Grilled Mojito Lime Chicken with Fresh Black Bean Salsa

I was never a big fan of cilantro until about 2 years ago.  The smell of it used to make me choke and it tasted like soap to me.  I read somewhere that you have to have a bitter taste perception gene to like cilantro.
There is actually a website for people that hate cilantro!

I have neighbors and friends from Costa Rica and enjoyed their food at parties and BBQ's and I guess I've acquired a taste for it now.  No latin dish with be authentic or taste the same without it.  We took a trip to Costa Rica a few years ago.  It's a beautiful country.

The hacienda where we stayed

Here is the Marinade:

• 1 lime, zested and juiced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 Tbs. Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1/4 cup finely chopped mint
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp. chili powder
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• 1/2 tsp. paprika

Combine all ingredients and marinate 2 lbs. thinly sliced chicken breasts.  Marinate for at least one hour.

Costa Rican Transportation

While chicken is marinating, prepare the Black Bean Salsa.

• 2 cups chopped tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 2 Tbs. chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 to 2 Tbs. chopped, fresh jalapeno
• 1 Tbs. olive oil
• 1 Tbs. fresh lime juice
• 1 Tbs. red wine vinegar
• 1 15-oz. can Black Beans, drained and rinsed
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Mix all the above ingredients in a medium size bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.

My outside grill is still covered with snow, so I took out my handy, dandy GF grill.  I actually think it did a better job.  The chicken was juicy and I saved the drippings that were in the drip tray to pour over the chicken.  Serve with tortilla chips or soft flour tortillas.

Original Post was in February.

No-Bake Whipped Cream Cheesecake

I met a lovely new friend at one of my Pampered Chef get-togethers who shared this amazing cheesecake recipe with me.  It's light but very rich...whipped cream heaven!

Crust:  1-1/4 graham cracker crumbs
           4 Tbsp. melted butter
           3 Tbsp. sugar

Combine all ingredients and press into springform pan or 10" tube pan.  Refrigerate while you make the cream cheese filling.  Set aside 2 Tbsp. for garnish.

Filling:

• 1 pkg. Lemon Jello
• 3 cups heavy creamj
• 2 - 8 oz. pkgs. cream cheese at room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla

Dissolve Jello in 1/2 cup boiling water.  Set aside to cool.  Whip 3 cups heavy cream until stiff.  In a clean bowl whip cream cheese until fluffy.  Add sugar and vanilla and mix well.  Fold in whipped cream.  Refrigerate overnight or until set.

~G. Billiams
This recipe was linked to Miz Helen's Country Cottage 
and Sweets for Saturday
and So Sweet Sunday
and Cupcake Apothecary - A Themed Baker's Sunday

Wordless Wednesday - My Cottage Garden

This is the beginning of my Cottage Garden.   I love, love, love blue flowers!  I found a garden plan on-line but most of the plants are only sold in the UK, so I had to subsitute.  I can't wait for it to fill in!

 

Jebediah - Keeping things neat and tidy.

His Gnome Home

English Ivy

 

Hydrangea - "Blau Doneau"

  Columbine - "Blue Angel'

I Lost the tag for this one!

Spunkmeyer - Always playing!

 Fescue Grass - 'Elijah Blue"

Violas

Five Rosemary plants will create a background hedge.  "Tuscan Blue"

Bulbs:  Gladiolus x 12 - Violetta

            Iris x 6 - Deep Black

Still waiting for my Azurea - Electric Blue Summer Flowers

Fudwick and Lumbiddle looks like they have been hittin the sauce!

Slovakia Sweet Egg Cheese

 This recipe for Slovak sweet egg cheese is typically served at Easter time and goes by various names including hrudka, cirak, sirok, sirecz and on and on. Typically, hrudka is made without sugar, but some cooks prefer it sweet. Essentially, it's a ball of eggs and milk that have been cooked until the proteins separate into curds and the liquid separates into whey. 

This is a recipe passed down from my sister's mother-in-law.

• 15 eggs
• 1 quart of milk
• 4 Tbsp. sugar
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla
• Pinch of sugar

Put all ingredients in a heavy-bottoms 3 quart saucepan.  Beat together well with electric hand mixer.  Cook slowly over low heat stirring constantly.  When the mixture begins to get hot, you will see bits of the egg beginning to make curds.  When it looks like cottage cheese and the liquid begins to separate, remove from heat.

Pour into cheesecloth-line large bowl.

Bring up sides of cheesecloth and form into a ball.  Squeeze out as much liquid as possible (let cool slightly) and tie the cheesecloth closed.  Set over a strainer and let moisture drain; about 2 hours.  I hang mine off the cabinet knob with a bowl underneath.

Refrigerate overnight.  Remove cheesecloth and slice.  You can also bread lightly in flour and fry like french toast and serve with maple syrup.

Click here for more Traditional Eastern European Recipes

Babka - Grandmother's Bread

Babka is  brioche-like yeast cake traditionally baked for Easter.  Babka comes from "baba or babci" meaning Grandmother.  This is my mother's recipe.  Perfect in the morning just with butter and a hot cup of coffee.

You will need:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1-1/4 cup scalded milk
• 2 pkgs. dry yeast
• 5 cups all purpose flour
• 4 eggs
• 1 Tbsp. each orange and lemon zest
• 1/2 cup golden raisans

Scald milk; add butter and sugar and stir until butter melts.  Cool to lukewarm.  In your stand mixer, add milk mixture.  Add yeast and 2-1/2 cups of the flour, beat well.  Add eggs, one at a time until well blended.  Add zest, raisans and remaining flour.  Mix to incorporate and knead 10 minutes.  Dough will be a little sticky, but don't add any more flour.  Transfer to a large, oiled bowl and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.  Punch down dough and place in a well buttered tube pan.  Cover and let rise again; about 45 minutes.

 

Brush the top of the dough with beaten egg.  Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

This makes fabulous French Toast!

Glazed Lemon Cupcakes with Blueberries

These are light, airy cakes with blueberry filling and a lemony, white chocolate ganache glaze.  The original recipes was made with raspberry, which would be just as good.  I have a small ethnic store nearby and was able to find blueberry jam.  You can substitute any filling for these little cakes.

Cupcakes:

• 1 lemon
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 Tbsp. canola oil
• 1/3 cup plain non-fat yogurt
• 1/3 cup 2% milk
• 1 Tbsp. lemon extract
• 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 2 egg whites, room temperature
• 1/4 cup blueberry jam
• 1 tsp. cornstarch

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Place cupcake liners into wells of muffin pan.  Zest lemon to measure 1 Tablespoon.  In a medium bowl, combine sugar and oil; whisk well.  Add zest, yogurt, milk and extract; whisk until blended.

Combine flour, baking soda and salt in a small bowl; mix well.  Sift flour mixture into wet ingredients; whisk until blended.  Whisk egg white vigorously about 1 minute until very foamy; fold into batter.  Scoop batter into liners.  Mix blueberry jam with cornstarch; place about 1 tsp. of jam onto center of cupcakes; push in gently with back of spoon.

Bake 15-17 minutes or until tops spring back when lightly pressed.

Ganache & Garnish:

• 3 oz. white chocolate chips (1/2 cup)
• 2 Tbsp. plain, nonfat yogurt
• 1 tsp. lemon extract
• Fresh blueberries

Place chocolate in microwaveable bowl.  Microwave on high 45-60 second or until almost melted; stir until smooth.  Sitr in yogurt and extract.  Dip tops of cupcakes into ganache, coating tops evenly.  Garnish with blueberries.

~Adapted from Season's Best Recipe Collection
This recipes is linked to Miz Helen's Country Cottage

Chicken Ceasar Salad Wraps

I always get this wrap at the local diner.  They have the most delicious ceasar salad dressing!  This is my version and it comes pretty darn close.  I switched it up and added cucumber and wrapped it in a sun-dried tomato tortilla.

• 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed or shredded (grilled chicken would be great!)
• 2 cups romaine lettuce, shredded
• 1 cup diced tomato
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1/2 cup Ceasar Salad Dressing

Ceasar Salad Dressing:

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp. anchovy paste (more if you like or omit if you don't)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Toss all salad ingredients in a medium bowl.  Take about 2 cups of the salad mixture and place in the center of the tortilla.  Take the side closest to you and fold it over the salad.

 

Fold both sides into the center and roll the whole thing away from you closing up the tortilla.  Wrap in parchment paper and cut in half.

Great to take to work for lunch!

Salt 'N' Vinegar Roasted Potatoes

Did you every buy authentic fish & chips?  The fried fish dripping with malt vinegar?  We just turned it around in this recipe.  The vinegar is on the potatoes!

• 1-1/2 lbs. small round potatoes
• Coarse salt
• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup malt vinegar (cider vinegar can be substituted

In a medium pot, bring potatoes to a boil over high heat in salted water.  Cook at a rapid simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.  Place a folded dishtowel or paper towel on a work surface and place a potato inside.  Gently...and i mean gently, smash the potato so that it is flattened but still in one piece.  The edges on the potato will split.  Repeat with remaining potatoes.

That guy on the end didn't make it.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.  Brush a rimmed baking sheet with 1 tablespoon oil.  Place potatoes on sheet and brush tops with remaining 1 tablespoon oil.  Bake until crisp and golden, 35 minutes, flipping them halfway through.  Remove from oven, toss with vinegar and season with coarse salt.

I served these yummy potatoes with Parmesan crusted Tilapia - As good as any chippery!

~Adapted from Everyday Food

A Little Garden Tip

I just planted some radishes and beets in my garden and wanted to share a quick tip.  Wrap the seed packets in plastic wrap and thread bamboo skewers through the packet and stick it back in the ground.  A quick marker to let you know what is growing where.  The plastic wrap will protect the packet from the rain so you can refer back to it when your seeds are growing and when they will be ready for picking!  Put a date on the packet for easy reference.

Sweet-Sour Cocktail Meatballs

These are my "famous" "Patti's Meatballs"!  Everytime we have a party or a get-together, I am asked to bring these along.  I have been making this recipe for years and we still never tire of them.  I bought a Pillsbury paperback cookbook, "Winter Food for Friends" and have used several recipes from that book for appetizers and snacks.  I hope you'll try them for your next party - I guarantee everyone will love them!

• 20 oz. can pineapple chunks, drained, reserving liquid
• 3/4 cup dry bread crumbs
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• 1 egg, slightly beaten
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1/2 lb. ground pork
• 1 small green pepper, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1-1/4 cups sugar
• 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
• 1 tsp. chicken-flavor bouillon
• 1 cup liquid (remaining pineapple liquid plus water)
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  Measure 1/3 cup of reserved pineapple liquid; set remaining liquid aside.  In a large bowl, combine 1/3 cup pineapple liquid, breadcrumbs and garlic; blend well.  Add egg and ground meats and mix well.  Shape into 1-inch balls; place on ungreased baking pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until browned and thoroughly baked.

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch and bouillon.  Add remaining sauce ingredients.  Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly.  Add pineapple chunks and green pepper; cook until thoroughly heated.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer hot meatballs into serving dish.  Add warm green pepper and pineapple mixture and mix gently.

~Adapted from Pillsbury - Winter Food for Friends

 This recipe can also be found on This Week's Cravings 
and also on The Culinary Enthusiast - Secret Recipe Club

Easter Butter Lamb

 Easter Butter Lamb - Baranek Weikanocny

The Easter Lamb bearing a Resurrection Banner - like marshmallow Peeps, the butter lamb is an Easter icon of Polish Tradition.

Isn't he cute?

When I was growing up, I would be the one to make the lamb.  I made it free form, by hand and most of them came out looking like a Sphinx! (sorry, no pics available).  I didn't have the web to look up instructions, and my mom never told me that they have molds specifically for this.  Maybe she did tell me, but I don't recall.  I would sculpt my little lamb, put him in the fridge to get hard, then take a toothpick and make all kinds of swirlies on him to make it look like wool.  I put two peppercorns for eyes, and a sprig of parsely in his mouth. Just the smell of the parsley when I decorated this little guy, brought me right back to my mom's kitchen table.  There are handcarved wooden molds available from Poland that cost over $100.00. 

Swieconka - Blessing of the Easter Food

The blessing of the Easter food is an old lovely tradition that I was raised with.  It is common for most Eastern European Catholics.  On Holy Saturday, we would set the dining room table with all our food to be blessed.  Father Joe - from St. Hedwig's Parish would make a visit to the house to bless our food.  None of the churches do this anymore.

These are the most important part of the Easter table and their meanings:

Baranek - A lamb, representing Christ Resurrected.  A typical Polish Easter symbol.

Pepper and Horseradish - These symbolize the bitter herbs of the Passover and Exodus.

Bread - A symbol of Christ, "The Bread of life".

Salt - "You are the salt of the Earth".

Vinegar - Symbolizes the gall given to Christ at the Crucifixtion.

Wine - Symbolizes the blood of sacrifice spilt by Christ at the Crucifixtion.

In the old days, all types of pork were forbidden until the coming of Christ.

Father Joe won't be coming to bless the food anymore, but he has blessed us with many special Easter memories.

Pysanky - Ukrainian Easter Egg art

I tried this once but it's very involved - but beautiful!

Make your own Easter Butter Lamb

Polish Art Center - Plastic Butter Lamb Mold

How to make Ukrainian Easter Eggs

This lamb has joined the So Sweet Linky Party! 

Visit Not "Baaad" Sundays with Lamb Around - Stop by and Vote for my Easter Lamb!

Spring Blog Hop - Hop on over to The art & tree chatter

Strawberry Amaretto Pastries

With very few ingredients, you can make these impressive pastries!

• 1/2 pkg. frozen puff pastry sheet, thawed (1 sheet)
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds, divided
• 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar
• 1 container (8 oz.) sour cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 tsp. almond extract
• 1-1/2 cups whipped cream
• 12 large strawberries, sliced
• Orange zest

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  Unfold pastry dough onto baking pan.  Finely chop half of the almonds and combine with granulated sugar.  Sprinkle evenly over surface of dough.  Lightly press almond mixture into dough.

Cut dough lengthwise into three strips; cut strips crosswise into four squares for a total of 12 squares.  Gently separate squares evenly over surface of pan.  Bake 16-18 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.  Remove from pan onto cooling rack.

Meanwhile, place remaining almonds into a small saucepan and cook over medium-high heat 2-3 minutes or until lightly toasted, stirring occasionally.  Remove from heat and cool.  Coarsely chop.

Whisk sour cream, powdered sugar and almond extract in a medium bowl.  Fold in whipped cream.  Slice strawberries.  Split open each pastry square;  arrange half of the strawberries into bottom of each shell.  Top with about 2 heaping tablespoons of the filling and sprinkle with chopped almonds.  Top with remaining strawberries.  Zest orange over strawberries.  Place tops of pastry shells over filling.  Serve immediately.

These are dainty and delectable

~Adapted from The Pampered Chef
Cooks Tip:  If not serving immediately, fill right before serving.  Sliced peaches can be substitued for the strawberries.
This recipe is being featured on Fresh, Clean, and Pure Fridays - la bella vita
and on Sweet as Sugar Cookies - Sweet for Saturday,
Joy of Desserts
What's Cookin Wednesday

Confetti Turkey Meatballs

Down the Produce Aisle near the bagged lettuce, you will find Mann's Broccoli Cole Slaw.  It consists of hearts of broccoli, carrots and a small amount of red cabbage.  This recipe was on the back of the bag.  I've been meaning to make something with ground turkey in it...and voila!  I thought the veg in the turkey meatballs would keep the meat moist.  This is an inexpensive, healthy meal.  Lean turkey and veggies all in one! The Broccoli Cole Slaw was $2.49 and the turkey was $3.21 - that's only $5.70 and can feed a family of four.

• 1 (12 oz) pkg. Mann's Broccoli Cole Slaw
• 1-1/4 lbs. lean ground turkey
• 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 5 tsp. grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp. finely chopped garlic
• 1-1/2 tsp. oregano
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Place bag of Broccoli Cole Slaw in microwave.  Microwave on high for 4 minutes.  Let cool before adding to the other ingredients.  In a large bowl, add all of the above ingredients and mix until well combined.  Spray baking sheet with cooking spray.  Use about 1/4 cup of mixture for each meatball.  The mixture will be very soft.  Bake on prepared baking sheet for 30 minutes.

I made a quick marinara and simmered the meatballs in the sauce for an additional 20 minutes.

Quick Marinara:  Take one 35 oz. can of whole peeled Italian tomatoes and process in blender.  In about 2 Tablespoons olive oil, saute 3 smashed garlic cloves and a pinch of red pepper flakes.  Saute until garlic starts to turn golden.  Add tomatoes and simmer 20 minutes.  Add salt and pepper to taste and fresh basil.

These meatballs are great served plain, with marinara sauce or as a hot sandwich.  Makes about 20 meatballs.  These meatballs were very juicy and moist and really delicious!  Something different!

My New Stylish Blogger Award!

Last night I received an email from Marelie from Cookie Droplets Etc. who stopped by my "Virtual Spa" here at Comfy Cuisine and got so relaxed and mellow that she decided to give me this award!

You are invited!

She now has a standing appointment and free spa views forever!  I only have a few posts there as I just started expanding my blog.  I often go there myself just to listen to the music and watch the video.  Just to take some time to relax.  Marelie's blog is fairly new - February 2011 and she definitely has the gift of gab!  Thank you Marelie!  After you receive your award, kindly follow the steps below:

1)  Thank and link back to the person who awarded you this award.
2)  Share 7 things about yourself.
3)  Award 15 blogs that you follow and contact the bloggers and let them know that you have chosen them as well.

Seven things about myself -  I don't consider myself a very good writer.  Cook, yes, but sometimes I have a hard time articulating myself.  I think I try too hard sometimes, so now I'm just going to let it fly!!

I've been unemployed since June of last year.  Now I feel that it has been a blessing in disguise.  I've had the time to start my blog and pursue my passion for cooking.  I really enjoy meeting everyone and sharing our food and our stories!

I was a Lead Teacher for a Day Care Center until June.  I had to leave the position.  I taught in the Toddler Room - 2-1/2 to 3 years old, potty training and all that.  When the room got up to 16 children, with only one assistant, I had to call it quits - it was just too much.  I've just recently become a consultant for Pampered Chef and have two shows scheduled this month!

As soon as funds become available, I am going to attend the Culinary Institute in New York and if all works out well, I will finish my studies in Italy!  I have Polish roots, but I have always been a lover of Italian Food and Culture.

I have two fabulous, handsome sons, both men now.  One a Police Officer for our city and the other, a well-established barber.  Everyone gets their hair cut every other day now!

Hubby and I getting divorced - but it's a good thing, so no apologies necessary.  I only wished it would have happened sooner, I'm not getting any younger you know!

Music - I love one hit wonders!

Ok enough about me - on to my choices.

Big Mama's Home Kitchen 

Ekat's Kitchen 

 Happier Than A Pig in Mud

What's Cookin Italian Style 

The Country Cook 

 My Catholic Kitchen

La bella vita

Moms Crazy Cooking

Quit Eating Out

Sweet as Sugar Cookies

Eccentric Kitchen

Turning the Clock Back

You Made That?

Ms. Enplace

Are you Hungry?

A great big thanks and hugs to all my BFF's who invited me to share and link up on their sites!  Have a great day and grab your award!