Simple Yet Gourmet

Since this chicken came into our lives, we have had it for many happy dinners.  I can't claim that every member of my family loves, or even likes, every meal I make, but this is an exception.  There are no complaints with this chicken.  So flavorful! I started out making this recipe with chicken breasts, but have since started making it with chicken thighs which are even more tender and juicy.  Either one works though.  You need to try this out before grilling season is over! I love to serve this with grilled pineapple and coconut rice (see note).  Such a perfect Summer meal! 

This meal is so flavorful! I wasn't sure how much I would like the chicken since it was flavored with chipotle peppers, but it added a nice kick without being overly spicy or  overpowering.  Together with the cilantro lime rice, avocados, and the creamy dressing it made the perfect summer meal.  I served those all over lettuce and threw in a few tomatoes and a squeeze of lime juice for good measure but you can customize this however you like.  

I have always loved Strawberry and Raspberry Cheesecake Ice Cream, but was craving it in a big way after going to the BYU Creamery specifically for a scoop of that deliciousness only to have them not be serving it that day.  I decided to just make some of my own and started looking for a recipe.  This ice cream is smooth and creamy and so easy! And of course, super yummy :).  You don't even need an ice cream maker for this.  The original recipe called for graham cracker pieces, but I thought Golden Oreos would be even better!

These shrimp tacos were a fun take on tacos! The shrimp were flavorful without being spicy.  Top these with creamy avocados, salty cotija cheese, crunchy cabbage, fresh lime juice, and a slightly spicy mayo.  MMM! So.  Good. 

I know, I know.  Strawberry baked goods should probably be reserved for Spring and Summer.  Heres the thing though.  I bought some strawberries that were so sweet and juicy at my local grocery store that they had me dreaming of Spring and Strawberry Shortcake, and flowers, and nice warm weather.  So when I woke up last Sunday morning and it was bright and sunshiny and the birds were chirping I just knew I had to make some Strawberry Muffins.  Wow.  These really hit the spot! So full of strawberry flavor with the most delicious glaze on top.  I'll definitely be making these again! The original recipe was for a quick bread, which also sounds delicious and I will probably make at some point. The bonus with muffins is that they baked  much faster so we didn't have to wait for quite so long to get this delishish-ness into our bellies.

When I first made this I was hoping it would be a decent salad, but what I wasn't expecting was that it would turn out to be one of my favorite meals of the Summer! The combo of flavors and textures are just so delicious.  The creamy lime crema with the zingy BBQ sauce? So, so good!  Speaking of BBQ sauce, have you guys tried Guy Fieri's line?  We loved the Sweet and Smokey, Bourbon and Brown Sugar, and one other slightly spicy one that I can't remember right now. Anyway, enough about BBQ sauce.  Just give this salad a try!  And if you don't have enough time to grill the chicken, try using a rotisserie chicken and just mixing some BBQ Sauce into the cream sauce. 

These muffins are so yummy! Kirsti shared this recipe with us over Thanksgiving and we have made it several times since! A chocolate banana base is made even more yummy with the addition of chocolate chips, and as if that wasn't already enough, the top is sprinkled with sugar so it's crunchy and extra delicious.  Side note:  as I was typing this Danny leaned over and asked, "When can we have one of those cupcakes"?  Yep, he likes these and chances are you will too!