Peanut Butter Chicken!

Hello,  Everyone! I'm trying to keep up with my blog as much as I can.  I will be honest, I'm super busy but very thankful!!   I had a ton of deadlines to meet, and finally finished (most) of them early this morning! lol

As I sit here, starting to blog, thinking of what I would like to share the thought of chicken peanut butter tenders comes to mind! lol

Most  morning's, I get the same question. "Mom, what's for dinner tonight"?   Today, I received a request!
"Mom, can we have peanut butter chicken tonight?" LOL

 I also wanted to share this recipe today, because it's one of my favorites too!!  ( I love to pair this up with a "special" sauce!)


Peanut Butter chicken Tenders
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup peanut butter
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 clove's of garlic, minced
1/2 tsp of fresh ginger root
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 tbsp sunflower kernels

The "special" Sauce

1/2 cup of grape jelly
1/2 cup of raspberry jelly
1tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie seasoning
combine all ingredients in a small sauce pan, until reaching a boiling point.  Pour grape mixture over chicken or serve in a small ramekin.


1.) In a small sauce pan, combine water, peanut butter, brown sugar, lemon and lime juice, soy sauce, garlic and ginger.  Cook and stir over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes or until smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.

2.) Slice the chicken lengthwise into 1-in strips; thread onto soaked wooden skewers. Grill uncovered, over medium heat, about 5 minutes . Turn and brush remaining sauce on other side until the chicken is no longer pink inside. (remember chicken is done at 165 degrrees)
 

Chicken Salad

Hi Everyone,
Today, I wanted to be sure to post something on my page, before I forget.

 Shopping in the grocery store yesterday, I ran into a very nice lady.   I was looking for tarragon, she was looking  for parsley.  I know this sounds funny! lol  We started talking about cooking and how to make chicken salad.  I told her, I would blog my chicken salad recipe.  

Kim's Chicken Salad 
1 lb boneless  skinless chicken breast, grilled
1/2 cup of mayonnaise
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1 1/2 tbsp. tarragon
1 tbsp cilantro
1 tbsp sugar
1/2 cup of white grapes

Marinate for the chicken:
This is a great salad dressing too!

1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp raw honey
2 cloves of garlic
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp Dijon mustard ( I use honey mustard)
marinate  chicken overnight.

1.) grill chicken,  (chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees)
2.) combine mayonnaise, red onion, tarragon, cilantro, and sugar.
3.) Slice and cube chicken, fold into the above, and add grapes.

I garnish this dish with a side of grapes and fresh mozzarella.

I hope you all enjoy this chicken salad as much as I do!

ENJOY!

Hello Everyone!!!!

It's been a few days since my last entry.  I have been very busy with my job and, preparing for the Mrs Pennsylvania International  pageant!  For those of you just logging into my sight. I'm a Food writer, for a local newspaper that reaches over 43,000 people daily. I also work for the Viking Culinary center as a  Chef instructor and volunteer a lot of time with  Blessings in a Backpack Organization. Traveling to as many schools, as I can throughout Pennsylvania.    You may also, be looking at my photo saying, "Why does that girl look familiar"?  
Well.....You may have seen me on television;)

This week has had it's shares of "hectic" deadlines, and tons of meetings, but I'm happy to report that I only have a few more tasks to complete and it's Friday!

I'm looking forward to the weekend:)

Friday, It's date night with Gary.  Maddy and Gary are both staying over a friends house, so we are taking advantage of a date night!! We are having dinner at a great place, Vino Dolce.   The food is "ambrosial"!  After that, we are going to see "Big Miracle", I have  been wanting to see that movie:)  (yes, I'm sure I will eat all Gary's popcorn and end up crying, but that's what makes us all "real". lol  

Saturday; We are going back to the B&B ( for the fourth time)  we have our hearts set on!  This is an old farm on 20 acres, which has no current life right now,  but....we/I see the potential there!  Gary, I believe, is seeing  lots of dollar signs, but I see a "diamond in the rough".  You know when your married to your true "soul mate" when you look at a home and your husband says, "no way"! You say, "I love it", and his response, "If it's your dream, we'll make it happen"!
 This would be our first ever B&B, but I know,  it's a true calling for our family.  When I say family, that means everyone of you as well!  If you were to visit our home right now, I assure you that you will not leave hungry and you most likely will be leaving with a Kimmy bag! lol  

Sunday; I'm going to visit a friend of mine, I haven't seen in a while.  She is truly "amazing"!! I can't wait to catch up and share some of my favorite desserts with her!

I will try to post more photos from our weekend, keep everyone updated!

Blessings and Hugs!

Good Morning Monday.....

    Today is President's Day, most children and government employees are home today.

   As I sit here blogging and "acting" my part as "dogie parent",  bringing my Greyhound to the Veterinarian!
(yes, Maddy is playing Veterinarian again).  The common complaint of my dog is.......She has a rare case of the "Winter blues".  lol   Little  Gary's cat has a case of not getting enough space on the couch, because the dog hog's it all!!! humm, now that's funny! It never seems to amaze me that my children's feelings filter through  the animals!!  lol  I say, the solution to this problem will be:
We first make Mickey Mouse pancakes! (they both "love" Mickey Mouse pancakes, why doesn't?)

         A.) The greyhound get out and about more. (Maddy)
         B.) The cat realize, that he is loved just as much as the dog!  (Gary)
         C.) We are grabbing our ice-skates and heading for Scranton.  Today is not only a day to honor our president's, but it's a day to honor the extra time we have with our children as well! 

I will be checking in later with the results of this "healthy" diagnosis!! (perhaps some photos, if I can stay up long enough(:

Blessings and hugs,
Kimberly

Blessings and the true meaning of "love".

  Hi Everyone!!  Many of you  know me in so many ways. 

Today my blog is not about me.  I'm dedicating my blog to my daughter Madison Lynn.  To be honest,  the last few months have been a bit hectic for our family and it seems like time is so sacred!!

I'm competing for Mrs Pennsylvania International again.  Volunteering with; Blessings in a Backpack Organization, traveling to Florida with my job, working on my food column, owning a small cake business, traveling with Annabelle, (my therapy dog) doing apperances and teaching the art of culinary cuisine to half of America!!   ( Thank you, Lord!)

  But....This weekend has been one I will never forget!  My daughter, Madison wanted to make a difference in the lives of other children. She saved her own money, purchased a ton of books, crayons, stuffed animals and  big beautiful stars!!!

I asked Maddy, what the stars are for?  Her reply; "Mom, they are for these brave children who I feel are the true stars in life"    WOW!!!   Those are some powerful words to hear from your daughter, and the funny part of that is....I didn't tell her to say that!!

Madison and I walked into the Geisinger Children's Hospital, She was wearing my Mrs. Beauty, Brains and Heart sash.  I was wearing my Mrs Shickshinny International sash and together,  we walked hand and hand, bags and bags!  Delivering a little bit of Sunshine!  I will say, the amount of light in the eyes of those children would light your world a lifetime!!   

This is now a monthly "girls" day we have scheduled, regardless of how hectic life can be!