Clint Eastwood probably ate stuff like this while filming one of his infamous Spaghetti Western movies in the 1960’s, including “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” in 1966. The then-young Eastwood starred in several films by Italian director Sergio Leone, which typically featured an Italian cast, directors and producers. We’re betting these people enjoyed […]

It sounds like a nasty word, but it really just means “before the meal” in Italian. You can get creative with whatever Italian meats, veggies or cheeses float your gondola. Makes 8-10 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Ingredients: Jar of roasted red peppers Cherry tomatoes Grilled eggplant Marinated mushrooms in a jar Green and/or black […]

Prep time: 12 min. Cook time: 10 min. Who doesn’t like gooey, melted cheese dipped in marinara sauce? These oven-fried sticks taste just as good as the oil-fried ones, only they can be consumed without the guilt. Ingredients: 8 part-skim mozzarella cheese sticks, cut in half 2 sprays olive oil cooking sprays, divided 8 oz. […]

Cowboys probably aren’t crazy about fancy salads with alfalfa sprouts and fancy veggies,  but this simple stock Caesar salad is always a hit — especially with Italian food. Ingredients: Romaine lettuce, chopped Croutons Shredded parmesan cheese Caesar Dressing: 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. white pepper 1/4 tsp. dry mustard 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard 1 tsp. […]

Prep time: 10 min. Total time: 45 min. Makes 6 servings It looks like you slaved all day over a hot stove, but it actually takes under an hour to put this chicken parmesan together for all your hungry mouths. Ingredients: 1 jar (24 oz.) spaghetti sauce 6 Tbsp. grated parmesan cheese, divided 6 small […]

Prep time: 10 min. Cook time: 5 min. Makes 4 servings Got a little overzealous when making spaghetti the other night? Never fear, don’t let it go to waste — turn it into another meal! That’s what a good cowboy would do… Ingredients: 2 eggs Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese Leftover spaghetti with sauce Salt 3 […]

This recipe comes from the “Texas Cowboy Cookbook” and who better would know how to make a Bloody Mary cowboy style?

Makes 6 servings Prep time: 15 min. Cooking time: 1 hour & 15 min. Ingredients: 3 quarts water 1 lb. cooked ham 2 medium onions, chopped 1 can (16 ounces) stewed tomatoes 1 large green pepper, chopped 1 package (10 ounces) frozen corn 1/2 tsp. pepper 1/2 tsp. sugar Salt to taste Directions: In a […]

Real cowboys and cowgirls eat chicken, too. This chicken blends both sweet and spicy (as you like). Made with salsa, serve it over rice or tortillas. Serves 4 Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 1 hour Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 (16 ounce) jar prepared salsa 3 Tbsp. brown sugar 1 tsp. brown […]

Ranch people cannot live on steak and beans alone. Here’s a way to get some veggies into ‘em and it tastes great, too! Makes 12 servings Prep time: 15 min. Baking time: 20 to 22 min. Ingredients: 1 carton (16 ounces) light sour cream 1 envelope (1 ounce) Hidden Valley Ranch dip mix 1 can […]

Whether you live in the country or related to Paula Deen from the FoodNetwork channel on TV, fried potatoes are popular and especially good if you have a hangover. (Plus, they’re easy to make.)

No, they don’t have any tobacco in them, but they are loaded with steak, veggies and cheese. We heard the Marlboro Man feasted on these when he was trying to quit smoking…he died anyway.

Real men may not eat regular quiche, but Western men will love this quiche made with a crust of hash browns instead of a pie crust. It’s good for breakfast or brunch with a piping hot cup of cowboy coffee.

They may look like something the cows left when they came home, but these little gems are delicious and easy to make. Ingredients: 2 cups sugar 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup butter 3 cups oatmeal 2/3 cups chunky peanut butter 5 tablespoons cocoa 1 teaspoon vanilla Directions: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, milk and […]

While you’re spending an afternoon enjoying all that the Colorado outdoors has to offer, why not have a hot pot of chili waiting for you when you get home. You can pour yourself a bowl and sit around the campfire and break out into a really bad rendition of John Denver’s “Rocky Mountain High” while […]