Saturday, September 8, 2012

Raspberry Vinegarette Salad



This salad was soooo good! Full of flavor, crunch and lots of healthful goodies. To be honest, only Doug and I were home for dinner, but we loved it! I found the recipe on Pinterest. I have had so-so luck with the recipes from Pinterest, but this one is definitely a keeper. Here's what ya need to put it all together...

2-3 Romaine Hearts, chopped
1-2 apples, chopped ( I used Jazz apples)
6 slices Bacon, cooked and chopped
1 cup English Walnuts, roughly chopped
1/2 cup crumbled Feta Cheese

Dressing: 
1 cup Sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dry mustard
1/2 cup Red wine vinegar
1/2 small Red onion 
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tsp poppy seeds

Combine 1st 5 ingredients for dressing in a blender and blend till smooth. Slowly add in oil while blender is running. Stir in poppy seeds. It's easy and yummy as that!

 I only made 1/2 a recipe for Doug and I. The dressing makes a lot and I only used 1/2 ( 1/4 of the original recipe) of what I made for our salads.

I served this with grilled Chicken breast on the side, but you could easily add the chicken to the salad for a yummy salad dinner. Either way it is an easy, tasty and healthy meal!

Source: Adapted from Clusters of Carlyn

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Crockpot Chicken Fajitas

1 1/2 onion, sliced
1 green pepper, sliced
1/2 red pepper, sliced
3-4 chicken breasts
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt

Additional ingredients:
fajita size flour tortillas
toppings such as shredded cheddar, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, pico de gallo...


 Layer onions and peppers in bottom of crockpot.


Lay chicken over veggies.


Pour chicken broth over top.


Sprinkle spices over all.


Cover and bake on high for 5-6 hours.
Remove chicken and shred with two forks. return to crock pot with veggies.


I transferred chicken and veggies to a serving dish.


When ready to eat, use a slotted spoon to scoop up chicken and veggies onto warmed tortillas.

Top with desired toppings.


 When this is cooking, your house smells so delicious! J came home from football practice, walked in and said "Mom, dinner smells great. It's almost the best part of the meal!" He has an incredible sense of smell and appreciates when the house is full of good cooking aroma! 
Oh, he liked the way it tasted too...



Monday, September 3, 2012

Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches

This is a "cheater" recipe, no doubt about it! But it's quick, easy, tasty, and no complaints from those it's served to.


oops! forgot to sprinkle on the parmesan before snapping the pic!


Pre-made chicken patties
Provolone cheese slices
Maranara or pizza sauce
Hamburger buns
Parmesan Cheese

Begin by baking chicken patties according to package directions. You can use the microwave, but they will have a crispier crust if you bake.

When patties are heated through, place a slice of Provolone cheese over each patty., return to oven until melted.

Place patty with melted cheese on bottom bun and top with a couple tablespoons marinara sauce (more or less to your preference). Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.  Cover with top bun and serve it up to hungry folks!

I made these when trying to come up with an easy Chicken Parmesan recipe for Caleb to make. In the future, I will probably use a meatless patty from "Morning Star Farms". We have those sometimes as a chicken sandwich because they are healthier than a regular old chicken patty, and we really like them!