Easy Ass Nacho's

He all!

Like easy things? Then look no more. We have some easy ass nacho's! This dish is so easy to make and we think you will love it! Make great for a movie or game on TV! You can put this together fast! With a few key ingredients you can also mix those up as well! Give this easy dish a try and have a great start to summer everyone! This dish is also Gluten Free just make sure you don't use bread an all seasonings are gluten free.

Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 5 Minutes

Total Time: 20 Minutes

Serves 6-8

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef 1 Bag of Scoops Shredded Cheddar Cheese Salsa Sour Cream 1 Packet of Taco Seasoning 3/4 Cup Water Any other ingredients you would like!

Directions: Preheat your oven 375 degrees.

Cook up the ground beef until it is all fully brown.

Add seasoning and water and continue to cook.

Spread out scoops on a large cooking sheet evenly.

With a spoon place some meat in each Scoop.

With a spoon place some salsa in each Scoop.

Sprinkle the sharp cheddar cheese all over the nacho's.

Place the tray in the oven for about 5 or so minutes or until cheese is melted.

Remove and plate up.

Add sour cream to the top and serve!

Here they are!

They came out Amazing!! As well as so easy! Hence the name! One of our teams fav sides to make to! This dish is so simple and fast you can have a great app in minutes! Check out the video below to see how we put it all together!

We do hope you enjoyed this video and blog!  Again one of our favorite app's to make!  You can also put other toppings on as you wish.  Add spicy toppings to make this Easy Ass Flaming Nacho's!  Whatever you like.  Have fun with this, you can also remove the meat to make it vegetarian friendly.  This dish is gluten free as well.  We do thank you for checking this post out!  Be sure to look around our side and check others out!  

Remember Cooking should be FUN, have FUN doing it!

The Cooking Corner

~Blog Team  

Steak Bites

 Hey all!

It is fall season and we think you will really enjoy this fun dish!  It can be an appetizer or meal! Cooking steak is fun on its own but why not cut it up into fun bite sized pieces and try something new!  This dish came out so wonderful we absolutely loved it!   This dish also is Gluten free as long as the seasonings you use are!  So try this out as a dinner or app at your next party!  Check out below how we pulled this one off!  This dish is also Gluten Free if you check to make sure the seasonings are you used!  

Prep Time: 40 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 
Total Time:

Serves- 6-8 (Depending how many steaks you buy)

Ingredients: Steak- 1 steak per person we used NY Strip USDA Choice (Middle of the road, BUY FRESH STEAKS) 2 Tablespoons of canola oil 2 tablespoons minced garlic or 4 cloves Steak Rub- we bought ours to save time however below is a generic steak rub! Steak Dry Rub 3 Tablespoons Salt 3 Tablespoons Smoked Paprika 2 Tablespoons Onion Powder 2 Tablespoons Garlic Powder 2 Tablespoons Dried Oregano 2 Tablespoons Ground Black Pepper 1 Tablespoon Light Brown Sugar 1 Tablespoon Ground Cumin Mix all together.

Directions: Buy FRESH strip steaks, as many as you have people. (We used 4 for the vid) Season all the steaks front and back with salt. (You can use pepper/AP rub as well if you want.) Let the steaks sit for about 30 minutes so they can warm up a bit and the salt can extract some of the moisture. After 30 Minutes trim all the fat off the steaks Cut the steaks in to bit sized pieces, about quarter inch sized pieces. Place the steak pieces in a large bow and coat in a rib rub. Either the one above or any you like! Toss the steak bites in the rub coating them all. Heat up your cast iron pan. (Or cooking pan if you don't have cast iron.) Add Canola oil and let the oil get nice and hot. Once hot place the steak bites on the pan/oil and let sear. You wan the pan hot so you sear the steak bites Flip the steak bites after about a minute, or so. After another minute or so remove the steak bites. (Depending how you like your steak cooked. Leave them on longer if you like them med to well done.) Leave all the oil/grizzle in the cast iron and add butter. Once the butter is melted add the garlic. Add the steak bites back in to the pan. Move the steak bites around and baste them in the butter garlic mix. After basting for a minute or so take them out and plate them up. Add some chopped up parsley over top and a spoonful or two of the basting oil from the pan. Serve up with tooth picks as an app or eat for

Here they are!

We do think you will enjoy this dish, they came out really good. Great flavor, the steak cut so well and the meat just melted in our mouths. This dish surprised us all! Below is the video on how we put it all together so be sure to check that out!

We do hope you enjoyed the video and try this one out! Steaks alone are so good but try cutting one or two up and doing this. You also will be the hit at any party if you serve this as an app! This dish is Gluten free if you check the seasonings to make sure they are! It is a win win! Thanks everyone for joining us and we do hope you try this along with other dishes we have made!

Remember Cooking should be FUN, have FUN doing it!

The Cooking Corner ~Blog Team

Reeces Peaunut Butter Ball | Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween Everyone! 

Do we have a great App for you!  This Reeces Ball is so simple to make and is no bake!  It is Gluten Free.  The dish didn't take long to make however does require some cooling time to form.  For the most part this dish is just very easy.  If you like Reece's and Peanut Butter you will love this dish!
We hope you check out how we put this great app together below! 


Serves: Small Group

Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 0
Total Time: 5 Minutes. However there is a cooling time of either 1/2 hr freezer or 2 hours fridge.

Ingredients
12 oz. cream cheese, softened
3/4 Cup powdered sugar
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 c. peanut butter, warmed in microwave
1/2 Cup chopped Reese's peanut butter cups
Reese's Pieces, for decorating ball
Graham crackers, for serving, or other things you would like to use. 



Directions:
In a medium bowl using a hand mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer using the whisk attachment, blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, peanut butter, and chopped Reese's until combined.
Transfer mixture to plastic wrap and shape into a ball. Fold up sides and cover with plastic wrap.
Refrigerate until slightly firm, 1 hour
Unwrap and place on a serving platter.
Place Reese's Pieces all over and let soften 20 minutes before serving.
Serve with graham crackers.

Here it is!


We think you will really enjoy this dish.  It has a lot of great flavors and was just had that great Halloween feel to it!  Below is how we made it so be sure to check it out!  

We hope you all enjoyed this post and have a fun and safe Halloween!  Halloween is one of Chef's favorite times of the year.  He loves the season but it also kicks off the other seasons to come!  Kinda the start to the big seasons next to come.  We  hope everyone had some fun downtime this October and did some great fun fall activities as well!  We look forward to keep posting!  

Happy Halloween!

Remember Cooking should be FUN, have FUN doing it!

The Cooking Corner

~ Blog Team

Extra Crispy Chicken Wings | Binging with Babbish

Hello all,
Today we wanted to do a video on a you tuber who comes from our area!  Andrew Rea has a great and amazing cooking show where he makes dishes from movies, TV shows and other places.  He was just on Hot Wings not to long ago and made the wings for it.  So we wanted to give his crispy recipe a try!  We never made wings like this before but were very interested and excited to try something new!  Maybe one day if he comes home for a visit we can do a video together.  These wings are cooked at a low temperature, then rest then cooked again at a higher temp.  These are gluten free also! Check out this cool and unique way to make some really extra crispy wings!

Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes 1 Day resting in between.
Serves: 6-8

Ingredients:
Fresh Chicken Wing
Oil
Celery
Blue Cheese

Directions:
Take your fresh chicken wings out and season each side with salt.  Let them warm up a bit and let the salt extract some of the moisture out.
Turn the oil up to 225 degrees and place your wings in.  Let cook for about 20 minutes.
Take out and drain, then refrigerate for 24 hours.
Take them out and again let warm up.
Fry at 400 degrees for 10 minutes.

Here they are!

They came out really crispy!  We will advise they weren't as juicy as other wings we made but the crispy factor was off the chart.  We also wanted to point out they were not breaded.  We did enjoy making these however.  The lower temp frying then letting them sit was something we never did.  It was really interesting.  Please check out however the video below to see how we put these together!

  

We do hope you enjoyed this blog and thank you Andrew for this great crispy take on wings!  Over all it wasn't hard to make just different.  We did give his information below so be sure to check that out!  We always love making chicken wings, they are fun to make and new ideas always get our interest so this was an awesome video.  Thank you all again check out Andrews information below!

Binging With Babish:

https://www.youtube.com/user/bgfilms

Binging with Babish- On hot ones:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQ80ui7zur4&t=59s

Remember,

Cooking should be FUN, have FUN doing it!

The Cooking Corner

~Blog Team

Bacon Pinwheels

Hello all,
Fall is here and we have such an amazing dish for you all!  This fun appetizer is so simple to make and taste great!  The fun thing about this is you can really make whatever kinds you want substituting whatever ingredients you want!  We just made this to what we wanted.  Feel free to add or remove what ever you like!  Check out how to make this great appetizer below.



Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Total Time: 30 Minutes

Ingredients: 3 Ounces Cream Cheese (Room Temp) 2 Tablespoons of chopped Onions 1 Teaspoon Milk 5 Strips of bacon, cooked crispy then chopped up 1 Tube Crescent Rolls

Directions:
Cook your bacon till its crispy then let cook. After break up into small pieces and set aside.
While the bacon is cooking let your cream cheese sit out and warm up a bit to make it easier to mix.
In a large bowl mix the warmed cream cheese, milk and chopped onions.
Spread out the tube of crescent rolls on a cutting board
Press the perforated sections together making it all one piece.
Spread the cream cheese mixture out till its close to the edge.
Sprinkle the bacon over top.
Roll the crescent roll up tight and then cut it about 1/4 ince pieces.
Place the pieces so they are laying down. Put them spaced out evenly on a sprayed cooking sheet.
Have your oven set to 475 degrees.
Let them cook for about 10 Minutes.
Remove and plate up!

Here they are!

They really came out wonderful and one of the best parts is cream cheese has a high heat tolerance so it doesn't melt fast or ruin the appetizer.  Again you can however add or put your own ingredients in this appetizer and make it creative to your liking.  Below is our video and how we made it.  Check it out, it is so simple!

We hope you enjoyed this post!  Try it out, it is so simple too.  This makes for such a fun fall appetizer or something to have at a game if you are watching it with friends!  Thank you all again for all the support and be sure to stay tuned for more great ideas to come!

Remember,

Cooking should be FUN, have FUN doing it!

The Cooking Corner

~Blog Team

 

"Sal's Birdland" Chicken Wings | Happy 4th!

Hey all,
Happy 4th of July! We know by know the day is mostly over but we wanted to give you all a fun and easy appetizer for next time or another day! Sal's Birdland is a place we love to order from and they serve there sauce in our local grocery store. So we decided to make some wings of our own from there sauce! It was really simple and they came out amazing!

Ingredients: Chicken Wings (Thawed) How many depends on party size We cooked 16 3 Cups of flour 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder 1 Tablespoon Allspice 1 Tablespoon Paprika 1 Tablespoon of Salt and Pepper

Sal's Supplies
https://www.salsbirdland.com/online-store


Directions:
Pick up fresh wings.  (Or fully thaw frozen ones, never cook frozen wings!)
Dry the wings with a paper towl then season with salt and pepper. 
Let the wings sit out and warm up a bit as the salt removes some of the moisture.
In a bowl add Flour, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Allspice, Paprika and Salt and Pepper.
Mix well
Add your wings and coat well.
Leave your wings in the flour as you heat up your oil.  Use fresh oil.
After the oil is headed up to 350 degrees, slowly add your wings.  Always add any non breaded wings first.
Let cook for between 8-10 minutes, chicken will float when cooked however you can leave them in a bit longer after they float to make them crispier.
Remove and place in a bowl.
Add the Sal's Sauce and toss to coat.
Plate them up and add some blue cheese along with some celery!
Watch them disappear!

Here they are!

We think you will really like these wings.  Below we will have the link to get the sauce if you don't leave near a location!  The sauce really has a unique flavor.  The wings came out crispy and tasted just like the resultants.  We were really happy.  Below is our video of course. Check it out to see how we put this all together!

We do hope you enjoyed this blog and the video.  Again you can click the link below to get some Sal's Sauce.  They are really known for there wings.  We hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July and we look forward to showing you all more great post and videos!

Sal's Supplies!

https://www.salsbirdland.com/online-store

Remember,

Cooking should be FUN, have FUN doing it!

The Cooking Corner

~Blog Team  

How to make Garlic Knots

Hello all!
We took a short break this past spring but we are back!  For those who follow us on our YouTube site.  We were a little backed up on our blog post as well which we are sorry about.  We however wanted to bring you another How-To Video that was very fast and simple!  How many times have you ordered garlic knots?  They are so delicious however can be expensive!  This post will show you how to make them in no time and allow you to save so much money!  So next time you order a pizza make these at home and safe the money!  We think you really will enjoy this so be sure to see below for the full details.

Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes
Total Time: 20 Minutes

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients: 1 Tube Biscuits, Refrigerated 1/4 Cup Melted Butter 2 Tablespoons Grated Parmesan Cheese 3/4 Teaspoon Garlic powder 1/2 Teaspoon Oregano, dried 1/2 Teaspoon Parsley dried Pinch of Salt

Directions:
Pick up a Tube of Biscuits from the store.  (Easier than making dough your self.)
Take them out and cut them in half
Roll each half up to about 5-6 in roll looking shapes
Twist them into a knot.  (Best to see video below)
Put them on a sprayed cooking sheet and prep the oven to 400 degrees
In a small bowl melt the butter and add the rest of the ingredients and mix well
Brush the mixture on each uncooked knot and then place them in the oven between about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Remove and serve up with some nice warmed up red sauce!

Here they are!

We really think you will enjoy these knots and remember you can add other spices to want when mixing them up.  You can make it a bit spicier or even add sugar for a sweet flavor.  This dish however was so very simple and was prepared in no time.  Be sure to see right below for the video and how we put this all together!

Thank you again for joining us on this post and video!  We do hope you enjoyed it and try it out.  If you need an appetizer for a party or if you are having friends over make a batch of this up!  you really will love it.  Thank you all again for your support and until next time!

Remember cooking should be FUN, have FUN doing it!

The Cooking Corner 

~Blog Team 

Dates Stuffed with Sausage

Hello all!
This was our Valentines Day special!  We wanted to make a fun appetizer we think you would really enjoy.  Chef actually got this recipe from an old friend long ago.  He has made this for many parties and everyone always was curious and excited to try it out.  Dates are something not typically seen in many dishes.  People typically may eat them as a snack but mixed with the ingredients below and wrapped in bacon sure can kick it up!  Chef really likes this dish also because of how easy it is to make and inexpensive too.  Check out how we put this very simple and amazing app together.  We think you will enjoy!  This dish is also Gluten Free!

Serves: 10-15
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Total Time: 30 Minutes

Ingredients:
1 Package of pitted dates 2 or 3 Sausages the sausage removed from skin Pinch of Salt Pinch of Pepper Pinch of Garlic Powder Bacon cut in halves

Directions: First make a small cut in each date, do not cut the date all the way through.
Take the sausage and push it out of the wrapping it is in. You only want the meat in a small bowl.
Add the seasoning. Salt, Pepper and Garlic Powder.
Mix the meat and seasoning.
Take a small pinch of seasoned meat and fill the date.
Cut the bacon in half.
Take one half and wrap the date then put a tooth pic through it.
Set your oven to 400 up to 450 and cook for between 20-30 minutes. Depending on how crispy you like the bacon.
Then plate up!

Here they are!

We know they look a bit different and may seem different however you should really try them! They are bit sized as well and that always makes for a good appetizer.  You can season the sausage with other seasonings as well.  Below is our fun video we made and we hope you check it out!

Thank you again for joining us on this fun video!  I know we put this video out late and we are trying to catch up.  We do hope you try this if you are looking for a fun dish to serve up.  It really is a good conversations started too!  The flavors mix really well.  Check out some other dishes we are serving up as well on our blog!  

Remember everyone, 

Cooking should be FUN, have FUN doing it!

The Cooking Corner

~Blog Team

 

Kiebasa Bites

Hello all!
We wanted to show you a fun and very simple appetizer!  Now normally Kielbasa is cooked up for dinner or served with a bun but we are going to cut these up for a bit sized treat you will love so much.  We try to stick with simple and easy dishes to make and this one is just that.  We know with work and kids and other things that take up our time cooking is just something that gets pushed aside.  Then when it comes time for a party your going to the store.  Well try this dish out!  You will be bribing something homemade and everyone will be excite to try them!

Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 2 Hours
Total Time: 2 Hours 5 Minutes

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients:
2 to 3 lbs kielbasa
12 oz jar Chili Sauce
1 cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite!)
1 cup grape jelly
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder

Directions: 
Start by spraying down your slow cooker with cooking spray.
Make sure the Kielbasa are fresh and cut them in bite sized pieces.
Place them in the cooker.
In a large bowl mix all the other ingredients: BBQ Sauce, Chili Sauce, Jelly, Worcestershire sauce, and both powders.
Stir and mix well
Pour glaze over the Kielbasa and stir coating them.
Cook for 4-6 hours on Low or 2-3 on High
Remove and serve up

Here they are!

We really think you will enjoy them and again the cook time can be a bit longer or faster depending on how much time you have and if you like using either high or low heat.  Slow cookers are such a great tool to have in the kitchen and can do so much.  Most of the dishes made from them are just set and watch.  The cooker does most of the work.  These came out amazing and check out the video below to see how we put these together!

Thank you again for joining us and we do hope you are enjoying our blog.  Our goal is to really just put dishes out there we think people will enjoy.  This meal is also Gluten Free so keep that in mind if you need a dish like that!  Just check the ingredients before hand some sauces can contain gluten.  Thank you all again for checking this post and video out and for all the support!  

Remember

Cooking should be FUN, have FUN doing it!

The Cooking Corner

~Blog Team

Sweet and Spicy Meatballs | Happy Halloween

Hey all! Happy Halloween! We always love putting an app out before Halloween. This one would be great for that festive party! In fact it would be good all year. We know there are many meatball recipes out there but this one is so simple and we really think you will love it! We always try to have a fun dish for the holidays. We also always try to put out a fun appetizer. People love to throw parties and always wonder what to put out. This dish is so simple and has a great taste! Not only will this be great for your Halloween party but other ones too!

Serves: A good sized group

Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes
Total Time: 40 Minutes

Ingredients:
2 Lbs Meatballs. (We suggest store bough, they are made and already cooked.) 1 Cup Packed Brown sugar 1 Cup Red Wine Vinegar 1 Cup Ketchup 1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce 1 Teaspoon Ground Ginger

Directions:
Cook the meatballs to the directions on the package. Typically around 350-425 degrees for about 20-25 minutes. (They are usually precooked so only need heating.)
With about 10 minutes left on the meatballs start the glaze.
Heat up a pot and add the ingredients. Brown Sugar, Wine Vinegar, Ketchup, Soy Sauce, Grown Ginger.
Bring this up to a boil.
Once boiling reduce heat to low or off and let simmer.
Let the glaze simmer for about 10 or so minutes it will thicken up.
When the meatballs are done take them out and place them in a large bowl.
When you feel the glaze is thickened up drizzle some over the meatballs.
Then toss to coat making sure they are all coated nicely.
Serve up on a platter!

Here they are!

We think this is such a great party appetizer because it is so simple and easy. Also however they are so good! Going to a party or hosting can make you wonder what to bring or make. We think this makes such a great dish because lot of people love them and they will wonder how you made them. Be sure to check out the video below to see how we made this!

Thank you so much again for joining us on this spooky holiday!  We do hope everyone enjoyed this months fun recipes and do check other ones out!  This time of year is one of our favorites we just love making fun dishes for everyone to try out.  Thank you for joining us and hope everyone has a great, fun, safe and spooky Halloween!

Remember,

Cooking should be FUN, have FUN doing it!

The Cooking Corner

~Blog Team  

French Onion Soup

Hello all! Our 100th Cooking Video is here! We wanted to celebrate by showing you an amazing classic. French Onion Soup. This dish is so simple you wouldn't believe! I feel a lot of people out there that cook or may not might be nervous about this dish. It is a lot simpler than most believe and Chef has now made this a few times. We are using Byron Talbott's recipe, with a few twist to it. We have been watching him for a while now and even used some of his video tips and tricks in our own videos. Chef admires his work and was excited to make this. We did change a few things from his video that we will talk about below but for the most part try this out. Your guest won't believe the awesome job you did! Byron if you stopped by thank you for all the great work you do! His links will be listed below.

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 1.5 Hour
Total Time: Little over about 1.5 hours. Minutes (however you can lower the cook time, we'' explain below)

Ingredients: 2-3 medium yellow onions
3-4 Tablespoons Butter
2 Tablespoons Butter 5-6 cups beef stock 1/2 cup White or Red wine (optional) 1 sprig of thyme 1 whole bay leaf 1 tbsp sherry vinegar Provolone Cheese Garlic Tuscan Bread (Whatever bread you like) Salt & Pepper to taste
Directions: Prep the onions by cutting them. You want to cut them in half, then with the onion. It will look like a rainbow when cutting. Make sure to cut both ends off first. This cutting style will allow the onions to cook better.
Heat up a medium saucepan and add the butter and onions.
Cook on medium to high heat for about 20-30 minutes.
Keep stirring the onions around as they become more golden brown. You want to stir a lot.
About half way add about 2 tablespoons of water to break up the sediment on the bottom.
Stir again to clean the bottom of your pot. This is very important, it adds flavor.
When the onions have a deep brown color you can move forward.
Add the Beef Stock. (You can use Chicken or Vegetable Stock. Also note Broth as well.)
Add the wine. (We use White but you can use Red.)
Add Sprig of Thyme and one bay leaf.
Add the Sherry Vinegar.
Add Salt and Pepper.
Stir well then let cook. You can put the lid on to help move it along just monitor it.
Once the soup is getting close get your bread ready.
You can use any bread you like just cut it to fit the crocks and add some oil, salt and pepper then put in the over for about 15 minutes at 375 degrees.
Remove and if the soup is ready fill the crocks with soup, but not all the way. Leave room for the bread and cheese.
Put a piece of bread in the soup and then add 1 or 2 pieces of cheese. We use provolone.
Put the crocks on a cooking sheet and place in the oven at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes.
The cheese will have a golden brown color and melted.
Remove and let cool a few minutes.

Here it is!

We understand the directions above look long but do not be afraid they are just detailed. The best thing we can advise is check out the video below. Chef shows you how to really make this so simple! Cooking the onions will take about 20-30 minutes however after you add the stock and wine and other ingredients you can really let those cook for anywhere from 20-40 minutes. This however is up to you the longer it cooks it will cook down and to keep that in mind but Chef says he likes it to cook and simmer a long time for full flavor.

*Please note if you are wondering to use Stock or Broth. Stock is prepared slower and usually the parts of the animal are cooked down in it. The flavor is more intense. Broth is a bit lighter and can be served alone. You can heat up broth if you are sick to drink, but not usually stock. We want to point out we did use both at different times. Beef Stock and Beef Broth. We feel the flavor wasn't to different however it would really only work if you cooked two crocks and taste tested them side by side. However we advise to just try them out and whatever you may like better use. Either will work and don't over think what one!

Be sure to check out the video below to really see how we put this together!

Thank you again for joining us on this post and we do hope you check out this video.  This dish is not to be overthought so don't.  After the fluids are added to the onions don't worry to much about time.  Some people do and we tell them not to.  Have fun with this dish, it is simple and a lot of people love it!  We want to thank Byron again for just all he has done.

Byron Talbott has a cooking channel and a few years ago Chef looked over how he makes his videos to really get some good ideas.  We know he likes how they are put together and he admires his work.  Below are his links, check them out.  Byron if you for any ready see this video/post thank you so very much!  We are big fans.

We hope everyone is having a fun Halloween season so far and cooking up some great festive foods!

Byron's Links:

Site:

Byron's Channel

French Onion Soup:

Byron's French Onion Soup

Remember,

Cooking should be FUN, have FUN doing it!

The Cooking Corner

~Blog Team 

Mussels Marinara

Hey all!
Need some Mussels!? We got you covered, this is such a fun and easy appetizer. Mussels are pretty cheep and the other ingredients are as well. This meal can be put together in about 10 minutes too! This dish was one of our absolute easiest to make that involved the stove-top. Check out below for all the ingredients. This dish will make a great appetizer you can make it a meal however this video was intended for an app. Mussels are very flavorful and a lot cheaper than clams so this dish won't run you that much. Check out below on how to put this great dish together!
Serves: 6-8
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes
Total Time: 20 Minutes
Ingredients: 2 Lbs Fresh Mussels 1 24 oz can crushed tomatoes 1/2 Chopped Onion 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced 1/2 Cup White Wine
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh Basil Pinch Black Pepper
2 Tablespoon Olive Oil

Directions:
Heat up a deeper sized pot and place the oil, onions, and garlic inside to start cooking.
After several minutes and the onions are starting to carmalize add the mussels.
*Make sure all the mussels you add are fresh, rinced off and fully shut. Discard any that are open before you cook them.
Next add the crushed tomatoes, wine and chopped basil, and the pinch of black pepper.
Cover the lid and let simmer for several minutes letting the muscles cook and open.
This won't take long mussels will steam fast!
Remove the lid and start to plate these up!
You can garnish with some fresh parsley

Here is our end result

The end result was amazing. They had a great taste and not to fishy as one might think. The wine and marinara helps blend all the flavors. Taking the mussels out of their shells is not hard at all but you will want a separate bowl for them. Below is how we put this together so be sure to check it out, this dish didn't take long at all!

We do hope you enjoyed the video and make sure to try this out.  It was a fun fall app and every bit was eaten.  One of our favorite things was this dish was not expensive at all and it took no time to do!  Two things everyone loves right!  We also think this is a fun fall dish to have to as it gets cooler out.  Thank you again for taking your time to join us today and we hope you enjoyed this post and will try it out.  

Remember.

Cooking should be FUN, have FUN doing it!

The Cooking Corner

~Blog Team

Fried Shrimp | How to Fry Shrimp

Hello all!
     Fried Shrimp I feel is always a classic and very delicious Shrimp in general can be made so many different ways as well.  Frying it however is a lot easier than you would imagine.  We feel people may not know how to or think it's to difficult with the oil but check out this post below and we bet if you bring this to your next party it will be a hit!

The other thing is if you are worried about frying don't be!  Use good fresh oil and a deep pan.  Have a thermometer with you and don't let the oil get above 350.  Remember when frying foods will cool the oil down so watch for that too.  You don't want to cool or to hot of oil.  However the Copper pan Chef got and uses came with a fryer basket!  It works so well and he continues to fry with it!  These shrimp cooked so fast Chef says he can't make them fast enough before people eat them! Check out the information below for this recipe!

Serves: 1 Bag will serve about 6-8 (Depending how many like shrimp!)
Prep Time: 25 Minutes
Cook Time: 2-4 Minutes
Total Time:  About 30 Minutes

Ingredients:
1 Bag Uncooked, Pealed, Deveined Shrimp
2-3 Cups Flour
3 Eggs
2 Tablespoons Milk
2-3 Cups Panko Break Crumbs
Pinch of Salt
Pinch of Pepper
Tablespoon Garlic Powder
Tablespoon Paprika
2 Tablespoons grated Parm Cheese
Oil
Lemons
Cocktail Sauce

Directions:
Pick up some uncooked, pealed and deveined shrimp from the store.
If frozen place the shrimp in cold water and let thaw.
While thawing, prep.
In 3 different pans place the following.
Pan 1:  Flour, pinch of salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika. Then mix around
Pan 2: Eggs, Milk.  Then mix around
Pan 3: Panko crumbs, pinch of salt, Pepper, Parm Cheese.  Then mix around.
Drain the shrimp when thawed and pat dry.
Dredge the shrimp in the flour and get a good coat.  You can use the tail to hold, works great.
Move them to the egg batter and again use the tail as a holder to keep your hands clean.
Move them to the Panko mixture and fully coat.
Place on a plate and do this over and over with the other shrimp.
Place the plate in the fridge so the crumbs and adhere to the shrimp.
Heat your oil to 350 Degrees.
Using a basket or by hand slowly place the shrimp in the oil and monitor the heat.  You don't want it above 350 or below 300.
They will only take a few minutes to cook because they are not frozen.  If frozen keep them in longer.
Once they look golden brown remove and let dry on a cooling rack, but not long.
Serve up fast and hot with a lemon and cocktail sauce!

Here they are!

They came out with the perfect crunch and remember shrimp don't take long to cook so only about 2 or 3 minutes in the fryer.  The team made this video and it was our first attempt.  The shrimp came out really well and tasted great.  Chef was nervous because he wasn't sure how they would taste or look but he did very well.  Below will be our video so be sure to see how Chef puts this all together.

We want to thank everyone again for stopping by!  This will make such an amazing appetizer!  Trust us!  Plus you can pick up a nice pan like Chef has to fry with!  He is using the Copper Pans you probably have seen.  It worked out so well and cleaned up even easier!  He has fried a lot since this video and it always does a great job.  Thank you all again and we do hope you try this out.

Remember,

Cooking should be FUN, have FUN doing it!

The Cooking Corner

~Blog Team  

Sloppy Dip

Hey all!
     We wanted to make a video on an amazing appetizer!  Chef John from food wishes made this video and we decided to recreate it!  We will put Chef John's info below, fun fact he grew up in a town near our's!  This dip actually came out with so much flavor and was so easy to make!  It was a hit at the party and could even be a meal if you wanted.

The prep and cooking part was the easiest part, the time it took to simmer was the part that was long.  You want this to simmer for about 40 Minutes on low to really soften the meat and make it just fall part when you eat it.  A low slow simmer is always better than a faster higher heat simmer.  You can also feel free to add or subtract any of the ingredients you see to create your own dish.  We think you will really enjoy this so please below check out the rest of the blog!

Serves: 8-10
Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 50 Minutes
Total Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes

Ingredients:
Makes 12 portions of Sloppy Dip: 
2 pound extra lean ground beef
1 onion, diced
2 diced green bell pepper (1 cup)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons brown sugar
cayenne to taste
1 cup ketchup
2 cups chicken broth or water
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Directions:
In a deep pot start with your ground beef.
Add Chopped Onions, Peppers, Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Flour, Brow Sugar, and Cayenne Pepper
Mix all these dry ingredients over medium high heat and let cook.  Should take about 10-15 minutes

Once the meat is fully brown add your wet ingredients, Ketchup, Chicken Broth, Dijon Mustard, and Worcestershire Sauce. 

Turn down the stove to low and let simmer for about 40 minutes.

Stir every so often to mix up the dip and move around the flavor.

Once it is to a thickness you want, remove and put in a cast iron skillet.  (Or oven safe pan)

Sprinkle 1/2 Cup of shredded Cheddar Cheese on top and then mix into the dip.

Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top making a light coat.

Turn your oven to broil and let cook just a few minutes to melt the cheese.  It will have a nice golden brown crust to it.

Here it is!

Chef really enjoyed making this and the team loved eating it.  Mixing and making this dish was so simple and although it takes some time to let simmer it was so worth it.  Plus this is one of those apps nobody would expect to see coming!  You will shock all your guest at the party on this one!  Make sure to see the video below to see how Chef made this and follow along!  

Thank you all again for joining us.  We have put out some fun appetizers but this one really was awesome!  Plus we are big fans of Chef John so it was really cool recreating one of his dishes.  Be sure to check out other video's you find interesting on our site we think you will enjoy those too!

Thank you again for spending time with us.

Remember cooking should be FUN, have FUN doing it!

The Cooking Corner

~Blog Team

Chef John's Info:

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/user/foodwishes

Blog:

https://foodwishes.blogspot.com/

Fried Chicken Balls

Hello all!

Here is such a fun and easy appetizer or dinner for you to try!  Everyone loves fried chicken right?  Now make them in nice easy to eat sphere formation with no bones!  Chef liked making this dish because he got to experiment with some different breading as well.  This dish makes a wonderful appetizer however you can make it a lunch or dinner easily.  Chef also tried some fun things like adding cheese to the middle of them and just experiment all around which he enjoyed and likes giving you the results.  Make sure you keep reading to see how to make them and how they turned out.

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 25 Minutes
Cook Time: 3-5 Minutes


Ingredients 1 Lb Ground Chicken 2-3 Cups Crushed Cornflakes,Panko or Italian Seasoned Break Crumbs. 2 Table Spoons Smoked Paprika 2 Table Spoons Garlic Powder 2 Table Spoons Italian Seasoning 4 Table Spoons Crushed Parm Cheese Pinch Salt Pinch Pepper 3 Eggs 1 Table spoon Milk 2 Cups Flour Any Dipping Sauce you like.

Directions:
Start off with your pound of ground chicken in a bowl.
Season it with salt salt and pepper.
Mix the meat well and set aside.
Get your breading ready. Bread crumbs, Panko or corn flakes in a separate bowl.
Season with the Paprika, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning and Parm Cheese mix well. All three breading will come out differently so you are aware.
Then roll the ground chicken into small balls. In the video they looked a bit larger chef says go even smaller. Bit sized.
If you want mix it up and place a small piece of mozzarella cheese inside then fold the meat around it.
Dredge the balls in flour, then egg wash which is eggs and a bit of milk. then roll in the breading.
Place on a plate and repeat.
When all the meat is gone put the plate in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes to let sit.
In the mean time heat up some oil to about 330 to 350 degrees but not hotter.
When the oil is ready lower a few balls in the oil and let cook. 
Move them around and wait till they float.  Depending how big they are they will cook longer.
Take them out and let rest on a wire cooling rack for a few minutes.
Then plate up with your favorite dipping sauce!


Here they are!

We think you will enjoy this meal because it was simple and fun to make. Always be careful with using oil of course. Chef enjoyed making this because he knows they are a hit at the parties. IT also was a fun and new dish to try so why not try it! Below is the video and we do ask you watch it so you know what to expect! Also inside the few fried balls chef used Sharp cheddar cheese but again use Mozzarella because it has a higher heat tolerance.

Check out the video!

We do hope you try this out.  Everyone is different in terms of what they like but Chef said the Panko were one of his favorites. They had a great crunch and came out well.  The only other advise he said was to make sure to make the balls a bit smaller, larger ones will take more time to cook and there is a possibility you can burn the outsides and the insides are still raw.  So keep the heat around 300 after a bit of cooking as well.  

Thank you all again for joining us and we do hope you try this out.

Remember, Cooking should be FUN, have FUN doing it!

The Cooking Corner

~Blog Team