Quick Fix Pickle Relish

I just made a big batch of my quick fix spicy pickles. Man, they are good! But making them left me with a container full of dill pickle pieces. Ends, small pieces, little chunks. The parts that didn’t cut the mustard so to speak. So, what to do with those pickle scraps? Make quick fix pickle relish! I not only loved it, I thought it was much better than the store-bought stuff.

Quick Fix Pickle Relish

Make The Spicy Version, Too

For a spicy version of this quick fix pickle relish, just add a few good pinches of dried red pepper flake. You’ll want to let the relish ‘get happy’ in the fridge for a few hours before using it so that it gets good and spicy. Stir every once-in-a-while to help speed things along.

Also try my quick fix spicy pickles.

Quick Fix Pickle Relish
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3.40 from 5 votes

Quick Fix Pickle Relish

For a spicy version of this quick fix pickle relish, just add a few good pinches of dried red pepper flake. You’ll want to let the relish ‘get happy’ in the fridge for a few hours before using it so that it gets good and spicy. 
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword pickles, relish
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 cup
Calories 59kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients.
  • Refrigerate until ready to use.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 59kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1958mg | Potassium: 220mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 337IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 97mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Macaroni and Cheese Pasta Salad

Maybe, like you, I at first made a face when I came across the idea for macaroni and cheese pasta salad. But then, I thought, hey, I love mac-and-cheese. I love pasta salad. What I thought could be a crazy idea might well be brilliant. And it was. Traditional pasta salad flavors with a bit of cheddar cheese. I often cube cheddar cheese into my pasta salads, so the idea of using boxed mac and cheese really isn’t that much of a stretch. And it’s sure easier.

Macaroni and Cheese Pasta Salad

The Perfect Pasta Salad?

You can easily double this recipe for a family get-together. And I honestly wouldn’t be afraid to add a minced jalapeno or two to this macaroni and cheese pasta salad for a little kick. I also like to substitute chipotle powder or smoked paprika for the black pepper for a little smokiness.

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.

If you want to make mac-and-cheese, but not out of the box, try my 20-minute version. Love pimento cheese? It’s great in pasta salad too!

Macaroni and Cheese Pasta Salad
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5 from 2 votes

Macaroni and Cheese Pasta Salad

Maybe, like you, I at first made a face when I came across the idea for macaroni and cheese pasta salad. But then, I thought, hey, I love mac-and-cheese. I love pasta salad.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword macaroni and cheese, pasta salad
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 134kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil.
  • Add the pasta from the macaroni and cheese and cook per package instructions.
  • Drain and rinse with cold water.
  • In a large bowl combine the cheese packages from the mac and cheese and all of the remaining ingredients.
  • Fold in the pasta.
  • Cover and refrigerate at least one hour before serving.
  • If the salad gets too thick add a bit more mayonnaise and stir lightly.

Notes

Stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 134kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 231mg | Potassium: 77mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 167IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Quick Fix Spicy Pickles

These quick fix spicy pickles absolutely hit the spot. I love dill pickles, and I love a little spiciness so it was easy to love these pickles. They aren’t overly sweet and they aren’t overly spicy. Though you can certainly make them spicier (or less) if you want. I found them to be just right. They are perfect for sharing with the neighbors without having worry that they’d be too hot for them.

Quick Fix Spicy Pickles

Save That Pickle Juice!

Whatever you do, do not discard the brine from the jarred pickles when you make a batch of quick fix spicy pickles. Save it for making Nashville hot chicken or for use as a brine for chicken wings. I always save my pickle juice. I also cut off the ends of the pickles. Since that left me with a bowl of pickle pieces, I decided to make a quick and easy pickle relish.

If you have watermelon rinds on hand, make a batch of my watermelon pickles. They’re crazy good too! My quick pickled jalapeno rings are also great.

Quick Fix Spicy Pickles
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5 from 1 vote

Quick Fix Spicy Pickles

These quick fix spicy pickles absolutely hit the spot. I love dill pickles, and I love a little spiciness so it was easy to love these pickles. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword pickles, spicy
Prep Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 days
Total Time 3 days 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings 16
Calories 196kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Drain the juice from the pickles, reserving it for other uses (as a brine for Nashville hot chicken or wings!).
  • Slice the pickles into 3/8″ pieces and transfer to a large bowl.
  • Add the remaining ingredients and stir.
  • Let the pickles set on the counter top for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • Store pickles along with the accumulated sauce in jars for 3 days before consuming.

Notes

Best served chilled.

Nutrition

Calories: 196kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 38mg | Potassium: 14mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 50g | Vitamin A: 76IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Grilled Corn Grits

“My, oh, my” is about all we could say when we both took a bite of these grilled corn grits. The talking stopped and the enjoyment began. Creamy grits with fire-roasted corn. The corn adds just a hint of smokiness, a little crunchiness, and even more corn flavor to what are already fantastic corn grits. This is definitely a favorite side dish in our house. I used fresh corn-on-the-cob, scraping off the delicious kernels to make this delicious treat!

Grilled Corn Grits

That Great Roasted Flavor

You can roast the corn in the oven, under the broiler, if you’d like. You won’t get that nice grilled smoky flavor, but the roasted corn will still add a lot of flavor to the grits. I grilled my corn on a charcoal grill, directly over the hot coals. It didn’t take long and it was well worth the effort.

Use Canned Corn In A Pinch

If it’s not quite corn season where you are, you can use canned corn or frozen (thawed). Just drain the corn and spread it out on a baking sheet. Place under your broiler and broil until lightly charred, keeping an eye on it as it broils. For a smoky kick to your grits, try smoking the raw grits first.

Also try my pimento cheese grits.

Grilled Corn Grits
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5 from 1 vote

Grilled Corn Grits

“My, oh, my” is about all we could say when we both took a bite of these grilled corn grits. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword grilled, grits
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 195kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill for direct cooking.
  • Place the corn directly over the fire.
  • Cook, rotating the ears frequently, until all sides are lightly charred.
  • Remove from the grill and let cool slightly before cutting the kernels from the ears.
  • Add the chicken stock and 3 tablespoons of butter to a medium sauce pan.
  • Bring to a boil and stir in the milk, salt and pepper.
  • Continue boiling while whisking in the grits.
  • Add the corn. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring continuously, until the grits are creamy. You may have to add more stock or half and half if they get too thick.
  • Serve topped with the remaining butter and garnished with the sliced green onion.

Notes

Add a little diced jalapeno for a nice kick.

Nutrition

Calories: 195kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 126mg | Potassium: 192mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 406IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Po Boy Bread from the Bread Machine

This is my go-to po boy bread dough recipe from the bread machine. No way am I enough of a baker to make a dough from scratch without a bread machine. I could never make something as good as this dough. It makes for the perfect po boy. The bread gets a nice crunchy, but thin, exterior. The insides are light, soft and airy.

I’ve made this po boy bread from a bread machine at least 30 times and every time it has come out great. Well, or it did after I got the hang of rolling it into a nice loaf shape. I also learned that cutting the slits isn’t just for making it pretty, the bread seems to keep a better shape.

Po Boy Bread from the Bread Machine

Those Pretty Slits

To get the slits just right you need to use a very, very sharp knife. You don’t want to manhandle the dough cutting it. You want the knife to go through it effortlessly.

Check out The Southern Po’ Boy Cookbook for ideas on how to use your po boy bread. I love making the ham and Swiss po boy from the cookbook, among others! (And you have to use this bread when making my Cajun Muffuletta poboys!)

Also try my bread machine Italian herb bread.

Po Boy Bread from the Bread Machine
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5 from 3 votes

Po Boy Bread from the Bread Machine

This is my go-to po boy bread dough recipe from the bread machine. 
Course Bread
Cuisine American
Keyword bread, homemade, sandwich
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings 1 loaf
Calories 1485kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

For the glaze

  • 1 egg white
  • 1 teaspoon water

Instructions

  • Place ingredients into your bread machine in the order listed.
  • Process on the dough settings. After 5-10 minutes check the consistency of the dough. It should be sticky but not stick to the sides. If it is too dry add water, but in 1/2 teaspoon increments. If it is too wet add more flour 1 teaspoon at at time.
  • When the dough cycle is completed remove the dough to a lightly floured surface.
  • Roll the dough out into a rectangle that is approximately 16" x 12".
  • Roll up the dough along the long edge.
  • Pinch the seam and ends closed and place onto a lightly greased baking sheet, seam-side down.
  • Cover with a cheesecloth and place into a warm place to rise until doubled, about an hour.
  • After about 30 minutes of rising preheat your oven to 425 F.
  • Uncover the bread and, using a very sharp knife, make a few 1/2″ deep slits along the top of the dough, about 2″ apart.
  • Whisk together the glaze ingredients and brush over the top of the dough.
  • Bake for 20 minutes.
  • Reduce the temperature to 350 F and bake another 5-10 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Let cool slightly before slicing.

Notes

Use within a few days of baking.

Nutrition

Calories: 1485kcal | Carbohydrates: 283g | Protein: 53g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 3553mg | Potassium: 541mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 195IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Pickled Black-Eyed Peas

I need a t-shirt that says “Don’t get between me and my pickled black-eyed peas”. I found them to be so dangerously good that I didn’t want to share with anyone. Ever. The peas absorb the vinegar, getting a really nice tart kick to them. For a little heat, jalapenos (they do get tamed down a bit the longer they pickle). Crispy red onions and a little garlic round out what is a perfect side dish.

Pickled Black-Eyed Peas

Cold Peas Are Perfect

These pickled black-eyed peas remind me of the Georgia caviar I made a while back. Black-eyed peas are wonderful in a cold salad and even better when pickled. Don’t let the jalapenos worry you if you aren’t into spicy foods. You can of course leave them out but I found that they do not overpower the salad at all. You don’t have to eat them, but leave them in to add flavor.

If you prefer your black-eyed peas cooked, try my slow cooker recipe.

Pickled Black-Eyed Peas
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5 from 1 vote

Pickled Black-Eyed Peas

I need a t-shirt that says “Don’t get between me and my pickled black-eyed peas”. I found them to be so dangerously good that I didn’t want to share with anyone. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword peas, pickled
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 18kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine the beans, onion, garlic and jalapeno in a large bowl.
  • In a separate bowl whisk together the oil and vinegar.
  • Add the oil mixture to the peas and stir to combine.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Note: If you find the peas to be too dry, now is the time to add a bit more oil.
  • Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 18kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 278mg | Potassium: 25mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 53IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fiery Smoked Chuck Roast

Chuck roast goes on sale here every so often and since I’m a huge fan of smoked chuck, I always rummage through the meat case and find some that has nice marbling and is the same thickness throughout and rush home to toss it on the smoker. One of my favorite dishes is this fiery smoked chuck roast.

Fiery Smoked Chuck Roast

Nice-n-Spicy

I’ve smoked Cajun chuck roast, Barbacoa-style, and just ‘plain’ ole chuck roast and all were fantastic. This time I decided to go the spicy route and marinate the roast overnight in Goya’s chipotle marinade. The beef took on a wonderful flavor that wasn’t overly spicy but still had a really nice kick. Perfect on a sandwich, and much cheaper than brisket.

Smoked chuck roast looks and ‘acts’ pretty much like smoked brisket. It slices well if you prefer yours sliced. It chops well if you’re into that. And it pulls great too. I like mine pulled just like pulled pork BBQ. Mounded high on a bun I’m a very happy guy. Fiery smoked chuck roast makes me happy.

Serve with your favorite BBQ sauce, if you wish!

Fiery Smoked Chuck Roast
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5 from 1 vote

Fiery Smoked Chuck Roast

The beef takes on a wonderful flavor that isn’t overly spicy but still has a really nice kick. Perfect on a sandwich, and much cheaper than brisket.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword beef, smoked, spicy
Prep Time 1 day
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 1 day 6 hours
Servings 10 servings
Calories 245kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the chuck roast into a resealable container or bag.
  • Add the marinade. Seal and toss to coat.
  • Refrigerate overnight.
  • Fire up your smoker for cooking at 250 F.
  • Shake off any excessive marinade and sprinkle the roast with the chipotle chili powder.
  • Smoke for two hours.
  • Transfer meat to a large piece of foil and seal tightly.
  • Return to the smoker and smoke another 4-5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 200 F.
  • Remove from the smoker and let rest 30 minutes before slicing or chopping.

Notes

Nutritional values do not include the Goya Mojo Chipotle Marinade.

Nutrition

Calories: 245kcal | Protein: 26g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 110mg | Potassium: 452mg | Vitamin A: 18IU | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

French Bread Pizza Rustica

Don’t let the fact that this French bread pizza rustica doesn’t have a sauce on it throw you off. Every bite is incredible. All of your favorite toppings, but with a little twist. Spinach. Yes, spinach. You can play around with the toppings, substituting whatever suits your fancy, but don’t leave out the spinach. For years I wasn’t a big spinach fan. Now I am. Now I say things like “don’t leave out the spinach”.

French Bread Pizza Rustica

Go Crunchy. Go Soft.

I’ve found variations on this French bread pizza rustica online, and some have you cook the vegetables a bit before putting them onto the bread. I opted to skip that step. We found the slightly crunchy (they do cook a bit in the oven) vegetables to be perfect. If you do want to cook the vegetables, just add to the skillet after you cook the Italian sausage and saute for about 5 minutes.

I highly recommend that you shred or grate your own cheese at home. Don’t buy the pre-shredded or pre-grated stuff. It has stuff added to it to keep it from sticking together. That ‘stuff’ affects how the cheese melts. Shred it yourself and use the good stuff.

Also make my baked Italian sub pizza.

French Bread Pizza Rustica
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5 from 1 vote

French Bread Pizza Rustica

Don’t let the fact that this French bread pizza rustica doesn’t have a sauce on it throw you off. Every bite is incredible. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword French bread, pizza
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 949kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 425 F.
  • Split the bread lengthwise. Optionally, hollow out the loaf by removing some of the bread. Love toppings? Hollow it out. Want less topping? Don’t hollow it out. (You might have topping left over).
  • Crumble sausage into a large skillet with the oil and cook until done.
  • Remove and let cool. Optionally, transfer sausage to a food processor and pulse a few times to make the meat finer.
  • Transfer meat to a large bowl.
  • Add the remaining ingredients and stir.
  • Spread mixture out onto the bread halves.
  • Place bread on baking sheets and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the bread is crunchy and the cheese starts to melt.

Notes

Place bread under the broiler to brown lightly if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 949kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 64g | Saturated Fat: 32g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 177mg | Sodium: 1623mg | Potassium: 493mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1463IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 875mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat Jimmy John’s Avocado Sandwich Spread

Sometimes you just need a little reminder to step outside of your box of usual sandwich spreads and use something you might not think of. This copycat of the avocado sandwich spread from Jimmy John’s is essentially guacamole with a few twists thrown in. It’s fantastic on a sandwich and for that matter, equally as great as a dip for tortilla chips. That’s why I doubled the recipe. Sandwiches and chips. Lunch is done.

Copycat Jimmy John's Avocado Sandwich Spread

A Little Heat Never Hurts

Every sandwich needs a little spiciness in my opinion. Which is why I was happy that this copycat Jimmy John’s avocado sandwich spread includes a jalapeno. Now, granted, it’s a small jalapeno so you’re not going to get overwhelming heat. But you don’t want that kick to be front-and-center. Just there, in the back. Noticed but not overwhelming. This spread is excellent on my copycat of Jason’s Deli California Club sandwich.

Nice-n-Creamy

Use your food processor (or blender) to get the spread to the consistency you want. You aren’t making chunky guacamole, so I would say keep going until it’s creamy smooth. It’s up to you. You do want it to be spreadable. Once it’s creamy you can’t go back and un-creamy it, so stop every few seconds or so and test it.

Also try my spicy avocado salad dressing.

Copycat Jimmy John's Avocado Sandwich Spread
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4 from 5 votes

Copycat Jimmy John’s Avocado Sandwich Spread

This copycat of the avocado sandwich spread from Jimmy John’s is essentially guacamole with a few twists thrown in. 
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword avocado, sandwich, sauce
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 178kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 small jalapeno pepper seeded, chopped
  • 1 medium white onion chopped
  • 1 clove garlic chopped
  • 1 Roma tomato chopped
  • 2 medium avocados peeled, pitted, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • ¾ teaspoon Kosher salt
  • teaspoon dry mustard

Instructions

  • Place the jalapeno, onion, garlic and tomato into a blender or food processor. Process until smooth.
  • Place avocado into a large bowl. Drizzle with the lime juice and smash with the back of a fork. Transfer to the blender.
  • Add the salt and mustard to the blender and pulse until the mixture reaches the desired thickness.
  • Slather on bread for sandwiches. If you do have any extra spread it makes for a great chip dip!

Notes

Stir well before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 178kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 445mg | Potassium: 581mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 316IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Avocado Ranch Dressing

I love when avocados are in season here. They’re perfect on a salad, be it sliced, chopped or in the dressing itself. This avocado Ranch dressing is quite easy to make. It packs a nice subtle avocado flavor, with the wonderful creamy herb flavor of Ranch. It has a very mild spiciness to it too. You can make it spicier if you like, or leave out the hot sauce entirely. I like my dressing pretty thick, so that’s how I made it. But if you prefer yours a little thinner, just add some more milk.

Avocado Ranch Dressing

Thick Enough For A Dip

Avocado Ranch dressing isn’t just for salads either. It’s perfect as a dip, or use it as a substitute for sour cream on tacos or nachos. It’s also great as a sandwich spread. Just make it a little thicker then spread on bread. Add your favorite sandwich meat and boom, excellent!

Feel free to use different kinds of hot sauce besides the ‘usual’. Go smoky, or super hot, or lime-infused… whatever works for you!

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

For a little more kick, try my jalapeno ranch dressing.

Avocado Ranch Dressing
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5 from 1 vote

Avocado Ranch Dressing

This avocado Ranch dressing is quite easy to make. It packs a nice subtle avocado flavor, with the wonderful creamy herb flavor of Ranch.
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Keyword homemade salad dressing
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 4 cups
Calories 531kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Scoop out the avocado and place into a blender or food processor.
  • Add remaining ingredients except salt and process until smooth.
  • Taste, add salt as needed, and pulse a few more times to mix.
  • Refrigerate for one hour before serving.

Notes

If the dressing gets too thick, stir in a bit more milk before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 531kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 52g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 753mg | Potassium: 632mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 410IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 100mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.