Sun Dried Tomato BBQ Chicken Breasts

Just got home from a gorgeous weekend at camp, and its 32degrees out. Way too hot to cook. The man is gone for wings and beer, which I really really wish I could be eating, buttttttt Im in weight loss mode before we head to vegas, so I had to think of something quick, healthy and yummy to eat. I love sundried tomatoes, and feta cheese so I came up with this quick dinner.

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup calorie wise sun dried tomato salad dressing
light feta cheese
5-6 oil packed sun dried tomatoes
2 cups mixed greens
1/3 cup kalamata olives
Handful fresh tomatoes
greek dressing

Wash and Trim chicken
Place in a bowl with salad dressing and marinade for 15-20 minutes (while you prepare the rest of the dish)
Pre-Heat BBQ to medium heat
Clean and Oil grill
Remove chicken from marinade, place on grill, cook for 10-15 minutes a side, until no longer pink inside
Once chicken is done, place on dinner plate
Sprinkle with feta cheese and a few sundried tomatoes
Serve with mixed greens, tossed with fresh tomatoes, kalamata olives, feta cheese and greek dressing.

Warm Spinach Dip

Finally decided to take a crack at a warm spinach dip.

2 packages light cream cheese, slightly melted
3 TBSP olive oil mayonnaise (NOT LIGHT)
1 package frozen chopped spinach (thawed)
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 cup Kraft Italiano Cheese Blend
1 TSP Garlic Seasoning (either ALLgarlic or powder, NOT garlic salt)
1/4 tsp onion salt
1 tsp cayenne pepper (or less according to taste)
salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients together in slow cooker, cook on low 2-3 hours, stirring often
Add salt and pepper to taste

Copy Cat East Side Mario's Garden Salad Dressing

For the longest time I was addicted to East Side Marios' garden salad dressing. I finally figured out how to make it at home, and its just as good if not better. To get the ultimate copy cat, make sure to use romaine salad with red onions and peperoncini pickled peppers.

In a blender, combine the following ingredients, blend for 30 seconds, then refrigirate

1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup salad vinegar
1/2 cup lemon juice
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1/2 tsp onion powder (NOT ONION SALT)
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp thyme

Refrigirate for at least 30 minutes before serving

PICKLEEEDD STUFFFF :D

Just wanted to share a picture of my creations. First time pickeling. The entire house smelt, and were still finding dill seeds.

I made sweet pickles, dill pickles, spicy dills (of course), pickled cauliflower, pickled carrots, and one jar of mixed spicy stuff :) Im absolutely addicted, next year Ill be that crazy lady washing her cucumbers in the bath tub because Ill have so many...

I was told yesterday that Im pretty much one of the weirdest women around... I go from slicing and dicing fish, shooting things and blowing stuff up, to getting excited over canning... wow

Peanut Butter Salad Dressing (honestly... its amazing)

I know this sounds weird, but it's actually really really good. Kind of an asian twist...

Juice from 1 large navel orange
3 tsp smooth peanut butter
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp fresh grated ginger

Combine all ingredients in a blender.
Serve immediatly over mixed greens

Vanessa's Stir Fry

Finally something new... Best stir fry I have EVER tasted.

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, washed, and sliced in small chunks
1 tbsp sesame seeds
1/2 cup broccoli
1/2 cup cauliflower
1/2 cup green beans1
1 diced red pepper
6 brussel sprouts, split in half
2 tbsp grated ginger
2 cloves minced garlic
1 shallot
1/2 hot banana pepper
1/3 cup soy sauce + 1tbsp
2 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp honey
2 tbsp lime juice
3/4 cup linguini

Mix chicken, ginger, 1 tbsp soy sauce and garlic together, marinade at least 30 minutes

Bring a medium pot to boil
Add linguini, cook 10-11 minutes
Heat a wok over medium high heat, add 1tbsp oil, add chicken
Stir fry until chicken is just cooked
Meanwhile, mix together soy sauce, lime juice and honey
Add chicken to chicken in wok
Add half of the sauce
Cook until veggies are tender but still slightly crisp
Drain and add noodles
Add remaining sauce
Cover and let simmer for 5 minutes
Sprinkle with sesame seeds

ENJOY :)