Sweet & Spicy Bacon BLT Sliders

 

Sweet & Spicy Bacon BLT Sliders

 1 cup Desert Pepper Peach Mango Salsa

1 package low sodium bacon

¾ cup mayonnaise

1 clove garlic

½ cup sliced green onion

¼ cup parsley

8 toasted Sweet Hawaiian style slider buns

8 tomato slices

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

8 lettuce leaves

 

Place the Desert Pepper Peach Mango Salsa in a small food processor and puree until smooth. Pour the salsa into a small saucepan and cook, over medium low heat, until reduced, for about 12 minutes. Once the salsa has thickened, remove from the heat and set aside.

 Heat the oven to 400º and line two cookie sheets with foil. Place an oven safe cooling rack in each, lightly spray them with non-stick cooking spray, and evenly lay the bacon slices in a single layer on the racks.  Place in the oven for 15 minutes.

 In a small food processor puree the mayonnaise, garlic, green onion and parsley until smooth.

 Remove the bacon from the oven. Flip each piece over and brush with the salsa and place back in the oven for another 15 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp.

To serve, spread the mayo mixture onto the toasted slider buns. Top each bottom bun half with the tomato slices, salt and pepper, lettuce and bacon.

You can purchase Desert Pepper Salsa products at your local Sprouts, Publix, Hannaford, Harris Teeter, Shop Rite, Walmart, Giant Eagle, Market Basket, Jewel, Meijer

You can follow Desert Pepper on their Website, on Facebook and Instagram 

#desertpepperrecipechallenge #desertpeppertradingco #desertpeppersalsa

Pretzel & Bratwurst Nachos with Apple Jalapeno Pico

My last entry for the Desert Pepper Trading Co Blogger Recipe Contest might be my favorite. This is Oktoberfest, gameday and fall flavors in one delicious package! Pretzels, bratwurst and queso with a bright and spicy apple jalapeno pico de gallo? Sign me up!

Pretzel & Bratwurst Nachos with Apple Jalapeno Pico

1 Tablespoon butter

1-pound fresh bratwurst sausage

¾ cup green apple, diced

1 large fresh jalapeno, chopped

¼ cup minced red onion

1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 ½ cups Desert Pepper Chile Con Queso

2 teaspoons mustard powder

8 ounces Pretzel chips

 

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the bratwurst to the pan and break apart as it’s cooking, allowing it to crumble as it cooks. Cook for about 10 minutes until the meat has browned.

 In a small mixing bowl, stir together the diced apple, jalapeno, red onion, vinegar and salt.

Heat the Desert Pepper Chile Con Queso in a small sauce pot over medium low heat until warmed through, stirring frequently. Whisk in the mustard until smooth and keep warm.

To assemble, lay the pretzel chips on a large sheet pan. Drizzle with queso, sprinkle with bratwurst and top with the apple jalapeno salsa. Serve immediately. 

You can purchase Desert Pepper Salsa products at your local Sprouts, Publix, Hannaford, Harris Teeter, Shop Rite, Walmart, Giant Eagle, Market Basket, Jewel, Meijer

You can follow Desert Pepper on their Website, on Facebook and Instagram 

#desertpepperrecipechallenge #desertpeppertradingco #desertpeppersalsa

Cantina Style Braised Short Ribs & Queso Grits

My second entry for the Desert Pepper Trading Co Blogger Recipe Contest is a fall dinner dream! Short Ribs are a favorite in this house, and these were caramelized first and then braised in Desert Pepper Trading Company Cantina Medium Red Salsa until fall apart tender. Served atop Queso Polenta that only takes 5 minutes to make and you've got cozy comfort food perfection!

Cantina Style Braised Short Ribs & Queso Grits 

1 Tablespoon cajun style seasoning blend

4 Tablespoons flour

4 ½ pounds Chuck Beef Short Ribs

2 Tablespoons vegetable oil

1 yellow onion, minced

3 cloves minced garlic

1 jar (16 oz) Desert Pepper Trading Company Cantina Medium Red Salsa

1 cup beef broth

1 bay leaf 

1 (9.2 ounce) package instant polenta

1 cup Desert Pepper Trading Company Chile Con Queso

½ cup chopped Cilantro

1 lime, cut into wedges

 

Combine the cajun style seasoning blend and flour together. Blot short ribs dry with a paper towel and sprinkle all sides evenly with the seasoned flour mixture. Heat the oil over high heat in an Instant Pot or crock pot. Working in batches, sear each side until they are nicely caramelized.

Once the ribs are all seared, place them all in the pot along with the onion, garlic, salsa, beef broth and bay leaf. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours if using a slow cooker OR cook on Manual/High Pressure for 45 minutes with a 15 minute natural release if using an Instant Pot.

When the ribs have 30 minutes left of cooking time, prepare the Instant Polenta according to the box directions. (I use a box mix that only requires water and salt) Once the polenta has cooked, whisk in the queso until smooth and set aside.

When the meat can easily be pulled off the bone, it is ready. Skim any grease that may have risen to the top of the braising liquid and remove any bones that may have already fallen off. To serve, ladle the polenta into shallow bowls, top with the short ribs and gravy and sprinkle with cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

 You can purchase Desert Pepper Salsa products at your local Sprouts, Publix, Hannaford, Harris Teeter, Shop Rite, Walmart, Giant Eagle, Market Basket, Jewel, Meijer

You can follow Desert Pepper on their Website, on Facebook and Instagram 

#desertpepperrecipechallenge #desertpeppertradingco #desertpeppersalsa

Sweet and Spicy Coconut Shrimp Tropical Flatbread

My second entry for Sam's Fresh Salsa Blogger contest only has 8 ingredients, takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish to make and is an absolute tropical dream! Sweet and crunchy coconut shrimp are paired with pineapple mango salsa, green chiles, pepper jack cheese and bacon all on a puffy flatbread base. Topped off with cilantro and pickled red onions for freshness, this will be a new family favorite for sure! 

Sweet and Spicy Coconut Shrimp Tropical Flatbread

1 (12 ounces) container Sam’s Fresh Mango Pineapple Salsa, drained

2 ounces chopped green chiles, drained

1 (12 x 7 inch) pre-baked flatbread 

6 ounces shredded pepper jack cheese

¼ cup chopped cooked bacon

8 prepared coconut shrimp, cut in half

1 Tablespoon pickled red onion

1 Tablespoon chopped cilantro

Pre-heat oven to 425° and place a pizza stone or cast iron griddle pan on the top shelf of the oven to pre-heat.

Measure out ½ cup of the Sam’s Fresh Mango Pineapple Salsa and set aside.

In a small bowl stir together the remaining drained Sam’s Fresh Mango Pineapple Salsa and green chiles. Spread the mixture evenly over the flatbread crust. Top with shredded cheese, chopped bacon and coconut shrimp. Bake for 8 minutes.

Remove from the oven and top with the reserved Sam’s Fresh Mango Pineapple Salsa, pickled red onion and cilantro.

Serve immediately. 

2 Servings.

 

Be sure to follow Sam’s Fresh Salsa here, on Facebook and Instagram

You can purchase Sam’s Fresh Salsa at ShopRite, Acme, and Safeway. If they are not in your local store, ask them to carry Sam’s Fresh Salsa products!

#JustAddSalsa #SamsFreshSalsa #CheckTheLabel #samssalsarecipechallenge #freshnotfake

 

Blackened Salmon with Pineapple Mango Salsa Tabouli

My first entry for the "Sam's Fresh Salsa Blogger Contest" is an 8 ingredient, less than 30 minute weeknight hero! Crispy Blackened Salmon is paired with a tropical take on tabouli that is loaded with fresh pineapple, mango and jalapeno for the perfect level of sweet heat.  

 Blackened Salmon with Pineapple Mango Salsa Tabouli

1 cup quick cooking bulgur

1 (12 oz) container Sam’s Fresh Mango Pineapple Salsa

½ cup sliced green onions

2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

¾ teaspoon salt

4 (4 oz) portions Salmon or Steel Head Trout

4 teaspoons Cajun Blackening Seasoning

2 Tablespoons chopped cilantro

Cook the bulgur according to package directions and set aside to cool. 

While bulgur is cooking, drain the salsa, reserving the juice to use later. 

Once the bulgur is cool, stir in the drained Mango Pineapple Salsa, 2 Tablespoons of the reserved juice, green onions, olive oil and salt. Set in the fridge to chill.

Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until very hot and almost smoking.

Season the fish with the Cajun Blackening Seasoning and sear, skin side up, for 3 minutes. Flip and continue to cook for another 3 minutes, or until the inside is still pink and the outside has a charred crust to it.

To serve divide the chilled Tabouli salad between 4 serving plates, top each plate with the Blackened fish and sprinkle with cilantro. Serve immediately.  

Be sure to follow Sam’s Fresh Salsa here, on Facebook and Instagram

You can purchase Sam’s Fresh Salsa at ShopRite, Acme, and Safeway. If they are not in your local store, ask them to carry Sam’s Fresh Salsa products!

#JustAddSalsa #SamsFreshSalsa #CheckTheLabel #samssalsarecipechallenge #freshnotfake 

Cool Ranch Fried Chicken Salad Hand Pies with Green Onion Buttermilk Dip

If that’s not the longest recipe name that I’ve ever created I don’t know what is, but sometimes you need all those words to convey just how good something is. I took creamy herbed chicken salad and stuffed it into a buttery, flaky fried pie crust. Once the crust is totally browned and bubbly it is dusted with ranch seasoning and served with a cracked black pepper, green onion and buttermilk dip. I’m telling you it’s heavenly and beyond delicious and I truly hope you try them!

This is my Main Dish entry for the Wick’s Pies Recipe Challenge 

Update: This recipe won "Best Entrée" and $500!

Cool Ranch Fried Chicken Salad Hand Pies with Green Onion Buttermilk Dip

3 Wick’s 9” Dough Circles

1 cup prepared chicken salad

½ cup mayonnaise

½ cup thinly sliced green onions

¼ cup buttermilk

¾ teaspoon freshly ground coarse black pepper

½ teaspoon garlic salt

6 cups vegetable oil for frying

1 Tablespoon ranch seasoning

4 cups finely shaved romaine lettuce

Allow pie crusts to come to room temperature and roll into 10-inch circles with a lightly floured rolling pin. Using a 5-inch round cookie cutter, cut out 12 circles, re-rolling crust scraps as necessary.

Place one heaping Tablespoon of chicken salad in the middle of each circle and brush the edges with water to moisten. Carefully pinch the edges of each filled circle closed, working carefully to avoid the dough ripping. Place the pies on a cookie sheet lined with parchment and place in the freezer for 1 hour. 

While the pies are chilling, whisk together the mayonnaise, green onions, buttermilk, pepper, and garlic salt until well mixed.

Heat the oil in a large, deep sided skillet to 375° fitted with a candy thermometer. Fry the pies in batches, for about 4 minutes, or until golden brown. Transfer the pies to a cookie sheet lined with a cooling rack and sprinkle with the ranch seasoning while still hot.

Serve pies on a bed of lettuce with buttermilk dip.

You can follow Wick’s Pies here for more recipes and ideas:  Wick's, Facebook , Instagram, Twitter 

#WicksPies #TrustTheCrust #InCrustWeTrust

Sheet Pan Shrimp Scampi Fried Rice with Crispy Prosciutto

How does a 9 ingredient, gluten free, ready in less than 30 minutes recipe sound for the day after a long weekend? This is my first entry for the “Success Rice Share Your Success” Recipe Contest and I think it’s an absolute weekday winner!

 Sheet Pan Shrimp Scampi Fried Rice with Crispy Prosciutto

2 bags Success Boil in Bag Jasmine Rice

6 slices prosciutto

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder

3 Tablespoons butter, cut into small cubes

2 Tablespoons dry white wine

1 Tablespoon capers

1 Tablespoon chopped parsley

Prepare rice according to package directions.

Heat oven to 400° and line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Lay the prosciutto slices on the parchment paper in a single layer and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the fat has rendered.

Remove the prosciutto from the oven and lay on a cooling rack to crisp.

Pour the prepared rice onto the parchment with the prosciutto fat and stir until evenly coated. Spread the rice into an even layer.

In a small bowl toss the shrimp, lemon pepper seasoning and garlic powder together until evenly coated. Lay the shrimp on top of the rice. Sprinkle with the cubed butter, drizzle the wine and sprinkle the capers evenly over the pan. Place in the oven for 6-8 minutes, or until the shrimp have cooked through.

Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

All American BBQ Burgers with Crispy Fried Potato Salad

Y’all this might be the best thing I ever made. Will you just look at it?! This is my entry for the Heinz “Art of the Burger” contest and it is phenomenal! I made a BBQ Burger patty and glazed it with Heinz Texas Style Bold & Spicy BBQ Sauce then I made potato salad and deep fried it until it’s crispy and golden on the outside but still cool and creamy on the inside because potato salad is great, but fried potato salad is way better. 

All American BBQ Burgers with Crispy Fried Potato Salad 

Crispy Fried Potato Salad Patties:

¼ cup Heinz Real Mayonnaise

2 Tablespoons Heinz Sweet Relish

2 Tablespoons minced red onion

2 Tablespoons minced celery

1 Tablespoon Heinz 100% Natural Yellow Mustard

½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning 

2 cups peeled and boiled potatoes, cut into small bite sized pieces

2 cups frying oil

¼ cup flour

1 egg

½ cup panko

¼ cup Italian breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

In a medium mixing bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, relish, red onion, celery, mustard, and Cajun seasoning. Gently stir in the potatoes. Using the back of a spoon, press ¼ of the potato salad into a round cookie cutter, on a parchment lined cookie sheet creating 4 patties. Place in the freezer for 2 hours, or until frozen through. 

Heat the frying oil to 350°in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat.

Place the flour in a shallow bowl, whisk the egg with a splash of water in a separate shallow bowl and combine the panko, Italian breadcrumbs and Cajun seasoning in a third bowl. Lightly coat the frozen potato patties with flour, then dip in the egg, then coat generously with the breadcrumb mixture.

Fry the patties for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove with a large, slotted spatula and place on a wire rack to drain.

All American BBQ Burgers:

1 pound ground chuck 

1 ½ teaspoon BBQ rub

1/3 cup Heinz Texas Style Bold & Spicy BBQ Sauce

Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Gently form the meat into 4 patties and season with the BBQ rub. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until a good crust has formed on the bottom. Flip the patties over and cook for 2 minutes. Brush each patty with the sauce and allow to cook for 2 minutes more.

To Assemble and Serve:

¼ cup Heinz Real Mayonnaise

4 brioche style hamburger buns, toasted

4 large lettuce leaves

4 slices tomato

4 thin slices red onion

½ cup Heinz Hamburger Dill Pickle Chips

Spread the mayonnaise on both sides of the toasted brioche buns. Place lettuce, tomato and red onion on each burger bun bottom. Top with BBQ Burger Patties, Crispy Fried Potato Salad Patties, dill pickle chips and the bun tops. 

Nashville Hot Chicken Paneer Croutons on Buttermilk Chopped Salad

My second entry for the Karoun Dairies Blogger Recipe Challenge is a serious salad. This is not your standard bag mix of sad wilted Iceberg with two dry shreds of carrot thrown in. This is the main event! I coated cubes of Paneer cheese in Nashville Hot Chicken Oil, grilled it and put it on a Buttermilk Ranch salad loaded with greens, fresh sliced fennel, cucumber and basil. Gluten free, vegetarian and perfect for summer!

 Nashville Hot Chicken Paneer Croutons on Buttermilk Chopped Salad

2 Tablespoons canola oil

1 ½ teaspoons cayenne pepper

1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika

1 teaspoon light brown sugar

1 teaspoon cajun seasoning 

¾ teaspoons garlic powder

¾ teaspoons onion powder

½ teaspoon mustard powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon white pepper

1 (8 oz) package Gopi Paneer 

2 cups chopped romaine lettuce

2 cups Butter lettuce, torn into bite sized pieces

2 cups finely shredded kale

1 cup thinly shaved fennel

1 cup sliced seedless cucumbers

¼ cup thinly sliced shallot

¼ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

¼ cup flat leaf Italian parsley leaves

½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning

1/3 cup buttermilk ranch dressing

Whisk together the canola oil, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt and white pepper in a small sauté pan and cook over low heat, for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through. 

Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to high heat. 

Cut the paneer cheese into bite sized cubes and toss in the oil mixture. Thread onto metal skewers and grill for 1 minute per side, or until lightly charred. Remove from the heat and brush with any remaining oil mixture.

In a large serving bowl gently toss the romaine, Butter lettuce, kale, fennel, cucumbers, shallot, basil, parsley and cajun seasoning. Drizzle the salad dressing over the mixture and toss to evenly coat the greens. Place the grilled paneer on top and serve immediately.

Chicken Al Pastor Taquitos with Tomatillo Garlic Ranch

This is my entry for 505 Southwestern's 25 Years of Flavor Recipe Contest. I took two of their salsas and made taquitos with an Al Pastor spin. Shredded chicken is cooked down in a pineapple mango salsa and all wrapped up in crispy oven baked corn tortillas. Top them off with a Tomatillo Garlic & Lime Ranch sauce and crumbled cotija cheese and dig in!

 Chicken Al Pastor Taquitos with Tomatillo Garlic Ranch

1-pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 2-inch cubes

½ cup diced onion

1 cup 505 Southwestern Pineapple Mango Jalapeno Salsa

1 teaspoon cumin

1 Tablespoon (2 packets) Latin seasoning blend with achiote

½ teaspoon salt

12 corn tortillas

½ cup 505 Southwestern Tomatillo Garlic & Lime Salsa

½ cup packed cilantro leaves

¼ cup Ranch dressing

½ cup crumbled cotija cheese

1 lime, cut into wedges

Combine the chicken, onion, Pineapple Mango Jalapeno Salsa, cumin, spice blend and salt in a large sauce pot. Cover the pot and place over medium low heat. Cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and easy to shred. Using two forks, shred the chicken and stir to coat evenly with the sauce and set aside to cool slightly. 

Set the oven to 400° and generously spray a foil lined cookie sheet with olive oil spray. Place about ¼ cup of the chicken mixture on each tortilla, roll tightly and place seam side down on the oiled cookie sheet. Spray the tops of each taquito and place in the oven for 15 minutes, or until browned and crisp.

Puree the Tomatillo Garlic & Lime Salsa, cilantro leaves and Ranch dressing until smooth in a small food processor. 

Place the taquitos on a platter. Drizzle with some Tomatillo Garlic Ranch sauce, sprinkle with the cheese and serve with lime wedges and remaining Tomatillo Garlic Ranch sauce for dipping.

Italian Grinder Style Wild Rice Salad

Italian Grinder Style Wild Rice Salad – all the flavors of your favorite sub sandwich but leveled up with wild rice to make it filling and healthy! Perfect for summer and easy to make ahead! 

Italian Grinder Style Wild Rice Salad

½ cup bottled Italian vinaigrette

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

½ teaspoon dried oregano

1 Tablespoon mayonnaise 

3 Tablespoons chopped pickled banana peppers

¼ cup diced red onion

2 cups cooked wild rice

½ cup diced ham 

½ cup Provolone cheese, cut into small cubes

½ cup diced tomato

4 cups very thinly sliced iceberg lettuce

In a large mixing bowl whisk together the Italian vinaigrette, red pepper flakes, oregano, mayonnaise, banana peppers and red onion. Add the wild rice, ham, cheese, and tomato to the bowl and stir gently to evenly coat. To serve place the lettuce on a large serving platter and pour the wild rice salad in the middle.

 

Dim Sum Dumpling Burgers with Crispy Wonton Crab Rangoon and Napa Cabbage Slaw

 It has been almost 4 months since I've had a contest to create a recipe for and I can not tell you how happy I am to be able to have the chance to be back in the kitchen working on entries again! This one I'm sharing today is for a contest that I have entered before and never won. I'm really hoping that what I've created this year catches the judges eyes and the $10,000 prize because I can promise you the flavor is insane in these! 

Dim Sum Dumpling Burgers with Crispy Wonton Crab Rangoon and Napa Cabbage Slaw

4 ounces room temperature whipped cream cheese

¼ cup finely sliced green onion

½ teaspoon white pepper

1 cup shredded imitation crab meat

1 ½ cups thinly shaved napa cabbage

¼ cup thinly sliced green onion

¼ cup cilantro leaves

1 small jalapeno, seeds and ribs removed, sliced thinly

1 Tablespoon olive oil

12 ounces cremini mushrooms

2 Tablespoons low sodium soy sauce

1 Tablespoon sesame oil

2 large garlic cloves, minced

2 Tablespoons finely minced ginger

2 Tablespoons panko

½ teaspoon salt

1 ½ teaspoon white pepper

½ pound lean ground pork

½ pound lean ground beef

½ cup sweet Thai chili sauce

4 sweet Hawaiian hamburger buns, toasted

1 cup fried wonton strips

In a medium mixing bowl stir together the cream cheese, green onion and white pepper. Gently stir in the crab meat until evenly mixed and place in the fridge to chill.

In a separate medium mixing bowl gently toss the napa cabbage, green onion, cilantro and jalapeno slices together.

Heat the oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium high heat. Roughly chop mushrooms and add them to the hot oil. Cook for 10 minutes or until mushrooms have browned and softened. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic and ginger and sauté for 2-4 more minutes. Place the sautéed mushroom mixture in a large mixing bowl and set aside to allow them to cool. 

To the large mixing bowl with the chopped sautéed mushrooms, add the panko, salt, white pepper, ground pork and ground beef. Mix thoroughly to combine and shape the meat mixture into 4 patties. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium high heat, add patties to pan and cook 5 minutes or until a brown crust has formed on the underside of the patty. Flip burgers over and cook another 5 minutes. Brush the patties with the sweet Thai chili sauce. 

To serve spread the remaining sweet Thai chili sauce on both sides of the toasted buns. Top each bottom bun with the cabbage mixture, a mushroom burger patty, some wonton strips, a scoop of the crab Rangoon mixture, more wonton strips, and the top bun. Serve immediately. 

Cajun Street Corn Soup with Andouille Seasoned Mushroom Crumble

This is my first entry for the Big Mountain Foods Recipe Challenge - it's Vegan, Gluten Free and surprised even my biggest meat eaters! I made a creamy corn and veggie chowder topped off with a mushroom crumble that's spiced like my favorite andouille sausage! This is healthy, cozy comfort food you don't have to feel guilty about!

Cajun Street Corn Soup with Andouille Seasoned Mushroom Crumble

1 (14 ounce bag) riced cauliflower

2 ½ cups unsweetened coconut milk

2 Tablespoons organic reduced sodium vegetable broth base concentrate

1 Tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, diced

1 large poblano pepper, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ teaspoon cumin

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon turmeric

½ teaspoon oregano

½ cup diced yellow squash

½ cup diced zucchini 

1 (9 oz) bag frozen fire roasted corn kernels 

1 (10.58 oz) package Big Mountain Foods Lion's Mane Mushroom Crumble

1 ½ teaspoons low sodium Cajun seasoning blend 

1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika

½ cup minced cilantro

In a blender puree the cauliflower, unsweetened coconut milk and vegetable broth base until completely smooth.

Heat the oil in a large dutch oven over medium high heat. Add the onion, poblano and garlic and cook for 2-4 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened. Add the cumin, salt and turmeric and allow to cook for 2 minutes, stirring often, to toast the spices. 

Add the oregano, squash, zucchini and corn to the pot and cook for 3-5 minutes. Pour in the coconut milk mixture and bring to a simmer. Allow to simmer for 5 minutes, or until the squash has become tender.

In a medium sauté pan over medium heat, add the Lion's Mane Mushroom Crumble, Cajun seasoning blend and smoked paprika. Cook until the mixture has warmed through.

To serve, ladle the soup into bowls, top with a generous amount of the mushroom crumble and cilantro and serve immediately.

Serves 6

You can follow  Big Mountain Foods on their website,  Facebook,  Instagram and Twitter 

 #BigMountainFoodsRecipeChallenge #BigMountainFoods #Veganrecipes

 

Chicken and Andouille Yakisoba Jambalaya

This is my second entry for the “Fortune Noodle Blogger Recipe Challenge”

With only 6 ingredients and less than 15 minutes of cook time, these Cajun style stir fry noodles are perfect any night of the week!

Chicken and Andouille Yakisoba Jambalaya

1 package (7.7 ounces) Fortune Noodle Hot & Spicy Yakisoba Stir-Fry Noodles

3 green onions

1 Tablespoon butter

2/3 cup andouille sausage, chopped 

8 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced

¼ cup celery, sliced

¼ cup water

¼ cup dry white wine 

Place the noodles in a small colander and run hot tap water over them until they soften slightly. Set aside to drain. 

Slice the green onions and set 2 Tablespoons of the green tops aside.

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the andouille and cook until browned and slightly crisp, about 3 minutes. Add the chicken, celery and the green onion bottoms and sprinkle with the seasoning packet. Stir fry for about 3 minutes. 

Pour in the water, wine and noodles and toss to combine. Continue to cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the noodles are fully softened and the sauce has thickened and coats the mixture evenly.

Divide the skillet into 2 serving plates, sprinkle with the reserved green onion tops and serve immediately.

Serves 2.

#cooklikeawokstar #norulestostirfry #fortunerecipechallenge 

You can follow Fortune Noodle on their Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

You can purchase Fortune products at Safeway, Fred Meyer, QFC, Albertson's, Associated Stores, Cub Foods, United Supermarkets, Roche Bros, Meijer, Shaw's, Stop N Shop, Price Rite, Shop Rite, Wakefern, Price Chopper, Giant, HEB, Walmart and Grocery Outlet

Scallion Pancake Braised Short Rib Tacos

How about some Asian inspired tacos tonight? Slow cooked Chinese BBQ short ribs and spicy quick pickled veggies are an amazing pair served on sesame scallion pancakes instead of the traditional tortillas and let me tell you- I might never want a plain old tortilla ever again!

 Scallion Pancake Braised Short Rib Tacos 

Chinese BBQ Braised Short Ribs:

3 pounds bone-in beef short ribs

3 Tablespoons Serious Foodie Chinese BBQ Spice Rub

1/2 cup reduced sodium soy sauce

1/2 cup beef broth

2 Tablespoons honey

4 cloves garlic, minced

Coat the short ribs evenly with the spice rub and place them in a slow cooker. Pour the soy sauce and beef broth over the ribs, cover, and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. When the meat can easily be pulled off the bone, it is ready. Shred the meat and discard any bones and fat. Skim any grease that may have risen to the top of the braising liquid and add the meat back to the broth.

While the Short Ribs cook make the Scallion Pancakes:

Scallion Pancakes

2 ½ cups flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup of boiling water

½ cup sesame oil

4 bunches spring onions, greens only, thinly sliced

2 Tablespoons coconut oil

Add 2 cups of the flour and the salt to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment. Running the mixer on low speed, pour in the boiling water and mix until combined.  Raise the speed to medium and knead for 5- 8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a tea towel and allow the dough to rest for 30 minutes.

In a small bowl whisk together the remaining ½ cup of flour and the sesame oil to make a paste.

Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. 

Roll out each piece into a thin rectangle on a well-floured board, brush with a thin layer of the flour paste and sprinkle generously with scallions.

Roll the long sides up, creating a long rope and then roll each rope into a ring like a swirled lollipop. Flatten and roll the ring out into a thin 6-7 inch disk and repeat with the remaining dough.

Heat a cast iron or nonstick griddle over medium heat.  Using a small amount of the oil for each tortilla, pan sear each on both sides until golden brown and cooked through. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Pickled Veggie Slaw

1 cup rice wine vinegar

1/3 cup sugar

1 Tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt

2 cups matchstick carrots

1 cup seedless cucumber, cut into small matchsticks

1 large jalapeno, thinly sliced

Bring the rice wine vinegar up to a boil in a microwave safe measuring cup. Whisk in the sugar and kosher salt, whisking until completely dissolved. Place the carrots, cucumber and jalapeno in a small mixing bowl and pour the vinegar mixture over the vegetables. Stir, cover and place in the fridge to chill.

½ cup Serious Foodie Vietnamese Sweet Chili Hot Sauce

½ cup minced cilantro

To assemble the tacos, lay some of the pickled veggie slaw at the bottom of each warm scallion pancake. Top with a serving of the shredded short ribs, drizzle with the Vietnamese Sweet Chili Hot Sauce, sprinkle with cilantro and serve immediately. 

Makes 12 tacos.

You can follow The Serious Foodie on their website  on Facebook  on Instagram  and Twitter

#SeriousFoodieRecipeChallenge #SeriousFoodie #BitesAroundTheWorld

Italian Pesto Mexican Pizzas

Mexican Pizzas have to be one of the most popular items on Taco Bell’s menu, right?  I know, on the rare instances I found myself in the drive through after a long night out, that’s what I was ordering. No need for a drive through or a late night to enjoy my Italian spin on a fast-food favorite!

Italian Pesto Mexican Pizzas

 12 flour tortillas

½ cup bottled Italian vinaigrette salad dressing

1-pound hot Italian sausage

1 (15.5 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

7 ounces jarred roasted garlic alfredo sauce

1 (4 ounce) jar Foraged & Found’s Sea Asparagus Pesto 

3 cups grated mozzarella cheese

6 teaspoons parmesan cheese

1/3 cup diced tomatoes

1/4 cup basil leaves, chopped

  

Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper. Lay half of tortillas on each cookie sheet and brush each side of the tortillas generously with the salad dressing. Place in the oven for 5 minutes, or until the tortillas look golden brown. Flip the tortillas over and return to the oven, for another 3-5 minutes, or until both sides are fully crisp.

In a medium skillet brown the sausage over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes or until cooked through and well crumbled.

In a small food processor, puree the cannellini beans and ½ cup of the alfredo sauce until smooth.

Spread some of the bean puree on half of the toasted tortillas. Top each equally with the crumbled Italian sausage and drizzle with half of the pesto sauce.

Place the remaining toasted tortillas on top of the meat and bean layered tortillas.

Spread about 1 Tablespoon of the remaining alfredo sauce over the top of each of the stacked tortillas and sprinkle each evenly with the cheeses.

Bake for about 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Drizzle the tops with the remaining pesto sauce, diced tomatoes and basil.

Cut into fourths and serve immediately.

You can follow Foraged & Found on their website, Facebook and Instagram

#foragednfoundak #eatwild #wildalaskanprovisions