Chicken Cakes

I've said several times in different posts, that I always have a roasted chicken in the refrigerator.  I can make so many things with leftover chicken.  And one of the things my family likes is chicken cakes.  They are a knock off of crab cakes.  So easy to make, and very inexpensive.  Let me show you how I make mine.

You will need:
2 1/2 cups of cooked chicken
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup tartar sauce
1 teas. dried parsley
1 teas. garlic powder
1 teas. paprika
1 teas. dried tarragon
1/4 teas. salt
1/4 teas. black pepper
2 dashes of your favorite hot sauce
1 egg
1 cup Panko bread crumbs
olive oil

Into a food processor, place your chicken, (after you have removed the skin and bones),  I like to break mine up into chunks.

Pulse a few times until chicken is crumbly.

Transfer chicken to a medium sized bowl and add:
bread crumbs, onions, mayonnaise, tartar sauce, parsley, garlic powder, paprika, tarragon, salt, pepper, hot sauce, and egg.

Mix well.

Form into palm sized patties, (I get about 6 patties)

Coat each patty with Panko bread crumbs on both sides.

Add about 1/4 cup of oil to a frying pan over medium heat and cook the chicken patties for 5 minutes, until nicely browned.

Flip over and cook on remaining side for another 5 minutes until nicely browned.

Removed to paper towels to drain, and continue cooking the rest of the patties.

And that quick, you have dinner ready.

You could even make these into smaller sizes if you have children at home who need smaller sized cakes.

These are so good, and in 10 minutes they are warmed and cooked through.

They make great sandwiches.  Just add some lettuce, mayo, tomatoes, a little mustard.  Served on a toasted bun.  Yummy !!

With a side salad and some vegetables, you have a complete meal.  My family like to add a little more tartar sauce on top of the patties when they eat them.

Next time you have some leftover chicken, give this recipe a try and surprise your family.

It's a quick, easy, and inexpensive meal.

Enjoy !!

Brownie Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches

One of our family's favorite summertime treats is a brownie waffle ice cream sandwich.  They are so easy to make and you can customize them with your favorite ice cream.  Let me show you how I make mine.

You will need:
1 chocolate cake mix, (without the pudding in the mix)
2 large eggs
6 Tabs. softened butter
3/4 cup water

Baking spray
waffle maker
Your favorite flavor ice cream
Any optional add-ins for the batter, or to add around the outside of the ice cream sandwich.

In a large sized bowl add the dry cake mix, softened butter, eggs, and water.

Stir until smooth and well blended.

If you like, you can add chocolate chips to the batter for an extra chocolate flavor.

Now place in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.  This will allow the batter to sit up well for baking in the waffle maker.

After 30 minutes, remove the cake mix from the refrigerator.

As per your waffle maker's instructions, make sure to spray the waffle iron with baking spray and preheat the waffle iron.

As per your waffle maker's instructions, add 1/3 to 1/2 cup of cake mix into the center of the waffle maker.  Close the lid and cook, (as per your waffle maker's instructions).

When the waffle maker signals the batter is done, lift the lid and remove the chocolate waffles, (carefully), to a plate.   Continue cooking the cake mix until you have cooked all the batter.

I usually get 6 double waffles, (12 singles), from one batch of cake mix.

 I just stack them on a plate as I cook them, so they can cool.

Sometimes, we just use these waffles like this.  We add a scoop of ice cream on top, some chocolate syrup, (or caramel syrup), and enjoy.  But, today I kept everyone away until I get the ice cream sandwiches made.

Once they have cooled, place your favorite ice cream in the center of one waffle (I like to use vanilla).  Make sure to spread the ice cream from crust to crust.

Top with a 2nd waffle and gently press down, so the ice cream starts to ooze out the sides.

I then cut my waffles in half.  This gives me 12 sandwiches.

You will then want to place them in a container with a tight fitting lid and place in the freezer for a couple of hours.  After that, you can enjoy.

In our house, the family likes to roll the waffle sandwiches in sprinkles before freezing.  You can use so many different options, (i.e.: chocolate chips, berries, chopped fruit, chopped nuts, crushed toffee pieces, coconut, etc.), whatever goes with the type of ice cream you use in your sandwich.

For the little ones, I cut the sandwiches in fourths which makes them easier for the kids to handle.

So, while the hot days of summer are upon us, give these brownie waffle ice cream sandwiches a try.  Your family will thank you.

Enjoy!