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April 6, 2011

Restaurant Review : Five Guys Burgers and Fries in Clifton

Delicious burgers, at a good price. That's what I'm talkin about!

I have only been to Five Guys Burgers and Fries once, but I am longing to go back soon! It isn't exactly right up the street, but not too far. We have to make it more of a date night kinda thing, since we have to drive a bit and therefore dine in since it wouldn't be prudent to try to take our food back home with us from Clifton to Western Hills. So soon and very soon, we will be back! We will make a cheap date night happen!

Their website says that they only use fresh ground beef, never frozen. And their burgers sure do taste like it. They taste fresh. Nice and juicy. Not like a frozen patty. Their menu isn't very vast, but who needs a vast menu when you've got some wonderful burgers? Sometimes it is good for a restaurant to concentrate on a specialty and make it perfection, rather than trying to do too many things. So I really appreciate that they strive to make delicious burgers. 

I ordered the cheeseburger, and as you can see it comes with two burger patties. That's one thick, juicy burger! I could do without the extra patty, but it was so good! Next time I will just order their Little Cheeseburger which is a single patty. They give you so many options for toppings, and they are all free!! Say what? So yes you can do the usual lettuce, tomato, mayo... but you can also add onions, mushrooms, peppers, steak sauce, and bbq sauce for free! I'll put mushrooms on anything!


















Here's PJ's burger... with some bites taken out. He had already dug in before I could take a picture! I think he got bbq sauce on his. That's a big burger :)















Their fries remind me of Penn Station's fries... not exactly but similar. They tasted hand-cut and fresh, not like the fries you get from so many fast food restaurants. They were pretty good but not the best fries I've ever had. I'm more impressed by the burger.















This seriously was one of the best burgers I have had in awhile. I didn't know what to expect from a small fast food/diner chain restaurant. But it lived up to my expectations! Service was quick. The burgers were delicious, and I loved the ooey gooey cheese! I appreciate the topping options, and that they are free! I really want one to open up closer to my house, on the westside! I'd be there just about as often as I am at City BBQ  :)






Five Guys Burgers and Fries on Urbanspoon
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April 5, 2011

Katie Lee's Logan County Burgers

 










I don't know much about Katie Lee except that she is Billy Joel's much younger and cuter ex-wife (I actually thought she was his daughter!) and a celebrity chef of course. Oh, and I know about her Logan County Burgers! These thin burgers were inspired by her grandmother, who grew up during the Depression in Logan County, West Virginia. That is more than I knew a few minutes ago. Good ole google.

So now that we know a lil more about Katie, let's get to know these burgers! First, you wanna combine the beef, egg, grated onion, and seasonings in a medium or large bowl. Mix it up all good. You know the deal. My "grated" onions weren't really grated... more of diced. Next time we will definitely grate them - they would have anchored the beef together more and kept it from falling apart better.

 




























Then form the mixture into super thin patties. The original recipe says this makes six burgers. We made it into four burgers.... two burgers for each of us (although there is no way I can eat two!). So maybe ours weren't as thin as Katie's.















Once patties are formed, you can spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. We will come back to the bread in a bit...

Then in a large skillet, cook the patties for about 3 minutes on each side on medium-high heat, or until cooked to your liking. See all of that excess grease from the burgers? Please drain that! Drain those burgers on paper towels, and drain the grease from the skillet... because now we are gonna brown the bread!














So in that same skillet, place four slices of bread, butter side down. Then top each with a slice of cheese, some sliced onions, and a burger patty. Then top with remaining cheese slices, and bread with the butter side up. Cook em about 2 minutes or so on each side, until golden brown and cheese is ooey gooey! 


















Katie Lee's Logan County Burgers
Slightly adapted by SteakNPotatoesKindaGurl

*Makes 4 burgers
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 medium yellow onion, half grated, the other half thinly sliced
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 8 slices white bread
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 slices American cheese
In a medium bowl, combine beef, egg, grated onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined.

Form into thin patties. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the burgers about 3 minutes on each side or until done. Drain on paper towels. Drain the grease from the skillet.

In the same skillet, place four slices of bread, butter side down. Top each with a slice of cheese, some sliced onions, and a burger. Top with remaining slices of cheese, and bread with butter side up. Cook each sandwich until golden brown and cheese is melted, about 2 minutes per side.





















I am linking up to:
Tasty Tuesdays @ 33 Shades of Green
 
...and to This Week's Craving - the theme this week is HAMBURGER MEAT!



There you have it! A cheeseburger and grilled cheese in one!


Peace, and bacon grease!




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April 4, 2011

Menu Planning - Week of 4/4/11

What's up, fabulous people? Hope everyone had a great weekend... I did!

I skipped last week's menu plan because I was basically just recycling the previous week's menu. But now I'm back for more planning! 

Monday 4/4/11:  Grilled Balsamic Portobello & Provolone Grilled Cheeses

Tuesday 4/5/11:  Skillet Lasagna

Wednesday 4/6/11:  Pork Milanese

Thursday 4/7/11:  Chicken Bacon Avocado Quesadillas

Friday 4/8/11:  BBQ Chicken Salad



Linking up to my usual.... Menu Plan Monday at I'm An Organizing Junkie.

What's everyone else cookin up this week?


Peace, and bacon grease!

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April 1, 2011

Pineapple Chicken Quesadillas

Often times we are looking for simple, quick meals for those busy week nights after a long days work. We don't always wanna eat out, but don't wanna spend hours in the kitchen. You know those days, right? I sure do! And we don't even have kids yet! 

These quesadillas are that kinda meal. Super quick but still ultra tasty. The only prep work is slicing the pineapples and shredding the store-bought rotisserie chicken. You can't go wrong there! 

We used a garlic and herb rotisserie chicken, I loved the seasoning on the crispy skin. We also used LaTortilla Factory hand-made chipotle corn tortillas. I do think I still prefer flour tortillas to corn though. 















And we used my beloved Sweet Baby Ray's bbq sauce. You guys can use whatever kind of tortillas and bbq sauce you like! And if you prefer to make your own chicken instead of using the store-bought, definitely go for it.

So get ready for some super easy instructions.... Spread bbq sauce on the tortilla(s), then top with the chicken, pineapple slices, and cheese. 
















Place the other tortilla on top and cook in a skillet on medium heat for about 3 minutes on each side. You are basically just heating up the quesadilla, and melting that gooey cheese. 















And no measurements here, just use however many tortillas you want... you will need at least two: one for the bottom and one for the top layer. Once cooked, you will slice it into smaller triangular quesadillas. We used 4 tortillas total.... which made two large round quesadillas, and we then sliced 4 small quesadillas from each, for a total of 8 small quesadillas.

Pineapple Chicken Quesadillas
  • Chipotle corn tortillas
  • Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, chopped or shredded
  • Fresh pineapple, thinly sliced
  • Shredded pepper jack cheese
  • Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce
  • Sour cream, for topping
Spread bbq sauce over one tortilla, then top with the chicken, pineapple slices, and shredded cheese. Place another tortilla on top and put it in a hot skillet, greased with cooking spray, over medium heat for 3 minutes on one side. Then carefully flip, and cook the other side for 3 minutes. Remove the heat and let cool for a minute before slicing into individual quesadillas. Top with sour cream, if desired.


Printable Recipe


















Showing my girl, Kristin, some love over at Mangia Monday! Do join us!


There you go, dinner done in minutes :)


Peace, and bacon grease!

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March 30, 2011

Jalapeno Poppers

 














I love fried jalapeno poppers. And I guess that is what I am discovering about myself. I wasn't a fan of the raw jalapeno pepper used in this recipe. I would much rather it be fried in a batter. I know, that sounds so unhealthy and fatty, right? I enjoy the crunch from the fried batter. I did, however, LOVE the filling mixture. I could eat that in heaping spoonfuls and that would be enough. But I think I would love to find a recipe for deep fried jalapeno poppers with this similar filling, or come up with one on my own! I'm not very good at that though... coming up with recipes on my own. I like to modify recipes, but I usually need some kind of base recipe. Maybe that's because I haven't been cooking long enough. I'm not sure, but I am sure that one day I'll be comfortable enough to know what ingredients are necessary to make certain dishes. I'm getting better already, just not where I want and hope to be eventually!

Moving on from the self-empowerment.... and on to these poppers.

First, you wanna slice open each jalapeno popper lengthwise, and take out as many seeds as you would like. The more you leave in, the more heat. I took out most of my seeds, because I was a wuss.
















In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, lime juice, corn, bacon, and cayenne pepper. Like I said, I could (and did) eat this mixture on its own.



















Then you wanna fill those peppers up with that delightful filling. Go on, fill up those lil jalapeno pepper boats, dividing the mixture evenly amongst them all. Then sprinkle some panko bread crumbs on top. For some crispiness.


















Bake (or grill) until peppers are tender. Look at the crunchy, browned panko coating!




















Jalapeno Poppers
adapted from Better Than Burgers
  • 10 whole fresh jalapenos
  • 4 oz. chive and onion cream cheese (half of an 8 oz. pkg)
  • 1/2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn
  • 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Panko bread crumbs, for topping
Cut the peppers lengthwise making a boat, taking out as many seeds as you like (with gloves). In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, lime juice, corn, bacon and cayenne pepper together, stirring well. Fill the peppers with the mixture, then sprinkle panko bread crumbs on top. Bake at 450 degrees (or grill them) until peppers are tender, about 5 minutes at first and then checking them every few minutes after that.

Printable Recipe

 


















I wish I enjoyed the jalapeno peppers more, but I sure did love that filling. It's nice to discover things about myself along my cooking journey. I guess I won't be making any stuffed pepper recipes, or non-fried jalapeno recipes anymore. It does feel good to know what I like. Hey, it's me. Everyone is different. If you are a fan of non-fried jalapenos or peppers, you may love this recipe! That's the magic of food... there's always something for everyone. An opinion is only one's own, so the best way to know for sure if you like something is to try it out for yourself. So go ahead and try these. Hey, if you don't like the jalapenos at least you get to eat the tasty corn and bacon mixture like me!

Linking to:
Tasty Tuesdays @ 33 Shades of Green

Peace, and bacon grease!

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March 29, 2011

White Chicken Enchiladas with Green Chile Sauce
















Cassie, you've done it again. Your food never ceases to amaze me. These enchiladas were no exception.

I've never been real big on Mexican food, but enchiladas are one Mexican food that I love! I love the versatility of enchiladas, and I was intrigued by these because of the green chili sauce. I'm a sucker for sauce. I'll make just about anything that has a sauce recipe that sounds appealing. And pretty much all sauces do. Well, maybe not this maple and mustard sauce I once had. But you get the point. I love sauce!

These enchiladas did live up to my expectations!  I love the crunchiness of the tortillas once baked! I could maybe even add more green chiles for more heat! We have only made them once, and I am wondering why?!? We will surely be making these again, and I hope to have them show up on an upcoming menu plan or two soon. Try them! You won't be sorry. You will only be sorry that you hadn't made them sooner!



















White Chicken Enchiladas with Green Chile Sauce
  • 8 soft taco flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1 can chicken broth
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 (7-oz) can diced green chiles
  • Cilantro, for garnish
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Mix together 1 cup of the cheese and the chicken. Place an equal amount of the mixture into each tortilla. Roll up, and place seam side down into a 9x13 inch pan. 

Melt the butter in a saucepan. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Add the chicken broth, whisking until smooth. Cook over medium heat until thick and bubbly. Stir in sour cream and green chiles. Pour over the top of the enchiladas. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Sprinkle with cilantro, if desired.


Printable Recipe




















As I stated earlier, I would possibly add more diced green chiles to give it more heat. Or maybe some jalapenos inside the tortilla. I'm sure there are some other goodies that would work great inside the tortilla also.














We served these enchiladas with some parmesan roasted asparagus. It was mmm to the good!



















I can't wait to make this again! Even a picky eater like me who doesn't do much Mexican food can make some Americanized Mexican food at home ;)  You can too!

*It was bothering me why my enchiladas didn't look so "white".... and we made them again this weekend and I figured out why! The first time we made it, we obviously didn't use white Monterey Jack cheese. I think we used a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack, so that's why the cheese looks all yellow in my picture. So we noticed that the second time around, and also that it actually didn't have as much flavor as we had thought... and was missing something. PJ mentioned serving it with salsa or something. It was just missing that extra somethin to make it really special. Funny how we had different reactions between the first and second time trying it. Just wanted to give you guys that update, in case you were thinking I was crazy and wondering where the "white" came in.

Peace, and bacon grease!

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March 28, 2011

Restaurant Review : Amerasia in Covington

Larry, if you're reading, this one's for you  : )

I'm a lover of good Chinese food. But let's face it, in the Cincinnati area it is often hard to come across quality Chinese food. Well, luckily I have found quality in Amerasia. Located on Madison Avenue in Covington, it is super close to my work and within walking distance. Major plus! They can be a tad slow at times. In the past, we have called in pick up orders that have taken at least a half hour. We have also dined inside and had to take a lengthy lunch break because we were in there for about an hour and a half or so. So don't go in expecting a quick lunch. You may get lucky, but just a heads up that you may have to wait a bit! (I did read some reviews that they have quick service.... I guess it just depends. But usually when I have gone it hasn't been quick!

They have lunch specials for about $5.50. I usually order their Sesame Chicken. It isn't spicy at all, more sweet. It came with some broccoli, and I ordered fried rice with it. For the lunch special, you can get a drink or egg roll, and either fried or white rice. I am not a big fan of their pork egg rolls, so I usually get a drink, and fried rice with my meal. I believe their veggie egg rolls cost an additional dollar or so, but there have been some times when they haven't had the pork roll so the veggie roll wasn't extra. This particular time I did order the pork egg roll, seen in the picture below.

Sesame Chicken, fried rice, and an egg roll - lunch special!
















I've also had their crab rangoons. These were seriously the best I have ever had! I've only ordered them once from here, so I'm not sure if it was just that one time or if they are always that amazing. Sometimes places have a tiny dab of a strange crab concoction on the inside. Not these!  I always want to order them but know I won't eat all of them, they come in  a batch of six for $4.00! Next time I should order some and share with my coworkers!

I have also tried their General's Chicken. It was similar to the sesame chicken but without sesame seeds of course, and a bit spicier. I ordered it at whatever spice level it usually comes with, but it wasn't too hot for me. I maybe could have even up-ed the spice level a tad. I'm fearless I tell ya.

I can't wait to try their chicken fried rice as a dish. Larry enjoyed his, and made me wanna try that next time! Another coworker, Chris, loves their Kung Pow Chicken & Peanuts. I am not big on Asian dishes with peanuts in them though, so I would likely not try this. But others have raved about it. I've only ever been for lunch, so I am not too familiar with their dinner entrees.

You can request many of their dishes at whatever spice level you want. A coworker of mine has ordered the 911, which is at a spiciness level of 10 or 11 (I forget exactly, but basically their hottest level!). Pretty much out of this world hot! But he did it! I tend to stick to the standard spice level that the dish comes with usually. I'm really a wuss. 

The atmosphere is pretty laid back, and the service is always great! Everyone is very sweet and make you feel right at home. Several of my coworkers go there religiously, so they are known as regulars and treated as such, recognized and greeted as if long lost friends. A friendly, cozy environment where they remember and cherish their customers! I could do without some of their wall art though. And it is a pretty small dining area, with a few booths, a bar area, and a large table for big parties. And I could do without the little fishy inside the fish bowl underneath the glass table we eat at. Poor guy looks so lonely in there. With hardly any water, and no fishy friends! Oh, and I always notice the dirty door when I enter. I just wish they would clean that dang door!

Oh, and they serve beer now! The waitress made sure she told us! Too bad we can't drink on the job  :(

We were all craving Amerasia the other day, but when we walked there we saw that they were closed. And a week or so before that, we heard a coworker saying that it was closed when they went too. I hope they aren't closing! I can't wait to get back over there for some crab rangoons and chicken fried rice! This is one of my favorite Chinese spots right now! Go there and it will be one of yours too  : )


Peace, and bacon grease!






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