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Cuban Sandwich Potato Skins

Cuban Sandwich Potato Skins

Cuban Sandwich Potato Skins are one of our favorite winter appetizers. I start this appetizer by baking potatoes. Then I fill them with ham and cheese and bake them some more. Finally, I top them with sour cream, scallions, pickles and yellow mustard. Basically, these 

Pork Quesadillas with Mango Salsa

Pork Quesadillas with Mango Salsa

Pork Quesadillas with Mango Salsa are filled with tender pulled pork, peppers, onions, hot sauce, and Monterey Pepper Jack cheese. Then, I top them with a delicious Mango Salsa. We like these quesadillas for several reasons. First of all, I like making big batches of 

Coconut Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Thai Chili Sauce

Coconut Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Thai Chili Sauce

Coconut Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Thai Chili Sauce are one of our favorite appetizers. In fact, this appetizer is so hearty that we often have it as a main course. I start this appetizer by marinating some chicken breasts for just a few minutes. I’ve marinated these overnight as well. The chicken does absorb more of the marinade flavor that way, but I don’t feel that it makes a big difference in the finished dish. Next, I make boil some rice noodles and assemble some fresh veggies. Then, I serve it all in Bibb lettuce leaves with some bottled Thai Chili Sauce. We like this appetizer for several reasons. First of all, I like that I can prepare the entire dish in less than an hour. Secondly, I like that the chicken can be prepared the day before or earlier in the day. And, lastly, we all love the fresh and delicious flavors in this dish.

The Equipment I Used

  • I like cooking my chicken on a nonstick grill pan. But, you could also grill it outside or cook it in any nonstick skillet.

The Ingredients Needed for Coconut Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Thai Chili Sauce

  • Lettuce- Use Bibb lettuce leaves.
  • Chicken- Use boneless skinless chicken breasts. I always use Bell and Evans chicken and I would recommend trying to buy the smaller breasts. I find them to be more tender.
  • Noodles- I used Kame brand vermicelli rice noodles.
  • Cucumbers- Use the English cucumbers, that don’t need to be peeled.
  • Thai Chili Sauce- I used Melinda’s Thai Chili Sauce. It’s nice and mild, and not spicy.
  • Peanuts- Use unsalted roasted peanuts. I used the Planter’s brand.
  • Coconut Milk- Use full fat milk. I like the Native Forest organic brand.

How I Made my Lettuce Wraps

  • First, I make the chicken marinade and marinate the chicken.
  • Next, I grill the chicken.
  • Then, I assemble everything on the platter and serve it up.

If you like lettuce wraps, you need to try these easy and delicious Coconut Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Thai Chili Sauce.

Coconut Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Coconut Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Thai Chili Sauce
Coconut Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Thai Chili Sauce

Coconut Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Thai Chili Sauce

Chicken marinated in a yellow coconut curry and served with rice noodles and veggies in lettuce cups. They're topped with Thai Chili Sauce.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Thai
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

For the Coconut Chicken:

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 tsp. fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1 tsp. coriander powder
  • ½ tsp. each cumin powder and black pepper
  • ¼ tsp. each yellow mustard powder, ground ginger, and fennel seed

To Assemble the Lettuce Cups:

  • 4 ounces vermicelli rice noodles
  • 1½ cup thinly sliced cucumbers
  • 1 head Bibb Lettuce, separated into leaves
  • 1 cup thinly sliced radishes
  • ½ cup cilantro leaves
  • ¼ cup roasted peanuts, shelled and chopped
  • ½ cup Thai chili sauce, like Melinda's

Instructions
 

  • Begin by making the Coconut Chicken: In a bowl mix all the ingredients together, except for the chicken. This will be your marinade for the chicken.
  • Butterfly the chicken breasts and then pound them to an even thickness of about half an inch thick. Place them in the marinade while the grill pan heats up.
  • Heat the grill pan on medium heat and brush it with olive oil. Grill the breasts in batches until they're cooked through. Place them in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble the platter.
  • Right before you're ready to serve them, slice the chicken into thin strips.
  • Next. cook the rice noodles according to the package directions. Drain them.
  • Next, assemble the platter: Lay out the lettuce leaves, the cucumbers, the radishes, the noodles, the chicken, the cilantro, and bowls of the peanuts and chili sauce. Let everyone put what they like in the leaves, including a drizzle of chili sauce.
Keyword appetizers, Chicken
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Pulled Pork Nachos with Cheese Sauce

Pulled Pork Nachos with Cheese Sauce

Pulled Pork Nachos with Cheese Sauce are one of our favorite appetizers. Actually, these nachos are so hearty that they make a great main dish. I start this dish by braising a large pot of pork butt. I make enough of this pulled pork for 

Creole Shrimp with Cheddar Grits

Creole Shrimp with Cheddar Grits

Creole Shrimp with Cheddar Grits is one of our favorite shrimp dinners. I start this dish by making creamy grits and stirring in cheddar cheese. Next, I make some spicy Creole shrimp to put on top of the grits. We love this dish for several 

King Cake with Pistachio Filling for the Bread Machine

King Cake with Pistachio Filling for the Bread Machine

King Cake with Pistachio Filling for the Bread Machine is one of our favorite sweet breads. I start this bread by making a sweet yeast dough. Then, I spread it with a nutty and sweet pistachio spread. After I bake the breads, I top them with a sweet cream cheese icing. Finally, I sprinkle the breads all over with colored sugars. We like this bread for several reasons. First of all, I like that this dough is made in the bread machine. That means, I don’t need to knead it, which is great. Secondly, I like that this recipe makes two breads. That way, I can give one away. And, lastly, we all love this sweet bread and its nutty filling.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Food Scale- For perfect results every time, be sure to weigh your flour and sugar.
  • A Bread Machine- You’ll need a bread machine for this recipe.
  • A Food Processor- Use this to make the filling.

The Ingredients Needed for King Cake with Pistachio Filling for the Bread Machine

  • Milk- Be sure to use whole milk for the dough.
  • Yeast- Use active dry yeast, not quick rising.
  • Pistachios- They need to be unsalted.
  • Almond Flour- This adds a nice texture to the filling.
  • Cream Cheese- Use a brick cream cheese.
  • Sugars- You’ll need granulated and powdered sugar. Be sure to sift your powdered sugar.

How I Made my Cakes

  • First, I made the dough.
  • Next, I made the filling.
  • Then, I divided the dough into four portions. I use my food scale to make sure each portion is the same size.
  • Next, I rolled out the dough and baked it.
  • Finally, I added the icing and colored sugar.

If you like sweet breads, you need to try this scrumptious King Cake with Pistachio Filling for the Bread Machine.

King Cake with Pistachio Filling for the Bread Machine
King Cake with Pistachio Filling for the Bread Machine
King Cake with Pistachio Filling for the Bread Machine

King Cake with Pistachio Filling for the Bread Machine

King Cake with a pistachio filling and cream cheese frosting.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
rising time 2 hours 50 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 40 minutes
Course Bread
Cuisine American, Cajun, Creole
Servings 2 cakes

Equipment

  • Bread Machine
  • Food processor

Ingredients
  

For the Dough:

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 8 tbsp. melted butter (112g)
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • â…“ cup granulated sugar (66g)
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 3½ cups all purpose flour (420g)
  • 1 tbsp. active dry yeast

For the Pistachio Filing:

  • 1 cup shelled unsalted pistachios
  • 2 tbsp. almond flour
  • 4 tbsp. softened unsalted butter (56g)
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted (114g)
  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract

For the Colored Sugar:

  • 6 tbsp. granulated sugar
  • yellow, purple, and green food color paste

Instructions
 

  • Place all the dough ingredients in your bread machine, in the order recommended by your bread machine instructions. Set your machine on the dough cycle.
  • While the dough is in the bread machine, make the Pistachio Filling: In the food processor process the sugar and pistachios into a paste, and then add the rest of the ingredients and process until combined.
  • When the cycle is complete, empty the dough on to a floured board. Separate the dough into four equal portions. Roll each portion into an 8×10 rectangle. Spread a quarter of the filling on to each rectangle. Roll each rectangle, on the ten inch side, up into a rope. Twist the middle of each rope a few times. Then, take a rolling pin and slightly flatten each rope into an even thickness.
  • Divide the ropes between two parchment lined baking sheets. Bring the ropes together to form two rings, and gently press them together to seal them. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm place for one hour. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Brush each cake with egg whites and bake for 20 minutes or until they are 180 degrees in the middle. Let the cakes cool on a wire rack.
  • Make the icing by beating together all the ingredients. Add more cream if you need to. It should be a spreadable consistency. Cover the cake top and sides in the frosting.
  • To make the Colored Sugar: Divide the sugar between three plastic bags. Add a drop of food color paste to each bag and rub the bag together to distribute the dye. Sprinkle it in stripes over the cakes.
Keyword bread
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Burrata Topped Fettuccini Puttanesca

Burrata Topped Fettuccini Puttanesca

Burrata Topped Fettuccini Puttanesca is one of our favorite Italian dinners. I start this dish by making a homemade Puttanesca sauce using fresh plum tomatoes. Next, I toss the sauce with silky egg fettuccini. Finally, I top the pasta with grated Parmesan and burrata cheese. 

French Toast Sticks with Strawberry Syrup

French Toast Sticks with Strawberry Syrup

French Toast Sticks with Strawberry Syrup are one of our favorite breakfasts. I start this dish by baking homemade challah. Sometimes, though, I buy a premade challah. Then, I cut the challah into sticks, dip it in eggs, and fry it until it’s golden brown. 

Chicken and Feta Salad with Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette

Chicken and Feta Salad with Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette

Chicken and Feta Salad with Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette is one of our favorite salads. I start this salad by roasting some chicken breasts. While the chicken cooks, I make a quick dressing and top a big platter of salad with rows of vegetables, olives, and feta cheese. We like this salad for several reasons. First of all, I like that I can make this whole meal in thirty minutes. Secondly, I like that I can make this ahead of time. Simply assemble the salad up to a day ahead. Then, just add the dressing right before serving. Thirdly, I like that this is a complete meal. Usually, I just serve it with some crusty bread. And, finally, we all love the fresh lemony flavor in this salad.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Salad Spinner- Use a salad spinner to get your lettuce dry. If your lettuce isn’t completely dry the dressing won’t cling to it.

The Ingredients Needed for Chicken and Feta Salad with Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette

  • Chicken- You’ll need two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I always buy Bell and Evans Chicken.
  • Oil- Use Extra virgin olive oil. I like the California Olive Ranch brand.
  • Spices- Cumin and oregano add lots of flavor to the chicken.
  • Garlic- I like to buy the peeled cloves and store them in my freezer.
  • Meyer Lemons- If you can’t find these, just use regular lemons. It will still be delicious.
  • Olives- I like to use pitted Kalamata olives.
  • Cucumbers- I like to buy the English cukes, which don’t need to be peeled.
  • Feta- Buy a good quality feta. My favorite feta is the French feta.

How I Made my Salad

  • First, I roasted the chicken. Cook your chicken until it is no longer pink in the middle.
  • Next, I made the dressing. Taste your dressing, to see if it needs more honey or lemon juice.
  • Finally, I assembled the salad and drizzled on the dressing.

If you like chicken, you need to try this fresh and delicious Chicken and Feta Salad with Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette.

Chicken and Feta Salad with Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette
Chicken and Feta Salad with Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette
Chicken and Feta Salad with Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette

Chicken and Feta Salad with Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette

Spring greens topped with roasted chicken, kalamata olives, cucumber, grape tomatoes, feta, and radishes. All topped with a Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Greek
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups Spring mix lettuce
  • ½ cup kalamata olives
  • 1 cup sliced cucumber
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • ½ cup radishes, sliced

For the Roasted Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp. each extra virgin olive oil and unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves minced garlic
  • ½ tsp. each ground cumin, and oregano
  • ¼ tsp. each kosher salt and black pepper
  • 2 tbsp, lemon juice

For the Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette:

  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp. Meyer Lemon Juice
  • 1 tbsp. red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp. honey
  • 1 tsp. minced garlic
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • ¼ tsp. each kosher salt and black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Begin by roasting the chicken: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Place the breasts in a small baking dish and top with the garlic, spices, lemon juice, butter, and olive oil. Bake for 20 minutes or until no longer pink in the middle. Cut the chicken in bite sized pieces and set aside.
  • Next, while the chicken bakes, make the Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette: Simply shake together all the ingredients in a small jar.
  • Then, spread the lettuce out on the platter. Top with rows of the rest of the ingredients and drizzle on as much dressing as you like.
Keyword Chicken
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Shrimp and Squid Puttanesca Pasta

Shrimp and Squid Puttanesca Pasta

Shrimp and Squid Puttanesca Pasta is one of our favorite seafood dinners. I start this dish by making a homemade puttanesca sauce out of fresh tomatoes. Then, I cook up some fresh shrimp and squid. Next, I toss it all together with some bowtie pasta.