Classic Chili Pie by Wolf Brand Chili

Ingredients

4 cups corn chips, divided
2 cans (15 oz each) Wolf Brand Chili No Beans, heated according to package directions, divided
1-1/2 cups shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend, divided
3/4 cup chopped onion
Sour Cream, optional
Sliced green onions, optional

Directions

1.) Preheat oven to 350F.  Layer 2 cups of the corn chips, half of the chili, 1 cup of the cheese and onion in a 2-quart casserole dish.  Top with the remaining chili.

2.) Bake 25 minutes

3.) Top with the remaining chips and cheese.  Bake an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.  Garnish with sour cream and green onions, if desired.

As a native Texan, chili pie, or Frito Pie, is a part of my heritage, and I love it.   I'm also a fan of Wolf Brand Chili.  So what's not to love about this recipe?  Well, all the steps.  The recipe could have stopped at "heated according to package directions" and the pie would have been just as tasty.

I cooked the recipe as directed, and I could have easily fed 4 people a healthy share.   There were two of us at my table with two opinions on this dish.  The bottom layer of chips cooked into a delicious pudding of corn and grease and I couldn't get enough.  My other taster completely disagreed and thought that even the top layer had become too mushy.  We did both have doubts about the onions cooking enough, and we both thought they came out great.  

Fritos and Wolf Brand Chili make a great couple, but this isn't their best date.   I will continue to heat up cans of Wolf Brand Chili, but I will just pour it over a bowl of chips or maybe just straight into the bag and skip the baking.  

Wolf Brand Chili and Frito Migas

This being said, the next morning I was hungry and all kinds of homesick for Texas so I decided to make some migas.   I grabbed my chili pie left overs and removed the top layer of cheese, heated a small portion in a skillet, poured in three scrambled eggs with few fresh Fritos and a bit of cheese, and cooked until the eggs were set.  This breakfast dish was unbelievable.   Well, for me anyway.  My other taster was horrified at the idea and wanted nothing to do with them.  I just can't believe it took me this long to figure out that Wolf Brand Chili and Fritos make amazing migas. 

Hellmann's Parmesan Crusted Chicken

1/2 cup Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (about 1-1/4 lbs.)
4 tsp. Italian season dry bread crumbs

Directions:

1.) Preheat oven to 425F
2.) Combine Hellmans's mayonnaise with cheese in medium bowl.  Arrange chicken on backing        sheet.  Evenly top with mayonnaise mixture, then sprinkle with bread crumbs.
3.) Bake 20 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked. 


This recipe claimed to make a juicier Parmesan chicken, and it did not disappoint!  The chicken came out very juicy and the crust was amazing.   The total prep time was less than 5 minutes.  I grated the cheese from a block and everything was still ready to go in the oven before the preheating was complete.   The Hellmann's website claims the cost per recipe is $7.16 and the cost per serving is $1.79.   I was able to find boneless skinless breasts on sale so I came in just under these prices, and it was definitely worth it.   For sides I made mashed potatoes and sprouts.   I had one breast left over and took it for lunch the next day.  The crust held up well to overnight refrigeration.   I would definitely make this very easy and tasty recipe again!   Good job Hellmann's kitchen! 



 

A Brief History and Outlook

I am not a good cook.  I cannot look at an item in my cupboard and know how well it would go with others.  I rely heavily on cookbooks that have not done well in educating me on how a certain ingredient will work in the recipe as a whole.   Luckily the makers of most condiments and dry goods put recipes for that specific product RIGHT ON THE LABEL! On everything!  Chocolate chips!  Mustard!  Malt vinegar!  Baking Soda! Where have I been?  So, over the next few whiles I am going to be cooking these recipes and rating them on taste, ease, and adaptability.  

Most companies spend a lot of money in test kitchens to have these recipes developed to make their product taste amazing.  If the product taste great then we will buy more, right?  Well, after a few experiments I have tried and made some amazing dishes and baked goods using these recipes.  I have also made some duds and one absolute disaster. 

I am moderately skilled at the actual act of cooking.  I can make a mean breakfast, and soups are pretty easy.  I can also consistently bake wonderful cakes.   However, I am not an expert.  If I can make the dish as instructed with ease, then most reasonable people should be able to do the same.  

I recommend everyone to grab something from the kitchen, turn that box around, and look at that recipe there in the corner.  Look good?  Let me know! 

I will be posting reviews, photos, and recommendations quite regularly. 

- Dustin

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