dinner

Chicken and Peppers with Goat Cheese

Once upon a time I had this little ol’ blog and the only people who read it were mom and dad (thanks guys!) Ironically enough, it was during these first six months that I posted most of my recipes. Since then, I’ve started focusing more on the workout aspect of healthy living, and I leave the recipe development up to the pros like Erin, Arman, and Dannii.

So while I’m sure I’ll come up with new stuff here and there, I think it’s time to share some of the best things I’ve ever made, and hope you like them too. There’s something about spring that makes me want to start creating recipes again, and also start sharing healthy food ideas, not just fitness tips.

Chicken and Peppers with Goat Cheese

Ingredients

  • 3 grilled chicken breasts (precooked)
  • 16 oz bag of quinoa (or brown rice)
  • 4 assorted bell peppers (we used yellow, orange, and green)
  • 1 large yellow onion
  • 1/2 of a 5oz. log of goat cheese–more or less depending on  your preference
  • 2 15oz. cans TJ’s Organic Great Northern Beans (or any other kind of white bean)
  • Cumin (start with 3 tbls. and add according to taste/preference)

Start by cooking the quinoa according to the instructions on the bag. Once it is cooked season it with a tablespoon of cumin and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.

img_2101Once the quinoa is cooking, chop your peppers and onions.  You want these pieces to be bite-sized but not too small.img_2099

Sautee the chopped peppers and onions in olive oil until cooked, but still crispy.  Season with salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of the cumin.

Once the peppers and onions are cooked, add the chicken breasts (chopped). Finally, stir in the goat cheese! Mix only until the goat cheese is combined throughout.  Add your third tablespoon of cumin, along with a few pinches of salt and pepper.

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Now that everything is combined, it’s important to keep tasting until the amount of cumin is just right.  It’s a very important flavor that really adds a lot to the dish, so make sure you use enough.  You can always add more, but you can never take some back!

Serve with the quinoa and a simple side salad.  I made one using my dijon mustard dressing and leafy greens.img_2111

Tomato-Basil & Havarti Grilled Cheese (recipe)

You guys, it would be a sin, a downright sin, if I didn’t share this recipe with you. I’ve never been an easy girl to please in the grilled cheese department. If you hand me some Kraft singles in between Wonder Bread I’ll shoot you a stink eye like none other. That kind of simplicity just doesn’t do it for me. But hey, I’m an American, so of course I love throwing cheese, butter and bread together and calling it a meal. Here’s the quick, easy, and did I mention cheap recipe I threw together last night. PS whatever you do, do not be afraid of Havarti. It tastes like butter. It’s basically a butter and butter sandwich. So just make it.

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Tomato-Basil & Havarti Grilled Cheese

Makes 2 sandwiches

Ingredients:

  • Loaf of fresh Italian bread
  • 1 tomato, sliced
  • 1 bunch basil (3 leaves per sandwich)
  • Butter
  • 2 slices of Havarti cheese

Directions:

  • Heat skillet to medium heat
  • Soften the butter so it’s spreadable
  • Slice four pieces of Italian bread, about ½ inch thick each
  • Spread the butter on one side of all four pieces of bread
  • Once the skillet is hot, place two slices of bread butter-side down in the pan
  • Layer each piece with the cheese first, then topped with the tomato and three leaves of basil
  • Top the sandwiches with the final two slices of bread, butter-side up
  • Put lid on top to help the cheese melt
  • After about three minutes, check if the bottoms of the sandwiches are crispy and light brown. If so, flip ‘em over!
  • Press down on the sandwiches periodically. It’s not a Panini but the cheese and veggies will mesh perfectly together with just a few nudges
  • Once the other side is light brown and crispy, you’re all set!

I ate my sandwich in two minutes. So there’s that. Enjoy!

Question:

  • What’s your favorite style of grilled cheese? For me, there has to be tomato in there.