, these peach BBQ beans are it. Sure, I’ve smoked baked beans before and I’ve soaked dry beans overnight and gone through all the hassle. No hassle here. Just great BBQ bean flavor, with a little sweetness from peaches added in. Nice and different, and definitely delicious.

Peach BBQ Beans

Get Fruity

If peaches aren’t your thing, substitute canned apple pie filling instead. Or make two batches. Make one batch of these beans and one batch of apple BBQ beans. You’ll amaze all of the guests at your next party.

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

Sweet Baby Ray's Varierty Pack, 1 Original Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Hickory and Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Sweet N Spicy Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Honey Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, 1CT
Sweet Baby Ray’s Varierty Pack, 1 Original Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Hickory and Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Sweet N Spicy Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Honey Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, 1CT

Also try my smokehouse beans and my smoked BBQ baked beans.

Peach BBQ Beans
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5 from 2 votes

Peach BBQ Beans

Yeah, this is how BBQ beans are done. When you need a big batch of beans that’ll knock everyone’s socks off, these peach BBQ beans are it. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword baked beans, BBQ, peach
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 91kcal
Author Based on a recipe from The Food Network

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325 F.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the bacon and cook, stirring constantly, until the bacon starts to crisp.
  • Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Do not remove any fat in the skillet.
  • Add the bell pepper and onion to the skillet and cook until softened, stirring often, 5-6 minutes.
  • Place all ingredients into a very large bowl and stir to combine well.
  • Spray a 9" x 13" baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Pour in the bean mixture and spread out evenly.
  • Bake for 1 hour or until bubbly hot. Note: If your pan is full to the brim, you might want to place a large baking dish on the oven rack below to catch any drippings that might flow over the side.
  • Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 91kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 222mg | Potassium: 97mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 343IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 8mg | 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)

Downtown Roasted Chicken 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.

Any day that ends in the letter ‘y’ is a good day to roast up some chicken in my Big Easy. A few hours in a flavor-packed marinade, one hour on the cooker, and we sat down to enjoy some fantastic downtown roasted chicken breasts on the Char-Broil Big Easy. The chicken is moist and tender with just a hint of spiciness and smokiness. I used bone-in chicken breasts, but any chicken cuts (or even a whole chicken) would work just fine.

Downtown Roasted Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Go Skinless

I removed the skin because the marinade is going to keep it from getting crispy. Also, no skin means that the marinade soaks in deep, making sure each bite of downtown roasted chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy is full of flavor. The marinade would also be fantastic on steaks.

When using a marinade and cooking on the Big Easy I like to lay my chicken flat so that the marinade doesn’t run off. If you are using the basket that comes with the Big Easy you can easily cook two breasts at a time. Add the bunk bed basket and you can cook four.

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

Also try my copycat of Boston Market’s Tuscan Herb chicken, also made on the Big Easy! For a little kick, make my Nashville hot chicken, one of my all-time favorites!

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!

Downtown Roasted Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Downtown Roasted Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy

A few hours in a flavor-packed marinade, one hour on the cooker, and we sat down to enjoy some fantastic downtown roasted chicken breasts. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, chicken
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours
Servings 4 servings
Calories 364kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Aaron McCargo Jr

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken breasts split bone-in ,skin removed

For the rub

Instructions

  • Place the chicken in large resealable bag or container.
  • Place all of the rub ingredients into a blender and process until smooth.
  • Pour marinade over chicken. Close the container and toss gently to coat.
  • Refrigerate for 1 hour.
  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Remove the chicken from the container and place into the Big Easy basket.
  • Place into cooker and cook until the chicken hits 165 F, about 1 hour.

Notes

You’ll need the Bunk Bed Basket to cook 4 or more chicken breasts at a time.

Nutrition

Calories: 364kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 50g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 5568mg | Potassium: 982mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 315IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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