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Thanksgiving Recipe – Easy Peazy Peanut Butter Pie !

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Easy to Make Peanut Butter Pie

Hey fellow foodies !

Looking for a quick dessert to bring to family Thanksgiving that will please the masses?

It is really easy, too!  The old favorite “Peanut Butter Pie”  is simple, fun to make, and fairly inexpensive.

Let’s dive into this Food Adventure head first, and waste no time getting into this scrumptious recipe.

 

PEANUT BUTTER PIE RECIPE

INGREDIENTS:

—1/4 teaspoon of Pure Vanilla Extract

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Mix the cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract and peanut butter together until smooth.
  2. Fold in 1 of the whipped topping containers.
  3. Spoon the mixture into the graham cracker crust.
  4. Place the remaining whipped topping inside the 2nd container over the top of the peanut butter mixture
  5. Garnish with the peanut butter cups.
  6. Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.

Voila ! There you have it …

HAPPY THANKSGIVING from The Food Adventure Crew: JESSIE, THE BIG RAGU and JACKIE !

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Fall Recipe: Roasted Squash Macaroni and Cheese

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Recipe of the Month

Who says you always have to go out to eat for  a Food Adventures .  As the leaves turn and the air grows a slight chill, here is a recipe to warm your soul.

Today, we present you a taste of comfort food and a fall twist, an old favorite with a new spin.

One of your Food Adventures Crew, Jackie, has a Fall recipe that will awaken your taste buds.

It is called, Roasted Squash Macaroni and Cheese.

It is a family favorite, that even the kids will love !    ENJOY !!

 

ROASTED SQUASH MACARONI AND CHEESE 

For the Squash:

Squash Mac and Cheese

  • One small butternut squash, acorn squash, or sugar pumpkin!
  • Two cloves of garlic, peeled
  • ¼ cup yellow onion diced, divided
  • Balsamic Vinegar- Try Spicy Olive’s Red Apple Balsamic (or Maple Balsamic)
  • Spicy Olive Butter Olive Oil
  • Salt and Pepper

 

  1. Pre heat oven to 375.
  2. Slice squash in half, lengthwise.
  3. Scoop out seeds (you can roast them!) and place squash on baking sheet flesh side up.
  4. Using a paring knife, cut slashes into the squash.
  5. Place one clove of garlic and 1/8 cup onion into the hollowed out section of the squash.
  6. Drizzle on balsamic and olive oil. Then salt and pepper
  7. Bake for 45mins-1hour until flesh is soft and tops are caramelized.
  8. Allow to cool.
  9. Once cooled, scoop out flesh of squash from the skin and add the squash, garlic and onion to a food processor. Puree until smooth.

 

For the Mac & Cheese

  • 1lb penne pasta
  • 6-8oz sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 6-8oz pepper cheese (ie. pepper jack or habanero), shredded
  • 4tbs butter
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • ¾ cup milk
  • ¾ cup squash puree
  • ¼ tsp Cayanne (omit if you don’t want it too spicy, or add more for a bigger kick!)
  • salt & pepper
  • 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1 tbs Spicy Olive Butter Olive Oil

 

Jackie from Food Adventures

  1. Cook and drain pasta according to directions.
  2. Return pasta to pot and turn heat onto low.
  3. Toss pasta with butter until melted and pasta is well coated.
  4. Whisk together eggs, milk, squash and cayanne.
  5. Add mixture and cheese to the pasta. Stir until well combined and cheese is melted. (approximately 3 minutes)
  6. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Toss breadcrumbs olive oil. Mix in bacon.
  8. Pour pasta into a buttered 9×13 dish.
  9. Top with breadcrumb and bacon mixture.
  10. Broil for 1-3mins until breadcrumbs are browned.

 

EAT!!

Please look for monthly recipes from the Food Adventure Crew, right here on Dayton Most Metro !

 

Squash Macaroni and Cheese

You can even add Maple Sausage !

Jackie, our in-house Hungry Italian Mom, is a native of Upstate New York

 

 

Recipe of the Month: Baked Swordfish and Raspberry Sauce

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Baked Swordfish with Raspberry Sauce

The feature monthly recipe from the Food Adventure Crew is one of the Big Ragu’s creations.  It is a fun, delicious meal, that is sure to impress your friends.

Today we highlight a healthy fish dinner and even offer up some side ideas that mimic the local steakhouses.  The best part, this is a fairly easy recipe.  Make yourself look like a champ with little effort.

Do you love seafood?   The Big Ragu sure does, and works with it constantly.  One of the most important challenges in Dayton is getting your hand on the good stuff.  That is the FRESH good stuff.  Let us recommend  Foremost Seafood in Kettering for the absolute freshest and most diverse choices in town.

That being said, lets dive into this MUST EAT dinner !

HERE IS THE SKINNY on BAKED SWORDFISH with RASPBERRY SAUCE:

BAKED SWORDFISH with RASPBERRY SAUCE (feed 6 people)

Ingredients:
6 Swordfish filets , 8oz each
Butter, salted, 6 square pad slices
Lemon juice, 6 Tbsp
Paprika, 2 tsp
Garlic powder, 2 tsp
Fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Worcestershire Sauce (splash)
2 Tbsp white wine vinegar
½ cup fresh raspberries
2 tablespoons of honey

Directions :

    • Lay filets on an oiled baking dish . Squeeze lemon juice on top of each piece of fish. Place a square slab of butter on top of each fillet.  Sprinkle paprika, garlic powder and black pepper on top of fish.
    • Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes, finish off under the broiler for 1 minute

Raspberry Sauce:

  • Mash the raspberries in a small bowl, whisk in the vinegar, Worcestershire and honey. Spoon the sauce over the fillets  Garnish each piece of fish with a sprig of thyme.

 

Looking for some sides to accompany the fish?  How about these two recipes, Sweet Stewed Tomatoes and Garlic Buttery Steamed Green Beans

 

SWEET STEWED TOMATOES:
Serves 8

Ingredients:
1 28-ounce can whole tomatoes, including juice
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
1/2 sweet Vidalia onion (diced)
16 toasted bread cubes
1 ¼ sticks of butter
1 cup sugar
½ cup Brown Sugar

Directions:

  1. Add a little olive oil to a sauce pan, add the diced onion and stir on medium heat until they start to carmelize
  2. Drain the whole tomatoes can and add to the pan.  Add diced tomatoes and their juice in the saucepan. Add butter and sugar. Simmer, uncovered, twenty minutes, stirring occasionally. Add bread cubes and serve in small bowl

 

 

GARLIC BUTTERY STEAMED GREEN BEANS:
Serves 6

Ingredients:
1 1/4 pound fresh green beans (trimmed)
2/3 stick butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

  • Place your green beans in a bowl or container with ¼-1/2 inch water. Microwave them for 3 minutes to steam them..
  • In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, garlic salt, and pepper. Stir until the brown sugar is completely dissolved. Add the green beans and stir the green beans until they are coated. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until green beans appear done.  Place beans and about half the sauce into a serving dish and they are ready to serve.

Enjoy the other photos from our recipe below.

Come back to DaytonMostMetro.com EVERY week for a feature Food Adventure article on Dayton foods.  We are Dayton’s #1 Food blog for over 10 years, and a favorite of Miami Valley foodies.   Festivals, cooking classes, weekly features, killer photos and more.  We are much more than a social media account.We are FOOD ADVENTURES!

 

 

Food Adventures Share SUPER BOWL Chili Recipes

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Tex Mex Chili Recipe

In our monthly Recipe Feature, The Food Adventure Crew tries to warm you up this chilled time of year.  Not to mention, just in time for the big football game, The Super Bowl.

Speaking of bowl, how about a nice bowl of chili?  Today, the Big Ragu shares his 2 favorite recipes for a hearty bowl of goodness.

One recipe uses Fritos and the other uses Esther Price Candy.

One recipe is a TEX MEX CHILI and the second is his SUPER SECRET CINCINNATI STYLE CHILI RECIPE.

Grab a spoon and maybe even a local beer and welcome to your next home-made Food Adventure.

Chili today, Hot Tamale!

Stovetop or Crockpot method works for this Tex Mex recipe.

RECIPE #1 –
TEX MEX CHILI topped with FRITOS:
(Serves 6 hungry foodies)
You can cook this in crock pot or the stove method. Either way it comes out a winner.
Ingredients
1 Pound Ground Beef
1 Medium Onion Chopped
1 (8 ounce) Can Tomato Sauce
1 (14 ounce) Can Diced Tomatoes
1 (Green Pepper, Diced
1 (15 ounce) Can Red Kidney Beans
1 Package Taco Seasoning
1 Teaspoon Chili Powder
1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 Bag Fritos Corn Chip
6 TBS Sour Cream
Your favorite Hot Sauce
Jar of cooked jalapeno rings

Large Batches of these chilis are easy to make

Instructions option 1 – Crockpot method
Put all ingredients except cheese, sour cream, fritos and hot sauce into a crock pot, stir and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Ladle into a bowl, top with a dollop of cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, fritos and hot sauce. Add a jalapeno ring.(optional)
Instructions option 2 – Stovetop method
Brown meat with a little oil in a large soup pot.
add tomato sauce, green pepper and onion. Then add diced tomatoes, chili beans, chili seasoning, chili powder, garlic powder, salt and cayenne pepper. Cook 3-4 hours on medium heat stirring occasionally, lower heat if necessary to avoid splashing or heavy boiling.  Scoop into a bowl, top with a dollop of cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, fritos and hot sauce. Add a jalapeno ring.(optional)

 

Now that was a pretty straightforward recipe … this one however is a bit more intense…

 

Big Ragu’s Cinicnnati Chili Recipe includes Esther Price Candies

You can make Cincinnati Style chili like this at home !

RECIPE #2 –
BIG RAGU’s SECRET CINCINNATI STYLE CHILI RECIPE: (uses Esther Price Candy option)
(Serves 8 hungry foodies)
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons sweet paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 pounds ground beef chuck
1 ½ cup chicken broth
Kosher salt
1  six-ounce can tomato sauce
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 bay leaf
4 pieces of ESTHER PRICE CANDY or 2 tablespoons chopped unsweetened chocolate
1 tablespoon cider or red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 pinches Freshly ground pepper
12 ounces cooked spaghetti
1 nineteen-ounce can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 pound grated cheddar cheese

Instructions:
Heat the oil in a medium Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add half the chopped onions and the garlic and cook until soft, stirring, about 5 minutes. Add the chili powder, paprika, cumin, allspice, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne, red pepper and cloves. Cook, stirring, until fragrant. Add the beef and cook the mixture, about 5 minutes stirring, and chopping the beef pieces down to crumbles, until the beef is no longer pink,. Add 1 tablespoon salt.

Brown that ground chuck , baby and stir chop it into crumbles !

Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, bay leaf and 1 1/2 chicken broth ; simmer the mixture for 20 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until slightly thicker. Add the chocolate, beans, vinegar and Worcestershire and cook until the mixture is thickened but still soupy, about 15 more minutes.
Discard the bay leaf and season the chili with the freshly ground pepper.
Divide the spaghetti among bowls and top with the chili, remaining diced onion and cheddar. – you now have a 5 way !
Serve with oyster crackers and your favorite hot sauce.

Alright Food Adventure fans – that’s your chili lesson of the day.
We hope you enjoy these recipes for years to come. They are perfect for parties or cold nights indoors, so WARM IT UP !!

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Follow FOOD ADVENTURES on Facebook by clicking HERE.  7,500 foodies can’t be wrong.
See us right here each week on Dayton Most Metro with a feature article. Feel free to browse the gallery below and comment with your thoughts. #norules

The Cincinnati Chili recipe when finished and loaded has beans, chii, spaghetti, onions, cheese, and hot sauce on top. Serve with oyster crackers

The Tex Mex recipe is an easy one – slow and low is the key !

Christmas Calamari – Food Adventure’s Monthly Recipe

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Christmas Calamari – a tradition at Jax’s house

RECIPE OF THE MONTH:

This month’s Food Adventure recipe features our resident Italian mom, Jackie Scanlan, aka “Hungry Jax.”  This active foodie has a passion for food, is always hungry, and somehow always stays thin.  Speaking of skinny

HERE’S THE SKINNY on CHRISTMAS CALAMARI by Jax:

The Italian Christmas Eve tradition of “The Feast of the Seven Fishes” has always been one of my favorite meals of the year. I can remember my grandparents’ house filled with the fragrance of the sea. Fried smelts, broiled scallops, shrimp cocktail were just a few staples for that night. My favorite dish is what I’ve dubbed as Christmas Calamari, which is dish of linguini piled high with a chunky white wine marinara and fresh calamari. While you can use frozen calamari in a pinch, I highly recommend using fresh. Dorothy Lane Market or Foremost Seafood will happily help you get the best calamari for this dish. I’ve always just used the rings, but the tentacles add a great amount of flavor as well. You can prep this sauce and freeze it ahead of time, then add the calamari that night. This sauce is also great without the calamari if you have some family that may not be fans of the sea!

Sauce is life !

Here is a definite MUST EAT you can fix at home !

Christmas Calamari

You’ll Need:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cloves chopped garlic
2 cans diced tomatoes (do not drain)
1 tsp crushed red pepper 9or more if you like it spicy)
1 tsp fresh ground black pepper (1/2 if you’re using finely ground)
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 cup chopped parsley (reserve about 1tbs to use for garnish)
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2lb calamari rings
zest of 1 lemon and Parmesan cheese for serving
1lb linguini

DIRECTIONS:
On medium heat in a medium saucepan, saute garlic in olive oil until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
Add in diced tomatoes (juice and all), red crushed pepper, black pepper and salt. Once tomatoes are starting to come to a low boil, lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, start the water to boil the pasta and follow the directions as noted on the package.
After simmering for 20 minutes, add the white wine and parsley. Continue to simmer until your pasta is done.
While draining your pasta, add the calamari to the sauce. They only take 3-5 minutes so do not overcook or else they become rubbery.

Ladle sauce on top of your pasta and garnish with lemon zest, parsley and Parmesan cheese.
Seasons Eatings! ~ Jax

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your loved ones from the Food Adventure Crew.

Can’t get enough Food Adventures?  Follow Hungry Jax, Chef House and the Big Ragu on Facebook.  Since 2008, we have been the local food blog with the most original content. We feature recipes, weekly articles on Dayton Most Metro, dinner events, charity events,  festival partnerships, a full website, TV spots, original photos on all social media outlets and so much more.

Secret Italian Recipe cooking at Jackies House !

Halloween Drink Recipe: Yellow Zombie

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The Yellow Zombie

Hosting a party?  Looking for a chilled, laid back drink to serve guests that will will keep them howling?  Just need something to sip in between trick or treaters?

Each month we share a seasonal recipe, and this month, we have a quick, easy, and fun tip.

Big Ragu has a little Halloween cheer in this month’s Food Adventure recipe.

We think you will like it, like a Walking Dead Zombie loves a good shoulder.

Need a hand with this recipe ?

Let us exspleen…

We call it …

THE YELLOW ZOMBIE

 

In a blender,  spin:

8 ice cubes
12 ounces of rum 
4 ounce freshly-squeezed lime juice
4 ounce freshly-squeezed lemon juice
4 ounce pineapple juice
4 ounce cream of coconut
4 ounce triple sec
1/2 banana

Blend until consistency of a smoothie

Makes 4 drinks

Eye hope you like the drink

 

Rots of luck …

Stay tuned each month as Chef House, Big Ragu,  and Hungry Jax share monthly recipes.

Also, check back for our feature food articles on Dayton food spots, right here on MostMetro !

HAPPY HALLOWEEN  ………… enjoy !

Yellow Zombie

Whatcha gonna garnish it with

Dayton’s Food blog since 2008

Stick it to your guests

Beach

Zombay … zom bay .. za hombay bay bay bay

 

 

 

Hummus for the Holiday!

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Lemon Chimichurri Hummus, Carrots, Flatbread and Feta for fun

Lemon Chimichurri Hummus with Grilled Carrots, doesnt that sound delicious?

Well it is, and it is something healthy and fairly easy to make for the masses this July 4th.
It is a perfect summer snack and addition to the party.  Ready to wow your friends?

Chef LeeAnne House from The Food Adventures Crew is here to share her special recipe with Dayton Most Metro readers.
In addition to Food Adventures, she also owns her own Hot Sauce and Spices company called HouseMade.

 

Chef House says “Use local produce for dipping into the hummus, from sources like Treadway’s Garden

Lemon Chimichurri Hummus with Grilled Carrots Recipe
Hummus:
2 cups canned chick peas
1 teaspoon smashed garlic
¼ cup water
¼ cup olive oil
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons HouseMade Sriracha Chimichurri seasoning
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Puree all ingredients in food processor till smooth.

Grilled carrots:
Cut carrots on a bias at least an inch long. The bigger the piece the easier they are grill.
Blanch in salted boiling water. They should still be crisp. Shock the carrots in cold water to stop the cooking.

Chef House from the Food Adventures Crew

 

 

Dry off and toss in olive oil. Season with a little kosher salt.
Grill on high heat quickly for grill marks on both sides. Toss with lime juice when they come off the grill.
Top the hummus with sheep’s milk feta and fresh parsley. Serve with grilled carrots.

Grilled flatbread is great with this too!

 

There you have it.  Everyday can be the 4th of July !

We wish you and your family a Happy Independence Day and an incredible summer season filled with food, love and fun!

For more Food Adventure content, check us out and our over 7,000 foodie fans on Facebook by clicking here to “like” us.

Housemade Sriracha Spices can be found at the Yellow Cab Night Markets and other local sources.

Here is another shot of this month’s recipe.

Food Adventure Recipe of the Month: Zucchini Ribbon Skewers

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Thinly sliced grilled zucchini, the beginnings of a recipe

Attention Dayton Cooks and Foodies !

You know the Food Adventure Crew from their weekly articles and food photos shared on this site, or maybe their dinner events.

With all of this original content, there is more …. Did you know they also have a nice collection of recipes? Some have been shared in various cooking classes at Dorothy Lane Market, Living Dayton TV, Spicy Olive, or through Foremost Seafood’s site. Some recipes will make their debut here.

It is all in a NEW monthly feature now cooking on Dayton Most Metro: “Your Food Adventure Recipe of the Month.”

June starts out featuring our culinary crew hero Chef LeeAnne House and a summer favorite that will wow your friends.

Chef House getting ready for a cooking class !

Chef House has always been known for her love of veggies and her philosophy of using local vendors for that fresh,  “farm to table” dimension.  The results are Dayton’s seasonal flavors, bursting on your plate and leaving your tastebuds happy.

Without further delay let’s dive into one of those fresh recipes.

 

ZUCCHINI RIBBON SKEWERS with PEPPER SPIKED MOZZARELLA & ARUGULA PESTO 

Ingredients:

2 zucchini

2 teaspoons olive oil

½ teaspoon kosher salt

Lemon juice

ZUCCHINI RIBBON SKEWERS with PEPPER SPIKED MOZZARELLA & ARUGULA PESTO

Directions:
Pick the straightest zucchini, these will be easier to cut on the mandolin. Slice them lengthwise ¼ inch thick. Toss with olive oil and salt.

Grill on high heat quickly, get grill marks on both sides and off the grill. Toss with a pinch more salt and a little lemon juice.

 

PESTO:

1 clove garlic, smashed

4 ounces basil

2 cups arugula, packed

1/3 cup roasted salted pistachios

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons grated parmesan

Directions:
Puree all of the above ingredients in a food processor till smooth. Slowly drizzle in ¼ cup and 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Now we add and assemble with:
-Fresh mozzarella
-Hot pepper flakes or even better use HouseMade Sriracha Toasted Sriracha Powder

Assembly Directions:
Roll the zucchini ribbons up and skewer 2 to a small skewer. The mozzarella goes on the end. Season it with kosher salt and spiced pepper. Serve with the pesto.

Pesto in the processor

Try this for a summer picnic, or a party on the patio.  Your next cookout is a great chance to skewer some of these bites.

More about Chef House.  In addition to being a member of the Food Adventure Crew, she has her own line of locally made, all-natural sauces, spices and rubs called Housemade.  Her Thai Chili Sriracha sauce and Hot Honey sauce have won National competitions.  She also teaches many local cooking classes.   In the past, she has helped with catering companies and has been a chef at some top notch local restaurants.  You will be able to catch her in a FREE COOKING DEMO on Saturday July 22nd at Garlic Fest at the Sons of Italy Bella Villa Hall on County Line Rd.  Chef House will be giving out free tastes of her garlic dish to those in attendance.  Come join the party at Garlic Fest !

See you next month with another fun recipe.

Follow Chef House, the Big Ragu and Hungry Jax on Facebook by clicking HERE.

We are not food critics, we are just 3 passionate foodies that love to feature local foods!

ZUCCHINI RIBBON SKEWERS with PEPPER SPIKED MOZZARELLA & ARUGULA PESTO

 

Just Stuff It, Will Ya ?

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Green Sriracha Bread Pudding by Chef House

Green Sriracha Bread Pudding by Chef House

Everybody is talking turkey, turkey turkey… giving pointers on grilling a turkey, baking one, deep frying one, etc, etc and so on.

Well, the Food Adventures crew says .. STUFF IT !  Literally. We want to share our secret or not so secret tips for stuffing, which is just as important as the turkey!

 

*** CHEF HOUSE’S TAKE ON STUFFING:  Try Bread Pudding as an alternative. Always use quality ingredients.

 

—Stuffing vs. Bread Pudding by Chef House: I love both equally. My step dad makes an insanely good oyster stuffing every year for Christmas. It is loaded up with stock, butter and of course lots of oysters.  I think gizzards are in there too.

Chef House in the Living Dayton TV Kitchen

Chef House in the Living Dayton TV Kitchen

—Bread pudding is a pretty cool alternative in that it can be sweet or savory! I like how versatile it is.  I, of course, slightly spice mine up, add veggies (duh!) and you can’t beat the cheese, eggs and cream 🙂

 

—My only tips for these two would be “use quality ingredients.”  Make your own stock for the stuffing, or use a really good one, I love Trader Joe’s veggie stock, actually more than i like their chicken broth!  It has way more flavor. Use good bread! This year I am adding spicy sausage and caramelized onions to my Green Sriracha and zucchini bread pudding.

 

Jax with a plate of freshly carved Turkey

Jax with a plate of freshly carved Turkey

Wow, are you drooling yet?  We are just getting started on this Food Adventure Holiday edition….

 

HUNGRY JAX’S TAKE ON STUFFING: Don’t Stuff it !  Tweak it !

Hey fellow foodies… here are my tips on getting the most of your stuffing experience….

— I don’t ever put stuffing inside my turkey, I just cook it in a separate dish!  Why?  Because there is a slight risk of salmonella if the turkey is under cooked.  By placing stuffing inside the turkey you’re creating longer and unreliable cooking times.  Don’t risk turning a holiday into a sick day.

Jackie never puts stuffing in her turkeys. Maybe a few herbs...

Jackie never puts stuffing in her turkeys. Maybe a few herbs…

—Here are some tweaks I have done with test recipes!

1. Stuffing muffins: basically take your favorite stuffing recipe and cook it in a well greased muffin cups instead. baking time will be shorter so keep an eye on them.  But now you have individual servings!

2. Hollow out a pumpkin or any other favorite squash (acorn would be fun too!) and bake the stuffing in the squash! This is a great pairing with stuffing that has the flavors of sage, maple or even apples!

Jax added some cranberrys to this stuffing

Jax added some cranberrys to this stuffing

3. Add ins: Doctor up a simple stuffing by adding apples, pears, maple sausage, bacon or pancetta!  Raisins, crasins and water chestnuts are also great too!

Finally, we have the last crew member giving some tips:

 

THE BIG RAGU’S TAKE ON STUFFING: Go Italian with it.

Big Ragu chopping garlic in the DLM Culinary Center

Big Ragu chopping garlic in the DLM Culinary Center

The Big Ragu says “here is my super duper, top secret, family recipe for Italian style stuffing that is versatile, quick and easy.”

This recipe, developed by my mom, is used regularly by our family for turkey stuffing, stuffed artichokes, stuffed mushrooms and even stuffed clams.  I have tweaked it in my own special way, but basically it comes down to …. the “butter drizzle” at the end.

ITALIAN STYLE STUFFING RECIPE:

Oyster Stuffing, Ready for the Oven at Big Ragu's home

Oyster Stuffing, Ready for the Oven at Big Ragu’s home

Ingredients: 1 Loaf of Bread, 2 Eggs, 2 TBS Minced Garlic, 3 dashes of garlic powder, 3 dashes black pepper, 1 can of chicken broth (14oz), 2 TBS dried Oregano, 2 TBS Basil (dried or fresh), and a stick of melted butter or 2.

Directions:  Whirl a loaf of bread in a food processor (Ragu normally uses Wonder Bread) or chip a loaf of bread by hand into silver dollar size pieces.  Place bread into a big mixing bowl.  Add eggs and spices and mix by hand, no.. really, using your hand and fingers.  All the time slowly adding chicken broth until stuffing is mixed and slightly wet.   The stuffing is best cooked in a casserole dish at 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown.  *** The final and maybe most important step: Right before serving, drizzle some hot, melted butter over the top of the dressing.

Ragu's Turkey Stuffed with Lemon Halves and Quartered Onions

Ragu’s Turkey Stuffed with Lemon Halves and Quartered Onions

 

Want Oyster Suffing (Dressing)?  Use the above recipe and add a pint or quart of raw oysters, depending on how much of a seafood lover you are.

But Ragu, you say… “You didn’t put the stuffing in the turkey?”

NOPE.. I always cook it in a separate dish.

Here is what I stuff all turkeys with: Equal amounts of lemon halves and quartered onions.  I stuff them in until they are bursting out.  But I never eat the onions or lemons.

 

We hope this helps make your Thanksgiving plate complete

We hope this helps make your Thanksgiving plate complete

So there you have it…

The Food Adventure Crew of Chef House, Hungry Jax and The Big Ragu want to thank you for checking out our tips, and wish each and every one of you a Happy Thanksgiving.

Are you a Dayton Foodie?  Follow us on Facebook by clicking HERE.  We feature amazing photos, restaurant features, dinner events, charity events, recipes, cooking classes and so much more!

Feel free to browse some of our Holiday and party photos below.

chefgreen-sriracha-bread-pudding_n

Chef House’s Green Sriracha Bread Pudding !

Even use Ragu's Stuffing for Artichokes

Even use Ragu’s Stuffing for Artichokes

Use the same stuffing techniques for whole chicken dinners

Use the same stuffing techniques for whole chicken dinners

Stuffed Clams by Big Ragu

Stuffed Clams by Big Ragu

We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving

We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving

Stuffed Portabella Mushroom - ready for the oven

Stuffed Portabella Mushroom – ready for the oven

Never stuff a deep fried turkey

Never stuff a deep fried turkey

 

Stuffing and more, makes the turkey dinner even better.

Stuffing and more, makes the turkey dinner even better.

Jackie basting her grilled Turkey

Jackie basting her grilled Turkey

Just Stuff It ! With lemon halves and onion quartes

Just Stuff It ! With lemon halves and onion quarters

THE BAD JUAN: A Dayton Legend

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Outside of the Kettering Elsa’s

Hey Gringo, looking to tie one on during Cinco De Mayo? Then take a sip of a true Food Adventure in a glass. Oh yes, the legendary Bad Juan margarita served exclusively at Elsa’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantinas around town.

Whether on the rocks or frozen, salt or no-salt, every Daytonian has a “Bad Juan” story about themselves or a friend. Hungry Jax, Chef House and The Big Ragu are no different. We have had to push stumbling pals into backseats of cars, or help lift some drunky pants ladies into the back of an SUV after a couple of these drinks. We have felt the wrath of Juan ourselves, having numb lips and the buzz that suddenly creeps up on you with this devilish drink.

Let’s be candid, Bad Juans are a Dayton icon. This badass drink even has its own website, badjuan.com. Here is some more on the man, the myth, the legend.. BAD JUAN !

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Since 1981, Bad Juans have been served frozen or on the rocks. They also come in a few flavor variations, but the original Bad Juan remains the most popular.

—Elsa’s has various locations in Centerville, Kettering and Dayton

A Bad Juan on the Rocks: The Legend

— Rumors have swirled about the ingredients. People have been trying to figure out the recipe for years. Food Adventures  may have some inside scoop on the recipe, and although we can’t post it here, we can give you some info. Our inside source tells us that the Bad Juan is made up of only 3 secret ingredients: Triple Sec, Tequila and Lime Juice. We cannot tell you the brands used or the amounts. We can, however, confirm that Mountain Dew is NOT an ingredient, so lets finally put that rumor to bed.

— We believe the secret to the great taste is not only in the ingredients, but in the preparation. The Bad Juan’s are constantly mixed in those plastic, see-through drink machines you are used to seeing at convenient stores or food counters. The thorough mixing of ingredients in these machines blend the drink into that perfect drunken mixture.

— Elsa’s does limit the amount of Bad Juans that a customer can consume (usually 2 or 3 depending on your server). However, urban legends and tall tales have surfaced about people drinking a couple mini pitchers of Bad Juans, or somehow downing a half dozen of them unbeknownst to their waiter or waitress.

— You can even buy Bad Juans in the store, bottled.  Yes, by the bottle in liquor  and grocery stores from as far away as Covington, Kentucky’s famous Party Source. The bottled drink is 21 percent alcohol, or 42 proof.  We believe that the in-house version mixed at the restaurants is a little higher than that. Heidelberg Distributors stats confirm that Bad Juans hold the all-time distributor record for the fastest selling new product.

Time for a breakdown of the baddest drink to grace the Gem City… here is our patented.. “Must Drinks”

 

MUST DRINKS:

— BAD JUAN on THE ROCKS: Simple, pure and lethal. This is for the heavy hitters who like to get down to business and gulp ’em down. They are however served with a tiny straw and a lime wedge for those who like to sip these slowly and savor the experience.

— FROZEN BAD JUAN: The chilled, traditional version of the legend are just as strong as the ones on the rocks. Served with a lime, it is curiously tasty when the mixture begins to melt. If you drink these too fast, beware of ‘brain freeze’ or a condition known as drunky pants.

— STRAWBERRY FROZEN BAD JUAN: Not big on tequila or margaritas? This flavored Bad Juan masks the alcohol taste, and is probably our favorite version of the iconic drink. Give it a try, we bet you like it! It is also available on the rocks for you purists.

— BLUE JUAN: This holiday season is a good time to give one of these a try. You may have a blue Christmas without it. It has a great taste and is available on the rocks only.

Honorable Mention: The Raspberry Bad Juan, the Watermelon Bad Juan and the calorie conscious “Skinny Juan”

 

THE BIG JUAN DEBATE: FROZEN OR ON THE ROCKS???

Miami Valley residents have long debated whether Bad Juans are better frozen or on the rocks. For the most part, guys tend to have them on the rocks, while girls seem to prefer the frozen margaritas. But we say…. hell, try them all and get a designated driver.

 

DO YOU HAVE A GOOD BAD JUAN STORY?? PLEASE COMMENT BELOW!

Have an opinion on Bad Juan? Be heard and post it below !

After more than 30 years Elsa’s is still having fun, and this drink is “Still the Juan.”

ARE YOU A DAYTON FOODIE ?? Then “like” FOOD ADVENTURES on Facebook by clicking HERE !! 6500 fans can’t be wrong !

Blue Juan and a Frozen Bad Juan

The Myth, the Legend – want Juan ?

Watermelon Margarita with all the trimmings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This will spin your mind – Tequila, Lime Juice and Triple Sec

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The usual suspects

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blue Juan – hello, lover

Bad Juans make people crazy !

Frozen Strawberry Bad Juan – it is the only way the come…

Saleted or unsalted rim ?

 

The Bad Juan: A Dayton Legend

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The man, the myth the legend ...

Click to enlarge: Mr. Bad Juan

Hey Gringo, looking to tie one on during the holidays?  Then take a sip of a true Food Adventure in a glass.  Oh yes, the legendary Bad Juan margarita served exclusively at Elsa’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantinas around town.  Whether on the rocks or frozen, salt or no-salt, every Daytonian has a “Bad Juan” story about themselves or a friend.  The Food Adventures Crew are no different.  We have had to push stumbling pals into backseats of cars, or help lift some hotties into the back of an SUV after a couple of these drinks.  We have felt the wrath of Juan ourselves, having numb lips and the buzz that suddenly creeps up on you with this devilish drink.

Let’s be candid, Bad Juans are a Dayton icon.  This badass drink even has its own website, badjuan.com.   Here is some more on the man, the myth, the legend.. BAD JUAN !

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Since 1981, Bad Juans have been served frozen or on the rocks.  They also come in a few flavor variations, but the original Bad Juan remains the most popular.

Outside the Kettering location

Elsa’s has various locations in Centerville, Kettering and Dayton

— Rumors have swirled about the ingredients.  People have been trying to figure out the recipe for years.  Food Adventures believes they have some inside scoop on the recipe, and although we can’t post it here, we can give you some info.   Our inside source tells us that the Bad Juan is made up of only 3 secret ingredients: Triple Sec, Tequila and Lime Juice.  We cannot tell you the brands used or the amounts.  We can, however, confirm that Mountain Dew is NOT an ingredient, so lets finally put that rumor to bed.

— We believe the secret to the great taste is not only in the ingredients, but in the preparation.  The Bad Juan’s are constantly mixed in those plastic, see-through drink machines you are used to seeing at convenient stores or food counters.  The thorough mixing of ingredients in these machines blend the drink into that perfect drunken mixture.

— Elsa’s does limit the amount of Bad Juans that a customer can consume (usually 2 or 3 depending on your server).  However, urban legends and tall tales have surfaced about people drinking a couple mini pitchers of Bad Juans, or somehow downing a half dozen of them unbeknownst to their waiter or waitress.

— You can even buy them by the bottle in liquor stores from as far away as Covington, Kentucky’s famous Party Source store.  The bottled drink is 21 percent alcohol, or 42 proof.  We believe that the in-house version mixed at the restaurants is a little higher than that.  Heidelberg Distributors stats confirm that Bad Juans hold the all-time distributor record for the fastest selling new product.

Blue Juan !

Blue Juan – Tasty Twist on an Iconic Drink

 

MUST DRINKS:

— BAD JUAN on THE ROCKS:  Simple, pure and lethal.  This is for the heavy hitters who like to get down to business and gulp ’em down.  They are however served with a tiny straw and a lime wedge for those who like to sip these slowly and savor the experience.

— FROZEN BAD JUAN: The chilled, traditional version of the legend are just as strong as the ones on the rocks.  Served with a lime, it is curiously tasty when the mixture begins to melt.  If you drink these too fast, beware of  ‘brain freeze’  or a condition known as drunky pants.

— STRAWBERRY FROZEN BAD JUAN:  Not big on tequila or margaritas?  This flavored Bad Juan masks the alcohol taste, and is probably our favorite version of the iconic drink.  Give it a try, we bet you like it!  It is also available on the rocks for you purists.

Strawberry margarita

Strawberry Frozen Bad Juan – Delicious !

— BLUE JUAN: This holiday season is a good time to give one of these a try.  You may have a blue Christmas without it.  It has a great taste and is available on the rocks only.

 Honorable Mention: The Raspberry Bad Juan, the Watermelon Bad Juan and the calorie conscious “Skinny Juan”

Miami Valley residents have long debated whether Bad Juans are better frozen or on the rocks.  For the most part, guys tend to have them on the rocks, while girls seem to prefer the frozen margaritas.  But we say…. hell, try them all and get a designated driver.

DO YOU HAVE A GOD BAD JUAN STORY??  PLEASE COMMENT BELOW!  Have an opinion on Bad Juan?  Be heard and post it below !

After more than 30 years Elsa’s is still having fun, and this drink is “Still the Juan.”

ARE YOU A DAYTON FOODIE ??  Then “like” FOOD ADVENTURES on Facebook by clicking HERE !!  Over 2200 fans can’t be wrong !

Don’t forget to browse our photo album below for some incredible pics of Dayton’s legendary drink !

[flagallery gid=73]

 

Loose Meat: The Mystery of MAID-RITE Sandwiches

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Classic meal

Maid-Rites with a Little Kings: Click on photo for full effect

Usually when someone says “loose meat” it has never been a compliment, until now.  On the outskirts of the Miami Valley, in the town of Greenville, a legendary burger joint has existed since 1934.  It is called Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe.

Over the years it has developed a cult following.  People drive miles, and even come from out of state to taste their ‘burgers.’  They aren’t even burgers, they are “loose meat sandwiches” or “Maid Rites.”    Why are so many people coming to eat these sandwiches and why are they so good ??   The Big Ragu and Crew set out to solve the mystery.

We have a had a handful of Food Adventures to Maid Rite either after the Darke County fair, or on a whim, or to satisfy an insatiable craving.

Over the years we realized that there are 2 types of people, those that have never tried Maid Rite Hamburgers, and those who have tried it and cant figure out how they make them.

 

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The main attraction is the maid rite loose meat sandwich. The sweet taste of the meat has developed three major theories of how they are prepared 1) Some think they are steamed in pepsi or coke  2) Some claim they are steamed in beer  3) Others say that sugar is added to the meat before cooking.

Out Front

A Greenville Icon Since 1934

— The eatery is a small, no frills, brick building located at 125 N. Broadway St. in Greenville, Ohio and worth the trip.  Locally owned they claim no relation to the MAID-RITE sandwich shop franchises in Iowa etc…

— Limited menu with 4 sandwich choices which include loose meat, chicken salad, egg salad or ham salad sandwiches.  Shakes, sundaes, beer, soft drinks and chips are available too.

— The employees are very protective of the recipe and process of the sandwiches.  We were unable to get the secret recipe after badgering the employees and managers.  We were threatened with spatulas and told we would be picking shards of Little Kings bottles out of our rumps for a week.  Sorry for the letdown, folks.

— For some unknown reason, it is now customary to stick your gum on the outside of the building.   Literally thousands of wads of chewed gum have been stuck on every outside wall of the establishment.

— Bathrooms are located in a separate building around back, adding even more uniqueness and oddness to this place.  They also have a drive up window for a quick meat fix.

How do they make the meat so sweet ???

How do they make the meat so sweet ???

 

MUST EATS:

— THE CHEESE RITE SANDWICH:  This is the classic maid rite sandwich with cheese.  What is a Maid-Rite Sandwich?  Think of it as a sloppy joe but with no sauce. It is served on a soft bun, slapped with meat and toppings, and wrapped tightly in wax paper.   The meat has a sweet taste to it.  This sandwich is topped with a squirt of mustard, a couple of pickle slices and a slice of cheese.  They run about $1.95 and the average person could eat 2 or 3 of them.  You can get the Big Jim version which adds ham, but we prefer the original Cheese-Rite.  Eating one is a unique experience, and you have to try it.  Warning: once you unwrap one, we hold no responsibility for future addiction.

— CHOCOLATE MALT:  Creamy, sinful and made just for you.  You cant go wrong with this delicious, cool classic.

— LITTLE KINGS CREAM ALE BOTTLES: Oh come on , you gotta make it a full blown Food Adventure and wash it down with a icon from Schoenling Brewery.  Ok, wanna be a snob?  Then grab a Heineken instead.

— MIKESELLS POTATO CHIPS:  No fries in this establishment, so choose your hometown chip instead.  They have a nice selection of Dayton’s favorite potato chip.  It is a good pairing with the simple, classic sandwich.

Gum Wall

Click to enlarge: Partial shot of the Gum Wall outside Maid-Rite

 

A couple of sidenotes:  Make sure you bring cash, because that is the only form of payment they accept.  Also, hours are 10am-10pm except Fri and Sat when they stay open until 11pm.

Amazing isn’t it?  A formula for success being a squished, sloppy joe like sandwich served in a small diner with people sticking gum to the walls outside.  But people come back every day in droves.  WHY??  It is the curiously sweet tasting, delicious loose meat sandwiches.  The workers feverishly tossing the ground meat, stuffing buns,  wrapping it quickly, and tossing across the counter.  It is the personality of the place.  If you have never visited this spot, make sure you put it on your “Food Adventure hit list.”   Maid Rite is one-of-a kind.

Want more One-of-a-Kind foodie fun?   Then “like” FOOD ADVENTURES on FACEBOOK BY CLICKING HERE !