Hey everyone! I'm sorry it's been so long since I've posted!! School is taking up a majority of the time (thank goodness I'm taking online classes) and SO FAR I've managed to pull an A in my first class, B in my second and on track to another A. Who knew taking 6 years off from school and jumping back into it would be so refreshing? Yep, I said it, I'm actually enjoying being a student, although I can't wait for it to be over!
Well, of course I've been cooking a lot. Do I always remember to take pictures along the way? No. This is my problem. Girlfriends of mine ask me "what have you been cooking, Lauren?" and I can't even tell them to check up on my blog because, well, the blog is looking a bit naked. SO let's get started.
I made this chicken with pear salsa about 2 weeks ago. I make chicken a majority of the time for dinner. I was in the mood for something a little more summer-y with this HOT HOT weather in south Florida. The salsa is refreshing and went great with the seasoned baked chicken with a side of baked corn-on-the-cob.
MmmMMmMm look at how refreshing
- spicy sushi tuna roll at 11:00, Publix sushi is a weakness of mine -
I started with 1 small sweet onion, 1 medium sized pear and 2 tomatoes.
Publix is my go-to store. Their produce is usually always fresh, priced well, and their customer service is like no other. That's just what you get from a southern store. I especially love their Tasti-Lee tomatoes.
Chop up your fruits and veggie.
Whenever you make a salsa, I recommend placing your chopped onions in a bowl of ice water to take away some of the Zing of the onion. This leaves the sweetness and crunch of the onion without being too strong and eye-watering to eat. Let these soak for about 5 mins.
After your onion has soaked for 5 mins, add it to the tomatoes and pear. Toss and add dried (or fresh) basil.
YUM. love basil. (Thank you Brenda -boyfriend's mom- for my spice rack)
Add two teaspoons of Italian dressing to make the salsa a little wet and to add additional flavor. You could also use Balsamic dressing if you choose.
Garlic salt? (because garlic goes with everything) Just a dash! Don't over-do it.
I lovee the Grill Mates seasoning! I baked the chicken, rubbed with this seasoning, at 350 degrees for 25 mins.
Spoon your salsa over the chicken! Doesn't that look mouth-watering?
WA-LAA! Pair it with your favorite veggie and favorite glass of white wine. The corn was done my special way, sprayed with cooking oil (no butter) and seasoned with onion soup mix. Foil wrap it and put it in the oven at 350 for 15 mins, rotate, add your chicken to the oven and cook both the corn and chicken for another 25 mins. EASIER than pie.
Cheers!
