Category: Recipe

  • Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy

    Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy

    This Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy recipe is a delicious option for your family! Serve with your favorite tasty side dish.

    Chicken Fried Steak

    Texans love chicken fried steak! It’s a meal that is enjoyed often when folks go out to eat, but I like to see if I can make restaurant favorites better in my own home. 

    When I was in college, I worked as a short order cook, and one of the dishes I liked making most was chicken fried steak. It was relatively easy to make, and it is the quintessential Texas dish. 

    There is lots to like about chicken fried steak! Obviously you eat it like a steak with a fork and knife, but you also get the crispy breading of fried foods.  The meat is also tender, and the simple seasoning makes you feel like a cattle baron sitting down for a gourmet, home-made meal! 

    Try my Country Fried Chicken, too!

    Making steaks this week? Try my Steak Seasoning.

    My family also likes to eat quick-fix chicken fried steaks, so I wanted to see if they would like my home made take on a family favorite as well.  Turns out my wife and kids loved the dish just as much as I did. 

    Finally, I wanted to make this recipe unique so I substituted some different ingredients from what I traditionally used as a short order cook in college. 

    For the “drink” part of the batter, restaurants and cooks usually use buttermilk or a milk and egg mixture before putting the steak into a dry mix or “dredge.” I went with something non-traditional, which I call the kegs and eggs mix. 

    What Does Dredge Mean When Cooking?

    For this recipe, when I talk about “dredge,” it means to coat in flour.

    I know that beer batter is a typical seafood staple, and I know that the beer batter is usually light and crispy.  Additionally, I gave my chicken fried steak a double dredge, which means that I did a dry-wet-dry batter before pan frying in a shallow layer of oil.  This is not typical for restaurant made chicken fried steaks, which are usually deep fried. 

    This was a fun and quick experience too, and at the end we were left with a unique chicken fried steak that tasted great and was easy to make.

    Side Dishes for Chicken Fried Steak

    Side dishes that go well with chicken fried steak include mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, fried okra, and more! Check out recipes below:

    Side Dishes for Chicken Fried Steak

    Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy

    Ingredients:

    • 6 cube steaks
    • 1 tsp. of each salt and pepper
    • 1.5 cups all purpose flour
    • 1 can of beer
    • 2 eggs
    • 1 tsp. paprika
    • 1 tsp. cayenne pepper
    • 1 tsp. garlic powder
    • vegetable oil

    Ingredients for Gravy:

    • vegetable oil
    • all purpose flour
    • ground cayenne red pepper
    • 1 cup milk

    Directions:

    Pre-heat a thin layer of oil in a large frying pan.

    In a small mixing bowl, pour 6 oz. (half a can) of beer and add 2 eggs.  Stir or whisk together.

    beer and eggs
    beer and eggs mixture

    In a flat bottom plate or dish add 1.5 cups of flour and add paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.  Mix well.

    seasonings in a bowl
    seasonings in flour

    Salt and pepper the cube steaks.

    cube steaks on a plate
    flour and seasoning
    steak mixure

    Dredge the cube steaks in the flour mixture first.

    cube steak in flour

    Next dip the dredged cube steak into the beer and eggs mixture.

    cube steak in egg mixture

    Finally, give the steak a final dredge before placing it into the hot oil.

    cube steak with flour
    cube steaks with flour

    Cook 5 minutes each side until golden brown and crispy.

    steaks in oil frying
    chicken fried steaks in a frying pan
    chicken fried steaks

    Once all of the steaks are done, add enough flour to turn the remaining oil and flour mixture into a peanut butter like paste consistency. 

    homemade gravy

    Next add 1 cup of milk.  Add additional milk or water as necessary until gravy consistency is to your liking. Add salt and pepper to taste.

    homemade gravy

    Serve with your favorite side dish like mashed potatoes!

    chicken fried steak and gravy with mashed potatoes

    Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy

    Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy

    Ingredients

    • 6 cube steaks
    • Salt and pepper
    • 1.5 cups all purpose flour
    • 1 can of beer
    • 2 eggs
    • Tsp Paprika
    • Tsp Cayenne Pepper
    • Tsp Salt
    • Tsp Pepper
    • Tsp Garlic Powder
    • Ingredients for Gravy:
    • Oil
    • All Purpose Flour
    • Cayenne
    • Milk

    Instructions

    Pre heat a thin layer of oil in a large frying pan.

    In a small bowl, pour 6 oz (half a can) of beer and add 2 eggs.  Mix well.

    In a flat bottom plate or dish add 1.5 cups of flour and add Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Pepper, and Garlic Powder.  Mix well.

    Salt and Pepper the Cube steaks.

    Dredge the cube steaks in the flour mixture first.

    Next, dip the dredged cube steak into the beer and eggs mixture.

    Finally, give the steak a final dredge before placing it into the hot oil.

    Cook 5 minutes each side until golden brown and crispy.

    Once all of the steaks are done, add enough flour to turn the remaining oil and flour mixture into a peanut butter like paste consistency.  Next add 1 cup of milk.  Add additional milk or water as necessary until gravy consistency is to your liking. Add salt and pepper to taste.



  • Slow Cooker Cinnamon Pecan Dump Cake

    Slow Cooker Cinnamon Pecan Dump Cake

    Try this delicious Slow Cooker Cinnamon Pecan Dump Cake dessert recipe this week!

    Slow Cooker Cinnamon Pecan Dump Cake

    Are you a dessert lover?

    Do you find that your sweet tooth is always craving something delicious, but the only thing that’s available are cookies or cake?

    Well what if I told you there was a way to satisfy your cravings and not have to bake anything!

    Mini Pecan Tarts

    Pecan Cobbler

    Introducing: slow cooker cinnamon pecan dump cake. Cinnamon pecan dump cake is a great dessert to make in the slow cooker.

    All of the ingredients go into one bowl, and then it goes in the slow cooker for 3 hours. This allows them to meld together into an irresistible moist cake that will be your new favorite fall treat!

    There is no need for an oven, which means less dishes by the end of this recipe! Give this easy dessert recipe a try tonight!

    Try my other dump cake recipes:

    Slow Cooker Blueberry Lemon Dump Cake

    Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake

    Peach Cobbler Dump Cake

    Slow Cooker Cinnamon Pecan Dump Cake

    Ingredients:

    • 18 oz. sour cream 
    • ½ cup milk 
    • 1 egg 
    • 3 tbsp. butter, melted 
    • 1 tsp. vanilla 
    • 1 ¾ cups flour 
    • ½ cup sugar 
    • 1 tsp. baking soda 
    • 1 tsp. cinnamon 
    • ½ tsp. salt 
    • ½ cup pecans, chopped 
    • caramel sauce for garnish

    Directions:

    Spray slow cooker with nonstick spray. 

    dump cake ingredients

    Whisk together sour cream, milk, egg, butter, and vanilla. 

    Stir in flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and pecans. 

    slow cooker dump cake ingredients
    mixed dump cake batter

    Spoon into slow cooker. 

    slow cooker dump cake

    Cook on low for 2 ½ to 3 hours until middle is set. 

    Remove slow cooker liner and cool on wire rack for 10 minutes. 

    Loosen sides of the cake, remove from slow cooker, cool completely. 

    slow cooker cinnamon pecan dump cake

    Drizzle with caramel sauce, serve, and enjoy!

    Slow Cooker Cinnamon Pecan Dump Cake

    Slow Cooker Cinnamon Pecan Dump Cake

    Slow Cooker Cinnamon Pecan Dump Cake

    Ingredients

    • 18 oz sour cream
    • ½ cup milk
    • 1 egg
    • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 ¾ cups flour
    • ½ cup sugar
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ cup pecans, chopped
    • Caramel sauce for garnish

    Instructions

    Spray slow cooker with nonstick spray. 

    Whisk together sour cream, milk, egg, butter, and vanilla. 

    Stir in flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and pecans. 

    Spoon into slow cooker. 

    Cook on low for 2 ½ to 3 hours until middle is set. 

    Remove slow cooker liner and cool on wire rack for 10 minutes. 

    Loosen sides of the cake, remove from slow cooker, cool completely. 

    Drizzle with caramel sauce, serve, and enjoy!

  • Chicken Pot Pie

    Chicken Pot Pie

    Learn how to make this delicious and easy Chicken Pot Pie from scratch! This is comfort food for any time of year.

    I love chicken pot pie. I usually crave chicken pot pie when the fall season rolls around, but I do enjoy it any time of year. I used to buy the ready-made pot pies from the box in the grocery store, but I wanted to learn how to make my own recipe from scratch.

    Thinking back to 12 years ago, I remember receiving a homemade chicken pot pie from a friend after my wife had our first baby girl. What a blessing meals are after having a child!

    I can still remember the taste of that warm and creamy Chicken Pot Pie, and that’s what got me hooked to eating them on a regular basis.

    Cast Iron Skillet Pot Pie

    What is a pot pie?

    A pot pie is a type of meat pie.  A basic pot pie consists of a pie crust, poultry or meat, such as turkey or chicken, vegetables like peas and carrots, and gravy or soupy mixture.

    Chicken Pot Pie is an all-American comfort food. I enjoy the yummy mix of vegetables and cream of chicken soup with the flaky crust. The combination is amazing!

    Try this easy chicken pot pie recipe!

    Chicken Pot Pie

    Ingredients:

    • 2 frozen pie crust shells
    • 1 lb. chicken breast, cooked and shredded
    • 1 package frozen mixed vegetables
    • 1 (10.5 oz.) can cream of chicken soup
    • 2 tbsp. dry minced onion
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Directions:

    Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

    Mix together chicken, vegetables, soup, onion, salt & pepper until well combined.

    Pour mixture into one of the pie crust shells.

    Place the other pie crust shell bottom side up on top of the mixture.

    Use a fork to press the sides of the crust together to seal the pie.

    Use the fork again to gently poke several sets of holes in the top crust.

    Bake 30-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

    Let rest for about 10 minutes.

    Slice, serve, and enjoy!

    How long do pot pies last?

    Baked chicken pot pie will last for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Cover with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate.

    Can you freeze chicken pot pie?

    Yes, to freeze the pot pie, wrap tightly with aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap. You can also place the pot pie in heavy-duty freezer bag.

    Chicken Pot Pie

    Chicken Pot Pie

    Ingredients

    Instructions

    Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

    Mix together chicken, vegetables, soup, onion, salt & pepper until well
    combined.

    Pour mixture into one of the pie crust shells.

    Place the other pie crust shell bottom side up on top of the mixture.

    Use a fork to press the sides of the crust together to seal the pie.

    Use the fork again to gently poke several sets of holes in the top crust.

    Bake 30-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

    Let rest for about 10 minutes.

    Slice, serve, and enjoy!

  • French Bread Egg Casserole

    French Bread Egg Casserole

    Serve this delicious sausage and cheddar French Bread Egg Casserole this week and pair it with milk and fresh fruit!

    French Bread Egg Casserole


    If you love French bread, then you’ll love this French bread breakfast casserole!

    This breakfast casserole is made with French bread, eggs, breakfast sausage, cheese, and a few other basic ingredients!

    It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious breakfast, and it’s packed with all the flavors of French bread.

    Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover French bread you may have in your kitchen.

    This casserole is perfect for breakfast or brunch, and it can easily be made ahead of time.

    Simply assemble the casserole the night before, and bake it in the morning. You’ll have a hot and hearty breakfast that everyone will love.

    Breakfast casseroles are a go to for our family when we have guests or to serve as an easy option before church on Sunday!

    French Toast Casserole

    Sausage and Grits Casserole

    Tator Tot Breakfast Casserole

    Casserole dishes are great because they serve several people and are easy to make. Many times there are leftovers to enjoy the next day.

    Next time you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast idea, give this French bread breakfast casserole a try. It’s sure to become a new family favorite.

    How long can breakfast casserole be refrigerated before cooking?

    Typically, breakfast casseroles can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows you to prepare the casserole in advance, making it a great option for busy mornings.

    However, if you are using raw eggs in your casserole, it is best to cook it within 12 hours of preparation.

    How do I store leftover French bread breakfast casserole?

    You can store leftover French bread breakfast casserole in the fridge for up to four days.

    Just make sure to wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap so it doesn’t dry out. Reheat in a 350 degree oven until warmed through.

    Can you freeze leftover French bread casserole?

    You can freeze leftover French bread breakfast casserole, but it may not be as good as when it’s fresh.

    Freezing French bread can make it dry and crumbly, so it’s best to eat it within a few days of making it.

    If you do freeze French bread breakfast casserole, be sure to wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.

    What can you pair breakfast casserole with?

    There are endless possibilities when it comes to pairing breakfast casserole with other dishes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

    Serve breakfast casserole with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced meal.

    Pair it with a light green salad for a complete breakfast or brunch.

    For a heartier option, pair breakfast casserole with roasted potatoes.

    If you’re looking for something sweet to pair with your casserole, try serving it with a dollop of maple syrup or honey.

    Yogurt makes a great pair for breakfast casserole , especially if the casserole is on the savory side.

    Pair breakfast casserole with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or milk to start your day off right.

    Sausage and Cheddar French Bread Breakfast Casserole

    Ingredients:

    • French bread, 18 slices
    • 1 dozen eggs
    • 1 lb. breakfast sausage
    • ¼ cup milk
    • 1 tablespoon dry minced onion
    • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
    French Bread Breakfast Casserole ingredients

    Directions:

    In a skillet, brown the sausage with the dry onion, drain if needed and let cool. 

    Whisk the eggs and milk together in a medium size bowl.

    Coat a 13×9 baking dish with nonstick spray.

    Layer 9 pieces of bread in the bottom of the dish.

    Add an even layer of cooked sausage over the bread.

    Add a layer of cheese.

    Pour on half of the whisked eggs.

    Repeat the bread, sausage, egg, and cheese layering one more time.

    Cover the baking dish and place in refrigerator overnight.

    Preheat oven to 375.

    Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes.

    Serve & enjoy!

    French Bread Breakfast Casserole

    French Bread Breakfast Casserole

    French Bread Breakfast Casserole

    Ingredients

    • French bread, 18 slices
    • 1 dozen eggs
    • 1 lb breakfast sausage
    • ¼ cup milk
    • 1 tablespoon dry minced onion
    • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

    Instructions

    In a skillet, brown the sausage with the dry onion, drain if needed and let cool.  

    Whisk all the eggs and milk together in a medium size bowl. 

    Coat a 13×9 baking dish with nonstick spray. 

    Layer 9 pieces of bread in the bottom of the dish.

    Add an even layer of cooked sausage over the bread. 

    Add a layer of cheese (about one cup.)

    Pour on half of the whisked eggs. 

    Repeat the bread, sausage, egg and cheese layering one more time. 

    Top with cheese.

    Cover the baking dish and place in refrigerator overnight.

    Preheat oven to 375

    Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes 

    Serve & enjoy!

  • Zuppa Toscana

    Zuppa Toscana

    This Zuppa Toscana soup recipe includes a ton of flavor! Pair this with your favorite bread recipe this week.

    Zuppa Toscana

    Every now and then, I crave a good bowl of soup. Not just any soup though. I like to put a lot of tasty ingredients in my recipe for a hearty soup.

    This Zuppa Toscana soup recipe is exactly that. When I’m craving a good Italian meal, this is my go to soup.

    You may have heard of Zuppa Toscana if you’ve visited your local Olive Garden. If you aren’t sure what it means, Zuppa means soup and Toscana means Tuscan = Tuscan Soup.

    Serve this recipe with your favorite homemade bread!

    Rosemary Olive Oil Bread

    Zuppa Toscana

    Ingredients:

    Zuppa Toscana soup

    Directions:

    In a skillet, cook sausage with red pepper flakes – drain and set aside.

    In a large pot, cook bacon – reserve a small amount of bacon grease.

    Add onion and garlic and cook until fragrant – careful not to burn the garlic.

    Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.

    Add potatoes and cook until tender.

    Reduce heat and stir in cream and sausage.

    Add spinach or kale a few minutes before serving.

    Enjoy! 

    Zuppa Toscana