#LockDownFood – BIG BOY Style

When I look at my hubby, Wors, I get slightly envious. He can eat anything he desires and does not have to worry about gaining a single ounce. Lucky bugger, blessed with a very fast metabolism. So when it comes to meal preparations, for him, I think BIG BOY style. The more bacon and cheese the better!

For myself, I opt for a healthier version, otherwise I’ll be rolling out of the house by the end of LockDown. Nudge-nudge,  wink-wink.

Today is all about the Big Boys, sincerely for the strong, capable true South African men. Working hard, labour hands with a big appetite. Yes, a braai is fabulous, true treat for any South African, today we are putting a twist on some of the naughty favourites.

Warning! These recipes are not budget friendly! Sometimes we have to splurge a bit and manage the naughty cravings.

Starting off with a Dagwood.  

A classic tripple decker. Let’s level it up!

Forget the greens and garnishes, today it is all about the melting cheese, bacon and crispy grilled bread. Start of by frying the bacon, sausages, mince, steak or whichever you prefer. Fry 2 eggs, or 3… slice a hefty bit of cheese. Give the 3 slices of bread a quick toast either in a toaster or pan before you slab on some creamy butter and even cream cheese. Add some garlic, not necessary but it does add great flavour.

Start the exciting layering process of this incredible Big Boy Dagwood.  Bread, cheese, meat, egg, cheese then another slice of bread, cheese, meat, egg, cheese and top it off with a spicy sauce on the last toast. Feeling bold? Add another layer!

Give this cheesy, meaty stack a good grill in a pan or even on the braai. Once the cheese is melted, forget the knives and forks, go in caveman style and enjoy!

A recent favourite of Wors is mince wrapped bacon, filled with cheese and a egg yolk. Do not worry, the egg whites are used for breakfast!

A MEATY NEST

Lets call it a meaty nest. This recipe was originally made in a muffin pan as individual nests. Give it a try or use a oven proof dish.

First, spray the baking dish with Cook&Spray or smear with butter. Line the dish with bacon.

Mix beef mince with biltong spices, or your favourite braai spice, add finely diced onions, go crazy and even add grated cheese. Press the mince mix firmly onto the bacon, and create little nests for egg yolk and cheese, or any filling you’re tummy is craving. Add cheese and egg yolk or whole eggs into each nest, lightly season and cover with more bacon. Creating a big loaf of mince meat hugged in bacon. Alternatively create a roll and bake in a bread tin.

Bake at 200 °C for 30 -45 minutes depending on oven and size of dish. Grill for a good 10minutes to get the bacon nice and crispy on top.

Cut nests individually and serve with a lekker cheese, mushroom or pepper sauce. Wors could not wait, he dug in and didn’t need anything extra. A serving of spicy, juicy meat with creamy cheese and crispy bacon fit for a BIG BOY!

Top wife tip: When in doubt, just add MORE cheese!

*This Meaty Nest is a fantastic LCHF treat – no carbs, high in good fats; no blood sugar spike, good for LDL cholesterol. – Ed.