Baked Chicken Nuggets

The New Year means healthy eating for a majority of people. Most people like to think of January as giving them a fresh start. A fresh start for eating better, exercising more or spending more time with family and friends - the list goes on and on.

I know that we all love a good ole' chicken nugget. Crispy, deep fried and with lots of dipping sauce is usually how I prefer my nugget. Well, this recipe still packs in the flavor but manages to be friendlier for our waistlines (aka. New Year approved). These bite sized morsels are baked in the oven until golden brown and make quite the easy weeknight meal. Pair them with sweet potato fries and a salad and you can still enjoy that crispy crunch without feeling guilty after your plate is clean.

 Source: Gina's Skinny Recipes

You Will Need:

• 16 oz (2 large) skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut into even bit sized pieces 
• Salt and pepper to taste 
• 2 tsp olive oil 
• 6 Tbsp whole wheat Italian seasoned breadcrumbs 
• 2 Tbsp panko 
• 2 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
• Olive Oil
• Various dipping sauces

 Here We Go:

• Preheat
  oven to 425°
• Spray
  a baking sheet with olive oil spray
• Put t
  he olive oil in one bowl and the breadcrumbs, panko and parmesan cheese in another
• Season
  chicken with salt and pepper, then put in the bowl with the olive oil and
  mix well s
  o that the olive oil evenly coats all of the chicken
• Put
  a few chunks of chicken at a time into the breadcrumb mixture to coat, then on the baking sheet
• Lightly 
  spray 
  the top with olive oil spray then
  bake
  8 - 10 minutes
• Turn
  over then
  cook
  another 4 - 5 minutes or until cooked though
• Serve with ranch, honey mustard, ketchup or bbq sauce

Happy Feasting!

Homemade Granola Bars

Moving day is finally here! It is hard to believe that we are leaving Charlottesville, headed for North Carolina, in a matter of a few hours. We got up extra early today to make sure that we get all of the last minute things taken care of before the movers arrive to load up the truck.

As I was cleaning out the pantry last night, I discovered that I had enough leftover ingredients to make a pretty tasty granola bar. I figured that they might come in handy today with the endless hours of moving and then the drive to North Carolina. These granola bars can be made with any other ingredients that you might like - dried apricots, peanuts, chocolate candy, dates etc. So the next time you are about to buy more granola bars at the grocery store; stop, and instead make some of your own!

Adapted from Ina Garten

You Will Need:

• 2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup pecan pieces
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup dried cherries
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate pieces

Here We Go:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F
• Butter an 8 x12-inch baking dish and line with parchment paper or spray with PAM
• Toss the oatmeal, almonds and pecans together on a sheet pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned
• Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl
• Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees F
• Place the butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat
• Cook and stir for a minute, then pour over the toasted oatmeal mixture. Add the cherries, chocolate and cranberries and stir well
• Pour the mixture into the prepared pan
• Wet your fingers and lightly press the mixture evenly into the pan
• Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until light golden brown
• Cool for at least 2 to 3 hours before cutting into squares
• Serve at room temperature

Makes 12-15 Bars

Happy Feasting!