Tag Archives: chicken

A Winter Weekend in the Cascade Mountains and Chicken Lentil Soup

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Chicken Lentil Soup 

I love living in Southern Oregon.  One of my favorite things to do during the winter months is to visit the Cascade Mountains.  This year our family and friends stayed in some cabins up at Hyatt Lake over the weekend.  Hyatt Lake is about an hour drive from our home but in snowy weather, it may take twice as long.  There was at least 3 feet of fluffy snow on the ground and the temperature was a bone chilling 16 degrees.   The only way we could get up to our cabins was with four wheel drive pickup trucks for there was nearly 10 miles of narrow snow packed roads.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

A view up towards the summit.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Along the edge of Hyatt Lake.  The lake was frozen over.  During the summer months, Hyatt Lake is known for its wonderful trout fishing and camping.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

A view across the lake.  The ice on the lake was only a few inches thick and covered with snow.  We would not dare walk out onto the lake for it was too risky and dangerous.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Sunset in the forest.  It was eerily quiet.  The only noise that we heard was the snow dropping off the branches of the trees.  There were no birds, squirrels or any signs of wildlife. The birds either migrated south or are spending the winter in the valley below. Other animals such as black bear, skunks and squirrels are hibernating in their dens.  Deer, cougars and elk generally find their way down to the warmer lower elevations during the cold winter months.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

A view from the top of the mountain.  You can see the ski resort at Mount Ashland in the background.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Snow covered Chinquapin Mountain. In late spring, when the snow has melted, Chinquapin Mountain is one of my favorite places to hunt for Morel mushrooms.  When I get some mushrooms this year, I’ll be sure to post some delicious Morel mushroom recipes.

After spending a cold day in the snow, my Chicken Lentil Soup is a perfect way to warm up. My Chicken Lentil Soup is made with locally grown organic green Laird Lentils, carrots, onions, celery, chunks of tender chicken and flavored with my homemade Garam Masala Spice Blend.  It’s easy to make, tastes delicious, and as an added bonus, it’s really good for you too!  Enjoy!  Tessa

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Laird lentils (washed and picked over)
  • 1 Tbs olive oil
  • 1/2 cup onion (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup carrots (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup celery (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper (chopped)
  • 1 Tbs Garam Masala spice blend
  • 1 12 ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 quart chicken stock
  • 1/2 pound cooked chicken (chopped)
  • salt and pepper to taste

In a large sauce pan with a lid, saute onion, carrots, celery and red bell pepper in olive oil.  Cook until onions are translucent and tender.  Add lentils, Garam Masala, tomatoes, garlic and chicken stock.  Cook on low heat until lentils are tender, about 30-40 minutes.  Add cooked chicken about 10 minutes before lentils are done.  Taste and correct your seasonings.  Serve hot with crusty bread.  Makes about 4 servings.

*Note:  I used precooked chicken that I found in the deli section of my favorite store.  I added the chicken towards the end of the cooking process because I wanted the chicken to stay tender.

Chicken Liver Pate

Chicken Liver Pate

When it comes to food preferences and tastes, I believe that people fall into two distinct groups.  People either like to eat liver or they don’t.  I consider myself one of the fortunate people who fall in the first category.  And as for my husband Bruce, well, take a wild guess…  I learned early on in our marriage that if I wanted to elicit a strong response out of Bruce, I would simply tell him that we are having liver and onions for dinner.

It all started with a harmless trip to the butcher…  Earlier that day I purchased a pound of calf’s liver and right before I was going to prepare the meal, Bruce noticed the package of liver in the refrigerator.  I kid you not, for within minutes, I received a stern lecture on why he will not eat liver.  Meanwhile, while trying to understand his food issue, I could not help but notice the look on his face.  The look on his face was priceless.  I knew I had just pressed a button :).

The other day while shopping for our groceries for the week, I saw a half a pound of chicken livers on sale and I promptly put them in my basket.  I knew exactly what I was going to make with them.  Chicken Liver Pate!  Not only just Chicken Liver Pate, but Chicken Liver Pate all for me.  My Chicken Liver Pate is easy to make and tastes delicious.  Serve Chicken Liver Pate on toasted crostini or on your favorite crackers.  Enjoy!  Tessa

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 pound chicken livers cleaned and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 3 Tbs olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic (minced)
  • 1 sprig of fresh thyme
  • 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
  • pinch of white pepper or to taste
  • 1/4 cup Marsala wine

Heat a saute pan to medium high heat (Not too hot).  Add olive oil and chopped onion.  Cook until onion is opaque.  Add chicken livers, garlic, thyme, salt and white pepper.  Cook until livers are cooked completely through and no pink color is left.  Remove thyme sprig and deglaze pan with Marsala wine.  Cook until wine has nearly disappeared.  Add entire contents of pan to a food processor and process until smooth.  Taste and correct your seasonings.  Remove from processor and place in a bowl.  Cover surface of pate with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator until completely cool.  Serve pate chilled with your favorite crackers or toasts.  Makes about 3/4 cup.

Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

Chicken Satay.  Now close your eyes and repeat after me.  Saa-taay…  While you are saying it, just imagine hot, juicy, succulent, flavorful barbecued chicken on bamboo skewers drizzled with peanut sauce.  Close your eyes and say it again.  Saa-taay…

Did I just catch you drooling?

If you have never had satay before, satay is an amazingly flavorful barbecued dish that is generally of Southeast Asian origin.  It is prepared with many different ingredients such as chicken, beef, shrimp, lamb, fish, pork, goat and even tofu.  One of my favorite ways to prepare satay is with chicken.  I like to use bits of boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated for several hours in coconut milk, Indonesian soy sauce and a variety of spices.  I then thread the chicken on to the skewers and cook them on the barbecue.

I like to serve my Chicken Satay with my homemade peanut sauce or drizzled with sweet chili sauce or sriracha.  I also serve it with a scoops of fluffy jasmine rice and fresh sliced cool cucumbers for garnish.  I also make sure that there’s plenty of sambal oelek on the side for those who love fiery hot food.  Makes 10 -12 skewers.  Enjoy!  Tessa

Ingredients:

  •  1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1″ cubes or strips
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 2 tsp Indonesian soy sauce
  • 1 – 2 tsp minced garlic
  • pinch of red pepper flakes or sambal oelek (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)

In a medium sized bowl whisk together all the ingredients except for the chicken.  Once the marinade has been blended, add the chicken and toss well to coat.  Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.  Take 10 -12 bamboo skewers and soak completely in water while the chicken is marinating.  Soaking the skewers in water prevents the skewers from burning off while the satay cooks on the barbecue.

Thread chicken onto the skewers and cook on medium hot barbecue or grill pan until the juices run clear or the chicken reaches 170 degrees Fahrenheit.  Toss any remaining marinade.  Do not brush it on the chicken while cooking and do not even think about reusing it.  Pay attention and turn your skewers occasionally for even cooking.  Be sure not to over cook or under cook the satay.  Makes 10 -12 skewers.

Lemon Rosemary Chicken

Lemon Rosemary Chicken

Bruce and I lead very busy lives so cooking dinner on weekday evenings can be a crazy mad scramble. I’ve learned over the years to prep what I can in the morning before work and by the time I get home in the evening all I have to do is toss together a salad, make a quick side dish and grill up dinner.  Done.  If there is any one dish that tastes great and easy to make, my Lemon Rosemary Chicken is one that fits the bill.

Fresh picked Rosemary from my garden.

To make the Lemon Rosemary Chicken, all you need is boneless skinless chicken thighs, fresh rosemary, fresh squeezed lemon juice, olive oil and some spices.  Toss all the ingredients in a covered container in the morning before work, cover and refrigerate.  Come home, pull the chicken out of the fridge, toss on a grill or grill pan, and cook until the juices run clear.  See?  I told you that it was easy…  Enjoy!  Tessa

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/8 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 Tbs rosemary (chopped)
  • 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp seasoning salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper

Toss all ingredients in a covered container and let marinade in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.  Toss any remaining marinade.  Place on medium hot barbecue grill or grill pan.  Turn chicken when halfway cooked.  Cook until juices run clear or the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 170 degrees Fahrenheit.  Pull from grill, let chicken rest for about 5 minutes covered, garnish with sprigs of rosemary and plate up.  Serves 4 – 6 people.

 

Tequila Lime Chicken Soft Tacos

Tequila Lime Chicken Soft Tacos

During the work week I always try to make dinners that are fast and easy.  I like to make extra servings of a meal on the weekend and re-purpose the leftovers later on in the week.  Late Sunday afternoon I barbecued a big batch of my Tequila Lime Chicken for an early dinner.  Knowing in advance that my work week was going to be ridiculously busy, I made sure that I grilled up some extra chicken for Tequila Lime Chicken Soft Tacos.

Whenever I am out on the back patio next to my kitchen, I always make sure that my camera is close at hand.  Last year I planted some giant allium in large containers and their gorgeous purple flowers were attracting dozens of honey bees.  So, I put my camera to good use while I was waiting for my Tequila Lime Chicken to finish cooking on the grill.  I have to admit, when I took this shot, I was just a tad worried about getting too close to my subject.  Lucky for me, he did not care that I was taking his picture :).

Earlier this spring, I planted a bunch of chives in a pot and they are blooming too.  The chive blossoms are much smaller and not as brightly colored as the giant allium.  However, whenever I need fresh chives I simply walk out onto the back porch, scissors in hand and I snip whatever I want.   Planting fresh herbs in pots saves a bunch of money at the grocery store.  Plus, they always seem to taste better and fresher.

My recipe for Tequila Lime Chicken is here.  For the Tequila Lime Chicken, I marinate boneless, skinless chicken thighs in lime juice, tequila, cilantro, cumin, coriander, chili pepper, garlic and smoked paprika.  I marinate the chicken for several hours and then cook the chicken on my barbecue or indoor grill.  I like to use any leftover Tequila Lime Chicken warmed up in soft tacos with shredded carrot, lettuce, cilantro, tomato, lime and drizzled with a tangy cilantro sour cream.  Sometimes, I chop it up the grilled Tequila Lime Chicken and place it on a heap of fresh picked lettuce leaves for a healthy salad.  Enjoy!  Tessa

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups chopped Tequila Lime Chicken (warm)
  • 6 corn tortillas (warm)
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped lettuce
  • 1 cup chopped tomato
  • 1 cup thinly sliced carrots
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 lime cut into 6 wedges
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp lime juice
  • 2 tsp cilantro chopped
  • big pinch of cumin
  • drizzle with hot sauce or salsa (optional)

In a small bowl whisk together sour cream, lime juice, cilantro and cumin.  Set aside. Heat up the tequila lime chicken (I used a microwave).  Fill warm tortillas with chicken, lettuce, tomato, shredded carrots and drizzle with cilantro sour cream.  Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and lime wedges.  Makes 6 tacos.

Strawberry Barbecue Chicken

Strawberry Barbecue Chicken

I have a bad habit…  Whenever Bruce and I have guests at our home, I tend to put out too much food.  Our guests always go home happy and with their bellies full but, dealing with party leftovers can be a pain.  Just like what happened over the past weekend.  We had a pound of leftover strawberries sitting in a bowl on the counter after our brunch and there’s only two of us living in the home.  Ugh!  I can’t believe I thought it and even worse, I can’t even believe that I said it out loud.  I bought way too many strawberries…

Strawberry Barbecue Sauce

I have learned over the years that sometimes you just need to get creative to use up the ingredients you have on hand.  I personally like to use ingredients and flavor combinations in ways that most people would never think or even dream of.  A great example is my sweet and tangy homemade Strawberry Barbecue Sauce with spicy ancho chili, sweet and sticky Indonesian soy sauce and my favorite soda, Dr Pepper.  The flavor of my Strawberry Barbecue sauce is smoky, sweet and complex but on the other hand, it’s really easy to make.

Strawberry Barbecue Sauce

  • 1 pound of strawberries (cleaned, hulled and quartered)
  • 1 can Dr Pepper
  • 1 cup tomato ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup Indonesian soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp liquid smoke
  • 1 tsp seasoning salt
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ancho chili powder (use more for a spicy kick)
  • 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
  • 1/2 tsp granulated onion
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste

Add all ingredients to saucepan. Cook on medium low, stirring occasionally for about 45 minutes.  Blend with hand blender to make the barbecue sauce smooth.  Taste and correct your seasonings.  Remove from heat and let cool.  Makes about 3 cups.  Any leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for about a week.  Brush it on barbecue beef, chicken, or pork..

Now that the sauce is done… Let’s fire up the Q!

Strawberry Barbecue Chicken

  • 6 pounds chicken (I like to use legs or thighs)
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1 1/2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper (or to taste)
  • 3 cups Strawberry Barbecue Sauce (or to taste)

Fire up your barbecue or grill pan.  Season chicken with salt and pepper.  Grill on medium high heat until juices run clear or about 15 minutes.  Brush with sauce and cook a few minutes more…  Serve chicken with sauce on the side.   Makes about 12 servings.  Enjoy!  Tessa

Looks delish!

Guava Chicken

 

Guava Chicken

My son called me the other day just to gently point out to me that I did not live up to my promise to post easy recipes that he could make in his slow cooker while he studying at the university.   During our conversation he asked me to come up with something Asian inspired that he can toss together quickly and serve with jasmine rice.  My slow cooker Guava Chicken is just the ticket.  It’s easy to make, tender and flavorful.  Not to mention, I assembled the ingredients in about 10 minutes.

My slow cooked Guava Chicken is made with boneless, skinless chicken thighs, guava jelly, Indonesian soy sauce, ginger, garlic and rice vinegar.  It’s sweet, tangy and has just the right amount of spice.  Next time you find some guava jelly at your favorite grocery store, buy some and make this.  Enjoy!  Tessa

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 3/4 cup guava jelly
  • 1/4 cup Indonesian soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 Tbs cornstarch
  • 1 Tbs sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp garlic paste
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper
  • garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chives

In a slow cooker, add the chicken.  In a medium bowl whisk together the remaining ingredients except for the garnishes.  Pour sauce over chicken.  Cover and cook on low for about 4-6 hours or until fork tender.  Taste your seasonings, correct and serve with fluffy jasmine rice.  Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chives.  Serves about 4.

Chicken Cabbage Soup

Chicken Cabbage Soup

Today was a day that was all about simple foods with simple flavors.   I was in the mood to make a pot of chicken soup but I wanted it to be a bit different than my usual recipe.  I thought of incorporating tender cabbage instead of noodles or rice.  I’m glad that I did.  My chicken cabbage soup is light, delicately flavored and includes some of my favorite Asian ingredients such as soy sauce and mirin.  Enjoy!  Tessa

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup chopped cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 4 cups chopped cabbage
  • 1 Tbs low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tsp mirin
  • pinch of white pepper
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrot
  • chopped cilantro for garnish

Grab a large sauce pan and add all the ingredients with the exception of the cilantro.  Cook until the vegetables are tender.  Ladle up and garnish with the cilantro.  Makes about 6 servings.

Chicken Endive Spears

Chicken Endive Spears

I just love easy appetizers.  These Chicken Endive Spears are crazy simple to make and with all store bought ingredients.  I made a platter of these to share at a birthday party earlier today.  All you need is some store bought chicken salad (from the deli section of your favorite store), fresh endive spears, minced green onion and a jar of your favorite caviar.

Begin by washing and trimming the endive spears.  Scoop on the chicken salad.  Garnish with minced green onion and caviar.  That’s it.  See? I told you that was easy!  Enjoy!  Tessa

Chicken Pot Pie with Blue Cheese and Havarti

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I don’t know where the time has gone…  It’s been over a week since my last post and that’s not like me.  Well, I have been under a rock lately, and it was about time that I got back in my kitchen.  It’s been a week of frozen meals and takeout dinners and I am sick of it.  I am seriously done with that.

I am happy to be back and in celebration of being back in my kitchen I cooked up this yummy treat.  It’s a Chicken Pot Pie with Blue Cheese and Havarti.  It’s a twist on a traditional chicken pot pie that is stuffed with tender chicken, sautéed carrots, onions and celery with a creamy blue cheese bechamel and buttery havarti cheese.  I even made the pie crust from scratch.  It’s good, it’s homey, it’s rich and it’s delish!  Enjoy!  Tessa

Ingredients:

  •  4 1/2 cups cooked chicken (cubed)
  • 1 1/2 cups celery (chopped)
  • 1 1/2 cups onion (chopped)
  • 1 1/2 cups carrots (chopped)
  • 1 Tbls. butter
  • 3 cups blue cheese bechamel  sauce (see recipe below)
  • 6 ounces havarti cheese (shredded)
  • 1 egg (beaten with a bit of water)
  • pie dough for 2 pie crusts (see recipe below)

Begin by cubing up your cooked chicken and set aside.  Buy one of those precooked chickens from the deli or store if you don’t have time to cook your own.   Chop up your vegetables and set aside.  Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.  Grab 6 oval shaped casseroles and spray with non stick spray.

In a saute pan add your butter, celery, onion, carrot, and a pinch of salt.   Cook until the onions are opaque and the carrots are barely tender.  Remove from heat.  Add your cooked chicken and cooked vegetables to the oval casserole dishes.  Add 1/2 cup of the blue cheese bechamel to each casserole.  Add your havarti cheese.

Divide your 2 pie crusts into 6 pieces.  Roll out on a floured board, pie crusts large enough to cover each casserole.  Use a fork and crimp down the sides.  Put slits in the top of each pie.  Brush with beaten egg, place on foil lined baking sheet and pop into the oven for about 45 minutes or until the tops are a golden brown.  Keep an eye on them and rotate halfway through the baking process.  Lightly cover with foil if it is browning too fast.  Pull from oven, let cool for about 5 minutes and then dig in!  Makes 6 individual casseroles.

Blue Cheese Bechamel

Grab a medium sized sauce pan or saucier.  On medium low heat whisk together 6 Tablespoons of butter and 5 Tablespoons flour.  Cook until it is nearly golden in color.  Add 3 cups milk, 1/4 teaspoon white pepper, 1/2 tsp. dried thyme and 2 ounces blue cheese.  Oh, and add a splash of dry vermouth.  Cook slowly, constantly whisking until it has thickened.  Taste it, you may not need to add salt because of the blue cheese.  Do not over cook.  Remove from heat.

Easy Pie Crust (2 crust pie)

Grab a food processor.  Add two cups all purpose flour, 3/4 cup shortening and 1/2 tsp salt.  Pulse until lightly mixed.  Add 5 – 6 Tablespoons ICE COLD water, one tablespoon at a time.  Lightly pulse until the dough sticks together and forms a ball.  You are done.  Remove from the food processor and wrap in plastic wrap.  Put pie dough in your refrigerator for about a half an hour before rolling.  Makes 2 pie crusts or 6 little crusts for the casseroles.