Drunken Chicken & Asparagus

I think every time I write a new blog entry, I'm changing my diet. I stick to staying healthy, but I'm always trying something new. This month it's The Paleo Diet. Pretty much completely the opposite of my last diet- vegetarian! I just started Crossfit and they challenge you to do The Paleo Diet for the first six weeks of the classes. The diet basically consists of protein + veggies at every meal. No sugar, starches, no rice or bread, processed food, or bad fat. Lots of meat, lots of veggies, that's about it!

I can't turn down a challenge so I'm doing it... and cheating on occasion. So if you dare try the diet, here's a simple dinner to cook sometime.

DRUNKEN CHICKEN & ASPARAGUS

Ingredients

1 Boneless/ Skinless Chicken Breast
Trader Joes Vodka Sauce
Panko Crumbs (cheating, I know)
1 Egg
1/4 Sweet Onion - chopped
1 Garlic Clove - minced
Asparagus

Seasonings

Salt & Pepper
Red Pepper Flakes
Parmesan Cheese
Fresh Basil

Simple Cooking

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Get out two small bowls. In one bowl mix together some panko crumbs, parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, salt & pepper. In the other bowl, beat an egg. Dip the chicken first in the egg, and then coat both sides in the panko creation. Put the chicken in the oven and set the timer for 26 minutes.

I usually don't cheat on tomato sauce, I like to make it from scratch. But I was lazy tonight and decided to try the Vodka Sauce at Trader Joes. To spice it up a bit, we will add the fresh onion and garlic.

Coat a small pot with olive oil and throw in the chopped onion over medium heat. Cook a couple minutes until onions are translucent, then throw in the minced garlic. Only let the garlic cook for less than a minute to take the edge off, don't let it burn. Next throw in the Vodka Sauce- use as much as you want to cover the chicken. Lower the heat to medium low or low and let it simmer until the chicken is done.

Steam the asparagus on the stove or in a veggie steamer. This should be your last step- asparagus cooks pretty quickly.

When chicken is done, remove from oven & pour sauce on top. Top it off with some freshly chopped basil and parmesan cheese and eat up!

Cooking With Tofu- Easier than it sounds

So I got weird at the grocery store yesterday and decided to pick up tofu. Perhaps it's because I just got back from a vacation to the glorious island of Oahu, where every food seems to have some Asian flare. Not to mention, I went with a veggie friend and ended up eating a delicious tofu dish at a restaurant we went to. Yum yum, I can make that at home.

Like most things I fall in love with, I didn't know the first thing about tofu. The only time I've ever really eaten tofu was in Hot & Sour Soup (love) and at the restaurant this past weekend (love). So, I guess I love tofu. Who knew?

Just like any new recipe, I'm starting off easy.

TOFU STIR-FRY WITH SOY GLAZE



Stir Fry Ingredients
1/4 onion
1/4 head cabbage
1/2 yellow bell pepper
1/4 package fresh tofu
1 garlic clove
pinch of red pepper flakes
... if you like it hot... I always throw in a dash of Sriracha.

Soy Glaze
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 Sapporo
1/4 cup sugar
dash of water

Dishes Needed:
Small Frying Pan
Small Pot

First things first- chopping! Chop the onion, cabbage, pepper & tofu into small thin strips. Then mince the garlic. Keep these ingredients aside for now.

Mix all of the glaze ingredients together in the small pot and bring to a boil. Cook these and stir well until the sugar melts and liquids start to thicken into glaze. Cook over high heat around 5-6 minutes.

While the glaze is going, pour a little oil (peanut oil is best, but it doesn't really matter) into the frying pan and heat to medium. Throw in the garlic for a few seconds and then gently place the tofu in the pan and cook until golden brown on both sides. This will only take a few minutes. Remove from heat.

When the glaze is done pour into a serving cup and return the pot to medium heat. Throw in all the veggies. Add a little of the glaze and cook for 3-5 minutes, until veggies start to wilt. Remove from heat.


Personally I like this dish with a little brown rice medley from Trader Joes.

To serve...

First lay down the rice, then the veggies. On top lay the tofu and pour over the glaze. And you're done! Easy and healthful.


Enjoy!

I'm goin Veggie!

As in my book, I'm starting a new chapter in my life. I'm goin veggie. So for the next month I'm going to dedicate all of my blogs to a vegetarian diet. I started this a little over a week ago, so starting today I'll share some of my new found recipies.

I'll start out with one my good friend Kacee gave me. Thanks buddy!

STRAWBERRY & GOAT CHEESE SAMMY:

Ingredients:

Fresh Strawberries
Goat Cheese
Organic Baby Greens
Wheat Bread
Honey

Start by toasting up your bread. As that's toasting, slice up the strawberries into thin slices and put to the side. When the toast is done, spread a good amount of cheese on the bottom half of the bread. Follow by stacking a mound of strawberries and greens on top, pour a dash of honey over it all, and dig in!



This is the perfect for brunch, or a yummy way to start a veggie lifestyle like me!

Thanks for reading,
Steph