Slow Cooker: Indonesian Ginger Chicken

2012 has proven to be an eventful year thus far! We have had a gorgeous wedding in Memphis, a fun weekend back in Charlottesville, and not to mention several other busy weekends filled with duck hunting (for my husband) and work events for me. When life seems so crazy that you think you should just pick up Chinese take-out or order in pizza, turn to your slow cooker! Throw the ingredients in the pot before you leave for work, and when you come home dinner is waiting for you. This Indonesian chicken goes perfectly with couscous and ginger sesame stir-fried asparagus!

Source: Crock-pot.com (Given to me by Alan Carney)

You Will Need:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 Tbsp fresh cilantro, minced

Here We Go:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic
• Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the honey-soy sauce over the chicken
• Cover; cook on low 2 to 3 hours (or on High for 1 hour)
• Using 2 forks, shred the chicken breasts while still in the slow cooker to mix juices
• Before serving, garnish with a sprinkling of cilantro

Serves 4-6
Happy Feasting!

Pineapple Black Bean Salsa

Although summer is quickly coming to an end, at least we all have Labor day weekend to look forward to! Labor day weekend means good times with friends and family while munching on delicious food (well my Labor day weekend means this). This pineapple salsa is sure to be a crowd pleaser and is the perfect way to officially say goodbye to summer. Fresh pineapple, red onion, cilantro and black beans make this appetizer a true summer favorite.

Source: A Hint of Honey (Originally from The Nourishing Gourmet)

You Will Need:

• 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 pineapple, cored, peeled, and diced
• 1 large bunch cilantro, coarsely chopped (to taste)
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 limes, juiced
• 1 jalapeno, minced
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Here We Go:

• In a large bowl, toss to combine black beans, pineapple, onion, garlic, lime juice, and jalapeno
• Stir in cilantro and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Refrigerate until ready to serve

Serves 8
Happy Feasting!