Live 'N Learn

Crispy Baked Pesto Chicken

2010-09-05T17:15:00.000-07:00

Sounds difficult.... But it was crazy easy, and fast!!!!

I made this today for dinner. Normally I wouldn't do stuff with pesto because it is not something that I have around (or know how to make) but Marcie just happened to makes some a couple days ago! So I put the left-overs to good use!

what you need

4 small Boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1 lb.)

1 pkt. SHAKE 'N BAKE Chicken Coating Mix ( I added some shredded regato cheese, or you could use parmesan)

2 Tbsp. Pesto

1/4 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

make it

PREHEAT oven to 400ºF. Coat chicken with coating mix. Place in 8-inch square baking dish.

BAKE 20 min. or until chicken is cooked through (165ºF).

TOP chicken with pesto; sprinkle with cheese. Bake an additional 5 min. or until cheese is melted and lightly browned

This was seriously the perfect Sunday dinner! It was quick and tasted delicious! I served it with chicken and broccoli rice (from a package) and green beans! I hope someone tries this and likes it as much as we did!

Creamy Chicken with Bacon and Penne!

2010-05-14T22:36:00.000-07:00

This is really good and really easy! I got the recipe from kraftfoods.com. Just a couple things I do- I make my own broth with bullion cubes, I usually use chicken tenders and do half a piece of bacon (but do what works for you!) And I also put a little bit of raspberry vinaigrette dressing on the chicken while it is cooking. It just gives it a little extra something! (Oh, I also don't use green onions because neither of us like them.) I hope you try it and enjoy! Let me know what you think.

what you need!

4 slices OSCAR MAYER Bacon

4 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1 lb.)

2 cups penne pasta, uncooked

1/2 cup (1/2 of 8-oz. tub) PHILADELPHIA Chive & Onion Cream Cheese Spread

3/4 cup fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 green onions, chopped

make it!

WRAP 1 bacon slice around each chicken breast. Heat large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken; cover. Cook 5 to 7 min. on each side or until chicken is done (165ºF). Remove chicken from skillet; cover to keep warm. Discard drippings in skillet.

COOK pasta in large saucepan as directed on package. Meanwhile, cook cream cheese spread and broth in skillet until cream cheese is melted and sauce is thickened and well blended, stirring constantly with whisk. Stir in tomatoes and onions; cook 2 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally.

DRAIN pasta; return to pan. Add sauce; mix lightly. Serve topped with chicken.

Asparagus

2009-03-15T12:39:00.001-07:00

This is probably one of the most dreaded vegetables of all time. And I LOOOOVE it! So in light of Brad and I trying to be healthier, we have to eat healthier. (I know, I'm so smart.) I love love love fruits and veggies. Brad does not. So last night I found this recipe for asparagus and tilapia (I don't like fish, brad doesn't like asparagus. Perfect!) I also feel that it is important to try new things in our diet. Come to find out, tilapia is not a fishy fish at all! This is perfect for me. The rub that we did was so so, and I won't be putting that recipe on here. But the asparagus was finger lickin' good! ***Quick note: I've decided that I won't post any ideas or things unless I (or some reliable source/acquaintance ) has tried it first.*** So here is what you will need:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Lemon Juice (preferably fresh)

Salt

Asparagus (I used half a bunch of skinny stems for the two of us.)

So here is the thing-I didn't exactly go by the recipe. Same ingredients, but I sort of eyeballed it. This is what I did:

Cut off the tough ends of the asparagus (usually about an inch-2 in.) Then chop into bite size pieces. Steam for about 4-5 minutes or until tender. Briefly rinse under cold water and put on a plate to dry out for a little bit. In a medium size non-stick fry pan, pour enough oil in it to just coat the bottom of the pan. Then, cut a large lemon in half and do one full squeeze of juice. (I really hope this makes sense.) **I use a lemon at room temperature and roll it on the counter to soften it up. It seems like more juice comes out this way.** Then add about four twists of salt (maybe 1/8 tsp.) Heat on med-low heat and add asparagus. Toss until most of the juice is soaked up then serve!

Brad really liked this! And that is what is important. It was really nice because it kind of took the edge off of the asparagus. It was fast, easy, healthy, and super tasty. And the best part is that most of us have the ingredients on hand (besides the asparagus.) So if you try this, let me know what you think! Also, please feel free to ask any questions. Enjoy!

BTW-The music I have on here just makes me feel good. Kind of random songs, but I love 'em. That is also something that I will be adding. Feel good music.

Welcome! A quick Introduction!

2009-03-02T22:31:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my new blog! Its pretty Silly how excited I am for this! First things first.

This idea came to me tonight while I was, you guessed it, BLOGGING!! So my goal

is for this to be fun and different! I have to credit my inspiration to a couple of things:

#1: Sleepiness. I swear good ideas come to you when you can't sleep. (Hopefully this is one.)

#2: My last two jobs. I spent almost the last 4 years surrounded by women at work who snacked ALL OF THE TIME!!! And I was once sucked into those ways. But now, I have almost broken the habit completely. Not only snacking, but not taking care of themselves (**not all of them were like this, but the majority**) I've decided that my body has always been pretty good to me, so I am going to do her a favor!

#3: My new job! I am so happy in my new job! I have seen many changes in my life since this new adventure. The way I feel mentally, physically, and emotionally has completely changed! And last, but certainly not least.....

#4 Bradley James. He is always trying to stay active! He really wants to live a healthy lifestyle and pushes me to do the same. I'm pretty stubborn, but I think this little project is going to help me. After all, I can't be a hypocrite.

So my plan for this is not just your regular, repetitive, "HEALTH TIPS." I want it to be different. I want input and feedback. I want it to be more like what normal people do to help themselves feel better! Except there is a rule-it has to be good for you too! Nothing that hurts your body or that sort of thing. I hope this is really going to be fun and not a flop! So, without further ado, Welcome to my Live 'n Learn Blog! I hope you enjoy!