The Final Four is here and while your bracket probably went bust, your snacks will be a winner. Chef Alex Curtis of Relish Burger Bistro is sharing with Donna Ruko a trio of treats that you and your friend's can make in about five minutes each.
1. Fast Break Fried Pickles
It’s a fun one to do before the game with your friends. You're going to need a cast iron skillet, dill pickle spears, beer and any off-the-shelf waffle mix. Now, follow the directions on the waffle mix subbing out the beer for whatever liquid they say to add to it. Serve them with your favorite sauces – ranch, honey mustard and ketchup.
Full Recipes:
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Favorite box waffle mix (follow recipe)
.5C Cornmeal
1 large Jar Favorite spicy pickle spear
Enough canola or vegetable oil to fill pan over 1 inch
Grandmas cast iron Dutch oven with high sides (keeps it less messy, less splatter and burns)
Heat oil on medium on your stove, use a splatter screen if you have one and keep a pair of tongs handy
Dredge pickles in dry cornmeal. Next dip dredged pickle spears in waffle batter and gently lower into hot oil( be careful, but if you get burned and don’t cry, you’re a real Chef)
Be careful to not fry to many pickles at once, probably less than 5 each in the typical 5 quart Dutch oven.
Cook till GBD(Golden Brown and Delicious) Drain on a paper towel and serve with spicy ketchup, ranch and steak sauce. Hot sauce in your ranch if you like it spicy.
2. Nothin’ But Net Nachos
This delicious recipe will slam dunk your taste buds! Mix tri-colored chips, barbecue chicken and cherry tomatoes. You can whip these up at halftime and not miss a minute of the game.
Full Recipe:
1 Bottle your favorite BBQ Sauce
2 store bought rotisserie chicken pulled
2 bags favorite tortilla chips
2lb favorite shredded cheese blend
1 can black beans rinsed and drained
1 jar favorite pickled Jalapenos
3lb diced tomato
1 jar crema Mexicana or sour cream mixed with juice from a couple limes
1 pint sliced green onions or 1 bunch green onions sliced by yourself
Combine everything but the sour cream and green onions microwave till cheese is melted and chicken is hot garnish with sour cream and green onions
3. Full Court Sliders
Ground chuck is perfect and cooks up fast, rather than buying a pre-made patty. It's easier to just get a spoon and scoop them right onto the grill. The all-star ingredient in these sliders is the homemade Thousand Island dressing and it whips up quicker than a commercial.
Full Recipe:
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5# favorite ground beef ratio(70/30 is prime)
As much American cheese as you can handle
Sliced Pickles, Tomato and Onion
2 Cups Ketchup
2 Cups Mayo
.5 Cup Steak Sauce (A1)
1 cup Relish
Favorite slider size bun(kings Hawaiian)
Light grill and let heat to medium high( I prefer wood chunks and charcoal, gas grills or a fry pan work great too)Form slider sized burger patties and season to taste with your special blend of herbs and spices. Mix mayo, ketchup, steak sauce and relish. Grill sliders and melt cheese to the temperature you like and build burger with remaining toppings.
Web Bonus: Chef Alex's Thousand Island Recipe
Get a jar of relish, ketchup, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, put it in a bowl, stir it up and you're done. Enjoy!
Big thanks to the NCAA!
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