Tag: recipe

Wisconsin Badger Cheesy 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 Wisconsin Badger cheesy hot dog packs on the cheese and… Cheetos on a hot dog?! Brilliant! All topped with delicious pepper relish. Crunchy yumminess!

You have to cut me some slack about not knowing all of the Big 10 team names and colors! I went to an SEC school!

Wisconsin Badger Cheesy Hot Dog

Cheetos For The Win

Putting Cheetos on a hot dog not only makes them even more yummy it makes them even more fun to eat. You can’t go wrong with this Wisconsin Badger cheesy hot dog. All the tastiest things in one bite! For a twist, top these dogs with my caramel crunchy Cheetos! But then I guess it won’t be a Badger dog! Oops!

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!

Wisconsin Badger Cheesy Hot Dog
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Wisconsin Badger Cheesy Hot Dog

The Wisconsin Badger cheesy hot dog packs on the cheese and… Cheetos on a hot dog?! Brilliant! All topped with delicious pepper relish. Crunchy yumminess!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 528kcal
Author Based on a menu item from Levy Restaurants

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook or grill the dogs as desired.
  • Toast the buns, if desired (I always do).
  • Add Pepper jack and provolone cheeses to the buns.
  • Add dogs to buns.
  • Add Cheetos, drizzle with the cheese sauce and spoon on some relish.
  • Serve.

Notes

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

Nutrition

Calories: 528kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 57mg | Sodium: 1318mg | Potassium: 278mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 646IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 429mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

French Fries 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.

Woo hoo! French fries on the Char-Broil Big Easy! Crispy, hot French fries! Perfection in a pan, and ready in only minutes. Don’t want to heat up the house with the oven making fries during the warmer months? Just toss some (frozen) fries into the Big Easy!

French Fries on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Cooking Outside Is Just… Better.

How long does it take to bake French fries on the Char-Broil Big Easy? I found the cook time on the fries to pretty much match the times on the package, so it’s about as no-brainer as you can get.

These fries would not have been possible without Char-Broil’s Big Easy Cooking Rack. It adds a ton of cooking area to the fryer. And best, you can add 9″ pie pans, giving you the ability to cook a whole bunch of things, like fries! Check out my post on the rack for tips and tricks.

Here lately, the rack has been hard to find. Next best thing? The bunk bed basket. An absolute-got-to-have for the Big Easy.

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

You can also cook potato skins and hash brown patties 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!

French Fries on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

French Fries on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Woo hoo! French fries on the Char-Broil Big Easy! Crispy, hot French fries! Perfection in a pan, and ready in only minutes. Don’t want to heat up the house with the oven making fries during the warmer months? Just toss some (frozen) fries into the Big Easy!
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, fries
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 295kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 pound frozen fries such as Ore-Ida
  • Your favorite toppings and condiments

Instructions

  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Divide fries between 9″ pie pans. Do not overcrowd.
  • Lower rack into the Big Easy and cook until fries are crispy, 20 minutes or so.
  • Remove and top and garnish.

Notes

You’ll need the Big Easy Cooking Rack and some 9″ pie pans to make these French Fries.

Nutrition

Calories: 295kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 556mg | Potassium: 488mg | Fiber: 5g | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Pulled Pork Mac-and-Cheese

Whenever I fire up my smoker to make pulled pork I make sure to make plenty extra. Sure, I love a big ole heapin’ mound of pulled pork on a bun with some slaw and pickles. But pulled pork is also great in mac-and-cheese. It adds such a wonderful smokiness to the dish. I didn’t go overboard on the pork. You want enough so that you get a bit in each bite. But you don’t want to have so much that you think you’re eating a pulled pork casserole.

Pulled Pork Mac-and-Cheese

Any Smoked Meat Will Do

I think you could probably get away with making this same recipe for pulled pork mac-and-cheese using smoked brisket or chicken. Just make sure the meats are chopped small. And if you prefer more heat, don’t be afraid to add in some chopped seeded jalapenos or more hot sauce. Or jump up a level and use serrano or habanero peppers instead.

I highly recommend that you shred or grate your own cheese at home. Don’t buy the pre-shredded or pre-grated stuff. It has stuff added to it to keep it from sticking together. That ‘stuff’ affects how the cheese melts. Shred it yourself and use the good stuff.

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

Also try my roasted garlic and thyme mac-and-cheese.

Pulled Pork Mac-and-Cheese
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Pulled Pork Mac-and-Cheese

Sure, I love a big ole heapin’ mound of pulled pork on a bun with some slaw and pickles, but pulled pork is also great in mac-and-cheese.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword mac and cheese, macaroni and cheese, pulled pork
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 10
Calories 708kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Louisiana Kitchen and Culture Magazine, March/April 2016

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400F.
  • Spray a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Cook the pasta until al dente, normally 6 minutes for dried pasta. Rinse with cold water and drain.
  • Melt the butter in large sauce pan over medium heat.
  • Combine the flour and salt and slowly whisk into the melted butter. Keep whisking until the butter begins to bubble.
  • While whisking, add the milk and cream. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to low. Keep whisking for 10 minutes. The mixture should be nice and creamy thick.
  • Stir in the hot sauce.
  • Add the cheese and stir until melted.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the macaroni and pulled pork.
  • Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and spread out evenly.
  • Sprinkle with the crushed crackers and bake for 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly and the topping has turned golden.

Notes

Also great with smoked brisket.

Nutrition

Calories: 708kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 47g | Saturated Fat: 28g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 156mg | Sodium: 624mg | Potassium: 340mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1513IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 436mg | 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)

Red Pepper Flake on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

Ever since I bought my dehydrator I have been looking forward to drying chile peppers. I wanted to make my own red pepper flake on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro. I use a ton of red pepper flake in the many dishes I cook, and I thought it’d be awesome to grow my own peppers and dry them. So, that’s what I did. My pepper harvest wasn’t very bountiful, but fortunately it doesn’t take a lot of peppers to make a good-sized batch of red pepper flake.

Red Pepper Flake on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

This Was A Big Success

Packed with heat and great flavor, I couldn’t have been happier with the end result. I hand-crushed the dried peppers with a mortar and pestle. You could use a blade coffee grinder or even blender, but I think you’ll end up with chile powder (my next project) instead of coarse flake. You get much better control over the end product using the mortar and pestle.

Get A Few Extra Trays

I like to load up my dehydrator. To do that I picked up a handful of extra trays from Nesco. 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

Also try my smoked habanero flake.

Red Pepper Flake on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Red Pepper Flake on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

I use a ton of red pepper flake in the many dishes I cook, and I thought it’d be awesome to grown my own peppers and dry them.
Course Spice Mix
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, peppers
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings 1 cup
Calories 576kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 32 chile peppers ripe

Instructions

  • Cut the stems off of the peppers. Do not remove the seeds.
  • Place peppers on the dehydrator trays. Set the dehydrator temperature to 165 F.
  • Dry for 8 hours or until the peppers are crispy and brittle.
  • Working in batches, place the peppers into a mortar and grind with the pestle until the desired consistency is achieved.

Notes

Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 576kcal | Carbohydrates: 127g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 130mg | Potassium: 4637mg | Fiber: 22g | Sugar: 76g | Vitamin A: 13709IU | Vitamin C: 2069mg | Calcium: 202mg | Iron: 15mg

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)

Spiced Corn on the Cob

I usually grill fresh corn-on-the-cob, but I thought I’d try something a bit different and boil it instead. I wasn’t going to let all that great corn flavor disappear into the water and leave me with bland corn. Nope, a little spiced corn on the cob was in order. By simply adding a nice hot pepper (or two, really) to the water while you cook the corn, you infuse the cobs with a great spiciness. And the butter doesn’t hurt the flavor either, that’s for sure!

Spiced Corn on the Cob

The Keys To Success

Don’t add too much water to the pot when simmering the corn. The more water, the more diluted the flavors will be, so add just enough to cover the cobs. If Scotch bonnet peppers scare you, just substitute jalapenos. No need to stem them, seed them or chop them. Just toss them into the pot. Spiced corn on the cob can be as spicy as you want it to be.

This recipe is also a great way to make spicy kernels to use in other dishes. Just cook like it says below and peel, cut or scrape the kernels off the cobs.

2PCS Corn Planer Cutter Thresher Peeler, Corn Thresher Cob Stripper Tool,Premium Stainless Steel Corn Thresher Cob Remover tool with Ergonomic Handle
2PCS Corn Planer Cutter Thresher Peeler, Corn Thresher Cob Stripper Tool,Premium Stainless Steel Corn Thresher Cob Remover tool with Ergonomic Handle

Also try my corn cob pops.

Spiced Corn on the Cob
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Spiced Corn on the Cob

By simply adding a nice hot pepper (or two, really) to the water while you cook the corn, you infuse the cobs with a great spiciness. And the butter doesn’t hurt the flavor either, that’s for sure!
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword corn-on-the-cob, spicy
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 120kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Martha Stewart

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 8 ears fresh corn shucked
  • 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
  • 1 Scotch bonnet pepper any hot pepper will do, or 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic

Instructions

  • Cut corn ears in half and place into a large pot.
  • Add just enough water to cover the corn.
  • Add the remaining ingredients.
  • Bring to a boil over high heat.
  • Cover and reduce heat to a simmer and simmer for 30 minutes, rotating corn on occasion.
  • Remove from pot, let cool slightly, and serve.

Notes

Use a jalapeno for a less-spicy version.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 887mg | Potassium: 264mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 316IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 10mg | 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)

Northwestern Wildcat 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. Purple onion marmalade made the Northwestern Wildcat hot dog an absolute top-notch dog and one we won’t soon forget.

Northwestern Wildcat Hot Dog

A Fantastic Hot Dog All Around

The marmalade will become a staple in our house, but not just on Northwestern Wildcat hot dogs. I’m sure it’ll be amazing on pork burgers too! This is one fantastic hot dog. Take the time to make the delicious purple onion marmalade and you’ll be rewarded. Big time.

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!

Northwestern Wildcat Hot Dog
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Northwestern Wildcat Hot Dog

Purple onion marmalade made the Northwestern Wildcat hot dog an absolute top-notch dog and one we won’t soon forget.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 227kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Levy Restaurants

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 hot dogs
  • 4 hot dog buns
  • 4 slices Provolone cheese
  • purple onion marmalade see recipe below
  • Creole mustard

For the purple onion marmalade

Instructions

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

For the purple onion marmalade

  • Spray a large non-stick skillet with non-stick spray. Heat over medium-high heat.
  • Add the onion, separating the rings. Cover and cook 3 minutes.
  • Add the remaining ingredients.
  • Reduce heat to a simmer and cook 8-10 minutes longer, uncovered, until just slightly thick, stirring occasionally.
  • Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

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

Nutrition

Calories: 227kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 459mg | Potassium: 130mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 112IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 157mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Cornbread 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 love the cooking rack I picked up for my Big Easy. It gives me up to 6 racks of cooking at once. And as a bonus, I discovered that I can fit 9″ pie pans onto the rack. Now I can make a whole bunch of things I couldn’t (easily) cook before. Like cornbread on the Char-Broil Big Easy. And in my case, not just any cornbread. No. Over-the-top yummy Fat Johnny’s cheesy cornbread.

Cornbread on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Any Cornbread Recipe Will Do

You can use any cornbread recipe you want on the Char-Broil Big Easy. Fill the pans about halfway (as you can see on the left in the picture above). If you’re cooking just a pan or two keep your pans at the bottom of the rack.

If you put pans to the top of the rack you might have to rotate them from top-to-bottom to get them to all cook in the same time. Or, you can just remove the done ones as they finish and return the rack to the cooker. Use a toothpick to determine doneness. If it slides into cornbread and comes out clean, the cornbread is done.

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

You can also bake pizzas in your Big Easy using a store-bought pre-made crust.

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!

Cornbread on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Cornbread on the Char-Broil Big Easy

You can use any cornbread recipe you want on the Char-Broil Big Easy. Fill the pans about halfway (as you can see on the left in the picture above). If you’re cooking just a pan or two keep your pans at the bottom of the rack.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, cornbread
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 168kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Make your cornbread batter just as you normally would
  • I found that a normal cornbread batter recipe fits two 9″ pans perfectly. Divide the batter between the pans and place the pans into the cooking rack.
  • Lower rack into the Big Easy.
  • Start checking for doneness (particularly on the lower pans) after the usual cornbread cooking time, 15-20 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of each pan. If the toothpick is clean when you remove it the cornbread is done. Note: You might have to remove some pans before others.

Notes

You’ll need the Char-Broil Big Easy Cooking Rack plus 9″ pie pans (2 per cornbread batter batch). Make sure that your pans will fit into the rack before beginning.

Nutrition

Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 328mg | Potassium: 45mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 46IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Ohio State Buckeyes 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 Ohio State Buckeyes hot dog combines red pepper relish (which is a bit sweet) with white(ish) kraut. For a little kick, there’s some spicy mustard. Hey, the Buckeyes’ colors are red and white! Now I get it! You have to cut me some slack about not knowing all of the Big 10 team names and colors! I went to an SEC school!

Ohio State Buckeyes Hot Dog

Pepper Relish For The Win

Pepper relish is a wonderous thing that I’ve started using more and more. It’s got a bit of a kick to it, but it’s also nice and sweet. It’s not only great on Ohio State Buckeyes hot dogs but also on sandwiches and wraps.

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!

Ohio State Buckeyes Hot Dog
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Ohio State Buckeyes Hot Dog

The Ohio State Buckeyes hot dog combines red pepper relish (which is a bit sweet) with white(ish) kraut (for a little kick, and for more kick there’s spicy mustard). Hey, the Buckeyes’ colors are red and white! Now I get it!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 236kcal
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, mustard and relish.

Notes

I sometimes like to mix the mustard in with the kraut. It guarantees that you get both flavors in every bite.

Nutrition

Calories: 236kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 755mg | 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

Raisins on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

I’ve been having a blast with my new dehydrator from Nesco. I’ve been making a lot of jerky, so I figured I’d take a break and make something different. And that different is raisins on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro. They take a few days to dehydrate, but boy are they fantastic! Tender and sweet. Soooooo much better than store-bought.

Raisins on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

The Keys To Success

Raisins on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro are fun to make and eat! You can fit about a pound of grapes per tray (outfitted with screens). You should rotate the trays every few hours to guarantee even drying, but be careful rotating the trays when you first start out. Them lil grapes like to roll around!

After 2 days the smaller grapes may be dried completely, so check through the trays for any that are done.

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

Did you know that you can also make Fig Newtons on your Nesco Snackmaster Pro? They take a while, but boy are they ever great!

Raisins on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Raisins on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

They take a few days to dehydrate, but boy are they fantastic! Tender and sweet. Soooooo much better than store-bought.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword dehydrator, grapes, nesco snackmaster pro, raisins
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 days
Total Time 3 days 15 minutes
Servings 1 cup
Calories 313kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ripe grapes

Instructions

  • Remove the stems from the grapes.
  • Rinse under cold water.
  • Pat the grapes dry. The drier, the better.
  • Place grapes onto the dehydrator screens. Try to not let them touch.
  • Close the dehydrator and turn onto high.
  • Dehydrate on high for 24 hours, rotating the trays every 2 hours or so. Don’t fret if you don’t rotate the trays at night while you’re sleeping!
  • Turn the dehydrator down to 135 F and continue drying for a total of 3 days, rotating the trays every 2 hours or so. I like to move the grapes around a bit as they are drying to keep them from sticking to the screens.

Notes

You can fit about a pound of grapes per tray in the Nesco Snackmaster Pro. Do not overcrowd the grapes.

Nutrition

Calories: 313kcal | Carbohydrates: 82g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 866mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 70g | Vitamin A: 299IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 2mg

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)

Bang Bang Cauliflower 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.

Since I picked up a cooking rack for my Char-Broil Big Easy I’ve been able to cook all sorts of dishes that I used to have to reserve for indoor cooking. I love being able to cook an entire meal outdoors, and that means sides too. And not just your usual outdoor sides like corn-on-the-cob, or grilled veggies. This bang bang cauliflower on the Char-Broil Big Easy cooks up in less than 40 minutes. The breading gives the florets just a bit of crunch. And the dipping sauce? Fantastic. Creamy, with just a hint of a spicy kick.

Bang Bang Cauliflower on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Disappears Like… Well, Popcorn!


Depending on conditions, you may have to rotate the pans in the Big Easy as the cauliflower cooks so that each one cooks evenly. If you don’t have a cooking rack you can use the Bunk Bed Basket from Char-Broil, but you won’t be able to cook quite as much cauliflower at once. Whatever you do, do not over-crowd the florets or they will not cook completely. You want your bang bang cauliflower on the Char-Broil Big Easy done!

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

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!

Bang Bang Cauliflower on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 1 vote

Bang Bang Cauliflower on the Char-Broil Big Easy

 This bang bang cauliflower dish cooks up in less than 40 minutes. The breading gives the florets just a bit of crunch. And the dipping sauce? Fantastic. Creamy, with just a hint of a spicy kick.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, cauliflower, Char-Broil
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 431kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets
  • 3 cups bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)

For the dipping sauce

Instructions

  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Combine bread crumbs and salt in a pie plate.
  • Place eggs into another pie plate.
  • Working in batches, roll cauliflower florets in the egg. Shake off excess then roll in the bread crumbs. Transfer to the pie pans for the Big Easy.
  • Cook in the Big Easy for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on the pans on the lower levels as they may brown quicker. I had to rotate my trays after 15 minutes to get nice even cooking.
  • Remove and let cool slightly before garnishing and serving with the dipping sauce.

For the dipping sauce

  • Whisk together all ingredients.

Nutrition

Calories: 431kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 1118mg | Potassium: 426mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 106IU | Vitamin C: 48mg | Calcium: 132mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

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