Tag Archives: food

Soy Lime Marinated Chicken with Balsamic Corn Relish

April 21, 2012 By in Recipe Experimentation Tags: , , , , , 3 Comments

I made this chicken recipe the other night and had to share it with you guys. I’m not really sure where the recipe originated but it was passed on to me by my brother. I made a few changes of my own and it turned out absolutely delicious. The balsamic vinegar in the corn relish pairs beautifully with the soy lime marinated chicken and cilantro rice.

I didn’t plan on documenting this meal so I don’t have pics for every step, but once I starting smelling all of the amazing flavors in the dish I had to post it.

Give it a whirl. It’s healthy, easy and delicious!

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 10 oz container less sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (around 6 limes)
  • 2″ piece fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 large garlic clove, grated
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
  • 40z honey
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breast (around 1.5 pounds)
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Corn Relish

  • 1 can sweet corn kernels, rinsed and drained
  • 3 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp red onion, diced
  • 1 small jalapeno, seeded
  • 2 tbsp red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • salt and pepper

Cilantro Rice

  • 1 cup Indian basmati rice
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 3 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 lime, juiced

To make the marinade combine the soy sauce and the next 5 ingredients, through the honey, in a medium bowl and whisk until well combined. Trim the chicken of any fat and place in a large baking dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour.

While the chicken is marinating combine the rice, water and chicken broth in your rice cooker or sauce pan and cook according to package directions.

In a medium bowl mix all of the ingredients for the corn relish together and season with the salt and pepper to taste.

Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat and add the chicken. Cook until completely cooked through, around 4-6 minutes on each side.

To plate place a mound of rice in the center of the plate and top with the chicken. Serve the corn relish on top of the chicken.

I served a Caesar salad on the side to round out the entire meal. Pair a light and fruity Pinot Noir to bring out all of the amazing flavors.

Bon Appétit!

Snackin’ with Sarah Sellers: Citrus Ceviche in Mini Fillo Shells

April 19, 2012 By in Recipe Experimentation, Snackin' with Sarah Sellers Tags: , , , , , , , 2 Comments

Last night on American Idol the top 7 had a Redux and I was serving up a “Redo” of a classic snack with my Nacho Popcorn. For tonight’s results show and the theme, Then and Now, I decided to take a classic seafood dish and add a little twist.

I didn’t get the chance to check out all of the performances, just those from leading ladies Hollie, Elise, and of course Jessica. I thought all three gave strong performances but my girl Jessica blew it out the park. She has depth and soul to her voice that you absolutely would not expect just by looking at her. Absolutely amazing.

Who do you think will be sent home tonight? Let me know in the comments below.

Check out tonight’s recipe on Lyndsey Parker’s Reality Rocks blog HERE!

30 shells plus extra

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound bay scallops, quartered
  • 1/2 pound peeled and deveined shrimp, chopped
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 4 limes, juiced
  • 2 lemons, juiced
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 serrano pepper, diced
  • 1 shallot, diced
  • 2 tbsp red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, rough chop (save some for garnishing)
  • 1/2 cup chopped roma tomatoes
  • 1 large avocado, small dice
  • 30 mini fillo shells

Place the scallops and shrimp at the bottom of a non-reactive container (I used a large glass bowl).

In a medium bowl combine the orange juice and next 9 ingredients, through the pepper, and whisk until well combined.

Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours. The seafood will turn opaque and firm. Using a slotted spoon move the seafood to a clean bowl. Set the liquid to the side and add as you go if needed (I didn’t use any extra).

Fold in the cilantro, tomatoes, and avocado. Adjust seasoning accordingly.

Place a spoonful of the mixture into the fillo shells and sprinkle with some cilantro.

Side not: Use the leftover ceviche over some shredded romaine lettuce or by itself!

Bon Appétit!

Snackin’ with Sarah Sellers: Nacho Popcorn

April 18, 2012 By in Recipe Experimentation, Snackin' with Sarah Sellers Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

The past week has been one of those non-stop, no time to be stressed out, coffee chugging type of weeks. From 5 year old birthday parties in San Antonio to full time jobs and full time hobbies…I needed a snack I could literally make in under 15 minutes.

This week on American Idol the top 7 (redux) will be singing songs from “Then and Now”, and I’m cooking up snacks for Yahoo! Music’s Lyndsey Parker and her Reality Rocks blog. Tonight’s recipe is a classic snack (then) with a modern twist (now). My only comment from last week’s results show is….Jessica Sanchez….REALLY??

I have to apologize for the low quality pics this week. I didn’t have the Nikon camera with me in San Antonio so the old reliable point and shoot had to work. This recipe turned out insanely  delicious and it took everything for me not to eat the entire bowl by myself.

Check out tonight’s recipe on Reality Rocks HERE!

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1/4 tsp garlic salt
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp green chiles
  • 12 cups original popcorn, 94% fat free, popped (1 bag)
  • 3/4 cup 2% 4 cheese Mexican blend, shredded

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Combine the butter and next 5 ingredients, through the chiles in a medium bowl. Place the popcorn in a large bowl and drizzle with the seasoned butter.

Put the popcorn on a cookie sheet covered with tin foil and sprinkle with the cheese.

Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted, around 10 minutes.

Bon Appétit!

Snackin’ with Sarah Sellers: Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers

April 12, 2012 By in Recipe Experimentation, Snackin' with Sarah Sellers Tags: , , , , , , 2 Comments

Last night the remaining 7 Idol contestants sang songs from the last decade. My question is, why haven’t they been doing this the entire time?? I actually listened to the contestants and asked myself, would I buy their album. Watching a teenager sing songs from the 50’s, 60’s, etc does nothing for me in regards to thinking about them beyond the Idol stage.

With that said nobody really blew me away. There were no bombed performances by any means but nobody gave me goosies either (yes I’m channeling my inner JLo). Jessica and Elise were my favorites of the night by far.

On to the food…

Since the contestants were singing modern songs I’ve been cooking up fun, current snacks for Lyndsey Parker and her Reality  Rocks blog. I was trying to find some inspiration for tonight’s recipe and saw the most beautiful, adorable bag of mini bell peppers at the store. I’ve been completely obsessed with red bell peppers lately and couldn’t resist. They’re sweet with just a hint of spice and perfect for a light dinner or appetizer.

Check out tonight’s recipe featured on Yahoo! Music HERE!

6-8 according to size of peppers

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • 3 sweet italian turkey links, lean, casings removed
  • 1/2 cup italian bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 6 mini bell peppers, seeds and stems removed
  • salt and pepper

Heat an outdoor or indoor grill pan over medium high heat.

Heat the olive oil in a large dutch oven over medium high heat. Saute the onions until tender then add the garlic. Cook until fragrant, around 30 seconds.

Add the turkey sausage and thyme and cook until no longer pink. Remove from the heat and slightly cool.

In a large bowl combine the sausage and bread crumbs…

cheese…

then the egg.

Mix until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning accordingly.

Slice the top of the peppers and reserve for plating. Remove the seeds.

I picked up this handy-dandy little pepper seeder from Sur La Table and finally got to use it!

Stuff the peppers with the turkey mixture.

Grill (stuffed peppers and tops separately) until the skins are slightly charred.

For presentation purposes secure the tops back on the peppers with a toothpick.

We actually ate this for dinner with a tomato and mozzarella salad!! It was the perfect amount of food. Of course I ate two peppers, but only one made it to my plate.

Bon Appétit!

Snackin’ with Sarah Sellers: Baked Zucchini Chips with Green Goddess Dipping Sauce

April 11, 2012 By in Recipe Experimentation, Snackin' with Sarah Sellers Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

This week’s theme on American Idol is Songs From This Decade. Ummm yeah, for some reason this really stumped me. All I could think about was gluten free everything and Iron Chef. I was a little afraid (or lazy) to tackle gluten free and honestly the “modern” stuff they do on Iron Chef is light years beyond anything I can do.

So when I was coming up with tonight’s recipe for Yahoo! blogger Lyndsey Parker and her Reality Rocks blog, I was thinking quick, simple, healthy, and fun! Fried zucchini sticks are one of my favorite snacks but since Weight Watchers is putting a serious damper on my fried foodie tendencies right now, I came up with an alternative.

Happy Eating!

Check out tonight’s recipe featured on Reality Rocks HERE!

Continue reading →

Snackin’ with Sarah Sellers: Lemony Pasta Salad

April 5, 2012 By in Recipe Experimentation, Snackin' with Sarah Sellers Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment

Hair metal, parachute  pants…..and pasta salad? Yes pasta salad was huge in the 80’s. That fun colorful fusilli wrapped in herbs and whatever else mom had on hand that day. So for tonight’s Top 8 result’s show on American Idol I’m whipping up (literally) the quickest recipe I’ve done to date. And I get an excuse to use up some extra veggies sitting in the fridge.

I didn’t watch last night’s episode but from the recaps I’ve been reading the song list seemed a little weak. As my friend Lyndsey Parker said, how do you have an 80’s night without Depeche Mode or Duran Duran. Blasphemy.

Did you watch? Who was your favorite?

Give this recipe a try. It’s easy, flavorful and delicious. Don’t forget to check out tonight’s dish on Reality Rocks HERE!

Continue reading →

Snackin’ with Sarah Sellers: Wonton Pizza Bites

April 4, 2012 By in Recipe Experimentation, Snackin' with Sarah Sellers Tags: , , , , , 2 Comments

Everything seems to make its way  back around, especially the 80’s. No matter how much I wanted the decade of acid washed jeans and New Kids on the Block to remain in my rear view mirror forever, alas, it’s back. But like most reincarnations the heart and soul is in tact, but with a little different look.

So in honor of tonight’s 80’s themed American Idol episode I’m doing a little recreating of my own. As an 80’s baby one of my favorite after school snacks was pizza bites. I had some extra wonton wrappers left over from my Lasagna Cups recipe so I thought I would make a healthier version of the old school classic.

Tonight’s recipe is featured on Lyndsey Parker’s Reality Rocks blog. Check it out HERE!

Continue reading →

If there was a poster child for yo-yo dieting it would be this girl! [Rant]

March 31, 2012 By in Ramblings Tags: , , , , , 1 Comment

Food and I have had a very finicky relationship over the past decade. My college years don’t count. I think I pretty much lived off of boxed mac and cheese and pizza. Yet somehow I didn’t gain a pound. Fast forward (what feels like) a century later and my hips are in a constant battle with my mouth. Do it, don’t do it, do it….my mouth always wins. What can I say I love food, I’m OBSESSED with food. For anyone that interacts with me on a daily basis I apologize. I should test myself to see if I can go one day without rambling about what I ate for lunch or what I’m going to have for dinner. Yes, I’m that girl.

I’m getting to that age in my life where everything my mother said, and that I argued adamantly against, falls out of my mouth like a constant stream of word vomit.

MOM: “Watch what you eat!” ME: Whatever…

MOM: “It will catch up with you…” ME: Whatever….

“Girls aren’t suppose to eat like line backers…” (wait did she tell me that??) ME: But I’m hungry…

Now don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a rant about how skinny or not skinny I wish I was, this is a rant to myself, the constant yo-yo dieter. The food obsessed, neurotic cook that, to my horror, now shovels food in my mouth faster then my husband. Sigh!

So what’s a girl to do when a big bowl of savory goodness and a crisp glass of wine makes me happier then a brand new handbag or shiny pair of shoes?? Weight Watchers! Because no other diet has ever lasted in my household, and with the scale ticking up, up, up…I know I have to do something about it.

Do you know what sucks worse then being on Weight Watchers, the fact that my husband gets DOUBLE the amount of points then I do. When I’m coming home from work craving nothing but a pre-dinner snack and dreading the evening workout, I’m faced with a joyful husband stating, “Wow I have 25 points left for dinner.” Tonight I had 4!!! FOUR points left for dinner. Yes I know that Spinach Salad with bacon and goat cheese at lunch didn’t help, and that tasty happy hour beverage (light beverage x2) wasn’t that light. It doesn’t matter…a girl craves what a girl craves.

And here I am. In my fourth cycle, within the last 5 years, of the famed diet. Now I just need to keep JHud’s gorgeous self as a motivator and learn how to eat like a girl. This isn’t an anti-weight watchers rant, just simply me complaining into the void that I can no longer eat my weight in food like I could when I was a youthful college student. No more late night pizza runs, no more Taco Bueno for lunch then nachos for dinner, and no more eating the same portions as a grown ass man. I will still indulge every once in a while to keep my sanity, but I’ll stick to this until that last pound is finally shed and I’m back to my goal weight.

Thanks for listening! Now where are those girl scout cookies…