Friday, July 29, 2011

Friday Foodday!

Hey lovebugs!
Happy Friday!  I'm especially excited today because I leave on my family vacation on Sunday for a week!  But don't worry, TCB will still be here for you everyday next week with some fabulous guest bloggers!  Until then, enjoy these great recipes!

Siracha Chicken Strips
c/o Budget Bytes
Ingredients

 2 boneless chicken breasts
1/3 cup  Siracha hot sauce
1 Tbsp rice vinegar
1 inch peeled and grated ginger
1 clove garlic
1 large egg
1 cup flour
1 ½ cups panko bread crumbs
a pinch of salt and pepper

Directions

STEP 1: In a resealable container combine the Sriracha, rice vinegar, minced garlic and grated ginger. Slice the chicken breasts diagonally into 6 strips each and mix to coat in the Sriracha marinade. Cover the container with the marinade and chicken and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

STEP 2: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Set up your dredging station by getting three bowls. Fill the first with the all-purpose flour, in the second whisk the egg and 1 Tbsp of water and in the third bowl place the panko bread crumbs. Also get a clean plate or dish ready to hold the breaded chicken strips.

STEP 3: Taking one chicken strip from the marinade at a time, wipe off the excess Sriracha then dip to coat in the flour, then the egg and lastly the panko crumbs. Make sure all surfaces of the chicken strip get covered with each. Gently place the breaded strip on the clean plate and move on to the next one. This is messy and your hands will get coated so make sure you won't get interrupted before you begin.

STEP 4: Once all of the strips are breaded, place them on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees. After 20 minutes, turn the oven on to broil and broil for about 5 minutes on each side. Watch the strips during the broiling process. When they get golden brown, pull them out, flip them and wait for the second side to get golden (about 5 minutes each side). Let the strips cool slightly before serving!

Chicken Stuffed with Spinach and Ricotta
Ingredients

Olive oil
1 bag of fresh spinach
1 garlic clove, minced and 2 garlic whole and peeeled
Salt
Pepper
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup ricotta
1/4 cup grated cheese
Toothpicks
1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add in garlic and spinach. Season with salt and pepper. Stir around the spinach until it is coated. Cover the pan and allow the spinach to cook turning it every so often. Once spinach has wilted remove from pan and set aside.
In a medium size bowl mix together the ricotta and grated cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
Cut a slit in the chicken breasts to create a pocket. Don’t go all the way through the chicken. Stuff the ricotta mixture inside the slit. Then stuff it with the spinach. You can mix the spinach in with the ricotta too but I wanted a separate layer of spinach. Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
Place the egg mixture into a shallow dish. In a second shallow dish place the breadcrumbs. Dredge the chicken in the egg mixture and coat on all sides. Dip the chicken with the egg on it into the breadcrumbs and coat on all sides. Close the pocket up with some toothpicks by placing them in at an angle. Repeat for each piece of chicken.
In a large sautée or fry pan that is oven proof add in the garlic and about 1/4 cup of oil. Turn the heat to medium. When the oil is hot add in the chicken. Brown on both sides. If needed add more oil to the pan. Once browned place the pan in the oven and cook 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Southwestern Black Bean Salad
c/o Skinny Taste
  Ingredients
1 15.5 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
9 oz frozen corn, thawed
1 tomato, chopped
1 small hass avocado, diced
1/4 cup red onion, chopped
1 scallion, chopped
1 lime, juice of
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp cilantro
salt and fresh pepper

Directions
Combine beans, corn, tomato, onion, scallion, cilantro, salt and pepper. Mix with lime juice and olive oil. Marinate in the refrigerator 30 minutes. Add avocado before serving. 




Thursday, July 28, 2011

Shall we Crochet?

I haven't fully gotten on board with the all over crochet look, but I am liking smaller details of it found on pieces.  The trend is nice for summer because the crochet pattern and texture is very breathable.  What do you think of some of these?

You certainly can't beat the price.  I would pair this with some green shorts.


Forever 21, Chiffon and Crochet Tank, $23
Now this is classy.  I like the modified v-neck and the uneven hemline.

I really like the gathered skirt on this dress, makes it a bit dressier.

French Connection, Daisy Doile Mini Skirt, $90
Talk about the perfect warm weather navy skirt.  This is divine.  I love the waistband detail as well.

How are you wearing the crochet trend? I must confess, I don't own any pieces yet but I really like the idea of them for summer.

Be fabulous today!

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Ruffled Up!

You all know I have a sweet spot for all things ruffle, and today I found a more subtle way to incorporate it into your wardrobe.  A ruffle sleeve is a more discreet way to add some detail without feeling super-girly.

This top is perfect for summer.  I really like the variation of the stripe direction on the sleeve.

You know, I'm happy the Hills is over because that LC can really dress a woman.  I love this top! And it comes in four other colors.

A fun take on the crochet knit trend.  The tiered ruffle makes a statement.

Neiman Marcus, Ali Ro Flutter Sleeve Dress, $94
I want to wear this now with metallic heeled sandals and then in the fall for an evening out with black tights.

A ruffle sleeve is a little less in your face than an all over ruffle, but I think it adds a nice touch of femininity to any outfit.

Be fabulous today!

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Navy and Silver

Hey lovebugs!
Today I wanted to talk about a color combination that I think is perfect for this heat wave: navy and silver.  This color combo is crisp and makes a statement and in this heat, and sometimes you need a little extra oomph to make that happen in this weather!

Nordstrom, Pleione Tie Neck Smock, $53
Hello elegance.  I love the sleeves on this tunic, I would pair it with earrings like these...

These are so gorgeous.  Not too chunky and just the right about of bling.


 
I really like the pewter/silver color of this dress, I would pair it with these shoes...

These are so simple and no nonsense.  I would love these for weekends.

Modcloth, Midnight sun dress, $43
You really can't find this kind of beauty for under $50.  This is perfect for wedding season.  I'd pair it with these shoes...

I love the idea of a sweet dress with a side of 'hell yeah she's working those heels!'

So what do you think of this color combination? I think it's so fresh and clean even for being a darker tone.  

Be fabulous today!