Tag: recipe

Pickle Poppers 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.

Sure, you’ve made jalapeno poppers on your Char-Broil Big Easy. Quite a few times if you’re like me. And you loved them. But Aunt Martha didn’t like them one bit. “They’re too darned spicy”, she said. Well, today is Aunt Martha’s lucky today because now she can chow down on some super-tasty pickle poppers on the Char-Broil Big Easy without worrying about the heat. Plus they’re totally cool!

Pickle Poppers on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Easy. Different. And Delicious.

Make sure you read my notes in the recipe. They’ll make making these pickle poppers on the Char-Broil Big Easy a breeze. I really liked the change from the ‘usual’ jalapeno poppers. They’re hard to stop eating, so make sure you make a big batch. If you haven’t already, invest in a Bunk Bed Basket or two for your Big Easy. It gives you a lot more cooking space.

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

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

Pickle Poppers on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 1 vote

Pickle Poppers on the Char-Broil Big Easy

“They’re too darned spicy”, Aunt Martha said. Well, today is Aunt Martha’s lucky today because now she can chow down on some super-tasty pickle poppers without worrying about the heat.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, pickle poppers
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 12 poppers
Calories 111kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Old Dave’s Po-Farm

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 6 baby dill pickles
  • 6 slices bacon
  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
  • ¾ cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • ½ clove garlic minced
  • Toothpicks
  • Your favorite seasoning

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Meanwhile, slice the pickles in half horizontally.
  • Using a melon baller carefully scoop out the centers of the pickles. Set aside. NOTE: I found it much easier to just use my finger nail (with a food-safe glove on) to do this.
  • Line a baking sheet with foil.
  • Add bacon slices and bake for 20 minutes to partially cook the bacon.
  • Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  • Cut each piece of bacon in half lengthwise. NOTE: The easiest way to do this is to roll each piece up and then make a single cut down the middle.
  • Combine the cream cheese, cheddar, and garlic,
  • Working in batches, form about a tablespoon of the cheese mixture into a shape like a fat cigarette that will fit into the cavity of the pickles.
  • Working in batches, add shaped cheese to the pickle centers.
  • Secure one end of a piece of bacon to the end of the pickle slice by inserting a toothpick horizontally.
  • Wrap the bacon around the rest of the pickle, also securing the other end with a toothpick.
  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Lightly dust pickle poppers with your favorite seasoning and transfer to a Big Easy basket.
  • Cook in the Big Easy for 20 minutes or until the bacon starts to char and the cheese has melted.
  • Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

You’ll need a Bunk Bed basket for your Big Easy to cook more than 4 or so pickle halves at a time. Poppers can be assembled in advance to finish cooking on the Big Easy.

Nutrition

Calories: 111kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 431mg | Potassium: 72mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 261IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Slow Cooker Taco Meat

For years now I’ve been browning ground beef in my homemade taco seasoning to make tacos. On a whim I decided to make slow cooker taco meat. Boy, am I ever glad that I did. Hours in the slow cooker makes browned beef even better. Tender, juicy and tasty. Perfect for taco night!

Slow Cooker Taco Meat

Leaner Beef For Better Tacos

I used a very lean ground beef when I made this taco meat. You don’t want to deal with a bunch of fat floating around the top of your slow cooker. Ewwwww. No, use at least a 90/10 (that’s 90% meat, 10% fat) mix and crumble it well when frying it.

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)

Any extra taco meat freezes very well so don’t be afraid to double the recipe if your slow cooker can handle it.

You’ll want to serve my delicious Mexican rice on the side.

Slow Cooker Taco Meat
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5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Taco Meat

On a whim I decided to make slow cooker taco meat. Boy, am I ever glad that I did. Hours in the slow cooker makes browned beef even better. Tender, juicy and tasty. Perfect for taco night!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword beef, crockpot, slow cooker, taco
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 110kcal
Author Based on a recipe from The Prairie Homestead

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Crumble the ground beef into a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Cook until just about done.
  • Add the onion and stir. Cook until the beef is cooked through.
  • Transfer meat and onions and all remaining ingredients to a slow cooker.
  • Stir and cook on low 4-6 hours.

Notes

If the mixture gets too thick while cooking add in just a little water and stir.

Nutrition

Calories: 110kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 345mg | Potassium: 290mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 137IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 14mg | 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

Grilled Dijon Brussels Sprouts

“Mom, I want more Brussels sprouts, please!” That’s not something you would’ve heard me say as a kid. But now, put a bowl of these grilled Dijon Brussels sprouts in front of me and I’m asking for seconds. And thirds. Fantastic Dijon flavor and nicely charred sprouts, cooked until they are just tender. With just a hint of smokiness. Perfection!

Grilled Dijon Brussels Sprouts

Brussels Sprouts Need Dijon

These awesome grilled Dijon Brussels sprouts have quickly become our go-to side dish when grilling something for dinner. Preparation time is almost nothing. Cook time is darn near nothing. It couldn’t get any easier to make a delicious side dish. And it’s packed with that wonderful mustardy flavor.

I highly recommend that you use a basket when making this on a grill.

Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket
Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket

My regular-ole grilled Brussels sprouts are mighty good eating too! For a different take on Brussels sprouts, try pickling them instead!

Grilled Dijon Brussels Sprouts
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4 from 1 vote

Grilled Dijon Brussels Sprouts

“Mom, I want more Brussels sprouts, please!” That’s not something you would’ve heard me say as a kid. But now, put a bowl of these grilled Dijon Brussels sprouts in front of me and I’m asking for seconds. And thirds.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword Brussels sprouts, grilled, mustard
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 74kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill for direct cooking. You’ll want to use a grill vegetable basket.
  • Trim ends off of the sprouts and cut in half. Remove any bad leaves. 
  • Whisk together remaining ingredients in a large bowl.
  • Add the sprouts and toss gently to coat.
  • Let set for 5 minutes.
  • Transfer sprouts to a grill basket that has been sprayed with non-stick spray. Transfer to the grill and grill for 5-10 minutes, tossing occasionally, until lightly charred and just starting to soften. I use a long bamboo skewer to poke the sprouts as they cook so I can tell when they are done.
  • Remove from the grill and sprinkle with more salt and pepper as desired.

Notes

Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 74kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 433mg | Potassium: 481mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1084IU | Vitamin C: 97mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket
Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket

Chipotle Cornbread

I made a big ole pot of chili. I needed some cornbread. But not any ordinary cornbread. No, I wanted something different, with a bit of a kick to stand up to the definitely-kickin’ chili. This chipotle cornbread stepped up to the challenge in a big way. A hint of heat and a heat of smokiness. And the perfect texture to boot. Perfect for crumbling into my chili.

Chipotle Cornbread

That Great Cornbread Texture

Make sure that your buttermilk is super cold and that the melted butter has cooled before adding it to the buttermilk. The two will form an curd-looking mixture. Do not over mix it. You want a little texture to your chipotle cornbread.

For even more of a spicy kick add a fire-roasted diced jalapeno or two to the batter. For a bit more smoky flavor, use a shredded smoked cheddar cheese (I smoke my own cheese. It’s awesome!).

La Costena Chipotle Peppers 7oz.
La Costena Chipotle Peppers 7oz.

Although you can use pie plates as I mention in the recipe, this cornbread is also fantastic when made in a cast iron skillet.

Also try my grilled jalapeno honey butter cornbread and my not-grilled jalapeno cornbread..

Chipotle Cornbread
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5 from 1 vote

Chipotle Cornbread

A hint of heat and a heat of smokiness. And the perfect texture to boot. Perfect for crumbling into my chili.
Course Bread
Cuisine American
Keyword cornbread, spicy
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 332kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray a round pie pan or 8″ x 8″ baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • In a large bowl combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder and salt.
  • In another bowl combine the buttermilk, adobo, honey, eggs, chipotle pepper and butter. Add to the dry ingredients and stir until smooth and combined.
  • Fold in the cheese.
  • Pour batter into the pan and bake for 25 minutes or until done. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Substitute pepper jack for the cheddar for a little more kick!

Nutrition

Calories: 332kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 1310mg | Potassium: 224mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 368IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 329mg | 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)

Biscuits + Groovy The Johnny Hash

I watch the show Eat Street on the Cooking Channel because I love food trucks. Whenever there’s one near me I stop and get something, anything. One of the episodes of Eat Street had the host, James Cunningham, stop at the Biscuits + Groovy trailer in Austin, TX. Because my wife and I love biscuits and gravy I knew instantly that I was going to make some of the dishes they serve up. I mean, dang, look at the menu! Everything sounds fantastic, including The Johnny Hash. Biscuits, white pepper gravy, diced potatoes, bacon and breakfast sausage, topped with cheese and garnished with green onions. This ain’t no light breakfast, it’s the breakfast of champions!

Biscuits + Groovy The Johnny Hash

Start With Great Biscuits

I’m definitely not a food industry expert, but I do recognize a good concept when I see it. All of the biscuit dishes from Biscuits + Groovy start with great buttermilk biscuits. You can then build from there, like with the Johnny Hash. It’s definitely loaded with all things good and breakfasty.

Get The Real Deal

If I was anywhere near Austin, Texas right now I’d be in line at the Biscuits + Groovy trailer and my stomach would be growling!

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.

Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts
Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts

Also try the Biscuits + Groovy The Donna Summer.

Biscuits + Groovy The Johnny Hash
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5 from 1 vote

Biscuits + Groovy The Johnny Hash

Biscuits, white pepper gravy, diced potatoes, bacon and breakfast sausage, topped with cheese and garnished with green onions. This ain’t no light breakfast, it’s the breakfast of champions!
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Keyword biscuits, gravy
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 2 servings
Calories 671kcal
Author Inspired by the Biscuits + Groovy Food Truck

Equipment

Ingredients

For the white pepper gravy

Instructions

For the white gravy

  • Melt the butter in a small saucepan.
  • Whisk in the flour.
  • Whisk in the milk until smooth. Gravy will continue to thicken. If too thick add a bit more milk.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

For the biscuits, breakfast links and bacon

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. Add the sausage links and bacon.
  • Bake for 20 minutes. Flip links and bacon. Cook for 5 more minutes then remove the links. Continue to cook until done. Remove and let cool slightly before chopping the bacon and slicing the links into bite-sized pieces. Note: If you want a little crispiness to your links place them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes after you’ve removed the bacon.
  • In the other pan, place the biscuits and cook per package instructions.

Making the biscuits

  • Split biscuits and place on a plate.
  • Add potatoes, gravy, meats and cheese.
  • Top with chives or green onions. Serve.

Notes

Use whole milk for the best results.

Nutrition

Calories: 671kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 1056mg | Potassium: 798mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 290IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 202mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Cajun Injected Chicken using the Vortex

I cook a lot, and I do mean a lot, of chicken using my Vortex. Wings and thighs are my favorite and I’ve cooked them countless delicious ways. But I’d never injected my chicken until now. This Cajun injected chicken using the Vortex is just packed with bite after bite of crazy good flavor. Moist doesn’t even come close to describing the meat. And yet it still has the perfect texture and that great crunchy skin.

Cajun Injected Chicken using the Vortex

For Low-Salt, Make The Seasoning At Home

Store-bought Cajun seasoning can be a bit on the salty side. If you prefer to use less salt I recommend that you make your own seasoning and use as much or as little salt as you wish. That way you can tailor your Cajun injected chicken using the Vortex to your individual tastes.

VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size - For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg
VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size – For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg

You’ll also want to make my Vortex Nashville hot chicken and my easy Cajun fried chicken.

Cajun Injected Chicken using the Vortex
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5 from 1 vote

Cajun Injected Chicken using the Vortex

I cook a lot, and I do mean a lot, of chicken using my Vortex. Wings and thighs are my favorite and I’ve cooked them countless delicious ways. But I’d never injected my chicken until now. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword fried chicken, injected, Vortex
Prep Time 12 hours
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 12 hours 45 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 319kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the chicken

  • 3-4 pounds chicken pieces I used skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
  • ¼ cup Cajun seasoning

For the injection

Instructions

  • Rub the chicken with the seasoning. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  • Remove chicken from the fridge and let come to room temperature while you fire up your grill with the Vortex insert.
  • While the coals are getting hot, combine the injection ingredients. Using a syringe, inject the liquid in several spots in each piece of chicken.
  • Transfer chicken to the edges of your grill, around the Vortex.
  • Cook for approximately 45 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165 F as measured in several locations.

Notes

Store-bought Cajun seasoning can be quite salty. For a less salty version make your own and reduce the amount of salt.

Nutrition

Calories: 319kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 102mg | Sodium: 86mg | Potassium: 347mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2864IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado - 3 PC
Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado – 3 PC

Deli Sandwich Spread

I love having sandwiches for lunch. They can be anywhere from simple to fancy, depending on my mood (and available time). I knew by the end of last week that there was going to be a sandwich-kind-of-weekend coming up, so I made a nice big batch of this fantastically simple but oh-so-delicious deli sandwich spread. Nice and creamy, perfectly spreadable, it has a nice herby hint. I felt fru-fru eating my sandwich, and that takes something let me tell you!

Deli Sandwich Spread

Great With Some Added Kick, Too!

For a little kick, add a pinch or two of red pepper flake to this deli sandwich spread. Stir and let the spread set an extra hour or so in the fridge. It definitely gets better with time but if you’re in a hurry go for it. Slather it on and eat it up. It’s still great stuff no matter when you eat it.

This spread is also great on wraps.

Substitute Creole mustard for the Dijon for a down-south twist.

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

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

Try my stuffed deli sandwich too. It’ll make you happy.

Deli Sandwich Spread
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5 from 1 vote

Deli Sandwich Spread

I knew by the end of last week that there was going to be a sandwich-kind-of-weekend coming up, so I made a nice big batch of this fantastically simple but oh-so-delicious deli sandwich spread. Nice and creamy, perfectly spreadable, it has a nice herby hint.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword sandwich, sauce
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 148kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Give the spread a good stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 148kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 188mg | Potassium: 36mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 82IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

New Star Foodservice 28560 Smiley Faces Squeeze Bottle Set, Plastic, Red, Yellow, and Clear, 12 oz
New Star Foodservice 28560 Smiley Faces Squeeze Bottle Set, Plastic, Red, Yellow, and Clear, 12 oz

Mandarin Teriyaki Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

Teriyaki jerky is a big favorite of mine. Every few batches of jerky that I make is teriyaki of some kind or another. I picked up a package of Hi Mountain’s Mandarin Teriyaki jerky mix at Cabella’s and quickly made a batch of Mandarin Teriyaki Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro. This mandarin teriyaki doesn’t have a strong teriyaki flavor and it’s not meant to. It’s a very subtle teriyaki flavor, with an even more subtle hint of mandarin orange. It’s a nice change from its stronger teriyaki cousin.

Mandarin Teriyaki Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

Rotating Your Trays

Make sure you rotate your trays every 2 hours or so when you make up a batch of Mandarin Teriyaki jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro. The bottom trays will not dry as quickly as those on top. Rotating the trays will give you nice, even drying and perfect jerky on every level.

Extra Trays Are A Good Thing

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 fiery Teriyaki jerky.

Check out my guide to using the Nesco Snackmaster Pro. You will be making fantastic jerky at home in no time at all!

Mandarin Teriyaki Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro
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5 from 1 vote

Mandarin Teriyaki Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

The mandarin teriyaki doesn’t a strong teriyaki flavor and it’s not meant to. It’s a very subtle teriyaki flavor, with an even more subtle hint of mandarin orange. It’s a nice change from it’s stronger teriyaki cousin.
Course Dehydrator
Cuisine Jerky
Keyword Asian, dehydrator, jerky, nesco snackmaster pro
Prep Time 8 hours
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 14 hours
Servings 8 servings
Calories 288kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place beef in a resealable bag or container.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the seasoning, curing salt and water.
  • Pour over the meat and seal. Shake to coat.
  • Refrigerate the meat for up to 8 hours, shaking or massaging every hour or so to get the marinade distributed and absorbed evenly.
  • Remove meat from the marinade and add to a jerky gun.
  • Squeeze out onto Nesco trays. Do not overlap meat.
  • Add the dehydrator top, set to maximum temperature setting and dehydrate for 5 hours, rotating the trays (bottom to top) every 2 hours or so.
  • To test for doneness remove a piece and let cool slightly. Try to bend the meat. If it gives and starts to tear at the bend it is done. If it bends without tearing return to the dehydrator and let it run another 15 minutes and test again. If the meat is crunchy it is overdone but still good. It’s really a personal preference as to how you like your jerky. Soft, chewy, crunchy. There’s no wrong here.
  • Let cool before storing in an airtight container.

Notes

Add more seasoning if you want a stronger flavor, but this jerky isn’t meant to be real strong.

Nutrition

Calories: 288kcal | Protein: 19g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 77mg | Potassium: 306mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 2mg

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 Velveeta

Oh, yes, people laughed when I brought up the idea of smoking Velveeta. “Why?” “Are you insane?” You name it, I heard it. But I was not deterred. In my mind I had already tasted smoked Velveeta mac-and-cheese and grilled cheese sandwiches. And they tasted fantastic.

Smoked Velveeta

Amazingly Delicious

I used the exact same process that I use for cold smoking cheese blocks except that I froze the Velveeta overnight first. Velveeta gets soft even at room temperature. By freezing it I was helping to guarantee that it didn’t melt on a smoker. And it didn’t! It came out absolutely amazing! Next time, I’m loading up my smoker big time with Velveeta! This stuff is awesome!

I use a smoke tube when cold smoking. It gives me perfect control over the temperature and produces consistent smoke. I buy wood pellets (I used apple) and fill the tube completely, then light one end. The tube stays lit for a few hours, perfect for smoking cheese or anything else that doesn’t need higher heat. I highly recommend it. It’s also great for adding smoke flavor to dishes being cooked on a gas grill.

Pellet Smoker Tube -12" Stainless Steel Wood Tube Smoke for Cold/Hot Smoking for All Electric, Gas, Charcoal Grills or Smokers - Ideal for Smoking Cheese, Fish, Pork, Beef, Nuts, Bonus Brush
Pellet Smoker Tube -12″ Stainless Steel Wood Tube Smoke for Cold/Hot Smoking for All Electric, Gas, Charcoal Grills or Smokers – Ideal for Smoking Cheese, Fish, Pork, Beef, Nuts, Bonus Brush

The first thing I made with smoked Velvetta was, of course, macaroni and cheese!

Smoked Velveeta
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4.50 from 2 votes

Smoked Velveeta

Oh, yes, people laughed when I brought up this idea.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword cheese, smoked
Prep Time 1 day
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 day 1 hour
Servings 1 pound
Calories 1007kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Unwrap the Velveeta. Place on a plate and place in the freezer for at least 24 hours.
  • Fire up your smoker for cold smoking.
  • Make sure you keep the temperature below 90 F, and preferably at 70 F.
  • Place the Velveeta on a grate or in a disposable pan and transfer to the smoker.
  • Smoke for 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on how strong you want the smoke flavor. If the cheese begins to sweat wipe it dry and make sure the temperature is staying low.
  • Remove from the smoker and let cool completely. Place in a vacuum sealer bag or resealable bag and close. Refrigerate for at least 2 weeks before using.

Notes

Make sure you unwrap the Velveeta completely before freezing!
If you don’t have a smoke tube you can still cold smoke with just a few briquettes and a chunk or two of wood.

Nutrition

Calories: 1007kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 89g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 32g | Cholesterol: 191mg | Sodium: 7194mg | Potassium: 1565mg | Sugar: 39g | Vitamin A: 4454IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 2604mg | Iron: 1mg

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

Sesame Ginger 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.

Sesame ginger chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy is an example of just how easy making good chicken can be. A quick marinade in salad dressing and into the cooker. No mess, no fuss, no babysitting a grill. In no time you get juicy, tender, super tasty chicken with a hint of sesame and ginger.

Sesame Ginger Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Deliciously Moist And Tender, Every Time

I prefer split chicken breasts, but any cut of chicken will do. And I tend to prefer bone-in pieces. They will end up being juicier and more flavorful than boneless cuts.

I used a bottle of Newman’s Own Sesame Ginger salad dressing as the marinade for the chicken. You can use your favorite brand or flavor of dressing, but steer clear of any that contain sugary things like… sugar. Or honey. Or brown sugar. The Big Easy cooks at a fairly high temperature. Sugary marinades will char and char good in no time. If you do use one that contains sugar, you’ll want to rinse off the chicken before putting it into the cooker. Yes, you’ll lose some flavor (the marinade will still be inside of the chicken), but you won’t run the risk of burning your dish.

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

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

Sesame Ginger Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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Sesame Ginger Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Sesame ginger chicken is a mighty fine example of just how easy making good chicken can be. A quick marinade in salad dressing and into the cooker.
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 servings
Calories 258kcal
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

Feel free to substitute other chicken cuts.

Nutrition

Calories: 258kcal | Protein: 48g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 262mg | Potassium: 836mg | Vitamin A: 68IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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