Pineapple Chicken

I really loved all the ingredients of this dish and wanted to give it a try. With my own version of course. I have to say the result is one awesome meal. I really really really liked it. Scratch that. Loved it.

Pineapple Chicken

~1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bit size chunks
salt and pepper to taste
20 oz. can of pineapples (light syrup), undrained
1 red, yellow and green pepper, rough dice (from the Charleston farmers market!)
1/2 jalapeno, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbls. low sodium soy sauce
2 tbls. honey (from Johns Island)
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
dash onion powder
1/2 tsp. chili powder (or less if you don't like the spice)

Spray a large pan and start over medium-low heat. Season the chicken chunks with salt and pepper and brown on all sides (about 10 minutes).

While the chicken browns, chop all your veggies and garlic.

Remove the chicken to a clean plate and put the vegetables and garlic in the pan.

In a medium bowl, combine the pineapples, soy sauce, honey, ginger, onion powder and chili powder. Gently stir.

Pour this mixture over the top of the veggies. Bring the heat to about medium and simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the veggies are tender and the liquid reduces. Return the chicken to the pan to soak up the juices and heat through (about 5 minutes or so).

Plate up and enjoy!!!!

Serve with sliced green onions, brown rice.

Servings: 4-6
Time: about 1 hour from start to plate

Notes: Like I said, I really enjoyed this so very much. I really love pineapple and the sweet and spicy combo of flavors really hit the spot for me! I imagine this is pretty darn healthy too. The leftovers aren't too shabby either.

Recipe inspiration: Crème de la Crumb

Carolina Breeze

This is a super-simple adult beverage for a hot summer's day or the beach or just about anywhere!
I'm calling it the Carolina Breeze. It probably has some other name, but I wanted to give it my own. So I did. Don't judge. Just drink it up!

Carolina Breeze

1 can frozen lemonade
1 1/4 cup vodka (give or take, right?)
1 light beer
2-3 cups crushed ice
lime wedges for garnish

I allowed the lemonade to thaw for a few minutes on the counter top. If you have a trusty blender you could just throw everything in there and let her rip (including cubed ice). I don't have one currently, so I used my own method. Basically just combine everything together and pour in a large pitcher.

Serve in some kind of adorable adult beverage container.

Stay thirsty my friends!!

Notes: The lemonade makes it pretty sweet, but you can always add a little fresh lime juice or salt. The husband tasted it, commented it was good, but returned to his precious beer. I found it very refreshing!!! Enjoy!

Fried Green Tomatoes

I don't usually cook a lot of fried foods. But who can resist fried green tomatoes? Am I right?

Just sit back, fry 'em up and devour!!

Fried Green Tomatoes

2 green tomatoes (got ours from the Charleston farmers market!)
1 cup flour
1 tbls. Cajun seasoning
1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1/3 cup corn meal
1 large egg
1/2 cup milk (I used 2% organic)
about 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or your oil of preference for frying)
a little salt and pepper

Heat the oil in a cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Cut the tomatoes into thick slices (about 1/4" thickness).

Set up your assembly station by combining the ingredients in three shallow bowls. First bowl: flour and Cajun seasoning Second bowl: egg and milk Third bowl: breadcrumbs and corn meal

Dip the tomato in each bowl and fry in the pan on each side until golden brown. Remove and drain on a paper towel lined plate. Serve warm.

We ate these with grilled chicken and a fresh corn salsa.

I am telling you these are delicious!!! Go make them now!

No Flour Peanut Butter Cookies

I almost forgot!!! I have a new kitchen in a new house! I am very excited about it all. This is actually the first thing I'm putting on the blog that I made in the new kitchen and it turned out great!

I know it's shocking...I actually baked some cookies. Husband and I are not big on sweets, but I really wanted to try this recipe. I think these cookies are quite yummy. I gave most of them away at my work and several folks said they were very good. Happy, happy, happy. They certainly satisfied my rare craving for a peanut butter cookie. :) Give it a try!

No Flour Peanut Butter Cookies

1 cup natural peanut butter
3/4 cup white chocolate chips (or regular chocolate chips)
6 tbls. light brown sugar
2/3 cup old fashioned rolled oats (like Quaker)
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
1 large egg

Combine the oats, cinnamon and baking soda in a medium bowl. Set this aside. In another medium bowl beat the egg, then add the peanut butter and brown sugar and gently mix together. Pour this mixture into the oat mixture and gently combine with a rubber spatula. Fold in the white chocolate chips last.

Preheat oven to 350 and grease a cookie sheet. Use a large spoon to make about 2 tbls. worth of a cookie and space evenly on the sheet. Bake for 12-14 minutes depending on your oven. Allow to cool and enjoy!

Notes: Seriously, these cookies are awesome! Also, I probably forgot to mention, I LOVE peanut butter!! What's your favorite cookie?

Recipe cred: Sallys Baking Addiction

Masters Egg Salad

While I have never been to the Masters in Augusta, I hear they have some tasty (and cheap) pimento cheese and egg salad sandwiches. So I decided to make my own egg salad in honor of this tournament. Maybe one day soon husband and I can attend and try them in person. I think my version was pretty darn tasty!!

Masters Egg Salad

6 large eggs, boiled and chopped
2 ribs celery, diced
2 1/2 tbls. mayonaise
1 tsp. creole seasoning
1/2 or 1 tsp. worcestershire sauce
1 tbls. white vinegar

Gently combine everything with a rubber spatula in a medium size bowl. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator.

 I had this on toasted wheat bread and it was simply delicious! SO GOOD!

Cucumber Salad

This is a great, fresh side dish. I've made two versions of this and both are good. I think my husband prefers the first version, but I like a little variety with this one! Enjoy!

Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad

2 cucumbers, peeled and halved or quartered
1 container grape/cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, thin slice
1/2 cup sour cream
juice of one lemon
3 tbls. fresh dill, chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Combine the tomatoes, cucumbers and red onions. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Mix the sour cream, chopped dill and lemon juice together in a small bowl. Pour this dressing mix over the cucumber mix and serve immediately (or chill in the refrigerator until ready to eat).

Notes: This is a fast and fresh tasty side! Super easy, healthy and packs a lot of flavor!!

Serving: 6-8
Time: 20 minutes

The Bomb Balsamic Beef

Another delicious slow cooker winner!! This is great and so flavorful. Bonus: It smells a-mazing cooking in your kitchen. Make this with some homemade mashed potatoes and you've got yourself some down-home good eatin'!

Balsamic Beef

3 1/2 lb. beef chuck roast
4 small garlic cloves, diced
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 heaping tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
1 cup low sodium beef broth
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
salt and pepper to taste

Dump all your marinade ingredients in a medium mixing bowl and whisk together. Set the slow cooker on low. Pour the marinade in the bottom of the crockpot. Place the beef gently on top and spoon some of the liquid over the top of the beef. Cover and cook on low for about 6-8 hours. Low and slow! Remove the beef and shred with a fork and knife. Return to the crockpot juices or pour the juices on top. Enjoy!

Time: 6-8 hours
Servings: 8+

Notes: The marinade is so delicious. I love the flavors! Do yourself a favor and serve this over mashed potatoes and spoon some extra sauce/gravy on top! You won't regret it!