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Showing posts with label lime. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lime. Show all posts

Thursday, September 17, 2015

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
 

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

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.
Inspired by a recipe on this blog.




Sunday, April 19, 2015

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 jalapeƱo. 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.
Printable Recipe




Thursday, February 19, 2015

Noodle Salad with Spicy Peanut Sauce


This delicious Salad comes from Epicurious. I read over 80 reviews, studied the recipe and came up with one delicious version. I think it just may become a family favorite. Great for a light meal, add cooked chicken or shrimp for a more filling dinner.
The actual Peanut Dressing was to die for--the kind you just might find yourself licking the spoon. It came together in 30 minutes. You could make the dressing the day before but I would dress the noodles just before serving. Most testers liked the salad at room temp--I thought it was delicious just lightly warmed. Looks like a meal with many options--make it yours!

Spicy Peanut Sauce
6 tablespoons peanut butter
1/4 cup chicken broth (I used a little bullion and water)
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger root
1 teaspoon sriracha hot chili sauce
juice from 1 lime
Mix together with a whisk or an immersion blender. If it to thick either heat it for a moment or add a little more broth. I thought it was great as is.
Salad
6 to 8 ounces thin spaghetti cooked al dente, pour in a colander, drain, rinse with cold water and drain again. I used 6 ounces because I want plenty of dressing on my salad. Cook more pasta for a lighter dressed salad.
To cool pasta add:
 2-3 cups veggies. I added red and yellow peppers cut in slivers. julienned carrots, shredded cabbage, shredded Napa (I used a couple of cups of greens from a (Costco Oriental Salad--easy)
1/2 cup sliced green onion,
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1/2 cup chopped salted peanuts
Add dressing to pasta and veggies. Top with cilantro, peanuts and green onions.
Enjoy!
Printable Recipe


Monday, September 29, 2014

Fresh Fruit Salad



The phone rings--it's 4:30. Frantic daughter is on the other end. "Mom,I need to take a salad to a church pot luck--tonight. Years ago you made a fruit salad--I think it has fruit juice and is thickened with cornstarch. I have looked all over and can't find the recipe."
I know exactly the recipe she is talking about. It takes me a bit of digging but I find it. I realized I have not blogged about it. Over 500 recipes and some how I missed it. This recipe was given to me by my sister-in-law Keri. It feeds a crowd, can be made any time of the year with most any fruit. And it is delicious!

Fresh Fruit Salad
Juice from 1 lemon
Juice from 1 orange or lime
Juice from a can of pineapple
Juice to equal about a cup.
2 tablespoon of cornstarch
3/4 cup sugar
6-8 cups diced fruit--apples, oranges, pears, peaches, strawberries, raspberries, melon, bananas, pineapple, mandarin oranges, etc.
Mix fruit juices and cornstarch--heat to a boil. Stir until thickened. Add sugar and stir until it dissolves. Cool.
Pour cooled mixture over diced fruit, stir gently. Serve immediately.
What if I don't want a salad to feed 10?? Make sauce, store in the fridge, it will keep several days.. Dice about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of fruit per person. Spoon on enough sauce to just coat fruit.
Top with whipped cream for a delicious dessert.
Printable Recipe


Monday, May 5, 2014

Chicken Enchilada Rice Bowl--Gluten Free



This yummy dish happened as a result of leftovers. Sometimes the best meals happen as I clean out the fridge! I had some Cilantro Lime Rice (I made a 5 cup batch--that's 5 cups of dry rice for a party at our church. My rice wasn't used so I had a fridge full. That is after giving some away) in the fridge, a few sliced olives and some cooked chicken seasoned with Penzys Fajita Seasoning. I drizzled some homemade enchilada sauce over all. A little cilantro, shredded cheese, diced tomato, sliced almonds and sour cream finished the bowl. It was delicious and perfect for the gluten free eater. Diced avocados would also be a great addition. We completed the meal with Chips and Salsa from Los Hermonos--a favorite local Mexican restaurant. Perfect meal for Cinco de Mayo!

Chicken Enchilada Rice Bowl
Cilantro Lime Rice--or plain rice
Cooked chicken, I like Penzy's Fajita Seasoning
Shredded cheese
Sliced olives
Sliced almonds
Diced tomatoes
Chopped cilantro
Diced avocado
Sour cream
Enchilada sauce, I used this Homemade Recipe, canned would work
Lime wedges
Put rice on a plate. Top with your favorite toppings. Whatever you use--I think it will be delicious!
Printable Recipe


Sunday, May 4, 2014

Chicken Enchiladas


I have had this recipe for over 30 years my sweet friend Mary Ann shared it with me. If a recipe came from Mary Ann you knew it would be a winner. It was delicious then and is delicious now! I'm sorry it has taken me so long to post it! I have cut the recipe down to feed a smaller family.
This is so easy to make, I had everything in the fridge/pantry to put it together. I quickly cooked some chicken tenders--about 6. The sauce is a simple homemade enchilada sauce.
If you really wanted to make this simple use rotisserie chicken, a can of enchilada sauce, a can of sliced olives and pre-shredded cheese. Dinner doesn't get much easier. And tasty!

Chicken Enchiladas
Sauce:
1 can chicken broth
2 tablespoons chili powder
1/8 teaspoon garli powder
1/8 teaspoon cumin
salt and pepper
Mix ingredient together and bring to a simmer. Add 1 tablespoon cornstarch that has been dissolved in 2 tablespoons water. Boil for 1 minute.
Filling:
1 diced canned green chili--or 1/2 of a small can of diced chilis
1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken
3/8 cup sliced olives
3/8 cup sliced almonds
3/8 cup shredded cheese, jack or cheddar
1/4 cup sauce
Mix together
6 flour tortillas--roll tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave for about 15-30 seconds till soft and warm. Fill with a heaping 1/4 cup filling and place in a greased 8 inch square pan. Double wrap with foil and bake a 350 for 20 minutes. Garnish with sauce, sour cream, cheese, avocado, tomatoes, salsa etc. Serve with Cilantro Lime Rice for a delicious meal!
Printable Recipe

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Sweet Chili Chicken Salad



I get together monthly with a group of fun gals, we eat dinner and visit for an hour. We have new mothers, grandmothers, mothers of teens and toddlers. It is one fun group! This month we had assigned pot luck. I do love potluck but I don't really like all desserts or all potato salads (do people make potato salads any more)?? So an assigned potluck is the way to go.
I offered to bring a main dish salad. I perused my blog and thought about making Thai Chicken Salad or Vietnamese Summer Roll Salad or even Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Then I checked out my Pinterest Boards--so many yummy salads. I decided I must try a new salad. I had it narrowed down to Sweet Chili Chicken Salad from Kevin at Closet Cooking or Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Peanut Dressing from Blissfulblog. Sweet Chili Chicken Salad won but I will try the other salad soon.
And win it did--everyone loved it! The dressing was the perfect combo of sweet and salty with a few warm undertones. The salad was crunchy and just delicious. Chopped peanuts were the final addition. It was perfect. I am so excited to share it with you.

Sweet Chili Chicken Salad
2 heads of thin sliced romaine
1/2 head of thin sliced Napa cabbage
I like to rinse these off after I have chopped them and then give them a spin in the salad spinner
1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
I will also add a handful of torn basil when it is growing in my yard
1/2 of a English cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced
2-3 carrots peeled and sliced with a julienne peeler, this gadget deserves a place in your 'gadget' drawer
1/2 red pepper, sliced then diced in smaller pieces
4 green onions, sliced thin
3 cups fresh bean sprouts--this is key in this recipe, please don't leave them out
chopped peanuts
2 boneless chicken breasts--I poured about 1/2 cup of the dressing over the chicken breasts and let them marinate in the fridge for 3-4 hours. I then baked them at 375 for about 25 minutes (or follow your package instructions). Slightly cool chicken breasts and then shred or slice thin, season generously with salt and pepper.. You could use any kind of cooked chicken in this recipe.

Sweet Chili Dressing
1 cup sweet chili sauce
1/2 cup coconut milk
2 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoon soy sauce
4 tablespoons lime juice (about 2 large limes)
2 tablespoons peanut butter
4 cloves pressed garlic
4 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
Mix all ingredients in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until peanut butter is melted.
Cool before serving, I used about 1/2 cup to marinade the meat the rest I put on the table and let guests dress their own salad.
This salad was delicious on day two and day three! Perfect lunch--I did not get tired of it. I want to make it again soon.
Printable Recipe

Friday, March 14, 2014

Key Lime Tarts for Pi Day


Pi Day
How about a mini pie for Pi Day! These little gems are packed full of flavor. Key Limes are fun if you can find them--if not regular lime juice/zest will work. 
My sweet neighbor Kristi is a great cook and surprised me with these yummy little tarts. They are easy to make and taste delicious. Try them! Kristi found the recipe on All Recipes.

Key Lime Tarts for Pi Day
6 mini graham cracker crusts
1 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup freshly squeezed Key Lime juice
1 tablespoon Key Lime zest
whipped cream for garnish
Put graham cracker crusts on a baking sheet. Heat oven to 350. Mix together sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, lime juice and zest. Pour into crusts. Bake for 8 minutes. Let cool and top with whipped cream.
Printable Recipe

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Savory Rice


Well friends--I have finally found a rice dish that can stand on its own! This yummy  Savory Rice comes from a Cook's Country magazine. It is perfect.

Savory Rice
3/4 cup rice
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
3 garlic cloves--pressed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1 lime, juiced
Put rice, chicken broth, garlic and salt in a small saucepan. Heat to boiling, stir. Cover, lower heat to a simmer cook covered 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 10 minutes. Stir in cilantro and lime. This rice is good on its own or serve it as a side with most anything! Enjoy.
Printable Recipe

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Coconut Lime Rice with Cilantro



This delicious rice stands on its own; adding coconut milk gives it a rich creamy flavor. I served it with a salmon dish but I'm sure it will taste great with Thai or even Mexican. Flavorful rice with a pop of lime, sides don't get much better!

Coconut Lime Rice
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, pressed
1 cup Basmati rice
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup coconut milk
Sea Salt--to taste
1/2 cup cilantro
Juice from 1-2 limes
Heat oil in a saucepan add garlic and cook 1 minute--stir constantly.
Add rice and cook 4 minutes--stir often.
Add chicken broth, coconut milk and sea salt, bring to a boil, stir.
Reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook 20 minutes.
Remove pan from heat, let sit covered for 5 minutes.
Fluff rice, add cilantro and lime juice.
Enjoy!
Printable Recipe
There are many versions of this recipe. I based my recipe on one from The Love of Cooking, but I had to add lime juice because everything tastes better with a splash of lime! 

Monday, December 30, 2013

New Year's Party Food

Looking for a good dish for your New Years Celebration? Here are a few of our favorites.
Happy New Year from Everyday Insanity!





 





Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Crock Pot Chicken Fiesta Soup


Fall is coming--that means soup. Actually I eat soup all year round, it is just too good not to enjoy weekly. This soup is quick to assemble, just dump ingredients in your Crock Pot, run errands, watch a soccer game or read a good book and soon dinner is ready. When your family walks in the door they will know that dinner is not far off. My mother taught me to always set the table early (even if dinner was a ways off), family members would see the set table ad assume dinner was right around the corner! It works I know.
I love this soup because it uses a Crock Pot and has many variations. Add or subtract ingredients to meet your family's likes. It can be gluten free. Make it your way--and enjoy!



Crock Pot Chicken Fiesta Soup
1 pound chicken tenders (they can be frozen)
6 cups chicken broth
3/4 cup chopped onion
2/3 cup chopped red or green pepper
1 jalapeno pepper, diced
2 cups froze corn--use fresh corn cut off the cob if available
1 15 ounce can Petite Diced Tomatoes, drained
2 cloves garlic, pressed
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt--divided
1 teaspoon pepper--divided
Place first nine ingredients in a Crock Pot, add 1 teaspoon of the salt and 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper. Cover and cook on high for about 4 hours or low for 6 hours. Do not
over cook--the chicken will be come dry and chewy--not good. Remove cooked chicken tenders from the pot and place on cutting board. Slice, dice or shred the chicken, season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. This makes the chicken taste awesome!!
Now comes the fun part. Place the large bowl of soup in the middle of the table. Surround it with various bowls of toppings. You may include the diced chicken, minced cilantro, fresh lime wedges, grated jack cheese, sour cream, cooked rice, cooked orzo, sliced green onions, sliced olives, diced avocados, tortilla strips etc. See how much fun this soup can be. You really can have it your way!
It would be great for a party, everyone could bring a topping or two--the hostess makes the soup. This soup is so versatile I am sure you will have fun with it--and yes, it is delicious! This recipe was inspired by Baked By Rachel
Printable Recipe

Other Recipes You Might Enjoy
1 Year Ago--------Oatmeal Fudge Bars
2 Years Ago-------Frosted Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
3 Years Ago-------Creamed Potatoes and Peas
4 Years Ago-------Crispy Party Bars

Monday, August 26, 2013

Hoisin Noodle Dish--with Shrimp



This dish was amazing--so amazing that I made it twice in a week. The leftovers are also delicious, a plus when there are just two. With a little advance prep this dish comes together quickly. Make the sauce early in the day--it keeps several days in the fridge. Prep your veggies, put them on a pretty plate and refrigerate.
When it is time to eat soak the rice noodles for 8 minutes and cook the shrimp for 3 minutes. That's really all there is to it. I'm sure it would be good with pork or chicken. We love that it is a gluten free dish.
Try it and prepare to be amazed.

Hoisin Noodle Dish--with Shrimp
1/2 cup soy sauce or Tamari (it is gluten free)
1/3 cup water
3 tablespoons sesame oil
3 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
3 cloves garlic, pressed
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
3 tablespoons peanut butter
6 ounces thin rice noodles
3/4-1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
Grated carrots (I use a julienne peeler)
Chopped green onions
Chopped peanuts
Chopped cilantro
Chopped red pepper
Combine first 10 ingredients and whisk together--refrigerate. Prepare garnishes, Prepare the rice noodles according to package directions or pour boiling water over noodles let sit for about 8 minutes. Drain noodles.
Heat a large non stick skillet over medium heat. Pat the shrimp dry and season on both sides with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp with about 1/3 cup of the sauce. Shrimp cooks in about 3-4 minutes, flipping once. Stay focused on this task--overcooked shrimp is not so good. Scoop the sauce and shrimp onto a plate and set aside.
Drain the noodles and add them to the hot skillet with most of the rest of the sauce--save some sauce for drizzling. Cook 3-4 minutes until the noodles have soaked up most o the sauce and become more tender.
Add the shrimp and heat through.
Serve the noodles and shrimp--put out your plate of veggie garnishes. Let each person add their own toppings. Add extra sauce if needed.
Printable Recipe
Inspired by Mel's Kitchen Cafe--a place I go very often if I need a new tasty recipe


Thursday, August 8, 2013

Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps




We have spent the last week in Chicago visiting with my daughter Amber and her hubby Tadd. They have 4 amazing children that we had the privilege of doting on. 8 year old Harrison was getting baptized--what a great event. The week was filled with boat rides, bike riding, playing, swimming parties, shooting bb guns etc. Luckily Amber and I had to look out for baby. So we spent hours visiting with each other and just catching up on life. And of course playing with baby!
Amber and I both love to bake and cook. Chopping is therapy! The first meal we made together were these delicious Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps. I'm sure I exposed bad manners--I couldn't eat these fast enough! Bad me. So the first meal when I got home was Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Hungry Max happened to drop in at dinner time and agreed--these are amazing. I served them with chilled water melon and corn on the cob. We were having fresh peach short cake for dessert but we were to full!
This low fat dish can easily be made gluten free. You can also cut the carbs and just delete the rice. So many choices. Such a yummy dish! Thanks Amber.


Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Short Grain Rice, I cook mine in a rice cooker--perfect results every time. I always cook extra rice, then I am that much closer to dinner another night. Think Curry, Fried Rice, Beans and Rice etc. If you don't have a rice cooker just follow the directions on the package. Easy

12 leaves of Boston, Bibb or Butter Lettuce, washed--next time I will give them a gentle whirl in my salad spinner--I do love that thing!

Sauce:
2 tablespoons Fish Sauce--don't substitute, it is stinky (don't smell it) but it adds an incredible layer of flavor.
1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice (before juicing the limes--zest them, you will need 2 teaspoons of zest later). Don't try zesting after you have juiced the limes--one word, difficult! I do know these things. I'm all about saving you from the mistakes I have made!
1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
Put sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside

Meat Mixture
1 jalapeno, stemmed, seeds removed and diced
2 teaspoons lime zest
1 pound ground chicken--I did not like the looks of the ground chicken at the market I went to so I did a little Google research and It paid off. I semi thawed 1 pound of chicken tenders--cleaning/cutting out all the parts I don't want to eat. The tenders are now in about 1 inch chunks--still semi frozen. I put the entire pound in my food processor with the metal blade and pulsed it several times. Scraped down the sides and pulsed a few more times. You don't want a mush just a chop--watch closely. Now you have ground chicken--and you know exactly what is in it!
2 teaspoons vegetable oil

Garnish
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves--perfect because my basil plant is going crazy right
3 green onions finely chopped

Now let's make this dish happen!
Put 2 teaspoons of oil in a large non stick skillet on medium heat--heat till shimmering. Add the meat mixture with the zest and jalapeno. Cook for about 5 minutes breaking up the chicken with a wooden spoon. Cook till pink is gone.
Whisk together the sauce ingredients and add to the meat mixture. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Remove from the heat and add basil and green onions

To Serve:
Place a small spoonful of rice on a lettuce leaf. Add chicken mix, be sure you get a few drops of juice. Fold lettuce leaf up like a taco and enjoy every flavorful-bite. I dare you to not make this twice in one week! That is just how good it is.
Printable Recipe

Thanks Mel from Our Kitchen Cafe--another winner!

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Tangy Korean Tacos


I occasionally watch Studio 5 - a local TV show. It has a cooking segment that often gets my attention. Someone demonstrated these Korean Tacos and I had to try them. It was Greg's Birthday on Sunday--perfect time to try a new food! I had some of my kids home so the timing was great.  Now, I am no stranger to Korean food. My brother spent a two year mission for our church (the Mormons) there. He often cooks Korean Feasts and invites us to share. Korean is delicious. Give it a try!



Tangy Korean Tacos

Korean Salsa
1 pint cherry tomatoes (very plentiful right now)
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
2 cloves garlic minced or pressed
1 teaspoon fish sauce
Turn your broiler on, with the rack in the upper third. On a foil lined baking sheet toss the tomatoes and  onions with the olive oil. Broil for 15 minutes, stirring half way thru until the onions are soft and the tomatoes have collapsed and are browned. Watch closely. You don't want to burn things and start over (how do I know?) Place the cooked onions and tomatoes in a tall sided container. Add the gochujang, garlic and fish sauce. Using an immersion blender--blend till smooth. Salt to taste.

Korean BBQ Sauce
3/4 cup orange marmalade
1/4 cup gochujang
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon fish sauce
1 clove garlic--pressed
Place all ingredients in a small sauce pan and bring to a boil, lower temperature and simmer for 5 minutes.

Korean Cabbage Slaw
3 tablespoons olive oil
3-4 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon fish sauce
3-4 cups of finely shredded Napa  Cabbage
2 finely diced scallions
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
1/2 cup finely diced red pepper
3/4 cup chopped cilantro
In a large bowl whisk the oil, lime juice and fish sauce Add the rest of the slaw ingredients and toss. Allow to sit at least 20 minutes or as long as 6 hours before serving.

Now what do we do with all this?? To make tacos grill chicken breasts or tenders--baste with part of the Korean BBQ Sauce. I used thawed tenders--about 12-14 on a cookie sheet. I broiled them about 4 minutes on each side basting often. I then put them on a cutting board and sliced them. Meat is ready.
Warm or grill corn tortillas, we like the little ones--look for a fresh package (they bend easily). Put some meat on your warmed tortilla, add some slaw and a decent amount of Korean Salsa. Enjoy!! And do it again and again. You might also want to add a little more of the Korean BBQ Sauce. All of the flavors work so well together. It really is one of the best meals we have had in ages!   Printable Recipe 

 FYI, you can use Rotisserie Chicken and just add the BBQ Sauce to it--I have done both. I personally prefer cooking and basting the tenders. But the Rotisserie Chicken gets dinner on the table quicker! The sauces can be made days ahead; the slaw the day of. So it really can be a quick meal.
Don't be afraid of fish sauce--it is stinky no doubt but it gives a wonderful flavor that adds to the deliciousness of this dish. The gochujang (Korean Red Pepper Paste) was purchased at a Korean market. Walmart has a Korean BBQ Sauce that may be close but it has other ingredients not found in the gochugang from the Korean Market. Read labels the Korean Market gochujang has Glutinous Rice, Hot Pepper Powder, Soy Beans, corn syrup, salt and water. That is what you are looking for! I found some on Amazon--it's pricy about triple what you would pay at the Korean Market. So look for a Korean market!

I also think this would make a great salad. Put the slaw on your plate, top with BBQ sauced chicken. Add salsa to taste--yummy!

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Butter Chicken


I have never really eaten Indian Food--like at a restaurant. It is on the eating out bucket list. But...we have come up with a few Butter Chicken recipes--I'm sure they are not authentic but I do know they are delicious.
If I want a very quick version I make Skillet Chicken Tikka Masala. It is delicious and makes up in 30 minutes all in one skillet.. It is a family favorite, try it soon.
Next we tried several more involved recipes--they were excellent but a little more work than we care to take. We do love to cook--but not all day.
The last recipe Candise gave me was one that she had played with and made it to her liking. The chicken is melt in your mouth delicious and the sauce is perfect served over rice with Nann .

Indian Butter Chicken
 2 lbs chicken tenders--I cut each tender in 4-6 pieces

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

1/4 tsp. cayenne

2 tsp. garam masala

1 whole lime, juiced
1/2 cup Greek yogurt

1 whole onion, diced

4 tablespoons butter

1 can 14oz tomato sauce

1 can petite diced tomatoes 14oz

1 cup whipping cream

1 bunch cilantro- chopped

basmati rice



Combine first eight ingredients and marinate overnight, or for the afternoon!



Saute onion in butter until soft, add marinated chicken and brown on both sides. Add tomatoes and tomato sauce, cook for 30 minutes over medium low heat with the lid on. Add the whipping cream and cilantro just before serving over basmati rice

Serve this yummy dish over basmati rice. A fruit plate is a great addition to this meal as is Naan. If you are energetic you can make your own naan--it is delicious. But I purchase it at the market and it is good too. So do what you please but do serve Naan.

I also made a recipe from Mel's Kitchen Cafe--it was good too. So many choices--just try one!



1 Year Ago--------Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies
2 Yeara Ago-------Raspberry or Blueberry Squares
3 Years Ago-------Smokey Potatoes
4 Years Ago-------Broccoli Salad