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Showing posts with label chicken. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chicken. Show all posts

Turkey Divan

Got Turkey?  Need a last minute turkey leftovers idea?  I know Thanksgiving was only a mere 2 days ago, & you might be sick of turkey by now, but let's get to using those leftovers!  I made this last night for dinner & posted a quick pic to instagram & my personal facebook page.  Apparently people thought it was a good idea, so I hurried & snapped a picture.  I don't have a white box for taking pictures after it gets dark, & this picture is less than perfect, but you get the idea.  Creamy turkey, broccoli, & rice casserole dish!  Delish!

Chicken Divan
Recipe altered from Betty Crocker by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)
  • 2 Tbsp butter, unsalted
  • 3 Tbsp flour
  • 2 tsp chicken bouillon
  • 2 cups skim milk
  • 1/2 cup light miracle whip, (or mayo, but I prefer the tangy zip of miracle whip)
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (I use minute/instant rice)
  • 1/2 (12-14oz) bag frozen broccoli florets thawed/drained of any liquid
  • 2 cups shredded/cubed turkey
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (I used cheddar)
  • 1/3 cup Progresso Italian bread crumbs
  • 1 Tbsp butter, melted
  1. Heat oven to 350˚F.  Spray a 9x13-inch rectangular baking dish with pan spray & place thawed broccoli florets into the bottom of the dish.  You can take kitchen shears to trim any large pieces.
  2. Sprinkle cubed turkey on top of the broccoli.  If you are cooking your instant rice, now is a good time to throw it in the microwave.
  3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.  Add flour & bouillon till it comes together.  Gradually whisk in milk, cooking & stirring constantly until mixture boils & thickens (will happen suddenly when it does.)
  4. Stir in miracle whip, mustard, brown sugar & remove from heat.  Add cooked rice & pour over turkey/broccoli mixture in the dish.  Top with shredded cheese.
  5. Mix bread crumbs with 1 Tbsp melted butter, sprinkle the bread crumbs over the cheese.  Bake for 30 minutes or until thoroughly heated & sauce bubbles.  

*Makes 4-6 servings.


Got Turkey?  Need a last minute turkey leftovers idea?  I know Thanksgiving was only a mere 2 days ago, & you might be sick of turkey by now, but let's get to using those leftovers!  I made this last night for dinner & posted a quick pic to instagram & my personal facebook page.  Apparently people thought it was a good idea, so I hurried & snapped a picture.  I don't have a white box for taking pictures after it gets dark, & this picture is less than perfect, but you get the idea.  Creamy turkey, broccoli, & rice casserole dish!  Delish!

Chicken Divan
Recipe altered from Betty Crocker by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)
  • 2 Tbsp butter, unsalted
  • 3 Tbsp flour
  • 2 tsp chicken bouillon
  • 2 cups skim milk
  • 1/2 cup light miracle whip, (or mayo, but I prefer the tangy zip of miracle whip)
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (I use minute/instant rice)
  • 1/2 (12-14oz) bag frozen broccoli florets thawed/drained of any liquid
  • 2 cups shredded/cubed turkey
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (I used cheddar)
  • 1/3 cup Progresso Italian bread crumbs
  • 1 Tbsp butter, melted
  1. Heat oven to 350˚F.  Spray a 9x13-inch rectangular baking dish with pan spray & place thawed broccoli florets into the bottom of the dish.  You can take kitchen shears to trim any large pieces.
  2. Sprinkle cubed turkey on top of the broccoli.  If you are cooking your instant rice, now is a good time to throw it in the microwave.
  3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.  Add flour & bouillon till it comes together.  Gradually whisk in milk, cooking & stirring constantly until mixture boils & thickens (will happen suddenly when it does.)
  4. Stir in miracle whip, mustard, brown sugar & remove from heat.  Add cooked rice & pour over turkey/broccoli mixture in the dish.  Top with shredded cheese.
  5. Mix bread crumbs with 1 Tbsp melted butter, sprinkle the bread crumbs over the cheese.  Bake for 30 minutes or until thoroughly heated & sauce bubbles.  

*Makes 4-6 servings.


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Chicken Cordon Bleu Crescents

I am not sure if you noticed, but I am a fan of Chicken Cordon Bleu...I will take it in any form I can get it!  This was another smashing cordon bleu success amongst my family.  My kids are picky too, but they ate this with no problems at all.  I don't know if it's because they could pick it up & eat it like a sandwich, or if they loved the honey dijon dipping sauce, but I don't care because they ate it all gone & that's all I care about!


I enjoyed the ease of preparation along with crispy crust of the crescent dough that hugged the ham, chicken & swiss inside.  This one's going in the dinner rotation!  Enjoy!  This is also a smart dish to use up your leftover turkey from Thanksgiving...you can call it Turkey Cordon Blue Crescents!


  Chicken Cordon Bleu Crescents
Recipe inspiration from Mom on Time Out & lightly altered by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)
  • 1 can of light crescent rolls
  • 16 slices of deli-thin black forest ham
  • 8 slices of swiss cheese
  • 1 1/2 to 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • Italian seasoning, to sprinkle on top
  • 2 Tbsp honey
  • 2 Tbsp dijon mustard
  1. Open the can of crescent rolls & line the 8 triangles evenly in two rows of four on a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat.  You may use parchment paper or lightly grease the pan if you don't have a silicone mat.
  2. Layer two slices of ham, 1 slice of cheese folded in half diagonally, then a 1/4 cup (small helping) of shredded chicken on top.  Starting at the fat end of the triangle, roll the crescent dough around all the fillings as tight as you can & continue rolling to the point of the triangle.  Keep the point of the triangle underneath the roll so everything stays inside during baking.  Sprinkle the tops with a little bit of Italian seasoning.
  3. Bake at 375˚F for 18-20 minutes or until lightly browned & the inside reaches 165˚F.  Brush with butter fresh out of the oven.  
  4. Mix honey & dijon mustard in a dish.  Serve on the side, if desired.


I am not sure if you noticed, but I am a fan of Chicken Cordon Bleu...I will take it in any form I can get it!  This was another smashing cordon bleu success amongst my family.  My kids are picky too, but they ate this with no problems at all.  I don't know if it's because they could pick it up & eat it like a sandwich, or if they loved the honey dijon dipping sauce, but I don't care because they ate it all gone & that's all I care about!


I enjoyed the ease of preparation along with crispy crust of the crescent dough that hugged the ham, chicken & swiss inside.  This one's going in the dinner rotation!  Enjoy!  This is also a smart dish to use up your leftover turkey from Thanksgiving...you can call it Turkey Cordon Blue Crescents!


  Chicken Cordon Bleu Crescents
Recipe inspiration from Mom on Time Out & lightly altered by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)
  • 1 can of light crescent rolls
  • 16 slices of deli-thin black forest ham
  • 8 slices of swiss cheese
  • 1 1/2 to 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • Italian seasoning, to sprinkle on top
  • 2 Tbsp honey
  • 2 Tbsp dijon mustard
  1. Open the can of crescent rolls & line the 8 triangles evenly in two rows of four on a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat.  You may use parchment paper or lightly grease the pan if you don't have a silicone mat.
  2. Layer two slices of ham, 1 slice of cheese folded in half diagonally, then a 1/4 cup (small helping) of shredded chicken on top.  Starting at the fat end of the triangle, roll the crescent dough around all the fillings as tight as you can & continue rolling to the point of the triangle.  Keep the point of the triangle underneath the roll so everything stays inside during baking.  Sprinkle the tops with a little bit of Italian seasoning.
  3. Bake at 375˚F for 18-20 minutes or until lightly browned & the inside reaches 165˚F.  Brush with butter fresh out of the oven.  
  4. Mix honey & dijon mustard in a dish.  Serve on the side, if desired.


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Chicken Lasagna Stew

Tasty Chicken Lasagna Stew is a quick and easy way to enjoy the flavors of classic lasagna, without all the layering fuss.

Lasagna is one of my all-time favorite foods. My Mom makes it all the time, complete with her homemade sauce, simmered all day long so it's busting with deep, delicious flavor. So actually, strike that first sentence ... my Mom's lasagna is one of my all-time favorite foods. I'm kind of a little bit lasagna-spoiled.

And while I certainly can create my Mom's wonderful lasagna, sometimes I want to enjoy all the fabulous lasagna flavors without all the layering fuss. I mean let's be serious here, building a lasagna is tough work. And inevitably, I burn a finger or two working with the hot noodles. I guess I'm noodle challenged like that.

Well now, thanks to this Chicken Lasagna Stew ...

Continue Reading >>
Tasty Chicken Lasagna Stew is a quick and easy way to enjoy the flavors of classic lasagna, without all the layering fuss.

Lasagna is one of my all-time favorite foods. My Mom makes it all the time, complete with her homemade sauce, simmered all day long so it's busting with deep, delicious flavor. So actually, strike that first sentence ... my Mom's lasagna is one of my all-time favorite foods. I'm kind of a little bit lasagna-spoiled.

And while I certainly can create my Mom's wonderful lasagna, sometimes I want to enjoy all the fabulous lasagna flavors without all the layering fuss. I mean let's be serious here, building a lasagna is tough work. And inevitably, I burn a finger or two working with the hot noodles. I guess I'm noodle challenged like that.

Well now, thanks to this Chicken Lasagna Stew ...

Continue Reading >>
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Hawaiian Haystacks


I have recently teamed up with Shirley J to do one of my favorite things ... develop new recipes!  This one is an oldie, but a goodie.  I haven't met anyone who doesn't love Hawaiian Haystacks.  Do you remember when I first told you guys about whisk bliss?  If you don't remember, Whisk Bliss is a universal cooking base similar to the bechamel mother sauce.  It's a delicious creamy base for any sauce, gravy, soup, etc.  Whisk Bliss is perfect to use to create your own cream of chicken soup at home.  Just combine Whisk Bliss & water with a little bit of Shirley J Chicken Bouillon & voila!  It's almost as easy as opening up a can!  




This recipe can be thrown in the slow cooker, or made in about 15-20 minutes on the stovetop.  It's definitely a family favorite dinner of ours.  My kids don't even like all the toppings, but they scarf the chicken & sauce!

Check out the recipe HERE.


I have recently teamed up with Shirley J to do one of my favorite things ... develop new recipes!  This one is an oldie, but a goodie.  I haven't met anyone who doesn't love Hawaiian Haystacks.  Do you remember when I first told you guys about whisk bliss?  If you don't remember, Whisk Bliss is a universal cooking base similar to the bechamel mother sauce.  It's a delicious creamy base for any sauce, gravy, soup, etc.  Whisk Bliss is perfect to use to create your own cream of chicken soup at home.  Just combine Whisk Bliss & water with a little bit of Shirley J Chicken Bouillon & voila!  It's almost as easy as opening up a can!  




This recipe can be thrown in the slow cooker, or made in about 15-20 minutes on the stovetop.  It's definitely a family favorite dinner of ours.  My kids don't even like all the toppings, but they scarf the chicken & sauce!

Check out the recipe HERE.

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Skillet Chicken & Dumplings


There is just something about homestyle dishes like this one that makes me hungry!  One pot meals & casseroles have got it going on!  Everything you need in one place, ready to warm your belly.  I have never actually made a skillet dish like this before, where you cook the biscuit on top of the mixture on the stovetop instead of in the oven.  This dinner is a lot like my Chicken Pot Pie Crumble, but with that soft biscuit dumpling on top & slightly different flavors.  I was all nervous about the biscuit cooking all the way through, but it did just fine!  I do like the addition of the cream cheese & green onions in this one too.  It's a fall meal that is simple & delicious!  Enjoy!

Skillet Chicken & Dumplings
Recipe lightly altered from Kraft Recipes by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)
  • 1 Tbsp oil
  • 2 chicken breasts, cut into 1/2" cubes
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp pepper
  • 1/8 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 (14oz) can reduced sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 4 oz neufchatel cream cheese
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 (16oz) package frozen peas & carrots
  • 1 cup all-purpose baking mix or Homemade (I used this recipe)
  • 1/4 cup light sour cream
  • 1/4 cup 2% milk
  • 2 Tbsp grated or shredded parmesan cheese
  1. Heat oil in a large deep skillet on medium-high heat.  Add chicken, salt, pepper, onion powder, & garlic.  Cook & stir 4 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink.  Transfer to bowl.
  2. Add broth gradually to flour in small bowl, whisking constantly until blended. Add to skillet; cook & stir on medium heat 2 minutes or until thickened.  Add cream cheese & green onions.  Cook & stir 3 minutes or until melted.  Stir in chicken & frozen vegetables.  Heat to a light simmer.
  3. Stir baking mix, sour cream & milk just until baking mix is moistened.  Spoon into 6 or 7 mounds over the mixture in the skillet.  Cook on medium-high heat for 2 minutes.  Cover skillet & cook on low for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in dumplings comes out clean.  Top with parmesan.

There is just something about homestyle dishes like this one that makes me hungry!  One pot meals & casseroles have got it going on!  Everything you need in one place, ready to warm your belly.  I have never actually made a skillet dish like this before, where you cook the biscuit on top of the mixture on the stovetop instead of in the oven.  This dinner is a lot like my Chicken Pot Pie Crumble, but with that soft biscuit dumpling on top & slightly different flavors.  I was all nervous about the biscuit cooking all the way through, but it did just fine!  I do like the addition of the cream cheese & green onions in this one too.  It's a fall meal that is simple & delicious!  Enjoy!

Skillet Chicken & Dumplings
Recipe lightly altered from Kraft Recipes by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)
  • 1 Tbsp oil
  • 2 chicken breasts, cut into 1/2" cubes
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp pepper
  • 1/8 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 (14oz) can reduced sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 4 oz neufchatel cream cheese
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 (16oz) package frozen peas & carrots
  • 1 cup all-purpose baking mix or Homemade (I used this recipe)
  • 1/4 cup light sour cream
  • 1/4 cup 2% milk
  • 2 Tbsp grated or shredded parmesan cheese
  1. Heat oil in a large deep skillet on medium-high heat.  Add chicken, salt, pepper, onion powder, & garlic.  Cook & stir 4 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink.  Transfer to bowl.
  2. Add broth gradually to flour in small bowl, whisking constantly until blended. Add to skillet; cook & stir on medium heat 2 minutes or until thickened.  Add cream cheese & green onions.  Cook & stir 3 minutes or until melted.  Stir in chicken & frozen vegetables.  Heat to a light simmer.
  3. Stir baking mix, sour cream & milk just until baking mix is moistened.  Spoon into 6 or 7 mounds over the mixture in the skillet.  Cook on medium-high heat for 2 minutes.  Cover skillet & cook on low for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in dumplings comes out clean.  Top with parmesan.
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Chicken Fiesta Bake

I am usually excited to share each of my recipes with you all, but with this one I am over the top excited to share with you today!  Like the simplicity of the recipe, combined with the beautiful colors & mexican flavors make this dish a winner in my book!


And since this recipe requires an oven, this is the perfect time of year to make it now that things are cooling off.  I am seriously in love with this dish!  Have I mentioned before that I love mexican flavors?  Well, I do, & this hits the spot right on!  Just look at how pretty this casserole is!!!  Well, I think it's pretty.  Bright, bold & beautiful!




This dish is not all about the looks either.  Do you want to know how easy this recipe is?  So easy that you throw it all in the dish, top it with chicken & seasonings & throw it in the oven!  Talk about the perfect weeknight meal!  I will be making this again & again!  It makes a lot for our young family of 4, but my husband & I can eat the leftovers for lunch the next day, which I don't mind at all!!!  Love this dish!






Chicken Fiesta Bake
Recipe adapted from Pace Foods by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)
  • 1 (16oz) jar medium salsa (I prefer the "fresher" refrigerated salsas)
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1 can corn, undrained
  • 1 can black beans, drained & rinsed
  • 1 cup of long grain white rice
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 2-3 chicken breasts, sliced in half width-wise to make 4-6 chicken breasts (I recommend doing 3 breasts cut in half because it's a lot of rice mixture.)
  • Cajun or Taco Seasoning
  • 1/2 cup + medium cheddar cheese
  • Green onions, diced
  1. Grease a 9x13" pan with cooking spray.  Dump salsa, water, corn, beans, rice, & salt into the pan.  Stir together.
  2. Place chicken breasts on top.  Season generously with cajun or taco seasoning.
  3. Bake at 375˚F for 45 minutes or until chicken is done.  Sprinkle with cheese & return to oven for 3-5 minutes or until cheese melts.  Top with freshly chopped green onions.
    I am usually excited to share each of my recipes with you all, but with this one I am over the top excited to share with you today!  Like the simplicity of the recipe, combined with the beautiful colors & mexican flavors make this dish a winner in my book!


    And since this recipe requires an oven, this is the perfect time of year to make it now that things are cooling off.  I am seriously in love with this dish!  Have I mentioned before that I love mexican flavors?  Well, I do, & this hits the spot right on!  Just look at how pretty this casserole is!!!  Well, I think it's pretty.  Bright, bold & beautiful!




    This dish is not all about the looks either.  Do you want to know how easy this recipe is?  So easy that you throw it all in the dish, top it with chicken & seasonings & throw it in the oven!  Talk about the perfect weeknight meal!  I will be making this again & again!  It makes a lot for our young family of 4, but my husband & I can eat the leftovers for lunch the next day, which I don't mind at all!!!  Love this dish!






    Chicken Fiesta Bake
    Recipe adapted from Pace Foods by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)
    • 1 (16oz) jar medium salsa (I prefer the "fresher" refrigerated salsas)
    • 1/3 cup water
    • 1 can corn, undrained
    • 1 can black beans, drained & rinsed
    • 1 cup of long grain white rice
    • 1 tsp kosher salt
    • 2-3 chicken breasts, sliced in half width-wise to make 4-6 chicken breasts (I recommend doing 3 breasts cut in half because it's a lot of rice mixture.)
    • Cajun or Taco Seasoning
    • 1/2 cup + medium cheddar cheese
    • Green onions, diced
    1. Grease a 9x13" pan with cooking spray.  Dump salsa, water, corn, beans, rice, & salt into the pan.  Stir together.
    2. Place chicken breasts on top.  Season generously with cajun or taco seasoning.
    3. Bake at 375˚F for 45 minutes or until chicken is done.  Sprinkle with cheese & return to oven for 3-5 minutes or until cheese melts.  Top with freshly chopped green onions.
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      Pesto Chicken & Summer Squash Skewers

      If your garden is anything like mine, it is bursting with zucchini & yellow squash!  I am constantly trying to come up with new ways to use up those fresh vegetables.  This meal is incredibly simple, especially if you use store bought pesto.  Easy peasy & full of flavor!  What more could you want?  Try this dish with my favorite Garlic Parmesan Orzo & you will not be sorry!

      Pesto Chicken & Summer Squash Skewers
      Recipe by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)
      • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
      • 1 zucchini
      • 1 yellow squash
      • 1/2 cup prepared pesto (I just used store-bought Classico Basil Pesto Sauce)
      • Salt & Pepper
      1. Cut the chicken, zucchini, & yellow squash into 1/2-inch to 1-inch cubes/pieces.  Put into a large bowl. (I did the chicken smaller & the zucchini/squash bigger because the chicken takes longer to cook than the veggies & you don't want to over-cook the zucchini/squash.)
      2. Season with salt & pepper & add the pesto.  Toss to coat all the chicken & vegetables in the pesto sauce. 
      3. Skewer chicken & vegetables onto pre-soaked bamboo/wooden skewers leaving a tiny gap between each piece for more even cooking.  
      4. Grill on medium heat for 4-5 minutes each side; turning once.  Cook until chicken is no longer pink.


      If your garden is anything like mine, it is bursting with zucchini & yellow squash!  I am constantly trying to come up with new ways to use up those fresh vegetables.  This meal is incredibly simple, especially if you use store bought pesto.  Easy peasy & full of flavor!  What more could you want?  Try this dish with my favorite Garlic Parmesan Orzo & you will not be sorry!

      Pesto Chicken & Summer Squash Skewers
      Recipe by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)
      • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
      • 1 zucchini
      • 1 yellow squash
      • 1/2 cup prepared pesto (I just used store-bought Classico Basil Pesto Sauce)
      • Salt & Pepper
      1. Cut the chicken, zucchini, & yellow squash into 1/2-inch to 1-inch cubes/pieces.  Put into a large bowl. (I did the chicken smaller & the zucchini/squash bigger because the chicken takes longer to cook than the veggies & you don't want to over-cook the zucchini/squash.)
      2. Season with salt & pepper & add the pesto.  Toss to coat all the chicken & vegetables in the pesto sauce. 
      3. Skewer chicken & vegetables onto pre-soaked bamboo/wooden skewers leaving a tiny gap between each piece for more even cooking.  
      4. Grill on medium heat for 4-5 minutes each side; turning once.  Cook until chicken is no longer pink.


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      Easy Grilled Summer Vegetables & Sausage

      I have got a super delicious, easy dinner for you to make this summer!  It seriously cannot get any easier & you don't have to heat up your house either because you cook it in a foil packet on your grill!  Sounds great right?  It is!  I am totally in love with this dinner because I can find most of these ingredients in my own garden, which is fabulous.  Plus, it's incredibly light, yet filling for a healthier dinner to keep your waistline in check. Gotta look good in that swim suit you are sporting at the pool, you know what I'm sayin'?  


      All you need is some fresh garden veggies, sliced.


      Some lean Turkey Polska Kielbasa, sliced.


      Then spray your foil with pan spray, layer the veggies & sausage, & sprinkle with your favorite seasonings.


      Then fold your packet lengthwise first, & then widthwise.  Flip it over & repeat with an extra piece of foil, to keep everything intact.  Grill 4-5 minutes on each side!  Voila!

      Oh & you can totally do this while camping as well.  Easy peasy!  Cut all your veggies ahead of time & store them in containers then just throw them in the foil pouch, add seasoning, fold it up, & stick it in the coals of the fire.  For real! We served our sausage & veggies with my Garlic Parmesan Orzo & it was insanely delicious!  We loved this dinner!

      Easy Grilled Summer Vegetables & Sausage
      Recipe by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)
      • 1 yellow squash
      • 1 zucchini
      • 1 small red onion
      • 1 green pepper
      • 1 red pepper
      • 1 (13oz) package Turkey Polska Kielbasa (or other favorite summer sausage)
      • Weber N'Orleans Cajun or other favorite seasoning
      1. Slice all the vegetables about the same thickness; you may use a mandoline slicer if that helps.
      2. Slice sausage into rounds.
      3. Lightly spray a piece of foil.  Add desired vegetables & sausage.  Season heavily with favorite grilling seasoning.
      4. Fold the foil lengthwise first (hot dog style), then widthwise (hamburger style) to form a packet.  Flip it over onto another piece of foil & repeat the folds to keep everything intact.
      5. Grill on medium-high heat in the foil packets for 4-5 minutes per side (2 sides.)  Open the packet, taste & adjust seasonings if desired.  I highly recommend serving this with my Garlic Parmesan Orzo.
      * For a light grilled char on the vegetables: Carefully open up the foil packet, close the lid of your grill, & allow the vegetables to brown up the last few minutes of cooking.

      Image Map
      I have got a super delicious, easy dinner for you to make this summer!  It seriously cannot get any easier & you don't have to heat up your house either because you cook it in a foil packet on your grill!  Sounds great right?  It is!  I am totally in love with this dinner because I can find most of these ingredients in my own garden, which is fabulous.  Plus, it's incredibly light, yet filling for a healthier dinner to keep your waistline in check. Gotta look good in that swim suit you are sporting at the pool, you know what I'm sayin'?  


      All you need is some fresh garden veggies, sliced.


      Some lean Turkey Polska Kielbasa, sliced.


      Then spray your foil with pan spray, layer the veggies & sausage, & sprinkle with your favorite seasonings.


      Then fold your packet lengthwise first, & then widthwise.  Flip it over & repeat with an extra piece of foil, to keep everything intact.  Grill 4-5 minutes on each side!  Voila!

      Oh & you can totally do this while camping as well.  Easy peasy!  Cut all your veggies ahead of time & store them in containers then just throw them in the foil pouch, add seasoning, fold it up, & stick it in the coals of the fire.  For real! We served our sausage & veggies with my Garlic Parmesan Orzo & it was insanely delicious!  We loved this dinner!

      Easy Grilled Summer Vegetables & Sausage
      Recipe by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)
      • 1 yellow squash
      • 1 zucchini
      • 1 small red onion
      • 1 green pepper
      • 1 red pepper
      • 1 (13oz) package Turkey Polska Kielbasa (or other favorite summer sausage)
      • Weber N'Orleans Cajun or other favorite seasoning
      1. Slice all the vegetables about the same thickness; you may use a mandoline slicer if that helps.
      2. Slice sausage into rounds.
      3. Lightly spray a piece of foil.  Add desired vegetables & sausage.  Season heavily with favorite grilling seasoning.
      4. Fold the foil lengthwise first (hot dog style), then widthwise (hamburger style) to form a packet.  Flip it over onto another piece of foil & repeat the folds to keep everything intact.
      5. Grill on medium-high heat in the foil packets for 4-5 minutes per side (2 sides.)  Open the packet, taste & adjust seasonings if desired.  I highly recommend serving this with my Garlic Parmesan Orzo.
      * For a light grilled char on the vegetables: Carefully open up the foil packet, close the lid of your grill, & allow the vegetables to brown up the last few minutes of cooking.

      Image Map
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      Teriyaki Chicken (Gluten Free/Dairy Free)


      I am extremely thankful that we don't have any food allergies or sensitivities in my family (other than me with avocados...so weird....and unfortunate).  

      However, I know there are so many families that have to deal with various issues with food and it can get so complicated.  I recently had the pleasure of making a meal for a friend from church who had just given birth to her 5th boy...and was told by the meal coordinator that they needed a dinner that was wheat-free and dairy free.

      Wow.  That ruled out nearly every recipe I normally make.  I am a big believer in the value of butter....and cheese....and I love pasta, biscuits, breads.....oh, you know.  And the desserts.  Eliminating dairy and wheat leaves the options pretty sparse, unless you go to a specialty store to buy some unusual ingredients like xanthum gum or sorghum flour.  Sure can't find those at Walmart.

      Anyways, I ended up making BBQ meatballs (with water instead of milk), Confetti Rice and Bean Salad, roasted green beans, and a fruit salad with strawberries, grapes, and blueberries.

      Brainstorming what to make for them helped me realize that it's a really good idea to have a running list of gluten and/or dairy-free recipes from which to choose, should the need arise.

      This meal definitely makes the list for me.
       
      It's a really simple dinner, just requires some time chopping and cutting veggies and meat and a little time stir-frying it all.  But it comes together beautifully and was a hit with everyone in my family, including Grant's parents.  It's flavorful and slightly sweet - and the best part - all of the ingredients are nearly always in my kitchen.  So it's an easy go-to meal when plans go awry and I need a back-up, stat.

      What are some of your gluten or dairy free favorite recipes?

      Teriyaki Chicken (Gluten and Dairy Free)
      from Angela's Kitchen

      1-1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken, cubed
      oil for cooking (I use expeller pressed coconut oil)
      4 carrots, sliced thinly
      1 medium onion, sliced thinly
      2 cups broccoli, chopped
      2-4 cloves garlic, minced
      3/4 cup water
      1/2 cup gluten free soy sauce (reduced sodium)
      1/3 cup brown sugar
      2 T. cornstarch or arrowroot
      salt and pepper, to taste
      Cooked rice, for serving

      Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.  Season chicken with salt and pepper, then saute it until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.  In the hot skillet (add a little more oil if necessary) stir fry the carrots and onions for several minutes. Once they're crisp/tender, add the broccoli and garlic and cook a couple of minutes longer.
      Add the chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.  In a medium bowl, combine the water, soy sauce, and brown sugar.  Add 2/3 of the mixture to the skillet.  Bring to a boil.  To the remaining liquid, add the cornstarch and whisk until smooth. Add to the boiling mixture in the skillet and stir constantly until thickened.
      Season with salt and pepper to taste.
      Serve over rice.

      I am extremely thankful that we don't have any food allergies or sensitivities in my family (other than me with avocados...so weird....and unfortunate).  

      However, I know there are so many families that have to deal with various issues with food and it can get so complicated.  I recently had the pleasure of making a meal for a friend from church who had just given birth to her 5th boy...and was told by the meal coordinator that they needed a dinner that was wheat-free and dairy free.

      Wow.  That ruled out nearly every recipe I normally make.  I am a big believer in the value of butter....and cheese....and I love pasta, biscuits, breads.....oh, you know.  And the desserts.  Eliminating dairy and wheat leaves the options pretty sparse, unless you go to a specialty store to buy some unusual ingredients like xanthum gum or sorghum flour.  Sure can't find those at Walmart.

      Anyways, I ended up making BBQ meatballs (with water instead of milk), Confetti Rice and Bean Salad, roasted green beans, and a fruit salad with strawberries, grapes, and blueberries.

      Brainstorming what to make for them helped me realize that it's a really good idea to have a running list of gluten and/or dairy-free recipes from which to choose, should the need arise.

      This meal definitely makes the list for me.
       
      It's a really simple dinner, just requires some time chopping and cutting veggies and meat and a little time stir-frying it all.  But it comes together beautifully and was a hit with everyone in my family, including Grant's parents.  It's flavorful and slightly sweet - and the best part - all of the ingredients are nearly always in my kitchen.  So it's an easy go-to meal when plans go awry and I need a back-up, stat.

      What are some of your gluten or dairy free favorite recipes?

      Teriyaki Chicken (Gluten and Dairy Free)
      from Angela's Kitchen

      1-1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken, cubed
      oil for cooking (I use expeller pressed coconut oil)
      4 carrots, sliced thinly
      1 medium onion, sliced thinly
      2 cups broccoli, chopped
      2-4 cloves garlic, minced
      3/4 cup water
      1/2 cup gluten free soy sauce (reduced sodium)
      1/3 cup brown sugar
      2 T. cornstarch or arrowroot
      salt and pepper, to taste
      Cooked rice, for serving

      Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.  Season chicken with salt and pepper, then saute it until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.  In the hot skillet (add a little more oil if necessary) stir fry the carrots and onions for several minutes. Once they're crisp/tender, add the broccoli and garlic and cook a couple of minutes longer.
      Add the chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.  In a medium bowl, combine the water, soy sauce, and brown sugar.  Add 2/3 of the mixture to the skillet.  Bring to a boil.  To the remaining liquid, add the cornstarch and whisk until smooth. Add to the boiling mixture in the skillet and stir constantly until thickened.
      Season with salt and pepper to taste.
      Serve over rice.
      reade more... Résuméabuiyad

      Chipotle Chicken Skewers with Creamy Cilantro-Lime Dip


       
      When I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it & it did not disappoint!  You must try this, NOW!  The chicken is spicy, yet sweet & the creamy dip is perfectly cooling.  Both my kids ate this chicken with no problems at all which is saying a lot, especially for my picky 4 year old.  He is picky to the extreme & will not eat anything even slightly spicy.  We just took the chicken off the skewers & pre-coated them with the dip.  Our kids gobbled it right up, & even said it was, "Yummy!"  That is success my friends!

      One thing I love about this recipe is how simple it is.  Especially using my new favorite Gourmet Garden Herbs & Spices.  I cannot tell you how much I love those little green tubes!  I am in love with them!  It saves so much prep time & mess!  I will not go back to chopping cilantro again!  

      Anyway, this recipe needs to go on your Summer Grillin' Bucket List ASAP!!!  Get it done, because you will not regret it!

      Chipotle Chicken Skewers with Creamy Cilantro-Lime Dip
      Recipe lightly altered from Mel's Kitchen Cafe by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)
      Chicken Skewers:
      • 2lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders (about 4 breasts or 12 tenders)
      • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
      • 2 Tbsp Gourmet Garden Cilantro Paste (or freshly minced cilantro)
      • 1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce, minced; remove seeds to reduce spiciness (*I actually puree the whole can with adobo sauce & freeze ice cube portions which equal about 1 1/2 Tbsp each; I used 1 cube, thawed)
      • 2 tsp adobo sauce (if not using the pureed method I just talked about)
      • 1 1/2 tsp salt
      • 1/2 tsp chili powder
      • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
      • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
      • 12 bamboo or metal skewers
      • Vegetable Oil (for grill)
      Creamy Cilantro Lime Dip:
      • 3/4 cup low-fat sour cream
      • 1/4 cup low-fat mayonnaise
      • 1/4 cup lime juice, from 2-3 limes
      • 1/8 tsp garlic powder
      • 2 Tbsp Gourmet Garden Cilantro Paste (or freshly minced cilantro)
      • 2 green onions, finely sliced
      • 1/2 tsp salt
      • 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
      1. Slice chicken into strips about 1/2" thick.  I used chicken tenders & got 3 strips per tender.  You should end up with around 30 strips.
      2. In a small bowl combine brown sugar, cilantro, chipotle chile, adobo sauce, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, & pepper.  Coat chicken in the mixture, cover & refrigerate for at least 30 minutes & up to 24 hours.
      3. For the dipping sauce, stir all ingredients together in a bowl.  Cover & let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes until the flavors combine.  Meanwhile cover & soak bamboo skewers; skip this step if using metal skewers.
      4. Pre-heat grill.  Loosely weave 3 strips of chicken onto each skewer so that they cook evenly.  Place prepared skewers onto a plate, keep as much of the marinade on them that you can.  
      5. Grease grill grates with a pastry brush & vegetable oil (may also use a paper towel.)  Grill chicken for 5-8 minutes until cooked through, turning half-way.  Serve with dipping sauce.
      *Makes 4-6 servings.


      Image Map

       
      When I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it & it did not disappoint!  You must try this, NOW!  The chicken is spicy, yet sweet & the creamy dip is perfectly cooling.  Both my kids ate this chicken with no problems at all which is saying a lot, especially for my picky 4 year old.  He is picky to the extreme & will not eat anything even slightly spicy.  We just took the chicken off the skewers & pre-coated them with the dip.  Our kids gobbled it right up, & even said it was, "Yummy!"  That is success my friends!

      One thing I love about this recipe is how simple it is.  Especially using my new favorite Gourmet Garden Herbs & Spices.  I cannot tell you how much I love those little green tubes!  I am in love with them!  It saves so much prep time & mess!  I will not go back to chopping cilantro again!  

      Anyway, this recipe needs to go on your Summer Grillin' Bucket List ASAP!!!  Get it done, because you will not regret it!

      Chipotle Chicken Skewers with Creamy Cilantro-Lime Dip
      Recipe lightly altered from Mel's Kitchen Cafe by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)
      Chicken Skewers:
      • 2lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders (about 4 breasts or 12 tenders)
      • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
      • 2 Tbsp Gourmet Garden Cilantro Paste (or freshly minced cilantro)
      • 1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce, minced; remove seeds to reduce spiciness (*I actually puree the whole can with adobo sauce & freeze ice cube portions which equal about 1 1/2 Tbsp each; I used 1 cube, thawed)
      • 2 tsp adobo sauce (if not using the pureed method I just talked about)
      • 1 1/2 tsp salt
      • 1/2 tsp chili powder
      • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
      • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
      • 12 bamboo or metal skewers
      • Vegetable Oil (for grill)
      Creamy Cilantro Lime Dip:
      • 3/4 cup low-fat sour cream
      • 1/4 cup low-fat mayonnaise
      • 1/4 cup lime juice, from 2-3 limes
      • 1/8 tsp garlic powder
      • 2 Tbsp Gourmet Garden Cilantro Paste (or freshly minced cilantro)
      • 2 green onions, finely sliced
      • 1/2 tsp salt
      • 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
      1. Slice chicken into strips about 1/2" thick.  I used chicken tenders & got 3 strips per tender.  You should end up with around 30 strips.
      2. In a small bowl combine brown sugar, cilantro, chipotle chile, adobo sauce, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, & pepper.  Coat chicken in the mixture, cover & refrigerate for at least 30 minutes & up to 24 hours.
      3. For the dipping sauce, stir all ingredients together in a bowl.  Cover & let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes until the flavors combine.  Meanwhile cover & soak bamboo skewers; skip this step if using metal skewers.
      4. Pre-heat grill.  Loosely weave 3 strips of chicken onto each skewer so that they cook evenly.  Place prepared skewers onto a plate, keep as much of the marinade on them that you can.  
      5. Grease grill grates with a pastry brush & vegetable oil (may also use a paper towel.)  Grill chicken for 5-8 minutes until cooked through, turning half-way.  Serve with dipping sauce.
      *Makes 4-6 servings.


      Image Map
      reade more... Résuméabuiyad