Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Black-eyed Pea›The Great American Sampler Recipe

The Great American Sampler Recipe

Inspired by Black-eyed Pea
Time1h
Serves4

Choose any three of these classic appetizers - Fried Mushrooms, Chicken Tenders, Cheese Sticks, Fried Green Tomatoes, Potato Skins. Served with your choice of sauces.

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Ingredients

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Fried Mushrooms

Chicken Tenders

Cheese Sticks

Fried Green Tomatoes

Potato Skins

Method

Fried Mushrooms

  1. 1

    Prepare the mushrooms

    Clean the button mushrooms with a damp cloth and remove the stems.

  2. 2

    Set up the breading station

    In one bowl, place all-purpose flour mixed with salt and pepper. In a second bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. In a third bowl, place breadcrumbs.

  3. 3

    Bread the mushrooms

    Dip mushrooms in flour, then into the egg mixture, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.

  4. 4

    Fry the mushrooms

    In a deep pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Fry mushrooms in batches until golden brown for about 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

Chicken Tenders

  1. 5

    Prepare the chicken

    Cut the chicken breasts into strips.

  2. 6

    Set up the breading station

    In one bowl, place all-purpose flour mixed with salt, pepper, and paprika. In a second bowl, whisk together eggs. In a third bowl, place breadcrumbs.

  3. 7

    Bread the chicken

    Dip chicken strips in flour, then into the egg mixture, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.

  4. 8

    Fry the chicken tenders

    In a deep pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Fry chicken tenders in batches for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

Cheese Sticks

  1. 9

    Prepare the cheese sticks

    Cut mozzarella cheese into sticks if not pre-cut.

  2. 10

    Set up the breading station

    In one bowl, place all-purpose flour with salt and garlic powder. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, place breadcrumbs.

  3. 11

    Bread the cheese sticks

    Dip cheese sticks in flour, then into the egg mixture, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.

  4. 12

    Fry the cheese sticks

    In a deep pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Fry cheese sticks until golden brown for about 2-3 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

Fried Green Tomatoes

  1. 13

    Prepare the tomatoes

    Slice green tomatoes into 1/4 inch thick slices.

  2. 14

    Set up the breading station

    In one bowl, place all-purpose flour mixed with salt and pepper. In a second bowl, whisk together eggs. In a third bowl, place cornmeal.

  3. 15

    Bread the tomatoes

    Dip tomato slices in flour, then into the egg mixture, and finally coat with cornmeal.

  4. 16

    Fry the tomatoes

    In a deep pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Fry the tomato slices until golden brown for about 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

Potato Skins

  1. 17

    Bake the potatoes

    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the russet potatoes for about 45 minutes or until tender. Let cool slightly.

  2. 18

    Prepare the skins

    Cut the baked potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a thin layer.

  3. 19

    Season and bake

    Brush the skins with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place them back in the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes until crispy.

  4. 20

    Add toppings

    Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions over the potato skins. Return to the oven until cheese is melted. Serve with sour cream.

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