20 Recipes for Summer

Summer is here! Okay, well maybe not “officially” but I think all the moms out there can agree that summer starts when school lets out. Now that it’s hotter outside and the days are longer we want to avoid turning on the oven as much as possible and either grill or eat light, refreshing meals.  I don’t know about you but my kitchen gets really hot when I use the oven so I will definitely be planning any baking for very early in the day and relying more on the grill and other summertime fare.

Here is a roundup of 20 recipes that are summer worthy from appetizers to desserts, and not a one requires an oven.

Appetizers: Bruschetta, Cherry Caprese

Salads: Deviled Potato Salad, Macaroni Salad, Cheeseburger Salad, Chopped Thai Chicken Salad, Chili Lime Chicken Salad, Greek Chicken Salad with Grapes & Pecans

On the Grill: Grilled Balsamic Chicken, Bourbon BBQ Sliders with Garlic Aioli, Honey-Lime Chicken Kabobs

In the Crock Pot: Honey Sesame Chicken, Sweet Chicken Rio, Cashew Chicken, Chicken Teriyaki

Cool Desserts: Chocolate Banana Pudding Pie, Mud Pie, Watermelon Petit Fours, Chocolate & Peanut Butter Ribbon Dessert, Easy Eclair Dessert

Marvelous Mondays, Melt in Your Mouth Mondays,

Chopped Thai Chicken Salad

You all know how much I love Mexican food around here, and you may have picked up on my increasing love of Asian food, but did you know that I LOVE Thai? Well, I say that but I have to admit that my Thai experiences have been fairly limited (as in Pad Thai mostly). However, this recipe definitely helped quench my taste for decent Thai flavors in a town without any options whatsoever, and it made the cut with the whole family as well. Bonus!

Also a little tip* I used leftover lime cabbage from my Shredded Beef Tacos for this salad.

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/2 head cabbage

1/2 head of green leaf lettuce

1/2 cup carrots, chopped or shredded

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/2 cup green onions, chopped

1/2 cup chopped peanuts

Thai Dressing

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp minced hot pepper (I used jalapeño, as usual)

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup vinegar

3-4 T sugar

2 T fresh lime juice

2 T EVOO

1 tsp fish sauce

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/3 cup water (+ a few tbsp more if needed for consistency)

1. Poach chicken in water or chicken broth until cooked through. Shred and set in refrigerator to cool.

2. Slice cabbage and lettuce thin. Combine with prepared carrot, cilantro, and green onion. *At this point you could combine the chicken with the salad if you wanted. Refrigerate.

3. Mince garlic and pepper and place in medium bowl. Add in the soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, lime juice, oil, and fish sauce. Whisk until combined. Stir in peanut butter and water and whisk until smooth.

4. Toss salad with the dressing (only what you are going to eat). Add the crushed peanuts.

5. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Cast Party Wednesday, Wednesday Extravaganza, Full Plate Thursday, What’s in Your Kitchen, Two Girls and a Party, Thursdays Treasures, Weekend Potluck, Foodie Friday, Fidlers Friday, TGIG, Melt in Your Mouth Monday, Marvelous Mondays,

June Menu ~ 2013

Holy moly, I am having a hard time believing it is June already! Don’t get me wrong, I am so ready for summer and for the kids to be out of school, but when I look back at the past 5 months, I’m like wha??? Where’d it go? And it’s not even that so much as realizing that you’re half-way through 2013 already! Before you know it it’ll be 2014 and I still haven’t gotten used to writing 2013 on my checks!!

Ok, fine, enough complaining.

This month I have a lot going on. Most times June is a busy month for this family and this year is no exception. In fact, I have even more going on than usual for June, but mostly it’s coincidence. With that said, I will be out of town for three of the five weekends, and  so my aim is make my menu as easy as possible. There isn’t much in the way of new recipes, though I am sure if I have the time I will add something else. I often do. And there are also the leftover recipes from my May menu that I didn’t get to in time, so I will most likely get to those as well. I hope you find something you like. Happy cooking and welcome summer!

Recipes I have posted before: Bourbon BBQ Sliders, Baked Tacos, Poor Man’s Mongolian Beef, Balsamic Grilled Chicken, Tomato & Zucchini Frittata, Dijon Dill Salmon, Honey Sesame Chicken, Lobster Risotto, Chili Lime Chicken Fiesta Salad, Crispy Cheddar Chicken, Maple Mustard Chicken, Pasta Lentil Soup.

Recipes I am working on this month:

Tomatillo Salsa Verde

Brown Sugar Grilled Salmon

Tuscan Pasta

General Tso’s Chicken Sliders

Egg-Stuffed Potatoes

Crock Pot Pesto-Ranch Chicken

Chicken Pad Thai

Chocolate Fudge Tart with Mint Cream

Rhubarb Upside Down Cake

Pear Pecan Muffins

Raspberry Lemon Drop

White Bean Turkey Chili

This is a super easy, healthy, and yummy chili. All you have to do is prep the meat and a few veggies and the slow cooker will do the rest for you.

1 lb. ground turkey

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup green onions, chopped

1 lb. dried navy beans, soaked and rinsed

1 cup frozen corn

1 jalapeno pepper, deseeded and diced

2 tsp salt

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp thyme

1 tsp tarragon

1 tsp pepper

3 cups vegetable broth

1 cup white wine

1 cup heavy cream

1. Saute garlic in some EVOO. Add ground turkey and cook until browned and crumbled.

2. Add meat and the rest of the ingredients to the crock pot.

3. Cook on low for 6 hours.

Southwest Chicken and Corn Chowder

You probably are thinking this would be a great recipe for the Fall and I agree, but the weather here has been cold and rainy for nearly a month, so it feels pretty Fall-like. Besides, comfort food is welcome in my house anytime of the year and I’d bet you’d agree if you try this lovely chowder. Just serve with some crusty bread and enjoy.

1 T EVOO

3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 green onions, chopped

1/2 cup carrots, sliced thin or diced

1/2 cup celery, sliced thin or chopped

1 small to medium potato, peeled and cubed

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 mini bell peppers, red & orange, chopped (optional)

jalapeno pepper, minced

4 pieces turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled

3 cups chicken broth

 1 1/4 cups heavy cream

2 T flour

1 1/2 cups frozen corn

2 tsp southwest seasoning*

salt & pepper

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss with southwest seasonings. *This is just a combo of chili powder, chipotle powder, and paprika. Cook in EVOO in skillet heated over medium heat.

2. In soup pot place the chicken broth and the chopped carrots, onion, garlic, jalepeno, bell peppers and celery. Allow time to soften and simmer in broth before adding the chicken, corn and potato. Cook for at least 20 minutes.

3. Fry up your bacon, drain and crumble into the chowder pot. Season with thyme, salt and pepper. Taste.

4. Using a small whisk, combine the flour with the heavy cream in a bowl to make a roux. Add to the chowder and stir in well.

5. Let simmer another 20 minutes or more until potatoes are tender and all the flavors are combined.

I will share a few secrets with you: First, I used the crock pot, in stages, which made the chowder awesome. If you have the time I’d recommend this. Just follow the recipe with longer cooking intervals. After several hours the chicken is extremely tender and the overall flavor is amazing. Also, I used leftover chicken from my Chicken Enchilada Pasta Bake since there was so much leftover and I didn’t want to waste all that chicken or fantastic flavor. If you have any leftover dishes in your fridge, don’t be afraid to dig your hands into it and find a way to use it. 

May Menu ~ 2013

You may have noticed that I took a little sabbatical from blogging. I didn’t know I was going to take a break but it was obvious that I needed one. It’s also pretty obvious that I didn’t cook nearly as much of my April menu as I intended and I usually try to make those recipes up the next month, but alas, I probably won’t get to those any time soon. But I do have a whole menu of new and exciting recipes to share, and I appreciate all you wonderful readers and fellow bloggers for coming back to see what I’m cooking

Recipes I’m cooking that I’ve shared before:

Zucchini Noodles,  Cilantro Lime Rice,  Spinach Tomato Feta Frittata,  Cheeseburger Salad,  Black Bean & Steak Taquitos

Recipes I’m working on this month:

Quinoa, Black Bean & Corn Burritos

Fish Cakes with Cilantro-Lime Dip

Mushroom & Peas Pulao

Chicken Enchilada Pasta Bake

Skinny Cheeseburger Casserole

Southwest Chicken & Corn Chowder

Crock Pot Honey Sesame Chicken

White Bean Turkey Chili

Marinated London Broil

Cajun Chicken Fritters with Cajun Aioli

Bourbon BBQ Sliders with Garlic Aioli

Southwest Chicken Wraps

Honey-Lime Chicken Kabobs

Shredded Beef Tacos with Lime Cabbage & Queso

Chopped Thai Chicken Salad

Chipotle Steak Burritos

Crispy GF Sweet & Sour Chicken

Chili’s Chicken Enchilada Soup

 Sides & Other:

Thai Dragon Noodles

Turkey Bacon & Cheddar Potato Cakes

Four Bean Salad

Parmesan & Chive Quinoa Patties

Deviled Potato Salad

Breakfast Enchilada Bake

Desserts:

Gooey Butter Bars with Fresh Strawberries

Mini Apple Tarte Tatin

Strawberry Tart with Basil Cream

Vanilla-Coconut Rice Pudding

Chocolate Banana Pudding Pie

Lemon Cake with Raspberries and Yogurt Frosting

Chili Lime Chicken Fiesta Salad with Chili Lime Ranch

There’s so much goodness in this salad that I think the title could have gone on, such as the Crunchy Chili Lime Chicken Fiesta Salad with Pico de Gallo and Chili Lime Ranch and Avocado.

Whew! Yeah, I’m glad I didn’t do that, too, but rest assured that is exactly what you will find in this salad. It’s awesome! It only takes a little bit of prep work and then you’ve got a fantastic one-dish meal that will blow your socks off and everyone else’s at the table as well.

This salad is very filling but not heavy. Perfect. Oh, and BTW this chili lime dressing/marinade is great for your chicken any time, so keep the recipe for a day you want to grill a bird with a little pizzaz.

Chili Lime Chicken Fiesta Salad

4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless

1 recipe chili lime dressing, divided (following)

Pico de Gallo (recipe following)

Salad greens, as much as you want (I used a green leaf and iceburg mix)

Shredded cheese, Mexican blend, to taste

Tortilla chips or strips, to taste

2 large limes, juice divided

1/2 cup ranch dressing

1 avocado

 Chili Lime Dressing/Marinade

1 1/2 T lime juice

1 tsp lime zest

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/4 tsp cumin

1/3 cup EVOO

Pico de Gallo

1/2 red onion, diced

4 large roma tomatoes, diced

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 cup frozen corn

1 can organic black beans, drained and rinsed

1 tsp salt

1. Mix together ingredients for the dressing/marinade and chill in refrigerator until chilled.

2. Make Pico de Gallo with all ingredients listed and chill in refrigerator until ready to use. Taste and add salt & pepper as needed.

3. You will divided the dressing into 3 parts: 1/2 to marinate the meat, 1/4 for the ranch, and the last 1/4 reserve for brushing onto the chicken. Take the 1/2 measurement of dressing and marinade your chicken breasts for at about 30 minutes. This does not have to be in the refrigerator.

4. While things are chilling and marinating make your ranch dressing by combining  it with one of the 1/4 measurements (this comes out to 2 or 3 T.) Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.

5. You can either grill or pan fry the chicken. If using a pan, heat up some EVOO over medium heat and use the remaining bit of dressing/marinade on the meat while it’s cooking. Meat should be tender and juicy. Slice or cube.

6. Mash your avocado. Take the remaining bit of lemon juice and mix it with the avocado and a pinch of salt, to taste.

7. Chop up your greens and arrange on a plate. Scoop some pico de gallo, top with shredded cheese and chicken. Top that with some crushed tortilla chips and avocado, then drizzle the chili lime ranch over it all. *Use extra ranch if needed.

*You could even go ahead and combine the chili lime ranch with the avocado mixture to make a heavenly dressing, but for those who don’t like avocado I left it separate for this recipe.

 

April Menu ~ 2013

Spring has officially arrived and with it comes some great eating. It’s almost time to pull out the grill and make some awesome Balsamic Grilled Chicken (I’ve been craving that!) or make a Caprese Pasta Salad or some Black Bean Taquitos.

Hot Hamburger Plate (Number One’s birthday) and Caramel Cake

Oven Baked Tacos with Crock Pot Pinto Beans and Pico de Gallo

Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Pesto Parmesan Green Beans and Oven Roasted Potatoes

Cheeseburger Salad

Black Bean Taquitos with Salad and Mexican Rice

Caprese Pasta Salad

Romano-Crusted Chicken with Skillet Veggies and Cheesy Pesto Bread

Pan-Seared Tuna Steaks with Lima Bean Butter 

 Homemade Mac ‘n Cheese

Taco Cornbread Pizza

Chicken and Rice Pilaf with Roasted Asparagus

~ Recipes I am working on this month ~

Chili Lime Chicken Fiesta Salad with Chili Lime Ranch

Poor Man’s Mongolian Beef

Wonton Taco Cups

Amazing Cashew Chicken

Poached Salmon with Sour Cream & Dill Dressing 

Beer Battered Fish & Chips

Chicken Asadero Chimichanga

Artichoke Crusted Chicken

Eggplant Pizza

Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Salad

Asian Chicken Pizza with Peanut Sauce

Crock Pot Chipotle Chicken Tacos

~ Sides ~

Smoked Salmon & Creme Fraiche Bruschetta

Macaroni Salad

Spinach Squares

Cheesy Stuffed Zucchini with Ragu

Asparagus Feta Tart

Crispy Parmesan Baked Potaotes

Arancini w/ Marinara

Homemade French Bread

~ Desserts ~

A Little Bit of Everything Cookie Bars

Raspberry Coconut Squares

30 Minute Mini-Cini Buns

Margarita Cupcakes

Easter Brunch & Dinner Ideas

Easter is almost here and that usually means a big spread for your table. If you will be celebrating, and possibly even entertaining, you may want a few extra ideas – I know I am always looking for new ideas Here is just a simple round-up of breakfast/brunch, sides, main dishes, and desserts for you.

No Yeast Cinnamon Rolls

Quiche Lorraine

Blueberry Bake

Roasted Potato Frittata

Poached Eggs with Hollandaise Sauce

Strawberry-Peach Pancakes

Chicken Salad with Grapes & Pecans

Sweet Cherry Caprese Salad

Wild Rice & Corn Muffins

Chicken in Cream

Lemon Chicken Piccata

Dijon Dill Salmon

Auntie Mary’s Meatballs (Porcupine Balls)

Apricot & Tequila Glazed Turkey

Maple Mustard Chicken

Parmesan Pesto Green Beans

Creamy Skillet Veggies

Carrot Mash Bake

Cheesy Rice Fritters

Butternut Squash Macaroni & Cheese

Brown Sugar Butternut Squash Tart

Luscious Tropical Dream Cake

Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

Apple Pie Bars

Peasant Soup with Rosemary Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Number Two: “What’s for dinner?”

“Peasant Soup.” (Sounds better than cabbage and lentil soup, right?)

His response: “You mean like what they ate in the Middle Ages?!” (We had just watched Time Bandits a few days earlier.)

“Uh…yeah. Exactly.”

“Cool! Can we eat by candlelight, too?”

“Sure, kid.”

And he ate it. One point for mom for getting all the vegetables into the child- Yay!

Traditionally this soup would use a ham hock, but ya’ll know me….blech. So of course I had to tweak it a bit and make it my own recipe. It was also a lot faster my way, but if you fancy a ham hock then by all means go for it.

Peasant Soup

2 quarts chicken broth, divided

2 bay leaves

1 cup lentils, rinsed

salt & pepper to taste

2 T EVOO

1/2 onion, diced small

3 medium carrots, peeled and diced small

1 tsp thyme

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 large celery stalk, diced small

1/2 head cabbage, shredded thin

1. Combine lentils with 2 cups broth and bring to a light boil. Simmer for 20 – 25 minutes or until lentils are soft.

2. Dice up the vegetables and heat up the EVOO in a large skillet. Saute the onions for 2 or 3 minutes before adding in the carrots. Cook for a few minutes longer. Add the garlic, thyme and celery. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Transfer to the soup pot with the lentils.

3. Add the remaining 6 cups of broth and the bay leaves.

4. Put in the cabbage, reduce to a simmer, then cover and allow the cabbage to wilt into the soup. Salt & pepper to taste.

I served this soup with delicious little grilled cheese sandwiches on sliced French bread, grilled with rosemary butter.

Make sure you use a sharp cheddar (or even a cheddar-swiss blend) to get all the flavor from the melted cheese. Simply add some rosemary to your melted butter then using a small brush, paint the butter onto the bread slices. Place into hot, oiled skillet and place thick slices of cheese in between bread slices. Flip and brown on both sides, sprinkling a little extra rosemary on if needed.