Baked Chicken Fajitas

I get excited when I try a new recipe and it exceeds my expectations. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas came together easily and the finished product was delicious. Fajitas are usually cooked in a very hot frying pan. It is a meal that requires last minute craziness. The prep for Fajitas is is the same however you cook them. I just like the idea of letting the oven do the cooking, it is basically unattended. That is good. While the Fajitas are cooking I am free to prep the yummy toppings that must accompany Fajitas.

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken--I use Costco Chicken Tenders
2 peppers, red, yellow or orange
1 poblano pepper--these are very mild and add a great flavor, green pepper can be substituted
2 jalapenos--do not use seeds or membranes for a milder flavor. I do wish there was a way to know just how hot a jalapeno is! I always use food prep gloves when handling jalapenos. I have learned the hard way. Jalapenos add a wonderful flavor. We love them!
1 large onion
2 tablespoons taco seasoning, I make my own because I have to do something with all the Penzys spices I own! I'm sure you could use a package mix. Penzys also has a yummy Fajitas blend. So many choices. I think the point is to season well!
2 tablespoons olive oil
8-10 tortillas
garnishes such as cilantro, lime wedges, guacamole, sour cream, salsa

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Brush a large sheet pan with oil.
Cut the chicken against the grain into 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide strips
Cut bell and poblano peppers into long thin slices--1/4 inch wide
Slice the jalapenos into thin rounds (remove seeds and membranes first)
Cut ends off of onions. Cut in half from pole to pole. Cut into thin slices
Scatter peppers, onions and chicken on sheet pan. Sprinkle with taco seasoning and drizzle with olive oil. Use tongs to toss until everything is coated--spread in an even layer. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring half way through. Serve on warm tortillas with lots of garnishes.
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This recipe came from The Yummy Life.

Candy Cane Krispies

Yeah--lunch with my cousins! I know I am 61 but I was excited.  We seem to only see each other at funerals. We wanted to gather and laugh and eat and basically reconnect with each other. We had so much fun. It was like we were kids again. Your cousins know you like no one else. They know your parents and grandparents, they know your brothers and sisters. They know more about the struggles and challenges you have weathered. You can be a great support to each other. We had a wonderful time. So good that we have another lunch scheduled for January!

An  hour before I left I decided to take a treat to share. It had to be quick! I had just seen this recipe on Our Best Bites. I knew it would be good. It was excellent! The kind of treat that you just keep eating. I love Rice Krispie treats in just about any form. The addition of crushed candy canes, white chocolate and dark chocolate made these a treat I was happy to share. So very, very good. So easy to make. This recipe was made for Christmas Gatherings!

Candy Cane Krispies
16 ounce package marshmallows
7 tablespoons butter
9 cups rice krispie cereal
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
4 ounces white chocolate (I use the melting discs)
4 ounces dark chocolate (I use the melting discs)
I purchase my chocolate discs at Gygi's in Salt Lake City or they are sold in bulk at Winco. I have heard that Sam's Club carries them seasonally. Yes, you could use chocolate chips, just add about 1/4 teaspoon vegetable oil to the melted chocolate and mix.
8 Candy Canes crushed. I crushed them and then put them in a fine mesh strainer. The dust like particles went in the mix with the rice krispies. The bigger chunks were used as garnish after the chocolate had been drizzled.

Use about 1 tablespoon of butter and butter a large sheet pan. Don't use Pam--it will taste nasty in this recipe (and I do love Pam--just not here). Melt butter in a large bowl in the micro wave. Add marshmallows to melted butter and stir. Return to microwave and cook for 30 seconds, remove and stir. Continue until marshmallow are completely melted. Add rice krispies, peppermint extract and peppermint dust. Stir until combined. Put sticky mixture in a large buttered sheet pan. I get my hands damp and spread/pat the mixture in place. You may have to re-moisten your hands a few times.
Put dark chocolate in a baggie--microwave until melted (my microwave has a chocolate melting button--genius)! Once chocolate is melted cut a very small corner off the baggie. Have fun and drizzle the chocolate all over the top of the krispie treat. Put white chocolate in a new bggie and melt and drizzle. Once all the chocolate has been drizzled quickly sprinkle candy cane pieces on top.
Beautiful. Let cool. If you are in a hurry and you live in Utah just put them outside for 20 minutes and your delicious treat is ready. Cut and bag or plate.
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This recipe was inspired by a recipe on Our Best Bites--I increased quantities but nothing drastic.

Sweet and Spicy Pork Tenderloin

I do love pork tenderloin. Once I purchased a good meat thermometer my pork was delicious. Overcooked pork is dry and chewy--not good. Pork cooked to 140-145 is moist and delicious, you can cut it with a fork. Pork tenderloin is really a fast food, you can easily make it on a week night. This recipe can be made in under 40 minutes. Most of that time is cooking/resting.
My daughters are great cooks, we share recipes and encourage each other to cook dinner. Jill was kind enough to share this recipe. I am glad she did as I probably wouldn't have made it without her positive review. Really who uses cinnamon when cooking pork?  Please trust us, it is so good. It is an amazing combination of sweet and spicy. Add it to your dinner rotation.

Sweet and Spicy Pork Tenderloin
1 pork tenderloin (about 16 ounces)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Dry Rub
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon cumin
3/4 teaspoon chili powder
Glaze
2/3 cup brown sugar
3 large cloves garlic--pressed
2-3 teaspoons Franks or Cholula hot sauce
Heat oven to 350. Trim silver skin from tenderloin and pat dry. I cut the tenderloin in half because it fits it my frying pan better. In a small dish mix together dry rub ingredients. Rub the spice mixture over the pork to coat.
Heat olive oil in a heavy, oven safe frying pan till very hot. Quickly brown meat on all sides. It will smell amazing! Leave meat in frying pan. Combine glaze ingredients and spread/pat on tenderloin. Bake 350 degrees for 17-20 minutes. Internal temperature should be 140 degrees. Remove from oven, leave meat in pan and tent with foil. Let rest for 10 minutes. Slice meat and drizzle with pan sauce.
Serves 4 adults.
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I adapted this from a recipe found on Food.

Lemon Angle Pie for Pi Day

I don't make many pies--you have to have guests over to make a pie and we did, so I did! It was in celebration of Pi Day, I was going with a theme.

Angel Lemon Pie is heavenly--if we eat food in heaven it will be this light delicious desert. It has a meringue crust, which is the easiest crust ever made! The filling is a lemon curd made completely in the microwave. When cool it is lightened with whipped cream.

That's it. The only tricky part is it must be made the day before which is a great thing when entertaining. You must also let the crust and lemon curd cool before filling the crust. Just read the recipe through, a good thing to always do, before making a recipe.

Lemon Angel Pie

Ingredients

4 eggs at room temperature, separated

1 cup sugar

1/4 teaspoon cream of tarter

1/2 cup sugar

4 tablespoons lemon juice, (I used Meyer Lemons but any lemon would work)

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 cups whipping cream

Meringue Crust

In a stand mixer fitted with the wire whip beat the egg whites until foamy. While mixer is runing gradually add 1 cup sugar and the cream of tarter. Beat until stiff but not dry. This happen in about 3 minutes. I think a high altitude with no humidity helps (this is one of the few desserts that works best high and dry!) If you cannot get your egg whites to go stiff enough no fear they will work. Butter a deep dish glass pie plate. Put meringue in pie plate, mine looked like a beautiful cloud!

Bake at 300 degrees for 45-50 minutes. Cool completely.

This is the meringue going into the oven. It is light and beautiful!

When the meringue came out of the oven it puffed over the pie shell--it was gorgeous! As it cooled it slowly sank down to create a perfect pie shell.

Filling

Put the 4 eggs in a microwave safe bowl, I used a quart Pyrex measuring cup. Beat slightly. Stir in 1/2 cup sugar, lemon juice, lemon rind and salt. Cook about 3 minutes stirring with a whisk every 30 seconds. Mixture will be very thick, lemony and sweet. That is just how it should be! Cool completely. I cooled this in the fridge.

In a clean mixer bowl fitted with a wire whisk pour the 2 cups whipping cream. Beat until stiff--don't over beat or you really will get butter. How do I know?? I make many mistakes--I share them with you so you don't need to make them. Do not add any sugar to this whipped cream. Put half of the whipped cream in the cooled lemon curd mixture. Stir gently. You want to combine the ingredients but not deflate the cream. When mixed pour into the meringue shell. Using a short off set spatula spread the lemon cream on the crust. Top with the rest of the whipped cream. I also used an offset spatula to spread the cream. Put the pie in the fridge. It needs to cool up to 18-24 hours.

Serve the chilled pie and enjoy rave reviews (I did)! Serves 8 adults.

Printable Recipe

I googled this recipe and found several that were similar. It is a very basic recipe and has been around for years. I liked the photos in Homebased Mom.  My Mother-In-Law was so excited to eat this--it was similar to a recipe her sister made many years ago. Aunt Melba has been gone for many years. She was a great cook, I know eating this dessert brought back many memories for my Mother-In-Law. Food will do that to you! It was a great dessert, I will make it again soon.

Simply Fresh Tomato Sauce

We have had beautiful fall weather in my little part of the world. Temperatures in the 70's and lots of sun mean that our gardens continue to produce. Our neighbor was kind enough to share his bounty. I have a bumper crop of parsley and basil, so this was the perfect dish I just had to make it. This was amazing over pasta, I added a few meatballs and we had a delicious meal.

Simply Fresh Tomato Sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 medium onion. finely chopped
1 small stalk celery including the green top, finely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley  or 2 teaspoons dried
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried
2 pounds tomatoes, peeled I would also squeeze the seeds out or use a large can of crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon tomato paste
salt and pepper
Heat oil in a large skillet on medium heat, add onion, carrot, celery and parsley. Stir, reduce heat to low, cover skillet and cook for 15-20 stirring occasionally. Add garlic, increase heat and cook for 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, tomato paste and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a low simmer, reduce heat to low and cook uncovered until thickened about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve over pasta, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This is one fresh meal!
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Salsa Verde

 

This salsa is so tasty that I would feel guilty if I didn't share it. I also don't want to forget about it--that is why it appears on my blog. Here is how my life goes. It is time to make menus, I really do this. It is empowering to walk in a grocery store and actually know what you want.  Anyway as I ponder food somewhere in the back of my mind I remember making a delicious salsa, the main ingredient being tomatillos. First I look on my blog, then my Pinterest boards--I spend way to much time looking. I start checking my favorite blogs looking for this familiar recipe. It comes back to me--it is on Kevin's Closet Cooking, he has about 50 salsa recipes (all look enticing). I scroll through them and finally find what I am looking for. Looking for a recipe can be quite the journey. Long story short, keeping a blog is the best way for me to keep track of the recipes I make and love. I also love sharing recipes that have proven to be winners in my book. My blog contains only recipes that I really make and share with others. Enjoy! Please excuse the bold italics (I really am not shouting at you). Sometimes blogger has a mind of its own--I'm not smart enough to fix it! 

Wow, that was quite the ramble for a salsa that is simply delicious! roasting the ingredients really adds flavor. This beautiful bright salsa is good with chips, on tacos, tostadas, quesadillas, etc. Mix it with equal parts chicken broth and a bit of cumin and you create the best tomatillo sauce--perfect in green enchiladas. I don't have photos of this but trust me they are delicious. Sometimes one is hungry--there is no time for photos!

 

Salsa Verde

1 pound tomatillos-husks removed and cut in half

1 small onion cut into wedges

2 jalapenos, seeded and cut in half (wear gloves when working with peppers)

2 cloves garlic, pressed

1/2 cup cilantro

1 lime, zest and juice 

salt and pepper
Put tomatillos, onion and jalapenos cut sides down on cookie sheet. Put under broiler until the skins blackened. You may have to remove the peppers first--it is easy to take the skins off the jalapenos. don't worry about the tomatillos. Put all the veggies in the food processor, give it a ride until everything is chopped up nice. Add lime zest and juice. Salt and pepper to taste.
Excellent served with chips--it is also an excellent sauce on tacos, enchiladas, fajitas.
Printable Recipe
From Kevin's Closet Cooking
 

Breakfast Burritos

 

Breakfast burritos are a favorite at our house and are a perfect quick meal any time of the day.  The filling can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick delicious breakfast after a late night with family!

 

They are very versatile and can easily be altered to satisfy your preferences.  We have done a lot of experimenting - and this is currently our favorite breakfast burrito!

 

Breakfast Burritos

1 bag frozen shredded hash browns

1-1/2 lb Hot and Spicy Sausage, cooked. diced ham or cooked crumbled bacon would also work

4-6 eggs

1/2 cup salsa

cheese--shredded

sour cream

tortillas-flour or corn

Cooking frozen hashbrowns is somewhat of an art - one that requires patience and time! A 2lb bag needs to be cooked on a very large electric griddle, or in two batches in your largest stovetop skillet.  Spray the surface and drizzle with oil or butter.  With the griddle/skillet on medium heat add the frozen hash browns and DON'T TOUCH for 8-10 minutes. This is difficult, I know, but they will be so much better in the long run.  Season with salt and pepper. After 8 minutes check a small area, they should be lightly browned.  If you'd like them cooked more leave for a couple more minutes.  When cooked to your satisfaction carefully turn and the once again DON'T TOUCH, this time for 6-8 minutes.  You will end up with wonderfully cooked hash browns that aren't reduced to a mess of mushy potatoes (admit it, it's happened to you!).

Brown sausage.

Scramble eggs.

In a large bowl mix together the cooked potatoes, meat and scrambled egg. Add salsa. Mix gently. Heat either corn or flour tortillas, sprinkle on grated cheese to melt. Add mix, garnish with sour cream, hot sauce, more salsa etc. Roll up and serve hungry guests!

This is a perfect camping meal. If you are really lazy cook at home and bring mix ready to heat to your event. Just warm tortillas and serve. But if you love to cook out doors and don't mind the bugs, heat, dirt etc. by all means heat up a big griddle. This really comes together easily.

However you make it just enjoy the time you spend with loved ones!

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Hummus--The Best Ever!

I do not like chickpeas, they are big and beany. At the salad bar I eat my way around them. So why do I like Hummus? I think something amazing happens when they take a ride in my trusty food processor. Just add a few simple ingredients and in just seconds a wonderful dip is born! Serve Hummus with pita chips, veggies or crusty bread, it is delicious!

Hummus
1 large clove garlic, minced
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons tahini
1 (15.5 ounce can) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
1/2 teaspoon salt
pepper
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
water
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon minced parsley
Add garlic, lemon juice and tahini to food processor. Pulse for about a minute until smooth. Add beans, salt and pepper, cumin, red pepper and 3 tablespoons water. Process until smooth. With processor running slowly add the olive oil, process until just combined. Add additional water to reach desired consistency. Store covered in refrigerator. Refrigerator for at least two hours before serving. Just before serving drizzle with olive oil and chopped parsley.
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Rice Krispie Squares--for Quilt Group

 It was my turn to bring goodies for the 20 ladies in my applique class. I always appreciate an assignment to bring treats. I get to make a delicious treat and get rid of them quickly, best of both worlds! Time was short so I made a batch of rice krispie treats--on steroids. These are not the treat that you buy in a package of 20 at Costco. You probably don't want to take them to your child's kindergarten class.
These will certainly be appreciated by your book club, quilt class or girls night. It really is just a simple rice krispie treat with a bit more butter, a little peanut butter and of course plenty of chocolate. I put each treat in a cute bag which makes them easy to hand out. They can be eaten on site or dropped in your bag for later (most were eaten quickly).
This is a simple treat that looks like you went to a lot of work--but you didn't. Make them often and share. Bonus--they are gluten free!

Rice Krispie Treats--for Quilt Group
16 ounces marshmallows
8 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup peanut butter
3/4 cup white chocolate chips (or melting wafers)
9 cups rice krispies (almost all of a 12 ounce box)
1/2 cup milk, dark or white chocolate chips
Melt butter, add peanut butter and stir. add marshmallows. Microwave stirring every 30 seconds until marshmallow are melted. Add rice krispies and  3/4 cup white chocolate chips, stir gently. Press into a buttered 9x13 inch pan. For a thin treat use a sheet pan. Melt chocolate chips--drizzle over top of treats. Refrigerate until chocolate is hardened. Cut into squares. Makes 20 treats.

Quick Cilantro Lime Chicken

Nothing better than a quick main dish that turns simple flavors into something amazing. This is certainly a 30-Minute Meal. To keep the meal really under 30 minutes add you favorite salad kit and some pre-cooked rice. Dinner doesn't get much easier.

 

Quick Cilantro Lime Chicken

2 chicken breasts--cubed

2-3 limes--zest one and juice all

4 cloves garlic--pressed

1/4 cup chopped cilantro 

salt

pepper

cumin

chili powder

cayenne pepper

Season chicken cubes liberally with seasonings--I would go lighter on the cayenne! Heat some olive oil in a pan until very hot. Add seasoned chicken, cook undisturbed for 3 minutes, when brown turn. Cook another few minutes until chicken reaches about 165 degrees. Add garlic and lime zest, cook for 30 seconds. Add lime juice and stir to release all the yummy goodness from the bottom of the pan. Top with cilantro.

Printable Recipe

Inspired by a recipe on this blog.



Singapore Chicken Salad

What is a Singapore Chicken Salad anyway??
I started with one of my favorite Asian Chicken Salads, made popular by my daughter Amber. This same sweet daughter introduced me to the wonderful world of Penzys Spices. They are fresh and have some of the most amazing seasoning blends. Actually in the near future I will do a post about some of my most used Penzys Spices.

Back to the 'Singapore Chicken Salad'. I purchased a small jar of Singapore seasoning. I knew it would be awesome because it contains some of my favorite spices--pepper, garlic, onion, coriander, cumin, ginger, fenugreek, nutmeg, cardamom etc. It worked miracles with the ever popular chicken tenders. These seasoned tenders added a wonderful flavor to a weeknight salad.
The homemade dressing makes up in just a minute from ingredients that are pantry essentials.
This salad is a little different each time I make it--depending upon what is in the fridge.
Have fun with this tasty salad!

Singapore Chicken Salad
I use Costco Chicken Tenders, 8 tenders fit well in my skillet and is enough for 2-3 servings. Thaw tenders, rinse and pat dry. Generously sprinkle chicken with Penzys Singapore Seasoning. Cook in a small amount of hot of hot oil for about 4 minutes per side or 165 degrees. Dice cooked chicken
Salad
Any mix of crisp veggies works.  I like Dole's Chopped! Asian Blend which contains green cabbage, red cabbage, broccoli slaw, carrots, kale and snap peas. There are so many fun salad blends available--it makes eating salad much easier. This hearty blend will also last a bit longer in the fridge than spring greens. Am I the only one that forgets what is in the fridge??
I might also add--
chopped romaine
Napa cabbage
diced cucumber
diced red pepper
green onions
bean sprouts
cilantro (a must)
orange sections
chopped peanuts or almonds
Won Ton Strips

Dressing
1/4 cup sesame oil
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Mix together--this dressing keeps for several days
Printable Recipe

 

 

Bahama Chicken Soup and Tortilla Strips

I have never been to the Bahamas but I can see myself sitting under a coconut tree enjoying this flavorful soup. I found the recipe in a 30 Minute Meal cookbook by a local Utah author Shauna Evans.  I marked several recipes that look interesting.
The trick to making this meal in 30 minutes is to have a Rotisserie chicken on hand. I didn't have one but quickly cooked some frozen chicken tenders (that I always have). I added more veggies and cut the recipe down so we only ate it for 3 meals.
I had my doubts about the Tortilla Strips--I usually purchase packaged Wonton or Tortilla Strips but I didn't have any on hand and I did have some close to date tortillas in the fridge. The garlic butter gave them a great flavor and they really did get crispy.
I was happy with the final dish and quickly wrote the recipe down so I could share it with you.
Here is my version of:
Bahama Chicken Soup
1 tablespoon olive oil
3/4 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced red or yellow pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon seeded and minced jalapeno pepper
3 cups chicken broth
1 can unsweetened coconut milk
1/2 can petite diced tomatoes--or 2 diced Roma tomatoes
1/2 can diced green chilies
2 cups diced cooked chicken, seasoned with salt and pepper
1/2 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
juice from 1 lime
In a stockpot heat oil over medium heat. Add onions, red peppers, garlic and jalapeño. Cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
Add chicken broth, coconut milk, tomatoes, green chilies, carrots, salt and pepper. Cook on medium low heat until carrots are crisp tender.
Add cilantro and lime juice.
Garnish with Tortilla Strips.

Tortilla Strips
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
flour tortillas
Mix melted butter, garlic and salt. Brush on both sided of tortillas. With a pizza cutter, cut in 1/2 inch strips. Spread on a cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 8 minutes, turning once.
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Creamy Chicken Picasso

I have had this delicious looking chicken dish pinned for ages. I found it on Let's Dish--one of my favorite blogs, Dani has some awesome recipes. This chicken dish was no exception. Candise was visiting and we made this for Easter dinner. It might not be your typical Easter Dinner, but it was colorful and fresh. Perfect for a spring meal.
The chicken was tender, the onions and peppers were yummy. We spooned the tomato cream sauce over angel hair pasta. And we tried not to lick our plates because it was Easter. Please don't wait till next Easter to make this dish. I will add it to the 'make often' recipe list.

Creamy Chicken Picasso
4 tablespoons butter, divided
4  boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 medium onion, sliced
2 peppers (red, orange or yellow), cut into rings
3 cloves garlic, pressed
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
pinch nutmeg
salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups Monterey jack cheese, grated

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  Season the chicken with salt and pepper, melt  2 tablespoons of the butter in a skillet and brown the chicken lightly on each side. Transfer to a greased 9x13 pan. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet, add the onions, season lightly, and cook until soft and browned.  Arrange the onions over the chicken.  If needed add the last tablespoon of butter to the skillet, add the peppers, season lightly, and cook until softened.  Add to the 9x13 with the chicken and onions. Add the garlic to the pan and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.  To the garlic add the tomatoes, broth, cream, salt and pepper, and nutmeg.  Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.  Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables.  Cover with foil and bake 20-25 minutes. Remove from the oven and remove foil.  Top with grated cheese and return to the oven, uncovered, until cheese is golden brown and chicken is cooked through. Serve with pasta if desired.
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Pork Tenderloin with Pan Sauce

Can I just tell you right now that this is the best meat I have ever eaten! I made it three times in March and it will probably go on the menu again this week. It is tender and delicious. The pan sauce is what dreams are made of! Please make it soon.
Pork tenderloin is usually sold in a package of two, each tenderloin weighs close to a pound.  You can figure 4 ounces per serving so each tenderloin serves 4. This is a perfect weeknight meal for hubby and I. Leftovers make a gourmet lunch--the only way to 'brown bag'. 
Don't be tempted to over cook the tenderloin. It will cook in 20 minutes or less. I love my quick read thermometer. Your meat will be tender and delicious cooked to 145 degrees. Tent with foil and let is rest for five minutes.
So I just might make this again tomorrow!

Pork Tenderloin with Pan Sauce

Marinade
1/2 cup oil
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
juice of one lemon
1-2 Tbsp Worcestershire
1-2 Tbps chopped fresh parsley
2 tsp dried mustard
freshly ground black pepper
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1 lb pork tenderloin, silver skin removed

Combine all marinade ingredients and reserve 3 tablespoons. Place pork tenderloin and marinade in a Ziploc baggie and let marinate for at least 3-4 hours.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a hot skillet over medium-high heat sear each side of the tenderloin for 2-3 minutes. Place in the oven and cook for 20 minutes until meat has reached 145 degrees.  Remove from oven and let rest at least 5 minutes before slicing.

Pan Sauce
Pan scrapings from pork tenderloin
1/2 cup chicken broth
3 Tbsp. reserved marinade
1-2 Tbsp. butter

Meanwhile, place the skillet back on the stove on medium heat. Add the chicken broth and whisk to de-glaze the pan of all the yummy bits left after you browned the tenderloin. Add the marinade, bring it to a boil and reduce 3 minutes. Remove from heat and add the butter.  Stir until the butter has melted. Pour over the tenderloin and serve.
Printable Recipe
Thank you Chef Mommy for this delicious dish!

Asian Chop Salad

I am happy with the variety of 'chop' salad kits at the market. I do purchase them occasionally and if fresh they can make a delicious salad. I wanted to see if I could come up with a 'better' chop salad. I think you will agree that this is one excellent salad. This salad is full of texture and flavor. The dressing is light with just a little sweetness. Combine the salad and dressing for a perfect dish.

Asian Chop Salad
1 bag coleslaw mix (14-ounce)
Chopped:
Napa Cabbage
celery
cucumber
red pepper
green onion or red onion
bean sprouts
sugar snap peas
1 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
1/3 cup slivered almonds
Mix coleslaw and veggies in a large bowl, toss with dressing at least 30 minutes before serving. The dressing will draw some moisture out of the veggies, this really is enough dressing. Just before serving top with sesame seeds and almonds.

Dressing
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
Combine all ingredients and shake or stir vigorously. Refrigerate until ready to use. This dressing can be made several days before serving.
Printable Recipe

You can use finely sliced cabbage and grated carrots instead of coleslaw mix.
Use whatever veggies you have. I like this salad because most of the ingredients keep well in the fridge. Cabbage, carrots, celery, onions have a long life span. This salad is excellent with just these!
Napa Cabbage keeps quite a while in the refrigerator, it adds a delicious flavor and a 'softer' crunch. Fresh bean sprouts have a short shelf life--but are delicious if you have them.
I didn't put amounts in this salad--use more of what you love!
I found this recipe in an Our Best Bites cookbook, I made a few changes to make it more to my liking.

Crock Pot White Chicken Chile

I think Crock Pot meals were invented to help ease the 'witching hour'. That time between about 4 and 6 PM when life falls apart. Kids are cranky, (not just pre schoolers), everyone is hungry and Mom is franticly scanning thru Pintrest looking for easy dinner ideas.
 Welcome the Crock Pot. Dinner is slowly cooking, the house smells wonderful. Family members know dinner is near because they can smell it. Mother can play games with toddlers or help youngsters with homework, because she already knows what's for dinner. Yes, the Crock Pot is a wonderful invention, maybe a life changer.
 Valyn Baker served this White Chicken Chile at the Ward Christmas Party, people begged for the recipe. She directed the droves to this link in the LDS Living Magazine. Here is my take on this recipe, I have served it several times with positive reviews.

Crock Pot White Chicken Chile
10 frozen chicken tenders
1 cup Salsa Verde--I used Herdez brand
I tried to find the difference between Salsa Verde and Green Enchilada Sauce. I have both sitting in front of me. I went with the Salsa Verde because it has less ingredients I can't pronounce. They look similar, I think either could be used in this recipe. Anyone know more on the subject?
2 cans chicken broth
1 onion diced
2-3 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup minced cilantro
Put frozen chicken tenders in crock pot add Salsa, chicken broth, beans and seasonings. I know the purpose of a crock pot meal is quick cooking. So if you want to just put the onion in I'm sure the cooking police will not come for you. However, I have found that onion sometimes takes forever to soften in a crock pot. I sauté the onion in a little olive oil for about 5 minutes and then add it to the crock pot. It smells great and adds a deeper flavor to the soup.
We use the crock pot for long slow unattended cooking. I did just that for years and tried to develop a palate for dried out chicken. This recipe cooks for about 2-3 hours on high. Chicken is done at 165 degrees. It will be flavorful and juicy. Remove chicken from the crock pot, shred it with 2 forks and return. Add sour cream and stir till combined. Top with cilantro and serve with corn bread, tortilla chips or strips.
 All crock pots cook differently, adjust. Chicken tenders cook quicker than chicken breasts. Thawed chicken cooks quicker than frozen. So many variables. The only truth in crock pot cooking is that chicken should not have the same texture as jerky! Enjoy. This really is a simple, delicious recipe.
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Taco Seasoning and Taco Chicken Tenders

I needed some Taco Seasoning for a recipe and was out of my favorite Penzy blend. No fear, within seconds I had more Taco Seasoning recipes than one could ever need. I wondered how there could be so many different recipes for the same thing??? I chose one that I had all the ingredients for, because I did need it immediately. It was very tasty; I saved the recipe and knew I had to blog about it quickly as I have a very short memory.
So, throw out your prepackaged Taco Seasoning--it has too much sugar and salt (read the label) and other stuff. This was delicious!

Taco Seasoning
2 tablespoons onion powder
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix together, use in any recipe calling for Taco Seasoning.
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Slightly altered from Allrecipes

Taco Chicken Tenders
Use about 1 tablespoon per pound on chicken tenders. Fry chicken in a tablespoon of oil about 4 minutes per side. The chicken has a beautiful color and is so tasty. Serve with roasted veggies and fresh fruit. Easily a 30 minute meal.

Chicken Taco Salad

According to Pioneer Woman you can make this meal in 16 minutes! That may be stretching it a bit but with a helper you could pull it off in no time. This is the perfect season for this salad, fresh corn and tomatoes make it wonderful. I served it for my dinner group and it got rave reviews.

Chicken Taco Salad
Dressing
3/4 cup Ranch Dressing (I used Lighthouse but I'm sure you could make your own)
1/4  cup Salsa--I used Pace Medium Salsa
3 tablespoons finely minced Cilantro
Mix together and refrigerate, covered.

Chicken
2 Chicken Breasts or 6-8 Tenders
2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning, I used this recipe, it is my new favorite recipe--check it out. But I'm sure you can use packaged Taco Seasoning
2 tablespoons Butter
1 tablespoon Oil
Generously season chicken with Taco Seasoning. Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken, cook till golden brown on both sides and done in the middle. Remove chicken, allow to cool and dice.
Place the ears of corn in the skillet and roll around, cook on medium high until it has a bit of a charred look. Slice off the kernels with a sharp knife

Salad
Shredded greens--I used romaine, spinach and Napa. That is what was in the crisper, Napa is a Chinese cabbage, it has a mild flavor and a light crunch, I use it often. I shred the greens with a sharp Chef's knife and put them in a salad spinner. I like to prepare salad greens in the morning and let them chill. This gives you a great jump on dinner. Or use a package of prewashed greens.
sliced green onions
julienne carrots
diced red pepper
diced tomato
sliced olives
shredded pepper jack cheese
diced avocado
chopped cilantro
slightly crushed tortilla chips
2 ears of corn
I like to serve this 'Salad Bar' style. Put the greens, green onions, carrots and cilantro in a large bowl. Put chicken, corn, red peppers, tomatoes, olives, shredded cheese and avocado in small bowls. Let each person make their own salad--just the way they like it! Top salads with dressing and crushed tortilla chips. This salad is beautiful platted on a large platter, it is so fresh and colorful.
Printable Recipehttps://sites.google.com/site/everydayinsanitywithcindy/chicken-taco-salad-1
This is my new favorite salad. For very detailed step by step instructions check out Pioneer Woman.

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BBQ Chicken Salad

This tasty salad comes together quickly. The dressing uses ingredients you probably have on hand. It is a simple salad with a delicious flavor. If you can get hold of garden fresh corn and tomatoes this will be awesome (if not your local market will have what you need year round, still yummy).  Grill your chicken and it will smell like you spent hours on dinner! This is one amazing summer meal.
This could be a 30 minute meal with a little advance prep and a sous chef!!

BBQ Chicken Salad
BBQ Ranch Dressing
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/3 cup BBQ Sauce
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp dried dill
salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk until smooth.  The dressing was quite thick, feel free to thin it with a bit of additional buttermilk, milk, or water.

Salad Ingredients
Chopped Romaine
1 diced cucumber
1 cup corn--if you are grilling your chicken it would be great to grill an ear of corn or two, Yummy!
1 fresh tomato, diced
1 avocado, diced
2 green onions, sliced
1 carrot julienne strips
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
grated cheddar or pepper jack cheese
1-2 cups grilled chicken, thinly sliced
Frito's, crushed tortilla chips or cute colored corn strips--it is the crunch you are after.
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 I can't remember where I found this Dressing Recipe--when I do I will give credit. The salad is pretty much what I had in the house the day I made it. It was a great combo!!

Wild Potato Topper

This fits in the 'why didn't I think of it' category! This yummy topping was served on baked potatoes at a Relief Society Birthday Party I attended with my sweet Mom. What a great way to serve toppings for baked potatoes--all in one dish.  This is not really rocket science but it is one great idea, and it is delicious.

Wild Potato Topper
1/2 pound butter--softened
1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
1 cup sour cream (remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before using)
1 cup grated cheese--I used sharp
3 green onions--minced
1/2 cup crisp cooked bacon
Using a mixer beat butter till light, fold in seasoning salt, sour cream, cheese, onions and bacon. Store in refrigerator--remove 30 minutes before serving. Serve on baked or steamed potatoes. I'm sure it would be delicious on any steamed veggie!
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