COOK: Burger and Sandwich Pockets (Great to make ahead and freeze!)

These burger or sandwich pockets, are great to make and then freeze, and with summer break coming up it's a great time to stock your freezer with quick and easy food that the kiddos can grab and heat up on their own.  

These are also great for appetizers, just make each pocket smaller so it can be eaten in a bite or two!

When I make these I wrap each one individually in foil, then label them and write down the time to microwave them on the foil, then put them all together in a big plastic bag in the freezer.  

I don't have an air fryer (yet!) but I think these would probably re-heat wonderfully in one, if anyone tries it please let me know so I can add the instruction to the post, and maybe send you a little gift! 

I use my pizza dough recipe for these, but you can use refrigerated pizza dough from the store to make it easier.

I'm going to give you three filling recipes that I like, but you can mix things up with different meats, chesses, sauces, etc.  One tip, you don't want your filling to be too watery as it can make in inside a bit soggy, so if you are using a lot of vegetables make sure to drain the liquid before adding any sauces or final seasonings.

I'm hoping to test some sweet fillings soon and will let you know how they turn out.

All recipes, including the pizza dough, can be cut in half.

Burger and Sandwich Pockets

Makes 12 or more depending on size

For all pocket recipes you'll need:

1 batch of my easy pizza dough (plan ahead as it takes at least 1 hour to rise) OR refrigerated pizza dough, enough for two pizzas (about 14-16 Ounces)

Egg Wash Mixture: 2-3 Egg Yolks with 2-3 Tablespoons Cold Water whisked together

Bacon Cheeseburger:

Ingredients:

2 Pounds Ground Beef

12 Slices Uncooked Bacon

2 teaspoon Garlic Powder

2 teaspoon Onion Powder

1 teaspoon Black Pepper

1 teaspoon Salt

4 teaspoons Worcestershire 

16 Ounces Cheddar Cheese (Shredded)

4 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard (Or your favorite mustard)

Preparation:

Chop bacon into small pieces, mix together uncooked meats, garlic, onion, pepper, salt, and worcestershire sauce, cook until meat is cooked through, remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. 

Mix in shredded cheese, mustard, and season to taste.

I like to serve these with dipping cups of ketchup, (If you haven't tried the Heinz Chipotle, Jalapeno, or Habanero flavored ketchups you should!) mustard, or barbecue sauce.  

Buffalo Chicken:

Ingredients:

2 Pounds Chicken Breast (Cooked and Shredded)

1 Cup Frank's Red Hot Buffalo Sandwich Sauce (or other thick hot sauce)

16 Ounces Cheddar Cheese (Shredded) 

8 Ounces Crumbled Blue Cheese

4-5 Stalks Celery (Finely Chopped)

Preparation:

Once shredded chicken has cooled to room temperature mix all ingredients together, add additional seasonings if needed.

Serve with Ranch or Blue Cheese Dip and Carrot Sticks

Beef French Dip:

Ingredients:

16 Ounces Thinly Sliced Ribeye, or Shaved Roast Beef

2 teaspoon Garlic Powder

1 teaspoon Black Pepper

1 teaspoon Salt

1 Medium Yellow Onion (Sliced)

2 Green Peppers (Sliced)

12 Ounces Cheddar (Shredded)

12 Ounces Monterey Jack (Shredded)

Preparation:

Season meat and set aside.  

In a large pan sauté onions and peppers until soft and slightly browned, remove from pan into a large bowl,  Add meat to pan and cook just until it's cooked through, remove and give it a quick rough chop so meat is in bite size pieces,  add to onions and peppers and let cool until room temperature.

Mix in cheeses, and add any additional spices if needed.

Serve with or horseradish sauce or beef au jus (I always have a bottle of Johnny's Au Jus in the fridge and an extra in the pantry!).

For all pockets:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees, prepare baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.  (You can also use a cast iron pan like pictured above, however this causes small holes where they touch and isn't good if you'll be freezing them.)

Divide pizza dough into 12 or more balls depending on the size you want the pockets to be.  (12 will make large pockets, good for a filling dinner with a salad, if you are doing appetizers I'd cut it into 36 balls.  I usually do a few big for dinner that night, then some smaller to freeze for lunches.  Keep dough balls covered with plastic wrap so they don't dry out.  

Taking one ball at a time roll it out until it is a thin round circle, add filling of your choice to the center covering about 2/3 of the dough (I use my cookie scoops for the filling, this set  has three sizes and works great for all sizes of pockets.)  

After filling pull up each side of pocket and have them meet in the center above the filling and pinch so that it is sealed with no holes, flip over so seam is down on prepared baking sheet, leave at least an inch between each pocket. (I promise I'll add pictures or a video of this soon!) 

Using a pastry brush gently brush egg wash onto the top of each pocket, I like to sprinkle them with Everything Bagel Seasoning, Sesame Seeds, or Dried Minced Garlic.

Bake for about 20 minutes until tops are golden brown.  (If you are making appetizer sized pockets check them at about 12 minutes, tops should be golden and bottom slightly browned around the edges.)

Remove from oven and serve with dipping sauces.  If freezing cool completely on a cooling rack before wrapping in foil to freeze.

Please let me know if you have any questions, or what fun fillings you come up with!

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COOK: Chicken Lazone

I know this sounds like a fancy dish, but it's actually really easy!  It's one of our favorite chicken recipes, and although it's easy it tastes and looks amazing, great for serving to company.

I like to serve this over rustic smashed potatoes, but it's also good over pasta or rice, or even on it's own with a nice big side salad.

I often use my oven's Keep Warm option when I'm making meals like this, I'll make my potatoes and stick them in the oven covered, and then cook the meat and do the same, then after KC gets home I'll put my pan back on the stove and make the sauce and complete the meal.)

Chicken Lazone

Serves 2-4

Ingredients:

1 Pound Chicken Breast(s)

1 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder

1/2 teaspoon Salt

1 teaspoon Onion Powder

1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder

1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika 

1/2 teaspoon White Pepper (Can substitute Black Pepper)

2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

2 Cups Heavy Cream

Preparation:

In a small bowl mix together all spices, reserve 2 2/1 Tablespoons for sauce.

Cut chicken breast(s) lengthwise into 1 inch wide strips, rub with remaining spice mixture.

 In a large pan (I use my 10 inch cast iron) heat oil and butter over medium heat, cook chicken until it's cooked through and a pretty golden brown.  Remove from pan, cover with foil and set aside.

Turn pan down to low, add in heavy cream and reserved spice mixture, slowly whisk until lightly simmering, let cook about 10 minutes stirring every few minutes until sauce is thick,  add chicken back in and let sit about 5 minutes, turning chicken so that all sides are covered.

Serve over potatoes, rice, pasta, or on it's own.  Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and are just as tasty when reheated.

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COOK: Italian Sausage & Potato Soup

I know it's starting to get warmer, so soup season is almost over, if you only make one more soup this month, make this one!  The first time I made this all of us ate a huge bowl, and when I reheated the leftovers for dinner two nights later there were no complaints, we were all excited to eat it again.

A lot of my recipes call for a type of broth, we always have Better Than Bullion in the fridge so we can make broth anytime we need it.  We also use it in pan sauces, when we are boiling rice to add extra flavor, even in Rice-A-Roni.  

One note, since it is milk based it doesn't freeze well, if you want to make a big batch to freeze I'd leave the half and half out and add it when you reheat it.

Id suggest you serve this with my One Hour French Bread or Four Ingredient Crusty Artisan Bread.

Italian Sausage Potato Soup

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

1 Pound Italian Sausage 

4 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter

1/2 Large Onion (Chopped)

6 Cloves Garlic (Minced)

4 Tablespoons All Purpose Flour

4 Cups Vegetable, Chicken, or Beef Broth 

2 Cups Half & Half (Room temperature)

1-2 teaspoons Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)

4 Medium Potatoes (Cut into 1/2 inch cubes)

Salt and Pepper 

Preparation:

In a 3.5 quart dutch oven, or large soup pot, cook sausage over medium heat until browned, remove to a plate with paper towels to drain.  

Put butter in your pot and let melt, then add in onions to sauté, making sure to scrape any brown bits off the the bottom of the pan.  Add in garlic and cook about 30 seconds, then sprinkle flour on top and stir for about two minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.

Slowly pour in broth while whisking until all flour has dissolved and there are no lumps.  Stir in half & half, crushed red pepper, potatoes, and cooked sausage, add salt and pepper to taste.  Turn down to simmer and partially cover pot, let cook for 20-30 minutes until potatoes are soft and soup is thick.

Can top with croutons, crackers, or hot sauce.

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COOK: Cinnamon Pancake Cookies

Not only do these cookies taste yummy, but they are also so stinking cute!  They so great with a cup of coffee (I mean, pancakes are a breakfast food, right?), or a nice cold glass of milk.  

Cinnamon Pancake Cookies

Makes about 36

Ingredients:

Cookies:

3/4 Cup Unsalted Butter (Softened, room temperature)

1 Cup Sugar

3/8 Cup Brown Sugar (Packed)

1 Egg

2 teaspoons Vanilla

3 1/3 Cups All Purpose Flour

1 teaspoon Baking Soda

1/2 teaspoon Cream of Tartar

1/2 teaspoon Salt

2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon

4 Tablespoons Sweetened Condensed Milk.

Russian Buttercream (Optional):

1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter (Softened, room temperature)

7 Ounces Sweetened Condensed Milk

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Prepare baking sheets with either parchment paper, or silicone baking mats.  

In the bowl of your stand mixer, or a large bowl if using hand mixer, cream butter until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.  Add in both sugars and let mix on medium high speed for 2 minutes.  Turn down to low speed and incorporate egg and vanilla.

In a separate bowl whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, and cinnamon.  With mixer on low slowly add in dry mixture, only until everything is incorporated.

Scoop using a 1.5 Tablespoon cookie scoop scoop 12 balls onto baking sheet, gently flatten each ball to about 1/3 inch, then using a basking brush put a thin coating of sweetened condensed milk.

Bake 10-12 minutes, let cool at least 10 minutes on baking sheet before moving to a cooling rack.

In a small bowl cream butter with a hand mixer on high speed, until white and very fluffy, about 8 minutes.  Slowly drizzle in sweetened condensed milk while still mixing until fully combined.  Refrigerate about 15 minutes, then spread on cookies using an offset spatula, or pipe on using a piping bag.  (I used a star tip so each cookie looked like it had a cue dollop of butter.)

Store cookies in a plastic container for up to 5 days, if your house is warm I'd put them in the fridge so the frosting doesn't melt.

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COOK: Espresso Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

I make cookies at least every other week for KC to take into work, I figure if his coworkers have to put up with him for 40 hours a week, the least I can do is make them some cookies!

I have a lot of fun trying to come up with new flavors, and although some of them don't turn out, the ones that do I'm happy to share the recipes for.

These Espresso Cookies with Cream Cheese frosting are one of my favorites, they aren't super sweet, but have a great espresso flavor, and I'd eat almost anything if you put cream cheese frosting on it!

Espresso Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Makes about 30

Ingredients:

Cookies:

1 Cup Unsalted Butter

2 Tablespoons Instant Espresso Powder

1 Egg (Room temperature)

2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract

2 1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour

2 teaspoons Corn Starch

1 teaspoon Baking Powder

1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda

1/8 teaspoon Salt

Frosting:

4 Ounces Cream Cheese (Softened)

1/4 Cup Unsalted Butter

3/4 Cup Powdered Sugar

1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

1/4 Cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (optional)

Preparation:

Set oven to 375 degrees, prepare baking sheets with either parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Melt butter and mix in espresso powder, let sit in fridge for about 10 minutes to cool slightly.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, or a large bowl if using a hand mixer, combine butter mixture, egg, and vanilla.  

In a separate bowl whisk together all dry ingredients: flour, corn starch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.  

While mixer is turned on low slowly pour in dry mixture until fully incorporated.  

Scoop cookies using a 1.5 Tablespoon cookie scoop (I love this set), or a soup spoon, onto cookie sheets leaving about an inch in between, 12 should fit on a half sheet.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set.  Let cool about 5 minutes on cookie sheet, then  move to a cooling rack.

While cookies cool mix whisk all of the frosting ingredients (except for cocoa powder) together until well combined and fluffy.  

Frost cooled cookies using an offset spatula or use a piping bag and your favorite tip.  If you want dust cookies with cocoa powder before frosting sets.

Store in a plastic container or zippy bag for up to 5 days.

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COOK: Cilantro Lime Rice

I love a big burrito stuffed with so many different things you can hardly roll it up!  This rice has just enough flavor to be perfect in a burrito, or on its own as a side dish, it's also really good mixed in with my Famous Chicken Chili.

I always use jasmine rice since it's what I always have in the pantry, but you can use long grain rice if you prefer, just cook it according to the package directions.  This is also a great way to use leftover rice if you have it in the fridge.

I think fresh squeezed lime juice tastes best, but I've used bottled from the fridge when I don't have limes.  You can also substitute fresh parsley for the cilantro if you dint have any, or have someone in your house that thinks cilan tro tastes like soap like my two kiddos.

(Fun story, I always though cilantro tasted like soap, until I got pregnant with my youngest, since then I think it's delicious and I love it!)

Cilantro Lime Rice

Ingredients:

1 Cup uncooked Jasmine Rice 

1 2/3 Cups Water

1/2 Cup Light Sour Cream

4 Tablespoons Fresh Lime Juice

1/3 Cup Fresh Cilantro (Chopped)

Preparation:

Put water in a medium pot and bring to a boil, add in rice, cover and turn down to simmer let cook for 22 minutes.

While rice is cooking mix together sour cream, lime juice, and cilantro.  

When rice is done cooking transfer to a large bowl, add sour cream mixture and mix well. 

 

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COOK: Chicken Piccata

This is one of my favorite dinners!  It's quick enough it can be a weeknight meal, but also seems fancy enough you can serve it to guests and impress them.  

The last time I made this I served it over some herby orzo pasta, it also goes well with a simple angel hair pasta, with a nice green salad, or even with a quick rice pilaf.  (I always keep a few boxes of Rice-A-Roni in the pantry for quick side dishes.

Chicken Piccata

Serves 4

Ingredients:

2 Large Chicken Breasts (Cut in half lengthwise, directions below)

1/2 Cup Flour

1/2 Cut Parmesan Cheese (Finely grated, divided)

1 teaspoon Fresh Ground Pepper

1 teaspoon Salt

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter

1/2 Cup Dry White Wine  (Can substitute chicken or vegetable broth)

5 Cloves Garlic (Minced)

3-4 Tablespoons Capers (Drained)

1 Cup Chicken Broth

3 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice

1/4 Cup Fresh Parsley (Chopped)

Preparation:

To cut the chicken in half lengthwise you'll want to lay the chicken breast on your cutting board, press down on the top with your non-dominant hand, and place your knife in the middle of the breast and cut as if you were going to butterfly the breast, but cut it all of the way through.  This website gives a great step-by-step instruction: How To Cut Chicken Breast In Half Lengthwise

Once you have 4 pieces of chicken, in a wide short bowl, or a place with edges, mix together flour, 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese, pepper, and salt.  In a large skillet heat butter and oil over medium-high heat.  Dredge each piece of chicken in flour mixture, shake off excess, and cook chicken until golden brown on each side.  (About 3-5 minutes per side).  Remove chicken from pan and set aside.  

Turn heat down to medium low, pour in white wine (or 1/2 cup of broth) and garlic, scrape up any brown bits left in the bottom of the pan from the chicken.  Let reduce, about 5 minutes.  Add in capers, broth, and lemon juice.  Mix well.  Add the chicken back into the pan covering both sides with the sauce.  Cover pan about half way and let cook about 5 minutes.  

Serve over pasta, rice, or on it's own with a generous spoonful of sauce, sprinkle with remaining parmesan and parsley.

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COOK: Buffalo Chicken Pasta

 This is something I have made countless times, and it's always a bit different, so last time I made it I made sure I wrote down what I did so that I could share this delicious recipe with all of you!

This was created one night when I asked my son what he wanted for dinner, and he said "chicken sandwiches" (which is his answer about 30% of the time", but I had no bread or rolls, so he said "something spicy" (another common answer), when I asked him to elaborate he said come up with "pasta" (he'd eat pasta for every meal, every day, if I let him!)  So Buffalo Chicken Pasta was born.

We use the Frank's RedHot Buffalo Sandwich Sauce, my Dad sent us some a few years ago and now we can't live without it!  We can only find it on Amazon, but since it's shelf stable we keep it in the pantry and just have a little squeeze bottle we refill and keep in the fridge. It's great on sandwiches, pizza, pasta, quesadillas, sometimes Dustin just squirts it right into his mouth... the options are endless! 

Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

1 Pound Chicken Breast (cut into about 1 inch pieces)

16 Ounces Pasta (I like to use Rotini, Cellentani, or Gemelli)

2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter

2 Tablespoons Flour

3/4 Cup Half & Half (room temperature)

1 Cup Chicken Broth (I always have Better Than Bullion in the fridge)

1 1/2 Cups Cheddar (Shredded)

!/2 Cup Buffalo Hot Sauce (or more depending on your taste)

Salt and Pepper

Optional for topping:

Chopped Red Onion

Chopped Celery

Chopped Green Onions

Blue Cheese Crumbles

Crumbled Bacon

Preparation:

Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook in a pan with a bit of oil, set aside.

Start water boiling for pasta, then cook according until just al dente, then drain.

While pasta is cooking in a large pot over medium-low heat melt butter, add flour, and continue whisking slowly for about 4 minutes until it starts to look a bit puffy.  Slowly pour in half & half while still whisking.  Turn burner to low, add in chicken broth, cheese and buffalo sauce and mix until everything is melted together.  Add pasta and chicken to sauce mixture, salt and pepper to taste.

Serve with a drizzle of hot sauce and the toppings of your choice.

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COOK: Chili Crisp Pork Ramen

 I have seen Spicy Chili Crisp used countless times on different cooking shows, and finally picked up a jar at the grocery store to try, I wish I hadn't waited so long, it is delicious!  

When I made this ramen for dinner KC told me I needed to write down how I made it and add it to our dinner rotation, Berea saw the picture I posted and come over the next day to eat the leftovers and agreed it was amazing!  Another bonus, it's quick and easy, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.  I used pork, but I think you could easily substitute chicken breast, tofu or beef.  I think it would also be great with some veggies thrown in, let me know if you try any variations.

Chili Crisp Pork Ramen

2-4 Servings

Ingredients:

Marinade:

1.5 Pounds Pork Tenderloin or Pork Chops (cut into 1/2 inch cubes)

1 teaspoon Garlic Powder

1 teaspoon Onion Powder

1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper

1/2 Cup Teriyaki Sauce

Sauce:

3 Tablespoons Chili Crisp

2 teaspoons Rice Vinegar

1 teaspoon Brown Sugar

2 teaspoons Lite Soy Sauce

1 1/2 Tablespoons Peanut Butter

3 Packages Ramen Noodles (seasoning packet not needed)

Topping (Optional):

Sliced Green Onions

Toasted Sesame Seeds

Everything Bagel Seasoning

Preparation: 

Combine garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and teriyaki sauce and add in pork to marinate at least 30 minutes.

In a small bowl whisk together chili crisp, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce and peanut butter, set aside.

In a skillet or cast iron pan with oil cook the pork over medium high heat for a few minutes until just cooked through.  Turn burner to low and add in sauce, let simmer.

Cook ramen noodles in boiling water, then drain and add to meat and sauce mixture.  

Dish up and add toppings.  

Store leftovers in a plastic container in fridge, makes great leftovers cold or hot.

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