Saturday, February 4, 2012

Creamy Chicken Taquitos


I've seen these taquitos posted on a few different recipe blogs recently, and after hearing everyone rave about them I had to try them. They were so great! We liked these so much, they made it into the regular rotation. I loved how the subtle flavors of the cilantro, lime, and spices mixed so well. Definitely a dish we would make again and again. Try them, you'll love them!

Creamy Chicken Taquitos

1/3 cup (3 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup salsa
1Tbs fresh lime juice
1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
2 cloves garlic, minced {1 tsp jarred minced garlic}
3 Tbs chopped cilantro
2 green onions, sliced
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup grated pepperjack cheese {or cheddar, monterey jack, etc}

12-16 small flour tortillas {you could use corn but we like flour!}
kosher salt
cooking spray


Heat oven to 425. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, salsa, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, onion powder and minced garlic. Stir to combine and then add cilantro and green onions. Add chicken and cheese and combine well.

Place 2-3 T of chicken mixture on the lower third of a tortilla, keeping it about 1/2 inch from the edges. Be sure not to over-fill as the chicken mixture will expand and bubble during baking. Then roll it up as tight as you can. {If using corn tortillas, heat in the microwave to make them more pliable before rolling.} Place seam side down on the baking sheet. Lay all of the taquitos on the baking sheet and make sure they are not touching each other. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray and sprinkle some kosher salt on top. Place in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until crisp and the ends start to get golden brown.

Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Makes 12-16.
 

Crispy Chicken Wraps



Direct from one of my favorite food magazines on the planet, these Crispy Chicken Wraps from Cook’s Country are simple, extremely fast to put together, require NO heating up the oven in the summer temps, and are incredibly delicious. Once again, my kids and husband (and myself) ate them up and the verdict was I should make these again…and often. A perfect summer, weeknight, FAST meal!
Crispy Chicken Wraps
Printable Version
Printable Version with Picture
**To prevent the wraps from unrolling during cooking, be sure to start them seam-side down in step 3.
INGREDIENTS:
1/3 cup mayonnaise, light or regular
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
3 scallions, sliced very thin
2 celery ribs, chopped fine (I omitted these due to my husband’s non-celery preference)
2 tablespoons sour cream, light or regular
2 teaspoons hot sauce (this does not make them spicy but adds great flavor!)
1 rotisserie chicken, skin discarded, meat shredded into bite-sized pieces (about 3 cups)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (the sharper the better, in my book)
4 (12-inch) flour tortillas
DIRECTIONS:
Whisk the mayonnaise, cilantro, scallions, celery, sour cream and hot sauce in a large bowl. Add chicken and toss to combine. Sprinkle cheese over tortillas, leaving 1/2-inch border around edges, then arrange chicken mixture down the center of each tortilla. Roll stuffed tortillas, leaving edges open. Spray the tortillas all over with cooking spray. Heat a large non-stick skillet (or griddle) over medium heat for 1 minute. Arrange 2 wraps, seam-side down, in pan and cook until golden brown and crisp, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining wraps. Serve.
Recipe Source: adapted from Cook’s Country

http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2008/06/crispy-chicken-wraps.html

Jamba Smoothie Recipes

Hints: 1 scoop – about half a cup to a cup

Enlightened Base – found at a health food store or substitute it with juice

ALOHA PINEAPPLE
10 oz. pineapple juice
1 scoop plain yogurt
2 scoops strawberries
1 scoop bananas
2 scoops pineapple sherbet
1 scoop ice

BANANA BERRY
12 oz. apple juice
2 scoops bananas
1 scoop blueberries
1 scoop frozen yogurt
1 scoop raspberry sherbet
1 scoop ice

BERRY FULLFILLING
4 oz. raspberry juice
8 oz. enlightened base
2 scoops strawberries
1 scoop raspberries
1 scoop blueberries
1 scoop ice

BERRY LIME SUBLIME
12 oz. raspberry juice
2 scoops strawberries
1 scoop raspberries
2 scoops lime sherbet
1 scoop ice

BRIGHT EYED AND BLUEBERRY
12 oz. soymilk
2 scoops yogurt
2 scoops strawberries
1 scoop blueberries

CARIBBEAN PASSION
12 oz. Mango-passion juice
2 scoops strawberries
1 scoop peaches
2 scoops orange sherbet
1 scoop ice

CITRUS SQUEEZE
6 oz. pineapple juice
6 oz. orange juice
2 scoops strawberries
1 scoop bananas
2 scoops orange sherbet
1 scoop ice

COLD BUSTER
12 oz orange juice
2 scoops peaches
1 scoop bananas
2 scoops orange sherbet
1 scoop ice

KIWI BERRY BURNER
12 oz. Kiwi juice
2 scoops strawberries
1 scoop raspberries
2 scoops raspberry sherbet
1 scoop ice

MANGO-A-GO-GO
12 oz. Mango-passion juice
3 scoops mangos
2 scoops pineapple sherbet
1 scoop ice

MANGO MANTRA
4 oz. orange juice
8 oz. enlightened base
2 scoops mangos
2 scoops peaches
1 scoop ice

MIGHTLY CHERRY CHARGER
4 oz. raspberry juice
6 oz. soymilk
2 scoops cherries
1 scoop strawberries
2 scoops frozen yogurt
1 scoop ice

ORANCE-A-PEEL
12 oz. orange juice
2 scoops strawberries
1 scoop bananas
2 scoops frozen yogurt
1 scoop ice

ORANGE BERRY BLITZ
12 oz. orange juice
2 scoops strawberries
1 scoop blueberries
2 scoops pineapple sherbet
1 scoop ice

ORANGE CHERRY CHEER
6 oz. orange juice
6 oz. soymilk
3 scoops cherries
1 scoop frozen yogurt
1 scoop orange sherbet
1 scoop ice

ORANGE DREAM MACHINE
6 oz. orange juice
6 oz. soymilk
2 scoops frozen yogurt
2 scoops orange sherbet
2 scoops ice

PEACH PLEASURE
12 oz. peach juice
2 scoops peaches
1 scoop bananas
2 scoops orange sherbet
1 scoop ice

PINA COLADA
12 oz. pineapple juice
1 Tbls coconut
1 scoop bananas
2 scoop frozen yogurt
2 scoops pineapple sherbet
1 scoop ice

PUMPKIN SMASH
8 oz soymilk
1 scoop pumpkin mix (from can)
4 scoops frozen yogurt
2 scoops ice

RAZANATAZ
12 oz raspberry juice
2 scoops strawberries
1 scoop bananas
2 scoops orange sherbet
1 scoop ice

STRAWBERRIES WILD
12 oz. apple juice
2 scoops strawberries
1 scoop bananas
2 scoops frozen yogurt
1 scoop ice

STRAWBERRY NIRVANA
4 oz. apple juice
8 oz. enlightened base
4 scoops strawberries
1 scoop bananas
1 scoop ice

STRAWBERRY SURF RIDER
12 oz. lemonade
2 scoops strawberries
1 scoop peaches
2 scoops lime sherbet
1 scoop ice

SUNRISE STRAWBERRY
12 oz. soymilk
2 scoops yogurt
2 scoops strawberries
1 scoop bananas

GUMMIE BEAR
12 oz. peach juice
1 scoop peaches
1 scoop of each: orange, lime, pineapple, and
raspberry sherbet and frozen yogurt
1 scoop ice

TANGO TROPIC
12 oz. peach juice
2 scoops strawberries
1 scoop peaches
1 scoop raspberry sherbet
1 scoop orange sherbet
1 scoop ice

TROPICAL AWAKENING
4 oz. pineapple juice
8 oz. enlightened base
2 scoops strawberries
1 scoop blueberries
1 scoop bananas
1 scoop ice

http://somersetwardrecipeclub.blogspot.com/2009/01/jamba-smoothie-recipes.html

No Bake Oreo Truffles

The best part about this recipe...

It only has 3 INGREDIENTS!







OREO TRUFFLES
  • 1 package Double Stuffed Oreos
  • 4 oz. cream cheese, softened (you can use up to 8 oz., I just like this consistency better)
  • Dipping chocolate
Chop Oreos up finely in a food processor.  Save some of the finely crushed Oreos for garnish later and set it aside.  You don't need too much.
With hands (or a spoon, I just think hands are faster), mash softened cream cheese and crushed Oreos until well combined.
Roll into 1" balls and place on a wax covered cookie sheet. Put in freezer for 15 minutes.
While balls are in freezer, melt chocolate according to directions.
Pull the Oreo Truffles out of freezer, and dip into chocolate.  Garnish with reserved Oreo crumbs before the chocolate sets up.
Let chocolate set, refrigerate and enjoy!

Linking up to these parties and here


For those that were wondering what kind of chocolate I used, Here is a picture of mine.  I used about half of the package.  I followed the microwave instructions.  I used a small but tall bowl to dip them in so that the entire truffle can get covered and carefully lifted it out with a fork, you can use skewers as well or a toothpick.  It is ideal to cover them in chocolate when they have sat in the freezer for 15 minutes, the chocolate will stick to them better if they have done so.



I hope that helps, email me at chefintraining.recipes@gmail.com if you have any questions!
http://www.chef-in-training.com/2010/03/oreo-pops.html

No Bake Cake Batter Truffles Take 2

No Bake Cake Batter Truffles

CAKE BATTER TRUFFLES
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • 1 ½ cups flour
  • 1 cup yellow cake mix
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 3-4 Tablespoons milk
  • 2 Tablespoons sprinkles
Truffle Coating:
  • 16 ounces (8 squares) almond bark (or white candy melts)
  • 4 Tablespoons yellow cake mix
  • sprinkles

Beat together butter and sugar using an electric mixer until combined. Blend in vanilla.  Add cake mix, flour, salt, and vanilla and mix thoroughly. Add 3 Tablespoons of milk or more if needed to make a dough consistency. Mix in sprinkles by hand. Roll dough into one inch balls and place on a parchment or wax paper lined cookie sheet. Chill balls in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up.

While dough balls are chilling, melt almond bark in the microwave in 30 second intervals until melted. Stir between intervals. Once melted, quickly stir in cake mix until incorporated completely. Using a fork, dip truffles into almond bark and shake of excess bark by tapping the bottom of the fork on the side of your bowl. Place truffle back on the cookie sheet and top with sprinkles. Repeat with remaining balls until finished. {Note: for smoother looking truffles, don't add cake mix to melted chocolate, just leave it by itself}
Chill cake batter truffles in the refrigerator until serving. Makes around 24-30 truffles.

Enjoy!

http://www.chef-in-training.com/2011/09/no-bake-cake-batter-truffles-take-2.html

Taco "Cupcakes"

Once again, another find from Pinterest...
(I'm willing to bet that most of these recipes will be found on that website)
which is where I found the recipe for the MUST TRY, "Taco Cupcakes!"
Not only are these Taco Cupcakes fun but they taste amazing too!
(and not to mention an easy clean up when all is said and done)
Here is what you will need:
  • 1 1/2t chili oil (found near the Asian ingredients)
*I could not find this... it probably was right in front of my face but seriously, never found it. So I just used some Olive Oil... and I don't think I really even needed that!
  • 1/2 lb 95% lean ground beef
*We always use ground chicken when it comes to Mexican dishes... No real reason other then the fact that we prefer the taste! Use either or, it will still be tasty!
  • 1 T taco seasoning
  • 3/4 c canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 16 wonton wrappers (found in the produce section)
  • 5 T + 1t of queso dip or salsa con queso
  • 1 c chunky salsa
  • 1 c reduced fat shredded Mexican cheese
  • Guacamole for serving
When looking at these ingredients, you may notice that I have no queso dip...
I apparently thought I only needed Guacamole (which is a garnish to top the taco cupcakes).
So when I realized I needed some sort of cheesy substitute, I searched my pantry/fridge for anything that would work.
This is all I came up with.
Do not judge me.
Although this canned cheese substance has zero healthy ingredients,
the recipe only calls for about a tsp per "cupcake" so with that being said...
I didn't feel completely guilty! ;)
Before we get started I just want to mention that I did not use the recommended measurements on any ingredient. I used a whole pound of ground chicken and the whole pack of taco seasoning and the whole can of beans. (I just saved the leftover meat mixture for taco's) So don't feel like you need to use exactly what is stated in the ingredients list. Just use your best judgment and don't pack 'em too full!
So, let's get started!
  1. First, pre-heat the oven to 375. Lightly mist 8 cups in a muffin tin with cooking spray and set aside. 
  2. Heat chili oil (or Olive oil) in a saute pan or large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and taco seasoning and brown beef, breaking it with a spoon. Add black beans and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for a few minutes until warm.
3. Push a wonton wrapper into the bottom of each of the eight sprayed cups in the  muffin tin. Spoon a teaspoon of queso dip into each wonton wrapper and spread across the bottom.
See, easier then it sounds!
:) cheese.
Follow by spooning some of the meat/beans mixture into each cup (I would say about two teaspoons) and then spooning a teaspoon or so of salsa on top of that. Sprinkle a pinch of the cheese evenly over the top of each cup.
Meat Mixture
Salsa and Cheese
Got it?
Now do it all again, one more time!
Press another wonton wrapper on top and repeat the layering steps with the remaining ingredients.
Just press around the edges, as if you are putting on the top of a pie.
This is what it looks like before you pop it into the oven!
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from muffin tin
Look at that crunchy, cheesy goodness!
Add a little bit of guacamole (or sour cream if you prefer)
And enjoy!
Seriously, you will SO enjoy these!
(and I have to say, if I would have left that "queso cheese substitute" out... it would not have tasted the same!)
I highly recommend you go out and buy these ingredients and make these this weekend!
Out of all the new recipes we have tried this week, this was our FAVE.
Geh, YUM!

Cafe Rio Recipes...


After I posted pictures of my homemade Cafe Rio Salad I had some people ask for the recipes so, here is our version of Cafe Rios salads!
Cafe Rio Chicken:
3 Chicken Breasts
1 Can Green Chile Sauce
1 C Chicken Broth
1 T Cumin
1/2 Onion
3 Cloves of Garlic, Minced
1/2 Limes Juice
Chopped Fresh Cilantro to taste

Place chicken breasts in crock pot, pour green chile sauce & chicken broth over the top and add cumin, garlic, lime juice, & cilantro. Cut an onion in half a place full onion rings on top of the chicken to flavor...they will be removed when the chicken is cooked and discarded. Cook for 4 hours, shred meat and cook for another hour.

Cafe Rio Beef:
3lb Chuck Roast
1 Can Green Chile Sauce
1 C Beef Broth
1 Small Can Tomato Sauce
1 T Cumin
1/2 Onion
3 Cloves of Garlic, Minced

Place chuck roast in crock pot, pour green chile sauce, beef broth, & tomato sauce over the top and add cumin & garlic. Cut an onion in half a place full onion rings on top of the roast to flavor...they will be removed when the roast is cooked and discarded. Cook on low for 8-9 hours, or until meat falls apart easily. Shred meat into a different container, strain juices from the crock pot and pour over shredded beef.


Cafe Rio Pork:
2 lbs. Pork
3 Cans of Coke (not diet)
1/4 C. Brown Sugar
Dash of Garlic Salt
1/4 C. Water
1 Can Sliced Green Chilies
3/4 can Red Enchilada Sauce
1 C. Brown Sugar

Put pork in a heavy Ziploc bag to marinate. Add a can and a half of coke and 1/4 C. of brown sugar. Marinate for a few hours or overnight.
Drain Marinade and put pork, 1/2 can of coke, water, & garlic salt in crock pot on high for 3-4 hours(until it shreds easily, but don't let it get too dry). Remove pork from crock pot and drain liquids then shred pork.
In a food processor or blender, blend 1/2 can coke, chilies, enchilada sauce, & 1 cup of brown sugar. If the mixture is too thick add more coke little by little until desired consistency is reached. Place shredded pork and sauce back in crock pot and cook on low for 2 hours.



Cafe Rio's Cilantro Lime Rice:4 C Chicken Broth
2 C Uncle Ben's Original Long Grain Rice
2 Cloves of Garlic
1/2 Bunch of Cilantro
1 Can Green Chiles-(or equivalent fresh)
1/4 Onion
1/2 Limes Juice

Blend garlic, cilantro, green chiles, & onion together in food processor. Add all ingredients to your rice cooker stir and cook stirring a few times in between.

Black Beans:1 Can of Black Beans, Rinsed and Drained
1 1/3 C Tomato Juice
2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
1 tsp Cumin
2 T Olive Oil
1 1/2 tsp Salt
2 T Fresh Cilantro Chopped

In a skillet, cook garlic and cumin in olive oil over medium heat until you can smell it. Add beans, tomato juice, and salt. Continually stir until heated through. Just before serving stir in the cilantro.

Pico de Gallo:3 Vine Ripe Tomatoes, chopped
1/2 White Onion, chopped
1/4 Bunch of Cilantro, chopped
2 Cloves of Garlic, minced
1 tsp Fresh Lime Juice
Salt & Pepper to taste

Cafe Rio Tomatillo Dressing:1 pkg Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix
1 C Buttermilk
1 C Mayo
1 Tomatillo
1/2 Bunch of Cilantro
1 Clove of Garlic
1/2 Limes Juice
1/2 to 1 Small Jalepeno, seeds removed. For a little spicier add some of the seeds.

Blend all ingredients well in a food processor & refrigerate.

Perfect Guacamole:1 Clove of Garlic, peeled
1/2 tsp Salt
2 Large Ripe Avocados
1 Small Ripe Roma Tomato
1/4 tsp Onion Powder
1/2 Fresh Lime

With a fork, mash clove of garlic with the salt to make paste. Mash two ripe avocados until smooth. Add garlic mixture & onion powder. Grate one small roma tomato into the avocado, discard tomato skin. Add juice of 1/2 lime.

Other:
As for the tortillas, I buy the uncooked tortillas from Costco and just cook them right before we are ready to eat. The tortilla strips can be made at home or they sell them in the produce section of maceys by the croutons. Maceys also sells a really good guacamole in there produce section that I like to use, or you can make your own. We also sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top of ours...It is VERY delicious!

http://heywhatchagotcookin.blogspot.com/2008/04/cafe-rio-recipes.html