First time I made Ranch Burgers, I used ranch dressing out of the bottle. They were moist – just like I thought they would be. That was a good thing. But they were so moist they came apart and slid down into the barbecue flames. Not a good thing. And they were so soft that it was impossible to slide a spatula under them to lift anything off the grill. Really not a good thing! Good idea -- bad execution!! This recipe using dry ranch dressing mix gives the taste and tenderness without the falling apart mess. Save the bottled ranch dressing to replace or supplement your ketchup allotment. Works much better! Adding the BLT takes a good sandwich up a notch. Or maybe it’s the other way around – adding a burger to your BLT takes a good sandwich up a notch! Either way marrying ... [Read More]
Bacon
White Pizza
I zipped through a food and restaurant supply store, a place not on my usual circuit. A tractor beam locked on my cart and drew me right to the sample station. Straight from the entry to the table, the pull was irresistible and the smell was tantalizing! Or maybe it was because the station was right by the produce I wanted and it was past lunchtime! The sample lady handed me a tiny plate with a bit of white pizza. It was heaven! Pizza is not on our radar. If presented with pizza somewhere, we will eat and enjoy. But to intentionally order, make, or buy a pizza – attention goes elsewhere. Bytes was allergic to tomatoes for a long time, but now he will take a frozen pizza every few months, throw it in the microwave, roll and inhale it like a burrito. Not sure that counts, ... [Read More]
Layered Salad
Suddenly I spied the perfect container for Layered Salad. I didn't even know it when I first saw it! A glass refrigerator dish was setting forlornly on a wobbly table in the basement. The masking tape tag said it could be mine for 25 cents. I wandered off through the rest of the musty basement looking over tattered Christmas decorations, worn tools, chairs that had seen better days, a scale. And then I came back to the table with the square, lidded dish, almost hidden with office supplies and gift wrappings. Nice. But. I went off to the garage full of gardening equipment, upstairs with furniture being moved out, linens heaved around as people searched for the right size, a sad wheelchair in a closet. Estate sales have their own stories and so did this one. It wasn’t all sad. ... [Read More]
Bacon Potato Salad
Bacon Potato Salad is a summer favorite at our house. Somehow those summer favorites just don't taste the same when there is no sunshine around! Ever wonder why sometimes potato salad comes out creamy with nice firm potatoes and other times the same recipe is mushy and dry. I went looking for the answer. Just cause I'm curious that way. And I figure if I am -- so is someone else. The reason is the type of potatoes we use. I even tried it with two different kinds of potatoes. Just for you. 'Tis true, my friends -- the type of potato makes the difference! Red potatoes or Yukon gold are what is called waxy potatoes. They hold their shape well and meld in with the dressing without absorbing it so the salad remains creamy. Russets, in the “floury potato” category, are more dry ... [Read More]
Pineapple Bacon Bites
A Mad Men era scene pops up in my mind when I look at this appetizer recipe for Pineapple Bacon Bites. I picture the high heeled, full skirted, perfectly coiffed hostess fingering her pearls as she waits for the appertizers to finish. I have absolutely no idea why. Maybe because the recipe has been around for a long time??? Which makes it either a classic, a habit or outstandingly good. Quick, easy and loved by one and all – definitely outstanding, clearly a classic in its simplicity and a sweet, salty taste that is close to habit forming! I sometimes put the toothpicks in water to soak as I start prep for this. But sometimes I forget and haven’t had a burned pick yet. You can also precook the bacon slightly in the microwave on high for 2-3 minutes – not enough to brown, but ... [Read More]
Spinach Bacon Salad with Lemon Garlic Dressing
A classic spinach, bacon combination with a wonderful new lemony twist for the dressing. A winner! Donna brought this to a ladies lunch and was generous enough to share the recipe Spinach needs cool weather to grow so it is most available fresh from September through November and again in the spring from March through May. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Spinach is a powerhouse for nutrition. One serving provides almost half the daily requirement of Vitamins A, B (folates), and C, and a quarter of the iron needed, plus a significant amount of minerals and other nutritional elements. (Minimal carbs, too!) Donna used a 1 pound package to serve a group and dressed the entire salad before serving. I adapted by using a 12 oz package and still had two meals with ... [Read More]
