Tag: recipe

Oriental Chicken Salad

This oriental chicken salad is by far our favorite meal-sized salad. I can never eat just one little ole serving. It’s addictingly good. The dressing is just the right combination of acid and sweet. It is truly the best dressing for an Asian-inspired salad. Instead of traditional croutons there are crunchy yummy fried Ramen noodles. They make for the perfect topping over the just-as-crunchy cabbage.

Oriental Chicken Salad

I love the dressing for this oriental chicken salad so much that I always double the recipe for it. The Ramen noodles stay crunchy in the dressing so you don’t get down to the bottom of the plate only to discover sad, soggy ‘croutons’. Don’t be afraid to double the amount of Ramen either.

Nissin Top Ramen Beef Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup 3 Ounce (Pack of 24)
Nissin Top Ramen Beef Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup 3 Ounce (Pack of 24)

Also try my southern fried chicken salad.

Oriental Chicken Salad
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5 from 2 votes

Oriental Chicken Salad

This oriental chicken salad is by far our favorite meal-sized salad. I can never eat just one little ole serving. It’s addictingly good. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Asian, chicken salad
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 948kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the salad

  • 2 packages Ramen noodles spice mix discarded
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 cups chicken cooked, chopped
  • 1 head green cabbage shredded
  • 1 bunch green onion chopped
  • ½ cup slivered almonds
  • 3 tablespoons sunflower seeds

For the dressing

Instructions

For the dressing

  • Whisk together all ingredients

For the salad

  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Crunch the noodles into the skillet and brown, 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the almonds and cook another minute. Remove from heat.
  • Place the remaining salad ingredients into a large bowl.
  • Add the Ramen noodles and toss.
  • Drizzle with the dressing, toss, and serve.

Notes

The dressing is crazy good. Double the amount and you won’t be sorry.

Nutrition

Calories: 948kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 75g | Saturated Fat: 48g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 2100mg | Potassium: 706mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 351IU | Vitamin C: 85mg | Calcium: 157mg | 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)

Hot Dogs 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.

I could’ve fired up my gas grill to cook a batch of hot dogs. Or lit some charcoal. That’s when I had a ‘duh’ moment. The Big Easy! It cooks everything great, so why not use it! So that’s what I did and wow, I have to say it cooks up hot dogs about as quick and as easy as you could possibly get. Just fire it up, load it up and wait. Read a book, watch some TV, play a game, because there’s no turning, no worrying, no burning. Hot dogs on the Char-Broil Big Easy are done in no time and roasted perfectly! Say hello to the new way to cook up hot dogs!

Hot Dogs on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Pick Your Kabob

Char-Broil makes two different kabob sets for the Big Easy. One sits on the bottom of the Big Easy with the kabobs extending upwards. The other rests on top of the cooking basket with the kabobs pointing downward. Either one will work just fine for cooking up a nice big batch of hot dogs. There’s plenty of room in the Big Easy for jumbo dogs, too.

For something totally different, try marinating your hot dogs first.

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!

Hot Dogs on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 1 vote

Hot Dogs on the Char-Broil Big Easy

I could’ve fired up my gas grill to cook a batch of hot dogs. Or lit some charcoal. That’s when I had a ‘duh’ moment. The Big Easy! It cooks everything great, so why not use it!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 111kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 8 hot dogs you can also substitute fresh, uncooked sausages but you’ll have to increase the cook time

Instructions

  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Thread the hot dogs onto the Big Easy kabobs. If using the holder that points downward be sure you use the cotter pins or the dogs might slide down and off as they cook.
  • Lower the kabobs into the Big Easy and cook for 12 minutes or until done as desired.

Notes

I easily fit 8 regular-sized hot dogs onto the kabobs. I might could squeeze 8 more. If you use bun-length dogs you’ll only be able to fit 8.

Nutrition

Calories: 111kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 308mg | Potassium: 66mg | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Seasoned Steak Fries using the Vortex

I use a Vortex insert on several of my charcoal grills (love my Webers!). Usually I use them for making chicken of some variation or another. This time I thought I’d try something new. I wanted to see if I could make steak fries just as easily and just as tasty. I could not have been happier with the results from these Seasoned Steak Fries using the Vortex. Tasty, creamy, seasoned perfectly, with a slight crunch. Perfect fries to go with my ‘fried’ chicken.

Seasoned Steak Fries using the Vortex

Sacrificing Fries To The Grill Gods

Seasoned steak fries using the Vortex are as easy to make as fries out of a bag from the freezer, really. The only thing you have to watch for is letting the fries slip thru your grill grates. I call those ‘sacrifices’. They happen.

On my smaller grills it’s not a problem since the grates are pretty narrow. The grate on my Weber charcoal grill is a bit bigger, though, so I keep the fries at an angle to the grates so they don’t slip on through.

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

These steak fries are a great side dish for my Louisiana crispy fried chicken also made using the Vortex.

Seasoned Skinny Fries using the Vortex
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5 from 1 vote

Seasoned Steak Fries using the Vortex

I could not have been happier with the results. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword fries, Vortex
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 303kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Fry seasoning mix (makes enough for 6 potatoes)

Instructions

  • Fire up your charcoal grill with the Vortex insert.
  • Rinse the potatoes and pat dry.
  • Cut potatoes in half, then half again, and finally in half one more time. If your potatoes are exceptionally large you may want to halve them one more time but don’t make the fries too small.
  • Place fries in a large bowl. Add cold water and let sit for 5 minutes.
  • Drain the water and add fresh cold water. Let sit for 5 more minutes.
  • Drain the water and transfer the potatoes to a large towel. Pat dry.
  • Wipe the bowl dry and return the potatoes.
  • Add a splash of oil and toss to coat.
  • Add the seasoning mix and toss to coat.
  • Transfer fries to the grill. Place them at an angle to the grates so they don’t fall through.
  • Close the grill and cook for 1 hour, rotating the lid 90 degrees every 15 minutes. You can add other foods, such as wings or chicken pieces and cook them at the same time.
  • Start checking for doneness after 45 minutes. Mine took the full hour.
  • Remove from the grill and season with more salt before serving.

Notes

Note: I cooked my fries on a 22″ Performer. The fries were placed along the edges of the grill as far away from the Vortex as possible.

Nutrition

Calories: 303kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1198mg | Potassium: 1603mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 489IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 93mg | Iron: 4mg

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

Chicken Shawarma

This chicken shawarma recipe from Chef Richard Blais has quickly become a favorite lunchtime dish for us. It takes absolutely no time to make and uses ingredients I often have on hand. The chicken is fantastic, thanks to a Mediterranean-inspired rub, and it’s very tender (chicken thighs are another favorite in our house). And the yogurt sauce is fantastic, cooling and slightly sour. All wrapped in a warm pita. This dish gives our local gyro joint a run for its money!

Chicken Shawarma

Fat Is Flavor

You could substitute boneless skinless breasts when making chicken shawarma, but I guarantee that the end result won’t be as good. Thighs have more fat and more flavorful. And they’re super tender. If you do use breasts do not overcook them or they’ll quickly become tough.

Cook ‘Em Indoors Or Out

You could make the chicken indoors instead, using a Dutch oven or a skillet. Of course it won’t pick up that great grill flavor and aroma, but the marinade will make up for that. Just get the Dutch oven or skillet nice and hot and add the chicken. Cook a few minutes on each side, flipping once, until you get a little color and the internal temperature reaches 175 F.

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

Also try my grilled meatball gyros.

Chicken Shawarma
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Chicken Shawarma

This chicken shawarma gives our local gyro joint a run for it’s money!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, Indian
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 515kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Richard Blais

Equipment

Ingredients

For the chicken marinade

For the yogurt sauce

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 limes juiced
  • 1 clove garlic minced

For the pitas

  • 6 pitas halved
  • ¼ cup mint chopped
  • ¼ cup cilantro chopped

Instructions

For the chicken marinade

  • In a bowl, whisk together the oil, cumin, paprika, allspice, turmeric, garlic powder and cinnamon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add the chicken thighs, turning to coat. Set aside.
  • Fire up grill for direct and indirect cooking.
  • Shake off any excess marinade from the chicken and place the thighs onto the grill over direct heat. Note that the marinade contains oil which might cause flare-ups. If you do encounter a flare-up simply move the chicken to indirect heat until it stops.
  • Cook chicken until lightly charred and the internal temperature reaches 175 F.
  • Transfer chicken to platter. Cover and let rest 5 minutes.

For the yogurt sauce

  • Whisk together the yogurt, lime and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

For the pitas

  • Slice chicken into strips and divide between the pitas.
  • Add chopped mint and cilantro and the yogurt sauce.

Notes

You can make these using chicken breasts, but they are much better made with dark meat.

Nutrition

Calories: 515kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 112mg | Sodium: 402mg | Potassium: 410mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 287IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 117mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

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Baked Seasoned Ritz Crackers

I like making little treats for my wife to take to work and share with her co-workers. This time I decided to skip the sweets and send along some great savory baked seasoned Ritz crackers. Nothing fancy, but wonderfully tasty. Great on their own or with a creamy smooth dip or even better, slathered with goat’s cheese! They’re also great with cubed or sliced cheese. Use your favorite.

Baked Seasoned Ritz Crackers

Crackers With A Twist

You could substitute something other than Ritz crackers for these baked seasoned Ritz crackers. I’d lean towards something buttery if you do. You want to keep that savory creamy theme going. And make sure you keep an eye on them as they bake. These crackers can quickly turn from golden brown to … very very golden brown!

Lea & Perrins The Original Worcestershire Sauce (10 fl oz Bottle)
Lea & Perrins The Original Worcestershire Sauce (10 fl oz Bottle)

Also try my bagel-seasoned saltines.

Baked Seasoned Ritz Crackers
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4 from 1 vote

Baked Seasoned Ritz Crackers

Nothing fancy, but wonderfully tasty. Great on their own or with a creamy smooth dip or even better, slathered with goat’s cheese!
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword baked, crackers
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 151kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 300 F.
  • Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Place the crackers into a large bowl.
  • In a small saucepan melt the butter. Whisk in the remaining ingredients.
  • Drizzle the butter mixture over the crackers, Toss gently to coat.
  • Transfer the crackers to the baking sheets. Spread them out so they bake evenly.
  • Bake 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Remove and let cool before serving.

Notes

This recipe works on any kind of cracker.

Nutrition

Calories: 151kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 388mg | Potassium: 60mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 214IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 42mg | 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)

Buffalo Chicken Subs

I made a nice big ole batch of slow cooker shredded Buffalo chicken the other day. Then I made some awesome Buffalo chicken panini sandwiches, which came out so fantastic that I just had to keep going with the theme. So… I made Buffalo chicken subs! Spicy Buffalo chicken, cold, creamy, crunchy slaw, tangy blue cheese, and cool Ranch dressing, all on a lightly toasted sub roll. Every bite is packed full of flavor.

Buffalo Chicken Subs

Easy. And Delicious.

Nothing could be easier to make than these subs. I also make extra Buffalo chicken and keep some in the freezer for a quick lunch sandwich. For more Buffalo flavor, if that’s what I’m craving that day, I can sprinkle extra sauce on top of my Buffalo chicken subs before serving.

Don’t like the tang of blue cheese? Gorgonzola is a bit more mellow, but if that’s too strong for you just use Monterey Jack.

Amazon Fresh - Artisan Bake at Home French Style Demi Baguette, 12 oz (2 ct)
Amazon Fresh – Artisan Bake at Home French Style Demi Baguette, 12 oz (2 ct)

I also like to use shredded Buffalo chicken in my alfredo dish. Or fire up the grill and make my crazy-yummy Buffalo chicken burgers.

Buffalo Chicken Subs
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4 from 1 vote

Buffalo Chicken Subs

Spicy Buffalo chicken, cold, creamy, crunchy slaw, tangy blue cheese, and cool Ranch dressing, all on a lightly toasted sub roll. Every bite is packed full of flavor.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Buffalo, chicken, sandwich, submarine
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 2 sandwiches
Calories 275kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 sub rolls or use a loaf of French bread, halved, warmed if desired
  • ½ cup Buffalo chicken shredded, warmed (see our slow-cooker or Big Easy recipes for making Buffalo chicken)
  • 2 tablespoons blue cheese crumbled
  • ½ cup coleslaw mix
  • 2 tablespoons Ranch dressing

Instructions

  • Combine the chicken with the blue cheese and divide between the bread.
  • Mix the slaw and Ranch dressing and divide between the sandwiches.

Notes

Depending on the size of your loaves you may want to increase the amount of ingredients below.

Nutrition

Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 2397mg | Potassium: 57mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 76IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 11mg

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)

Bacon Cheese-Stuffed Peppers

I absolutely loved these bacon cheese-stuffed peppers. Every bite was full of my favorite things, like cheese and bacon. And a bit of sharp onion and sweet roasted bell pepper. I left the onions fairly crunchy because I was looking for a great crunch (along with the crunch of the bacon) to contrast the soft pepper and gooey cheese. You can cook yours further if you want but don’t go overboard. Crunch here is a good thing.

Bacon Cheese-Stuffed Peppers

Add A Bit Of Heat, If You Want

For a spicier version, substitute habanero jack cheese for the cheeses, and use poblano peppers instead of red bell peppers. A sprinkle or two of red pepper flake on top isn’t going to hurt anything either. You can’t go wrong with bacon cheese-stuffed peppers no matter how you change them up (if you do). And for me, spicier is better!

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

This recipe was inspired by a recipe from the BBQ Pit Boys.

Also try my sausage-stuffed Hatch chiles.

Bacon Cheese-Stuffed Peppers
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4 from 1 vote

Bacon Cheese-Stuffed Peppers

I absolutely loved these bacon cheese-stuffed peppers. Every bite was full of my favorite things, like cheese and bacon. And a bit of sharp onion and sweet roasted bell pepper. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword peppers, stuffed
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 336kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • ½ pound bacon
  • 2 red bell peppers
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • beer
  • ¼ cup white onion chopped
  • ¼ cup Monterey jack cheese more or less, shredded
  • ¼ cup Mozzarella cheese more or less, shredded

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Line a baking sheet with foil and add the bacon.
  • Bake for 30-40 minutes until crisp, turning once. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  • Cut peppers in half vertically. Remove any seeds.
  • Place peppers on a baking dish and fill the halves with the beer. Cover with foil and place in the oven for 20-30 minutes or until tender.
  • Meanwhile, crumble the bacon into a bowl and add the onion and cheeses.
  • Uncover the peppers and pour off any remaining beer. Fill cavities with the bacon mixture and return to the oven, uncovered, until the cheese is melted.

Notes

User pepper jack cheese instead for a little kick!

Nutrition

Calories: 336kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 460mg | Potassium: 263mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1986IU | Vitamin C: 77mg | Calcium: 97mg | 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)

Grilled Potatoes with Mustard-Garlic Dressing

There aren’t a lot of grilled sides that I prefer just as much as the grilled main dish at a meal. The mustard-garlic dressing on these grilled potatoes really hit a note for me. Tender, buttery potatoes contrasted with tangy mustard and vinegar. I found the combination to be perfect, and easy to make to boot. This is the kind of dish that changes my mind about side dishes not being just as important as the main dish.

Grilled Potatoes with Mustard-Garlic Dressing

Good Mustard Makes For Great Potatoes

A good quality mustard is what really makes these potatoes special. My wife and I recently ran across The Mustard Man at an event at the Jungle Jim’s market in Fairfield, OH. After sampling each of the mustards I instantly picked up a bottle of each one. They are truly fantastic. Instead of whole grain mustard, I used The Mustard Man’s Simply Peppered mustard in the dressing for these grilled potatoes with mustard-garlic dressing. The light peppery flavor brought a nice little bite.

Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket
Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket

Also try my grilled potatoes with chive sauce, grilled baby potatoes and my yummy grilled Ranch potatoes. And my easy grilled Creole potatoes are always a hit!

Grilled Potatoes with Mustard-Garlic Dressing
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5 from 1 vote

Grilled Potatoes with Mustard-Garlic Dressing

There aren’t a lot of grilled sides that I prefer just as much as the grilled main dish at a meal. The mustard-garlic dressing on these grilled potatoes really hit a note for me.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword grilled, potatoes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 212kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Bobby Flay

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Boil the potatoes in a pot of salted water until just tender. Alternatively, steam the potatoes using a steamer.
  • Drain and let cool slightly.
  • Whisk together the vinegar, mustard and garlic.
  • While still whisking, add the oil until emulsified.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Fire up your grill for medium-high cooking.
  • Toss the potatoes with a little oil.
  • Season with salt and pepper and add to a grill basket. Note: I put the grill basket over a sheet pan so that any excess oil drips off.
  • Place the basket onto the grill and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring gently, or until the potatoes are done and have a light char.
  • Transfer potatoes to a large bowl and drizzle with the dressing.
  • Toss to coat.
  • Serve garnished with the chopped parsley.

Notes

I like to season my potatoes with salt and pepper just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 212kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 51mg | Potassium: 498mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 163IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Creamy Pimento Cheese Soup

If no one had been looking, I would’ve just put down my spoon and picked up my bowl of creamy pimento cheese soup and poured it right into my mouth. I know, not a pretty image but a spoon was just slowing me down. I could not get over how much I loved how creamy, rich and cheesy this soup was. It was like a tasty velvety bowl of happiness. For just a little contrast I added a small handful of homemade copycat Ruby Tuesday croutons, my favorites.

Creamy Pimento Cheese Soup

Make Extra Because It’s Extra Good

Creamy pimento cheese soup is absolutely perfect warmed up on a cold winter day, but also just as good on a hot day served at room temperature or thereabouts. Next time I’ll definitely double the recipe because the soup disappeared so fast. All I was soon left with was a memory. I’d rather have had another bowl!

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 cheddar cheese soup and my delicious mac and cheese soup.

Creamy Pimento Cheese Soup
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Creamy Pimento Cheese Soup

If no one had been looking, I would’ve just put down my spoon and picked up my bowl of creamy pimento cheese soup and poured it right into my mouth.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword pimento cheese, soup
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 323kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Paula Deen

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add the onion and pimentos and saute for 5 minutes.
  • Whisk in the flour.
  • Whisk in the stock and cream. Bring to a simmer and reduce to a simmer and simmer, stirring often, until thickened.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the cheese until melted.
  • Add green onions and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve garnished with green onions and croutons.

Notes

For a little kick, substitute pepper jack cheese for some (but not all) of the cheddar.

Nutrition

Calories: 323kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 106mg | Sodium: 176mg | Potassium: 153mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1180IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 125mg | 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)

Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

I smoked a big (and I do mean big) batch of meatballs the other day. I knew exactly what dish I was going to use them in first: baked spaghetti and meatballs. The idea just appealed to me. Easy, tasty, and pretty to boot. And like the big batch of meatballs, I knew I’d end up with a big batch of spaghetti, making for an easy week of meals. Score! You can use any meatballs you want. Frozen. Your mom’s favorite recipe. Anything.

Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

Add More Stuff

I actually ended up doubling the sauce for this baked spaghetti and meatballs. I like my pasta saucy. And spicy, so I also added a healthy amount of red pepper flake. You could add other favorite ingredients as well. Mushrooms and bell peppers would be great.

I love making this dish in a cast iron skillet, even though I could really use a deep baking dish. I just like the extra ‘crust’ hot cast iron gives me.

Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 3 Skillet Bundle. 12 inches and 10.25 inches with 8 inch Set of 3 Cast Iron Frying Pans
Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 3 Skillet Bundle. 12 inches and 10.25 inches with 8 inch Set of 3 Cast Iron Frying Pans

If you’re using a store-bought marinara sauce, go for the more expensive bottle over the cheap stuff. It really makes a difference in this baked spaghetti and meatballs. The extra cost is well worth it in the end.

Also try my slow cooker spaghetti and meatballs.

Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs
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5 from 1 vote

Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

If you’re using a store-bought marinara sauce, go for the more expensive bottle over the cheap stuff. It really makes a difference in this baked spaghetti and meatballs. The extra cost is well worth it in the end.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword baked, meatballs, spaghetti
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 467kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Joy In Every Season

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the onion and saute for 4 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and saute for another minute.
  • Add the meatballs, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning and red pepper flake, if using.
  • Cover and reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350 F and cook the spaghetti per package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking liquid.
  • Remove the meatballs from the skillet using a slotted spoon.
  • Add the cooked spaghetti and the 1/2 cup of cooking liquid. Stir until the pasta is coated with sauce.
  • Add the meatballs back to the skillet.
  • Add the cheeses and place in the oven. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the sauce is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted.

Notes

Just as great leftover, too.

Nutrition

Calories: 467kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 1023mg | Potassium: 643mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 827IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | 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)