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Sunday, August 27, 2017

Labor Day Bash: Butter Burgers



Labor Day Bash:  Butter Burgers - All American Burgers made better with butter!! - Slice of Southern


Yum

It's time to celebrate the American Labor movement and all the workers that have strengthened our country!  Labor Day Weekend is the time to have a great big bash with lots of food and fun.

It also is the unofficial end of summer, but we won't dwell on that.  I'm still dreaming of summer and all the fresh bounty that is produces such as this Quick and Easy Strawberry Lemonade and this Farmers Market Bounty Summer Vegetable Soup with Chicken.


Labor Day Bash:  Butter Burgers - All American Burgers made better with butter!! - Slice of Southern

So let's talk about a main dish for your bash.  Let's talk about BUTTER BURGERS.  Yes, I said "BUTTER" burgers!  You've never tried one?  Well let me tell you that if you want a juicy, moist burger you have to try a butter burger.  It makes sense really...if you want juicy, and not dry meat, you add a fat.  In this case, butter!  I have to give credit for the idea to Paula Deen as she was the first person I saw doing this.  Now when you google it, you'll notice there are more and more versions of the butter burger out there.


Labor Day Bash:  Butter Burgers - All American Burgers made better with butter!! - Slice of Southern

BUTTER BURGERS

Today we are making both beef and turkey burgers with the secret ingredient being "butter".  MGG loves turkey burgers and I gravitate toward beef so why not make both at your next gathering.


Labor Day Bash:  Butter Burgers - All American Burgers made better with butter!! - Slice of Southern

They are simple to assemble by seasoning your meat, forming a patty and then placing a tablespoon pat of butter in the middle of the patty and surround it with the meat, so it's hidden.  That's my technique and it works wonderfully.  The butter warms and melts as the burgers cook, then it distributes throughout the patty and when you bite in to it....OH!  Boy is that a moist, juicy burger!


Labor Day Bash:  Butter Burgers - All American Burgers made better with butter!! - Slice of Southern

Top the with lettuce, tomato, and some good mustard, and don't forget the pickle and fries on the side!  The perfect meal to celebrate the holiday.  All American burgers made better with butter!

So try something new and indulge in a moist and juicy Butter Burger this Labor Day Weekend!

Enjoy!





Butter Burgers 

serves 6

1 lb 10% ground sirloin
1 lb 7% ground turkey (white and dark meats)
4 tsp burger seasoning (I use this or this)
6 Tbls of unsalted butter, divided into 6 tablespoon portions
6 hamburger buns
For serving:  lettuce, tomato, mustard

Preheat the grill to medium.  Grease the grill grate by brushing it with oil.
In separate bowls add the beef and turkey meat.  Add 2 tsp. of burger seasoning to each meat and lightly rake through the meat to distribute.  Form each meat into 3 patties about 1-inch thick. Place a tablespoon in the center of each patty and mold the meat around it so it is hidden in the center.  Place on a baking wax paper covered tray.

Place the burgers on the grill, cover and cook, turning once, until the burgers reach the temperature you like.  (About 10-12 minutes for medium, more for well done)  Toward the end of the cooking place the split buns on the grill to toast.  Remove from the grill to a platter for serving.
Assemble the burgers on the buns and top with lettuce, tomato, and mustard.  


Note: This post contains affiliate links to products that I use and I am providing to you for your convenience in purchasing should you choose.  A small compensation is awarded me for any purchase that you make. Thank you.


Labor Day Bash:  Butter Burgers - All American Burgers made better with butter!! - Slice of Southern
Labor Day Bash:  Butter Burgers - All American Burgers made better with butter!! - Slice of Southern


Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Quick and Easy Strawberry Lemonade



Quick and Easy Strawberry Lemonade:  Savor the last days of summer with this DELICIOUS drink!  Slice of Southern


Yum

I've been making this Quick and Easy Strawberry Lemonade all summer long and we absolutely love it!

With the Labor Day holiday and all the festivities coming up I think that this is a good time to share this recipe with you.  With a few simple ingredients you'll be sitting outside, sipping strawberry lemonade, in no time!


Quick and Easy Strawberry Lemonade:  Savor the last days of summer with this DELICIOUS drink!  Slice of Southern


QUICK AND EASY STRAWBERRY LEMONADE

A pint of strawberries, your favorite jarred lemonade, and a little sugar is really all you need to make this thirst quenching drink.  It's a semi-homemade thing and there is nothing wrong with that!  Especially if you are short on time and dying of thirst.  NOTE:  you may not need any sugar if your strawberries are really ripe and sweet, as the jarred lemonade will already have sugar in it.  Our strawberries were juicy sweet and I didn't have to use any sugar, but you will need to taste test to see.


Quick and Easy Strawberry Lemonade:  Savor the last days of summer with this DELICIOUS drink!  Slice of Southern

I blended the strawberries until they were a puree and added that to my bottle of lemonade.  Tasted it for sweetness and it was perfect as is. 


Quick and Easy Strawberry Lemonade:  Savor the last days of summer with this DELICIOUS drink!  Slice of Southern

Next thing I know, is we are sitting by the pool drinking Quick and Easy Strawberry Lemonade, listening to the birds sing, and savoring the last days of summer!  Man that's good....

Enjoy!





Quick and Easy Strawberry Lemonade

4 cups of jarred Lemonade (any brand)
1 pint of strawberries, cleaned and hulled
sugar or simple syrup (optional for sweetness)

Pour ready made lemonade in a bottle or pitcher.  In a blender puree the strawberries.  Pour in to a mason jar.  (This will keep for about 1 week in the refrigerator.)  Add about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of strawberry puree to the bottle or pitcher.  Stir and taste for sweetness.  Add sugar or simple syrup to adjust sweetness to your liking. (You may not need any sugar, so be sure to taste.)  Stir vigorously and then serve over ice.


Quick and Easy Strawberry Lemonade:  Savor the last days of summer with this DELICIOUS drink!  Slice of Southern

Quick and Easy Strawberry Lemonade:  Savor the last days of summer with this DELICIOUS drink!  Slice of Southern



Sunday, August 20, 2017

The BEST Broccoli Pasta Salad


The BEST Broccoli Pasta Salad - An easy yet scrumptious side dish that's perfect for Labor Day! Slice of Southern


Yum

Labor Day is coming up and a great holiday to celebrate with the last of summer food.  I'm going to be bringing you several posts with dishes to celebrate with.  First up is another great pasta salad.  

Everyone needs an easy yet scrumptious side dish and this is absolutely The BEST Broccoli Pasta Salad I've ever had.  It was adapted slightly from a recipe I found on Pinterest from Tiffany's blog Pics and Pastries.  To me this pasta salad screams summer!

The BEST Broccoli Pasta Salad - An easy yet scrumptious side dish that's perfect for Labor Day! Slice of Southern

THE BEST BROCCOLI PASTA SALAD

Imagine a pasta salad that includes fresh crunchy broccoli, sweet & tart cherries, and doused in a creamy 3 cheese ranch dressing.  Oh yum!  The combination of sweet/tart (cherries) and spicy/savory (bell peppers) just work wonders with the crunch of the broccoli.  The perfect way to use fresh summer vegetables.  I can truly say this is the best broccoli salad around!


The BEST Broccoli Pasta Salad - An easy yet scrumptious side dish that's perfect for Labor Day! Slice of Southern


The BEST Broccoli Pasta Salad - An easy yet scrumptious side dish that's perfect for Labor Day! Slice of Southern


So whether you are having a last summer bash for Labor Day, a summer picnic, concert in the park, or a potluck block party, make this dish!  Everyone will be raving it's praises and asking for the recipe.  The BEST Broccoli Pasta Salad is on the menu!

Enjoy!




Note:  Shared with The Country Cook's Weekend Potluck







The BEST Broccoli Pasta Salad

serves 6



6 oz bow-tie pasta
1/2 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 - 1 orange bell pepper, diced
1 head broccoli
1/3 cup dried cherries
3/4 cup Three Cheese Ranch dressing (such as Kroger or Kraft brand)
Kosher salt &  fresh ground pepper to taste


In a large pot of boiling water cook pasta according to box directions.  During the last 4 minutes of cooking add the broccoli head to blanch.  Broccoli should turn bright green.  Remove broccoli and drain pasta.  Allow pasta to cool.

Chop broccoli into florets.  Add to medium bowl.  Add diced bell peppers to the bowl along with the cherries. Add cooled pasta and toss to combine.  Add dressing and toss to coat.  Refrigerate 1 hour.  Serve cold or room temperature.  May add extra dressing if needed.

The BEST Broccoli Pasta Salad - An easy yet scrumptious side dish that's perfect for Labor Day! Slice of Southern


The BEST Broccoli Pasta Salad - An easy yet scrumptious side dish that's perfect for Labor Day! Slice of Southern



Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Low Carb Pancakes & a Product Review (Bob Mills)



Treat yourself to some AMAZING Low Carb Pancakes!  Slice of Southern


Yum

We are always striving to eat healthier and cutting carbs has been part of our regime for several years now.  However, there are just some things that you want to eat (Pancakes & Waffles!) that are full of carbs, so we eat those sparingly but want them in our lives!!!  I can't imagine never eating a pancake!  It's my favorite breakfast treat to get when we travel or go for a quick breakfast.

Treat yourself to some AMAZING Low Carb Pancakes!  Slice of Southern


Well now you can have your pancake and eat it too!!!  I recently came across an ad for Bob Mills Whole Grain Low Carb Baking Mix.  So I started researching it and the more I read the more I knew I wanted to try this.  Having a baking mix to make low carb biscuits, waffles, and pancakes is such a plus.  I hunted it down and found it here.  I patiently awaited it's arrival and then it was here!  Pancake time!


Treat yourself to some AMAZING Low Carb Pancakes!  Slice of Southern

With only 8 grams of net carbs this mix has a lot of wholesome whole grains.  You use is just as you would all purpose flour, so making pancakes is a cinch.  The recipe is even on the package.


Treat yourself to some AMAZING Low Carb Pancakes!  Slice of Southern

So let's talk about the result.  These pancakes were light and fluffy, not dense like I expected them to be.  I was pleased at how good they tasted, with a slight nutty flavor, but overall tasted just like regular pancakes!  I will definitely be using this product more often and trying waffles and biscuits next.

Try this mix for yourself and enjoy some low carb pancakes!

Enjoy!





Low Carb Pancakes

1 cup Bob Mills Low Carb Baking Mix
1 Tbsp Canola Oil
2 Eggs
1 cup Water
3 tsp Baking Powder
4 packets of your favorite low carb sweetener
1/2 tsp Vanilla

Heat griddle or skillet over medium low heat. 
Grease with cooking spray or butter.  Mix all ingredients in a medium bowl.  Stir until well blended.  Pour batter onto the griddle in desired sized pancakes and cook until bubbles form, top is slightly dry and bottom is golden brown.  Flip and cook the other side until golden and steam stops rising from pancake.  Serve warm with sugar free syrup or fruit.


Treat yourself to some AMAZING Low Carb Pancakes!  Slice of Southern

Treat yourself to some AMAZING Low Carb Pancakes!  Slice of Southern



Friday, August 4, 2017

Cucumber and Cream Cheese Lavash Wraps


Cucumber and Cream Cheese Lavash Wraps are a SIMPLE snack or lunch you can make in a pinch! - Slice of Southern


Sometimes you just need something really light to tide you over until you have a full meal.

Today's post is all about a simple snack or lunch you can make in a pinch!  MGG is Persian so we always have Lavash around the house.  Lavash is an unleavened flatbread that is thin and soft.  It's a staple in the Persian diet and has become a staple of mine as well.  We are using Lavash today to make quick Cucumber and Cream Cheese Lavash Wraps.



Cucumber and Cream Cheese Lavash Wraps are a SIMPLE snack or lunch you can make in a pinch! - Slice of Southern

You can find Lavash in most grocery stores but if you can't,  then substitute with a tortilla or something like Flatout wraps,  but note the texture will be slightly different.



Cucumber and Cream Cheese Lavash Wraps are a SIMPLE snack or lunch you can make in a pinch! - Slice of Southern

We tend to make wraps with Lavash as it is a good vessel because it is a large rectangular shaped bread that is thin and light.  Low in carbs,  they come in white or wheat varieties.
 



Cucumber and Cream Cheese Lavash Wraps are a SIMPLE snack or lunch you can make in a pinch! - Slice of Southern



These Cucumber and Cream Cheese Lavash Wraps morphed out of two favorite dishes.  An English cucumber sandwich, and a Middle Eastern snack of Lavash, tomato, cucumber, and feta.  Combined we have our light and tasty wraps!


Cucumber and Cream Cheese Lavash Wraps are a SIMPLE snack or lunch you can make in a pinch! - Slice of Southern

This delicious little wrap is so easy to make it really isn't a recipe.  More like a preparation guide.  To make them stand out in flavor be sure to use quality ingredients. 3 ingredients (Lavash, cream cheese, and cucumbers) to heaven on a plate!  Get a good cream cheese.  If you like a flavored one pick one that will enhance the cucumbers such as chive and onion, or garden vegetable.  For the cucumbers make sure to get either Persian or English (hot house) cucumbers.  They are both crispy and taste fresh and light in this dish.   Then on to making the wraps.  All you have to do is a little slicing with the cucumbers and serve and eat!  Can't be more simple but is oh so satisfying.  Hope you try this soon!


Cucumber and Cream Cheese Lavash Wraps are a SIMPLE snack or lunch you can make in a pinch! - Slice of Southern

Enjoy!




Cucumber and Cream Cheese Lavash Wraps

makes 1 wrap

1 piece of Lavash bread
cream cheese, spreadable consistency
1 large English cucumber, or 2-3 small Persian cucumbers, sliced thin

Place the Lavash on a work surface.  Spread with cream cheese almost to the edges.  Leave just a little room untouched.  Place cucumber slices side by side on the cream cheese.  Roll up the Lavash starting with the longest side.  Secure with a tooth pick if needed.  Cut into fourths, serve and eat!



Cucumber and Cream Cheese Lavash Wraps are a SIMPLE snack or lunch you can make in a pinch! - Slice of Southern
Cucumber and Cream Cheese Lavash Wraps are a SIMPLE snack or lunch you can make in a pinch! - Slice of Southern


Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Small Batch: Orange Pecan Sour Cream Muffins



Orange Pecan Sour Cream Muffins:  Make your weekend breakfast special by making a bakery style treat that's bursting with orange flavor and a bit of crunch from good ole southern pecans. - Slice of Southern


Yum

Make your weekend breakfast special by making a bakery style treat that's bursting with orange flavor and a bit of crunch from good ole southern pecans.

Last weekend MGG and I decided that we needed to get away for a bit and look at some different scenery. So off we went traveling up the coast for a little day trip. We ended up not far from home in the town of Ventura which is on the coast just north of us.


Orange Pecan Sour Cream Muffins:  Make your weekend breakfast special by making a bakery style treat that's bursting with orange flavor and a bit of crunch from good ole southern pecans. - Slice of Southern

We spent some time in the quaint downtown playing tourist, which was so much fun.  We took a tour of the Ventura Mission which had a beautiful courtyard and garden which we relaxed in before touring the mission itself and learning of the history around the building of this mission.

After the mission we found a cute local bakery and decided to stop in for coffee and a muffin.  This is where I discovered their Orange Sour Cream Muffins that were so light and tender we instantly fell in love.  Being from a state that grows a LOT of citrus it was only natural to pick an orange muffin.  I knew then that I had to recreate this muffin at home.

Orange Pecan Sour Cream Muffins:  Make your weekend breakfast special by making a bakery style treat that's bursting with orange flavor and a bit of crunch from good ole southern pecans. - Slice of Southern

This led to my version with a southern spin; Orange Pecan Sour Cream Muffins were born!  These bakery style muffins come out tender from the use of the sour cream.  The orange flavoring is a nod to living in California and I added some pecans for crunch that speak to my parent's Southern upbringing.  Combined together you get a muffin that is light yet homey.  A wonder combination that the whole family will love.

I must say that my version might be "a tad" better than that bakery in Ventura.  I've been making muffins my whole life and these are a new favorite.  I've made a small batch for you here which makes 6 muffins, because, who wants 12 muffins all the time?  A small batch is perfect to feed the family and have few left over.

Orange Pecan Sour Cream Muffins:  Make your weekend breakfast special by making a bakery style treat that's bursting with orange flavor and a bit of crunch from good ole southern pecans. - Slice of Southern

Try something new this weekend with Orange Pecan Sour Cream Muffins.  Please come back after you make them cause I'd love to hear what you think!  

Enjoy!


Additional muffin recipes:




Orange Pecan Sour Cream Muffins

Makes 6

1 cup flour
1/2 Tbls baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup sugar 

1 tsp cinnamon
1 large egg
1/2 cup sour cream
3 Tbls canola oil
1/2 tsp vanilla or orange extract

1/2 tsp orange zest
3 Tbls fresh orange juice
1/4 pecans, chopped

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 6 cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray or line with paper liners.

In a medium bowl add flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar, and cinnamon. Stir to combine. In another small bowl lightly beat egg. Add in sour cream, oil, extract, zest and orange juice. Beat slightly to mix. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until moistened. Do not over mix. Fold in pecans.

Spoon batter into the prepared muffin tin. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool 5 minutes in the pan, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.



Orange Pecan Sour Cream Muffins:  Make your weekend breakfast special by making a bakery style treat that's bursting with orange flavor and a bit of crunch from good ole southern pecans. - Slice of Southern

Orange Pecan Sour Cream Muffins:  Make your weekend breakfast special by making a bakery style treat that's bursting with orange flavor and a bit of crunch from good ole southern pecans. - Slice of Southern