Creamy Italian Chicken

Wanting something different but quick and easy considering winter has officially arrived here in Melbourne (although it's been here for a few weeks now) however I really didn't fancy a heavy dish such as a pasta or a bake but still wanted that comfort food sensation.  This is how everyone feels mid week and during winter right?

I find cooking with chicken breast fillets easy for a mid week meal.  They tend to cook quickly in most applications and unless overcooked are a tender juicy protein for a good dinner.  So armed with a few nicely sized chicken breasts I set upon preparing a comfort food dish and knew it had to be creamy of some sort.  An email had arrived, Taste were promoting 50 One-Pot Winners, so of course I had to stop and have a read... love celebration posts highlighting certain ingredients, seasons, styles of cooking, etc.  I came across One Pot Italian Chicken and was intrigued with the flavours.

Pure Italian flavours of garlic, tomato and basil enveloped in a creamy sauce - aaaaahhhhh my tastebuds were in heaven just reading the recipe let alone cooking it.   It sounded easy.  It sounded delicious. It was now on the menu.

Everything I have just mentioned was true - quick (on the table in less than 30 minutes), easy (simple ingredients and techniques) and flavoursome (who doesn't like Italian?).

No pasta in sight tonight, instead I roasted some chat potatoes, steamed carrots and broccoli.  There was a bread basket of small crusty bread rolls to sop up the creamy sauce - you know that you just have to do that when it comes to a dish with lots of sauce.

Delizioso .... 

Creamy Italian Chicken

(recipe adapted from Taste.com.au)

Serves: 4

4 small chicken breasts fillets, trimmed

salt

freshly ground black pepper

2 teaspoons olive oil

20 grams reduced fat butter

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

80 grams sun-dried tomatoes, sliced

1/3 cup dry white wine

1 cup reduced fat thickened cream

1/2 cup chicken stock

60 grams baby spinach

1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Season chicken with salt and pepper.

Heat the oil and butter in a large non-stick frying pan over high heat until butter is foamy. Add the seasoned chicken  to the pan. Reduce heat to medium-high. Cook the chicken for 5 minutes each side to until just cooked through. Transfer to a plate. Cover with foil to keep warm.

Place the garlic in the pan. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until aromatic.

Add the tomatoes and stir to coat.

Add the wine and cook for 1 minute or until reduced.

Add the cream and stock. Return the chicken to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes or until liquid is reduced.

Stir through the spinach until wilted. 

Season to taste and sprinkle with the basil leaves.

Serve with vegetables and crusty bread, if desired.

(Click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Marry Me Chicken aka Sicilian Chicken

So are you as intrigued with the name of this dish as I was?  As soon as I came across a recipe called "Marry Me Chicken" I guessed that it was obviously good and did some more investigation.

Tradition, as it is told, is that there are two dishes that are guaranteed to lead you to the alter!  Far fetched I know but the first dish, "Engagement Chicken", is a roast chicken  and the second is "Marry Me Chicken", which is a creamy casserole.  And before you ask, yes there are so many different recipes for both dishes.  I was reading and reading for a long time before I settled on the recipe I was going to cook.

A quick history lesson regarding the both dishes.  Starting with Engagement Chicken - this was  developed by a fashion editor at Glamour Magazine, following a trip to Italy. Afterwards the recipe was given to co-worker to prepare for her boyfriend and soon afterwards, the couple was engaged. The recipe made the rounds in the office and three other women in the office were offered marriage proposals soon after making the dish for their boyfriends.  The recipe featured in Glamour Magazine later on after it was dubbed "Engagement Chicken". Soon afterwards the magazine began receiving letters from women claiming that their boyfriends proposed shortly after being served the dish. The magazine claims 70 couples have married after the women served their boyfriends the dish.

Now for the story of Marry Me Chicken is not to different. Instead of using a whole chicken this recipe calls for skin on chicken thighs or pieces which are fried until crispy. According to the article I was reading Delish editors started devouring these crispy chicken thighs soaked in a savory sun-dried tomato-thyme cream sauce, people started blurting out "I'd marry you for that chicken" and "OH MY GOD THAT'S MARRIAGE MATERIAL."

So what I can make of my own google investigation?  It is obvious that people have heard of Ina's Engagement Roast Chicken and Marry Me Chicken - I clearly did not have a clue!  Secondly they are both obviously renounced for their flavours and the after effects of serving either dishes to partners according to the romantics among us.

The romantic in me decided to try cooking the Marry Me Chicken even though I did not expect this dish to cause anything incredible to occur (this year hubby and I will celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary).

I didn't have a whole chook nor did I have any skin on chicken thighs so I substituted chicken breast fillets cut into 4 large pieces other than that I followed the recipe.  The smell during the cooking process was magnificent and I have to admit that I was actually looking forward to eating this dish myself.

As mentioned before, these chicken pieces enveloped in a creamy sun dried tomatoes and thyme sauce were magic.  Actually like nothing I have tasted before.  The chicken was tender and juicy.  The sauce thick and creamy.  It was everything in just one dish. 

I wanted to marry myself LOL!!  

Marry Me Chicken or Sicilian Chicken

(Recipe adapted from Delish.com)

Serves: 4

cooking spray

4 chicken breast fillet, quartered

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

1 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes

3/4 cup chicken stock

1/2 cup light thickened cream

1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes

1/4 cup grated Parmesan

salt
freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat and spray with cooking spray. Add chicken and season with salt and pepper. Sear until golden, 3 - 5 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate.

To the same frying pan, add garlic, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes and let cook until fragrant, approximately 1 minute. Add chicken stock, cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan and season with salt and pepper. 

Bring to a simmer, then return chicken to skillet and bake for 15 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked through.

(Click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Creamy Sun-dried Tomato Chicken Florentine Pasta

Tonight we wanted some good ol' comfort food but it needed to be quick and easy for a mid week wonder.  At the moment there never seems to be enough hours in each day.  Even our well planned days are not being executed like we would wish but then again we are making the most out of each day so that is the most important thing, right?

So many times I have mentioned having a craving for comfort food.  I understand that everyone's comfort food is different.  For us I do believe it is pasta (of any description).  What's your comfort food?

Speaking of pasta that's what was served up tonight.  This creamy pasta dish was a perfect fit with minimal ingredients and fuss to put a well received meal on the table.  A cheesy sauce laced with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and chicken pieces was filling and while very yummy satisfied even my fussiest eater!  I have one child that does not like the texture of cooked baby spinach nor does she like sun-dried tomatoes but her plate was pretty much licked clean.

Creamy Sun-dried Tomato and Chicken Florentine Pasta

Serves: 6
SmartPoints per serve: 12

250 grams pasta of your choice

2 tablespoons butter

500 grams chicken fillet, all visible fat removed, diced

1 brown onion, thinly sliced

1 teaspoon crushed garlic

1/2 cup No Oil sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

4 cups Baby Spinach leaves, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup chicken stock

3/4 cup low fat cream

salt

pepper

3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Heat butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add chicken and onions. Cook for 5 - 7 minutes or until chicken is slightly browned and cooked through. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Add cream and stock; stir to incorporate. Toss in chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Mix in spinach and cook until wilted.

Pour over pasta, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, toss and serve.

(Click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Veal Cutlet Martini

It has been a wonderful day - work was productive and I have a proud announcement (below) to share so I thought we definitely needed a nice dinner and a nice glass of vino to cap off the day.

Veal is always a favourite in our house.... Alex still refers to the thick cutlets as "fluffly pillows of meat" due to their tenderness.

This is a meal I came across a long time ago and knew that we would enjoy the welcome flavours of tomatoes, mushrooms and oregano with the veal cutlets all laced with a delicate trace of wine.  The recipe I somewhat followed was also an adaptation from Chef Tony Tammero of Palm Restaurant, New York, NY.

I was really impressed with the outcome - this meal was delish and infact it was deavoured tonight by all.

Veal Cutlets Martini

(recipe adapted from Veal Recipes) 

Serves: 4

ProPoints per Serve: 9

3 cups chicken stock
1 cup white wine
cooking spray

250 grams button mushrooms, sliced,

3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, rinsed of oil
1/4 cup chopped spring onions

2 tablespoons plain flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

4 veal leg cutlets, 200 grams each
440 gram can diced tomatoes
1/4 cup fresh oregano leaves, roughly chopped

1 tablespoon arrowroot powder

2 tablespoons water

Add stock and wine to medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Cook over high heat until reduced by half, stirring occasionally.

Spray cooking spray in large nonstick frying pan and heat over medium heat until hot. Add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes and shallots to pan, cook and stir 5 minutes or until mushrooms have softened. Remove from pan.

Combine flour, salt and pepper in shallow dish. Lightly coat cutlets with seasoned flour.

Using the same frying pan, spray with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Cook veal cutlets in pan for 4 to 5 minutes or until veal is cooked through, turning once. Remove cutlets; keep warm.

Add reduced stock mixture to pan. Cook and stir 1 minute or until browned bits attached to pan are dissolved. Return mushroom mixture to pan. Stir in tomatoes and oreganoIs said to stimulate the sex drive and boost fertility. It is also said to produce a general sense of well being for body and mind.. Combine arrowroot and water, mixing well. Stir into tomato mixture, return veal cutlets and cook until heated through and sauce thickens. Serve immediately.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe) 

My announcement... some of you have already heard, read and even seen but A Dash of Flavour, my nerdy hobby of keeping a food blog, made it into this month's Weight Watchers Magazine... what a thrill for us!!

Thank you to all of those that follow our blog, for the support, for the feedback and for sharing this blog with people you know - it is all definitely appreciated.  Also thanks to those that have tried some of the recipes featured and we honestly hope you have enjoyed them.

Shredded Chicken Leek and Thyme Tart

This meal has been on my menu planner for the last few weeks but somehow keeps getting brushed aside for no particular reason - either something else gets requested or our plans change.  What ever the reason we had some left over barbecue chicken again this weekend so I was determined to have this no matter what.

The thought of having pastry while dieting is a novelty in itself  for as we all know as a rule pastry is a NO-NO.  This recipe called for reduced fat shortcrust pastry therefore reducing the fat content. 

Although the pastry component was a little fiddly, the rest of the recipe was easy.  The dish was quite inviting to look at and not to mention it was definitely full of flavour.  The feta cheese made a nice change to normaly cheddar and the flavour was delicious combined with the sundried tomatoes and the thyme.  The serving sizes were quite large so this recipe could easily serve 6 - 8 for a light meal.

Overall this recipe sured pleased my crowd, with it being devoured last night.

Shredded Chicken Leek and Thyme Tart

(recipe sourced from WW Magazine January 2012)

Serves: 4

ProPoints per serve: 14

2 sheets reduced fat shortcrust pastry, just thawed

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 small leeks, halved, thinly sliced, washed and drained

3 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

3 eggs

1/2 cup skim milk

salt

freshly ground black pepper

1 cup shredded left over skinless cooked chicken

1/3 cup fat free semi dried tomatoes, chopped

70 grams reduced fat feta cheese, crumbled

Line base and sides of a 2.5cm deep 11.5cm x 34cm loose bottom flan tin with pastry, trimming of the excess.  Place flan tin in the freezer for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 200 degrees Celsius.

Place flan tin on a baking tray.  Line pastry case with baking paper and fill with ceramic pie weights or uncooked rice.  Bake for 10 - 12 minutes or until the edges are crisp and light golden.  Remove weights or rice and baking paper and bake for a further 6 - 8 minutes or until base is light golden.  Set aside and allow to cool slightly.

Reduce oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a medium non stick frying pan.  Add leeks and half the thyme leaves and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until softened.

Spread leek mixture over pastry case.

Whisk eggs and milk in a medium jug and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper

Top leeks with shredded chicken, tomatoes and crumbled feta, then pour over egg mixture.  Sprinkle with remaining thyme.

Bake for 20 - 25 minutes or until just set. 

Serve Chicken Leek and Thyme Tart warm or cold.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Chicken with Prosciutto, Blue Cheese and Semi Dried Tomatoes

This very easy and quick dish is wonderful for not only a mid week dinner but would be an inpressive meal at any dinner party.

The flavours were powerful yet bordering on the rich side due to the combination of the stuffing of blue cheese and semi dried tomatoes topped with the chicken being wrapped in prosciutto.  The hint of basil provided a delicious underlying flavour.  The simple sauce enveloped the whole dish, which rounded of the meal.

Ideally I would ensure that you use small chicken fillets due to the richness but definitely worth trying, even if you are not a blue cheese lover.

Chicken with Prosciutto, Blue Cheese and Semi Dried Tomatoes
(recipe adapted from Weight Watchers Australia)

Serves: 4

ProPoints per serve: 9

4 small lean chicken breast

50 grams blue vein cheese

1/4 cup fresh basil

1/2 cup semi dried tomatoes, not in oil

4 slices prosciutto, fat trimmed

1 teaspoon chicken stock powder

4 tablespoons white wine

salt

freshly ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius.

Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into each chicken breast. Place 2 basil leaves in each pocket, then share the cheese and tomatoes equally between them. Close the pockets and wrap each chicken breast in a slice of prosciutto.

Arrange in a shallow baking dish and add the stock and white wine. Season with some freshly ground black pepper. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for a further 20 minutes.

Serve, garnished with extra basil leaves.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Prosciutto and Semi Dried Tomato Tortilla

I was a little hesitant with this one as I have never really cooked frittatas or the spanish equivalent tortillas before but saying this was very keen to give it a go. With just hubby and I at home this week I thought we could be a little adventurous anyhow.

With all my concern I have to say that this dish was very easy to make. I loved the texture of the potatoes amongst the omlette like texture and the prosciutto gave it a distinct taste compared to using bacon. This dish would be idea hot or cold for any meal of the day - breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Prosciutto and Semi Dried Tomato Tortilla

(recipe sourced from WW Eat & Enjoy Cookbook)

Serves: 4

ProPoints per serve: 9

3 small desiree potatoes, thickly sliced

1/3 cup semi-dried tomatoes (not in oil)

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives

100 grams fat trimmed prosciutto, chopped

1/4 teaspoon mexican chilli powder

3 eggs

1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves

1 tablespoon reduced fat cream

salt

freshly ground black pepper

cooking spray

Cook potato in a large saucepan of boiling salted water for 5 minutes or until just tender. Drain. Transfer to a medium bowl and add tomatoes, chives, prosciutto and chilli powder.  Mix well to combine.

Whisk eggs, oregano and cream in a jug.  Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Lightly spray a medium heavy based frying pan with cooking spary and heat over medium-high heat.  Add potato mixture and cook for 2 - 3 minutes.  Pour egg mixture over potato mixture, shaking gently to loosen mixture from base of pan.  Cook for 8 - 10 minutes or until the base is golden and set.

Meanwhile preheat grill on medium high.

Grill tortilla (in pan) for 5 - 6 minutes or until top is golden and set.  Cool for 5 minutes and cut into to wedges to serve.

(click here for a printable version of the recipe)

Chicken Margherita

There is something to be said about a stuffed chicken breast - whether it be a simple Chicken Kiev or as fancy as Chicken Pomodoro Parcels, I love the moment that it's cut open to reveal the filling and savour the first mouthful to ensure that the flavours work well together.

This dish, Chicken Margherita, takes the classic pizza topping of tomato, cheese and basil to another level. I fell in love with the flavour especially using the fresh basil and the roasted capsicum.

Served with Crunchy Hassleback Potatoes, roasted cherry tomatoes and steamed vegetables this dish was a huge success and will be on the menu again in the not to distant future. Oliver, not a huge chicken fan, loved it requesting more but none of us were about to give up our serve!!

Chicken Margherita
(recipe adapted from The Australian Women's Weekly Weeknights Fast and Faboulous Cookbook)

Serves: 4
ProPoints per serve: 9

1 red capsicum, cut into 4 strips
cooking spray
4 chicken fillets, 800 grams, skin removed
8 tablespoons extra light spreadable Philladelphia cream cheese
100 grams sundried tomatoes, not in oil
1 cup fresh basil leaves
freshly ground black pepper
8 slices prosciutto

Preheat grill.

Place capsicum on a foil lined baking tray, spray with cooking spray and place under grill cooking until blackened, turning once. Remove and place in a snap lock bag allowing capsicum to cool and skin to sweat. Peel of blackened skin.

Preheat oven to 220 degrees Celsius.

Cut a pocket in each of the chicken fillets from end to end ensuring that filling will be able to spread throughout the chicken fillet.

Spread 2 tablespoons cream cheese in each pocket.

Top with capsicum strip and sundried tomatoes.

Place 1/4 cup of basil in each pocket.

Close each pocket and season with freshly ground black pepper.

Wrap each fillet tightly but carefully with prosciutto.

Place on prepare oven tray and cook in oven for 20 minutes or until cooked through.

Slice and serve with desired sides.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Veal Involtini with Rustic Vegetable Sauce

We had veal schnitzels in the freezer that needed using. I am a fan of the veal schnitzel but others in the house aren't. Therefore I had to find something different to do with them - something that was tasty.

I was looking around Taste.com and saw recipes for Involtini. Using some of the recipes for inspiration I set about creating my own version and with some success I must add.

Veal wrapped around a spinach, tomato and cheese stuffing served with a rustic style vegetable sauce is definitely a comfort dish.

Veal Involtini with Rustic Vegetable Sauce

Serves: 4
ProPoints per serve: 9

cooking spray
1 onion, diced
3 medium carrots, diced
1 teaspoon crushed garlic
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon sweet paprkia
1/2 teaspoon chilli powder (or to taste)
2 x 410 grams diced tomatoes

1 cup water

3 medium zucchini, diced
salt
freshly ground black pepper
8 veal schnitzels (800 grams)
150 grams baby spinach leaves
50 grams sun dried tomatoes, rinsed and chopped
120 grams low fat grated mozarella cheese

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

Spray a large frying pan with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Add onion, carrots and onions, cooking for 5 - 8 minutes or until slightly softened.

Add oregano, paprika and chilli powder, if using, stir well to cover vegetable mixture.

Stir through the diced tomatoes and water until combined. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Add zucchini, season with salt and pepper and continue to simmer for a further 10 minutes.

Meanwhile lay all veal schnitzels flat. At the wider end of each schnitzel layer baby spinach leaves, sun dried tomatoes and cheese. Wrap tightly and secure each roll up with tooth pick.

Heat a second frying pan and spray with cooking spray. Over a high add veal involtini and cook until browned and sealed.

Place on a foil lined oven tray and cook for a further 10 - 15 minutes. Veal should be cooked through but still tender.

Place Rustic Vegetable Sauce in a serving dish and top with Veal Involtini.


(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Chicken Pomodoro Parcels

This is a recipe that I knew I was going to cook - you know the recipe that from the minute you turn the page of the cookbook and look at the picture you have been tempted.

Not only do we love using filo pastry but the combination of ingredients to make the parcel filling was enticing, of course it was it has spinach!

This was an easy meal to make and with very few ingredients to the outcome was amazing not to mention that they are quite filling.

Chicken Pomodoro Parcels

(recipe adapted from Symply Too Good To Be True #6)

Serves: 4

Points per serve: 5.5

2 x 240 gram skinless chicken breast fillets

1 cup baby spinach leaves

6 x 97% fat-free cheese slices

100 grams 97% reduced fact semi sundried tomatoes

8 sheets filo pastry

cooking spray

1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

Flatten each chicken breast until double in size. Spread spinach leaves over each breast evenly. Cut each cheese slice in half then lay 6 halves along the centre of each chicken breast. Arrange tomatoes over the top of the cheese. Carefully lift widest edge of the chicken breast over the filling tightly making sure filling is secure inside the chicken breast roll. Cut each breast in half to give 4 seperate rolls.

Lay 1 sheet of filo on the bench with the narrow side facing you. Spray with cooking spray then place a second sheet of filo on top. Re-spray top with cooking spray then place 1 chicken roll on the pastry about a quarter of the way down the sheet, then roll the pastry over the top of the chicken so it is just covered. Fold the left and right side of the pastry over the chicken breast and spray with cooking spray. Continue rolling to form a parcel. Repeat to make 3 more parcels. Spray tops of each parcel with cooking spary and sprinkle with sesame seeds if using.

Place onto a large lined baking tray and bake for 30 minutes.


(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Classic B.L.T (Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato) Sandwich

After a huge party night last night celebrating two of our friends 40th birthdays this morning called for something fresh, clean and tasty. While others had bacon and egg sandwiches I fancied a classic BLT especially as we had made the effort to go to the bakery and buy fresh bread.

This is such an easy sandwich to make and I am sure everyone has made one or at least eaten one... I thoroughly enjoyed mine this morning.

Classic B.L.T (Bacon, Lettuce & Tomato) Sandwich

Serves: 1

Points per serve: 5

3 rashers 97% fat free Short Cut Bacon

cooking spray

2 slices bread

1 tomato, sliced

2 lettuce leaves, roughly chopped

1 tablespoon reduced fat mayonnaise

salt

freshly ground pepper

Spray a non stick frying pan with cooking spray and cook bacon until slightly crispy (or to your liking).

On one slice of bread place bacon and top with sliced tomato.

Season with salt and pepper.

Drizzle with mayonnaise. Top with lettuce and place the second slice of bread on top to complete sandwich.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Devilled Sausages

Sometimes the simple meals are always the best and I have to say when I am stuck for something to make quickly that I know we will all enjoy there is no going past Devilled Sausages.

Although the name of this dish somewhat suggests chilli or heat there is neither. In fact the sauce has a tang that is slightly sweet but very enjoyable. For those wanting a little heat/spice you can add chilli sauce to the mixture.

I also have to say that this easy recipe is so much nicer than any packet mix available. Once you have this you will not use the packet mix again.

Served with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables this makes a wonderful winter warmer and a quick weeknight dinner.

Devilled Sausages

Serves: 6

Points per serve: 6

600 grams pork chippolatas or sausages

cooking spray

1 clove garlic, crushed

2 onions, thinly sliced

1 large apple, peeled and thinly sliced

1 x 400 gram can diced tomatoes

1/4 cup tomato ketchup or sauce

1/4 cup barbecue sauce

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons malt vinegar

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

Coat a frying pan with cooking spray and fry sausages until browned and just cooked. Remove from pan and place in a casserole dish. (If using sausages cut each sausage into pieces).

Respray the same frying pan with cooking spray and add garlic, onions and apples. Fry for 3 to 5 minutes on medium heat or until onions have softened. Add to the sausages in the casserole dish.
Mix together the remaining ingredients and pour over the sausage and onion mixture.

Cover and cook for 25 to 30 minutes.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Chicken and Bacon Casserole

One thing I love about slow cooking is the fact that a little effort in the morning or the night before combined with a flick of a switch and voila, when you work back in the front door after a day at work dinner is ready!

As you have probably guessed that's what I did this morning. And the smell that was filling the kitchen before I left was amazing, but only half amazing as it was when I walked back into the house tonight.

Chicken and bacon always seem to go hand in hand and this dish was no exception. Full of flavour and homely, yet had a little fiery kick due to the paprika. I used a mixture of sweet paprika and hot paprika, but you could use either depending on your tastes.

Chicken and Bacon Casserole

(Recipe adapted from WW The Contented Tummy Cookbook)

Serves: 8

Points per serve: 5

3 cloves garlic, crushed

1 brown onion, chopped

1 1/2 teaspoons paprika

1/2 cup dry white wine

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

8 chicken thigh cutlets (bone in), skin removed

4 carrots, peeled and chopped into chunks

1 brown onion, sliced into 8 wedges

cooking spray

4 rashers of bacon, visible fat removed

1 tablespoon plain flour

1 cup chicken stock

1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary

1 cup frozen broad beans

1/2 cup fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped

Combine the garlic, 1 onion, paprika, white wine, salt and pepper in the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth. Place the chicken in a ceramic dish (or snap lock bag) and pour marinade over. Toss the chicken to coat and marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Drain off marinade and reserve.

Place the other onion and carrots at the bottom of the slow cooker dish.

Spray a frying pan with cooking spray and heat over a medium heat. Cook chicken in batches for 2 minutes on each side or until golden. Place on top of onions and carrots.

Spray frying pan again, add the bacon and cook for 4 - 5 minutes or until golden. Add the reserved marinade and flour and fry for 2 minutes, stirring. Add the tomatoes, stock and rosemary and stir to combine. Season well and pour over chicken.

Cook on low setting for 6 - 8 hours or on high setting for 3 - 4 hours. Add broad beans 30 mins before serving.

Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

If using the oven, preheat the oven to 180 degrees celcius. Follow as above but place in a casserole dish, cover and bake for 55 minutes. Remove dish from oven, stir through broad beans and return to the oven for a further 5 - 10 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Fried Potatoes with Sundried Tomatoes

I tend to overdose on something that everyone says are good.... such as crispy potatoes so now when I want to serve potatoes as a side dish I really need to think outside the box. This is one of those recipes where I really did just that and I think I did okay.....

Kind of like a hot potato salad without the mayonnaise and it was deinitely full of flavour.

Fried Potatoes with Sundried Tomatoes

Serves: 6

Points per serve: 2.5

1 kilogram chat potatoes (baby potatoes), cut in half

cooking spray

sea salt

freshly ground black pepper

2 spring onions, sliced on diagonal

100 grams sundried tomatoes

Place potatoes in a large saucepan of water and bring to the boil. Reduce hit and simmer for 10 minutes or until potatoes are soft but not overcooked. Drain well.

Spray a large frying pan with cooking spray and add potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, over a high heat, turning occasionally until warmed through and crispy.

Add tomatoes and spring onions, frying for a further 2 - 4 minutes or until heated through. Serve immediately.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Linguine with Chicken, Prosciutto, Spinach and Sundried Tomatoes

This is a nice quick pasta dish that is full of flavour and of course I have managed to sneak my favourite vegetable, baby spinach, into it!!

Although very basic as far as ingredients go, the combination of chicken and prosciutto go hand in hand. The use of extra light sour cream in the sauce makes it somewhat creamy but keeps the dish low fat. If the sour cream you use is quite thick whisk it for a minute or so and this will soften it and it will be easier to combine and won't appear lumpy.

Definitely a dish if your are short on time but in need of a yummy pasta fix.

Linguine with Chicken, Prosciutto, Spinach and Sundried Tomatoes

Serves: 4

Points per serve: 6.5

250 grams linguine

400 grams chicken breast fillets, skin removed and cut into strips

40 grams prosciutto, cut into strips

1 teaspoon minced garlic

50 grams sundried tomatoes, not in oil, chopped

1/2 cup water

1 teaspoon chicken stock powder

100ml extra light sour cream

100 grams baby spinach leaves

½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Bring a pan of water to the boil and cook the linguine. Drain.

Coat a large frying pan with cooking spray and add the chicken, proscuitto and garlic. Cook, while stirring for 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked. Add the tomatoes,water and stock. Stir well. Stir in the cream until completely mixed.

Add the linguine, spinach and basil leaves. Cook while stirring until heated through.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Pork and Vegetable Cannelloni

Before I start talking Cannelloni, I have to say that yesterday's Bacon and Mushroom Risotto could not have been at all bad ~ both of my children requested it for breakfast this morning!! LOL!!!

Armed with 500 grams of pork mince, which wasn’t used on Pork Stuffed Capsicums the night before and the kids weren’t fussed on having them tonight I had to find something else to cook. Pasta is always a huge hit in our house and I could have made Spaghetti with Meatballs with Tomato Sauce but I actually fancied something different. I came across a box of cannelloni tubes in the pantry so the decision was then easily made.

Pork and Vegetable Cannelloni is quite easy to make and a great change from the usual Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni that I make. Ensure the filling has cooled before filling the tubes or they will crack from the heat. Filling the tubes is a little fiddlier due to the crumbly texture of the meat (I used a teaspoon to push the mixture into the tubes) and it was a little time consuming but I must say the flavour was well worth the effort once all cooked.

Pork and Vegetable Cannelloni

Serves: 6
Points per serve: 6.5

cooking spray
500 grams pork mince
½ large brown onion, finely diced
1 teaspoon garlic, crushed
½ green capsicum, finely diced
½ red capsicum, finely diced
1 carrot, peeled and grated
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup tomato juice
freshly ground black pepper
12 cannelloni tubes
½ large brown onion, finely diced
1 teaspoon garlic, crushed
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 cups tomato juice
freshly ground black pepper
120 grams tasty cheese, grated

Coat a large frying pan with cooking spray and heat over high heat. Add pork, onion, garlic and cook for 5 minutes or until pork has brown and onion softened. Add capsicums and carrots and cook for a further 5 minutes, stirring. Add horseradish, parsley and tomato juice. Stir to combine and continue to cook until heated through. Remove from heat, season with pepper to taste and allow to cool.

Meanwhile, make the sauce. Spray a smaller frying pan or saucepan with cooking spray and heat over a medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring for 5 minutes or until onion is soft. Add oregano, tomato juice and season with pepper to taste. Bring to the boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Preheat oven to 180 deg Celsius.

Once filling has cooled, fill each cannelloni tube tightly. Spray a large casserole dish with cooking spray and place cannelloni in a single layer into it. Cover with tomato sauce. Sprinkle cheese over tubes evenly. Place in the oven and cook for 30 minutes or until cooked through and cheese is golden.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Linguine with Lime and Chilli Prawns

I have been fancying a pasta dish for awhile but I am actually bored with the usual suspects, Spaghetti Bolognaise, Penne Boscaiola, Creamy Lamb and Tomato Fettucine, Lasagne and Macaroni Beef so it was time to find something different.

This recipe definitely fit the bill perfectly. Prawns tainted with chilli and lime in a fresh tomato sauce was different and definitely worth giving a go. The chilli wasn't intense, however I will add more next time to suit Noel and I.

.

As this dish contained prawns and chilli the kids decided they would have their favourite... Pasta Carbonara... this never fails to please!!

Linguine with Lime and Chilli Prawns

(recipe adapted from WW Pure Taste)

Serves: 2

Points per serve: 6.5

200 grams dry linguine

2 teapsoons olive oil

3 kaffir lime leaves (fresh), finely sliced

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 - 2 small red bullet chillies (or to taste), deseeded and finely chopped

3 medium vine ripened tomatoes, diced

1/2 cup dry white wine

1/2 cup water

1 tablespoon tomato paste

450 grams green king prawns, peeled

2 tablespoons coriander leaves

Bring a large saucepan full of water to the boil, add pasta and cook until tender. Drain and set aside.

Heat the oil in a large non stick frying pan. Add the lime leaves, garlic and chillies, cook stirring over medium heat for 1 - 2 minutes or until garlic has become aromatic. Add the tomatoes, white wine, water and tomato paste, bring to the boil and simmer over medium heat for 3 - 5 minutes or until the mixture reduces slightly.

Add the prawns to the pan and cook over a medium heat for 3 - 4 minutes, turning once, until the prawns are just cooked. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine completely.

Serve garnished with the coriander leaves.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Spicy Rice and Bacon Tomatoes

Well this is a creation I thought about and tried last night in order to participate in my first Royal Foodie Joust at the Left Over Queen Forums. If you get a chance, pop over there and have a look - some amazing dishes are always being posted. Some are so good it makes you just want to lick the computer screen for a taste test!! LOL!!

Okay so her I am - a little nervous here as this is my first entry! The reason I am nervous is purely due to what has been entered before mine have been incredible, leaving me thinking that I am definitely not in the same league as some of the participants but hey - you never know unless you try right? So I did!!

Oh and I have to say that I am quite exciting also to be part of the challenge too!

Spicy Rice and Bacon Tomatoes was a dish made using all three ingredients - rice, tomatoes and bacon. We had these as a side dish with t-bone steak last night but I would also be tempted to serve them as an entree.

We liked it - so I hope you do too.

Spicy Rice and Bacon Tomatoes

Serves: 8

8 large tomatoes

1 cup long grain rice

2 rashers bacon

2 spring onions (green onions)

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon dried chilli flakes (or to taste)

salt

freshly ground black pepper

50g coarsley grated parmesan cheese

Wash tomatoes and dry. Remove stem and cut a large circle around the top of the tomato, remove circle and tomato centre leaving a hollow cavity (be careful not to cut into sides of tomato). Repeat with remaining tomatoes.

Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil, add rice. Cook for 8 - 10 minutes or until rice is cooked, drain.

Remove rind and visible fat from bacon and dice. Fry in a large non stick frying pan and cook until a little crispy and brown. Remove to a paper towel covered plate to drain excess fat. To the same pan add the olive oil and the spring onion. Cook for 1 - 2 minutes or until spring onions start to soften. Lower heat and return bacon to the pan. Stir for a further 1 - 2 minutes. Add the rice, oregano and chilli. Mix until well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat, transfer to a bowl and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes.

Once rice mixture has almost cooled stir through the grated parmesan cheese until well combined.

Using a small spoon, fill the cavity of the tomato pressing down with each addition. Ensure that the cavity is overflowing slighty. Repeat with remaining tomatoes.

Place on a foil lined tray, spray topping with cooking spray. Cook in oven for 15 - 20 minutes or until heated through.

Serve immediately.

Baked Brie with Sundried Tomatoes

Okay I have to admit this... my world DOES actually revolve around food and being a foodie, believe it or not.

3

In fact since I started up this food blog I have come across so many others out there just like me, blogging their culinary delights and kitchen masterpieces. Some are even game enough to blog about their disasters!! There are so many foodie blogs that I read and have linked all of these to my blog, a few I have chatted with via comments and emails while there are others I just read, but I am always adding some of their dishes to my never ending list of foods to make in the future.

3

One person's blog that I read daily is Kevin's. Kevin's blog is called Closet Cooking and he is based in Toronto, Canada.I must say that some of his dishes are amazing, not to mention the quality of his photo's just make you want to lick the computer screen. So when I read this Baked Brie with Sundried Tomatoes I immediately knew we had to try it. Like Kevin I have to admit for not being a huge fan of Brie but in this recipe it had such an interesting flavour when coupled with the sun-dried tomatoes and the herbs.

3

3

Baked Brie with Sundried Tomatoes

Source: Closet Cooking

3

Serves 2

3

250 grams brie, rind removed and cut into cubes

60 grams sundried tomatoes packed in oil, chopped

1 clove garlic, chopped

1 teaspoon thyme, chopped

pepper to taste

3

Preheat oven to 175C.

3

Mix everything together in a small bowl.

3

Transfer to a small baking dish. The mixture should fill the baking dish to the brim as it will shrink when baked. I used just one small ramekin between the two of us... you could divide into individual serves if you wish.

3

Bake in oven until the brie is melted and starts to bubble, about 20-30 minutes.

3

Serve dip hot with crackers or dippers of your choice.

Mediterranean Chicken Casserole

This dish has never failed me whether it is for a tasty supper, for a special dinner party, an impromptu get together or even for when you are in want of something "tasty". Dinner can be on the table in as little as an hour. I have cooked this for family, friends and even work colleagues and it always gets an applause especially from me. Not bragging but even my kids love it.
.
I serve with some nice fresh crusty bread and a bowl of steamed greens but honestly it is nice just by itself.
.
The early preparation is a little time consuming but trust me, it is well worth it. Even with very minimal ingredients this casserole is bursting with flavour and I am sure your guests will ask you for this recipe!
.
.

Mediterranean Chicken Casserole

>

Serves 6

Points per serve: 6.5

..

1 tbs olive oil
6 small (about 600g) chicken drumsticks, skin on
6 (about 1.5kg) chicken thigh cutlets, skin on
1kg chat potatoes, halved, skin on
4 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
95g kalamata olives
1 head of garlic, seperated and skin removed
2 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves picked
125ml dry white wine
Sea salt flakes
Freshly ground black pepper
.

Preheat oven to 200°C. Heat the oil in a 3L (12-cup capacity) flameproof, ovenproof baking dish over medium heat. Add the chicken drumsticks and cook, turning occasionally, for 5 minutes or until browned all over. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm. Repeat with the chicken thigh cutlets.
.
Add the potato to the dish and cook, turning occasionally, for 5 minutes or until golden. Remove from heat. Return the chicken to the dish and gently mix through the potatoes. Top with tomato, olives and garlic cloves. Sprinkle with rosemary. Pour over the wine. Season with salt and pepper.
.
Bake in oven for 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and potato is tender. Serve immediately.
.