Bacon, Pesto, & Tomato Panini

The Hubs got me a Panini Maker for christmas and I couldn't have been more excited!!! I have wanted one of these suckers for quite sometime now!  I couldn't wait to get my hands on some good sandwich grub so I could whip up some awesome paninis.

This was the first Panini that I made (so please excuse the lovely photo) but it was oh so good!  I saw a recipe similar to this one on Pinterest and knew at once I had to give it a shot.

Recipe:

2 slices Jewish Rye Bread

4 slices of Bacon

4 thin slices of Tomato

1-2 slices of Smoked Gouda

Pesto

Mayo

and Olive Oil for brushing on the outside of the Bread

Heat your Panini Press to medium-high heat while you prepare the sandwich.  Cook the bacon till crisp then blot with a paper towel to absorb any excess grease.  Lightly brush olive oil on the outside of both slices of bread.  Spread a thin layer of mayo on each side of the bread.

Then spread a generous layer of Pesto on both pieces of bread. (you can use homemade or storebought Pesto. I used storebought and it was delicious)

Place the cheese on the bottom layer of bread then stack on the bacon and tomatoes, season lightly with salt and pepper, then top with the final piece of bread.  Place on the panini grill and cook for 4 minutes or until you have nice sear marks on the bread.  Serve with a pickle and some chips or fresh fruit or veggies.  Enjoy!

"My Favorite" Chicken Salad Sandwiches

So far since my mom has been here we haven't done much cooking.  We took the little one to the park to play in the water fountains, and have visited a few of my very favorite stores. Crate & Barrel and Pottery Barn.  Look how cute this Mason Jar Drink Dispenser is that my mom bought from Pottery Barn.

So Cute, Right?!!!!  Anyhow, I did however make up some of my ALL TIME favorite chicken salad sandwiches. Even though they have Mayo in them, I think that they are a perfect summertime meal too.  

Recipe:

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (diced)

1/2 cup mayonaise

1/8-1/4 cup heavy cream

2 green onions (diced, white and green parts)

1 cup red seedless grapes (sliced in half)

1/4 cup slivered almonds

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

(I seasoned the chicken breasts with lemon pepper before baking. Adds a great flavor to the sandwich)

12 mini croissants or 6 large ones

Preheat the oven to *375.  Season the defrosted chicken well with lemon pepper.  Bake for 30-35 minutes or till no longer pink. Dice into bite sized pieces.  In a large bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, mayo, heavy cream, grapes, green onions, and almonds.  Mix in the diced chicken and stir till well combined.  Scoop a couple of Tbsp. of chicken salad onto a sliced croissant. You can also top with lettuce and tomato.

(recipe source: Me)

Just one of those days + Chicken Suiza Sandwiches

So I took the little one swimming yesterday and we had so much fun! I am so mad that I didn't get any pictures of her swimming.  It may have been because she is only 1-1/2 years old and already has NO FEAR of the water whatsoever! I have never seen a kid her age be so willing to jump into the water even if I'm not standing right below to catch her! 

Anyways, due to being in the sun all day I really didn't feel like cooking anything fancy for dinner so I opted for these quick, super easy to make, and quite tasty if you ask me Chicken Suiza Sandwiches!

This recipe is perfect for those days that you just don't have the time (or just don't want to take the time) to prepare a big meal, yet its so flavorful that you will be finding excuses to make them again and again.

Recipe:

1 Tbsp. Olive Oil

1 small red onion (diced)

2 cloves garlic (minced)

juice of 1 lime

1 Tbsp. Honey

1 1/2 cups Salsa Verde

1/2 cups sour cream

1 Rotisserie Chicken (skin removed and shredded)

4-6 sandwich rolls split in half

1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese

Shred the chicken and set aside. In a large enough saute pan,  heat the oil over medium heat and add the garlic and onion and cook for about 2 minutes, or just until soft.  Add the rest of the ingredients (except the cheese) and stir until heated through (about 5 minutes). Place a good amount of the chicken mixture over the rolls and sprinkle some of the shredded cheese over the top. Place under the broiler till the cheese melts and the rolls are slightly browned and toasted. Enjoy!

(recipe source: Taste and Tell Blog)

Pulled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

I love more than anything when I come across a new recipe that involves the crock pot! Seriously, you throw a couple of ingredients into a large pot, plug it in, turn the heat to low, and VOILA! Your meal is ready for you and you didn't have to slave in the kitchen for hours over it either.  I saw this recipe on Tasty Kitchen the other day and knew at once that was going to be our dinner the next day.  I made just a few changes to the recipe that I feel added just a bit more flavor. That is the recipe you will find below but if you would like the original click here.

Recipe:

2-3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (not frozen)

1 can of Pineapple tid-bits (reserve 1/2 cup of the juice)

1 small onion (diced)

1 clove of garlic minced

1 bottle of BBQ sauce ( I used Sweet Baby Rays Honey BBQ, but you can use whatever flavor you would like)

1 Tbsp. Honey

1/2 cup pineapple juice

1/2 tsp. Ground black pepper

Place your thawed chicken breasts into the crock pot.  Dice the onion and place on top of the chicken. Next layer the pineapple over the onion.  In a bowl, combine the bbq sauce, garlic, pepper, honey, and juice and pour over the chicken. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours.  Serve on toasted buns.

(Recipe Source: Slightly adapted from Tasty Kitchen)

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatball Sandwiches

I am so glad I stumbled upon this genious idea of mozzarella stuffed meatballs over at Picky Palate.  The Hubs and I LOVE meatball sandwiches! LOVE THEM! We love them so much that we drove all the way to Salt Lake City 3 times in 1 week (from where we lived that was about 45 miles there and back) just to get a famous meatball sandwich at "Moochies Meatballs" (if your not familiar with Moochies, Moochies is a delicious little "Dive" from Diners Drives-Ins, and Dives or a.k.a. Triple D in our house, that is located in Salt Lake City)  If you haven't eaten there and live in Utah I highly suggest you eat there! And eat there soon! (Oh how I miss Moochies!) Anyways, Back to stuffed meatballs! When I saw this recipe I knew at once that I had to make it cause I knew The Hubs would Love it! And let me tell you, this is a definite repeat dish in our house! These sandwiches are soooooooo yummy! My photos can't even do these babies justice! I promise, take my word for it! Make these, even the kids will love the surprise center that is oh so melty and gooey in these meatballs!

(I know this isn't the greatest pic but can't you just see all that yummy mozzarella flowing out of the meatball! Yum!)

Recipe:

For the Meatballs:

2 Tbsp. Olive Oil

1 pound lean ground beef

1 large egg

1/2 cup finely chopped white onion

1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs

1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese

1/4 cup milk

2 tablespoons minced garlic

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

1 teaspoon hot sauce, like Tabasco

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

Ten 1-inch Mozzarella balls


For the Sandwich:
4 white sub rolls

4 slices of provolone cheese

Bottle of your favorite Marinara Sauce

(This is how The Hubs likes his, with pepperoni over the top, also really good!)

Mix together all of the ingredients above, except for the mozzarella balls.  Mix till well combined.  Next, take about 1/4 cup of the meat and form a ball. Taking your thumb, press down into the center of the meatball, and form what looks like a nest for the mozzarella ball to go.  Place 1 mozz ball into the center of each meatball, and form the meat around the ball, making sure that all of the sides are sealed nice and tight.

Place your stuffed meatballs into a lightly oiled baking dish, large enough to accomidate all of your meatballs. ( I used an 8x8)  Next place them into the oven at *350 and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked all the way through.

Take 4 sub Rolls, slice them in half, lengthwise, and place 2-3 meatballs on each roll. Pour a little of your favorite marinara sauce over the top of the meatballs, a slice of provolone cheese, and place under the broiler till the cheese melts (about 1-2 minutes)

Enjoy!!!


(Recipe Source: Picky Palate)

Ham & Poppyseed Sandwiches

Ham-A-Rama Recipe #3

Anyone sick of ham yet?!?! Cause I'll be honest I am getting quite tired of it! However, these little sammies are seriously so good, that even though we have eaten ham for the last 4 days straight, the hubs asked if I would make them for lunch again tomorrow!  And to be honest, I just might! These little sandwiches are great for a get together like the super bowl, a bridal/baby shower, or just for a really yummy lunch or dinner! 

Recipe:

1 package (12 count) Kings Hawaiian Sweet Rolls

12 generous slices of leftover Honey Baked Ham (or 1/2 lb. sliced deli ham if you haven't recently made a ham)

6 slices of Baby Swiss Cheese

6 slices of Smoked Cheddar

1 stick (1/2 cup) Butter (melted)

2 Tbsp. dried minced onion (I use lipton onion dry soup mix)

1 Tbsp. yellow mustard

2 Tbsp. poppy seeds

Mix together the melted butter, onion, mustard, and poppy seeds and set aside.  Slice all of your rolls in half and layer with a slice of ham and one slice of cheese ( I like to make 6 sandwiches with swiss cheese and 6 sandwiches with smoked cheddar. You can do all swiss or all cheddar, its up to you. )

Place the sandwiches into a 9x13 baking dish.  Drizzle the butter/onion mixture over the top of the rolls.  Place in the oven at *325 and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

*Note: Since there are only 2 of us, I cut the sauce recipe in half and made only 5 sandwiches and it was perfect for the 2 of us for lunch.

(Recipe Source: Slightly adapted from All Recipes)

Leftover Pot Roast Sandwiches

Every Sunday, over at my in-laws house, we have the most amazing pot roast for dinner.  My husband and I look forward to Sunday meals all week knowing that we will be having this delicious meal.  Some people may think that is weird that every Sunday you have the same thing, but not us!  Delicious roast, yummiest mashed potatoes, green salad, and homemade rolls; now who wouldn't want that every week! So if any of you are making roasts for dinner this weekend be sure to keep this recipe in mind. You won't be disappointed!

Recipe:

Leftover roast from the day before (shredded)

4 sub rolls

4 slices of either provolone or havarti cheese

few slices of red onion

Mayo 

Yellow Mustard

Homemade Aus Jus:

1 cup pan drippings from the pot roast dinner

1 cup beef stock

1 Tbsp. onion seasonings (I use the Lipton onion soup packets)

2 Tbsp. butter

For the Aus Jus, bring all ingredients above to a boil for 1 minute.  Remove from heat and drizzle a little bit of aus jus over your shredded meat.  Pour the remaining Aus Jus into individual serving dishes for dipping.  

For the Sandwiches, slice sub roll in half.  Lightly butter either side of the sub roll.  Place a generous amount of the meat onto each roll.  Top with one slice of cheese or if your crazy like me you'll throw on 2 :)   Place the loaded rolls onto a baking sheet and place under the broiler till the cheese is melted.  Top of with a little mayo, mustard and a few thin slices of onion. 

Delicious Chicken Sandwiches & "Chicky Nuggies"

I can remember when my adorable little niece Ellie, before she could really talk except for a few words here and there, would say in the sweetest little voice, "Chicky Nuggies Mom!" It was the cutest thing I had ever heard and has stuck with me ever since, and now I myself say chicky nuggies along with my husband and little one! So there you have it, these little nuggies are some of the best I've tried; besides of course the real deal over at the Chick-fil-A (but I must say these could be their twin in taste) they taste so much like them you can't really taste the difference.

Recipe:

2 cups pickle juice

1 egg

1 cup milk

4 skinless chicken breasts

2 cups flour

2 1/2 Tbsp. Powdered Sugar

3 tsp. salt

1 tsp. pepper

1/2 tsp. garlic salt

4 cups peanut oil for frying (when i first made these I fried them in vegetable oil , all I had, and didn't like the taste at all, so I made sure to buy peanut oil and liked them way better)

Trim chicken of any fat, and place them into a container where they can marinate in the pickle juice for 3-4 hours or overnight.  Whisk together the egg and milk in one bowl.  In another bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and seasonings and mix till well incorporated.  In a large pot, heat the oil to about *375. (If you don't have a thermometer, sprinkle some water over the oil when it starts spitting back at you its ready to go)  

Meanwhile while the oil is heating, take 2 of the chicken breasts (these are for the sandwiches) and slightly pound them to make them a little thinner. (This will help with the cooking process).  Next dip them one at a time into the egg/milk mixture, then dredge them into the flour mixture till well coated.  Place them into the oil and let cook till both sides are golden brown. (about 4-7 minutes) Place on a toasted bun with toppings of choice.

Next, take the remaining 2 chicken breasts and slice them into bite size pieces.  Dip into the egg mix, then dredge into the flour.  Place about 8 nuggets at a time into fryer and cook about 4-6 minutes; also till golden brown.  Serve with sauce of choice.  

(Recipe Source: Tasty Kitchen with a few slight changes made by me)

Lew's Smash Burgers

Whenever I can get my husband to cook, its only because he's grilling something.  I wish he liked to cook with me more, cause man, is he funny in the kitchen or what!  I wish I had him cooking on camera.  He pretends that he is being taped for a Food Network Show, and I gotta say, He's pretty entertaining! I think he called his show something like "Grillin and Chillin with Lew".  Worked for me.  We got delicious burgers out of it!  He could grill every night of the week and it would be fine with me.  This is the hubs special recipe. 

Lew's Smash Burgers Recipe:

1 lb. Hamburger Meat (80/20)

Salt and Pepper 

A little steak seasoning for me (Gosh i love me some McCormick Steak Seasoning. Don't know what it is but it sure does make the burger if you ask me)

8 slices of Bacon 

1/2 of a white onion (sliced into thin strips)

1 1/2 tsp. brown sugar

1 tsp. olive oil

4 slices of cheddar cheese

4 hamburger buns

Condiments of choice:

Ketchup 

Mayo
BBQ
A1
Ranch

Yellow Mustard

Heat your Griddle or Grill to *375.  (Lew uses a griddle so he can smash em real good)  Season your meat well with salt, pepper and steak seasoning.  Mix till well combined.  Now take the meat and seperate it into 4 even sized balls.  Place them on the griddle and give them a good Smash! 

Meanwhile, while the meat is cooking away,  slice up your onion and toss it into a skillet with the 1 tsp of oil heated over med. heat. Stir till all the onion looks like it is well coated with oil then stir in the brown sugar. Turn the heat down to low-med. and watch closely, stirring frequently, allowing the onion to carmelize. (about 10 minutes)  Also, cook the bacon while the meat is cooking. (You can cook it on the griddle with the meat to avoid dirtying any other dishes)

Back to the Burgers, cook till the meat is barely Pink in the middle (or if your anything like me, cook till NO LONGER pink at all)  When all is done cooking, place sliced cheese on top of pattys and cover with a lid for just a minute or two allowing the cheese to melt.  Assemble your burgers on a toasted bun and top with 2 slices of bacon and your carmelized onion.  

We served our burgers with these Zucchini Bites but they would be great with these Sweet Potato Fries also.

(Recipe Source: My Dashing Husband)

Pixies

These breakfast sandwiches are a favorite in our family! My grandmother (who passed away over a year ago, and who we miss greatly) would make these sandwiches for us. Next, to her Mickey Mouse pancakes (which were my all time favorite!) these were always our next choice. Grams would always make these sandwiches with 2 eggs, 2 sausage patties, some ham, and 2 pieces of cheese (wow that's alot in one sandwich some might say, but grams was from the south, it should make more sense now) However, we have made a few changes over time but the name will always stay the same in memory of Grams! Happy Friday everyone! Make sure to make these sandwiches over the weekend I'm sure your families will love them! This recipe will make 2 sandwiches.

Recipe:
2 English Muffins (Toasted)
2 eggs
4 slices of cheddar cheese (We just use the velveeta slices, they melt really well)
4 strips of bacon
Salt and Pepper

Heat griddle to medium heat.  Start cooking the bacon. When the bacon is about halfway done, start cooking your eggs. Salt and pepper the egg while it is cooking. Throw your english muffins in the toaster. Remove bacon from griddle and lay on a paper towel to absorb any excess oils. When english muffins are toasted, immediately place cheese down, one on top and one on bottom so the cheese can melt. Lastly place the cooked egg on bottom, and layer 2 slices of bacon on top of that and top off with remaining bun. Beware, this little sandwich can become addicting and is not low in calories. ENJOY!

Classic BLT with a Little Twist

BLT's really are just a classic quick and easy, throw together sandwich. All you really need is 2 yummy pieces of bread, (I prefer Rye Bread) one firm ripe tomato, some lettuce, and a couple pieces of bacon. Well this sandwich is just that, but I added cream cheese and a little twist to the tomato. Find out below....

Recipe:
4 slices Rye Bread
1 Tomato (Sliced and make sure tomato is firm and ripe. If not the tomato will turn out mushy)
6 Slices of Bacon
Couple pieces of Leaf Lettuce
1/2 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
1/2 tsp. Italian Seasoning
4 Tbsp. Cream Cheese
1 1/2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
Pinch of Salt

Start off by cooking bacon on medium heat in skillet. While the bacon is cooking, slice the tomato and season both sides with a pinch of salt. Next, mix together the bread crumbs and italian seasoning. You are then going to dip both sides of the tomato in the bread crumb mixture, making sure both sides are coated very well!. After the bacon is done cooking, place it on a paper towel to clean off any excess oil. Clean the pan and return to stove. Heat olive oil in skillet and then place slices of tomato in pan and cook on both sides, about 2 minutes each. When done, lay flat on a paper towel to dry. Meanwhile, toast your bread, then spread 2 Tbsp. cream cheese between the 2 slices. Layer lettuce, tomato, and bacon on to your toast and ENJOY!!!!

Philly Steak & Cheese

This is a quick, easy, 5 ingredient, throw together meal great for lunch or dinner! Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Recipe:
1 lb. Groud Beef (You can also substitute this for ground turkey for a healthier meal)
1 Bell Pepper (Diced)
1/2 Onion (Diced)
1 (8oz) package cream cheese (also you can use 1/3 the fat cream cheese for a healthier meal)
1 tsp. Garlic Salt
4 Kaiser or Sub rolls

Brown the ground beef till no longer pink (about 7-10 minutes on med. heat). While the meat is cooking season with the garlic salt. Set aside on a paper towel to absorb any extra juices from the meat. Next, in the same pan you cooked the meat in, saute the bell pepper and onion for about 2-3 minutes.  Then add the meat back in with the bell peppers and onions. Now cut the cream cheese into cubes and throw into the meat mixture, stirring till the cream cheese is melted. Serve on a Kaiser Roll or a wheat sub roll with a side of fruit salad or fresh veggies.

Beau's Delight (aka Chicken Subs)

I was at my good friends house one night when her husband whipped up these healthy, delicious, and oh so tasty subs! That's where the name comes in, "Beau's Delight" cause really these are delightful. Thanks for sharing your secrets Beau :) Anyhow, these sandwich's are super easy to make and they taste even better the next day if you ask me. When, I used to work I would make these up the night before and then take them for lunch the next day.

Recipe:
2-3 large Chicken Breasts (Shredded)
2 Tbsp. Vinegar (for sauteing)
1/2 cup Vinegar
1 Bell Pepper (sliced into thin strips)
1/2 Onion (sliced into thin strips)
Provolone Cheese
Yellow Mustard for topping
Pepper to taste

Boil the chicken breasts till fully cooked (about 25 minutes). In the meantime, slice the bell pepper and onion into thin slices. Heat a skillet on medium heat. Add the vegetables and 2 Tbsp. vinegar. (I prefer to saute the veggies in vinegar instead of olive oil cause it’s a little healthier that way) Saute for 2-3 minutes until veggies become soft. Add the shredded chicken and pour 1/2 cup vinegar into skillet. Stir till well combined, then turn the heat to low and let simmer (covered) for 5 minutes. This allows the chicken to absorb the vinegar. Season with a little pepper. Place a slice of cheese on one side of each kaiser roll and place under the broiler till cheese melts and roll becomes slightly crisp. Squeeze a little mustard onto the roll, then fill with the chicken mixture. Serve with fresh fruit, veggies, or favorite potato chip. Enjoy!