BBQ Chicken Open Faced Sandwich

I bought a beautiful loaf of french bread at the farmer's market and well, it was just so beautiful I almost didn't want to eat it. Well, I got over that - notice I said almost - and decided to make a good ol'rib sticking sandwich.

Honestly, I didn't really have a final result in mind when I started to put it together (really I just kind of cleaned out the fridge and put it all on this sandwich)! But, my husband loved it, so the end result was a winner! Sometimes the best recipes just sort of create themselves and you just have to go with it and never look back (oh, unless you look back for seconds - then it's ok)

What you need to round up:

1 loaf of french bread

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce

(Ok - so the BBQ sauce I used wasn't my favorite - I'm a Sweet Baby Ray's kinda gal)

Chicken broth

4 Tablespoons cream cheese

2 green onions

Red pepper flakes

An appetite!

It's so easy, here we go!

Place chicken breasts in baking dish

Preheat your oven to 375

Pour chicken broth over the breasts until the dish is about an inch full

Pour your 1 cup of BBQ sauce over and spread evenly

Bake in oven for about 25 minutes or until it reaches at least 165 degrees internally

In the meantime ...

Slice that beautiful loaf in half lengthwise

Chop your green onions

Spread 2 Tablespoons of cream cheese on each half of the loaf

Scatter green onions on top of the cream cheese

When your chicken is done - let it cool until it is touchable and chop it into cubes

Also, when your chicken is done - turn the oven up to 400

I know - not a pretty picture - it's just a messy process!

Top the bread with chicken cubes

My tummy is growling ...

Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top

Admire for a minute - then put those babies in the oven!

Bake at 400 for about 5 minutes

Switch the oven to broil and go another 5 minutes or until it gets slightly brown & bubbly

Let it cool for a few minutes - then cut off a hunk and enjoy

It is also really good topped with Baker's Favorite Coleslaw!

Oh yeah - pile it on!

And ... don't make this for a first date because eating it is um ... messy to say the least

Baker's Favorite Coleslaw

Ahhh, coleslaw. It is one of my summer favorites. It is good alone, or on top of a warm sandwich!

We were given a homegrown cabbage head from my husband's coworker and we both decided we were cravin' some 'slaw!

Enjoy!

What you need:

1/2 head of cabbage (or whole head if smaller)

1-2 carrots

1 red bell pepper

1 cup mayonnaise (I like the kind made with olive oil - half the calories!)

1 tablespoon mustard

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

A few shakes of cayenne

Fresh ground pepper to taste
1 teaspoon of sugar

Instructions:

Cut your cabbage head in half

Cut diagonally then in half again

Wash the cabbage in colander

Wash and peel your carrots

Cut with potato peeler (or with knife if you want thicker shreds)

Cut the top off your bell pepper

Off with his head!

Sorry - I couldn't resist that one!

 

Pull out the seeds and "guts" with your hand

Cut pepper in half, slice into long strips, and cut those strips in half

Put your cabbage, carrots, and peppers in your bowl and toss them together

The dressing:

Put everything (mayonnaise, mustard, balsamic vinegar, cayenne, pepper) except the sugar in a bowl

Stir together

Add the sugar, stir until color is consistent

Add more pepper to taste if needed

Stir the dressing into your cabbage, carrot, pepper mixture until evenly distributed

Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving

Is your mouth watering? Mine is!

Huckleberry Vodka Infusion - Stage 2

As promised, here is Stage 2 of huckleberry infused vodka!

No chit chat, I am just going to get right into it here (what? I am thirsty!)

Step 1: To tell if it is ready - you have to open it and sip it. It's a tough job, but you can handle it!

That is really the only way to tell because each to their own in flavor strength

Step 2: If it's ready, you can optionally remove the berries.

I choose not to remove/strain berries. 

Not because they have much of a taste left, but because they look so pretty floating around in the glass. (Think accessories for your drink - and Rachel Zoe says you can never over accessorize, so that's my story and I'm sticking to it!)

Step 3: Pour desired amount into a glass over ice 

Don't spill like I did!!

Step 4: The mixer

I chose tonic water, but I also love it with soda water

Personally, I like a minimally or mildly flavored mixer because I really wanted to enjoy the flavor I created with my infusion

Step 5: I still can't get over my new mason jar wine glass! It's too fun, and you can even put a lid on them!

Watch out, because I learned how to make them, and you might get one for Christmas!

 

Step 6: Make one for your man, friend, mom, neighbor, roommate - because this is too delightful not to go around.

Huckleberry Vodka Infusion - Stage 1

TGIF & hellooo huckleberries! I am excited to share this infusion, because it is just so delicious and refreshing for these dog days of summer.

Infusions are fun and you can throw in whatever fruit or veggie that is in season. I found some huckleberries in the freezer from last summer and decided the best way to use them up is to dump them in vodka!

The thing I love most about infusions is that even though you can buy the same flavor off the shelf at the liquor store, it just doesn't taste as good as the real fruit flavor. So in honor of huckleberry season coming up, I bring you huckleberry (hiccup) infused vodka!

What you need: mason jar, vodka, & huckleberries (or berries of your choice).

Step 1: fill jar at least 3/4 full of berries (mine are frozen - they can be either fresh or frozen)

Step 2: Pour the vodka into the mason jar

Step 3: Put on the lid

Step 4: Store for about 3 days, berry infusions tend to infuse pretty quick

Shake gently once a day

Stay tuned for stage 2 (yes, this is the stage you get to drink it)!

Low Calorie Lemon Pepper Hummus

It's been a while, but I am getting the urge to blog again. My husband and I have been busy, busy, busy getting ready to build a house, so while I've been cooking and loving it, I haven't really been measuring or writing it down! I missed my little blog, so here I am, here to serve you and hopefully give you some inspiration for your own kitchen!

Now, let's get to it - let there be hummus!

I love hummus, oh so much, so I experimented by cutting out the oil and adding a savory substitute - lemon juice! It is simple, rich in flavor, and did I say simple? Plus, it's a whole lot cheaper to make it then buy it.

The cast of characters:

1 can garbanzo beans - aka chick peas

1 tablespoon lemon juice

A few shakes of lemon pepper - to taste

Put garbanzo beans in the food processor, blend.

Add lemon juice & lemon pepper, blend again

Sample with your favorite dipper - carrots, pita, your finger, etc, etc.

Refrigerate and try not to eat all in one sitting!

Skinnygirl's Margarita

Granted, this is not my recipe. But I certainly enjoy it! Here in Eastern Oregon it is a beautiful sunny day, mid 70's and a FRIDAY! I couldn't resist the urge to hit the tequila!
So, hold onto your sombreros girls (and guys) because this skinny girl margarita will knock your poncho off!

2 oz tequila
.5 oz orange liquor (such as Grand Marnier)
Juice of 1 lime, or equal part lime juice
Ice
Splash of good old water

It is a simple easy make.
Mix all the above in a glass.
Pull up a chair on your deck, lawn, or patio.
Close your eyes and dream you are in Mexico!
(Hot pool boy not included)

Double Bean Fire Roasted Salsa

In honor of Cinco de Mayo (or as we called it in college - Cinco de Drinko) I am making salsa!
Pour yourself a shot of tequila or grab a Corona and let's get started.

What you need:
1 lb can of peeled tomatoes
1 lb fresh tomatoes
2 jalapeno peppers
1/2 red onion
4 corn cobs
1/2 can black beans
1/2 can black eyed peas
Cilantro to taste, chopped
1 tsp of lime juice or fresh limes
Dash garlic powder
Dash of cumin
Dash of oregano
Dash of liquid smoke (if you aren't using BBQ to cook veggies on)

This dish is best made on a BBQ - I am making mine on our Traeger smoker. But, if you don't have access to a BBQ (or your run out briquettes),  you can probably heat the veggies just fine in your broiler.
You will see in pictures I am using a grill basket. They work  great, but if you don't have one, you can use aluminum foil doubled over for a surface to place your veggies.

First thing is first, let's get chopping!
Oh, wait, I forgot, first thing is to preheat your grill or broiler to high
Alright, now let's get chopping!

Chop your tomatoes and half onion
I chop the onion fine and the tomatoes chunky ... but that's just me ... chop as you prefer to eat

Put the tomatoes, onions, and drained can of tomatoes in your grill basket or aluminum foil "boat"
Chop cilantro and place onto of tomatoes and onions

Chop jalapenos in half, seed (or leave seeds in for a spicier salsa)

Husk corn
Drain beans
Put half cans of black beans and black eyed beans in saucepan on stove
Cook on low just enough to tenderize the beans

Take a shot of tequila or pull of your Corona - you will need your stamina!

Carry all the the above out to your grill
Place the corn and jalapenos directly on the grill

Place the grill basket or aluminum foil "boat" on the grill
Let it cook for 10 minutes, then check, turn or stir as needed
Wait another 10 minutes, repeat
If jalapenos start to burn on the skin, turn or remove from heat early, they may not take as long to cook as the rest of the veggies
I went another 10 minutes, but depending on your grill you may need to go more or less time

Once veggies are removed from the grill, let them cool until they are bearable to touch
Chop jalapenos finely
Use a sharp knife down the side of your corn to cut the kernels off
Chunk up or mash the canned whole tomatoes (if needed)
Add lime juice, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder
Add liquid smoke *only if you aren't cooking the veggies on a BBQ or smoker
Stir to mix well

Place in the refrigerator for at least an hour before eating
Salsa will keep for 4 or 5 days in airtight container, or it cans great

Creamy Cajun Chicken

Nothing says comfort food like slathering it in cheese! Am I wrong? No! So I brought you an easy, mouth watering dish your whole family will love. Casual enough to serve your kids, and delicious enough to serve your guests. This is loosely based on the Muffaletta sandwich of the New Orleans, but healthier and easier!

This recipe is best done on the BBQ or smoker. But, can be baked at about 350 if needed. Just know, baking will sacrifice the flavor of the grill!

What do you need?
4 chicken breasts
Garlic salt
Cajun seasoning (can substitute cayenne and chili powder)
Fresh ground black pepper

Lightly dust each side of chicken breast with spices
Throw on the grill, medium heat. If using the smoker, smoke on each side 10 minutes, then turn to medium.

Grill or bake until each piece of meat has reached 175 degrees. Some people like to base a recipe on time, but I am all about temperature. You will save yourself from risk of food borne illness and/or overcooked meat.

The sauce:
8 oz cream cheese
2  T Muffaletta spread
Don't have access to jar of Muffaletta spread? Easy! Chop green olives!

1/2 c milk
1/4 t garlic salt
1/2 t fresh ground black pepper
Over medium heat add milk and cream cheese to saucepan.

As cheese melts, stir frequently.
Add Muffaletta spread, spices, and continue to stir.
 
When melted and mixed evenly, turn to low heat and stir occasionally while you wait for your meat to cook.
Once done, top meat with sauce. Serve with salad, baked potatoes, or your favorite side.