14: Chicken Piccata

I found a recipe that I thought looked delicious AND it showed that it is only 4 weight watchers points.  I don't know anything about weight watchers, but I mean 4 points doesn't sound like much.  So it's super healthy - EXTRA BONUS!  I decided tonight was the night to give Chicken Piccata a try.  

Ingredients:
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 package portabella mushrooms 
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup white wine - I used Chardonnay (not pictured)
1 lemon
Gorgonzola cheese (not pictured)
1 tbsp butter
Garlic (to taste)
Parsley (I used dried)
3 tbsp capers
Paprika
S&P

*Just a reminder - my measurements are not exact. 

The How To:
For the chicken - 
Butterfly the chicken, and cut it into thin slices.  
Grab two small bowls
In one, whisk about 2 tbsp flour and 1 cup of broth until smooth
Put about 6 tbsp flour in the other dish
Dunk the chicken pieces in the broth mixture and then into the flour
Place the chicken in a large nonstick skillet
Cook until there is no pink in the middle - the time really depends on how large your slices are.  I cooked mine about 5 minutes per side, but they were on the thinner side.

The sauce-- 
Grab another large pan, melt the butter
Add mushrooms and cook until they start smelling delicious (you know what I mean)
Add garlic and wine and cook for about 2 minutes - until it has reduced a little
Add about 3 tbsp flour - and mix for about 2 more minutes
Stir in 1 cup broth, lemon juice, paprika, and Gorgonzola - bring to a simmer until the sauce has thickend ~ about 5 minutes
Stir in capers, parsley, and chicken - let it simmer for about 5 more minutes.

I served this over leftover Cauliflower Quinoa and it was seriously delicious.  I really could rave on and on about this meal. This might be my favorite "new" meal I've made this far. But it's a close battle with the Gnocchi.  Will also really liked it, but maybe not as much as me.  Needless to say, this dish is Will approved.

Just for fun.. Check out a band and song that we love.. 

They only seem to tour in Texas -- so if you happen to be in that area, check them out and then tell them to come to Atlanta. Here is a link to their tour.. I've never seen them in person, but I'd love to.

13: Cauliflower Garlic Quinoa

Blurry phone picture.. 

If you are looking for a very in depth main dish - this is not the spot.  But if you have a love for quinoa and cauliflower, look no further.  
I love risotto, but I haven't ever tried making it.  This might be as close as I have ever tried to do.  I saw this recipe for Creamy Cauliflower Garlic Rice, and thought I'd give it a whirl. 

Ingredients:
4 cups of cauliflower 
4 cups chicken broth
3 cups of water
1/2 cup milk
1 cup quinoa
2 tbsp butter
1 cup mozzarella cheese
garlic
S&P

The How To:
In a boiler - heat two cups of water and one cup of quinoa until it starts boiling
Cover and put on low heat for 15 minutes
Set aside

Served with blackened salmon, tomatoes, and argula salad

Bring chicken broth and one cup of water to a boil
Add the cauliflower and let it boil for about 10 minutes
Use a food processor to puree the cauliflower
In a large skillet, melt the butter and garlic
Let the garlic saute for about a minute, until fragrant
Add the pureed cauliflower, and add milk - this should be a creamy mixture
Season with S&P 
Pour over quinoa
Add cheese and stir

This dish is kind of a pain to make, but I thought it was absolutely delicious.  Will is not really into side dishes, but it is Will approved! 

12: Bubble Up Pizza

We were in the need for a quick meal (heard that before, right?)  And who doesn't love pizza.  So I thought I would try out this recipe for Bubble Up Pizza.  
I didn't use the cast iron skillet -- I used a Pyrex dish, so that might have made a difference in the way this recipe turned out... 

Ingredients:
1 can biscuits - Grands homestyle
1 can pizza sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 pack pepperoni slices
Oregano


The How To:
Preheat oven according to biscuit dough directions.  
Cut each biscuit into 8 pieces
In a bowl, mix up the dough pieces, sauce, about half the cheese, and toppings.  
Put the mixture in a dish (a skillet would work best, I think) and then top it with Oregano and more cheese.

Bake for about 5 minutes longer than the biscuits directions say -- Just until the dough is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
This is a little weird to cut, since you don't have a "true" crust.


This is a dish that Will really liked and I really wasn't a fan.  I thought that the dough tasted weird, but this dish was Will approved! 

If I made this again, I would do things a little differently.  But really, I think I just prefer pizza the old fashioned way -- with normal dough (not biscuits). OR if you are in a bind for a quick meal - then Felinni's is always a phone call away.  Or Domino's for you *OTPers.

*OTPers: Out of the Perimeter 'ers -- meaning, people that reside outside the constraints of I- 285. 

11 of 52: Pot Roast Stew

Cold day?  Pull out your crockpot and make some stew! 
I totally went on my own with this recipe.. And Will's family came over to judge.. 

Ingredients:
2 lb pot roast (not pictured)
1 can chicken broth
28 oz can diced tomatoes
S&P
Chili Powder
Cayenne Pepper
Cumin
Garlic
Oregano
1 large Russet potato
1 red bell pepper
1 green bell pepper
2 jalapenos (not pictured)


The How To:
Throw it all in the crockpot on low for about 6 hours. 
I made some pasta under the stew.  Take it or leave it.


Sorry - didn't get any pictures before everyone dove in.. 

Burke family approved! 

10 of 52: Lemon Pepper Tilapia

If you ever need something easy, fast, and yummy - fish is the answer.  Tonight, I chose Tilapia (but just about any fish would do).  

Seriously, this might be one of the easiest recipes (with the fewest ingredients) that I will post.. It's a Monday, give me a break.












Ingredients:
Olive Oil
S&P
Lemon Pepper seasoning
Paprika seasoning
1 lb Tilapia



The How To:
Heat some olive oil in a large pan. 
Season the tilapia on both sides with the lemon pepper and paprika.
Put in pan.
Cook for about 3 minutes on each side.

Done.

Told you it was easy.  



And yes, this dish is Will approved.