Holiday Brunch! Caramelized Onion, Ham & Gouda Tart :: Pear, Bleu Cheese, Cranberry & Toasted Pecan Salad with Honey Vinaigrette :: Chicken Empanadillas :: Gluten-Free Spinach, Mushroom and Cheese Egg Casserole :: Brown Sugar Butter Monkey Bread

Holiday Brunch
Holiday Brunch

It wouldn’t be the holidays without catching up with friends and family and coming together for a fun holiday brunch with friends that I only get to see a couple times a year. There’s nothing better than gathering in the kitchen and around the table to eat, drink, and laugh together over some great food and drinks.

Holiday Brunch with the Girls
Holiday Brunch with the Girls

We decided to all bring a dish for our brunch (I love potlucks!) – I made a Caramelized Onion, Ham and Gouda Tart, my Sister brought a Pear, Bleu Cheese, Cranberry and Toasted Pecan Salad with Honey Vinaigrette. We also had homemade Chicken Empanadillas from my friend Julie, a Gluten-Free Spinach and Mushroom Egg Casserole by Donna (our gracious host!) and Rachel’s Brown Sugar Butter Monkey Bread was to die for! Teresa brought some gorgeous Christmas cookies and Peppermint Bark for dessert. Here’s a roundup of our recipes for the perfect holiday brunch..enjoy!

Caramelized Onion, Ham & Gouda Tart

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 6

Caramelized Onion, Ham & Gouda Tart

This savory tart recipe is perfect for the holidays and easy to make. You can either make it in a 9-inch tart pan or in a pie dish. It has tons of chunky ham, lots of gooey melty cheese, and caramelized onions, covered in a creamy egg custard with herbs baked in a crunchy, flaky pie dough. You could also substitute crispy bacon or prosciutto for the ham, and use any melty cheese you like. The caramelized onions and garlic give it a tangy sweet flavor that goes perfect with the cheesy creamy custard.

Ingredients

  • 1 refrigerated pie shell dough (fresh or store-bought)
  • 1 cup cooked and cubed ham
  • 1 medium onion, halved and sliced thin
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1/2 cup light cream
  • 1/2 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 1/2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
  • Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 3/4 cup Gouda cheese, sliced or shredded (can also substitute Gouda, Cheddar or another soft cheese that melts well)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
  2. Roll out pie dough into a 9" pie dish, overlapping dough 1 inch over edge of pie dish. Flute edges.
  3. Heat a large sauté pan over medium-low heat, add olive oil and butter and onions.
  4. Saute onions for about 5 minutes until soft, add maple syrup and stir.
  5. Saute onions for another 5-10 minutes until they become caramelized and golden brown, add garlic and cook another minute or so. Remove from heat and set aside.
  6. Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl whisk together sour cream, egg, egg yolk, light cream, fresh thyme, parsley and salt and pepper to make the custard filling.
  7. Scatter the caramelized onions into the pie shell, and top with diced ham and cheese.
  8. Pour custard over the top evenly into the shell. Bake tart for 10 minutes.
  9. Take tart out of the oven and cover the crust edges with strips of foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown..
  10. Let tart cool on a wire baking rack, cut into wedges and serve.
  11. Note: if using homemade dough, pre-bake tart shell covered in foil with dried beans or pie weights at 400 degrees F for 15-17 minutes, then and add meat and veggies and custard filling and bake for additional 20 minutes or so until the tart is set.

Notes

Recipe inspired by Andrew Zimmern's Bacon-Onion Tart, Food & Wine Magazine

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2014/01/caramelized-onion-ham-gouda-tart/

Pear, Bleu Cheese, Cranberry & Toasted Pecan Salad with Honey Viniagrette

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 6-8

Pear, Bleu Cheese, Cranberry & Toasted Pecan Salad with Honey Viniagrette

This is one of my favorite Winter salads made with a gorgeous combination of flavors and textures. It has fresh sliced pears, toasted pecans, crumbly bleu cheese and red onions, bathed in a slightly sweet honey vinaigrette.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup pecans, toasted
  • 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1/2 head romaine lettuce or 1/2 bag mixed greens, chopped
  • 1/2 large red onion, sliced thin
  • 3/4 cup crumbly bleu cheese
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1-2 pears, cored and sliced
  • Dressing:
  • 3 tbsp veg oil
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons honey, heated
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Salad:
  2. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  3. Place pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 7-10 minutes until lightly browned.
  4. Chop lettuces and slice onion, add to large salad bowl with cranberries.
  5. Core and cut pears into thin slices. Toss some into salad, save some for topping.
  6. Heat honey and make dressing; toss with salad ingredients, top with crumbly bleu cheese and sliced pears.
  7. Dressing:
  8. Combine vinegar, warmed honey, salt and pepper in a blender or whisk together well in a mixing bowl.
  9. Slowly stream in olive oil whisking vigorously until all oil is blended into a gorgeous vinaigrette dressing.
  10. Toss with salad ingredients.
https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2014/01/caramelized-onion-ham-gouda-tart/

Chicken Empanadillas (Empanadas)

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Yield: 10-12 empanadillas

Chicken Empanadillas (Empanadas)

This is a classic recipe for Chicken Empanadillas (or empanadas). It has a flaky buttery dough surrounding a savory mixture of shredded cooked chicken, onions and spices, then lightly fried to crispy golden brown perfection. Serve with fresh tomato salsa for some extra heat and Latin flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp. Evoo
  • ½ lb. cooked chicken breast & thigh
  • ½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about ½ cup)
  • ¼ cup Tomato Sauce
  • 6 Spanish Olives Stuffed with Minced Pimientos, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp. Sofrito
  • 1 packet Sazón with Coriander and Annatto
  • 1 tsp. Minced Garlic or 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • ½ tsp. Dried Oregano Ground Black Pepper, to taste
  • 1 package (14 oz.) Discos (Yellow), thawed Corn Oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shredded chicken and cook until browned, breaking up meat with a spoon, about 10 minutes.
  2. Add onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes more.
  3. Stir in tomato sauce, olives, Sofrito, Sazón, garlic, oregano and black pepper. Lower heat to medium-low and simmer until mixture thickens, about 15 minutes.
  4. On a lightly floured work surface, using a rolling pin, roll out discos until ½” larger in diameter. Spoon about 1 tbsp. meat mixture into middle, fold in half to form a half moon; moisten edges with water and pinch to seal closed, or seal with a fork.
  5. Fill a deep saucepan with oil to a depth of 2½”. Heat oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking (350°F on deep-fry thermometer).
  6. Cook Empanadas in batches until crisp and golden brown, flipping once, 4 – 6 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
  7. Serve warm or at room temperature with a side of salsa.
  8. Makes 10 to 12 empanadillas.
https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2014/01/caramelized-onion-ham-gouda-tart/

Gluten-Free Spinach, Mushroom and Cheese Egg Casserole

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Yield: 8

Gluten-Free Spinach, Mushroom and Cheese Egg Casserole

This is a healthy and delicious gluten-free egg casserole made with spinach, sautéed mushrooms, onions and cheese baked into a fluffy savory dish that will feed a crowd and leave room for the heavier fare at the brunch table.

Ingredients

  • 1 large bag (10 oz. each) spinach
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (6 oz)
  • 1 1/2 packages (8 oz. each) sliced mushrooms
  • 1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
  • 1/2 cup Gluten-Free Bisquick® mix
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 eggs

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 400°F. Spray 9-inch glass pie plate with cooking spray.
  2. Sprinkle spinach, 1 cup of the cheese, the mushrooms and onion in pie plate.(I personally recommend sautéing the onions and mushrooms for a few minutes first to soften them before adding to the casserole.)
  3. In medium bowl, stir remaining ingredients with wire whisk or fork until blended. Pour into pie plate.
  4. Bake 35 to 38 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
  5. Bake 1 to 2 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Betty Crocker

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2014/01/caramelized-onion-ham-gouda-tart/

Brown Sugar Butter Monkey Bread

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes

Yield: 12

Brown Sugar Butter Monkey Bread

This recipe for Monkey Bread is sure to be a huge hit at your next brunch gathering with friends. It's super easy to make, using Pillsbury biscuits and is topped with brown sugar, butter, walnuts and cinnamon baked into a caramelized construction of sweet buttery goodness. It won't last longer than 5 minutes - promise!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 cans (16.3 oz each) Pillsbury® Grands!® Homestyle refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, if desired
  • 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup butter or margarine, melted

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease 12-cup fluted tube pan with shortening or cooking spray. In large -storage plastic food bag, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon.
  2. Separate dough into 16 biscuits; cut each into quarters. Shake in bag to coat. Arrange in pan, adding walnuts among the biscuit pieces.
  3. In small bowl, mix brown sugar and butter; pour over biscuit pieces.
  4. Bake 28 to 32 minutes or until golden brown and no longer doughy in center. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Turn upside down onto serving plate; pull apart to serve. Serve warm.

Notes

Recipe from Pillsbury.com

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2014/01/caramelized-onion-ham-gouda-tart/

Girls-Brunch-Table

As I reflect on 2013, this has been a year filled with challenges and opportunities, adventures and growth both personally and professionally. Good times and bad times, which I’m thankful for and have made me stronger. Wishing all of you a Happy New Year 2014 and health, happiness and good eating! Cheers! xx

Celebrating Memorial Day with Stoli Vodka! Grilled Honey Orange Chicken Skewers w/ Cucumber-Orange-Cilantro Salsa | Honey Orange Blossom Cocktails

Stoli Vodka

Cooking with Stoli Vodka for Memorial Day Weekend

There’s no better time than Memorial Day weekend to break out the grill and cook up some tasty BBQ to celebrate the beginning of Summer! I had the opportunity to create some recipes with Stoli Vodka for the holiday and decided to make Grilled Honey Orange Chicken Skewers with a Cucumber Orange Cilantro Salsa – a savory and light dish with tons of flavor and a hit of refreshment from the oranges and cucumbers. I used Stoli Ohranj (Orange flavor) and Stoli Sticki (Honey flavor) in both the chicken marinade and my delicious Honey Orange Blossom Cocktails.

The cocktails are made with a shot of each Stoli vodka flavor, honey, orange blossom water, vanilla extract, and organic lemon infused sparkling spring water, garnished with fresh orange slices and edible flowers. It’s light and refreshing with just a dash of honey and orange to cool your palette. It reminds me of a Creamsicle (remember those??) – the perfect treat for a hot Summer day.

I hope you enjoy the recipes and have an amazing Memorial Day weekend with family and friends..as for me, I’m hitting the beach for a dose of sunshine and R&R!

Stoli Ohranj Honey Blossom Cocktail

 

Grilled Chicken Skewers with Orange Cucumber Cilantro Salsa

Grilled Honey Orange Chicken Skewers w/ Cucumber-Orange-Cilantro Salsa

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Yield: 4-6

Ingredients

  • Honey Orange Chicken:
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • ¼ cup fresh squeezed orange juice
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Stoli Ohranj vodka
  • 1 tablespoon Stoli Sticki vodka
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced fine
  • 6 chives, minced fine
  • ½ teaspoon grated orange zest
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ red onion, cut into large chunks
  • 1 red, yellow or orange bell pepper, cut into large chunks
  • Cucumber-Orange-Cilantro Salsa:
  • ½ large orange, chopped fine
  • ½ cucumber, diced fine
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
  • 6 chives, minced fine
  • 1/2 jalapeno, minced fine
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Honey Orange Chicken:
  2. Cut chicken into large chunks and set aside.
  3. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least an hour before using (or simply use metal skewers to make your life easier).
  4. Combine next 11 ingredients (orange juice through S&P) in a large mixing bowl, add chicken and let marinade in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes up to 2 hours.
  5. Remove chicken from fridge and let stand at room temperature for at least 15 minutes.
  6. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  7. Thread marinated chicken, red onion and bell peppers onto skewers (should make at least 4 large or 5 medium skewers).
  8. Grill chicken skewers about 10-12 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature should read 165 degrees), turning once.
  9. Serve with Cucumber-Orange-Cilantro and grilled pita or flatbread and Stoli Honey Orange Blossom Cocktails.
  10. Cucumber-Orange-Cilantro Salsa:
  11. In a medium mixing bowl, add diced cucumber, orange pieces, fresh cilantro, chives and diced jalapeno.
  12. Add olive oil and vinegar, and S&P to taste, mixing thoroughly.
  13. Serve on top of grilled chicken skewers or on the side.
https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2013/05/celebrating-memorial-day-with-stoli-vodka-grilled-honey-orange-chicken-skewers-w-cucumber-orange-cilantro-salsa-honey-orange-blossom-cocktails/

Cooking with Stoli Memorial Day

 

Stoli Ohranj Honey Blossom Cocktail

Stoli Honey Orange Blossom Cocktails

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Yield: 1 cocktail

Ingredients

  • 1 shot Stoli Ohranj vodka
  • 1 shot Stoli Sticki vodka
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Orange blossom water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 10.5 fl oz Sparkling lemon spring water
  • Orange slices, for garnish
  • Edible flowers, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Add vodka, honey, orange blossom water and vanilla into a cocktail shaker and mix together with a tall spoon.
  2. Add ice and sparkling lemon spring water and close lid securely.
  3. Shake gently until mixed together.
  4. Serve in cocktail glasses over ice, garnish with orange wedges and edible flowers.
https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2013/05/celebrating-memorial-day-with-stoli-vodka-grilled-honey-orange-chicken-skewers-w-cucumber-orange-cilantro-salsa-honey-orange-blossom-cocktails/

Grilled Honey Orange Chicken Skewers with Cucumber Orange Cilantro Salsa

Stoli Sticki and Stoli Ohranj

About Stoli Vodka

Stoli Sticki has hints of honey and herb flavors, slightly sweet and floral.

Stoli Ohranj has a bright orange flavor of orange zest and varied flavors such as mandarin, kumquat and tangerine with a hint of lemon.

The two mixed together are the perfect combination for my BBQ marinade and refreshing cocktails!

Find out more about Stoli Vodka

Become a fan on Stoli’s Facebook page

Become a fan on Twitter: http://bit.ly/11deDwL

Become a fan on Pinterest: http://bit.ly/197F9PJ

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a sponsored post created for Stoli Vodka – I received samples of Stoli product for purposes of sampling and creating recipes and photographs for the Stoli brand. All opinions, recipes, ideas and photographs are my own, copyright © 2013 Kristen Hess/The Artful Gourmet.

Please do not share or use images without my expressed permission. If you want to share this post on social media, feel free, as long as you credit the story and recipes and photos to Kristen Hess/The Artful Gourmet and provide a link back to the original story on my website. Thanks!

Savor Stoli Responsibly. STOLICHNAYA® Premium Vodka. 40%
Alc/Vol. Distilled from grain. William Grant & Sons, Inc. New York, NY. © 2012 Spirits International, B.V

Cool off with some Spicy Fish Tacos & Summer Wine pairings

Yum

Spicy Fish Tacos
Spicy Fish Tacos

There’s an interesting theory that in the Summertime heat, eating spicy foods actually lowers your body temperature as well as a plethora of other health benefits such as raising your metabolism, improving digestion, mood and aids in better sleep. For a recent photoshoot I did for Miditto.com, we decided to pair some of their monthly wine selections with a spicy dish – and what better than some delicious fish tacos made with a kickin’ spice rub and a fresh mango-avocado-jalapeno salsa?

You can always adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne red pepper (or omit it all together if you like the spice flavor without the heat), and to be perfectly honest this spice rub and fruity fresh salsa combination would go great with grilled chicken or shrimp too! I used tilapia for this recipe but you can also substitute any other mild flaky white fish such as cod, orange roughy, flounder, halibut or haddock.

Spicy Fish Tacos
Spicy Fish Tacos

Garnish the tacos with some extra cilantro, jalapeñosfresh cracked black pepper. Some sliced red cabbage would also add a little bit of fresh crunch too. Add a splash of fresh lime juice, a dollop of  chipotle cream (recipe follows) — both great toppings to cool the spicy heat!

Rose wine

For wine pairing, Miditto recommends a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a light dry Rose, a fruity Riesling, a bold red Zinfandel or spicy Shiraz to compliment the spicy flavors of the dish.

Read more about the best Summer Wines on Food & Wine

Read more about the health benefits of eating spicy foods

Cool off with some Spicy Fish Tacos & Summer Wine pairings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: Serves 4.

Serving Size: 1 taco

Spicy Fish Tacos with Mango, Avocado & Jalapeño Salsa and Chipotle Crema. Perfectly paired with Summer white wine or rose to cool the heat!

Ingredients

  • Spicy Fish Fillets:
  • 1/2 tbsp cumin
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 pound white fish fillets (cod, tilapia,haddock)
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • Avocado-Mango-Jalapeno Salsa:
  • 1 cup sliced peeled avocado
  • 2/3 cup finely chopped peeled ripe mango
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 cup red cabbage, shredded (optional)
  • 1 lime, fresh juice of for garnish 8 (6-inch) corn or flour tortillas
  • Chipotle Crema:
  • 1/2 cup low-fat sour cream or plain yogurt
  • 1 tbsp low-fat mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons chipotle pepper (finely chopped) in adobo sauce
  • fresh lime juice from 1/2 lime
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Spicy Fish:
  2. Wash fish fillets and pat dry, set aside.
  3. Prep all fresh ingredients (chop garlic, herbs, fruit, onions, avocado, etc.) and set aside.
  4. Measure out all dry spices (cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, paprika, cayenne, black pepper) and add to a mixing bowl, combine well. Rub spices over fish and let sit covered in plastic wrap for about 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator.
  5. Cook fish in a skillet with oil for about 2 minutes on each side (check to make sure the fish is done by cutting a slit in the thickest part. If still pink, cook another minute or so until done). Keep the fish warm tented with some foil on a side plate while preparing the salsa.
  6. Avocado-Mango-Jalapeno Salsa:
  7. To make the salsa, add together the rest of the salt (1/4 teaspoon), avocado, mango, onions, cilantro, lime juice, red pepper and jalapeño (if using).
  8. Rub a small amount of canola oil on the tortillas on both sides and heat in a skillet over medium-low. (You can also put them in the microwave for about 1 minute or warm them in the oven at 350 for about 5-10 minutes).
  9. Cut the fish into medium size pieces and add them to the tortillas. Top each taco with a couple tablespoons of the mango-jalapeno-avocado salsa.
  10. For garnishes, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice, cilantro, jalapeno slices, cabbage, salt and pepper to taste.
  11. For a little extra flavor, add a drizzle of chipotle cream or top with a dollop of sour cream to cool the spicy heat.
  12. Chipotle Crema:
  13. In a small to medium mixing bowl, add all ingredients and mix together well. If you like a smoother cream texture, throw everything into a blender or food processor until blended well. Add chipotle cream to a squeeze bottle or plastic bag with a hole cut from one of the corners and squeeze over top of the tacos, or add a dollop of sour cream as a cool topping. Makes 1/2 cup.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Cooking Light, May 2012

Schema/Recipe SEO Data Markup by Yummly Rich Recipes
https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2012/06/cool-off-with-some-spicy-fish-tacos-summer-wine-pairings/

Hawaiian Chicken with Grilled Pineapple Salsa :: Frozen Watermelon Martinis

hawaiian chicken

hawaiian chicken

Grilling with fruit is an easy and staple technique in the summertime – it gives fresh flavor to ordinary BBQ dishes and is a healthy compliment to whatever it is your grilling. This recipe is a Spicy Hawaiian Chicken with a Grilled Pineapple Salsa, made of cilantro, jalapeno pepper and onion (if you prefer a less spicy dish, substitute a red bell pepper instead of the jalapeno). The BBQ sauce is spicy and sweet made with honey, garlic, hot sauce, ketchup and soy sauce (you can also make less spicy by adding more ketchup and soy and honey in place of the hot sauces). The dish is rounded out by a side of rice, perfect mixed in with the pineapple jalapeno salsa and grilled chicken. Top it off with a refreshing frozen watermelon martini (recipe following) – made with vodka, fresh juicy watermelon, crushed ice and some cosmopolitan martini mix…now that’s a sweet and savory dinner perfect for a summer night. Enjoy!

Hawaiian Chicken with Grilled Pineapple Salsa :: Frozen Watermelon Martinis

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: Serves 4.

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast / 1 martini

Grilling with fruit is an easy and staple technique in the summertime - it gives fresh flavor to ordinary BBQ dishes and is a healthy compliment to whatever it is your grilling. This recipe is a Spicy Hawaiian Chicken with a Grilled Pineapple Salsa, made of cilantro, jalapeno pepper and onion (if you prefer a less spicy dish, substitute a red bell pepper instead of the jalapeno). The BBQ sauce is spicy and sweet made with honey, garlic, hot sauce, ketchup and soy sauce (you can also make less spicy by adding more ketchup and soy and honey in place of the hot sauces). The dish is rounded out by a side of rice, perfect mixed in with the pineapple jalapeno salsa and grilled chicken. Top it off with a refreshing frozen watermelon martini (recipe following) - made with vodka, fresh juicy watermelon, crushed ice and some cosmopolitan martini mix...now that's a sweet and savory dinner perfect for a summer night. Enjoy!

Ingredients

  • Ingredients
  • 1/4 c pineapple juice
  • 3 tbsp ketchup
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp Country Sweet sauce
  • 1 tbsp Chili Garlic sauce
  • 1/2 tbsp Cholula hot pepper sauce
  • Fresh ground pepper
  • 4 chicken breasts (skinless, boneless, preferably organic for plumper breasts)
  • Cooking spray
  • 4 pineapple slices for grilling, then diced
  • 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 red onion, diced
  • 1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and deveined, chopped (or 1/2 red bell pepper)
  • 2 cups cooked rice (white or yellow)

Instructions

  1. Combine the first seven ingredients to make the BBQ marinade and add the chicken breasts, storing in a Ziplock bag or covered baking dish, reserving some of the marinade for basting. Let marinate for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. Prepare the rice per package instructions, keep warm and fluff with a fork when ready to serve.
  3. To prep the grilled pineapple salsa, chop the jalapeno pepper, red onion and cilantro into a medium dice, mix together and set aside to add grilled pineapple for serving.
  4. Heat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat (spray the grates or pan with cooking spray just before grilling). Grill chicken breasts about 6-7 minutes per side, basting with the reserved marinade a few times on each side until the chicken gets a nice golden brown color and grill marks. Grill the pineapple slices about 1 minute until browned and chop into medium diced pieces. Mix pineapple chunks into the jalapeno, onion and cilantro mixture, and serve with the chicken and rice. Garnish with some extra cilantro leaves and salt and pepper to taste.
https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2011/07/hawaiian-chicken-with-grilled-pineapple-salsa-frozen-watermelon-martinis/

Frozen Watermelon Martini
Frozen Watermelon Martini

Frozen Watermelon Martinis:
4 shots vodka
4 cups ice
2 cups fresh watermelon
1 cup cosmopolitan martini mix

Mix all ingredients together in a blender and serve in martini glasses with fresh watermelon wedges for garnish.

Makes 4 cocktails.