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You know those times when I can get a little carried away?
Well this is one of those times.
And I am so excited about it.
Actually, I am excited about a lot of things. Well, more just feeling grateful for a lot of things. Sometimes I find myself randomly drifting off and thinking about life. I always come away feeling amazed and grateful for everything I have, and just genuinely appreciative for my life, my family and the fact that all nine of us are healthy and together…well minus Creighton since he lives in Cleveland, but we miss him like crazy and hope he can find a job out here soon!
I guess that I am going on about this now because I got a super mean comment the other day about how I am an ungrateful brat and that I should stop pretending to have a job and actually get a real one. And yes, those where his words.
Two years ago, this comment would have knocked me down for days, but now I just think about how happy I am that I do not have to put others down just to make myself feel better, which my guess is exactly what “Jimmy Bob” was doing.
FYI, it’s kind of not cool, and you really should not pass judgment on people until you know all the facts… and then some.
Anyway, this mean comment just got me thinking about all the stuff I actually am so grateful for. Things like having a job that I LOVE, which YES is a real job because I spend almost every waking minute of my days working hard at. This beautiful new home/studio/barn of mine that is pretty much the space of my dreams. Sure things have been a little stressful, BUT I am so excited to have some space to actually work and concentrate AND it will be even better once all these workers are outta here (can’t wait). MY PARENTS who help me SO flipping much. People who say they do it all alone are just not being honest if you ask me. Help is something I have a really hard time excepting, but without help I would not be able to do all the things I am doing today. My mom’s the genius behind all the techie stuff for the blog and my dad’s the ULTIMATE kitchen cleaner. And yes, I do 100% realize how awesome it is that my parents actually want to help me out so much. THANK YOU. I am also so grateful for my family’s health. Thankfully none of us have any serious health issues, which is honestly one of my biggest fears. Feeling incredible thankful that at the moment all six of my brothers, little miss Asher and mom + dad are healthy as horses. <–this makes me smile big!
I could go on and on (like hey I am so happy to live in the mountains where I can play in the snow and hike in my back yard every single day!), but even just writing this all out made me feel so happy.
Honestly, if you are feeling down or even feeling a little bad for yourself (it happens to all of us), you should write out all of the things you ARE actually thankful for. Look at the positives. It feels SOO GOOD.
Oh my gosh, you guys?? Do you think I should quit cooking and become a therapist?!?! I mean wow, I feel like that was some really good advice up there. I didn’t know that could all come out me. Whoa!
But ummm…..BIG NO on the therapist thing. That would just never be for me. I am the one who probably needs to go see a therapist. I mean, sometimes I spend an hour (or more!) plating food. That’s kind of weird.
And what else. Yeah right, this big popper hot buffalo chicken and bacon grilled cheese!
Like I said, I am so excited about it. It’s a jalapeno popper and buffalo chicken marriage… and it’s beyond awesome! It’s also perfect for that big Super Bowl Game coming up. And speaking of the Super Bowl? I hope you’re ready for some good game day eats. I sort of went a little crazy this year, all next week there is going to be some serious football food. So all you guy readers out there, I really hope you decide to check in next week, because it’s going to be “guys week” for sure.
But these sammies. They are loaded with an herb cream cheese mix, fire roasted jalapenos (which means broiled), spicy homemade buffalo chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese and blue cheese. You see, I got a little carried away and since it’s Thursday, which means it’s practically Friday, this grilled cheese is totally acceptable. Sorry to all the dieters out there, this is not really healthy January food (this is a good alternative though for you!).
My brothers made me, so blame them (way to accept responsibility, huh!).
Or thank them?
Big Popper Hot Buffalo Chicken and Bacon Grilled Cheese.
Servings: 4 GRILLED CHEESES + EXTRA BUFFALO CHICKEN
Calories Per Serving: 1028 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
Buffalo Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast tenders
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup self rising flour
- canola oil for frying
- 1 cup buffalo sauce * my favorite recipe is in the notes
The Grilled Cheese
- 6 jalapenos
- 4-6 ounces cream cheese softened
- 4 green onions finely chopped
- 1/3 cup cilantro chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced or grated*
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese sliced
- 6 slices cooked bacon
- 4 ounces blue cheese crumbled
- 4 slices thick cut bread I used whole grain sourdough
- butter for bread
- ranch and french fries for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oil to 350 degrees F. in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot. Do not fill the pot more than 1/2 full with oil.
- Season the chicken with a little seasoned salt. Add the self rising flour to a shallow bowl or pie plate. In a medium size bowl, beat the eggs together.
- Dip the seasoned chicken in the egg mixture, and then coat well in the flour. Place the chicken in the preheated oil and fry the chicken in the oil until brown and crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on a paper towel lined cookie sheet. Then dip the chicken through the buffalo sauce
- Once cool enough to handle, slice the chicken into strips.
- To make the sandwiches, preheat the broiler to high. Place the jalapeños on a baking sheet (line with foil if desired) and broil the jalapeños until charred all over. Once charred, remove from the oven, allow to cool and then peel away a little of the charred skin (I like to leave some of the charred pieces on mine, I think it adds flavor). Seed the jalapeños if desired (or seed some and leave the rest with seeds). Chop the jalapeños. In a bowl, combine the chopped jalapeños, softened cream cheese, green onions, cilantro and garlic until smooth and creamy.
- Butter the outside of each piece of bread. Spread the insides of each piece of bread with the cream cheese mixture. Top half the slices of bread with a slice or two of cheddar cheese. Top with sliced buffalo chicken + a drizzle of buffalo sauce, bacon and another slice of cheddar cheese. Sprinkle with blue cheese and then sandwich with the top half piece of bread. Repeat with the remaining sandwiches.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a pat of butter and 1-2 sandwiches, cook for 3-5 minutes per side or until the cheese is melted and bread is crispy. Serve right away with ranch for dipping and fries for snacking!!
Notes
*To quickly make you own buffalo sauce, mix 1/2 cup Franks Hot Sauce, 1/4-1/2 cup melted, salted butter and 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt. *If you have time, or already have some roasted, I think that roasted garlic would be pretty amazing in this!
Ahh yeah, thank them for sure!
Don’t you dare quit cooking. Don’t do it.
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This was unbelievably good!! My taste buds took on a life of their own, this concoction’s got one negative that I can think of, ITS HIGHLY ADDICTIVE!!!!! thank you 🙂 I’ll need to spend an extra 20 mins at the gym everyday though, totally worth it!!
This sandwich looks amazing. That is all. Oh and delicious 😉
Thanks Melinda!
What a sad person he must be to attack a stranger on the internet.. Good on ya for not letting it get you down!
Now to the matter at hand – that sandwich! I kinda wish I hadn’t read this post, I’m not going to be able to rest until I have that sandwich in my life. You’re a clever thing!
THANK YOU! You are so kind!
Tieghan I’m always amazed at your ability to turn something like a simple toastie into something completely delicious and extraordinary.
I hope you give no more thought to the loser who left you the mean comment. I’ve also started blogging full time and even though it’s the best job in the world, it really is hard and time consuming work.
You’re doing an absolutely superb job, and I always look to your gorgeous photos when I’m in need of a bit of inspiration.
Just wanted you to know that not only are you providing fab recipes with drool-worthy photos for all the home cooks out there, but you’re also helping your fellow bloggers 🙂
Hey Nicky!! Thank you so much for these kind words. SO excited my photos bring your inspiration! 🙂
Hoping you are having a great weekend!!
Holy cow!!!! I think I just had a cow… you have seriously done it again! I’m obsessed. End of story. And you go girl – kick those haters to the curb. #teaminternetforever Pinned! 🙂
HAH! Thanks so much, Jen! Have a great weekend!
I think your blog is beautiful, I really admire your work, your writing and your creations. Good for you for not letting a childish comment from an obviously very bitter and unhappy person bring you down!
Thank you so much for your kind words! 🙂
Have a great weekend!
I think you get carried away a lot…but it’s always so awesome to watch, and delicious.
Hey lovely girl. I’m glad you didn’t let that jackass’s comments get to you. Any one who knows how to cook and/or has eyes in their heads can see how talented you are. The recipes are inspired and frigging delicious, I can’t look at your page without getting seriously hungry. The food styling and photography are divine and if you plate food for an hour honey thats not weird it art and serious dedication. The amount of work that goes into it must be astonishing but if you love it dosen’t seem so much like work does it. I’m going off to make your granola recipe now. Then at 5pm I’m off to work (i’m a chef). I only mention it because working in commercial cooking day in and day out where you have very limited or no creative output can be draining but whenever I look at your site which is now daily and am inspired. Thank you. xx
Wow, thank you so much!! I am so excited you enjoy my site and are beyond flattered by your word!!! Happy to inspire too! 🙂
Thanks again!!
just OMG at this sandwich. I’m making it. Definitely. I can’t live with myself if I don’t!
And also– CLEARLY this is a real job. I mean, look at those PROFESSIONAL photos you took. And everything that goes into the back end of this business… people just have no idea. You are awesome!
THANK YOU! All the sweet words are making my night! 🙂
Happy almost friday!
Hey! I have been a big fan of yours for a while now and have made several of your recipes and they always turn out soooo good! Your food photography is GORGEOUS!!! You have not only a knack for making delicious food – but also photographing it to make it look as delicious as it actually is! I’m sorry for the discouraging comment 🙁 Keep doing what you are doing – you’re so good at it!
Hey Becky!!
Thank you so much for all these kinds words, they mean so much!! 🙂
Wow. How incredibly rude someone would say that to you! I honestly look at your blog everyday and think how incredibly talented you are. I have made MANY of your recipes and they make me and my family happy. Your doing great things. PLEASE don’t ever go “get a real job”.
Also. I almost never comment on your post because I honestly think words don’t do your recipes justice. Thank you for sharing your passion with us!
THANK YOU! I hope to never have to get a “real job” because I love what I do too! 🙂
Thanks again and or commenting!!
Girl, I’ve never seen a grilled cheese look better – you are killing it with this! And about that rude comment – I love your attitude and I so agree that reflecting on all the blessings in life is the key to facing anything. It’s not easy to take the high road but in the long run, it’s always worth it!
It really is so worth it and you know, it feel so good too! Thanks so much, Laura! Happy almost Friday!
OH FOR PETE’S SAKE. Every time I get an update from you in my blog reader I’m like “Right, like this girl can top that thing she did last ti– oh wait, what is this? SAKES ALIVE MY STOMACH NEEDS THIS NOW.”
And then I cry because I have to wait until I’m home before I can make whatever you’ve made in my own kitchen.
Seriously. You’re a genius and I’ve never met you but I think you’re lovely and so talented. Keep up the great work (and you’re not a half bad therapist, either!)
HA! 🙂
OHMG, thank you for all these kind words! SO SWEET!!