Toasted Peeps Milkshake

My wife absolutely LOVES Peeps. And now they come in so many colors, shapes and sizes! I heard the other day that they’ll soon be available year-round! That means you could make a toasted Peeps milkshake every day of the year! The toasted lil Peeps add an interesting flavor to the shake. They’re toasted just long enough to give that fire-kissed taste. I snuck in a Peep garnish just to finish out the Peep theme!

Toasted Peeps Milkshake

Bye Bye Poor Peep

One of the great things to do with Peeps is to melt them down (it’s sort of a sad thing to watch) into syrup for ice cream. Or you can take the Peeps abuse a step further and toast them and then make them into the world’s most awesome milkshake. You’ll never want a milkshake done any other way after you try this toasted Peeps milkshake.

Also try my old-fashioned malted milkshake.

Toasted Peeps Milkshake
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Toasted Peep Milkshake

Peeps come in so many colors, shapes and sizes! I heard the other day that they’ll soon be available year-round! That means you could make a toasted Peeps milkshake every day of the year!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword milkshake
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 575kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 20 Peeps
  • ¼ cup milk 1% or 2% works fine
  • 2 cups vanilla ice cream or more

Instructions

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray lightly with non-stick spray.
  • Place Peeps on paper and place under broiler for about 40 seconds. Keep an eye on them.
  • Carefully flip the Peeps and return them to under the broiler for another 30 seconds or until lightly browned. You want them lightly toasted. I’ve found that if you toast them too long they melt instead of browning.
  • Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Put all but 2 of the Peeps into a blender with the milk and pulse for 5 seconds.
  • Add the ice cream and process for 10 seconds. Add more ice cream if you want the mix to be thicker.
  • Serve in tall glasses garnished with remaining toasted Peeps.

Notes

Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 575kcal | Carbohydrates: 105g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 149mg | Potassium: 303mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 98g | Vitamin A: 605IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 203mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Blackened Chicken Alfredo

This blackened chicken Alfredo is one of our favorite dishes. The contrast between the heat of the blackening seasoning and the creamy cheese sauce is fantastic. It takes almost no time at all to make. Use fresh pasta for the best tasting blackened chicken Alfredo.

Blackened Chicken Alfredo

Here Comes The Smoke!

Oh, and you’ll want to crack open a few windows when you make the blackened chicken on the stovetop. Blackening requires very high heat (cast iron skillets work best!) and generates a lot of smoke. It’s worth it but can set off the smoke detectors. Oh, and crank up the exhaust fan above your stove top, too. Every little bit helps.

Also try my delicious paprika chicken with sour cream gravy and my fiery Cajun shrimp Alfredo.

Blackened Chicken Alfredo
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Skillet Blackened Chicken Alfredo

This blackened chicken Alfredo is one of our favorite dishes. The contrast between the heat of the blackening seasoning and the creamy cheese sauce is fantastic. It takes almost no time at all to make. Use fresh pasta for the best tasting blackened chicken Alfredo.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, pasta, skillet
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 929kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken breasts boneless, skinless, butterflied
  • ¾ cup blackened seasoning
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • ¾ cup Mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 12 ounces pasta fresh (not dried), fettuccine, angel hair or linguine
  • parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Heat a large cast iron skillet over high heat.
  • Spread blackening seasoning out on a plate. Coat the chicken on both sides. Place chicken into the skillet and blacken on both sides. Remove skillet from stovetop and place in the oven for about 10 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165 F. Remove.
  • Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic, cream, white pepper. Bring to a simmer, stirring often.
  • Add the Parmesan cheese and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
  • Add Mozzarella cheese and stir until smooth.
  • Cook the noodles for 3 minutes or until done and drain.
  • Cut chicken into strips and serve over pasta with sauce.
  • Garnish with parsley.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan and shredded Mozzarella for best results.

Nutrition

Calories: 929kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 61g | Fat: 72g | Saturated Fat: 43g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 370mg | Sodium: 12905mg | Potassium: 1245mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2862IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 361mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Mini Chicken-and-Waffles

These mini chicken-and-waffles are the perfect sized appetizers for a crowd. Sure, you can make your own waffles. And you can fry your own chicken. But when you’re in a hurry, these will do just fine. For a little kick, dip the hot chicken nuggets into Frank’s Red Hot wing sauce before skewering them. Then add them onto the waffles and enjoy a little sweet heat.

Mini Chicken-and-Waffles

Great Game Treats!

These great game-time treats will disappear in minutes. But they’re easy to make, so you can crank out a big batch of mini chicken-and-waffles in no time. Now, if you’re looking for the full-sized version just grab a few pieces of already-fried chicken. And some already-heated Eggo waffles. Then you’re good-to-go!

Also try my glazed Kielbasa bites.

Mini Chicken-and-Waffles
Print Pin
4.34 from 3 votes

Mini Chicken-and-Waffles

These mini chicken-and-waffles are the perfect sized appetizers for a crowd.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, waffles
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 3
Calories 195kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Add chicken and cook until 10 minutes remain per the package instructions.
  • Add the mini waffles to the oven and warm 10 minutes.
  • Serve chicken skewered with waffles, drizzled with syrup.

Notes

Nutritional values do not include the chicken nuggets.

Nutrition

Calories: 195kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 410mg | Potassium: 60mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1065IU | Calcium: 162mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fried BBQ Bologna Sandwiches

Who doesn’t love a bologna sandwich? Well, this takes the old classic to a whole new level. You’ll find it hard to believe that you’re eating bologna. You’ll think that you’re at a fru-fru fancy dining place. Crispy, fried sandwich meat with spicy BBQ sauce served on a bun with creamy tangy slaw. You need fried BBQ bologna sandwiches right now! And actually, I do too!

Fried BBQ Bologna Sandwiches

These Are Not Boring Sandwiches

These fried BBQ bologna sandwiches are so good that we made them twice this week already. Although I grew up eating my share of bologna sandwiches (on white bread with mayo and maybe a squirt or two of yellow mustard), I never had fried bologna until I moved to the mid-west. Dang, all those years missing out on such awesomeness! I probably wouldn’t put slaw on my sandwiches as a kid, though. In fact, I wouldn’t have anything to do with slaw in my younger years. Now, it’s a totally different story. I love slaw. I can’t get enough of it as a side, on sandwiches, or wherever!

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

Also try my Pool Room Bologna burgers. They’re crazy good too.

Fried BBQ Bologna Sandwiches
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Fried BBQ Bologna Sandwiches

This takes the old classic to a whole new level. You’ll find it hard to believe that you’re eating bologna. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword bologna, sandwich
Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 439kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Brush all sides of the bologna with the BBQ sauce and sprinkle with the rub.
  • Place in a large resealable container for 4 hours.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Working in batches, remove bologna from container and shake off any excess sauce.
  • Fry in oil until browned on both sides.
  • Remove to a plate.
  • Toast buns if desired.
  • Top bun bottoms with fried bologna, followed by slaw and bun tops.

Notes

Use spicy BBQ sauce for a nice kicked-up sandwich!

Nutrition

Calories: 439kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 1021mg | Potassium: 319mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 71IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 146mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Mardi Gras Slaw

I’m a huge fan of anything slaw. It’s kinda odd since when I was growing up I couldn’t stand slaw at all. Now, slaw is the one thing I almost always order when eating out. I often make it when cooking at home. And slaw isn’t just a wonderful side. It’s fantastic on top of hot dogs, hamburgers, and best of all, pulled pork or smoked brisket sandwiches. This colorful Mardi Gras slaw is one of the slaws that changed my mind about slaws.

Mardi Gras Slaw

A Wonderful Twist On A Classic Slaw

This recipe for Mardi Gras slaw comes from Marguerite at Cajun Delights, my favorite place for all thing Cajun, from food to music.

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.

Also try my bacon ranch slaw.

Mardis Gras Slaw
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Mardi Gras Slaw

I’m a huge fan of anything slaw, which is odd since when I was growing up I couldn’t stand slaw at all. Now, slaw is the one thing I almost always order when eating out, and I often make it when cooking at home. 
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword Cajun, cole slaw, coleslaw
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 140kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine cabbage, onion and bell peppers in large bowl.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the remaining ingredients.
  • Pour over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat completely.

Notes

Always stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 121mg | Potassium: 291mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 637IU | Vitamin C: 83mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat Panda Express SweetFire Chicken

This copycat Panda Express SweetFire chicken dish is the best take on the classic sweet-n-sour chicken I’ve ever had. The flavors are just spot on, from the sweetness of the pineapple to the kick from red pepper flakes, to the crunch of onions and crispy chicken. The sauce is amazing, too. I’d make this again. And again.

Copycat Panda Express SweetFire Chicken

Worth A Mess

I confess that I made a big ole mess in the kitchen when I made this copycat Panda Express SweetFire chicken. Apparently, I was cornstarch-dredging challenged that night, because I had cornstarch all over the place. It was well worth it, though. This dish is definitely worth any kind of mess you might make, too.

It might seem like there’s a lot of ingredients in this recipe. There are a few, for sure. But it’s actually pretty easy to make. The end result is the best reward you could ask for.

Also try my Firecracker chicken and my spicy orange chicken.

Copycat Panda Express SweetFire Chicken
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Copycat Panda Express SweetFire Chicken

This copycat Panda Express SweetFire chicken dish is the best take on the classic sweet-n-sour chicken I’ve ever had. The flavors are just spot on, from the sweetness of the pineapple to the kick from red pepper flakes, to the crunch of onions and crispy chicken.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, copycat, spicy, sweet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 261kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place chicken pieces in a large resealable baggie or container and add the flour along with salt and pepper to taste. Seal and shake to coat.
  • Place beaten eggs in a shallow bowl.
  • Place 1 cup of the cornstarch into another shallow bowl.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet or wok.
  • Working in batches, remove chicken pieces from the baggie and shake off the excess flour.
  • Dip into egg and coat, shaking off excess.
  • Next, dip into cornstarch and coat, shaking off the excess.
  • Fry until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate. Finish cooking remaining chicken.
  • Combine the 4 tablespoons of water and remaining 3 tablespoons of cornstarch in a cup or glass.
  • In a small pan, combine the red pepper flakes, garlic, sugar, and vinegar. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat. Whisk in the cornstarch mixture and keep warm.
  • Add a little more oil to the skillet or wok and add the bell pepper and onion and cook for 3 minutes.
  • Add the pineapple and cook another minute.
  • Add the sauce mixture in and stir.
  • Add the cooked chicken and gently stir to coat and combine.
  • Serve over rice or noodles, if desired, and garnished with green onions.

Notes

You can substitute chicken tenderloins for the breasts.

Nutrition

Calories: 261kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 90mg | Potassium: 296mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 646IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Deviled Pastel Easter Eggs

With Easter approaching rapidly, I thought I’d post a recipe for deviled pastel Easter eggs. These eggs are always on the menu every year when our family gets together to celebrate the day. They’re easy to make. They taste like ‘normal’ deviled eggs. And they look awesome!

Deviled Pastel Easter Eggs

They Do Look Cool

This recipe for deviled pastel Easter eggs makes 24 egg halves. But you’ll have a few egg halves left for other uses. The technique for coloring the eggs can be used for any recipe that calls for hard-boiled eggs. That includes egg salads. Hey, who wouldn’t be wowed by a tie-dyed colored egg salad? They are fun!

Also try my creamed spinach deviled eggs.

Deviled Pastel Easter Eggs
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Pastel Deviled Easter Eggs

These eggs are always on the menu every year when our family gets together to celebrate the day. They’re easy to make. They taste like ‘normal’ deviled eggs. And they look awesome!
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword deviled, eggs
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 24 halves
Calories 106kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Halve the eggs.
  • Remove the yolks into a bowl.
  • Discard 24 of the halves (use in an egg salad!)
  • Fill drink glasses (we used rocks glasses) with water and add food coloring to each. You want the color to be pretty dark, even for the lighter colors.
  • Working in batches, gently lower eggs into the glasses (we put them on a spoon and lowered them into the water).
  • Stir very gently and let set in the glass until they reach the desired color.
  • Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and dry completely.
  • Mash yolks with a fork and add the mayonnaise, pickle relish, and mustard.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Fill egg halves with yolk mixture. It’s easier to use an icing piper or frosting bag, or if those aren’t available, put the mixture in a plastic baggie, cut off the tip, and use that to pipe the mixture.
  • Garnish with paprika and olives or pimentos, if desired.
  • Store covered in the fridge until ready to serve.

Notes

Serve chilled for best results.

Nutrition

Calories: 106kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 188mg | Sodium: 121mg | Potassium: 71mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 296IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Muffuletta Sandwich

I so love the flavors of a muffuletta sandwich. Great meats, great cheese, and Italian olive salad. Warmed just slightly until the bread is soft and the cheese is ooey-gooey. I could eat muffulettas all day long. Which brings me to my gripe. Why doesn’t every single sandwich shop sell muffulettas? I mean, seriously, it’s the best sandwich there is. Oh sure, you can get your roasted turkey with avocado, and maybe a ham on rye, but really… Just jump to the chase and enjoy the best sandwich ever devised. The muffuletta.

Muffuletta Sandwich

Well Worth The Time

I used my homemade Italian olive salad in this muffuletta sandwich. It takes a day to make the salad, but it is very much worth the time. If you don’t want to make your own olive salad, pick up a big jar of olive salad at your grocery store or order some online. Olive salad isn’t cheap, but that’s for a reason. It’s packed with lots of great stuff!

Also try my muffuletta salad. And my Memphis-style muffuletta.

Muffuletta Sandwich
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Muffuletta Sandwich

I so love the flavors of a muffuletta sandwich. Great meats, great cheese, and Italian olive salad. Warmed just slightly until the bread is soft and the cheese is ooey-gooey. I could eat muffulettas all day long. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Cajun, olives, sandwich
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 1716kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf Italian bread cut in half horizontally (can substitute French bread)
  • 3 cups olive salad
  • 4 ounces mozzarella sliced thin
  • 6 ounces capicola sliced thin
  • 4 ounces salami sliced thin
  • 4 ounces mortadella sliced thin
  • 2 ounces sandwich pepperoni sliced thin
  • 4 ounces provolone sliced thin

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375° F.
  • Spread the olive salad on each half of the bread, 1 1/2 cups per side.
  • Next, place sliced mozzarella over the salad on the bottom piece of bread.
  • Top with the meats.
  • Place provolone on top piece of bread and place on top of bottom, to make a sandwich.
  • Wrap tightly in foil and heat 20 minutes.

Notes

Mortadella can be hard to find. You can substitute bologna.

Nutrition

Calories: 1716kcal | Carbohydrates: 185g | Protein: 61g | Fat: 135g | Saturated Fat: 42g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 133mg | Sodium: 7217mg | Potassium: 499mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 441IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 369mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Beer Cheese Sauce

Oh me. This beer cheese sauce has lots and lots of uses, from a dip for pretzels or chips to topping hot dogs or burgers, or even over pasta. We served it warm with warmed pretzel balls and a few Tostistos Scoops. Some Fritos would be good too. Everything disappeared in minutes! This sauce is so good you’ll be tempted to grab a straw down the whole lot in no time!

Beer Cheese Sauce

I Like A Little Heat

Adjust the heat to your tastes. I like this sauce nice and spicy. For a thicker beer cheese sauce, just let it cook a little longer.

This sauce is also great on baked potatoes.

Also try my other version of cheese sauce. It has a nice horseradish kick.

Beer Cheese Sauce
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Beer Cheese Sauce

Oh me. This beer cheese sauce has lots and lots of uses, from a dip for pretzels or chips to topping hot dogs or burgers, or even over pasta.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword beer, cheese, sauce
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 3 cups
Calories 622kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add the beer to a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
  • Combine the cheese and flour in a bowl and add to the beer along with the remaining ingredients.
  • Stir until the cheese is melted completely and is of the desired thickness.
  • Serve warm.

Notes

Good beer makes for a good beer cheese sauce!

Nutrition

Calories: 622kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 51g | Saturated Fat: 30g | Cholesterol: 162mg | Sodium: 715mg | Potassium: 221mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1795IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 624mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Blackening Seasoning

I love blackened chicken or fish. For years, I bought those pre-made blackening seasoning mixes. Now, I just make a batch of this version from Chef Paul Prudhomme. This is mighty spicy (to some). I think that’s a very good thing, but if you’re not really after the heat, back off on the cayenne. Just add it in in small quantity, tasting as you go. I wouldn’t leave it out entirely as it is an integral part of the great flavor this mix lends to any meat.

Blackened Chicken Alfredo

Make A Big Batch

This blackening seasoning would also be great on steak. Or use it in chili. Or mix some into ground beef for burgers… you name it. It definitely makes for some fantastic blackened fried shrimp. Yum!

Also try my homemade Cajun seasoning.

Blackened Chicken Alfredo
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Blackening Season

I love blackened chicken or fish. For years, I bought those pre-made blackening seasoning mixes. Now, I just make a batch of this version from Chef Paul Prudhomme. 
Course Spice Mix
Cuisine American
Keyword seasoning
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 0.5 cups
Calories 110kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients.
  • This recipe makes enough to blacken four chicken breasts or pieces of fish.

Notes

Store in an air-tight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 110kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 11646mg | Potassium: 589mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 8648IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 137mg | Iron: 7mg

Nutritional values are approximate.