Dr. Pepper BBQ Sloppy Joes

This recipe come from Facebook.  It was originally posted on Easy Recipes.  A sweet and savory twist on a childhood favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup Dr. Pepper soda
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite variety)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 hamburger buns

Directions:

• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. 
• Drain excess fat.
• Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. 
• Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
• Stir in Dr. Pepper, barbecue sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. 
• Reduce heat and simmer the mixture for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.
• Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto hamburger buns. 
• Serve warm.

Bourbon BBQ Cheeseburger Meatball Subs

A fun twist on the classic meatball sub with bourbon BBQ sauce, bacon, and cheeseburger flavors.  This recipe came from Facebook and was originally posted by Grandma's Cooking Recipes.  Serve with a side of fries or chips.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup bourbon BBQ sauce
• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 4 sub rolls
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, egg, salt, and pepper.
• Form into meatballs and bake for 15 minutes.
• Drizzle meatballs with bourbon BBQ sauce and bake for another 5 minutes.
• Serve on sub rolls, topped with crumbled bacon.
• Note: Add pickles or onions for extra flavor.

Turkey Cuban Wrap

Savor the flavors of a traditional Cubano.  Add a side salad and you've got a filling meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp. coarse grain dijon mustard
• 2 whole wheat tortillas (8" diameter)
• 2 slices swiss cheese, thinly sliced 
• 6 slices roast turkey breast, thinly sliced
• 8 dill pickle slices

Directions:

• Spread the mustard over the tortilla.
• Cut each slice of cheese in half.
• Lay one of the half slices in the center of each tortilla.
• Top each tortilla with 3 slices of turkey breast and 4 dill pickle slices.
• Top with remaining half slice of cheese.
• Fold the sides of the tortilla towards the center, then roll up from the bottom to the top.
• Place a skillet over medium heat and cook the wraps with their seam side down.
• Press down with another skillet, or pot, to gently flatten the wraps.
• Cook for about 3 minutes per side, or until crisp and golden.
• Transfer to a cutting board and slice each wrap in hald diagonally.

Pizza Sloppy Joes

Swap out the crust for soft hamburger buns, and you've got a tasty pizza-inspired version of sloppy joes with pizza sauce and mozzarella.  As always...Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. extra-lean ground beef
• 1 cup Catelli Tomato & Basil Pizza Sauce
• 1 cup Cracker Barrel Shredded 3 Cheese Pizza Cheese
• 6 hamburger buns

Directions:

• Brown meat in large skillet on medium heat.
• Add pizza sauce; simmer 3 to 4 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally. 
• Top with cheese; cover. Cook 1 min. or until melted; stir until blended.
• Fill buns with meat mixture just before serving.

Meat-Lover's Stromboli

A stromboli is a type of turnover filled with meat, cheese and/or vegetables.  Serve this delicious recipe as part of your next game-night menu with friends.  As always...Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 lb. Italian sausage
• 2 oz thick-cut pancetta, chopped
• 1 lb. refrigerated pizza dough
• 3/4 cup Classico Traditional Pizza Sauce
• 3/4 cup Cracker Barrel Shredded Part Skim Mozzarella Cheese
• 2/3 cup pepperoni slices
• 1 egg, beaten

Directions:

• Heat oven to 425°F.
• Remove casings from sausage, if necessary. 
• Crumble sausage into small nonstick skillet; cook on medium heat 5 min. or until sausage is evenly browned, stirring frequently. 
• Drain sausage; spoon into medium bowl.
• Add pancetta to skillet; cook 3 min. or until crisp, stirring frequently. 
• Drain pancetta; add to bowl with the sausage.
• Roll pizza dough into 15x10-inch rectangle on lightly floured surface; spread with pizza sauce to within 1/2 inch of edges. 
• Top with mozzarella, sausage mixture and pepperoni.
• Moisten edges of dough with water. 
• Starting at one long side, fold 1/3 of the dough over filling; repeat with other long side. 
• Firmly pinch ends of dough together to seal.
• Place, seam side down, on parchment-covered baking sheet. 
• Use kitchen shears to cut 3 diagonal slits in top of dough; brush with egg.
• Bake 20 to 25 min. or until golden brown. 
• Cool 5 min. before transferring stromboli to cutting board. 
• Cut into 10 slices to serve.

Saucy Joes

How do you turn a package of ground beef into a winning weeknight entrée?  Made with on-hand ingredients in less than 30 minutes, this take on sloppy Joes is sure to be a hit.  As always...Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. extra-lean ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup Classico di Napoli Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce
• 4 ciabatta sandwich buns, split, toasted
• 1 cup Cracker Barrel Shredded Part Skim Mozzarella Cheese

Directions:

• Brown meat with onions and garlic in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat.
• Add pasta sauce; cook 3 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
• Fill buns with meat mixture and cheese.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Monday night's dinner went very well, and my wife enjoyed her pulled pork.  I found this recipe on Pinterest where it was posted by Natashaskitchen.com.

Ingredients:

• 1 large onion
• 6-7 lbs boneless Pork Shoulder Chuck Roast
• 1 Tbsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup your favorite BBQ Sauce
• 1 Tbsp liquid smoke, optional but nice
• 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 3 large garlic cloves, pressed
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar

Directions:

• Chop 1 large onion and place it into the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Combine 1 Tbsp salt, 1 tsp pepper and 1 tsp paprika and generously sprinkle the pork roast.
• Massage the roast to rub the seasoning into the meat. 
• Place meat over the onions.
• For the marinade, combine: 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup BBQ sauce, 1 Tbsp liquid smoke, 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 Tbsp brown sugar and 3 pressed garlic cloves then stir to combine. 
• Pour the marinade over the pork.
• Cover and set on low for 8 hours.
• Remove the meat to a large bowl and shred with forks.

Notes:

• I used to pork loin roasts instead of pork shoulder because that was what I had.
• While we did not use liquid smoke, we did use PC Hickory smoke BBQ sauce.
• After shredding the meat, I returned it to the crock pot and mixed it with the sauce and onions.

Rustic Grilled Cheese

This Rustic Grilled Cheese is made with Dijon mustard, sliced chicken, tomatoes and Kraft singles.  I am not a fan of grilled cheese, but my wife is...so.  As always...Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices multi-grain bread
• 1 tsp. Heinz Dijon Mustard
• 30 g shaved deli oven-roasted chicken
• 2 thin tomato slices
• 1 Kraft Singles Cheese Slice
• 2 tsp. butter, softened

Directions:

• Spread 1 of the bread slices with mustard; top with chicken, tomatoes and Singles. 
• Cover with remaining bread slice.
• Spread outside of sandwich with butter.
• Cook in skillet on medium heat 3 min. on each side or until golden brown on both sides.

Day After Holiday Pasties

I found this recipe on Pinterest, originally posted by 12 Tomatoes.  While they call it Next Day Thanksgiving Pasties, I have called it holiday because it works just as well for boxing day.  In fact it is what I have planned for dinner this coming Boxing Day.

Ingredients:

• 2 (11 oz.) boxes refrigerated pie crusts
• 1 pound cooked turkey breast, cubed or shredded
• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup cooked or leftover stuffing
• 1/4-1/3 cup McCormick Simply Better Turkey Gravy, plus more for garnish (What the recipe calls for but can substitute, if like me it is not readily available)
• 1/3 cup cranberry sauce OR dried cranberries
• 1 egg, beaten
• kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 400º F.
• Place turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and cranberry sauce (if using) in a large bowl, then pour 1/4 cup gravy over and toss together until everything is evenly coated.
• Season as necessary with salt and pepper.
• Roll out one sheet pie dough and cut out 4-5 circles of dough. 
• Place 1/2-1 cup filling in center of dough, then bring one side of dough over to the other and crimp and seal edges.
• Transfer pasties to a large baking sheet and brush tops with egg wash.
• Place in oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown.
• Remove from oven and serve hot, topped with warm gravy.

Hot Diggity Dog

My wife and I have hot dogs once a week. Usually they are served with either mac and cheese, or brown beans and cottage cheese (which is one of her favorite meals).  Once in a while we even have them in buns with french fries.

This past weekend, while we were out and about, I bought a cookbook dedicated to cooking hot dogs. Haute Dogs by Russell van Kraayenburg.  The tag line on the cover is "recipes for delicious hot dogs, buns, and condiments."

In total there are 80 hot dog recipes in the book, including American Classics, South and Central American, and European, African, and Asian.  There are also recipes for making buns, batters, condiments, and sauces.

I am looking forward to trying out a number of the recipes that I spotted just flipping through the book.  I will then write a post about how each attempt turns out.  If my wife and I liked the end result, I will make sure to include the recipes as well.

Deconstructed Devilled Egg Sandwich

This rustic, delicious sandwich takes devilled eggs on a different path when topped with chives, arugula and pickle slices.  As always...Kraft recipe, Kraft Ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 8 slices whole grain bread, toasted
• 4 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives
• 1/4 cup Miracle Whip Original Spread
• 2 cups loosely packed arugula
• 6 hard-cooked eggs, thinly sliced
• 1 Claussen Dill Pickle, cut lengthwise into 4 slices

Directions:

• Spread 4 toast slices with mustard; sprinkle with chives. 
• Spread remaining toast slices with Miracle Whip.
• Fill toast slices with arugula, eggs and pickles to make 4 sandwiches.

Buffalo Chicken Burgers

Looking for a chicken burger recipe your family will love?  The Buffalo Chicken Burgers recipe will have everyone going back for seconds.  As always... Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup Kraft Original BBQ Sauce
• 1 Tbsp. cayenne pepper sauce
• 1 lb. (450 g) ground chicken
• 1 pouch Shake'N Extra Crispy Original Coating Mix
• 1 egg
• 4 sesame seed hamburger buns
• 4 leaf lettuce leaves
• 2 stalks celery, cut into sticks
• 2 carrots, cut into sticks
• 1/4 cup Kraft Rancher's Choice Dressing

Directions:

• Heat barbecue to medium-high heat.
• Mix sauces in medium bowl; reserve 2 Tbsp. 
• Add chicken, coating mix and egg to remaining sauce mixture; mix well.
• Shape into 4 (1/2-inch-thick) patties.
• Grill 7 to 9 min. on each side or until done (175°F), brushing with reserved sauce mixture for the last 2 min.
• Fill buns with lettuce and burgers. Serve with remaining ingredients.

Chicken "Burger" Texicana

Want to mix it up at your next outdoor dinner party?  These chicken "burgers" with a fast and easy twist feature seasoned chicken breasts topped with Tex Mex flavours.  As always... Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 4 frozen seasoned chicken breasts
• 4 hamburger buns
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 4 Cracker Barrel Monterey Jack with Jalapeno Natural Cheese Slices
• 1/2 cup salsa

Directions:

• Cook chicken as directed on package.
• Fill buns with lettuce, chicken, cheese and salsa.

BBQ-Bean Chili Dogs

"Unofficial" Month of Recipes - Day 28

I was sure that I had already posted this, but it is not on my recipe page, so... These delicious chili dogs are perfect for camping!  As always... Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 can kidney beans, rinsed
• 1 can black beans, rinsed
• 1 cup Kraft Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce
• 1 Tbsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 8 hot dogs
• 8 hot dog buns
• 4 Kraft Singles Cheese Slices, cut diagonally in half

Directions:

• Heat greased barbecue to medium heat.
• Bring beans, barbecue sauce and seasonings to boil in large saucepan, stirring frequently; simmer on medium-low heat 10 min., stirring occasionally.
• Meanwhile, grill hot dogs 10 min. or until heated through, turning occasionally and adding buns, cut-sides down, to the barbecue for the last 2 min.
• Fill buns with Kraft Singles pieces and hot dogs; top with chili.

Chicken Caesar Sliders

"Unofficial" Month of Recipes - Day 27

Another one that I was sure that I had already posted. These delicious juicy chicken sliders are made with Caesar dressing, bacon and crushed croutons.  As always... Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground chicken
• 1 cup croutons, coarsely crushed
• 4 cooked bacon slices, crumbled
• 1/3 cup Kraft Creamy Caesar Dressing, divided
• 8 mini ciabatta sandwich buns

Directions:

• Heat oven to 400ºF.
• Mix chicken, crushed croutons, bacon and 2 Tbsp dressing just until blended; shape into 8 patties.
• Place on parchment-covered baking sheet.
• Bake 20 min. or until done (175°F).
• Fill buns with burgers; drizzle with remaining dressing.

Mediterranean Meatball Gyros Sandwich

"Unofficial" Month of Recipes - Day 16

This recipe comes from Pinterest, and I cannot wait to try it.  Using simple flavors often found in Greek cuisine, this unique recipe puts a twist on a traditional gyros recipe.  It is so flavorful you'll feel the urge to smash plates and shout out OPA!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup grated cucumber
• 1 teaspoon freshly minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 pound ground chuck
• 1/4 cup dry Italian breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley
• 1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 cup finely diced cucumbers
• 1 cup finely diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
• 1 tablespoon chopped flat leaf Italian parsley
• salt & pepper to taste
• 4 Flatbreads 

Directions:

• Combine 1 cup Greek yogurt with 1/4 cup grated cucumber, 1 teaspoon freshly minced garlic, 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon fresh dill, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. 
• Mix in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and stir to combine. 
• Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound ground chuck, 1/4 cup dry Italian breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley, 1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper.
• Mix well to combine and then form into meatballs.
• Place them on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake in the pre-heated oven for about 10 minutes or until cooked through and no longer pink inside.
• While the meatballs are cooking, dice 1 cup cucumbers, 1 cup tomatoes, 1/2 cup red onions, and a tablespoon of flat leaf parsley and combine in a serving dish. 
• Salt & pepper to taste.
• When the meatballs are cooked through, remove them from the oven to rest.
• Turn the oven up to broil and place the flatbread on a baking sheet. 
• Broil for until lightly toasted on both sides. 
• To assemble, place about 4 meatballs down the center of each flatbread. Spoon a generous amount of Tzatziki sauce down the center next to the meatballs and top with a heaping spoonful of the tomato and cucumber salad. 
• Wrap up and enjoy!

Grilled Pineapple-Barbecue Hot Dog Slider Rolls

Forget your usual hot dog and try something different!  These Grilled Pineapple-Barbecue Hot Dog Slider Rolls are easy but oh-so-good!  As always... Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 6 hot dogs
• 3 fresh pineapple rings (1/2 inch thick)
• 12 slider buns, split across the tops
• 1 cup shredded Cracker Barrel Jalapeño Cheddar Cheese
• 2 Tbsp. Bull's Eye Old West Hickory Barbecue Sauce
• 2 green onions, sliced

Directions:

• Heat barbecue to medium heat.
• Grill hot dogs and pineapple rings 7 min. or until heated through, turning occasionally.
• Cut hot dogs crosswise in half, then cut pineapple into quarters.
• Fill rolls with cheese, hot dog pieces and pineapple. 
• Drizzle with barbecue sauce; sprinkle with onions.

Inside-Out Bacon Cheeseburgers

Put all the goodies on the inside, so every bite bursts with your favourite burger flavours.  As always... Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. extra-lean ground beef
• 3 tbsp. Kraft Rancher's Choice Dressing, divided
• 1/4 cup Oscar Mayer Real Bacon Bits
• 2 Kraft Singles Cheese Slices, cut into quarters
• 4 hamburger buns, toasted
• 4 lettuce leaves
• 2 tomatoes, cut into 4 slices each

Directions:

• Heat barbecue to medium heat.
• Mix meat and 2 tbsp. dressing; shape into 8 thin patties. 
• Mix remaining dressing and bacon; spoon onto centres of 4 patties. 
• Top each with 2 Singles quarters and second patty; pinch edges together to seal.
• Grill 7 to 9 min. on each side or until done (160°F).
• Fill buns with lettuce, burgers and tomatoes.

Fast & Fun Hot Dog Kabobs

Perfect for our next picnic at the park.  Eating vegetables is fun and games with this yummy twist on a kid favourite.  As always... Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 4 all-beef wieners, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup cut-up fresh vegetables (cherry tomatoes, zucchini, green and red peppers) 
• 2 Tbsp. Bull's-Eye Barbecue Sauce
• 4 Kraft Singles Cheese Slices
• 4 hot dog buns, split

Directions:

• Preheat greased grill to medium heat. 
• Using 8 long wooden skewers, (two, side-by-side, for each kabob) thread wieners alternately with vegetables onto skewers, to create 4 kabobs.
• Grill kabobs 10 min. or until wieners are heated through and vegetables are crisp-tender, turning and brushing occasionally with the barbecue sauce.
• Place Singles in buns; fill with kabobs. 
• Remove skewers.

BBQ Sloppy Joes

This tasty hot sandwich is sure to be a weeknight winner.  Or it may just end up on the menu for a weekend camping trip.  Either way, as always... Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. (450 g) extra lean ground beef 
• 1/4 cup chopped onions 
• 1 red pepper, chopped 
• 2 carrots, shredded
• 1/4 cup Kraft Original BBQ Sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded Cracker Barrel Light Cheddar Cheese
• 4 whole wheat hamburger buns, split, toasted

Directions:

• Brown meat with onions, peppers and carrots in large nonstick skillet on medium heat, stirring frequently.
• Add barbecue sauce; cook 5 min. or until mixture is heated through and peppers are tender, stirring occasionally.
• Remove from heat; stir in cheese.
• Spoon evenly into buns.