Behind the Bites

Feast Your Eyes


  • Mini Reuben Sandwiches

    Printable version In Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day is a religious holiday. The tradition was brought to America with mass immigrations of the Irish in the 19th century. Over the last 150 years, the American version of the celebration has moved from the church to the streets – complete with leprechauns guarding pots of gold, green…

  • Shrimp Tostadas

    Printable version I have learned to accept that I can’t eat as much yummy seafood here in Indiana as I did when I lived in New York City. It’s just a matter of being landlocked. Not that I can’t get quality seafood here, it’s just that it comes a steep price. Gone are the days…

  • Cheesy Pizza Casserole

    Printable version Last week we had our first glimpse of spring. I took my dog on a walk in cargo shorts and a T-shirt – my official warm weather uniform. I inspected the gas grill to make sure it would be ready for the copious amounts of meat that will be cooked on it in…

  • Cheesy Burrito Casserole

    Printable version I used to eat frozen burritos like they were going out of style when I was in college. They can be eaten on the run or smothered in salsa and cheese and gobbled up while watching the news. I was browsing through the freezer isle at Meijer and came across the frozen burrito…

  • No Bean Chipotle Chili

    Saturday night the American Legion Post 157 had a chili cook off open to the public to benefit the local Down Veterans Fund. The competition was organized and sponsored by the American Legion Riders Churubusco Chapter. When I first got there, I didn’t know the Riders had sponsored the event, but as the crowd grew…

  • 5 Minute Crispy Chicken Sliders

    Printable version The freezer isle at most grocery stores offer a plethora of snacks that can be made in minutes. Add a few ingredients of your own and wala! You’ve got a gourmet snack. This recipe took five minutes to make, turned out great and provided a quick lunch. These chicken sliders could be used…

  • Discovering Dried Chiles

    Printable version Sunday night my Mom and I made a dinner at St. John Bosco Catholic Church attended by 60 people involved in the parish. We had chicken and pork as the main courses but I started the meal out with an authentic Mexican taco bar that featured three different salsas to slather on the…

  • Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs

    Printable version This is the third recipe in a series of everyday meals that I am creating that features store bought items mixed with fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Here, the store bought item is frozen meatballs. I enhance the pasta sauce (which I always keep in the pantry) with some fresh onion and bell…

  • Asian Chicken Over Rice

    Printable version There is an old saying that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” I believe that saying was coined by women who were projecting their own feelings, because there are few things a man can do that are more powerful than to surprise his love interest by preparing her a…

  • Cheesy Chicken Nachos

    Sunday is the Super Bowl. A day when all of America will gather for the big game and watch grown men battle on the gridiron as well as the best night of commercials advertisers have to offer. For a guy like me it is a time to showcase my favorite party foods. Hot wings, chili,…