Ruth

Bacon Jammin' Chicken Extravaganza Sammich
Prep: 10 Min Cook: 25 Min

Ingredients

JALAPENO BACON JAM
1 lb good quality bacon, fried and crumbled (or cut up and fry)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
3 clove garlic, chopped
1/2 c light brown sugar, packed
1/4 c strong brewed black coffee
1/4 c maple syrup
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp grainy spicy brown mustard

SANDWICH
2 slice favorite grilling bread per sandwich per serving
2 to 3 oz sliced chicken (deli, roasted, grilled or fried) per sandwich
2 slice cheddar cheese per sandwich
Dijon mustard
Bacon jam
Fried bacon slices

Directions

1 BACON JAM: Cut bacon in 1-inch pieces. Fry in large skillet over medium heat until crisp (don't overcook). Drain on paper towels. Discard all but 2 Tbsp. bacon grease. NOTE: I keep my bacon grease in the fridge for other recipes.
2 Sauté onion, garlic and pepper in reserved bacon grease over a medium heat for about 4 to 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Return bacon to pan; add remaining ingredients. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat and continue to simmer for about 20 minutes or until thickened.
3 SANDWICH: Heat griddle over medium heat.
4 Butter the outer sides of bread; place on griddle. Spread mustard on inside of each piece of bread, layer each piece with a slice of cheddar cheese, and then add layer of chicken on one piece, top chicken with bacon jam and then place 2nd cheese, bacon slices and bread on top. Brown on each side, flipping occasionally to ensure cheese melts and that you don’t burn bread.

Simple Greek Pasta Salad
YIELD: 6 servings PREP TIME: 10 minutes COOK TIME: 10 minutes TOTAL TIME: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

8 ounces whole wheat or gluten free macaroni noodles
½ red onion, thinly sliced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, drained and halved
2 tablespoons capers, drained
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon sea salt
1 cup crumbled feta

Directions:

Cook the pasta according to package directions. When finished, drain the pasta and rinse under cool water. Transfer to a large bowl, and add the onion, tomatoes, olives, and capers.
Combine all remaining ingredients (except the feta) in a blender, and blend until emulsified.
Pour the dressing over the pasta, and stir to combine. Fold in the feta.
May eat immediately, or refrigerate until fully chilled.
Eat alone, or serve over a bed of baby spinach (you can add a scoop of hummus as well, but that's not necessary).

Vegan Option: Omit the feta.
Gluten Free Option: Make sure to use gluten-free pasta! I like quinoa and corn blend varieties.

Iced Whiskey Coffees with Whiskey Syrup and Whipped Cream
Yield: recipes makes 1, is easily multiplied total time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

Crushed ice
8 ounces cold-brewed coffee
2 tablespoons whiskey syrup
1 tablespoon whiskey
3 tablespoons cream
Coconut whipped cream for topping
Sprinkle of cinnamon

Whiskey syrup
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup whiskey
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coconut whipped cream
1 (14-ounce) can COLD full-fat coconut milk
2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Directions:

Fill the glass with ice. Pour in the coffee, syrup and whiskey, stirring well to mix. Stir in the cream, top with the whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon. This is my favorite proportion for the coffee, but you can easily change it up!

Whiskey syrup
Combine the sugar, whiskey and water in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, then remove from the heat and let cool completely. Stir in the vanilla extract and use!

Coconut whipped cream
Take the can of coconut milk out of the fridge. Open the cans and discard the liquid (save it for a smoothie!), then scoop the firm coconut meat into the bowl of your electric mixer. Beat on medium-high speed until completely whipped and thick. Beat in the sugar. Set the bowl in the fridge until ready to use.