Taste Test Tuesday

I have been trying out a lot of new recipes lately.  Some we like, others come up a bit lacking.  My desire is to begin sharing more recipes that we enjoy on a regular basis.  I plan on having a post called Taste Test Tuesday every Tuesday to share our findings and also allow you a chance to share any new recipe you have tried and enjoy.  

So to the first of hopefully many Taste Test Tuesday entries - 

Agave Lime Chicken

(compliments of Elana's Pantry)

1 whole chicken

1-3 T olive oil

1/4 c raw agave nectar

1 T sea salt

3 limes

2 onions

1 head garlic, crushed

dash cumin

dash chili powder

Place chicken in 9x13 baking dish breast side down.  Drizzle with olive oil and agave nectar, then sprinkle with salt, cumin, and chili powder.  Stuff one lime in the cavity of the bird.  Cut other 2 limes and place around in the pan.  Cut the onions in half (leaving on skin) and place in pan around chicken.  Scatter the garlic on the chicken.  Bake at 350 degrees for 45 min. until the skin starts to brown.  Remove the chicken and flip over.  Put back in the oven at 450 degrees for 15-25 minutes.  Carve and serve with pan juices.

We had this chicken for our Passover Seder and it was delicious.  It is so easy to prepare - not many ingredients and pop it in the oven.  I like those meals.  Serve it up with some brown rice and a big salad and you've got a wonderful dinner - in a snap and easy to clean up.  My taste testers loved it.  Garth and Mr. Picky both ate it up.

Granola Bars

(compliments of Kitchen Stewardship)

4 1/2 c rolled oats

1 c whole wheat flour

1 t baking soda

1 t vanilla

1 c butter, softened

1 c honey

Add ins - 1 c mini chocolate chips, 1 c walnuts, dried fruit, flax seeds - the options are endless - use what you like

Lightly butter (I used coconut oil) a 9x13 pan.  Combine all ingredients except your add ins.  Beat the mixture hard.  Stir in add ins.  Press mixture into pan - really push it in there so the bars stick together.  Bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes or until golden brown.  Cool for 10 minutes before cutting.  Allow to cool completely and remove from pan for storage.  These can be kept on the counter or in the refrigerator or even the freezer.  

These make a great snack or alternative to a sugary dessert.  They are very easy to make and have to be healthier than the granola bars we buy at the store.  Dylan didn't much like them, but he's also not a big chocolate eater.  I thought they tasted good and Garth has used them to take to work for breakfast and snacks through the day.  When I make them again I plan or using 1/2 c homemade peanut butter in place of half of the butter.  I'll let you know how that turns out.

I hope you enjoy the recipes.  Most of you guys don't have time to play in your kitchen, but give these a try when you have time.  Let me know what you think about these two recipes if you give them a go.  Now it is your turn.  Have you made something new lately that you really enjoy and would like to share.  I would love to give it a try.

Many blessings!!!