I get asked quite a bit how I get my fried chicken so crispy. It really is easy.  

I use flour, seasoning (usually creole but you can use salt and pepper or even lemon pepper or garlic seasoning) and water.

In two separate containers, I place in one flour...the other water. That's right, I do not use an egg mixture or milk. In the water, I season it with my seasoning.  A nice liberal heaping of it. I stir to mix.

I usually coat the top of the flour with seasoning and then mix it.

I rinse the chicken and then coat in the flour.  After coating the chicken in flour, I dip it into the water, then back into the flour. My thing is, I press the chicken into the flour, sprinkle the flour, press, allowing the moistness from the chicken and water to really allow the flour to stick. 

I then deep fry it in vegetable oil on medium heat. The oil needs to be hot so that it is sizzling as soon as you place the chicken into it, then turn it down to medium so you do not burn the oil. When it starts turning golden, poke with a fork. When the juices run clear instead of cloudy, it is done. 

And that is it! The coating will be super crispy and it is perfect for gravy or to make a southern style chicken parmesan that will not get soggy.

I love, love, love using my griddle. It is amazing and cooks so many things. I cooked this entire burger on it and my was it tasty.

You will need (Makes 6 burgers):

Bleu Cheese Crumbles

Ground Beef (2.5 pounds)

Ciabatta Rolls

Bacon (2 strips per burger) Hamburger Seasoning(8 tsps for 2.5 pounds of beef, season as desired if making less)

4 whole jalapenos (I used canned, they are softer and spicier)

Fresh Baby Portobello Mushrooms (cleaned and sliced)

Season ground beef well. You can add more or less of the seasoning if you like. 

With griddle or pan on medium heat, add beef that you have formed into patties.

Slice mushrooms and peppers and add them to the griddle. Cook until mushrooms look like the photo and are tender.

Once burgers have cooked, top with crumbled bleu cheese. I used a glass bowl to cover the patties in order to get the bleu cheese to melt. Cook bacon. 

I love finding new recipes to try online. A friend of mine posted a link to Mexican Stuffed Shells on my facebook wall and when I saw it, I had to try it. 

These were a hit with my children and friends.  Wouldn't these be perfect to take to a potluck, or to serve at a party?  They can be messy to make, but are oh so good.

I used this recipe *clickity-click* but I omitted the tomato sauce, used Rotel tomatoes instead of salsa and a packet of taco seasoning.