BBQ Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

• 1 - 12 oz. package little smokies
• 6 slices bacon, cut into quarters (24 pieces total)
• BBQ sauce

Preheat oven to 375F.  Line a baking pan with aluminum foil and lightly spray with cooking spray.

Wrap each little smokie with a quarter piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.

Bake for 25 minutes.  Remove pan from the oven.

Brush each bacon wrapped smokie with BBQ sauce.  Put back into the oven and bake for 10 additional minutes.

Keep warm until you are ready to serve.  Enjoy!

Puréed Cheesy Broccoli Potato Soup

• 1 tbsp. salted butter
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 tsp. chopped garlic
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 2 1/2 cups unsalted chicken stock
• 1 cup milk
• 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 12 oz. broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium heat.  Add onion, carrot, celery and garlic and cook until softened, 5 minutes.  Season with salt & pepper. Add broth, milk and potatoes.  Turn heat to high and bring the soup to a boil, then cover the pot and turn to low, cooking until the potatoes are soft, 15 minutes.

Add broccoli florets and Parmesan cheese and stir to combine.  Cook uncovered until broccoli is soft, 10 minutes.

Add Mexican blend cheese and stir to combine. 

Use an immersion blender to puree, or, in batches, add the soup to a blender to puree.

Enjoy with freshly ground black pepper & Parmesan cheese.  Hot sauce is good too!

Chicken Parmesan Patties

• 1 lb. ground chicken
• 1 tbsp. minced garlic
• 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
• Salt & Freshly ground black pepper
• Olive oil
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese

In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, garlic, parsley, Parmesan and Italian seasoning.  Season with salt & freshly ground black pepper and mix everything together.  Form the mixture into 4 equal patties (each will be about 4.5 oz).

Drizzle olive oil in a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat.  Add the patties to the pan and cook until golden brown on one side, 4 minutes.

Flip the patties and pour the marinara into the pan, around the patties. Lower the heat, bringing the marinara to a simmer, topping each patty with a slice of fresh mozzarella.   Cover the pan and continue to cook until cheese is melted and chicken is cooked through, 4-5 minutes.

These go great with some sweet potato puffs and a fresh green salad! 

Enjoy!