Roger Staubach’s Chili-in-a-bag

When I was a young lad, Roger Staubach was my hero. I was too young to really understand football, but I knew enough to realize that Roger “The Dodger” was the real deal. I had my Dallas Cowboys pajamas, and a Cowboy’s leather (ok, fake leather) jacket, and I even played football on the 5th grade Cowboy’s team (that didn’t last long, but that’s a whole other post entirely). Anyway, here’s Roger Staubach’s Chili-in-a-bag.

Roger Staubach's Chili-in-a-bag

Nothing Fancy, But It’s Mighty Good

So, because he and I are so connected (!), I figured I’d better make Roger Staubach’s chili-in-a-bag recipe! This isn’t one of those cook-all-day, fancy fru-fru chili recipes. But it is darned good. Seriously good. I poured it into small bags of Fritos and they disappeared in minutes! In many ways it reminds me of another of my favorites, a Walking BBQ (BBQ in a bag!),

Also try my slow cooker Lone Star State chili.

Roger Staubach's Chili-in-a-bag
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5 from 1 vote

Roger Staubach’s Chili-in-a-bag

Darned good chili that is very easy to make. The Ranch-style beans are what really make this chili. Substitute kidney beans if you have to, but it won’t be quite as good!
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword beef, chili
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 644kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat a Dutch oven or medium pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and brown.
  • Add in the onion and bell pepper and cook for 4-5 minutes or until the onion has started to soften.
  • Reduce heat to medium low.
  • Add in ketchup, water, chili powder and beans.
  • Add salt and pepper and hot sauce, to taste.
  • Stir. Add more water, a little at a time, if the mixture is too thick.
  • Reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook, stirring every 15 minutes, for 1 hour.
  • Let cool slightly.
  • Spoon into chip bags.
  • Top with cheese and green onion and serve.

Notes

Best served with plastic spoons. Trust me.

Nutrition

Calories: 644kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 1751mg | Potassium: 1200mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 1699IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 135mg | Iron: 6mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Grilled Caramel Apple Cheese Sandwich

Jessica over at How Sweet It Is posts some fabulous food. Her idea for a grilled caramel apple cheese sandwich is just one of them. The combination of the crisp apple, sweet caramel and creamy cheese is to die for. This made for the perfect lunch.

Grilled Caramel Apple Cheese Sandwich

Good Caramel Makes A Difference

A good (read: expensive) caramel will take this sandwich over the top. You will still enjoy it with a less costly alternative. Just don’t use something overly sweet and candy-ish. This grilled caramel apple cheese sandwich is somewhere between dessert and lunch.

My Cuisinart Griddler was made for making sandwiches just like this one. Even though it can do a lot of things, it’s the star of the show when it comes to getting bread just the perfect crispiness. And getting cheese just the right meltiness. And for me at least, one that is sandwich-flipping-challenged, I find it much easier to handle sandwiches on this press. Heck, I don’t even have to flip them since it has hot griddles above and below the sandwiches! You can’t beat that!

The Griddler is a champ at making grilled cheese sandwiches, like my spicy grilled cheesemuffuletta grilled cheese, grilled spinach and artichoke cheese, and pepperoni pizza grilled cheese.

Grilled Caramel Apple Cheese Sandwich
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Grilled Caramel Apple Cheese Sandwich

The combination of the crisp apple, sweet caramel and creamy cheese is to die for.
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword grilled cheese, sandwich
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 460kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 slices multigrain bread
  • 2 tablespoons butter softened
  • 4 ounces brie cheese sliced thin (or more, depending on the size of your bread slices)
  • 1 honey crisp apple thinly sliced (a mandolin works best)
  • 3 tablespoons caramel sauce

Instructions

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat.
  • Spread the butter on one side of two slices of the bread and place them, butter-side down, into the skillet.
  • As the bread cooks, drizzle each with a 1/2 tablespoon of caramel.
  • Divide half of the brie between the two bread slices, add another 1/2 tablespoon of caramel, the apple, the remaining caramel and finally the rest of the cheese.
  • Butter one side of the remaining bread slices and place on top.
  • Flip sandwich once the bottom slices are well browned.
  • Continue cooking until the bread is browned and crispy and the cheese has melted. You might find that the cheese melts better if you put a lid over the skillet while cooking.

Notes

If you want to cool the sandwiches a bit before serving, do so on a wire rack so that the bread doesn’t get soggy.

Nutrition

Calories: 460kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 59mg | Sodium: 702mg | Potassium: 368mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 438IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 203mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Mini Cinnamon Rolls

I’ve made my share of homemade cinnamon rolls, but always the full-sized ones. These mini cinnamon rolls from Iowa Girl Eats are fantastically sweet. They’re easy, and a nice lighter alternative to large, morning nap-inducing rolls. I woke up early one morning and made these for my wife to take into work. Everyone really enjoyed them.

Mini Cinnamon Rolls

Great For A Crowd, Too!

Mini cinnamon rolls are a great thing for feeding a crowd. Well, if you can keep everyone from grabbing two handfuls at a time, that is! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made these and every time they are a big hit. As easy as they are, they always make people happy!

Keep the mini theme going with some mini corn dog muffins and some mini baked ham and Swiss sandwiches. And wow everyone with my homemade cinnamon brown sugar Pop Tarts.

Mini Cinnamon Rolls
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5 from 1 vote

Mini Cinnamon Rolls

 These mini cinnamon rolls are fantastically sweet, easy, and a nice lighter alternative to large, morning nap-inducing rolls. I woke up early one morning and made these for my wife to take in to work. Everyone really enjoyed them.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Keyword cinnamon rolls
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 172kcal

Ingredients

For the maple icing:

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Unroll the dough into two squares of 4 triangles each.
  • Pinch the seams between the dough triangles together.
  • Lightly roll out with a rolling pin until it is about 1/4" thick.
  • Brush the dough with the butter.
  • Sprinkle the dough with the cinnamon and brown sugar. Don’t go crazy, just enough to lightly cover the dough.
  • Roll up the dough pieces into tight logs.
  • Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut each dough log into 8 pieces.
  • Place into miniature muffin pans that have been sprayed with non-stick spray.
  • Bake 9-15 minutes until the rolls have risen and are golden in color.
  • Meanwhile, whisk together the ingredients for the icing.
  • Remove the rolls from the oven.
  • Remove from the pan and drizzle with the icing.

Notes

Reheat leftover rolls in the oven for 5 or so minutes at 350 F.

Nutrition

Calories: 172kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 224mg | Potassium: 6mg | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 91IU | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Beef and Italian Sausage Chili

This beef and Italian sausage chili is a wonderfully tasty chili. The Italian sausage really adds a lot to the flavor. It isn’t spicy. But it can be if you add a lot of hot sauce or use hot Italian sausage. The broth is flat-out crazy delicious. That’s what distinguishes a good chili from a great chili. This is great chili.

Beef and Italian Sausage Chili

Sausage And Beef Make For Great Chili

This recipe actually changed my view of beef-only chili. Now, I almost always add Italian sausage to my chili. At least most of my beef chilis that is.

I found this recipe in Marjie Lambert’s great cookbook, The Real Chili Cookbook. I did make a few minor changes for our tastes. Also try my deluxe version of beef and Italian sausage chili.

Beef and Italian Sausage Chili
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4 from 1 vote

Beef and Italian Sausage Chili

Fantastic take on traditional beef chili.
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword beef, chili, Italian, sausage
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 329kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Crumble the sausage into a Dutch oven and cook over medium-high heat until cooked.
  • Add the beef and cook until browned. Spoon off excess fat.
  • Add onion, bell pepper and garlic and cook another 4 minutes.
  • Add remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and cook until beef is tender, about 3 1/2 hours. Add water (or more broth) if the chili gets too thin.
  • Season with salt if needed. Serve hot.

Notes

Even better with a dollop of sour cream on top!

Nutrition

Calories: 329kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 100mg | Sodium: 485mg | Potassium: 652mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 802IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Homemade Cheezit Crackers

Oh wow these homemade Cheezit crackers were great! And what fun to make! This was the perfect project on a very cold winter’s day. What’s better than something that’s fun to make and has the added bonus of being fun to eat?

Homemade Cheezit Crackers

Fun To Make. More Fun To Eat.

These homemade Cheezit crackers taste just like the ones you buy in the store. Next time, I’m going to add some Creole seasoning to give them some kick! Or, maybe I’ll make my Cheez-It-alianos!

You’ll want to use a pastry wheel when cutting the crackers. I picked one up for cheap off Amazon. It’s a fun little toy!

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.

I also love making homemade gummy bearsJolly Rancher lollipops, and cheese straws!

Homemade Cheezit Crackers
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4 from 1 vote

Homemade Cheezit Crackers

What’s better than something that’s fun to make and has the added bonus of being fun to eat?
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword crackers, homemade
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6
Calories 237kcal

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar shredded (I used Tillamook)
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • ½ stick butter softened and cut into 4 pieces
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more for sprinkling
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons water ice cold

Instructions

  • Combine the cheeses, garlic powder, butter, and salt in a mixer using the dough paddle. The dough will be very crumbly.
  • Mix in the flour and slowly add in the water (make sure you use very cold water!) until the dough is the consistency of a pie dough.
  • Divide the dough into halves and form into discs.
  • Wrap in plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Place dough on parchment paper or silicon mat and roll out to a 1/8" thickness. Try to make the dough as square as possible.
  • Using a pastry wheel, cut the dough into 1" squares.
  • Poke a hole in the center of each square with a toothpick and transfer to un-greased baking sheets.
  • Bake 10-15 minutes or until puffed up and golden brown.
  • Remove to cooling racks and sprinkle with additional salt if desired.

Notes

Try other cheeses for great flavor variations.

Nutrition

Calories: 237kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 456mg | Potassium: 71mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 392IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 296mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Creole Meatballs and Spaghetti

We’ve really been enjoying the big batch of Creole meatballs we made. As appetizers, on subs and over pasta, they are tasty and my favorite part, they have kick! This Creole meatballs and spaghetti came out quite tasty, and it definitely has some great spicy kick to it.

Our Creole meatballs are so tender and tasty. Definitely not bland like plain old meatballs. Topped with a great spicy tomato sauce, this is a great dinner dish. Just add some of our Gotta-Have-It garlic bread and a little salad on the side, and you’ll be in heaven!

Creole Meatballs and Spaghetti

A Great Meal In No Time

I keep these meatballs and sauce on hand for a quick meal. Just heat them up and serve over pasta with some Parmesan and you’ve got dinner. Creole meatballs and spaghetti never disappoint.

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.

Also try my chicken and smoked sausage etouffee.

Creole Meatballs and Spaghetti
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4 from 1 vote

Creole Meatballs and Spaghetti

These Creole meatballs and spaghetti came out quite tasty, and it definitely has some great spicy kick to it. Our Creole meatballs are so tender and tasty. Definitely not bland like plain old meatballs. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword meatballs, spaghetti
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 377kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta per package instructions and drain well. Divide between two plates.
  • Top pasta with meatballs and sauce.
  • Sprinkle with freshly grated cheese.
  • Serve.

Notes

Best served with garlic bread.

Nutrition

Calories: 377kcal | Carbohydrates: 74g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 805mg | Potassium: 258mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 123IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Creole Meatball Sub Sandwich

My wife proclaimed this to be the ‘best sandwich I’ve ever made’.  It’s messy, has some kick and it is very yummy. I wouldn’t change a thing about this Creole meatball sub sandwich next time I make it, which will be very soon!

Creole Meatball Sub Sandwich

A Great Messy Sandwich

My Creole meatballs pack a bit of a punch. I like that. A lot. They’re tender and just perfect on a Creole meatball sub sandwich, loaded with lots of my Creole meatball sauce and topped with cheese. Don’t skimp on the sauce. The sign of a good sandwich is one that drips when you pick it up and take a bite.

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.

I make a big batch of the Creole meatballs and freeze a good number of them. They defrost in minutes and make for the perfect quick dinner.

Creole Meatball Sub Sandwich
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4 from 1 vote

Creole Meatball Sub Sandwich

This is one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever made.  It’s messy, has some kick and it very yummy. I wouldn’t change a thing about this Creole meatball sub sandwich next time I make it, which will be very soon!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword meatballs, sandwich
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 289kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Lightly toast the bread in your oven.
  • Add meatballs, top with sauce and cheese.
  • Place under the broiler until the cheese is melted and starting to brown.
  • Cut into 4-6″ slices and serve

Notes

Serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping your sandwich!

Nutrition

Calories: 289kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 513mg | Potassium: 128mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Creole Meatball Sauce

This is the sauce I use on my Creole meatballs if I am serving them over pasta or on meatball sandwiches. The meatballs already have some kick, so this sauce is a little more mellow. But, if you want more heat, just substitute Rotel tomatoes for the diced tomatoes and pucker up!

How can you pass up a Creole meatball sub sandwich, smothered in this great sauce? I can’t, that’s for sure. The messier the better I always say!

Creole Meatball Sub Sandwich

Or meatballs over pasta, heaped with delicious sauce?

Creole Meatballs and Spaghetti

I double or even triple this recipe to make sure I always have some sauce on hand. It freezes well and makes for a quick and easy dinner over noodles.

This sauce is also fantastic on my Creole pizza.

Creole Meatball Sub Sandwich
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4 from 1 vote

Creole Meatball Sauce

This is the sauce I use on my Creole meatballs if I am serving them over pasta or on meatball sandwiches. The meatballs already have some kick, so this sauce is a little more mellow.
Course Sauce
Cuisine Creole
Keyword Creole, meatballs, sauce
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 87kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a medium pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add the onion, bell pepper and celery and cook until slightly softened.
  • Stir in the tomato paste and cook another 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the tomatoes.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
  • Add sugar, Creole seasoning to taste, and the basil.
  • Stir and continue simmering for 15 minutes.

Notes

Refrigerate leftovers. Warm over medium heat before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 87kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 513mg | Potassium: 797mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 950IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Creole Meatball Appetizers

These lil Creole meatball appetizers have kick and zing and yum! They are definitely not ho-hum like some of your typical meatball appetizers. Thanks to jalapeno pepper jelly and hot sauce, you won’t be jonesin’ for something spicier. You’ll get the heat and then some.

Creole Meatball Appetizers

More Sauce For Everyone!

I make a big batch of these Creole meatball appetizers, so I usually end up doubling the amount of sauce I make. Oh, and if you can’t find Creole mustard, use a good grainy mustard and add just a tad more vinegar. I’m a big fan of Creole mustard so I always keep some around.

If you aren’t a fan of liquid smoke you can leave it out. If you still want a bit of smokiness add a few good-sized pinches of chipotle powder.

Also try my spicy meatballs.

This recipe is based on a recipe from Cajun Delights.

Creole Meatball Appetizers
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4 from 1 vote

Creole Meatballs Appetizers

These lil Creole meatball appetizers have kick and zing and yum! They are definitely not ho-hum like some of your typical meatball appetizers. Thanks to jalapeno pepper jelly and hot sauce, you won’t be jonesin’ for something spicier.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Creole
Keyword Creole, meatballs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 83kcal

Ingredients

For the appetizers

  • 20-30 Cooked Cajun meatballs use our favorite recipe from here
  • Sauce see below

For the sauce

Instructions

  • Combine all of the sauce ingredients in a saucepan.
  • Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Add the cooked meatballs and continue simmering until warmed through.
  • Serve with picks.

Notes

Make extra sauce and serve it on the side for dipping.

Nutrition

Calories: 83kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 313mg | Potassium: 104mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 146IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Creole Meatballs

Any time I need some kicked-up meatballs, these Creole meatballs are the ones I make. Sure, I have a more traditional recipe for meatballs too. But these are my go-to meatballs. They have a tremendous spicy flavor. They are not plain old meatballs by any stretch. Tender and tasty, just as you love.

Creole Meatball Sub Sandwich

I make a big batch of meatballs and freeze them for using later.

I love them on a Creole meatball sandwich….. and over pasta with extra sauce

Creole Meatballs and Spaghetti

.. or as great appetizers.

Creole Meatball Appetizers

Don’t be shy with the jalapenos, Creole seasoning or the hot sauce. You want your meatballs to have some kick! Creole food does not have a reputation for being bland or boring. These Creole meatballs may not be authentic cuisine, but they keep that dedication to tasty alive for sure!

Make tons of extra. They freeze great and are always ready to make for a quick lunch or dinner.

You know these are good over spaghetti!

Creole Meatballs and Spaghetti
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4 from 1 vote

Creole Meatballs

Put some oomph into your meatballs! I usually double this recipe and freeze a few for later.
Course Main
Cuisine Cajun
Keyword Creole, meatballs
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 354kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Combine the egg, milk, breadcrumbs and Worcestershire sauce in a medium bowl. The mixture will be thick.
  • In a large bowl, combine the meats with the remaining ingredients.
  • Gently mix in the egg mixture, combining well.
  • Form into 2″ balls and place onto baking sheets.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating once.

Notes

These meatballs freeze well for devouring later.

Nutrition

Calories: 354kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 212mg | Potassium: 452mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 969IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.