Yummy Cauliflower "Alfredo" Sauce

Ahh.. a new year. How many of you have a new years resolution? Fun fact: The number one resolution people have for 2015 is to exercise/lose weight. So if you happen to be among the hundreds of people who are on the road to a healthier lifestyle then this recipe is for YOU!

I don't know where to begin. This sauce is creamy... it's delicious... it's.... CAULIFLOWER? You read it right people - cauliflower. It's a whole new way to pack this not-so-thrilling veggie into meals your WHOLE family will love! Even better - it's so versatile and can be used for tons of yummy recipes. Even better than that - it's only 49 calories per serving!! I was so excited to try out this sauce and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! I admit that I had my doubts before making it. I thought it would have a strong cauliflower taste and that it would have a weird texture to it. WRONG. It even tasted pretty good with some quick Chicken Lazone.

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Cauliflower Sauce

serving size 1/2 cup, 49 calories

ingredients

5-6 cups cauliflower florets

8 large garlic cloves, minced

2 Tablespoons butter

6 cups veggie broth/water

1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)

1/2 teaspoon pepper (more to taste)

1/2 cup milk (more to taste)

optional: parmesan cheese

directions

1. Start boiling water or broth in a large pot. Cook cauliflower until tender (8-10 minutes). Do not drain.

2. Saute minced garlic in butter over low heat. Cook until soft, but not brown or burnt. Remove and Set aside.

3. Using a slotted spoon, put the cauliflower into a blender. Add 1 cup of the cooking liquid, garlic, salt, pepper, and milk. Add parmesan as well if you are using that. Puree for several minutes until the sauce is smooth. Serve hot!

Chicken Lazone

I've got two words that are gonna change your life.

Chicken Lazone.

It's probably some of the best chicken in the entire world! I'm serious. Not much gets a 10/10 on Mr. T's scale, but this did! I believe his words were, "I want you to make a whole cookbook of just this chicken!" And, "I don't care if you make this every night." Maybe that will convince you to make this tonight, or maybe it will be when I tell you this: It is one of the easiest and most flavorful things you'll ever make. Promise!

Once you try this chicken it's sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It's so easy to throw together and I bet you'll have most (if not all) the ingredients already!

First things first, cut your chicken breasts into strips. Next, combine garlic powder, chili powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Coat your chicken in it (I use the plastic bag shaking method) Then, melt a little butter in a pan and cook chicken until done. Remove chicken and pour heavy cream and butter into the pan. Simmer for about 5 minutes and that's that! 

This dish is awesome and pairs really well with pasta. We also love the sauce on fried okra :)

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Chicken Lazone

Ingredients

Seasoning

1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder

1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder

2 teaspoons garlic 

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

Sauce

1/4 cup butter, divided

2 cups heavy cream

Directions

Combine all the seasoning ingredients and coat the chicken in it. Melt half of the butter in a skillet and cook chicken until done. Remove chicken. In the same pan, melt the other half of the butter and add the heavy cream. Let simmer for 5 minutes and serve over chicken, pasta, potatoes....

Chicken Stew

Hello all! It's been ages since my last post, but I have great news! During that time I've tried many things and hope to be sharing them with you!

Let me start by saying this: there is nothing better than a warm soup or stew during the winter.

Nothing.

I don't know about the rest of you but I just love feeling the warm going all the way down to my stomach! But enough about that, who's ready to get cooking? *raises hand*

Today I bring you a southern family staple.. Chicken stew! At least it is a staple in my family... Mr. T had never heard of it. (He never had chocolate gravy on biscuits either "shaking my head") But honestly, make this dish ASAP. You are guaranteed to love it or I will take your leftovers. Heh :)

So here is your grocery list.

2 large chicken breasts
4 bouillon cubes
6 medium potatoes
1 large onion
4 cups (32 oz) tomatoes - diced or crushed
2 cups (16 oz) whole kernel corn
sugar
salt & pepper


Start off by boiling your chicken breast in some water with 2 bouillon cubes. The bouillon cubes really help make the broth delicious! If you are using whole chicken, you could probably omit this item. While your chicken is doin' it's thang, grab your potatoes and start working on them. Peel them and cut into about 1 inch cubes. Then, peel and dice your onion as well.

When the chicken is finished, set it aside to cool. Make sure your pot is about 2/3 full of your broth. (add some water if you need to) Throw in your potatoes, onion, and 2 bouillon cubes. Cook them until they are fork tender. Scoop out about 1 cup of potatoes and mash them up. Return them to the pot for a bit of thickener.

Add your tomatoes, corn, salt, pepper, and sugar. Let the stew simmer for about 45 minutes (stirring occasionally.) Don't be scared if you think it looks too soupy.. it will evaporate!

Now you are ready to eat some wonderful stew! Perfect with some saltine crackers (my preference) or a slice of bread :)

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Chicken Stew

Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts
7 cups water

4 bouillon cubes

6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

1 large onion, peeled and diced

4 cups (32 oz) tomatoes - diced or crushed

2 cups (16 oz) whole kernel corn

3 Tablespoons sugar

5 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons pepper

Directions
1. Cook chicken breast until done in the water with 2 bouillon cubes. Peel and dice potatoes and onions.
2. Remove chicken from pot and skim off fat from water.
3. Make sure the pot is about 2/3 full of water and add the other bouillon cubes. Cook potatoes and onions in water until fork tender. Shred chicken.
4. Scoop out 1 cup of potatoes, mash, and return to pot. Add tomatoes, corn, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.