Chicken Lentil Stew

This is really hardly a recipe. But it is something I cook, and it is quick, cheap, and healthy - which are winning combinations for most people.

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in 1 inch chunks
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 box of whole grain seasoned rice (such as pilaf) or 2 heaping cups of wild rice
1 can of fat free lentil soup, or 1 cup cooked lentils and 3/4 cup chicken broth

Cut chicken into small pieces, pan fry in the oil and soy sauce quickly over high heat. Set aside on paper towels to drain any oil.

Prepare rice according to any package directions, or in a rice cooker. In a saucepan, combine cooked rice with soup (or lentils and broth). Add in chicken pieces and bring to a boil. Simmer until liquid is reduced and a rice stew remains.

This recipe has virtually no fat or sugar, and between the lentils and chicken is a double source of protein! All in all it's hard to go wrong.

Baby Shower Cake

I made this cake for a coworkers baby shower. It is supposed to be a baby blanket (if you can't tell, that's bad). But I was asked at the last minute and didn't have a lot of time - so the edges are a bit sloppy and rounded. Each decorater is their own worst critic, though.

Black Bean Dip

There is no snack (or dinner) quicker than a pan of black bean dip. This is what I cook when I just don't feel like cooking! It takes 5 minutes from start to finish, and then probably another 10-12 in the oven. What it lacks in glamour it makes up in protein and stick-to-your-stomachness.

1 29oz can of black beans
1 cup salsa or picante
1 cup frozen corn
5 oz. shredded cheddar
1 japapeno, diced

Drain the beans. Pulse with the picante in a food processor until it makes a chunky paste. Spread in a 9 x 13 pan. Sprinkle on top the frozen corn, diced jalapeno, and the shredded cheddar. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes, finishing with 1 minute under the broiler to burn the cheese if needed.

Serve with homemade tortilla chips, bagged tortilla chips, and veggies for dipping. Celery sticks and cherry tomatoes work particularly well.

Peanut Butter Cookies

A simple classic and easy-peasy cookie to make when short on time.

Cream together:

1/2 cup margerine, softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

Beat in:

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar

Stir in:

1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teasp NaCl
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup of flour

Drop onto a cookie sheet, press down with tines of a fork. If the fork sticks, try putting it in flour or sugar before pressing each cookie. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.