American Grilled Pizza

I was talking to a friend on the 4th of July and we were discussing what our plans were for later in the day.  He indicated that he would be having a few friends over for a bbq.  We both agreed that on the 4th of July grilling is the only way to go.  It is the American thing to do!  He mentioned that he would be grilling up classic hamburgers and hotdogs.  When he asked what we were having I told him we would be grilling pizza.  He sort of laughed a that idea and told me that was not an Independence Day food, and that pizza was not American!  Little did he know we were making American Grilled Pizza that evening.  This is for you Mike.

American Grilled Pizza (serves 4)

Ingredients:

1 Package Pepperoni (this is part of the “red”)

1 1/2 Cups Pizza Sauce (this is part of the “red”)

2 Cups Mozzarella Cheese (this is the “white”)

2 Packages Jiffy Pizza Mix (prepared as directed with 5-10 drops of blue food coloring added in for the “blue”)

Non-Stick Cooking Spray

First, heat your grill to 350 and spray generously with non-stick cooking spray.  Place your dough on a floured cookie sheet and roll out to desired size and thickness (we did about 1/4 inch thick).  Gently transfer your dough to the grill, it will probably change shape as you move it but that is okay.  Spread on your sauce, and add your other toppings before closing the lid.  Check your pizza in about 4-5 minutes.  They cook surprisingly fast.  Check the bottom of the pizza every couple of minutes and remove from the grill when it is nice and brown.

In this photo, you’ll see that my kids also wanted black olives.  And truthfully, you can make this anytime of year and add whatever topping you like.  It is simple and delicious.

And here  are the kids doing their own fireworks show….

Kickin’ Alfredo Sauce

A few days ago I posted a recipe for Easy Alfredo Sauce and in that post I failed to mention  a great variation.   I like foods that have a little kick to them and I like to use cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes.  This is an easy addition to Alfredo sauce that will give it some heat!

Kickin’ Alfredo Sauce

Ingredients:

1 Pint Heavy Whipping Cream

1/4 Cup Flour

2 Tsp Minced Garlic

1 Tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

1/2-1 Tsp Cayenne Pepper(more or less depending on how spicy you like your food)

1 Tsp Onion Powder

1/4 Cup Butter

1 1/2 Cups Shredded Parmesan

Salt(to taste)

 

First, melt the butter in a medium sauce pan with the cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and onion powder. Simmer over low heat for about 3 minutes before adding the whipping cream.  Stir continuously over medium-low heat for approximately 10 minutes.   Next, slowly stir in the flour with a whisk until well blended. Taste your sauce and add a few shakes of salt if it is needed.  Add the Parmesan cheese and continue to stir until the cheese is melted.    Finally, serve over your favorite pasta.

 

Easy Alfredo Sauce

This is a very simple way to make an Alfredo sauce. I always think this recipe should be more difficult but really it is this simple and it is great over all kinds of pasta. You can add seafood, chicken, or vegetables and make a complete meal.  This is something that our family doesn’t indulge in very often but it is definitely a favorite!

Easy Alfredo Sauce

Ingredients:

1 Pint Heavy Whipping Cream

1/4 Cup Flour

2 Tsp Minced Garlic

1 Tsp Onion Powder

1/4 Cup Butter

1 1/2 Cups Shredded Parmesan

Salt(to taste)

First, melt the butter in a medium sauce pan with the minced garlic and onion powder. Simmer over low heat for about 3 minutes before adding the whipping cream.  Stir continuously over medium-low heat for approximately 10 minutes.   Next, slowly stir in the flour with a whisk until well blended.  Add the Parmesan cheese and continue to stir until the cheese is melted.    Finally, serve over your favorite pasta.

 

Chicken Bacon Mac and Cheese

I have posted a recipe before for Baked Macaroni and Cheese.  It can be a great side dish, and my kids request it on special occasions.  Once and awhile I like to dress it up a little.  A few days ago, my kids were asking if we could make it and I said we could.  So I decided to make a different version and it was delicious.  We simply added chopped chicken breast and chopped bacon.

 

Chicken Bacon Mac and Cheese:

Ingredients:

1 14-16 Ounce Box of Penne Pasta (Cooked and Drained)

12 Ounces Velveeta(Cubed)

1 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese(Shredded)

1 Cup Italian Blend Cheese(Shredded)

1/4 Cup Butter

16 Ounces Half and Half

1 Large Chicken Breast(cooked and chopped)

5 Slices of Thick Cut Bacon(cooked, drained, and chopped)

 

 

First, preheat your oven to 225.  Next, melt your butter in  a medium saucepan.  Once your butter is melted, slowly add the cubed Velveeta and the half and half, while stirring constantly.  Continue cooking over medium low heat until the Velveeta is thoroughly melted.

Remove from heat and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar. Keep stirring until the cheeses are well blended.

Now, evenly spread your cooked pasta mixed with your cubed chicken and bacon in an oven safe baking dish.  Next, pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta in an oven safe baking dish.  Cover and bake for approximately 30 minutes until the cheese starts to bubble on the sides of the baking dish and the Italian cheese has melted.

 

This will make enough for 6 people we served with a side of garlic bread and everyone was happy.  Next time I think I will add broccoli or mushrooms.  Just for a little something extra.

Hot Crab Artichoke Dip

Here is a recipe for another Superbowl Sunday favorite.  Whenever I make Hot Crab Artichoke Dip is always one of the first things to disappear.  It tastes great and it is easy to make.

 

Hot Crab Artichoke Dip

 

Ingredients:

8 oz Cream Cheese

3/4 Cup Mayonnaise

1 Cup Shredded Parmesan

8 oz Lump Crab Meat

10 oz Marinated Artichoke Hearts(drained and diced)

2 Tsp Garlic Powder

First, pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.  Next, mix together the cream cheese, mayonnaise,  garlic powder,  and 1/2 cup of the shredded Parmesan.   Now, slowly add the crab meat and artichoke hearts.  Spread mixture in a glass baking dish(I use a glass pie plate) and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan over the top.  Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbling and the Parmesan is slightly browned on top.  Remove from the oven and serve hot with tortilla chips or crackers.

 

 

Tuna Steak Sandwiches

A week or two ago, I posted a recipe for tuna steaks.  And we have been using that recipe quite often since then.  Then I started to think about how else we could use tuna steak for dinner.  My kids love tuna melts, so we decided to make something similar using tuna steaks. These are tasty and my mouth is watering for them again.

Tuna Steak Sandwiches

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients:

1/2 Lb. Tuna Steak(marinated and grilled)

4 Slices Cheddar Cheese

Lettuce

2 Cheddar Sandwich Rolls

4 Tbs. Mayonnaise

First, take the cooked tuna and break it apart into marble sized chunks(this is very easy the tuna will just flake apart after it has been cooked).  Next, take the sandwich rolls and lay them open on a cookie sheet with 1 slice of cheese on each. Place them under your broiler until the cheese is melted(about 1-2 minutes).  Watch them close so they do not burn!  Finally, add the lettuce, tuna, and mayonnaise(and any other toppings you want).  That is it, you are done.  It is easy and a nice change from an ordinary tuna melt.  This will make 2 sandwiches and I served it with sweet potato fries.  Hope you enjoy!