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The Best of Bonner Springs, Kansas

December 12, 2021 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

Disclosure: Kansas I-70 Association sponsored this post. However, all opinions and photographs are my own.

Have you ever driven into a town for the first time and instantly fell in love with it? Bonner Springs, Kansas won me over for its small-town charm and big-city attractions. Located off of KS I-70 Exit 224, the community promises visitors a warm welcome and a multitude of things to do.

I spent an overnight stay in Bonner Springs, which I was glad for because between sunrise and sunset I was busy exploring and needed the extra time. My first stop? Checking into my lodging accommodations at Comfort Inn (13041 Ridge Drive) and gearing up for a day of fun.

LODGING

Although the hotel is a short drive to downtown Bonner Springs, it is conveniently located near the Hollywood Casino, Kansas Speedway, and Legends Outlets should you decide to stay in the northeast part of the state for more than a weekend. I appreciate Comfort Inn for always providing the travel amenities I want when on the road.

Guests have access to a complimentary hot breakfast, indoor heated pool and hot tub, as well as an up-to-date fitness center with treadmills. The rooms are quiet and spacious – two must-haves for exhausted travelers who want a place to relax after a day of exploring Bonner Springs. Parking was a non-issue despite the fact the hotel stays busy with guest arrivals.

TEN & TWO COFFEE

I was curious about a coffee shop that I heard was on the same property as a members-only automotive club, The Fuel House. Caffeine is my fuel, so I had to find out more.

Sure enough, as I drove into the gravel parking lot, I spied the sign for Ten & Two Coffee (611 W. 2nd Street). One of three locations, the Bonner Springs cafe was located inside a 100-year-old converted warehouse. The entire space was massive. Needless to say, the coffee bar lived up to my expectations.

Not only does Ten & Two prepare specialty drinks and drip coffee, but they also serve breakfast sandwiches and pastries. A steady flow of customers consisting of locals and out-of-towners came in the door while I enjoyed a homemade cinnamon roll and a cup of signature coffee from a comfortable couch.

I spied beer on draft and a menu of specialty cocktails behind the coffee bar. Sure enough, Ten & Two transforms into a taproom after dark.

The lounge was decorated with high-end furnishes that appeared to be handpicked by a designer with an eye for a modern aesthetic. Pendant mercury bulb lighting. A pool table with new felt. Comfortable seating in an adjacent bonus room. An inviting space, it was only part of a larger complex.

THE FUEL HOUSE

Within view of the coffee shop is a window that divides the public space from a members-only, automotive country club, The Fuel House. I was given a private tour of the indoor garage that serves as a place where motorheads gather to work on their cars and chat with like-minded enthusiasts.

Some members of The Fuel House rent space inside the facility to store their luxury cars.

The owners’ wanted a place where members could also unwind and relax so they converted another area of the warehouse into a high-end whiskey lounge, only steps from a cigar room. I was shocked at the level of sophistication of both spaces, but considering the high-dollar cars housed on-site, it made perfect sense.

The interior design of The Fuel House is a mix of new furnishes and antique relics like this retro gas pump.

Members of The Fuel House have one thing in common – they love cars. They also appreciate a place where they can watch the game on an oversized TV, sip on the finest whiskey, or listen to music while puffing on a cigar from their own humidor locker.

To learn more about becoming a member and see a photo of the whiskey lounge, visit the website.

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN

So far, the people of Bonner Springs were impressive. They greeted me with a warm welcome everywhere I went. Each time I met someone, they raved about their own town. Repeatedly, locals told me that they chose to live in Bonner Springs for its family atmosphere and proximity to Kansas City. The town was quickly winning me over, too.

I drove a few blocks from The Fuel House to the Historic Downtown District to do a little shopping. Correction: A lot of shopping. Within three short blocks, I saw numerous boutiques. A few appealing eateries. I was delighted. I parked the car and set out on foot to see what I could find. My wallet was burning a hole in my pocket.

KAREN’S COUNTRY KITCHEN

Karen’s Country Kitchen (300 Oak St.) is a retail/grocery store specialized in Amish food. The owner’s mother welcomed me to the store and gave me a quick tour. When she mentioned that they carried about 100 different kinds of cheese, it was game on!

The tiny store was stocked to the gills with packaged seasonings, jams, and retro candies. The refrigerated case teased shoppers with whole cheesecakes, ice cream treats, and copious amounts of cheeses and meats. The food store is the place where neighbors visit with one another and the town’s sheriff stops by for a to-go snack.

Try before you buy! Do you want to sample the cheese? No problem. The small plastic containers with blue lids contain bite-size, free cheese samples.

The employees couldn’t stop telling me about a soup starter kit that tasted like stuffed bell peppers. (Full Disclosure: I came home to Wichita and prepared the soup for lunch in the weeks following my trip to Bonner Springs. It lived up to the hype, and so did the ham and bean soup that I also made the same week.)

If you’re someone who appreciates knowing where their food comes from, Karen’s Country Kitchen is the place to shop. Every package’s label lists a farmer or maker by name including the town where the food was sourced.

When en route to Kansas City, I’ll make a special stop in Bonner Springs at Karen’s Country Kitchen for the finest in Amish food products. If you can’t stop by, shop the online store, and have items shipped directly to your home. Home cooks can shop on this website page.

THE WONKY DOTTE

One of the newest stories downtown, The Wonky Dotte (204 Oak St.) is a gift shop where shoppers are bound to find something that makes them smile. I giggled my way through the retail store as I perused racks of socks with comical sayings and drink glasses perfect for parties.

Owned and operated by female entrepreneurs, it’s the kind of place where they serve wine slushies or mimosas for special events.

I couldn’t resist chatting with one of the owners as she prepared for Wine in the Dotte, a sip and shop event held that evening along Oak Street. I liked the store owners’ unapologetically funny sense of humor. They loved their job and they clearly had fun at work.

If you don’t find the ideal gift for someone, they will custom create it for you. Their staff can print any word or phrase onto apparel or drinkware. Now, that’s great customer service. View the store’s hours to plan your visit.

OWL-R-JUNK BOUTIQUE

As they say, “shopping is a hoot” at Owl-R-Junk Boutique (127 Oak St.). Homeowners who like to decorate will feel right at home shopping for everything from monogrammed coffee cups and wall art to holiday decor and doggie bowls.

I fixated on the front display showcasing a Christmas tree and shelves of miniature gnomes. They certainly know just what shoppers are looking for during the holiday season.

Walking to the back of the store, you’re greeted by colorful Kansas City Chiefs apparel. Think of it like a fan zone filled with something for every football fan. They also carry a large inventory of women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories for any occasion.

YOWZA ANTIQUES

My heart always starts to beat a little faster when I walk into an antique store. The perk of shopping at Yowza Antiques (205 Oak St.) is that shoppers will find old items as well as new retail intermixed on the showroom floor.

Say for example that you’re on the hunt for items for a photo shoot or to gift to someone who collects vintage sit-abouts, you’re in luck. The store is filled with retro finds. Perhaps you’re more in the mood to shop for a new candle or a pretty piece of jewelry. Yowza Antiques is one-stop shopping.

Visit the Facebook page to see the newest inventory and doorbuster deals. They publish live videos with insider tips for future sales. Heck, you might even catch them drawing names for a prize giveaway.

WOODLAND & WILLOW

What started as an online business grew to a boutique store when Woodland & Willow‘s owner decided to open a brick-and-mortar space to sell women’s apparel and home decor. The shop (128 Oak St.) has received rave reviews on social media for its trendy clothes.

During my visit, I eyed a t-shirt featuring Dolly Parton that I couldn’t live without. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be because the store was out of my shirt size. But wait!

I found just what I was searching for… a knit headwrap to keep my ears warm just in time for winter. And the price was reasonable – score!

The clothing inventory includes the latest trends. Serious shoppers should also follow the store’s Instagram and Facebook VIP group pages to learn about the newest additions.

GOOD VIBE SOCIETY

The store’s name alone drew me inside. Good Vibe Society (221 Oak St.) carries a plethora of clothing pieces to match any woman’s style in every size.

When you’re in the mood for a little retail therapy, visit the boutique to peruse racks of tops, jumpsuits, rompers, and dresses. Shoes complete every outfit and you’re sure to find a pair that complements your look.

New to the neighborhood, they’ve earned a loyal following. Farmhouse-style decor, t-shirts imprinted with positive sayings, and go-to gifts for friends who need a good laugh are just what fans flock to the store in search of. Preview the latest inventory for sale on their Instagram page.

THIRD SPACE COFFEE

When more than one person in town tells you to eat lunch at Third Space Coffee (226 Oak St.), you do it. Of course, the coffee shop serves dynamite drinks and pastries, but it’s the fresh-made sandwiches that draw a mid-day crowd. I took my place in line.

A firefighter standing in line behind me said I couldn’t go wrong with any of the sandwich options and that I should also “order the brownie.” My turkey avocado bacon sandwich was served on pillow-soft bread with a side of chips. I settled into a cozy seat near the rear of the cafe and watched as customers made their way to the counter.

Coffee shops are often a place for the community to gather and enjoy an espresso or meal with conversation. If you prefer reading while sipping a latté, check out the “Borrow a Book or Buy It $1” display in the rear of the cafe.

The Wi-Fi is free. The coffee is flavorsome and the food is so good you won’t have a single crumb left on your plate. View Third Space Coffee’s hours here.

MOON MARBLE COMPANY

One of the top attractions in Bonner Springs is the Moon Marble Company (600 E. Front St.). Travelers come from miles away to watch artist/owner Bruce Breslow demonstrate how to make marbles. In fact, the store’s annual Marble Crazy event draws artists from around the country to learn from one another.

Breslow, who started as a woodworker, is passionate about his craft. He took me around the retail area of the store to teach me the difference between marbles. Some marbles are used in competition while others with ornate designs and for display purposes.

I was impressed when he placed one particular marble under a light to show off its black light effect. His face lit up as he told me what goes into making one-of-a-kind designs like “Alien Swirl.”

He is also known for designing miniature glass sculptures. Ask him to show you his design of eggs and bacon in a frying pan. You’ll discover more whimsical designs as you tour the shop. All of his creations are made with beautiful Italian glass and created on-site at his workbench.

As of now, shoppers are asked to schedule their visits in advance. Once inside, the world of marbles and toys envelopes you. Everywhere you look there are colorful displays of blown glass and marbles. Moon Marble Company also specializes in carrying a large inventory of retro games and traditional toys. I had never seen so many board games for sale in one place.

If your kids complain that they’re bored, take them to Moon Marble Company for a visit. They’ll be in awe of the toys at every turn. Many of the games in stock are ideal for adults. Party planning? Need a gift for someone? The store carries timeless classics as well as trending games ideal for group play.

This is the retail space you see upon entering Moon Marble Company. The entire wall to the right of the photo is stocked with standard-size marble in every color of the rainbow, and that’s only the beginning of their marble inventory.

As they say, “please call to visit the moon” ahead of arriving at (913) 441-1432. Once you arrive, you’ll soon realize that you’ve arrived at a place unlike any other.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

After driving in circles trying to locate the Wyandotte County Historical Museum (631 N. 126th St.), I realized that it was located within Wyandotte County Park. A curvy road led to the historical museum, but to my disappointment, it was closed despite the posted hours. I would have to return another day to view their exhibits, which often include rotating collections of unique items specific to the area with a focus on community stories from the 1950s to the present.

But not all was lost. I learned about the historical significance of the area from the outdoor exhibits, which referenced tribal ancestry. As the sign reads below, the Wyandot people who lived in Ohio were moved to this location. To read more about their friendship with the Shawnee tribe, visit this informative website.

Also located in front of the Wyandotte County Historical Museum rests the World War II Bomber Builders Monument to honor the aviation workers of Kansas City, Kansas who built over 6,000 bombers. Women fulfilled many roles at the Fairfax Bomber plant since men were overseas serving their country during the war.

Admission to the museum is free. To plan your visit and view upcoming exhibits, glance at their information page here.

Other nearby attractions include the National Agriculture Center and Hall of Fame (630 N. 126th St.) dedicated to celebrating the American farmer and rancher. Get a glimpse of farm life as a group or during a self-guided tour. Plan your visit here. The suggested donation is $5.

QUENTIN’S BBQ

The best place to eat authentic, drool-worthy barbecue in Bonner Springs is Quentin’s BBQ (611 W. 2nd St.) I returned to the same complex where I enjoyed breakfast at Ten & Two Coffee to order dinner from the food truck’s window. I was told it was the place to be on Thursday nights.

Let me tell you something. I’ve eaten at most of the barbecue joints in the Kansas City area, but this one served some of the best-tasting smoked meat that I’ve enjoyed. The sliced brisket, pulled pork, and burnt ends were exceptional. I wasn’t about to sacrifice any of it just because I was full. It was worth packing the leftovers on ice until I could get them home to Wichita to share with others.

Quentin’s BBQ is so popular that they’ve since opened in a restaurant located at the same site as Ten & Two Coffee and The Fuel House. If the dining room is full, take your specialty sandwich or meaty meal outdoors to enjoy on the patio. Afterward, play a lawn game or head inside the complex for dessert at Olde Mill Ice Cream.

Olde Mill Ice Cream Shop

Take your choice of over a dozen Blue Bell ice cream flavors at Olde Mill Ice Cream Shop (611 W. 2nd St.) A sucker for comfort food, I chose a cup of Blueberry Cobbler. They can also serve scoops of your favorite flavor inside a plain or flavored waffle cone.

If ice cream floats are more your thing, they’ve got you covered. Choose from one of eight flavors from the Stubborn Soda fountain. Open during evening hours, the dessert shop also serves customers milkshakes and ice cream sandwiches.

What could be better than ice cream for dessert after a delicious barbecue meal?

Bonner Springs blew my socks off. From the attractions to the shopping and delicious meals, I loved visiting the area. With almost a dozen boutiques located in the historic downtown area, I’ll return to do more shopping. Besides, the people were incredibly kind and I want to see them again.

Located Centennial Park adjacent to the historic downtown district to find the Visitors’ Center. It serves as a picturesque backdrop for a family photo.

Do you love the outdoors? I’m told that adventure seekers like to test their skills at ZipKC. I have a massive fear of heights, so let me know if you enjoy the zip-lining tours through trees. Golfers may enjoy taking to the links at Sunflower Hills Golf Course.

Some people refer to Bonner Springs as a “playground of attractions,” and it’s easy to see why the area draws tourists to its vibrant community. Are you ready to visit?

Filed Under: Kansas, Travel Tagged With: Amish, antiques, automobiles, barbecue, bbq, Bonner Springs, boutiques, caboose, cafe, cars, coffee, coffee shops, food truck, historic, historical marker, ice cream, Kansas, Kansas City, marbles, Midwest, museum, sandwich, shopping, smal town, toys, Wyandotte

Tangy Cream Cheese Dill Pickle Spread

January 21, 2017 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

Cleopatra thought eating pickles was what kept her beautiful. I’m going to eat more pickles.

Last summer I posted a video on ODL Instagram of our pickling experience after buying bags of cucumbers from a local farmer. They stored jars in our cool basement didn’t last long. We were going through two jars at a time.

My obsession with pickles didn’t wain. It’s winter and I’m still eating the briny fruit. Wait! Did I just refer to them as a fruit? Yes! Pickles are technically a fruit of the vine like tomatoes, but are known as a vegetables according to the U.S. Supreme Court. (Why they are responsible for solving this mystery is well, a mystery. I thought they had important court cases to review?)

My Tangy Dill Pickle Cream Cheese Spread recipe can be made in less than 10 minutes and goes equally well on a toasted bagel in the morning or on a water crisp cracker thin when guests come over. You could even spread it on sandwich bread instead of mayonnaise and stack it will sliced corned beef or roasted chicken. The dill-flavored possibilities are endless! Your spread will be ready in 10 minutes. Now, that’s easy!

While this spread is ready to serve in 10 minutes, allowing it to sit in the refrigerator for an hour allows the flavors to meld.

onedelightfullife.com

8 oz

Tangy Cream Cheese Dill Pickle Spread

Pickle lovers unite! This easy to prepare dill flavored spread is ready in 10 minutes.

5 minPrep Time

5 minCook Time

10 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 1 package 8 oz. softened cream cheese
  • 1/2 c. finely chopped jarred dill pickles
  • 1/2 T. worcestershire
  • 1 T. chopped fresh dill
  • 1. T. pickle juice (optional)
  • salt and pepper to taste (optional)

Instructions

  1. Allow cream cheese to soften to room temperature and then add to a medium bowl.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients.
  3. MIx thoroughly.
  4. Refrigerate in a covered dish at least an hour.
  5. Garnish with a sprig of dill before serving.

Notes

You can add more worcestershire for flavor but it will make your spread a brown color.

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Filed Under: Taste Tagged With: appetizer, bagel, breakfast, cream cheese, dip, egg, herb, pickle, pickle spread, quick, sandwich, vegetable

Classic Egg Salad Sandwich on Ciabatta

August 24, 2016 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

Very few ingredients go as well together like peanut butter and jelly than hard-boiled egg and Hellmann’s mayonnaise. Hands down! This Egg Salad Sandwich is a classic for a reason and is incredibly creamy and delicious on a toasted ciabatta roll with crunchy romaine lettuce. Bonus: The breakdown price of ingredients for each sandwich is only one dollar! Let me show you how to save money on your next delicious lunch.

If you buy cage-free eggs on sale and your ciabatta rolls from Aldi, this sandwich is the cheapest meal you’ll enjoy all week. Guaranteed. I buy a package of six pre-sliced ciabatta rolls at Aldi ($1,49), and the eggs and vegetables from Kroger when on sale (prices vary). (Don’t forget to read my post 10 Ways to Get Deep Discounts on Groceries Without Using Coupons.You know how I love a deal and I want to save you money too.) Look for Manager’s Special discounts on packaged dill or soon-to-expire lettuce when in the grocer’s produce section.

It looks like I already took a bite out of this egg salad sandwich, but I didn't. Trust me. It was hard to resist eating it until I got the photo.
It looks like I already took a bite out of this egg salad sandwich, but I didn’t. Trust me. It was hard to resist eating it or that homemade dill pickle until I got the photo.

If you look up how to a boil an egg, more than one recipe exists. Hard to believe for since it’s basic cooking skill, but it’s true. Some people think you should add white vinegar to the saucepan water. Here’s my easy to follow method: I prefer to layer my eggs in a glass one quart saucepan, cover them with one inch of lukewarm water, and bring them to a boil. As soon as the water boils, remove it from the burner and cover it with a lid for fifteen minutes. After the time expires, remove each egg with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a bowl of ice water. Later, crack and peel each egg under running water. I get yellow yokes and white hard-boiled egg whites every time.

Mix all chopped ingredients in one medium bowl and then pile it on your favorite light bread or cut the carbs and spoon it into a leaf cup.

My recipes yielded four or five ciabatta sandwiches but it depends how high you pile the egg salad. This meal was a lunchtime hit and we ran out of egg salad in two sittings. It’s hard to resist!

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onedelightfullife.com

Serves 4 sandwiches

Classic Egg Salad Sandwich on Ciabatta

When sandwiched between ciabatta from Aldi, this egg salad sandwich is a meal deal at only $1 per serving.

10 minPrep Time

10 minCook Time

20 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 7 hard-boiled chopped eggs
  • 1/4 c. mayonnaise (I used Hellmann's)
  • 1 1/2 T. stoneground mustard
  • 2 diced celery ribs
  • 1 T. diced red onion
  • 1 diced scallion
  • 1 T. chopped fresh dill
  • 1 chopped dill spear
  • heavy pinch black pepper
  • small pinch kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Hard-boil the eggs, remove shell, and chop them.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix all remaining ingredients.
  3. Add chopped eggs to sandwich mixture and stir well.
  4. Cover and chill in refrigerator at least 30 minutes to an hour.
  5. Spoon onto a ciabatta roll and add lettuce.

Notes

Want a smoked flavor? Add 1/2 T. smoked paprika.

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Nutrition

Calories

233 cal

Fat

25 g

Carbs

4 g

Protein

1 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info
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egg salad sandwich

 

Filed Under: Lunch, Salads, Sandwiches, Taste Tagged With: ciabatta, dill, egg salad, egg sandwich, eggs, hard-boiled egg, mayonnaise, meal deal, relish, romaine, sandwich

How To Make the BEST Hobo Dinners

July 26, 2016 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

When visiting my boyfriend’s family in Upstate New York the first time, I heard them say we were going to make “hobos” over an open fire. Hobo dinners in Girl Scouts meant that you stuffed meat, potatoes, and canned veggies in a foil pouch and cooked it camp side, which were just okay. So, I wasn’t all too excited to for this family’s hobo dinners. But that all changed when I tasted the delicious, ooey-gooey sandwich that came from a scalding hot pie iron that night. How do you make the BEST hobo dinner? You have a family competition and sample everyone’s sandwich!

Someone in his family declared it a major competition and the prize was a certificate. We were a competitive bunch and I really wanted to win to prove myself as the outsider. While our take on the reuben sandwich didn’t win first place, it received rave reviews. The key was to use homemade sauerkraut, deli cut corned beef, sliced Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on light rye sandwich bread.

The winner of the hobo cook-off  in the Sandwich Dinner Category was a copycat version of McDonald’s Bic Mac. It’s layered seasoned ground beef (cooked), cheese, shredded lettuce, thin sliced pickle, and special sauce. DON’T FORGET THE PICKLE! Everyone agrees that the pickle makes the hobo dinner taste just like, or better than, the McDonald’s sandwich.

If my memory serves me correctly, an after-dinner treat made with blueberries, coconut, and white chocolate won best bite in the Dessert Hobo Category.

The flavor combinations are potentially endless and that’s what so fun about eating them around a fire with family and friends. Add the backdrop of tall trees, chill music, and a cold craft beer  then the night is just about perfect. (I also wrote a post on Upstate New York breweries, if you’re interested some seriously well-made beer.) There are a few necessary tips that you must follow to ensure a well-fired sandwich.

pie-irons
You can purchase a pie iron, or double version of one, at any big box outdoors store for around twenty dollars. This photo was taken at Cabella’s.

Tip #1: Close the latch on the pie iron while it’s still empty. Place it on hot coals or logs for at least 5-10 minutes to warm up. Stainless steal pie irons don’t cook your sandwich the right way and often burn the contents. Use cast iron every time!

Tip #2: Remove the pre-heated pie iron from the fire and rest it on a block of wood or another safe, flat surface. Open it and spray it with cooking spray thoroughly.

Tip #3: Line each side of the pie iron with sandwich bread and begin topping it with your choice of meats and cheeses. You must use cheese! Think of it like a grilled cheese on steroids.

hobo-dinner
If it can go on a pizza, it tastes great as a “hobo.”

hobo-dinner2

Tip #4: Once your toppings (and possibly squeezed mayo, mustard, dressing) are loaded, close and fasten the pie iron. Place it back on the coals.

Tip #5: Turn your pie iron every 3-4 minutes. You might even need to open it and check for doneness, as every fire is different in temperature.

Final Tip #6: Try not to overcook your hobo dinner (like the one below) because you get caught up in talking and boozing. 😉 See an example below. Ha! But, seriously…it was oh so yummy. You’ll never eat just one because someone else always has a flavor combination you want to try.

hobo-dinner4

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Filed Under: Sandwiches, Taste Tagged With: camp cooking, camping, fire pit, grilled cheese, grilling, hobo, hobo dinners, open fire, outdoor cooking, pie irons, pizza, sandwich

Healthy Turkey Meatball Sandwiches

July 15, 2016 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

Healthy comfort food.

Is there such a thing? Yes! If you swap the ingredients you use in a traditionally fattening comfort food for healthier options, you can! Gobble up my Healthy Turkey Meatball Sandwiches for lunch or dinner and feel good doing it. Of course, I needed something to wash these babies down with so I opted for a cold, light beer.

These turkey meatballs are crisp on the outside but tender on the inside. Tasty!
These turkey meatballs are crisp on the outside but tender on the inside. Tasty!

In this recipe I use skim milk instead of heavy cream, low-fat shredded mozzarella, and ground turkey instead of fatty ground beef. The fresh herbs are aromatic and take basic turkey meatballs to the next level. Use fresh herbs, people! It makes the difference.

Tip: Let your eggs reach nearly room temperature for better results.
Tip: Let your eggs reach nearly room temperature for better results.

Rolling your meatballs in a bit of all-purpose flour is the key to a getting a crispy exterior. Once in the pot, rotate them often even allowing them to stand on end. Don’t walk away from the stove because you need to move the meatballs often using tongs.

Don't crowd your meatballs.You'll need room to turn them often to brown all sides.
Don’t crowd your meatballs.You’ll need room to turn them often to brown all sides.

Once the meatballs reach that beautiful golden color on all sides, remove them from the pan and let them rest. (Don’t worry if the meatballs are a bit soft on the inside still because they will finish cooking in the spaghetti sauce.)

Unlike beef meatballs, these babies are not as greasy so you don't have to place them on a rack to cool.
Unlike beef meatballs, these babies are not as greasy so you don’t have to place them on a rack to cool.

Finished cooking off the meatballs, add all of them back to the pot. Add your preferred jarred spaghetti sauce to finish cooking them on a low simmer with the lid on until you’re ready to make a sandwich.

Want perfectly browned mozzarella cheese and a slightly crispy bun? Place your meatball sandwiches under the broiler for a couple minutes or place them in a toaster oven on the broil setting. Watch them closely!

Use a spoon to gently and evenly coat the sauce on the meatballs.
Use a spoon to gently and evenly coat the sauce on the meatballs.

healthy-turkey-meatballs5 copy

Don’t forget to garnish your finished meatball sandwich with a tablespoon of chopped basil.

onedelightfullife.com

20 meatballs

Serves 6-7 sandwiches

Healthy Turkey Meatballs Sandwiches

20 minPrep Time

30 minCook Time

50 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. shredded low-fat mozzarella
  • 1 T chopped basil for garnish
  • 1 pkg Pepperidge Farms Top Sliced Hot Dog Buns
  • 1 jar Prego traditional spaghetti sauce
  • Meatballs:
  • 1 lb. ground turkey
  • 1 small yellow onion
  • 2 T. fresh oregano
  • 2 T. fresh chopped basil
  • 3 diced garlic cloves
  • 2 T. parmesan
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 1/2 c. Italian bread crumbs
  • 1/2 c. skim milk
  • 3 T all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper

Instructions

  1. Add all meatball ingredients to a large bowl.
  2. Using your hands, make meatballs (slightly larger than a golfball) and place them in a slightly flour glass 9"x11" pan. Once all the meatballs are made, roll them around in flour to coat evenly.
  3. Add 2 T. olive oil to large pot. Bring to medium heat.
  4. Once at temperature, add 7-8 meatballs. Be careful not to crowd them.
  5. Rotate the meatballs until they are golden on all sides. Continue to add more olive oil to the pot before adding additional meatballs.
  6. Remove them from the pot and let them rest on a new glass pan.
  7. Finish cooking all meatballs.
  8. Reduce heat to low and add spaghetti sauce and return meatballs to the pot.
  9. Cover and let simmer at least 10 minutes.
  10. Add two meatballs into a split top hot dog bun and top with any extra sauce from the pot.
  11. Top with low-fat shredded mozzarella and put in a toaster or oven on broil for 2-3 minutes to melt cheese to a bubbly golden brown.
  12. Remove sandwich and sprinkle with chopped basil for garnish.
  13. Serve immediately.

Notes

You can use use ground beef rather than turkey. If you roll the basil leaves like a cigar and then run your knife through them, you can chop it easily into ribbons. Parmesan is salty so you cold eliminate the 1 tsp salt in the meat mixture.

7.8.1.2
31
https://onedelightfullife.com/turkey-meatball-sandwiches/
onedelightfullife.com

Nutrition

Calories

401 cal

Fat

5 g

Carbs

74 g

Protein

14 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info
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Filed Under: Dinner, Lunch, Taste Tagged With: basil, bread crumbs, egg, flour, fresh herbs, garlic, ground turkey, healthy, hearty, Italian bread crumbs, low-fat, meatball sandwich, onion, oregano, parmasen, sandwich, sandwiches, spaghetti sauce

Poor Man’s Lobster Rolls

July 11, 2016 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

I was just in New York and we enjoyed a tasty mahogany clam boil and steamed lobster at a family gathering on the deck. Nothing brings a crowd like announcing that you’re serving fresh seafood.

Once we returned home, I was still craving seafood. But in this landlocked state, lobster is a high priced delight. So, I made Poor Man’s Lobster Rolls using imitation lobster meat and it was delicious!

This version of a lobster roll is reminiscent of one from Maine since it is mayonnaise based and served in a split top, buttered hot dog roll. I prefer dill weed, celery seed, and Old Bay Seasoning with a pinch of pepper for the seasoning base. Stuffed full!

Creamy and delicious, this version of the Maine's famous lobster roll recipe is inexpensive and can be made in fifteen minutes.
Creamy and delicious, this version of the Maine’s famous lobster roll recipe is inexpensive and can be made in fifteen minutes.

It's lunch time and the flavor of the Poor Man's Lobster Roll can only be described as epic.
It’s lunch time and the flavor of the Poor Man’s Lobster Roll can only be described as epic.


onedelightfullife.com

Serves 3 lobster rolls

Poor Man’s Lobster Rolls

Lobster (or crab) is pretty expensive, so try this budget-friendly take on the New England lobster roll. Don't forget to butter toast your rolls!

15 minPrep Time

15 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 7 oz. imitation lobster meat
  • 1/3 c. mayo
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 1 T. scallions
  • 1 T. celery leaves
  • 1/4 tsp. Old Bay Seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp. celery seed
  • 1/8 tsp. dill weed
  • pinch black pepper

Instructions

  1. Run a knife through the imitation lobster meat to give it a rough dice.
  2. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
  3. Optional garnish: celery leaves, celery seeds, and scallions.
  4. Serve cold spooned into center cut, buttered crusted hot dog rolls. (You can also lay a bib lettuce leaf inside the bun prior to spooning the lobster mixture into the roll.)

Notes

You can substitute imitation crab meat instead.

7.8.1.2
24

https://onedelightfullife.com/poor-mans-lobster-rolls/

onedelightfullife.com

Nutrition

Calories

80 cal

Fat

1 g

Carbs

7 g

Protein

12 g

Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info


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Tell me in the comments section if you enjoyed this recipe. It’s so tasty!

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Filed Under: Lunch, Sandwiches, Taste Tagged With: crab, imitation crab, imitation lobster, lobster, lobster roll, Maine, New England, Old Bay Seasoning, sandwich, seafood, seafood sandwich

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Ammar
Hello! I'm Vanessa. Welcome to One Delightful Life, a blog created to add more delight to your life with delicious recipes, travel destinations, and lifestyle improvement ideas. Thanks for exploring my blog!

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