Christmas Tree Cheese Board


I know you guys are all getting ready for the thanks giving festivities. I for one loves easy to make and creative appetizers for the holidays. Hence, I was very excited when I saw this recipe in pinterest on my friend’s board, and I thought why not share it with my readers. I just adopted it for my preference. Hope you like it. If you like it, and have better adopted versions don’t forget to share with us with your comments.
cheesechristmastree
Ingredients:

  • 2 (8-ounce) bar Sharp Cheddar plain and flavored
  • 1 (8-ounce) bar Jack
  • 1 (8-ounce) bar Mozzarella
  • 1 (8-ounce) bar Swiss
  • Fresh thyme sprigs
  • Green and red grapes
  • 1 broccoli floret without stem
  • 1 small celery stick
Directions:

  1. Cut each bar of cheddar into 1-inch cubes.
  2. On large platter or cutting board, arrange cubes in rows to form tree shape, using different flavor for each row and separating flavors with thyme sprigs and rows of red and green grapes.
  3. For star on top, add the broccoli floret.
  4. For the bottom stem, add the celery stick.

 

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Chicken Ratatouille


Ratatouille Dancing Chicken

When I think of Ratatouille I think of the cartoon with the genius chef rat. However, Ratatouille is a is a traditional French Provincial stewed vegetable dish, originating in Nice. It usually a side dish but can be served as a main dish with pasta, rice or bread. Let me start by confessing and saying that I am not the best cook. Actually I don’t like cooking at all because of all the time it takes. I like enjoying what other, talented people cook/prepare. That said, I was able to cook to dish few times and serve it with side of gluten free organic brown rice. It’s pretty easy to prepare and this one-dish recipe will show you that it’s very easy to eat and is quite delicious.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredient

  • 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 12 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
  • 2 zucchini, about 7 inches long, unpeeled, thinly sliced
  • 1 small eggplant, peeled, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, rinsed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 lb fresh mushrooms, rinsed, and sliced
  • 1 can (14 1/2 0z) whole peeled tomatoes, chopped (I substitute with I small box of halved cherry tomatoes)
  • 1/2 Tbsp garlic, minced (about 1 clove)
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil, crushed
  • 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, rinsed, dried, and minced
  • 1/8 tsp ground black pepper

Instruction

  1. Heat oil in a large nonstick pan. Add chicken, and saute for about 3 minutes or until lightly browned.
  2. Add zucchini, eggplant, onion, green pepper, and mushrooms. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add tomatoes, garlic, basil, parsley, and black pepper. Stir and continue to cook for about 5 minutes. Serve warm.

Tip: Serve with a side of whole-wheat pasta.

This will yield about 4 servings with 266 calories and 8 g of total fag and 2 g of saturated fat, 66 mg of cholesterol, 253 mg of sodium, and 6 g of total fiber.

Let me know how you served your own dish of chicken ratatouille. Happy cooking.

Forever NijLeave a comment