Cooking for one doesn’t shouldn’t mean picking up a stack of TV dinners for the week. In fact, cooking for one is a great opportunity to experiment with the ingredients you LOVE and not worry about feeding any picky eaters. It’s also a lot better for your health!

Tips to cooking for one:

Food:

• Load up on meats, breads, frozen/fresh vegetables, pantry items like pastas and canned goods when they’re on sale.
• Wrap meats in individual portions using freezer bags or plastic containers and label them with the date you freeze them. Here’s a great chart that will help you figure out how long chicken cuts can be frozen.

http://chicken.ca/cooking-tips/food_safety_at_home/storage_and_thawing_guide/

• Frozen vegetable are a great alternative to fresh because you can use exactly the amount you need, without any waste. If you are using some fresh vegetables, chop, slice or dice what you need for a recipe ahead of time and store them in the fridge air tight containers until you are ready to use them.
• Leftover canned ingredients should always be stored in plastic or glass containers and keep well in the fridge.
• Freeze half a loaf of bread. You’ll probably only go through half a loaf of bread or less over the course of a week, so freeze what you don’t plan on using.
• Whole grain pasta stores well and you can prepare as much or as little as you want.
• Canned beans, tomato sauces and diced tomatoes are a pantry must have. I keep my pantry stocked with these items. Canned beans are high in fibre and can be used in salads, soups and chilis. Tomato sauce makes a really easy dinner of chicken parmesan and you can use the leftover sauce for pasta.

Cooking:

• Think batch cooking - by preparing a large meal in advance, you can freeze the rest or refrigerate some and have meals that you can enjoy later in the week for lunch or dinner. For big batch meals, I suggest using a recipe that freezes well like one of these from www.chicken.ca

Angel Hair Pasta with Chicken and Vegetables

Easy Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Home-Made Low Sodium Chicken Stock

Stacked Tortilla Bake with Chicken Chili

Creamy Cabbage, Chicken and Egg Noodle Casserole

• Invest in a slow cooker, especially if you have a busy schedule or plan on doing some big batch cooking. By preparing a chili or one of your favourite slow cooker recipes on a lazy weekend, you’ll be set for the week.
• An indoor grill is also a great way to enjoy a single serving of chicken, quesadillas or a grilled Panini style sandwich.
• If you’re trying a recipe for the first time, cut the ingredients by half or less than half. Most recipes serve between 6-8 people so wait to see if you actually like it.
• Think about the types of food you prepare and how you can use leftovers. Chicken chili is great served on its own but it’s also great served in a soft tortilla shell, sprinkled with lettuce and cheese, or use it to make a small batch of nachos with some of your favourite toppings.
• By cooking a whole chicken or a few chicken breasts, you’ll have dinner and leftovers to make a sandwich or salad the next day.

See, cooking for one is easy and you’ll save yourself some money!

If you’re not sure how to entertain your family this weekend, why not have your closest amigos over for a Cinco de Mayo celebration?  After a long work week, this fun celebration full of vibrantly colored decorations is sure to brighten-up everyone’s week.

Here are some tips on hosting a Cinco de Mayo Party.

Decorations

• Keep things colorful with streamers and balloons. These are an inexpensive way to decorate and you can find them at your local dollar store in a wide range of colors.
• Make paper flowers like these and attach then to the streamers or use them to make an inviting wreath for your front door.
• Place a big glass bowl or vase full of limes as table center piece.
• Decorate with small cacti or succulent plants which will also be used as party favours.

Activities

• Have a guacamole or salsa contest. Have your guests bring a bowl of their favourite homemade guacamole or salsa and have them choose a favourite. You can also do a favourite Mexican recipe exchange.
• You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy hitting a piñata but for today, leave it to the kids. It’ll keep them entertained while the adults sit back and relax. Here’ a great video on how to make a piñata.

Don’t forget to dance to some good salsa and mariachi!

Drinks

This recipe for Frozen Margaritas is sure to please your guests.

You can also make these Frozen Virgin Margaritas for the kids and adults can enjoy.

Mexican Chicken Recipes

Avocado, Beet and Chicken Tostadas

These sophisticated tostadas are the perfect treat to enjoy with a frozen margarita.

Chicken Chili

This chicken chili is perfect served in a soft tortilla. Have guest chose their own toppings of lettuce, tomato, grated cheese, guacamole, green onions and cilantro.

Baked Nachos with Tomatillo Salsa

Who doesn’t love nachos?  They are easy to prepare and ready in minutes and they’ll be gobbled-up in no time so double up on the ingredients!

Fab Fajita Sliders

These little gems can also be made into regular sized burgers. Prepare the patties the night before and either grill them on the BBQ or bake them in the oven.

For more recipe ideas visit us at http://chicken.ca/recipes/

What are your plans for Cinco de Mayo? Let us know in the comments.

Most people shy away from anything that isn’t the norm. Some people may find the thought of preparing chicken livers challenging because they’ve never tried it before. Some may just cringe at the thought of eating offal but did you know that chicken livers are not only a good source of protein but a high source of iron making them the perfect food for those who suffer from anemia (iron deficiency)?

They are also high in amino acids, vitamins A, B6, B12 and C and minerals like copper, zinc, magnese and selenium to name a few.

So why not try them at least once? You may be surprised at how tasty they can be when properly prepared.

Italian Chicken Liver and Pepper Stir Fry

This budget-friendly meal is easy to prepare and you’ll have it on the table in under 20 minutes making it the perfect meal on a busy night.

Chicken Liver Loaf with Garlic Sprouts

This unique take on meat loaf can be prepared the night before then sliced and enjoyed on a sandwich or over your favourite leafy greens.

Note:This recipe is courtesy of Poulet du Québec. Click here for more recipes (available in French only.)

Chicken Liver Pâté in White Wine Sauce

Chicken livers make the perfect pâté which can be served with baguette, a selection of cheeses and grapes at your next party.

You can also learn how to make this chicken liver pâté by watching our How-To Make Chicken Pâté video here.

(*Offal  -the edible internal parts of an animal, such as organ meats, like the heart, liver, and tongue)

Summer is just around the corner and that means BBQ time! Nothing says BBQ season to me like grilling up a batch of flavourful kabobs. Bite-sized pieces of marinated meat threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection – Mmmmmm, I can hardly wait!

Not only are kabobs the perfect meal to serve up from the grill but they are inexpensive and easy to prepare. Choose seasonal vegetables or stick to the basics like onions, mushrooms and peppers. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using pineapple! It’s perfect when paired with meats like chicken or pork.

Here are some tips for preparing kabobs.

• Meats, fruits and vegetables should be cut into 1” thick cubes. This will allow the ingredients to cook more evenly.
• If you are using ground meat, don't use too much meat or it will fall off the skewers during grilling. By refrigerating the skewers 2 hours before grilling, you’ll not only allow any seasoning to come through but it will help the meat hold together.
• If you are using metal skewers, take caution as they get very, very hot. Use your BBQ tongs to rotate the skewers or invest in a metal kebab basket like this one. 
• If you are using wooden skewers, make sure you soak them at least 30 minutes before cooking time. This will prevent them from scorching.
• For ultimate flavour, try marinating your meat for a minimum of 30 minutes (but preferably overnight). Although you can use any of the leftover sauce to baste the meat, I suggest doubling the marinade recipe and having one batch for basting and one that has not been in touch with raw meat for dipping.

We have six chicken kabob recipes to get you grilling:

Gin and Tonic Kabobs with Mint Tabouleh

If you’re looking to impress your guests at your next BBQ gathering, then these gin and tonic marinated chicken kabobs will have you looking like a star.

Chicken Yakitori with Warm Carrot Salad

Canadian summers are short so why not leave the take-out for those cold winter months and grill up your favourite Asian dish in the great outdoors?

Grilled Chicken Tofu Kabobs with Brown Rice

Grilled tofu? You heard right! These kebabs are not only high in protein but high in fibre. If your best friend is vegetarian, omit the chicken. If tofu isn’t your thing, then double up on the chicken.

Tropical Chicken Kabobs

If your kids are picky eaters, grill up a batch of these sweet kabobs. The caramelized pineapple works perfectly with the colorful sweet potatoes.

Egyptian Kabobs with Mint Potato Salad

Enjoy your favourite curry dish on a stick. How cool is that?

Chicken Kefta Kabob with Salad Greens & Lemon Walnut Yogurt

For something a little different, why not try ground chicken kabobs? These are loaded with flavour and will not disappoint.

Do you have a favourite chicken kabob recipe you’d like to share with us? We’d love to hear it so share it in our comments!

April is National Stress Awareness Month in the U.S. Is it a coincidence that this important campaign falls on the same month when North Americans are preparing for tax season? Stress is considered the cause of many health problems, including – but not limited to – heart disease, hypertension, and back pain. With deadlines at work, and family and financial responsibilities at home, it can feel like time is never on your side.

It will come as no surprise that one of the major causes of modern day stress is the act of juggling time. Sure, there are many tips out there to get more minutes out of your day, i.e. organize priorities, invest in a smart phone, multi-task, or even hire a part-time housekeeper if your budget allows. All of these are great ideas, but for National Stress Awareness Month why not try something that is truly relaxing?

Make a day off!  

Why not plan one day each week to get a good night’s sleep, slip into fresh, comfy clothes, eat a nutritious meal, and spend quality time at home with your family. Nothing cures a hectic week like sleep, food, and love!

If eating a nutritious meal factors into your day, here are some “quick-n-easy” chicken recipes with broad appeal that not even your spouse will hesitate to make.

A Taste of Summer Chicken Sandwich

Simple Chicken Curry

Broccoli, Potato & Chicken Soup

For more wholesome, convenient recipes like these, click on “quick-n-easy” recipes at www.chicken.ca.

If you read our blog then you already know that during the week of January 23, 2012, I was off-site with the team at In Motion filming our new series of 15 how-to videos.

You’ll be happy to know that they are done but we won’t be releasing the videos all at once. Some of these are seasonal so keep your eyes peeled throughout the year as new ones are released.

Here are two new how-to videos we are releasing this month.

How-to make chicken in parchment

This is a great dish you can make to impress your guests. You’ll often see this classic cooking technique used for proteins like chicken and fish. Cooking food in parchment adds loads of flavour with minimum fat so if you’re watching your weight, you’ll really want to check-out this great how-to video!

How-to make Thai chicken burgers

Forget take-out! These burgers will satisfy both your fast food burger and Thai cravings all at once. They’re also lower in calories and fat than your usual take-out foods, which means you can even enjoy them during swimsuit season!

Still to come:

1. How-To Make Chicken Pad Thai
2. How-To Make Stuffed Peppers
3. How-To Make Chicken Pot Pie
4. How-To Make Chicken Meatloaf
5. How-To Make Fried Chicken
6. How-To Make Chicken Paella
7. How-To Make Butter Chicken
8. How-To Make Sloppy Joes
9. How-To Make Quick Chicken Paprikash
10. How-To Chicken Curry
11. How-To Make Jambalaya
12. How-To Make Greek Salad with Chicken
13. How-To Make Chicken Nori Rolls

Have you tried making a recipe that you learned from one of our how-to videos? If so, which one and how did it turn out? We’d love to hear from you!

Are you ready for a Mayan adventure? I hope so because for our last culinary destination, we are heading to Mexico!

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Mexican food is hot and spicy. One of my favourite Mexican foods is salsa because of its versatility. Its mild or spicy tones are used to enhance the flavours of Mexican foods such as tacos and fish, just to name a few. Not only is salsa very low in calories but it is considered to be fat-free which is why it has become a main staple for dieters around the world who often use it as an alternative to high-fat, high-calorie salad dressings.

Traditional salsas are tomato based and use a combination of cilantro, garlic, onions, lime juice and chili peppers which are then pureed into a heavenly mixture. Pico de Gallo, another form of salsa, uses the same ingredients but instead of being pureed, the vegetable are cut into small pieces which gives this salsa more rustic texture. I prefer mine pureed but it’s really all a matter of preference.

Here are a few chicken recipes that get their flavours from SALSA!

Friday Night Nacho Bake

This healthier take on nachos is simple to prepare and uses only 5 ingredients. This is the perfect dinner to enjoy on a Friday night or if you are on a tight budget.

Lime Salsa Chicken

This simple marinade recipe shows the versatility of salsa which is mixed with lime juice and yogurt. It’ll soon become a family favourite.

Ground Chicken and Salsa Sloppy Joes

Are your kids picky eaters? These healthy Sloppy Joes recipe is not only quick to prepare with just 7 ingredients but the whole family will enjoy them.

For more recipes using salsa, visit www.chicken.ca

Do you have a favourite chicken recipe using salsa? We’d love to hear about it in the comments.

Need help planning your Easter brunch this year? Here are some of my ideas to get you started.

Menu

Take advantage of seasonal produce like asparagus. Asparagus spells Easter and springtime to me. When shopping for asparagus, you should select bundles that are rich green in colour, firm and have tightly closed tips.

Here are two brunch recipes that use asparagus.

Savoury Asparagus & Chicken Bread Pudding

This is the perfect Easter brunch dish. Not only is it easy to make but you can prepare it the night before which means you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your family.

Asparagus & Chicken Pie with Grated Potato Crust

The potato crust used in this pie makes this a great brunch option and it cuts down the calories you would usually get from a traditional pie crust.

If you’re not a big fan of asparagus, then you may want to try one of these two recipes.

Chicken Florentine Strata

This budget friendly meal will not only save you money, it’ll save you some time. By preparing it the night before, you’ll have plenty of time to rest before your guests arrive.

Black Bean Chicken & Egg Enchiladas

By adding eggs to a traditional recipe like this one, you can easily transform your favourite dish into a brunch time meal.

Don’t forget to have a healthy salad option like a spring mix salad and some freshly sliced fruit for any picky eaters.

Drinks like fruit punch are always a hit with adults and kids alike. Or, offer 100% fruit juice with soda water for a healthier option.

Everyone appreciates a sweet treat so have some coffee cake or a favourite dessert recipe to serve at the end of the day with tea and coffee.

Activities

Easter egg hunts are so much fun, but it’s time to grow up and leave this activity for the kids to enjoy.

In the weeks leading up to Easter, many stores carry pastel-coloured plastic eggs which can be filled with chocolates, candies and other trinkets. If these aren’t available in your area, stick with colourfully dyed eggs. It’s the thrill of the hunt that counts!

Decorations

Pastels, pastels, pastels! When it comes to spring, soft pastels are all the rage. Suit up your table with a pastel theme such as yellow and blue or green and pink.

Place abundant bouquets of spring flowers such as daffodils, tulips and hyacinths in glass vases filled with colourful jelly beans.

Fill small baskets with coloured Easter eggs or with your favourite Easter candy treats. You can find a variety of candy coated chocolate eggs in a variety of pastel colours.

I hope you will put these good ideas to use for the ultimate Eater brunch.

HAPPY EASTER!

Spring is in the air; actually, summer is in the air. The weather has been unseasonably warm but don’t be fooled, there are still some cold, dreary rainy days ahead of us. So now is the time to squeeze in some of your favourite winter dishes until the warm weather finally decides to stay.

The best way to enjoy a great winter meal is by using your slow cooker. It’s a real time saver so you’ll have plenty of time to get some spring cleaning done without worrying about getting dinner on the table.

Here are some great slow cooker recipes from www.chicken.ca

Classic Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic

No, it’s not a typo. There are actually 40 cloves of garlic in this classic chicken recipe. Garlic is an inexpensive way to pack a ton of flavour in any dish. In this recipe the garlic is paired with Dijon mustard, white wine and tarragon which are the perfect flavourings for chicken.

Chicken Marrakech

This chicken recipe is loaded with fragrant Moroccan flavours. The salty olives work well with the sweet flavours of honey and orange juice. This recipe is a must try!

Chicken Creole with Rice

This traditional Creole recipe is made healthier by using long grain brown rice and lean chicken breast. If you like your food spicy, go ahead and add a little more hot sauce.

Do you have a favourite go-to slow cooker chicken recipe you’d like to share with us? Leave us a comment and let us know!

Who’s ready for another food adventure? This week we are off to a place that will have you shouting “OPA!” This week we are off to Greece.

Socrates once said “Thou shouldst eat to live; not live to eat.” I don’t know if I agree with that, especially because Greek food is SO healthy and delicious. In Greece, olive trees grow in abundance, which is why olive oil is used in just about every recipe. Other popular ingredients used in Greek cooking are feta cheese, Greek yogurt, tomatoes, artichokes, eggplant, seafood and grilled meats to name of a few. Herbs like, oregano, dill and mint with the addition of ingredients like onions, garlic and lemons are also used to enhance flavour.

The Greeks enjoy sharing food with friends and family and this social affair would not be complete without a good wine and a shot or two of ouzo. So once again, I disagree with Socrates...

Here are a few Greek recipes from www.chicken.ca

Simple Chicken Souvlaki Pitas with Tzatziki

Village Greek Salad with Chicken

Garlicky Greek Chicken