Cheesy Bacon Ranch Bread

I think I first saw this on Pinterest. It is a dangerous website. I go on it looking for inspiration and find myself on it all day collecting recipes that I haven't used yet and then we end up eating pizza for dinner. No joke. But this I kept eying on my phone  for a while until I finally decided we needed to try it. While this recipe is amazing it created a monster, being that the next weekend I had to try to make other flavor possibilities. There are only three in my house and one is watching her weight and one doesn't eat cheese. I really need to start giving my neighbors food. I am not joking.

Cheesy Bacon Ranch Bread
recipe adapted from The Country Cook



Ingredients
1 round loaf of sourdough (or similar) bread
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup-3/4 cup chopped cooked bacon (I threw a couple in the Micro)
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 tbsp. dry ranch dressing mix

 Preheat oven to 350F degrees.


Using a sharp bread knife, cut the bread going in both directions but don't cut all the way through the bottom.

Place shredded cheese in between the slices.  Really pack it in there as best you can.

This part takes the longest amount of time in this recipe so be patient.

This is also why you wouldn't want to use a really soft bread or else it would tear too easily why you packed the cheese in.

Now add in bacon (as little or as much as you like). Do your best to get in between the slices.

Now take 1 tbsp. dry ranch dressing mix and add it to the butter.
You can add more dry mix if you like a stronger ranch taste.
Give it all a good stir until combined.

Now pour or spoon the butter mixture over top of the bread.

Now wrap the whole thing up in aluminum foil and place on baking sheet.
Bake at 350F degrees for 15 minutes.

Unwrap from the foil and bake for another 10 minutes (or until the cheese is melted).

  I warned you! This is good!

Spicy Honey Chicken

I love to grill chicken even in the winter. And I try to get The Fireman to grill enough chicken so we can have leftovers the next night. There is nothing better than BBQ'd chicken the the next night or maybe that is just the mom talking that doesn't have to cook. Make some rice and some veggies and dinner is served!!


I have seen this all over Pinterest but it originates from Cooking Light. I got my recipe from Our Best Bites. Amazing Blog, Go check them out!



Spicy Honey Chicken
by Our Best Bites
recipe adapted from Cooking Light
http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2010/05/girl-who-didnt-eat-everything.html?m=1

Ingredients:
8 boneless skinless chicken thighs, about 2lbs (I used chicken breasts Its what The Fireman wanted)
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
Rub:
2 teaspoons granulated garlic (you can sub 1 teaspoon garlic powder here)
2 teaspoons chili powder (I used 1/2 tsp)
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder 
Glaze:
1/2 cup Honey
1 Tablespoon Cider Vinegar

 Combine the rub spices in bowl and mix well.

 

 Use kitchen shears to trim off any excess fat from the chicken pieces. Pat dry. Drizzle oil over chicken and rub in with your hands to lightly coat all the pieces.

 Then toss chicken with the spice rub to coat all sides well. Use your hands and get in there!

 

 While chicken is cooking, warm honey in the microwave so it's not so thick. Add the vinegar and combine well. Reserve 2 Tablespoons of the honey glaze for later after the chicken has cooked to pour on right before serving. (not necessary) Take the rest and brush on chicken (both sides) in the final moments of grilling.

 Grill chicken for 3-5 minutes on each side, until cooked through.

 Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into for dinner

 DINNER!!