July 11th, 2010
For the record, I am having a wonderful summer. I love my job! I love being back in DC! I love seeing Juan almost every day! having time to cook! hanging out with friend! reading for fun! oh, the list goes on and on…
however, last week it was brutally hot… now, having grown up in NC, I do know a thing or two about being hot but… it was oppressive…especially when there is no AC on the metro (I have about a 45 minute ride)… I did not want to cook at all… but my sister was coming up and I promised dinner… ugh!
Resa pulled through with a number of suggestions from Cooking Light that were fresh, delicious and light… perfect for the summer heat!
We made Grilled Chicken with Cucumber- Melon Salsa and Chocolate-Amaretti Peaches for dessert. The salsa was amazing. The melons were so ripe that it was unnecessary to add any agave nectar. The peaches did not disappoint- it was a perfect dessert. I only used about a tablespoon of butter and we found them to still be delicious! Overall, a very refreshing dinner!
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May 13th, 2010
Blog events are not exactly what they used to be… with the increase of facebook/twitter participation bloggers do not need to use events as much to get involved in the foodie world. Also with the Daring Bakers and Tuesdays with Dorie, how do people find the time to bake/cook so many different things?
However, I really enjoy them because 1. I’m always up for a new challenge. 2. I like discovering new blogs that I wouldn’t have found in another way. 3. I like it when the events have a purpose.
Chris of Mele Cotte invented this event that encourages healthy eating to fight cancer. After looking over a couple lists of healthy cancer fighting foods…I realized that a recent dish I made fit perfectly with this event… Spiced Chicken on Melting Onions… it has garlic, onions and tumeric… I paired it with some whole wheat orzo (another food on the list)… it was delicious!
The recipe came from Crazy Water Pickled Lemons that I have had for years. It was one of those cookbooks that I bought on a whim because it sounded cool. It is a gorgeous cookbook of Middle Eastern, North African and Mediterranean food. I love just looking through it and was happy to finally make something from it… next perhaps those chocolate dipped figs…
Spiced Chicken on Melting Onions
(adapted from Crazy Water Pickled Lemons)
4 chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
3 onions, halved and sliced into half-moons
1/2 tsp ground tumeric
1 cup chicken stock or water (I used water and it was great!)
1/2 tsp. saffron threads
3 oz. green olives
Marinade
6 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp each of ground cumin, paprika and cayenne pepper
4 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
salt and pepper
1. For the marinade, mix together all the ingredients. Rub it all over the chicken and cover with the rest of the marinade. Marinate for a least 3 hours or overnight, turning the chicken occasionally.
2. heat the olive oil in the bottom of a shallow, ovenproof pan. Add the chicken and quickly cook the outside until nice and golden. Put the chicken aside.
3. In the same pan, start to cook the onions. When they are softening and beginning to turn translucent, add the turmeric and continue to cook, stirring, for another minute. bring the stock or water to a boil and dissolve the saffron in it. Add this to the pan, along with the chicken pieces and any juices that have come out of them.
4. Cook in an oven, preheated to 350F, for 30 minutes. Add the olives to the pan about 15 minutes before the end of the cooking time. Scatter with parsley or cilantro to serve.
Filed under Chicken, Flour, Garlic, Ginger, Lemon, Olives, Onions, Parmesan, Pasta | Comments (5)
March 30th, 2010
so, last week was spring break. I went off to visit Juan for the week, only to get hit with a ridiculously horrible annoying illness… What was probably a simple cold was amplified by weeks of little sleep and tons of stress. I spent the week sleeping, watching TV (GO BUTLER!) and reading for fun… I know! shocking! I think my body decided I needed a break.
On one of the few occasions I left the house and pjs, Juan took me to see How To Train Your Dragon. Now, I am really not one to recommend movies but I really liked it. I’ve seen both Avatar and Alice in Wonderland but this is BY FAR the best 3D movie that I’ve seen. Not only were the visual effects excellent but it had a really well written script and did not rely on 3D effects or star power to carry the movie. It was entertaining, refreshing and delightful. I highly recommend.
Unfortunately, my taste buds suffered because of being ill. I craved just solid good comfort food. I made Elle’s Amazing Oven Fried Chicken again to rave reviews. Such a healthy way to make delicious chicken. I also highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I was not paid to promote How to Train Your Dragon.
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