Tag: recipe

Smoky Ranch Saltines

Flavored saltines are a favorite snack in our house. They are so easy to make. They are great for travel snacks. You can make them in pretty much any flavor you can think of. From Buffalo wing-flavored to spicy Fire-Eater saltines, to these smoky ranch saltines, you can’t go wrong with them.

Smoky Ranch Saltines

No Boring Crackers Here

If you’re not gentle when tossing the saltines they will crumble and not get fully covered in the flavoring. If you double or triple this recipe for smoky Ranch saltines make each sleeve of crackers in it’s own bag or you’ll have trouble getting the smoky Ranch seasoning to coat each individual one.

If you want your crackers to have a little kick, add a few pinches of cayenne to the smoky ranch seasoning. Chile powder is also a great addition as it also adds a bit more smokiness.

365 by Whole Foods Market, Salted Saltine Crackers, 16 Ounce
365 by Whole Foods Market, Salted Saltine Crackers, 16 Ounce

Also try my Buffalo wing, Fire-eater and lime pepper saltines.

Smoky Ranch Saltines
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5 from 1 vote

Smoky Ranch Saltines

Flavored saltines are a favorite snack in our house. They are so easy to make. They are great for travel snacks. You can make them in pretty much any flavor you can think of.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword crackers, Ranch, smoky
Prep Time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours
Servings 30 or so crackers
Calories 22kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

For the Saltines

For the Smoky Ranch seasoning (makes approx 7 tablespoons)

Instructions

For the Saltines

  • Place crackers in a large resealable bag or container.
  • Pour in the oil.
  • Sprinkle with the seasoning.
  • Seal and gently toss to coat.
  • Let sit (on the counter) for 12 hours to get ‘happy’, tossing gently every once-in-a-while.

For the Smoky Ranch seasoning

  • Combine all ingredients.

Notes

You can use other crackers, too.

Nutrition

Calories: 22kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 83mg | Potassium: 7mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 115IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 1mg | 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)

Copycat Subway Chipotle Southwest Sauce

Let’s get the obvious out of the way first. When it comes to making a sandwich, I don’t go by the serving size on the meat package. One slice? Two at most? That’s not a sandwich, that’s an hors d’oeuvre. Same goes for the spread. I made a batch of a copycat of Subway chipotle southwest sauce. Did I dot it on the bread? Nope. Slathered. Thick. Piled high with my favorite toppings, it was a sandwich to remember.

Copycat Subway Chipotle Southwest Sauce

A Little Smokiness For The Win

This copycat Subway chipotle southwest sauce is fresh, with a hint of citrus and fresh cilantro, but also with a little kick thanks to one of my favorites, ground chipotle chile. I love the smoky heat that ground chipotle chiles bring to whatever I use it in. It’s not over-the-top spicy or smoky, it’s just right. It’s really what sets this sandwich apart from the others.

Kitchen Bottle Condiment Set 3 Hole Dispenser Lid Plastic Squeeze for Sauce Mustard Ketchup 12 oz. / 340 ML.
Kitchen Bottle Condiment Set 3 Hole Dispenser Lid Plastic Squeeze for Sauce Mustard Ketchup 12 oz. / 340 ML.

Also try my copycat of the great bread at Subway.

Copycat Subway Chipotle Southwest Sauce
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5 from 1 vote

Copycat Subway Chipotle Southwest Sauce

The chipotle southwest sauce is fresh, with a hint of citrus and fresh cilantro, but also with a little kick thanks to one of my favorites, ground chipotle chile. 
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword sandwich, sauce
Prep Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours
Servings 1 cup
Calories 785kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients.
  • Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to let the flavors ‘get happy’ before using.

Notes

Stir before using. Great on any sandwich or sub!

Nutrition

Calories: 785kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 84g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 50g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 1302mg | Potassium: 59mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 310IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.4mg

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)

Curry Shake ‘n Bake

I admit it, I’m a Shake ‘n Bake addict. It started when I was a kid. My mom would make Shake ‘n Bake pork chops on occasion and I loved them. They became a common site on my dinner table years later. Today, I make my own Shake ‘n Bake mix, often coming up with my own flavor, like chipotle, and now my over-the-top delicious curry mix.

Curry Shake 'n Bake

Perfect Flavors

I was blown away by how much I loved this curry Shake’n Bake mix on pork chops (I’m sure it’d rock big time on chicken too!). Just the right amount of curry flavor, the mix adheres perfectly to the meat. Every bite is packed with flavor and is oh so juicy. I loved these curry Shake ‘n Bake chops. They were fantastic!

Love Curry? Add More!

If you really like the taste of curry, like I do, I would definitely recommend adding more curry than I state in the recipe. You can taste and add more as you mix. I found the two tablespoons to have a nice, fairly mellow curry flavor. If you prefer yours to be stronger, go for it! You’ll love it!

Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Curry Powder (Red Pepper), 3 Oz
Amazon Brand – Happy Belly Curry Powder (Red Pepper), 3 Oz

Curry is also great on chicken wings. Try my brown sugar curry wings.

Curry Shake 'n Bake
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5 from 2 votes

Curry Shake ‘n Bake

I was blown away by how much I loved this curry Shake’n Bake mix on pork chops (I’m sure it’d rock big time on chicken too!). Just the right amount of curry flavor, the mix adheres perfectly.
Course Seasoning
Cuisine American
Keyword baked, pork chops
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 4 cups
Calories 466kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Curry Shake’N Bake

Instructions

Curry Shake’N Bake

  • Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl.
  • Add the oil and stir until the lumps are all gone.
  • Store in an air-tight container for up to 2 months until ready to use.

For pork chops

  • Preheat oven to 425 F.
  • Rinse chops and pat dry.
  • Working in batches, transfer chops to a resealable bag.
  • Add curry Shake’n Bake mix.
  • Seal and shake to coat chops.
  • Shake off excess coating and transfer chops to a foil-lined baking sheet.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until done.

For chicken

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Working in batches, transfer chicken pieces to a resealable bag.
  • Add curry Shake’n Bake mix.
  • Seal and shake to coat chicken.
  • Shake off excess coating and transfer chicken to a foil-lined baking sheet.
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes for bone-in chicken or 20 minutes for boneless chicken until done.

Notes

Shake or stir the mix before using.

Nutrition

Calories: 466kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Sodium: 2340mg | Potassium: 261mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 258IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 177mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

AOZITA 14 Pcs Glass Spice Jars with Spice Labels - 4oz Empty Square Spice Bottles - Shaker Lids and Airtight Metal Caps - Chalk Marker and Silicone Collapsible Funnel Included
AOZITA 14 Pcs Glass Spice Jars with Spice Labels – 4oz Empty Square Spice Bottles – Shaker Lids and Airtight Metal Caps – Chalk Marker and Silicone Collapsible Funnel Included

Muffuletta Flatbread Pizza

True story: I often dream about muffuletta sandwiches. They have the perfect combination of flavors. Smoky provolone. Cured meats. Fantastic olive salad. This muffuletta flatbread pizza takes all those great flavors (and more) and puts it on a bite-sized crunchy slice. Perfect for a party, perfect for any time!

Muffuletta Flatbread Pizza

The No Soggy Zone

I make my own olive salad when I have time. It’s completely amazing, and definitely one of my favorite things to make. No matter if you use homemade or store-bought, make sure you drain the salad a bit before using it. You want a bit of the great olive oil flavor, but you don’t want a soggy muffuletta flatbread pizza.

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 my white garlic chicken flatbread pizza. For a great side dish, try my muffuletta pasta salad.

Muffaletta Flatbread Pizza
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5 from 1 vote

Muffuletta Flatbread Pizza

This flatbread pizza takes all the great flavors of a muffuletta and puts it on a bite-sized crunchy slice. Perfect for a party, perfect for any time!
Course Main or Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword flatbread, pizza
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 2 pizzas
Calories 435kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Toppings (divide equally between the two flatbreads)

  • Olive salad drained just slightly
  • ½ cup shredded cheese Mozzarella, provolone, Italian blend, whatever you prefer
  • 3 slices Provolone cheese cut into strips
  • 3 slices salami cut into strips or chopped
  • 3 slices Mortadella cut into strips or chopped
  • 3 slices Capicolla Prosciutto, or smoked ham, cut into strips or chopped
  • ¼ cup artichoke hearts small, drained, chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Place flatbreads on baking sheets and bake for 2 minutes.
  • Flip and bake for another 2 minutes to get crusts slightly crunchy.
  • Remove and let cool slightly.
  • Spread olive salad onto the flatbreads. Get a little of the yummy juice on them but not too much or they will be soggy.
  • Add remaining ingredients.
  • Bake for 10-15 minutes or until cheese has melted and crust is crunchy.
  • Place under broiler for 30 seconds or so if you want a little char on the toppings.
  • Slice and serve.

Notes

I like to add a few pinches of red pepper flake over the pizzas for a little hint of spiciness.

Nutrition

Calories: 435kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 1464mg | Potassium: 216mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 440IU | Calcium: 369mg | 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)

Big Mac Meatball Subs

I don’t know where some of my ideas come from. It’s probably best that I don’t know. But I do know that this right here, my Big Mac Meatball Subs, was one of my best creations. I was craving that great Big Mac taste but I didn’t have burger patties on hand. But I did have meatballs. Yeah, it’s just like a McDonald’s Big Mac burger, but oh so much better. And easier to make.

Big Mac Meatball Subs

The Messier, The Better

Big Mac meatball subs are a tad bit messy to eat and that’s a good thing. I’ve said it a million times before. The messier the sandwich, the better it is. Put up the fine linens and grab some paper towels and dig in!

Big Mac Meatball Subs

I Love Big Macs

Also try my grilled Big Macs (a longtime favorite of mine) and Big Mac sliders (same great flavors, packed into smaller bites). Make an extra big batch of the special sauce and use it on regular old cold-cut sandwiches and hot dogs. It’s not just for Big Mac meatball subs.

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)

Also try my Big Mac hot dogs.

Big Mac Meatball Subs
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5 from 1 vote

Big Mac Meatball Subs

I don’t know where some of my ideas come from. It’s probably best that I don’t know. But I do know that this right here, my Big Mac Meatball Subs, was one of my best creations.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword meatballs, submarine
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 987kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the special sauce (makes more than you’ll need)

For the subs

  • 10 meatballs frozen pre-cooked
  • 2 sub rolls
  • 2 slices American cheese
  • Special sauce from above
  • ¼ cup white onion diced
  • Dill pickles
  • ½ cup lettuce shredded

Instructions

For the special sauce

  • Combine all ingredients and whisk until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.

For the subs

  • Heat the meatballs per package instructions. The last 5 minutes of heating add the buns to the oven to warm them.
  • Assemble subs by slathering bun bottoms with special sauce. Add the cheese, onion and lettuce.
  • Top with meatballs and dill pickles.

Notes

Best when served with fries!

Nutrition

Calories: 987kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 80g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 1390mg | Potassium: 323mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 601IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 257mg | Iron: 12mg

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)

Lime Pepper Saltines

It seems that I have a bit of an addiction to flavored saltines. It all started when I made Fire-Eater saltines, which disappeared in no time. I should probably hide them, but then, I’d still know where they are so that isn’t going to help. Guess I’ll try moderation instead. These lime pepper saltines aren’t going to help either. They have just a hint of lime with a great pepper flavor. I was very pleasantly surprised as to just how much I liked them.

Lime Pepper Saltines

Seasoned Just Right

I found the seasoning at our local GFS store, but you can also find a mix like it at your local grocery store. You can also substitute lemon pepper, which seems to be a bit more common. Lime pepper saltines are different, more citrusy to me.

365 by Whole Foods Market, Salted Saltine Crackers, 16 Ounce
365 by Whole Foods Market, Salted Saltine Crackers, 16 Ounce

Also try my Buffalo wing, Fire-eater and smoky Ranch saltines.

Lime Pepper Saltines
Print Pin
1 from 1 vote

Lime Pepper Saltines

These lime pepper saltines have just a hint of lime with a great pepper flavor. I was very pleasantly surprised as to just how much I liked them.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword crackers
Prep Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours
Servings 30
Calories 38kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place crackers in a large resealable bag or container.
  • Pour in the oil.
  • Sprinkle with the seasoning.
  • Seal and gently toss to coat.
  • Let sit (on the counter) for 12 hours to get ‘happy’, tossing gently every once-in-a-while.
  • Serve as-is or with cream cheese for topping.

Notes

Also great topped with your favorite sliced cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 38kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 41mg | Potassium: 6mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Calcium: 1mg | 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)

Firemen’s Field Day 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.

This Firemen’s Field Day chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy may well be some of the best chicken I’ve ever made. And trust me, I’ve made my share of chicken on my Big Easy. It always turns out fantastic, but this here was divine.

Firemens Field Day Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Perfect Marinade For Perfect Chicken

The flavor of this Firemen’s Field Day chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy was fantastic. The meat was tender and juicy. The skin was crispy. I used chicken legs, but any cuts of chicken will do. Just remember that you’ll likely need a Bunk Bed basket to fit them all into your cooker.

Firemen’s Field Day chicken reminded a bit of the time I used Chiavetta’s marinade on some chicken I cooked on the Big Easy. There’s a slight hint of vinegar, but definitely not an overpowering one.

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

I didn’t have any poultry seasoning on hand (I’m not sure how that happened) so I ended up using Famous Dave’s Roast Chicken rub.

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!

Firemen's Field Day Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 1 vote

Firemen’s Field Day Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy

This Firemen’s Field Day chicken may well be some of the best chicken I’ve ever made on my Char-Broil Big Easy. And trust me, I’ve made my share of chicken on my Big Easy. It always turns out fantastic, but this here was divine.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, chicken
Prep Time 1 day
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 day 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 927kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Grumpy’s Honey Bunch

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place chicken pieces in a large resealable bag or container.
  • Whisk together the remaining ingredients and add to the chicken.
  • Seal and toss gently to coat.
  • Refrigerate for up to 24 hours, turning often if the chicken isn’t fully submerged in the marinade.
  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Remove chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Discard the marinade.
  • Place chicken into the Big Easy baskets and then into the cooker.
  • Cook 45 minutes or about 20 minutes per pound, until the chicken reaches 165 F as measured in several locations.
  • Remove, let cool slightly and devour!

Notes

You can substitute your favorite cuts of chicken.

Nutrition

Calories: 927kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 86g | Saturated Fat: 53g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 221mg | Sodium: 1928mg | Potassium: 502mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 263IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Meijer Mango Habanero Wing Sauce

Visit my other site, For The Wing, for all things chicken-wing!

I admit, I might have been a little worried when I first opened a bottle of Meijer’s Mango Habanero wing sauce to take a taste. You don’t mess around with habaneros. As much as I’m a fan of spicy food, habaneros can actually just hurt. Well, my fears were unfounded because the heat is tamed perfectly by sweet mangoes. Yeah, oh yeah, there’s still a spicy kick, but it’s spot-on perfect. Like the other Meijer wing sauces I’ve tried, I found it to be perfect!

Meijer Mango Habanero Wing Sauce

Besides great flavors (like this Mango Habanero wing sauce) and perfect consistency (you don’t want your wing sauce ending up in a puddle at the bottom of your plate), Meijer’s wing sauces are all all-natural. No weird stuff makes for better wings!

Remember that if you have to refrigerate your open bottle of wing sauce to let it sit out on the counter for at least 30 minutes before using. You don’t want to ‘shock’ hot, just-cooked wings with a cold sauce.

Melinda’s Craft Wing Collection - Craft Wing Sauce & Condiment Gift Set for Buffalo Wings - Black Truffle Hot Sauce, Thai Sweet Chili, Sticky Asian, Garlic Parmesan, Habanero, & Ghost Pepper Wing Sauce - 12 oz, 6 Pack
Melinda’s Craft Wing Collection – Craft Wing Sauce & Condiment Gift Set for Buffalo Wings – Black Truffle Hot Sauce, Thai Sweet Chili, Sticky Asian, Garlic Parmesan, Habanero, & Ghost Pepper Wing Sauce – 12 oz, 6 Pack

Also try Meijer’s Medium Buffalo wing sauce.

Meijer Mango Habanero Wing Sauce
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Meijer Mango Habanero Wing Sauce

Besides great flavors (like this Mango Habanero wing sauce) and perfect consistency (you don’t want your wing sauce ending up in a puddle at the bottom of your plate), Meijer’s wing sauces are all all-natural. No weird stuff makes for better wings!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword spicy, wings
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 45 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 312kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutritional values do not include the rub or sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 312kcal | Protein: 22g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 89mg | Potassium: 191mg | Vitamin A: 180IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Buffalo Wild Wings Milder Variety Bundle: Parmesan Garlic, Medium, Honey BBQ, Asian Zing: 12 Ounces Each
Buffalo Wild Wings Milder Variety Bundle: Parmesan Garlic, Medium, Honey BBQ, Asian Zing: 12 Ounces Each

Okra and Tomatoes

I like to stock up on canned goods before winter. That’s how I ended up trying a can of Margaret Holmes Tomato, Okra and Corn. My wife and I both loved it. That set me down the path to finding something similar that I could make at home.

That brought me to this okra and tomatoes recipe. My wife declared this to be the best side dish I’ve ever made. And I have to agree, it is the perfect side dish. It has that cooked-all-day flavor, but without the fuss. Perfect on a cool day for sure. Oh, and no, I didn’t add corn, but you could. My wife’s not the biggest fan of the corn part of the canned version, so she liked this even more!

Okra and Tomatoes

Frozen Okra Is Fine

I couldn’t find fresh okra (sadly, it can be hard to come by here in Indiana) so I used frozen, which worked out wonderfully. You can add a can of corn kernels (about a cup or so frozen) if you wish, but this dish is really great as it is.

I’m contemplating adding smoked sausage next time (update: try my smothered okra and tomatoes with shrimp and andouille!). The okra and tomatoes have that sort of gumbo feel to it, and a little smoked sausage would take it from a side dish to a main course in no time.

I like to use my good ole trusty Dutch oven to make this soup and pretty much darned near anything like it on my stovetop. It’s nice and big and sturdy. That extra weight helps it maintain and distribute heat perfectly. As an added bonus, it’s actually pretty easy to clean up too!

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

If you love okra as much as I do you’ll also want to make my okra giardiniera. It’s crazy good on a sandwich.

Okra and Tomatoes
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Okra and Tomatoes

It’s the perfect side dish. It has that cooked-all-day flavor, but without the fuss. Perfect on a cool day for sure.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword okra, tomato
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 77kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from The Lady & Sons

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and cook the bacon until tender but not crispy.
  • Add the onion and garlic and saute until the onion is tender.
  • Add the tomatoes and their juices along with the chicken base and sugar.
  • Stir and season with salt and pepper.
  • Reduce heat to a simmer and let simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
  • Fresh okra: Add okra and cook another 20 minutes.
  • Frozen okra: Add okra and cook another 10 minutes.

Notes

Serve with cornbread.

Nutrition

Calories: 77kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 297mg | Potassium: 53mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 6IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 7mg | 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)

Biscuits + Groovy The Donna Summer

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 Biscuits + Groovy The Donna Summer.

Biscuits + Groovy The Donna Summer

Start The Day Out Right

Biscuits, white pepper gravy, breakfast sausage and scrambled eggs topped with cheese and garnished with green onions. This ain’t no light breakfast, it’s the breakfast of champions!

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 Donna Summer, which is definitely loaded with all things good and breakfasty.

Get 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 would also order The Johnny Hash while I was there!

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 my country breakfast tots.

Biscuits + Groovy The Donna Summer
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5 from 1 vote

Biscuits + Groovy The Donna Summer

Biscuits, white pepper gravy, breakfast sausage and scrambled eggs 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 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 1 serving
Calories 778kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from the Biscuits + Groovy Food Truck

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 3 Pillsbury Flaky biscuits or use my homemade black pepper biscuits
  • white pepper gravy see below
  • 3 large eggs see below
  • Colby jack cheese shredded
  • green onions chopped, for garnish

For the white pepper gravy

For the scrambled eggs

  • 2 tablespoons Bisquik
  • 1 tablespoon butter

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 scrambled eggs

  • Thoroughly beat eggs with mix until there are no clumps or lumps.
  • Melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat.
  • Add eggs and season with salt and pepper. Let sit for 1 minute.
  • Once eggs start to cook start pushing toward middle with a spatula. Continue until eggs are completely cooked

For the biscuits

  • Preheat oven to 350 F. Add biscuits and cook per package instructions.

Making the biscuits

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

Notes

Use whole milk for the best results.

Nutrition

Calories: 778kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 590mg | Sodium: 1144mg | Potassium: 816mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 1306IU | Calcium: 472mg | Iron: 6mg

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)