Learning Experience or Failure...

Well, I really wanted to have this great post for you today.  I bought bone in, skin on chicken breasts, soaked them in buttermilk over night and fried them to "perfection" which was actually raw...so I fried them a little longer, the outside got a little too brown and I finished them in the oven to ensure I didn't get sick.  In the end it wasn't the golden fried chicken I had dreamed of, but the meat did have a decent flavor and it was an ok, but not great dinner.  Next time I will change a few things, hopfully obtain that golden friend goodnes and then present you with a way to make that perect fried chicken.
Still learning,
Lainey

For 2: Dessert Tray!

As a general rule, Boys love dessert! You can really impress them by making them think you spent a lot of time on a “dessert tray.” I literally put this together in like 5 minutes, and the boyfriend thought it was amazing to have, "something so impressive" for our Friday movie night. Check it out: leftover chocolate chip cookies from a work event earlier in the week, 1 piece of store bought angel food cake cut into 4 rectangles (Manager’s Special: 99cents), and some strawberries with sour cream and brown sugar for dipping on a black dinner plate.

You might be thinking, “What strawberries with sour cream and brown sugar?” But, try it: dip a strawberry in sour cream and then brown sugar, it is like heaven! I “molded” the brown sugar by pressing it into a ramekin and then inverting it onto the plate (think sand castle), spooned some sour cream into a little container and then arranged everything else around those “anchors.” I highly recommend this for your next at home date night, just use whatever cookies, cakes, fruit, sauces and creative juices you have and the boy in your life will be impressed, or enjoy it yourself with a glass of wine!


From my kitchen, where I am still avoiding the heat!
Lainey

For 2: Chicken BLT Pasta Salad

In all seriousness it has been like 100 degrees in Atlanta for the last week straight, and I swear I am not exaggerating. I wanted to make dinner Friday night and not turn the oven on, but still have a delicious meal including a veggie, meat and carb. I came up with a Chicken BLT Pasta Salad that was a huge hit; I am not sure who enjoyed it more, me or the boyfriend. I bought a rotisserie chicken from the deli and the precooked bacon that you crisp in the microwave, to minimize the amount of time the stove was on.  However, these two ingredients could be cooked at home or you could just use leftovers from something else; either way this salad will be delicious. Considering this meal came together for less than $10, the only cooking was boiling pasta and the flavor was awesome; it will become a regular in my dining rotation!
Looking forward to cooler days (and football!),
Lainey

For 2: Shrimp and Garlic Pasta

This pasta was inspired by my Mom when I was complaining about not knowing what I wanted for dinner. She said, “Do you have pasta, a can of diced tomatoes, garlic and parmesan cheese?” I said “yes,” and she said, “Sounds like dinner to me.” It was dinner and it was great! I added a few more ingredients, but not many. The finished product was the perfect summertime bowl of pasta that came together in less than 20 minutes!

Have a great weekend,
Lainey

For 2: Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Mango & Black Bean Salsa

I think I have a new favorite side dish: Black Bean and Mango Salad! I saw this Bobby Flay recipe the other week for pork chops and salsa and thought it looked delicious. I changed it up a little bit to fit my style and the ingredients I had on hand and though it came out great. He calls the mango and black bean mixture a salsa, but I definitely think it was more of a salad, and I am not a big fan of pork chops so I substituted a pork tenderloin. This one is a keeper, which I plan to make again soon!

Happy Monday,
Lainey

For 2: Grouper in Parchment

Fish wrapped in parchment always seems so fancy and usually tastes delicious. I tried my hand at it this week and must say it was pretty successful. It is not as difficult as the presentation makes it look and the flavors all mingled so well it was great. I used zucchini, fennel and lemon along with grouper, but the vegetables and fish could easily be substituted for whatever you like or have on hand.

For 2: Orzo Stuffed Peppers

So one beach trip and a couple pounds heavier I'm back…Over the last week I enjoyed the ocean, sand, family, and lots of great food and drink. Therefore, the upcoming blog posts will be featuring waist friendly meals as I try to get my pre-vacation figure back. Last night I made these orzo stuff peppers, which had tomatoes, zucchini, and a little bit of pasta.  That can't be bad for you right?

Week Off

Hi Everyone!  I am a little sad to say it, but I am taking the next week off from blogging.  I am headed to the beach with my fam and will be unplugged for the next 9 days.  I should have some new good recipes when I get back as everyone in my family is a great cook.  Happy 4th of July!
Lainey

Shout Out: My sister and Betty Crocker!

Tomorrow is my birthday and last night my sister made me some delicious cupcakes.  THEY WERE AWESOME!  No big ground breaking recipe here they were Golden Butter Betty Crocker Box with Funfetti Choclate Icing.  I am all about from scratch recipes, but sometimes straight from the box following the directions is just as good, if not better.  Thanks Jess I love the cupcakes!