Sweet and Tangy Chicken

(Oven or Slow Cooker Recipe)

This was actually a slow cooker recipe that I found in a taste of home magazine; but I made it using the oven and it is a new favourite in our house! I’ve been looking for re-vamped chicken recipes – chicken can be such a boring meat – this one works well.

Ingredients:

1 medium onion chopped
1.5 teaspoon minced garlic
2-4 chicken breasts or in a slow cooker you an even use a broiler/fryer chicken
2/3 cup of ketchup
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon each of chili powder and lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons cold water



Directions:

In a baking dish (or slow cooker), combine the onion and garlic; top this with the chicken. In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, chili powder, lemon juice, basil, salt, pepper and hot sauce. Pour this over the chicken.

Cover and cook at 350 until cooked in the oven. In the slow cooker cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours until the chicken juices run clear. Remove the chicken and keep warm.

Transfer the juices to a saucepan, combine the cornstarch and water – stir into juices and bring to a boil for 2 minutes; until thickened.

Zippy Beef Bake

This is an easy recipe! A night were you are stuck; and don't have any idea what to make and your groceries are dwindling but you have the staples; this is an easy but tastey bake!

Ingredients:

ground beef
broccoli (could use zucchini, carrots etc. whatever you have in the fridge)
sliced mushrooms (or not)
chopped onion
1.5 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1.5 cups of cooked rice
1 can of chopped green chillies or jalapeno chopped to taste
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheese (we used cheddar; but Monterey Jack would be good as well)



Directions:

In a large skillet, cook the beef, then add onions, mushrooms and vegetable. Stir until vegetables are tender.

Stir in the chili powder, salt and garlic. Then add the rice, chillies, sour cream and half the cheese.

Place in a greased baking dish; sprinkle remaining cheese. Bake uncovered at 350 for 20-22 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Bacon Cheeseburger Turnovers

I believe I found this recipe on Tastey Kitchen; one of my favourite recipe sites. It turned out great and was really easy!

Ingredients:

1 package of puff pastry – will make four portions
Lean ground beef
½ teaspoon granulated garlic
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 cup of your favourite BBQ sauce (I used ½ cup and found it to be plenty – measure to your taste)
Chopped onion
Cooked bacon
1 cup of cheddar cheese shredded – can combine cheddar and mozza




Directions:

Cook the beef and bacon separately; put bacon aside and cut into small pieces.
Add onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and BBQ sauce to the beef – cook a bit longer.

Combine beef mixture and chopped bacon in a bowl.

Set out puff pastry and place some cheese on the bottom, then add 1.5 tablespoon of mixture in the center of the pastry, you can top it with more cheese then add the top pastry piece and close.

Place on a non-stick baking sheet and cook at 400 degrees for 15 minutes depending on your oven.