Crunchy Asian Broccoli Slaw

I have never really been a fan of the traditional, creamy coleslaw recipes. Years ago, my neighbors and I had a huge potluck-style cookout and someone brought a broccoli slaw. I loved it so much that I begged for her recipe until she finally gave it to me. I've made several changes to her original recipe and it's now one of my favorite cookout side dishes! It's fresh and light with lots of flavor and crunch! Enjoy!

Crunchy Asian Broccoli Slaw

What You'll Need:

• 2 packages of Broccoli Slaw
• 1 small Red Onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup)
• Equal Parts: Sugar, Oil and Vinegar (1/4-1/2 cup each)
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• Dash of Cayenne Pepper
• Dash of Soy Sauce
• 2 packages of Ramen Noodles
  (I choose the flavor that will compliment whatever meat we're having. I prefer to use either Chicken or Beef flavor because they seem to taste best. I've even used one of each before and it still tasted delish!)
• 1/2 cup Slivered Almonds

Loaded Potato Salad

I've never been a huge fan of traditional potato salad, so I decided to make a potato salad that tasted more like a loaded baked potato! I thought of all my favorite toppings and then in place of the sour cream and butter, I opted to use nonfat plain Greek yogurt. The result was quite tasty and I think you'll agree! It also earned the seal of approval from both my husband and my father-in-law. Enjoy!

Loaded Potato Salad

What You'll Need:

• 2 1/2 pounds Red Potatoes
• 1 Packet dry Ranch Dressing Mix
• 2 Cups Nonfat Greek Yogurt
• 8 slices bacon
• 1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• 1/4 - 1/2 Cup Diced Green Onions
• 1 -2 cloves Garlic, minced
• Salt and Pepper, to taste

Bacon Wrapped Baked Potatoes

I've been getting asked when I was going to start blogging again and tonight is the night! For those of you that don't know why I've been absent for over a month, my family and I just moved from Alaska to North Carolina. Yes, it was a long and crazy trip (especially with two toddlers and a dog) but we had so much fun! We're still getting settled into our new house but the kitchen was the first room I unpacked, of course. :)

Recently, I've been seeing a photo floating around Facebook of a bacon wrapped baked potato and wondered why I had never thought of that before! We were grilling out tonight and so I decided to give them a try. Yes, they turned out just as amazing as they sound and it was incredibly easy. Enjoy!

Bacon Wrapped Baked Potatoes 

Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese

I started making this for Thanksgiving and Christmas nearly ten years ago. Honestly, that's really the only time of year that I make it. In my mind, it's just one of those rich, special occasion foods. It's so creamy and cheesy and delicious, I just don't see how anyone can resist! Enjoy!

Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese

What You'll Need:

• 2 cups macaroni (dry), cooked and drained
  (You can substitute a similar pasta. I used Cellentani.)
• 2 Tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 Tablespoons flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 cup milk, warmed
• 1/2 pint heavy cream
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded Sharp Cheddar cheese
• 3/4 - 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
  (regular or Panko)

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

One of the first things I ever made for my husband was my mashed potatoes. You know how they say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach? Well, if that statement is true, then this dish is probably one of the main reasons I won his heart. ;) In all seriousness though, this is one of his favorites and it's one of my most requested recipes. Enjoy!

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

What You'll Need:

• 2-3 lbs red potatoes
• 6 Tablespoons Butter, softened
• 1/4 cup Sour Cream
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1-2 Tablespoons Milk, as needed
• Salt and Pepper, to taste

Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions

Growing up, this was one of my favorite dishes that my dad would cook for us. This isn't my dad's recipe, but it's my version of it. I first attempted this last summer and it turned out so good, that it has made it's way into our rotation. Enjoy!

Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions

What You'll Need:

8-10 Red Potatoes
1 large sweet onion
4 Tablespoons butter
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
Garlic Powder, to taste
Salt and Pepper, to taste

Green Bean Bundles

Keeping with the theme of the first recipe, I've decided to share my recipe for Green Bean Bundles. There are hundreds of recipes out there for this traditional Southern dish, but I think mine's best, of course.  ;)
This dish can be served up as a show-stealing side or you could serve it as an appetizer if you'd like. Enjoy!

Green Bean Bundles (Yield: 18-21 bundles)

What You'll Need: 

• 2 cans whole green beans, drained
• 6-7 slices of bacon, cut into thirds
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Dash of soy sauce
• Dash of Dale's Seasoning
• toothpicks