Cheeseburger Panini with Spinach and Onion Straws

 

1 hamburger patty

½ teaspoon garlic and herb seasoning

1 soft roll, split

2 slices white American cheese

6 spinach leaves

1/8 cup of onion straws

 

Preheat grill.

Season both sides of the patty with the garlic and herb seasoning.

Place on preheated grill and grill to your desired doneness, about 6 to 10 minutes. Remember all grills are different so adjust time accordingly.

Remove patty onto paper towel lined plate.

Preheat your panini press.

Place one slice of cheese onto bottom roll.

Add the patty on top of the cheese.

Place the other slice of cheese on top of the patty.

Place the top roll on the cheese.

Press in the panini press until the cheese is melted about 2 to 3 minutes. Again panini grills are all different so adjust time accordingly.

Place panini onto plate.

Take off the top roll off and add the spinach and onion straws.

Serve with your choice of condiments.

Makes one serving.

Crockpot Black Bean Chili

This recipe is not mouth burning hot so it is perfect for my nieces and nephews who are not fire tolerant like some members of the family. However you can make it hotter by adding jalepenos and the  juice into your own bowl. You can add chopped tomatoes and onions but the younger kids are not fans so I leave those out.

Ingredients:

1 (1 pound) bag of dried black beans
Enough water to completely cover the beans
2 cups V-8 or similar tomato juice
6 cups water
1 1/2 teaspoons beef soup base*
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
2 packets of taco seasoning
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 1/2 tablespoons cumin*
1 tablepoon chili powder*
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 tablespoons fine ground cornmeal

Directions:

At least 8 hours before starting the chili you will need to soak the beans.
Pour the beans into a strainer to check for rocks.
The with water running scrub the beans since dried beans can have a mold on them and it is perfectly natural that they do. But you want to remove the mold. I just use my hands to rub the beans together.
Then pour the beans into a pot and cover the beans with water then place on the stove.
Bring to a boil and then cover. Turn off the heat and allow to sit for at least 8 hours.

Strain the beans and rinse well with water.
Add beans to the crockpot along with the tomato juice, water and soup base.
On the stove in a fry pan cook the ground beef, strain and then return to pan.
Add the taco seasoning packets and follow the instructions on the package.
Add this mixture to the bean mixture being careful not to burn yourself.
Add the rest of the ingredients except for the cornmeal.
Turn on low for 6 to 7 hours.
Place the cornmeal in a heat proof glass or measuring cup. Dip out only the liquid frim the crockpot and add to the cornmeal.
Stir until the cornmeal is wet and it make a slurry.
Then whisk this mixture into the crockpot chili. This is used to thicken the chili.
Turn the crockpot to high and cook for another hour stirring occasionally.
Then enjoy

Makes 6 to 12 servings depending on bowl size.

*Notes:

*The beef soup base I use is Better Than Bouillon. I love this brand.

*I use heaping tablespoons.

* Remember all crockpots are different so cooking times may vary.

Slow Cooker Meatballs

Slow Cooker Meatballs

Ingredients:

1 35 oz bag frozen meatballs
1 45 oz jar of any tomato sauce
A little drizzle of olive oil

Directions:

Pour enough tomato sauce to coat the bottom of your slow cooker/crockpot.

Pour/place the meatballs in the slow.

Pour the rest of the tomato sauce over the meatballs. 

Notes:

If you DO work or are out for the day, turn your slow cooker on low for the whole time you are at work. 

If you DO NOT work, turn your slow cooker on high for about 4 hours. 

Then turn your slow cooker on low for the rest of the day until ready for dinner, stirring occasionally. 

Serve the meatballs however you like. For me, you can see I like mine by themselves. 

McGee Family Meatloaf

Ingredients:
4 pounds ground beef (mince in the UK)*
2 packets .chicken coating mix*
2 eggs
4 teaspoons garlic powder
Cooking spray
Beef broth
White or red wine


Directions:
Heat oven to 350 F ( Gas mark 4 or 177C).

In a very large bowl place all ingredients. Using your hands squish and mix together all ingredients until well blended. It will start forming a ball when it starts being well blended.

Spray a 13x9" baking pan with the cooking spray. Add enough beef broth and wine to cover the bottom of the pan. Place the beef mixture into the pan and shape into a rectangle. Do Not fill up the pan with the meat just make a rectangle and place in the center of the pan.

Cover with aluminum foil.

Bake for an hour and a half or until the meatloaf is no longer pink inside.

I cut the meatloaf in thirds. I have a third of it with mashed potatoes and gravy that night.

Later in the week I make Meatloaf Marinara Subs.

My dad takes the other third and makes SOS with Southern biscuits.


*Notes:
I try to use lean ground beef (mince) but not so lean it falls apart. Usually in the 80/20 range of lean to fat.

I use the "Oven Fry" brand of coating mix.