Cuban Chicken and Rice - Simplifed

Yesterday was one of the crazy days... I'm sure you know exactly what I'm talking about!

I had a meeting at 5:30P, my oldest son had marching band practice at 6P, Ron (husband) had a marching band parent meeting at 7:30. Luckily, I was working from home and can cook while working....

I pulled this meal together in between emails and phone calls, and updated a recipe that I've made many other times. My challenge was using boneless, skinless chicken for the Arroz Con Pollo (Cuban Chicken and Rice) recipe without losing flavor and moisture! Beer to the rescue! :-)

After cooking the sofrito (onion/garlic/pepper mixture), I seared the chicken, then allowed it to cook in the beer for about 5 minutes. Then added the liquid, spices and rice. Allowed it cook over low heat for about 40 minutes. All stoves and cookware are different, so I would suggest setting the timer for 20 minutes, then adding additional minutes if necessary.

This is a great recipe for a crazy night - I had a bite before heading to my meeting and just left it on the stove covered and Ron and the boys ate it before heading to practice/meetings. This is also a great recipe to make ahead (for those who can't work from home) and then reheat in the microwave. Beats fast food my friends!

Here's the recipe for the Quick & Easy Chicken and Rice -- it's so good! And bonus, I have some left over for lunch today!

Enjoy,

Betty

This week's family meal plan...

Have you planned your family meals this week? Here are some suggestions:

• Grilled Halibut with Black Beans and White Rice (make extra to freeze)


• Grilled Chicken & Zucchini (cut up cucumbers for kids who don't eat Zucchini) and dinner rolls


• Beef Stir Fry over noodles


• Mac and Cheese with peas (make double batch and freeze the other half for another day)


• Pasta with Pesto and sun-dried tomatoes

Quick & Easy -- just my style!

What's your dinner plan?

Need help planning? Try my free meal plan system

-Betty

Salsa it up for Memorial Day BBQ

Bored of the same old burgers, chicken and pork on the BBQ? Spice it up with some great dips and salsa's that can be enjoyed with chips as an appetizer or to jazz up your regular meat recipes.

They are quick and easy! Check out my recipes:

• Mango Salsa


• Tomato Salsa


• Corn and Pepper Salsa


• Guacamole

Watch how I pull these recipes together on Cincinnati's Fox19 on May 25th between 8 and 8:30 AM!

Enjoy!
Betty

New Recipe: Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Mango Salsa

What I love about spring, summer and fall in the mid-west, besides the lack of snow, is the ability to grill out!

Grilling is so easy, fun and delicious! I discovered a great recipe for grilling pork tenderloin. It's so flavorful and juicy - the whole family loved it.

I would have never thought about adding pineapple juice to a marinade until I saw it in June's issue of Cooking Light (Page 67). Of course, I've altered the recipe to make it easier and with ingredients I had in my own pantry. I also excluded the garlic as my husband is a big garlic lover and didn't like the idea of mixing the 4 garlic cloves with pineapple juice, but you may want to give it a try. Go ahead and experiment, I give you permission :-)

Another note about it's doneness, the latest recipes call for the pork tenderloin to cook up to 155 F degrees and then allow to sit for the temperature to reach 160. That's a little too raw for my family, so I cook it until 160 and then let it come up to about 165.

Here's the grilled pork tenderloin recipe-- enjoy it with my Mango Salsa!

Cariños,
Betty

Meal Plan System now available

GourmetBetty’s Meal Plan System for Family Dinners...

• Saves time and money
• Correlates your meals based on your activities
• Makes meals your family enjoys
• Meal Plan and Grocery List is on ONE sheet of paper
• Slowly introduces one new balanced meal a week
• Empowers and facilitates family members for participation

Sign up now to download your FREE copy!

http://www.gourmetbetty.com/mealplan_system.htm

Cooking Class schedule for May 12th at CooksWares

Join me as I prepare the following menu on May 12th at CooksWares at Harpers Point:

• Toasted Pita Chips with Corn and Pepper Salsa
  
• Cuban Style Tilapia with Saffron & Potato White Wine Sauce
  
• Citrus Marinated Nuevo Cuban Chicken
  
• Garlic White Rice
  
• Individual Orange Butter Cakes with Crème Anglaise

For additional information or to register click cuban cooking class link: http://www.cookswaresonline.com/Classes/Class_090507HP_Cuban_Rodriguez.html

Bison Burgers

Learn more about Bison Burgers and their health benefits on Cincinnati's Fox 19 Morning news on Monday 5/4/09. Between 8 and 8:30 AM!

Recipe posted soon.