Friday, August 31, 2012

Ima Douche Bag Dinner.

    Ryan bought me an extra fridge for the garage so I have a place to put our beer and copious amounts of bacon that I buy in bulk from costco, I freaking love him. We bought it from our friend who needed it gone since she was moving and down sizing. All I had to do was get it to my house, and there lies the problem...
     All week I tried to find someone who could help me, someone with a truck, someone with a trailer, someone like my neighbor. I hesitated to ask, I wanted to just you know, mention it in passing or something casual like that.
     So first I mowed my lawn, the whole thing and he didn't show. The next day I tried pruning my hedges and I saw him but he was in a hurry so I just waved. Then he decided to mow his lawn and I had to tried really hard not to look like I was watching and waiting to ask. When I finally did he said yes, and only asked that I rent an appliance dolly, not so bad.
      The fridge was in my friends garage and it was going into my garage, simple move, not bad at all. What I failed to mention however, was that Nina had boxes and a couch (hide-a-bed)  and few more random items in front of the fridge, which was in the far corner of the garage. HA!
       I have to make them an amazing dinner,"I am a douche bag dinner". How and where do I start? Humble pie? Guilt free chocolate? Is there such a thing?

Friday, August 10, 2012

Copy Cat Recipe: Tomato's Bacon Spezie

   

      When I am in the small town of Twin Falls, Idaho I have to go to Tomato's Bar and Grill and get their Bacon Spezie. It is a spicy, cajun inspired alfredo with bacon, chicken and mushrooms. I serious will ruin my entire diet for this dish, it's sooo amazing.
      I was craving this dish at home in Alabama and decided to google it, it is original, like no one, not even the internet has this recipe except for a small restaurant in small Twin Falls, Idaho. At least they got that going for them. But I NEEDed it! So I tried a recipe and failed and tried again and vola! It is perfect.
      Here is my gift to you internet world! And everyone who has been wanting this recipe for the home.



       Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts 
  • 5 slices of bacon 
  • 1 cup heavy cream 
  • 1 1/2 cups italian blend shredded cheese 
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or more for thinning 
  • 2 TBSP butter
  • 8 white mushrooms, washed and sliced 
  • 3 to 4 green onions 
  • a healthy heaping spoonful of sun dried tomatoes
  • 1 TBSP minced garlic
  • cajun spice mix ( 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 dried thyme) This is approximately how much I used. 
    Directions:

      Start by slicing chicken in thin slices and cutting bacon into 1 inch pieces. Fry together, on medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes. Season with cajun seasoning. Add garlic, mushrooms and butter. Once the mushrooms, chicken and bacon are golden, (in bacon case crisp) turn down the heat to a simmer and add cream, chicken broth and green onion. When simmering add cheese and let melt. Adjust any seasoning to taste and enjoy. Serve over penne.

     Tomato's does melt a smoked gouda over the top under the heat of an oven. Although really tasty, I chose to leave this step out because I don't have any gouda and I don't need the calories ;-)  I hope you enjoy this dish, it's is seriously delicious.