Super Easy Chicken Breast

So last night was chicken and pasta, simple.  

I thought I would share how I “pan fry/cook” my chicken breast.  It turns out super flavorful and moist!

Essentially, pour chicken brother in a frying pan, about 1/4″ to 1/2″ deep.  Sprinkle in your favorite spices.  Some of mine are spicy italian, chili powder, garlic powder, Montreal steak spice.

Cover and cook on medium low, flipping when needed till cooked!  It takes about 20 min.  Yummy!!!!!

Last Nights Dinner

My cupboard is not the most organized of places.  Hence, when I discovered the bag on quinoa deep in the back, I resolved to find a use for it.

I did not grow up eating quinoa.  I only heard of it for the first time a few years ago, so my experience with it is next to nothing.  I have attempted use of it less than 5 times, with varying degrees of success.  So I did some research yesterday and found a recipes for Quinoa Cauliflower Cakes.  Seriously, how healthy can you get!  My though was that this was going to be one of those “its a healthy meal, just chew, swallow and don’t taste” kinds of suppers.  BUT I was pleasantly surprised.  It tasted like a “guilty” comfort food.  So I give to you my take on this recipe!

Quinoa Cauliflower Cakes

Prep time     Cook time     Total time

10 mins               10 mins               20 mins

Ingredients

• 1 head of cauliflower, steamed.
• 1 can (15 oz) white kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 medium-size green onions, ends removed, coarsely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled, roughly chopped
• ¾ tsp fine sea salt
• ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 cups cooked cooled quinoa
• 2 cups panko or fresh bread crumbs
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• About 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

1. In food processor, place cauliflower, beans, green onions, garlic, salt and pepper. Cover; process until smooth, then transfer mixture to large bowl.
2. Stir in quinoa, 1-1/4 cups bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Shape mixture into 12 patties, each about ½ inch thick and 3 inches in diameter, using about ⅓ cup mixture for each. Coat patties with remaining bread crumbs.
3. Refrigerate about 1 hour so mixture holds together.
4. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat. Add about half of the patties; cook 4 to 6 minutes per side, until light golden brown. Repeat until all patties are cooked, adding more oil as needed.

Notes:

This recipe can also be made as Gluten Free!  Just use gluten free bread crumbs.

Or if you prefer food of a vegan variety, just omit the parmesan cheese.

Tastes great with Franks!

These can also be frozen!  Just freeze before cooking, and when you are ready to eat them, just thaw in the fridge.

The Beginning

My first blog post.

As I grow in my love for cooking and enhance my skills and palate, I find myself wanting to share with the world my discoveries of taste.

Sometimes my cooking fails miserably.  I am incredibly blessed to be married to a man who loves to eat and is honest in a constructive way when my meals aren’t a 10/10.  I welcome his input, as it pushes me to try again, and improve. 

In this blog, you can expect to see a majority of comfort foods.  I’ve never been a salad kind of girl, but in all my dishes I always try to keep things fresh, unprocessed, and attempt to create healthier versions of dishes that are generally thought of as “waistline expanding”.

Food is meant to be enjoyed, and should be made with love.  I hope that comes through in the food I share.

 

Val