Tag: recipe

Red Chile Smoked Bologna

This isn’t my first time smoking a bologna chub (often called a log). But it is by far the best I’ve ever made. I used Albukirky Seasoning’s Red Chile BBQ rub . It added a fantastic flavor (and a slight spiciness) to the bologna. You can use any rub you want, but I highly recommend theirs.

I sliced my smoked bologna about 1/2″ thick. Then I fried it up to get a bit of a crust on it. It was absolutely crazy good on a bun with lettuce, onion and mustard for the world’s best bologna sandwich!

Red Chile Smoked Bologna

I’m No Artist

Just about everyone can score a bologna better than I can. I’ve seen all sorts of fancy fru-fru angled scoring works of art. Me, I’ve had to resign myself to a simple checkerboard pattern. It really doesn’t matter how you do it, but you do need to do it or the chubb will crack or even blow open while smoking.

I went with a mellow wood (apple) when smoking my red chile bologna. I wanted that smoke flavor, but I didn’t want it to be so strong that I couldn’t taste the rub or the bologna. Feel free to use whatever wood you prefer, of course!

Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb
Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb

Also check out my traditional smoked bologna and my crazy-good Montreal steak-seasoned smoked bologna.

Red Chile Smoked Bologna
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Red Chile Smoked Bologna

This isn’t my first time smoking a bologna chub (often called a log). But it is by far the best I’ve ever made.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword bologna, smoked
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings 4 pounds
Calories 1397kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your smoker for smoking at 250 F. I prefer a lighter wood, such as apple or peach, but you can use a stronger wood such as hickory.
  • Score the bologna chub using a sharp knife. Make the cuts 1/4" – 1/2" deep. Use any pattern you want. If you don't score it the bologna will crack or pop open as it smokes.
  • Rub the chub liberally with mustard. Get in there, get your hands dirty. I find it easiest to stand the chub on one end (which is why I don't use a full-sized one).
  • Sprinkle the rub liberally all over the chub. More is better here, so don't be shy with the rub.
  • Transfer the chub to your smoker and smoke for 3 to 3 1/2 hours.
  • Remove the chub and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Great on sandwiches!

Nutrition

Calories: 1397kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 69g | Fat: 112g | Saturated Fat: 42g | Cholesterol: 272mg | Sodium: 4354mg | Potassium: 1429mg | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 381IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 386mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12'' Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill - Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush
Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12” Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill – Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush

Mushroom Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

The reviews for my mushroom jerky made on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro are in! And well… they’re mixed! So why am posting it? Well, because I’m one on the ‘thumbs up’ side! I thought these mushrooms came out very woodsy and very flavorful, with a hint of spice to them. I loved them right off the dehydrator, I thought they had a nice texture with a little ‘tug’ to them.

Mushroom Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

Very Different And Tasty

After they cooled the mushrooms took on a slightly different texture. I’d call it less “jerky-like”. But still tasty. I opted to freeze the leftovers. They’ll be absolutely perfect in pasta sauce, that’s for sure. Or anywhere you need dried mushrooms but want something a bit more flavorful than ‘just’ ole dried up fungi! Mushroom Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro is different and very good. You have to try it!

I like to load up my dehydrator. To do that I picked up a handful of extra trays. They really add a whole lot more drying space! Since I have to rotate my trays, I write a number on each one on a piece of blue painter’s tape so I can keep track of them.

NESCO TR-2 White Plastic Round 15 1/2" Add-A-Trays, to fit 1000 Series Food Dehydrators, 2 Pack
NESCO TR-2 White Plastic Round 15 1/2″ Add-A-Trays, to fit 1000 Series Food Dehydrators, 2 Pack

Also try my sun-dried tomatoes, also made using the Nesco Snackmaster Pro.

Mushroom Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro
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5 from 1 vote

Mushroom Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

I thought these mushrooms came out very woodsy and very flavorful, with a hint of spice to them.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword dehydrator, jerky, mushroom, nesco snackmaster pro
Prep Time 1 day
Cook Time 12 hours
Servings 12
Calories 32kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Slice the mushrooms into 1/2" thick slices.
  • Combine the remaining ingredients in a large resealable container.
  • Add the mushrooms and turn gently to coat.
  • Seal and place in the fridge for 10-12 hours, turning gently every few hours.
  • Fire up your Nesco Snackmaster Pro for 122 F. While you're waiting for the dehydrator to warm up remove the mushrooms from the marinade and place on a wire rack to drain.
  • Transfer the mushrooms to the dehydrator trays. Unless you've scaled the recipe up you won't need many trays, but keep in mind you always need to use at least 4 trays when drying.
  • Close the dehydrator and let run for 10 hours. I quadrupled the recipe and actually went 12 hours. You want the mushrooms to be pliable and chewy but not dried out.
  • Let cool just slightly before enjoying. I actually preferred the mushrooms warm, they seemed to have a more enjoyable texture.
  • Keep in an airtight container.

Notes

Make sure your mushroom slices are the same thicknesses so they dry evenly.

Nutrition

Calories: 32kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 302mg | Potassium: 173mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 143IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

NESCO LM-2-6 Round Plastic Mesh 13 1/2" Clean-A-Screens, for Dehydrators, (Pack of 2)
NESCO LM-2-6 Round Plastic Mesh 13 1/2″ Clean-A-Screens, for Dehydrators, (Pack of 2)

Smoked Pistachios

This is how you make a huge pistachio fan out of me. I love smoked nuts, but until now I’d never smoked pistachios before. Well, let me tell you folks! Good doesn’t even come close to describing how yummy these nuts were! I set out to smoke nuts to use in ice cream (I know, right? You know that’ll be awesome!). I doubt that half of them survived for my ice cream plans… I couldn’t help myself.

Smoked Pistachios

Go Heavy On The Seasoning

For the seasoning on my smoked pistachios I went with Sweet Red from AlbuKirky Seasonings. It has a nice sweet heat flavor to it, the perfect contrasting flavors for the nuts. I seasoned the nuts pretty liberally with it, too. Since the nuts aren’t shelled a lot of that flavor does end up on the shell. So by adding more I increased the amount of seasoning that made its way inside… and oh, was I ever rewarded for my efforts!

Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket
Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket

Also try my smoked peanuts in the shell and my smoked pecans. And nothing is amazing as smoked hazelnuts!

Smoked Pistachios
Print Pin
3.50 from 2 votes

Smoked Pistachios

This is how you make a huge pistachio fan out of me. I love smoked nuts, but until now I’d never smoked pistachios before. Well, let me tell you folks! Good doesn’t even come close to describing how yummy these nuts were!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword nuts, smoked
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings 2 pounds
Calories 2549kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your smoker for 250 F cooking. Use a light wood such as apple or peach.
  • Place the nuts in a large bowl and lightly (very lightly) drizzle with a little oil. For 1 pound of nuts I used less than 1/2 tablespoon of oil.
  • Toss the nuts to coat. Now, sprinkle them liberally with the seasoning. Now is not the time to be shy. Load up on it and toss to coat.
  • Transfer nuts to your smoker. I use a grill mat to keep the nuts from falling thru the grates. Smoke for 2 1/2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes or so.
  • Remove, shell and devour.

Notes

Store in an air-tight container until ready to serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 2549kcal | Carbohydrates: 125g | Protein: 92g | Fat: 206g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 4649mg | Fiber: 47g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 1882IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 476mg | Iron: 18mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12'' Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill - Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush
Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12” Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill – Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush

Tuscan Pasta Salad

Oh, Tuscan pasta salad, where have you been? I was getting just a bit tired of pasta salads and coleslaw then you came along and boom! Something totally different. This recipe makes a nice big batch, perfect for a family get-together, and perfect for that ‘wow factor too.

Tuscan Pasta Salad

The Perfect Salad

There’s nothing in this that will scare off grandma I tend to make my dishes on the spicy side. I resisted that temptation with this Tuscan pasta salad, with great results. Fresh and exciting, this salad hits the spot with its Italian-inspired flavors.

You can substitute a tablespoon of dried basil for the fresh if you wish. Just make sure you crumble it a bit in your hand before adding it. I used fresh spinach, but you can also get away with frozen. Just make sure that it’s thawed completely first and squeeze the very last drop of water from it before adding it (I like to place it in a kitchen towel, wrap it up tight, and squeeze the heck out of it). I would not recommend omitting the sun-dried tomatoes! They add so much flavor to this salad.

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

Also try my Mardis Gras pasta salad and also my amazing dill pickle pasta salad.

Tuscan Pasta Salad
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Tuscan Pasta Salad

Oh, Tuscan pasta salad, where have you been? I was getting just a bit tired of pasta salads and coleslaw then you came along and boom! Something totally different. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword pasta salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 288kcal
Author Inspired by The Recipe Critic

Equipment

Ingredients

For the salad

  • 16 ounces bow-tie pasta
  • 7 ounces sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 6.5 ounce black olives drained, sliced
  • 1 cup spinach chopped
  • ¼ cup basil chopped
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated

For the dressing

Instructions

For the salad

  • Cook the pasta per package instructions. Rinse with cold water and drain well. Transfer to a large bowl.
  • Add remaining salad ingredients and mix.
  • Add the dressing and toss to coat.

For the dressing

  • Whisk all ingredients together until combined. Note: I like to put the ingredients in a small jar or resealable container, seal, and shake to mix.

Notes

Stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 288kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 812mg | Potassium: 845mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1014IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 114mg | Iron: 3mg

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)

Rotisserie French Fries

This actually started out as just a test of an idea I’d had. It was a very hot day here. I have a pet peeve about cooking anything inside when it’s so hot. And thanks to my new Weber Summit S-670, I can not only cook in pots on a side burner, I have a big rotisserie I can use. I have the perfect basket for it, made by Napoleon, that I can use to cook up all sorts of side dishes, such as rotisserie French fries!

Rotisserie French Fries

Perfect Fries With That Cooked-Outdoors Flavor

I started with frozen fries. And I went with the larger wedge fries because, this being my first time, I wasn’t sure how smaller fries might hold up to the constant tumbling. My rotisserie French fries came out fantastic, with a great crispiness and flavor. Of course, you can make them on a charcoal grill too with a rotisserie and a basket and get even more of that great ‘cooked outdoors’ flavor!

I think you can easily get away with cooking smaller fries, such as crinkles. Just keep an eye on them because the cook time will obviously depend on how hot you have your grill. I kept the temperature right around 400 F directly below my basket. I did not use my infrared burner (you can see it above the basket in the picture above).

Napoleon 64000 Rotisserie Basket Grill Accessory, Stainless Steel
Napoleon 64000 Rotisserie Basket Grill Accessory, Stainless Steel

Fries on the rotisserie were perfect with the burgers I grilled at the same time! Win! For even more spinning goodness, make my chicken wings on the rotisserie and my rotisserie roasted potatoes!

Rotisserie French Fries
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Rotisserie French Fries

My rotisserie French fries came out fantastic, with a great crispiness and flavor. No need to heat up the kitchen, just fire up your grill!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword fries, rotisserie
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 258kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill for medium-high cooking and prepare a rotisserie basket setup.
  • Add fries to the basket and close. Turn on the rotisserie and close the lid. Let cook for 20 minutes then check for crispness. If the fries turn golden brown with a bit of char along the edges, they're done! If not, close the lid and cook another 10-25 minutes, checking every 10 minutes or so.
  • Use heat-proof gloves to remove and open the rotisserie basket. Serve.

Notes

Use caution removing the fries from the basket as they and the basket are very hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 258kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 486mg | Potassium: 427mg | Fiber: 4g | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

onlyfire 6042 BBQ Stainless Steel Flat Spit Rotisserie Grill Basket for Any Grill, Fits 1/2" Hexagon, 3/8" Hexagon, 3/8" Square&5/16" Square Rotisserie Spit Rods
onlyfire 6042 BBQ Stainless Steel Flat Spit Rotisserie Grill Basket for Any Grill, Fits 1/2″ Hexagon, 3/8″ Hexagon, 3/8″ Square&5/16″ Square Rotisserie Spit Rods

Original BBQ Chicken 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.

Weber has a line of marinade mixes that you add juice to that are really, really good. And they’re perfect for flavoring chicken before cooking it on the Char-Broil Big Easy. I picked up a package of each and used them to marinate my favorite, split chicken breasts. The original BBQ marinade is mixed with apple juice to produce wonderfully seasoned chicken. A hint of hickory smoke and a hint of sweetness, you’ll think you’re enjoying sauced chicken, but instead all that flavor comes from the marinade alone.

Original BBQ Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Easy. And Delicious.

Since the Big Easy cooks at a high temperature you do have to watch that your chicken doesn’t char. One way to help prevent that is to not use marinades containing substances that might burn, like sugar or honey. The other is to rinse the chicken before cooking. Now, you’re going to lose a bit of flavor doing that, but if like me you’re going to remove the skin before eating, it really doesn’t make that big of a difference.

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

Weber makes all sorts of great flavored Just Add Juice marinades. Collect them all!

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 my peach BBQ chicken, made in no time on the Big Easy!

Weber Marinades

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

Original BBQ Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Original BBQ Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy

 A hint of hickory smoke and a hint of sweetness, you’ll think you’re enjoying sauced chicken, but instead all that flavor comes from the marinade alone.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, chicken
Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 272kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the chicken into a resealable bag or container.
  • Add marinade to taste. Toss to coat.
  • Seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, turning occasionally.
  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Transfer the chicken to the Big Easy basket.
  • Cook for approximately 20 minutes per pound or until it reaches 165 F as checked in several places.
  • Remove and let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can use whatever cuts you prefer, about 2 pounds total.

Nutrition

Calories: 272kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 263mg | Potassium: 868mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 68IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Smoked Peanuts in the Shell

If you like boiled peanuts, you’re in luck. If you like smoked peanuts, you’re in luck too. These smoked peanuts in the shell will satisfy you no matter which camp you’re in. Lightly smoky and well, pea-like, you’ll want to make a big ole batch for snacking during the next big game on TV.

Smoked Peanuts in the Shell

These Aren’t Roasted Nuts

Unlike just boiled peanuts, which have a soggy shell, these smoked peanuts in the shell spend some quality time over higher heat, giving the shells an almost roasted-like texture. So when you crack one open, you might be expecting a roasted peanut. That’s not what you’ll get. The time in the brine not only softens the peanuts it lets them absorb smoke. That’s what you’re after.

Smoked Peanuts in the Shell

Grab A Basket Or Mat

I like to use my grilling basket or a grill mat for these peanuts. First, it makes putting them on the smoker and taking them back off a total breeze. No way would want to do that one at a time with grill tongues! Second, it makes for the easiest cleanup in the world. No scrubbing, no soaking. Just grab a soapy sponge and it’ll wipe clean.

Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket
Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket

Also try my smoked spicy nuts and my smoked pistachios. Peanuts roasted on a rotisserie are also a must-make!

Smoked Peanuts in the Shell
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Smoked Peanuts in the Shell

If you like boiled peanuts, you’re in luck. If you like smoked peanuts, you’re in luck too. These smoked peanuts in the shell will satisfy you no matter which camp you’re in.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword peanuts, smoked
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Servings 16
Calories 329kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine the water, salt, sugar and peanuts in a large pot over high heat. Bring to a boil and continue to boil for 20 minutes.
  • Drain the peanuts into a large colander and then spread out on a flat surface covered with towels to dry completely.
  • Fire up your smoker for 250 F. Use any wood you prefer, but the peanuts will absorb the smoke so I recommend a lighter fruit wood.
  • Add the peanuts to the smoker. If your grates are too wide, add foil sheets or pans with holes poked in them or use a grill mat like I did.
  • Cover grill and smoke for 20 minutes. Stir and smoke 20 more minutes. And then stir and smoke 20 more minutes. If the nuts aren't a bit crunchy continue smoking or transfer to a sheet pan in a 225 F oven or on a grill until golden brown and crunchy.

Notes

Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 329kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 14164mg | Potassium: 425mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12'' Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill - Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush
Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12” Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill – Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush

Pepper Crusted Bacon Cheeseburgers

In my world there’s nothing better than a burger cooked on a super hot flat top griddle. Boy do I love that nice little char you get on the patties. These pepper crusted bacon cheeseburgers amp up that great flat top (though you can certainly grill them!) flavor even more.

Pepper Crusted Bacon Cheeseburgers

Nice And Peppery

The patties are loaded with sweet onion and lots of black pepper. Lots of black pepper. Crispy bacon, lettuce, smoky cheese and a fantastically garlicky aioli top it all off. Every bite of these pepper crusted bacon cheeseburgers is loaded with flavor.

Do not be shy with the black pepper when you roll the burger patties in it. You really want a good strong pepper flavor. I used smoked pepper but any good freshly cracked pepper will do. For extra smoky flavor used smoked garlic instead of regular raw garlic.

I like to use a burger press just about any time that I am making burgers. I just weigh out the meat (usually into 4 to 5 ounce-sized balls), then place onto the press. For easy cleanup I’ll put patty papers on the bottom and top of the press. Then I just press down and boom! A perfectly shaped burger patty appears!

Weber Original Burger Press, Black
Weber Original Burger Press, Black

Also try my spicy bacon burger!

Pepper Crusted Bacon Cheeseburgers
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Pepper Crusted Bacon Cheeseburgers

In my world there’s nothing better than a burger cooked on a super hot flat top griddle. Boy do I love that nice little char you get on the patties. These pepper crusted bacon cheeseburgers amp up that great flat top (though you can certainly grill them!) flavor even more.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword bacon, burgers
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 715kcal
Author Based on a recipe from The Chunky Chef

Equipment

Ingredients

For the garlic aioli

For the burgers

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 small sweet onion
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream you can omit this if you don’t have cream on hand
  • kosher salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 8 hamburger buns
  • green leaf lettuce
  • 8 slices cheddar cheese smokehouse cheddar is best!
  • 8 slices bacon cooked

Instructions

For the garlic aioli

  • Place garlic in a small bowl.
  • Add the salt and mash with a fork until it becomes a paste.
  • Add the remaining ingredients and whisk until combined.
  • Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

For the burgers

  • Place beef into a large bowl.
  • Grate 2 tablespoons of the onion into the beef. Slice the remaining onion thin and reserve.
  • Add cream, salt and pepper and mix well.
  • Form into 8 1/4 pound patties.
  • Spread cracked black pepper out onto a plate. Lightly press each side of each patty into the pepper.
  • Cook patties as desired. I prefer them grilled on a flat-top griddle, but you can also cook them in a skillet.
  • Lightly toast the buns.
  • Assemble burgers by slathering buns with the garlic aioli.
  • Add the lettuce, cooked patties, cheese and bacon and serve.

Notes

The garlic aioli is great on sandwiches, too!

Nutrition

Calories: 715kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 53g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 121mg | Sodium: 708mg | Potassium: 480mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 218IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 231mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cuisinart CSBP-100 3-in-1 Stuffed Burger Press, Black
Cuisinart CSBP-100 3-in-1 Stuffed Burger Press, Black

Homemade Onion Rings

I’m addicted to onion rings. And I’m picky about them. I’m picky about the coating. It has to be light and crunchy and it has to stick to every inch of the onion. And I’m picky about the onion. Each bite has to be ‘clean’. Nothing is worse than biting into a ring and having the entire onion want to come out at once. And of course, they have to taste great. These homemade onion rings pass my picky tests and then some. They are truly fantastic.

Homemade Onion Rings

The Perfect Batter

There is absolutely nothing I would change about the batter for these homemade onion rings. It has the perfect consistency and flavor. Well, ok, I might change up the seasoning just a bit depending on who I’m serving them to or whatever my mood is that day. Me, I like a bit of heat, so cayenne is my go-to seasoning. But, a little smoked paprika or even a dried herb such as Italian seasoning also makes for a pleasant change.

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

The batter would also be great on fish filets, making for a big plate of fish-and-rings.

For a nice twist on traditional onion rings, try my fried onion strips with dipping sauce. For something with a kick, you gotta make my spicy red onion rings and my copycat of the delicious onion rings at A&W.

Homemade Onion Rings
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Homemade Onion Rings

I’m addicted to onion rings. And I’m picky about them. I’m picking about the coating. It has to be light and crunchy and it has to stick to every inch of the onion. And I’m picky about the onion. Each bite has to be ‘clean’.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword onion rings
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 472kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Valierie Bertinelli

Equipment

Ingredients

For the onion rings

For the batter

Instructions

For the onion rings

  • Place the rings into a large bowl.
  • Add the flour and salt and toss to coat.
  • Let sit for 15 minutes.

For the batter

  • Heat 3″ of oil to 365 F in a deep fryer or Dutch oven.
  • Whisk together the batter ingredients until smooth.
  • Working in batches, dip the onions into the batter and coat completely.
  • Fry until golden brown, 2-3 minutes per side, flipping once. Do not over-crowd the fryer.
  • Transfer to a wire rack and sprinkle with salt.

Notes

For a twist, use red onions.

Nutrition

Calories: 472kcal | Carbohydrates: 92g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 956mg | Potassium: 434mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 495IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 159mg | Iron: 4mg

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

Cherry Limeade

Ahhhh, the perfect drink on a hot day. This cherry limeade hit the spot and then some. A little tart and a little sweet, you can make this regular or diet. The diet version isn’t completely carbohydrate-free. For that, you can omit the lime juice and cherries and instead use diet syrups, like the ones available from Torani. They make a wide range of diet fruit (and other) flavored syrups. We love them on sno-cones too!

Cherry Limeade

Refrigerating Any Leftover Drink

I recommend not storing this cherry limeade with the lime slices if you have any leftovers. The next day it’ll get mighty darned ‘limey’. Just drop the slices in when you are ready to serve, and remove them if you need to refrigerate the remainder overnight.

Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Maraschino Cherries, 10 Oz
Amazon Brand – Happy Belly Maraschino Cherries, 10 Oz

Also try my homemade sno-cone syrup.

Cherry Limeade
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4 from 1 vote

Cherry Limeade

Ahhhh, the perfect drink on a hot day. This cherry limeade hit the spot and then some. A little tart and a little sweet, you can make this regular or diet. 
Course Drink
Cuisine American
Keyword limeade
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 2 liters
Calories 1061kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Ree Drummond

Ingredients

  • 2 liter Sprite diet is fine
  • 1 cup lime juice fresh squeezed
  • 10 ounces maraschino cherries not drained
  • 1 cup sugar artificial sweetener is fine
  • sliced lime for serving

Instructions

  • Place the soda, juice and cherries into the fridge for 1 hour.
  • Combine all ingredients except for the lime slices in a large pitcher. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  • Serve ladled into tall glasses, making sure to get some of the cherries. Add a few lime slices.

Notes

Substitute lemon juice and fresh lemon slices for a cherry lemonade.

Nutrition

Calories: 1061kcal | Carbohydrates: 274g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 109mg | Potassium: 183mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 259g | Vitamin A: 124IU | Vitamin C: 36mg | Calcium: 114mg | 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)