0020. bacon wrapped jalapeno chicken bites

Prep time: 20 mins

Cook time: 10 mins

Total time: 30 mins

Serves: 16 bite-sizes

Chicken spread with cream cheese and jalapenos, rolled and wrapped with bacon, then grilled.

Ingredients

§ 8 chicken tenders, flattened and cut in two

§ 3-ounce package softened cream cheese

§ 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped

§ 8 slices bacon, cut in half

Instructions

1. Dab 1/2 teaspoon (more or less) of cream cheese on top of each chicken tender. Sprinkle a scant 1/4 teaspoon of peppers over cream cheese. Fold or roll chicken to enclose cream cheese mixture. Wrap each roll with one piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.

2. Grill until bacon is brown and crispy on both sides.

Notes

Be sure to wear plastic gloves when handling fresh jalapenos. The oil will attach itself to your hands and is not easily washed away. An inadvertent swipe of the hand close to your eyes could be an unforgettable experience.

For reference, if you are substituting for the chicken tenders (i.e. dark meat, large pieces of chicken breast, game meat), the size of the tenders I used were 5-6 inches long and 2-3 inches wide before flattening and cutting in half.

Try flattening meat inside a zip-lock bag as pictured above. No flying pieces, no contamination on your cutting board from the chicken, and cleanup is super easy.

0017. Avocado Bruscetta

Avocado Bruschetta recipe from Vegetarian Times

2 Tbs. lemon juice

2 Tbs. red wine vinegar

3/4 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup chopped cilantro, minced

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, minced

2 avocados, peeled, pitted, and cubed

6 slices of toasted baguette, rubbed with garlic cloves

Combine the lemon juice, vinegar, salt, oregano, and black pepper in small bowl.Whisk in the oil until thoroughly combined, then stir in the herbs. Gently toss the avocado cubes into the sauce. Spoon the avocado and sauce mixture onto toast slices.