Tag: recipe

Michigan State Spicy Spartan Hot Dog

A few years ago the Big 10 basketball tournament was held here in Indianapolis. As part of the event, the Levy restaurant group in Chicago produced unique hot dogs that highlight each of the Big 10 teams. I came across a copy of the list of the dogs recently, and just had to make each of them. These Michigan State spicy Spartan hot dogs are definitely spicy, but in a really good way. Jalapeno relish has a kick, but it’s not overwhelming at all. And since we’re doing spicy, let’s keep going by adding some spicy pepper jack cheese and spicy mustard. It’s a good heat for sure and one that will wake you up! These are not boring dogs!

Michigan State Spicy Spartan Hot Dog

No Boring Hot Dogs Here!

Although jalapeno relish looks a lot like pickled jalapenos, it’s actually a bit sweet so the heat is not that hot. Oh it’s there, don’t get me wrong.  It’s great stuff that is also fantastic on burgers and wraps. And it’s outstanding on a Michigan State Spicy Spartan hot dog.

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

For a full list of all of the Big 10 team hot dogs, click here and enjoy!

Michigan State Spicy Spartan Hot Dog
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Spicy Spartan Hot Dog

These Michigan State spicy Spartan hot dogs are definitely spicy, but in a really good way. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 298kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Levy Restaurants

Ingredients

  • 4 hot dogs
  • 4 hot dog buns
  • ¼ cup jalapeno relish
  • ¼ cup pepper jack cheese shredded
  • spicy mustard

Instructions

  • Cook or grill the dogs as desired.
  • Toast the buns, if desired (I always do).
  • Add dogs to buns.
  • Add relish, cheese and mustard and serve.

Notes

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

Nutrition

Calories: 298kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 911mg | Potassium: 125mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 55IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 137mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites

One of my favorite Thanksgiving day dishes is my grilled sweet potatoes with pecan butter. Well, my favorite has a new buddy, and it’s these bacon-wrapped sweet potato bites. Packed with fantastic savory flavors, and yes, wrapped in bacon. The bacon not only adds a fantastic smokiness, it keeps the sweet potatoes moist and tender. Sweet potatoes always need a little something and boy, is bacon ever a marriage made in heaven. Bacon makes sweet potatoes amazing, and you want to serve amazing at Thanksgiving.

Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites

Very Different. And Very Good.

There is absolutely nothing I would change about this recipe for bacon-wrapped sweet potato bites. You can assemble the potatoes well ahead of time, refrigerate them, and cook them before enjoying your big Thanksgiving meal. They do reheat well, so you can also cook them ahead of time and just reheat for about 10-15 minutes at 350 F before serving.

You can make this dish on a grill, too. 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 Buffalo potato wedges.

This recipe was inspired by a recipe from Just a Pinch.

Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites

Packed with fantastic savory flavors, and yes, wrapped in bacon. The bacon not only adds a fantastic smokiness, it keeps the sweet potatoes moist and tender.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword bacon, sweet potatoes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6
Calories 201kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Just a Pinch

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Peel the potatoes.
  • Cut the potatoes into rounds that are as thick as the bacon is wide.
  • Place potatoes into a large bowl. Sprinkle with a bit of oil and toss to coat.
  • Combine the Mrs. Dash, thyme, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt and pepper.
  • Sprinkle half of the spice mix over the potatoes and toss to coat.
  • Wrap a piece of bacon around each piece of potato.
  • Roll in the remaining spice mixture then secure the bacon with a toothpick.
  • Place potatoes on a baking sheet lined with a silpat or aluminum foil and sprayed with non-stick spray.
  • Bake for 30-45 minutes (depending on how thick the potatoes are) until the potatoes are nice and tender and the bacon is cooked.

Notes

These make for a great Thanksgiving side dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 201kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 282mg | Potassium: 539mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 21381IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 67mg | 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 Pumpkin Pull-Apart Bread

It’s pumpkin time! And that means quick, easy pumpkin pull-apart bread. Moist, pumpkin-y, cinnamon-y, and guaranteed to disappear very, very quickly. I made a ‘loaf’ for my wife to take to work (you don’t have to reheat it and it doesn’t require refrigeration if you devour it within two days, which you will) and share. It was gone in no time at all!

Easy Pumpkin Pull-Apart Bread

Use The Right Pan

The only tricky part when making this pumpkin pull-apart bread is if your bread pan is bigger than the bread. Like mine was. Your bread will fall and you’ll end up with a loaf of sadness if you let it. The solution for me was to grab a piece of foil, wad it up into a ball, and place it in the space between the end of the ‘loaf’ and the end of the bread pan. No bread sadness here, just great fall-flavor yumminess!

Halloween is my favorite day of the year! I love carving pumpkins! I admit I usually buy too many pumpkins and end up on a carving marathon the day of Halloween. By trick-or-treat time I’m worn out but it’s worth it!

Professional Pumpkin Carving Kit for Christmas Gift - Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Tools and Knives with Carrying Case (8 Pieces) - Pumpkin Carver for Adults & Kids, Pumpkin Sculpting Set
Professional Pumpkin Carving Kit for Christmas Gift – Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Tools and Knives with Carrying Case (8 Pieces) – Pumpkin Carver for Adults & Kids, Pumpkin Sculpting Set

Love pumpkin? Me too. And I love my triple-layer pumpkin spice pie too!

Easy Pumpkin Pull-Apart Bread
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Easy Pumpkin Pull-Apart Bread

It’s pumpkin time! And that means quick, easy pumpkin pull-apart bread. Moist, pumpkiny, cinnamony, and guaranteed to disappear very, very quickly. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword bread, pumpkin
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 16 servings
Calories 164kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Crazy for Crust

Equipment

Ingredients

For the pull-apart bread

For the glaze

Instructions

For the pull-apart bread

  • Preheat your oven to 350 F.
  • Spray a bread pan with non-stick spray. Note: I used a non-stick bread pan and did not have to spray it.
  • In a bowl, stir together the pumpkin puree, 1/4 cup of the sugar, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice and egg.
  • In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and the cinnamon.
  • Open the can of biscuits and separate them. Cut each one in half, horizontally.
  • Sprinkle each side of each biscuit half with the sugar and cinnamon mixture.
  • Take a biscuit and liberally brush one side with the pumpkin mixture. Place into the bread pan on edge, with the non-pumpkin side towards the end.
  • Keep adding brushed biscuits into the pan, packing them in on end. They’ll look like a row of hockey pucks when you are done. When you are done, if there is extra space in your pan wad up a piece of foil and add it to keep the ‘loaf’ from falling.
  • Place into the oven and bake 20-25 minutes or until the outside is done. The internal temperature should be 190 F or more, but the insides will be gooey and soft, thanks to the pumpkin puree.
  • Let the bread cool completely before drizzling with the glaze.

For the glaze

  • Whisk together all ingredients until smooth.

Notes

You cannot substitute other types of biscuits for the Grands.

Nutrition

Calories: 164kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 278mg | Potassium: 97mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 1847IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 24mg | 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)

Hawaiian ABTs

Sure, I’ve made ABTs (atomic buffalo turds) on my smoker before. They’re a great appetizer, and a great cook’s snack. They are also a great way to use up any free space you might have on your cooker when smoking ribs, pork, chicken or whatever. These Hawaiian ABTs bring a really nice sweet twist to the classic recipe for ABTs. Bacon and a bit of heat tamed by cream cheese and pineapple make for a can’t-get-enough treat. Perfect!

Hawaiian ABTs

Seasoning Optional

You can sprinkle the Hawaiian ABTs with your favorite rub before placing them on your smoker if you wish. But I’d do so sparingly. You really don’t want to hide the great flavors in these little morsels. A little extra heat wouldn’t hurt, but I emphasize ‘little’. Go easy on it.

If you by chance end up with leftover ABTs the next day, chop them fine and use them as the filling for the best grilled cheese sandwiches you’ve ever had. Or add to the tops of hot grilled burgers. You’ll thank me.

Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket
Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket

I recommend that you use a grill basket when making this dish. It makes cooking easier and you don’t have to worry about anything falling through the grates. And cleanup is easier too!

Hawaiian ABTs
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Hawaiian ABTs

These Hawaiian ABTs bring a really nice sweet twist to the classic recipe. Bacon and a bit of heat tamed by cream cheese and pineapple. Perfect!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword grilled, jalapeno
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 24 poppers
Calories 579kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Year on the Grill

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 12 jalapeno peppers sliced in half lengthwise
  • 8 ounces cream Cheese softened to room Temperature
  • 24 Slices bacon
  • 24 pineapple cut to be slightly smaller than the size of the split Jalapenos

Instructions

  • Half the jalapenos leaving the stem.
  • With a spoon scrape out the seeds and veins, then rinse with water.
  • Fill each jalapeno half with cream cheese, making sure to not overfill past the rim.
  • Place a slice of pineapple in each.
  • Starting at the bottom, wrap each stuffed jalapeno with bacon, add a toothpick to hold it together.
  • Place ABT’s on the grill, indirect heat (Coals pushed to the side, peppers placed where there are no coals under the peppers.
  • Grill until bacon is crisp about an hour to an hour 15 minutes. They can easily be done in an oven. (Not recommended: you will lose that wonderful smoky flavor)
  • Remove toothpicks prior to serving
  • Serve HOT and ENJOY (Everyone always does)!

Notes

NOTE: It is the seeds and the white veins that are the most SPICY. Remove as much as possible to make a milder version of this if you are serving a large crowd.

Nutrition

Calories: 579kcal | Carbohydrates: 120g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 185mg | Potassium: 1060mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 90g | Vitamin A: 735IU | Vitamin C: 441mg | Calcium: 129mg | Iron: 3mg

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

Herb Roasted Mushrooms 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.

The cooking rack for the Char-Broil Big Easy (sadly, no longer available!) is a definite must-have accessory for the cooker. I use it to cook everything from French fries to nachos. And yep, even herb roasted mushrooms on the Char-Broil Big Easy. I often remove the racks themselves and add 9″ pie pans (you can leave in the racks and use 8″ or smaller pie pans). Then I’m off and running.

Herb Roasted Mushrooms on the Char-Broil Big Easy

The Perfect Side Dish

Everything comes out great. And since I have more than one Big Easy I can cook a main dish in one (like fantastic roasted chicken) and a side or two in the other! Score!

I used smaller baby portabella mushrooms but you can use any mushrooms you wish, even mixing up types when you make herb roasted mushrooms on the Char-Broil Big Easy. Just keep in mind that larger mushrooms or mushrooms with thicker caps might take a bit longer to cook. I like to cook my mushrooms cap-side down. The juices stay inside the cap, keeping the mushrooms nice and moist.

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

Also try my pesto stuffed mushrooms, made on the Big Easy!

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!

Herb Roasted Mushrooms on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Herb Roasted Mushrooms on the Char-Broil Big Easy

I used smaller baby portabella mushrooms but you can use any mushrooms you wish, even mixing up types when you make herb roasted mushrooms on the Char-Broil Big Easy. Just keep in mind that larger mushrooms or mushrooms with thicker caps might take a bit longer to cook.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, mushroom
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 30kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • In a large bowl, toss mushrooms with the remaining ingredients.
  • Transfer mushrooms to the Big Easy. Make sure the stem-side is pointing upwards.
  • Place into the Big Easy and cook 20 minutes or until just tender.

Notes

The easiest way to cook these mushrooms is to use a Big Easy Cooking Rack with 9″ pie pans. If you don’t have either, you can use the Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket.
.

Nutrition

Calories: 30kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 328mg | Potassium: 369mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 19IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Minnesota Gopher Hot Dog

Indianapolis recently hosted the Big 10 basketball tournament. As part of the event, the Levy restaurant group in Chicago produced unique hot dogs that highlight each of the Big 10 teams. I came across a copy of the list of the dogs recently, and just had to make each of them. These Minnesota Gopher hot dogs were fantastic. Spicy chili, crunchy onions, even crunchier Fritos, and ooey gooey cheese sauce. Nice and messy, like a great dog is supposed to be!

Minnesota Gopher Hot Dog

A Great Twist On A Classic Dog

A nice twist to these Minnesota Gopher hot dogs would be to swap out the Fritos with BBQ or chili Fritos. And for a little extra kick, use a jalapeno cheese sauce. You’ll be happy you did!

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

For a full list of all of the Big 10 team hot dogs, click here and enjoy!

Minnesota Gopher Hot Dog
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Minnesota Gopher Hot Dog

These Minnesota Gopher hot dogs were fantastic. Spicy chili, crunchy onions, even crunchier Fritos, and ooey gooey cheese sauce. Nice and messy, like a great dog is supposed to be!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 1474kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Levy Restautants

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook or grill the dogs as desired.
  • Toast the buns, if desired (I always do).
  • Add dogs to buns.
  • Top with chili and cheese sauce.
  • Sprinkle with onion and Fritos and serve.

Notes

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

Nutrition

Calories: 1474kcal | Carbohydrates: 156g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 76g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 102mg | Sodium: 4045mg | Potassium: 1065mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 2699IU | Vitamin C: 223mg | Calcium: 545mg | Iron: 12mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Copycat McDonald’s Arch Deluxe Burgers

Probably no one besides me remembers McDonald’s Arch Deluxe burgers. They were a more grown up burger, launched in the 1990s. They were a flop, but honestly, I’m not sure why. I love making copycat McDonald’s Arch Deluxe burgers at home. They are your pretty-much-standard burgers, but with a sauce that is totally different than the special sauce you find on another favorite, Big Mac. It’s the sauce that makes them special for me. It’s not fancy or complicated, just good.

Copycat Arch Deluxe Burgers

The Sauce Is The Boss. So Is The Seasoning.

The star of the show is definitely the sauce and the special seasoning that McDonald’s uses on all of their burgers, from the Arch Deluxe of old to the classic Quarter Pounder. I always thought that the Arch Deluxe should’ve been a hit (along with the McDLT). Well, I guess I can’t call them all correctly!

I like to use a burger press when I make burgers. It, in combination with some patty papers, enables me to crank out a whole bunch of equally-sized burger patties in no time at all with little cleanup.

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

After you devour your copycat Arch Deluxe Burgers you’ll want to make copycats of McDonald’s Cheddar Melt and a Quarter Pounder with Cheese. Trust me.

Copycat Arch Deluxe Burgers
Print Pin
5 from 2 votes

Copycat Arch Deluxe Burgers

The Arch Deluxe was your pretty-much-standard burger, but with a sauce that is totally different than the special sauce you find on a Big Mac.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword burgers, copycat
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 1 serving
Calories 559kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the burger

  • 1 hamburger bun sesame seed
  • ¼ pound beef patty
  • 1 slice American cheese
  • 1-2 slices tomato
  • 1-2 leaves lettuce chopped
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon white onion chopped

For the burger seasoning (makes enough for several burgers)

For the special sauce

Instructions

For the burger

  • Toast the buns.
  • Season the patty with the burger seasoning from below. Cook as desired.
  • Top the hot beef patty with the cheese.
  • Slather the insides of the bun halves with the special sauce.
  • Add the beef patty to the bottom bun.
  • Add the tomato, lettuce, ketchup, onion and top bun and serve.

For the burger seasoning

  • Combine all ingredients.

For the special sauce

  • Combine all ingredients until smooth.

Notes

The special sauce is great on any burger!

Nutrition

Calories: 559kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 28812mg | Potassium: 569mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 563IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 342mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial ... Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)
The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial … Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)

White Barbecue 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.

Wow! Talk about some great chicken! Perfectly crispy skin, covered in vinegar-mayonnaise BBQ sauce. Man, this white barbecue chicken that I made on the Char-Broil Big Easy came out great. We both loved it. It is definitely something different from the ‘usual’ roasted chicken. I opted for split bone-in chicken breasts, but you could use boneless breasts, legs, wings or even whole chicken.

White Barbecue Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy

You Need This Chicken. And Soon!

You can certainly make your own white BBQ sauce, it’s pretty easy to do. I decided to use some of the bottle of Lillie’s Q Ivory sauce that I picked up at Jungle Jim’s outside of Cincinnati. The Ivory sauce is thick, but not too thick, and it’s not too mayonnaise-y or vinegar-y. We think it has the perfect balance of flavors, making it ideal for this white barbecue chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy.

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

I’m a big fan of BBQ-style chicken on the Big Easy. Also check out my peach BBQ and Daddy’s BBQ recipes.

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!

White Barbecue Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

White Barbecue Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Wow! Talk about some great chicken! Perfectly crispy skin, covered in vinegar-mayonnaise BBQ sauce. Man, this white barbecue chicken that I made came out great.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword barbecue, Big Easy, Char-Broil, chicken
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 258kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Very lightly brush the chicken with oil.
  • Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
  • Add breasts to the Big Easy cooking basket and place into the cooker. Cook until chicken hits 165 F.
  • Remove from cooker and let cool for a few minutes then brush generously with the BBQ sauce.
  • Serve with a small bowl of sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

You’ll need the Big Easy Bunk Bed basket to cook more than a few chicken breasts at once. Do not crowd the chicken into the cooker or it will not cook evenly.

Nutrition

Calories: 258kcal | Protein: 48g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 262mg | Potassium: 836mg | Vitamin A: 68IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Penn State Roaring Lion Hot Dog

A few years ago the Big 10 basketball tournament was held here in Indianapolis. As part of the event, the Levy restaurant group in Chicago produced unique hot dogs that highlight each of the Big 10 teams. I came across a copy of the list of the dogs recently, and just had to make each of them. The Penn State Roaring Lion hot dog is one fantastic dog. It has sauerkraut, which is pretty much a requirement on a hot dog in my book. And spicy mustard, another good thing. Then there’s jalapeno relish because well, more kick is more better. Finally, a few crunchy blue tortilla strips thrown in for good measure. If it seems like an usual combination, it’s not. It’s great

Penn State Roaring Lion Hot Dog

Jalapeno Relish Tops Dogs Right

Jalapeno relish is a great thing that I only recently discovered. Though it might look a bit like pickled jalapenos, it’s actually not that particularly spicy and it has a sweet side to it too. It’s the perfect topping for this Penn State Roaring Lion hot dog.

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

For a full list of all of the Big 10 team hot dogs, click here and enjoy!

Penn State Roaring Lion Hot Dog
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Penn State Roaring Lion Hot Dog

The Penn State Roaring Lion hot dog is one fantastic dog. It has sauerkraut, which is pretty much a requirement on a hot dog in my book. And spicy mustard, another good thing.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 237kcal
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).
  • Warm the kraut, if desired.
  • Add dogs to buns.
  • Top with sauerkraut, relish, mustard and tortilla strips.

Notes

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

Nutrition

Calories: 237kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 756mg | Potassium: 180mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 7IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 95mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Burnt Ends

I made some poor man’s burnt ends not long ago, which really got my mojo going. So I ran out and picked up a gorgeous Wagyu beef brisket and proceeded to make the real thing, brisket burnt ends. And suddenly, all was good in the world again. Nothing compares to these in my book. Tender as you can get. Beefy good flavor. Every bite is a treat. I could (and did) eat these like popcorn. It was bordering on embarrassing. When you make them you’ll understand what I mean.

Burnt Ends

Meat Candy

I could eat these all day long. As much as I love sliced smoked brisket, or chopped smoked brisket, these little morsels pack more flavor into every bite. And they’re really great served on a hoagie bun with lettuce and tomato as a po boy! And on top of grits???? Amazing!

I usually prefer to use fruit or nut woods when I smoke unless I want a heavier smoke flavor. Pecan, apple or cherry are my favorites. For these burnt ends I went with whiskey barrel chunks for a heavier smoke flavor.

Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb
Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb

Need to feed a crowd and want to wow them with something totally different? Try my amazing hot dog burnt ends instead.

Burnt Ends
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Burnt Ends

I made some poor man’s burnt ends not long ago, which really got my mojo going. So I ran out and picked up a gorgeous Wagyu beef brisket and proceeded to make the real thing, brisket burnt ends. And suddenly, all was good in the world again. Nothing compares to these in my book. Tender as you can get. Beefy good flavor. Every bite is a treat.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword beef, smoked
Prep Time 12 hours
Cook Time 10 hours
Total Time 22 hours
Servings 12
Calories 185kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the brisket

Texas Crutch sauce

Instructions

For the brisket

  • Rub the rub all over the brisket.
  • Transfer to a resealable container or wrap in foil and refrigerate overnight.
  • Fire up your smoker for cooking at 225 F. Use whatever wood you prefer. I wanted a little stronger smoke flavor than I usually opt for so I used Jack Daniel’s whiskey barrel chunks. Burnt ends need a little more smoke than say sliced brisket, in my opinion.
  • Transfer the brisket to the smoker and cook until the internal temperature (as measured in several spots) reaches 170 F.
  • Remove the brisket and place it onto a large piece of foil.
  • Combine the crutch sauce ingredients and pour over the brisket.
  • Seal the brisket tightly in the foil and return to the smoker until the temperature reaches 195 F.
  • Remove the brisket from the foil.
  • Cut beef into 3/4″ – 1″ cubes and place into a large disposable pan.
  • Lightly (very lightly!) drizzle the meat with the BBQ sauce. You just want the flavor from the sauce. Toss gently to coat.
  • Sprinkle with more of the rub and return to the smoker for 1 more hour.
  • Devour.

Notes

Got leftovers? Just refrigerate and reheat over medium heat when ready to use.

Nutrition

Calories: 185kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 90mg | Potassium: 377mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 2mg

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