Fixin's for People Who Like Food
Original Creation (53)
Asian Fried Rice Cakes May 21st, 2023
This is an easy recipe to use leftover White Rice that will compliment any Asian meat or vegetable dish. While I frequently use black sesame seeds for this recipe, white sesame seeds would work just as well. For best results in forming the Rice Cakes, use a "Slider" sized Hamburger Patty Press. Use pressure to press the rice into tightly-compacted cakes.
Award Winning Hatch Green Chile Stew Recipe July 23rd, 2020
Here it is as last! This is my award winning Chile Stew... I made this recipe for the first time more than a decade ago and it has since become a staple in our house. My Wife once entered it in a Chili contest (sans the beans) and won the ribbon. I prefer my stew with a lot of spice, but then no one else in our Family can eat it. So I usually tone the heat way down (as printed here) and add more peppers to my own bowl. Serve with a handful of Shredded Cheese and a pile of Tortilla Chips.
Bacon Wrapped Chimichurri Pork Tenderloin February 23rd, 2025
"Pork Tenderloin" is NOT the same cut of meat as "Pork Loin." The Pork Tenderloin is the Pork version of Beef Tenderloin, which would be used to make the Chateaubriand or, when cut into steaks, the Filet Mignon. This Pork Tenderloin preparation is fast, easy, and tasty, with a time to table of less than 2 hours. And Chimichurri is the perfect flavor enhancement for the a juicy Pork Tenderloin.
Bacon Wrapped Mustard Pork Tenderloin July 31st, 2024
"Pork Tenderloin" is NOT the same cut of meat as "Pork Loin." The Pork Tenderloin is the Pork version of Beef Tenderloin, which would be used to make the Chateaubriand or, when cut into steaks, the Filet Mignon. This Pork Tenderloin preperation is fast, easy, and tasty, with a time to table of less than 2 hours.
BBQ Ribs - St. Louis Style February 3rd, 2020
Baby Back Ribs are pork ribs that that are found near the spine. This meat is leaner and more tender. St Louis Ribs (also called Spare Ribs) are found nearer to the belly of the pig. They typically include more meat but they are also more fatty and the meat is more tough, requiring a longer cook time. These Ribs can be cooked in the Slow Cooker or a Sous Vide and then finished under a broiler.
BBQ Sauce - Kansas City Style September 25th, 2020
The term "BBQ" can mean a lot of different things, depending on the region. There is Carolina BBQ, Memphis BBQ, St Louis BBQ, Kansas City BBQ, Kentucky BBQ, and about 4 or 5 variations called Texas BBQ. Variations can include a Dry Rub or a Wet Sauce, various cuts of Beef or Pork, the type of wood used to smoke the meat, the presence of vinegar in a Wet Sauce, the use of Tomato sauce or Mustard as the base for a Wet Sauce, the inclusion of Hot Peppers... the variations seem unlimited. This recipe is for a sweet Tomato-based Wet Sauce with a mild vinegar taste.
Boneless Leg of Lamb March 31st, 2023
The non-traditional orange/soy marinade results in a uniquely flavorful roast. This recipe is easy to make and has been a favorite in our home for many years.
Butter Paprika Roux August 3rd, 2021
This is an easy roux-based sauce with a strong Paprika flavor. Use it over Baked Potatoes or Grilled Chicken.
Chicken Bacon Roll January 24th, 2023
Although it is difficult for me to understand, some people do not like sushi. This "Sushi Roll replacement" is made with stuffed Chicken and wrapped in bacon, for all the fun of sushi, without the raw fish. This is an easy recipe, with less than an hour of total time to table. First start with Feta Cheese and a few vegetables. Then wrap the cheese and veggies in chicken, and finally wrap the chicken in bacon and bake. The result is an easy, flavorful dish, that is fun for everyone.
Chicken Cooked in a Pumpkin September 26th, 2018
The Buckaroo Banzai DVD included an Easter egg with a recipe called Chicken Cooked in a Watermelon. I have had great success in making that recipe many times, but as Fall rolls around, I have often wondered about cooking Chicken in a Pumpkin. As far as I can tell, this appears to be another original recipe. It has taken me a few years to get this one ready for prime-time, but finally, here it is...
Chimichurri Golden Potato Wedges February 23rd, 2025
It always seems like the best potato side-dish recipes require far more effort than any side dish ever should. Until now. This recipe takes minimal effort and results in perfect potato wedges with a garlic-lemon taste.
Chuck Roast (Sous Vide) November 2nd, 2022
Chuck Roast is a less expensive cut of Beef that can be flavorful, but tough if not cooked properly. With this long slow preparation, the humble Chuck Roast can be elevated to compare with a much more expensive cut. If desired, use 3 or 4 lengths of Butcher's Twine to truss the roast. Although not necessary, this can provide a roast with a more uniform look and a better finished presentation.
Citrus Herb Marinade for Lamb April 3rd, 2021
Roast Lamb can be easy to make. This light and zesty marinade will enhance your Lamb Roast with a sweet orange-lemon flavor. The Vinegar will help the flavor to work into the meat. Marinate for 12 to 24 hours. This recipe will yield enough marinade for a Lamb Roast up to 8 pounds.
Corn Bread August 3rd, 2020
The traditional Southern Style of Corn Bread uses Lard. The traditional Northern Style of Corn Bread is more of a sweet cake than bread. My Corn Bread recipe is neither of those. The Creamed Corn will provide a sweetened taste, and the Greek Yogurt will provide a nice tang.
Cup of Pizza March 26th, 2024
Jumbo-sized (3.5 inch diameter) silicone cupcake liners become the perfect cooking pan for baking these single-serving deep dish pizzas.
Dipping/Finishing Sauce: Rosemary Orange March 14th, 2021
This flavorful dipping sauce is easy to make and is perfect for a roast turkey, roast pork, mild chicken wings, grilled chicken, or cauliflower crowns.
Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler November 26th, 2020
This recipe can be prepared using a Slow Cooker (for about 3 hours) or using a Ceramic-Lined Cast Iron Dutch Oven (for about 30 minutes). The benefit of using the Slow Cooker, is that you can mix the recipe and then start the Slow Cooker before Dinner starts.
Easy Cheesy Sauce January 16th, 2021
This Cheesy Sauce can be a versatile addition to any meal. Use it as a sauce on Chicken, on White Fish, Baked Potatoes, or over Steamed Vegetables. Adding a variety of different seasoning options to this basic Cheesy Sauce can produce very different flavor profiles.
Easy Mediterranean Pan Flatbread February 22nd, 2020
This easy to make semi-flat bread recipe is ready to go in only 15 or 20 minutes. It will add a rustic dimension to any meal.
Golden Potato Wedges with Creamy Green Harissa April 13th, 2025
Green Harissa Potatoes are a great side dish to accompany shawarma or any mid-eastern dish. The addition of Greek Yogurt will provide a creamy texture and will further reduce the "already mild" heat level of the Green Harissa. Par-boiling the potatoes will cut the overall cooking time in half, while the final bake will ensure a nice golden brown texture.
Grandma's Famous Cinnamon Rolls November 21st, 2017
This is the best cinnamon roll recipe in the world. My Mother made these rolls for years, as an "undocumented" family recipe. Here it is at last, recorded for posterity. I have made a few minor refinements to simplify the preparation. The Prep time for this recipe is only about 30 minutes, with a 4 hour to 12 hour wait time while the dough rises.
Ice Cream Cake July 19th, 2020
Bake your favorite Ice Cream into a flavorful cake using this fun and easy recipe.
Kielbasa and Pasta Stew November 29th, 2022
This Kielbasa and Pasta Stew recipe is hearty and comforting. The flavor from the vegetables and seasoning provides the perfect mix to warm you on a winter night.
Massive Cinnamon Roll September 28th, 2024
How do you improve on the perfect Cinnamon Roll recipe? By making a single large Roll. This recipe is a variation of Grandma's Famous Cinnamon Rolls recipe. The finished Cinnamon Roll will contain around 4 pounds of cinnamon-sugary goodness.
Meat Oreo Sliders March 11th, 2019
First of all, there are NO actual Oreo Cookies used in this recipe. In case you have never seen the inside of a Sports Bar, Sliders are small, bite-sized burgers. This recipe makes Sliders that are stuffed with cheese. As they cook, sometimes the cheese leaks out and they look like Oreo cookies, made with meat. You'll understand when you make them...
Mediterranean Rice and Chicken Casserole January 10th, 2021
This easy dish is based on a recipe originally developed by Julia Childs. With a prep time of less than 30 minutes and then 45 minutes in the Oven, this tasty meal is perfect when you suddenly realize that it is nearly dinner-time. Again.
No-Pasta (Ratatouille) Lasagna January 13th, 2017
This pasta-free dish is full of flavor without all the carbs or gluten of a traditional lasagna. This dish is somewhat similar to the Middle-Eastern dish Moussaka, but without the béchamel. While this dish has a fairly long time-to-table, the flavor is worth the effort.
Orange Reduction Sauce November 25th, 2018
This sweet and savory sauce is easy to make. This tasty reduction goes well with any white meat. It is a versatile base that can be mixed with a wide range of flavors, including Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Greek Yogurt, Creme Fraiche, and other flavors.
Oriental Spicy Orange Sauce September 23rd, 2021
This spicy orange sauce is great with beef and stir-fry vegetables, over chicken, or even whitefish.
Oven Roasted Salsa October 4th, 2019
This salsa is made from scratch. The fresh ingredients add a sweet spice and the oven roasted ingredients provide a smokey spice. The heat level of this recipe is non-existent, but this salsa can be "heated" with anything from Poblano peppers, for a very mild heat, to Ghost Chilis that will knock your socks off.
Oven Roasted Tomatillos October 4th, 2018
Tomatillos may look like green tomatoes, but they are more closely related to peppers than tomatoes. Tomatillos have a slightly sour but very smooth flavor, Oven roasting them will produce a smoky counterpoint to the sour. A tasty addition to sauces, soups, stews, and chilis.
Peachy BBQ Boneless Beef Ribs January 30th, 2022
Boneless Beef Ribs should not be confused with Country Style Boneless Beef Ribs. BBQ boneless ribs have all the benefits of a good rack of ribs, without the bones. Country Style "Ribs", also called Shoulder Cut Ribs are not actually rib meat, but typically strips of beef cut from the tougher Chuck Eye Steak. Country Style ribs require a considerably longer cooking time.
Phyllo Wellington August 27th, 2021
This is a simplified version of Beef Wellington, using a cheaper cut of meat, and a flavorful vegetable stuffing inside the meat. A few easy modifications could be used to make variations on this dish: Stuff the meat with an asparagus spear, replace the Pimento with roasted Jalapeño slices and use a sharp Manchego or Asiago cheese, or marinate the meat with Soy Sauce and stuff with grilled vegetables.
Pico de Toro June 4th, 2021
Pico de Gallo (meaning "rooster beak" or "rooster's peck") is a common vegetable blend that is frequently added to Latino food. I have taken the original Pico de Gallo recipe, added chopped grilled beef, and named it "Pico de Toro" ("pico" also means "lip" or "edge"). This is not a traditional Latino recipe, but it is great with tortilla chips or even as a filling for tacos.
Pizza Sauce - Quick and Easy Marinara Sauce March 22nd, 2020
This quick and easy red sauce can compliment pasta, be served over grilled vegetables, or used as a pizza sauce. Enjoy the convenience of a flavorful marinara sauce that can literally be put together in minutes and requires no cooking, before adding it to the pizza.
Pizza Sauce - Sweet Pimento August 15th, 2020
This red sauce will provide a nice change when you want something other than the standard marinara sauce.
Poblano Cilantro Cream Sauce August 7th, 2022
This tangy sauce works well over tacos, grilled chicken, or steamed fish. This sauce can be made with either Greek Yogurt or with Crème Fraîche. Both of which can be homemade (see the related links) or store bought.
Pomegranate Balsamic Finishing Sauce October 22nd, 2021
This sauce goes well on roast pork or roast chicken. Drizzle over the Roast just before serving for a sweet/sour fruity finish. For a variation, replace the Pomegranate Molasses with something like Raspberry Jam.
Pomegranate Lemon Brussels Sprouts June 19th, 2021
This is an easy side dish to add some green to your meal. The Pomegranate and Lemon Juice will turn Brussels Sprouts into a tasty side dish that will equally accent a Steak or a plate of Shawarma.
Potato Bird Nest April 21st, 2025
"Amuse bouche" (pronounced /amoos boosh/) is a French term that means "mouth amuser". An amuse bouche is a small, single-bite hors d'œuvre, typically served as a free appetizer, where the Chef can showcase their skills. This amuse bouche is relatively easy to make, and provides a nice palette cleanser to start your meal. Construct the bird nests in mini-sized muffin cups, lined with parchment paper mini cupcake liners. Use a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out any excess moisture from the shredded potatoes. Pack the parchment cups with the shredded potato, shape into a nest, and bake. Then add the bacon and bake again. Garnish the finished nest with a slice from a Cherry Tomato, and a strip or 2 of chiffonade basil leaf.
Quiche Meringue August 14th, 2021
Quiche Meringue is a unique breakfast dish that is relatively easy to make. Phyllo Dough is available from most grocery stores, in your refrigerated section. To reduce preparation time, you an replace the Phyllo Dough with Canned Refrigerated Croissant dough. You can replace the Ham with Chicken cubes or even Steak cubes. Additional vegetables could be added, like grilled tomatoes or chopped peppers.
Raspberry Dutch Baby Pancake April 5th, 2025
Dutch Baby Pancakes are a fun and tasty breakfast treat. But adding a drizzle of Raspberry Syrup, just before it goes in the oven will create the perfect sweet breakfast. A proper rise is accomplished by cooking the Dutch Baby rapidly. For best results, ensure that the pan is well heated, and that the batter is room temperature, before it is poured into the pan.
Red Meat (Bolognese) Sauce January 13th, 2017
Traditional Bolognese Sauce uses Italian Pork Sausage (both Hot and Sweet) with the sausage casings removed and milk to tenderize the meat. After creating this recipe a few times, I realized that the ingredient list is a lot like Bolognese, however, this Red Sauce is made with Ground Beef and does not include milk.
Roasted Maple Sriracha Brussels Sprouts February 27th, 2022
When I was young, Brussels Sprouts had a foul, bitter, sulfurous taste. In the interest of extending the shelf-life of Brussels Sprouts, growers had opted to sacrifice the flavor for a more durable product. However, in the mid 1990's, researchers selectively bred a Brussels Sprout that had a long shelf life, without the horrid flavor. As a result, Brussels Sprouts today are quite flavorful and can provide a tasty addition to any meal.
Salsa - Slow Cooker method October 4th, 2018
This salsa can be used as a dip with chips at the dining table, while watching the game, or as a sauce for tacos or enchiladas before cooking.
Silver Dollar Potato Cakes December 30th, 2020
Potato Cakes are a great side dish, appetizer, or even a tasty snack to use leftover Mashed Potatoes. Potato Cakes can be pan-fried or oven-baked.
Spice Dry Rub September 23rd, 2020
This simple dry rub can provide a nice smoky, sweet replacement for marinade. Simply rub it on the meat, cover, and refrigerate for 24 hours. This recipe will produce enough Rub mix to treat 2 pounds of meat.
Stuffed Chicken Breast January 14th, 2021
Enhance your Chicken Breast by stuffing it with Ham and Havarti Cheese. This is similar to the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu, but without the breadcrumb coating. This recipe works especially well when topped with a tasty Cheesy Sauce.
Taco Stew December 11th, 2020
Taco Stew is an easy to make dish without a long preparation time.
Thai Coconut Soup December 27th, 2018
This soup was inspired by a Thai Sour Coconut soup. It has a short preparation time and can be served as an appetizer or a main course.
Turkey Breast Wrapped in a Bacon Quilt En Cocotte December 6th, 2020
I have always found Roast Turkey to be dry and tasteless, making it necessary to cover with a large amount of gravy. This recipe will produce a flavorful, moist turkey full of complex flavors. The bacon will act as a protective skin while roasting and will prevent the Turkey meat from drying out. Additionally, the roast can be prepared early and stored in the Refrigerator for up to 24 hours before Roasting.
Vietnamese Ground Pork with Noodles or Lettuce March 9th, 2020
This convenient meal is easy to prepare and provides a flavorful variation using ground pork and a few other ingredients. In a pinch, ground beef patties could be used in place of the ground pork patties. You can save additional time by replacing the patties with loose ground meat, added to the wok after the garlic and nuts.
Watermelon Lime Drink July 10th, 2020
This cool refreshing drink is perfect for a hot Summer Day