Burrata Topped Penne Bolognese is one of my all-time favorite dinners. I start this dish by making a rich and hearty Bolognese sauce. Then, I toss it with penne pasta and top it with parmesan cheese. Finally, I add a big ball of burrata cheese …
Burrata-Topped Kale Pesto Rigatoni is one of our favorite spring dinners. I start this pesto rigatoni by making the pesto in my food processor. Then, I toss the cooked rigatoni with the kale pesto and cherry tomatoes. Finally, I top the rigatoni with creamy burrata …
Grilled Chicken and Feta Salad is one of our favorite main dish salads. I start this salad by quickly marinating and grilling boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Then, I make a fresh dill vinaigrette. Finally, I put both of these on a mixture of spring greens, cucumbers, radishes, tomatoes, and feta cheese. We like this salad for several reasons. First of all, I like that I can make this entire salad ahead of time. I like to make all the components early in the day and then assemble them right before dinner. Secondly, I like that I can make this salad with ingredients I usually have in the house. I like to always have boneless, skinless chicken breasts and feta cheese in my freezer. That makes this salad so easy to assemble. And, lastly, we all love the tender chicken, the creamy cheese, and the crisp veggies.
The Equipment I Used
A Salad Spinner- Use this to dry your lettuce. If your lettuce is wet, the vinaigrette won’t cling to the leaves.
A Grill Pan- I used a grill pan to grill my chicken breasts. You could also grill these outside or cook them in a skillet.
The Ingredients Needed for Grilled Chicken and Feta Salad
Chicken- I always use Bell and Evans chicken because I find it to be the most tender.
Lemon Juice- Be sure to use fresh lemon juice.
Dill- Use fresh dill for the vinaigrette.
Oil- Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the vinaigrette.
How I Made my Salad
First, I quickly marinated the chicken.
Then, I grilled the chicken, taking care to not overcook it.
Next, I made the vinaigrette. It’s important to taste the vinaigrette, to see if it needs more honey or salt.
Finally, I tossed the lettuce, feta, chicken and other vegetables with the vinaigrette.
Grilled Chicken and Feta Salad
Salad greens topped with grilled, marinated chicken, feta cheese, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and topped with a Dill Vinaigrette.
Start by preparing the chicken: Mix together all the spices in a small bowl. Cut the breasts in half vertically, and then horizontally, so that you have 8 pieces all together. Heat a grill pan on medium heat and cook the chicken on both sides until cooked through, for about 7 minutes. Sprinkle the chicken with the lemon zest and lemon juice. Place in the refrigerator to chill up while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Next, make the Dill Dressing: Place all the ingredients in a small jar and shake them together.
Place the lettuce in a large bowl, and top with the chicken, feta cheese and vegetables. Toss with as much dressing as you like.
Easy Coconut Cream Pie is one of our favorite springtime desserts. I start this pie by making an easy cookie crust. Then, I make a creamy coconut custard filling. Finally, I top the pie with whipped cream and toasted coconut. We like this pie for …
Lemon Asparagus Lobster Linguini is one of our favorite springtime suppers. I start this seafood dinner by steaming four lobsters and some asparagus. Then, I toss them with linguini and a light lemon basil sauce. We like this dish for several reasons. First of all, …
Sweet Pea and Mushroom Risotto is one of our favorite springtime dinners. I start this risotto by cooking the mushrooms until they’re golden brown. Then, I add the rice and stir in the chicken stock until the risotto is creamy and delicious. Finally, I add lots of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and sweet peas. We like this risotto for several reasons. First of all, I like that I can make this risotto in just thirty minutes. Secondly, I like that I can make this risotto ahead of time. I like to make it early in the day, and then heat it up in the microwave right before dinner. And, finally, we all love the earthy mushrooms, the tender peas, and the creamy risotto.
The Equipment I Used
A Dutch Oven- I like to make my risotto in a heavy, cast iron Dutch oven. But you can use any five quart or larger pot.
The Ingredients Needed for Sweet Pea and Mushroom Risotto
Rice- Use arborio rice or another rice suitable for risotto. I like the Rice Select brand risotto.
Chicken Stock- I always use my homemade chicken stock. The recipe is below.
Wine- Use a dry white wine.
Mushrooms- I used regular white mushrooms, but you can also use wild mushrooms.
Peas- You can use fresh or frozen peas.
Parmesan cheese- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
How I Made my Risotto
First, I brought my chicken stock to a simmer.
Next, I cooked the mushrooms until they were golden brown.
Then, I cooked the onions until they were soft.
Next, I added the rice and stirred it into the buttery onions until the rice was totally coated.
Then, I slowly stirred in the chicken stock one ladle at a time. When the rice sticks to the pot it’s time to add more stock to the pot.
If you like rich and creamy rice, you need to try this tasty Sweet Pea and Mushroom Risotto.
Sweet Pea and Mushroom Risotto
Rich and creamy risotto filled with peas and mushrooms.
In a four-quart saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a simmer. In a Dutch oven, melt one tablespoon of the butter and cook the mushrooms until they're golden. Remove the mushrooms to a plate. Add the onion along with another tablespoon of butter to the pot and cook until golden brown. Add the rice and stir until it is well coated with the butter and onions. Add the wine, and stir until the rice absorbs the liquid. Add the chicken stock in one quarter cup increments, stirring the rice with a wooden spoon. Add another quarter cup of stock when the rice begins to stick to the bottom of the pot. Keep adding stock until the rice is slightly tender. You may not need all the stock. Stir the mushrooms back in, along with the Parmesan cheese, peas, and basil.
4½lbs.chicken breasts and wings with skin and bones
10cupswater
2peeled onions
2peeled carrots
3peeled parsley roots
1tbsp.kosher salt
4stalks celery
1peeled parsnip
2tbsp.garlic cloves
1cupfresh parsley and fresh dill
Instructions
Put the chicken and the salt in a large, tall pot and cover with ten cups of cold water. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 30 minutes, skimming any scum that forms.
Add all the vegetables and herbs and simmer for two and a half hours. Pour the soup through a strainer to remove everything but the broth.
Pinto Bean and Vegetable Chili is one of our favorite winter dinners. I start this chili by cooking carrots, celery, cabbage, onions, and garlic until they’re tender. Then, I add in chili powder, tomatoes, chicken stock, and pinto beans and simmer them all together. Finally, …