Jessica's Ranch Beans

Sometimes when I'm putting a recipe together, I amaze myself.  And these beans are one of those times.  I was very happy with the way they turned out, and I have to say are some of the best beans I've every tasted. Oh, and to warn you, these can be spicy depending on how hot your pepper is.  If you don't want spicy beans, use a green pepper.

You will need;
1 - 15oz can Baked Bean
1 - 15oz can Great Northern Beans, drained & rinsed
1 - 15oz can Black Beans, drained & rinsed
2 tbsp BBQ rub (see Kansas City Rib recipe)
1 tbsp brown sugar
1/4 cup BBQ sauce (I used Sweet Baby Rays Original)
1 medium sweet onion, chopped
1 small poblano pepper, seeded & finally chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

Saute onion, pepper and garlic for 3-4 minutes.  Add beans and remaining ingredients.  Cook for 15-20 minutes on low heat.  Makes 4-6 servings.  Enjoy!!

Grilled Bratwurst w/ Caramelized Cabbage & Onions

This recipe will make 4 servings.
You will need;
4 bratwurst sausages
4 slices bacon, cut into small pieces
1 tbs spoon butter
1/2 head cabbage, shredded
1 vandalia onion, thinly sliced
2 scallions, thinly sliced
4 buns
mayo

In a large pan cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon pieces.  In same pan, melt butter in bacon fat, add cabbage and onion.  Cook on medium heat until caramelized.  When done, remove from heat and add in cooked bacon and scallions.
While cabbage and onion cooks, grill brats.
Dress buns with mayo if desired, add brat and top with cabbage mixture.  Enjoy!!

Juiciest Hamburgers Ever!!

These hamburgers are unbelievably juicy, and the trick is not over-cooking them and a little butter hidden in the middle.

For 4 burgers you will need .....
2 lb ground beef, 80/20
4 tbsp butter
your favorite spices

There are two ways to do this, you can either;
Mix beef with your favorite spices (fastest way)  -OR- 
Mix spices with softened butter, make into a log and let chill (longer method)
After you decide which method to use;
Divide beef into 8 equal size patties.  Take 4 of the patties and top with 1 tablespoon of butter each.  Top with another remaining patty, making sure to seal all the way around the edges. This will give you 4 butter stuffed patties.
Sear patties on a hot grill for about 2-4 minutes on each side.  Watch carefully not to burn the patties.  Once perfectly grilled on each side place on heavy duty foil  and let remain on grill with heat off for 10-15 minutes, depending on the wellness you desire.  If you are using a charcoal grill, remove from grill altogether and put on a plate to rest.
Add whatever condiments you desire and enjoy!!

Family Inspiration - 30 May

Whenever we build our lives on values and principles that contradict the time-honored wisdom of God's Word, we are laying a foundation on the sand.

The Lord's promise is sure. He speaks no careless word; all he says is purest truth, like silver seven times refined.
Psalm 12:6

May Book List

This was a busy month for us so I kept my reading light.

Where Mercy Is Shown, Mercy Is Given; Duane "Dog" Chapman.  I have to admit, I really like the show "Dog the Bounty Hunter" so when I saw this book in the store I thought "why not".  It's an interesting book about his life and the things that have happened to him in the last few years.  I have to say I respect the man and his family.  They are God fearing, God loving, honest and very family oriented. 

The Five People You Meet In Heaven; Mitch Albom.  This book explores the mystery only heaven can unfold. I really enjoyed the characters in this book, and he tells an interesting story.

Family Inspiration - 23 May

When properly applied, discipline works! It permits the tender affection made possible by mutual respect between a parent and child.  It allows the God of our fathers to be introduced to our beloved children.

Discipline your son and he will give you happiness and peace of mind.
Proverbs 29:17

Tomato Pie

This recipe is simply lovely .... one of the best things I've every made, and I'd guess by how fast it was gone Matt thought so too.  I'm making another one this week for a friend who can't wait to try it.

1 9" pie shell
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
3 cups (3-4) tomatoes, chopped with all excess juice removed
1/4 cup sliced basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 lb crumbled bacon
2 cups grated cheese (I used cheddar, monterey jack and smoked gouda)
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp (or more to taste)  Frank's Hot Sauce or like hot sauce
Salt and Black Pepper

Preheat oven to 350*. Place pie shell in oven and cook for 8-10 minutes or longer until lightly golden.  If you are starting with a frozen crust, you'll need to cook it a little longer.  If you are using a homemade crust, freeze the crust first, then line the crust with aluminum foil and pre-bake it for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes.
Squeeze as much moisture as you can out of the chopped tomatoes, using either paper towels, a clean dish towel or potato ricer.
Sprinkle the bottom of the pre-cooked pie shell with chopped onion.  Mix together tomatoes, basil, S&P to taste and bacon, then spread over onions.
Mix together cheese, mayonnaise, hot sauce and a sprinkling of S&P.  The mixture should be the consistency of a gooey snow ball. Spread over tomatoes.
Bake until bubbly and browned, anywhere from 25 to 45 minutes.
 Best eaten warm.  Serves 6.

Notes:
I believe I baked mine for just about 40 minutes.
If you want to take it up a notch, caramelize the onions. (double the amount of onion)
You can make any combination of flavors with this pie by using any spice and cheese combination.  It's very versatile.