Tag: recipe

Potato Salad With Peas

I could sit down with a huge bowl of this salad  and eat it all day long. It has crunchiness. Creaminess. The pop of peas. And my favorite, Creole mustard. Certainly I’ve seen peas in pasta salad before. But I’d never had potato salad with peas until now. I’ve been missing out, that’s for sure.

Potato Salad with Peas

To Bacon. Or Not To Bacon.

I fought the temptation to add crumbled cooked bacon to this wonderful salad. It’s ok if you’re not that strong. Add it and enjoy.

I almost always use Blue Plate mayonnaise in the dishes I make. I think it is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

Blue Plate Real Mayonnaise, Homestyle Mayo For Chicken Salad to Deviled Eggs, 30 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Blue Plate Real Mayonnaise, Homestyle Mayo For Chicken Salad to Deviled Eggs, 30 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

For a similar salad but one that uses pasta instead of potatoes, check out our peas and pasta salad recipe and bacon potato salad.

Potato Salad with Peas
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Potato Salad With Peas

I could sit down with a huge bowl of this salad  and eat it all day long. It has crunchiness. Creaminess. The pop of peas. And my favorite, Creole mustard.
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword peas, potato salad
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 326kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Put the potatoes into a saucepan and cover with water.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
  • Bring water to a boil, cover and continue boiling until the potatoes are just starting to get tender. Do not overcook them. Start checking them after 10 minutes.
  • Remove from heat, drain, place in a large bowl, and let cool.
  • Add the chopped eggs, peas and onion.
  • Fold to combine. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  • Whisk together 2/3 cups of the mayo, the sour cream and mustard in a medium bowl.
  • Fold into the potato mixture. Add a bit more mayonnaise if too dry.
  • Season with salt and pepper.

Notes

Stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 326kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 616mg | Potassium: 797mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 305IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 38mg | 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)

Onion Hummus

Next to salsa, hummus is the most popular ‘dip’ in our house. I usually have everything on hand to make a batch. That’s one of the nice things about hummus. The base recipe doesn’t take a lot of ingredients to make. You can treat it like a blank canvas, adding whatever flavors you like. Like this onion hummus, served with toasted pita wedges.

Onion Hummus

Nice ‘N Smooth

This onion hummus is perfect with some warm homemade pita wedges. You can control the smoothness by processing it more or less in your food processor. We like ours a little chunky but not so chunky that the pita chips bend or brake when we load up on the hummus.

Cuisinart DFP-14BCWNY Food Processor Custom, 14 Cup, White
Cuisinart DFP-14BCWNY Food Processor Custom, 14 Cup, White

Also check out another of our favorites, dill hummus.

Sour Cream and Onion Hummus
Print Pin
4 from 2 votes

Onion Hummus with Toasted Pita Wedges

You can treat hummus like a blank canvas, adding whatever flavors you like.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mediterranean
Keyword hummus, pita
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 361kcal
Author Based on a recipe from The Food Network

Equipment

Ingredients

For the onion hummus

For the toasted pita wedges

Instructions

For the sour cream and onion hummus

  • Put all ingredients except the paprika into a food processor and puree until smooth, adding some of the reserved liquid as required.
  • Serve with a dash of paprika for color.

For the toasted pita wedges

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Brush pitas with a little oil and sprinkle with salt.
  • Bake on a sheet pan for 5 minutes until crispy.
  • Sprinkle with more salt while still hot and cut each pita into 6 wedges.

Notes

Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 361kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 321mg | Potassium: 400mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 32IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 111mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Mac and Jack Salad

I love a good pasta salad. And more and more, I like pasta salads that are a combination of traditional ingredients (celery, mayo, onion… the usual suspects) and something different. Like in this Mac and Jack salad, which has spicy hot chipotle salsa in it. Yep, salsa. Now, it’s not crazy hot at all, just a little kick which makes it something different and fantastic. The vinegar and oil dressing keeps this salad different than your usual mayonnaise-sauced salad.

Mac and Jack Salad

Wonderful Contrasts

This Mac and Jack salad has a great crunch with lots of fresh veggies, and creamy cheese chunks. It might just be the perfect pasta salad. For a spicy kick you’ll definitely want to go with pepper jack cheese. And add a chopped jalapeno or two.

Pompeian Gourmet Red Wine Vinegar, Perfect for Salad Dressings, Marinades & Sauces, Naturally Gluten Free, 30 Ounce
Pompeian Gourmet Red Wine Vinegar, Perfect for Salad Dressings, Marinades & Sauces, Naturally Gluten Free, 30 Ounce
Pompeian Gourmet White Wine Vinegar, Bright & Fresh Flavor, Perfect for Salad Dressings, Shellfish & Sauces, 30 FL. OZ.
Pompeian Gourmet White Wine Vinegar, Bright & Fresh Flavor, Perfect for Salad Dressings, Shellfish & Sauces, 30 FL. OZ.

Also try my three bean macaroni salad.

Mac and Jack Salad
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Mac and Jack Salad

Like in this Mac and Jack salad, which has spicy hot chipotle salsa in it. Yep, salsa. Now, it’s not crazy hot at all, just a little kick which makes it something different and fantastic.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword cheese, pasta salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 221kcal
Author From Rachael Ray

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook pasta in boiling salted water.
  • Rinse with cold water and drain well.
  • Combine corn, bell pepper, onion and celery in a large bowl.
  • Stir in the cheese.
  • Add the pasta and stir.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Place red wine vinegar in a small bowl.
  • Whisk in the oil.
  • Whisk in the salsa.
  • Stir into the pasta mix.
  • Stir in the fresh cilantro or parsley.
  • Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 221kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 696mg | Potassium: 451mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1233IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 242mg | 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)

Sweet and Sour Sauce

This is my go-to simple sweet and sour sauce. Perfect on our sweet and sour meatball sliders. We also use this sauce on our appetizer meatballs and chicken with rice. And stir-fried shrimp with rice. Well, any time you need sweet and sour sauce, this is the perfect homemade solution!

Sweet and Sour Meatball Sliders

Great On Everything

This sweet and sour sauce is also a favorite for dipping our homemade chicken nuggets. Or store-bought nuggets for that matter! If no one is looking I might sneak in a few pinches of red pepper flake to counter the sweetness just a bit. The sauce is also good drizzled over grilled or roasted shrimp.

Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar With the Mother– USDA Certified Organic – Raw, Unfiltered All Natural Ingredients, 16 ounce, 2 Pack
Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar With the Mother– USDA Certified Organic – Raw, Unfiltered All Natural Ingredients, 16 ounce, 2 Pack

If you aren’t a fan of cornstarch as a thickener, just substitute tapioca powder.

Sweet and Sour Meatball Sliders
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Sweet and Sour Sauce

If you aren't a fan of cornstarch as a thickener, just substitute tapioca powder.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword sauce, sour, sweet
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 cups
Calories 293kcal
Author Based on a recipe from The Slow Roasted Italian

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place corn starch and 2 ounces of water into a small bowl and whisk until combined completely.
  • Place remaining ingredients (don’t forget to add the remaining 6 ounces of water) into a medium sauce pan over medium heat. Whisk to combine.
  • Bring sauce to a slow boil and let boil for 1 minute.
  • Reduce heat to a simmer and slowly whisk in the corn starch mixture. Be careful because the mixture will tend to rise (and almost double in volume), so don’t add the corn starch too quickly.
  • Continue whisking, cooking 5 minutes, until thickened.

Notes

Stir before suing. Store leftover sauce in the fridge until ready to use.

Nutrition

Calories: 293kcal | Carbohydrates: 73g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 287mg | Potassium: 210mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 62g | Vitamin A: 156IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 38mg | 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)

Slow Cooker Balsamic Pork Sliders

Pulled pork is a popular dish around our house. Normally I make it on the smoker, low and slow. It may take most of the day (or night) but it is well worth the time. Specially when the end result are some slow cooker balsamic pork sliders. These little morsels of goodness disappear in no time. They’re like eating popcorn.

Now, I don’t believe in a grilling or smoking ‘season’, but the other day it was flat out cold and windy here and there was no way I was going to babysit the smoker. Call me wimpy. So, it was time for Plan B. And Plan B was good. Very good.

Slow Cooker Balsamic Pork Sliders

It’s All About The Sauce!

This slow cooked tender balsamic pork has tremendous flavor. It’s sweet. It’s savory. The sauce is so delicious. And the Asian slaw? Fantastic. I was scared (really) of using fish sauce. I mean that stuff has an ‘aroma’. But it was great. I’m not afraid of it at all any more. It adds an amazing and new (to me) flavor that is quite intriguing.

Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)

These slow cooker balsamic pork sliders will definitely become a go-to winter-time recipe for us. Also try my crazy-good bold Ranch slow cooker pork chops.

Slow Cooker Balsamic Pork Sliders
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Balsamic Pork Sliders

This slow cooked tender balsamic pork has tremendous flavor. It’s sweet. It’s savory. The sauce is so delicious. And the Asian slaw? Fantastic.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword crockpot, pork, sliders, slow cooker
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 9 hours
Total Time 9 hours 5 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 419kcal
Author From Just A Taste

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Balsamic pork

For the Asian slaw

Instructions

For the Balsamic pork

  • Put the pork into a slow cooker set on low.
  • Whisk together the honey, vinegar, jam, Hoisin, broth, garlic.
  • Stir in the onion.
  • Pour sauce over pork and cook 8-9 hours until fall-apart tender. Make the slaw (below) while the pork cooks.
  • Remove pork to a bowl to cool slightly then shred.
  • Pour sauce from slow cooker into a saucepan over medium-high heat.
  • Whisk cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water. Slowly pour into sauce while whisking.
  • Bring sauce to a boil and continue stirring until thickened, 3-5 minutes.
  • Pour sauce back into the slow cooker and add the shredded meat. Stir.
  • Serve meat over rolls topped with Asian slaw.

For the Asian slaw

  • Whisk together all but the cabbage and green onions in a medium bowl.
  • Add in the cabbage and green onions and toss to coat.
  • Refrigerate until ready to use.

Notes

Make sure to get plenty of the sauce on the meat as you assemble the sandwiches. They’ll be messy but its worth it.

Nutrition

Calories: 419kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 352mg | Potassium: 689mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 495IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count
Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count

Wild Rice and Pineapple Salad

One of our favorite slaws is a Hawaiian version that is loaded up with pineapple. Turns out my folks love it too. They make it often. This wild rice and pineapple salad is an interesting take on the old familiar concept. Wonderful rice with crunchy red onion, and a little vinegar to offset the sweetness of pineapple. It’s rather unexpected and unbelievably good.

Wild Rice and Pineapple Salad

No Wimpy Salad Here

This wild rice and pineapple salad holds up for days, unlike slaw, which can get a little watery after a few days. So don’t be afraid of the fact that this recipe makes a pretty good-sized batch of salad.

Make sure that you whisk the dressing until it’s nice and smooth and combined.

Whisks for Cooking, 3 Pack Stainless Steel Whisk for Blending, Whisking, Beating and Stirring, Enhanced Version Balloon Wire Whisk Set, 8"+10"+12"
Whisks for Cooking, 3 Pack Stainless Steel Whisk for Blending, Whisking, Beating and Stirring, Enhanced Version Balloon Wire Whisk Set, 8″+10″+12″

Also try my spinach and orzo salad and my pineapple mango daikon salad.

Wild Rice and Pineapple Salad
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Wild Rice and Pineapple Salad

 This wild rice and pineapple salad is an interesting take on the old familiar concept. Wonderful rice with crunchy red onion, and a little vinegar to offset the sweetness of pineapple.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword pineapple, rice, salad
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 388kcal
Author From Robert Irvine

Equipment

Ingredients

For the dressing

For the salad

Instructions

For the dressing

  • Whisk together the vinegar, brown sugar, cilantro, and parsley.
  • While still whisking, slowly add the oil.
  • Set aside while making the salad.

For the salad

  • Add water to a large pot with a lid. Bring to a boil.
  • Add the wild rice, stir, cover and let simmer for 15 minutes.
  • Add the rinsed white rice, cover, and simmer another 20 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes.
  • Fluff rice and let cool completely.
  • Gently combine the onion and pineapple in a large bowl.
  • Add the rice and dressing and stir.
  • Season with salt and pepper, to taste and serve garnished with more chopped cilantro.

Notes

Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 388kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 83mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 95IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 22mg | 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)

Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp

These little yummy bites are a copycat version of the Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer available at the Bonefish Grill. These shrimp have a fantastic crunch to them. The batter is not too thick or overpowering – you can still taste the shrimp. A little kicked-up dipping sauce and you have a great dish.

Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp

No Dinky Shrimp Please

I used 18-22 count US wild-caught shrimp, which were the perfect size for an appetizer version of this copycat Bang Bang shrimp. For me, at least. I love shrimp. No reason to use the dinky sized ones in something as good as this. I like to have a good handle to grab them by. That way I don’t get myself all messy when I dunk them into the sauce.

I get out my big deep fryer when it’s time to fry a large batch of food. It comes to temperature quickly and it maintains that temperature perfectly. It has a built-in oil filter and storage unit so I can re-use the oil several times.

T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel
T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel

Also try my copycat of Applebee’s Sriracha shrimp, Bayou fried shrimp, coconut fried shrimp, and southern fried shrimp. Did I mention how much I love fried shrimp?

Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp

These little yummy bites are a copycat version of the Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer available at the Bonefish Grill. These shrimp have a fantastic crunch to them. The batter is not too thick or overpowering – you can still taste the shrimp. A little kicked-up dipping sauce and you have a great dish.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, deep-fried, shrimp
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 948kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the dipping sauce

For the shrimp breading

For the shrimp

  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 16 medium shrimp peeled, deveined
  • 1 green onion green part only, chopped

Instructions

For the dipping sauce

  • Whisk together all ingredients.

For breading

  • In a shallow bowl, place 1/2 cup of flour.
  • In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
  • In another shallow bowl, stir together the remaining 3/4 cup flour, panko, salt, pepper, sage, onion and garlic powders, and basil.

For the shrimp

  • Working in batches, roll shrimp in the flour.
  • Next, place shrimp in the egg and milk mixture and roll to coat. Shake off any excess.
  • Finally, coat shrimp in the breading.
  • Transfer to a large plate and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  • Heat 2″ of oil in a deep fryer or Dutch oven to 350.
  • Working in batches, fry shrimp 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Serve shrimp garnished with green onion, with dipping sauce on the side. Note: The Bonefish grill lightly coats the shrimp in the dipping sauce. I found it easier (and less messy) to serve the shrimp with the sauce on the side.

Notes

Make extra dipping sauce. If by chance you have any leftover, it’s also great for dunking chicken nuggets!

Nutrition

Calories: 948kcal | Carbohydrates: 95g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 50g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 311mg | Sodium: 2505mg | Potassium: 298mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 388IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 184mg | Iron: 7mg

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)

Cajun Fried Mushrooms

I was looking for a little different (and spicier) version of fried mushrooms than you usually get when you order them at your local bar, and boy, I found it. I recently made some beer battered mushrooms, and they were absolutely outstanding. The nice light batter made the mushrooms feel light and airy. The batter on these Cajun fried mushrooms isn’t quite as light, but it has a fantastic (cornmeal) crunch to it. And a really nice spicy kick. These are different than the usual fried snacks you get at a restaurant or bar. Good different.

Cajun Fried Mushrooms

A Kicked Up Dipping Sauce

The mustardy dipping sauce complements these Cajun fried mushrooms perfectly, and it also has a bit of kick to it because, well, you need a kick and more kick is better.

If I’m cooking for a crowd, I’ll break out my big deep fryer. But, if it’s just the two of us, I’ll fire up my Fry Daddy fryer. It’s the perfect size for both of us. It fries everything perfectly. And as an added bonus, it doesn’t use a lot of oil, which saves me money.

I get out my big deep fryer when it’s time to fry a large batch of food. It comes to temperature quickly and it maintains that temperature perfectly. It has a built-in oil filter and storage unit so I can re-use the oil several times.

T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel
T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel

Zatarain’s Creole mustard is a staple in our house. We go thru it like it’s going out of style.

Zatarain's Creole Mustard, 12 oz
Zatarain’s Creole Mustard, 12 oz

Also try my beer-battered fried mushrooms. They’re yummy too!

Cajun Fried Mushrooms
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Cajun Fried Mushrooms

I was looking for a little different (and spicier) version of fried mushrooms than you usually get when you order them at your local bar, and boy, I found it. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Cajun, deep-fried, mushroom
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 752kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the mushrooms

For the dipping sauce

Instructions

For the mushrooms

  • Mix flour, corn meal, salt, white pepper, and cayenne in a large bowl.
  • In another large bowl, whisk the egg with the milk and mustard.
  • Add 1/4 cup of the dry mixture to the egg mixture and whisk.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer to 350 F.
  • Add mushrooms to egg mixture and stir to coat.
  • Shake off excess coating and remove to the dry mixture.
  • Shake off excess coating and fry until golden brown.
  • Serve hot with dipping sauce.

For the dipping sauce

  • Whisk together all ingredients. Refrigerate until needed.

Notes

These are also great dipped in Ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Nutrition

Calories: 752kcal | Carbohydrates: 87g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 63mg | Sodium: 1123mg | Potassium: 709mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 381IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 95mg | Iron: 6mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel
T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel

Mardi Gras Pasta Salad

Well, this Mardi Gras pasta salad sure came out pretty. And good tasting, too. All of the colors are Mardi Gras are there. Gold (er… yellow). Green. Purple. This salad is almost like a slaw, except for the pasta.

Mardi Gras Pasta Salad

A Few Notes and Changes

I wouldn’t be afraid to add more mustard to this Mardi Gras pasta salad. My preference is Zatarain’s Creole mustard although Dijon could be substituted (in a pinch). I also shredded the cabbage pretty fine. I didn’t want big pieces of cabbage like I would normally do for a slaw, so I used a box grater. But you can thin shred your cabbage if you prefer.

I almost always use Blue Plate mayonnaise in the dishes I make. I think it is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

Blue Plate Real Mayonnaise, Homestyle Mayo For Chicken Salad to Deviled Eggs, 30 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Blue Plate Real Mayonnaise, Homestyle Mayo For Chicken Salad to Deviled Eggs, 30 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

Also try my crab pasta salad and my Tuscan pasta salad.

Mardis Gras Pasta Salad
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Mardi Gras Pasta Salad

Well, this Mardi Gras pasta salad sure came out pretty. And good tasting, too.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword pasta salad
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 243kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook pasta per package instructions.
  • Rinse and drain well then let cool slightly.
  • Transfer to a large bowl.
  • Add remaining ingredients (start with just 3/4 cup of the mayo) and stir to combine.
  • If mixture is too dry add more mayonnaise, one tablespoon at a time, stirring, until the salad is the desired thickness.
  • Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 243kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 608mg | Potassium: 383mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 681IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 32mg | 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)

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Oh my goodness. I made a batch of these slow cooker Buffalo chicken sliders and watched them disappear lickity-split. All of my favorite flavors in a single bite: chickeny Buffalo wing sauce, Ranch dressing, and cheese. This might just be the most perfect recipe for a crowd. It can’t get any easier, just toss all of the ingredients for the filling into the slow cooker and a few hours later, you’ve got crazy good sliders.

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Feed A Crowd. Quickly.

I think you could make a little ‘slider bar’ for these slow cooker Buffalo chicken sliders. Let folks choose from blue cheese, gorgonzola, jalapenos, chopped celery, carrots, cilantro… you name it! Oh, and extra Ranch dressing too for those that are Ranch-aholics like myself. Half the time I think I make Buffalo-flavored dishes just so I have an excuse to have more Ranch dressing in my life.

Go Mild. Or Hot.

You can use a mild Buffalo sauce if you’re worried about too much heat. You can always serve a hotter sauce on the side for dipping the sandwiches. Just get a good grip on the slider buns first. You don’t want the yummy chicken sliding off into the sauce.

Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)

Also try my slow cooker cream cheese chicken taquitos.

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders
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4 from 1 vote

Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Oh my goodness. I made a batch of these slow cooker Buffalo chicken sliders and watched them disappear lickity-split. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Buffalo, chicken, sliders
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 35 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 280kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Plain Chicken

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Pour wing sauce and dressing mix into a large bowl and whisk to combine.
  • Pour into a slow cooker set on low.
  • Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6 hours until fall-apart tender. If the chicken breasts are too large to be submerged in the sauce, flip them over halfway thru the cooking time.
  • Remove breasts to a cutting board and shred or chop as desired.
  • Return to the slow cooker and cook another 30 minutes.
  • Brown buns if desired.
  • Top buns with meat and cheese and place under broiler for just enough time to lightly melt the cheese.
  • Drizzle with a little salad dressing and serve.

Notes

I also added a teaspoon or so of the sauce from the slow cooker to the sandwiches.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 437mg | Potassium: 301mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 213IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 166mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count
Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count