HOT ITALIAN SANDWICHES

HOT ITALIAN SANDWICHES
1 package King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls
1/2 cup QUALITY mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Classico tomato pesto
6 slices provolone cheese
6 slices Tavern ham
6 slices Hard Salami
6 slices oven roasted turkey
6 slices Pastrami
1 cup giardiniera, chopped small
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 cup FRESH basil leaves
1/2 SMALL red onion, sliced thin
1/4 cup River House Parmesan Herb dressing (or a zesty Italian)
Pepperoncinis, garnish
Giardiniera, garnish

  • Preheat oven to 350.
  • Slice the rolls horizontally in half.
  • Lightly spray a 11×7 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Whisk together the mayonnaise and pesto until well blended.
  • Spread mayonnaise mixture over the cut rolls.
  • Place roll bottoms in baking dish.
  • Layer the provolone cheese followed by the meats in an even layer.
  • Add basil in a single layer followed by the red onion slices and giardiniera.
  • Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
  • Place roll tops over the ingredients.
  • Gently press to flatten.
  • Bake 10 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and and brush with dressing.
  • Bake another 5 minutes.
  • Cool slightly before slicing.
  • Serve with pepperoncinis and giardiniera.

CALIFORNIA CHICKEN CLUB RING with AVOCADO CREMA

This recipe is a modified version of a Pampered Chef recipe. I was not fond of their use of kale so I changed it to spinach nor did I want to buy all the products they recommended, but were not actually necessary to achieve the same results. I also exchanged the chemically altered, prepackaged or reduced fat products to their more wholesome versions. 😀

CALIFORNIA CHICKEN CLUB RING

SANDWICH RING
3-4 cups baby spinach leaves, torn small
1 bunch green onions, trimmed and slices
12 ounces bacon, cooked and crumbled
1-2  garlic cloves, minced
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1 cup shredded provolone or Jack cheese
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional – if omitting, double the mayonnaise)
3-4 cups small diced rotisserie chicken pieces
2-8 ounce cans crescent rolls
1  LARGE egg yolk
½ teaspoon water

  • Preheat the oven to 375°.
  • Brush pizza pan with oil or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Place the spinach leaves into a medium mixing bowl.
  • Add the green onion, garlic and bacon.
  • Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH, for 30 seconds, or until the spinach is slightly wilted.
  • Add mayonnaise and mustard, stirring to combine.
  • Add the tomatoes, cheese and chicken pieces, stirring to combine.
  • Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 16 triangles.
  • Arrange the wide ends about 1″ away from the inner ring of the platter.
  • The points should extend over the edge of the platter. Smooth flat the wide ends of the dough.
  • Distribute the filling evenly over the dough.
  • Bring the points of the triangles up and over the filling, then tuck the points under the dough toward the center to form a ring.
  • Whisk the egg yolk and water in a small bowl.
  • Brush the ring with the egg wash.
  • Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

DIP
½ cup sour cream
1-2 large avocados, pitted and cut into chunks
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2-3  green onions, sliced
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Add all the dip ingredients to a small food processor and process until smooth.
  • Transfer the dip to a serving bowls.


RESCUE WRAPS

The absolute beauty of this recipe is that it can be adapted to WHATEVER you have on hand.

RESCUE WRAPS
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 scant tablespoon avocado oil
1/2 SMALL red onion, sliced thin
2 tablespoons chopped FRESH cilantro
1/2 cup marinated roasted red peppers, drained WELL, dried and chopped
1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained well, dried and chopped
1 large avocado, sliced
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
Juice of 1 LARGE lime
2 tablespoons Frank’s hot sauce
1 cup shredded nacho cheddar cheese
flour tortillas

  • In a bowl combine the lime juice, hot sauce, chopped red peppers, red onion slices and cilantro.
  • Season with FRESH ground sea salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet.
  • Add chicken, sauteing 2 minutes.
  • Add roasted red peppers and artichoke hearts, combining well.
  • Divide sliced avocado, chicken mixture, red pepper mixture and cheese into tortillas.
  • Roll up and serve.

BACON CHEESEBURGER SLIDERS

BACON CHEESEBURGER SLIDERS

A slightly sweet and garlicky glaze on these Hawaiian Roll Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders makes the best slider recipe! We’re always looking for easy ground beef recipes and these easy sliders take a burger to the next level.

1 package of 12 pack King’s Hawaiian roll sliders
4-6 slices bacon, diced
1 pound lean ground beef
1/3 cup diced red onion
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard (optional)
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
3 tablespoons butter melted
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Slice entire package of rolls (do not separate) in half and toast bottoms in broiler for 1-2 minutes.
  • Cook bacon until crisp.
  • Remove bacon pieces to paper toweling to drain.
  • Brown ground beef and onions in bacon drippings and then drain WELL.
  • Return meat mixture to the pan and lower heat to low.
  • Season with salt, pepper and dry mustard if using.
  • Stir in shredded cheese for 1 minute.

  • Sprinkle bacon on top.
  • Add slices of cheddar cheese and replace top half of rolls.
  • Melt butter and stir in brown sugar, onion and garlic powders.
  • Spoon or brush over the tops of the sliders.
  • Sprinkle with sesame seeds if using.
  • Bake for 10 – 15 minutes until rolls are lightly browned and cheese is melted.
  • Serve warm and enjoy!


BUFFALO CHICKEN SLIDERS

BUFFALO CHICKEN SLIDERS
12 pack of Kings Sweet Hawaiian Rolls
2 1/2 cups chopped Costco rotisserie chicken pieces
1/2 red onion, THINLY sliced
8 slices Havarti cheese
1/3-1/2 cup Frank’s Original Buffalo Sauce
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon powdered Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • LIGHTLY spray 9×13 pan with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Stir together chicken pieces and buffalo sauce until well coated.
  • Cut entire package of Hawaiian rolls in half so you have a top and bottom.
  • Place roll bottoms in pan.
  • Place half the cheese in a single layer on top of rolls.
  • Top with chicken pieces in an even layer.
  • Evenly layer onions on top of chicken pieces.
  • Layer remaining cheese in a single layer.
  • Place tops on rolls.
  • Whisk together melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder and Parmesan cheese.
  • Brush roll tops with butter mixture.
  • Cover LIGHTLY with foil.
  • Bake 20 minutes.
  • Remove foil and bake 5 minutes more.

NOTE: You can use regular rolls, but the Hawaiian rolls are a much sweeter roll that lend a great profile to this recipe.

BACON RANCH CHICKEN SLIDERS

BACON RANCH CHICKEN SLIDERS
12 pack of Kings Sweet Hawaiian Rolls
2 1/2 cups chopped Costco rotisserie chicken pieces
1/2 red onion, THINLY sliced
8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
8 slices Havarti cheese
1/3-1/2 cup Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon powdered Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • LIGHTLY spray 9×13 pan with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Stir together chicken pieces and ranch dressing until well coated.
  • Cut entire package of Hawaiian rolls in half so you have a top and bottom.
  • Place roll bottoms in pan.
  • Place half the cheese in a single layer on top of rolls.
  • Top with chicken pieces in an even layer.
  • Evenly layer onions on top of chicken pieces.
  • Sprinkle with bacon pieces and top with remaining cheese in a single layer.
  • Place tops on rolls.
  • Whisk together melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder and Parmesan cheese.
  • Brush roll tops with butter mixture.
  • Cover LIGHTLY with foil.
  • Bake 20 minutes.
  • Remove foil and bake 5 minutes more.
  • Serve warm.

NOTE: You can use regular rolls, but the Hawaiian rolls are a much sweeter roll that lend a great profile to this recipe.

BLTS ROLL UPS

These are great in the spring and summer, especially for picnic baskets or outside around the yard.

BLTS (BACON LETTUCE TURKEY STRAWBERRY) ROLL UPS
PER PERSON
1 LARGE spinach tortilla
2 slices deli turkey
2-3 pieces crisp bacon
2-3 LARGE strawberries
shredded lettuce mayonnaise

  • Lay spinach tortillas out on a flat work surface.
  • Spread with mayonnaise.
  • Starting at one edge top with turkey slices followed by bacon pieces, sliced strawberries and lettuce not quite going all the way to the other edge.
  • Roll the tortillas TIGHTLY!
  • Cut each roll in half and serve.

TOMATO SWEET POTATO BISQUE with BACON JALAPENO GRILLED CHEESE CROUTONS

TOMATO SWEET POTATO BISQUE adapted from CARLA HALL
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 medium sweet potato 
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced 
1 rib celery, cleaned and diced 
1 sweet onion, FINELY chopped 
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons FRESH thyme leaves
14.5-ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes 
4 cups unsalted vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
1/4 cup heavy cream 
Micro greens or chopped green onions, for garnish 

  • Preheat the oven to 425°.
  • Place the sweet potato on a baking sheet and bake until soft, 35 to 40 minutes.
  • Allow to cool, then peel it and roughly chop it.
  • Heat avocado oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the carrots, celery, onions, salt and pepper, stirring occasionally, until the onions just turn translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and thyme, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are nice and brown, 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Stir in the cayenne pepper, tomatoes with their juices and the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer until the carrots are tender, about 15 minutes.
  • Add the roasted sweet potato.
  • Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until silky smooth.
  • Return the soup to the skillet and heat on low.
  • Stir in the cream.
  • Season to taste and serve hot with the micro greens or sliced green onions and
  • Croutons.

BACON JALAPENO GRILLED CHEESE CROUTONS
2 slices bacon per sandwich, cooked crisp
FRESH sourdough bread
1/2 cup whipped cream cheese
1 SMALL can diced jalapeños, drained well
QUALITY medium cheddar slices

  • Beat together the cream cheese and diced jalapeños.
  • Butter the outside of the bread slices.
  • Spread one slice with the cream cheese jalapeño mixture.
  • Lay bacon pieces on top of cream cheese mixture.
  • Top with cheddar cheese slice and other slice of bread, buttered side out.
  • Place the sandwich in a nonstick skillet and turn the heat to medium-low, cooking and turning occasionally, until the bread is toasted golden brown and the cheese is completely melted through.
  • Cut into croutons.

CREAMED EGG SALAD

CREAMED EGG SALAD
6 eggs, hard boiled and cooled
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish, drained

  • Mix cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth.
  • Add sugar, onion powder, salt and pepper, mixing until well blended.
  • Grate hard boiled eggs with a cheese grater into the mixing bowl.
  • Add pickle relish.
  • Serve on croissants.

CREAMY RUSTIC TOMATO SOUP with GRILLED CHEESE ROLL-UPS

CREAMY RUSTIC TOMATO SOUP with GRILLED CHEESE ROLL-UP DIPPERS

ROASTED TOMATO MIX
2 large zuchinni peeled and slices
8 cups tomatoes (I used garden grown Roma, Cherry and Blue Indigo tomatoes)
1 bulb garlic, peeled and sliced
1 large bunch green onions, halved and roughly sliced diagonally

CREAMY RUSTIC TOMATO SOUP
3 cups chicken broth
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1/3 cup chopped Italian parsley
2 tablespoons chopped FRESH Basil
2 tablespoons chopped FRESH Oregano
1/2-1 cup heavy cream

GRILLED CHEESE ROLL-UP DIPPERS
12 egg roll wrappers
12 Tillamook medium cheddar cheese snack sticks
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 stick butter
1/2 cup avocado or canola oil

  • Start cheese stick on the corner of the egg roll wrapper and roll cheese stick twice.
  • Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and wrap 2 more times folding in the corners as necessary.
  • Brush remaining open edges with water and continue rolling until well sealed.
  • Heat butter and oil (1/2 inch deep) to 375Ëš.
  • Fry sticks a few at a time until golden brown all the way around.
  • Drain on paper towels.

HAM & CHEESE PULL APARTS

ACTIVE PREP TIME: 15 minutes
COOK TIME: 25 minutes
TOTAL START TO FINISH TIME: 45 minutes
SERVES: 4
WHY I’LL MAKE IT AGAIN: It’s the perfect tailgating food!

HAM & CHEESE PULL APARTS
4 sourdough rolls or 1 LARGE Italian or sourdough bread loaf
1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
1 + 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese or Monterey Jack or Baby Swiss
1 1/2-2 cups SMALL diced country ham or bits of deli ham
2 green onions, minced

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Cover a baking sheet with foil.
  • Place rolls foil.
  • Slice rolls in a cross hatch pattern. Be sure NOT to slice all the way through.
  • Drizzle the butter into all the crevices.
  • Stuff the crevices with 1 cup of the shredded cheese and minced ham pieces.
  • Top with minced green onions.
  • Wrap loosely with a large piece of foil on top.
  • Bake 15 minutes.
  • Top with remaining cheese.
  • Uncover and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is golden.

CHICKEN PARMESAN STUFFED GARLIC BREAD

CHICKEN PARMESAN STUFFED GARLIC BREAD adapted from Tasty

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders
1 cup flour
4 eggs, beaten
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
1/4 cup avocado oil, for frying
2 large baguettes**
Prepared marinara sauce**

  • Place the flour, eggs, and bread crumbs into 3 separate bowls.
  • Roll a chicken strip in the flour, dusting off excess.
  • Dip the strip into the egg, then place into the bread crumbs, coating it completely.
  • Repeat with the remaining chicken.
  • Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat to 350Ëš.
  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Fry the breaded chicken strips until both sides are golden brown.
  • Remove from heat and drain on a paper toweling.

GARLIC BUTTER
1/2 cup butter, melted
4 LARGE cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon FRESH parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

  • Whisk everything together and set aside.

ASSEMBLY

  • Slice the baguettes into thirds or fourths, each piece should be about the same length of the chicken strips.
  • Hollow out the insides of the baguette pieces with a knife.
  • Overlap two slices of mozzarella lengthwise.
  • Place a chicken strip on the overlapping region, then fold the mozzarella tightly around the chicken.
  • Push the rolled chicken strips into a baguette piece.
  • Slice the stuffed baguette pieces into 1 inch slices, then place them tightly side-by-side on a baking sheet lined with foil.
  • Brush the garlic butter evenly over the baguette slices, making sure some drips in between the slices.
  • Wrap the foil up and over the re-assembled baguette and bake for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and the top is starting to brown.
  • Remove the foil and serve with marinara!

NOTE:

  • I make a “PINK” marinara that is half traditional red marinara and half alfredo sauce with a garlic crema (recipe below) 😀  The garlic crema is also wonderful to add to any base for any pizza.
  • I also like to use a ‘par baked’ baguette from the bakery.

GARLIC CREMA
1 cup heavy cream
6 cloves to the entire bulb or garlic depending on preference, minced
Combine the heavy cream and garlic in a small saucepan.
Cook over medium low heat, stirring frequently, 10-15 minutes until thickened and fragrant.