Chicken Caesar Sandwhiches

I love sandwiches and burgers. They are so comforting and yummy. They always taste delicious with homemade french fries and fruit salad. This sandwich was right up there with all the deliciousness that it was. It has all the flavor of a yummy chicken Caesar salad....on a bun. So good and really really quick!



Ingredients: (yield 4 adults)

4 chicken breasts
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
salt
pepper
fat free Caesar dressing
romaine lettuce
4 toasted buns
extras for toppings: sliced tomato
sliced olives

1. First lets cook the chicken. Salt and pepper each side of the chicken breasts. Cook them over medium/high heat in a bit if olive oil in non-stick skillet until cooked through.
2. While the chicken is cooking, it is time to make the sauce. In a medium sized saucepan pour about 1/2 of your dressing (I know, super technical measuring here) and add the grated cheese. Stir that all together and keep on low heat to keep warm until your chicken is cooked. Once your chicken is cooked through, remove and shred. Add all your shredded chicken to your sauce. Stir in all together...yum.
3.Now at this point you can add more dressing if you like your chicken extra saucy. If you want to thin is our a bit add a touch of water. It's all up to you and your preference. You just want it all warm and mixed.
4. Ok, no toast your buns and add whatever toppings you like. I like mine with lettuce, sliced tomato, and sliced olives.
* add some fruit and homemade fries and you are set!

Mock Eclair Dessert

I got this recipe from Taste the Joy and I have been wanting to make it for forever!! Why I didn't make it earlier I am not sure but I finally did and it was amazing! Light and delicious with tons of sweet creamy flavor. This would be perfect for company, for your family, or maybe for you and your husband to eat all by yourselves....I am just saying it was really good and you all should make it this weekend!


Ingredients:

1 box low fat graham crackers
2 small boxes of french vanilla instant pudding (i used plain vanilla, that's all I could find and it was perfect!)
3 cups cold fat free milk
1 tub fat free cool whip

Frosting:

4 tablespoons cocoa
2 cups powdered sugar
4 tablespoons tub butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 tablespoons hot water

1. This comes together in no time. Place one single layer of graham crackers on the bottom of a 9x13. You can trim some of the crackers to make them all fit if you need too.
2. Mix your pudding and milk together. After that has set, fold in your cool whip. Pour half of the pudding mixture over the crackers. Top mixture with another layer of graham crackers. Pour the rest of the pudding on top of crackers. Ok, now put one more layer of crackers on top and set aside. Moving right along to making the frosting.
3. Cream your cocoa and butter together with a hand mixer. Add your vanilla and 1 cup powdered sugar. When it has come together add another cup and continue until all 4 cups have been added. Add water a little at a time until smooth and spreadable.
4. Spread on top of crackers and cover that baby and pop it into the fridge. YUM!!

Ok, now you MUST wait. The pudding soaks into those crackers and makes this dessert a dream, but you must wait. I suggest making it in the morning (like after breakfast early) so you can eat it after dinner. OR...... make it the night before and you will be set by the next day. Oh so good!

Tex-Mex Meatloaf

Meatloaf can be kinda well.....boring. But this recipe was so good! It was totally different from every other meatloaf recipe and with all the spices,tomatoes,and chilies mixed in, it was a Mexican hit! My kids even ate it....that is a good sign.



Ingredients:

1 lb. ground turkey
1/2 cup petite diced tomatoes
4 oz. can green chilies
1 egg
3/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
salsa
sour cream

1. Heat your oven to 400. This comes together really quick.
2. Put your ground turkey in a large bowl. Then....wait for it.... add EVERYTHING in right on top (except of the salsa and sour cream). Don't mix until everything has been added. This way your meat mixture won't be tough or over mixed. Combine all your ingredients (I used a spoon or you could use your hands) until combined.
3. Line a 13x9 pan with foil and spray with non-stick spray. Plop (very technical word) your meatloaf mixture into your pan and shape into a loaf or a log shape. I find that cooking my meatloaf this way it cooks much faster. But you could put it into a loaf pan and increase the cooking time until it is done if you want to.
4. Cook your yummy loaf for 55 minutes and let it rest for 5 minutes after it comes out of the oven. I covered mine in foil for maybe the last 15 minutes so just check the top and make sure it doesn't get to dark. Slice and serve! You can serve it with sour cream and salsa on the table if you want, but it is pretty darn good just how it is!

* Good sides would be roasted potatoes or vegetables and a green salad or steamed veggies and fruit, muffins or rolls.

Greek Taboule Chicken Salad

Well, it is a new year and everyone is out to eat healthy and start fresh. I personally believe that you can eat healthy and light with main dish meals and dessert. :) That is what this blog is all about. I love food. Love it. I love cooking and enjoying time around the table with family and friends. There is so much good food out there just waiting for me to modify it, lower the calories and fat and make it just as good! So wish me luck!

Well this dish was outstanding! Seriously, really good. I had it at a friends house and then with in a week I made it too! We loved it and it was a fun way to introduce Greek food to my family. Super healthy, tons of flavor....try it!



Ingredients:
1 package of Taboule Wheat Salad (I got the NEAR EAST brand)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large tomato, chopped
2 tablespoons lemon juice
zest of one lemon
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
3/4 cup peeled, chopped cucumber
1/4 chopped fresh basil
chopped grilled chicken (for as many people as you are feeding)
salt and pepper to taste
romaine lettuce leaves

1. In a large bowl combine the taboule wheat salad and the spice packed. Stir in 1 cup of boiling water. Cover and let stand 30 minutes in the fridge.
2. While the taboule is cooling, chop your tomatoes, cucumber, zest and juice your lemon, chop your basil and grill the chicken. Ok, that seems like a lot, but you can totally get that all done in 30 minutes. And if not that's ok :)
3. After 30 minutes is up add in your tomato, cucumber, cheese, lemon zest and juice, olive oil and basil. Taste and add salt and pepper if you like. Toss that baby together and let it rest for 30 minutes to an hour before you eat.
4. When it is time to serve make a bed of torn lettuce leaves on your plate, top with your wheat salad and place you grilled chopped chicken right on top. Oh..... so good. Serve with lemon wedges and a fruit for a yummy dinner.

* You could also serve this with hummus and homemade pita chips like us.... yum!