Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Meatballs

In the never ending quest to make something new for dinner, I occasionally come across a recipe that everyone in my family likes.  Ok, lets be honest, it rarely happens that EVERYONE in my family likes what I make for dinner but when it does happen it definitely becomes blog worthy!  So here you go, a recipe EVERYONE in my family likes!  Hooray for me! Here is where I found the recipe, I changed it a bit.

Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Meatballs
(makes about 20 meatballs)

1 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
1 T butter, melted
1 egg
1 pound ground chicken
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 T dried oregano
2 t dried basil
salt and pepper
20 small mozzarella cubes (I cut string cheese into 4 or 5 chunks)

Preheat oven to 400.  In a small bowl, combine panko, butter and 1/2 of the Parmesan cheese.  Mix until evenly coated with the butter and set aside.

In a large bowl, lightly beat the egg.  Add the chicken, red bell pepper, onion, garlic, oregano, basil, the other half of the parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper.  Mix well with your hands.  Lightly coat a mini muffin pan with cooking spray.  Place a couple of Tablespoons of chicken mixture into each well.  Place a chunk of mozzarella into the center of each and press down slightly and then cover with the chicken mixture.  Sprinkle the top of each chicken mound with the panko/parmesan mixture lightly pressing it into the meat.  Bake for 25-30 minutes until the panko is lightly browned and the chicken is cooked through.  Let it rest for 5 minutes after taking out of the oven.  Serve with noodles and your favorite marinara sauce.

*These would be great served with just marinara as an appetizer

Chicken Florentine Pasta

It is about time, right?!!! I have been SOOO off the grid lately.  Call it moving across the country, call it summer vacation, call it laziness, call it whatever you want but I think it is high time I get a new post on here. If for no other reason than to NOT have to look at the cinnamon sticks any more!

I have been so NOT in the mood to cook lately, so I am forcing myself to come back slow and easy.  And that is exactly what this recipe is, well the easy part anyway!  I found it over at Picky Palate. My whole family loved it and the leftovers were great too!  I may have changed the recipe slightly...

Chicken Florentine Pasta
(8 servings)

2 T extra virgin olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
1 clove of garlic minced
4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breasts
1/4 t freshly ground pepper
salt to taste
2 cups Philadelphia Cooking Creme (found in the cream cheese section at the grocery store)  I used reduced fat Italian flavored, yum!
1 pound pasta, I used bowtie pasta, cooked al dente
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 350. Spray a 9x13 in pan with cooking spray.   Place the oil in a large pot and when it has heated up add onion and cook until soft.  Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.  Stir in the spinach leaves and stir until wilted.  Add the cooked and shredded chicken and pepper and cook until heated through.  Add the cooking creme and mix well. Lastly, add the cooked pasta until combined. Salt to taste,  I didn't add any.  Transfer this mixture to the baking dish and top with shredded cheese.  Bake for 20-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted.  Serve with salad and breadsticks.

Honey-Lime Chicken Skewers

I found this recipe at Kitchen Meets Girl.  I LOVE that these are grilled but still a little Mexican.  I made THIS rice to go with it but added black beans and corn.  So yummy, my whole family loved it!

Honey-Lime Chicken Skewers


3 T soy sauce
2 T honey
1 T vegetable oil
juice of one lime
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 t Siracha (hot sauce)
2 T cilantro, chopped
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 3-4 breasts)

In a bowl, combine all the ingredients, except chicken, and mix thoroughly. Cut the chicken into cubes and add it to the marinade, mix to coat.  Let this marinate for at least 1 hour.  Skewer the chicken and grill on medium high heat for 6-8 minutes per side or until the chicken is cooked through.  Serve with Mexican rice.

*If you are using wooden skewers, do not forget to soak them in water for 30 minutes before using.

Rotisserie Chicken Salad

This is my go to chicken salad recipe.  I have made it for many baby showers and always get asked for the recipe which makes me chuckle because it is so easy and basic.  The key is to use a Rotisserie chicken all that flavor is what makes people think you are a genius!  I LOVE the ones from Sam's Club but any rotisserie chicken would work just fine.

Rotisserie Chicken Salad
(8 to 10 servings)

1 Rotisserie chicken, skin and bones removed and roughly chopped
2-3 ribs of celery, chopped
1/2 - 1 cup pecans, chopped
1-2 cups red grapes, cut in half
mayonnaise to desired consistency (I LOVE Hellman's lite)
fresh ground pepper to taste
salt to taste (I usually don't need any)

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl to combine.  Serve on toasted whole wheat bread (as shown), on croissants, or anything else that suits your fancy!

Chicken Enchilada Soup

We have been making this soup for years, so I don't remember where the recipe came from.  I do remember it being a copy cat recipe from Chili's (the restaurant) Chicken Enchilada Soup.  No matter how I got a hold of it, it has been a house favorite for quite some time!  It is just a fantastic soup and different then other mexican or tortilla soups I have had.  This one is just so perfectly delicious!  

Chicken Enchilada Soup

(8-10 servings)

1/4 cup vegetable oil

2 T chicken base

1 1/2 cup diced onions

1 t cumin

1 t chili powder

1 t minced garlic

1/4 t cayenne pepper (this will NOT make it spicy)

1 cup masa harina, corn flour (you can find this at any grocery store)

2 quarts water

1 cup crushed tomatoes

1/4 pound American cheese, cut into small cubes (I totally don't like this but it is amazing and creamy in this soup!)

2-3 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded

garnishes:

shredded cheddar cheese

tortilla chips 

avocado

homemade tortillas

In a large soup pot, heat oil.  Add onion, chicken base and spices.  Saute until the onions are soft, about 3-4 minutes.  In another container, combine 2 cups of the water with the masa harina, stirring until all lumps dissolve.  Add this to the sautéed onions, stirring constantly, and let it cook for 2-3 minutes once it starts to bubble, this will eliminate the raw flavor of the masa harina. Add the remaining water slowly, whisking as you go until the soup is smooth. Add the tomatoes, let the soup come to a boil, stirring occasionally.  Add cheese to the soup and stir to melt.  Add the chicken to the soup and stir to heat through.  Top with shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips and fresh avocado!

Lettuce Wraps

I LOVE these!  They are a copy cat of P.F. Chang's, which are to die for.  These come pretty close.  Besides, who doesn't love a healthy, fun way to spice up chicken for dinner?  I got this recipe from my A-mazing sister who (I think) found it online.  So, thanks Abby! Now you won't have to continue to send me the same recipe over and over...

Lettuce Wraps

3 frozen chicken breasts

1 lg. carrot

8 whole mushrooms

3 green onions

1 red bell pepper

2 cloves of garlic

1/2 can water chestnuts- drained

2 T oil

1/4 t. sesame oil

Iceberg lettuce

rice noodles (optional for more crunch)

Boil chicken in water with a pinch of salt and a clove of garlic. Once it is cooked through,

finely chop it.  Finely grate carrot and mushroom.  Finely chop bell pepper, onion and chestnuts. Set aside.

Mix Sauce ingredients

1/2 C water

1/4 C sugar

2T rice vinegar

1 t. sesame oil

1 t. sriracha, this will NOT make these spicy.  Double this for more kick!

1/2 C soy sauce

1/2 t. fresh ginger or 1/4 t. powdered ginger

(Double the sauce so you have some for dipping!)

Now, heat 2 T oil and 1/4 t sesame oil in a large skillet. Add onion, mushroom and red pepper.  Cook 2 minutes to soften.  Add sauce and chicken and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minute until almost all the liquid is absorbed.  Add chestnuts and carrots. Stir to combine.

Serve in the crunchy inside pieces of iceberg lettuce.  Add the rice noodles, if you are using them. Dip in the extra sauce!

 * I will use Low-sodium soy sauce next time, I like to have a little more control over the saltiness without losing the flavor.

Crockpot Coconut Chicken Curry

If you are like me and LOVE Indian food, especially Chicken Tikka Masala, then this recipe may just be your new best friend.  Now, if you have never had Indian food, first of all, shame on you, and second MAKE THIS RECIPE!  This recipe is wonderfully flavorful and satisfying.  It is so easy and best of all you get to make dinner at 10 am before the day gets crazy and hectic.  Your house will smell amazing all day and all you have to do to finish it off is make rice and maybe (ok definitely) some Naan bread. I found this recipe at Tasty Kitchen.

Crockpot Coconut Chicken Curry
(4-5 servings)

3 chicken breasts (skinless, boneless) about 2 pounds, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 whole onion
1 whole bell pepper (seeded) I like the sweetness of red bell peppers
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 (14 oz) can coconut milk
1 1/2 t salt
1 T curry powder
1 T Garam Masala (Indian Spice Mix)
Fresh Cilantro, chopped (optional)

Cooked rice
Naan bread (we LOVE this recipe)

Place the cubed chicken into the slow cooker. Place the rest of the ingredients (except the water, cornstarch and cilantro) into a food processor or blender and mix until smooth.  Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker and mix well.  Cook on low for 6 hours.  if it is not thick enough, add some cornstarch mixed with water about 1 hour before serving.  Serve over cooked rice, garnish with chopped cilantro.  Serve with warm Naan bread.

Chicken Gyros with Greek Chicken

If there is one thing that Michigan has a million of it is Coney Island Restaurants. When I first moved here I just assumed that Michiganders LOVED their hot dogs, but as it turns out all of these Coney Islands also have Greek food. YUM! We love us a good Gyro! So when I saw this recipe over at A Hint of Honey I decided to try it out. As it turns out, this is our new favorite chicken marinade and we have made these many times!  I altered the original recipe just slightly.

Chicken Gyros with Greek Chicken


2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 -inch pieces
4 T extra virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, crushed
1 1/2 t dried oregano
1 t salt
1 t fresh ground black pepper
2 T fresh squeezed lemon juice
Feta cheese
Tzatziki Sauce (recipe below)
hummus (optional, but so good. We LOVE this recipe)
Pita bread (We LOVE this recipe)
Sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce and red onion to garnish

In a medium bowl combine extra virgin olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.  Whisk together and then add the chicken.  Stir to coat evenly and let marinate for 30 minutes.  Preheat grill and thread skewers with chicken. If you are using wooden skewers don't forget to soak them in water for 20 minutes to keep them from burning.  Cook chicken on the grill until it is cooked through. (We have also put bell peppers and onions on with the chicken and served the kabobs over rice.)

Tzatziki Sauce


8 oz. plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cucumber, shredded and water squeezed out
1/2 lemon, juiced
salt and pepper to taste
1 clove garlic, minced
1 T extra virgin olive oil
several dashes of dried dill, to taste

Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl.  Refrigerate until ready to use.

To assemble the Gyro add chicken, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion and lettuce to the Pita.  Top with Tzatziki sauce, hummus and feta cheese.

Chicken Taquitos

Every time I see taquitos in the frozen food section, I think YUM! But then I make them and think "What was I thinking?" They are never very good to me. So when I saw these over at Annie's Eats I ran right out and got the stuff. And boy I was NOT disappointed. My only regret was that I didn't double the recipe. *They freeze you know! So next time I make these (like tomorrow!) I am going to double the recipe and stock my freezer for the quickest meal EVER! My boys loved these too, making them double fantastic!

Chicken Taquitos

(10-12 taquitos, 3-4 servings)

3 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup salsa (I used homemade, but use whatever you love)

1 T fresh squeezed lime juice

1 t chili powder

1/2 t cumin

1/2 t onion powder

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 T chopped cilantro

1-2 green onions, chopped

2 cups shredded chicken (about 1 1/2 chicken breasts)

1 cup shredded Mexican cheese (I used cheddar)

10-12 6-inch (fajita size) flour tortillas

cooking spray

kosher salt

1/2 can corn, drained (optional)**
1/2 can black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)**

Preheat oven to 425. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or spray with cooking spray

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, salsa, lime juice, spices, cilantro, green onions, chicken and shredded cheese. Mix until well combined.

Briefly heat the tortillas until they are soft enough to roll easily. Place a tortilla on a work surface and fill with 2-3 Tablespoons of chicken mixture down the middle. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place the taquito seam side down on the baking sheet. Repeat until all the tortillas are filled. Space them evenly on the baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray and then sprinkle with kosher salt. (This actually gives a great pop to these, so do not skip this step!)

Bake for 15-20 minutes, until crisp and golden brown. Serve with salsa, sour cream and guacamole, if desired

*To freeze for later use, transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and chill the assembled taquitos for 30-60 minutes. Then transfer them to a freezer safe container or storage bag for storing. To bake them from frozen, simply add a few minutes to the original baking time, until the filling is warmed through

**We made these again and added one can of black beans and a can of corn (both drained), omitted the cheese, left the chicken the same and doubled the cream cheese and spices and it made twice as many taquitos!  We didn't miss the cheese at all and LOVED the corn and beans in them!

Restaurant Style Chicken Nachos

I am a huge fan of mexican food in general, but nachos {Good Nachos} top my list. I made these on a whim to copy our favorite Mexican restaurant and they were so yummy! I need to put them on here so that I will remember to make them again! This is more just a list of ingredients because you can make as big a plate of these as you like!

Restaurant Style Chicken Nachos

Chicken, cooked and shredded

green enchilada sauce

cheddar cheese/jack cheese

refried beans

tortilla chips

sour cream

salsa

guacamole

Preheat your oven on broil. Place an oven rack about 10 inches from the top of the oven. Cover a pie plate or cookies sheet with foil and pile on some tortilla chips. Cook shredded chicken in enchilada sauce in a sauce pan until warmed through. Heat up refried beans (I like to add a little enchilada sauce and shredded to these). Put dollops of beans all over the chips. Next add the chicken in the same way. Top with lots of shredded cheese. Place the nachos in the oven under the broiler until the cheese is melted and starts to bubble. Top with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa. We like to gather around and eat off of the same plate just like at a Mexican restaurant!

*You could totally use any kind of meat: shredded beef, shredded pork or make it vegetarian and just use beans!

Quinoa and Vegetable Stew with Chicken

I found this recipe over at Picky Palate. I absolutely LOVE soup (have I mentioned this before?) and am always looking for new recipes to try. I love this soup. And next time I am going to make it without the chicken, it was not necessary to me. The Quinoa has a lot of protein in it so you don't even need the chicken if you don't want it.

Quinoa and Vegetable Stew with Chicken

(8-10 servings)

2 T olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

4 stalks of celery, chopped

4 large carrots, sliced

2 cups sweet peppers, chopped

1 large zucchini, quartered and sliced

64 oz chicken or vegetable broth

1-15 oz can petite diced tomatoes

5 Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed and cubed into one inch pieces

3 cups cooked Quinoa

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (I used my fav Rotisserie chicken from Sam's)

2 T Dijon Mustard

1 T hot sauce

1 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Kosher salt, fresh cracked pepper and garlic salt with parsley to taste

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Saute Onion, celery, carrots, peppers and zucchini until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in chicken broth, tomatoes and potatoes. Bring to a boil over high heat and then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add quinoa, chicken, mustard, hot sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic salt to taste. Stir in fresh parsley and simmer until ready to serve.

Sausage and Kale Soup

I found this recipe at Martha Stewart.com. It was quick and hearty, the perfect thing for a cold snowy day. It has a great almost creamy broth without the cream/milk. Serve it with some crusty bread and there is nothing better for a week night meal.

Sausage and Kale Soup

(4 servings)

1 T olive oil

1 onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 t crushed red-pepper flakes

5 medium potatoes (1 1/2 pounds), cut into 1/2 inch chunks

3 cans low-sodium chicken broth

1 bunch kale, stemmed and shredded

12 ounces chicken sausage, cut into 1/2-inch half moons (We browned these in a pan before adding to the soup)

In a large pot, heat oil over medium. Add onion and cook until soft (about 1-2 minutes). Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook until fragrant. Add the potatoes and broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer until the potatoes are tender, 10-15 minutes.

In a blender, puree half the soup. Return to the pot and add kale and sausage. Simmer until the kale is wilted about 10-15 minutes.

Chicken and Dumpling Soup

I was in desperate need of comfort food this week. The snow has set in, my kids are sick and my husband is working too much. So what do I do? I cook, it makes me feel better. I found this recipe at My Kitchen Cafe. I have decided I would be lost without it. The blog not the recipe. Well, maybe the recipe too.

Chicken and Dumpling Soup

(6 servings)

4 cups chicken broth

4 cups water

2-3 chicken breasts (I used a rotisserie chicken)

1 1/2 T olive oil

1 onion, chopped

2 large carrots, chopped

2 ribs celery, chopped

1 1/2 t salt

1 t dried thyme (I used 1 sprig of fresh)

1/4 t pepper

1/2 cup frozen peas

1 1/4 cups flour, divided

2 t baking powder

1/2 t salt

1/4 t dried thyme (I used fresh, about 1/2 t)

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup milk

1 T vegetable oil

In a large pot, boil the chicken in the broth and water until the chicken is cooked through (about 15 minutes). Remove the chicken and shred. Keep the reserved broth warm on the stove. (I used a rotisserie chicken and skipped this step. I sauteed the veggies in a soup pot and added the water and broth.)

While the chicken cooks, saute the veggies in the olive oil for 6-7 minutes, or until tender. Add the veggies to the broth along with the thyme (I put in the whole sprig), salt and pepper and bring to a simmer.

In a small bowl whisk together 1/2 cup cold water and 1/4 cup flour until smooth. While whisking, slowly add this to the vegetables and broth until combine. Add the peas and the shredded chicken and stir.

For the dumplings, stir together the dry ingredients in a medium bowl. In a small bowl mix together the sour cream, milk and oil. Add the wet to the dry and mix until just combined, DO NOT over mix.

Heat the soup to boiling and drop teaspoonful amounts of dumpling dough into the boiling soup. The dumplings should be small, they expand as they cook. Cover the entire surface of the soup in a single layer of dumplings. Reduce the soup to a simmer. Cover the soup and let the dumplings cook for 15 minutes. DO NOT lift the lid while they cook.

Once the dumplings have cooked, remove the lid and stir gently to break the dumplings apart. Serve.

Chicken Salad Wraps

Gotta LOVE an easy meal! Seriously, this is faster than Fast Food! Thanks Abby for reminding me about this great "go to" quick lunch.

Chicken Salad Wrap

(4 servings)

1 can of white chicken, in water, drained (or about 1 1/2 to 2 cups shredded chicken, or hey, left over turkey!)

a couple of spoonfuls of lite mayo (NOT miracle whip, unless your into that)

craisins

chopped nuts (I use pecans)

chopped celery

salt and pepper to taste

spring greens

tortillas

Mix together the chicken, mayo, craisins, nuts, celery salt and pepper. I just add mayo until the chicken mixture holds together a bit. Put a big ol' spoonful in a tortilla with some spring greens and roll that puppy up. Now how fast was that?!

Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole

I came across this recipe at A Southern Grace and just knew I had to try it. I am a big lover of comfort food and this definitely fits into that category. I also love how quick it is and that it is all ingredients that I have on hand. I modified it slightly from the original recipe.

Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole

2 chicken breasts

6 ounces egg noodles

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 cup sour cream

salt, pepper and paprika to taste

1 1/2 cups cracker crumbs (I used club crackers, Ritz would be good too)

1/2 cup butter

Preheat oven to 350. Cook chicken and shred it. Cook noodles. Mix chicken and noodles together. In a separate bowl mix soups and sour cream together. Season with salt, pepper and paprika. Gently stir together the cream soup mixture with the chicken mixture. Put this into a 9x13 pan. Melt the butter and mix it with the cracker crumbs. Spread this on top of the casserole. Bake for 30 minutes or until heated through and golden brown.

Mexican Chicken Rub

My A-mazing husband has really been on a roll with great food lately! He made this chicken the other night that we used for chicken tacos but it would be great in anything mexican from fajitas to enchiladas or even on a salad.

Mexican Chicken Rub

2 T chili powder

1 T salt

1 T paprika

1 T sugar

1 t onion powder

1 t garlic powder

1/2 t cayenne pepper

1/2 t cumin

Mix this all together and rub on raw chicken (we used boneless, skinless breasts). Cook on the grill until cooked through. Slice and use on anything you like!

Margherita Chicken

I am trying, somewhat UNsuccessfully (or UNwillingly), to come back from the land of newborn H.E.A.V.E.N. But hey, how many times do we actually get to have a newborn? I am trying my best to remember and relish each instant! As a result I have totally been relying on my sweet husband in the food department and he has really come through for me! He grilled this A-mazing chicken the other night, it was so good and I LOVE that the toppings came fresh from our garden. Such a perfect summer meal...

Margherita Chicken

4 skinless boneless chicken breasts

1 bottle Italian dressing

tomato

cheese (we used cheddar but it is also really good with provolone)

fresh basil

Marinate the chicken in the Italian dressing for at least 2 hours and as long as overnight. Grill the chicken. When it is cooked through, place tomato slices and cheese on top until cheese is melted. Top with fresh basil right before serving.

Chicken Shawarma Sandwich on Homemade Pita Bread

Alright, don't let this intimidate you. It is actually a pretty straight forward recipe or recipes actually. We are huge fans of Mediterranean food and LOVE Chicken Shawarma Sandwiches. So, I started looking for all the right components. These recipes come from a few different websites so I will site them under each recipe heading. Ok, here it goes!

Chicken Shawarma

www.dedemed.com

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/4 cup Greek yogurt

1 T minced garlic

1 t salt

1/4 t ground cardamom

1/4 t 7 spices (I couldn't find this so I omitted it and it was still great!)

1/4 t paprika

1/4 t dried parsley

1/8 t cayenne pepper

1/8 t cinnamon

Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix to coat chicken. Cover and let marinate for 2 hours in the refrigerator. Preheat pan with 3 T olive oil. Add chicken and cook for 10 minutes or longer until chicken is cooks through.

Yogurt Sauce and Greek Pico de Gallo

Our Best Bites

6 T Greek yogurt

1/2 t lemon zest

1/2 T fresh parsley, minced

1/4 t salt

Mix all together.

1/4 cup diced tomato

1/4 cup diced cucumber

1 T diced red onion

Mix together.

Pita Bread

Food Network

1 t yeast

2 1/2 cups warm water

2 cups whole wheat flour

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 T salt

1-2 T olive oil (I used 1 1/2 T)

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Add whole wheat flour, one cup at a time, then add 1 cup of the white flour. Mix for 1 minute. Let this sponge rest for at least 10 minutes or up to 2 hours.

Sprinkle salt over sponge and stir in olive oil. Add the rest of the white flour 1 cup at a time. Knead dough until it is smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise until it is double, about 1 1/2 hours.

Preheat oven to 450. Preheat a baking stone or baking sheet in the oven. Divide dough into 16 balls. Roll each ball out on a floured surface until it is about 8-9 inches in diameter. I kept the dough balls covered so they wouldn't dry out. Bake each dough circle on the preheated stone for 4-5 minutes until it has gone to a full balloon or is slightly browned. There are many reasons they DON"T go to full balloon so don't worry if they don't, they are still great and we just folded them in half or rolled them into a sandwich.

NOW... Take a pita and add yogurt sauce, Greek Pico, Chicken, lettuce, pickles and hummus (I will post a great hummus recipe next!) Y.U.M.!! Now wasn't that worth it!

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Years ago, as newlyweds at BYU, I made my husband take a couples cooking class with me. Cooking together has been a favorite past time for us ever since. This is one of the recipes that we got from that class and it has remained a staple in our house. I have modified it over the years to accommodate our tastes. So, here is my version.

Chicken Cordon Bleu

4 skinless boneless chicken breasts

4 slices provolone cheese (or whatever kind you like)

4 slices ham

1/4 cup melted butter

1/2 cup plain bread crumbs

1 t poultry seasoning

1/4 t garlic salt

Preheat oven to 350. Pound chicken flat to an even thickness. Layer each flat chicken breast with a slice of cheese and a slice of ham. Roll the chicken breast up, securing as much of the cheese and ham inside as possible. I seal the ends with a toothpick. Combine the bread crumbs, seasoning and garlic salt together. Dip each chicken roll into the melted butter and then the bread crumb mixture. Arrange in a baking dish and cook for about 30 minutes at 350 until the chicken is cooked and the cheese melted. Top with this sauce recipe, if desired.

Veloute Sauce

2 T butter

2 T flour

1 cup chicken broth

1/4 t salt

1/8 t pepper

1/8 t nutmeg

Melt butter in a sauce pan over low heat. Add flour and stir until smooth and bubbly. Gradually add in chicken broth. Cook until boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir for 1 minute. Add in the salt, pepper and nutmeg. Pour some over each chicken roll.

Tortilla Soup

From the Sister's Cafe, of course! I love how fresh and wonderful this soup is. If you are going to do soup in warmer weather, It just has to be super fresh and not creamy. This totally works in my book. I changed a couple of things, so here is my version...

Tortilla Soup

1 T olive oil

1 large onion chopped

1 can diced green chilis
1 lb chicken-cooked and shredded

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp garlic powder

1 16 oz can diced tomatoes
1 can pinto beans, rinsed

2 cans chicken broth

1 can corn, drained

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 lime squeezed over soup
salt and pepper to taste


In a large pot, heat oil and sauté onion and chilies until tender. Add the chicken and spices. Add tomatoes, beans, corn and fresh cilantro. Add the broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes or longer to bring out flavors. Ladle into bowls & garnish.

Garnish:
10 yellow corn tortillas-sliced and baked*
1 large avocado
Sour cream
cheddar cheese, shredded

*Cut tortillas into thin strips using a pizza cutter. Spray with cooking oil ( like Pam), sprinkle with kosher salt and bake in 350 oven until lightly brown and crisp.

Add garnish of a handful of tortilla strips, avocado chunks and a dollop of sour cream to each bowl.