Easy Chicken Salad Lettuce Boats

Sorry, no photo for this one, folks. I ate them before I could take a picture. Here is another quick, easy, tasty dish to have as a light lunch, quick snack or even part of supper. 

Ingredients

Romain lettuce (whole leaves, rinsed, dried and trimmed), approx. 3/person

1 can chicken breast (or freshly cooked chicken breast cut into cubes)

1 small onion, diced

1 stock celery, diced

Mayo or Miracle Whip, amount based on your preferences

Fresh ground black pepper

Mix chicken, onion, celery, and mayo/MW in a bowl. Put mixture into lettuce leaves. Serve immediately. 

Note: the chicken salad can be refrigerated for a day if you want to make it the night before then assemble into lettuce before eating.

Variation: tuna instead of chicken or a different salad combination all together (lemon juice, olive oil, pepper, and chopped up sun-dried tomatoes for example)

Thoughts: I don't know why, but for some reason I enjoy macaroni and cheese with my chicken salad or tuna salad sandwiches. They just seem to go together very well.  Make a batch of macaroni and cheese, add a side of fruit and you've got yourself a full meal!

Veggie Burger on a Bagel

I was in the mood for a simple, light dinner last night and recently picked up some new products to try at Trader Joe's over the weekend.  This could not have been easier and it turned out to be rather tasty. I'd never tried a veggie burger before and can't figure out why!  It was delicious! (Ok, ok. It's probably because I enjoy meat so much, but veggies are great too.)

Ingredients (per serving)

1 bagel (I used pumpernickel because I had them on hand but a whole grain or other variety would do nicely as well)

1 Trader Joe's Vegetable Masala Burger

Mixed Greens

Lime Juice

Mayo

Heat the veggie burger as directed on the box. About a minute or 2 in, cut the bagel in half and pop it in the toaster.  When the bagel and burger are done, begin assembling the sandwich.  Squeeze a bit of lime juice over the burger and place it on one half of the bagel, spread the mayo on the other half, add the mixed greens, and put the 2 sides together.  Serve immediately.

Black Bean Chicken Chili

Quick Black Bean Chicken Chili

Ingredients:
1 lb ground chicken

1 medium onion, diced
TJ's Taco Seasoning

1 can black beans, drained
1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
Chili powder

Cumin

Garlic powder

Smoked salt

Pinch of ground cinnamon (a tiny bit goes a long way)

Pinch of cocoa powder (a tiny bit goes a long way)
Salt and pepper

Optional serving suggestions:
Shredded cheese (topping)

Sour cream (topping)

Rice (base)

Cornbread (side)

Tortilla (side)

In a high sided skillet, brown chicken and caramelize onion. Add seasonings to taste, followed by tomatoes and beans.   Cook until heated through and flavors have combined. Serve in a bowl over rice, topped with shredded cheese and sour cream.