Pepper Pillows

We were gifted with half a bushel of banana peppers a few days ago by our neighbor and I've been coming up with as many recipes as I can to use them all.  Luckily, for me, they are not very hot, but they are full of flavor. When I make this recipe again using these same peppers, I'll add a splash of hot sauce.  They are delicious as they are, but a little more heat would be great, too.  Also, feel free to use the peppers you prefer.  If you don't like any heat, use bell peppers.  If you like more heat, then use jalapenos would be a good choice.

PEPPER PILLOWS

8 oz. cream cheese (I used reduced fat, but fat free or original would work just as well)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (6 oz.)
1/2 diced fresh banana peppers (or others of your choice)
Salt and pepper to taste
Garlic powder to taste
1 can (16.3 oz.) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
1 egg
Water

Preheat oven to 350° F.  In mixing bowl, stir together cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, peppers, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.  Set aside.

Using a rolling pin and some flour to dust, roll each biscuit into an 8 inch circle.  Place one heaping Tablespoon of the filling in the center of the dough.

  Bring the bottom up and pinch together to seal.  Place upside down on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. 

Beat the egg with a splash of water and brush the tops of the dough.

Sprinkle the tops with a little more salt and pepper.  Place in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until browned.  Serve warm.

 

(Printable recipe)

Frugal Steak Hoagies

I enjoy making leftovers into totally different dishes from what they were originally.  I also like to make a lot of one thing so that I can do just this.  Here is how I make frugal steak hoagies from left over grilled hamburger patties.

 Other than the pre-cooked patties, I also used hamburger buns, canned peppers in tomato sauce and cheddar cheese.  The peppers in sauce that I used is some that my dad cans himself, but there are a few local brands that might be pretty close.  Demus and Oliverio's are two that come to mind.  I also puree the peppers and sauce with a hand blender so nobody gets a big chuck of pepper.

 First, slice all the burgers into thin strips, around 1/8" thick and warm in a skillet with a little butter or spray oil.  Add the peppers and heat through.

 Each sandwich/hoagie will be wrapped in a sheet of foil.  On each sheet, spray with some oil, then begin assembling until you have them all done.

To assemble just lay the bottom bun on the oiled foil, add the meat and pepper mixture, top with cheese and then top bun.  Wrap foil completely sealing each hoagie and place a baking sheet.

Bake in the oven preheated to 350 degrees F, for 15-20 minutes  This will heat it through and make the bread a little crispy.  Delicious! 

What are some ways you like to use leftover hamburgers?