Weekend Cooking: Chicken Stuffing Bake

 recipes, weekend cooking
Feb 132021
 

Chicken Stuffing Bake

1 (6 ounce) package chicken flavor stuffing mix
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1⁄3 cup sour cream
1⁄8 cup milk
1⁄8 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1⁄8 teaspoon paprika
1⁄8 teaspoon garlic powder
salt & pepper
1 2⁄3 cups water
2 tablespoons butter

Mix contents of stuffing mix pouch and the 1-2/3 cups water, set aside
Place washed & dried chicken in a 13 x 9 inch baking dish
Sprinkle chicken w/ poultry seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt & pepper
Mix soup, sour cream and milk
Pour mixture evenly over chicken
Spoon stuffing mixture over the top, evenly
Dot the top with little pieces of butter
Bake at 375 degrees for 45 min., until chicken is 165°

Thoughts
This was very good. It didn’t cost a lot and was quick and easy to make. The chicken (I used boneless skinless thighs) was so tender and the stuffing was crispy. The only thing I did different besides the chicken was that I used Campbell’s Healthy Request Cream of Chicken in place of the regular Cream of Chicken.

 

Weekend Cooking: Skyline Chili Recipe

 recipes, weekend cooking
Feb 052021
 

Skyline Chili Recipe

2 lbs ground beef
2 cups chopped onions
4 cups beef stock
2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
2 -3 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1⁄2 ounce grated unsweetened chocolate or 2 3/4 tablespoons cocoa
2 teaspoons instant minced garlic
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon ground red pepper or 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1⁄4 teaspoon ground allspice
1⁄4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 bay leaves or 1/8 teaspoon bay leaf powder

Toppings
chopped onion (optional)
finely shredded cheddar cheese (certainly NOT optional)
kidney bean (optional)

Brown ground beef and onion
Drain
Add beef stock to beef mixture and simmer 10 minutes
Add remaining 13 ingredients, simmer uncovered 1 hour
Remove bay leaf, skim off extra fat
Serve over hot spaghetti, or hot dogs in buns for chili dogs
Top with plenty of cheese and other optional toppings

Thoughts
Sorry the picture is a mess, it was late and I was tired and didn’t want to stand in the kitchen until I got the lighting etc. just right.

My son and I went to Skyline Chili a few years ago and he loved it, me not so much. The other day he asked me to find a recipe and make it so I did. I didn’t think I’d like it but to my surprise I loved it. He said it tasted like what the restaurant had but I thought it was a lot better. I’m thinking it was all the shredded cheese I put in mine, they don’t give you very much.

You can add beans to the chili (my personal recipe has beans in it) but they don’t add beans at the restaurant so I didn’t. You can also serve it over spaghetti or hotdogs.

This is a quick and easy recipe and since we both liked it I plan on making it again sometime.

Chili Hash

 recipes, weekend cooking
Oct 172020
 

Chili Hash

1 pound medium potatoes, cubed
1/2 cup water
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (15-1/2 ounces) chili starter
1 cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
Sour cream, optional

Place potatoes and water in a microwave-safe dish
Cover and microwave on high for 7 minutes or until tender
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain
Drain potatoes and add to the skillet
Stir in the chili starter, peas, parsley and salt.
Bring to a boil
Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes
Serve with sour cream if desired

Thoughts
I adapted this by adding a can of stewed tomatoes (I LOVE tomatoes), I used frozen cubed potatoes and frozen diced onions.

This was so good! The only thing I’ll do different next time is add a little chili powder.

This recipe is quick and easy, not expensive at all, and it tastes very good. I will definitely be adding it to my list of favorites.

Weekend Cooking

Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs

 Air Fryer Oven, recipes, weekend cooking
Sep 182020
 

Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs

3 Pounds Chicken thighs, About 6-8
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 Teaspoons Salt
2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder
2 Teaspoon Onion Powder
2 Teaspoons Italian Seasoning
1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
1 Teaspoon Paprika

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and set aside

Remove the chicken thighs from their packaging and pat them dry with paper towels

Arrange the chicken thighs on prepared baking sheet and drizzle with the olive oil rubbing the oil into the chicken to coat

In a small bowl mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika

Sprinkle the spices over the chicken evenly

Bake chicken in preheated oven for 35-45 minutes

Adaptions
I only had 1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs so I cut all the spices in half and baked them in my Instant Omni Plus Air Fryer Toaster Oven using this air fryer calculator and did them at 370 for 28 min.

Thoughts
These chicken thighs were so moist and tender and the seasoning was very good. I also made Vigo Yellow Rice and fried green beans. The thigh recipe was so quick to put together. This was a very good meal, I’ll be making it again!

Weekend Cooking

8 Can Slow Cooker Soup

 recipes, souper sundays, weekend cooking
Sep 112020
 

Excuse the messy bowl, it was round two

8 Can Slow Cooker Soup

1 lb ground beef
1 can ro-tel tomatoes and green chilies
1 can whole kernel corn
1 can veg-all brand vegetables
1 can chili without beans
1 can chili with beans
1 can diced tomato
1 can campbell tomato soup
1 can campbell vegetable soup

Brown and drain ground beef
Add to large slow cooker

Add:
Ro-Tel tomatoes
corn
Veg-All
both chili’s
diced tomatoes
both soups

Stir

Turn Slow Cooker to low; may simmer all day if desired

Notes: I didn’t have any hamburger so I used Uncle John’s Pride Mild Country Sausage

Thoughts
I love soup and vegetables so I knew I’d love this. My son doesn’t like soup or vegetables but he said he’d try it. And he shocked me when he went back to get more! That’s why the bowl is so messy. He said it was really good.

This is so cheap, easy and quick to put together that I’ll definitely be making it again, especially since Anthony liked it so much.

Weekend Cooking

Souper Sundays

The Hillbillies Meatloaf

 recipes, weekend cooking
Sep 042020
 

 

The Hillbillies Meatloaf

3 lb. hamburger
3 eggs
13oz, bag Ruffles Cheddar and Sour Cream Potato Chips
2 bunches green onion
3/4 c. milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Ketchup (as much as you want)
2 spoons brown sugar

Put some butter in pan and saute onions
Crush chips & put in big bowl
Add milk
Add some salt & pepper
Add eggs
Add cheese
Add onions
Add hamburger
Mix well
Put in glass pan
Make loaf w/gaps on side for grease
Bake at 350 for 45 min.

While it’s in the oven:
Put ketchup in a bowl
Add brown sugar
Mix

When the meatloaf is done:
Spread ketchup/brown sugar mix on top of meatloaf
Put back in oven for 15-20 min.

Thoughts
When I first saw this recipe I thought “Ruffles Cheddar and Sour Cream Potato Chips in meatloaf? Yuck!” I don’t like cheddar or sour cream chips and thought that it would taste terrible but I thought I’d give it a try.

Adaptions: I used more brown sugar

The recipe was easy to make and not very time consuming. I was going to cut the recipe in half since there are only two of us but decided to not to and just freeze the leftovers, which will make two more meals.

I was very surprised that the meatloaf was so good! It’s one of the best I’ve ever had and I’m glad I didn’t cut the recipe in half. Now all I have to do is take a bag out of the freezer to thaw and then reheat it.  Will be making it again!

I love when I’m not sure about a recipe and it ends up being a favorite!

Weekend Cooking

Chicken Burrito Skillet

 recipes, weekend cooking
Aug 292020
 

Chicken Burrito Skillet

1 pound boneless skinless chicken
breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
1 -15 oz  whole Black Beans, drained, rinsed
1 can (10 oz each) Ro*Tel® Original
Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies
1 cup water
1-1/4 cups instant brown rice, uncooked
1 cup shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend
Chopped cilantro, optional: do not like cilantro so didn’t use

Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat
Add chicken and cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally
Add onion and taco seasoning; cook 2 minutes more
Stir in black beans
Add tomatoes/green chilies & water; bring to a boil
Stir in rice, cover, reduce heat, simmer 7 to 10 minutes or until rice is tender
Stir in 1/2 cup cheese
Sprinkle top with remaining cheese and cilantro, if desired

Thoughts
This was really good. We don’t like cilantro so I didn’t add it. It was quick and easy to make and I only used one skillet, a spoon, a measuring cup and a measuring spoon. I bought chopped onions in the vegetable section (I recently started doing this because it saves time and I have chopped onions in my fridge for whenever I need them)

I will definitely make this again.

Weekend Cooking

Air Fryer Oven/Rotisserie Pork Tenderloin

 Air Fryer Oven, recipes, weekend cooking
Jul 032020
 

 

Pork tenderloin (1.25lbs – 1.75lbs)
2 tbs brown sugar
1 tbs smoked paprika
1.5 tsp salt
1 tsp ground mustard
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne powder (optional)
1/2 tbs olive oil
400° for 20 minutes

Run water over the tenderloin and pat dry with paper towels
Mix all the spices together and rub on the meat
Put the rotisserie spit through the middle of the tenderloin
Secure the rotisserie forks at both ends of the meat

Thoughts
You can rub your favorite bbq sauce on the tenderloin and then rub the spice mix on but I wanted to try the recipe with just the spices. I didn’t have any cayenne powder, so I used cayenne pepper.

My tenderloin was about 2 lbs. so I did it at 400° for about 40 minutes, checking every 5 min. or so after the first 30 min. until the temperature reached 165° and the skin got crispy.

The roast was very tender and we thought it tasted really good, but next time I’m going to marinated it overnight and see how it turns out.

In the photo it looks like the meat is burnt on the bottom, but that’s just where the juices/seasoning dropped on the foil in the bottom. Both of us liked this so I’ll be making it again.

Weekend Cooking

Instant Pot Freezer Fix Chili

 Instant Pot, recipes, weekend cooking
Apr 042020
 

Instant Pot Freezer Fix Chili

1 lb frozen 93% lean ground turkey
1 1/2 cups frozen corn divided
1 can no salt added black beans rinsed and drained, divided, 15 oz
1 can no-salt-added diced tomatoes 14.5 oz
1 cup Water
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
3/4 tsp salt

Place the frozen ground turkey in the Instant Pot and top with the remaining ingredients, reserving 1/3 cup of the corn and 1/3 cup of the black beans for garnish

Seal the lid, close the valve, and set the Manual/Pressure Cook button to 25 minutes

Use a quick pressure release. When the valve drops, carefully remove the lid and stir, breaking up the turkey

Before serving, garnish each portion with the reserved corn (thawed) and black beans

Did I Make Changes?
I didn’t have any Black beans so I used Kidney beans

Like It?
Nope

Why?
It tasted VERY different than any chili we’ve ever had before. I love all the spices in the recipe but the flavor was way too strong for us. If I ever try it again I’ll use less of each spice and maybe add a bit of sugar, since I always add it to my personal chili recipe.

You may love this recipe so if it sounds good to you give it a try, and please let me know what you thought.

Weekend Cooking

Souper Sundays

Weekend Cooking & In My Kitchen

 In My Kitchen, weekend cooking
Jan 042020
 

 

I got an Instant Pot™ Omni Plus Toaster Oven for Christmas

It’s functions are Air Fry, Rotisserie, Dehydrate, Convection Oven, Toast, Roast, Bake, Broil, Slow Cook, Proof & Reheat

It is just over 27 qts. and has 11 Smart Programs

 

Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Care Kit

 

Six new coffee cups, there were 2 Reese’s cups 🙂

All were gifts

 

I  bought 3 of these ceramic tumblers at Publix and I love them!

Weekend Cooking

In My Kitchen

Cookbook Review:
Fix It And Forget It Slow Cooker by Phyllis Good

 cookbook, weekend cooking
Sep 212019
 

Fix-It And Forget-It Slow Cooker Champion Recipes: 450 of the Very Best! - By: Phyllis Good

Fix It And Forget It Slow Cooker by Phyllis Good

Format: Loose-leaf 3 Ring Binder | 604 pages
Publication date: 19 Apr 2016
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing
Imprint: GOOD BOOKS

450 of the best slow cooker recipes from the New York Times bestselling Fix-It and Forget-it series!

Here are the best-loved slow cooker recipes all in one place. These are the champs. These are the ones that surprise you—because you didn’t realize you were cooking when you made them. Because everyone at the table wants more! You can cook with these easy-to-follow, quick-to-prepare taste-stunners. If you already know you can cook, allow yourself to be surprised by the layers of flavors you can make in your slow cooker when you handle it well.

You can trust these recipes because they are:
Collected from some of America’s best home cooks
Tested in real-life settings
Carefully selected from thousands of recipes

Thoughts
As I’ve said many times on this blog, I LOVE my slow cooker. I thought it had bit the dust so my son bought me an Instant Pot which I love, but  he also looked at my SC and it was a simple fix (yea!!!) so now I can use both of them.

When I saw this beautiful hardcover spiral bound cookbook I had to buy it.

This book is big and heavy and shiny and I love it! I’ve already marked a lot of recipes to try like

Herb Roasted Chicken

Bavarian Beef

 There are photos throughout the book and most of the recipes have only a few ingredients and just a few steps.

I can’t wait to start cooking from this cookbook!

Weekend Cooking

Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Chicken

 recipes, Slow Cooker, souper sundays, weekend cooking
Sep 142019
 

Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Chicken
Serves 6

1/2 cup Root Beer
1/2 cup Ketchup
1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
2 tablespoons Prepared Yellow Mustard
1 tablespoon Brown Sugar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Fresh Ground Black Pepper
1/8 teaspoon Ground Ginger
2 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts cut into 2 – 3 inch cubes

In a medium mixing bowl mix together all of the ingredients except for the chicken until well combined to create the sauce

Add the cut up chicken to a gallon zippered storage bag

Pour the sauce over the chicken in the storage bag and gently massage the chicken into the sauce & zip the bag closed

Allow the chicken to marinate overnight in the refrigerator

Pour the ingredients into a 6 – 7 quart slow cooker

Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours

Serve on buns or rolls (gluten-free if you are on a GF diet) as sandwiches

You can click on the link to the recipe for how to freeze/cook this

Thoughts
This is so quick and easy to get ready for the fridge, and tastes really good. The only things I did different was that I used Costco Rotisserie Chicken Breast Meat instead of chicken breasts which made it much easier than cutting the chicken into cubes. I also used my 8 qt. slow cooker instead of a 6 – 7 qt.

I also didn’t  serve on buns, I ate a scoop of it on a plate and ate it with a baked potato.

It was very good but since the flavor wasn’t quite as bold as I like, when I make it again I’ll double the sauce ingredients. The recipe says it makes 6 servings but for us it was a lot more than that. The two of us ate it twice and there was still enough for another two meals. The next time I’ll put half in a separate baggie and put it in the freezer to make later, and I plan on using the Slow Cooker program on my Instant Pot.

Weekend Cooking

Souper (Soup, Salad & Sammie) Sundays

Instant Pot Baby Lima Beans And Ham

 Instant Pot, recipes, souper sundays, weekend cooking
Aug 312019
 

I found this recipe at The Blond Cook 

So, I finally used my Instant Pot and I LOVE IT! So easy and quick. It only took 25 min. to cook once it came up to pressure.

1 pound dry baby lima beans
4 cups cubed, chopped or shredded fully cooked ham
1–1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic
3 cups chicken broth
4 cups water
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 bay leaf
Optional: fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Rinse and sort beans in a colander, removing and discarding any debris

Place beans and remaining ingredients (except parsley) in the insert of your Instant Pot and stir well to combine

Place the lid on and lock, steam release knob should be set on “sealing”

Cook on manual setting (high pressure) for 25 minutes

Allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure

Carefully remove lid and stir

Remove and discard bay leaf.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

Thoughts
I didn’t follow the instructions 100%. I used chicken bone broth instead of chicken broth and didn’t use the bay leave (I forgot about it even though I stopped at the store specifically to get some), and didn’t use the parsley.

I had baked a ham a few days before so I used the ham bone and cut up a bunch of ham to go in it.

The beans were SO GOOD! Next time I’ll double the recipe because we only got 3 big bowls from them and we like eating them more than one day.

It was easy to store the leftovers in the inner pot that comes with the IP, and I used an Instant Pot Silicone Lid. I love this lid, it’s thick and is a really tight fit.

I’ll definitely be making this recipe again!

Now I need to figure out what to make next!

Weekend Cooking

Souper (Soup, Salad & Sammie) Sundays

Weekend Cooking:
A New To Me Store Find – Sprouts

 weekend cooking
Mar 022019
 

Last week my daughter, grandson, and granddaughter went to Indian Rocks Beach and then went shopping. One of the stores we went into was new to all of us. Sprouts Farmer Market. Sprouts is a specialty chain offering a range of natural & organic grocery items. My daughter Kilah and I really liked it and hope to go back.

They have a huge selection of nuts/seeds, flour/sugar/salt, beans & fruits/veggies. Also candies, coffee/tea, dairy, and even a butcher shop and more. You can buy the nuts, sugar, beans, coffee etc. in bulk. The store was very clean and well lit and the prices weren’t bad either.

Are there any Sprouts where you live?

 

 

 

wkendcookingWeekend Cooking

Weekend Cooking: A New To Me Pizza

 weekend cooking
Jan 112019
 

For as long as I can remember my favorite food has been pizza. The last few years though, I’ve only liked it from Cici’s, which I love, and a few other restaurants.

The other day my son and I were  at Publix and he was getting a frozen pizza. I’ve never really been a fan of frozen pizza, but I thought I’d check them out to see if I could find one that I thought I might like. I saw a brand I’d never seen before that had a few toppings I’ve never seen on a pizza. It was meatless and that’s what I was looking for so I bought one.

Guess what? I loved it! I even loved the crust which is unusual for me. It’s Organic Roasted Vegetable, with Spinach, Red & Yellow Peppers, Broccoli and Zucchini. It was so good that I ate half of it that night. The next night I heated the other half in my toaster oven and it was really crisp and still very good.

I’ve decided to keep one or two in my freezer for when I’m rushed or don’t feel like cooking. Right now in my freezer is the Organic, Tuscan Garden which has Broccoli, Mushrooms, and Red Onions. If you can find this brand, give it a try and let me know what you think.

wkendcookingWeekend Cooking is hosted @ Beth Fish Reads

Weekend Cooking: Doritos Chicken Casserole

 recipes, weekend cooking
Jul 072018
 

Sorry I don’t have a photo to share. I took one but it was too dark and it was late and we were starving so I didn’t take any more. You can click the link below to check out some great photos

Doritos Chicken Casserole

1 bag (10 oz) Doritos Cool Ranch flavored tortilla chips, coarsely crushed (about 6 cups)

1/4 cup butter, melted

2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese (8 oz)

1 jar (15 oz) four cheese Alfredo pasta sauce

1 tablespoon Old El Paso original taco seasoning mix (from 1-oz package)

3 cups shredded cooked chicken

1 can (14.5 oz) Muir Glen organic fire roasted diced tomatoes, undrained

Heat oven to 350°F
Spray 13×9-inch (3-quart) baking dish with cooking spray
In large bowl, toss Doritos and melted butter until well coated
Sprinkle 4 cups of the Doritos evenly in bottom of casserole
Top with 1/2 cup of the cheese
In large bowl, stir pasta sauce and taco seasoning mix until well blended
Add chicken, tomatoes and 1/2 cup of the cheese; stir until well mixed
Spoon evenly over Doritos in baking dish.
Bake uncovered 30 minutes
Sprinkle with remaining Doritos and remaining 1 cup cheese
Bake about 5 minutes longer or until hot and cheese is melted

 

I used frozen pulled chicken and couldn’t find that brand of fire roasted tomatoes so I bought a different brand. Other than that I followed the recipe.

This was really quick and easy to make and we loved it! My son even got seconds, so that told me he really liked it. I’ll definitely make this again but I think I’ll make it with ground beef,  more taco seasoning,  and nacho cheese Doritos and see how we like it that way. Either way, I’m adding this recipe to my dinner rotation.

wkendcookingWeekend Cooking is hosted @ Beth Fish Reads

Weekend Cooking: Easy Chicken & Yellow Rice

 recipes, weekend cooking
Jun 232018
 

Easy Chicken & Yellow Rice
I found this at allrecipes

5 1/2 cups water
1 tablespoon chicken bouillon granules
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
1/4 cup olive oil
1 (16 ounce) package yellow rice
1 pinch ground black pepper
1 pinch poultry seasoning, or to taste

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F

Bring water and chicken bouillon to a boil in a large skillet

Add chicken breasts and bell pepper; simmer over medium heat until chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 20 minutes

Remove chicken and pour remaining broth into a 9×13-inch baking dish

Stir rice, plus the included seasoning packet, and olive oil into broth

Arrange chicken breast over rice and season with black pepper and poultry seasoning

Bake in the preheated oven until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, about 45 minutes

Fluff rice with a fork before serving

Thoughts
When my kids were growing up I made chicken & yellow rice all the time using leg quarters (I removed the skin, bones, and yuck before adding it to the yellow rice) and it tasted amazing.  I stopped eating it when I started eating boneless skinless chicken breasts years ago. The other day out of the blue I got a craving for it so I decided to find a recipe for that used boneless skinless chicken breast and was quick and easy. I wasn’t sure how it would taste without the skin, bones & fat but thought I’d give it a try.

I didn’t use bell pepper but other than that I followed the recipe. We both thought the chicken was too dry but the flavor was good & the yellow rice tasted really good. We had leftovers so the next night I shredded the chicken and put it and the rice in a saucepan. Then I brought a cup of water  to boil and  added 1/2 tablespoon chicken bouillon granules, stirred well and poured it in the saucepan with the chicken & rice and heated it. This time it was a big hit! So, the next time I make it I’ll use shredded chicken instead of breasts and make it on the stove.

wkendcookingWeekend Cooking is hosted @ Beth Fish Reads

Weekend Cooking: Quick & Easy Mini Pizza

 recipes, weekend cooking
Jun 162018
 

Pizza has always been my favorite food, for as far back as I can remember. Then about 2 years ago I started not liking the taste of the sauce and/or crust, depending on where the pizza was from. Now the only pizza I really like is CiCi’s  which is 45 min. away.

The other day when I was at Publix I saw some  Mama Mary’s Pizza crusts hanging on an end cap and decided to try them. There were 3 in each pack, 7″ original crusts. I didn’t see any thin crusts which is what I prefer but next time I’ll try to find them. I bought some Boar’s Head Turkey Pepperoni & Ragu Pizza Sauce to top it with. I had some Provolone cheese that I’d bought a few days before in the deli and decided to use it. I had planned on making it one night when my son Anthony wanted pizza, but last night I was on my own for supper so I decided to make one of them.

Brush with olive oil

Spread on pizza sauce

add pepperoni (I like a lot)

and cheese (don’t care if it’s not pretty)

Preheat oven to 450°

Turn oven down to 425°

Bake for 8-10 minutes on pizza pan or oven rack

I baked my pizza on the rack in a toaster oven for 8 min. So did I like it? That would be a big yes. The crust was crispy and golden brown just the way I like it. The sauce had a good flavor, not too spicy or acidic, and of course the provolone added a very nice taste and brought back good memories (I grew up in Ohio where they use Provolone on pizza). Next time I’ll try the thin crust though, less carbs 🙂

YUM!

 

wkendcookingWeekend Cooking is hosted @ Beth Fish Reads

Weekend Cooking: Jack’d Up Smoked Meatloaf

 recipes, weekend cooking
Jun 092018
 

Jack’d Up Smoked Meatloaf @ Hey Grill Hey

Servings: 6 people

2 pounds ground beef
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 medium red onion grated
2 cloves garlic minced
2 eggs lightly beaten
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 Tablespoons Jack Daniels whiskey
1 Tablespooon homemade steak rub (recipe  below) or favorite steak rub
1/4 cup milk
6 oz pepper jack cheese cut into strips

For the sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup Jack Daniels whiskey
1 Tablespoon homemade steak rub (recipe  below)
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes

Homemade Steak Rub
2 tbsp fresh cracked black pepper
2 tbsp kosher salt
2 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 tsbp crushed coriander seeds (not ground)
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
2 tsp cayenne pepper

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and stir well to combine
Press into steaks or use as desired
Store unused rub in an airtight container for several weeks

Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees F for indirect smoking. This meatloaf is awesome with hickory or oak wood.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, red onion, garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, Jack Daniels, and milk.

Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Don’t overwork the meat or your meatloaf will be tough and chewy, just gently mix.

Spread half of your meatloaf mixture on the bottom of a grill basket.

Layer on the pepper jack cheese, leaving about an inch of meatloaf on all sides.

Top with the remaining meatloaf mixture and press the edges together to seal completely. Any exposed holes and the cheese will leak out while cooking.

In a small bowl. combine the ingredients for the sauce and then pour over the top of the meatloaf, letting it run down the sides a little bit.

Place the meatloaf on the smoker, close the lid, and smoke for 4 hours or until the internal temperature reads 165 degrees F.

Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Thoughts
My son found this recipe and said he wanted to try it. I was skeptical because he does NOT like hamburgers or anything with cheese melted inside, or spicy food.

I didn’t follow the recipe 100%. I used less garlic and baked it (350° for an hour) instead of smoking it.

I couldn’t find ground corriander so I had to buy the seeds and crush them myself. And since I don’t drink I got the whiskey from my daughter & son in law who love JD.

The meatloaf turned out really good. I thought it was really spicy but my son loved it. He also didn’t mind the cheese melted inside, so it was a big hit. Since there are only two of us I think if I make it again I’ll half the recipe.

If you like meatloaf and wouldn’t mind it a bit spicy, you should try this.

 

 

wkendcookingWeekend Cooking is hosted @ Beth Fish Reads

Weekend Cooking: Johnny Marzetti

 recipes, weekend cooking
May 052018
 

When my kids were little I used to make Johnny Marzetti and they loved it. I haven’t made it in years . The other day my son Anthony said he’d like me to make it again, so I did. I used a different recipe, one that calls for baking it. My old recipe didn’t have you bake it.

Johnny Marzzetti
1 lb. elbow macaroni
1 tablespon olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 green pepper
8 ounces mushrooms, chopped
2 lb. ground beef
salt and pepper to taste
2- 14 oz. cans tomato sauce
1- 14 oz. can dived tomatoes, drained
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. Italian herbs
Pinch of sugar
2 cups Cheddar cheese
2 cups Italian Blend cheese

Preheat oven to 350°
Bring a large pot of water to boil
Add maccaroni and boil for 7 min. or until almost al dente
Drain pasta and return to the pot, set aside
Heat olive oil in a large skittle over medium heat
Add the onion, bell pepper and saute until soft, about 5 min.
Add the meat and cook unil no longer pink
Drain off fat & season with spices
Simmer for five min., stirring occasionally
Pour the meat in with the noodles, mix well
Add 1 cup of each of the cheese & mix well
Pour mixture into a 13×9 in. casserole dish
Top with remaining cheese
Bake for 30 min. or until cheese is golden brown & melted

Adaptions:
Didn’t use the olive oil, green pepper, mushrooms.
Used ground chuck instead of ground beef
Used 1 can of tomato sauce
Used 1 can of diced & 1 can of stewed tomatoes-didn’t drain
Used 1/4 tsp. garlic poweder instead of 2 cloves

I didn’t follow the directions either. I browned the ground chuck with the onions, drained it and added the spices, then added it to the macaroni, added the cheeses, poured it into the dish and topped with remaining cheese.

I thought this was really really good, but my son said he liked my original recipe more. I plan on eating some more tonight and since there’s just me and my son I’ll be freezing the rest for later. Next time I make Johnny Marzetti I’ll cut the recipe in half.

 

 

wkendcookingWeekend Cooking is hosted @ Beth Fish Reads

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