Cranberry Apple Chicken Salad

A little something to get you ready for all this nice picnic weather we've been having.  Enjoy my friends and have a great day.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups diced, cooked chicken (between 2-4 chicken breast, depending on size)
• 1 large celery stalk, diced
• 1-2 green onions, sliced
• ¾ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup pine nuts, toasted
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ – ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
• Salt & pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl, and stir with a fork to combine.
2. You don’t have to use a fork, but it helps to break the chicken up and give the salad a more appetizing texture.
3. If it seems a little dry, add one tablespoon of mayo at a time until you reach the right consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
5. Serve as sandwiches on croissants or on top of a bed of greens for a lighter option.

My Amazing Baked Beans (Gluten Free)

Who doesn't love Spring and summer.  Here is my version of Baked Beans.  I didn't think they would turn out as well as they did.  But here is the recipe for you all to enjoy.

Ingredients

8 slices bacon, halved

1 medium onion, cut into small dice

1/2 medium green pepper, cut into small dice

1 LB Navy Beans Soaked over night

3/4 cup barbecue sauce (My Recipe)

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup distilled or cider vinegar

2 teaspoons dry mustard or 2 tablespoons Dijon

Getting Started

• Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 325 degrees. 
• Fry bacon in large, deep saute pan skillet until bacon has partially cooked and released about 1/4 cup drippings. 
• Remove bacon from pan and drain on paper towels. 
• Add onions and peppers to drippings in pan and saute until tender, about 5 minutes. 
• Add beans and remaining ingredients bring to a simmer. (If skillet is not large enough, add beans and heat to a simmer then transfer to a large bowl and stir in remaining ingredients)
• Pour flavored beans into a greased 13-by 9-inch (or similar size) ovenproof pan. 
• Top with bacon, then bake until beans are bubbly and sauce is the consistency of pancake syrup, about 2 hours.
•  Let stand to thicken slightly and serve.

This is The Finished Product

Asian Coleslaw Recipe

Asian Coleslaw Recipe

The dressing on this salad is peanut-based. If you have a food allergy to peanuts, you can substitute tahini for the peanut butter (or leave it out all together), and toasted sesame seeds for the peanuts.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 Tbsp creamy peanut butter
• 6 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon toasted (dark) sesame oil
• 4 Tbsp seasoned rice vinegar (if seasoned rice vinegar is not available, add a teaspoon or two of sugar to regular rice vinegar)
• 4 cups thinly sliced cabbage (Napa, green, purple, or a combination)
• 1/2 cup grated carrots
• 1/4 cup toasted, salted, shelled, peeled peanuts

Optional

• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Thinly sliced green onions or chives

METHOD

1 Prepare dressing. Place peanut butter in a medium bowl. Add the vegetable oil and the toasted sesame oil and whisk until nicely smooth. Whisk in the seasoned rice vinegar and do a taste test. Depending on how you like your dressing, how salty your peanut butter is, how seasoned your rice vinegar is, you may want to add a little more vinegar, a little more sugar, or a little salt. (Makes about 3/4 cup of dressing.)

2 Toast the peanuts. Although the roasted peanuts from the store may already be cooked, you'll get even better flavor with just a little toasting. Heat a small skillet on medium high heat and add the nuts to the pan. Do not ignore or the nuts can easily burn. Stir a little with a wooden spoon until the peanuts begin to get browned in spots and you can smell the toasting aromas. Remove peanuts from pan to a dish.

3 In a large bowl, toss the sliced cabbage, grated carrots, and peanuts together, and any other optional ingredients you care to add (like a little chopped cilantro or green onions). Right before serving, mix in the dressing.

Great with fish or burgers.

This is your final project.  Enjoy my friends and have a great day.