Sunday, August 28, 2011

Cuban Chicken Salad

I saw this recipe on The Happy Housewife.  I altered her recipe a little to fit into my life.   This recipe is so easy and so good.  My kids will eat this everytime!  It is perfect for these hot days we have been having lately.

Cuban Chicken Salad

1 Head romaine lettuce
1 Can black beans
1 Can corn
1 Bunch green onions

Dressing:

2 Tablespoons lime juice
1/4 Cup cilantro
1 1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

Put chicken in crockpot seasoned with your choice of spices.  I like mexican flavored spices to season the chicken for this recipe (cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red chili flakes).  Cook chicken on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.  After chicken is done shred with a fork.  In a bowl combine the black beans, corn, and onions. Toss 2 T. of the dressing with black bean mixture.  On a bed of lettuce spoon the black bean mixture then top with chicken.

To make the dressing combine all the ingredients in a food processor or blender.   Top the salad with the dressing and serve.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Bloomin' Pizza Bread


I saw this recipe on The Girl Who Ate Everything.  She has a bloomin onion bread that looks delicious and I thought why not try this one.  We have some form of pizza at least once a week at our house.  It is usually a Friday night pizza party.  I get really tired of the same old pepperoni pizza.  This was a nice easy change.  I even forgot to add the last ingredients and it still turned out good.

1 unsliced round loaf sourdough bread
12-16 ounces mozzarella or Provolone cheese, thinly sliced (I just used what I had)
1 (3.5 ounce) package pepperoni, halved
3 Tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasonings
2 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese
pizza/marinara sauce for dipping

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cut the bread lengthwise and widthwise without cutting through the bottom crust. This can be a little tricky going the second way but the bread is very forgiving.

Place bread on a foil-lined baking sheet and insert cheese slices and pepperoni between cuts. Combine butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasonings. Drizzle or brush over bread with a pastry brush. Sprinkle bread with Parmesan cheese.

Wrap bread completely in foil and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Unwrap the bread and bake 10 more minutes, or until cheese is melted and pepperoni is a little crispy.