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While I haven't been blogging everyday about what I've been cooking, I HAVE been cooking. What's better is that everything I cook now is completely 100% made from scratch. No processed food being prepared in this house. I'll be sharing quite a few recipes with you today. Not sure how much time you have today to prepare dinner so hopefully one of these recipes will find themselves on your plate tonight.
My 10-year old loves chicken nuggets. It doesn't matter if they are McDonalds, Chick-Fil-A, Tyson or Perdue. She loves them. In the past when I've tried to make homemade chicken nuggets she'll either opt for a salad or make frozen ones. For dinner one night I decided to make Fried Chicken Planks. Typically we don't fry anything in our house so this was definitely me stepping out of my comfort zone. I have to say that the finished product was so spectacular (sorry, I forgot to take a picture of it) that my family ate all of it. My 10-year old even had thirds.
Ingredients:
Cooking Oil
4-5 boneless/skinless chicken breasts
2 eggs (beaten)
1 to 2 sleeves saltine crackers (divided)
Pour oil in a large skillet to a depth of 1/4". Heat over medium heat while you prepare the chicken.
Place the chicken in a gallon zipper-seal bag and beat out until 1/4" thick. This will definitely relieve stress. (NOTE: I simply put mine, one by one, on a cutting board, covered with plastic wrap and beat it with the bottom of a small pan).
Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat with a fork. Crush the saltines (one sleeve at a time) and put in a separate bowl. Here's where sleeve 2 of the saltine crackers come in. If you need more, simply crush another sleeve. I think 1 sleeve will do the trick though.
Cut each chicken breast into three strips and dip each piece first in the egg mixture, then in the cracker crumbs. (NOTE: Before I put my chicken in the egg mixture I coated them with Bubba Rub. This is a dry rub that my brother-in-law prepares and will not share the recipe). If you want, I'm sure we can work out a way for you to purchase some. If not, simply using Seasoned Salt or Canadian Chicken seasoning will work. Coat the chicken completely with the cracker crumbs. Drop each piece into the oil and cook, turning once, over medium to medium-high heat until browned on both sides. (You'll be amazed at how beautiful they come out looking). Drain on paper towel-lines plate.
What goes better with chicken than Baked Macaroni and Cheese? This has to be the easiest to prepare (and clean up), creamiest and tastiest mac and cheese I've ever had. It's best made in an ovenproof bowl rather than a 9" x 13" pan. I used my small Rachael Ray baking dish (shameless plug).
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups uncooked macaroni (I used shells)
2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper (more/less depending on your taste)
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) margarine (I used salted butter) cut into small slices
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk.
Preheat oven to 350F.
Cook the pasta according to the package directions until tender and drain. In a small bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper and set aside. (NOTE: Use a whisk or something to completely mix the dry ingredients otherwise you'll get a big clump of pepper on your pasta). Spray an oven-safe bowl or dish with cooking spray. Place half of the macaroni in the bowl or dish. Sprinkle half of the flour mixture over the top and then top with half of the margarine slices. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the cheese over the top. Repeat. Pour the milk over all. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until bubbly. Serve hot.
Chocolate Chip Pie makes the perfect ending to a perfect meal. I mean, you've already had fried chicken, baked, creamy macaroni and cheese so it's only fitting that you have chocolate. Right?
Ingredients:
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels (I used Nestle)
1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut
1/2 cup chopped pecans. (I didn't have any left so I used praline pecans. I simply put some on a cutting board and chopped them myself)
Combine butter, surgar, flour and eggs. Stir until the dry ingredients are moistened. Stir in chocolate chips, coconut and pecans. Spoon into an unbaked 9-inch pie crust. (I didn't see this step until I got to it. NOTE: read the ENTIRE recipe before starting. Luckily I had some Pillsbury pie crust in the fridge. I put that into a pie dish and VOILA! disaster averted.)
Bake at 350F for 35-40 minutes. (I let it go 40 minutes so it would brown a bit on top.)
So friends, that's what's on the plate for dinner tonight. I'd love to have you comment on how the recipes worked for you and your family. Please share with your friends and family.
Until next page,
ScottR
Combine
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