The Cheap Gourmet

Super Simple Sunday Snack: Gourmet Snuggle Dogs

Around my house, Sunday is a day reserved for simple snacks and a down-home Sunday dinner. Today, my husband decided to try something new in the snack department. I must confess, if I'm not careful he could very well pass me in the culinary arts game! Of course, I could always claim his improved cooking skills are a direct result of my impeccable food coaching ;-)

This afternoon he treated me to a super simple Sunday snack which can be served for many events. In a sense, this recipe is our version of Pigs in a Blanket, but much simpler and definitely tastier. Just for fun, we'll call them Gourmet Snuggle Dogs.

If you aren't familiar with Toufayan products, you're missing out. Toufayan Bakeries sell a wide range of products including: tortilla wraps, pita breads, bagels, bread sticks, lavash and these amazing hot dogs rolls called Snuggles.

We used Johnsonville New Orleans Smoked Sausage, but you could substitute with any type of sausage or hot dog you desire.

As a side we used Mrs. T's Pierogies; a delightful pocket of whipped potatoes encased in pasta.

Here's the recipe for creating a super simple Sunday snack that feeds four in under 10 minutes:

Gourmet Snuggle Dogs
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:
4 Toufayan Snuggle Buns
4 Johnsonville New Orleans Smoked Sausage
Mustard, (optional)
Ragu Cheddar Cheese Sauce (optional)

Directions:
1. Preheat grill to 350 degrees or turn oven to 'Broil' setting.
2. Remove Johnsonville Sausage from package.
3. Place dogs on grill, turning frequently and cooking until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. During final minutes, place Toufayan Snuggle Buns on grill to warm.
5. Place Sausage inside Snuggle buns.
6. Using a cutting board, slice snuggle buns in 2-inch slices and secure bun with toothpick.

While dogs are cooking, preheat cooking oil to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Gently place Pierogies into hot oil. Cook for approximately 4 minutes until light golden brown.

Remove from oil and place on paper towel lined plate to absorb excess grease.

Transfer snuggle dogs and pierogies to individual plates. Serve with sides of mustard for dipping the dogs and cheese sauce for dipping pierogies.

This super simple snack is great for tailgate parties, girls-night out, pool parties, and family gatherings. It's perfect finger food and guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone who enjoys sausage and potatoes!

Lowfat Mock Guacamole Dip and Tortilla Chips

Perfectly seasoned, this lowfat mock Guacamole Dip made from frozen peas tastes just as good as the "real" thing, but without the fat or the guilt! Serve with a basket of homemade low-fat Tortilla Chips and your guests will be raving about your spectacular snack for weeks to come.

Consider creating individual recipe cards for low-fat mock Guacamole Dip and Tortilla Chips and provide a copy to each of your guests. Insert inside their holiday card or leave a stack on the table. Chances are the recipe cards will disappear as quickly as this guilt-free healthy holiday snack!

Low-fat Mock Guacamole Dip
Yields: 1-3/4 cups
Serves: 14
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours

Ingredients:
2 cups frozen tender-sweet Peas
1/4 cup sweet onion, finely chopped
2 cloves Garlic, minced
2 Tablespoons fat-free Sour Cream
1 Tablespoon fresh Lime juice (or use bottled, if desired)
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco Garlic Pepper Hot Sauce
1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt
1 Plum Tomato, seeded and chopped
1 Tablespoon fresh Cilantro, finely chopped

Directions:

1. Cook peas according to package directions; drain.
2. Finely chop peas and onion.
3. Mince garlic using a garlic press.
4. In a 2-quart bowl, combine peas, onion, garlic, sour cream, lime juice, Tabasco sauce and salt and mix well.
5. Chop tomato and cilantro, then gently stir into pea mixture.
6. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
7. Serve with homemade low-fat Tortilla Chips

Homemade Low-fat Tortilla Chips
Yield: 80 chips
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Bake Time: 6-8 minutes

Ingredients:
10 8-inch fat-free flour Tortillas

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Cut each tortilla into 8 wedges using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
3. Arrange wedges on a baking stone or pizza pan.
4. Bake for 6-8 minutes or until lightly browned.
5. Remove from oven and transfer chips to a cooling rack or large piece of aluminum foil and allow to cool completely.
6. Store in airtight container until ready to serve.

Transfer pea guacamole into serving bowl and place in center of serving tray. Arrange chips on serving tray and let the party begin!

Spicy Pecans Recipe

Spicy pecans are a must-have at Hurricane Parties. Actually, spicy pecans are great for any party and make excellent gifts as well! They are easy to make, require few ingredients, taste ever-so-yummy, and provide the body with essential fatty acids.

Here are two of my favorite Spicy Pecan Recipes. One is sweet and one is hot, and both will leave you wanting more!

Spicy Pecans Recipe #1
Serves 10. Yields 5 cups.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

• 1 egg white
• 5 cups pecan halves
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place egg white in a medium mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat the egg white until foamy.
3. Pour pecans into egg white foam and using a wooden spoon, stir until thoroughly coated.
4. Combine sugar, cinnamon and salt in a small bowl.
5. Sprinkle mixture over pecans and stir until thoroughly coated.
6. Spread pecans in a single layer on a lightly greased baking sheet.
7. Bake for one hour; stirring occasionally.
8. Remove from oven and let pecans cool on baking sheet.
9. Transfer to airtight storage container.

Spicy Pecans Recipe #2

Serves 12. Yields 6 cups.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

• 6 Tablespoons butter
• 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup Hot Pepper sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6 cups pecan halves

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Melt butter over low heat in a large skillet.
3. Add garlic, Hot Pepper sauce and salt to melted butter and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Remove skillet from heat and add pecans to butter mixture; stir until thoroughly coated.
5. Spread pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet.
6. Bake pecans for about 1 hour; stirring every 15 minutes.
7. Remove from oven and let pecans cool on baking sheet.
8. Transfer to airtight storage container.

Spicy Boiled Peanuts Recipe

Spicy Boiled Peanuts are part of the Southern culture and a necessity at hurricane parties. They are super easy to make, but take a few hours to cook. You can make them plain or spicy. You can add beer or vodka or tequila. You can eat them hot (the preferred method) or cold and they can be frozen for up to six months.

Although we live in a sub-tropical climate, we prefer our boiled peanuts to be spicy hot. I've become interested in growing peppers, so pretty much everything I make these days has one of my gorgeous beauties tucked inside ;-) My recipe for spicy boiled peanuts is no exception. I experimented with this version and believe this is the best yet. Feel free to adapt it to suit your needs.

Spicy Boiled Peanuts Recipe
Serves 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1-1/2 to 2 hours

Ingredients:
4 pounds Green Peanuts (only available between June and August)
6 quarts water (substitute with 2 quarts beer and 4 quarts water, if desired)
2 medium Cowhorn peppers, seeds removed and finely chopped
6 Tablespoons Kosher Salt
2 Tablespoons Cajun Seasoning

Directions:

• Place peanuts in colander and rinse well.
• Pour water into large kettle or stock pot.
• Add peanuts, peppers, salt and seasoning.
• Bring to a boil; reduce heat to simmer and cover.
• Cook for 1-1/2 to 2 hours, or until peanuts are tender.
• Remove from heat and allow to soak in water for 30 minutes.
• Drain and serve immediately.

Red, White and Blue Recipes for the 4th of July!

It's not too late to plan a bodacious red, white and blue menu for your 4th of July celebration. The Recipe Zaar offers an abundance of deliciously delightful concoctions that are certain to please your family and guests. You'll find everything from 4th of July Margaritas to Red, White and Blue Burgers and plenty of tastebud exploding desserts!

If you've never been to Recipe Zaar, you are missing out! Not only will you find thousands of mouth-watering recipes, you'll also be able to interact with other home cooks and chefs in the Recipe Zaar community, share your own recipes, and save recipes in a personal cookbook. Go check them out at www.RecipeZaar.com and sign-up for your free account today!

Photo by RecipeLink.com

Homemade Salsa Recipe

Homemade Salsa Recipe

After months of cultivating my organic salsa garden, the fruits (or veggies in this case) of my labor are ready for harvest. I tended these gorgeous tomatoes, peppers, and herbs myself, but didn't have much success with the garlic. From what I now know, garlic is grown during the winter months. Other than that, my garden was a success and today I would like to share my favorite Homemade Salsa Recipe with you.

There's nothing better than the rich, robust flavor of homemade salsa made from home-grown vegetables. However, if you don't have homegrown produce you can still enjoy this delicious recipe. Simply purchase the ingredients at your local grocery store, health food store or Farmer's Market. Enjoy!

Homemade Salsa Recipe

2-3 stalks Cilantro, stems removed, leaves finely chopped
5-6 stems Chives, finely chopped
2-3 cloves Garlic, peeled and minced
1/2 Vadalia onion, finely chopped
1 small Habaneros or Cowhorn pepper, seeds removed and finely chopped
2 Banana or Sweet peppers, seeds removed and finely chopped
1/2 Green, Red, or Yellow bell pepper, seeds removed and finely chopped
3-4 vine-rippened Tomatos, chopped
2 teaspoons Kosher salt
1 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
1 teaspoon Adobo seasoning

Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Cover and place in refrigerator for 24 hours. Serve with organic blue chips and enjoy!

Spicy Garlic Grilled Chicken Wings Recipe

What you are about to read is my highly regarded, and up until this moment, highly secret spicy garlic grilled chicken wings recipe. I have decided to share it with you today because that's what good cooks do ;-). Please note that this recipe is copyrighted. Should you decide to share it with others, please provide a link back to TheCheapGourmet.com.

Spicy Garlic Grilled Chicken Wings Recipe
Serves 2-4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

12 Chicken Wings, tips removed and divided into sections
1 Tablespoon Cayenne Pepper
1 stick Butter, unsalted
2/3 cup Frank's Hot Sauce
3 cloves Garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Goya Adobo seasoning

Directions:

1. Preheat gas grill to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Wash chicken wings and pat dry with paper towel. Remove tips and cut wings into sections.
3. Lightly sprinkle cayenne pepper over wings.
4. Place wings on hot grill. Turn after wings have cooked for about 7 minutes.
5. Place butter, hot sauce, garlic and Adobo seasoning into a 1-quart pan.
6. Heat over medium-low heat. When butter begins to melt; whisk lightly to incorporate all ingredients.
7. When wings are finished, remove from heat and place in a container with a lid.
8. Pour melted sauce over wings and shake well to evenly distribute.
9. Transfer to serving platter and serve immediately.

Serve with chunky bleu cheese dressing and celery sticks if desired.