Southwestern BBQ Sauce

The simple addition of a few chipotles in adobo sauce to what is normally just a great regular-ole tomato-based BBQ sauce really makes for a totally different, utterly fantastic sauce for ribs, chicken, pulled pork… you name it. Chipotles (smoke-dried jalapenos) are one of my favorite things. I love the combination of heat and smokiness. They’re perfect for things like this southwestern BBQ sauce.

Southwestern BBQ Sauce

Smoky Spicy Deliciousness

I rubbed down a rack of St. Louis-style ribs with homemade Cajun seasoning. Then I smoked it for 6 hours until the meat was nice and tender.  I then brushed on some of this great southwestern BBQ sauce let the ribs smoke for another 15 minutes, just long enough to set the sauce up just a bit. It’s not a thin sauce, and it’s not a thick sauce. I’d call it just the right consistency for things like ribs. You know you’re going to get messy eating them, but there’s no reason to drown in the sauce or to have it all just roll off the ribs and down your arms.

I like to keep my sandwich sauces in squirt bottles. It’s fun to squirt sauces onto sandwiches or well, just about anything.

Also try my strawberry chipotle BBQ sauce.

Southwestern BBQ Sauce
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5 from 1 vote

Southwestern BBQ Sauce

The simple addition of a few chipotles in adobo sauce to what is normally just a great regular-ole tomato-based BBQ sauce really makes for a totally different, utterly fantastic sauce for ribs, chicken, pulled pork… you name it.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword BBQ, sauce, southwestern
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 cups
Calories 226kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
  • Add the onions and saute until starting to soften, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and the chipotles and cook for 1 minute.
  • Deglaze the pan with the vinegar and lime juice.
  • Reduce heat and simmer until the liquid is reduced by half.
  • Add the adobo sauce, tomato sauce, molasses, mustard, bay leaves and salt.
  • Increase heat and bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and continue simmering, stirring often, for 15-20 minutes or until the sauce is the desired thickness.
  • Remove from heat and let cool slightly before straining through a fine-mesh strainer.

Notes

Store sauce in the fridge. Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 226kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1799mg | Potassium: 1524mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 45g | Vitamin A: 1647IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 139mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Southwest Wraps

My wife and I took a little day trip over to Springfield, Ohio. We love visiting the Heart of Ohio Antique Center. It’s one of our favorite antique malls. And although there’s a nice little cafe in the mall, we decided to pack a lunch. Besides some Kaw-Cajun 4 bean salad and chips, I made a few of these southwest wraps. They’re the perfect picnic: spicy, tasty, and different than the usual boring sandwich. Tomatoes, black beans, corn, cilantro, turkey, habanero cheese and spicy Ranch dressing, all inside a habanero wrap. Definitely not boring.

Southwest Wraps

The Dressing Makes These Wonderful

The spicy Ranch dressing I made for these Southwest wraps is really great stuff. I also use it on sandwiches, hamburgers, and hot dogs. It definitely has a little kick. I keep a batch in a squeeze bottle in the fridge. It’s perfect for any time I want something with a little bite.

Also try my crab salad wraps.

Southwest Wraps
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Southwest Wraps

Make these for perfect picnic: spicy, tasty, and different than the usual boring sandwich.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword southwestern, wraps
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 98kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

For the Spicy Ranch Dressing (you’ll have plenty leftover for other dishes)

For the wraps

  • 1 15 ounce black beans rinsed, drained
  • 1 14 ounce sweet corn drained
  • 2 Roma tomatoes chopped
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
  • ½ red onion chopped
  • 8 habanero wraps
  • Turkey sandwich meat
  • lettuce Red or green leaf
  • Spicy Ranch dressing
  • Habanero cheese slices

Instructions

For the Spicy Ranch Dressing

  • Combine all ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to use.

For the wraps

  • Combine the beans, corn, tomatoes, cilantro and onion in a bowl and mix gently.
  • Lay out the wraps. Assemble the wraps by stacking the ingredients on one half of the wrap (so you can then roll it up.
  • Add the sandwich meat first, This will help keep the wrap from getting soggy.
  • Add the lettuce and a tablespoon or so of the dressing.
  • Spoon on a few tablespoons of the bean and corn mixture.
  • Add the cheese and wroll up the wrap.

Notes

Refrigerate wraps until ready to serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 98kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 255mg | Potassium: 106mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 317IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Smoked Southwestern Nuts

Nothing is easier than smoking nuts. I use my Weber Smokey Mountain smoker. You can also smoke them on your gas or charcoal grill using a couple of added wood chunks. Smoking nuts only takes 20-25 minutes. The smoke adds such a wonderful flavor to the nuts that you’ll want to make a big batch. For a bit more smokiness I add chipotle powder to these smoked southwestern nuts. It also adds a little bit of heat. You don’t want to add a lot of smoke from the smoker. It can overpower the nuts. You can always add more with more chipotle powder.

Smoked Nuts

Not Too Spicy

These smoked southwestern nuts have a fantastic light southwestern flavor with just a little kick. That all comes from the chipotle powder. If you want more heat, add a few decent pinches of cayenne pepper. That’ll heat things up a bit!

Need more kick? Make my spicy smoked nuts.

Smoked Rosemary Nuts
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5 from 1 vote

Smoked Southwestern Nuts

Nothing is easier than smoking nuts. Smoking nuts only takes 20-25 minutes. The smoke adds such a wonderful flavor to the nuts that you’ll want to make a big batch
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword nuts, smoked
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 1 pound
Calories 3486kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your smoker for 325 F cooking over a mild wood (I used cherry). (If you are using a Weber Smoky Mountain smoker, do not add water to the water pan).
  • Pour nuts into a disposable aluminum foil half sheet pan or pie pan.
  • Place onto smoker (top rack if using a Weber Smoky Mountain) and smoke for 20-25 minutes, stirring once.
  • Place the nuts in a medium bowl.
  • Combine the remaining ingredients in another bowl and pour over the nuts. Toss to coat completely.
  • Spread nuts out on a foil-lined baking sheet to cool and dry completely.
  • Serve.

Notes

Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 3486kcal | Carbohydrates: 266g | Protein: 79g | Fat: 256g | Saturated Fat: 46g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 4778mg | Potassium: 3045mg | Fiber: 43g | Sugar: 143g | Vitamin A: 1367IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 510mg | Iron: 18mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Refried Bean Soup

This refried bean soup is a rather interesting combination of flavors. By interesting I mean ‘dang good’. I thought it was great. I admit, I wasn’t sure what to think about it going in. Refried beans, yeah. In a soup? Well, it has a nice Southwestern kick, the perfect consistency and is just all-around yummy. Perfect on a cool fall day. And different.

Refried Bean Soup

Good Beans Make For Great Soup

Don’t use el cheapo canned re-fried beans when making this soup. You don’t want a cheap tasting soup. Pay the few extra cents and get a premium brand.

If you want to just enjoy some great refried beans and not a soup, follow this recipe but leave out the chicken broth.

Also try my delicious taco soup.

Refried Bean Soup
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4 from 1 vote

Refried Bean Soup

This refried bean soup is a rather interesting combination of flavors. By interesting I mean ‘dang good’. 
Course Main
Cuisine Southwestern
Keyword beans, refried, soup
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 117kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook bacon in a large skillet. Crumble.
  • Transfer 2 tablespoons of the drippings to a large pot or Dutch oven.
  • Add onion and celery to the Dutch oven and saute over medium-high heat until softened.
  • Add garlic and cook another minute or until fragrant.
  • Add beans, salsa, broth, parsley, cayenne, chile pepper, salt and pepper, and hot sauce. Combine well.
  • Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring often. Adjust the seasonings as desired.
  • Serve hot topped with cheese and tortilla strips.

Notes

Also great served with cornbread.

Nutrition

Calories: 117kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 721mg | Potassium: 303mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 402IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Mexi-Cali Dip

I picked up a copy of Race Day Grub at the antique mall the other day. The book is full of great recipes from the racing circuit. Its written by Angela Skinner, the wife of NASCAR driver Mike Skinner, . Everything from appetizers to mains, from drivers and their wives and crews. The book is absolutely full of great food and was well worth the two or three dollars I paid for it! The first thing we made was this outstanding Mexi-Cali dip from the Harvicks.

Mexi-Cali Dip

Happy Harvick Dip?

Kevin “Happy” Harvick has been a favorite driver of mine for years. Now, this dip is a favorite of mine! Look at all that ooey-gooey cheese! This dip tastes of taco, and cheese, and olives and beans. I tell ya, it’d be great scooped onto a hot dog too!

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.

Mexi-Cali Dip
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5 from 1 vote

Mexi-Cali Dip

This dip is a favorite of mine! Look at all that ooey-gooey cheese! This dip tastes of taco, and cheese, and olives and beans. I tell ya, it’d be great scooped onto a hot dog too!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword dip, southwestern
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 -10
Calories 153kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Spray a 8″ x 8″ baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Combine the cream cheese, green chilies, jalapeno (if using) and taco seasoning in a medium bowl.
  • Pour the mixture into the baking dish and spread out evenly using a spatula.
  • Top with the beans, olives, and the cheese.
  • Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly hot.
  • Serve with thick chips, such as Frito’s Scoops.

Notes

Stir in some hot sauce before serving for a kicked up version!

Nutrition

Calories: 153kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 239mg | Potassium: 44mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 405IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 272mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Crispy Corn Fritters

Whoa, these crispy corn fritters were good. I had some sweet corn in the freezer left from our favorite corn farm, My Dad’s Sweet Corn in Tipton, Indiana. Their corn is so sweet and delicious. It made these fritters into something special!

Crispy Corn Fritters

Served With A Kicked-Up Sauce

I served these crispy corn fritters with our favorite Southwestern sauce. The sauce has just the right amount of kick to compliment that great corn sweetness. A little sweet, a little heat. When you get the combination just right you have a great dish!

I get out my big deep fryer when it’s time to fry a large batch of food. It comes to temperature quickly and it maintains that temperature perfectly. It has a built-in oil filter and storage unit so I can re-use the oil several times.

Fresh corn is best for making these fritters, but you can use canned or even frozen. Just make sure that the corn is thawed if frozen, well drained, and patted dry before using.

This recipe is based on a recipe from Food Blogga.

Crispy Corn Fritters
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5 from 1 vote

Crispy Corn Fritters

Fresh corn is best for making these fritters, but you can use canned or even frozen. Just make sure that the corn is thawed if frozen, well drained, and patted dry before using.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword deep-fried, fritters
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 14
Calories 63kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil plus more for frying
  • 1 cup sweet corn kernels you can substitute a drained can of corn, about 2 cups, but you’ll want to double the rest of the recipe
  • 2 green onions sliced thin
  • 1 small red bell pepper diced
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 cup Bisquick
  • 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
  • 1 lime zested
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup Southwestern sauce

Instructions

  • Heat the 2 teaspoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the corn and cook, stirring, about 2 minutes or until the corn turns golden brown.
  • Add the green onion and bell peppers and saute 3-5 minutes or until the vegetables just start to soften.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the parsley.
  • Combine the Bisquick, Creole seasoning and lime zest in a large bowl.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and egg.
  • Pour into the Bisquick mixture and stir.
  • Pour the vegetables into the Bisquick mixture and combine.
  • Heat a deep fryer with oil to 375 F. Or you can use a Dutch oven with about 2″ of oil added.
  • Working in batches, drop heaping tablespoons of the batter into the oil.
  • Fry about 1 minute, then flip and cook another 30 seconds-1 minute or until golden brown.
  • Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Serve with Southwester sauce for dipping and/or drizzle the fritters with the sauce.

Notes

Substitute jalapeno for the bell pepper for a nice spicy kick!

Nutrition

Calories: 63kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 139mg | Potassium: 70mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 364IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Chipotle Turkey Salad

This chipotle turkey salad is one of the most amazing salads I’ve ever made or had. The addition of two simple ingredients, chipotles in adobo and cilantro, to a pretty standard turkey (or chicken) salad recipe really takes it to a new level. This is a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving. I wouldn’t just make this salad when I have leftovers around. It’s worth making any time.

Chipotle Turkey Salad

No Turkey? Use Chicken Instead

I used roasted turkey from my Char-Broil Big Easy. Any cooked turkey (or chicken) will do just fine in. You want it chunky, though and not finely chopped. Or at least that’s how I like mine!

If you’re in a rush just grab a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store and shred the meat for the salad.

This recipe is based on a recipe from Simply Recipes.

Chipotle Turkey Salad
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5 from 1 vote

Chipotle Turkey Salad

This chipotle turkey salad is one of the most amazing salads I’ve ever made or had. The addition of two simple ingredients, chipotles in adobo and cilantro, to a pretty standard turkey (or chicken) salad recipe really takes it to a new level. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword salad, spicy, turkey
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 580kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Mix together the chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, and mayonnaise.
  • Place remaining ingredients except for the salt and pepper into a bowl.
  • Fold in the mayonnaise mixture and add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve on sandwiches, or spoon into seeded avocado halves for a delicious salad.

Notes

Substitute rotisserie chicken for the turkey and have a delicious chicken salad instead!

Nutrition

Calories: 580kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 60g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 236mg | Potassium: 292mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 307IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Chicken Nacho Dip

Truthfully, I was just looking for a way to use up some grilled chicken breast I found in the freezer. I wasn’t thinking I’d found anything too terribly exciting when I ran across this recipe for a chicken nacho dip. Well, I wasn’t just sort of wrong, I was very wrong. This chicken nacho dip is fantastic. Super cheesy, spicy, and creamy. This is a great dip, best served with tortilla chips.

Chicken Nacho Dip

Rotisserie Chicken Is Great Too

If you don’t have grilled (or smoked) chicken on hand, rotisserie chicken will work just fine too. My Weber grills and smoker make for great chicken. And I often have leftover chicken. I just save it and use it in great dishes like this chicken nacho dip.

Oh and don’t forget to warm the tortilla chips. They take just a few minutes in a 350 F degree oven. Warm chips and warm dip were meant for each other.

Also try my Jose’s party cheese dip.

Chicken Nacho Dip
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4 from 1 vote

Chicken Nacho Dip

This chicken nacho dip is fantastic. Super cheesy, spicy, and creamy. Heck, I might eat as a soup next time!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, dip, nachos
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 121kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place everything except for the beans into a slow cooker and cook on high for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. If the mixture becomes too thick thin with a little milk.
  • Add the beans and cook another 30 minutes.
  • Stir before serving with warmed tortilla chips.

Notes

Use Mexican Velveeta for a nice twist.

Nutrition

Calories: 121kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 633mg | Potassium: 194mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 481IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 229mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.