Thursday, January 27, 2011

Carrot and Zucchini Crackers




Here's a great recipe for Carrot Crackers from my newest cooking website obsession, Weelicious. They're easy to make and super tasty. I make them with Weelicious's Veg-Wee Dip for dipping. I bought the Spike seasoning at Sprouts and use it for EVERYTHING! This is such a hit with the whole family!

Check out the video HERE


Carrot Snack Sticks (Makes about 30) --see Zucchini variation below

1 Cup All Purpose Flour
2 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese, grated
1/2 Tsp Baking Powder
1/2 Tsp Salt
1/2 Cup Carrot, finely shredded and thin
2 Tbsp Canola or Vegetable Oil

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Combine the first four ingredients and stir to combine.
3. Using your hands, add the carrots to the flour mixture coating the carrot pieces with flour.
4. Add the oil and work with your hands to bring the dough together.
(You really have to be patient with working this dough together so that the flour absorbs the oil. If you are concerned that it is not coming together, just add 1 extra tsp of oil to the dough and work it with your hands forming a ball until it comes together.)
5. Form the carrot Parmesan dough into a flat rectangular disk and allow to rest for 1-2 minutes then roll out 1/2 inch thick on parchment paper or a dry clean surface.
6. Using a knife, cut the dough into sticks, 2 inches long by 1/4 inch wide.
7. Bake on a Silpat or parchment lined cookie sheet for 15-17 minutes.
8. Cool and serve.

**Zucchini also tastes GREAT in this recipe. I actually like it a bit better than the carrots. I read the comments section on Weelicious for this recipe and found some other users use Zucchini and gave some great advice on how to properly prepare it. This is what I do:
1. Using the large holes on the cheese grater, I grate a large Zucchini
2 Toss about a tsp of salt with the Zucchini and let it sit in a strainer for about 30 minutes - pressing down occasionally
3. I press the zucchini between some paper towels after they get done draining Then use just as the carrots in the above recipe.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Salsa Chicken

These taste like chicken enchiladas without the tortilla. Actually - this would be great to make a double batch of, then shred and freeze half of it for quick tacos or enchildades later.

I also made my own Taco Seasoning - it's really easy and you probably have everything already in your spice section.

Taco Seasoning

Ingredients
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions
1.In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper. Store in an airtight container.


Salsa Chicken
**I didn't have chicken breasts so I used skinless, bone in thighs. They took about 10-15 minutes longer.

Ingredients
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
4 teaspoons taco seasoning mix
1 cup salsa
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons sour cream (optional)

Directions
1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C)
2.Place chicken breasts in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle taco seasoning on both sides of chicken breasts, and pour salsa over all.
3.Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 25 to 35 minutes, or until chicken is tender and juicy and its juices run clear.
4.Sprinkle chicken evenly with cheese, and continue baking for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Top with sour cream if desired, and serve.