Category: RECIPE REVIEWS

COOKING THURSDAY ~ FRIED MAC & CHEESE BITES (copy cat Cheesecake Factory) ~ BLOG 365.239C

Fried Mac & Cheese Bites are a flavorful twist on the kid classic Kraft Mac & Cheese only made in adult flavors. It combines the gooey pasta with a crunchy breading to make one delectable bite!

Cheesecake Factory has a massive menu. You could literally eat something entirely different every visit and probably not repeat yourself for months. Yet, I have favorites that I get almost all the time. This recipe is one of those and now that I have perfected them at home I’m free to try something new on the menu 🙂

FRIED MAC & CHEESE BITES (copy cat Cheesecake Factory)

1 pound Elbow Macaroni
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup Wondra Flour
3 cups WHOLE milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded SHARP cheddar cheese
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Prepare the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted water for 7 minutes or until just tender.
  • Drain and set aside.
  • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  • Whisk in the flour until that mixture is smooth and has turned golden.
  • Slowly add milk and heavy cream, stirring until it thickens.
  • Mix in cheese, salt and pepper, to taste until the cheese is melted and everything is combined.
  • Fold in the macaroni until evenly coated.
  • Refrigerating before shaping not only makes it easier to handle it helps the bites hold their shape throughout the next steps.  
  • LET IT COOL COMPLETELY!! This step before shaping the bites is a crucial step!!!!

 

  • Using clean or gloved hands, roll the prepared mac and cheese into large 2-inch balls.
  • Place balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  • Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 1 hour to allow them to set and firm up. Making sure the balls are really firm and “solid” will help them hold their shape during frying.

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon paprika
3 LARGE eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups CRUSHED panko breadcrumbs

  • In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper and paprika until well combined.
  • In another shallow dish, add the beaten eggs.
  • In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  • Remove the mac and cheese balls from the freezer. Reshaping as needed into balls.
  • Dredge each mac and cheese ball into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
  • Dip the floured mac and cheese ball into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is completely coated.
  • Press the coated mac and cheese ball into the panko breadcrumbs, gently pressing to ensure it is fully covered. Repeat this process for all the mac and cheese balls.
  • Once breaded, place the mac and cheese balls back onto the baking sheet and return them to the freezer for an additional 30 minutes. This will help the coating set and adhere better during frying.

Oil, for frying
Marinara sauce, for serving
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish, optional
Shredded Parmesan cheese, for garnish, optional

  • Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 360°.
  • Fry the mac and cheese balls in SMALL batches (DO NOT CROWD THE PAN) 5-7 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Move them around frequently while frying to ensure even cooking.

  • Once fried, use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the mac and cheese balls from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined platter to drain excess grease.
  • Serve the mac and cheese balls hot with marinara sauce for dipping.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and shredded Parmesan cheese.
  • Serve immediately after frying while they are still hot and crispy!

NOTE: Don’t be afraid to change up your breading seasonings or even your cheese flavors, but remember that cheddar cheeses hold together better when frying so you don’t have a super gooey mess.

COOKING THURSDAYS ~ BLUEBERRY BOY BAIT aka MOIST BLUEBERRY CAKE with CRUNCHY CRUMBLE TOPPING ~ BLOG 365.239B

I altered this recipe to our taste from the America’s Test Kitchen version via Renny Powell’s 1954 prize winning version at the 5th Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest. Renny had named the cake (a family recipe) based on the affect it had on teen-age boys. 🙂

Based on my family, daddy always added a pat of butter when reheating something like this that gives it little OOOMPH 🙂

BLUEBERRY BOY BAIT aka MOIST BLUEBERRY CAKE with CRUNCHY CRUMBLE TOPPING

CAKE
2 cups AP flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
¾ cup PACKED light brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon QUALITY ground cinnamon
3 LARGE eggs1 teaspoon QUALITY PURE vanilla (I use homemade)
1 cup WHOLE milk
1 cup blueberries FRESH or (if using frozen do not thaw) (I also add extra blueberries if I have them)
2 teaspoons WONDRA flour

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Set aside.
  • In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Set aside.
  • Cream together butter and both sugars.
  • Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition.
  • Stir in vanilla.
  • Add milk and flour mixture alternately until blended, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
  • Toss ½ cup of the blueberries with the teaspoon of flour, then carefully fold into batter.
  • Spread mixture in prepared pan.
  • Sprinkle with remaining blueberries.

CRUMBLE
1 cup instant oatmeal
1/2 cup AP flour
4 tablespoons PACKED brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon QUALITY ground cinnamon
6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
2 teaspoons MALDON salt flakes

  • Whisk together the flour, oatmeal and both sugars with the cinnamon until well blended.
    Cut in butter cubes until pea sized pieces.
  • Sprinkle over blueberries.
  • Sprinkle salt flakes evenly over the crumble.
  • Mix together the topping of sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over blueberries.
  • Bake 40-45 minutes or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Remove from oven and place on wire rack to cool.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ FISH TACO BOWLS ~ BLOG 365.232D

Living in this small town there are very few “quality” restaurants that aren’t “FAST” food or greasy diner food that we like to frequent. One of our 4 favorites is the Blac-N-Bleu. It’s the kind of place where if you are there enough, your drink of choice magically appears when you sit down. 🙂 The original concept and owners did NOT exude a welcome atmosphere or inviting menu. Since the new owners took over several years ago the concept AND menu have changed and not only become more inviting, but have also thrived under their direction. The servers are top notch and friendly. The chefs are inventive ad offer a savory and creative menu that seems to make EVERYONE happy.

My MOST FAVORITE item on their menu is the FISH TACO BOWL that I have since replicated for making here at home! One of the best parts besides the flavorful taco seasoned crispy yet flaky fish is the green cabbage slaw on top of rice with black beans, fire roasted corn, diced tomato, pickled red onion and FRESH avocado for the best meal that boasts all of the flavors and textures you love about fish tacos, only in a bowl!

FISH TACO BOWLS

FISH
2 teaspoons Pampered Chef Chile Lime seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
FRESH ground sea salt and try-color pepper
1 pound bonelesss skinless white fish, cod or halibut
1 tablespoon avocado oil

  • Preheat the oven to 400°.
  • In a small bowl, mix the taco seasonings until well combined.
  • Set aside ½ teaspoon of the taco seasoning for the coleslaw.
  • Cut the fish filet into 1-inch pieces and add to a large bowl.
  • Drizzle with the oil and taco seasonings and toss until well coated.
  • Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray.
  • Scatter the fish pieces on the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until the fish is opaque.
  • Raise the heat to BROIL and cook for 3 more minutes to crisp the outside.

COLESLAW
12 ounce bag coleslaw mix
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
¼ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons adobo sauce, (from 1 can chipotles in adobo)
½ teaspoon reserved taco seasoning
2 tablespoons water
1 avocado, peeled and pitted

  • Add the coleslaw mix, green onion, and cilantro leaves to a medium bowl.
  • In a blender or food processor, blend the avocado, sour cream, lime juice, adobo sauce, reserved taco seasoning, and water until smooth.
  • Toss half of the avocado sauce with the coleslaw mix.

ASSEMBLY
3 cups prepared white rice
1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup fire roasted corn
1 cup diced tomato
lime wedges
pickled red onions
sliced avocado, optional
pico de gallo, optional

  • 
Divide the rice, coleslaw mix, and fish among four bowls and serve with lime wedges, sliced avocado, more chopped cilantro, pickled red onions, and/or pico de gallo.
  • Drizzle with the reserved sauce as desired.


COOKING THURSDAY ~ BAKED PORK CHOPS & DRESSING ~ BLOG 365.218A

This is another antique recipe that I’ve pieced together. There was a list of ingredients, but no real direction. It has been a family favorite.

BAKED PORK CHOPS

PORK CHOPS
1 LARGE pork chop per person

  • Generously season pork chops on both sides.
  • Sear quickly 1-2 minutes per side over medium high heat.

DRESSING
2 cups stale bread cubes
1 LARGE egg
1 LARGE shallot
1-2 stalks celery, diced
1/2 pound pork sausage, browned and crumbled
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped thyme

  • Mix all together until well blended.

ASSEMBLY
1-2 cups homemade bone broth
1 tablespoon cream sherry

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Generously oil a baking dish with avocado oil.
  • Layer half of the dressing mix on bottom.
  • Layer pork chops in a single layer.
  • Top chops with remaining dressing.
  • Whisk together the cream sherry and bone broth. Pour evenly over top.
  • Bake until pork chops are cooked through and dressing begins to crisp and turn golden.
  • Add bone broth as necessary to keep moist.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ WHISKEY CAKE KITCHEN CHICKEN MELT ~ BLOG 365.204C

One of my favorite sandwiches at Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar was their popular “Chicken & Cheese Melt”, an elevated club-style sandwich. But, it’s also VERY good as an entree without the bread! The key to a GREAT meal is using QUALITY components.

It’s easy to replicate it at home by layering quality toasted sourdough with sliced roasted rotisserie chicken breast with crispy peppered bacon topped with melted Fontina cheese, fresh avocado, sliced tomatoes, shredded lettuce and roasted shallot mayo. The shallot mayo is THE BEST component of this sandwich!!

WHISKEY CAKE KITCHEN CHICKEN MELT (copy cat)

SHALLOT MAYO
Avocado oil
2 SMALL shallots, peeled
1/2 cup Duke’s mayonnaise

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • Place peeled shallots on a small baking sheet. Drizzle them with avocado oil.
  • Roast for 20 minutes until caramelized and soft.
  • Mash the shallot and fold into the mayonnaise.
  • Set aside until needed.

SANDWICH
Thick cut QUALITY sourdough bread
Butter
Thick sliced rotisserie chicken
Thick sliced peppered bacon, cooked crisp
Avocado slices, optional & seasonal)
Tomato slices
Crisp green leaf lettuce

  • Butter one side of your sourdough slices.
  • Place them butter-side down in a hot skillet or panini press.
  • Smear the inside of both slices with the roasted shallot mayo.
  • On one slice, layer your Fontina cheese, sliced chicken, peppered bacon, avocado, tomato, and lettuce.
  • Top with the second slice of bread.
  • Press lightly, and flip until both sides are golden-brown and the cheese is beautifully melted.
  • Slice in half and serve warm.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ MARDI GRAS CAJUN SEAFOOD PASTA ~ BLOG 365.204B

Mardi Gras Cajun Seafood Pasta brings the creamy Creole Cajun flavors and linguine together for a bright and bold weeknight feast.

MARDI GRAS CAJUN SEAFOOD PASTA copy cat SERVES 6

1 pound COLOSSAL (if you can find them) shrimp peeled and de-veined, patted dry
8 ounces smoked sausage sliced into ¼ inch rounds
2 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
15 ounce can crushed tomatoes with herbs (Rotel works great)
1 package Beech mushrooms, trimmed
12 ounces crawfish tail meat preferably fresh cooked, but canned is okay, drained (or lobster)
12 ounces linguine pasta
2-3 cloves garlic FINELY minced
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1-2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 red bell pepper diced
½ medium Vidalia onion, diced
Juice of 1 LARGE lemon
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Boil linguine 8-9 minutes in salted water until ALMOST al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water; drain.
  • Season shrimp with salt, pepper and cajun seasoning to taste.
  • Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium-high heat.
  • Add sausage rounds and brown 3 to 4 minutes. Remove to a plate.
  • Add remaining butter and sauté 4-5 minutes bell pepper, onion and mushrooms until soft and lightly golden.
  • Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  • Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and remaining Cajun seasoning; toast 30 seconds. Remove to the plate with the sausage.
  • Add shrimp to pan cooking 2 minutes per side until opaque. Remove to plate with sausage
  • Pour in crushed tomatoes; simmer for 2 minutes, scraping fond up as your stir.
  • Add heavy cream; GENTLY simmer 6 to 8 minutes until thick enough to coat a spoon.
  • Fold sausage, crawfish, shrimp and veggies, warm 2 minutes.
  • Toss in linguine, loosening with pasta water until glossy and well-coated.
  • Finish with lemon juice; taste and adjust salt, pepper, and spice.
  • Rest 2 minutes, then serve hot.

NOTES: Pappadeaux’s uses green bell pepper, but I can’t eat it so make it with red bell pepper and we actually prefer it.

Colossal shrimp are the largest commercially available shrimp, typically 8 to 12 pieces per pound.
Their massive, steak-like texture makes them perfect for upscale presentations like shrimp cocktails OR scampi.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ SWEET & SOUR BEANS ~ BLOG 365.197D

SWEET & SOUR BEANS from Meriam B Loo (antique recipe)

1 can cut green beans, drained reserving liquid
1/2 red onion, diced
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (original called for plain vinegar)
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon flour
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 strips bacon

  • Fry bacon until crisp.
  • Remove bacon to paper toweling to drain.
  • Saute’ onion in hot bacon grease.
  • Whisk in flour until smooth.
  • Add half of reserved bean juice, vinegar, sugar salt and pepper.
  • Bring to a boil then add the drained beans and crumbled bacon.
  • Serve immediately.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ SWISS STEAK ~ BLOG 365.169B

It’s time to try another vintage recipe from the antique recipe box. This one is for an affordable comfort food, SWISS STEAK. It seems like everyone’s mom or grandma made it at one time. According to my older butcher it was a classic recipe made from lesser cuts of meat braised with tomatoes and veggies to stretch the family dollar as far as it would go. It was usually served over rice or mashed potatoes. That said I have adjusted it a bit for flavor, tenderness and time.

SWISS STEAK
2 pounds top round, 1 inch thick, cut into portions
1/2 cup WONDRA or AP flour
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped or small sliced
1 stalk celery, sliced
1 LARGE carrot, peeled and SMALL diced
8 ounces beech mushrooms (optional)
1 cup beef broth
14.5 ounce can stewed tor diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley

  • Whisk together flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder together for a seasoned dredge.
  • Pound steak (if needed – SEE NOTES) with a meat mallet.
  • Dredge steak pieces in flour mixture on both sides, making sure to coat really well.
  • Heat butter and oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until slightly shimmering. 
  • Add steaks and sear 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
  • Remove from the pan and set aside. 
  • Add onion, bell pepper, celery, carrots and mushrooms to the pan drippings; cooking and stirring 2-3 minutes until onion softened.
  • Stir in tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce and balsamic vinegar.
  • Return steak to pan, along with any accumulated juices and bring to a SLOW simmer.   

  • Cover, reduce heat, simmering 1-1 1/2 hours until steak is tender.
  • Remove steak to platter.
  • If necessary stir in slurry of reserved seasoned flour whisked with a little hot water to thicken gravy.
  • Sprinkle with parsley and serve steak and tomato mixture over rice or mashed potatoes.

NOTES:

  • I used top round cube steaks from the butcher to speed things up since they are tenderized well.
  • I also added paprika and garlic powder.
  • I changed the green pepper to red because green peppers and I just don’t get along.
  • I added the beech mushrooms for a little extra texture and flavor.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ STUFFED BURGERS & GRAVY ~ BLOG 365.162C

You know how I like to find old recipe boxes and recreate the recipes? Well, here’s another keeper! It’s simple, hearty and will please the entire family. I have tweaked it ever so slightly to bring it into the 21st century 🙂

STUFFED BURGERS & GRAVY

1 pound of ground beef
1-2 to 2/3 + 1 cup WHOLE milk
FRESH ground tri-color pepper
3 green onions, minced
Prepared stove top stuffing (flavor of choice)
1 10.5-ounce can of creamy condensed soup  (flavor of choice – cheddar cheese, mushroom…)
2 tablespoons of ketchup
1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce

  • Preheat oven 350°.
  • Combine ground beef and 1/2 cup in a mixing bowl. If too dry add a bit more milk a little at a time until you have the perfect consistency.
  • Add pepper and onions, mixing well.
  • Divide ground beef mixture into six even pieces and flatten each into a patty.
  • Form stuffing into balls and place in the center of each burger.
  • Mold the ground beef around the stuffing until it resembles a baseball and stuffing is sealed into the center of the burger bundle.
  • Place the burgers in a 9X13-inch baking dish.
  • Whisk together the remaining milk, soup, ketchup and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
  • Pour the soup mixture over top of the burgers.
  • Bake for 1 ½ to 2 hours. 
  • Serve with mashed potatoes or pasta noodles. 

COOKING THURSDAY ~ MONTE CRISTO ROLLS ~ BLOG 365.155A

One of my VERY favorite sandwiches of all time is a Monte Cristo. But they are a lot of work to make for a crowd. So, I was delighted when I ran across a recipe for making the same sandwich into a handheld roll! Instead of all the individual layers and deep frying the sandwich they are rolled tightly like a cinnamon roll and baked. You can make your own dough or short cut it with Pillsbury pizza dough.

These two layers of dough result in large, flaky buns that have the most delectable pocket of sweet and meaty cheese inside. Sprinkling these with a little powdered sugar as well as dipping them into a bit more raspberry jam and maybe a bit of PURE maple syrup make them absolutely delectable.


MONTE CRISTO ROLLS adapted from DELISH
2 cans Pillsbury pizza dough divided
1/4 cup Dijon mustard OR mayonnaise
8 ounces thinly sliced deli-style tavern ham
6 tablespoons raspberry jam
8 ounces Gruyere or baby Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
8 ounces thinly sliced deli-style turkey
1 LARGE egg 
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Powdered sugar, for serving
PURE maple syrup, for serving

  • Preheat to 350°.
  • Grease a 13×9 inch baking dish with butter.
  • Spread 1 can of dough on a lightly floured surface until evenly rolled into a fairly thin rectangle shape.
  • Spread a thin layer of mustard over top, leaving a 1/4″ border on all sides.
  • Layer ham over the mustard.
  • Unroll the second can of dough and lay flat on top of ham, rolling out lightly also.
  • Spread raspberry jam on top of dough, also leaving a 1/4″ border.
  • Layer cheese over jam, covering entire surface.
  • Layer turkey over cheese.
  • Starting from the short side, tightly roll up dough, making sure to tuck in edges as you go.
  • Slice roll into 6 pieces.
  • Arrange loosely in prepared dish like you would a cinnamon bun. 
  • Use toothpicks if necessary.
  • In a small bowl, beat egg and cream until blended.
  • Brush tops and sides of rolls with egg mixture.
  • Bake rolls 40-45 minutes until puffy and golden brown on the outside, 40 to 45 minutes.
  • Let cool slightly.
  • Transfer rolls to a platter.
  • Serve warm.
  • Dust with confectioners’ sugar.
  • Serve with more raspberry jam for dipping.

NOTES: These can pre-made ahead of time and stored in the freezer or overnight in the refrigerator.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ DISNEY DAY ~ BLOG 365.113B

DISNEY PIMIENTO CHEESE

2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup Duke’s mayonnaise
1 (4 ounce) jar diced pimento, drained
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced, Optional
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper, Optional
¼ teaspoon onion powder
FRESH ground salt and black pepper to taste

  • Place Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimento, minced jalapeño, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and onion powder in a large bowl, mixiing until thoroughly combined.
  • Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

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Some sites have said the best way to make these sandwiches is with their pimiento cheese. You decide and judge for yourself.

COPY CAT DISNEY GRILLED CHEESE (WOODY’S LUNCH BOX DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS) 
CREAM CHEESE SPREAD
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/2 cup shredded Double Gloucester or cheddar 
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

  • Combine cream cheese, cheddar, heavy cream, and salt in food processor, blending until smooth.
  • Set aside.

GARLIC SPREAD
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3/4 teaspoons minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

  • Combine mayonnaise, garlic, and salt in small bowl and stir until blended.
  • Set aside.

SANDWICH
8 slices of artisan bread
8 cheddar cheese slices
8 provolone slices

  • Lay out artisan bread slices on parchment paper or large cutting board.
  • Place 2 slices of cheddar on 4 of the bread slices.
  • Place 2 slices of provolone on remaining bread slices. 
  • Equally spoon cream cheese spread on slices with provolone.
  • Gently smooth cream cheese spread over each slice.
  • Press cheddar side and provolone side together.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes, until hot. 
  • Brush both sides of the sandwiches with garlic spread. 
  • Grill sandwiches for 2 minutes on each side, until cheese is melted and bread is golden brown. 

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TONGA TOAST aka THE MAGIC KINGDOM @ HOME

Looking to start your day magically? Try this crave worthy copy cat Disney recipe of Tonga Toast, a fruit stuffed French toast that satisfies ANY & EVERY sweet tooth.

There’s a reason why it’s a fan favorite – and a taste of Disney that everyone talks about. Sweet treats like this are crave-worthy! For the full recipe, see the printable recipe card below! 

Tonga Toast is a must-have Disney breakfast, but it also makes a wonderful dessert for whoever the craving hits for sweet AND fruity!! This fruity stuffed French toast is soft, sweet, and absolutely scrumptious!  

TONGA TOAST aka THE MAGIC KINGDOM @ HOME

CINNAMON SUGAR
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons QUALITY ground cinnamon

  • In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the ¾ cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon to make the cinnamon-sugar. Set aside.

TOAST
4 LARGE eggs
1 1/2 cups WHOLE milk
1/4 teaspoon QUALITY ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon sugar
1 loaf sourdough bread, whole
2 LARGE bananas, peeled and sliced in half lengthwise and then in half to get 4 pieces from each banana
4 cups oil or shortening for frying

  • In a deep bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon and sugar until well combined. Set aside.
  • Slice the two ends off the loaf of bread.
  • Slice the loaf into four equal pieces.
  • In the top of each slice, use a knife to make a slit 3” long across the top and deep enough to reach the bottom crust of the bread without slicing through it.
  • Stuff two of the banana slices side by side vertically into each of the four prepared bread slices.
  • Fill a heavy stockpot or Dutch oven with at least 4 inches of oil. Heat the oil to 375°. Use a candy thermometer to continually monitor the temperature.
  • Submerge each of the prepared bread slices into the egg/milk mixture. Soak for 1-2 minutes, then turn and soak it another 1-2 minutes on the other side to permeate the bread. The thickness of the slice and structure of the sourdough should hold up to soaking for quite some time.
  • When the oil is hot enough, use a pair of tongs to lift the bread from the batter, allowing the excess batter to drip off, and then carefully transfer the bread into the hot oil.
  • Fry 1-2 minutes on each side, flipping the slice when it is golden brown.
  • When the toast is golden brown all over, lift it from the hot oil and blot it on paper towels to remove excess oil so toast doesn’t get soggy from extra moisture.
  • While the toast is still warm, set it in the bowl of cinnamon sugar and toss to coat it. Spoon sugar over top as necessary.
  • Repeat process with remaining toasts.
  • Serve warm with maple syrup, a QUALITY honey or your favorite flavor compote or jam.

NOTES:

  • You can use any artisan bread of choice, but I recommend sourdough because it’s sturdy and doesn’t get overly soggy when dipped in batter. It also does a great job holding the bananas. I recommend starting with a whole sourdough loaf instead of pre-sliced sourdough. Most pre-sliced sourdough is cut TOO thin.
  • Use large bananas that are ripe, BUT NOT TOO RIPE — they should be fully yellow with some scattered brown spots. Once they’re overripe, they will be too mushy to use.
  • The cinnamon sugar coated toast is tasty on its own, but you can enjoy it with a variety of different toppings, such as maple syrup or your favorite flavored jam. And if you like peanut butter and bananas try drizzling a little bit of peanut butter over top! 
  • Make sure your oil is at least 4 inches deep and HOT. The sourdough slices are thick and will float to the top as they cook, so a deep pot of oil will keep half of the slice submerged at all times. Just flip to cook the other half! Using a candy thermometer ensures your oil is a constant 375°. 

Be sure and watch the temperature between batches. If it dips, be sure to bring it back up before adding another slice.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ GARLIC BUTTER BANG BANG STEAK BITES ~ BLOG 365.106D

Hubby absolutely LOVES the steak bites at 2 of our favorite restaurants. With the cost of eating out I decided to create them at home. This recipe is modified from Half Baked Harvest They are REALLY tasty and quick to make, not to mention absolutely delicious. YES, it bears repeating – they are that good! 🙂

One of the keys to the success of this recipe is using a REALLY hot skillet to get your best sear on the steak pieces. Now add the garlicky butter sauce to reach PURE perfection. And if that isn’t enough top it with the BANG BANG sauce to reach Nirvana.

GARLIC BUTTER BANG BANG STEAK BITES • Serves: 6
Prep time: 15 minutes • Cook time: 15 minutes • Total time: 30 minutes

BITES
1 tablespoon avocado oil
2 pounds beef tenderloin or rib-eye steak, cut into cubes
Freshly ground black pepper
6 tablespoons cold salted butter, cubed
1⁄4 cup Bragg’s liquid aminos
3-4 garlic cloves, FINELY chopped
1 teaspoon Garden Gourmet ginger paste
Chopped Thai basil, for serving

  • Place a large skillet over high heat and add the avocado oil.
  • Pat the steak dry and season all over with pepper.
  • Add the steak to the pan and cook 3-5 minutes, undisturbed, until it is well-browned on the bottom.
  • Stir and cook 3-5 minutes more, until the steak is browned on all sides.
  • Add the butter, liquid aminos, garlic, and ginger, tossing to coat and cooking 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.

SAUCE
½ cup Duke’s mayonnaise
⅓ cup sweet Thai chili sauce
2 tablespoons Bragg’s liquid aminos
1-2 garlic cloves, FINELY chopped or grated
2 teaspoons lime zest
1 tablespoon FRESH lime juice
1 tablespoon chopped pickled sushi ginger

  • In a medium bowl whisk together the mayo, chili sauce, liquid aminos, garlic, lime zest, lime juice, and ginger paste until well blended.
  • Sprinkle the Thai basil over the beef.
  • Spoon the garlic butter over the top.
  • Serve with the bang bang sauce alongside for dipping.

NOTES:
We often toss the bites with the BANG BANG sauce if it’s just the 2 of us AS WELL AS serve them with dipping sauce on the side.