Chilean Chicken Empanadas & Pineapple Salsa

Last Spring when I was in Chile, I had empanadas for the first time and they were delicious!  So this week when we were hosting a wine tasting, I thought I would try to make authentic Chilean empanadas to go with our wine from Chile!  I guess they were a success as I was asked to put the recipe on my blog, so here goes!  For the dough you mix 3 cups flour, 1/2 tsp. salt and then add 1 stick of butter until crumbly.  You can use a pastry blender or as I do, freeze the butter and then grate into flour mix. Measure 1/2 cup milk (add 1 beaten egg to the milk) Mix gradually into the flour until smooth.  You will need to knead the dough with your hands until it becomes smooth and elastic! Shape into 2 rectangles, wrap in saran and put into refrigerator.  For the filling,  poach 3/4 lbs. of boneless chicken breast in chicken boullion and a bay leaf until cooked (about 30 minutes)  Shred cooled chicken and mix with 3 tbsp. of saved boullion, sautéed 1 cup of chopped onions mixed with a tbsp. of chili powder or to taste, and a 1/4 cup of chopped green olives.  chill for at least 2 hours before making empanadas!  To assemble roll the dough into golf ball size balls. Place each ball on lightly floured surface and roll until you get an approximately 4 inch circle.  Place 1 tbsp. of chicken in centre of circle, if you choose, add 1 tsp. of grated cheese, wet edge with beaten egg that you have added 1 tbsp.of water, then seal edges and crimp with your fingers.  Put completed empanadas on a parchment lined cookie sheet and brush lightly with beaten egg mixture.  Bake in 400 degree oven for 20 minutes!!  For the pineapple salsa mix 2 cups diced fresh pineapple with 1 cup diced tomatoes, 1 cup diced red onion, 1/2 cup diced green pepper, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and mix with the juice of 2 limes!!  I know it may sound challenging, but well worth the try!  I took me back to the day I was eating empanadas and drinking wine on the roadside in Chile, enjoying the view!!!

Amazing Flourless Oat Bran Blueberry Muffins

There is nothing like a delicious muffin to go with your morning coffee, especially when it is actually good for you!!!!  I found the most incredible muffin recipe that uses oat bran cereal (be sure not to use wheat bran) I used Bob's Red Mill oat bran cereal, but you could also use Quaker!  The recipe calls for 2 cups oat bran, !/4 cup brown sugar (I used demerara), 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup milk, 1 egg,  2 tablespoons vegetable oil (the recipe also called for 1/4 cup of honey which I omitted, as I didn't want them to be that sweet) 1 cup frozen blueberries.   Preheat your oven to 425 degrees and while the oven was heating I had mixed my muffins, ready to put in paper baking cups!  Mix the dry ingredients and then add milk, beaten egg, oil and blueberries!  Bake for approximately 20 minutes!  Next time I will make a double batch as they are that good and freeze well!!  Enjoy!!!

Healthy Meal In A Jar

After all the rich foods over the holidays, it is time for some nutritious foods to get you back in shape!!  I love meals in a jar for their convenience and variety,  to help keep you on track with clean
healthy eating!  In the jars pictured I have prepared a chickpea salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, lettuce and feta cheese with a homemade vinaigrette. It's my take on the classic greek salad!  You can use any combo you like but it is best to include a protein as well as your veggies.  I sometimes use chicken, tuna, hard boiled eggs or any type of grain, like couscous, quinoa or rice! Another favourite is beets with feta cheese.  The secret for the meals to stay fresh for 5 days is in the layering.  Start with 2-3 tablespoons of your favourite salad dressing, next add firm veggies, softer veggies, grain (I don't always use a grain), protein and lastly as much greens as you can cram in.  Tighten lid and you are done until ready to shake into a bowl, mix dressing and enjoy!!!!

Shopping From Your Closet

Before I go clothes shopping for my seasonal wardrobe, the first place I shop is my own closet!  It is amazing what finds you can discover, as you go through your many purchases over the years.  Today I brought out a classic blazer that I purchased many years ago (as you can see the label says Teenflo who rebranded as Judith & Charles six years ago).  I tried it on with several choices.....first with slim cut Levi jeans an inexpensive polka dot shell, and a Kate Spade scarf.....next with taupe Eileen Fisher ankle pants a black shell and taupe scarf.....lastly I dressed it up with silk Lauren Vidal pants another black shell and an animal print silk scarf.  I have found that over the years, if you purchase good quality classic clothes from reputable manufacturers, your clothes will last you many years just by updating them with a few items when needed!  Happy Shopping!!!!!!

Fresh Spring Rolls (A New Year Healthy Choice)

Fresh spring rolls with a favourite peanut sauce is my go to appetizer for many special occasions!!
At a recent Christmas celebration I was asked to put my spring roll recipe on my blog.  I have to admit I have been very negligent in the past year re updating my blog with recent travels etc.  My NewYear's resolution is to update my blog on a regular basis, starting with today!!!!
Ingredients for spring rolls
1 package of spring roll rice wrappers (found in the Asian section)
Vermicelli noodles (I don't always use, as there is plenty of rice in the wrappers)
Fresh veggies (carrots, peppers, cucumbers, etc. cut into thin strips
Mixed greens or arugula
Chopped green onion
Moisten the rice wrapper in warm water for a few seconds to soften, I like to blot on a clean tea towel
Start by placing a few pieces of lettuce about one-third from the bottom of the wrapper
Add the remaining ingredients,
Gently pull the bottom of the wrapper over the filling! Roll tightly folding in the ends like a burrito!
If not using right away, place in a container and cover with a damp cloth
You can also vary the fillings, using shrimp instead of veggies or mango strips, they are delicious!
As for the peanut dipping sauce, you can make your own or as I do buy the bottled sauces (they are great)   Enjoy!!!!
I would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year and a Special New Decade!!!