Sticky, Spicy & Sweet Chicken

In case you haven't figured it out yet, chicken is my all time favorite food to "play" with.  I love trying new recipes and then figuring out what I need to do (if anything) to perfect the recipe to my family's liking.  Sometimes it takes a few tries...but this time, I winged it and threw some things together and it was pretty perfect!  It's a lot like the crunchy chicken with honey garlic sauce, found here, just not fried...which means healthier!!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (I find reduced sodium is best!)
• 1-1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh ginger root
• 1-1/2 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1/4 cup hot sauce
• salt and pepper to taste
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1/2 inch strips
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Fry lightly salted and peppered chicken in 2 tablespoons of oil until browned 

and cooked thru (about 1 minute on each side).  

Mix together brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic and hot sauce in a small bowl.

Pour sauce over chicken.  Let simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes or until thickened.  

Serve over rice or noodles.   Delish!!

Sausage and Bow Ties in a Creamy Tomato Sauce

I have made this recipe several times and have adapted it perfectly for our family's tastes.  It's quick, easy and delish!

Gather your ingredients:

1 (12 oz) package bow tie pasta

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 lb sweet italian sauce, casing removed and crumbled

1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes

3/4 cup diced onion

4 cloves of minced garlic

1 (28 oz) can whole tomatoes drained and coarsely chopped

1-1/2 c heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon of salt

3 tablespoons of minced fresh parsley

Place sausage, onion and garlic into large skillet until meat is no longer pink and onion is soft.

Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions.

Add tomatoes, cream and spices to the skillet mixture.

Add pasta

Simmer until mixture thickens, about 8-10 minutes

Enjoy!

Cajun Rice with Cabbage

I purchased some fresh cabbage at the farmer's market last week and was searching for just the perfect recipe.  Well, I couldn't find anything that suited my fancy, so I just threw a bunch of ingredients together and this is what I came up with.  Pretty tasty!  The kids even exclaimed over it and had seconds.  Now, seconds on cabbage for my kids?  unheard of!  Chalk one up for mom!

Gather your ingredients:  

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 lb ground beef

1 chopped green bell pepper 

2 cloves of minced garlic

1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with mild green  chillies, undrained

1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

1/2 c uncooked long grain rice

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon basil

1 teaspoon cajun spice

1/2 teaspoon oregano

1/4 teaspoon cayenne  pepper

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 chopped small head of cabbage

1 cup shredded Colby cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Combine ground beef, pepper, garlic and oil in a large skillet over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink and the veggies are soft.  Drain liquids.

Chop cabbage, set aside

Add all spices and stir.

Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce and rice

Spread mixture into an ungreased 9 x 12 inch baking pan

Top with cabbage

Top with Colby cheese

Cover and baked in a preheated oven for 65-70 minutes or until the rice is tender.

Enjoy!!!  

High 5 For Friday

This week's High 5 For Friday is brought to you courtesy of Lauren from My Grey Desk.

Let's get started!

1.  I finally made the ruffle bag for my aunt!  She positively loved it and I was very pleased with the end result!  Isn't she beautiful???

2.  My husband and I celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary this week!  He got me this gorgeous bracelet! 

3.  We were on vacation all week, it was great relaxing by the water!

4.  We enjoyed the beautiful sunsets!

5.  I made my fabric wall art finally!  You can see the tutorial here.

Hope you all have had a great week too!  Let's make it a great day!!