Oven Baked Chimichangas

These are from Mel's Kitchen Cafe and are so good!  I didn't have all of the ingredients, so I adjusted the recipe slightly...

Ingredients:
1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped fine
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups cooked brown or white rice
2-3 cups diced, cooked chicken (I used closer to 2 cups)
1-2 tsp. minced canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce (I didn't have these, so I used chipotle chili pepper that I had in my spices and it turned out delicious)
1 cup shredded cheddar or monterey jack cheese (or a combination)
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
salt and pepper
6 large burrito-size flour tortillas (I only had the tortillas that you buy and cook yourself, so I used those...they are smaller and I had enough filling for 10)

Directions:
Place a rimmed baking sheet in the oven and heat the oven to 450 degrees.  While the oven is heating, in a large skillet, heat 2 Tblsp. of the oil over medium heat until the oil is shimmering.  Cook the onion until it is just softened, about 3 minutes.  Stir in the beans, rice, chicken, and chipotle chiles and cook until the mixture is heated through, about 3 minutes.  Off the heat, stir in the cheese and cilantro.  Season with salt and pepper to taste (I used a few grinds of each).

Stack the tortillas on a plate and cover with a damp paper towel.  Microwave the tortillas until they are warm and pliable, about 1 minute.  Top each warm tortilla with some of the chicken mixture, leaving about a 2-inch border at the bottom of the tortilla.  Fold in the sides and roll up the tortilla tightly.  Brush the wrapped tortillas with the remaining oil and arrange them seam side down on the hot baking sheet that has been preheating in the oven.  Bake until the chimis are golden brown and crisp, about 8 to 10 minutes.  Serve.

Baked Ziti

This is a quick and easy dish that we have had a few times, and everyone loves it!

1 Tblsp. olive oil
6 garlic cloves
1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes (original recipe calls for 1/4 tsp.)
salt and pepper to taste
2 (15 oz.) cans crushed tomato
3 cups water
12 oz. ziti (3 3/4 cup) or your favorite short pasta
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup minced fresh basil (1/3 of that if using dried)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (more if you like it really cheesy)

Place oven rack in middle position.  Preheat oven to 475 degrees.

Combine oil, garlic, pepper flakes, and 1/2 tsp. salt in 12-inch oven safe nonstick skillet and saute over medium-high heat until fragrant, about 1 minute.  Add crushed tomatoes, water, ziti, and 1/2 tsp. salt.  Cover cook, stirring often and adjusting the heat as needed to maintain a vigorous simmer, until ziti is almost tender, 15-18 minutes.

Add cheese and bake.   Stir in cream, parmesan, and basil.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over ziti.  Transfer skillet to oven (or a 2 quart glass dish if your skillet isn't oven safe) and bake until cheese has melted and browned.  About 10 minutes.

Chicken and Rice Quesadillas

So my neighbor just gave me this recipe for the easiest and super yummy quesadillas!  I adapted it to what I had on hand so it wasn't exactly as given, but I will note the actual recipe.

One box Rice-a-Roni  (her recipe called for the broccoli chicken flavor, but I think lots of the flavors would work well)
shredded, cooked chicken
cheese, whatever you have on hand, shredded (I used some colby jack and I did one with gouda, which was delicious)
Tortillas (I also used some of those thin wrap breads from costco...I actually liked them better than the tortillas)

Using a large skillet or quesadilla maker, make into quesadillas and serve immediately.  Super easy and delicious!!

Chicken Apple Sausage Couscous

This recipe is from Mel's Kitchen Cafe. I tried it because I bought some of the precooked chicken apple sausages from Costco to try. We have had it a couple of times since, and the whole family likes it.

INGREDIENTS

1/3 cup pine nuts

1/2 yellow onion, sliced into thin half moons  (I have also used red onion and it worked out well)

1 Tblsp. extra virgin olive oil

12 oz. precooked sweet apple chicken sausages, or other type sausage/kielbasa, cut into 1/4-inch rounds

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

1/2 tsp. dried thyme

1/2 tsp. cumin

1/2 tsp. coriander

1/2 tsp. curry powder

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, divided

1/3 cup dried cranberries (I use Craisins)

1 cup dry whole wheat couscous (I just made this again and didn't have couscous so I made it with quinoa            instead and it was still delicious!)

DIRECTIONS

Start the couscous cooking according to package directions.

Meanwhile, in a large non-stick skillet (12-inch), toast the pine nuts over medium-low to medium heat, tossing frequently, until they are golden. Remove the pine nuts to a small bowl and return the skillet to medium heat.

Heat the olive oil until rippling and hot. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to turn translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the chicken sausage and brown lightly, about 2-3 minutes. Add 1/3 cup of the chicken broth to the skillet with the salt, pepper, thyme, cumin, coriander, and curry powder. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the onion is very tender and most of the liquid has evaporated and/or absorbed. It should still be slightly wet but not soupy.

Add the cranberries and the remaining chicken broth (2/3 cup) to the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the cranberries are heated through and softened a bit. Stir in the cooked couscous and let the entire mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed but the couscous is not dry. It should still have some tender moisture to it but not be saturated with broth.

Stir in the toasted pine nuts and serve immediately.

Baked Potato Soup

This may be the best potato soup I've ever tasted! Having the potatoes previously baked makes it taste so different in a good way. The recipe is from Our Best Bites.

3 Tblsp. butter

2-3 cloves garlic, minced (I think I used at least 4 garlic cloves)

1/2 Cup flour

4 1/2 Cups milk (low fat is fine)

1 (14 oz.) can chicken broth

4 medium baking potatoes (about 2 1/2 lbs.), baked

2 Cups grated cheddar (or sharp cheddar) cheese, divided

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1 1/2 Cups sour cream, divided

1/2 Cup chopped green onions, divided

8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, divided

DIRECTIONS:

Melt butter in a stock pot over medium heat. Add garlic and saute for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Add flour to pan. Slowly add milk a little at a time while whisking constantly to eliminate lumps. Whisk until smooth and then add chicken broth. (If you get to this point and don't have a smooth liquid, stop, and put the mixture in the blender, then continue.) Bring soup just to a simmer and heat until thickened, stirring often, about 5 minutes.

Once soup is thickened, turn heat down to medium-low. Cut potatoes in half length-wise and use a spoon to scoop out potato flesh into the pot. Use a wooden spoon to smash potatoes, breaking up large clumps. Add 1 1/2 cups grated cheese and salt and pepper and stir until cheese is melted. Remove pan from heat and stir in 3/4 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup green onions, and 4 strips of the crumbled bacon. Add additional salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and top each serving with the remaining sour cream, onions, cheese, and bacon.

Angel Hair Pasta Salad

I found this recipe from Mel's Kitchen Cafe and it is soooo good. I think it will seem even more amazing when it is so hot outside that I can hardly stand it!

1 pound angel hair pasta

1/2 cup olive oil

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 cups parmesan cheese

2-3 fresh tomatoes, seeded and diced

handful of fresh basil leaves, torn into small pieces

1 (4 oz.) package pine nuts, lightly toasted (do this over medium-low heat in a non-stick skillet)

coarse salt

DIRECTIONS:

Boil water for pasta. When water starts boiling, add a handful of rock salt (i.e. ice cream salt)(I didn't have any of this and I still thought it was delicious!). Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 4 minutes. Drain pasta and place in serving bowl. While pasta is boiling, saute garlic in olive oil until sizzling and lightly browned (don't burn the garlic or it will taste bitter). Pour garlic and olive oil over warm pasta and toss. Sprinkle a teaspoon or so (to taste) of coarse salt over the noodles and add 1 cup of the parmesan cheese. Toss again. Let noodles cool slightly. Right before serving, top noodles with diced tomatoes, pine nuts, torn basil and 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese. Very lightly toss, being careful not to let all the toppings go to the bottom. Serve.

Ground Turkey Enchiladas

This recipe came from A Bountiful Kitchen...it isn't the prettiest to look at, but it is a yummy way to use ground turkey.

For Topping:

1 1/4 cups frozen corn, thawed

1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies (I used only half that amount)

1 cup fresh cilantro leaves

1/3 cup whipping cream (you can use half and half to cut the fat)

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

For Enchiladas:

3/4 lb. ground turkey

1/3 cup chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tblsp. olive oil

3/4 cup mild red salsa

1 Tblsp. cornmeal

2 tsp. chili powder (I used a little over 1 tsp...but we don't like things too hot)

1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. ground oregano

salt and pepper

8 corn tortillas, warmed or grilled (I think I probably used 16...and I would use flour tortillas next time)

1 1/2 cups cheese, pepper jack or Mexican cheese blend, divided

1/4 cup sliced olives, optional

Place the first six ingredients in a food processor, cover and pulse until blended. Do not over pulse.

In a large skillet, cook the turkey, onion, and garlic in oil over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Remove from heat, stir in salsa, cornmeal, and seasonings.

Spoon 1/3 cup turkey mixture down the center of each tortilla, top with two Tblsp. cheese. Roll up and place seam side down in a greased 9 x 13 inch pan. Lay the tortillas so you have two rows of four tortillas, side by side. Spoon corn mixture over the top.

Cover with foil and bake and 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake for additional 5-10 minutes longer until heated and cheese is bubbly on top.

Cilantro-Lime Halibut

This is another recipe I found on Favorite Family Recipes, but they found it from Gastronomy, Inc. Gastronomy has a few restaurants in Utah, and they have the BEST seafood, so I knew this should be good.

2 six-ounce fresh halibut fillets

salt and pepper to taste

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1/2 cup white wine or chicken stock

1 Tblsp. fresh cilantro, chopped

juice of 1 lime

1 tsp. lime zest

2 Tblsp. olive oil

Season halibut with salt and pepper one hour before cooking. Place in refrigerator.

Lightly oil a non-stick pan with canola or vegetable oil. Over high heat, sear each side of the halibut fillets for five to ten seconds each. Searing the fillets will cook a fine layer on the outside of the fish so that it will not stick to the barbecue. Because of the moistness and flakiness of halibut, this will prevent the halibut from sticking and falling through the grates of your barbecue grill.

Remove halibut from pan and turn heat down to medium. Add olive oil and garlic to pan and cook for 2 minutes. Add wine or chicken stock, cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, and olive oil to the saute pan and heat until hot but not boiling.

Remove sauce from heat and baste fish on both sides. Cook on barbecue grill for 2 minutes per side (it took mine quite a bit longer than 2 minutes to cook so I must not have had my grill very hot), basting constantly while cooking. Serve immediately.

Chicken Lime Tacos

I've been on the hunt for some healthier recipes lately, and this one, which I found on Favorite Family Recipes, is delicious.

1 1/2 lbs. chicken, cubed

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

juice of 1 lime

2 tsp. sugar

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. black pepper

4-5 green onions, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

4 Tblsp. fresh cilantro (or to taste)

flour tortillas

Optional toppings:

Pico de gallo

cheese

onions

tomatoes

guacamole

cilantro

sour cream

Saute chicken in a medium skillet in a little oil for a few minutes until chicken becomes white all around. Combine vinegar, lime juice, sugar, salt, pepper, green onion, garlic, and cilantro and add to chicken. Simmer for an extra 10-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Add chicken to tortillas and top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, avocado, cilantro, salsa, sour cream, or any other taco topping you like.

Black Beans and Rice

This is another recipe from Mel's Kitchen. I LOVE that food blog! I have been looking for more recipes with beans, and I thought this one was definitely a keeper.

4 tsp. olive oil

1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped

1 onion, finely chopped

5-6 cloves garlic, finely minced

2 (16-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained

1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes

1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

3/4 tsp. dried thyme

1 bay leaf

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 cup water

2 Tblsp. finely chopped fresh cilantro

salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

4-5 cups hot, cooked white or brown rice

In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the bell pepper, onion and garlic and saute, stirring often, for about 15 minutes, until all the vegetables are soft and tender. Stir in the beans, tomatoes, chicken broth, thyme, bay leaf, oregano, and water; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the vegetables are tender, about 45 minutes. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a tablespoon or two of hot water to thin to desired consistency.

Stir in the fresh cilantro and season with salt and pepper; discard the bay leaf. Serve over the hot rice.

Chicken Tikka Misala

If anyone besides myself actually looks at this blog and happens to like Indian food, please try this dish!!! It is so delicious. I found the recipe on Favorite Family Recipes, and like they said on their blog, this REALLY is restaurant worthy!! Supposedly it tastes just like the Bombay House's Chicken Tikka Misala.

Marinade:

1 cup plain yogurt (I used Greek)

1 Tblsp. lemon juice

2 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (I used 1/8 tsp. but I'm kind of a sissy when it comes to spicy)

1 tsp. freshly ground pepper

1 Tblsp. minced fresh ginger

1 tsp. salt

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces (I used about 1.25 lbs.)

4 long skewers

Sauce:

1 Tblsp. butter

1 clove garlic, minced

2 tsp. ground cumin

2 tsp. paprika

1 tsp. salt (next time I will only add 1/4 tsp.)

1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce

1 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, 2 tsp. cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, pepper, ginger, and 1 tsp. salt. Stir in chicken, cover, refrigerate at least 1 hour. Preheat a grill for high heat. Lightly oil the grill grate. Thread chicken onto skewers and discard marinade. Grill 5 min. on each side.

For the sauce: Melt butter in a large skillet. Saute garlic for 1 minute. Season with 2 tsp. cumin, paprika, and 1 tsp. salt (I would not use this much salt next time...maybe 1/4 tsp.). Stir in tomato sauce and cream. Simmer on low heat until sauce thickens, about 20 minutes. Add grilled chicken, and simmer for 10 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve over rice (I used basmati rice).

Chipotle Pork Tacos

I got this recipe from Our Best Bites. It is delicious, but I am still looking for a good lime-cilantro rice recipe. I tried theirs that has the pineapple in it, and couldn't do the texture of it.

1 pound pork tenderloin, sliced thin

1 1/2 tsp. grated lime zest

1 Tblsp. fresh lime juice (juice from 1 lime)

2 tsp. minced fresh oregano, or a heaping 1/2 tsp. dry

1 tsp. brown sugar

2 tsp. chopped chipotle chiles in adobo sauce (use the peppers if you like heat but just the adobo sauce for a mild smoky bite. I used 1 1/2 Tblsp. of the sauce and no peppers and it wasn't spicy at all.)

2 tsp. bottled minced garlic

1/4 tsp. kosher salt

3 tsp. olive oil, divided

1 cup thinly sliced shallots, or onions (I used purple onions)

8 (6 inch) corn tortillas (or flour if you prefer)

sour cream

chopped cilantro

Recommended: Lime-Cilantro Rice

Combine thinly sliced pork, lime zest, lime juice, oregano, brown sugar, chipotles, garlic, and salt. Set aside. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tsp. olive oil. Add onions and saute for 4 minutes or until tender. Remove from pan and set aside. Add 2 tsp. olive oil to pan and add pork mixture. Saute for 3-4 minutes or until no longer pink. Add pork to onions. Warm tortillas on a hot grill and fill with pork mixture. Top with sour cream and cilantro. Serves 4.

Annniversary Paprika Chicken

This recipe is from Favorite Family Recipes and is delicious!

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

1 1/2 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs (or Panko seasoned with Italian seasoning)

1 cube (1/2 cup) melted butter

Paprika

Combine Parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs. Dip chicken breast in melted butter. Roll in crumb mixture until completely coated. Place in baking dish and sprinkle generously with paprika. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes at 375 degrees. Do not overcook!

Serve with Anniversary Bowtie Asparagus Pasta

Chicken With Wild Rice Soup

I got this recipe from Miriam, and we made it several times this past winter. I thought I should post it before it is scorching hot outside and I forget about it by next winter.

3 cups cooked Uncle Ben's Wild Rice (1 box)

2 carrots, diced small

1 cup diced chicken

1 cup flour

salt and pepper

1 medium onion, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

1/2 cup butter

8 cups chicken broth

1 cup half and half

Saute carrots, celery, and onion in butter until tender.

Mix flour with a little bit of the chicken broth so it won't get lumpy, then add flour to veggies. Add broth, rice, chicken, and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Add half and half and reheat, but don't boil again. Serve with rolls to dip, or in bread bowls.

Spaghetti with Artichoke Hearts and Tomatoes

Jake LOVED this recipe!! He didn't even ask where the meat was! I thought it was deliciouss to. I found it on the Pioneer Woman Website.

2 Tblsp. Olive Oil

2 Tblsp. butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 whole medium onion, finely diced

1 can Artichoke Hearts (14.5 oz.) drained

1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes with juice

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup chicken broth (more as needed)

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

salt and pepper, to taste

3/4 to 1 lb. thin spaghetti (you really should use the THIN spaghetti)

1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

2 Tblsp. fresh chives, chopped

Cook spaghetti till al dente. Drain and set aside.

Melt olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and saute for 2 to 3 minutes.

Add artichoke hearts and tomatoes. Stir and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Add nutmeg. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream and chicken broth. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook over low heat until heated through, then turn off heat.

Place drained pasta in a large bowl. Sprinkle with 1 cup Parmesan cheese. Pour sauce over the top. Add chives. Toss lightly to combine and coat; add a tiny bit of reserved pasta water if sauce seems too thick.

Chicken with Garlic and Black Pepper

4 boneless chicken thighs

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

4 1/2 tsp. soy sauce

1 tsp. sugar

1/4 tsp. chili powder

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tblsp. vegetable oil

4 lime wedges

Wash chicken. Pat dry with paper towels. Rub chicken thighs on both sides with pepper.

In a bowl, combine the cilantro, soy sauce, sugar, chili powder, and garlic. Rub mixture over the chicken thighs. Pour remaining marinade in ziploc bag with chicken pieces, refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over med/high heat until hot. Add chicken pieces, skin side down if they have skin. Cook until the skin is brown and crisp, about 5 minutes. Turn chicken over. Reduce heat to med/low and cook 4-5 minutes more or until chicken thighs are cooked through.

Transfer chicken to a cutting board, skin side up. Cut each thigh into 3 strips. Serve over rice, if you prefer, or serve with fried rice. Serve with lime wedges.

Pasta with Sauteed Mushrooms

1 Tblsp. olive oil

1 Tblsp. unsalted butter

3 shallots, minced (about 1/2 cup)

4 oz. shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced

6 oz. cremini mushrooms, sliced

4 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 tsp. dried thyme

2/3 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 lb. pasta (about 3 cups)

1 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated

1 Tblsp. chopped fresh parsley

1 1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice

salt and pepper to taste

Heat the oil and butter over medium heat in a 10 inch skillet until butter is melted. Add shallots and cook until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high, stir in the shiitake mushrooms, and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the cremini mushrooms and 1/4 tsp. salt. Cook until golden brown, about 6 minutes. Stir in garlic and thyme. Cook until fragrant about 30 seconds. Transfer mushrooms to a bowl and cover.

Stir broth into the skillet and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the cream, bring to a simmer. Cook until sauce has thickened slightly and reduced to about 2/3 cup, about 4 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook pasta al dente, according to package directions. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water.

Mix the cooked mushrooms, sauce, Parmesan, parsley, and lemon juice with the pasta and toss to combine. Adjust the sauce consistency with the reserved cooking water as desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

Takoraisu

When I saw this recipe on La Fuji Mama's website I knew I had to try it. When on my mission, takoraisu was something that members made for us a lot, I think because they knew it was something that all the American missionaries loved. I hadn't had it since my mission, and it is just as good as I remember! Natsukashii!! You should try it, it's an Asian twist on tacos.

1 Tblsp. vegetable oil

4-5 cloves garlic, minced (her recipe calls for 3...I like garlic:))

1 cup onion, chopped

1 pound ground beef

3 Tblsp. soy sauce

1 Tblsp. chili powder

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. table salt

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

4 cups steamed Japanese Rice (I use Calrose rice...any short grain rice would probably be good)

2 cups lettuce, shredded

2 cup tomatoes, chopped

12 ounces, Queso Blanco, crumbled (or 2 cups shredded mozzarella)

1 cup salsa

4 Tblsp. sour cream

Heat the vegetable oil in a saute pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and saute until the onions are barely soft. Add the ground beef and break it into small chunks. Once the meat is cooked, add the soy sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer until the liquid reduces.

Spread 1/2 to 1 cup of the steamed rice on each plate. Top with the seasoned beef.

Then top with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, queso blanco, and salsa, and finish it off with a dollop of sour cream.

Indian Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice

This recipe is definitely a keeper. After we ate it, Ruby asked me if I could please make this again sometime...and let's be honest...if the kids will eat it, it is worth repeating! I found it on the sister's cafe blog.

1 onion (1/2 lb.), peeled and chopped

2 Tblsp. fresh ginger, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 fresh jalapeno, seeded, and chopped

1 Tblsp. olive or canola oil

2 tsp. garam masala

1 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. cardamom

1/2 tsp. coriander

1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste

2 1/2 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup half and half

1/4 tsp. crushed bay leaves

1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4 inch chunks

1/2 tsp. coarse-ground black pepper

1 tsp. salt

1/4 cup butter

2 cups, basmati rice, uncooked (you should really use the basmati, it is soooo good!)

lime wedges

fresh cilantro, chopped

cook rice according to package instructions

In a large saute pan, combine onion, ginger, chili, and oil. Stir often over medium-high heat until onion is lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, garam masala, chili powder, cardamom and coriander. Saute for an additional 2 minutes.

Scrape mixture into a blender or food processor; add tomato paste and chicken broth. Whirl until very smooth. Pour mixture back into pan, add half and half and crushed bay leaves, and bring to a gentle boil over high heat (mixture may splatter). Reduce heat and simmer, stirring often, until reduced to 3 cups, about 5-7 minutes. Pour sauce into a bowl. Rinse and dry pan.

Pat the chicken dry. Mix chicken with salt and pepper. Set pan over high heat; add 1 Tblsp. butter and the chicken. Stir until chicken is no longer pink on the surface, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the sauce and simmer over medium heat, stirring often, until chicken is no longer pink in the center, 3 to 4 minutes. Cut remaining 3 Tblsp. butter into chunks and stir into sauce until melted.

Spoon chicken and sauce onto rice. Squeeze lime juice over portions and garnish with cilantro.

Calico Baked Beans

So I got this recipe off the Platinum Wives Recipe Blog, and I would have NEVER looked at the ingredients and thought I should make it. The only reason I wanted to try it is because Jessica Stevenson posted it, and anything that I have tried that she made has been DELICIOUS! I wouldn't normally have this for a main dish, because it seems like such a big dish of meat, but if you took this dish of baked beans to a summer BBQ, everyone would think it's the BEST baked beans ever:)

1/2 lb. bacon, chopped

1 lb. ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 cup catsup

3/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1 tsp. dry mustard

2 Tblsp. vinegar

1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans

1 (16 oz.) can pork and beans

1 small can lima beans (drained)

Brown hamburger, bacon, and onion...drain. Add salt, catsup, sugar, mustard, and vinegar. Mix well and bring to a boil, then add beans to mixture. Put in 2 quart baking dish, leave uncovered, and bake in 350 degree oven for 1 hour.