Friday, May 29, 2009

Chicken Fajitas

Nothing authentic here people, but this is one of my go-to meals for the summer. It's quick and easy to prepare, and it's great as leftovers for lunch.



Here's the big secret to making my fajitas:



Ok. Not such a great secret. I know this little packet is nothing fancy, and that the fajitas would probably taste better if I mixed my own seasonings, but hey it's only $.33 (sometimes even $.25!) and I always have it in my pantry. Plus I like the convenience of just ripping this puppy open and dumping it in.

I also use this fajita seasoning to make the chicken for my Fajita Chicken Quesadillas.



(I'm toying with the idea of creating printable versions of all of my recipes. Here's the link for this one:)

Chicken Fajitas printable recipe



Chicken Fajitas
makes about 8 fajitas


1 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 red onion, sliced
3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
1 fajita seasoning packet
your favorite tortillas

topping options:
shredded Monterrey Jack cheese
cilantro
Sour Cream
Pico de Gallo or your favorite salsa
guacamole
olives


In a large skillet, heat oil over med-high heat. Add sliced chicken and cook just until barely done. Toss in vegetables and saute, stirring frequently for 5-10 minutes. I like my vegetables on the softer side, but if you like yours crispier, then just don't cook them as long.

In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup water with fajita seasoning packet. Pour over chicken and vegetable mixture and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 3-5 minutes to let sauce thicken. Remove from heat and serve using your favorite tortillas and any topping options you want.




Back

My apologies. I took a bit of a reprieve. I just needed to take a break and think about what I really wanted for this little blog of mine.


So I did a bit of this....



...one of these...




and a lot of this....




...and now I'm ready to begin posting again.

Thank you for all of your kind and encouraging emails!

Monday, May 4, 2009

Menu Week 91

Monday - Spaghetti, green salad, breadsticks
Tuesday - Robyn's Meatloaf & roasted veggies (probably asparagus)
Wednesday - Terriyaki Salmon & Garlic Peanut Noodles
Thursday - Cilantro Lime Chicken Wraps
Friday - eat out
Saturday - Homemade Personal Pizzas
Sunday - Vegetable Frittata & Fruit Smoothies

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Week 90 Menu

Monday - Asian Chicken Salad
Tuesday - Fresh Pasta Primavera
Wednesday - Pesto Salmon & Sweet Corn Puree
Thursday - Slow Cooked Steak Fajitas
Friday - eat out
Saturday - Mini Joes, carrot sticks and green salad
Sunday - Vegetable Frittata & fruit smoothies

Monday, March 30, 2009

Week 89 Menu

Monday - Mom's Potato Soup
Tuesday - Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry (we never ate it last week!)
Wednesday - baked terriyaki salmon & garlic peanut noodles
Thursday - Mini-Sloppy Joes, carrot sticks & green salad
Friday - eat out
Saturday - Cilantro Lime Chicken Wraps, chips & salsa
Sunday - undecided...maybe turkey?

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Week 88 Menu

Monday - Hot Bean Soup & green salad
Tuesday - Robyn's Meatloaf with roasted carrots and potatoes
Wednesday - Lasagna Rolls, green salad & garlic french bread
Thursday - Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry
Friday - eat out
Saturday - pizza
Sunday - pancakes & eggs

Monday, March 2, 2009

Oven Dried Tomatoes



I am really looking forward to Spring this year. Well, I suppose I do every year, but this year I have a different reason. All Winter I've been planning my garden and dreaming of all the
delicious things I'd like to plant. I've never tried growing tomatoes before, but I'm going to this year, along with all of the local garden classics....carrots, beans, peas, and peppers.



Last week I went through a catalog looking (and drooling) over all of the different tomato varieties. Who knew there were so stinkin' many? I haven't yet decided on which ones to try this year. Any recommendations?

In the meantime, here's a recipe for Oven Dried Tomatoes. They are easy to make, but it requires some forethought. These beauties cook low and slow and end up with a lovely sweetness that can add the perfect flavor to pastas, sandwiches, salads, or just an afternoon snack.

I usually select Roma tomatoes for oven drying, however I think any variety would work just fine.


  • Wash & dry tomatoes
  • Slice tomatoes in about 1/2" slices. This doesn't have to be exact, but I wouldn't slice any thinner than 1/4", or any thicker than 3/4". If you're using plum or cherry tomatoes, you can probably just slice them in half.

  • Place tomato slices on a parchment lined baking sheet
  • Drizzle with olive oil
  • Season with a little salt and pepper


  • Toss a few whole garlic cloves on the baking sheet (optional)
  • Bake at 200 degrees for 5-6 hours. For a drier, chewy tomato, increase to 6-8 hours.



I usually make these the day before I need them, and then just store them in a plastic bag in the fridge. We eat them so quickly, long-term storage has never been an option for me. I have seen other dried tomato recipes though that say you can place tomatoes in a jar, cover with olive oil, then store in the refrigerator for up to a week.