Smoked Paprika Chipotle Chicken with Spirali Pasta and Kale Pesto

Dec 16, 2011 by lovelypantry

Every now and again I tend rebel. I’ve been using recipes because that’s how I learned to cook. But some days I just want to throw caution to the wind and follow my heart and do what comes to mind. And that’s exactly what I did. I gave my friends on Facebook a quick peek at what I prepared. Because I didn’t follow a recipe, I don’t have a fancy name for it so the ingredients will have to do for now.

On my recent grocery shopping trips, I picked up a few items just for fun. White/Black Truffle Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Smoky Paprika Chipotle Seasoning. Both completely out of my comfort zone but I’m all about expanding my horizons. The risk was well worth it. Although I did hold back, just a little.

I used Kale for the “pesto” because I really like the health benefits and it has a nice flavour. However, after smelling the Chipotle seasoning (that bad boy is strong), I opted to leave the cheese and any form of nut from the pesto. Traditional pesto consist of  Basil, Parmesan or Romano Cheese, Olive Oil, Pine Nuts and Garlic. It makes me smile to myself and ask the question – is it still really pesto if it doesn’t have cheese and nuts? Ah well. It tasted great so I’m still calling it pesto. There. I’ll try it with all the ingredients next time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There’s no need to panic if you didn’t plan dinner tonight. The possibilities are endless…

 

 

 

 

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Chicken Saltimbocca

Jul 4, 2011 by lovelypantry

I find a lot of recipes from television, as well as my library of cook books. This recipe, I found on a program called Everyday Food. I love their recipes! Expect to see my adaptations throughout my website.

This recipe is called Chicken Saltimbocca and was a first for me (as with a lot of what I cook). I like to try something new every week. We enjoyed this meal and I’ve added it to my personal collection of recipes. I’m sure you will enjoy it too.

Ingredients:

4 Chicken Breasts, skin and bone removed

4 Strips prosciutto

4 Fresh Sage leaves (whole) + 4 finely minced Sage leaves

1/2 Tsp Salt

1/4 Tsp Pepper

1/4 Cup All purpose flour, unbleached

1/3 Cup Low Sodium Chicken Broth

3/4 Cup Dry White Wine

1 Tbsp Butter

2 Cloves Garlic, halved

Olive Oil for cooking

 

Directions:

Place a fresh sage leaf in the centre of each chicken breast. Wrap prosciutto on top of each chicken breast, folding under. The sage leaf will be under the prosciutto, safe and protected.

In a shallow dish, add flour, salt and pepper. Stir with a fork to mix evenly. Coat each chicken breast on both sides.

In a hot skillet, add about 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil. Add garlic and saute until browned. Remove garlic. Place each piece of chicken in the skillet – presentation side down first (the side that is flat). Be sure to shake off any excess flour before placing into the skillet.

When all pieces are browned on both sides, remove and set aside.

This is my favourite part – Deglazing.  Add the wine and the chicken broth to the skillet, over a medium high heat. Reduce until concentrated. Turn the heat off and add the butter. Stir to combine. Add chopped sage and stir for about a minute. Pour sauce over the chicken.

Serve and enjoy!

 

Adapted from Everyday Food

 

 

 

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Herbed Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup

May 23, 2011 by lovelypantry

 

I got this recipe from the back of the Chicken Broth carton. Recipes are just everywhere!

Ingredients:

3/4 Cup uncooked dry broad Egg Noodles

3 (approx 3/4lb) Boneless, skinless chicken breast

1 Box (900ml) Low Sodium Chicken Broth

1 1/2 Cup sliced celery

1 1/2 Cup half-moon sliced carrots

2 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice

2 Cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 Tbsp fresh oregano leaves, chopped

1 1/2 Tbsp fresh parsley leaves, chopped

Salt & Pepper to season the chicken before cooking.

 

Instructions:

Cook noodles according to package directions – al dente. Drain and set aside.

Heat large heavy-bottomed soup pot, lightly coated with cooking spray, at medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned about 5 minutes per side. Remove chicken. Add broth, celery and carrots. Heat to a boil. Cut or tear chicken into chunks.

Stir in the chicken, noodles, lemon juice, garlic and oregano leaves. Reduce heat to low.

Simmer, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes. Stir in parsley (and pepper, if desired) and serve.

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Herbed Salmon, Sweet Potato & Asparagus

May 14, 2011 by lovelypantry

I was glad to try this recipe since at the time, salmon was still fairly new to me. The thought of breading a salmon fillet excited me  –  perhaps because I don’t see many recipes like this. I was pleasantly surprised about how this salmon came out. I’d make it again and again. Its perfect for entertaining. People will admire the attractiveness and simplicity. The awesome thing is that I had excess of the combined herbs. I had separated the mixture into 2 portions and stored the unused portion in the freezer for future use.

Ingredients:

1 1/4 Cups Fresh Breadcrumbs

2 Cloves Garlic, Minced

1/4 Cup Fresh Parsley, Chopped

2 Tblsp Fresh Thyme, Chopped

3 Tblsp Grated Parmesan Cheese

1 Tsp Grated Lemon Zest

1/4 Tsp Salt

3 Tblsp Butter, Melted, Divided

1/2 Salmon Fillet (4 Slices)

 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F Degrees.

In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, parmesan cheese, thyme, lemon zest and salt. Combine well. Add 2 Tblsp butter and toss lightly to coat. Set aside.

Pat salmon dry. Place skin side down (you can get slices with the skin already removed) in a greased baking dish. Brush with remaining butter. Cover with crumb mixture. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Serve with mashed sweet potato and steamed asparagus. Enjoy.

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