Alice shares chicken recipes you might have not made before

Chicken every Sunday? No more. Today, this high protein, low-fat year-round favorite can be prepared any day, any way you wish. From a delicious comfort food of the ‘40s to a nutritious favorite since the ‘80s, chicken is still one of America’s most popular food choices. With the interest in healthful eating, and shorter prep time, chicken is a favorite of all ages and tastes. I only know of one person who doesn’t like chicken, for a fairly good reason. She was chased by a rooster, when she was little, that pecked at her leg and scared the be-jeebers out of her. She hasn’t eaten chicken since and that was 40 years ago. Today I’m sharing recipes that perhaps you haven’t made before.

CHICKEN AND WILD RICE SALAD
Dressing:
1/2 c. salad dressing
1/3 c. sour cream
1/4 t. marjoram leaves, crushed
1/8 t. white pepper
Salad:
3 c. cooked wild rice, chilled (1 c. uncooked)
2 c. cooked, cubed chicken
1/2 c. diced celery
1/2 c. diced, sweet red pepper
1/2 c. sliced fresh mushrooms
1/4 c. diagonally-sliced green onions
1/4 c. toasted slivered almonds
In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients; set aside. In a large bowl combine all salad ingredients, except almonds. Fold dressing into salad mixture. Cover and refrigerate 2-3 hours to blend flavors. Transfer to a pretty serving bowl. Garnish with toasted almonds. Makes six servings. Note: To toast almonds, put in a small fry pan over medium heat, stirring continually until almonds are light brown. Transfer almonds to plate to cool.

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MEXICAN SALSA CHICKEN
4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/3 c. flour
1/8 t. each, garlic powder, paprika and chili powder
3 T. oil 1/3 c. Tomato-pepper salsa (recipe follows)
1 c. shredded Monterey jack cheese
Place 1 chicken breast between two pieces of waxed paper. Working from center, using a rolling pin or flat side of a meat mallet, gently pound chicken until about 1/4” thick. Repeat with remaining chicken. In a shallow dish combine next 4 ingredients. Coat chicken with flour mixture. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in oil 3-4 minutes on each side till lightly browned and no longer pink. Reduce heat to medium-low; spoon 1 1/2 T. salsa onto center of each chicken breast. Sprinkle evenly with cheese. Cover; cook until cheese melts. Serve with additional warmed salsa is you wish. Makes four servings. Nutrition info per 1/4 of recipe: 270 calories, 19 g carbs, 9 g fat, 70 mg cholesterol, 135 mg sodium.

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TOMATO-PEPPER SALSA
1 cup peeled, seeded, chopped tomato
1/4 c. minced onion
2 T. diced green chiles
1 T. snipped fresh parsley
1-7 oz. jar roasted red peppers, drained, chopped In a small bowl, combine all ingredients; mix well. Cover; refrigerate 3-4 hours to blend flavors. Store in fridge for 4-5 days. Stir before serving. Makes about two cups. Nutrition info per 1 serving: 1 T. - 4 calories, 1 carb, 0 fat, 25 mg postassium.

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GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST WITH MANDARIN ORANGE SAUCE
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 T. butter or margarine, melted
1/8 t. cinnamon
Sauce:
4 t. cornstarch
1 T. brown sugar
1/8 t. each ginger and cinnamon
1 t. grated orange peel
1 c. orange juice
1 T. lemon juice
1-11 oz. can mandarin oranges, drained
Put 1 chicken breast between 2 pieces of waxed paper and proceed to flatten as in previous recipe. In a small bowl, combine the butter and 1/8 t. cinnamon; set aside. For sauce, combine first 4 sauce ingredients. Stir in juices; brings to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil 1 minute. Remove from heat. Gently stir in mandarin oranges. Cover; keep warm. When ready to BBQ, put chicken breasts on grill over medium heat. Cook 8-10 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear, brushing with butter mixture frequently and turning once. Transfer to serving platter; spoon sauce over chicken. Garnish with orange twists and sliced kiwi fruit if you wish. Makes four servings.

Thought for the Day:
I don’t have to tell you what a fun-filled Karl Oskar Days is just ahead - but I am! You can plan your days to include the queen coronation, food, music, food, fireworks, food, crafts, bingo, more food and many more events. Have fun!