EASY CHICKEN PESTO

Surprisingly, this pesto chicken is one of my kids’ favorite meals! I think it has to do with the melted cheese and chicken. The pesto makes the dish, and the kids do not complain. And with three ingredients, it is affordable and quick to get to the table. I have also used sun dried tomato pesto and mozzarella cheese and it was super good.

PESTO CHICKEN
4 boneless , skinless chicken breasts
4 teaspoons pesto
4 slices provolone cheese
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 
  • Place chicken breasts in a oven proof casserole dish. 
  • Spread 1 teaspoon of the pesto evenly over each piece of  chicken.  
  • Place the cheese slices on top of the pesto.
  • Cover and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the chicken is cooked and the cheese is melted.if you want the cheese browned a bit, uncover the chicken for the last 5 minutes or so until is is a light golden brown.
Come on over to THE FLOWERING DOGWOOD for more great recipes! Have a great week!

Day 1 this week

Every waiting room has chairs, couches, recliners, foot stools, tables and lots of puzzles in various forms of completion.  I thought this was a cool addition, especially if you have a long wait.

CLASSIC GOOD EATS ~ BAKED PINEAPPLE BLACKBERRY CUSTARD

BAKED PINEAPPLE BLACKBERRY CUSTARD
I originally got this recipe from my cousin Jenn, and it quickly became our family favorite. This recipe is really good warm, but also just as good cold. It also works as a wonderful custard to fill cakes too.
2 large cans crushed pineapple (drain & save juice)
2 cups pineapple juice
2 eggs beaten
4 tablespoons cornstarch
1 package blackberries, rinsed and chopped
1 cup sugar
mini marshmallows (OPTIONAL)
  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Place pineapple in the bottom of a greased 13 x 9 pan.
  • Sprinkle blackberries over pineapple.
  • In a sauce pan whisk together the pineapple juice, eggs, sugar and cornstarch.
  • Cook until thick.
  • Pour over the pineapple and bake 20 minutes.
  • Top with marshmallows and return to oven until golden.

CLASSIC GOOD EATS ~ BAKED PINEAPPLE BLACKBERRY CUSTARD

BAKED PINEAPPLE BLACKBERRY CUSTARD
I originally got this recipe from my cousin Jenn, and it quickly became our family favorite. This recipe is really good warm, but also just as good cold. It also works as a wonderful custard to fill cakes too.
2 large cans crushed pineapple (drain & save juice)
2 cups pineapple juice
2 eggs beaten
4 tablespoons cornstarch
1 package blackberries, rinsed and chopped
1 cup sugar
mini marshmallows (OPTIONAL)
  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Place pineapple in the bottom of a greased 13 x 9 pan.
  • Sprinkle blackberries over pineapple.
  • In a sauce pan whisk together the pineapple juice, eggs, sugar and cornstarch.
  • Cook until thick.
  • Pour over the pineapple and bake 20 minutes.
  • Top with marshmallows and return to oven until golden.

CLASSIC GOOD EATS ~ TORTILLA ROLL UPS ~Perfect for upcoming Superbowl parties

TORTILLA ROLL-UPS
8 ounces sour cream
8 ounces cream cheese softened
1 bunch green onions, sliced thin
1/3 pound ham, chopped fine
7 ounce can roasted chiles, drained well
1 small can chopped olives
flour tortillas

  • In a small food processor blend all ingredients together until smooth.
  • Spread 4 tablespoons on each tortilla leaving 1/2 inch along one edge.
  • Roll up each tortill ending on the dry edge.
  • Lay side by side on a plate.
  • Cover loosely with saran.
  • Chill overnight.
  • Slice into 1/2 inch rounds just before serving.

This recipe is linked to:
Recipe Swap
Recipe Swap Thursday
Fun with Food Friday
Recipes I Can’t Wait to Try 

    STOVE TOP HERBED CHICKEN

    I was having a very hard time trying to come up with something for dinner tonight.  I looked for recipes and racked my brain.  Finally, I just decided to “wing” it.  I had these beautiful herbs that I did not want to go bad so I knew that I had to incorporate all of them.

    Stovetop Herbed Chicken
    3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    1 bunch fresh parsley
    2-4 sprigs fresh rosemary
    2-4 sprigs fresh thyme
    2 green onions or scallions
    olive oil

    Directions:  Mince all herbs.  Sprinkle (or press) herbs onto both sides of chicken breasts.  Pour olive oil in a large pan.  Cook chicken 3-4 minutes on medium-high heat; turn and cook on the other side.  (Chicken will get a crust on the outside with the herbs).  Cook until chicken juices run clear.

    Here’s what you’ll start with:  (Pay no attention to my sink and to the soap on its side-LOL)
    Mince the herbs.
    Coat both sides of chicken breasts with herbs.
    Place chicken in pan and cook until juices run clear.
     Here’s what you’ll end up with:  (Yummy!!)
    Of course, dried herbs can be used instead but fresh is best!  I served these with Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Rosemary.

    We’re HUGE football fans!  Football season seems like it just started! (where does the time go?) And yet the playoffs are here and almost over. And that means  – it’s time for tailgating again, serious football food and game day buffets.

    Bring over your best appetizers and your biggest appetite and oh don’t forget the Brewskis to go with it all.  
    Tailgating Time will be posted every Sunday at noon and open all week for you to add your football favorites. We’ll play each and every week until Superbowl Sunday and then have a big party. I can’t wait to see what you’ll be bringing!  We’ll host a big Superbowl party here at OUR KrAzY kitchen.
    It’s Tailgating Time!
    HOSTED BY: 
    Martha at Seaside Simplicity
    Tamy at 3 sides of Crazy 
    Lyndsey at Tiny Skillet 
    Would you like to be a host of Tailgating Time too? 
    Leave a comment here with your email, at OUR KrAzY kitchen or with Martha over at Seaside Simplicity so we can send you the code and add you to the host list – more exposure, more links, more football food and more fun!!

    ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL???

    We’re HUGE football fans!  Football season seems like it just started! (where does the time go?) And yet the playoffs are here and almost over. And that means  – it’s time for tailgating again, serious football food and game day buffets.



    Bring over your best appetizers and your biggest appetite and oh don’t forget the Brewskis to go with it all.  


    Tailgating Time will be posted every Sunday at noon and open all week for you to add your football favorites. We’ll play each and every week until Superbowl Sunday and then have a big party. I can’t wait to see what you’ll be bringing!  We’ll host a big Superbowl party here at OUR KrAzY kitchen.
    It’s Tailgating Time!
    HOSTED BY: 
    Martha at Seaside Simplicity
    Tamy at 3 sides of Crazy 
    Lyndsey at Tiny Skillet 
    Would you like to be a host of Tailgating Time too? 
    Leave a comment here with your email, at OUR KrAzY kitchen or with Martha over at Seaside Simplicity so we can send you the code and add you to the host list – more exposure, more links, more football food and more fun!!

    IDIOMS~NO RHYME OR REASON

    If there is no rhyme or reason why something happens, there is no obvious explanation for it without any reasonable explanation or purpose.
    Here at THE Motivation Station we are all striving to find the motivation to get our lives, families, jobs, clutter, homes, etc… under control. One of the things I am learning personally, is that despite our best intentions, life sometimes creeps up on us and hits over the head no matter how prepared and in control we think we are, just to show us that we are NOT in complete control!

    While I’m not ready to delve into it publicly yet, I do want to leave you with this thought by Erma Bombeck.  Please remember to enjoy your life, your family and all you have – the power of positive thought can work.  By taking care of you, you can be there for your family and friends. 

     IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER – by Erma Bombeck
    (Written after she found out she was dying from cancer.)
    I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day.

    I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

    I would have talked less and listened more.

    I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

    I would have eaten the popcorn in the ‘good’ living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

    I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

    I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

    I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

    I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

    I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

    I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

    Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

    When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, ‘Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.’ There would have been more ‘I love you’s’ – More ‘I’m sorry’s.’

    But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute. Look at it and really see it.  Live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!

    Don’t worry about who doesn’t like you, who has more, or who’s doing what.  Instead, let’s cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.

    CLASSIC GOOD EATS ~ OVEN BBQ CHICKEN

    OVEN BBQ CHICKEN
    Whole chicken pieces cut up, washed and dried
    BBQ Marinade (recipe below)
    BBQ Seasoning (recipe below)
    BBQ Sauce (recipe below)

    • Rinse Chicken well and pat dry.
    • Loosely layer chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour BBQ marinade over and sprinkling BBQ seasoning over each layer.
    • Refrigerate overnight.
    • Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before you plan to put it in the oven. 
    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    • Spray a jelly roll pan with PURE.
    • Place chicken pieces on pan.
    • Generously brush with BBQ sauce.
    • Bake 45 minutes or until cooked through and crisp.
    • Brush with more BBQ sauce.

    BBQ MARINADE
    2 cloves roasted garlic, crushed
    1 tablespoon red pepper flakes, crushed
    1/2 teaspoon oregano
    1/2 teaspoon basil
    1/2 teaspoon white pepper
    1 teaspoon sea salt
    1/2 teaspoon sweet Hungarian paprika
    1 tablespoon sugar
    2-3 tablespoons BBQ seasoning
    1/3 cup Champagne vinegar
    1 cup vegetable oil (I prefer Canola)

    • Whisk all the dry ingredients together until well blended.
    • Add oil, whisking until dry ingredients are well incorporated.

    BBQ SEASONING
    1 1/2 cups paprika
    3/4 cup sugar
    3 tablespoons onion powder
    1 tablespoon garlic powder

    • Blend ingredients together well.
    • Store in an airtight container.

    BBQ SAUCE
    2 cups Heinz ketchup
    1 cup apple juice
    1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
    5 packed tablespoons light brown sugar
    2 cloves garlic, smashed
    2 teaspoons fresh ground pepper
    2 teaspoons onion powder
    Juice of 1 lemon
    1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

    • In a large saucepan combine all the ingredients, stirring to blend.
    • Bring the mixture to a boil.
    • Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for an hour, stirring frequently.

    This recipe is linked to:
    Recipe Swap
    Prairie Story’s Recipe Swap Thursday
    Fun with Food Friday
    Recipes I Can’t Wait to Try