Chicken Fajita Dinner

Tonight I am making everything from scratch (sorta, the tortillas were already made).

First of all, I made the Guacamole...it needed to sit in the fridge for a bit so the spices could marry with the avocado.

2 medium avocados, peeled and pitted
4 Tblsp. chopped red onion
4 Tblsp. chopped fresh cilantro
2 Tblsp. lime juice
1/2 tsp. hot pepper sauce (I used Texas Pete....luv the stuff)
1/2 tsp. salt

Put the avocados in a medium bowl and mash with a fork until almost smooth.
Add remaining ingredients and stir until combined.  Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 1 day.

Now for the Pico de gallo.

I don't have any measurements here for this....I just make it to taste with these ingredients:

1 chopped onion
2 - 3 chopped jalapenos, seeded and devained
chopped tomatoes
chopped cilantro
a sprinkle of lime juice
a sprinkle of salt

Mix all together and taste.  Let sit in the fridge next to your guacamole to let all the flavors get together.  Add more of whatever taste the best for you.

For the beans, I just cooked a pot of dried pinto beans in water to cover...brought to a boil....then covered and simmered for two hours (without lifting the lid...unless to peek to see if you need to add more water and to see if it is just at a simmer).
After the two hours, I added pinto bean seasoning and a little salt and pepper.  Mash it up a little bit so it is a bit creamy.

For the rice:

1 can (10 1/2 oz) chicken broth
1/2 c. water
1/2 c. Thick and chunky salsa (I used PACE ;o))
2 cups of uncooked minute rice

In saucepan mix broth, water and salsa.  Bring to a boil.
Stir in rice.  Cover and remove from heat.  Let stand 5 minutes then fluff with a fork.

Now for the fajitas.
I took chicken breasts and seasoned them with fajita seasoning.  Let them sit for a bit in the fridge while I sliced up onions and bell peppers.  Then take out the chicken breasts and slice them up.
Grilled them both on the George Foreman grill till done.  In a pan on the stove or under the broiler or on the pit works just as good.

Warm up your flour tortillas on a non-greased hot pan or in the microwave, wrap them up and enjoy.
This was so good.  Next time will have to try beef instead of chicken. (or maybe both).  I hope y'all enjoy this.  Please let me know if y'all have any different suggestions and how it comes out for you.  Have a great day :o)

Grilled Salmon and Rice Pilaf

Pulled out the George Foreman grill for this one.  This was so good....hardly had enough for next days lunch!

Grilled Salmon

1 1/2 pounds salmon fillets
lemon pepper to taste
garlic powder to taste
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Season salmon fillets with lemon pepper and garlic powder.

In a small bowl, stir together soy sauce, brown sugar, water and vegetable oil until sugar is dissolved.  Place fish in a large resealable plastic bag with the soy sauce mixture, seal and turn to coat.  Refrigerate for at least two hours.

Heat up grill and lightly oil the grate.  Put salmon on the preheated grill and discard marinade.  Cook salmon for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the fish fakes easily with a fork.

Now for the

Rice Pilaf

2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup orzo pasta
1/2 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup uncooked rice
2 cups chicken broth

Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-low heat.  Cook and stir orzo pasta until golden brown.  Stir in onion and cook until onion is translucent.  Add garlic and cook for one more minute.  Mix in the rice and chicken broth.  Turn up heat and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for about 20 minutes (until rice is tender and liquid has been absorbed).  Remove from heat and let stand stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Add your favorite veggies and there you have an awesome dinner.

Apple coffee cake

We love this coffee cake so much, that we have had it for dessert and even cold the next day!

Apple Coffee Cake

DOUGH
Mix together:
2/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup margarine
1 egg

Stir in:
12 cup milk

Then add:
1 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt

STREUSEL MIXTURE
Mix together:
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 Tblsp. flour
2 Tblsp. melted butter
2 tsp. cinnamon
chopped nuts
1/2 tsp. nutmeg

Mix well and spread half of dough in 9 x 9 inch pan.  cover with chopped (or thinly sliced) apples and streusel mixture, top with other half of dough, and bake at 375 degrees for 25 to 35 minutes.

Enjoy ya'll with your favorite coffee or even heated up with ice cream.....yummy!!!

P.S. Still working on a better camera....thanks for putting up with these pics ;o)