Tag: recipe

Fat Johnny’s Goulash

It’s getting cold outside. And that means it’s time for stick-to-your-ribs good food. Like Fat Johnny’s goulash. Simple ingredients. Easy to prepare. And delicious results. And I do mean delicious. Make a double batch. You’ll love it so much you won’t even notice how cold it is. This is the tastiest goulash I’ve ever had. I’ll never need a recipe for any other kind.

Fat Johnny's Goulash

Don’t Mess With Perfection

I almost changed a few things when I made this. Like substituting a pound of Italian sausage for some of the ground beef. Like maybe using some different pasta. Wisely, my wife talked me out of messing with perfection and I followed the recipe to a ‘T’. I admit it, she was right. This time. (Don’t tell her I said that!)

This recipe comes from Chez John, aka Fat Johnny. Check out Chez John’s blog. It’s full of fantastic dishes like his Fat Johnny’s goulash plus countless many, many others. Heck, it’s too cold to go outside, best sit inside where it’s warm and look at food porn!

Don’t let the final simmer go too long. You want the pasta to just be done.

Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue
Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue

What would be good with this dish? Some of Fat Johnny’s cheesy cornbread, that’s what!

Fat Johnny's Goulash
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5 from 1 vote

Fat Johnny’s Goulash

It’s getting cold outside. And that means it’s time for stick-to-your-ribs good food. Like Fat Johnny’s goulash!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword goulash
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 10 servings
Calories 322kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Chez John

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta per package instructions and drain well.
  • Brown the ground beef in a Dutch oven or medium pot.
  • Add the onion, peppers and garlic.
  • Add salt, pepper to taste along with the Italian seasoning.
  • Stir and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Add the pasta sauce and bring to a simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the pasta and simmer another 5 minutes.
  • Serve.

Notes

Even better the next day!

Nutrition

Calories: 322kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 64mg | Potassium: 337mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 49IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Lodge ASAHH41 Silicone Assist Handle Holder, Red
Lodge ASAHH41 Silicone Assist Handle Holder, Red

Copycat TGI Friday’s Mandarin Orange Sesame Dressing

I am always looking for new salad dressing recipes for when we have salad week. We usually have salad week if we have over-indulged the week before or if we have eaten out too many meals while traveling. This copycat TGI Friday’s Mandarin orange sesame dressing is so good! I like that it has chopped Mandarin oranges for texture. I also added Mandarin oranges to the salad to tie it all together. The orange marmalade and the honey balance out the sesame oil. Sesame oil is such a strong flavor so you can use a little less if preferred, but I love the taste of it.

Copycat TGI Friday’s Mandarin Orange Sesame Dressing

The Perfect Balance

This copycat TGI Fridays Mandarin orange sesame dressing is one of the best homemade dressings that we have made! This dressing would be good as a dipping sauce for chicken nuggets. It would also be great as a sauce for crudités.

I find myself using these little cups more and more for my salad dressings. Normally I use them for dipping my chicken nuggets, wings, or chicken tenders. But they’re also great for salad dressings. As a bonus, they help me control my serving amount, which is needed around salad dressings like this one.

(24 Pack, 2 Sizes) Small Sauce Cups, Stainless Steel Ramekin Dipping Sauce Cup, Commercial Grade Individual Round Condiment Cups (12 of - 1.5oz: 12 of - 2.5oz)
(24 Pack, 2 Sizes) Small Sauce Cups, Stainless Steel Ramekin Dipping Sauce Cup, Commercial Grade Individual Round Condiment Cups (12 of – 1.5oz: 12 of – 2.5oz)

Check out my new site, Dress My Salad, for more great salad dressing ideas!

Copycat TGI Friday’s Mandarin Orange Sesame Dressing
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5 from 1 vote

Copycat TGI Friday’s Mandarin Orange Sesame Dressing

This copycat TGI Fridays Mandarin orange sesame dressing is one of the best homemade dressings that we have ever made!
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, salad dressing, TGI Friday
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 1036kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place everything except for the mandarin into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth, about 30 seconds.
  • Transfer to a resealable container. Add the oranges, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 1036kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 94g | Saturated Fat: 62g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Sodium: 1038mg | Potassium: 119mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 52g | Vitamin A: 551IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1mg

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)

Grilled French Bread Pizza

Grilled French bread pizza is one of my favorite, quick, dishes to make. I love the crunchy bread, the melty cheese and the slight grilled flavor. I don’t go too crazy with the toppings, just a bit of cheese, some sausage or pepperoni, and maybe some onion or mushrooms. That’s all I need. You can load them up, though, if you want. The bread can handle it. If you’re worried about lifting them off the grill when they’re done, I recommend using a wide spatula or slide them to the edge of the grill and gently onto a baking sheet.

Grilled French Bread Pizza

No Boring Pizzas Here

These grilled French bread pizzas pack extra flavor thanks to the garlic butter and a bit of oregano. They’re really what make them special. Of course, in a pinch, you can make these yummies in the oven too. Just heat it to 400 F and then follow the directions below. If you want a little color on top, just toss the pizzas under the broiler for a little before slicing and serving.

Weber 3 Piece Stainless Steel Premium Tool Set, Black
Weber 3 Piece Stainless Steel Premium Tool Set, Black

Also try my grilled stuffed Manicotti shells.

Grilled French Bread Pizza
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5 from 2 votes

Grilled French Bread Pizza

Grilled French bread pizza is one of my favorite, quick, dishes to make. I love the crunchy bread, the melty cheese and the slight grilled flavor. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword French bread, grilled, pizza
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 390kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf French bread halved lengthwise
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons garlic salt
  • ½ cup pizza sauce warmed if refrigerated
  • ½ cup shredded cheese more or less
  • Favorite pizza toppings I like pepperoni, cooked and lightly chopped Italian sausage, a bit of red onion and sometimes mushrooms… use whatever you want!
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill for indirect cooking. You want the temperature where you're going to cook to be around 400 F. Alternatively, you can use direct, low, heat.
  • Melt the butter and stir in the garlic salt.
  • Use a brush to spread the mixture on the cut sides of the bread.
  • Transfer the bread to the grill and cook for 5 minutes or until slightly toasted. If you find that your grill is toasting one side but not another, rotate the slices in the grill halfway through.
  • Remove the bread.
  • Divide the sauce between the two pieces, spreading to the edges (to quote Jeff Mauro: Edge-to-edge is our pledge!).
  • Add the cheese then the other toppings.
  • Finally, sprinkle with the oregano.
  • Return to the grill and continue baking until the cheese is melted. Again, if one side is cooking faster than other simply rotate the pieces as necessary.
  • Remove and let cool slightly before slicing.

Notes

I cut my bread twice, into three ‘planks’. I prefer my French bread pizzas to be thinner. So I cut about a 1″ thick bottom piece and a 1″ thick top piece. This leaves me a center piece that I then use for making croutons (or sometimes, the birds get it!).

Nutrition

Calories: 390kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 1925mg | Potassium: 248mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 411IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 129mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush
Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush

Green Bean Casserole

Oh sure, I’ve made a traditional casserole before. There’s a reason that recipe has been around for ages. It’s a classic with great flavor. This green bean casserole is something different. Something amazing. Crispy green beans, sure. A creamy cheese sauce, you bet. Red bell peppers, bacon, onion and panko? Fantastic.

Green Bean Casserole Version 2

Not Grandma’s Bean Casserole

This is soon to become a staple in our household. I was able to grab last-of-the-season fresh beans when I made this green bean casserole. With the season now gone I’ll have to make this using frozen (but not canned!) beans. If you use frozen, defrost them using the package instructions and skip steps #2-#6 below for blanching the fresh beans. That’s it!

Get some good panko bread crumbs. Funny how not too many years ago, you’d never hear about them. Now, you find them in just about any dish that used to use regular old bread crumbs, from meatballs to fried chicken.

365 by Whole Foods Market, Panko Bread Crumbs, 8 Ounce
365 by Whole Foods Market, Panko Bread Crumbs, 8 Ounce

Also try my Swiss vegetable medley.

Green Bean Casserole Version 2
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4 from 1 vote

Green Bean Casserole

This green bean casserole is something different. Something amazing. Crispy green beans, sure. A creamy cheese sauce, you bet. Red bell peppers, bacon, onion and panko? Fantastic.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword casserole, green beans
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 249kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Ree Drummond

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Fill a large bowl halfway with ice and add enough water to just cover the ice.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the beans. Return to a boil and boil for 4 minutes.
  • Drain the beans and add to the ice water bath.
  • After the beans have cooled completely, drain well.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium high heat.
  • Add the bacon and cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes.
  • Add the garlic, pepper and onion and cook until the bacon starts to crisp but isn’t done. Stir often to keep the garlic from burning.
  • Remove from heat.
  • In another large skillet (it has to be big enough to hold the beans and the cooked bacon mix) melt the butter over medium heat.
  • Whisk in the flour and stir constantly for 4 minutes.
  • Whisk in the milk and half-and-half and continue stirring until the sauce starts to thicken.
  • Add 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, the black pepper and the cayenne pepper. Stir.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the cheese until melted.
  • Add in the cooked beans and the bacon mixture.
  • Stir well.
  • Pour mixture into a 9" x 13" baking dish that has been sprayed with non-stick spray.
  • Spread out evenly.
  • Sprinkle top with the breadcrumbs.
  • Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
  • Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Reheat any leftovers at 325 F for 20 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 249kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 211mg | Potassium: 391mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1546IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 215mg | 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)

Indiana Chili

When I first moved to the mid-west I had no clue what Indiana chili was. And when I found out what it was, I was confused. Isn’t pasta in chili sorta kinda the same as spaghetti meat sauce? Well, no, no it’s not. It’s actually pretty darned good. I admit it, I’ve come around to the idea and on a cold, windy winter day, it’s the perfect dish for warming you up and recharging you. Hey, you need all the energy you can get when shoveling your driveway!

Indiana Chili

The Cincinnati Version

You can make this Indiana chili Cincinnati-ish by adding a pinch of cinnamon. That was another twist that was new to me when I moved here. Adding cinnamon to a chili is another thing that has grown on me. It has to be subtle, but I love the flavor in a great chili like this one.

Lodge ASAHH41 Silicone Assist Handle Holder, Red
Lodge ASAHH41 Silicone Assist Handle Holder, Red

Speaking of Cincinnati (and the surrounding areas), stop by a Skyline Chili when you’re in the area and order some Indiana chili. They do know how to make chili!

Also try my Texas-style chili. It’s definitely a different take on chili than this mid-west favorite!

Indiana Chili
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5 from 1 vote

Indiana Chili

You can make this Indiana chili Cincinnati-ish by adding a pinch of cinnamon. That was another twist that was new to me when I moved here. Adding cinnamon to a chili is another thing that has grown on me.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chili
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 1557kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Season the ground beef with salt and pepper.
  • Brown in a large pot or Dutch oven.
  • Add the onion and cook until just softened.
  • Drain and remove to a bowl.
  • Add the beans, tomato sauce and 4 cans of water to the large pot or Dutch oven.
  • Add the chili seasoning, chili powder, sugar, and pepper flakes.
  • Stir and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Add the browned ground beef and onion. Stir.
  • Bring to a slow boil and let simmer 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
  • Meanwhile, cook the pasta to al dente (generally 2 minutes less than the time stated on the box). Drain.
  • Once the chili is done stir in the pasta and serve.

Notes

Serve with your favorite chili toppings.

Nutrition

Calories: 1557kcal | Carbohydrates: 255g | Protein: 83g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 14198mg | Potassium: 9177mg | Fiber: 61g | Sugar: 111g | Vitamin A: 6514IU | Vitamin C: 118mg | Calcium: 501mg | Iron: 34mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Lodge ASAHH41 Silicone Assist Handle Holder, Red
Lodge ASAHH41 Silicone Assist Handle Holder, Red

Slow Cooker Meat Lovers Chili

I know that some may poo-poo the idea of making chili in a crockpot. I can only say to them: you have to try this slow cooker meat lovers chili. Do you have to make it in a slow cooker? No, of course not. It’s just a bit easier when you do. No matter how you cook it, it’s packed with flavor. Three meats to satisfy any carnivore’s desires. The perfect combination of spices and heat. This is the perfect chili for a cold day.

Slow Cooker Meat Lovers Chili

Meat. And More Meat.

You can adjust this recipe for slow cooker meat lovers chili however you like. Spicy ground sausage and a chopped habanero or two will definitely kick the heat up a few notches. Leave out the beans for a more Texas-style chili. Substitute ground turkey sausage, ground turkey and regular ground sausage for a beef-less chili. This recipe very flexible so you can adjust it as you like.

One thing I like to do with my chilis and any recipe that calls for canned tomatoes is to substitute fire-roasted tomatoes instead. The roasting really adds a tremendous flavor to the tomatoes and any dish that you use them in.

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 down-home chili dogs.

Slow Cooker Meat Lovers Chili
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5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Meat Lovers Chili

Three meats to satisfy any carnivore’s desires. The perfect combination of spices and heat. This is the perfect chili for a cold day.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chili, crockpot, slow cooker
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings 10 Servings
Calories 406kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Crumble the sausage, beef and pork into a large skillet or Dutch oven over high heat and cook until browned, breaking up the meat more as it cooks.
  • Drain the meat and transfer to a lightly greased slow cooker.
  • Add the remaining ingredients.
  • Stir, cover and cook on low 8 hours.

Notes

Great served with cornbread.

Nutrition

Calories: 406kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 529mg | Potassium: 520mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 309IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 46mg | 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

Twice Baked Potatoes 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.

These twice-baked potatoes made on the Char-Broil Big Easy were absolutely fantastic. I was already a big mashed potato fan before these came along. Now, I can’t get enough of them. The potatoes by themselves are divine. Creamy, smooth, tasty. Add a little rosemary for that special difference from ‘plain old’ potatoes. Top with cheese and you’ve got the perfect side dish.

Twice Baked Potatoes on the Char-Broil Big Easy

The Perfect Side Dish

You can use any mashed potato recipe you like when making twice baked potatoes on the Char-Broil Big Easy. It just so happens that I’m a huge fan of this version despite having a number of variations in my recipe box. I think it’s about as perfect as can be.

MontoPack Aluminum Disposable Loaf Pans | Deep Standard Size 6" x 3.5" Extra Thick Foil Bread Containers for Baking, Food Storage & Takeout | Eco-Friendly & Recyclable | Bulk 50-Pack 2 Pound Trays
MontoPack Aluminum Disposable Loaf Pans | Deep Standard Size 6″ x 3.5″ Extra Thick Foil Bread Containers for Baking, Food Storage & Takeout | Eco-Friendly & Recyclable | Bulk 50-Pack 2 Pound Trays

If you don’t already have one (or two), get yourself a bunk bed basket for your Big Easy. It will double the amount of cooking space you have.

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

Love your Big Easy as much I love mine? Check out my Big Easy Add-Ons page and my free Big Easy eCookbook!

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

Also try some classic baked potatoes on the Char-Broil Big Easy.

Twice Baked Potatoes on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 1 vote

Twice Baked Potatoes on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Absolutely fantastic baked potatoes. I prefer to use disposable mini-meatloaf pans for this recipe. They fit into the Big Easy perfectly and are easy to handle. If you heat more than two mini pans at a time you'll need a Bunk Bed basket.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, potatoes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Servings 8
Calories 127kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Mike Lang

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 medium russet potatoes
  • ½ cup butter
  • â…“ cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary minced, or substitute 1 teaspoon dried
  • â…“ cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 green onion sliced

Instructions

  • Fill a medium pot fitted with a steaming basket with a few inches of water. Place over high heat and bring to a boil.
  • Scrub the potatoes and chop into 1/2" cubes, leaving the skin on if desired. Transfer to the steaming pot and cover.
  • Steam the potatoes for 10-15 minutes or until tender when poked with a fork.
  • Drain the potatoes in a colander. Empty the water from the pot and wipe dry. Return to the stove but turn off the burner.
  • Add the butter to the pot and let it start softening. Then add the potatoes.
  • Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes while adding the milk. Don't add all of the milk unless you need it. Add just enough to get them the consistency you are looking for. A thicker mashed potato will stay on the cedar plank. A thinner mashed potato will have a tendency to run off the plank, so aim for a thicker version.
  • Stir in the sour cream, garlic and rosemary.
  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Mound the potatoes into mini-meatloaf pans and add the cheese and green onion. Grill for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the potatoes are hot. Note: You can test them by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the middle of the potatoes.
  • Note: If you are using refrigerated potatoes, heat them for 10 minutes in the Big Easy without the cheese and green onion first. Then, add the cheese and onion and heat another 20 minutes.

Notes

I found these potatoes to be best when made the day before. Then, the next day, just spoon them into the meatloaf tins, add the cheese and onion, and heat on the Big Easy.

Nutrition

Calories: 127kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 57mg | Potassium: 499mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 138IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Slow Cooker Onion Garlic Pretzels

I wasn’t expecting much from these slow cooker onion garlic pretzels but I’m not sure why not. The recipe did catch my eye, mostly because it contains onion soup/dip mix. I love that stuff. I mix with it sour cream and grab some Fritos and I’m set. So I made this and boom! I’m in love! First of course, there’s the great onion soup flavoring. You know the one, sorta beef bouillon-like. And a hint of garlic. A little butter. And the great crunch of salty pretzels. It’s like everything great in a snack in a single bite. And oh so easy to make! Warning: These bites are highly addictive!

Slow Cooker Onion Garlic Pretzels

Any Plain Pretzel Will Do!

I think you could make these slow cooker onion garlic pretzels with other than pretzel rods. Yeah, it does take a few minutes to break all of those rods into pieces and it’s a bit messy (little pretzel pieces flying everywhere!), but it’s worth it. But if you’re in a hurry, grab some pretzel nuggets or bites and they’ll work just fine. I just wouldn’t get anything that has anything but salt on it. And don’t get any that have flavorings, like cheddar or bacon or something. Get them plain and you’ll be fine!

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 deluxe cheddar pretzel bites.

Slow Cooker Onion Garlic Pretzels
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Onion Garlic Pretzels

I wasn't expecting much from these slow cooker onion garlic pretzels. The recipe did catch my eye, mostly because it contains onion soup/dip mix.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword crockpot, garlic, onion, pretzels, slow cooker
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 16
Calories 275kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Recipes That Crock

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Break the pretzels into bite-sized (1" to 2") pieces.
  • Transfer to a slow cooker set on high.
  • Combine the butter, garlic powder and onion soup/dip mix.
  • Pour over the pretzels and stir gently until coated.
  • Cook on high, uncovered, for two hours, stirring gently every 30 minutes or so.
  • Transfer to wire racks or wax paper to cook.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

Store any leftovers in an air-tight container.
You can also make these using pretzel nuggets.

Nutrition

Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 825mg | Potassium: 93mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 355IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 2mg

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

Mushroom Ravioli

My wife and I both enjoyed this simple mushroom ravioli dish so much that we ended up making it three times in one week. I picked up a few packages of fresh cheese-filled ravioli plus a few other fresh ingredients at the store and in no time we had a great dinner.

You could use any ravioli you like. I felt that cheese-filled worked best with the mushrooms, spinach and (a favorite) sun-dried tomatoes. We liked a bit of freshly grated Parmesan sprinkled over the tops just before serving. You can leave that out.

Mushroom Ravioli

Easy. And Delicious.

You definitely don’t want to overcook the ravioli. Take them out of the water a minute before the package tells you too. They will finish cooking in the pan later. These mushroom ravioli are really easy to make and turn out absolutely delicious. They’re a great easy dinner.

This recipe is also great with tortellini or just ‘plain’ pasta.

Cento Sun Dried Tomatoes, 10 Ounce
Cento Sun Dried Tomatoes, 10 Ounce

The sun-dried tomatoes are the star of this show.

Mushroom Ravioli
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4.50 from 2 votes

Mushroom Ravioli

We enjoyed this simple mushroom ravioli dish so much that we ended up making it three times in one week. I picked up a few packages of fresh cheese-filled ravioli plus a few other fresh ingredients at the store and in no time we had a great dinner.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword mushroom, ravioli
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 601kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Julia’s Album

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook ravioli until just barely done, a minute less than the package instructions.
  • Drain well.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  • Add the sun-dried tomatoes and mushrooms.
  • Cook for 2 minutes, stirring often.
  • Add the spinach, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
  • Stir and keep stirring until the spinach has wilted completely.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low.
  • Add in the ravioli and remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Stir gently.
  • Cook until the ravioli is done.
  • Season with salt and pepper and serve.

Notes

You can use any fresh ravioli you like in this dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 601kcal | Carbohydrates: 79g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 1168mg | Potassium: 1622mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 6888IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 138mg | Iron: 19mg

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)

Honey Barbecue Roasted Nuts

I bought a big bag of Kosmo’s Q Honey Barbecue wing dust for… wait for it… wings! Yep, sure did! And they were oh, so good! I love the sweetness and the barbecue flavor. It didn’t take me long to think of sprinkling some of the dust on roasted nuts. And oh, my…. talking about crazy addictingly good! I am one serious chicken wing eater. But these honey barbecue roasted nuts were so great I might just have to save the rest of the dust for more nuts!

Honey Barbecue Roasted Nuts

Great Flavor That Cannot Be Beat

I was pretty heavy-handed with the Kosmo’s Q Honey Barbecue wing dust on my roasted nuts. I wanted it everywhere, on every nut, under every nut, and specially on my fingers (hey, it’s finger-licking good!). You might not want quite as much as I added, so maybe start with half and see. You can actually add more after the nuts have roasted.

Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Fancy Whole Cashews, Roasted & Sea Salted, 2.75 Pound (Pack of 1)
Amazon Brand – Happy Belly Fancy Whole Cashews, Roasted & Sea Salted, 2.75 Pound (Pack of 1)

Also try my chipotle honey roasted nuts.

Honey Barbecue Roasted Nuts
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5 from 1 vote

Honey Barbecue Roasted Nuts

You might now want quite as much honey barbecue wing dust as I added, so maybe start with half and see. You can actually add more after the nuts are roasted.
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword barbecue, BBQ, honey, peanuts
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 345kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Toss nuts with the oil.
  • Sprinkle the nuts with the dust and toss to coat.
  • Transfer nuts to a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring once or twice.
  • Remove and let cool before serving.

Notes

Note: If you’re using nuts that are already roasted, cut the cook time to 3-5 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 345kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 338mg | Fiber: 5g | Vitamin A: 9IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 40mg | 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)