Author: Kirk

Cordon Bleu Casserole

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 Cup Long Grain Rice – Uncooked
  • 2 1/2 Cup Water
  • 2 Cups Rotisserie Chicken – Skin removed and diced
  • 16 oz Ham Steak – Diced
  • 1 Can Cream of Chicken
  • 8 oz Sour Cream
  • 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth
  • 2 Tbs Dijon Mustard
  • 8 oz Swiss Cheese Block – Shredded
  • 2 Tbs Parmesan – Grated
  • 2 Tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 1/2 Tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/4 Tsp Cayenne
  • 13 Ritz Crackers – Crushed

Directions

  1. Rinse the rice in cold water until clear.
  2. In a small pot, bring the water to a boil.
  3. Add the rice to the boiling water, stir, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes.
  4. Remove the cover and fluff the rice with a fork or spoon.
  5. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees (F).
  6. In a 9 x 13 casserole baking dish or 3-4qt corning-ware, spread the rice out and let the rice cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
  7. Add the remaining ingredients, less the ritz crackers, and stir to combine well.
  8. Spread the crushed ritz crackers on the top of the casserole and bake, uncovered, for 30 to 35 minutes.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve and enjoy!!

Pizza Dip

Ingredients

  • 16oz Cream Cheese – Softened
  • 1 Tbs Italian Seasoning
  • Pizza Sauce or Marinara
  • Pepperoni
  • 1 1/2 Cup Mozzarella – Shredded
  • Red Pepper Flakes
  • 2 boxes Melba Toast

Directions

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees (F).
  2. In a large bowl mix the softened cream cheese and italian seasoning well.
  3. Spoon the cream cheese mixture on the bottom of a 9 x 9 baking dish, 9 to 12 in pie pan, or something that will fit all of the ingredients. Flatten out the cream cheese evenly.
  4. Add a thin layer of pizza sauce or marinara and cover with a layer of pepperoni. Don’t skimp on the pep.
  5. Sprinkle the cheese for the final layer and top with a little pepperoni.
  6. If desired you can add a dash of red pepper flakes.
  7. Bake, uncovered in a 350 degree (F) for 25 to 30 minutes.
  8. Allow the pizza dip to cool for at least 15 minutes.
  9. Serve with melba toast or your choice of sturdy crackers.

French Onion Dip

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 Cup Sour Cream
  • 1/2 Cup Mayo (Dukes)
  • 2 Cups Medium White or Yellow Onion – Diced (2 Onions)
  • 2 Tsp Worcestershire
  • 1/3 Cup Chives – Diced
  • 1/2 Tsp Salt
  • 1/2 Tsp Dried Parsley
  • 1/4 Tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 Tsp Ground Black Pepper

Directions

  1. In a medium pan, heat 1 1/2 Tbs olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Sauté the onions in the medium pan for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so it does not burn.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and continue to sauté for another 20 minute to brown all of the onions.
  4. Set the onions aside to cool.
  5. Place all of the ingredients in a medium sized bowl, to include the cooled onions, and mix well to combine.
  6. Put the mixture in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 hours, best it is overnight, and then spoon into a serving bowl.
  7. Serve with corn chips or your favorite chip that goes with onions and enjoy!!

Cheddar Bacon Ranch Crack Dip

Ingredients

  • 16 Oz Sour Cream
  • 1 Oz Ranch Dressing Mix Packet
  • 6 Bacon Slices – Crumbled
  • 1 1/2 Cup Cheddar Cheese – Thinly Shredded
  • 1/2 Tsp Ground White Pepper
  • 1/2 Tsp Cayenne

Directions

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees (f).
  2. On a foil lined baking sheet, cook the bacon for 18 to 24 minutes. Ensure the bacon is crispy and then place on a paper towel to soak up the grease.
  3. Chop the bacon up into small pieces and set aside to cool.
  4. Once the bacon is at room temperature, combine all of the ingredients in a medium sized bowl and mix well.
  5. Place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set before serving.
  6. Place it in a bowl to serve and enjoy with some ruffled chips or those of your choosing.

Chicken Tortellini Soup

Ingredients

  • 1 Rotisserie Chicken – Skin Removed and Chopped
  • 18 Oz Bag Cheese Tortellini
  • 3 Celery Stalks – Diced
  • 2 Medium Carrots – Peeled, Halved, and Sliced
  • 8 Cups Chicken Broth
  • 3 Garlic Cloves – Minced
  • 1 Tbs Fresh Basil – Chopped
  • 1 Tbs Italian Seasoning
  • 1/2 Tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 1/2 Tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 Tbs Olive Oil
  • 1 Lemon – Juiced

Directions

  1. In a large pot or dutch oven, heat 1 Tbs of olive oil.
  2. Add the carrots and celery. Season with a pinch of salt and ground black pepper and sauté for 6 to 8 minutes.
  3. Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, black pepper, onion powder, and basil. Sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes or until the garlic is fragrant.
  4. Add in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and the chopped chicken. Bring to a boil.
  5. Once at a rolling boil, add the chopped chicken and tortellinis. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes or when the tortellinis are soft. Remove from heat.
  6. Serve in a bowl by itself or with some crispy garlic bread.

Cajun Fettuccine Alfredo

Ingredients

  • 1 Lb Fettuccine
  • 1 Lb Colossal Shrimp (13/15) – Peeled, Deveined, Tail Off
  • 1 Lb Andouille – Sliced
  • 3 Garlic Cloves – Minced
  • 2 1/2 Tsp Cajun Seasoning
  • 1 Tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 Pint Heavy Cream
  • 1 Tsp Dried Parsley
  • 1 Cup Parmesan – Grated
  • Kosher Salt

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package directions.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 Tbs olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the shrimp and sausage and season with 2 Tsp Cajun seasoning and the ground black pepper. Sauté , stirring occasionally, until golden brown on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
  4. Add the dried parsley and heavy cream and bring to a simmer to reduce, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan to thicken. 
  5. Strain the fettuccine and reserve a cup of the pasta water. Add pasta to the large skillet. Stir to combine and coat the fettuccine. Add in the pasta water a spoonful at a time to get your sauce to your desired thickness.

Chicken Fajita and Rice Casserole

Ingredients

  • 1 Lb Chicken Breast – Diced in 1 inch cubes
  • 2 Tbs Fajita Seasoning
  • 2 Tbs Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 1/2 Cups Chicken Broth
  • 1 1/2 Cups Rice
  • 2 Poblano Peppers
  • 1 Green Pepper – Diced
  • 1 Red Pepper – Diced
  • Chipped Green Chilis
  • Diced Tomatoes
  • 3 Tbs Tomato Paste
  • 2 Cloves Garlic – Minced
  • 1 Tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 Tsp Chili Powder
  • 1/2 Tsp Cumin
  • 1/2 Tsp Salt
  • 1/4 Tsp Onion Powder

Directions

  1. Place the diced chicken breast in a gallon zip lock bag with the fajita seasoning and 1 Tbs extra virgin olive oil. Mix well and refrigerate to marinade for at least 1 hour.
  2. Roast your poblano peppers. There are several easy ways to roast them. No matter which method you choose, allow your pepper skins to blacken. 
    • Gas stove – place the peppers right over the flame of your gas stove
    • Broiler – using tongs to turn them, broil each side of the peppers
    • Skillet – char them over high heat
    • Grill – roasting peppers over charcoal creates a wonderful smoky flavor.
  3. After the skin is blackened on all sides, place them in a plastic bag or cover them with with saran wrap to trap in some of the heat for a few minutes.
  4. Open the bag, remove the peppers, and rub the skins off as best as you can.
  5. Then remove the seeds and dice the poblanos.
  6. Heat 1 Tbs of olive oil in a sauté pan and cook the chicken through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  7. Remove the chicken and place in a bowl for later.
  8. Over medium heat, add the peppers and green chilis. Sauté for about 3 to 5 minutes to soften. Add the garlic and continue to sauté for another 2 minutes.
  9. Add the tomato paste and continue to sauté for 2 minutes.
  10. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken, rice, chicken broth, ground black pepper, chili powder, cumin, salt, and onion powder. Bring to a boil.
  11. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer the mixture for 20 to 25 minutes. Until the rice is tender.
  12. Serve with the condiments of your choice. Sour cream, shredded cheese, cotija cheese, cilantro, etc.

Breakfast Cakes

Ingredients

  • 20 oz Shredded Hash browns
  • 1 Lb Breakfast Sausage (Hot)
  • 2 Cups Mild Cheddar – Shredded
  • 1 1/2 Cups Bisquick
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese – Softened
  • 1 1/2 Tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 1/4 Tsp Ground Onion

Directions

  1. In a sauté pan, cook the breakfast sausage. While the sausage cooks, break it into small pieces, and cook through.
  2. Drain the sausage and place it aside to cool.
  3. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees (F).
  4. Once the sausage is cool enough to handle, place all of the ingredients in a large bowl.
  5. Using a stand mixer, a hand mixer, or your hands, mix all of the ingredients well.
  6. Line a baking pan with aluminum foil and use cooking spray to coat the foil.
  7. Using your hands or a 3 oz ice cream scoop, form the mixture into little balls and place on the baking pan. This recipe makes about 25 cakes. (The balls will fall and form into small cakes.)
  8. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the pan and flip the cakes, baking for another 10 to 12 minutes until the underside is cooked to your doneness.
  9. Remove the pan from the oven and let them cool before serving.
  10. Serve them with ketchup or your favorite condiment for sausage and hash browns.

Philly Dog

Ingredients

  • 1 Lb Ribeye – Shaved
  • 6 Hot Dogs
  • 6 Hot Dog Buns
  • 1 White Onion – Sliced
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper – Julienne
  • Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
  • 1/2 Cup Provolone – Shredded

Directions

  1. Heat 1 Tbs of oil in a sauté pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the shaved ribeye, onions, and green peppers, season with Lawry’s season salt and sauté for 7 to 9 minutes.
  3. Cook your hot dogs by your preferred method and doneness.
  4. At the last minute, add the shredded provolone to the cheesesteak mixture and combine.
  5. Assemble the Philly Dog by placing the hot dog in the bun and topping with the cheesesteak mix.

Sloppy Buffalo

Ingredients

  • 1 Lb Ground Chicken
  • 1/2 Medium Onion – Diced
  • 2 Celery Stalks – Diced
  • 1 Medium Carrot – Peeled and Grated
  • 2 Garlic Cloves – Minced
  • 3/4 Cup Tomatoes – Crushed (Can)
  • 3/4 Cup Buffalo Sauce (Your brand of choice)
  • 2 Tsp Worcestershire
  • 1/4 Tsp Paprika
  • Salt
  • Ground Black Pepper
  • Blue Cheese Crumbles
  • Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
  • 6 Buns

Directions

  1. In a medium sauté pan, heat 1 Tbs of oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the onions, celery, and carrots. Season with the a pinch of salt, black pepper, and paprika and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes. Then add the garlic and sauté for another 2 minutes.
  3. Add the chicken in the sauté pan and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. While the chicken is cooking, break it into small pieces, cooking the chicken through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  4. Add the crushed tomato and mix, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Stir in the buffalo sauce and Worcestershire. Bring to a simmer for about 20 minutes to reduce.
  6. Assemble your Sloppy Buffalo by placing the cooked chicken mixture on the bottom of the bun, top with blue cheese and buttermilk ranch dressing and enjoy!