3.19.2012

Chicken Curry

Dear stomach. Your craving has been satisfied! Oh, the warming smell of delicious Chicken Curry - fresh spices all mixed together. It's amazing what wonders are created and what food can turn into. Incredible. It was far too long a wait to finally have a taste of this perfect, 30 minute meal. Quick, easy, and simply satisfying. The smell always takes me back to my incredible adventures in South Africa and the wonderful meals we enjoyed.


Chicken Curry

2 Tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 Tbsp curry powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp paprika
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger root
1/2 tsp white sugar
salt to taste
2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into bite-size pieces
1 Tbsp tomato paste
1 cup plain yogurt
3/4 cup coconut milk
1/2 lemon, juiced
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Saute onion until lightly browned. Stir in garlic, curry powder, cinamon, paprika, bay leaf, ginger, sugar, and salt. Continue stirring for 2 minutes. Add chicken pieces, tomate paste, yogurt, and coconut milk. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove bay leaf, and stir in lemon juice and cayenne pepper. Simmer 5 more minutes.
Serve over Basmati or Jasmine rice.

Fried Mozzarella Sticks

I know exactly what you all are thinking... aren't you trying to eat better? Yes, you're right, WE are. This post is about a month late. Please acccept my apologies. But I had to share with you how awesome these Fried Mozzarella sticks are. They are perfect party/guest appetizers and I guarantee they will disappear in a flash - at least, that's what happened in this household - and they're simple to make too! Actually, a bit entertaining because who makes Fried Mozzarella sticks in their own home? You do. Enjoy! Have a great day!


Fried Mozzarella Sticks

String Cheese (cut in half)
Small bowl of flower
2 eggs
3/4 cup milk
2 tsp. dried parsley
Panko Crumbs

Add the parsley to the crushed panko crumbs. Add any other kind of seasoning you'd like, or simply keep it simple! In a separate bowl whisk together the milk and eggs.

Step 1: roll a mozzarella stick in the flour mixture until lightly covered.
Step 2: Dip into the egg mixture.
Step 3: Place it into the seasoned panko crumbs and evenly coat. 
Step 4: Place on a clean tray.

Put the tray in the freezer for 20-30 minutes. This helps the Mozzarella from melting too quickly while frying. 
Pour about an inch to an inch and a half of oil into a frying pan and heat it up on medium high. Carefully add a few sticks to the hot oil. Once those cheese sticks are in the process will move quickly! Once they're nice and golden remove them from the oil and place on a paper towel to dry. 
Serve it up with some marinara sauce or ranch! Delicious!  

3.04.2012

Pita Bread

I love that my talented cousin, Carly Lisonbee, also loves to cook and that we love to try out one another's recipes. I was thrilled to put this Pita Bread recipe to test and stuff it with delicious vegetables and lean meats. It couldn't have come out of the oven as a greater accomplishment and a yummier meal! The steps are simple and easy, even allowing time to do a workout while the dough set. I hope you find this as fun and eventful as Carly and I did! Carly has a wonderful blog as well @ www.carlyskitchen.blogspot.com! Enjoy.


Start out with:

1 1/4 cup luke warm water
1 Tablespoon yeast
1/2 teaspoon sugar

Let is rest for about 15 minutes until the mixture has bubbled. You always have the choice to throw all ingredients in the bread machine as well - I simply prefer to do it step by step.

Add In:

3-4 cups flour
1/2 tsp Salt

The dough will be thick/dense. IT'S OKAY! Break the dough into 8-10 round balls. Place dough ball on a lightly floured surface, pat it into a circle, and begin rolling it out. Don't make it too thin. Before you place it on a baking sheet, make sure both sides are floured. Place your first Pita on a baking sheet, and continue with the rest.


Let the Pita's rise for about 30 minutes. Before placing them in the oven flip them over.
Cook for 5 minutes!



We were creative with ours: Avocado, Lettuce, Cheese, Garlic, Onions, Mushrooms & Turkey.  Before we stuffed, we lightly sauteed the Garlic, Onions, Mushrooms, and Turkey. It was delicious!