Fresh Broccoli Salad

2 large crowns fresh broccoli, rinsed and florets removed
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese
1 small package of real bacon bits or 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
1 small red or white onion, chopped
1/2 cup mayonaise
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Mix the first four ingredients together.  Mix the last 3 ingredients together for the dressing.  Combine both.  Chill before serving.  Optional:  dried cranberries, golden raisins or nuts can be added for another flavor.

Stuffed Chicken Breasts

I'm making this tonight for my honey!

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 box Stove-Top stuffing mix
1 can crushed pineapple in juice, divided
1 green pepper, chopped
3/4 cup hot water
2 tablespoons margarine
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ginger

Heat oven to 400 degrees.  Mix hot water and margarine in bowl until margarine melted.  Add the Stove-Top and the provided herb packet to water and combine.  Add the green pepper and 1/2 of the can of pineapple.  Spoon stuffing mixture on chicken and roll tightly and secure on toothpicks.  Place in dish seam side down.  Add remaining stuffing in the middle.  Mix the remainder of the pineapple, vinegar, brown sugar and ginger and top the chicken.  Bake for 30 minutes or until cooked thoroughly.

Jalapeno-Honey-Lime Chicken

Healthy eating!

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/3 cup lime juice
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 jalapeno, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1/4 teaspoon onion salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon cumin

Wash the chicken and place in gallon zip-top bag.  Place next 7 ingredients in blender or food processor and process until smooth.  Place in bag and marinate at least 6 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven 400 degrees or grill on medium heat.  Remove chicken and discard marinade.  Cook 20 minutes or until juices run clear.  While baking, baste with following several times:

1/3 cup lime juice
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 jalapeno, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1/4 teaspoon onion salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon cumin

Yes, the baste is the same as the marinade.  You cannot baste with the marinade because it has come in contact with raw food.

Pizza Crust

Need to make a quick, easy pizza crust? Never fear!

1 cup warm water

1 package rapid rise yeast

3 cups all purpose flour

1 tablespoon honey

olive oil

Mix water and yeast in large bowl. Add honey and stir. Mix flour and mix well. If dough is too dry, may add water one tablespoon at a time. Drizzle with olive oil and sit in warm area for 10 minutes.

Press dough in greased pizza pan. Cook 425 degrees for 5 minutes. Remove from oven and top with pizza toppings of choice. Place back in oven and bake another 7 minutes or until cheese melted. YUM!

Plum Pie

6 ripe plums, washed, pits removed and sliced

2/3 cup sugar

1 teaspoon cloves

1 egg, beaten

extra sugar for garnish

Pie pastry for double crust (can make your own or use store bought)

Preheat oven 375 degrees. Mix plums, sugar and cloves in sauce pan, cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, or until plums are soft. Place in pie shell, top with additional crust, seal edges. Cut four vent holes in top crust. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar. Bake 30 minutes or until crust is brown.

Chicken Nachos

The ultimate game snack! Makes 4 large servings.

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced or 1 1/2 cup chopped chicken (deli-style)

1 package taco seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

2/3 cups water

1 bag restaurant-style tortilla chips (I use Tostinos)

Toppings of choice: lettuce, tomato, cheese, jalapeno, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, etc.

Sautee chicken in oil until no longer pink. Add water and taco seasoning, heat until boiling. Reduce heat to medium and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Place chips on oven-proof plate, divide chicken mixture over chips. Sprinkle cheese on top, place under oven broiler to melt cheese. (Optional, may skip these steps)

Top with your toppings of choice. WARNING! THIS IS MESSY! (BUT GOOD!)

Red Skin Potato Salad

8 small red potatoes, scrubbed clean

3 green onion, chopped

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1 Tablespoon dijon mustard

3 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped

2 Tablespoons sweet salad cubes

Slice potatoes into 8 cubes. Boil over high heat for 15 minutes, until soft. Drain and rinse with cold water. Mix mayonnaise, mustard, bacon, salad cubes and onion together and mix with potatoes just until coated. Salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate before serving.