Sweet Apple BBQ Chicken

Attention crockpot lovers…….this one is for you!


1 1/2 lb. raw boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
3 cups chopped Fuji apples
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
1/2 cup BBQ sauce (I like Sweet Baby Ray's brand)
2 tsp. chopped garlic
1 tbsp. cornstarch

Season chicken with 1/4 tsp. each salt and black pepper and place in a crock pot. Top with apples and onion.

In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix garlic into BBQ sauce. Pour sauce mixture over contents of the crock pot, and lightly stir.

Cover and cook on high for 3 - 4 hours or on low for 7 - 8 hours, until chicken is fully cooked.

Turn crock pot to low (if needed). In a small bowl, stir to dissolve cornstarch in 1 tbsp. cold water. Stir mixture into the contents of the crock pot, along with remaining 1/2 tsp. salt.

Let sit, uncovered, until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Stir and enjoy! 

Bow Tie Pasta Salad

I am not a huge pasta salad fan but this one is AMAZING!! This recipe makes a big bowl so its great for a family get together.

1 box bow tie pasta, cooked and cooled
1- 16 oz. spiral pasta (multi-colored kind)
20 oz. can pineapple tidbits, drained
1 c. celery, chopped
1 bunch green onions, chopped
2 cups red grapes, halved
1 small can cashew pieces
3 cups chicken breasts, cooked and diced (optional)
1 cup mayonnaise
12 oz. Lighthouse brand coleslaw salad dressing

Mix dressing and mayonnaise together for sauce. Add all other ingredients EXCEPT cashews and toss. Refrigerate for about an hour before serving. Add cashews right before serving.

Best Chicken and Veggie Kabobs

My sister in law gave me this recipe several years ago. It came in a booklet she got when she purchased her treadmill. This is THE BEST marinade for kabobs. Delicious! 


1 lb. chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
1 pint cherry tomatoes
1 pint button mushrooms
1 green bell pepper
1 red bell pepper
1 red or white onion


Marinade:
1/2 c. lemon juice
1/2 c. olive oil
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 onion, quartered
1 tbsp fresh thyme (1 tsp. dried)


Let chicken and veggies marinade 2-3 hours or longer (I like to put mine in a gallon size freezer bag and marinade overnight). Thread onto metal skewers or if you use wood like me let them soak in water 15 minutes right before threading. Grill or broil 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked. 

Garden Ranch Pizza

If you like ranch flavor like I do you will LOVE this one! My kids like this one too!

Your favorite pizza dough (i like to make mine from scratch)
1/2 c. mayonnaise
1/2 package dry ranch dressing (2 Tbsp.)
1 clove garlic, pressed
2 c. mozzarella cheese
1 c. coarsely chopped broccoli
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1 medium carrot, sliced
1/2 c. black olives, sliced
(I also like to put other veggies like chopped tomatoes on mine)
1/4 c. grated parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 425. Roll out dough and place on lightly floured pizza stone or cookie sheet. In a small bowl combine mayo, ranch seasoning and garlic. Spread over dough. Top with 1 c. mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle broccoli, bell pepper, carrots, olives etc. over pizza and top with remaining cheese and parmesan cheese. Bake 18-22 minutes (may take a few minutes longer too) or until the edges are golden brown.

Easy Baked Tomatoes

4

tomatoes, halved crosswise

1/4

cup  balsamic vinaigrette dressing

1/4

cup grated parmesan cheese

HEAT grill to medium heat.

PLACE tomatoes, cut-sides up, in disposable foil pan. Drizzle with dressing; sprinkle with cheese.

PLACE pan on grill grate; cover with lid.

GRILL 15 min. or until tomatoes are softened and cheese is lightly browned
.