Garlic BBQ Saltine's

 It takes a plain crackers and makes it really tasty.  Super easy to double this recipe.

GARLIC BBQ SALTINE'S

Ingredients:

*2 sleeves of saltine crackers

*1/2 cup vegetable oil

*1 tablespoon dry BBQ run (your favorite)

*1 tablespoon garlic butter seasoning (I use guy firer's)

*1 teaspoon salt (optional)

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

~In a large bowl,  add 2 sleeves of saltine crackers, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon dry bbq rub, 1 tablespoon garlic butter seasoning, and 1 teaspoon salt.

~Mix until crackers are well coated.

~Place on a large cookie sheet and spread out evenly (some will overlap).

~Bake for 15 minutes.

~Remove from oven and allow to cool.

~Place in a sealed container or zip-loc bag.

Butterfinger Pretzels

 This is kind of like puppy chow, but better.

BUTTERFINGER PRETZELS

Ingredients:

*1 (12 ounce) bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

*3/4 cup creamy peanut butter 

*1 (15 ounce) bag of mini pretzels

*20-30 snack size (not the mini) butterfinger candy bars

*1 cup powdered sugar

Directions:

~Melt 1 (12 ounce) bag semi-sweet chocolate chips and 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter until smooth.

~Add in 1 (15 ounce) package mini pretzels and stir until well coated.

~Add 1 ( ounce) bag butterfinger candy bars into a blender and blend until almost a powder.

~Mix butterfingers with 1 cup powdered sugar.

~Pour over pretzel mixture and stir until pretzels are well coated.

Brownie Puppy Chow

 Warning: these are addicting.  A quick and easy snack to make.

BROWNIE PUPPY CHOW 

(makes a large bowl full)

Ingredients:

*1 (12 ounce) box rice Chex

*1 (11.5 ounce) bag chocolate chips + 1 more cup

*1 1/4 cups creamy peanut butter

*1/2 cup butter, cut into pieces 

*1 teaspoon vanilla extract

*2 cups powdered sugar

*1 (18.3 ounce) box brownie mix

Directions:

~Pour 1 (12 ounce) box of rice Chex into a large bowl.

~In a medium microwavable bowl, combine 1 (12 ounce bag chocolate chips) + 1 more cup, 1/2 cup butter cut into pieces, 1 1/4 cups creamy peanut butter.

~Microwave for 30 seconds intervals, stirring between, until mixture is melted and creamy.

~Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

~Pour over rice checks and stir until well coated.

~Sprinkle 2 cups powdered sugar and 1 (18.3 ounce) box brownie mix and stir until well coated.

~Cover to store at room temperature (I do like to remove the mixture and shake out any excess powder and then return the puppy chow to the bowl

Chicken Cordon Blue Bites

 I do love these.   Making the sauce only makes it better.   One of these days I'm going to try to make them in the air-fryer to make them a little healthier

CHICKEN CORDON BLUE BITES

Chicken Cordon Blue Bites Ingredient:

*1 pound ground chicken

*1/4 pound baked ham (I get it cut thick from the deli), cut into very small pieces

*1/2 cup all-purpose flour

*1 teaspoon salt

*1 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1 teaspoon garlic powder

*1/2 teaspoon onion powder

*1/2 teaspoon paprika

*1/8 pound Swiss cheese, cut into small pieces 

Dredging Ingredients:

*1 large egg

*1/2 cup all-purpose flour 

*1 cup panko bread crumbs

*vegetable oil for frying (about 4 cups)

Dipping Sauce Ingredients:

*3 tablespoon butter

*3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

*2 tablespoons dijon mustard

*1/2 cup heavy cream

*1 cup whole milk

Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites Directions:

~In a medium bowl, mix 1 pound ground chicken, 1/4 pound ham cut into very small pieces, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and 1/2 cup all-purpose flour together until well combined.

~Scoop up about 2 teaspoons ground chicken mixture, and flatten it out.

~Place a piece of Swiss cheese in the center and wrap the meat mixture around the cheese, making sure to seal the edges (I like to roll them into a ball).

~Set aside and repeat until done.

~Place 1 large egg into a small bowl and whisk.

~In another bowl,  add 1/2 cup all-purpose flour.

~In yet another bowl, add 1 cup panko bread crumbs.

~In a medium size pot, heat up vegetable oil to 250-300 degrees.

~Roll chicken ball into flour, then into egg, and lastly into panko bread crumbs making sure it's completely coated each time.

~Place on a plate and repeat until done.

~Carefully add into hot oil (about 4 at a time).

~Fry for about 5 minutes, stirring every once in a while

~Remove from oven and lightly sprinkle with salt (optional)

Dipping Sauce Ingredients:  (I do this before frying the chicken cordon bleu balls and let in simmer over very low heat to keep warm)

~Melt 3 tablespoons butter.

~Whisk in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 2 tablespoons dijon mustard until well combined.  Whisk continuously for 1 minute.

~Add 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1 cup whole milk and whisk until it thickens some.

~Keep warm and serve over or along side of chicken cordon bleu bites.

Air Fryer Directions:

~Prep as directions show above.

~Set air fryer to 350 degrees.

~Spritz chicken cordon bleu bites with olive oil or vegetable oil.

~Fry for 8-10 minutes (or until done and crispy), turning half way through.

Thin Crispy Potato Chips

 My granddaughter loves these.  I love to dip these in my homemade French Onion Chip Dip.

THIN CRIPSY POTATO CHIPS

Ingredients:

*4 medium russet potatoes

*3 quarts cold water

*4 tablespoons white vinegar

*4-6 cups vegetable oil

*salt to taste

Directions:

~Line a cookie sheet with paper towel and place a cooling rack over paper towel.

~Peel 4 medium russet potatoes (optional)

~Using a mandolin, slice the potatoes paper thin.

~Soak potatoes in cold water, for a couple minutes, moving them around to rinse them.

~Pour out water, and repeat soaking one more time.

~Pour 3 quarts of cold water (tap water cold) and 4 tablespoons white vinegar into a medium sauce pot.

~Pace sliced potatoes into vinegar water and bring to a boil

~Once boiling, allow to boil for 2 minutes, stirring often so that they don't stick.

~Remove potatoes from boiling water and set on a few layers of paper towel to drain.

~Allow potatoes to get as dry as possible (I do this for about 1/2 hour).

~Bring 4-6 cups vegetable oil to about 280 degrees.

~Gently placed potatoes into hot oil, don't over crowd.

~Fry for 3-6  minutes, or until a very light golden brown or they become crispy.

~Remove from hot oil and place on cool rack.

~Lightly season with salt.

~Allow to cool and enjoy.

Hot Dog Burnt Ends

 Super easy recipe.  This is one that goes quick.

Ingredients:

*1 ( ounce-12 count) package hot skinless hot dogs (I like to use Nathan's)

*1 tablespoon yellow mustard

*1-2 tablespoons dry bbq rub

*1/4-1/2 cup butter, cut into slices

*1/2 cup light brown sugar

*1 cup your favorte BBQ sauce

Directions:

~Heat smoker up to 250-255 degrees (Use your favorite chips/pellets).

~Score (shallow cuts)12 hot dogs diagnally on both sides (I like to do a criss/cross pattern.

~Rub 1 tablespoon yellow mustard evenly over all sides of the hot dogs.

~Shake 1-2 tablespoons evenly over both sides of hot dogs.

~Place a wire rack on a cookie sheet.

~Place hot dogs on rack and place in smoker.

~Smoke for 60-90 mintues, turning half way through (I do about 90 mintues).

~Remove hot dogs from smoker.

~Turn smoker up to 275 degrees.

~Cut hot dogs into thirds or quarters and place in 8x10 baking dish ( I use a throw away tin pan).

~Sprinkle 1/2 cup brown sugar over hot dogs.

~Drop 1/4-1/2 cup sliced butter evenly over hot dogs.

~Drizzle 1 cup BBQ sauce evenly over hot dogs.

~Return to smoker and cook for 1 hour.

~Stir mixture well making sure that all the hot dogs are coated in the sauce.

~Return to smoke and cook for another 60 minutes or until sauce has thickened.

~Poke a tooth pick into each hot dog and plate.

Caramel Cheez-It's

 Easy to make and tasty too.   Great for any party.

CARAMEL CHEEZE-IT'S

Ingredietns:

*1/2 cup butter

*1/2 cup light corn syrup

*1 cup light brown sugar

*1/4 teaspoon baking soda

*1 (21 ounce) box cheese-it's

Dirctions:

~Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

~Line a cookie sheet with parcharment paper or a silicone mat.

~In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup light corn syrup, and 1 cup light brown sugar.

~Cook over medium-low heat, stirring continously unitl the mixture is smooth and hot (not boiling).

~Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 teaspoon baking soda until well incorporated.

~Pour over 1 (21 ounce) box of cheeze-it's and sitr until well coated.

~Place in preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, sitrring every 15 minutes.

~Remove from oven and allow to cool before eating.

Churro Crackers

 I can't leave these in the house, because they are dangerous for me.  They are so good.

CHURRO CRACKERS

Ingredients:

*3 tablespoon granulated sugar

*1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1 (9 ounce bag) oyster crackers

*1 cup butter

*3/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)

*1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

*1 teaspoon vanilla extract

*3 tablespoon granulated sugar

*1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

*1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

~Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

~In a small bowl, whisk 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon salt together until well mixed.

~Set aside.

~In a medium saucepan,  bring 1 cup butter and 3/4 cup brown sugar, stirring often.

~Once it comes to allow to full boil for 2 minutes, stirring continuously.

~Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon in mixture.

~Pour 1 (9 ounce) bag of oyster crackers into a large bowl.

~Pour hot mixture over crackers and stir until well coated.

~Spread crackers in a single layer on prepared cookie sheet (as much as possible).

~Bake for 15 minutes.

~Remove from heat and allow to cool for about 2 minutes.  

~Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture over oyster crackers (I like to put mine in a large bowl, cover it and gently shake it so that the entire cracker gets coated).

~Allow to cool completely and then break apart.

Chocolate Stuffed Pretzel Bites with Cream Cheese Dip

 It's hard to stop at one or ten of these.   These are also good without the cinnamon sugar.  You can use refrigerated biscuits if you don't want to make the dough.

CHOCOLATE SUFFED PRETZELS BITES WITH CREAM CHEESE DIP

CHESSE SUFFED PRETZEL BITES

(makes about 70-80 )

Pretzel Ingredients:

*1 1/2 cups warm water

*1 tablespoon granulated sugar

*2 teaspoons kosher salt

*2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

*4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

*4 tablespoons butter, melted

*2 1/2 quarts water

*2/3 cups baking soda

*1 large egg yolk, beaten

*1 tablespoon water

*1/8 cup kosher salt for topping

*80 candy kisses

*1/4 cup butter, melted

*2 cups cinnamon sugar

Cream Cheese Dip Ingredients:

*1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese softened.

*2 tablespoons butter, softened

*1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

*1 cup powdered sugar

*4 tablespoons heavy cream (more if you want the dip thinner)

Directions:

~In a small bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups water, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons salt.

~Sprinkle 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast over water.

~Allow to sit for 10 minutes to allow the yeast to proof.

~Place 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour into a large mixing bowl.

~Make a well in the center.

~Add 4 tablespoons of melted butter and the yeast mixture into the flour well.

~Mix to form dough.

~Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic.

~Lightly oil a large bowl.

~Place dough into the greased bowl and turn to coat both sides.

~Cover bowl with plastic wrap or a clean damp towel and allow dough to rise until doubled in size (about 1 - 1/2 hours).

~Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

~Line cookie sheets with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.

~In a large pot, bring 2 1/2 quarts water and 2/3 cup baking soda to a boil.

~While you are waiting for the oven to preheat and the water to boil, turn the dough out onto a lightly oiled surface.

~In a small bowl, whisk 1 beaten egg and 1 tablespoon water together.

~Divide the dough into 8 pieces.

~Roll each piece into a long rope (about 22-24 inches long).

~Cut each rope into about 2-inch pieces.

~Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten.

~Place 1 candy kiss into the center.

~Close dough around candy kiss making sure to seal the edges.

~Drop dough into boiling water for about 30 seconds.

~Remove dough from water and place on prepared cookie sheet.

~Brush each pretzel with egg wash.

~Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

~Remove from oven.

~Dip pretzel bite into 1/4 cup melted butter a couple at a time.

~Dip immediately into cinnamon sugar and place on a cooking rack.

Cream Cheese Dip:

~In a medium mixing bowl, add 1 8-ounce package softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons softened butter, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cup powdered sugar and 4 tablespoons heavy cream until well mixed.

~If you want a thinner dip add more heavy cream.

Cheese Stuffed Pretzel Bites

 These are so good.   I like them plain and dipped in cheese, buffalo bleu cheese sauce and a honey mustard sauce.

                                  The cheese oozed out some, but they were still very good.

CHESSE SUFFED PRETZEL BITES

(makes about 80-90)

Ingredients:

*1 1/2 cups warm water

*1 tablespoon granulated sugar

*2 teaspoons kosher salt

*2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

*4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

*4 tablespoons butter, melted

*2 1/2 quarts water

*2/3 cups baking soda

*1 large egg yolk, beaten

*1 tablespoon water

*1/8 cup kosher salt for topping

*12  string cheese  cut about  1 inch pieces

Directions:

~In a small bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups water, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons salt.

~Sprinkle 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast over water.

~Allow to sit for 10 minutes to allow the yeast to proof.

~Place 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour into a large mixing bowl.

~Make a well in the center.

~Add 4 tablespoons of melted butter and the yeast mixture into the flour well.

~Mix to form dough.

~Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic.

~Lightly oil a large bowl.

~Place dough into the greased bowl and turn to coat both sides.

~Cover bowl with plastic wrap or a clean damp towel and allow dough to rise until doubled in size (about 1 - 1/2 hours).

~Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

~Line cookie sheets with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.

~In a large pot, bring 2 1/2 quarts water and 2/3 cup baking soda to a boil.

~While you are waiting for the oven to preheat and the water to boil, turn the dough out onto a lightly oiled surface.

~In a small bowl, whisk 1 beaten egg and 1 tablespoon water together.

~Divide the dough into 8 pieces.

~Roll each piece into a long rope (about 22-24 inches long).

~Cut each rope into about 1 1/2 inch pieces.

~Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten.

~Place a small piece of string cheese into the center.

~Close dough around the pice of cheese, making sure to seal the edges.

~Drop dough into boiling water for about 30 seconds.

~Remove dough from water and place on prepared cookie sheet.

~Brush each pretzel with egg wash.

~Sprinkle with desired amount of kosher salt.

~Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

~Remove from oven, and allow to cool on a wire rack for 5 mintues.

Caramel Puff Corn

 This is addicting.   Some people can't eat popcorn, because of dental work.  This is a great substitute.  

CARAMEL PUFF CORN

Ingrediens:

*1 cup butter

*1/2 cup light corn syrup

*1 cup light brown sugar

*1 teaspoon vanilla extract

*1 teaspoon baking soda

*7 ounces of butter corn puffs. 

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

~Place corn puffs into a large pan.

~In a medium saucepan add 1 cup butter, 1/2 cup light corn syrup, and 1 cup light brown sugar.

~Cook over a medium heat stirring continuously.

~Once mixture comes to a boil, allow to boil for 2 minutes, stirring often.

~Remove from heat and quickly stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon baking soda (it will become foamy).

~Carefully pour hot mixture over corn puffs.

~Stir until corn puffs are completely coated.

~Place mixture into oven and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.

~Remove from oven and allow to completely cool (I like to dump it on a sheet of parchment paper and spread the mixture into a single layer.

~Once cooled, break them apart and enjoy.

Garlic Bread Ritz Bits

 I don't like ritz cheese crackers, but I do really like these.  Easy and quick to make.  Great for a snack or any party.

GARLIC BREAD RITZ BITS

Ingredients:

*2 (8.8 ounce) boxes cheese ritz bits

*3/4 cup butter, melted

*2 teaspoon garlic powder

*1 teaspoon onion powder

*2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

*1 1/2 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

~In a large bowl, mix 3/4 cup melted butter, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, and 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese until well mixed.

~Stir in 2 boxes cheese ritz bits until well coated.

~Place crackers in a single layer on a large cookies sheet.

~Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese over crackers.

~Bake for 8-9 minutes.

~Allow to cool completely before storing in an air-tight container.

Radish Chips

 I think this is pretty tasty.  Does not taste like a radish at all.  Love the crunch and a little spice that it brings.   Next time I think I'll put some BBQ spice on it. 

RADISH CHIPS

Ingrediens:

*3 cups radish, sliced thin

*1/2 tablespoon onion powder

*1/2 tablespoon garlic powder

*1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika

*1 teaspoon sea salt (I like corse)

*1  teaspoons ground black pepper

*1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

~Spray a large cookie sheet with cooking spray  (I put a silicone mat and skip the cooking spray).

~In a large bowl mix all the ingredients together.

~Mix with clean hands (or spatula) until all the chips are coated.

~Spread in a single layer on prepared cookie sheet.

~Bake for 1 hour, flip chips and bake for 1 more hour.

Spiced Mixed Nuts

 The combination sounds weird, but it works.   Quick and easy snack or appetizer to make.

SPICED MIXED NUTS

(makes 2 1/2 cups)

Ingredients:

*1 ( ounce) can mixed nuts (2 1/2 cups)

*2 tablespoons butter, melted

*1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar

*1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped

*1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1/2 teaspoon sea salt

*1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

*1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

~Place nuts in a single layer on a cookie sheet and roast for 10-15 minutes or until they start to set off an aroma and are slightly toasted. 

~In a large bowl, mix 2 tablespoon melted butter, 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 salt, 1/8 cayenne pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon cumin until well combined.

~Add the nuts as soon as they come out of the oven (you want them hot).

~Mix until nuts are completely coated.

~Allow to cool, serve and enjoy.

Sausage Dip

 This is good cold, warm or hot, so it makes a perfect dish to bring to a party.   I like to dip crackers, pita chips, and bagel chips in it.  You can add chopped jalapeño peppers to this, if you like spice.

SAUSAGE DIP

Ingredients:

*2 Italian sausage links, casings removed (hot or mild)

*1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature

*1/2 cup sour cream

*1/2 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (or your favorite cheese)

*1 (8 ounce) or 1 cup fire roasted diced tomatoes

*1/8 cup diced green chiles

*1/4 cup green onions, sliced

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1/2 teaspoon ground back pepper

*1/2 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (or your favorite cheese)

Directions:

~Take casings off of the sausage.

~Cook in a medium skillet, breaking it up as it cooks.

~Set aside and allow to cool some.

~In a large bowl, mix 8 ounces cream cheese, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, 1 cup fire roasted tomatoes, 1/8 cup green chiles, 1/4 cup green onions, 1/2 teaspoon salt & 1/2 teaspoon pepper until well mixed.

~Stir in cooled sausage.

~Place into a pie plate and top with 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.

~Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

~Bake on a middle rack for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and cheese is melted.

Smoked Almonds

 I love that this is a healthier snack and so good.  Super easy to make.  I double this recipe most times.

SMOKED ALMONDS

(makes 2 cups)

Ingredients:

*2 cups almonds

*3 tablespoons butter, melted

*1 teaspoon garlic powder

*1 tablespoon salt

*1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 

*mesquite or applewood chips (or your favorite)

Directions:

~Heat smoker up to 250 degrees.

~Fill with your choice of wood chips.

~Whisk spices into melted butter until spices are dissolved. 

~Place almonds into large bowl and pour butter mixture.

~Stir until well coated.

~Place some parchment paper onto a cookie sheet.

~Pour coated almonds onto the parchment paper and spread into a single layer.

~Place on top rack.

~Smoke for 2 hours

~Remove from smoker and allow to sit for a couple hours before eating (over night is best).

Candied Walnuts

 Super easy to make.   Great for any party.

CANDIED WALNUTS

Ingredients:

*1 (16 ounce) bag walnuts

*1 cup granulated sugar

*2-3 teaspoons ground cinnamon

*1 teaspoon sea salt (optional)

*1 large egg white

*1 tablespoon vanilla (maple extract is also very good)

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

~Spray cooking spray onto a cookie sheet.

~In a large mixing bowl, whisk 1 egg white and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract just until mixed.

~In another large mixing bowl, stir 1 cup sugar, 2-3 teaspoons cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon salt together.

~Add walnuts to egg mixture and stir until well coated.

~Dump walnuts into cinnamon sugar mixture.

~Stir until well coated.

~Dump walnuts onto prepared cookie sheet and spread into a single layer.

~Cook for 60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.

~Remove from oven and cool before eating.

Dill Pickle Crackers

 Super easy to make.   

DILL PICKLE CRACKERS

Ingredients:

*1 (11-12 ounce) package of mini club cracker, mini saltines, or oyster crackers

*3/4  cup olive oil

*2 tablespoons dill pickle juice

*1 1/2  teaspoons garlic powder

*1/2 teaspoon onion powder

*1 1/2 tablespoon dried dill weed

*1 (1 ounce) package dried ranch dressing season mix

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

~In a gallon size zip-loc bag (or large bowl), add 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 1/2 teaspoons dried dill weed and mix well.

~Add in 3/4 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice and mix well.

~Add crackers and seal bag.

~Turn bag over and over until all the crackers are coated.

~Place crackers on a large cookie sheet, spreading them out so they aren't on top of each other.

~Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the oil as been absorbed and the crackers are a golden brown.

BBQ Potato Chips

 These by far are my favorite homemade potato chips.  To get crispy chips, make sure you rinse them 3-5 times.  

BBQ POTATO CHIPS

(serves 4-6)

Ingredients:

*4 medium russet potatoes

*Vegetable Oil for frying

*4 tablespoons light brown sugar

*4 teaspoon smoked paprika 

*2 teaspoon garlic powder

*1/2 teaspoon onion powder

*1/8-1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)

*1/4 teaspoon salt

Spice Directions:

~In a blender, add 4 tablespoons brown sugar, 4 teaspoons smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoons onion powder, 1/8-1/4 teaspoons cayenne pepper, and 1/4 teaspoons salt.

~Blend until mixture is a fine powder.

~Place mixture into a large bowl (I normally just add a quarter of the mixture at a time).

Chip Directions:

~Peel 4 russet potatoes, and slice thin on a mandolin slicer (on thinest setting)

~Place sliced potatoes into a bowl of cold water.

~Move potatoes around in water to remove starch from potatoes.

~Drain a repeat 2 or 3 more times or until water stays clear.

~Bring a pot of water to a boil.

~Add potatoes (about a quarter of them).

~Boil for 4 minutes, and remove and place in a bowl of cold water (add cold water as needed).

~ Repeat until all the potatoes have been boiled.

~Place potatoes on a tea towel, or paper towels in a single row.

~Place another tea towel or paper towels over top to dry potatoes.

~In a large heavy bottom frying pan, add vegetable oil (about 4-inches deep).

~Heat oil to 375 degrees.

~Place potatoes into hot grease one at a time, do not over crowd pan  (I can add about 25 slices to my pan).

~Fry for about 4 minutes or until crispy (I turn mine half way through)

~Remove from heat and place on a paper towels lined cookie sheet.

~Place into the large bowl with bbq seasonings.

~Toss until well coated.

~Remove and place onto a plate and repeat until all the potatoes chips are done.

Flavoried Candied Popcorn

 You can make this any color and any flavor.  The kids love it!  

FLAVORIED CANDIED POPCORN

Ingredients:

*1 tablespoon vegetable oil (if using a hot air popper, you won't need the oil)

*1/2 cup popcorn kernels ( divide it in half and pop two batches)

*2 cups granulated sugar

*1/4 cup water

*2 tablespoons butter

*1/2 cup of light corn syrup

*1 (.125 oz) bottle of flavoring oil for strong flavors (cinnamon, licorice, mints, etc)

  2 (.125 ounce) for mild flavors (green apple, cherry, banana, bubble gum, etc)

*1/4 teaspoon salt

*food coloring gel or paste 

Directions:

~Pop your 1/2 cup popcorn in 1 tablespoon oil,  remove any kernels.

~In a large pot, combine 2 cups granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons butter,  1/2 cup corn syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

~Stir in 1 (.125 oz) of flavoring.

~Cook over medium heat, stirring mixture until it comes to a rolling boil.

~Allow to boil for around 5 minutes, without stirring.

~Remove from heat and a small amount of food coloring and mix well.

~Pour about 1/3 of the mixture over divided popcorn, and stir well.

~Repeat two more times, until all of the mixture is mixed well over popcorn.

~Line a baking pan with parchment paper.

~Place popcorn in a single layer on baking pan.

~Repeat process again using different color food coloring.

~Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

~Bake candied popcorn for 30 minutes (stirring every 10 minutes).

~Remove from oven and allow to cool for 20-30 minutes. 

~Break apart any pieces that may be stuck together.

~Store in a cool dry place.

Flavor and Color Ideas:

`green = wintergreen, sour apple, watermelon

`yellow = banana, lemon, butter popcorn, butterscotch, maple

`red = cinnamon, cherry,  strawberry

`pink = bubble gum, cherry, tutti fruiti

`blue = cotton candy, blue raspberry, blueberry

`orange = orange, caramel, maple

`purple = grape

`brown = coffee (or use 2 tablespoons instant coffee), chocolate, root beer