How 'bout...CUPCAKES?!?!

How ‘bout….CUPCAKES?!?!

The Sunday night tradition at the Turner house includes watching America’s Funniest Home Videos (AFV).  Last Sunday, there was a great (but older) video which has created some cooking inspiration for me. Since this video inspired this post, and certainly a few future posts, I thought I’d share it with you.

http://youtu.be/i6WPfo9qNSM

Let them eat cake, right? Since we can’t legitimately eat cupcakes everyday and for every meal, I have a solution.  I’m taking a couple of my best “loaf” recipes and cupcake-i-fying them for a few special savory cupcake posts. Yep, that’s a word. Cupcake-i-fying.

What you’ll need:

Italian Meatloaf CUPCAKES. CUPCAKES. CUP-CAKES!:

1 lb ground beef

1 box stuffing mix

1 cup water

1 tsp. Italian Seasoning

1 cup pizza sauce (or pasta sauce)

¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

2 cups mashed potatoes

1 green onion (optional garnish aka sprinkles!)

Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees.

Mix beef, stuffing mix, water, and Italian Seasoning together.

Spray muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.  Press mixture evenly into muffin cups.

Make a little well in the center of each cupcake. Fill each well with pizza sauce. 

Bake at 375 for 30 minutes or until cooked through.  Sprinkle each with mozzarella and bake 5 more minutes until cheese is melty. (Really… “melty” isn’t a word?)

If I make up my own words, I can make up my own definitions J

melt-y  [mel-tee] adjective

gooey, thoroughly messy, awesome

Enough with the wording, let’s get to FROSTING!

Place your mashed potatoes in a small Ziplock bag and snip off one corner (I didn't take a pic of my bag).  Pipe your mashed potatoes onto your cupcake in a “frosting” pattern.  No Ziplock Bags? No big. Just smear the mashed potatoes on with a knife. You’ll still get the cupcake feel. Top with some green onion “sprinkles.” 

The Unconventional Sandwich: Pizza Bagels

The Unconventional Sandwich

sand·wich noun

1 a : two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between

    b : one slice of bread covered with food

sandwich verb

: to make into or as if into a sandwich; especially : to insert or enclose between usually two things of another quality or character

Ahh…the Sandwich.  Although they existed long before they were called sandwiches, John Montague, the fourth earl of Sandwich, is credited with naming the tasty invention. Montague, a heavy card player, held his cards in one hand and cheese and meat between slices of bread in the other (This is still a sandwich purpose in my house today!).  Montague’s fellow players started asking for Sandwich’s …and the rest is sandwich history!

The Unconventional Sandwich posts explore a variety of sandwich condiments and toppings, twists on old favorites, and traditional sandwiches with our own unique flare.  From breakfast to dessert, there isn’t anything we can’t try to sandwich.

Pizza Bagels:

I'm 99% sure I can't count this as an Unconventional Sandwich, or even a as a recipe.  But, it's yummy, cheaper than frozen pizza bagels, and so easy it's ridiculous.  I love recipes like that :)  Tasty, cheap, and ridiculously easy.

What you'll need:

Pizza Bagels:

Pizza Sauce
Cheese
Favorite Pizza toppings
Bagels (I use Bagel thins)
(* I use a pinch of onion salt, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, and Italian seasoning as a finisher..it's kind of a signature)

First, preheat your oven to 350.

Place your bagel halves (cut side up) on a cookie sheet. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the bagels. Top with mozzarella cheese and pizza toppings.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through. Apparently I don't have a final product picture for you--sorry about that. However, it does look just like the picture above, except the cheese is melted  :)

After you remove your bagels from the oven, you can top with my spice additions: a pinch of onion salt, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, and Italian seasoning.

The Unconventional Sandwich: Hammies

The Unconventional Sandwich

sand·wich noun

1 a : two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between

    b : one slice of bread covered with food

sandwich verb

: to make into or as if into a sandwich; especially : to insert or enclose between usually two things of another quality or character

Ahh…the Sandwich.  Although they existed long before they were called sandwiches, John Montague, the fourth earl of Sandwich, is credited with naming the tasty invention. Montague, a heavy card player, held his cards in one hand and cheese and meat between slices of bread in the other (This is still a sandwich purpose in my house today!).  Montague’s fellow players started asking for Sandwich’s …and the rest is sandwich history!

The Unconventional Sandwich posts explore a variety of sandwich condiments and toppings, twists on old favorites, and traditional sandwiches with our own unique flare.  From breakfast to dessert, there isn’t anything we can’t try to sandwich.

Hammies

One of my new obsessions is Philadelphia Cooking Crèmes.  This is a recipe I found from Taste of Home after searching for recipes using these crèmes. Although they may be a little on the conventional side, these sandwiches are super easy, incredibly tasty, and can feed a whole crew. I have several other recipes to try with different flavors of the crèmes, so I’m sure you’ll see them as an ingredient in the future.

What you’ll need:

Hammies:

12 Dinner Rolls (Hawaiian Rolls or bakery rolls work)

1 lb. Black Forest Ham (thin sliced)

12 oz Swiss Cheese (sliced)  (You could use any cheese that would melt well)

1 tub Philadelphia Cooking Crème (I’ve used “Chive and Onion” and “Italian Cheese and Herb”; You can use whichever you think you would like best)

½ cup butter, melted

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 ½ tsp. dried minced onion

(I usually half the recipe and only make 6 sandwiches)

Arrange the bottoms of your rolls in a greased, 9 x13 baking dish. Layer with ham and then cheese.

Spread the top of each roll with your crème of choice and place on top of the sandwiches.

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and minced onion. Pour this over your sandwiches.

Cover with aluminum foil and let stand for 20 minutes (sometimes I only wait 10 minutes. Try to wait the 20 minutes if you can, but speaking from experience--it's okay to cheat).

Leave cover on and bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

Remove from oven and enjoy!

Beef Stew

Confession: I am so incredibly bad at making a meal in the slow cooker.   I typically use my slow cooker on Sundays--when I clean, fold laundry, or clear off my DVR. J I have to smell the food cooking all day. By the time it actually gets done, 8 hours or so later, I don't even want to eat the food because I've smelled it cooking all day. I also check the pot constantly like it's going to burn or something--so much for "leave it and forget about it" convenience.   As a result, the food never lives up to the anticipation of something I have smelled and fussed over all day.  New goal: Wake my butt up in the morning, start the slow cooker meal, and actually reap the rewards after work.

However, I do have a few crock pot success stories thus far… and the one I’m sharing today is Beef Stew.  I’ve made this a couple of times this winter, and it always lives up to the smell!

What you’ll need:

Beef Stew

1 lb. stew meat
4 medium potatoes (peeled and cubed)
1 can beef broth
1 can V-8 Juice (if you don’t have V-8, you can blend a can of any type of tomato)
1 cup carrot chips (I buy the bagged chips)
1 medium sweet onion (I didn't have an onion--so I added green onions and mushrooms this time)
3 bay leaves
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp. chili powder
¼ tsp pepper
2 tbsp. cornstarch
1 tbsp. cold water
½ cup frozen corn
½ cup frozen peas

First, combine the first 11 ingredients in your crock pot (and any additions you had to make your stew perfect!).  Cover with lid and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until meat is tender (I usually set mine for 7.5 hours)

7.5 hours later----Remove lid. Discard bay leaves. Add the corn and peas.

In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water until smooth; stir into stew.  

Cover stew and cook on high for 30 minutes or until thickened.

The Unconventional Sandwich: PB&H Bagels

The Unconventional Sandwich

sand·wich noun

1 a : two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between

    b : one slice of bread covered with food

sandwich verb

: to make into or as if into a sandwich; especially : to insert or enclose between usually two things of another quality or character

Ahh…the Sandwich.  Although they existed long before they were called sandwiches, John Montague, the fourth earl of Sandwich, is credited with naming the tasty invention. Montague, a heavy card player, held his cards in one hand and cheese and meat between slices of bread in the other (This is still a sandwich purpose in my house today!).  Montague’s fellow players started asking for Sandwich’s …and the rest is sandwich history!

The Unconventional Sandwich posts explore a variety of sandwich condiments and toppings, twists on old favorites, and traditional sandwiches with our own unique flare.  From breakfast to dessert, there isn’t anything we can’t try to sandwich.

PB&H Bagels

I love peanut butter, banana, and honey on a warm, toasted bagel.  It’s one of my favorite sandwiches.  My fondness of this concoction began while studying abroad at Harlaxton.  Don’t get me wrong—England does have some great grub. Fish and Chips. Shepherd’s Pie. The list goes on. But the refectory at Harlaxton College, well, let’s just say there were good days and bad days.  On bad days, I would eat this yummy sandwich and it wasn’t such a bad day after all.  

What you’ll need:

PB&H Bagels:

Peanut Butter

1 Banana

Honey

Bagel (I use original bagel thins)

First, turn your oven on broil and toast your bagels. While the bagels are toasting, slice your banana.

After your bagels are golden brown, remove from the oven and spread bottom half of bagel with peanut butter.

Layer the banana slices on top of the peanut butter.

Squirt one skinny line of honey around the bagel on top of the banana slices. Place the top of the bagel and form your sandwich.

There you have it. PB&H Bagel. Enjoy!

Chicken Nachos

Chicken Nachos

This chicken nacho recipe is a great catch-all.  It makes an easy and quick weeknight dinner, a tasty side for a Mexican Fiesta dinner, or a snack for game night. I have to give credit to my mom, because it’s her recipe, which is loosely based on Chi-Chi’s chicken nachos (but not so much so that I believe this qualifies as a copy-cat).  Mmmmm. Anyone remember Chi-Chi’s? I miss it.  If you have never heard of Chi-Chi’s, you can learn about their demise here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chi-Chi's.  Warning: Read link after enjoying the tasty goodness of the recipe.

What you’ll need (taco cheese not pictured):

Chicken Nachos

1 can of canned chicken (drained)

2/3 package of taco seasoning

1 can tomatoes with green chilies (drained)

1 can cream of chicken soup

1-2 tbsp dried minced onion

1 bag taco cheese

Jalapenos, Sour Cream (optional toppings)

First, preheat your oven to 375 degrees.

Next, prepare your nacho topping.  Combine canned chicken, taco seasoning, canned tomatoes,  cream of chicken soup, and onion in a medium sized cooker.  Bring to a boil

Lay your chips out on a cookie sheet or in a 9 x13 pan (depending on how impressive you want to be)

More impressive:



Less Impressive:

Place nachos in the oven until cheese is melted. Remove and serve with side of sour cream--in a pretty platter or straight from the baking pan.

More impressive:

Less Impressive:

Food for Thought Friday

Friday Food for Thought

TGIF!  On Fridays, I will answer a question on food, cooking, or life in general sent by readers. If you have a question you’d like me to answer in a Friday Food for Thought post, just shoot me an email (cturner1103 [at] gmail [dot] com) with Food for Thought in the subject line.

What is your favorite meal to prepare?

-Connie

I would have to say a general answer of “big dinner.”  I like to make a big meal, or help make a big meal, and then have people over to socialize, play cards or whatever.  Usually a big dinner involves a meat (Ham, Meatloaf, etc.), Mashed Potatoes, Macaroni and Cheese, and whatever other sides are added to the “meat, potato, and cheesy pasta” base.

Simply Salmon Patties

Simply Salmon Patties

What would your last meal be?  My answer always involves salmon patties.  Even people that don’t necessarily love fish can respect fried patties of canned salmon goodness.  Serve with a side of soup beans and some fried potatoes…that’s what I like to call hillbilly food heaven.

What you’ll need:

Simply Salmon Patties

1 box Jiffy© Corn Muffin Mix (BIG SURPRISE!)

1 can salmon (save juice)

1 egg

Salt, pepper

Vegetable oil

First, crack open your can of salmon and lay it out on a plate.  Remember to save your juice in a small container of some sort.

Next, I pick out a few of the bones. Mainly this nasty looking piece you see below.  The other smaller bones break up during the cooking process, so you won’t even know they are there. but I take the larger ones out. 

After you have de-boned somewhat, take a fork and flake your salmon.

Next, add your Jiffy Mix. You can add the whole box for a more cornbread taste, about 2/3 of a box for a nice blend, and 1/3 of a box for more of a salmon flavor.  You can pick (this is about 2/3 of a box)

Remember that saved juice? Here is where it comes in. Take your juice and add your egg. Blend the eggs and salmon juice and add that to your salmon mixture.

Divide your salmon mixture into ¼ cup portions.  Heat oil and fry salmon patties until golden brown.

Place finished salmon patties on plate with paper towel.  The best food must rest on a paper towel before eating J

Copy Cat Chow: Fiesta Lime Chicken

Copy Cat Chow

The infamous copy cat recipe.  Why dine out when you can dine in…on the same food and for less! Plus, creating restaurant favorites at home is a great adventure.  It’s akin to being a detective.  You ask yourself questions like “What taste is that?” and later on, “Wonder how much of this I add?”  I have crafted some copy cat recipes from my favorite restaurants to share with you.  How do you create your restaurant favorites at home?  Experimentation, dedication, and a positive attitude (this is serious business).

Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken

Applebee’s is not my favorite restaurant, but I have to admit I love their Fiesta Lime Chicken dish.  It’s a tangy marinated grilled chicken breast topped with a zesty lime sauce and gooey melted cheese.  I don’t want to burst their bubble, but my neighborhood is just as good as theirs and I can feed four neighbors for the price they charge one neighbor.

What you’ll need:

Fiesta Lime Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breast

1 cup water

1/3 cup teriyaki sauce

3 teaspoons chopped garlic (can use dried)

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ginger

1/4 cup mayonnaise

¼ cup sour cream

2 tablespoons salsa

1 tablespoon  milk

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

¼ teaspoon hot sauce

2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese

2 cups tortilla strips

First, prepare your marinade.  Combine 1 cup water, 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce, 3 teaspoons chopped garlic, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon ginger in large bowl. Add chicken. Cover and marinate for at least one hour.

Next, prepare your sauce. Combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons salsa, 1 tablespoon milk, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, and ¼ teaspoon hot sauce in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate (you'll see the sauce later on)

Grill chicken until cooked through. I use a cast-iron griddle, but you could use an outdoor grill, broiler, or just a regular pan.

Brush chicken with sauce throughout grilling process.

Cover medium size baking sheet with aluminum foil (just shorten clean-up time).  Place chicken on sheet. Cover each piece of chicken with sauce (see sauce below) and then cheese. Broil chicken until cheese is melted. 

Serve on a bed of tortilla strips and top with lime garnish (I squeeze my lime over the top).  I also serve red skinned mashed potatoes on the side.

Friday Food for Thought

Friday Food for Thought

TGIF!  On Fridays, I will answer a question on food, cooking, or life in general sent by readers. If you have a question you’d like me to answer in a Friday Food for Thought post, just shoot me an email (cturner1103 [at] gmail [dot] com) with Food for Thought in the subject line.

What are some leftovers in your fridge right now?

-Susan

I currently have some leftover baked ziti with garlic bread (a recipe you may see in the future) and I have some leftover vegetable fried rice from Lee's Chop Suey, which is my favorite Chinese restaurant.  You can read my review of Lee's and all about their goodies here : http://www.yelp.com/biz/lees-chop-suey-chicago#hrid:MEmbHyJRvQUw1ABac0mqdQ/src:self

Most of my leftovers go to my husband's lunch the next day, so I don't often have  many leftovers in the fridge.   I also have a semi-hidden secret of hating leftovers, so I'm lucky he actually enjoys eating leftovers for lunch.

The Unconventional Sandwich: Corn Muffin Sandwiches

The Unconventional Sandwich

sand·wich noun

1 a : two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between

    b : one slice of bread covered with food

sandwich verb

: to make into or as if into a sandwich; especially : to insert or enclose between usually two things of another quality or character

Ahh…the Sandwich.  Although they existed long before they were called sandwiches, John Montague, the fourth earl of Sandwich, is credited with naming the tasty invention. Montague, a heavy card player, held his cards in one hand and cheese and meat between slices of bread in the other (This is still a sandwich purpose in my house today!).  Montague’s fellow players started asking for Sandwich’s …and the rest is sandwich history!

The Unconventional Sandwich posts explore a variety of sandwich condiments and toppings, twists on old favorites, and traditional sandwiches with our own unique flare.  From breakfast to dessert, there isn’t anything we can’t try to sandwich.

The Corn Muffin Ham & Cheese

Is there anything I love more than cornbread? Not really.  This is a handy recipe to use up the stuff in your fridge and it's budget friendly because Jiffy corn muffin mix is super cheap and the rest of the ingredients can be anything you already have.   This is what I already had:

Corn Muffin Sandwiches:

1/4 cup mayo

2 Tbsp. Bacos

2 Tbsp. Dill weed

2 Tbsp. Dried Parsley

1 Box Jiffy Mix (prepared according to package directions)

Ham (I had Blackforest Ham)

Cheese (I had Kraft singles, but I usually prefer cheddar or colby jack)

Crisp Veggie (I had cucumbers)

First, prepare your corn muffins using the instructions on the Jiffy Box. They should come out like so:

Next, prepare your condiment.  Combine the first 4 ingredients listed above (mayo, bacos, dill, and parsley) in a small bowl.

Slice each corn muffin in half and set tops aside. Begin to assemble your sandwiches by spreading one half of the corn muffin with your condiment.

Next, layer your meat.

 

And then add your cheese and veggie of choice.

Replace the tops on your corn muffice sandwiches and Enjoy!