(L)Oven Monday – Hot Chicken Salad

January 30, 2017January 29, 2017 RefreshHer4 Comments

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If you thought Chicken Salad only came in the cold variety stuffed onto a piece of bread, I have news for you – there’s a hot chicken salad that is totally a comfort food perfect for winter dinner!

In my hunger for some good ol’ American comfort food after our trip to the Middle East, I pulled out this old recipe last week. It’s one I often made for company because it’s a great do-ahead dish. Southerners love their chicken salad, and this is a hot version! Hot Chicken Salad is the best chicken salad with a cheesy addition. That cannot be a bad thing!

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If you keep roasted chicken breasts in your freezer, you could whip this together in minutes! The potato chip topping is both crunchy and a little salty – a perfect addition to the creamy/cheesy chicken salad underneath! Without further ado, I give you the recipe:

Hot Chicken Salad

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast meat, cubed
1 cup diced celery
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup grated sharp Cheddar Cheese
2/3 cup crushed potato chips

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13 by 9-inch baking dish with vegetable oil cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl combine the chicken, celery, almonds, salt, pepper, lemon juice, mayonnaise, and cheese. Place the mixture in the prepared baking dish. Spread the crushed potato chips on top. Bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbly.

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Add a potato dish and a salad and the meal is complete! It’s a picnic to make, but you’ll be glad you don’t have to wait until picnic season to enjoy this recipe!

With love from my country kitchen,

Denise Signature 150 px

dinner in 30 minutes · Main dish.

Did Someone Say Shrimp Sauce?

October 17, 2016October 16, 2016 RefreshHer2 Comments

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During our recent sabbatical, my husband and I were blessed with the opportunity to eat out quite a bit, thanks to the gracious gifts of our church family. One evening we ventured out to a local Asian restaurant that we hadn’t been to in a very long time. The meal we ordered was a mixed meat grilled on a hibachi and served with a side of Shrimp sauce. The meat was great. The vegetables were flavorful, but the shrimp sauce was OUT OF THIS WORLD! We ~~doused~~ added it to every bite!

Last week when I was making beef stir fry at home, the memory of that glorious sauce popped into my head and I Googled it in search of a recipe. I was shocked at the simple ingredients that are used to make the sauce. I had every ingredient on hand! This meal was so good, and it made me happy to be whipping it up in my own kitchen!

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Let me share with you the way I make my stir-fry and then I’ll add the simple recipe for the shrimp sauce.

Stir Fry
½ lb. your choice of meat – chicken, beef or shrimp
2 Tbl. Oil

In a wok, stir fry the meat until it Is cooked through. Remove meat and cover to keep warm. Add a little more oil to the wok and cook vegetables of your choice, starting with the vegetables that take longer to cook, then adding the other vegetables a bit later. The list below is the order I add my vegetables.

Zucchini
Red, green or yellow peppers – I like to ad a variety of these
Snow peas
Onion
Stir fry until crisp-tender.
In a small bowl, mix:
1 cup chicken broth
2 Tbl. Corn starch.
2 Tbl. Soy sauce

Add this mixture to the vegetables and stir to thicken. Add meat and stir to cover with the sauce.
Serve with Shrimp sauce.

Shrimp Sauce
1 Cup Mayo – I used reduced fat
¼ cup ketchup
1 tbl sugar
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
Dash of hot sauce

Mix all ingredients in a bowl. If you can make it an hour ahead and refrigerate it, the flavors will combine even better. I served mine immediately and it was still delicious, so don’t let that hinder you!

We won’t have stir-fry in the future without this sauce, I can promise you! This is great with any Asian food, so whip this up and dunk away!

If you could recreate any restaurant food you’ve had, what would it be?

With love from my country kitchen,

grilling · home · Main dish.

Hawaiian Chicken with Pineapple Salsa

October 3, 2016October 3, 2016 RefreshHer3 Comments

Last week I encouraged you to make your home a haven for your husband. It needs to be your haven, too. It could be a one for anyone that would enter your door. Each day this week I’m going to be sharing ways that you can do just that. Maybe you’re a pro at it and these will just be reminders. Perhaps you’ve gotten so preoccupied with other things that you need a refresher. Or maybe you’re new at creating an atmosphere of a refuge and you don’t know where to begin. I pray this will encourage each of you!

Food is a gift from God and is a huge element in home life. Cooking creates delicious aromas. The dishes the meals are served on can create family traditions and carry precious memories, and time around the table creates conversation, care and intimacy.

I believe the meals we prepare need to be thought through so we’re prepared, organized, and allow our families to anticipate what’s coming! I challenge you to plan at least four dinners for this week and post it somewhere. It could be on your planner, a marker board, or a chalkboard. Put it out where your family will see it and know what’s coming for supper this week. You may need to switch the night you chose to make that entree, but that’s okay. You’ll still have a plan.

I often scroll through my blog menu items and make up my whole week of dinners from it. That’s one great reason to blog about my food; I have an on-line record of our favorites! If you keep a list of your family’s favorite things, it will be easier to make a weekly plan.

After you make your plan and post it, then make a grocery list and secure the ingredients needed. Prep ahead and get things started early so dinner will be anticipated by everyone – even you!

Recently I made a recipe I’ve shared here – the Hawaiian Chicken with Pineapple Salsa again and was smitten by the fantastic taste the grill gives the whole meal!

Hawaiian Chicken with Pinapple Salsa

Ingredients:

1/4 cup pineapple juice

2 tablespoons ketchup

2 tablespoons lower-sodium soy sauce

1 1/2 teaspoons minced peeled ginger

2 garlic cloves, minced

4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

Cooking spray
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 cups hot cooked long-grain white rice

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Preparation

1. Combine first 5 ingredients. Reserve 1/4 cup marinade; place remaining marinade in a zip-top plastic bag. Add chicken to bag; seal. Chill 4 hours. (I did mine overnight)

2. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Remove chicken from bag; discard marinade in bag. Sprinkle chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper. Note: I microwaved the chicken for about 10 minutes to pre-cook it a little. Then we put it on the grill. Add chicken to pan; baste with 2 tablespoons reserved marinade. Cook 6 minutes. Turn chicken over; baste with 2 tablespoons reserved marinade. Cook 6 minutes.

3. Combine rice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and cilantro.

Pineapple Salsa

Mix:

1 cup finely chopped fresh pineapple (I used canned)

1/3 cup finely chopped red onion

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro

1/4 cup pineapple preserves

1 tablespoon finely chopped seeded jalapeño pepper

1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

I heated up the salsa and served it over the chicken. This was so delicious! The grilled chicken and the flavors of the marinade and the salsa are perfect!

Grilling makes all the difference! I hope you’ll try this soon. I know I won’t be waiting long before I make this again!

So who’s with me on making a menu for this week? Will you strive to make the haven for your husband and your family with the food you create? Can you plan four dinners you want to make and serve to your family this week? Let me know in the comments below!

With love from my country kitchen,

dessert · grilling · Main dish. · summertime

The Grill’s Not just for Hot Dogs!

July 25, 2016July 23, 2016 RefreshHer5 Comments

We’re in the middle of another session of Apples of Gold – the cooking/teaching mentoring ministry for ladies that I’ve had the privilege of being a part of the last three years. Each week we learn cooking techniques, study Titus 2, and fellowship together around a home-cooked meal. It’s a wonderful, encouraging and fun time!

Last Saturday the meal was all about the grill. Here was our menu:

Grilled Prosciutto, fig and Gouda Flatbread
Rosemary and Sea Salt Flatbread
Honey-Lime Grilled Chicken Salad
Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Whipped Cream

For Flatbreads:

Ingredients

For the flatbread:
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking powder
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
¾ cup warm water, plus more if needed
Olive oil for brushing
6 ounces Gouda cheese, grated
A handful of arugula
8 slices of Prosciutto
8 fresh figs, cut into quarters – I used dried figs and they were just as delicious!

For the balsamic glaze:

1 cups balsamic vinegar
1/2 tablespoon honey

Instructions:

For the flatbread:
To a large mixing bowl, sift the flour, salt, and baking powder, mix well.
Add the olive oil and mix.
Add the water and mix until the dough comes together, either using your hands or a wooden spoon.

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
Remove the dough from the fridge about 10 minutes before using to allow to come to room temperature.

Preheat your outdoor grill.
Divide the dough in fourths and roll out onto a floured cutting board into your desired shape.
Brush with the olive oil on both sides.
Grill on each side for about 2-3 minutes until you have good grill marks and the dough is crispy.
Remove from the grill and add your toppings.
Return the flatbread to the grill and grill only long enough until the cheese is melted.

For the balsamic glaze: – Make this while the dough is in the fridge
In a medium saucepan, add the balsamic and stir in the honey.
Bring the vinegar to a simmer over medium heat.
Simmer for approximately 30 minutes until the vinegar has reduced by ½, keep an eye it and check until it has the consistency of molasses.
Drizzle over the finished flatbread.

For Rosemary/Sea Salt Flatbread –

Combine 1 tbl. finely chopped fresh rosemary and about 2 tsp sea salt.

Brush flatbread with olive oil and grill until browned. Remove and brush with more olive oil. Rub Rosemary and salt mixture over oil. Serve warm.

Griled chicken salad

Honey-lime Grilled Chicken Salad

Ingredients

For Honey-Lime Grilled Chicken

4 small chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp honey
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
zest from a lime
juice from a lime
salt and pepper to taste

instructions

In a bowl add the Honey lime chicken ingredients; olive oil, honey, cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
Place each chicken breast between plastic wrap and gently pound using a meat mallet until chicken is about ½ inch in thickness. Place chicken in a large Ziploc bag and pour marinade over chicken. Marinate overnight.
Grill chicken over medium high heat until cooked through.

For Salad:

Ingredients:

Spring Mix
Sliced Strawberries
Blue Cheese

Place salad ingredients on plate, top with grilled chicken.

Honey-Lime Dressing –

1/4 Cup olive oil
Juice and zest of a lime
2 tsp Honey

In a small bowl, whisk the juice of the remaining lime, the honey and 1/4 cup olive oil; season with salt and pepper.

Now for dessert:

Pineapple

Grilled Pineapple

Slice fresh pineapple in one-inch slices.
Sprinkle with a cinnamon/sugar mixture
Grill on medium high heat 2-3 minutes or until soft and pineapple has grill marks.
Garnish with whipped cream, and fresh mint.

Coconut Whipped Cream

Ingredients

Full Fat Coconut milk
Vanilla
Sugar

Place coconut milk in fridge overnight. The next morning, put mixing bowl and beaters into freezer for ten minutes. Turn milk can upside down, open and pour off liquid. Pour rest of milk into chilled mixing bowl. Beat until whipped up. Add 2 tbl sugar and 1 tsp vanilla.

This meal is so delicious! Fire up the grill and get some restaurant worthy foods cooking on your back porch!

With love from my country kitchen,

Main dish.

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

February 8, 2016February 23, 2016 RefreshHerLeave a comment

I went to my Pinterest board for a little supper inspiration last week. I love going to my boards and finding things I’ve put there for future use. I have found some really wonderful recipes! That’s where I found this lovely dish…

Sweet and Sour chicken

This is Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken from Skinny Mom. Because it’s not fried, this recipe comes in at under 300 calories per serving! It’s so good you’ll be tempted to eat more than one serving, but it’s so hearty you won’t have room to do so! It’s browned on the stove, then put in the oven for 45 minutes to finish cooking. So plan ahead a bit. This will need to be started an hour before you want to eat. Your patience will be rewarded, trust me!

Here’s how you make it:

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
½ cup cornstarch
2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 (8-ounce) can Del Monte® pineapple chunks in 100% juice
¼ cup Heinz® reduced-sugar ketchup
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon less-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon stevia
⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 small onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
3 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Spray an 11×7-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Place the chicken and ⅓ cup of the cornstarch in a large resealable bag. Seal and shake the bag a few times to evenly coat the chicken.
In a wok or large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook the chicken until browned all over but not cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally. Remove from the heat.
Drain the pineapple and reserve the juice for the sauce.
In a small bowl, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, stevia, red pepper flakes, and remaining 2 teaspoons of the cornstarch.
Place the browned chicken pieces in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add the pineapple chunks, onion, and red and yellow bell peppers. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake until the sauce is bubbling and the chicken is cooked through, about 45 minutes. Stir the chicken mixture and rotate the pan front to back halfway through the baking time to ensure that it cooks evenly.
To serve, garnish with the green onions.

I served it with rice – how could you not? It was really good and made great leftovers for the next night! Aldi’s has great prices on those red and yellow peppers. I buy the little ones, rather than the large. They’re so sweet and delicious in this dish (or any other!)

Who else has recently tried a recipe you’ve pinned on Pinterest? What was it?

With love from my country kitchen,