Crispy Cornflake Chicken

This evening I had no idea what to do with the chicken I thawed out this morning...I was craving a comforting meal, but not something so heavy I would feel guilty after eating it. After looking in my pantry I decided to combine some not so obvious ingredients to make a version of breaded, beaked chicken. Here's what I came up with. Enjoy!

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 Tbs. ranch dressing

2 Tbs. sour cream

2 C. crushed cornflakes cereal

2 tsp. red pepper flakes

2 tsp. garlic powder

2 Tbs. parmesan cheese

salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a gallon size plastic bag, place chicken breasts, sour cream, and ranch dressing

2. Close bag and coat chicken thoroughly

3. Put in refridgerator to marinade (1 Hour up to Overnight)

4. Mix cornflakes, red pepper,garlic powder, and parmesan cheese in large bowl.

5. Remove chicken from bag and add dash of salt and pepper to chicken.

6. Dip chicken in in dry cornflake mixture, coating both sides thoroughly.

7. Place in baking dish that has been lined with foil.

8. Bake for 45 minutes and 350 degrees or until juices run clear

Chili Con Carne

This is one of my favorite recipes I stole from my mom. It is super easy, quick, and makes plenty of leftovers (a teacher's dream). The other thing I like about this recipe is how easy it is to make changes, whether it be to the type of meat you use or to the type of beans you use. It is really easy to swap things in and out and satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (I like to use ground turkey too...a little lighter and a lot healthier)

2 16 oz. cans of crushed or diced tomatoes

1 cup white onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, chopped

1/4 cup chili powder

1 16 oz. can black beans

1 16 oz. can kidney beans

salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

shredded cheese

corn bread (optional)

Directions

1. Pour olive oil in pan and heat over medium heat until oil is smoking

2. Add ground beef, onions, and garlic and cook until onion is tender, stirring frequently.

3. Add tomatoes and their liquid, chili powder, salt and pepper. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

4. Stir in beans and their liquid; heat.

5. Serve with shredded cheese and corn bread (I like to break my corn bread into my chili. Makes a yummy mixture!)

Quick & Easy

For some people reading is a hobby, or possibly riding bikes; but for me cooking is a source of pleasure, entertainment, and fulfillment. I could probably blame this newfound obsession on my Italian genes, or maybe the fact that I spent two years eating every meal in a college dining hall (insert sarcasm here). Whatever the case may be, I have found cooking to be a way to make inexpensive, healthy meals for myself and also as a way to relieve stress. As I start my career as an elementary school teacher, I have found there is nothing more rewarding than coming home from a long day to a comforting, delicious meal. I want to share some of these recipes with you because I think there is nothing more valuable than a quick, easy recipe. Enjoy.