Chicken Ranch

You Know What I'm Talkin' Bout!

(Scroll down to "The Playlist" and hit play before reading... works better that way!)

"Rumor spreadin' round in that Texas town 'bout that shack outside La Grange"!

Way back in 1905, Miss "Jessie" set up shop, just outside La Grange, in a typical whitewashed Texas farmhouse with a side building that held chickens; looking a lot more like a "chicken ranch" than a brothel.

She always maintained a good relationship with the local law enforcement and her clientele consisted of primarily politicians and lawmen. During the depression she charged the price of "one chicken" per customer. The number of chickens exploded and soon they became known as the "Chicken Ranch".

"And I hear it's tight most every night, but now... I might be mistaken... hmm, hmm, hmm!"

In 1973 Houston news reporter Marvin Zindler exposed the brothel, along with the local politicians and lawmen that were frequent customers. The "Chicken Ranch" was soon closed for good. 

So, here's to you Miss Jessie. Today we're serving up a big-ol platter of chicken nachos, a little whiskey and some bawdy Texas blues about partying at "the ranch". 

"I hear it's fine, if you got the time!" 

The pots are on!

The Plate...

Chicken Nachos Grande

Quick, easy and tasty... You know you want 'em.  I love nachos, especially when you just keep piling it on. This is a great recipe that you can spice up or simmer down. This ones got a little kick because I mean, come on, you gotta use fresh peppers. Jalapeños out of a jar just don't cut it. 

What you need...    

4 boneless/skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup beer
2 tbsp taco seasoning
2 tbsp chili powder
2 tbsp smoked paprika
1/4 cup olive oil
8 oz tomato sauce
2 tbsp hot sauce
2 large jalapeños / chopped
1 large bag of chips
2 cups grated Cheddar cheese
1 cup grated Pepper-Jack cheese
1/4 cup chopped black olives
3 tomatoes / chopped
3 green onions / chopped 1/4 cup sour cream

What you do...

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. 

Drizzle a little olive oil on the chicken breast.

Mix taco seasoning, chili powder and paprika together and sprinkle all over the chicken.

Heat a little olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

Add the chicken and sauce on both sides until browned (about 5 min per side).

Remove the chicken and set aside.

Add the beer to the pan to deglaze, then add the tomato sauce and hot sauce.

Shred the chicken with 2 forks and return to the pan.

Simmer on low for about 5 minutes to reduce the liquid.

Now, lay out the tortilla chips on an oven proof platter or a baking dish.

Sprinkle a layer of the cheese and chicken, then more chips and cheese until you build a small pyramid. 

Add a little more cheese to the top and put in the oven about 5 minutes (just enough to melt the cheese).

Pull out of the oven and layer on the jalapeños, black olives, tomatoes and green onions.

Top with sour cream, stand back and watch them disappear. 

The Playlist...

Chicken Ranch

Raucous traditional boogie rhythm & blues... that's what I'm talking about. 

Back in 1973 that little ol' band from Texas wrote a song about the "best little whorehouse in Texas". Although it never became a number 1 hit, "La Grange" became a huge party anthem. 

Just like the "world's oldest profession", the boogie rhythm and blues has been around for a long long time. My all time favorite is the king, Mr. John Lee Hooker. I really think that one of the best blues songs of all time is "Boom Boom". Check out Big Head Todd's cover with John Lee starting off with the lead vocal. 

Another favorite Texas guitar slinger is Jim Suhler. Check out "Down and Out in Texas", a live cut with Alan Haynes live at the Blue Cat. There is some pretty mean guitar playing here. 

Grab you a glass of "Big Tex" and crank it up!

("The Playlist" runs on Spotify. Don't have Spotify?... Click here it's free )

The Bar...

Big Tex 

What you need...

1 1/2 oz bourbon

1/2 oz grapefruit juice

1 tsp simple syrup

2 basil leaves

1 slice grapefruit

1 cherry frozen

What you do...

Muddle basil with simple syrup and ice in a cocktail glass.

Pour in bourbon, grapefruit juice and stir.

Add 1 slice grapefruit and cherry.

Have Mercy!

A Haw, Haw Haw, Haw!

Please... Day Drink Responsibly 

& 

Keep On Cookin'!

You Don't Have To Go To Memphis

To Get The Blues

   (Scroll down to "The Playlist" and hit play before reading... works better that way!)


Ahh Memphis... home to Elvis, Sun studio, Beale Street and Barbecue. Today we're literally taking a page right out of the Memphis Junior League with a couple of my favorite recipes from their "Heart & Soul" cookbook. 

We're grilling up a BBQ "spatchcock" chicken, Mr. Teddy's Rum Toddy and some hot Memphis music. And like ole John says "Let's go to Memphis in the meantime, I need a little shot of that Rhythm baby". 


The pots are on!

The Plate...

Wilder's Fabulous BBQ Chicken

In the "Mid-South" you have to put barbecue sauce on something in order for it to qualify as a barbecue; otherwise you're just grilling. Not sure who ole Wilder is, but this is one good barbecue recipe. 

Just make sure make sure you tend to the fire... lots of basting means lots of flare ups. 

What you need... 

3 pound fryer chicken, split in half
4 cups hickory chips
3 tbsp bourbon
1 1/2 cups dry white wine
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
3 tbsp all-purpose greek seasoning
3 tbsp lemon-pepper
3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
3 tbsp hot sauce
1 bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce

What you do...

Soak the hickory chips in a mixture of bourbon and enough water to cover for 30 minutes.

For the basting sauce- combine wine, lemon juice, seasoning, lemon pepper, Worcestershire, and hot sauce.

Drain the hickory chips and place directly on coals. 

Place the chicken, bone-side down, on the grate and brush with basting sauce.

Cook over low coals for 10 minutes then turn and baste.

Cook breast side down for 5 minutes turn and baste with sauce. 

Continue turning and basting for 35-45 minutes until chicken is tender.

Generously baste with the BBQ sauce the last 10 minutes.

The Playlist...

You Don't Have To Go To Memphis

Well, you don't have to go to Memphis, but it's a cool place to hang out. Wether you like the blues, soul or a little something in between they have it all. 

This is just a small sampling of all the songs written about this great city on the Chickasaw bluff of the mighty Mississippi. One of my favorites, "Dixie Chicken", cautions of the spell a Memphis lady can put on you. The "sirens of the sea" don't have a thing compared to the lure of a southern belle down by the river. 

Many others talk about a love lost in Memphis, but I guess you don't have to be there to have that happen. Just be careful hanging out at the Commodore Hotel. 

("The Playlist" runs on Spotify. Don't have Spotify?... Click here it's free )

The Bar...

Teddy's Toddies

What you need...  

2 cups sugar
1 cup water
3 cups rum
1 cup fresh lime juice
lime slice for garnish

What you do...

Combine sugar and water in a sauce pan.

Cook over low heat until sugar is dissolved.

Stir in rum and lime juice. 

Serve over ice. 

Garnish with lime slices.

Here's to you Teddy... Cheers!

I Think There's Something To This!

Please... Day Drink Responsibly 

& 

Keep On Cookin'!

The British Are Coming

One If By Land, Two If By Sea...

(Scroll down to "The Playlist" and hit play before reading... works better that way!)

Smashing guitars all along the way.  American kids never knew what hit them. The bad boys from across the pound came to corrupt the youth of America.

I mean, first we had the Beatles singing "I want to hold your hand", then these guys called The Rolling Stones actually wanted to "Spend the night together".

If that wasn't bad enough The Who said that it was all ok cause it's "My Generation" baby! (Cue the guitar smashing).

So, in keeping with the "British way". we celebrate the revolution of the "British Invasion" with a traditional little dish, a great stout beer and some throw back tunes from back in the day.

"What's your name... Who's your daddy?"

The pots are on!

The Plate...

 Oyster Stout Fish & Chips

This has got to be one of my favorite go to secret vices... fish and chips. All crispy fried golden with a big pint of rich dark beer. It just doesn't get any better. And, as usual, this is an easy dish to make. 

So, crack open that beer and crank up the tunes. Get it on!

What you need...

 1.5 lbs of cod fillets, skinned
Vegetable oil 
4 large baking potatoes, cut into strips
1 12 oz bottle of Oyster Stout beer
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
Salt and Pepper

What you do... 

The Batter:
Pour the beer into a large bowl. Sift 1 1/2 cups of flour into the bowl.
Add the Old Bay and whisk it together to combine.
Remaining 1/2 cup of the flour on the side.

Heat about 3 inches of oil in a Dutch oven to 375 degrees.
Pat the fish dry then salt and pepper each side.
Coat the fish in the beer batter.
Dredge the fish in dry flour and place in the oil.
Fry the fish until golden (turn after about 2 minutes), cook 4- 5 minutes total.
Take out and place on a paper towel.
Fry in batches for your oil will stay at 375.

Serve with your favorite sauce, malt vinegar and fries. 

The Playlist...

The British Are Coming

It's only Rock'n Roll, but I like it! Well, the Beatles started it all and then, as they say, the rest is history.

Hard to believe that 51 years ago the Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show and thus the start of Beatlemania.  (Unfortunately Spotify has a vary limited selection of Beatles original music).

Long haired and out of control, things escalated quickly. Funny by today's standards, but very rebellious back in the day. Hey, it's "My Generation" baby!

("The Playlist" runs on Spotify. Don't have Spotify?... Click here it's free )

The Bar...

Oyster Stout

Oyster Stout is a traditional British stout beer that uses both oyster liquor and whole oysters. Yep, they blend it together with dark roasted grains that gives the beer it's signature black color and coffee flavor. 

Can't thing of anything better (and more British) to go with your fish and chips!

Roger (from OZ) and the rest of the boys...

Smashing stuff way back in 1967.

Please... Day Drink Responsibly 

& 

Keep On Cookin'!

Hangin' With Janice

Friends Are The Best!

(Scroll down to "The Playlist" and hit play before reading... works better that way!)

Today we're just hanging out with friends, listening to a few tunes and telling some stories.

There's just no better way to pass the time than eatin' and drinkin' with your buds. Sure some stories get a little embellished and some you've heard a million times before. We actually have a signal for that. Hold your hand up with four fingers signaling that "Hey we've all heard this at least four times before"! 

As Groucho says - "When you're in jail, a good friend will bail you out. A best friend will be in there with you saying Damn that was fun!"

With that said, today we will arm you with some cool "hangin' out" tunes, an easy and delicious sandwich and a little beverage to wash it down. 

The pots are on!

The Plate...

Grilled Margarita Sandwich 

So you're hanging out with your friends and they say "hey, let's order a pizza". Then you say "we always order a pizza". "How about a sandwich?"... "Naw!" 

Here's an idea, why not combine the two. Our friend Janice sent us this awesome recipe for a really easy, really cool and tasty sandwich. I think your gonna like it. 

What you need... 

4 slices of crusty Italian bread

1 large clove of garlic, quartered

3 oz Mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced

1 large plum tomato, sliced

4 large leaves of fresh basil

1 tsp garlic pepper

2-3 tbsp of olive oil

What you do...

Rub both sides of the bread slices with garlic.

Place two slices of bread on your work surface and top each with a layer of cheese.

Now add the slices of tomato, then the basil (you can tear the basil into little strips if you like).

Sprinkle each with a little garlic pepper.

Add an additional layer of cheese and the other slice of bread. 

Brush the top of the sandwich with oil, sprinkle with garlic pepper. 

Place the sandwiches, brushed-side down in a hot skillet. 

Brush the top of the sandwich with olive oil and season with garlic pepper.

Cook for 4-5 minutes then flip.

Note - If you have a couple of cast iron skillets use one to grill and the other to cover (bottom side down). This will squeeze the sandwich and voila you have a Panini. 

The Playlist...

Hangin' With Janice

Nothing better than just hangin' out with friends listening to some tunes. Today we've put together a few laid back tunes with a few covers and some classics. 

Starting us off is a cool cover of Jack Johnson's song "Gone Going". Love it! A few other favorites... check out "Papa was a rollin' stone" and "Don't think twice". 

Probably one of my all time favorite "hang out" tunes is "It's Alright" by BHT. 

I'll shut up now, cause I know you've heard me talk about music at least four times before... moving on.

("The Playlist" runs on Spotify. Don't have Spotify?... Click here it's free )

The Bar...

Bourbon Street Stout

Nothing better with your sandwich than a beer... and this one is damn good. I mean what's better than a beer?... a beer aged in Bourbon barrels. 

What you need...

1 bottle opener

1 wide mouthed glass (wine glass will do)

Your friend to share it with.

What you do...

Serve very cold.

Pour the stout into the glass and tell another story.

Caution (high alcohol content) there may be some embellishment in the story telling department. 

A Good Friend Knows All Your Best Stories...

A Best Friend Has Lived Them With You!

Thanks Janice!

Please... Day Drink Responsibly 

& 

Keep On Cookin'!

Black Coffee

With A Little Something On The Side

  (Scroll down to "The Playlist" and hit play before reading... works better that way!)

As a long time "Coffee Dude" I thought it was about time I shared some of my favorite "coffee" treats with you. How about a big ole coffee rubbed porterhouse with a flaming New Orleans style desert coffee-Cafe' Brulot? Then we'll turn on the cool jazz playlist and you are all set.

Just sit back, close your eyes and pretend you're in your favorite steakhouse with a little live jazz. 
Sounds good to me.

The pots are on. 

The Plate...

Coffee Rubbed Porterhouse

The only thing better than a big ole steak is a big ole steak with a great dry rub. Well, since we're talking coffee today, I thought we'd break out the coffee rub. Adds a great flavor and it just sounds cool.

Be sure to set your grill up with a "cool" side and a "hot" side (coals on one side). We're setting this up today to cook a medium rare steak. Do what you want, but I just can't handle an over cooked steak, especially a beast like this. We're doing a "Porterhouse" because it has a larger fillet on one side compared to a T-bone steak.

What you need... 

1 "Fred Flintstone" 2 lb porterhouse

Olive oil

Salt and Pepper

Coffee Rub:

1/4 cup ancho chili powder

1/4 cup finely ground espresso or French Roast coffee

2 tbsp smoked paprika

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp dry mustard

1 tbsp kosher salt

1 tbsp ground pepper

1 tbsp coriander

1 tbsp dried oregano

What you do...

Combine all of the dry rub ingredients in a bowl and mix.

Set your grill with coals on one side so you have a hot and cool side.

Brush each side of the steak with olive oil and then season one side with the coffee rub.

Put the steak on the "hot" side of the grill with the "Rub-side" down. 3-4 min.

Flip the steak over and cook for 2 minutes.

Move the steak over to the "cool" side of the grill and continue cooking for an additional 8 minutes.

You are looking for an internal temp of 145 degrees for medium-rare. 

Remove steak from grill and let it rest 5 minutes before slicing.

The Playlist...

Black Coffee

It just doesn't get any better kids. A little jazz to go with your wonderful steak and Cafe' Brulot. 

Starting us off with a great jazzy rendition of "Black Coffee" is Ella Fitzgerald. This is an awesome song. But, just to keep you honest and to have a little fun, we threw in some cool jazz covers. 

Check out Urselle covering Prince's "Purple Rain"... pretty cool. 

Had to throw in some more classics... Coltrane, Roberts, etc. to help set the mood.

("The Playlist" runs on Spotify. Don't have Spotify?... Click here it's free )

The Bar...

Cafe' Brulot

Made famous by New Orleans famed restaurant Arnaud's, Cafe' Brulot is a great finale to a fabulous meal. A little work, but a great presentation. I promise your guests will love this.
Any cocktail or desert you set on fire has gotta be cool... right?

What you need...   

1 orange
12 whole cloves
1/3 cup brandy
1/3 cup Cointreau
3 strips of lemon peel
3 cinnamon sticks
1 sugar cube or 1 tbsp sugar
3 cups very strong dark roast coffee

What you do...

Peel the orange in a single spiral with a sharp paring knife. 

Stud the orange peel with cloves.

In a wide sauce pan add the brandy, Cointreau, orange, lemon peel, cinnamon and sugar. 

Warm through over medium heat.

Use a long match to carefully ignite the liquid. (If you want to put on a show, lift the orange peel with a knife then use a ladle to run flaming liquid down the peel.)

While the flames subside, slowly pour in hot coffee. 

Ladle into small demitasse cups.

Life's Too Short...

To Drink Bad Coffee!

Please... Day Drink Responsibly 

& 

Keep On Cookin'!

One Sunday Morning

Breakfast In Bed

 (Scroll down to "The Playlist" and hit play before reading... works better that way!)



Sunday morning coming down... 

There is no better way to start off the new year than a little breakfast in bed. If you're with your sweetie there's no better way to share the morning. If you're alone this is a great time for a little therapy. I love breakfast anytime of the day and music is my medicine. So what better way to start the day.  

This morning we put together a little something the night before so you can enjoy it in the morning with your lazy morning tunes and sorbet champagne... we'll get to that in a minute. 

Turn on the oven and climb back in bed...

The pots are on!

The Plate...

T's Stuffed French Toast 

The only thing better than breakfast in bed is something you put together the night before. Makes it so much easier in the morning if all you have to do is pop it in the oven. Now you have time to catch up on the news, Facebook... whatever. 

And did I mention that this is very easy. Still don't want to do too much work the night before. 

What you need...

1 french baguette cubed
16 oz cream cheese
1 tbsp dark brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 cups milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
12 eggs beaten 
1 1/2 cups maple syrup
dash of nutmeg 

What you do...

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees 

Line the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish with half of the bread

Spread cheese on top of the bread

Cover with the remaining bread

Add the milk and syrup to the eggs whisk together

Pour the mixture on top of the bread

Cover and refrigerate overnight

Bake for 45 minutes

Serve with additional syrup on the side

The Playlist...

One Sunday Morning

Just another "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down" (always loved that song). Here you go... A couple of hours worth of lazy hazy music for your lounging pleasure.

Starting off with a little "trance" music by Wilco, Followed by a great Beatles cover by Jack Johnson.
I really don't think you can have a morning playlist without Jack... especially if you're making Banana Pancakes, we'll get to that recipe later.

A few other favorites from Jason Isbell, The Wallflowers and more. We also threw in a new favorite find... Beardland and Christian Gillmann singing "Survive This Day".

So lay back and enjoy your french toast... Enjoy the day!

("The Playlist" runs on Spotify. Don't have Spotify?... Click here it's free )

The Bar...

Tangerine Sorbet Champagne Float

What you need... 

2 1/2 cups fresh tangerine juice
1/2 cup sparkling wine or champagne
3/4 cup sugar
Additional champagne for serving

What you do...

In a small saucepan, heat the sparkling wine and 1/2 cup tangerine juice

Add the sugar and stir until dissolved

Place the mix in a bowl and add the remaining tangerine juice and place in the fridge

Place the mixture in the freezer for several hours to firm

Serve a scoop of the sorbet into wine glasses then pour champagne over the top

Enjoy!

Breakfast In Bed Rocks!

Please... Day Drink Responsibly 

& 

Keep On Cookin!

Did You Hear What I Heard

A Year In Review!

(Scroll down to "The Playlist" and hit play before reading... works better that way!)

As we turn the page to a new year, let's stop, reflect and celebrate the past year. There was a lot of great music, we had a lot of great food and drinks with old and new friends. 

Today we are sharing some of our favorite music from 2014, along with one of our most popular "Plates" and cocktails from "The Bar". Enjoy the Jerk Chicken (perfect for your New Years) from our "Lively Up Yourself" post and Sugar Rum Cherry from "Christmas Cocktails". 

So, thanks to all of you that have shared and visited Plate"N"Playlist (fast approaching 9,000 to date).

Now go out, get your party on and "clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth"!

The pots are on!

The Plate...

Jerk Chicken Wings (from the post "Lively Up Yourself")

You know you want the heat... the heat is good.  Ok, no worries mon and no hurries.  This gonna take a while.  Not bad, just overnight. You know, good things come to those who wait. 

Speaking of which, you might want to double this recipe.  You're gonna want more.  Every time we grill a variety of wings the Jerk wings are the first to go... just saying.  

Again, I love some good "walk-around" food.  This is great for that upcoming picnic, a day at the lake or just hanging on the deck.  Easy and Awesome... that's the way we roll Mon.  One love.

What you need...

5 lbs jumbo chicken wings

Smoking chips, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Limes and parsley for garnish

For the "Jerk Marinade" - 
2 tsp allspice
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 onion
8 cloves garlic
1 (1/2 inch) piece of fresh ginger, sliced
3 scallions, sliced
3 limes juiced
1 oz soy sauce
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt & Pepper
1 Scotch Bonnet pepper
3 sprigs thyme
1/4 cup brown sugar

What you do...

Combine all of the ingredients for the Jerk Marinade in a blender and give it a buzz until you have a smooth puree.

Add the chicken pieces into a large resealable plastic bag and pour in the marinade.

Put the bag in the fridge and leave overnight. 

Ready to grill - preheat grill to medium high with coals all on one side. (hot side and cool side)
Soak wood chips and lay on coals.
Put chicken on cool side for 10 minutes to smoke then transfer to hot side.
Grill 5 minutes a side over hot coals.
Move back to cool side and continue to cook until internal temp reaches 165 degrees (about 10 more min).

Serve on a large platter and garnish with sliced limes and parsley.

Did You Hear What I Heard

A collection of great new music from this year (or at least the past couple of years that I discovered or that fellow music fiends shared).

Love love the ex Screamin Cheetah Wheelies vocalist, Mike Farris. Saw him live and never got over it. There was a lot of great music this year - Hozier, Ed Sheeran and others, but some of the old main stays had some cool stuff as well.

If you haven't seen the Foo Fighters "Sonic Highway" documentary on music across the country, you need to. "Something From Nothing" is their view on the Chicago music scene.

And, as 2014 slowly fades away remember the words of our friend Marty Nickel... "Time Flies" and Mike Farris... we could use a little "Mercy Now".

("The Playlist" runs on Spotify. Don't have Spotify?... Click here it's free )

The Bar... 

Sugar Rum Cherry  (from the post "Christmas Cocktails")

Perfect for your New Years festivities!

What you need...

2 oz Spiced rum
1 oz Cointreau
3 oz pomegranate juice
Sprite or 7-up to taste
Pomegranate seeds
Lime Sliced
Black Cherry Jello

What you do...
Fill your martini shaker with ice and pour in rum,
Cointreau and pomegranate juice. Shake, Shake, Shake.
Rim your martini glass with Black Cherry Jello.
Add in a teaspoon of pomegranate seeds.
Pour the contents from your shaker into your glass.
Top off with a little Sprite and garnish with a slice of lime.

So Here's To You & Yours...

Happy New Year!

Please... Day Drink Responsibly 

& 

Keep On Cookin'!