Broccoli & Pasta Salad

This delicious and fresh salad was a huge hit at my 4th party this year (yea yea I know I'm a little late posting!) I got it from the lovely Southern Living website and I will definitely be using it again soon!

Ingredients:

1 cup chopped almonds

16oz pasta (I suggest bowtie or rigatoni)

1 1/2 lbs fresh broccoli

1/3 c diced red onion 

2 cups seedless red grapes

8 bacon slices cooked and crumbled 

Sauce: 

1 cup mayo

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup red wine vinegar

1 tsp salt

Prepare pasta according to package directions. 

Cut broccoli into small pieces, and halve grapes. 

Whisk together all sauce ingredients and pour over broccoli, cooked pasta, onion, and grapes in large bowl and stir to coat. 

Cover and chill 3 hours. Add bacon and almonds to salad just before serving.

You may find this gone so quickly you will need to double your recipe! 

White Chili with Chicken

Navy beans are my new found favorite legume, and although they are always better when soaked for hours before use, I took a shortcut tonight and used the canned kind. Chalk it up to procrastination but nevertheless is was just as delicious. I made this as a spinoff from a recipe I received from my aunt that includes navy beans and ham, and about 8 hours of cooking in the crockpot -- I ain't got time for that!

Ingredients: 

2 cans white beans (also called navy beans)

1 can cream of mushroom (alternately can use cream of chicken or celery)

1 or 1 1/2 cups chicken broth -- by preferred consistency

2 chicken breasts

Salt & pepper to taste

Optional chicken grilling seasoning

Add beans, cream of, and chicken broth in a large pot and heat over medium heat.

Flatten chicken breasts to 1/4 inch thickness and place over medium heat in a fry pan about 4 minutes on each side or until cooked thoroughly.

Remove cooked chicken from heat and cut or shred into small pieces and add to pot. Season with spices and let simmer 15-29 minutes.

The trick is in the simmering particularly when dealing with canned beans as it allows the seasonings to sink in and creates a more flavorful meal that tastes more expensive than it costs.

Enjoy!