Bacon Bleu Cheese Chicken Sandwich

 Now if you want this sandwich to be spicy add, some hot sauce to your bleu cheese dressing.

BACON BLEU CHEESE CHICKEN SANDWICH

(makes 2 sandwiches)

Ingredients:

*1 chicken boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 1 pound)

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1/2 teaspoon butter garlic seasoning (or garlic powder)

*4 slices bacon

*2 slices pepper jack cheese (or provolone)

*2 pretzel buns (or hamburger buns)

*1/4 cup bleu cheese dressing 

*lettuce (optional)

*tomato, slice thin (optional)

*hamburger dill pickles (optional)

*onion, slice thin (optional)

Directions:

~Fry 4 slices bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it is at desired crispiness. 

~Remove from skillet and set on a paper towel lined plate and set aside.

~Remove all but about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease.

~Slice chicken breast in half lengthwise, and pound to even thickness (about 1/2 inch thick).

~Season both sides of chicken evenly with 1 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper and 1 teaspoon butter garlic seasoning.

~Place seasoned chicken in skillet and cook over medium heat until chicken is fully cooked (165 degrees in thickest part).

~Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

~Lightly toast insides of 2 pretzel subs.

~Spread bleu cheese dressing on the insides of toasted buns (top & bottom bun).

~Place a slice of pepper jack cheese on bottom bun.

~Place chicken over cheese.

~Add 2 slices of bacon on each sandwich.

~Add lettuce, tomato, pickles, and sliced onion.

~Place top bun on, press down slightly and enjoy.

Chicken Corn Chowder Soup

 A nice hearty soup.

CHICKEN CORN CHOWDER SOUP

(serves 6-8)

Ingredients:

*6 strips bacon, cut into pieces

*2 tablespoons butter

*1 medium-large yellow onion, chopped

*1 red bell pepper, chopped

*1 teaspoon chopped jalapeño, seeds removed unless you like the heat

*2 tablespoons minced garlic

*1/4 cup all-purpose flour

*1 teaspoon salt

*1 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 

*1/2 teaspoon dry ground mustard

*1 (32 ounce) container chicken stock (4 cups)

*1 cup water

*1 cup whole milk 

*1 cup heavy cream

*1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes

*1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

*1 (16 ounce) bag frozen sweet corn

Directions:

~Cook bacon into a stock pot (I use my dutch oven) over medium heat, stirring often to make sure all sides are cooked.

~Once bacon is crispy, remove and place on a paper towel lined plated and set aside.

~Drain most of the bacon grease from the pan (leave about 2 tablespoons).

~Add 2 tablespoons butter to pan. and allow to melt.

~Add 1 medium-large chopped yellow onion, 1 chopped red pepper, and 1 teaspoon chopped jalapeño pepper with seeds removed.

~Cook, stirring often until veggies are soft, about 5-6 minutes.

~Add 2 tablespoons minced garlic and cook for another 30-40 seconds, stirring constantly.

~Sprinkle 1/4 cup all-purpose flour over veggies and cook for another 1, stirring constantly.

~Stir in 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoons ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper.

~Slowly whisk in 4 cups chicken stock.

~Stir in 1 cup water,, 1 cup milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 pound chopped Yukon gold potatoes, 1 pound chicken breasts, and 1 (16 ounce) bag frozen sweet corn.

~Once potatoes are tender and chicken is done, remove the chicken.

~Turn the soup down to low.

~Shred the chicken and set aside.

~Using an immersion blender (or blender), puree about 1/2 of the soup..

~Return the chicken and bacon back to the pot.

Coal Miners Cake

I'm not a fan of cherries, but I do like this cake.  I love the frosting

COAL MINER'S CAKE

(serves 12)

Cake Ingredients;

*1 (15.25 ounce) box devils food cake mix

*1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling

*2 large eggs

*1 teaspoon vanilla

Frosting Ingredients:

*1 cup granulated sugar

*1/2 cup butter (1 stick)

*1/4 cup evaporated milk or whole milk

*3/4 cup chocolate chips

*1/2 cup pecans, chopped

Cake Directions:

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

~Lightly grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking dish (I use a cooking spray).

~In a large mixing bowl, mix 1 (15.25 ounce) box devils food cake, 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined.

~Pour into prepared pan.

~Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

~Remove and frost while hot.

Frosting Directions:

~In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, stir 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup butter, and 1/4 cup whole milk or evaporated milk.

~Bring mixture to a low boil.

~Remove from heat and stir in 3/4 cup chocolate chips and 1/2 cup pecans until chocolate has melted.

~Pour over hot cake and spread evenly.

~Allow to cool completely and frosting to set.

Strawberry Pudding

 Tastes the best with fresh strawberries.  I find that if they are fresh picked, I only need 2 cups.  If they aren't in season, I need 3 cups for better flavor.

STRAWBERRY PUDDING 

(serves 4)

Crust Ingredients:

*3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs

*1/4 cup granulated sugar

*3 tablespoons butter, melted

Pudding Ingredients:

*2-3 cups fresh strawberries

*1/2 cup granulated sugar

*1 teaspoon vanilla

*1 cup whole milk

*1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)

*4 tablespoons corn starch

*4 tablespoons whole milk

Topping ingredients:

*whip cream (optional)

*graham cracker crumbs (optional)

*strawberry syrup (optional)

Crust Directions:

~In a medium bowl, add 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 3 tablespoons melted butter.

~Stir until well incorporated.

~Press in to bottom of 4 pudding cups or small bowls.

~Refrigerate while making pudding.

Pudding Directions:

~Add 2 cups strawberries into a blender (or use an immersion blender) and puree the strawberries.

~Place a strainer over a medium sized bowl and strain pureed strawberries.

~Discard pulp.

~Stir in 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

~Stir in 1 cup whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream.

~In a small bowl, stir 4 tablespoons corn starch and 4 tablespoons milk together until smooth.

~Whisk corn starch mixture into strawberry mixture until well incorporated.

~Pour mixture into a medium pot or skillet and cook over low heat, stirring continuously.

~Heat until mixture becomes thick (this takes about 10-15 minutes).

~Remove from heat and pour over graham cracker crust.

~Allow to cool completely (I put a piece of plastic wrap directly over pudding to prevent a skin forming).

Topping Directions:

~Spread a whip cream or cool whip over top of pudding.

~Sprinkle a small amount of graham cracker crumbs over top.

~Drizzle strawberry syrup over top.

~Refrigerate until cold.  

Pineapple No-Bake Pie

 Super quick to make.   You do want it to be refrigerated for a least 2 hours to get good and cold.  You can make or buy the crust and cool whip.

PINEAPPLE NO-BAKE PIE

(serves 8)

Ingredients:

*1 (10 inche) graham cracker crust

*1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple

*1 (3.4 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding

*2 tablespoons granulated sugar

*1 cup sour cream

*1/2 cup coconut (optional)

*1 (8 ounce) container cool whip (optional)

Directions:

~In a medium bowl, mix 1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple with the juice and 1 (3.4 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding together until well combined.

~Stir in 2 tablespoons granulated sugar.

~Fold in 1 cup sour cream until well mixed.

~Stir in 1/2 cup coconut (optional).

~Pour into graham cracker crust 

~Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

~Remove from refrigerator and spread 1 (8 ounce) container cool whip over pie (optional).

~Cut and serve.

Baked Potato Dip

 Great for chips, veggies or even on top of baked/mashed/roasted potatoes.

BAKED POTATO DIP

(makes around 2 cups)

Ingredients:

*1 (16 ounce) container sour cream

*1/2  teaspoon garlic powder

*1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1 (16 ounce) package bacon, cooked and crumbled

*1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

*3-4 green onion tops, chopped (or chives)

Directions:

~In a medium bowl, mix 1 (16 ounce) container sour cream, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper until well mixed.

~Stir in 1 (16 ounce) package of cooked and crumbled bacon, 1 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and 3-4 chopped green onion tops.

~Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. 

Salisbury Steak Burgers.

 These are good even without the bun.   Goes great with mashed potatoes or French fries.   

SALISBURY STEAK BURGERS

(makes 4   1/4 pound burgers)

Burger Ingredients:

*1 pound ground beef

*1/2  medium yellow onion, grated

*1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

*1 large egg

*1 tablespoon dijon mustard 

*2 tablespoons ketchup

*1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 

*2 garlic cloves, minced

*1 beef bouillon cube

*4 pretzel hamburger buns (or your favorite hamburger bun)

*4 slices of provolone cheese or Swiss (or your favorite)

Gravy Ingredients:

*1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped

*2 garlic cloves, minced

*1 (8 ounce) package mushrooms, sliced

*2 tablespoons butter

*3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

*2 cups beef stock

*2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 

*1/4 teaspoon salt

*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Burger Directions:

~In a large bowl, mix 1/2 grated onion and 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs.

~Add 1 pound ground beef, 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 beef bouillon cube (broke up).

~Mix until well incorporated.

~Divide into 4 sections, and form into patties.

~Heat up a heavy bottom skillet over medium heat.

~Sear patties on both sides (about 2-3 minutes preside).

~Remove from pan and set aside.

Gravy Directions:

~Add 1/2 chopped yellow onions to the same skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring often.

~Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

~Add (8 ounce) packages sliced mushrooms, cook until soft and tender, slightly browned.

~Stir in 2 tablespoons butter and allow to melt.

~Stir in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously.

~Slowly pour in 2 cups beef stock, whisking as you do.

~Stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper.

~Bring up to a simmer.

~Add in hamburger patties.

~Allow to simmer in gravy until gravy thickens and patties are cooked through.

~Grill the inside of you bun.

~Place a slice of cheese on each bottom bun.

~Place patties over cheese and add the top bun.

~Serve with some of the gravy on the side to dip the burger in and fries in.

Mock Little Debbie's Brownies

 You can make these cosmic (colorful hard candies) or nutty.  Sadly they no longer make the nutty ones.

MOCK LITTLE DEBBIE'S BROWNIES

(makes 16)

Brownie Ingredients:

*3/4 cup (12 tablespoons) butter

*3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa 

*1 cup granulated sugar

*1/2 cup brown sugar

*1 teaspoon vanilla extract

*2 large eggs + 1 large egg yolk

*1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

*1 teaspoon cornstarch

*1/2 teaspoon salt

Frosting Ingrediens:

*1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

*1/2 cup milk chocolate chips

*1/3 cup heavy cream

*1 teaspoon vanilla extract

*1/8 teaspoon salt

*2 tablespoons candy coated pieces or finely chopped walnuts

Brownie Directions:

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

~Spray a 9x13 inch baking pan with cooking spray and lightly flour.

~Place 3/4 cup butter in a large microwave safe bowl and melt.

~Stir in 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa.

~Add 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar and stir until well incorporated.

~Stir in 2 large eggs,  one at a time and stir.

~Stir in 1 large egg yolk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

~Add 1 1/14 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1/2 teaspoon salt, stir until well combined.

~Pour into prepared pan and spread out evenly to edges.

~Place into preheated oven and bake for 16-19 minutes.

~Remove from oven and cool completely.

Frosting Directions:

~In a small saucepan, add 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips,  1/2 cup milk chocolate chips, 1/8 teapspoon salt, and 1/3 cup heavy cream.

~Cook over medium-low heat, stirring often (so mixture doesn't burn), until chocolate chips are melted.

~Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

~Allow to cool for 1 minute and then pour over brownies.

~Spread evenly over brownies.

~Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of candy coated pieces or finely chopped walnuts.

Chimichurri Steak Sandwich

 I like to make this with homemade French bread, but if you buy the bread a sturdy bread is a must.

CHIMICHURRI STEAK SANDWICH

(serves 1- 2)

Chimichurri Ingredients:

*3 tablespoons olive oil

*2 green onion tops, chopped small (the green part)

*1 tablespoon dried parsley

*1 teaspoon dried oregano 

*1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar 

*1 teaspoon minced garlic

*1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

*dash red pepper flakes

*1/8 teaspoon salt

Sauce Ingredients:

*2 tablespoons mayonnaise 

*2 teaspoons dijon mustard

*1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

*salt and pepper to taste (no more than 1/8 teaspoon)

*1 teaspoon minced garlic

*1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Caramelized Onion Ingredients:

*1 medium white onion, slice thin

*1 tablespoon butter

*1/2 teaspoons salt

*1/8 cup water

The Rest Of The Ingredients:

*1 (6-8 ounce) Ribeye, Sirloin, or T-bone steak

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 

*1/2 tablespoon garlic powder (or cowboy garlic powder if you like heat)

*1 tablespoon olive oil

*1 tablespoon butter

*1 garlic clove

*1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional)

* small loaf of French or Italian bread (about 8 inches long)

*2 thin slices provolone or mozzarella cheese

Chimichurri Directions:

~In a small bowl, stir 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 chopped green onion tops, 1 tablespoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon dried oreganos, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, dash red pepper flakes, and 1/8 teaspoon salt until well combined.

~Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Sauce Directions:

~In a small bowl, whisk 2 tablespoons mayonnaise,  2 teaspoons dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire  sauce, salt and pepper to taste, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice until well combined.

~Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Caramelized Onion Directions:

~Heat a large skillet over high heat.

~Once hot, add 1 sliced white onion and 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 tabslespoon water and stir.

~Cover and cook for 1 minute.

~Add 1 tablespoon butter and the rest of the water and stir.

~Reduce heat to medium, cover and cook for another 2 minutes.

~Stir and continue cocking until onions are a golden brown.

~Remove from pan and set aside.

Cook The Steak:

~Heat up a large skillet over medium heat.

~Add olive oil once pan is hot.

~Season both sides of  steak with  1/2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder.

~Place steak into hot pan and cook for about 2 minutes.

~Flip steak, add 1 tablespoon butter and allow it to melt (but not burn).

~Add in 1 garlic clove and 1 spring of fresh rosemary to butter.

~Spoon mixture over top of steak as it continues cooking for about 2 minutes or until desired doneness.

~Remove from skillet and set aside on a wire rack.

~Remove garlic and rosemary from skillet.

~Cut bread down the middle lengthwise.

~Place cut side down into hot skillet until bread is a golden brown.

~Remove from heat.

Let' Make The Sandwich:

~Slice the steak into strips.

~Spread the sauce over the bottom of the toasted bun.

~Place the steak over the sauce.

~Add 2 thin slices of provolone cheese or mozzarella cheese over steak

~Add the caramelized onions.

~Add Chimichurri Sauce,

~Place the top bun on.

~If you are sharing it, now is the time to slice it in half.