Toad In The Hole
Welcome to Mitten Movie Night the Royal Wedding Edition! Tonight I tried my hand at a classic English dish, Toad In The Hole. Savory sausage is baked on top of a simple bread ‘pudding’. Top with an Mustard-Onion gravy and you have a meal fit for a King.
I hadn’t had Toad In The Hole before I knew that it was going to be something that I would love. Meat, onions, carbs….GRAVY!!! Of course I had to add some Michigan appeal to this dish by using Beer Brats made with Founder’s Dirty Bastard Craft Beer. We eat these a lot during the Summer and they worked great in this recipe.
While I did do some research about favorite beers of England I felt like I would rather share a Michigan beer that I felt was fitting not only with the meal but also the name, Soft Parade from Short’s Brewing. This beer is full of fruit flavor: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. Fruit beers pair so well with dishes that aren’t exactly complex in flavor and that’s why a simple sausage dish like this is perfectly contrasted with this beer. Plus the name gets you in the mood for the ‘procession’ that the Royal Wedding will have. See how I did that? Wink, wink….I know it was a weak analogy but like most things I’m going with it! Now on to the meal.
So after going through about a million recipes I settled on this one from Cooking Channel TV for Toad in the Hole with Mustard-Onion Gravy. For the base it’s just flour, salt, eggs and milk. To one bowl add the flour and salt. In another bowl add the milk and eggs then whisk to combine. Slowly add the milk and egg mixture to the flour whisking it together to make a batter.
Simple enough but then the trick seemed to be what you do with it once the ingredients are mixed together. Half the recipes said to just keep it out on the counter for 10-30 minutes. The other half said that you had to keep it in the refrigerator overnight or at least a few hours to set. What I did was make the batter in the morning and put in the refrigerator until I was ready to make this about 6 hours later.
The other part of this recipe that was in all of them was heating up the pan you are cooking the pudding and sausages in. About an hour before you are ready to put this on the table take the batter out of the refrigerator and preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Now put the pan you plan on baking this in into the oven. I used a metal pan because I was worried about adding the cold batter to a hot pan would break it. Next brown the sausages in a pan on the stove with 1 Tbs oil. Brown all sides which takes about 8 minutes but don’t worry about cooking all the way through. Reserve any oil in the pan for the gravy.
Carefully take the pan out of the oven then add a small bit of oil to that pan. You can spray or add the oil then spread with a paper towel but please use caution since the pan is extremely hot. Now add the batter and top with the sausages. Return it to the oven and cook for 45 minutes.
For the gravy use the reserved oil you left from cooking the brats and add the thinly sliced onions. Using very low heat cook them down slowly for about 10 minutes. To the onions add the flour and stir to coat. Now add the beef broth, mustard. Continue cooking down until it thickens to a gravy consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste. Take out the Toad In The Hole from the oven. Slice and serve topped with gravy. And here you are……
From our home in the Bottom Left of the Mitten to yours ~ Enjoy!
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Get The Recipe, Get The Goods
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
| Servings |
servings
|
- 2/3 cup all purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 18 ounces beer brats I used Open Acres Dirty Bastard Beer Brats
- 1 Tbs vegetable oil
- 1 medium yellow onion sliced thinly
- 1 Tbs all purpose flour
- 1-1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 Tbs whole grain mustard
Ingredients
Toad In The Hole
Mustard-Onion Gravy
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- To one bowl add the flour and salt. In another bowl add the milk and eggs then whisk to combine. Slowly add the milk and egg mixture to the flour whisking it together to make a batter.
- Keep batter on the counter for 10-30 minutes or keep in the refrigerator up to overnight if you like.
- Take the batter out of the refrigerator and preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Put just the pan you plan on baking this in into the oven.
- Next brown the sausages in a pan on the stove with 1 Tbs oil. Brown all sides which takes about 8 minutes but don't worry about cooking all the way through. Reserve any oil in the pan for the gravy.
- Carefully take the pan out of the oven then add a small bit of oil to that pan. You can spray or add the oil then spread with a paper towel but please use caution since the pan is extremely hot. Now add the batter and top with the sausages. Return it to the oven and cook for 45 minutes.
- For the gravy use the reserved oil you left from cooking the brats and add the thinly sliced onions. Using very low heat cook them down slowly for about 10 minutes.
- To the onions add the flour and stir to coat. Now add the beef broth, mustard. Continue cooking down until it thickens to a gravy consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Take out the Toad In The Hole from the oven. Slice and serve topped with gravy. Enjoy!
Skillet Chicken, Mushrooms & Garlic
Looking to have a cozy Friday night in? And how would you like to make up a chicken dinner that can be made all in one pan and bake while you lounge on the couch reading or watching movies? Am I speaking your language yet? This Skillet Chicken, Mushrooms and Garlic is the perfect dinner for a great night in.
So tonight for Mitten Movie Night I made one of my favorites, a simple chicken dinner. I love nothing more than chicken with a light gravy and mashed potatoes. This meal paired so well with the White Chocolate Blonde from Grand Armory Brewing that we picked up when we were out hunting for Hopslam. With only a hint of chocolate it went great with the meaty mushrooms, tender chicken and light sauce perfectly.
Recommended to watch: The Secret of Marrowbone. This movie had me thinking about it long after it was over. A little bit of horror with a surprise twist at the end. So cuddle up because the weather is still cold and let’s get to the meal.
Do you have a cast iron skillet? If not this dish works well in a dutch oven too. I’ve been using my cast iron like crazy since I got it this summer. Before having one I always thought that it would be too intimidating but I was simply wrong about it. Easy to clean and you can make everything from burgers to dessert in it.
Start off by preheating the oven to 350 degrees. On the stove heat the pan and add the 1/4 cup olive oil. On a plate add the flour, salt, pepper and thyme. Combine the spices and flour together then dredge each chicken piece into it then add them skin side down to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes, flip over and cook another 5 minutes on the other side. While the chicken is cooking chop the onion, clean the mushrooms and get the garlic peeled.
Once the chicken is cooked remove and put on a separate plate. The chicken does not have to be cooked you just wanted to crisp up the skin. To the same pan add 1 Tbs of butter. With a spatula bring up the little bits on the bottom of the pan and add the onions. Brown them until translucent for 2-3 minutes. By now the kitchen should be smelling amazing!
Now that the onions are cooked add the liquids: wine and chicken stock. Add the chicken back to the pan. Then finally add the mushrooms and garlic on top of that. Turn off the heat to the skillet on the stove top then put the whole pan into the oven.
Cook the chicken for 60 minutes but to keep it moist every 15 minutes take a spoon and pour the juices from the pan over the chicken. While it’s cooking make up some mashed potatoes and a vegetable side. Plate it up and here you are…..
From our home in the Bottom Left of the Mitten to yours ~ Enjoy!
*Affiliate links are included in this post. Please read my Discloser Policy.
Get The Recipe, Get The Goods
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 60 minutes |
| Servings |
servings
|
- 4 pounds chicken thights I used bone in
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground thyme
- 1 small yellow onion chopped
- 8 ounces while white mushrooms cleaned and stemmed
- 1 whole garlic head peeled
- 1 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 Tbs butter
Ingredients
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- Start off by preheating the oven to 350 degrees. On the stove heat the pan and add the 1/4 cup olive oil.
- On a plate add the flour, salt, pepper and thyme. Combine the spices and flour together then dredge each chicken piece into it then add them skin side down to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes, flip over and cook another 5 minutes on the other side.
- While the chicken is cooking chop the onion, clean the mushrooms and get the garlic peeled.
- Once the chicken is cooked remove and put on a separate plate. The chicken does not have to be cooked you just wanted to crisp up the skin. To the same pan add 1 Tbs of butter.
- With a spatula bring up the little bits on the bottom of the pan and add the onions. Brown them until translucent for 2-3 minutes.
- Now that the onions are cooked add the liquids: wine and chicken stock. Add the chicken back to the pan. Then finally add the mushrooms and garlic on top of that. Turn off the heat to the skillet on the stove top then put the whole pan into the oven.
- Cook the chicken for 60 minutes but to keep it moist every 15 minutes take a spoon and pour the juices from the pan over the chicken. Plate it up. Enjoy!
Beef Tips and Gravy
For this Mitten Movie Night we are getting ready to settle in for the long Winter. That means it’s time for some classic comfort food, Beef Tips and Gravy with noodles. Low and slow is the name of the game so these beef tips come out tender. This gravy doesn’t get too thick which is perfect to use to soak into the noodles and dip bread into it. Stick to the ribs dinner perfect for the colder weather.
We had our first dusting of snow last night. I am so ready for the colder weather, snuggling up in front of the fireplace and a big blanket. Not going to lie thought that with the impending holidays while I’m excited to start decorating the new house I am feeling almost a little ‘homesick’. We lived in our old house for 15 years. That’s 15 Thanksgivings, Christmases and New Years. Two babies came home to have their first visits with Santa there. So many wonderful memories but now it’s time to focus on the new memories here.
However, I can still stick with tradition and enjoy a few things that we do every year and one of them is watching Scrooged. Hands down one of my favorite holiday movies. With dinner we’re drinking The Double Magician from Short’s Brewing. So while the beer is cold and outside is colder lets get on to the recipe.
This recipe is one that I’ve been making since before Pinterest was invented. I did find it online and then printed it out but I’ve been making it so long that I threw it out. Luckily I think that I found it on Taste of Home and pretty sure this is it!
First off know that this recipe is time intensive. If your hanging out at home on a Sunday this is the perfect meal for you. I have tried cutting down on the time this simmers and it never comes out nearly as good as when I let it go the whole 1-1/2 hours. So be warned.
To begin brown the beef tips into a medium saucepan in some oil. This is just to brown it no need to cook all the way through. In a measuring cup put 1 cup water, soy sauce and Worcestershire Sauce. Stir it then add to the beef tips. Turn the heat to low then cover. Let cook for 1-1/2 hours making sure to check every 30 minutes. If you have the heat too high it will cook off the liquid then you might burn your tips–oh no!
During the last 20 minutes in a separate pot cook the noodles according to package directions. Bring the water to a boil before adding to the pot it cooks the noodles better and they don’t stick together. Cook for 12-14 minutes then empty into a strainer. Turn the low simmering beef tips up to high. In a bowl add the other cup of water and the package of brown gravy. Stir to combine and add to the beef tips. Let cook and thicken up just a little while you do the next part.
In the pot that the noodles cooked add 1 Tbs butter and start melting it. Then add the mushrooms, onions and garlic and sautee until the mushrooms are cooked down. It should take about 8 minutes. Finally to this pot add the beef tips and gravy then the noodles. Add a side of bread and a vegetable and here you are….
From our home in the Bottom Left of the Mitten to yours ~ Enjoy!
*Affiliate links are included in this post. Please read my Discloser Policy.
Get The Recipe, Get The Goods
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 1-1/2 hours |
| Servings |
servings
|
- 1 pound beef boneless stew meat
- 1 Tbs oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 cups water divded
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 0.87 ounce brown gravy package
- 12 ounces no yolk noodles
Ingredients
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- Brown the beef tips into a medium saucepan in some oil. This is just to brown it no need to cook all the way through.
- In a measuring cup put 1 cup water, soy sauce and Worcestershire Sauce. Stir it then add to the beef tips.
- Turn the heat to low then cover. Let cook for 1-1/2 hours making sure to check every 30 minutes.
- During the last 20 minutes in a separate pot cook the noodles according to package directions. Bring the water to a boil before adding to the pot it cooks the noodles better and they stick together. Cook for 12-14 minutes then empty into a strainer.
- Turn the low simmering beef tips up to high. In a bowl add the other cup of water and the package of brown gravy. Stir to combine and add to the beef tips. Let cook and thicken up while you do the next part.
- In the pot that the noodles cooked add 1 Tbs butter and start melting it. Then add the mushrooms, onions and garlic and sautee until the mushrooms are cooked down. It should take about 8 minutes.
- Finally to this pot add the beef tips and gravy then the noodles.
- Add a side of bread and a vegetable. Enjoy!
Skillet Sweet Dijon Chicken & Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are just made for Fall aren’t they? The sweetness is perfect in casseroles and is especially good with chicken. This dish is cooked all in one pan so if you are a cast iron lover this Skillet Sweet Dijon Chicken and Potato dish is for you.
Fall for me is easily my favorite time of year. So much so that my husband and I chose it for our wedding. It also doesn’t hurt that we live in a beautiful State that is at it’s peak during Autumn. A few years ago for our anniversary we headed to Traverse City and I have to say that the drive up was just magical. Enough about ‘falling’ in love with Fall and on to the recipe.
This skillet meal is so simple. It starts with chopping the yellow onion and sweet potatoes into cubes. Take 2 chicken breasts and split it down the middle. Season with salt and pepper. In a cast iron skillet heat 1 Tbs of oil. Gently add the chicken and cook for 3 minutes, flip and cook for 3 minutes on the other side. You don’t need to cook through this is just to brown it and crisp the chicken.
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I received Steviva Products complimentary but all opinions stated in this post are my own.
Turn off the heat to the skillet. In a small bowl add the minced garlic, Dijon mustard and then the Nectevia with Stevia. Whisk together. Arrange the sweet potatoes and onions around the chicken in the skillet. Finally pour the Dijon sauce over the top of the chicken.
Put the skillet into a preheated 350 degree oven and bake for 50 minutes. And here you are….
From our home in the Bottom Left of the Mitten to yours ~ Enjoy!
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| Servings |
servings
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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts split in half to make 4 pieces
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 3 small sweet potatoes cleaned, skin removed and chopped into cubes
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup Nectevia with Stevia
- 1/3 cup dijon mustard
- 1 Tbs oil
- salt & pepper
Ingredients
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- Chop the yellow onion and sweet potatoes into cubes.
- Take 2 chicken breasts and split it down the middle. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a cast iron skillet heat 1 Tbs of oil. Gently add the chicken and cook for 3 minutes, flip and cook for 3 minutes on the other side. Turn off the heat to the skillet.
- In a small bowl add the minced garlic, Dijon mustard and then the Nectevia with Stevia. Whisk together.
- Arrange the sweet potatoes and onions around the chicken in the skillet.
- Pour the Dijon sauce over the top of the chicken.
- Put the skillet into a preheated 350 degree oven and bake for 50 minutes. Enjoy!
Slow Boat to China #SundaySupper
I call this a ‘retro’ recipe because I think anytime I bring it up-someone my age inevitably knows exactly what I’m talking about. When I say, ‘the rice one with celery’ or any other version of that. Both my grandmothers made it, then my mom and now me. In my new take on a classic I use quick cooking rice so there is nothing ‘slow’ about about my Slow Boat to China recipe.
Doesn’t making food from your childhood bring back the best memories? Sometimes I get the recipe directly from the source or like this one I had to wing it. While it was a staple I had growing up it is one of those recipes that has possibly changed so much over the years that it probably isn’t the original at all.
When I first wanted to make it I did some research and found that most of the recipes used the same basic ingredients-rice, beef, celery, cream of mushroom and soy sauce. My first couple test runs were…bland. And frankly nothing like I ate as a child. It was missing the ‘Stroganoff ‘ element that I remembered. So that’s easy, add sour cream! Now use quick cooking rice and I had myself a dinner that was quick and delicious. So now on to the food.
Start first by cooking the rice according to package directions. Add 2 beef bouillon cubes to the rice and water so that while it cooks the cubes dissolve and the flavor gets throughout the rice. In a skillet cook the ground beef until completely cooked all the way through. Chop the onions and clean and chop the celery while it cooks. Once the beef is cooked thoroughly remove from heat then drain the beef and set aside. I use a strainer and bowl to make sure all the grease gets out.
Take a paper towel and clean any grease out of the bottom of the pan so you can use it to cook the onions and celery. Add 1 Tbs butter and start melting it. Place the onions and celery in and start sautee and cook until tender, around 7 minutes. I like to lave the celery just a little crunchy. Now return the drained beef to the pan.
In a bowl combine the items for the sauce: cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce. Mix until well combined. Pour over the beef mixture. Once the rice is cooked add both cups to the pan with the beef and sauce mix. Stir it all up then cook for another 3-4 minutes to warm everything through completely. Serve with some warm buttered biscuits or croissants. And here you….
From our home in the Bottom Left of the Mitten to yours ~ Enjoy!
Thank you to this weeks Sunday Supper host. Check out all of the other recipes to make any night of the week.
Simple Rice Recipes for Dinner #SundaySupper
What’s for dinner?
- Butternut and Brown Rice Soup by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Crispy Rice Bites by Hardly A Goddess
- Easy Pork Fried Rice – Gluten Free by Cricket’s Confections
- Granny’s Sausage & Rice Casserole by Gourmet Everyday
- Italian Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Nasi Lemak – Malay Coconut Milk Rice by Sprinkles and Sprouts
Rice is for dinner!
- Olive & Date Rice Side Dish by My Life Cookbook
- Qatiqli Hu’rda (Uzbek Rice Soup with Yogurt) by Tara’s Multicultural Table
- Savory Rice Porridge by Pies and Plots
- Slow Boat to China by Bottom Left of the Mitten
- Slow Cooker Jamaican Rice and Peas Soup by Palatable Pastime
- Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore over Rice by My Blissful Mess
- Sushi Roll Rice Bowl by The Freshman Cook
- Tex Mex Chicken Skillet by Fantastical Sharing of Recipes
- Easy Paella Recipe with Beef and Shrimp by Sunday Supper Movement
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board. Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.
| Servings |
servings
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- 2 cups quick cooking rice cooked according to package directions
- 2 beef bouillion
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion chopped
- 3 stalks celery washed and chopped
- 1 Tbs butter
- 1 10.5 ounce can cream of mushroom
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 tsp soy sauce
Ingredients
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- Cook the rice according to package directions. Add 2 beef bouillon cubes to the rice and water.
- In a skillet cook the ground beef until completely cooked all the way through. Once the beef is cooked thoroughly remove from heat then drain the beef and set aside.
- Chop the onions and clean and chop the celery.
- To the same pan add 1 Tbs butter and start melting it. Place the onions and celery in and start sautee and cook until tender, around 7 minutes.
- In a bowl combine the items for the sauce: cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce. Mix until well combined. Pour over the beef mixture.
- Once the rice is cooked add both cups to the pan with the beef and sauce mix.
- Stir it all up then cook for another 3-4 minutes to warm everything through completely. Serve with some warm buttered biscuits or croissants. Enjoy!
Cast Iron Onion Burgers
Did you know that May is National Burger Month? One of my earliest memories involved a burger and a pretty funny story from my childhood. My Dad loves to cook on the grill. One day he made burgers and I did not like it so I fed it to…my dog. Needless to say he was not happy. I should have felt bad but the dog looked so happy so I think I remember it being worth it. As an adult though I am a HUGE burger lover. This includes one that I make in my new favorite kitchen essential, the Cast Iron pan. That’s why I call this the Cast Iron Onion Burger.
This Mitten Movie Night is kicking off Season 3 of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. With the burgers we’re drinking some Hoptronix from New Holland. Do you agree that hops go with everything? I think my husband would because they are his favorite types of beer. Now on to the food.
Let’s start with the patties. Take the ground hamburger and add Worcestershire Sauce, A1 Sauce, salt and pepper and mix. Form into 4 burgers. Shake the dry rub on top, this makes a nice little flavor crust when cooked in the cast iron skillet.
Place the cast iron skillet on the stove top and heat on medium/high for 3-4 minutes to get it good and hot. Add oil to the pan. Place onions let sizzle for a few seconds then place burger on top. To cook the burger as evenly as possible cover with a lid. I got my pan as a set through Walmart the Pioneer Woman collection and the top fit great. Cook 8 minutes, that was the ‘sweet spot’ on medium heat.
Now flip over the burger so the onions are on top. Cook 6 minutes. Add cheese then cover again and cook an additional 2-3 minutes to melt. Check the center for desired coloring. I like my burgers cooked all the way through so the times stated above are what I used. Please Note: Check your pan and stove directions to make sure that you do not consume under cooked meat.
For any burger or sandwich a toasted bun is a must! Take the buns and smother in some butter and cook on a sheet pan for around 5 minutes. Now it’s sauce time! I just whipped together mayonnaise and horseradish sauce. Top the toasted bun with the burger. Smother as much as you like of the sauce on the bun. And here you are…..
From our home in the Bottom Left of the Mitten to yours ~ Enjoy!
*Affiliate links are included in this post. Please read my Discloser Policy.
| Servings |
burgers
|
- 1 pound ground hamburger
- 1 Tbs Worcestershire Sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbs A1 Sauce
- 1 Tbs A1 Dry Rub
- 4 hamburger buns
- 2 Tbs butter
- 1 large yellow onion cut into thick slices
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 tsp oil
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup horseradish sauce
Ingredients
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- Take the ground hamburger and add Worcestershire Sauce, A1 Sauce, salt and pepper and mix. Form into 4 patties. Shake the dry rub on top.
- Place the cast iron skillet on the stove top and heat on medium/high for 3-4 minutes to get it good and hot.
- Add oil to the pan. Place onions let sizzle for a few seconds then place burger on top.
- To cook the burger as evenly as possible cover with a lid. Cook 8 minutes, that was the 'sweet spot' on medium heat.
- Flip over so the onions are on top. Cook 6 minutes. Add cheese then cover again and cook an additional 2-3 minutes to melt.
- Take the buns and smother in some butter and cook on a sheet pan for around 5 minutes.
- Whip together mayonnaise and horseradish sauce. Top the toasted bun with the burger. Smother as much as you like of the sauce on the bun. Enjoy!
Loaded Cheese Fries
It has been a long week for a Michigander! We’ve had 3, yes I said 3, snow days this week. So to reminisce on the days of Summer for this Mitten Movie Night we fired up the smoker, a thing we do often when it’s warmer, to slow cook a bottom round roast. It was the perfect addition to put on top of some Loaded Cheese Fries!
For the beer we’re enjoying some Devil Dancer from Founders. The movie, Lights Out. I had wanted to see this in the theaters so bad because I LOVE scary movies but alas we just didn’t have time to go. This is precisely why I love Mitten Movie Night because it gives me a chance to make great meals like a Pepper Steak Pizza or even special treats for the kids like these Peanut Butter Candy Bar Blossoms and catch up on a movie we’ve been waiting to see. Thank you Netflix! So now on to the recipe.
A key that I’ve found to smoking meat is ‘prior preparation’. The night before take the meat and put it into a great brine and make sure to give it at least 8 hours in the refrigerator. We use a brine of Coca-Cola, garlic & onion powders, kosher salt, molasses and apple cider vinegar. Before putting the meat into the smoker pat it dry then generously cover with a dry rub like this Bayou Black from Legion of Spice. I also used their Jerk seasoning to make these amazing Jerk Chicken Sandwiches which has been my most popular recipe on the blog to date. Follow your smokers user directions for cooking time but it generally is 1 Hour per 1 Pound of meat. This roast took an 2-1/2 hours. Turn off heat. Take out the roast and cover with tinfoil and return to smoker to rest for 20 minutes.
About a half hour before the meat is done prepare the bagged fries according to package directions. I grabbed a bag of Alexia Organics Fries from the grocery store. Now let me tell you-I’ve used other types of frozen fries before and never liked the way they came out. Usually soggy and never crispy. These however were phenomenal and not to mention easier than making my own. For the toppings chop up some tomatoes and jalapenos. Sautee an onion in some butter. Get some parsley for added flair. Whip up a quick cheese sauce by creating a roux with butter and milk then add cheese.
The smoked roast came out perfect. Juicy and moist with a slight crust on it from the rub. It came out medium/rare with the cooking method I mentioned above but as always with meat cook to your preference and follow food safety guidelines. Now time to assemble!
Start with a french fry base, add sweet onions, tomatoes and jalapenos, the meat that has been cut into strips then finally smother in cheese sauce. Garnish with parsley and here you are…..
From our home in the Bottom Left of the Mitten to yours ~ Enjoy!
*Affiliate links are included in this post. Please read my Discloser Policy.
| Servings |
servings
|
- 1 can Coca-Cola
- 2 Tbs kosher salt
- 2 Tbs apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbs garlic powder
- 1 Tbs onion powder
- 2 Tbs molasses
- 3 Tbs meat rub I used Legion of Spice Bayou Black
- 2 Tbs butter
- 2 Tbs flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup triple cheddar cheese blend
- 1 bag frozen french fries prepared to package directions
- 1 small yellow onion sauteed
- 1/2 Tbs butter to sautee onion in
- 6-8 cherry tomatoes chopped
- 2 ounces jalapenos from jar chopped
- chopped parsley for garnish
Ingredients
Brine/Rub
Cheese Sauce
French Fries & Topping
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- On the stove top heat up all the ingredients in a small pan. Let come to a boil then remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Once cooled put in a baking dish with the meat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
- Before putting the meat into the smoker pat it dry then generously cover with a dry rub. Follow your smokers user directions for cooking time but it generally is 1 Hour per 1 Pound of meat. This roast took an 2-1/2 hours. Turn off the smoker. Take out and cover with tinfoil and return to smoker to rest another 20 minutes.
- Melt butter in a small pan. Gradually add flour. Then gradually add milk. Once it's all combined add cheese to mixture. Stir until melted. Use to top the french fries.
- Prepare bagged fries to package directions.
- For the toppings chop up some tomatoes and jalapenos. Sautee an onion in some butter.
- Assemble by starting with a french fry base, add sweet onions, tomatoes and jalapenos, the meat that has been cut into strips then finally smother in cheese sauce. Garnish with parsley. Enjoy!
Thirteen Bean & Bacon Soup
Well, we missed the snow! Last Saturday we hightailed it out of here when it just started sleeting and missed the light dusting that came soon after. Where did we head to you might ask? Oh, a little place called ‘Disney’! While Michigan had it’s first cold spell we were basking in the sun, swimming & riding roller coasters. It was a great trip but now it’s time to settle into the reality that Winter is coming. I’m okay with that–because I get to celebrate Mitten Movie Night snuggled up while the wind howls drinking some craft beer and enjoying a warm bowl of soup. My Thirteen Bean & Bacon Soup to be exact.
With this soup recipe we’re having Accumulation from New Belgium. New Belgium has some of the best seasonal beers and this is one of my favorites. A White IPA perfectly pairs with the beefy bacon and tang of the tomato base in this bean and bacon soup. The tomato comes from a favorite of mine, condensed soup. This time of year I can get such a great deal on them so I stock up. Adding it to recipes like my Cream of Chicken Bake or just for heating up to dip grilled cheese in.
For the movie we’re watching Elf. Will Ferrell is my favorite actor. As I mentioned before I really think he’s one of Hollywood’s hottest. I also need to watch a holiday movie because after spending Thanksgiving week in Florida I’ll be honest, I kind of forgot that it even IS the holidays. When we got to the hotel in Disney they were playing Christmas songs and it was decorated but something just felt ‘off’ about it.
Don’t get me wrong, Disney World does a fantastic job, but they do not have the two things that make the season for a Michigander and that’s bone chilling cold and the possibility of a White Christmas. It may seem like I’m a State snob but I’m not Michigan has ‘Winter Wonderland’ in spades and we do it better than most. Time to reset my mind now that we’re home. So enough about that…let’s get back to the food!
This Thirteen Bean mix came from Fresh Thyme Market in Mishawaka, IN. We’ve been to this store a few times but just decided to peruse the loose bins section. The convenience of filling the bags with just the amount I needed and the ‘required’ gummy worms that Little A was unable to leave the store without was great. If you can’t find a bean combination I’m sure a great northern bean would work as well.
Starting off soak your beans for 6-8 hours in cold water. Drain the water and rinse them when it’s time to cook the soup. Add 5 cups of chicken stock to a large stock pot with the beans then set to medium heat. Now dice the bacon and cook to the preferred doneness.
While the bacon is cooking chop the onions, garlic and carrots. When bacon has cooked remove and put on a plate with a paper towel. Reserve 1 Tbs of the bacon grease. Add onions, garlic and carrots to the pan with the bacon grease and sautee for 5 minutes. Let the veggies slightly softened. To the vegetables stir in 1 Tbs flour which will eventually add a little thickness to the soup.
Into the pot of beans and chicken stock add the cooked bacon, all the vegetables then finally the can of condensed tomato soup. Set to low/medium heat then cover and let it do it’s thing for around 1-1/2 hours. Chop up some green onion for the top and here you are….
From our home in the Bottom Left of the Mitten to yours ~ Enjoy!
*Affiliate links are included in this post. Please read my Discloser Policy.
| Servings |
servings
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- 1/2 pound thirteen bean mix, dry cover in water and let sit 6-8 hours
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound bacon diced and cooked to desired doneness-reserve 1 Tbs bacon grease
- 2 carrots chopped
- 1 yellow onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves chopped
- 1 Tbs flour
- 10.75 ounces condensed tomato soup
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground thyme
- green onion for garnish
Ingredients
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- Soak beans for 6-8 hours in cold water. Drain the water and rinse them.
- Add 5 cups of chicken stock to a covered pot with the beans then set to medium heat.
- Dice and cook bacon to desired doneness.
- Chop the onions, garlic and carrots. When bacon has cooked remove the bacon and put on a plate with a paper towel reserving 1 Tbs of the bacon grease. Add onions, garlic and carrots to the pan with the bacon grease and sautee for 5 minutes until the veggies have slightly softened. To the vegetables stir in 1 Tbs flour which will eventually add a little thickness to the soup.
- To the pot of beans and chicken stock add the cooked bacon, all the vegetables then finally the can of condensed tomato soup.
- Set to low/medium heat and let it do it's thing for around 1-1/2 hours.
- Place in a serving bowl and add chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy!
Double Batch Smashed Beans
I call this ‘Double Batch’ for two reasons. First, I’m taking two beans made in two separate ways and smashing them together. Second, I like quirky names. So therefore Double Batch Smashed Beans it is! A delicious side dish for your burrito and taco nights.
Do you have a favorite cuisine in your house? Our top for sure has to be Mexican Food. Burritos, tacos, nachos, fajitas and on and on. While we do like to eat out at our favorite local restaurant in town it is nice to have some go to recipes at home and these beans are one that I make often.
The steps for this are ridiculously easy. So instead of just opening a plain old can of refried beans and stopping there why not just go a few steps further? Might as well, right? Melt 1 Tbs butter. Sautee 1/2 the onions, 1/2 the tomatoes and the garlic. Add both cans of beans to the pan. Press down on the beans with a potato smasher to combine. Bonus if you have any angst on the day these are prepared you can take it out on the beans. Smash it, smash it good!
Cook for around 10 minutes stirring every few minutes until completely heated through. Place in an oven proof dish before putting it into the oven. Sprinkle with cheese then place in 375 degree oven for 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted.
Top with tomatoes and green onions. Now you have a lovely side dish that was so easy to make. Maybe pair it with my Blackened Chicken Green Chili Enchiladas or Stuffed Hatch Green Chiles. And here you are….
From our home in the Bottom Left of the Mitten to yours ~ Enjoy!
*Affiliate links are included in this post. Please read my Discloser Policy.
| Servings |
servings
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- 1 can refried beans
- 1 can chili beans
- 1 Tbs butter
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 small yellow onion chopped, a small portion left raw for garnish
- 4 ounces swiss cheese, shredded
- 2 green onions chopped, 1/2 for dish & 1/2 for garnish
- 1 tomato chopped, 1/2 for dish & 1/2 for garnish
Ingredients
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- Melt 1 Tbs butter. Sautee 1/2 the onions, 1/2 the tomatoes and the garlic.
- Add both cans of beans to the pan.
- Smash with a potato smasher to combine.
- Cook for around 10 minutes stirring every few minutes until completely heated through.
- Place in an oven proof dish. Sprinkle with cheese then place in 375 degree oven for 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Top with reserved onions and tomatoes. Enjoy!
Porcupine Meatballs and Zoodles
You know….I love carbs. I L-O-V-E them. Bread! Pasta! YUM! But I honestly don’t love them as much as I love zucchini. Oh, zucchini! Such a diverse veggie whether I fry it, put it in some muffins or making zoodles like these there are so many ways to make it delicious. How about adding one of my families favorites to it? Yes! So now we have a new recipe to add to our dinner routine, Porcupine Meatballs and Zoodles.
It’s funny to think that this was one of my very first recipes that I put on my blog. Looking back almost 8 months in I have realized how far I’ve come with my photos so I’m going through and giving them a fresher look. And this one needed it….badly! While the pictures were bad I will give myself a little credit in the fact that I had basically 0.2% experience in photography. Knew nothing about food styling (still working on that). Didn’t have a clue about blogging. I just knew that I wanted to share my food, family and what I enjoy. So I jumped in and here I am. Learning more every day about photography, writing and sharing. Really hoping that it will continue to grow from here. Ok, enough about me-on to the recipe that got this all started only with better pictures.
First, let’s start off with the meatballs. You can use any beef flavor rice you like or even shake it up with different flavors but I always stick to the beef flavored as I find it give the best taste. Cook the rice according to package directions then……and this is *Important*…let it cool! Not only could you burn your hands when mixing the meatballs together it could end up cooking the eggs. Once it’s cooled add it to your turkey, and egg. Toast the bread and crush up into the meat mixture. Form into meatballs and put onto greased baking sheet.
At this time preheat the oven to 350 degree. Prepare your ‘zoodles’ using a spirilizer. Chop onions, garlic, green peppers. Add all of it into a bowl then top with olive oil. Put onto another baking sheet then put both the meatballs and the zoodles now go into the oven for 35 minutes.
In the last 5 minutes of the meatballs and zoodles cooking heat up the spaghetti sauce. Assemble this beautiful ‘paasta’ take all the vegetables and zoodles, top with meatballs then finally pour sauce over the top of your meatballs. Sprinkle with Parmesan and here you are….
From our home in the Bottom Left of the Mitten to yours ~ Enjoy!
This recipe has been updated with photos & recipe.
*Affiliate links are included in this post. Please read my Discloser Policy.
| Servings |
servings
|
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 pkg beef flavored rice cooked to package directions
- 1 small yellow onion chopped
- 1 green pepper chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 jar spaghettic sauce
- 1 egg
- 2 pieces bread toasted
- 2 medium zucchini
- 2 Tbs olive oil
- Parmesan for sprinkling
Ingredients
Porcupine Meatballs
Zoodles
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- Cook the rice according to package directions then…...and this is *Important*…let it cool!
- Once it’s cooled add it to your turkey, and egg. Toast the bread and crush up into the meat mixture. Form into meatballs and put onto greased baking sheet.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degree.
- Prepare zucchini 'zoodles' using a spirilizer. Chop onions, garlic, green peppers. Add all of it into a bowl then top with olive oil. Put onto another baking sheet.
- Both the meatballs and the zoodles now go into the oven for 35 minutes.
- In the last 5 minutes of the meatballs and zoodles cooking heat up the spaghetti sauce to pour over the top of your meatballs and zoodles.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan. Enjoy!
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