Cilantro, Lime, Black Bean & Sweet Corn Basmati

It seems like their are so many types of rice out there these days....brown, white, jasmine, basmati, wild rice ....the list goes on quite a bit. My personal favorite BASMATI !!! So light, so tender, yet gritty and super delicious. If you haven't tried it yet. Do it! Salt, pepper and butter...that's all you'll ever need.....except when you have Mexican night and you want to vamp things up a little and leave out your traditional Spanish rice. :) this is exactly what this recipe is all about. Simplicity in its finest form. 

Ingredients:

1 TBS butter 

1-2 cups basmati rice

(I used 2 pkgs of boil in a bag boxed rice) 

1-2 TBS fresh lime juice 

3/4 cup fresh cilantro 

1 can sweet corn 

1 can black beans 

Salt and pepper to taste 

Directions: 

Boil your rice in hot water for the amount of time directed on box or container. 

In the meantime open your can of corn and black beans....rinse your beans under cold water. Mix corn and black beans together then set aside. Chop fresh cilantro and cut your lime in half then set aside. 

When your rice is completely cooked, pour into your favorite bowl. Add your butter, corn and black beans, cilantro, and lime juice. Add salt and pepper. Stir all together and serve along side your favorite Mexican dish....whew! That was easy! Olé! 

Baked Italian Chicken

I was on Pinterest the other day and I get a lot of my inspiration from there these days. I don't know about you guys but I certainly love fast and easy when it comes to cooking dinner. In my last blog post I explained how marrying into an Italian family will often makes its way onto the kitchen table 8 times out of 10. And most of those meals are more on the unhealthy side because bread and pasta are usually in the mix. 

My family loves chicken in just about every way you can cook, bake or fry it. I only purchase Smart Chicken or any chicken that's antibiotic and hormone free. There are a few good brands out there and yes they are more on the pricey side but so worth it. Although it's not a MUST to complete this recipe but I highly recommend it. 

Ingredients:

Olive oil

Chicken breasts(I purchased 4 lg breasts)

Jar of pre made Pesto

2 or 3 large vine ripe tomatoes 

Big block of Mozzarella or 1 lg package of shredded mozzarella 

Directions:

-Preheat your oven to 400 degrees

-Place your chicken breasts in a 9X13 glass dish, sprinkle with Salt...Pepper

-Slather pesto liberally on top of each chicken breast 

-top with two thick slices of tomato 

-top with freshly shredded mozzarella 

Drizzle with a little olive oil and bake in oven for 30 minutes, or until chicken juices run clear and no longer pink.

Wow! The mozzarella just covers everything like a blanket!! And the pesto just Marrys all the flavors together. Seriously, sooooo easy and so quick!!! 

I decided to serve some roasted potatoes on the side. Totally up to you on what side you would like to pair with this.  A nice salad...whatever is up your alley ! 

Buon Appetito!